Landmark Bancorp
Annual Report 2023

Plain-text annual report

2023 ANNUAL REPORTNasdaq: LARKEveryone starts as a customer and leaves as a friend.Landmark National Bank Landmark National Bank Dodge City Dodge City Central & Spruce Central & Spruce Contents Contents Letter to Stockholders Letter to Stockholders .......................................................................................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................................................................................2-32-3 .............................................................................................................................................................................4-54-5 Financial Highlights ............................................................................................................................................................................. Financial Highlights Executive Officers ...................................................................................................................................................................................... Executive Officers ......................................................................................................................................................................................6 6 .....................................................................................................................................................................................66 Board of Directors Board of Directors ..................................................................................................................................................................................... ............................................................................................................................................................................7 7 Corporate Information ............................................................................................................................................................................ Corporate Information Map and Locations ................................................................................................................................................................................... Map and Locations ...................................................................................................................................................................................88 .............................................................................................................................................................. 9 9 Annual Report on Form 10-K .............................................................................................................................................................. Annual Report on Form 10-K www.banklandmark.com 1 PRESIDENT’S LETTER TO OUR STOCKHOLDERS, CUSTOMERS AND FRIENDS Landmark Bancorp, Inc.’s (Landmark) financial results in 2023 were strong. Net income for the twelve months ending December 31, 2023, totaled over $12 million, or an increase of 24% from the prior year, while the book value of our stock grew 14%. The increase in net income was achieved through solid growth in net interest income, well controlled expenses, and excellent credit quality in our loan portfolio. Further, we realized significant benefits from the integration of both people and systems as a result of our acquisition of Freedom Bank in the fourth quarter of 2022. While in the beginning of the year, the Federal Reserve continued to increase short-term interest rates putting continued stress on the banking system, since mid-year, these rates began to stabilize, and long-term rates declined in the fourth quarter. At year-end 2023, unemployment remained low, while inflation has come down. Existing home sales declined throughout the year resulting from low inventories and higher mortgage rates. While uncertainty remains, many economists believe the economy will not face a major recession but rather achieve a “soft landing” sometime next year. Michael E. Scheopner President/ Chief Executive Officer With this backdrop, Landmark navigated these economic challenges very well and grew our orga- nization in a number of key areas. In 2023, loans grew 12% through a combination of increases in residential mortgages and commercial type loans. We reduced the balance of our lower yielding investment securities portfolio to help fund loans and we also grew our deposits. In the second half of the year, we began to reduce our reliance on high cost borrowed funds that were originally entered into as part of our Freedom Bank acquisition. Net interest income grew $4.4 million this year while non-interest expense went up only slightly. Credit quality remained excellent all year long. 2023 Financial Highlights • Net income totaled $12.2 million in 2023 compared to $9.9 million in 2022, or an increase of 24%. Diluted earnings per share this year was $2.23 compared to $1.79. • The return on average assets in 2023 was 0.80%, the return on average equity was 10.7% and the efficiency ratio was 71.2%. • The increase in net income of $2.4 million in 2023 was mainly due to an increase of $4.4 million in net interest income offset by a decline of 3% in fee income and slightly higher operating expenses. The Freedom Bank acquisition in the fourth quarter 2022 added gross loans of $118 million and $150 million in deposits which contributed to the growth in our net interest income. • Total shareholders’ equity grew $15.5 million in 2023, or 14%, while our book value per share increased to $23.17, also an increase of 14%. We continue to maintain strong regulatory capital ratios including a total risked based capital ratio of 13.3%. • For the 23nd consecutive year, Landmark distributed a 5% stock dividend to shareholders in the fourth quarter 2023. Also, cash dividends paid in 2023 totaled $0.80 per share (as adjusted for the Company’s 5% stock dividend) representing an increase of 5.0% from the amount paid in 2022. • In January 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a first quarter cash dividend of $.21 per share, representing an increase of 5% again this year. Landmark has paid a quarterly cash dividend every quarter since the Company’s inception in 2001. • Gross loans at December 31, 2023 totaled $948.7 million or growth of 12% for the year. Landmark added over $65 million in resi- dential mortgages and almost $31 million in commercial type loans. • Credit quality remained very strong as net loan recoveries totaled $44,000 for the year and non-accrual loans declined. As a result of new accounting rules, we added $1.5 million to our allowance for credit losses at the beginning of 2023. The Freedom acquisition was a strategic opportunity for us to grow our franchise and create a stronger commercial banking presence in Overland Park, Kansas, a community that provides excellent growth potential. Thus far, we have been very pleased with the combi- nation of our two organizations. The cultures of our two banks aligned closely with a common approach to commercial banking client management and this acquisition has provided us with more resources to compete in this larger market. We have been excited to have Freedom’s associates join our community banking team this year and the contributions it has made to our continued success at provid- ing top notch service to our customers and our communities. Landmark’s Businesses: Landmark’s main lines of business include residential mortgage lending, commercial lending and cash management services, and retail banking. Residential mortgage lending continued to be stressed by higher interest rates and a lack of supply of homes for sale in Kansas. Mortgage loan production in 2023 totaled $164 million compared to $217 million in 2022 and represented mostly financing for new homes. However, we did increase our residential mortgage loans on our books by 28% in 2023 as our adjustable-rate mortgage product proved to be very popular with our customers. Our commercial banking team is focused on growing long-term relationships with both existing and new commercial customers and our expansion with Freedom Bank associates has furthered this objective. Total commercial type loans grew almost $31 million or 5% this year mainly driven by commercial and owner-occupied commercial real estate loans. We have recently leased space in downtown Kan- sas City, Missouri to house a commercial loan production office and enable greater lending opportunities in this newer market area. We have also expanded our treasury services staff and, through the Freedom Bank acquisition, upgraded our treasury software offerings. 2 President’s letter continued Landmark maintains a strong branch network across Kansas with 31 locations in 24 communities. Our retail banking focus is to drive growth in competitive lower-cost, non-public-fund checking, money market and savings accounts with strong customer service and accessible locations. We continue to invest in a platform of products and services to meet the financial needs of our client base; focusing on digital services and solutions that are simple, intuitive, integrated, and relevant. This year, we plan to initiate video stations at some of our branches so that customers can have face-to-face meetings with various product experts who might be located in other offices. As this becomes more popular, we will expand this offering. Over the years, Landmark has expanded through acquisitions of other banking institutions. We continue to look for opportunities that can strengthen and profitably expand our current operations in other nearby markets. Credit Quality: The credit quality of our loan portfolio remained excellent in 2023 as both loan losses and delinquencies remained very low. We manage our loan portfolio to be geographically diversified throughout our Kansas markets and we are careful to avoid large loan concentrations among our many loan products and across the industries we serve. At year-end 2023, commercial and industrial loans represented 19% of our total gross loans, while commercial real estate loans totaled 34% of total gross loans. Mortgage, agricul- tural and construction loans represented 32%, 9% and 2%, respectively of total gross loans. Sixty-four percent of our commercial real estate loans are for owner-occupied facilities which we believe offer a better risk reward. We continue to believe appropriate diversifi- cation is key to maintaining solid credit quality. Net loan recoveries totaled $44,000 in 2023 compared to recoveries of $16,000 in the previous year. The allowance for credit losses totaled $10.6 million or 1.12% of year-end 2023 loans. Non-accrual loans totaled $2.4 million at year-end 2023 compared to $3.3 million at year-end 2022. People: While Landmark had a strong year in 2023, none of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our Landmark associates both on the frontline, and behind the scenes, that make sure the administrative, audit, compliance, finance, human resource, marketing, operations, technology, and training needs are met daily. My fellow associates at Landmark are highly talented community bankers dedicated to exceeding the expectations or our clients and I am proud to be associated with this team. Outlook for 2024: As we look forward to 2024, the U.S. economy continues to show improvement with low unemployment, improv- ing inflationary pressures, and the likelihood of lower interest rates later in the year. Home sales continue to be suppressed due to low inventories and high interest rates, but overall credit trends remain very good. Landmark will remain focused on expanding our rela- tionships with our existing customers and establishing long-term relationships with new customers in a conservative and disciplined manner. We will remain dedicated to prudently underwriting loans and investments, monitoring interest rate risk, and maintaining an organizational risk profile to prepare for unforeseen future events. With a strong presence across Kansas, Landmark utilizes a community banking model in which our decision-makers live in the cities and towns they serve, supported by centralized systems and resources, enabling them to successfully meet clients’ needs. We are com- mitted to continued investment in both operational and human resources to meet the growing demands of our commercial and retail banking customers. I believe Landmark’s capital strength and our risk management practices position us well for continued long-term growth. Our commitment to community banking by meeting the financial needs of families and businesses with both high touch service and convenient technology will enable us to continue to build our presence across our markets. I expect our trend of solid core earnings to continue in 2024. On March 4, 2024, we announced the hiring of a new President and Chief Executive Officer effective March 29, 2024. Our Board of Directors took a very thoughtful approach to the succession process, involving numerous stakeholders and strongly considering the foundation of our history and the opportunity of our future. At the conclusion of the process, the decision was made to hire Abigail (Abby) Wendel. Abby has over 27 years of industry expertise including time in leadership and corporate strategic matters at a large Midwest regional bank as well as prior tenure in various roles for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. The board’s decision on Abby was unanimous. While we are well positioned for future success, Abby brings a unique skillset that blends personality and rela- tionships, leadership, business rigor, and banking know-how that will further enhance our growth opportunities. We look forward to Abby joining Landmark with fresh new ideas that will take Landmark National Bank to the next level. After 28 years with Landmark, the last 10 as President and Chief Executive Officer, I will take on a non-executive role with the Com- pany leading to my planned retirement date on December 31, 2024. My decision to retire came only after careful consideration, and knowing that Landmark has a well-constructed business strategy in place, a strong board of directors, and a highly capable team of Landmarkable associates. In conclusion, I want to thank my fellow associates. It has been an honor to be a part of their team. They are dedicated toward exceed- ing the expectations of Landmark customers. I also want to express my thanks to our Board of Directors, whose leadership, knowledge of our banking markets and contributions to developing Landmark’s strategic plan helped set the stage for continued success. Thank you, also, to each of our Landmark customers and shareholders. Your support and confidence have made our team’s successes possible. It has been our pleasure to work with you and we look forward to our continued success. Sincerely, Michael E. Scheopner President and Chief Executive Officer 3 $4.00 $3.00 $2.00 $1.00 $0.00 $20.0 $18.0 $16.0 $14.0 $12.0 $10.0 $8.0 $6.0 $4.0 $2.0 $0.0 2.00% 1.50% 1.00% 0.50% 0.00% Financial Highlights Earnings per Share Dividends per Share $3.26 $2.23 $1.79 $1.00 $0.75 $0.50 $0.25 $0.00 $0.69 $0.76 $0.80 2021 2022 2023 2021 2022 2023 Book Value per Share $24.62 $23.17 $20.36 Net Earnings (Dollars in Millions) $18.0 $12.2 $9.9 $30.00 $25.00 $20.00 $15.00 $10.00 $5.00 $0.00 2021 2022 2023 2021 2022 2023 Return on Average Assets Return on Average Equity 1.44% 0.73% 0.80% 20.00% 15.00% 13.80% 10.00% 5.00% 0.00% 10.70% 8.25% 2021 2022 2023 2021 2022 2023 4 Financial Highlights $125.0 $125.0 $100.0 $150.0 $150.0 $135.6 $135.6 $1,300.6 $1,300.6 $1,316.3 $1,316.3 (Dollars in Millions) Total Assets Total Assets Total Assets (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Millions) $1,502.9 Total Assets Total Assets (Dollars in Millions) $1,502.9 $1,502.9 (Dollars in Millions) $1,502.9 $1,502.9 $1,329.0 $1,329.0 $1,329.0 $1,329.0 $1,329.0 2021 2022 2022 2022 Stockholders' Equity 2021 (Dollars in Millions) 2022 Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity 2022 2021 2021 2021 $135.6 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Millions) Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity $111.4 (Dollars in Millions) $135.6 $135.6 (Dollars in Millions) $111.4 $111.4 $111.4 $111.4 2021 2022 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 Net Interest Income 2021 (Dollars in Millions) Net Interest Income Net Interest Income 2022 $38.9 (Dollars in Millions) Net Interest Income Net Interest Income $38.9 $38.9 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Millions) 2021 $38.3 $38.3 $38.3 $38.3 $38.3 $38.9 $38.9 $1,561.7 $1,561.7 $1,561.7 $1,561.7 $1,561.7 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 $126.9 $126.9 $126.9 $126.9 $126.9 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 $43.3 $43.3 $43.3 $43.3 $43.3 2021 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 2023 2023 2023 2021 2021 2022 2022 2023 2023 $1,750.0 $1,500.0 $1,750.0 $1,750.0 $1,750.0 $1,250.0 $1,500.0 $1,250.0 $1,500.0 $1,500.0 $1,750.0 $1,000.0 $1,250.0 $1,250.0 $1,500.0 $750.0 $1,000.0 $1,000.0 $1,250.0 $500.0 $750.0 $750.0 $1,000.0 $1,000.0 $250.0 $500.0 $500.0 $750.0 $0.0 $250.0 $250.0 $500.0 $0.0 $0.0 $250.0 $250.0 $750.0 $500.0 $0.0 $0.0 $150.0 $150.0 $125.0 $150.0 $100.0 $100.0 $75.0 $125.0 $125.0 $75.0 $75.0 $50.0 $100.0 $100.0 $50.0 $50.0 $25.0 $75.0 $75.0 $25.0 $25.0 $0.0 $50.0 $50.0 $0.0 $0.0 $25.0 $25.0 $0.0 $0.0 $40.0 $40.0 $40.0 $30.0 $40.0 $40.0 $30.0 $30.0 $20.0 $30.0 $30.0 $20.0 $20.0 $10.0 $20.0 $20.0 $10.0 $10.0 $0.0 $10.0 $10.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $1,000.0 $1,000.0 $1,000.0 $800.0 $1,000.0 $800.0 $1,000.0 $800.0 $600.0 $800.0 $600.0 $800.0 $600.0 $400.0 $600.0 $400.0 $600.0 $400.0 $200.0 $400.0 $200.0 $400.0 $200.0 $0.0 $200.0 $0.0 $200.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $1,400.0 $1,200.0 $1,400.0 $1,400.0 (Dollars in Millions) Net Loans Net Loans Net Loans (Dollars in Millions) Net Loans $841.1 Net Loans (Dollars in Millions) $841.1 (Dollars in Millions) $841.1 (Dollars in Millions) $841.1 $841.1 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 (Dollars in Millions) Deposits Deposits Deposits $1,300.6 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Millions) Deposits Deposits $1,300.6 $1,300.6 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Millions) $653.2 $653.2 $653.2 $653.2 $653.2 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 $1,148.5 $1,148.5 $1,148.5 $1,148.5 $1,148.5 $937.6 $937.6 $937.6 $937.6 $937.6 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 $1,316.3 $1,316.3 $1,316.3 $1,200.0 $1,400.0 $1,000.0 $1,200.0 $1,200.0 $1,400.0 $800.0 $1,000.0 $1,000.0 $1,200.0 $600.0 $800.0 $800.0 $1,000.0 $1,000.0 $400.0 $600.0 $600.0 $800.0 $200.0 $400.0 $400.0 $600.0 $0.0 $200.0 $200.0 $400.0 $0.0 $0.0 $200.0 $200.0 $800.0 $600.0 $400.0 $0.0 $0.0 $16.0 $16.0 $16.0 $12.0 $16.0 $16.0 $12.0 $12.0 $8.0 $12.0 $12.0 $8.0 $8.0 $4.0 $8.0 $8.0 $4.0 $4.0 $0.0 $4.0 $4.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 $0.0 5 $10.5 $10.5 $10.5 $10.5 $10.5 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2022 2022 2022 2021 2021 Gains on Sales of Loans 2021 2021 Gains on Sales of Loans Gains on Sales of Loans 2022 (Dollars in Millions) 2022 (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Millions) Gains on Sales of Loans Gains on Sales of Loans (Dollars in Millions) (Dollars in Millions) 2023 2023 2023 2023 2023 $3.4 $3.4 $3.4 $2.3 $2.3 $2.3 $3.4 $3.4 2022 2022 2022 2022 2022 $2.3 2023 $2.3 2023 2023 2023 2023 DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. (From left) Sarah Hill-Nelson, Wayne R. Sloan, Patrick L. Alexander, Jim W. Lewis, David H. Snapp, Susan E. Roepke, Richard A. Ball, Michael E. Scheopner, Brent A. Bowman Michael E. Scheopner President and Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Herpich Vice President, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Richard A. Ball Certified Public Accountant Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Landmark National Bank Michael E. Scheopner President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Landmark National Bank Landmark National Bank Jim W. Lewis Lewis Automotive Group Mark A. Herpich Vice President, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Michael E. Scheopner President and Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hill-Nelson President and Chief Executive Officer The Jim W. Lewis Bowersock Mills & Power Company Lewis Automotive Group (From left) Sarah Hill-Nelson, Wayne R. Sloan, Patrick L. Alexander, Jim W. Lewis, Michael E. Scheopner (From left) Sarah Hill-Nelson, Wayne R. Sloan, Patrick L. Alexander, Jim W. Lewis, David H. Snapp, Susan E. Roepke, Richard A. Ball, Michael E. Scheopner, Brent A. Bowman (From left) Sarah Hill-Nelson, Wayne R. Sloan, Patrick L. Alexander, Jim W. Lewis, President and Chief Executive Officer David H. Snapp, Susan E. Roepke, Richard A. Ball, Michael E. Scheopner, Brent A. Bowman (From left) Sarah Hill-Nelson, Wayne R. Sloan, Patrick L. Alexander, Jim W. Lewis, David H. Snapp, Susan E. Roepke, Richard A. Ball, Michael E. Scheopner, Brent A. Bowman (From left) Sarah Hill-Nelson, Wayne R. Sloan, Patrick L. Alexander, Jim W. Lewis, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK David H. Snapp, Susan E. Roepke, Richard A. Ball, Michael E. Scheopner, Brent A. Bowman (From left) Sarah Hill-Nelson, Wayne R. Sloan, Patrick L. Alexander, Jim W. Lewis, David H. Snapp, Susan E. Roepke, Richard A. Ball, Michael E. Scheopner, Brent A. Bowman (From left) Sarah Hill-Nelson, Wayne R. Sloan, Patrick L. Alexander, Jim W. Lewis, David H. Snapp, Susan E. Roepke, Richard A. Ball, Michael E. Scheopner, Brent A. Bowman (From left) Sarah Hill-Nelson, Wayne R. Sloan, Patrick L. Alexander, Jim W. Lewis, David H. Snapp, Susan E. Roepke, Richard A. Ball, Michael E. Scheopner, Brent A. Bowman Jim W. Lewis Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman David H. Snapp, Susan E. Roepke, Richard A. Ball, Michael E. Scheopner, Brent A. Bowman Jim W. Lewis Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK Mark A. Herpich Owner Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Jim W. Lewis Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman Owner Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Lewis Automotive Group Landmark National Bank Executive Vice President, Secretary and Jim W. Lewis Owner Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and DIRECTORS OF LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND LANDMARK NATIONAL BANK Jim W. Lewis Lewis Automotive Group Landmark National Bank Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman Chief Financial Officer Landmark National Bank Lewis Automotive Group Lewis Automotive Group Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Jim W. Lewis Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman Lewis Automotive Group Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Michael E. Scheopner Landmark National Bank Mark A. Herpich Lewis Automotive Group Landmark National Bank Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Jim W. Lewis Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman Jim. W. Lewis Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman President and Chief Executive Officer Executive Vice President, Secretary and Landmark National Bank Lewis Automotive Group Michael E. Scheopner Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Sarah Hill-Nelson Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Lewis Automotive Group Michael E. Scheopner Sarah Hill-Nelson Chief Financial Officer Landmark National Bank President and Chief Executive Officer President and Chief Executive Officer Michael E. Scheopner Landmark National Bank Sarah Hill-Nelson Sarah Hill-Nelson Sarah Hill-Nelson President and Chief Executive Officer President and Chief Executive Officer Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and The Bowersock Mills & Power Company Michael E. Scheopner President and Chief Executive President and Chief Executive Officer The Sandra J. Moll President and Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hill-Nelson Michael E. Scheopner Sandra J. Moll Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and The Bowersock Mills & Power Company President and Chief Executive Officer The Landmark National Bank Officer Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and President and Chief Executive Officer Bowersock Mills & Power Company The Bowersock Mills & Power Company Michael E. Scheopner Michael E. Scheopner Partner, President and Chief Executive Officer Landmark National Bank President and Chief Executive Officer President and Chief Executive Officer Partner, President and Chief Executive Officer Sarah Hill-Nelson Bowersock Mills & Power Company Sarah Hill-Nelson Landmark National Bank Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Advance Business Solutions, LLC President and Chief Executive Officer President and Chief Executive Officer Michael E. Scheopner The Bowersock Mills & Power Company Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Advance Business Solutions, LLC President and Chief Executive Officer The President and Chief Executive Officer The Landmark National Bank Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Landmark National Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Bowersock Mills & Power Company Sandra J. Moll Richard A. Ball Bowersock Mills & Power Company Landmark National Bank Thomas A. Page Landmark National Bank Sandra J. Moll Richard A. Ball Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Certified Public Accountant Owner Richard A. Ball Sandra J. Moll Sandra J. Moll Former President and CEO Sandra J. Moll Certified Public Accountant Owner Landmark National Bank Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Wayne R. Sloan Advance Business Solutions, LLC Richard A. Ball Certified Public Accountant Partner, President and Chief Executive Officer Owner Richard A. Ball Sandra J. Moll Emprise Bank Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Richard A. Ball Advance Business Solutions, LLC Partner, President and Chief Executive Officer Chairman President Certified Public Accountant Advance Business Solutions, LLC Advance Business Solutions, LLC Richard A. Ball Certified Public Accountant Partner, President and Chief Executive Officer Certified Public Accountant Sandra J. Moll Advance Business Solutions, LLC BHS Construction, Inc. Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Sandra J. Moll President Certified Public Accountant Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Advance Business Solutions, LLC Richard A. Ball Wayne R. Sloan Partner, President and Chief Executive Officer Brent A. Bowman Wayne R. Sloan Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Partner, President and Chief Executive Officer Certified Public Accountant Chairman Advance Business Solutions, LLC Brent A. Bowman Wayne R. Sloan Dean R. Thibault Vice President Chairman Wayne R. Sloan Wayne R. Sloan Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Advance Business Solutions, LLC BHS Construction, LLC Vice President Wayne R. Sloan Chairman Executive Vice President BBN Architects, Inc. BHS Construction, Inc. Brent A. Bowman Brent A. Bowman Sarah Hill-Nelson Chairman Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brent A. Bowman Wayne R. Sloan BBN Architects, Inc. BHS Construction, Inc. Chairman Chief Lending Officer (From left) Sarah Hill-Nelson, Wayne R. Sloan, Patrick L. Alexander, Jim W. Lewis, President Vice President BHS Construction, Inc. BHS Construction, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Brent A. Bowman Vice President Chairman BHS Construction, Inc. Wayne R. Sloan David H. Snapp, Susan E. Roepke, Richard A. Ball, Michael E. Scheopner, Brent A. Bowman BBN Architects, Inc. Dean R. Thibault BBN Architects, Inc. David H. Snapp The Bowersock Mills & Power Company Vice President BHS Construction, Inc. BBN Architects, Inc. Brent A. Bowman Chairman Attorney Executive Vice President BBN Architects, Inc. Vice President BHS Construction, Inc. David H. Snapp, LC Angela S. Hurt Chief Lending Officer BBN Architects, Inc. Chief Executive Officer Veracity Consulting, Inc. Patrick L. Alexander, Chairman Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Mark J. Kohlrus Landmark National Bank Financial Consultant Mark J. Oliphant Wayne R. Sloan Executive Vice President and Chairman Market President Central Region BHS Construction, Inc. Angela K. Stanland Jim W. Lewis Chief of Staff Lewis Automotive Group The Illig Family Enterprise Co. Mark J. Oliphant Executive Vice President and Market President Central Region Michael E. Scheopner President and Chief Executive Officer Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Landmark National Bank Richard A. Ball Certified Public Accountant Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Brent A. Bowman Vice President BBN Architects, Inc. David H. Snapp Attorney David H. Snapp, LC Brent A. Bowman Vice President BBN Architects, Inc. David H. Snapp David H. Snapp Attorney David H. Snapp Attorney David H. Snapp, LC David H. Snapp Attorney David H. Snapp David H. Snapp, LC Attorney David H. Snapp, LC David H. Snapp Attorney David H. Snapp, LC Attorney David H. Snapp, LC David H. Snapp David H. Snapp, LC Attorney David H. Snapp, LC David H. Snapp Attorney David H. Snapp, LC Michael E. Scheopner President and Chief Executive Officer Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Landmark National Bank 6 Richard A. Ball Certified Public Accountant Ball Consulting Group, Ltd. Brent A. Bowman Vice President BBN Architects, Inc. 6 Sarah Hill-Nelson President and Chief Executive Officer The Bowersock Mills & Power Company Sandra J. Moll Partner, President and Chief Executive Officer Advance Business Solutions, LLC Wayne R. Sloan Chairman BHS Construction, Inc. 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 6 David H. Snapp Attorney David H. Snapp, LC CORPORATE INFORMATION CORPORATE INFORMATION Corporate Headquarters CORPORATEHEADQUARTERS CORPORATEHEADQUARTERS 701 Poyntz Avenue 701 Poyntz Avenue 701 Poyntz Avenue Manhattan, Kansas 66502 Manhattan, Kansas 66502 Manhattan, Kansas 66502 annual Meeting ANNUALMEETING ANNUALMEETING The annual meeting of stockholders will The annual meeting of stockholders will The annual meeting of stockholders will be held by virtual meeting, on Wednesday, be held by virtual meeting, on Wednesday, be held by virtual meeting, on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM. May 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM. May 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM. REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT Computershare, Inc. Computershare, Inc. P.O. Box 30170 P.O. Box 30170 College Station, Texas 77842 College Station, Texas 77842 registrar and transfer agent Computershare, Inc. P.O. Box 30170 College Station, Texas 77842 independent registered INDEPENDENT REGISTERED INDEPENDENT REGISTERED publiC aCCounting firM PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Crowe LLP Crowe Chizek LLP Crowe Chizek LLP 2200 Ross Avenue, Suite 4200 750 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 850 750 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 850 Dallas, TX 75201 Dallas, TX 75201 Dallas, TX 75201 forM 10-K FORM 10-K FORM 10-K A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the A copy of the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission may be obtained Securities and Exchange Commission may be obtained Securities and Exchange Commission may be obtained by stockholders without charge on written request to our by stockholders without charge on written request to by stockholders without charge on written request to Corporate Secretary at Landmark Bancorp, Inc., 701 Poyntz Michael E. Scheopner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael E. Scheopner, President and Chief Executive Officer, Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, or by accessing our Landmark Bancorp, Inc., P.O. Box 308, Manhattan, Landmark Bancorp, Inc., P.O. Box 308, Manhattan, Kansas 66505-0308, or by accessing our website at Kansas 66505-0308, or by accessing our website at website at http://www.landmarkbancorpinc.com or the http://www.landmarkbancorpinc.com or the SEC’s http://www.landmarkbancorpinc.com or the SEC’s SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. website at www.sec.gov. website at www.sec.gov. MISSION STATEMENT MISSION STATEMENT We are dedicated to providing quality financial services to customers in We are dedicated to providing quality financial services to customers in a manner that exceeds customer expectations. These services will a manner that exceeds customer expectations. These services will be delivered by outgoing, professional, and knowledgeable be delivered by outgoing, professional, and knowledgeable associates that are focused on asking for the business and associates that are focused on asking for the business and establishing long-term banking relationships. These banking establishing long-term banking relationships. These banking relationships will have a foundation of personal service and relationships will have a foundation of personal service and quality products that are delivered in a convenient manner quality products that are delivered in a convenient manner that meet our customers’ needs at a fair and competitive price. that meet our customers’ needs at a fair and competitive price. OUR VISION OUR VISION Everyone starts as a customer and leaves as a friend. Everyone starts as a customer and leaves as a friend. 7 SERVING COMMUNITIES ACROSS KANSAS SERVING COMMUNITIES ACROSS KANSAS LLaannddmmaarrkk NNaattiioonnaall BBaannkk,, aa BBaauueerr 55--SSttaarr rraatteedd bbaannkk,, hhaass tthhiirrttyy bbaannkkss iinn ttwweennttyy--ffoouurr LLaannddmmaarrkk NNaattiioonnaall BBaannkk,, aa BBaauueerr 55--SSttaarr rraatteedd bbaannkk,, hhaass tthhiirrttyy bbaannkkss iinn ttwweennttyy--ffoouurr KKaannssaass ccoommmmuunniittiieess.. IInn 22002244,, wwee ooppeenneedd aa llooaann pprroodduuccttiioonn ooffffiiccee iinn KKaannssaass CCiittyy,, KKaannssaass ccoommmmuunniittiieess.. IInn 22002244,, wwee ooppeenneedd aa llooaann pprroodduuccttiioonn ooffffiiccee iinn KKaannssaass CCiittyy,, MMiissssoouurrii.. WWee aarree ddeeddiiccaatteedd ttoo bbuuiillddiinngg mmeeaanniinnggffuull rreellaattiioonnsshhiippss wwiitthh oouurr ccuussttoommeerrss MMiissssoouurrii.. WWee aarree ddeeddiiccaatteedd ttoo bbuuiillddiinngg mmeeaanniinnggffuull rreellaattiioonnsshhiippss wwiitthh oouurr ccuussttoommeerrss pprroovviiddiinngg sseeccuurriittyy,, ccoonnvveenniieennccee aanndd eexxppeerrttiissee.. pprroovviiddiinngg sseeccuurriittyy,, ccoonnvveenniieennccee aanndd eexxppeerrttiissee.. MANHATTAN MANHATTAN 701 Poyntz 701 Poyntz 3005 Anderson 3005 Anderson AUBURN AUBURN 1741 N. Washington 1741 N. Washington DODGE CITY DODGE CITY Central & Spruce Central & Spruce 2500 N. 14th 2500 N. 14th FORT SCOTT FORT SCOTT 200 S. Main 200 S. Main US 69 HWY & 23rd St. US 69 HWY & 23rd St. GARDEN CITY GARDEN CITY 1007 N. Main 1007 N. Main GREAT BEND GREAT BEND 1623 Main St. 1623 Main St. 5200 Broadway 5200 Broadway HOISINGTON HOISINGTON 623 N. Main 623 N. Main IOLA IOLA 1206 East St. 1206 East St. JUNCTION CITY JUNCTION CITY 208 S. Washington 208 S. Washington KINCAID KINCAID 102 N. Commercial 102 N. Commercial LA CROSSE LA CROSSE 808 Main 808 Main LAWRENCE LAWRENCE 2710 Iowa St. 2710 Iowa St. 4621 W. 6th St. 4621 W. 6th St. LENEXA LENEXA 7900 Quivira Rd. 7900 Quivira Rd. PAOLA PAOLA 1310 Baptiste Dr. 1310 Baptiste Dr. LOUISBURG LOUISBURG 100 W. Amity 100 W. Amity PITTSBURG PITTSBURG 2300 N. Broadway 2300 N. Broadway MOUND CITY MOUND CITY 402 S. Main 402 S. Main PPRRAAIIRRIIEE VVIILLLLAAGGEE PPRRAAIIRRIIEE VVIILLLLAAGGEE 3500 W. 75th St. 3500 W. 75th St. OSAGE CITY OSAGE CITY 102 S. Sixth 102 S. Sixth OSAWATOMIE OSAWATOMIE 600 Main 600 Main OVERLAND PARK OVERLAND PARK 8101 W. 135th St. 8101 W. 135th St. 6640 W. 143rd St. 6640 W. 143rd St. TOPEKA TOPEKA 6100 SW 21st St. 6100 SW 21st St. 6010 SW 6th Ave. 6010 SW 6th Ave. WAMEGO WAMEGO 530 Lincoln 530 Lincoln WELLSVILLE WELLSVILLE 112 W. Sixth 112 W. Sixth www.banklandmark.com www.banklandmark.com 8 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 fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 OR TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For transition period from __________ to ___________ Commission File Number 0-33203 LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 43-1930755 701 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) (785) 565-2000 (Registrant’s telephone number, including area code) Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class: Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered: Nasdaq Global Market LARK Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No 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 such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. No Yes 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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). No Yes 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 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. Smaller reporting company Non-accelerated filer Accelerated filer 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. 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). Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes No The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the last sales price of $20.75 quoted on the Nasdaq Global Market on the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $81.3 million. On March 27, 2024, the total number of shares of common stock outstanding was 5,468,867. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of the registrant to be held on May 22, 2024, are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof, to the extent indicated herein. 9 LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. 2023 Form 10-K Annual Report Table of Contents ITEM 1. BUSINESS ........................................................................................................................... ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS .................................................................................................................. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS ............................................................................... ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY ............................................................................................................. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES ...................................................................................................................... ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS .................................................................................................... ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES ........................................................................................ ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES ................................ ITEM 6. [RESERVED] …… ............................................................................................................. ITEM 7. ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ............................................................ QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK .................................................................................................................. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA ..................................... 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 .................................................................................................................... ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE .............. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION ....................................................................................... ITEM 12. ITEM 13. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS ......................... CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE ........................................................................................... ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES ..................................................... ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES ........................................... ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY .................................................................................................... SIGNATURES ............................................................................................................................................. 11 33 46 46 47 47 47 48 48 48 56 58 105 105 105 105 106 106 106 107 107 108 110 111 10 ITEM 1. BUSINESS The Company PART I. Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a financial holding company that was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 2001. Currently, the Company’s business consists of the ownership of Landmark National Bank (the “Bank”) and Landmark Risk Management, Inc., which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately $1.6 billion in consolidated total assets. The Company is headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, and has expanded its geographic presence through opening new branches and acquisitions. In February 2024, the Bank opened a loan production office in Kansas City, Missouri. On October 1, 2022, the Company completed its acquisition of Freedom Bancshares, Inc. (“Freedom”), the holding company of Freedom Bank. Freedom Bank was founded in 2006 and operated out of a single location in Overland Park, Kansas. As of September 30, 2022, Freedom Bank reported total assets of $202.0 million, gross loans of $118.0 million, and total deposits of $150.4 million. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination under ASC 805. The Bank has continued to focus on increasing its originations of commercial, commercial real estate and agricultural loans, which management believes will be more profitable and provide more growth for the Bank than traditional one-to-four family residential real estate lending. The Bank has grown its one-to-four family residential loan portfolio over the past two years as higher interest rates increased consumer demand for variable rate loans, which were retained in the Bank’s portfolio. Additionally, greater emphasis has been placed on diversification of the deposit mix through the expansion of core deposit accounts such as checking, savings, and money market accounts. The Bank has also diversified its geographical markets as a result of its acquisitions and branching opportunities. The Company’s main office is in Manhattan, Kansas. The Company has 31 branch offices in 24 communities across the state of Kansas and one loan production office in Kansas City, Missouri. Landmark Risk Management, Inc., which was formed and began operations in 2017, is a Nevada-based captive insurance company which provides property and casualty insurance coverage to the Company and the Bank for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in the current insurance marketplace. Landmark Risk Management, Inc. is subject to the regulations of the State of Nevada and undergoes periodic examinations by the Nevada Division of Insurance. The results of operations of the Bank and the Company are dependent primarily upon net interest income and, to a lesser extent, upon other income derived from sales of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, loan servicing fees and customer deposit services. Additional expenses of the Bank include general and administrative expenses such as salaries, employee benefits, federal deposit insurance premiums, data processing, occupancy and related expenses. Deposits of the Bank are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) up to the maximum amount allowable under applicable federal laws and regulations. The Bank is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), as the chartering authority for national banks, and the FDIC, as the administrator of the DIF. The Bank is also subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) with respect to reserves required to be maintained against deposits and certain other matters. The Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City and the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”) of Topeka. The Company’s executive office and the Bank’s main office are located at 701 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. The telephone number is (785) 565-2000. Market Areas The Bank’s primary deposit gathering and lending markets are geographically diversified throughout central, eastern, southeast, and southwest Kansas. The primary industries within these respective markets are also diverse and 11 dependent upon a wide array of industry and governmental activity for their economic base. A brief description of the four geographic areas and the communities which the Bank serves is set forth below. Central region. The central region of the Bank’s market area consists of the Bank’s locations in Auburn, Junction City, Manhattan, Osage City, Topeka and Wamego, Kansas and includes the counties of Riley, Geary, Osage, Pottawatomie and Shawnee. The economies are significantly impacted by employment at Fort Riley Military Base in Junction City and Kansas State University, the second largest university in Kansas, which is located in Manhattan. Topeka is the capital of Kansas and strongly influenced by the government of the State of Kansas. Topeka and Manhattan are regional destinations for retail shopping as well as home to regional hospitals. Manhattan was selected as the site of a new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, which has had a significant impact on the regional economy. Additionally, manufacturing and service industries play a key role within the central Kansas market. Eastern region. The Bank’s eastern Kansas branches are located in the communities of Lawrence, Lenexa, Louisburg, Osawatomie, Overland Park, Paola, Prairie Village and Wellsville, Kansas and Kansas City Missouri. The Bank’s Lawrence locations are located in Douglas County and are significantly impacted by the University of Kansas, the largest university in Kansas. The eastern region is strongly influenced by the Kansas City metropolitan market, which is the highest growth area in the State of Kansas. The region is influenced by public and private industries and businesses of all sizes. In addition, housing growth and commercial real estate are major drivers of the region’s economy. The acquisition of Freedom bank in 2022 expanded the Bank’s presence in Overland Park and contributed to the growth in loans and deposits. Panasonic Energy is currently constructing a new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in De Soto, Kansas which is expected to begin production in March 2025. This new plant is projected to have a significant impact on the regional economy in eastern Kansas. Southeast region. The southeast region of the Bank’s market area consists of the Bank’s locations in Fort Scott, Iola, Kincaid, Mound City and Pittsburg, Kansas. Agriculture, oil, and gas are the predominant industries in the southeast Kansas region. Both Fort Scott and Pittsburg are recognized as regional commercial centers within the southeast region of the state, which attracts small retail businesses to the region. Additionally, Pittsburg State University and Fort Scott Community College attract a number of individuals from the surrounding area to live within the communities to participate in educational programs and pursue a degree. Additionally, manufacturing and service industries play a key role within the southeast Kansas market. Southwest region. The Bank’s southwest Kansas branches are located in the communities of Dodge City, Garden City, Great Bend, Hoisington and LaCrosse, Kansas. Agriculture, oil, and gas are the predominant industries in the southwest Kansas region. Predominant activities involve crop production, feed lot operations, and food processing. Dodge City is known as the “Cowboy Capital of the World” and maintains a significant tourism industry. Both Dodge City and Garden City are recognized as regional commercial centers within the state with small businesses, manufacturing, retail, and service industries having a significant influence upon the local economies. Additionally, the Dodge City, Garden City and Great Bend communities each have a community college that attracts individuals from the surrounding areas. Dodge City was selected as the site for a new state-of-the-art cheese and whey processing plant. The manufacturing facility is expected to be completed in 2024 and projected to have a significant impact on the regional economy. Competition The Company faces strong competition both in attracting deposits and making real estate, commercial and other loans. Its most direct competition for deposits and loans comes from large national and regional banks, local community banks, savings and loan associations, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, finance companies, money market mutual funds, credit unions, financial technology (fintech) companies and other non-bank financial service providers located in its principal market areas, including many larger financial institutions which have greater financial and marketing resources available to them. The ability of the Company to attract and retain deposits generally depends on its ability to provide a rate of return, service levels, liquidity and risk comparable to or better than those offered by competing investment opportunities. The Company competes for loans principally through the interest rates and loan fees it charges and the efficiency and quality of services it provides borrowers. 12 Human Capital Resources Employees. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had a total of 280 employees (270 full time equivalent employees). The Company has no employees, although the Company is a party to several employment agreements with executives of the Bank. Employees are provided with a comprehensive benefits program, including basic and major medical insurance, life and disability insurance, sick leave, and a 401(k) profit sharing plan. Employees are not represented by any union or collective bargaining group, and the Bank considers its employee relations to be excellent. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Company believes that a diverse workforce is critical to achieving its strategic goals. The Company strives to foster a strong and inclusive culture that is committed to delivering extraordinary service to our clients and communities by meeting the financial needs of families and businesses across Kansas. Talent development and retention. The Company utilizes various processes to recruit employees with values that align with the Company’s vision that Everyone Starts as a Customer and Leaves as a Friend. The long-term success of the Company revolves around the ability to continue to develop and retain these employees. Lending Activities General. The Bank strives to provide a full range of financial products and services to small- and medium- sized businesses and to consumers in each market area it serves. The Bank targets owner-operated businesses and utilizes Small Business Administration (SBA) lending as a part of its product mix. The Bank has a loan committee for each of its markets, which has authority to approve credits within established guidelines. Concentrations in excess of those guidelines must be approved by either a corporate loan committee comprised of the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Credit Officer, and other senior commercial lenders or the Bank’s board of directors. When lending to an entity, the Bank generally obtains a guaranty from the principals of the entity. The loan mix is subject to the discretion of the Bank’s board of directors and the demands of the local marketplace. The following is a brief description of each major category of the Bank’s lending activity. One-to-Four Family Residential Real Estate Lending. The Bank originates one-to-four family residential real estate loans with both fixed and variable rates. One-to-four family residential real estate loans are typically priced and originated following underwriting standards that are consistent with guidelines established by the major buyers in the secondary market. Generally, residential real estate loans retained in the Bank’s loan portfolio have fixed or variable rates with adjustment periods of seven years or less and amortization periods of typically either 15 or 30 years. A significant portion of these loans prepay prior to maturity. The Bank has no potential negative amortization loans. While the origination of fixed-rate, one-to-four family residential loans continues to be a key component of our business, the majority of these loans are sold in the secondary market. One-to-four family residential real estate loans that exceed 80% of the appraised value of the real estate generally are required, by policy, to be supported by private mortgage insurance, although on occasion the Bank will retain non-conforming residential loans to known customers at premium pricing. The balances of one-to-four family residential real estate loans increased as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 primarily due to increasing mortgage rates, which increased demand for the Bank’s variable rate loans. These loans are retained in portfolio and were the primary factor for the increase in balances during 2022 and 2023. While the Bank retains some of the new fixed rate mortgage loan originations, most of the new fixed rate mortgage loans continue to be sold. Construction and Land Lending. Loans in this category include loans to facilitate the development of both residential and commercial real estate. Construction and land loans generally have terms of less than 18 months, and the Bank will retain a security interest in the borrower’s real estate. Construction loans are generally limited, by policy, to 80% of the appraised value of the property. Land loans are generally limited, by policy, to 65% of the appraised value of the property. The origination of construction and land loans has not been a primary strategy of the Bank over the past few years to reduce risk in the Bank’s loan portfolio. The balances of construction and land loans decreased as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 primarily due to lower demand from the Bank’s loan customers and lack of the Bank’s strategic focus for these types of loans. 13 Commercial Real Estate Lending. Commercial real estate loans, including multi-family loans, generally have amortization periods of 15 or 20 years. Commercial real estate and multi-family loans are generally limited, by policy, to 80% of the appraised value of the property and are subject to strict underwriting guidelines. Commercial real estate loans are also supported by an analysis demonstrating the borrower’s ability to repay. The Bank continues to focus on generating additional commercial real estate loans, which are part of an overall banking relationship with the customer, and does not focus on originating transactional type loans where the borrower does not have other financial relationships with the Bank. This focus results in more owner-occupied commercial real estate loans that are diversified by borrower type and geography. The Bank monitors the commercial real estate loan portfolio closely for concentrations in loan types as well as the financial performance of the borrowers. Currently, the Bank has not identified any negative trends related to the commercial real estate loan portfolio. The Bank’s loan growth over the past few years has been driven in large part by commercial real estate loans. Commercial Lending. Commercial loans include loans to service, retail, wholesale and light manufacturing businesses. Commercial loans are made based on the financial strength and repayment ability of the borrower, as well as the collateral securing the loans. The Bank targets owner-operated businesses as its customers and makes lending decisions based upon a cash flow analysis of the borrower as well as a collateral analysis. Accounts receivable loans and loans for inventory purchases are generally on a one-year renewable term, and loans for equipment generally have a term of seven years or less. The Bank generally takes a blanket security interest in all assets of the borrower. Equipment loans are generally limited to 75% of the cost or appraised value of the equipment. Inventory loans are generally limited to 50% of the value of the inventory, and accounts receivable loans are generally limited to 75% of a predetermined eligible base. The Bank continues to focus its organic growth on generating additional commercial loan relationships, including SBA loans. Agriculture Lending. Agricultural real estate loans generally have amortization periods of 20 years or less, during which time the Bank generally retains a security interest in the borrower’s real estate. The Bank also provides short-term credit for operating loans and intermediate-term loans for farm product, livestock and machinery purchases and other agricultural improvements. Farm product loans generally have a one-year term, and machinery, equipment and breeding livestock loans generally have five to seven year terms. Extension of credit is based upon the borrower’s ability to repay, as well as the existence of federal guarantees and crop insurance coverage. These loans are generally secured by a blanket lien on livestock, equipment, feed, hay, grain and growing crops. Equipment and breeding livestock loans are generally limited to 75% of appraised value. The Bank continues to focus on generating additional agriculture loan relationships in each of its market areas. Municipal Lending. Loans to municipalities are generally related to equipment leasing or general fund loans. Terms are generally limited to 5 years. Equipment leases are generally made for the purchase of municipal assets and are secured by the leased asset. The Bank is generally not active in the origination of municipal loans and leases; however, the Bank may originate loans or leases for municipalities in its market area. Consumer and Other Lending. Loans classified as consumer and other loans include automobile, boat, home improvement and home equity loans. With the exception of home improvement loans and home equity loans, the Bank generally takes a purchase money security interest in collateral for which it provides the original financing. Home improvement loans and home equity loans are principally secured through second mortgages. The terms of the loans typically range from one to five years, depending upon the use of the proceeds, and generally range from 75% to 90% of the value of the collateral. The majority of these loans are installment loans with fixed interest rates. Home improvement and home equity loans are generally secured by a second mortgage on the borrower’s personal residence and, when combined with the first mortgage, limited to 80% of the value of the property unless further protected by private mortgage insurance. Home improvement loans are generally made for terms of five to seven years with fixed interest rates. Home equity loans are generally made for terms of ten years on a revolving basis with adjustable monthly interest rates tied to the national prime interest rate. While the Bank primarily provides consumer loans to its existing customers, consumer lending is not a category the Bank targets for organic growth. 14 Loan Origination and Processing Loan originations are derived from a number of sources. Residential loan originations result from real estate broker referrals, direct solicitation by the Bank’s loan officers, present depositors and borrowers, referrals from builders and attorneys, walk-in customers and, in some instances, other lenders. Consumer and commercial real estate loan originations generally emanate from many of the same sources. Residential loan applications are underwritten and closed based upon standards which generally meet secondary market guidelines. The loan underwriting procedures followed by the Bank conform to regulatory specifications and are designed to assess both the borrower’s ability to make principal and interest payments and the value of any assets or property serving as collateral for the loan. Generally, as part of the process, a loan officer meets with each applicant to obtain the appropriate employment and financial information as well as any other required loan information. The Bank then obtains reports with respect to the borrower’s credit record, and on real estate loans, orders and reviews an appraisal of any collateral for the loan (prepared for the Bank by an independent appraiser). Loan applicants are notified promptly of the decision of the Bank. Prior to closing any long-term loan, the borrower must provide proof of fire and casualty insurance on the property serving as collateral, and such insurance must be maintained during the full term of the loan. Title insurance is required on loans collateralized by real property. The Bank is focusing on the generation of commercial, commercial real estate and agriculture loans to grow and diversify the loan portfolio. Total gross loans increased during 2023 as a result of the origination of variable rate mortgage loans and loan growth in commercial real estate, commercial and agriculture loans. The Bank was able to generate loan growth across the geographic markets that it serves, primarily in commercial, commercial real estate and one-to-four residential real estate loans. Deposits The Bank has a diversified deposit base. The deposit base consists of retail, commercial and public fund customers located in the markets in which the Bank operates. The Bank provides a diverse financial suite of products to its deposit customers and seeks to be the primary financial service provider for these customers. The Bank considers these deposit relationships to be its core deposit base. If the Bank requires funding that exceeds these customers’ deposit balances, non-core or brokered deposits may be utilized. The balance of these non-core or brokered deposits at December 31, 2023 was $83.2 million, or 6.3% of total deposits compared to $10.3 million, or 0.8% of total deposits at December 31,2022. In order for the Bank to attract and retain stable deposit relationships, the Bank offers business cash management solution services to help local companies better manage their cash flow. The Bank also offers Insured Cash Sweep (ICS) and Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) to provide customers with FDIC insurance coverage for deposit balances that exceed the insurance limit of $250,000. The ICS accounts are integrated with the Bank’s core processor so transfers can be automated for the Bank’s customers. The expertise and experience of the Bank’s management coupled with the latest technology accessed through third party providers enables the Bank to maximize the growth of business-related deposits. As for consumers, deposit growth is driven by a variety of factors including, but not limited to, population growth, bank and non-bank competition, local bank mergers and consolidations, increases in household income, interest rates, accessibility of location and the sales efforts of Bank personnel. Time deposits can be attracted and increased by paying an interest rate higher than that offered by competitors, but are the costliest type of deposit. The most profitable type of deposits are non-interest bearing demand (checking) accounts, which can be attracted by offering free checking. However, both high interest rates and free checking accounts generate certain expenses for a bank and the desire to increase deposits must be balanced with the need to be profitable and the extent of banking relationships with the customers. The deposit services of the Bank are generally comprised of demand deposits, savings deposits, money market deposits, time deposits and individual retirement accounts. 15 Supervision and Regulation General FDIC-insured institutions, like the Bank, their holding companies and their affiliates are extensively regulated under federal law. As a result, our growth and earnings performance may be affected not only by management decisions and general economic conditions, but also by the requirements of applicable statutes and by the regulations and policies of various bank regulatory agencies, including our primary regulator, the Federal Reserve, and the Bank’s primary regulator, the OCC, as well as the FDIC, as the insurer of our deposits, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), as the regulator of consumer financial services and their providers. Furthermore, taxation laws administered by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, accounting rules developed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), securities laws administered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and state securities authorities, and anti-money laundering laws enforced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (“Treasury”) have an impact on our business. The effect of these statutes, regulations, regulatory policies and accounting rules are significant to our operations and results. Federal and state banking laws impose a comprehensive system of supervision, regulation and enforcement on the operations of FDIC-insured institutions, their holding companies and affiliates that is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC-insured deposits and depositors of banks, rather than shareholders. These laws, and the regulations of the bank regulatory agencies issued under them, affect, among other things, the scope of our business, the kinds and amounts of investments we may make, required capital levels relative to assets, the nature and amount of collateral for loans, the establishment of branches, our ability to merge, consolidate and acquire, dealings with the Company’s and the Bank’s insiders and affiliates and our payment of dividends. In reaction to the global financial crisis and particularly following passage of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), we experienced heightened regulatory requirements and scrutiny. Although the reforms primarily targeted systemically significant financial service providers, their influence filtered down in varying degrees to community banks over time and caused our compliance and risk management processes, and the costs thereof, to increase. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 (“Regulatory Relief Act”) eliminated questions about the applicability of certain Dodd-Frank Act reforms to community bank systems, including relieving us of any requirement to engage in mandatory stress tests, maintain a risk committee or comply with the Volcker Rule’s complicated prohibitions on proprietary trading and ownership of private funds. These reforms have been favorable to our operations. The supervisory framework for U.S. banking organizations subjects banks and bank holding companies to regular examination by their respective regulatory agencies, which results in examination reports and ratings that are not publicly available and that can impact the conduct and growth of their business. These examinations consider not only compliance with applicable laws and regulations, but also capital levels, asset quality and risk, management ability and performance, earnings, liquidity, and various other factors. The regulatory agencies generally have broad discretion to impose restrictions and limitations on the operations of a regulated entity where the agencies determine, among other things, that such operations are unsafe or unsound, fail to comply with applicable law or are otherwise inconsistent with laws and regulations. The following is a summary of the material elements of the supervisory and regulatory framework applicable to the Company and the Bank. It does not describe all of the statutes, regulations and regulatory policies that apply, nor does it restate all of the requirements of those that are described. The descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provision. The Role of Capital Regulatory capital represents the net assets of a banking organization available to absorb losses. Because of the risks attendant to their business, FDIC-insured institutions are generally required to hold more capital than other businesses, which directly affects our earnings capabilities. Although capital has historically been one of the key measures of the financial health of both bank holding companies and banks, its role became fundamentally more important in the wake of the global financial crisis, as the banking regulators recognized that the amount and quality of capital held by banks prior to the crisis was insufficient to absorb losses during periods of severe stress. Capital Levels. Banks have been required to hold minimum levels of capital based on guidelines established by the bank regulatory agencies since 1983. The minimums have been expressed in terms of ratios of “capital” divided by “total assets". The capital guidelines for U.S. banks beginning in 1989 have been based upon international capital 16 accords (known as “Basel” rules) adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, a committee of central banks and bank supervisors that acts as the primary global standard-setter for prudential regulation, as implemented by the U.S. bank regulatory agencies on an interagency basis. The accords recognized that bank assets for the purpose of the capital ratio calculations needed to be risk weighted (the theory being that riskier assets should require more capital) and that off-balance sheet exposures needed to be factored in the calculations. Following the global financial crisis, the Group of Governors and Heads of Supervision, the oversight body of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, announced agreement on a strengthened set of capital requirements for banking organizations around the world, known as Basel III, to address deficiencies recognized in connection with the global financial crisis. The Basel III Rule. The Unites States bank regulatory agencies adopted the Basel III regulatory capital reforms, and, at the same time, effected changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act, in regulations that were effective (with certain phase-ins) in 2015. Basel III, or the “Basel III Rule”, established capital standards for banks and bank holding companies that are meaningfully more stringent than those in place previously: it increased the required quantity and quality of capital; and it required a more complex, detailed and calibrated assessment of risk in the calculation of risk weightings. The Basel III Rule is applicable to all banking organizations that are subject to minimum capital requirements, including federal and state banks and savings and loan associations, as well as to holding companies, other than “small bank holding companies” (generally certain holding companies with consolidated assets of less than $3 billion, which includes us) and certain qualifying banking organizations that may elect a simplified framework (which we have not done). Thus, only the Bank is currently subject to the Basel III Rule as described below. Not only did the Basel III Rule increase most of the required minimum capital ratios in effect prior to January 1, 2015, but, in requiring that forms of capital be of higher quality to absorb loss, it introduced the concept of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, which consists primarily of common stock, related surplus (net of Treasury stock), retained earnings, and Common Equity Tier 1 minority interests subject to certain regulatory adjustments. The Basel III Rule also changed the definition of capital by establishing more stringent criteria that instruments must meet to be considered Additional Tier 1 Capital (primarily non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock that meets certain requirements) and Tier 2 Capital (primarily other types of preferred stock and subordinated debt, subject to limitations). The Basel III Rule also constrained the inclusion of minority interests, mortgage-servicing assets, and deferred tax assets in capital and required deductions from Common Equity Tier 1 Capital in the event that such assets exceeded a percentage of a banking institution’s Common Equity Tier 1 Capital. The Basel III Rule required minimum capital ratios as of January 1, 2015, as follows: • A ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital equal to 4.5% of risk-weighted assets; • A ratio of Tier 1 Capital equal to 6% of risk-weighted assets; • A continuation of the minimum required amount of Total Capital (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) at 8% of risk- weighted assets; and • A leverage ratio of Tier 1 Capital to total quarterly average assets equal to 4% in all circumstances. In addition, institutions that wish to make capital distributions (including for dividends and repurchases of stock) and pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers without restriction must also maintain 2.5% in Common Equity Tier 1 Capital attributable to a capital conservation buffer. The purpose of the conservation buffer is to ensure that banking institutions maintain a buffer of capital that can be used to absorb losses during periods of financial and economic stress. Factoring in the conservation buffer increases the minimum ratios depicted above to 7% for Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, 8.5% for Tier 1 Capital and 10.5% for Total Capital. Well-Capitalized Requirements. The ratios described above are minimum standards in order for banking organizations to be considered “adequately capitalized.” Bank regulatory agencies uniformly encourage banks to hold more capital and be “well-capitalized” and, to that end, federal law and regulations provide various incentives for banking organizations to maintain regulatory capital at levels in excess of minimum regulatory requirements. For example, a banking organization that is well-capitalized may: (i) qualify for exemptions from prior notice or application requirements otherwise applicable to certain types of activities; (ii) qualify for expedited processing of other required notices or applications; and (iii) accept, roll-over or renew brokered deposits. Higher capital levels could also be required if warranted by the particular circumstances or risk profiles of individual banking organizations. For example, the Federal Reserve’s capital guidelines contemplate that additional capital may be required to take 17 adequate account of, among other things, interest rate risk, or the risks posed by concentrations of credit, nontraditional activities or securities trading activities. Further, any banking organization experiencing or anticipating significant growth would be expected to maintain capital ratios, including tangible capital positions (i.e., Tier 1 Capital less all intangible assets), well above the minimum levels. Under the capital regulations of the OCC for the Bank, in order to be well-capitalized, we must maintain: • A Common Equity Tier 1 Capital ratio to risk-weighted assets of 6.5% or more; • A ratio of Tier 1 Capital to total risk-weighted assets of 8% or more; • A ratio of Total Capital to total risk-weighted assets of 10% or more; and • A leverage ratio of Tier 1 Capital to total adjusted average quarterly assets of 5% or greater. It is possible under the Basel III Rule to be well-capitalized while remaining out of compliance with the capital conservation buffer discussed above. As of December 31, 2023: (i) the Bank was not subject to a directive from the OCC to increase its capital and (ii) the Bank was well-capitalized, as defined by OCC regulations. Prompt Corrective Action. The concept of being “well-capitalized” is part of a regulatory regime that provides the federal banking regulators with broad power to take “prompt corrective action” to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions based on the capital level of each particular institution. The extent of the regulators’ powers depends on whether the institution in question is “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized,” in each case as defined by regulation. Depending upon the capital category to which an institution is assigned, the regulators’ corrective powers include: (i) requiring the institution to submit a capital restoration plan; (ii) limiting the institution’s asset growth and restricting its activities; (iii) requiring the institution to issue additional capital stock (including additional voting stock) or to sell itself; (iv) restricting transactions between the institution and its affiliates; (v) restricting the interest rate that the institution may pay on deposits; (vi) ordering a new election of directors of the institution; (vii) requiring that senior executive officers or directors be dismissed; (viii) prohibiting the institution from accepting deposits from correspondent banks; (ix) requiring the institution to divest certain subsidiaries; (x) prohibiting the payment of principal or interest on subordinated debt; and (xi) ultimately, appointing a receiver for the institution. Community Bank Capital Simplification. Community banks have long raised concerns with bank regulators about the regulatory burden, complexity, and costs associated with certain provisions of the Basel III Rule. In response, Congress provided an “off-ramp” for institutions, like us, with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion. Section 201 of the Regulatory Relief Act instructed the federal banking regulators to establish a single “Community Bank Leverage Ratio” (“CBLR”) of between 8 and 10%. Under the final rule, a community banking organization is eligible to elect the new framework if it has: less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, limited amounts of certain assets and off-balance sheet exposures, and a CBLR greater than 9%. We may elect the CBLR framework at any time but have not currently determined to do so. Supervision and Regulation of the Company General. The Company, as the sole shareholder of the Bank, is a bank holding company. As a bank holding company, we are registered with, and subject to regulation, supervision and enforcement by, the Federal Reserve under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHCA”). We are legally obligated to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to the Bank and to commit resources to support the Bank in circumstances where we might not otherwise do so. Under the BHCA, we are subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve and is required to file with the Federal Reserve periodic reports of our operations and such additional information regarding the Company and the Bank as the Federal Reserve may require. Acquisitions and Activities. The primary purpose of a bank holding company is to control and manage banks. The BHCA generally requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve for any merger involving a bank holding company or any acquisition by a bank holding company of another bank or bank holding company. Subject to certain conditions (including deposit concentration limits established by the BHCA), the Federal Reserve may allow a bank holding company to acquire banks located in any state of the United States. In approving interstate acquisitions, the Federal Reserve is required to give effect to applicable state law limitations on the aggregate amount of deposits that 18 may be held by the acquiring bank holding company and its FDIC-insured institution affiliates in the state in which the target bank is located (provided that those limits do not discriminate against out-of-state institutions or their holding companies) and state laws that require that the target bank have been in existence for a minimum period of time (not to exceed five years) before being acquired by an out-of-state bank holding company. Furthermore, in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act, bank holding companies must be well-capitalized and well-managed in order to effect interstate mergers or acquisitions. For a discussion of the capital requirements, see “The Role of Capital” above. The BHCA generally prohibits the Company from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company that is not a bank and from engaging in any business other than that of banking, managing and controlling banks or furnishing services to banks and their subsidiaries. This general prohibition is subject to a number of exceptions. The principal exception allows bank holding companies to engage in, and to own shares of companies engaged in, certain businesses found by the Federal Reserve prior to November 11, 1999 to be “so closely related to banking ... as to be a proper incident thereto.” This authority would permit the Company to engage in a variety of banking-related businesses, including the ownership and operation of a savings association, or any entity engaged in consumer finance, equipment leasing, the operation of a computer service bureau (including software development) and mortgage banking and brokerage services. The BHCA does not place territorial restrictions on the domestic activities of nonbank subsidiaries of bank holding companies. Additionally, bank holding companies that meet certain eligibility requirements prescribed by the BHCA and elect to operate as financial holding companies may engage in, or own shares in companies engaged in, a wider range of nonbanking activities, including securities and insurance underwriting and sales, merchant banking and any other activity that the Federal Reserve, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, determines by regulation or order is financial in nature or incidental to any such financial activity or that the Federal Reserve determines by order to be complementary to any such financial activity, as long as the activity does not pose a substantial risk to the safety or soundness of FDIC-insured institutions or the financial system generally. We elected to operate as a financial holding company in May, 2017. In order to maintain our status as a financial holding company, both the Company and the Bank must be well-capitalized, well-managed, and the Bank must have at least a satisfactory CRA rating. If the Federal Reserve determines that either we or the Bank is not well-capitalized or well-managed, the Federal Reserve will provide a period of time in which to achieve compliance, but during the period of noncompliance, the Federal Reserve may place any limitations on us that it deems appropriate. Furthermore, if non-compliance is based on the failure of the Bank to achieve a satisfactory CRA rating, we would not be able to commence any new financial activities or acquire a company that engages in such activities. Change in Control. Federal law prohibits any person or company from acquiring “control” of an FDIC- insured depository institution or its holding company without prior notice to the appropriate federal bank regulator. “Control” is conclusively presumed to exist upon the acquisition of 25% or more of the outstanding voting securities of a bank or bank holding company, but may arise under certain circumstances between 10% and 24.99% ownership. Capital Requirements. Because we are a small bank holding company, we are not required to file consolidated financial reports with the Bank. For a discussion of capital requirements generally, see “—the “Role of Capital” above. Dividend Payments. Our ability to pay dividends to shareholders may be affected by both general corporate law considerations and policies of the Federal Reserve applicable to bank holding companies. As a Delaware corporation, we are subject to the limitations of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”). The DGCL allows us to pay dividends only out of its surplus (as defined and computed in accordance with the provisions of the DGCL) or if we have no such surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. As a general matter, the Federal Reserve has indicated that the board of directors of a bank holding company should eliminate, defer or significantly reduce dividends to shareholders if: (i) the company’s net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; (ii) the prospective rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition; or (iii) the company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. The Federal Reserve also possesses enforcement powers over bank holding companies and their nonbank subsidiaries to prevent or remedy actions that represent unsafe or unsound practices or violations of applicable statutes and regulations. Among these powers is the ability to proscribe the payment of dividends by banks and bank holding companies. In addition, under the Basel III Rule, institutions that 19 wish to pay dividends have to maintain 2.5% in Common Equity Tier 1 Capital attributable to the capital conservation buffer. See “—The Role of Capital” above. Monetary Policy. The monetary policy of the Federal Reserve has a significant effect on the operating results of financial or bank holding companies and their subsidiaries, and this is evidenced in its reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the tools available to the Federal Reserve to affect the money supply are open market transactions in U.S. government securities and changes in the discount rate on bank borrowings. These means are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth and distribution of bank loans, investments and deposits, and their use may affect interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. Federal Securities Regulation. Our common stock will be registered with the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as a result of the offering. Consequently, we will be subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading and other restrictions and requirements of the SEC under the Exchange Act. Corporate Governance. The Dodd-Frank Act addressed many investor protection, corporate governance and executive compensation matters that will affect most U.S. publicly traded companies. It increased stockholder influence over boards of directors by requiring companies to give stockholders a nonbinding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments, and authorizing the SEC to promulgate rules that would allow stockholders to nominate and solicit voters for their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials. The legislation also directed the Federal Reserve to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to executives of bank holding companies, regardless of whether such companies are publicly traded. Supervision and Regulation of the Bank General. The Bank is a national bank, chartered by the OCC under the National Bank Act. The deposit accounts of the Bank are insured by the DIF to the maximum extent provided under federal law and FDIC regulations, currently $250,000 per insured depositor category, and the Bank is a member of the Federal Reserve System. As a national bank, the Bank is subject to the examination, supervision, reporting and enforcement requirements of the OCC, the chartering authority for national banks. The Bank is subject to that authority and is examined by the OCC. The FDIC, as administrator of the DIF, also has regulatory authority over the Bank. Deposit Insurance. As an FDIC-insured institution, the Bank is required to pay deposit insurance premium assessments to the FDIC. The FDIC has adopted a risk-based assessment system whereby FDIC-insured institutions pay insurance premiums at rates based on their risk classification. For institutions like the Bank that are not considered large and highly complex banking organizations, assessments are now based on examination ratings and financial ratios. The total base assessment rates currently range from 2.5 basis points to 32 basis points. At least semi- annually, the FDIC updates its loss and income projections for the DIF and, if needed, increases or decreases the assessment rates, following notice and comment on proposed rulemaking. At least semi-annually, the FDIC updates its loss and income projections for the DIF and, if needed, increases or decreases the assessment rates, following notice and comment on proposed rulemaking. For this purpose, the reserve ratio is the DIF balance divided by estimated insured deposits. In response to the global financial crisis, the Dodd- Frank Act increased the minimum reserve ratio from 1.15% to 1.35% of the estimated amount of total insured deposits. In the semiannual update in June 2022, the FDIC projected that the reserve ratio was at risk of not reaching the statutory minimum of 1.35 % by September 30, 2028, the statutory deadline. Based on this update, the FDIC approved an increase in initial base deposit insurance assessment rate schedules by two basis points, applicable to all insured depository institutions. The increase was effective on January 1, 2023, applicable to the first quarterly assessment period of the 2023 assessment (January 1 through March 31, 2023). In addition, because the total cost of the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank was approximately $16.3 billion, the FDIC adopted a special assessment for banks having deposits above $5 billion, at an annual rate of 13.4 basis points beginning with the first quarterly assessment period of 2024 (January 1 through March 31, 2024) with an invoice payment date of June 28, 2024, and will continue to collect special assessments for an anticipated total of eight quarterly assessment periods. The base for the special assessment is equal to an insured depository institution’s estimated uninsured deposits for the December 31, 2022 reporting period, adjusted to exclude the first $5 billion in estimated uninsured deposits. Because the Bank’s uninsured deposits at December 31, 2023 were less than $5 billion, this special assessment does not apply. 20 Supervisory Assessments. National banks are required to pay supervisory assessments to the OCC to fund the operations of the OCC. The amount of the assessment is calculated using a formula that considers the bank’s size and its supervisory condition. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Bank paid supervisory assessments to the OCC totaling $201,000. Capital Requirements. Banks are generally required to maintain capital levels in excess of other businesses. For a discussion of capital requirements, see “—The Role of Capital” above. Liquidity Requirements. Liquidity is a measure of the ability and ease with which bank assets may be converted to meet financial obligations such as deposits or other funding sources. Banks are required to implement liquidity risk management frameworks that ensure they maintain sufficient liquidity, including a cushion of unencumbered, high quality liquid assets, to withstand a range of stress events. The level and speed of deposit outflows contributing to the failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank in the first half of 2023 was unprecedented and contributed to acute liquidity and funding strain. These events have further underscored the importance of liquidity risk management and contingency funding planning by insured depository institutions like the Bank. The primary role of liquidity risk management is to: (i) prospectively assess the need for funds to meet financial obligations; and (ii) ensure the availability of cash or collateral to fulfill those needs at the appropriate time by coordinating the various sources of funds available to the institution under normal and stressed conditions. Basel III includes a liquidity framework that requires the largest insured institutions to measure their liquidity against specific liquidity tests. One test, referred to as the Liquidity Coverage Ratio, or LCR, is designed to ensure that the banking entity has an adequate stock of unencumbered high-quality liquid assets that can be converted easily and immediately in private markets into cash to meet liquidity needs for a 30-calendar day liquidity stress scenario. The other test, known as the Net Stable Funding Ratio, or NSFR, is designed to promote more medium- and long-term funding of the assets and activities of FDIC-insured institutions over a one-year horizon. These tests provide an incentive for banks and holding companies to increase their holdings in Treasury securities and other sovereign debt as a component of assets, increase the use of long-term debt as a funding source and rely on stable funding like core deposits (in lieu of brokered deposits). Although these tests do not, and will not, apply to the Bank, we continue to review our liquidity risk management policies in light of regulatory requirements and industry developments. Dividend Payments. The primary source of funds for the Company is dividends from the Bank. Under the National Bank Act, a national bank may pay dividends out of its undivided profits in such amounts and at such times as the bank’s board of directors deems prudent. Without prior OCC approval, however, a national bank may not pay dividends in any calendar year that, in the aggregate, exceed the bank’s year-to-date net income plus the bank’s retained net income for the two preceding years. The payment of dividends by any FDIC-insured institution is affected by the requirement to maintain adequate capital pursuant to applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations, and an FDIC-insured institution generally is prohibited from paying any dividends if, following payment thereof, the institution would be undercapitalized. As described above, the Bank exceeded its capital requirements under applicable guidelines as of December 31, 2023. Notwithstanding the availability of funds for dividends, however, the OCC may prohibit the payment of dividends by the Bank if it determines such payment would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice. In addition, under the Basel III Rule, institutions that wish to pay dividends have to maintain 2.5% in Common Equity Tier 1 Capital attributable to the capital conservation buffer. See “—The Role of Capital” above. Insider Transactions. The Bank is subject to certain restrictions imposed by federal law on “covered transactions” between the Bank and its “affiliates.” The Company is an affiliate of the Bank for purposes of these restrictions, and covered transactions subject to the restrictions include extensions of credit to the Company, investments in the stock or other securities of the Company and the acceptance of the stock or other securities of the Company as collateral for loans made by the Bank. The Dodd-Frank Act enhanced the requirements for certain transactions with affiliates, including an expansion of the definition of “covered transactions” and an increase in the amount of time for which collateral requirements regarding covered transactions must be maintained. Certain limitations and reporting requirements are also placed on extensions of credit by the Bank to its directors and officers, to directors and officers of the Company and its subsidiaries, to principal shareholders of the Company and to “related interests” of such directors, officers and principal shareholders. In addition, federal law and regulations may affect the terms on which any person who is a director or officer of the Company or the Bank, or a principal shareholder of the Company, may obtain credit from banks with which the Bank maintains a correspondent relationship. 21 Safety and Soundness Standards/Risk Management. FDIC-insured institutions are expected to operate in a safe and sound manner. The federal banking agencies have adopted operational and managerial standards to promote the safety and soundness of such institutions that address internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, compensation, fees and benefits, asset quality and earnings. In general, the safety and soundness standards prescribe the goals to be achieved in each area, and each institution is responsible for establishing its own procedures to achieve those goals. If an institution fails to operate in a safe and sound manner, the FDIC-insured institution’s primary federal regulator may require the institution to submit a plan for achieving and maintaining compliance. If an FDIC-insured institution fails to submit an acceptable compliance plan, or fails in any material respect to implement a compliance plan that has been accepted by its primary federal regulator, the regulator is required to issue an order directing the institution to cure the deficiency. Until the deficiency cited in the regulator’s order is cured, the regulator may restrict the FDIC-insured institution’s rate of growth, require the FDIC-insured institution to increase its capital, restrict the rates that the institution pays on deposits or require the institution to take any action that the regulator deems appropriate under the circumstances. Operating in an unsafe or unsound manner will also constitute grounds for other enforcement action by the federal bank regulatory agencies, including cease and desist orders and civil money penalty assessments. During the past decade, the bank regulatory agencies have increasingly emphasized the importance of sound risk management processes and strong internal controls when evaluating the activities of the FDIC-insured institutions they supervise. Properly managing risk has been identified as critical to the conduct of safe and sound banking activities and has become even more important as new technologies, product innovation, and the size and speed of financial transactions have changed the nature of banking markets. The agencies have identified a spectrum of risks facing a banking institution including, but not limited to, credit, market, liquidity, operational, legal and reputational risk. The key risk themes identified for 2024 are discussed under “—Risk Factors.” The Bank is expected to have active board and senior management oversight; adequate policies, procedures and limits; adequate risk measurement, monitoring and management information systems; and comprehensive internal controls. Privacy and Cybersecurity. The Bank is subject to many U.S. federal and state laws and regulations governing requirements for maintaining policies and procedures to protect non-public confidential information of their customers. These laws require the Bank to periodically disclose its privacy policies and practices relating to sharing such information and permit consumers to opt out of their ability to share information with unaffiliated third parties under certain circumstances. They also impact the Bank’s ability to share certain information with affiliates and non- affiliates for marketing and/or non-marketing purposes, or to contact customers with marketing offers. In addition, as a part of its operational risk mitigation, the Bank is required to implement a comprehensive information security program that includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information and to require the same of its service providers. These security and privacy policies and procedures are in effect across all business lines and geographic locations. Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity require financial institutions to design multiple layers of security controls to establish lines of defense and to ensure that their risk management processes also address the risk posed by compromised customer credentials, including security measures to reliably authenticate customers accessing internet-based services of the financial institution. Bank management is expected to maintain sufficient business continuity planning processes to ensure the rapid recovery, resumption and maintenance of the institution's operations after a cyber-attack involving destructive malware. Branching Authority. National banks headquartered in Kansas, such as the Bank, have the same branching rights in Kansas as banks chartered under Kansas law, subject to OCC approval. Kansas law grants Kansas-chartered banks the authority to establish branches anywhere in the State of Kansas, subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals. The Dodd-Frank Act permits well-capitalized and well-managed banks to establish new branches across state lines without legal impediments. However, while Federal law permits state and national banks to merge with banks in other states, such mergers are subject to: (i) regulatory approval; (ii) federal and state deposit concentration limits; and (iii) state law limitations requiring the merging bank to have been in existence for a minimum period of time (not to exceed five years) prior to the merger. 22 Financial Subsidiaries. Under federal law and OCC regulations, national banks are authorized to engage, through “financial subsidiaries,” in any activity that is permissible for a financial holding company and any activity that the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Federal Reserve, determines is financial in nature or incidental to any such financial activity, except (i) insurance underwriting, (ii) real estate development or real estate investment activities (unless otherwise permitted by law), (iii) insurance company portfolio investments and (iv) merchant banking. The authority of a national bank to invest in a financial subsidiary is subject to a number of conditions, including, among other things, requirements that the bank must be well-managed and well-capitalized (after deducting from capital the bank’s outstanding investments in financial subsidiaries). The Bank has not applied for approval to establish any financial subsidiaries. Community Reinvestment Act Requirements. The CRA requires the Bank to have a continuing and affirmative obligation in a safe and sound manner to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Federal regulators regularly assess the Bank’s record of meeting the credit needs of its communities. Applications for additional acquisitions would be affected by the evaluation of the Bank’s effectiveness in meeting its CRA obligations. On October 24, 2023, the bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule to strengthen and modernize the CRA regulations (the CRA Rule), some of which is effective on April 1, 2024. The CRA Rule is designed to update how CRA activities qualify for consideration, where CRA activities are considered, and how CRA activities are evaluated. More specifically, the bank regulatory agencies described the goals of the CRA Rule as follows: (i) to expand access to credit, investment, and basic banking services in low and moderate income communities; (ii) to adapt to changes in the banking industry, including mobile and internet banking by modernizing assessment areas while maintaining a focus on branch based areas; (iii) to provide greater clarity, consistency, and transparency in the application of the regulations through the use of standardized metrics as part of CRA evaluation and clarifying eligible CRA activities focused on low and moderate income communities and underserved rural communities; (iv) to tailor CRA rules and data collection to bank size and business model; and (v) to maintain a unified approach among the regulators. Management of the Bank is assessing the impact of the CRA Rule on its CRA lending and investment activities in its markets. Anti-Money Laundering. The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) is the common name for a series of laws and regulations enacted in the United States to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. They are designed to deny terrorists and criminals the ability to obtain access to the U.S. financial system and have significant implications for FDIC-insured institutions and other businesses involved in the transfer of money. The so-called Anti- Money Laundering/Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) regime under the BSA provides a foundation to promote financial transparency and deter and detect those who seek to misuse the U.S. financial system to launder criminal proceeds, finance terrorist acts, or move funds for other illicit purposes. The laws mandate financial services companies to have policies and procedures with respect to measures designed to address: (i) customer identification programs; (ii) money laundering; (iii) terrorist financing; (iv) identifying and reporting suspicious activities and currency transactions; (v) currency crimes; and (vi) cooperation between FDIC-insured institutions and law enforcement authorities. Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate. Concentration risk exists when FDIC-insured institutions deploy too many assets to any one industry or segment. A concentration in commercial real estate is one example of regulatory concern. The interagency Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices guidance (“CRE Guidance”) provides supervisory criteria, including the following numerical indicators, to assist bank examiners in identifying banks with potentially significant CRE loan concentrations that may warrant greater supervisory scrutiny: (i) CRE loans exceeding 300% of capital and increasing 50% or more in the preceding three years; or (ii) construction and land development loans exceeding 100% of capital. The CRE Guidance does not limit banks’ levels of commercial real estate lending activities, but rather guides institutions in developing risk management practices and levels of capital that are commensurate with the level and nature of their commercial real estate concentrations. On December 18, 2015, the federal banking agencies issued a statement to reinforce prudent risk-management practices related to CRE lending, having observed substantial growth in many CRE asset and lending markets, increased competitive pressures, rising CRE concentrations in banks, and an easing of CRE underwriting standards. The federal bank agencies reminded FDIC-insured institutions to maintain underwriting discipline and exercise prudent risk-management practices to identify, measure, monitor, and manage the risks arising from CRE 23 lending. In addition, FDIC-insured institutions must maintain capital commensurate with the level and nature of their CRE concentration risk. Based on the Bank’s loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023, we do not exceed the 300% guideline for commercial real estate loans. Consumer Financial Services. The historical structure of federal consumer protection regulation applicable to all providers of consumer financial products and services changed significantly on July 21, 2011, when the CFPB commenced operations to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all providers of consumer products and services, including the Bank, as well as the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The CFPB has examination and enforcement authority over providers with more than $10 billion in assets. FDIC-insured institutions with $10 billion or less in assets, like the Bank, continue to be examined by their applicable bank regulators. Because abuses in connection with residential mortgages were a significant factor contributing to the financial crisis, many rules issued by the CFPB, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act, addressed mortgage and mortgage-related products, their underwriting, origination, servicing and sales. The Dodd-Frank Act significantly expanded underwriting requirements applicable to loans secured by 1-4 family residential real property and augmented federal law combating predatory lending practices. In addition to numerous disclosure requirements, the Dodd-Frank Act and CFPB rules imposed new standards for mortgage loan originations on all lenders, including banks and savings associations, in an effort to strongly encourage lenders to verify a borrower’s ability to repay, while also establishing a presumption of compliance for certain “qualified mortgages.” The Regulatory Relief Act provided relief in connection with mortgages for banks with assets of less than $10 billion, and, as a result, mortgages the Bank makes are now considered to be qualified mortgages if they are held in portfolio for the life of the loan. The CFPB’s rules have not had a significant impact on the Bank’s operations, except for higher compliance costs. Company Web Site The Company maintains a corporate website at www.landmarkbancorpinc.com. In addition, the Company has an investor relations link at the Bank’s corporate website at www.banklandmark.com. Many of the Company’s policies, including its code of business conduct and ethics, committee charters and other investor information, are available on its website. The Company makes available free of charge on or through its website its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, proxy statements, and annual reports as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. Copies of the Company’s filings with the SEC are also available from the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) free of charge. The Company will also provide copies of its filings free of charge upon written request to our Corporate Secretary at Landmark Bancorp, Inc., 701 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502. 24 STATISTICAL DATA The Company has a fiscal year ending on December 31. Unless otherwise noted, the information presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K presents information on behalf of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. Certain of the statistical data required to be disclosed by banks pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933 is set forth in the following pages. This data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, related notes and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. I. Distribution of Assets, Liabilities, and Stockholders’ Equity; Interest Rates and Interest Differential The following table describes the extent to which changes in tax equivalent interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities affected the Company’s interest income and expense during the periods indicated. The table distinguishes between (i) changes attributable to rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume), (ii) changes attributable to volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), and (iii) net change (the sum of the previous columns). The net changes attributable to the combined effect of volume and rate which cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate. Years ended December 31, 2023 vs 2022 Increase/(decrease) attributable to Volume Rate 2022 vs 2021 Increase/(decrease) attributable to Volume Rate Net Net (Dollars in thousands) Interest income: Interest-bearing deposits at banks Investment securities Taxable Tax-exempt (1) Loans (2) Total Interest expense: Deposits FHLB advances and other borrowings Subordinated debentures Repurchase agreements Total Net interest income $ (66) $ (13) $ (79) $ (37) $ 171 $ 134 423 (148) 10,103 10,312 2,757 176 8,174 11,094 3,180 28 18,277 21,406 3,409 916 2,493 (799) 781 (18) 541 (682) (141) 3,384 1,186 2,198 12,135 343 3,140 324 - 750 73 280 13,489 3,556 $ 6,756 $ (2,395) 12,478 3,464 750 353 17,045 $ 4,361 1,702 51 449 135 - 368 28 107 2,312 528 $ 1,670 $ (1,126) 1,753 584 368 135 2,840 $ 544 (1) The change in tax-exempt income on investment securities is presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate. (2) The change in tax-exempt loan income is presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate. 25 The following table sets forth information relating to average balances of interest-earning assets and interest- bearing liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Average balances are derived from daily average balances. Non-accrual loans were included in the computation of average balances but have been reflected in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. The yields set forth in the table below include the effect of deferred fees, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or interest expense. This table reflects the average yields on assets and average costs of liabilities for the periods indicated (derived by dividing income or expense by the monthly average balance of assets or liabilities, respectively) as well as the "net interest margin" (which reflects the effect of the net earnings balance) for the periods shown. Year ended December 31, 2023 Average balance Income/ expense Yield/ cost Year ended December 31, 2022 Average balance Income/ expense Yield/ cost Year ended December 31, 2021 Average balance Income/ expense Yield/ cost (Dollars in thousands) Assets Interest-earning assets: Interest bearing deposits at banks $ 10,095 $ 242 2.40% $ 60,014 $ 321 0.53% $ 120,171 $ 187 0.16% Investment securities Taxable Tax-exempt (1) Loans receivable, net (2) Total interest-earning assets Non-interest-earning assets Total 363,735 122,533 891,487 1,387,850 147,844 1,535,694 $ 9,594 3,826 51,770 65,432 2.64% 3.12% 5.81% 4.71% 342,131 132,601 702,247 1,236,993 120,486 1,357,479 $ 6,414 3,798 33,493 44,026 1.87% 2.86% 4.77% 3.56% 202,003 141,056 689,908 1,153,138 102,558 1,255,696 $ 3,005 3,816 33,634 40,642 1.49% 2.71% 4.88% 3.52% Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity Interest-bearing liabilities: Money market and checking $ 591,000 $ 10,818 Savings accounts Certificates of deposit Total deposits FHLB advances and other borrowings Subordinated debentures Repurchase agreements Total interest-bearing liabilities Non-interest-bearing liabilities Stockholders' equity Total Interest rate spread (3) Net interest margin (4) Tax equivalent interest - imputed (1) (2) Net interest income Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities 161,417 139,956 892,373 74,210 21,651 18,361 126 4,310 15,254 4,048 1,590 499 1,006,595 21,391 414,760 114,339 $ 1,535,694 $ 44,041 749 $ 43,292 1.83% 0.08% 3.08% 1.71% 5.45% 7.34% 2.72% 2.13% 2.58% 3.17% $ 535,693 $ 2,318 46 412 2,776 584 840 146 4,346 169,478 98,975 804,146 15,061 21,651 13,239 854,097 383,590 119,792 0.43% 0.03% 0.42% 0.35% 3.88% 3.88% 1.10% 0.51% $ 503,433 $ 500 47 476 1,023 - 472 11 1,506 145,200 116,904 765,537 2 21,651 5,915 793,105 330,937 131,654 $ 1,357,479 $ 1,255,696 3.05% 3.21% $ 39,680 800 $ 38,880 $ 39,136 816 $ 38,320 0.10% 0.03% 0.41% 0.13% 0.47% 2.18% 0.19% 0.19% 3.33% 3.39% 137.9% 144.8% 145.4% (1) (2) (3) Income on tax-exempt investment securities is presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate. Income on tax-exempt loans is presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate. Interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest- bearing liabilities. (4) Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. 26 II. Investment Portfolio Investment Securities. The following table sets forth the carrying value of the Company’s investment securities at the dates indicated. The Company’s federal agency obligations consist of obligations of U.S. government-sponsored enterprises, primarily the FHLB. The Company’s agency mortgage-backed securities portfolio consists of securities predominantly underwritten to the standards of and guaranteed by the government-sponsored agencies of Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”). Investment securities: U.S. treasury securities U.S. federal agency obligations Municipal obligations, tax-exempt Municipal obligations, taxable Agency mortgage-backed securities Total investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value As of December 31, 2023 2022 (Dollars in thousands) $ 95,667 $ 123,111 - 1,988 127,262 120,623 67,244 79,083 169,701 157,396 $ 489,306 $ 452,769 The following table sets forth certain information regarding the carrying values, weighted average yields, and maturities of the Company's investment securities portfolio, as of December 31, 2023. Yields on tax-exempt obligations have been computed on a tax equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate for 2023. Mortgage-backed investment securities include scheduled principal payments and estimated prepayments based on observable market inputs. Actual prepayments will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. One year or less One to five years Five to ten years More than ten years Total Carrying Average Carrying Average Carrying Average Carrying Average Carrying Average value yield value yield value yield value yield value yield As of December 31, 2023 (Dollars in thousands) $ 21,925 1.92% $ 73,742 2.13% $ - 0.00% $ - 0.00% $ 95,667 10,265 4,186 769 2.71% 2.71% 2.39% 44,561 18,237 96,270 2.65% 2.70% 2.47% 38,813 35,092 60,357 3.38% 3.50% 2.50% 26,984 21,568 3.85% $ 120,623 4.40% $ 79,083 - 0.00% $ 157,396 $ 37,145 2.24% $ 232,810 2.41% $ 134,262 3.02% $ 48,552 4.09% $ 452,769 2.09% 3.16% 3.52% 2.48% 2.76% Investment securities: U.S. treasury securities Municipal obligations, tax-exempt Municipal obligations, taxable Agency mortgage-backed securities Total 27 III. Loan Portfolio Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio balances by type of loan at the dates indicated. As of December 31, 2023 2022 (Dollars in thousands) One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection program loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total gross loans Net deferred loan costs and loans in process Allowance for credit losses Loans, net $ $ 302,544 21,090 320,962 180,942 - 89,680 4,507 28,931 948,656 (429) (10,608) 937,619 236,982 22,725 304,074 173,415 21 84,283 2,026 26,664 850,190 (250) (8,791) 841,149 $ $ The following table sets forth the contractual maturities of loans as of December 31, 2023. The table does not include unscheduled prepayments. 1 year or less As of December 31, 2023 6-15 years 1-5 years After 15 years Total (Dollars in thousands) One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total gross loans $ 26,002 11,387 35,445 91,580 53,649 181 3,379 $ 221,623 $ 92,435 2,912 135,941 64,997 13,738 715 9,132 $ 319,870 $ 148,864 4,600 128,636 24,326 14,779 837 16,364 $ 338,406 $ 35,243 2,191 20,940 39 7,514 2,774 56 $ 68,757 $ 302,544 21,090 320,962 180,942 89,680 4,507 28,931 $ 948,656 The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans that mature after one year and whether such loans had fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates: Fixed As of December 31, 2023 Adjustable (Dollars in thousands) Total $ 60,580 $ 215,962 $ 276,542 1,448 8,255 9,703 68,747 216,770 285,517 44,086 45,276 89,362 8,250 27,781 36,031 1,552 2,774 4,326 2,452 23,100 25,552 727,033 $ 187,115 539,918 $ $ One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total gross loans 28 Non-performing Assets. The following table sets forth information with respect to non-performing assets, including non-accrual loans and real estate acquired through foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure (“real estate owned”). The accrual of interest on non-performing loans is discontinued at the time the loan is ninety days delinquent, unless the credit is well secured and in process of collection. Loans are placed on non-accrual or are charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Under the original terms of the Company’s non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2023, interest earned on such loans for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 would have increased interest income by $96,000, $137,000 and $309,000, respectively, if included in the Company’s interest income for those years. No interest income related to non-accrual loans was included in interest income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Non-accrual loans Accruing loans over 90 days past due Non-performing investments Real estate owned, net Non-performing assets 2023 As of December 31, 2022 (Dollars in thousands) 2021 $ 2,391 - - 928 $ 3,319 $ 3,326 - - 934 $ 4,260 $ 5,230 - - 2,551 $ 7,781 Performing TDRs $ - $ 804 $ 1,488 Allowance for credit losses to total gross loans Non-performing loans to total gross loans Non-performing assets to total assets Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans 1.12% 0.25% 0.21% 443.66% 1.03% 0.39% 0.28% 264.31% 1.32% 0.79% 0.59% 167.78% The decrease in non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2023 was primarily related to a commercial real estate loan relationship totaling $1.2 million that returned to accrual status during 2023. As of December 31, 2023, no commercial real estate loans were classified as non-accrual. The decrease in non-accrual loans as of December 31, 2022 was primarily related to another commercial real estate loan relationship totaling $989,000 that returned to accrual status during 2022 and a separate land loan totaling $486,000 that paid off. At December 31, 2023, the $928,000 of real estate owned primarily consisted of three residential real estate properties, one commercial property and one parcel of land. The decrease in real estate owned as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 was due to a valuation allowance recorded against a residential real estate property. The decrease in real estate owned as of December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021 was due to the sale of $1.2 million of commercial real estate and a valuation allowance recorded against the remaining commercial real estate property. As part of the Company’s credit risk management, the Company continues to aggressively manage the loan portfolio to identify problem loans and has placed additional emphasis on its commercial real estate relationships. As discussed in more detail in the “Asset Quality and Distribution” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” as of December 31, 2023, the Company concluded its allowance for credit losses was adequate based on the evaluation of the loan portfolio’s expected credit losses. 29 IV. Summary of Credit Loss Experience The following table sets forth information with respect to the Company’s allowance for credit losses at the dates and for the periods indicated: Balances at beginning of year Adoption of ASC 326 Provision for credit losses Charge-offs: One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection program loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total charge-offs Recoveries: One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection program loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total recoveries Net recoveries (charge-offs) Balances at end of year As of and for the years ended 2022 2023 2021 (Dollars in thousands) $ 8,791 1,523 250 $ 8,775 - - $ 8,775 - 500 - - - (479) - - - (371) (850) - - - - - - - (336) (336) (81) - (540) (72) - (50) - (235) (978) - 675 - 35 - 74 - 110 894 44 10,608 $ - 165 - 38 - 59 6 84 352 16 8,791 $ 11 263 - 14 - 66 6 118 478 (500) 8,775 $ Allowance for credit losses to total gross loans Net loans charged-off (recovered) to average net loans 1.12% 0.00% 1.03% 0.00% 1.32% 0.07% The Company recorded net loan recoveries of $44,000 during 2023 compared to net loan recoveries of $16,000 during 2022. The net loan recoveries were primarily related to a $626,000 recovery related to a construction loan previously charged-off in 2011. The Company recorded net loan recoveries of $16,000 during 2022 compared to net loan charge-offs of $500,000 during 2021. The net loan recoveries were primarily related to a $150,000 recovery on a land loan. The net loan charge-offs in 2021 were primarily related to a $540,000 charge off on a previously impaired commercial real estate loan relationship that was transferred to real estate owned in 2021. 30 The distribution of the Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans at the dates indicated and the percent of loans in each category to total loans is summarized in the following table. This allocation reflects management’s judgment as to risks inherent in the types of loans indicated, but in general the Company’s total allowance for credit losses included in the table is not restricted and is available to absorb all loan losses. The amount allocated in the following table to any category should not be interpreted as an indication of expected actual charge-offs in that category. 2023 % Loan type to total loans Net charge- offs to average loans As of December 31, 2022 % Loan type to total Amount loans (Dollars in thousands) Net charge- offs to average loans 2021 % Loan type to total loans Net charge- offs to average loans Amount Amount One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection program loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total $ 2,035 150 4,518 2,486 - 1,190 15 214 $ 10,608 0.00% $ 655 31.9% 117 3.19% 2.2% 33.8% 3,158 0.00% 19.1% (0.25%) 2,753 0.00% - 0.0% 0.09% 1,966 9.5% 0.5% 0.00% 5 3.0% (0.91%) 137 100.0% 0.00% $ 8,791 27.9% 0.00% $ 623 2.7% (0.72%) 138 35.8% 0.00% 3,051 20.4% (0.03%) 2,613 0.0% 0.00% - 9.9% (0.07%) 2,221 0.2% (0.29%) 6 3.1% 0.98% 123 0.00% $ 8,775 100.0% 0.04% 25.0% 4.2% (0.96%) 0.29% 30.0% 0.04% 20.0% 2.6% 0.00% 14.2% (0.02%) 0.3% (0.28%) 0.46% 3.7% 100.0% 0.07% The increase in the allowance for credit losses on the one-to-four family residential real estate loans as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 was primarily due to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), commonly referred to as “CECL” and, to a lesser extent, higher balances of loans in the portfolio. The increase in the allocation of the allowance for credit losses on the one-to-four family residential real estate loans as of December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021 was primarily due to higher balances of loans in the portfolio. The increase in the allowance for credit losses on construction and land loans as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 was primarily related to the adoption of CECL. The decrease in the allocation of the allowance for credit losses on construction and land loans as of December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021 was primarily related to lower balances of loans in this portfolio. The increase in the allowance for credit losses on commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 was primarily related to the adoption of CECL and higher balances of loans in this portfolio. The increase in the allocation of the allowance for credit losses on commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021 was primarily related to higher balances of loans in this portfolio. The decrease in the allowance for credit losses on commercial loans as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 was primarily related to the payoff of a loan that was previously individually evaluated for loss and had an allowance for credit losses allocated against the principal balance. The increase in the allocation of the allowance for credit losses on our commercial loans as of December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021 was primarily related to higher balances of loans in this portfolio. The decrease in the allowance for credit losses on agriculture loans as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 was primarily related to the adoption of CECL. The decrease in the allocation of the allowance for credit losses on agriculture loans as of December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021 was primarily related to lower balances in this portfolio. The allowance for credit losses is discussed in more detail in the “Asset Quality and Distribution” section of “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” As of December 31, 2023, we believed the Company’s allowance for credit losses continued to be adequate based on the Company’s evaluation of the loan portfolio’s expected incurred losses. 31 V. Deposits The following table presents the average deposit balances and the average rate paid on those balances for the years indicated. (Dollars in thousands) Non-interest bearing demand Money market and checking Savings accounts Certificates of deposit Total Years ended December 31, 2023 2022 Average Balance $ 393,448 591,000 161,417 139,956 $ 1,285,821 Average Average Rate Balance $ 365,516 - 1.83% 535,693 0.08% 169,478 3.08% 98,975 $ 1,169,662 Average Rate - 0.43% 0.03% 0.42% Total deposits include uninsured deposits, excluding collateralized public fund deposits, of $197.2 million and $202.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This represents less than 15.0% of our total deposits at December 31, 2023 and compares favorably with other similar community banking organizations. Approximately 93.7% of the Company’s total deposits were considered core deposits at December 31, 2023. These deposit balances are from retail, commercial and public fund customers located in the markets where the Company has bank branch locations. The following table presents the maturities of certificates of deposit $250,000 or greater. (Dollars in thousands) Three months or less Over three months through six months Over six months through 12 months Over 12 months Total As of December 31, 2023 $ 23,919 11,069 8,697 6,545 $ 50,230 2022 $ 12,188 5,054 7,387 932 $ 25,561 VI. Return on Equity and Assets The following table presents information on return on average equity, return on average assets, equity to total assets and our dividend payout ratio. Return on average assets Return on average equity Equity to total assets Dividend payout ratio As of or for the years ended December 31, 2023 0.80% 10.70% 8.13% 35.87% 2022 2021 0.73% 8.25% 7.41% 42.55% 1.44% 13.80% 10.21% 21.11% 32 ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS An investment in our securities is subject to certain risks inherent in our business. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included in this report. In addition to the risks and uncertainties described below, other risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. The value or market price of our securities could decline due to any of these identified or other risks, and you could lose all or part of your investment. Credit Risks We must effectively manage our credit risk. There are risks inherent in making any loan, including risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers, risks of nonpayment, risks resulting from uncertainties as to the future value of collateral and risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions. In general, these risks have increased as a result of the recent increases in prevailing interest rates and uncertainties associated with inflation, which have potentially increased the risk of a near-term decline in growth or an economic downturn. We attempt to minimize our credit risk through prudent loan application approval procedures, careful monitoring of the concentration of our loans within specific industries and periodic independent reviews of outstanding loans by our credit review department. However, we cannot assure you that such approval and monitoring procedures will reduce these credit risks. Most of our loans are commercial, real estate, or agriculture loans, each of which is subject to distinct types of risk. To reduce the lending risks we face, we generally take a security interest in borrowers’ property for all three types of loans. In addition, we sell certain residential real estate loans to third parties. Nevertheless, the risk of non-payment is inherent in all types of loans, and if we are unable to collect amounts owed, it may materially affect our operations and financial performance. For a more complete discussion of our lending activities see Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our business is subject to domestic and, to a lesser extent, international economic conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control and could materially and adversely affect us. Our financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of customers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services we offer, is highly dependent upon the business environment not only in the markets where we operate, but also in the state of Kansas generally and in the United States as a whole. A favorable business environment is generally characterized by, among other factors: economic growth; efficient capital markets; low inflation; low unemployment; high business and investor confidence; and strong business earnings. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by: declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation or interest rates; high unemployment; uncertainty in U.S. trade policies, legislation, treaties and tariffs; natural disasters; acts of war or terrorism, including the current conflict in Ukraine; widespread disease or pandemics; or a combination of these or other factors. Economic conditions in the state of Kansas are generally impacted by commodity prices, which may adversely impact the Kansas economy, specifically the agriculture sector. Declines in commodity prices could materially and adversely affect our results of operations. During 2023, commodity prices declined from near record highs experienced in 2022. The outlook is for commodity prices to continue to decline modestly over the next few years before stabilizing, but are subject to global economic and market conditions. The agricultural economy in the Midwest, including Kansas, has been stable over the previous several years. A prolonged period of weakness in the agricultural economy could result in a decrease in demand for loans or other products and services offered by us, an increase in agricultural loan delinquencies and defaults, an increase in impaired assets and foreclosures, a decline in the value of our loans secured by real estate, and an inability to sell foreclosed assets. The effects of a prolonged period of a weakened agricultural economy could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 33 Continued elevated levels of inflation could adversely impact our business and results of operations. The United States has recently experienced elevated levels of inflation, with the consumer price index climbing approximately 3.4% in 2023. Continued levels of inflation could have complex effects on our business and results of operations, some of which could be materially adverse. For example, elevated inflation harms consumer purchasing power, which could negatively affect our retail customers and the economic environment and, ultimately, many of our business customers, and could also negatively affect our levels of non-interest expense. In addition, if interest rates continue to rise in response to, or as a result of, elevated levels of inflation, the value of our securities portfolio would be negatively impacted. Continued elevated levels of inflation could also cause increased volatility and uncertainty in the business environment, which could adversely affect loan demand and our clients’ ability to repay indebtedness. It is also possible that governmental responses to the current inflation environment could adversely affect our business, such as changes to monetary and fiscal policy that are too strict, or the imposition or threatened imposition of price controls. The duration and severity of the current inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision. Our allowance for credit losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses in our loan portfolio. We maintain our allowance for credit losses at a level considered appropriate by management to absorb all expected future losses expected in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. Additionally, our Board of Directors regularly monitors the appropriateness of our allowance for credit losses. The allowance is also subject to regulatory examinations and a determination by the regulatory agencies as to the appropriate level of the allowance. The amount of future credit losses is susceptible to changes in economic, operating and other conditions, including changes in interest rates and the value of the underlying collateral, which may be beyond our control, and such losses may exceed current estimates. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, our allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans, was 1.12% and 1.03%, respectively, and as a percentage of total non-performing loans was 443.66% and 264.31%, respectively. Although management believes that the allowance for credit losses is appropriate to absorb future losses on any existing loans that may become uncollectible, we cannot predict credit losses with certainty nor can we assure you that our allowance for credit losses will prove sufficient to cover actual credit losses in the future. Credit losses in excess of our reserves will adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, as of January 1, 2023, the Company was required to adopt accounting standard update (“ASU”) 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), commonly referred to as “CECL”. CECL changed how the Company calculates its allowance for credit losses by requiring the Company to determine periodic estimates of lifetime expected credit losses on loans and recognize the expected credit losses as allowances for credit losses. This is a change from the previous method of providing allowances for credit losses that are incurred. Our concentration of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans may result in lower yields and profitability. One-to-four family residential mortgage loans comprised $302.5 million and $237.0 million, or 31.9% and 27.9%, of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These loans are secured primarily by properties located in the state of Kansas. Our concentration of these loans results in lower yields relative to other loan categories within our loan portfolio. While these loans generally possess higher yields than investment securities, their repayment characteristics are not as well defined, and they generally possess a higher degree of interest rate risk versus other loans and investment securities within our portfolio. This increased interest rate risk is due to the repayment and prepayment options inherent in residential mortgage loans which are exercised by borrowers based upon the overall level of interest rates. These residential mortgage loans are generally made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayments from his or her employment and the value of the property securing the loan. Thus, as a result, repayment of these loans is also subject to general economic and employment conditions within the communities and surrounding areas where the property is located. A decline in residential real estate market prices or home sales has the potential to adversely affect our one-to-four family residential mortgage portfolio in several ways, such as a decrease in collateral values and an increase in non- performing loans, each of which could adversely affect our operating results and/or financial condition. 34 Our loan portfolio has a large concentration of real estate loans, which involve risks specific to real estate value. Real estate lending (including commercial real estate, construction and land and residential real estate) is a large portion of our loan portfolio. These categories were $644.6 million, or approximately 67.9% of our total loan portfolio, as of December 31, 2023, as compared to $563.8 million, or approximately 66.3% of our total loan portfolio, as of December 31, 2022. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of market conditions in the geographic area in which the real estate is located. Although a significant portion of commercial real estate and construction and land loans are secured by a secondary form of collateral, adverse developments affecting real estate values in one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio. Additionally, real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts, and the repayment of the loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the properties securing the loans to cover operating expenses and debt service. Economic events or governmental regulations outside of the control of the borrower or lender could negatively impact the future cash flow and market values of the affected properties, including (i) declines in the rents or decreases in occupancy and, therefore, in the cash flows generated by those real properties on which the borrowers depend to fund their loan payments to us, (ii) decreases in the values of those real properties, which make it more difficult for the borrowers to sell those real properties for amounts sufficient to repay their loans in full, and (iii) job losses of residential home buyers, which makes it more difficult for these borrowers to fund their loan payments. Adverse changes affecting real estate values, including decreases in office occupancy due to the shift to remote working environments following the COVID-19 pandemic, and the liquidity of real estate in one or more of the Company’s markets could increase the credit risk associated with the Company’s loan portfolio, significantly impair the value of property pledged as collateral on loans and affect the Company’s ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure without a loss or additional losses or the Company’s ability to sell those loans on the secondary market. If the loans that are collateralized by real estate become troubled during a time when market conditions are declining or have declined, then we may not be able to realize the amount of security that we anticipated at the time of originating the loan, which could cause us to increase our provision for credit losses and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. In light of the uncertainty that exists in the economy and credit markets nationally, there can be no guarantee that we will not experience additional deterioration in credit performance by our real estate loan customers. The Company’s loan portfolio has a large concentration of commercial real estate loans, which involve risks specific to real estate values and the health of the real estate market generally. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $342.1 million of commercial real estate loans, consisting of $100.6 million of non-owner occupied loans, $181.7 million of owner occupied loans, $38.6 million of loans secured by multifamily residential properties and $21.1 million of construction and land development loans. Commercial real estate loans represented 36.1% of the Company’s total loan portfolio and 237% of the Bank’s total capital at December 31, 2023. The market value of real estate can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of interest rates and market conditions in the area in which the real estate is located and some of these values have been negatively affected by the recent rise in prevailing interest rates. Adverse developments affecting real estate values in the Company’s market areas could increase the credit risk associated with the Company’s loan portfolio. Additionally, the repayment of commercial real estate loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the properties securing the loans to cover operating expenses and debt service. Economic events, including decreases in office occupancy due to the shift to remote working environments following the COVID-19 pandemic, or governmental regulations outside of the control of the borrower or lender could negatively impact the future cash flow and market values of the affected properties. If the loans that are collateralized by real estate become troubled during a time when market conditions are declining or have declined, then the Company may not be able to realize the full value of the collateral that the Company anticipated at the time of originating the loan, which could force the Company to take charge-offs or require the Company to increase the Company’s provision for credit losses, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. Commercial loans make up a significant portion of our loan portfolio. Commercial loans comprised $180.9 million and $173.4 million, or 19.1% and 20.4%, of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our commercial loans are made based primarily on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most often, this collateral is accounts receivable, inventory, or machinery. Credit support provided by the borrower for most of these loans, and the probability of repayment is based on the liquidation of the pledged collateral and enforcement of a personal guarantee, if any exists. As a result, in the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be 35 substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers. The collateral securing other loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. Due to the larger average size of each commercial loan as compared with other loans such as residential loans, as well as collateral that is generally less readily marketable, losses incurred on a small number of commercial loans could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. The success of our SBA lending program is dependent upon the continued availability of SBA loan programs, our status as a Preferred Lender under the SBA loan programs and our ability to comply with applicable SBA lending requirements. As an SBA Preferred Lender, we enable our clients to obtain SBA loans without being subject to the potentially lengthy SBA approval process necessary for lenders that are not SBA Preferred Lenders. The SBA periodically reviews the lending operations of participating lenders to assess, among other things, whether the lender exhibits prudent risk management. When weaknesses are identified, the SBA may request corrective actions or impose other restrictions, including revocation of the lender’s Preferred Lender status. If we lose our status as a Preferred Lender, we may lose our ability to compete effectively with other SBA Preferred Lenders, and as a result we could experience a material adverse effect to our financial results. Any changes to the SBA program, including changes to the level of guaranty provided by the federal government on SBA loans or changes to the level of funds appropriated by the federal government to the various SBA programs, may also have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. In order for a borrower to be eligible to receive an SBA loan, the lender must establish that the borrower would not be able to secure a bank loan without the credit enhancements provided by a guaranty under the SBA program. Accordingly, the SBA loans in our portfolio generally have weaker credit characteristics than the rest of our portfolio, and may be at greater risk of default in the event of deterioration in economic conditions or the borrower’s financial condition. In the event of a loss resulting from default and a determination by the SBA that there is a deficiency in the manner in which the loan was originated, funded or serviced by us, the SBA may deny its liability under the guaranty, reduce the amount of the guaranty, or, if it has already paid under the guaranty, seek recovery of the principal loss related to the deficiency from us. Management has estimated losses inherent in the outstanding guaranteed portion of SBA loans and recorded a recourse reserve at a level determined to be appropriate. Significant increases to the recourse reserve may materially decrease our net income, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Our agriculture loans involve a greater degree of risk than other loans, and the ability of the borrower to repay may be affected by many factors outside of the borrower’s control. Agriculture operating loans comprised $49.6 million and $46.3 million, or 5.3% and 5.4%, of our loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The repayment of agriculture operating loans is dependent on the successful operation or management of the farm property. Likewise, agricultural operating loans involve a greater degree of risk than lending on residential properties, particularly in the case of loans that are unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as farm equipment, livestock or crops. We generally secure agricultural operating loans with a blanket lien on livestock, equipment, food, hay, grain and crops. Nevertheless, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. We also originate agriculture real estate loans. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, agricultural real estate loans totaled $40.1 million and $38.0 million, or 4.2% and 4.5% of our total loan portfolio, respectively. Agricultural real estate lending involves a greater degree of risk and typically involves larger loans to single borrowers than lending on single-family residences. As with agriculture operating loans, payments on agricultural real estate loans are dependent on the profitable operation or management of the farm property securing the loan. The success of the farm may be affected by many factors outside the control of the farm borrower, including adverse weather conditions that prevent the planting of a crop or limit crop yields (such as hail, drought and floods), loss of livestock due to disease or other factors, declines in market prices for agricultural products (both domestically and internationally) and the impact of government regulations (including changes in price supports, tariffs, trade agreements, subsidies and environmental regulations). In addition, many farms are dependent on a limited number of key individuals whose injury or death may significantly affect the successful operation of the farm. If the cash flow from a farming operation is diminished, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. The primary crops in our market areas are wheat, corn and soybean. Accordingly, adverse circumstances affecting wheat, corn and soybean crops could have an adverse effect on our agricultural real estate loan portfolio. 36 Our business is concentrated in and dependent upon the continued growth and welfare of the markets in which we operate, including eastern, central, southeast and southwest Kansas. We operate primarily in eastern, central, southeast and southwest Kansas, and as a result, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows are subject to changes in the economic conditions in those areas. Although each market we operate in is geographically and economically diverse, our success depends upon the business activity, population, income levels, deposits and real estate activity in each of these markets. Although our customers’ business and financial interests may extend well beyond our market area, adverse economic conditions that affect our specific market area could reduce our growth rate, affect the ability of our customers to repay their loans to us and generally affect our financial condition and results of operations. Because of our geographic concentration, we are less able than other regional or national financial institutions to diversify our credit risks across multiple markets. Non-performing assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, and could result in further losses in the future. As of December 31, 2023, our non-performing loans (which consist of non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest) totaled $2.4 million, or 0.25% of our loan portfolio, and our non-performing assets (which include non-performing loans plus real estate owned) totaled $3.3 million, or 0.21% of total assets. In addition, we had $1.6 million in accruing loans that were 30-89 days delinquent as of December 31, 2023. Our non-performing assets adversely affect our net income in various ways. We do not record interest income on non-accrual loans or other real estate owned, thereby adversely affecting our net income and returns on assets and equity, increasing our loan administration costs and adversely affecting our efficiency ratio. When we take collateral in foreclosure and similar proceedings, we are required to mark the collateral to its then-fair market value, which may result in a loss. These non-performing loans and other real estate owned also increase our risk profile and the capital our regulators believe is appropriate in light of such risks. The resolution of non-performing assets requires significant time commitments from management and can be detrimental to the performance of their other responsibilities. If we experience increases in non- performing loans and non-performing assets, our net interest income may be negatively impacted and our loan administration costs could increase, each of which could have an adverse effect on our net income and related ratios, such as return on assets and equity. Interest Rate Risks Monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the money supply and credit conditions. Among the instruments used by the Federal Reserve to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits. The monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effects of such policies upon our business, financial condition and results of operations cannot be predicted. The Federal Reserve has indicated that it is working to avoid abrupt or unpredictable changes in economic or financial conditions so as not to disrupt the financial systems, also known as “shocks;” despite this, the impact of these changes cannot be certain. Vulnerabilities in the financial system can amplify the impact of an initial shock following rate increases, potentially leading to unintended volatility, as well as to disruptions in the provision of financial services, such as clearing payments, the provision of liquidity, and the availability of credit. Furthermore, asset liquidation pressures can be amplified by liquidity mismatches and the leverage of certain nonbank financial intermediaries such as hedge funds. The financial crisis in March 2020 also demonstrated that pressures on dealer intermediation can limit the availability of liquidity during times of market stress. Given the interconnectedness of the global financial system, these vulnerabilities could impact the Company’s business operations and financial condition. 37 Interest rates and other conditions impact our results of operations. Our profitability is in part a function of the spread between the interest rates earned on investments and loans and the interest rates paid on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities. Like most banking institutions, our net interest spread and margin will be affected by general economic conditions and other factors, including fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government that influence market interest rates and our ability to respond to changes in such rates. At any given time, our assets and liabilities will be such that they are affected differently by a given change in interest rates. It is currently expected that during 2024, and perhaps beyond, the Federal Open Market Committee of the Federal Reserve, or FOMC, will continue to monitor interest rates, in part to reduce the rate of inflation to its preferred level. In 2023, the FOMC increased at various dates throughout the year the target range for the federal funds rate from 4.25% to 4.50% to a range of 5.25% to 5.50%. All of these increases were expressly made in response to inflationary pressures. If the FOMC further increases the targeted federal funds rates, overall interest rates likely will rise, which may negatively impact the entire national economy. As a result, an increase or decrease in rates, the length of loan terms or the mix of adjustable and fixed rate loans in our portfolio could have a positive or negative effect on our net income, capital and liquidity. We measure interest rate risk under various rate scenarios and using specific criteria and assumptions. A summary of this process, along with the results of our net interest income simulations, is presented in the section entitled Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.” Although we believe our current level of interest rate sensitivity is reasonable and effectively managed, significant fluctuations in interest rates may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Changes in interest rates also can affect the value of loans, securities and other assets. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on loans may lead to an increase in non- performing assets and a reduction of income recognized, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. Further, when we place a loan on nonaccrual status, we reverse any accrued but unpaid interest receivable, which decreases interest income. Subsequently, we continue to have a cost to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without any interest income to offset the associated funding expense. Thus, an increase in the amount of non-performing assets would have an adverse impact on net interest income. Continued high interest rates may result in a further decline in value of our fixed-rate debt securities. The unrealized losses resulting from holding these securities would be recognized in other comprehensive income and reduce total stockholders' equity. Unrealized losses do not negatively impact our regulatory capital ratios; however, tangible common equity and the associated ratios would be reduced. If debt securities in an unrealized loss position are sold, such losses become realized and will reduce our regulatory capital ratios. Declines in value may adversely impact the carrying amount of our investment portfolio and result in other-than- temporary impairment charges. We may be required to record impairment charges on our investment securities if they suffer declines in value that are considered other-than-temporary. If the credit quality of the securities in our investment portfolio deteriorates, we may also experience a loss in interest income from the suspension of either interest or dividend payments. Numerous factors, including lack of liquidity for resales of certain investment securities, absence of reliable pricing information for investment securities, adverse changes in business climate or adverse actions by regulators could have a negative effect on our investment portfolio in future periods. The value of the financial instruments we own may decline in the future. An increase in market interest rates may affect the market value of our securities portfolio, potentially reducing accumulated other comprehensive income and/or earnings. Additionally, an increase in market interest rates may reduce the value of our loan portfolio, although, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, such a decline in value may not be reflected in the carrying balance of our loans in the same manner as our debt securities available-for-sale. The market value of these investments may be affected by factors other than the underlying performance of the servicer of the securities or the mortgages underlying the securities, such as changes in the interest rate environment, negative trends in the residential and commercial real estate markets, ratings downgrades, adverse changes in the business climate and a lack of liquidity in the secondary market for certain investment securities. In addition, we may determine to sell securities in our available-for-sale investment securities portfolio, and any such sale could cause us to realize currently unrealized losses that resulted from the recent increases in the prevailing interest rates. 38 Downgrades in the credit rating of one or more insurers that provide credit enhancement for our state and municipal securities portfolio may have an adverse impact on the market for and valuation of these types of securities. We invest in tax-exempt and taxable state and local municipal investment securities, some of which are insured by monoline insurers. As of December 31, 2023, we had $199.7 million of municipal securities, which represented 44.1% of our total securities portfolio. Even though management generally purchases municipal securities on the overall credit strength of the issuer, the reduction in the credit rating of an insurer may negatively impact the market for and valuation of our investment securities. Such downgrade could adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. Legal, Accounting and Compliance Risks Legislative and regulatory reforms applicable to the financial services industry may have a significant impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The laws, regulations, rules, policies and regulatory interpretations governing us are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time as Congress and various regulatory agencies react to adverse economic conditions or other matters. The implementation of any current, proposed or future regulatory or legislative changes to laws applicable to the financial industry may impact the profitability of our business activities and may change certain of our business practices, including the ability to offer new products, obtain financing, attract deposits, make loans, and achieve satisfactory interest spreads, and could expose us to additional costs, including increased compliance costs. These regulations and legislation may be impacted by the political ideologies of the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government as well as the heads of regulatory and administrative agencies, which may change as a result of elections. The Company and the Bank are subject to stringent capital and liquidity requirements. The Basel III Rule imposes stringent capital requirements on bank holding companies and banks. In addition to the minimum capital requirements, banks and bank holding companies are also required to maintain a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital on top of minimum risk-weighted asset ratios to make capital distributions (including for dividends and repurchases of stock) and pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers without restriction. Banking institutions that do not maintain capital in excess of the Basel III Rule standards including the capital conservation buffer face constraints on the payment of dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. Accordingly, if the Bank fails to maintain the applicable minimum capital ratios and the capital conservation buffer, distributions to the Company may be prohibited or limited. Future increases in minimum capital requirements could adversely affect our net income. Furthermore, our failure to comply with the minimum capital requirements could result in our regulators taking formal or informal actions against us, which could restrict our future growth or operations. We may be required to pay higher FDIC insurance premiums in the future. Future bank failures may prompt the FDIC to increase its premiums above the current levels or to issue special assessments. The Bank generally is unable to control the amount of premiums or special assessments that it or its subsidiary is required to pay for FDIC insurance. Any future changes in the calculation or assessment of FDIC insurance premiums may have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s results of operations, financial condition, and the ability to continue to pay dividends on common stock at the current rate or at all. 39 We are subject to changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines. Our financial performance is impacted by accounting principles, policies and guidelines. Some of these policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of our assets or liabilities and financial results. Some of our accounting policies are critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. If such estimates or assumptions underlying our financial statements are incorrect, we may experience material losses. From time to time, the FASB and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards or the interpretation of those standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. In addition, trends in financial and business reporting, including environmental social and governance (ESG) related disclosures, could require us to incur additional reporting expense. These changes are beyond our control, can be difficult to predict and could materially impact how we report our financial condition and results of operations. Changes in these standards are continuously occurring, and more drastic changes may occur in the future. The implementation of such changes could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Our business is affected from time to time by federal and state laws and regulations relating to hazardous substances. Under the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”), owners and operators of properties containing hazardous substances may be liable for the costs of cleaning up the substances. CERCLA and similar state laws can affect us both as an owner of branches and other properties used in our business and as a lender holding a security interest in property which is found to contain hazardous substances. In particular, our branch office located in Iola is located on property that has been designated as a “Superfund” site under CERCLA, and we may hold mortgages on properties located in Iola that are also designated as “Superfund” sites. While CERCLA contains an exemption for holders of security interests, the exemption is not available if the holder participates in the management of a property, and some courts have broadly defined what constitutes participation in management of property. Moreover, CERCLA and similar state statutes can affect our decision whether or not to foreclose on a property. Before foreclosing on commercial real estate, our general policy is to obtain an environmental report, thereby increasing the costs of foreclosure. In addition, the existence of hazardous substances on a property securing a troubled loan may cause us to elect not to foreclose on the property, thereby reducing our flexibility in handling the loan. Operational, Strategic and Reputational Risks We may experience difficulties in managing our growth, and our growth strategy involves risks that may negatively impact our net income. As part of our general strategy, we may acquire banks, branches and related businesses that we believe provide a strategic fit with our business. In the past, we have acquired a number of local banks and branches, and, to the extent that we grow through future acquisitions, we cannot assure you that we will be able to adequately and profitably manage this growth. Acquiring other banks and businesses will involve risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including: • • • • • • potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of banks and businesses we acquire; exposure to potential asset quality issues of the acquired bank or related business; difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of banks and businesses we acquire; potential disruption to our business; potential diversion of our management’s time and attention; and the possible loss of key employees and customers of the banks and businesses we acquire. In addition to acquisitions, we may expand into additional communities or attempt to strengthen our position in our current markets by undertaking additional branch openings. We believe that it generally takes several years for new banking facilities to first achieve operational profitability, due to the impact of organization and overhead expenses and the start-up phase of generating loans and deposits. To the extent that we undertake additional branch openings, we are likely to 40 experience the effects of higher operating expenses relative to operating income from the new operations, which may have an adverse effect on our levels of reported net income, return on average equity and return on average assets. We face intense competition in all phases of our business from other banks and financial institutions. The banking and financial services business in our market is highly competitive. Our competitors include large national and regional banks, local community banks, savings and loan associations, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies, insurance companies, finance companies, money market mutual funds, credit unions, fintech companies, and other non-bank financial service providers, many of which have greater financial, marketing and technological resources than us. Many of these competitors are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions that we are and may be able to compete more effectively as a result. Increased competition in our market may result in a decrease in the amounts of our loans and deposits, reduced spreads between loan rates and deposit rates or loan terms that are more favorable to the borrower. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our ability to grow and remain profitable. If increased competition causes us to significantly discount the interest rates we offer on loans or increase the amount we pay on deposits, our net interest income could be adversely impacted. If increased competition causes us to relax our underwriting standards, we could be exposed to higher losses from lending activities. Additionally, many of our competitors are much larger in total assets and capitalization, have greater access to capital markets and offer a broader range of financial services than we can offer. Technology and other changes are allowing consumers and businesses to complete financial transactions that historically have involved banks through alternative methods. For example, the wide acceptance of internet-based commerce has resulted in a number of alternative payment processing systems and lending platforms in which banks play only minor roles. Customers can also maintain funds in prepaid debit cards or digital currencies, and pay bills and transfer funds directly without the direct assistance of banks. The diminishing role of banks as financial intermediaries has resulted and could continue to result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and the potential loss of lower cost deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. While we do not offer products relating to digital assets, including cryptocurrencies, stablecoins and other similar assets, there has been a significant increase in digital asset adoption globally over the past several years. Certain characteristics of digital asset transactions, such as the speed with which such transactions can be conducted, the ability to transact without the involvement of regulated intermediaries, the ability to engage in transactions across multiple jurisdictions, and the anonymous nature of the transactions, are appealing to certain consumers notwithstanding the various risks posed by such transactions. Accordingly, digital asset service providers—which, at present are not subject to the same degree of scrutiny and oversight as banking organizations and other financial institutions—are becoming active competitors to more traditional financial institutions. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as “disintermediation,” could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and the lower cost of deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Potential partnerships with digital asset companies, moreover, could also entail significant investment. The financial services industry continues to undergo rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services, including internet services, cryptocurrencies and payment systems. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency as well as enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend in part upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our market area. Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. As a result, they may be able to offer additional or superior products to those that we will be able to offer, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. Accordingly, we cannot provide you with assurance that we will be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing such products and services to our customers. 41 Issues with the use of artificial intelligence in our marketplace may result in reputational harm or liability, or could otherwise adversely affect the Company’s business. Artificial intelligence, including generative artificial intelligence, is or may be enabled by or integrated into the Company’s products or those developed by its third party partners. As with many developing technologies, artificial intelligence presents risks and challenges that could affect its further development, adoption, and use, and therefore our business. Artificial intelligence algorithms may be flawed, for example datasets may contain biased information or otherwise be insufficient, and inappropriate or controversial data practices could impair the acceptance of artificial intelligence solutions and result in burdensome new regulations. If the analyses that products incorporating artificial intelligence assist in producing for the Company or its third party partners are deficient, biased or inaccurate, the Company could be subject to competitive harm, potential legal liability and brand or reputational harm. The use of artificial intelligence may also present ethical issues. If the Company or its third party partners offer artificial intelligence enabled products that are controversial because of their purported or real impact on human rights, privacy, or other issues, the Company may experience competitive harm, potential legal liability and brand or reputational harm. In addition, the Company expects that governments will continue to assess and implement new laws and regulations concerning the use of artificial intelligence, which may affect or impair the usability or efficiency of products and services and those developed by the Company’s third party partners. Attractive acquisition opportunities may not be available to us in the future. We expect that other banking and financial service companies, many of which have significantly greater resources than us, will compete with us in acquiring other financial institutions if we pursue such acquisitions. This competition could increase prices for potential acquisitions that we believe are attractive. Also, acquisitions are subject to various regulatory approvals. If we fail to receive the appropriate regulatory approvals, we will not be able to consummate an acquisition that we believe is in our best interests. Among other things, our regulators consider our capital, liquidity, profitability, regulatory compliance and levels of goodwill and intangibles when considering acquisition and expansion proposals. Any acquisition could be dilutive to our earnings and stockholders' equity per share of our common stock. Our community banking strategy relies heavily on our management team, and the unexpected loss of key managers may adversely affect our operations. Much of our success to date has been influenced strongly by our ability to attract and to retain senior management experienced in banking and financial services and familiar with the communities in our market area. Our ability to retain executive officers, the current management teams, branch managers and loan officers will continue to be important to the successful implementation of our strategy. It is also critical, as we grow, to be able to attract and retain qualified additional management and loan officers with the appropriate level of experience and knowledge about our market area to implement our community-based operating strategy. The unexpected loss of services of any key management personnel, or the inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Labor shortages and failure to attract and retain qualified employees could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition. A number of factors may adversely affect the labor force available to us or increase labor costs, including high employment levels, and decreased labor force size and participation. Although we have not experienced any material labor shortage to date, we have recently observed an overall tightening and increasingly competitive local labor market. As of December 31, 2023, Kansas's unemployment rate was 2.8%. A sustained labor shortage or increased turnover rates within our employee base could lead to increased costs, such as increased compensation expense to attract and retain employees. In addition, if we are unable to hire and retain employees capable of performing at a high-level, or if mitigation measures we may take to respond to a decrease in labor availability have unintended negative effects, our business could be adversely affected. An overall labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, increased turnover or labor inflation, could have a material adverse impact on our operations, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows. 42 The occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity- related incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. As a bank, we are susceptible to fraudulent activity, information security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents that may be committed against us or our clients, which may result in financial losses or increased costs to us or our clients, disclosure or misuse of our information or our client information, misappropriation of assets, privacy breaches against our clients, litigation or damage to our reputation. Such fraudulent activity may take many forms, including check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, phishing, social engineering and other dishonest acts. Information security breaches and cybersecurity-related incidents may include fraudulent or unauthorized access to systems used by us or our clients, denial or degradation of service attacks and malware or other cyber-attacks. In recent periods, there continues to be a rise in electronic fraudulent activity, security breaches and cyber-attacks within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector due to cyber criminals targeting commercial bank accounts. Moreover, several large corporations, including financial institutions and retail companies, have suffered major data breaches, in some cases exposing not only confidential and proprietary corporate information, but also sensitive financial and other personal information of their customers and employees and subjecting them to potential fraudulent activity. Some of our clients may have been affected by these breaches, which could increase their risks of identity theft and other fraudulent activity that could involve their accounts with us. Information pertaining to us and our clients is maintained, and transactions are executed, on networks and systems maintained by us and certain third party partners, such as our online banking, mobile banking or accounting systems. The secure maintenance and transmission of confidential information, as well as execution of transactions over these systems, are essential to protect us and our clients against fraud and security breaches and to maintain the confidence of our clients. Breaches of information security also may occur through intentional or unintentional acts by those having access to our systems or the confidential information of our clients, including employees. In addition, increases in criminal activity levels and sophistication, advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries, vulnerabilities in third party technologies (including browsers and operating systems) or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the technology, processes and controls that we use to prevent fraudulent transactions and to protect data about us, our clients and underlying transactions, as well as the technology used by our clients to access our systems. Our third party partners’ inability to anticipate, or failure to adequately mitigate, breaches of security could result in a number of negative events, including losses to us or our clients, loss of business or clients, damage to our reputation, the incurrence of additional expenses, disruption to our business, additional regulatory scrutiny or penalties or our exposure to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. We depend on information technology and telecommunications systems of third parties, and any systems failures, interruptions or data breaches involving these systems could adversely affect our operations and financial condition. Our business is highly dependent on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems, third party servicers, accounting systems, mobile and online banking platforms and financial intermediaries. We outsource to third parties many of our major systems, such as data processing and mobile and online banking. The failure of these systems, or the termination of a third party software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based, could interrupt our operations. Because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third party systems, we could experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds capacity or such third party systems fail or experience interruptions. A system failure or service denial could result in a deterioration of our ability to process loans or gather deposits and provide customer service, compromise our ability to operate effectively, result in potential noncompliance with applicable laws or regulations, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business or subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. In addition, failures of third parties to comply with applicable laws and regulations, or fraud or misconduct on the part of employees of any of these third parties, could disrupt our operations or adversely affect our reputation. It may be difficult for us to replace some of our third party vendors, particularly vendors providing our core banking and information services, in a timely manner if they are unwilling or unable to provide us with these services in the future for any reason and even if we are able to replace them, it may be at higher cost or result in the loss of customers. Any such events could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. 43 Our operations rely heavily on the secure processing, storage and transmission of information and the monitoring of a large number of transactions on a minute-by-minute basis, and even a short interruption in service could have significant consequences. We also interact with and rely on retailers, for whom we process transactions, as well as financial counterparties and regulators. Each of these third parties may be targets of the same types of fraudulent activity, computer break-ins and other cyber security breaches described above, and the cyber security measures that they maintain to mitigate the risk of such activity may be different than our own and may be inadequate. As a result of financial entities and technology systems becoming more interdependent and complex, a cyber- incident, information breach or loss, or technology failure that compromises the systems or data of one or more financial entities could have a material impact on counterparties or other market participants, including ourselves. As a result of the foregoing, our ability to conduct business may be adversely affected by any significant disruptions to us or to third parties with whom we interact. We are subject to certain operational risks, including, but not limited to, customer or employee fraud, losses related to our depositors and data processing system failures and errors. Employee errors and misconduct could subject us to financial losses or regulatory sanctions and seriously harm our reputation. Misconduct by our employees could include hiding unauthorized activities from us, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of our customers or improper use of confidential information. It is not always possible to prevent employee errors and misconduct, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. Employee errors could also subject us to financial claims for negligence. We are also subject to losses related to our depositors, whether due to simple errors or mistakes, circumvention of controls, or unauthorized override of controls by our employees, other financial institutions or other third parties. We maintain a system of internal controls and insurance coverage to mitigate against operational risks, including data processing system failures and errors and customer or employee fraud. Should our internal controls fail to prevent or detect an occurrence, or if any resulting loss is not insured or exceeds applicable insurance limits, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Our framework for managing risks may not be effective in mitigating risk and loss to us. Our risk management framework seeks to mitigate risk and loss to us. We have established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor, report and analyze the types of risk to which we are subject, including liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk, interest rate risk, operational risk, compensation risk, legal and compliance risk, cyber risk, and reputational risk, among others. However, as with any risk management framework, there are inherent limitations to our risk management strategies as there may exist, or develop in the future, risks that we have not appropriately anticipated or identified. Our ability to successfully identify and manage risks facing us is an important factor that can significantly impact our results. If our risk management framework proves ineffective, we could suffer unexpected losses and could be materially adversely affected. Financial services companies depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about customers and counterparties. In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions, we may rely on information furnished by or on behalf of customers and counterparties, including financial statements, credit reports and other financial information. We may also rely on representations of those customers, counterparties or other third parties, such as independent auditors, as to the accuracy and completeness of that information. Reliance on inaccurate or misleading financial statements, credit reports or other financial information could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. 44 Liquidity and Capital Risks Our growth or future losses may require us to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed. We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. We anticipate that our existing capital resources will satisfy our capital requirements for the foreseeable future. However, we may at some point need to raise additional capital to support continuing growth. Our ability to raise additional capital is particularly important to our strategy of growth through acquisitions. Our ability to raise additional capital depends on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, including investor perceptions regarding the banking industry, market conditions and governmental activities, and on our financial condition and performance. In particular, if we were required to raise additional capital in the current interest rate environment, we believe the pricing and other terms investors may require in such an offering may not be attractive to us. Accordingly, we cannot assure you of our ability to raise additional capital if needed on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be materially impaired. Risks Related to our Common Stock There can be no assurances concerning continuing dividend payments. Our common stockholders are only entitled to receive the dividends declared by our Board of Directors. Although we have historically paid quarterly dividends on our common stock and an annual 5% stock dividend, there can be no assurances that we will be able to continue to pay regular quarterly dividends or an annual stock dividend or that any dividends we do declare will be in any particular amount. The primary source of money to pay our cash dividends comes from dividends paid to the Company by the Bank. The Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company is subject to, among other things, its earnings, financial condition and applicable regulations, which in some instances limit the amount that may be paid as dividends. In addition, the Company and the Bank are required to maintain a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of Common Equity Tier 1 Capital on top of minimum risk-weighted asset ratios to pay dividends without additional restrictions. Failure to pay interest on our debt may adversely impact our ability to pay dividends. Our $21.7 million of subordinated debentures are held by three business trusts that we control. Interest payments on the debentures must be paid before we pay dividends on our capital stock, including our common stock. We have the right to defer interest payments on the debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters. However, if we elect to defer interest payments, all deferred interest must be paid before we may pay dividends on our capital stock. Deferral of interest payments could also cause a decline in the market price of our common stock. There is a limited trading market for our common shares, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you paid for them. Although our common shares are listed for trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “LARK,” the trading in our common shares has substantially less liquidity than many other publicly traded companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the market of willing buyers and sellers of our common shares at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. We cannot assure you that volume of trading in our common shares will increase in the future. The stock market can be volatile, and fluctuations in our operating results and other factors could cause our stock price to decline. The stock market has experienced, and may continue to experience, fluctuations that significantly impact the market prices of securities issued by many companies. Market fluctuations could adversely affect our stock price. These fluctuations have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic, systemic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, loss of investor confidence, interest rate changes, tariffs, government shutdowns, Brexit, or international currency fluctuations, may 45 negatively affect the market price of our common stock. Moreover, our operating results may fluctuate and vary from period to period due to the risk factors set forth herein. As a result, period-to-period comparisons should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. Our stock price could fluctuate significantly in response to our quarterly or annual results, annual projections and the impact of these risk factors on our operating results or financial position. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY Risk Management and Strategy. The Company relies extensively on various information systems and other electronic resources to operate its business. In addition, nearly all of the Company’s customers, service providers and other business partners on whom the Company depends, including the providers of the Company’s online banking, mobile banking and accounting systems, use these systems and their own electronic information systems. Any of these systems can be compromised, including by employees, customers and other individuals who are authorized to use them, and bad actors using sophisticated and constantly evolving set of software, tools and strategies to do so. Accordingly, the Company has devoted significant resources to assessing, identifying and managing risks associated with cybersecurity threats, as noted below: • • Identifying and assessing cybersecurity threats: The Company regularly evaluates its systems and data for potential vulnerabilities and analyzes the evolving cyber threat landscape, to ensure it proactively addresses risks before they materialize. The Company employs monitoring tools that can detect and help respond to cybersecurity threats in real-time. Integration with Overall Risk Management: Cybersecurity risks are seamlessly integrated into the Company’s broader risk management framework, ensuring a holistic view and prioritized mitigation strategies. • Management of Third-Party Risk: The Company’s comprehensive third-party management process includes rigorous due diligence, oversight and identification of cybersecurity risks associated with vendors and service providers. • Team: The Company has an internal committee that is responsible for conducting regular assessments of its information systems, existing controls, vulnerabilities and potential improvements. • Engagement of Expert Assistance: The Company leverages the expertise of independent consultants, legal advisors, and audit firms to evaluate the effectiveness of our risk management systems and address potential cybersecurity incidents efficiently. • Training: The Company conducts periodic cybersecurity training for its workforce. This information security program is a key part of the Company’s overall risk management system. The program includes administrative, technical and physical safeguards to help protect the security and confidentiality of customer records and information. These security and privacy policies and procedures are in effect across all of the Company’s businesses and geographic locations. From time-to-time, the Company has identified cybersecurity threats and cybersecurity incidents that require the Company to make changes to its processes and to implement additional safeguards. While none of these identified threats or incidents have materially affected the Company, it is possible that threats and incidents the Company identifies in the future could have a material adverse effect on its business strategy, results of operations and financial condition. 46 Governance. The Company’s management team is responsible for the day-to-day management of cybersecurity risks it faces, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. In addition, the Company’s and the Bank's boards of directors, both as a whole and through the Bank’s Enterprise Risk Management Committee (“ERM”) is responsible for the oversight of risk management, including cybersecurity risks. In that role, the boards of directors and the ERM, with support from the Bank’s cybersecurity advisors, are responsible for ensuring that the risk management processes designed and implemented by management are adequate and functioning as designed. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company has 31 offices in 24 communities across Kansas: Manhattan (2), Auburn, Dodge City (2), Fort Scott (2), Garden City, Great Bend (2), Hoisington, Iola, Junction City, Kincaid, LaCrosse, Lawrence (2), Lenexa, Louisburg, Mound City, Osage City, Osawatomie, Overland Park (2), Paola, Pittsburg, Prairie Village, Topeka (2), Wamego and Wellsville, Kansas. The Company has opened a loan production office in Missouri. The Company owns its main office in Manhattan, Kansas and 27 branch offices and leases three branch offices. The Company leases the branch offices in Topeka, Wamego and Prairie Village, Kansas and one loan production office in Kansas City, Missouri. The Company also leases a parking lot for one of the Dodge City branch offices it owns. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Company or the Bank is a party or of which any of their property is subject, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the Bank’s business. While the ultimate outcome of current legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that the resolution of these legal actions should not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not applicable. 47 PART II. ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Our common stock has traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "LARK" since 2001. At December 31, 2023, the Company had approximately 277 common shareholders of record and approximately 2,137 beneficial owners of our common stock. In January 2024, we declared our 90th consecutive cash quarterly dividend of $0.21 per share. We also distributed a 5% stock dividend for the 23rd consecutive year in December 2023. As adjusted for the stock dividend, the quarterly cash dividends were $0.20 per share in 2023. We currently have no plans to change our dividend strategy given our current capital and liquidity positions. Period Total number of shares purchased Average price paid per share Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans October 1-31, 2023 - $ - - November 1-30, 2023 - - - December 1-31, 2023 3,812 19.58 3,812 Total 3,812 $ 19.58 3,812 178,496 178,496 174,684 174,684 In March 2020, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan, permitting us to repurchase up to 225,890 shares (“March 2020 Repurchase Program”). As of December 31, 2023, there were 174,684 shares remaining to repurchase under the March 2020 Repurchase Program. Unless terminated earlier by resolution of the Board of Directors, the March 2020 Repurchase Program will expire when we have repurchased all shares authorized for repurchase thereunder. ITEM 6. [RESERVED] ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 Forward-Looking Statements This document (including information incorporated by reference) contains, and future oral and written statements by us and our management may contain, forward-looking statements, within the meaning of such term in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. Forward-looking statements, which may be based upon beliefs, expectations and assumptions of our management and on information currently available to management, are generally identifiable by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should” or other similar expressions. Additionally, all statements in this document, including forward-looking statements, speak only as of the date they are made, and we undertake no obligation to update any statement in light of new information or future events. Our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on operations and future prospects by us and our subsidiaries include, but are not limited to, the following: • The effects of changes in interest rates (including the effects of changes in the rate of prepayments of our assets) and the policies of the Federal Reserve including on our net interest income and the value of our security portfolio. 48 • The strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct our operations, including the effects of inflationary pressures and supply chain constraints on such economies, which may be less favorable than expected and may result in, among other things, a deterioration in the credit quality and value of our assets. • The effects of recent developments and events in the financial services industry, including the large-scale deposit withdrawals over a short period of time at Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic Bank that resulted in the failure of those institutions; • The economic impact of past and any future terrorist attacks, acts of war, including Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, or threats thereof, and the response of the United States to any such threats and attacks. • The effects of, and changes in, federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies affecting banking, securities, consumer protection, insurance, tax, trade and monetary and financial matters. • Our ability to compete with other financial institutions due to increases in competitive pressures in the financial services sector. • Our inability to obtain new customers and to retain existing customers. • The timely development and acceptance of products and services. • Technological changes implemented by us and by other parties, including third-party vendors, which may be more difficult to implement or more expensive than anticipated or which may have unforeseen consequences to us and our customers. • Our ability to develop and maintain secure and reliable electronic systems. • The effectiveness of our risk management framework. • The occurrence of fraudulent activity, breaches or failures of our information security controls or cybersecurity- related incidents and our ability to identify and address such incidents. • Interruptions involving our information technology and telecommunications systems or third-party servicers. • Changes in and uncertainty related to the availability of benchmark interest rates used to price our loans and deposits, including the expected elimination of LIBOR and the development of a substitute. • The effects of severe weather, natural disasters, widespread disease or pandemics (including the COVID-19 pandemic), and other external events. • Our ability to retain key executives and employees and the difficulty that we may experience in replacing key executives and employees in an effective manner. • Consumer spending and saving habits which may change in a manner that affects our business adversely. • Our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses and future growth. • The costs, effects and outcomes of existing or future litigation. • Changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by state and federal regulatory agencies and the FASB. • Our ability to effectively manage our credit risk. • Our ability to forecast probable credit losses and maintain an adequate allowance for credit losses. • The effects of declines in the value of our investment portfolio. • Our ability to raise additional capital if needed. • The effects of declines in real estate markets. • The effects of fraudulent activity on the part of our employees, customers, vendors, or counterparties. These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Additional information concerning us and our business, including other factors that could materially affect our financial results, is included in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” CORPORATE PROFILE AND OVERVIEW Landmark Bancorp, Inc. is a financial holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware and is engaged in the banking business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Landmark National Bank and in the insurance business through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Landmark Risk Management, Inc. The Company is listed on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “LARK.” The Bank is dedicated to providing quality financial and banking services to its local communities. Our strategy includes continuing a tradition of quality assets while growing our commercial, commercial real 49 estate and agriculture loan portfolios. We are committed to developing relationships with our borrowers and providing a total banking service. The Bank is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and using such deposits, together with borrowings and other funds, to originate one-to-four family residential real estate, construction and land, commercial real estate, commercial, agriculture, municipal and consumer loans. Although not our primary business function, we do invest in certain investment and mortgage-related securities using deposits and other borrowings as funding sources. Our results of operations depend generally on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from interest-earning assets and interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is affected by regulatory, economic and competitive factors that influence interest rates, loan demand and deposit flows. In addition, we are subject to interest rate risk to the degree that our interest-earning assets mature or reprice at different times, or at different speeds, than our interest-bearing liabilities. Our results of operations are also affected by non-interest income, such as service charges, loan fees, gains from the sale of newly originated loans and gains or losses on investments, and certain other non-interest related items. Our principal operating expenses, aside from interest expense, consist of, among others, compensation and employee benefits, occupancy costs, professional fees, amortization of intangibles expense, federal deposit insurance costs, data processing expenses and provision for credit losses. We are significantly impacted by prevailing economic conditions including federal monetary and fiscal policies and federal regulations of financial institutions. The Bank’s markets have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had and continues to have a complex and significant impact on the economy. Deposit balances are influenced by numerous factors such as competing investments, the level of income and the personal rate of savings within our market areas. Factors influencing lending activities include the demand for housing and the interest rate pricing competition from other lending institutions. Currently, our business consists of ownership of the Bank, with its main office in Manhattan, Kansas and thirty one additional offices in central, eastern, southeast and southwest Kansas and Missouri, and our ownership of Landmark Risk Management, Inc. Landmark Risk Management, Inc. is a Nevada-based captive insurance company. CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES Critical accounting policies are those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations, and require our management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. Our critical accounting policies relate to the allowance for credit losses and business combinations, both of which involve significant judgment by our management. On January 1, 2023, we adopted CECL, which changed our allowance for credit losses from an incurred loss methodology to an expected loss methodology. The CECL model is subject to changes in our economic forecast, which can impact the calculation of our allowance for credit losses substantially. Our most significant critical accounting estimates relate to the allowance for credit losses on loans, which involve significant judgment by our management. The analysis is updated on a quarterly basis based on historical loss information adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Additionally, the Company considers changes in economic and business conditions, changes in policies, procedures and underwriting, changes in management or staff and their related experience, changes in nature and volume of the portfolio, changes in loan review, changes in collateral values, changes in past due and nonaccrual loans, changes in competition, legal and regulatory issues, changes in concentrations and other qualitative factors, which impacts the estimate of future credit losses. These qualitative factors comprise a significant portion of the Company’s allowance for credit losses. Based on a sensitivity analysis of all collectively evaluated loan pools, a five basis point change in the qualitative risk factors across all loan categories would result in an increase or decrease of $474,000, or 4.5%, in the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023. See Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for a more detailed description methodology and impact of adoption. We have completed several business and asset acquisitions since 2002, which have generated significant amounts of goodwill. The initial value assigned to goodwill is the residual of the purchase price over the fair value of all identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is not amortized; however, it is tested for impairment at each calendar year end or more frequently when events or circumstances dictate. The Company performed a qualitative 50 assessment of factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as of December 31, 2023. This assessment included a review of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market specific considerations and other relevant factors including the Company’s market capitalization, with control premiums and valuation multiples, compared to recent financial industry acquisition multiples for similar institutions to estimate the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit. The Company’s qualitative impairment test indicated that its goodwill was not impaired. The Company can make no assurances that future impairment tests will not result in goodwill impairments. COMPARISON OF OPERATING RESULTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND DECEMBER 31, 2022 SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE. Net earnings for 2023 increased $2.4 million, or 23.9%, to $12.2 million as compared to $9.9 million for 2022. The increase in net earnings during 2023 was primarily related to an increase in interest income due to an increase in average interest earning assets and higher yields on those assets. The increase in assets was due primarily to our acquisition of Freedom Bank on October 1, 2022 and organic growth. Higher interest rates and average balances of interest bearing liabilities also increased our interest expense. The acquisition of Freedom Bank also contributed to an increase in non-interest expense in 2023. We distributed a 5% stock dividend for the 23rd consecutive year in December 2023. All per share and average share data in this section reflect the 2023 and 2022 stock dividends. INTEREST INCOME. Interest income for 2023 increased $21.5 million to $64.7 million, an increase of 49.6% as compared to 2022. Interest income on loans increased $18.3 million, or 54.6%, to $51.8 million for 2023, as compared to 2022 due to higher yields and average balances. Our yields increased from 4.77% in 2022 to 5.81% in 2023. The increase in interest income on loans was also driven by an increase in average loan balances, which increased from $702.2 million in 2022 to $891.5 million in 2023. Interest income on investment securities increased $3.3 million, or 34.5%, to $12.7 million during 2023, as compared to 2022. The increase in interest income on investment securities was primarily the result of increased yields on investment securities, which increased from 2.15% in 2022 to 2.76% in 2023. Also contributing to the increase in interest income on investment securities was an increase in the average balances of investment securities, which increased from $474.7 million in 2022 to $486.3 million in 2023. Higher market interest rates have positively impacted the yield on our loans and investment securities. INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense during 2023 increased $17.0 million, or 392.2%, to $21.4 million as compared to 2022. Interest expense on interest-bearing deposits increased $12.5 million to $15.3 million for 2023 as compared to $2.8 million in 2022. Our total cost of interest-bearing deposits increased from 0.35% during 2022 to 1.71% during 2023 as a result of higher rates and increased competition for deposits. Also contributing to the increase in interest expense was an increase in average interest-bearing deposit balances, which increased from $804.1 million in 2022 to $892.4 million in 2023, largely resulting from the acquisition of Freedom Bank. Interest expense on borrowings increased $4.6 million to $6.1 million during 2023, as compared to 2022, due to an increase in our average borrowings, which increased from $50.0 million in 2022 to $114.2 million in 2023. Also contributing to the increase in interest expense on borrowings were higher rates, which increased from 3.14% in 2022 to 5.37% in 2023. Higher market interest rates have negatively impacted our cost of interest-bearing deposits and borrowings. NET INTEREST INCOME. Net interest income represents the difference between income derived from interest- earning assets and the expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is affected by both the difference between the rates of interest earned on interest-earnings assets and the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities (“interest rate spread”) as well as the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. During 2023, net interest income increased $4.4 million, or 11.3%, to $43.3 million compared to $38.9 million in 2022. The increase in net interest income was primarily a result of an increase in interest income on loans and investments, partially offset by higher interest expense. The accretion of purchase accounting adjustments increased net interest income by $993,000 in 2023 compared to $460,000 in 2022. The increase was primarily related to fair value adjustments on loans acquired in the Freedom Bank transaction. Compared to the same period last year, the increase in interest rates raised the yields on our interest-earning assets and the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities. Our net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, decreased to 3.17% during 2023 from 3.21% during 2022. Continued increases in interest rates may not result in a higher net interest margin as a result of increased competition for loans and deposits and the impact of a negative sloping yield curve. Additionally, deposit balances may decline resulting in the need for higher cost funding. 51 PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES. On January 1, 2023, we adopted CECL and established an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) based on this framework. The ACL is based on the historical loss rates and the weighted average remaining maturity for financial assets measured at amortized costs including loans, investment securities and unfunded loan commitments. The historical loss rates are adjusted to reflect reasonable and supportable forecasts to estimate expected credit losses over the life of the financial asset. During 2023, we recorded a $349,000 provision for credit losses compared to no provision for credit losses in 2022. The $349,000 provision for credit losses during 2023 consisted of a $250,000 provision to the allowance for credit losses on loans, $80,000 to unfunded loan commitments and $19,000 to the allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity investment securities. We recorded net loan recoveries of $44,000 during 2023 compared to net loan recoveries of $16,000 during 2022. NON-INTEREST INCOME. Total non-interest income was $13.2 million in 2023, a decrease of $470,000, or 3.4%, compared to 2022. The decrease in non-interest income was primarily the result of a decrease of $1.2 million in gains on sales of one-to-four family residential real estate loans as higher interest rates and low housing inventories reduced originations of these loans, which are typically sold in the secondary market. However, higher mortgage rates did result in increased originations of adjustable-rate loans in 2023, which are maintained in our one-to-four family residential loan portfolio. Also contributing to the decrease in non-interest income was an increase in losses on sales of investment securities, which increased to $1.2 million in 2023 compared $1.1 million in 2022. Partially offsetting those decreases were increases of $569,000 in fees and service charges and $133,000 in bank owned life insurance. These increases were primarily related to the Freedom Bank acquisition. Additionally, other non-interest income increased by $146,000 from 2022 to 2023, primarily due to an increase in lease income associated with part of a branch facility that was vacant in the 2022. NON-INTEREST EXPENSE. Non-interest expense increased $713,000, or 1.7%, to $42.0 million in 2023 compared to $41.3 million in 2022. The increase in non-interest expense in 2023 compared to 2022 was mainly due to higher compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment and data processing due to the acquisition of Freedom Bank. Also contributing to the increases were higher amortization costs associated with the purchase accounting entries related to the acquisition. Professional fees increased due higher consulting costs and audit fees. Offsetting those increases was a $3.4 million decrease in acquisition costs associated with the acquisition of Freedom Bank. INCOME TAXES. We recorded income tax expense of $2.0 million in 2023 compared to $1.4 million in 2022. The effective tax rate increased from 12.7% in 2022 to 13.8% in 2023, primarily due to higher earnings before income taxes. During 2023, we recognized $517,000 of previously unrecognized tax benefits compared to $465,000 during 2022, which reduced the effective tax rates in both years. FINANCIAL CONDITION. Economic conditions in the United States continue to be stagnant during 2023 as elevated inflation levels and higher interest rates continued to impact the economy. The increase in interest rates has impacted financial institutions resulting in higher costs of funding and lower fair values for investment securities. Three large regional banks have been closed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) mainly due to liquidity concerns, resulting from interest rate risk issues and large concentrations of uninsured corporate deposits. The liquidity issues faced by these banks related to their operations and business strategies which were different than our business model. We maintain strong capital and liquidity, and a stable, conservative deposit portfolio with a majority of our deposits being retail-based and FDIC insured. We spend significant time each month monitoring our interest rate and concentration risks through our asset/liability management and lending strategies that involve a relationship-based banking model offering stability and consistency. The State of Kansas and the geographic markets in which the Company operates were also impacted by these economic headwinds. Supply chain constraints, labor shortages and geopolitical events have contributed to the rising inflation levels which are impacting all areas of the economy both nationally and locally. While nationally commercial real estate has been negatively impacted by higher interest rates and vacancies, the Company’s markets have not been impacted as much as other areas of the United States. Our allowance for credit losses included estimates of the economic impact of these conditions and other qualitative factors on our loan portfolio. However, our loan portfolio is diversified across various types of loans and collateral throughout the markets in which we operate. Aside from a few problem loans that management is working to resolve, our asset quality has remained strong over the past few years. While further increases in problem assets may arise, management believes its efforts to run a high quality financial institution with a sound asset base will continue to create a strong foundation for continued growth and profitability in the future. 52 ASSET QUALITY AND DISTRIBUTION. Our primary investing activities are the origination of one-to-four family residential real estate, construction and land, commercial real estate, commercial, agriculture, municipal and consumer loans and the purchase of investment securities. Total assets increased $58.8 million, or 3.9%, to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2023, compared to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2022. Net loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased $96.5 million, or 11.5%, to $937.6 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $841.1 million at December 31, 2022. Investment securities available-for-sale decreased $36.5 million, or 7.5%, from $489.3 million at December 31, 2022 to $452.8 million at December 31, 2023. The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for credit losses based on our economic projections. At December 31, 2023, our allowance for credit losses on loans totaled $10.6 million, or 1.12% of gross loans outstanding, compared to $8.8 million, or 1.03% of gross loans outstanding, at December 31, 2022. The increase in our allowance for credit losses on loans as a percentage of gross loans outstanding was primarily due to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2023. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately $7.5 million and $13.0 million, respectively, of loans were considered classified and assigned a risk rating of special mention, substandard or doubtful. These ratings indicate that the loans identified as potential problem loans have more than normal risk which raised doubts as to the ability of the borrower to comply with present loan repayment terms. Even though these borrowers were experiencing moderate cash flow problems as well as some deterioration in collateral value, management believed the general allowance was sufficient to cover all expected future losses expected in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. Loans past due 30-89 days and still accruing interest totaled $1.6 million, or 0.17% of gross loans, at December 31, 2023, compared to $738,000, or 0.09% of gross loans, at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, $2.4 million of loans were on non-accrual status, or 0.25% of gross loans, compared to $3.3 million, or 0.39% of gross loans, at December 31, 2022. Non-accrual loans consist of loans 90 or more days past due and certain impaired loans. There were no loans 90 days delinquent and accruing interest at December 31, 2023 and 2022. As part of our credit risk management, we continue to manage the loan portfolio to identify problem loans and have placed additional emphasis on commercial real estate and construction and land relationships. We are working to resolve the remaining problem credits or move the non-performing credits out of the loan portfolio. At December 31, 2023, we had $928,000 of real estate owned compared to $934,000 at December 31, 2022. The decrease in real estate owned as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 was primarily due to a valuation allowance recorded against a residential real estate property. As of December 31, 2023, real estate owned consisted of a commercial building, undeveloped land and three residential real estate properties. The Company is currently marketing all of the remaining properties in real estate owned. LIABILITY DISTRIBUTION. Our primary ongoing sources of funds are deposits, FHLB borrowings, proceeds from principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities and proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans and investment securities. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates and economic conditions. We experienced an increase of $15.6 million, or 1.2% in total deposits during 2023, to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2023, from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase in deposits was primarily due to higher balances of brokered deposits. Total borrowings increased $30.8 million, or 45.1%, to $99.0 million at December 31, 2023, from $68.3 million at December 31, 2022. The increase in borrowings was primarily due to funding loan growth. Non-interest-bearing deposits at December 31, 2023, were $367.1 million, or 27.9% of deposits, compared to $410.1 million, or 31.5% of deposits, at December 31, 2022. Money market and checking accounts were 46.6% of our deposit portfolio and totaled $613.6 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $626.7 million, or 48.2% of deposits, at December 31, 2022. Savings accounts decreased to $152.4 million, or 11.6% of deposits, at December 31, 2023, from $170.6 million, or 13.1% of deposits, at December 31, 2022. Certificates of deposit totaled $183.2 million, or 13.9% of deposits, at December 31, 2023, compared to $93.3 million, or 7.2% of deposits, at December 31, 2022. Competition for deposits may affect our ability to continue to increase deposit balances and could result in a decrease in our deposit balances in future periods. Certificates of deposit at December 31, 2023, scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $163.4 million. Historically, maturing deposits have generally remained with the Bank, and we believe that a significant portion of the deposits maturing in one year or less will remain with us upon maturity in some type of deposit account. 53 CASH FLOWS. During 2023, our cash and cash equivalents increased by $3.9 million. Our operating activities provided net cash of $12.6 million in 2023, which is primarily the result of net earnings and sales of one-to-four family residential mortgage loans. Our investing activities used net cash of $50.6 million during 2023, primarily to fund loan growth. Our financing activities provided net cash of $42.0 million during 2023, primarily as a result of an increase in borrowings. LIQUIDITY. Our most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents and investment securities available-for-sale. The levels of these assets are dependent on the operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given year. These liquid assets totaled $484.8 million at December 31, 2023 and $521.5 million at December 31, 2022. During periods in which we are not able to originate a sufficient amount of loans and/or periods of high principal prepayments, we generally increase our liquid assets by investing in short-term, high-grade investments. Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of our strategy. Excess funds are generally invested in short-term investments. Excess funds are typically generated as a result of increased deposit balances, while uses of excess funds are generally deposit withdrawals and loan advances. In the event we require funds beyond our ability to generate them internally, additional funds are generally available through the use of brokered deposits, FHLB advances, a line of credit with the FHLB, other borrowings or through sales of investment securities. At December 31, 2023, we had an outstanding balance of $58.0 million against our line of credit with the FHLB. At December 31, 2023, we had collateral pledged to the FHLB that would allow us to borrow $153.1 million, subject to FHLB credit requirements and policies. At December 31, 2023, we had no borrowings through the Federal Reserve discount window, while our borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve was $60.7 million. We also have various other federal funds agreements, both secured and unsecured, with correspondent banks totaling approximately $30.0 million in available credit under which we had no outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, we had subordinated debentures totaling $21.7 million and $12.7 million of repurchase agreements. At December 31, 2023, the Company had no borrowings against a $5.0 million line of credit from an unrelated financial institution maturing on November 1, 2024, with an interest rate that adjusts daily based on the prime rate less 0.50%. This line of credit has covenants specific to capital and other financial ratios, which the Company was in compliance with at December 31, 2023. The Company also borrowed $6.6 million from the same unrelated financial institution at a fixed rate of 6.15%. This borrowing matures on September 1, 2027 and requires quarterly principal and interest payments. The original balance of this borrowing was $10.0 million and was used to fund part of the acquisition of Freedom. OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS. As a provider of financial services, we routinely issue financial guarantees in the form of financial and performance standby letters of credit. Standby letters of credit are contingent commitments issued by us generally to guarantee the payment or performance obligation of a customer to a third party. While these standby letters of credit represent a potential outlay by us, a significant amount of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon. We have recourse against the customer for any amount the customer is required to pay to a third party under a standby letter of credit. The letters of credit are subject to the same credit policies, underwriting standards and approval process as loans made by us. Most of the standby letters of credit are secured, and in the event of nonperformance by the customers, we have the right to the underlying collateral, which could include commercial real estate, physical plant and property, inventory, receivables, cash and marketable securities. The contract amount of these standby letters of credit, which represents the maximum potential future payments guaranteed by us, was $1.6 million at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, we had outstanding loan commitments, excluding standby letters of credit, of $211.8 million. We anticipate that sufficient funds will be available to meet current loan commitments. These commitments consist of unfunded lines of credit and commitments to finance real estate loans. CAPITAL. Current regulatory capital regulations require financial institutions (including banks and bank holding companies) to meet certain regulatory capital requirements. The Company and the Bank are subject to the Basel III Rule that implemented the Basel III regulatory capital reforms from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain changes required by the Dodd-Frank Act. The Basel III Rule is applicable to all U.S. banks that are subject to minimum capital requirements, as well as to bank and savings and loan holding companies other than “small bank holding companies” (generally, non-public bank holding companies with consolidated assets of less than $3.0 billion). 54 The Basel III Rule requires a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 6.0%, a Total Capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 8.0%, and a Tier 1 leverage minimum ratio of 4.0%. A capital conservation buffer, equal to 2.5% common equity Tier 1 capital, is also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements (other than the Tier 1 leverage ratio). At December 31, 2023, the Bank maintained a leverage ratio of 8.7% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.7%. As shown by the following table, the Bank’s capital exceeded the minimum capital requirements in effect at December 31, 2023, including the capital conservation buffers. (dollars in thousands) Leverage Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Tier 1 Capital Total risk-based Capital Actual amount $ 134,422 134,422 134,422 144,468 Actual percent 8.68% 12.74% 12.74% 13.70% $ Minimum Minimum percent(1) amount 4.00% 7.00% 8.50% 10.50% 61,951 73,833 89,655 110,750 (1) The minimum required percent includes a capital conservation buffer of 2.5%. Banks and bank holding companies are generally expected to operate at or above the minimum capital requirements. The Company’s and the Bank’s ratios above are well in excess of regulatory minimums. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company and the Bank also exceeded the "well capitalized" thresholds, which is the highest rating available. There are no conditions or events that management believes have changed the Company’s and the Bank’s category as of the date of this report. We have $21.7 million in trust preferred securities which, in accordance with current capital guidelines, have been included in total risk-based capital as of December 31, 2023. Cash distributions on the securities are payable quarterly, are deductible for income tax purposes and are included in interest expense in the consolidated financial statements. DIVIDENDS During the year ended December 31, 2023, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.20 per share to our stockholders, as adjusted to give effect to 5% stock dividends, which we distributed for the 23th consecutive year in December 2023. The 2022 quarterly cash dividends were $0.19 per share as adjusted to give effect to 5% stock dividends. The payment of dividends by any financial institution or its holding company is affected by the requirement to maintain adequate capital pursuant to applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations. As described above, the Bank exceeded its minimum capital requirements under applicable guidelines as of December 31, 2023. The National Bank Act imposes limitations on the amount of dividends that a national bank may pay without prior regulatory approval. Generally, the amount is limited to the bank's current year's net earnings plus the adjusted retained earnings for the three preceding years. As of December 31, 2023, $12.9 million was available to be paid as dividends to the Company by the Bank without prior regulatory approval. Additionally, our ability to pay dividends is limited by the subordinated debentures associated with the trust preferred securities that are held by three business trusts that we control. Interest payments on the debentures must be paid before we pay dividends on our capital stock, including our common stock. We have the right to defer interest payments on the debentures for up to 20 consecutive quarters. However, if we elect to defer interest payments, all deferred interest must be paid before we may pay dividends on our capital stock. EFFECTS OF INFLATION Our consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which generally require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without consideration for changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation can be found in the increased cost of our operations because our assets and liabilities are primarily monetary, and interest rates have a greater impact on our performance than do the effects of inflation. 55 ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Our assets and liabilities are principally financial in nature, and the resulting net interest income thereon is subject to changes in market interest rates and the mix of various assets and liabilities. Interest rates in the financial markets affect our decisions on pricing our assets and liabilities which impacts our net interest income, a significant cash flow source for us. As a result, a substantial portion of our risk management activities relates to managing interest rate risk. Our Asset/Liability Management Committee monitors the interest rate sensitivity of our balance sheet using earnings simulation models and interest sensitivity “gap” analysis. We have set policy limits of interest rate risk to be assumed in the normal course of business and monitor such limits through our simulation process. In the past, we have been successful in meeting the interest rate sensitivity objectives set forth in our policy. Simulation models are prepared to determine the impact on net interest income for the coming twelve months, including using rates at December 31, 2023 and forecasting volumes for the twelve-month projection. This position is then subjected to a shift in interest rates of 100, 200 and 300 basis points rising and 100 basis points falling with an impact to our net interest income on a one-year horizon as follows: Scenario 300 basis point rising 200 basis point rising 100 basis point rising 100 basis point falling 200 basis point falling 300 basis point falling As of December 31, 2023 As of December 31, 2022 Dollar change in net interest income ($000’s) ($5,924) Percent change in net interest income (13.8%) Dollar change in net interest income ($000’s) ($3,245) Percent change in net interest income (6.6%) ($4,012) ($2,122) $17 ($909) ($2,037) (9.3%) (4.9%) 0.0% (2.1%) (4.7%) ($2,218) ($1,215) $747 $434 ($67) (4.5%) (2.5%) 1.5% 90.0% (0.1%) ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT Interest rate "gap" analysis is a common, though imperfect, measure of interest rate risk which measures the relative dollar amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which reprice within a specific time period, either through maturity or rate adjustment. The "gap" is the difference between the amounts of such assets and liabilities that are subject to such repricing. A "positive" gap for a given period means that the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or otherwise repricing within that period exceeds the amount of interest-bearing liabilities maturing or otherwise repricing during that same period. In a rising interest rate environment, an institution with a positive gap would generally be expected, absent the effects of other factors, to experience a greater increase in the yield of its assets relative to the cost of its liabilities. Conversely, the cost of funds for an institution with a positive gap would generally be expected to decline less quickly than the yield on its assets in a falling interest rate environment. Changes in interest rates generally have the opposite effect on an institution with a "negative" gap. The following is our "static gap" schedule. Loans include prepayment assumptions based on historical prepayment speeds. Mortgage-backed securities include published prepayment assumptions, while all other investments assume no prepayments. Certificates of deposit reflect contractual maturities only. Money market, checking and savings accounts reprice immediately in the first period. Borrowing reflects contractual repricing and maturities. We have been successful in meeting the interest sensitivity objectives set forth in our policy. This has been accomplished primarily by managing the assets and liabilities while maintaining our traditional high credit standards. 56 INTEREST-EARNING ASSETS AND INTEREST-BEARING LIABILITIES REPRICING SCHEDULE ("GAP" TABLE) As of December 31, 2023 Interest-earning assets: Investment securities Loans Total interest-earning assets Interest-bearing liabilities: Certificates of deposit Money market and checking accounts Savings accounts Borrowed money Total interest-bearing liabilities 3 months or less 3 to 12 months 1 to 5 years Over 5 years Total (Dollars in thousands) $ 4,805 228,622 233,427 $ 32,340 192,229 224,569 $ $ $ 236,365 431,353 667,718 $ $ $ $ 91,903 613,613 152,381 79,241 937,138 71,536 - - 14,201 85,737 19,713 - - 5,585 25,298 $ $ $ $ $ 182,814 96,452 279,266 $ 2 - - - $ 2 $ 456,324 948,656 1,404,980 $ $ 183,154 613,613 152,381 99,027 1,048,175 $ Interest sensitivity gap per period Cumulative interest sensitivity gap $ (703,711) (703,711) $ 138,832 (564,879) $ 642,420 77,541 $ 279,264 356,805 $ 356,805 Cumulative gap as a percent of total interest-earning assets Cumulative interest sensitive assets as a percent of cumulative interest sensitive liabilities (50.09%) (40.21%) 5.52% 25.40% 24.91% 44.78% 107.40% 134.04% 57 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Stockholders and the Board of Directors Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries Manhattan, Kansas Opinion on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Explanatory Paragraph - Change in Accounting Principle As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for credit losses in 2023 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326). The Company adopted the new credit loss standard using the modified retrospective method such that prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable generally accepted accounting principles. Basis for Opinion These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. 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. Critical Audit Matter The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates. Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans – Qualitative Factors As described in Note 1 of the consolidated financial statements and the explanatory paragraph above, the Company adopted ASC Topic 326 as of January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective method. The allowance for credit losses on loans is a 58 valuation account that is deducted from the amortized costs basis of loans to present the net amount expected to be collected on loans. The Company utilized a weighted average remaining maturity model to estimate the quantitative component of the allowance for credit losses for loans. The quantitative model was adjusted with qualitative factors, including but not limited to: changes in economic and business conditions, changes in policies, procedures and underwriting, changes in management or staff and their related experience, changes in nature and volume of the portfolio, changes in loan review, changes in collateral values, changes in past due and nonaccrual loans, changes in competition, legal and regulatory issues, changes in concentrations and other qualitative factors that could affect credit losses. We identified auditing the qualitative factors, at the date of adoption and subsequent periods as a critical audit matter as it involved significant management judgment, which in turn led to a high degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity to evaluate management’s determination and application of the qualitative factors. The primary substantive audit procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included: • Testing the completeness and accuracy of internal data and the reliability and relevance of external data used as the basis for the qualitative factors; • Evaluating the reasonableness of management’s judgments related to the determination of the qualitative factors and the accuracy of the resulting allocation of the allowance; • Analytically evaluating the qualitative factors including the magnitude of the adjustments; and • Tracing the allowance allocation from the qualitative factor analysis to the overall allowance calculation. /s/ Crowe LLP Crowe LLP We have served as the Company's auditor since 2014. Dallas, Texas March 27, 2024 59 LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Assets Cash and cash equivalents Interest-bearing deposits at other banks Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value Investment securities, held-to-maturity, net of allowance for credit losses of $91 and $0, fair value of $3,049 and $3,452 Bank stocks, at cost Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $10,608 and $8,791 Loans held for sale, at fair value Bank owned life insurance Premises and equipment, net Goodwill Other intangible assets, net Mortgage servicing rights Real estate owned, net Accrued interest and other assets Total assets Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities: Deposits: Non-interest-bearing demand Money market and checking Savings Certificates of deposit Total deposits Federal Home Loan Bank and other borrowings Subordinated debentures Repurchase agreements Accrued interest and other liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Stockholders’ equity: December 31, December 31, 2023 (Unaudited) 2022 $ 27,101 4,918 452,769 $ 23,156 9,084 489,306 3,555 8,123 937,619 853 38,333 19,709 32,377 3,241 3,158 928 28,988 1,561,672 $ 3,524 5,470 841,149 2,488 37,323 24,327 32,199 4,006 3,813 934 26,088 1,502,867 $ $ 367,103 613,613 152,381 183,154 1,316,251 $ 410,142 626,659 170,570 93,278 1,300,649 64,662 21,651 12,714 19,480 1,434,758 17,200 21,651 29,402 22,532 1,391,434 Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share, 200,000 shares authorized; none issued Common stock, $0.01 par value per share, 7,500,000 shares authorized; 5,481,407 and 5,473,894 shares issued at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Treasury stock, at cost; 3,812 and 0 shares at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity - - 55 89,208 54,282 (75) (16,556) 126,914 1,561,672 $ 52 84,273 52,174 - (25,066) 111,433 1,502,867 $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 60 LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Earnings (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Interest income: Loans Investment securities: Taxable Tax-exempt Interest-bearing deposits at banks Total interest income Interest expense: Deposits FHLB and other borrowings Subordinated debentures Repurchase agreements Total interest expense Net interest income Provision for credit losses Net interest income after provision for credit losses Non-interest income: Fees and service charges Gains on sales of loans, net Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance (Losses) gains on sales of investment securities, net Other Total non-interest income Non-interest expense: Compensation and benefits Occupancy and equipment Data processing Amortization of mortgage servicing rights and other intangibles Professional fees Acquisition costs Other Total non-interest expense Earnings before income taxes Income tax expense Net earnings Earnings per share (1): Basic Diluted Years ended December 31, 2022 2023 2021 $ 51,753 $ 33,473 $ 33,612 9,594 3,094 242 64,683 15,254 4,048 1,590 499 21,391 43,292 349 42,943 10,220 2,269 913 (1,246) 1,074 13,230 6,414 3,018 321 43,226 2,776 584 840 146 4,346 38,880 - 38,880 9,651 3,444 780 (1,103) 928 13,700 3,005 3,022 187 39,826 1,023 - 472 11 1,506 38,320 500 37,820 8,857 10,487 686 1,138 1,093 22,261 22,681 5,565 1,940 1,844 2,452 - 7,501 41,983 14,190 1,954 12,236 $ 20,405 5,118 1,580 1,446 1,892 3,398 7,431 41,270 11,310 1,432 9,878 $ 20,157 4,482 2,016 1,601 1,831 - 7,169 37,256 22,825 4,814 18,011 $ $ $ 2.23 2.23 $ $ 1.80 1.79 $ $ 3.27 3.26 (1) All per share amounts have been adjusted to give effect to the 5% stock dividends paid during December 2023, 2022 and 2021. 61 LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Dollars in thousands) Net earnings Years ended December 31, 2023 2022 12,236 9,878 $ 2021 18,011 $ $ Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities Less reclassification adjustment on losses (gains) included in earnings Net unrealized gains (losses) Income tax effect on net (losses) gains included in earnings Income tax effect on net unrealized holding (gains) losses Other comprehensive income (loss) 10,025 1,246 11,271 (305) (2,456) 8,510 (39,440) 1,103 (38,337) (271) 9,662 (28,946) (6,236) (1,138) (7,374) 279 1,528 (5,567) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 20,746 $ (19,068) $ 12,444 See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 62 LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Balance at January 1, 2021 Net earnings Other comprehensive loss Dividends paid ($0.69 per share) (1) Issuance of restricted common stock, 2,880 shares Stock-based compensation Exercise of stock options, 6,172 shares (2) 5% stock dividend, 237,569 shares Balance at December 31, 2021 Net earnings Other comprehensive loss Dividends paid ($0.76 per share) (1) Issuance of restricted common stock, 17,551 shares Stock-based compensation Purchase of 49,721 treasury shares Exercise of stock options, 112 shares (2) 5% stock dividend, 247,831 shares Balance at December 31, 2022 Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle from implementation of ASU 2016-13 Balance at January 1, 2023 Net earnings Other comprehensive income Dividends paid ($0.80 per share) (1) Issuance of restricted common stock, 5,192 shares Stock-based compensation Purchase of 3,812 treasury shares Exercise of stock options, 2,693 shares (2) 5% stock dividend, 260,640 shares Balance at December 31, 2023 Common stock Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Total Treasury stock $ 48 $ 72,230 $ 44,947 $ - $ 9,447 126,672 - - - - - - 2 50 - - - - - - - 2 52 - 52 - - - - - - - - - - - 323 22 6,545 79,120 - - - - 295 - - 4,858 84,273 - 84,273 - - - - 352 - 52 18,011 - (3,818) - - - (6,547) 52,593 9,878 - (4,198) - - - - (6,099) 52,174 (1,204) 50,970 12,236 - (4,390) - - - - 3 4,531 (4,534) - - - - - - - - - - - - - (1,239) - 1,239 - - - - - - - - (75) - - - (5,567) - - - - - 18,011 (5,567) (3,818) - 323 22 - 3,880 135,643 - (28,946) - - - - - - (25,066) - (25,066) - 8,510 - - - - - 9,878 (28,946) (4,198) - 295 (1,239) - - 111,433 (1,204) 110,229 12,236 8,510 (4,390) - 352 (75) 52 - $ 55 $ 89,208 $ 54,282 $ (75) $ (16,556) $ 126,914 (1) Dividends per share have been adjusted to give effect to the 5% stock dividends paid during December 2023, 2022 and 2021. (2) Shares from the exercise of stock options are shown net of forfeitures related to cashless exercises. See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 63 LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities: Provision for credit losses Valuation allowance on real estate owned Amortization of investment security premiums, net Accretion of purchase accounting adjustments Amortization of mortgage servicing rights and intangibles Depreciation Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance Stock-based compensation Deferred income taxes Net loss (gain) on investment securities Net (gain) loss on sales of premises and equipment and foreclosed assets Net gains on sales of loans Proceeds from sale of loans Origination of loans held for sale Changes in assets and liabilities: Accrued interest and other assets Accrued interest, expenses and other liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Net (increase) decrease in loans Net change in interest-bearing deposits at banks Maturities and prepayments of investment securities Purchases of investment securities Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities Redemption of bank stocks Purchase of bank stocks Net cash paid in bank acquisition Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment and foreclosed assets Purchase of bank owned life insurance Premiums paid on bank owned life insurance Purchases of premises and equipment, net Net cash used in investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Net increase in deposits Federal Home Loan Bank advance borrowings Federal Home Loan Bank advance repayments Proceeds from other borrowings Repayments on other borrowings Change in repurchase agreements Proceeds from exercise of stock options Payment of dividends Purchase of treasury stock Net cash provided by financing activities Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year Cash and cash equivalents at end of year (continued) 64 Years ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 $ 12,236 $ 9,878 $ 18,011 349 6 240 (993) 1,844 1,270 (913) 352 404 1,246 (1) (2,269) 80,475 (76,995) (1,276) (3,371) 12,604 (97,361) 4,150 54,537 - 354 1,481 (460) 1,446 1,134 (780) 295 (1,190) 1,103 (114) (3,444) 145,923 (140,990) 5,146 4,998 24,780 (73,571) (1,728) 53,877 500 48 2,078 (55) 1,601 997 (686) 323 808 (1,138) 5 (10,487) 344,187 (324,908) 611 (736) 31,159 47,840 (1,918) 60,904 (29,112) (226,336) (174,748) 20,913 11,192 (13,845) - - 7 (97) (995) 52,597 4,208 (6,074) (572) 1,379 - (63) (876) (50,611) (197,159) 16,623 2,418 (850) - 601 (6,000) - (1,324) (56,454) 15,591 727,629 (677,815) - (2,352) (16,688) 52 (4,390) (75) 41,952 3,945 23,156 1,758 132,454 327,360 (326,160) 10,065 (1,065) (199) - (4,198) (1,239) 6,322 (166,057) 189,213 - - - - 1,032 22 (3,818) - 129,690 104,395 84,818 $ 27,101 $ 23,156 $ 189,213 LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Continued Years ended December 31, 2022 2021 2023 $ 55 19,851 156 $ 1,104 4,032 175 $ 4,458 1,549 141 - $ 4,343 61 - $ - - $ 1,264 - 219 $ - - $ 181,350 200,033 $ - - (Dollars in thousands) Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash payments paid during the year for income taxes Cash paid during the year for interest Cash paid during the year for operating leases Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities: Transfer of loans to real estate owned Transfer of premises and equipment to real estate held for sale Operating lease asset and related liability recorded Bank acquisition: Fair value of liabilities assumed Fair value of assets acquired See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. 65 LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Landmark National Bank and Landmark Risk Management, Inc. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Bank, considered a single operating segment, is principally engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and using such deposits, together with borrowings and other funds, to originate one-to-four family residential real estate, construction and land, commercial real estate, commercial, agriculture, municipal and consumer loans. Landmark Risk Management, Inc. provides property and casualty insurance coverage to the Company and the Bank for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in today's insurance marketplace. Use of Estimates. The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Business Combinations. At the date of acquisition, the Company records the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the consolidated balance sheets at their estimated fair values, and goodwill is recognized for the excess purchase price over the estimated fair value of acquired net assets. The results of operations for acquired companies are included in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings beginning at the acquisition date. Expenses arising from the acquisition activities are recorded in the consolidated statements of earnings during the period incurred. Reserve Requirements. Regulations of the Federal Reserve require reserves to be maintained by all banking institutions according to the types and amounts of certain deposit liabilities. These requirements restrict a portion of the amounts shown as consolidated cash and due from banks from everyday usage in the operation of banks. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank did not have a minimum reserve requirement. Cash Flows. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and amounts due from banks with original maturities of fewer than 90 days, and are carried at cost. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions. Interest-Bearing Deposits in Banks. Interest-bearing deposits in other banks include investments in certificates of deposits with original maturities greater than 90 days, and are carried at cost. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), commonly referred to as “CECL.” The provisions of the update eliminated the probable initial recognition threshold under previous GAAP which requires reserves to be based on an incurred loss methodology. Under CECL, reserves required for financial assets measured at amortized cost reflect an organization’s estimate of all expected credit losses over the expected term of the financial asset and thereby require the use of reasonable and supportable forecasts to estimate future credit losses. Because CECL encompasses all financial assets carried at amortized cost, the requirement that reserves be established based on an organization’s reasonable and supportable estimate of expected credit losses extends to held-to-maturity debt securities. Under the provisions of the update, credit losses recognized on available-for-sale debt securities are presented as an allowance as opposed to a write-down. In addition, CECL modified the accounting for purchased loans. Under prior GAAP, a purchased loan’s contractual balance was adjusted to fair value through a credit discount, and no reserve was recorded on the purchased loan upon acquisition. Under CECL loans determined to be purchased credit deteriorated have an allowance for credit losses established through purchase accounting. Finally, increased disclosure requirements under CECL oblige organizations to present credit quality disclosures disaggregated by the year of origination or vintage. FASB expects that the evaluation of underwriting standards and credit quality trends by financial statement users will be enhanced with the additional vintage disclosures. In October 2019, the FASB approved a change in the effective dates for CECL which delayed the effective date to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 for smaller reporting companies. On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted CECL. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity investment securities. It also applies to off-balance credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments and 66 standby letters of credit). In addition, ASC 326 made changes to the accounting for available-for-sale investment securities management does not intend to sell or believes that it is more likely than not they will be required to sell. The Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Results for the reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under ASC 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP requirements. The adoption of CECL resulted in an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans of $1.5 million, an initial allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity investment securities of $72,000, an increase in deferred tax assets of $391,000 and a decrease in retained earnings of $1.2 million. The increases in allowance for credit losses is primarily due to moving to a weighted average remaining maturity allowance methodology and the transition of purchase accounting discounts on loans from an adjustment to amortized cost in the allowance calculation. The following table illustrates the impact of ASC 326: (Dollars in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: January 1, 2023 As reported under ASC 326 Pre-ASC 326 adoption Impact of ASC 326 adoption Held-to-maturity investment securities $ 72 $ - $ 72 One-to-four family residential real estate loans $ 1,677 $ 655 $ 1,022 Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection program loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans 166 4,221 2,898 - 1,142 16 194 117 3,158 2,753 - 1,966 5 137 49 1,063 145 - (824) 11 57 Total allowance for credit losses for loans $ 10,314 $ 8,791 $ 1,523 Unfunded loan commitments $ 170 $ 170 $ - Investment Securities. Investment securities are classified as held-to-maturity when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Securities are classified as available-for-sale when they might be sold before maturity. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost while available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts on securities are amortized on the level-yield method without anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage backed securities where prepayments are anticipated. Realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities are recorded on a trade date basis and are calculated using the specific identification method. Allowance for Credit Losses – Held-to-Maturity Investment Securities. Management measures expected credit losses on held-to-maturity investment securities on a collective basis by major security type. Accrued interest is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical loss information adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Allowance for Credit Losses – Available-for-Sale Investment Securities. For available-for-sale investment securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or is more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For securities that 67 do not meet the aforementioned criteria, 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, the current interest rate environment, changes to rating of the security or security issuer, and adverse conditions specifically related to the 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 are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected was less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses would be recorded for the credit loss, which is limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for or reversal of credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance for credit losses when the Company determines the available-for-sale security is uncollectible or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. The Company does not estimate credit losses on available-for-sale security accrued interest receivable. Bank Stocks. Bank stocks are investments acquired for regulatory purposes and borrowing availability and are accounted for at cost. The cost of such investments represents their redemption value as such investments do not have a readily determinable fair value. The Company evaluates bank stocks for other-than-temporary impairment by analyzing the ultimate recoverability based on a credit analysis of the issuer. Acquired Loans. Acquired loans are recorded at estimated fair value at the time of acquisition. The Company’s acquired loans were not acquired with deteriorated credit quality. Estimated fair values of acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considers various factors including the type of loan and related collateral, the expected timing of cash flows, classification status, fixed or variable interest rate, term of loan and whether or not the loan is amortizing, and a discount rate reflecting the Company’s assessment of risk inherent in the cash flow estimates. Discounts or premiums created when acquired loans are recorded at their estimated fair values are accreted or amortized over the remaining term of the loan as an adjustment to the related loan’s yield. Similar to originated loans described below, the accrual of interest income on acquired loans is discontinued when the collection of principal or interest, in whole or in part, is doubtful. Loans. Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost. The amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding net of previous charge-offs, and for purchased loans, net of unamortized purchase premiums and discounts. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Origination fees received on loans held in portfolio and the estimated direct costs of origination are deferred and amortized to interest income using the level yield method without anticipating prepayments. The accrual of interest on non-performing loans is discontinued at the time the loan is ninety days delinquent, unless the credit is well secured and in process of collection. Loans are placed on non-accrual or are charged off at an earlier date if collection of the principal or interest is considered doubtful. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on non-accrual or charged off is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash basis or cost recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are evaluated individually and are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on loans. The analysis is updated on a quarterly basis based on historical loss information adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Additionally, the Company considers asset quality trends, composition and trends in the loan portfolio, underlying collateral values, industry trends and other pertinent factors, including regulatory recommendations. The level of the allowance for credit losses maintained by management is believed adequate to absorb all expected future losses expected in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is adjusted through provision for credit losses and charge-offs, net of recoveries of amounts previously charged off. The allowance for credit losses 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. 68 One-to-Four Family Residential Real Estate. One-to-four family residential real estate loans consists primarily of loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties. Repayment is primarily dependent on the personal cash flow of the borrower. Construction and Land. Construction and land loans consist primarily of loans to facilitate the development of both residential and commercial real estate. Repayment is primarily dependent on the completion of the development and refinancing to longer term financing. Commercial Real Estate. Commercial real estate loans consist primarily of loans secured by office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses, retail buildings and multi-family housing and are primarily owner-occupied. For such loans, repayment is largely dependent upon the operation of the borrower's business. Commercial. Commercial 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. Agriculture. Agriculture loans include operating and real estate loans to agriculture enterprises. Generally, the borrower’s ability to repay is based on the cash flows from farming operations. Municipal. Municipal loans are generally related to equipment leasing or general fund loans. Repayment is primarily dependent on the tax revenue of the municipal entity. Consumer. Consumer loans include automobile, boat, home improvement and home equity loans. Repayment is primarily dependent on the personal cash flow of the borrower. The Company utilizes a weighted average remaining maturity allowance methodology to calculate the quantitative component of the allowance for credit losses. Historical loss rates are adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Following the economic forecast period loss rates revert back to historical loss rates over a reasonable period of time. Additional adjustments for qualitative factors are included to quantify the risks within each of the loan categories that are not included in the historical loss rates or economic projections. These adjustments include but are not limited to: changes in economic and business conditions, changes in policies, procedures and underwriting, changes in management or staff and their related experience, changes in nature and volume of the portfolio, changes in loan review, changes in collateral values, changes in past due and nonaccrual loans, changes in competition, legal and regulatory issues, changes in concentrations and other qualitative factors that could affect credit losses. The data for the allowance calculation may be obtained from internal or external sources. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with the collectively evaluated pools are evaluated on an individual basis and are excluded from the collectively evaluated loan pools. Such loans are evaluated for credit losses based on either discounted cash flows or the fair value of collateral. The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual term of obligations to extend credit, unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable. The allowance for off-balance-sheet exposures is adjusted through the provision for credit losses. The estimates are determined based on the likelihood of funding during the contractual term and an estimate of credit losses subsequent to funding. Estimated credit losses on subsequently funded balances are based on the same assumptions used to estimated credit losses on loans. In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures which eliminated the recognition and measurement guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) by creditors in ASC 310-40. The update also enhanced disclosure required for loan restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Specifically, rather than applying the recognition and measurement guidance for TDRs, an entity will apply the loan refinancing and restructuring guidance to determine whether a modification or other form of restructuring results in a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. Additionally, the amendments to this ASU require a public business entity to disclose current period gross charge-offs by year of origination for loans in the vintage disclosures. 69 On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02, electing the prospective approach. The adoption did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition. The disclosures in this document have been updated to reflect the new guidance. Loans Modifications. Loan modifications, including modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, are treated as a new loan if two conditions are met. The terms of the new loan are at least as favorable to the Company as the terms for comparable loans to other customers with similar collection risks and modifications to the terms of the original loan are more than minor. Loans Held for Sale. Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at fair value. The fair value includes the servicing value of the loans as well as any accrued interest. Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights retained. The carrying value of mortgage loans sold is reduced by the amount allocated to the servicing right. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold. Mortgage Servicing Rights. When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be recorded in amortization of intangibles in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Changes in valuation allowances are included in amortization expense on the income statement. The fair values of servicing rights are subject to significant fluctuations as a result of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds, default rates and losses. Transfers of Financial Assets. Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Mortgage Loan Repurchase Reserve. The Company routinely sells one-to-four family residential mortgage loans to secondary mortgage market investors. Under standard representations and warranties clauses in the Company’s mortgage sale agreements, the Company may be required to repurchase mortgage loans sold or reimburse the investors for credit losses incurred on those loans if a breach of the contractual representations and warranties occurred. The Company establishes a mortgage repurchase liability in an amount equal to management’s estimate of losses on loans for which the Company could have a repurchase obligation or loss reimbursement. The estimated liability incorporates the volume of loans sold in previous periods, default expectations, historical investor repurchase demand and actual loss severity. Provisions to the mortgage repurchase reserve reduce gains on sales of loans. Premises and Equipment. Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major replacements and betterments are capitalized while maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred. Gains or losses on dispositions are reflected in earnings as incurred. Bank Owned Life Insurance. The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key officers. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. 70 Goodwill and Intangible Assets. Goodwill is not amortized; however, it is tested for impairment at each calendar year end or more frequently when events or circumstances dictate. The Company performed a qualitative assessment of factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount as of December 31, 2023. This assessment included a review of macroeconomic conditions, industry and market specific considerations and other relevant factors including the Company’s market capitalization, with control premiums and valuation multiples, compared to recent financial industry acquisition multiples for similar institutions to estimate the fair value of the Company’s single reporting unit. A goodwill impairment would be recorded for the amount that the carrying value exceeds the implied fair value. Intangible assets include core deposit intangibles. Core deposit intangible assets are amortized over their estimated useful life of ten years on an accelerated basis. When facts and circumstances indicate potential impairment, the Company will evaluate the recoverability of the intangible asset’s carrying value, using estimates of undiscounted future cash flows over the remaining asset life. Any impairment loss is measured by the excess of carrying value over fair value. Income Taxes. The objective of accounting for income taxes is to recognize the amount of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in an entity’s financial statements or tax returns. Judgment is required in assessing the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in financial statements or tax returns. Uncertain income tax positions will be recognized only if it is more likely than not that they will be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities, based upon their technical merits. Once that standard is met, the amount recorded will be the largest amount of benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. The Company assesses deferred tax assets to determine if the items are more likely than not to be realized, and a valuation allowance is established for any amounts that are not more likely than not to be realized. Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments. Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. Loss Contingencies. Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there now are such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements. Comprehensive Income. Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, net of tax which are also recognized as separate components of equity. Real Estate Owned. Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. Physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan occurs when legal title is obtained upon completion of foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. These assets are subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Operating costs after acquisition are expensed. Stock-Based Compensation. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate the grant date fair value of its stock options, which is recognized as compensation expense over the option vesting period, on a straight-line basis, which is typically four years. The fair value of restricted common stock is equal to the Company’s stock price on the grant date, which is recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The Company accounts for forfeitures as they occur. Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share represent net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued. The diluted earnings per share computation for 2023, 71 2022 and 2021 excluded 166,561, 51,718 and 56,324, respectively, of unexercised stock options because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share, which have been adjusted to give effect to the 5% common stock dividends paid by the Company in December 2023, 2022 and 2021, are shown below: (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Years ended December 31, 2022 2023 2021 Net earnings available to common shareholders $ 12,236 $ 9,878 $ 18,011 Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Assumed exercise of stock options Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted Earnings per share: Basic Diluted 5,477,700 3,100 5,480,800 5,492,286 15,767 5,508,053 5,506,487 13,303 5,519,790 $ $ 2.23 2.23 $ $ 1.80 1.79 $ $ 3.27 3.26 Derivative Financial Instruments. Commitments to fund mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free standing derivatives. The fair value of the interest rate lock is recorded at the time the commitment to fund the mortgage loan is executed and is adjusted for the expected exercise of the commitment before the loan is funded. In order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans, the Company enters into forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the interest on the loan is locked. Changes in the fair values of these derivatives are included in net gains on sales of loans. Dividend Restriction. Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to shareholders. Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates. Reclassifications. Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to the current presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or stockholders’ equity. (2) Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), commonly referred to as “CECL.” The Company adopted CECL effective January 1, 2023. The impact of the adoption and additional details are included in Note 1. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The amendments in this update simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments require an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The amendments also eliminate the requirement for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual or interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. In October 2019, the FASB approved a change in the effective dates for ASU 2017-04 which delayed the effective date to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 for smaller reporting companies. The Company adopted 72 ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2023. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition. In May 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. Reference rate reform relates to the effects undertaken to eliminate certain reference rates such as the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and introduce new reference rates that may be based on larger or more liquid observations and transactions. ASU 2020-04 provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other contracts. Generally, ASU 2020-04 would allow entities to consider contract modifications due to reference rate reform to be a continuation of an existing contract; thus, the Company would not have to determine if the modification is considered insignificant. The standard was effective upon issuance and the amendments may be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022 such that changes made to contracts beginning on or after January 1, 2023 would not apply. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date, which extended the sunset date from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2023, the Company does not have any instruments tied to LIBOR. The adoption of ASU 2020-04 did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition. (3) Acquisition On October 1, 2022, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Freedom Bancshares, Inc., in exchange for $33.4 million of cash. Freedom Bancshares, Inc. was the holding company of Freedom Bank. Freedom Bank was founded in 2006 and operated out of a single location in Overland Park, Kansas. The acquisition was effected through the merger of Freedom Bancshares, Inc. with and into the Bank. The purchase price was financed with $10.0 million of debt issued by Company and through cash received from a dividend from the Bank. The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting, and as such, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Acquired loans were recorded at fair value at the acquisition date and no separate valuation allowance was established. No purchased credit impaired loans were acquired. Market value adjustments are accreted or amortized on a level yield basis over the expected term of the asset or liability. Additionally, the Company recorded a core deposit intangible of $4.2 million. The core deposit intangible is amortized on an accelerated basis over the estimated useful life of the deposits. Goodwill of $14.7 million from the acquisition consisted largely of synergies and the cost savings resulting from the combining of the operations of the banks. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. During 2023, goodwill was increased by $178,000 due to adjustments related to filing final tax returns for Freedom Bancshares, Inc and Freedom Bank, which are reflected in the table below. The Company incurred $3.4 million of acquisition related costs relating to the acquisition during 2022, of which $3.1 million was deductible for income tax purposes. Results of the operations of the acquired business are included in the income statement from the effective date of the acquisition. 73 The following table summarizes the consideration paid for Freedom Bancshares, Inc. and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date: (Dollars in thousands) Cash paid in acquisition Assets acquired: Cash and cash equivalents Investment securities Bank stocks Loans Bank owned life insurance Premises and equipment Core deposit intangibles Other Total assets acquired Liabilities assumed: Deposits FHLB advances Other borrowings Other liabilities Total liabilities assumed Net assets acquired As of October 1, 2022 $ 33,350 32,778 33,126 699 113,910 4,374 3,782 4,170 7,016 199,855 150,410 7,000 22,198 1,742 181,350 18,505 Goodwill $ 14,845 The fair value of net assets acquired includes fair value adjustments to certain receivables that were not considered impaired as of the acquisition date. The fair value adjustments were determined using discounted contractual cash flows. However, the Company believes that all contractual cash flows related to these financial instruments will be collected. As such, these receivables, which have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination were not considered impaired at the acquisition date and were not subject to the guidance relating to purchased credit impaired loans. Receivables acquired that were not subject to these requirements include non-impaired loans with a fair value and gross contractual amounts receivable of $113.9 million and $118.1 million on the date of acquisition. Unaudited pro forma consolidated operating results for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, as if the acquisition was consummated on January 1 of that year are as follows: (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Net interest income Net earnings Earnings per share (1): Basic Diluted Years ended December 31, 2022 2021 $ 44,750 9,098 $ 45,942 19,922 1.66 1.65 3.62 3.61 (1) All per share amounts have been adjusted to give effect to the 5% stock dividends paid during December 2022 and 2021. 74 (4) Investment Securities A summary of investment securities available-for-sale and securities held-to-maturity is as follows: (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2023 Gross Gross Amortized unrealized unrealized cost gains losses Estimated fair value Available-for-sale: U. S. treasury securities Municipal obligations, tax exempt Municipal obligations, taxable Agency mortgage-backed securities $ 99,340 $ - $ (3,673) $ 95,667 122,775 82,926 169,656 186 225 247 (2,338) (4,068) (12,507) 120,623 79,083 157,396 Total available-for-sale $ 474,697 $ 658 $ (22,586) $ 452,769 Held-to-maturity: Other $ 3,555 $ - $ (506) $ 3,049 Total held-to-maturity $ 3,555 $ - $ (506) $ 3,049 (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2022 Gross Gross Amortized unrealized unrealized cost gains losses Estimated fair value Available-for-sale: U. S. treasury securities U. S. federal agency obligations Municipal obligations, tax exempt Municipal obligations, taxable Agency mortgage-backed securities $ 130,684 $ - $ (7,573) $ 123,111 2,002 130,848 73,520 185,451 - 59 14 172 (14) (3,645) (6,290) (15,922) 1,988 127,262 67,244 169,701 Total available-for-sale $ 522,505 $ 245 $ (33,444) $ 489,306 Held-to-maturity: Other $ 3,524 $ 5 $ (77) $ 3,452 Total held-to-maturity $ 3,524 $ 5 $ (77) $ 3,452 The tables above show that some of the securities in the available-for-sale and held-to-maturity investment portfolio had unrealized losses, or were temporarily impaired, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. This temporary impairment represents the estimated amount of loss that would be realized if the securities were sold on the valuation date. 75 The following table summarizes securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss positions for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded at December 31, 2023 along with length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position. (Dollars in thousands) Available-for-sale U. S. treasury securit ies Municipal obligations, tax exempt Municipal obligations, taxable Agency mortgage-backed securities T otal available-for-sale No. of securit ies 47 229 110 100 486 Less t han 12 months Fair value $ Unrealized losses $ 1,129 31,468 17,278 6,480 56,355 As of December 31, 2023 12 months or longer Fair value Unrealized losses T ot al Fair value Unrealized losses $ $ $ $ (7) (337) (151) (68) (563) 93,833 64,962 52,212 128,512 339,519 (3,666) (2,001) (3,917) (12,439) (22,023) 94,962 96,430 69,490 134,992 395,874 (3,673) (2,338) (4,068) (12,507) (22,586) $ $ $ $ $ $ Securities which were temporarily impaired are shown below, along with the length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position. (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2022 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer T otal Available-for-sale No. of securities Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses Fair value Unrealized losses U. S. treasury securities 67 $ 85,988 $ (4,591) $ 37,123 $ (2,982) $ 123,111 $ (7,573) U. S. federal agency obligations Municipal obligations, tax exempt Municipal obligations, taxable Agency mortgage-backed securities 1 274 108 100 1,988 107,262 54,746 78,971 (14) (3,020) (5,006) - 8,495 7,571 - 1,988 (625) 115,757 (1,284) 62,317 (14) (3,645) (6,290) (4,550) 79,882 (11,372) 158,853 (15,922) T ot al available-for-sale 550 $ 328,955 $ (17,181) $ 133,071 $ (16,263) $ 462,026 $ (33,444) Other T ot al 6 6 $ 3,009 $ (77) $ - $ - $ 3,009 $ (77) $ 3,009 $ (77) $ - $ - $ 3,009 $ (77) The Company’s U.S. treasury portfolio consists of securities issued by the United States Department of the Treasury. The receipt of principal and interest on U.S. treasury securities is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Based on these factors, along with the Company’s intent to not sell the security and its belief that it was more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, the Company believed that the U.S. treasury securities identified in the tables above were temporarily impaired. The Company’s portfolio of municipal obligations consists of both tax-exempt and taxable general obligations securities issued by various municipalities. As of December 31, 2023, the Company did not intend to sell and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell its municipal obligations in an unrealized loss position until the recovery of its cost basis. Due to the issuers’ continued satisfaction of the securities’ obligations in accordance with their contractual terms and the expectation that they will continue to do so, the evaluation of the fundamentals of the issuers’ financial condition and other objective evidence, the Company believed that the municipal obligations identified in the tables above were temporarily impaired. The Company’s agency mortgage-backed securities portfolio consists of securities underwritten to the standards of and guaranteed by the government-sponsored agencies of FHLMC, FNMA and the GNMA. The receipt of principal, at par, and interest on agency mortgage-backed securities is guaranteed by the respective government-sponsored agency guarantor, such that the Company believed that its agency mortgage-backed securities did not expose the Company to credit-related losses. Based on these factors, along with the Company’s intent to not sell the securities and the Company’s belief that it was more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of their cost basis, the Company believed that the agency mortgage-backed securities identified in the tables above were temporarily impaired. The Company’s other investment securities portfolio consists of seven subordinated debentures issued by financial institutions. These investment securities were acquired in the Freedom Bank acquisition and classified as held-to-maturity. 76 The securities were issued in 2021 and 2022 with a 10 year maturity and a fixed rate for five years. The securities are callable after the end of the fixed rate term. Due to the issuers’ continued satisfaction of the securities’ obligations in accordance with their contractual terms and the expectation that they will continue to do so, the evaluation of the fundamentals of the issuers’ financial condition and other objective evidence, the Company believed that the other securities identified in the tables above were temporarily impaired. The following table provides information on the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to held-to-maturity investment securities. (Dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2023 $ - Impact of adopting ASC 326 Provision for credit losses 72 19 Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 91 The table below includes scheduled principal payments and estimated prepayments, based on observable market inputs, for agency mortgage-backed securities. Actual maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities at December 31, 2023 are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Available-for-sale: Due in less than one year Due after one year but within five years Due after five years but within ten years Due after ten years Total available-for-sale Held-to-maturity: Due after five years but within ten years Total held-to-maturity Amortized cost Estimated fair value $ $ 37,665 244,383 142,669 49,980 474,697 37,145 232,810 134,262 48,552 452,769 $ $ $ $ 3,555 3,555 $ $ 3,049 3,049 The Company has not sold any investment securities subsequent to December 31, 2023 and the date of this filing. Sales proceeds and gross realized gains and losses on sales of available-for-sale securities are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2022 2023 2021 Sales proceeds $ 20,913 $ 52,597 $ 16,623 Realized gains Realized losses Net realized (losses) gains $ - (1,246) (1,246) $ - $ (1,103) (1,103) $ $ $ 1,138 - 1,138 Securities with carrying values of $380.4 million and $420.8 million were pledged to secure public funds on deposit, repurchase agreements and as collateral for borrowings at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, all of the Company’s investment securities were performing and there were no securities on non-accrual status. Except for U.S. treasuries and federal agency obligations, no investment in a single issuer exceeded 10% of consolidated stockholders’ equity. 77 (5) Bank Stocks Bank stocks primarily consist of restricted investments in FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock. The carrying value of the FHLB stock at December 31, 2023 was $5.0 million compared to $2.4 million at December 31, 2022. The carrying value of the FRB stock at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 was $3.0 million. These securities are not readily marketable and are required for regulatory purposes and borrowing availability. Since there are no available market values, these securities are carried at cost. Redemption of these investments at par value is at the option of the FHLB or FRB, as applicable. Also included in Bank stocks are other miscellaneous investments in the common stock of various correspondent banks which are held for borrowing purposes and totaled $111,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022. (6) Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses Loans consisted of the following: (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2023 2022 $ $ 302,544 21,090 320,962 180,942 - 89,680 4,507 28,931 948,656 (429) (10,608) 937,619 236,982 22,725 304,074 173,415 21 84,283 2,026 26,664 850,190 (250) (8,791) 841,149 $ $ One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection program loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total gross loans Net deferred loan (fees) costs and loans in process Allowance for credit losses Loans, net 78 The following tables provide information on the Company’s allowance for credit losses by loan class and allowance methodology: (Dollars in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: Balance at January 1, 2023 Impact of adopting ASC 326 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for credit losses Balance at December 31, 2023 (Dollars in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2023 One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 117 49 - 675 (691) 150 3,158 1,063 - - 297 4,518 2,753 145 (479) 35 32 2,486 1,966 (824) - 74 (26) 1,190 5 $ 11 - - (1) 15 $ 137 57 (371) 110 281 214 8,791 1,523 (850) 894 250 10,608 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 655 1,022 - - 358 2,035 Year ended December 31, 2022 One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total Allowance for credit losses: Balance at January 1, 2022 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for credit losses Balance at December 31, 2022 Allowance for credit losses: Individually evaluated for loss Collectively evaluated for loss Total Loan balances: Individually evaluated for loss Collectively evaluated for loss Total (Dollars in thousands) Allowance for credit losses: Balance at January 1, 2021 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision for credit losses Balance at December 31, 2021 Allowance for credit losses: Individually evaluated for loss Collectively evaluated for loss Total Loan balances: Individually evaluated for loss Collectively evaluated for loss Total $ $ $ $ $ 623 $ - - 32 655 $ 138 $ - 165 (186) 117 $ 3,051 - - 107 3,158 2,613 - 38 102 2,753 2,221 - 59 (314) 1,966 $ 6 - 6 (7) $ 5 123 (336) 84 266 137 8,775 (336) 352 - 8,791 $ $ $ $ $ - $ 655 655 $ - $ 117 117 $ - $ 3,158 3,158 $ $ 636 2,117 2,753 $ $ 326 236,656 236,982 $ $ $ 412 22,313 22,725 1,224 302,850 304,074 $ 812 172,603 173,415 $ $ $ $ 18 1,948 1,966 $ $ - 5 $ 5 - $ 137 137 $ $ 654 8,137 8,791 $ $ 1,319 82,964 84,283 $ $ 36 1,990 2,026 $ - $ 26,664 26,664 $ $ 4,129 846,061 850,190 $ - $ - - - $ - - $ - $ - - $ 21 21 $ Year ended December 31, 2021 One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total $ $ $ $ $ $ 859 (81) 11 (166) 623 181 $ - 263 (306) 138 $ 2,482 (540) - 1,109 3,051 2,388 (72) 14 283 2,613 - $ - - - $ - 2,690 (50) 66 (485) 2,221 $ 6 - 6 (6) $ 6 169 (235) 118 71 123 8,775 (978) 478 500 8,775 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ - 623 623 $ $ - 138 138 $ $ - 3,051 3,051 $ $ 504 2,109 2,613 $ - - $ - $ - 2,221 2,221 $ $ - 6 $ 6 $ - 123 123 $ $ 504 8,271 8,775 $ $ $ 578 165,503 166,081 $ $ $ 794 26,850 27,644 2,214 196,258 198,472 $ 1,029 131,125 132,154 $ - $ 17,179 17,179 $ $ 2,067 92,200 94,267 $ $ 36 2,014 2,050 $ - $ 24,541 24,541 $ $ 6,718 655,670 662,388 $ $ $ 79 The Company recorded net loan recoveries of $44,000 during 2023 compared to net loan charge recoveries of $16,000 during 2022 and net loan charge-offs of $500,000 during 2021. The following table presents information on non-accrual status and loans past due over 89 days and still accruing: (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2023 Non-accrual with no allowance for credit loss Non-accrual with allowance for credit losses Loans past due over 89 days still accruing One-to-four family residential real estate loans Commercial loans Agriculture loans Consumer loans Total loans $ $ 161 363 295 24 843 31 1,517 - - 1,548 - $ - - - $ - $ $ The Company has certain loans for which repayment is dependent upon the operation or sale of collateral, as the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The underlying collateral can vary based upon the type of loan. The following table presents information on the amortized cost basis and collateral type of collateral-dependent loans: (Dollars in thousands) Loan balance Collateral Type As of December 31, 2023 One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Agriculture loans Consumer loans Total loans $ 192 192 1,205 2,054 682 24 4,349 $ First mortgage on residential real estate First mortgage on residential or commercial real estate First mortgage on commercial real estate Accounts receivable, equipment and real estate Crops, livestock, machinery and real estate Personal property or second mortgages on real estate 80 The following tables present information on impaired loans: (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2022 Unpaid contractual principal Impaired loan balance Impaired loans without an allowance Impaired loans with an allowance Related allowance recorded Year-to- date average loan balance Year-to- date interest income recognized One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Total impaired loans One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Total impaired loans $ $ $ $ 326 412 1,224 75 1,301 36 3,374 $ - - - 737 18 - $ 755 $ - - - 636 18 - $ 654 357 243 1,224 865 1,433 36 4,158 $ 9 10 47 5 64 1 136 $ $ $ $ $ As of December 31, 2021 Unpaid contractual principal Impaired loan balance Impaired loans without an allowance Impaired loans with an allowance Related allowance recorded Year-to- date average loan balance Year-to- date interest income recognized $ $ $ $ 578 794 2,214 520 2,067 36 6,209 $ - - - 509 - - $ 509 $ - - - 504 - - $ 504 590 895 2,388 1,096 2,420 36 7,425 $ 8 16 37 38 67 1 167 $ $ $ $ $ 326 843 1,224 1,063 1,402 36 4,894 578 2,401 2,214 1,380 2,235 36 8,844 326 412 1,224 812 1,319 36 4,129 578 794 2,214 1,029 2,067 36 6,718 The Company’s key credit quality indicator is a loan’s performance status, defined as accruing or non-accruing. Performing loans are considered to have a lower risk of loss. Non-accrual loans are those which the Company believes have a higher risk of loss. The accrual of interest on non-performing loans is discontinued at the time the loan is ninety days delinquent, unless the credit is well secured and in process of collection. Loans are placed on non-accrual or are charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. There were no loans ninety days delinquent and accruing interest at December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022. 81 The following tables present information on the Company’s past due and non-accrual loans by loan class: (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2023 30-59 days delinquent and accruing 60-89 days delinquent and accruing 90 days or more delinquent and accruing One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection program loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total 85 $ - 153 399 - 256 - 110 1,003 $ 247 $ - - 332 - - - - $ 579 - $ - - - - - - - $ - Total past due loans accruing 332 $ - 153 731 - 256 - 110 1,582 $ Total past due and non- accrual loans Non-accrual loans Total loans not past due 192 $ - - 1,880 - 295 - 24 2,391 $ 524 $ - 153 2,611 - 551 - 134 3,973 $ $ 302,020 21,090 320,809 178,331 - 89,129 4,507 28,797 944,683 $ Percent of gross loans 0.11% 0.06% 0.00% 0.17% 0.25% 0.42% 99.58% As of December 31, 2022 30-59 days delinquent and accruing 60-89 days delinquent and accruing 90 days or more delinquent and accruing One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection program loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total $ 8 - - - - - - 67 75 $ 72 $ - - 411 - 180 - - $ 663 - $ - - - - - - - $ - Total past due loans accruing 80 $ - - 411 - 180 - 67 738 $ Total past due and non- accrual loans Non-accrual loans Total loans not past due $ $ $ 170 195 1,224 812 - 925 - - 3,326 250 195 1,224 1,223 - 1,105 - 67 4,064 236,732 22,530 302,850 172,192 21 83,178 2,026 26,597 846,126 $ $ $ Percent of gross loans 0.01% 0.08% 0.00% 0.09% 0.39% 0.48% 99.52% Under the original terms of the Company’s non-accrual loans, interest earned on such loans for the years 2023, 2022 and 2021, would have increased interest income by $96,000, $137,000 and $309,000, respectively. No interest income related to non-accrual loans was included in interest income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. 82 The Company also categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of the borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. Non-classified loans generally include those loans that are expected to be repaid in accordance with contractual loan terms. Classified loans are those that are assigned a special mention, substandard or doubtful risk rating using the following definitions: Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date. Substandard: Loans are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged. Loans have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful: Loans classified doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. 83 The following table provides information on the Company’s risk category of loans by type and year of origination: (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2023 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving loans amortized cost Revolving loans converted to term Total One-to-four family residential real estate loans Nonclassified Classified Total Charge-offs Construction and land loans Nonclassified Classified Total Charge-offs Commercial real estate loans Nonclassified Classified Total Charge-offs Commercial loans Nonclassified Classified Total Charge-offs Agriculture loans Nonclassified Classified Total Charge-offs Municipal loans Nonclassified Classified Total Charge-offs Consumer loans Nonclassified Classified Total Charge-offs Total loans Nonclassified Classified Total Charge-offs $ 95,290 - $ 95,290 $ - $ 84,718 - $ 84,718 $ - $ 42,533 - $ 42,533 $ - $ 32,081 - $ 32,081 $ - $ 12,776 - $ 12,776 $ - $ 29,694 192 $ 29,886 $ - $ 5,097 - $ 5,097 $ - 163 $ - $ 163 $ - $ 302,352 192 $ 302,544 $ - $ 6,283 - 6,283 $ $ - $ 5,267 - 5,267 $ $ - $ 5,367 - 5,367 $ $ - $ 2,665 - 2,665 $ $ - 916 $ - $ 916 $ - 492 $ - $ 492 $ - 100 $ - $ 100 $ - - $ - $ - $ - $ 21,090 - 21,090 $ $ - $ 41,644 - $ 41,644 $ - $ 77,427 - $ 77,427 $ - $ 58,327 481 $ 58,808 $ - $ 50,744 22 $ 50,766 $ - $ 30,551 180 $ 30,731 $ - $ 57,502 975 $ 58,477 $ - $ 3,017 - $ 3,017 $ - 92 $ - $ 92 $ - $ 319,304 1,658 $ 320,962 $ - $ 38,818 226 $ 39,044 $ - $ 32,764 2,000 34,764 (28) $ $ $ 16,747 158 16,905 (407) $ 15,511 460 15,971 (44) $ $ $ 2,514 57 $ 2,571 $ - $ 4,386 - $ 4,386 $ - $ 61,046 1,952 $ 62,998 $ - $ 4,121 182 $ 4,303 $ - $ 175,907 5,035 180,942 (479) $ $ $ $ $ 7,862 - $ 7,862 $ - $ 11,718 16 $ 11,734 $ - $ 4,864 171 $ 5,035 $ - $ 4,092 - $ 4,092 $ - $ 3,902 131 $ 4,033 $ - $ 12,114 113 $ 12,227 $ - $ 44,352 131 $ 44,483 $ - 214 $ - $ 214 $ - $ 89,118 562 $ 89,680 $ - $ 2,774 - $ 2,774 $ - 128 $ - $ 128 $ - - $ - - $ $ - - $ - $ - $ - - $ - $ - $ - $ 1,605 - $ 1,605 $ - - $ - - $ $ - - $ - $ - $ - $ 4,507 - $ 4,507 $ - $ 4,705 - $ 4,705 $ - $ 1,332 - $ 1,332 $ - $ 197,376 226 $ 197,602 $ - $ 213,354 2,016 215,370 (28) $ $ $ 1,340 - 1,340 (3) $ $ $ 129,178 810 129,988 (410) $ $ $ 1,380 - $ 1,380 $ - $ 1 - $ 1 $ - $ 4,906 - $ 4,906 $ - $ 106,473 482 106,955 (44) $ $ $ 50,660 368 $ 51,028 $ - $ 110,699 1,280 $ 111,979 $ - $ 15,221 25 15,246 (368) $ $ $ 128,833 2,108 130,941 (368) $ $ $ 21 - $ 21 $ - $ 4,611 182 $ 4,793 $ - $ 28,906 25 28,931 (371) $ $ $ 941,184 7,472 948,656 (850) $ $ The following table provides information on the Company’s risk categories by loan class: As of December 31, 2022 Classified Nonclassified $ $ 236,663 22,530 300,216 165,709 21 83,358 2,026 26,664 837,187 319 195 3,858 7,706 - 925 - - 13,003 $ $ (Dollars in thousands) One-to-four family residential real estate loans Construction and land loans Commercial real estate loans Commercial loans Paycheck protection program loans Agriculture loans Municipal loans Consumer loans Total 84 The following table provides information on the Company’s allowance for credit losses related to unfunded loan commitments. (dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2023 Impact of adopting ASC 326 Provision for credit losses Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 170 - 80 250 $ The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans at December 31, 2023 that were both experiencing financial difficulty and modified by class, type of modification and includes the financial effect of the modification. (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2023 Amortized cost basis % of loan class total Financial effect Term extension: Commercial $ 141 0.1% 90 day payment deferral As of December 31, 2023, all loans experiencing both financial difficulty and modified during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 were current under the terms of the agreements. There were no commitments to lend additional funds to the borrowers and there were no charge-offs recorded against the loans. The Company had a $1,000 allowance for credit losses recorded against these loans as of December 31, 2023. The Company did not have any loan modifications that had a payment default during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The Company had loans and unfunded commitments to directors and officers, and to affiliated parties, at December 31, 2023 and 2022. A summary of such loans is as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Balance at December 31, 2022 New loans Repayments Balance at December 31, 2023 $ $ 14,573 3,250 (4,767) 13,056 (7) Loan Commitments The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet customers’ financing needs. These financial instruments consist principally of commitments to extend credit. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. In the normal course of business, there are various commitments and contingent liabilities, such as commitments to extend credit, letters of credit, and lines of credit, the balance of which are not recorded in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The Company generally requires collateral or other security on unfunded loan commitments and irrevocable letters of credit. Unfunded commitments to extend credit, excluding standby letters of credit, aggregated to $211.8 million and $183.5 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are generally at variable interest rates. Standby letters of credit totaled $1.6 million at December 31, 2023 and $2.7 million at December 31, 2022. 85 (8) Goodwill and Intangible Assets The changes in goodwill is as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2023 2022 2021 Balance at January 1 Acquired goodwill Acquisition period adjustments $ 32,199 $ 17,532 $ 17,532 - 178 14,667 - - - Balance at December 31 $ 32,377 $ 32,199 $ 17,532 The Company performed its annual impairment test as of December 31, 2023. Based on the results of the qualitative analysis, the Company concluded it was more likely than not that its goodwill was not impaired. A summary of the other intangible assets that continue to be subject to amortization is as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Gross carrying amount Accumulated amortization Net carrying amount As of December 31, 2023 $ 4,170 (929) $ 3,241 2022 $ 5,880 (1,874) $ 4,006 Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $765,000 and $248,000. The following sets forth estimated amortization expense for core deposit intangible assets for the years ending December 31: (Dollars in thousands) 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter Total Amortization expense 663 588 512 436 360 682 3,241 $ (9) Mortgage Loan Servicing Mortgage loans serviced for others are not reported as assets. The following table provides information on the principal balances of mortgage loans serviced for others: (Dollars in thousands) FHLMC FHLB Total As of December 31, 2023 2022 $ 659,488 $ 685,859 28,621 27,285 713,144 $ 688,109 $ Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with serviced loans were $5.0 million at December 31, 2023 and $5.3 million at December 31 2022. Gross service fee income related to such loans was $1.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 and 2021, and is included in fees and service charges in the consolidated statements of earnings. 86 Activity for mortgage servicing rights and the related valuation allowance follows: (Dollars in thousands) Mortgage servicing rights: Balance at beginning of year Additions Amortization Balance at end of year As of December 31, 2023 2022 $ 3,813 $ 4,193 424 818 (1,079) (1,198) $ 3,158 $ 3,813 At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was no valuation allowance related to mortgage servicing rights. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights was $9.5 million and $10.3 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Fair value at December 31, 2023 was determined using discount rate at 10.0%, prepayment speeds ranging from 6.00% to 26.87%, depending on the stratification of the specific mortgage servicing right, and a weighted average default rate of 1.65%. Fair value at December 31, 2022 was determined using discount rate at 9.50%,, prepayment speeds ranging from 6.00% to 21.34%, depending on the stratification of the specific mortgage servicing right, and a weighted average default rate of 1.47%. The Company had a mortgage repurchase reserve of $159,000 at December 31, 2023 and $225,000 at December 31, 2022, which represents the Company’s best estimate of probable losses that the Company will incur related to the repurchase of one-to-four family residential real estate loans previously sold or to reimburse investors for credit losses incurred on loans previously sold where a breach of the contractual representations and warranties occurred. The Company made a $50,000 provision to the reserve during 2023 compared to no reserve during 2022 and 2021. The Company charged losses of $116,000, $1,000 and $9,000 against the reserve during 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding mortgage repurchase requests. (10) Premises and Equipment Premises and equipment consisted of the following: (Dollars in thousands) Land Office buildings and improvements Furniture and equipment Automobiles Total premises and equipment Accumulated depreciation Total premises and equipment, net Estimated useful lives Indefinite 10 - 50 years 3 - 15 years 2 - 5 years As of December 31, 2023 2022 $ $ 5,444 20,868 9,729 555 36,596 (16,887) 19,709 7,234 23,839 9,326 555 40,954 (16,627) 24,327 $ $ Depreciation expense totaled $1.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, and $997,000 during the year ended 2021 and was included in occupancy and equipment expense on the consolidated statements of earnings. 87 (11) Deposits The following table presents the maturities of certificates of deposit at December 31, 2023: (Dollars in thousands) Year 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 Thereafter Total Amount 163,439 12,307 2,893 2,385 2,128 2 $ 183,154 The aggregate amount of certificate of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $50.2 million and $25.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $83.2 million in brokered deposits compared to $10.3 million at December 31, 2022. The components of interest expense associated with deposits are as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Certificates of deposit Money market and checking Savings Total Years ended December 31, 2022 $ 412 2,318 46 $ 2,776 2021 $ 476 500 47 $ 1,023 2023 $ 4,310 10,818 126 $ 15,254 (12) Federal Home Loan Bank Borrowings The Bank has a line of credit, renewable annually each September, with the FHLB under which there were $58.0 million of borrowings at December 31, 2023 compared to $8.2 million of borrowings at December 2022. Interest on any outstanding balance on the line of credit accrues at the federal funds rate plus 0.15% (5.55% at December 31, 2023). The Company had $20.0 million letters of credit issued through the FHLB at December 31, 2023 compared to none at December 31, 2022 to secure municipal deposits. The Company did not have any term advances from FHLB at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Although no loans are specifically pledged, the FHLB requires the Bank to maintain eligible collateral (qualifying loans and investment securities) that has a lending value at least equal to its required collateral. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was a blanket pledge of loans totaling $328.7 million and $139.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank’s total borrowing capacity with the FHLB was approximately $232.3 million and $111.0 million, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank’s available borrowing capacity was $153.1 million and $101.8 million, respectively. The difference between the Bank’s total borrowing capacity and available borrowing capacity is related to the amount of borrowings outstanding and letters of credit issued to collateralized public fund deposits. The available borrowing capacity with the FHLB is collateral based, and the Bank’s ability to borrow is subject to maintaining collateral that meets the eligibility requirements. The borrowing capacity is not committed and is subject to FHLB credit requirements and policies. In addition, the Bank must maintain a restricted investment in FHLB stock to maintain access to borrowings. 88 (13) Subordinated Debentures In 2003, the Company issued $8.2 million of subordinated debentures. These debentures, which are due in 2034 and are currently redeemable, were issued to a wholly owned grantor trust (the “Trust”) formed to issue preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of the Trust. The Trust then invested the gross proceeds of such preferred securities in the debentures. The Trust’s preferred securities and the subordinated debentures require quarterly interest payments and have variable rates, adjustable quarterly. Interest accrues at three month CME term SOFR plus a spread adjustment of 0.26% and a margin of 2.85%. The interest rate at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 8.50% and 7.26%, respectively. In 2005, the Company issued an additional $8.2 million of subordinated debentures. These debentures, which are due in 2036 and are currently redeemable, were issued to a wholly owned grantor trust (“Trust II”) formed to issue preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of Trust II. Trust II then invested the gross proceeds of such preferred securities in the debentures. Trust II’s preferred securities and the subordinated debentures require quarterly interest payments and have variable rates, adjustable quarterly. Interest accrues at three month CME term SOFR plus a spread adjustment of 0.26% and a margin of 1.34%. The interest rate at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 6.99% and 6.11%, respectively. In 2013, the Company assumed an additional $5.2 million of subordinated debentures as part of the Bank’s acquisition of Citizens Bank. These debentures, which are due in 2036 and are currently redeemable, were issued by Citizens Bank’s former holding company to a wholly owned grantor trust, First Capital (KS) Statutory Trust (“Trust III”) formed to issue preferred securities representing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of Trust III. Trust III’s preferred securities and the subordinated debentures require quarterly interest payments and have variable rates, adjustable quarterly. Interest accrues at three month CME term SOFR plus a spread adjustment of 0.26% and a margin of 1.62%. The interest rate at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 7.24% and 6.35% respectively. While these trusts are accounted for as unconsolidated equity investments, a portion of the trust preferred securities issued by the trusts qualifies as Tier 1 Capital for regulatory purposes. (14) Other Borrowings The Company has a $5.0 million line of credit from an unrelated financial institution maturing on November 1, 2024, with an interest rate that adjusts daily based on the prime rate less 0.50%. This line of credit has covenants specific to capital and other financial ratios, which the Company was in compliance with at December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not have an outstanding balance on the line of credit. The Company borrowed $10.0 million from an unrelated financial institution at a fixed rate of 6.15% maturing on September 1, 2027, which requires quarterly principal and interest payments. This borrowing has covenants specific to capital and other financial ratios, which the Company was in compliance with at December 31, 2023. The principal balance was $6.6 million and $9.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank had no borrowings through the Federal Reserve discount window, while the borrowing capacity was $60.7 million and $65.4 million, respectively. The Bank also has various other federal funds agreements, both secured and unsecured, with correspondent banks totaling approximately $30.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no borrowings through these correspondent bank federal funds agreements. (15) Repurchase Agreements The Company has overnight repurchase agreements with certain deposit customers whereby the Company uses investment securities as collateral for non-insured funds. These balances are accounted for as collateralized financing and included in other borrowings on the balance sheet. Repurchase agreements are comprised of non-insured customer funds, totaling $12.7 million at December 31, 2023, and $29.4 million at December 31, 2022, which were secured by $23.7 million and $38.4 million of the Bank’s investment portfolio at the same dates, respectively. 89 The following is a summary of the balances and collateral of the Company’s repurchase agreements: (Dollars in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2023 2022 $ 18,361 $ 13,239 Average daily balance during the year Average interest rate during the year 1.11% Maximum month-end balance during the year $ 20,083 $ 33,930 1.70% Weighted average interest rate at year-end 2.84% 2.72% As of December 31, 2023 Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 days 30-90 days Greater than 90 days Total Repurchase agreements: U.S. federal treasury obligations Total $ $ 12,714 12,714 $ - $ - - $ $ - - $ $ - $ $ 12,714 12,714 As of December 31, 2022 Overnight and Continuous Up to 30 days 30-90 days Greater than 90 days Total Repurchase agreements: U.S. federal treasury obligations U.S. federal agency obligations Agency mortgage-backed securities Total $ $ 25,973 1,236 2,193 29,402 - $ - - $ - - $ - - $ - - $ - - $ - $ $ 25,973 1,236 2,193 29,402 The investment securities are held by a third party financial institution in the customer’s custodial account. The Company is required to maintain adequate collateral for each repurchase agreement. Changes in the fair value of the investment securities impact the amount of collateral required. If the Company were to default, the investment securities would be used to settle the repurchase agreement with the deposit customer. (16) Revenue from Contracts with Customers All of the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers in the scope of ASC 606 is recognized within non- interest income. Items outside the scope of ASC 606 are noted as such. (Dollars in thousands) Non-interest income: Service charges on deposits Overdraft fees Other Interchange income Loan servicing fees (1) Office lease income (1) Gains on sales of loans (1) Bank owned life insurance income (1) (Losses) gains on sales of investment securities (1) Gains (losses) on sales of premises and equipment and foreclosed assets Other Total non-interest income (1) Not within the scope of ASC 606. 90 Years ended December 31, 2022 2023 2021 $ $ $ 3,845 1,080 3,206 1,788 509 2,269 913 (1,246) 1 865 13,230 3,747 787 3,098 1,819 123 3,444 780 (1,103) 114 891 13,700 2,987 679 3,261 1,780 574 10,487 686 1,138 (4) 673 22,261 $ $ $ A description of the Company’s revenue streams within the scope of ASC 606 follows: Service Charges on Deposit Accounts The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for transaction-based, account maintenance, and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as ATM usage fees, stop payment charges, statement rendering, and ACH fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time the Company fulfills the customer’s request. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of a month, representing the period during which the Company satisfies the performance obligation. Overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs. Service charges on deposits are withdrawn from the customer’s account balance. Interchange Income The Company earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions conducted through the interchange payment network. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder. Gains (Losses) on Sales of Real Estate Owned The Company records a gain or loss from the sale of real estate owned when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of an executed deed. When the Company finances the sale of real estate owned to the buyer, the Company assesses whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligations under the contract and whether collectability of the transaction price is probable. Once these criteria are met, the real estate owned asset is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon the transfer of control of the property to the buyer. In determining the gain or loss on the sale, the Company adjusts the transaction price and related gain (loss) on sale if a significant financing component is present. There were no sales of real estate owned that were financed by the Company during the years 2023, 2022 or 2021. 91 (17) Income Taxes Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from operations consisted of the following: (Dollars in thousands) Current: Federal State Total current Deferred: Federal State Total deferred Deferred tax valuation allowance Income tax expense Years ended December 31, 2022 2021 2023 $ 1,711 (161) 1,550 $ 559 (317) 242 $ 3,039 967 4,006 295 56 351 53 1,954 $ 994 238 1,232 (42) 1,432 $ 662 196 858 (50) 4,814 $ The reasons for the difference between actual income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense attributable to income from operations at the statutory federal income tax rate were as follows: Years ended December 31, 2022 2023 2021 $ 2,980 $ 2,375 $ 4,793 (592) 2 (208) (517) 476 (47) (140) 1,954 $ (633) (4) (180) (465) 369 (23) (7) 1,432 $ (645) (29) (156) 162 718 (19) (10) 4,814 $ (Dollars in thousands) Computed “expected” tax expense (Reduction) increase in income taxes resulting from: Tax-exempt interest income, net Excess tax expense (benefit) from stock option exercise Bank owned life insurance Reversal of unrecognized tax benefits, net State income taxes, net of federal benefit Investment tax credits Other, net 92 The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to the significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at the following dates were as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Deferred tax assets: Unrealized loss on investment securities available-for-sale Loans, including allowance for credit losses State taxes Other, net Investments Net operating loss carry forwards Acquisition costs Net deferred loan fees Valuation allowance on other real estate Deferred compensation arrangements Total deferred tax assets Less valuation allowance Total deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance Deferred tax liabilities: Intangible assets Mortgage servicing rights Prepaid expenses Premises and equipment, net of depreciation Investments FHLB stock dividends Unrealized gain on investment securities available-for-sale Total deferred tax liabilities As of December 31, 2023 2022 $ 5,371 2,949 536 244 - 332 99 144 75 62 9,812 (234) 9,578 $ 8,132 2,879 562 210 184 181 120 78 74 62 12,482 (181) 12,301 1,277 681 586 618 158 59 - 3,379 1,324 801 554 241 - 17 - 2,937 Net deferred tax asset $ 6,199 $ 9,364 The Company has Kansas corporate and privilege tax net operating loss carry forwards totaling $4.6 million and $3.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which expire between 2024 and 2032. The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the Kansas net operating loss carry forwards. The Company has federal net operating loss carry forwards totaling $465,000 and $1.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which does not have a valuation allowance recorded against it. A valuation allowance related to the remaining deferred tax assets has not been provided because management believes it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2023. Retained earnings at December 31, 2023 and 2022 include approximately $6.3 million for which no provision for federal income tax had been made. This amount represents allocations of income to bad debt deductions in years prior to 1988 for tax purposes only. Reduction of amounts allocated for purposes other than tax bad debt losses will create income for tax purposes only, which will be subject to the then current corporate income tax rate. 93 The Company has unrecognized tax benefits representing tax positions for which a liability has been established. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of the liability relating to unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year Gross increases to current year tax positions Gross decreases to prior year’s tax positions Lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized tax benefits at end of year Years ended December 31, 2022 2023 $ 2,290 $ 2,157 472 390 (61) (61) (528) (462) $ 2,040 $ 2,157 Tax years that remain open and subject to audit include the years 2020 through 2023 for both federal and state tax purposes. The Company recognized $528,000 and $462,000 of previously unrecognized tax benefits during 2023 and 2022, respectively. The gross unrecognized tax benefits of $2.0 million and $2.2 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, would favorably impact the effective tax rate by $1.6 million and $1.7 million, respectively, if recognized. During 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $51,000 and $52,000, respectively associated with interest and penalties. During 2021, the Company recorded $298,000 of income tax expense associated with interest and penalties. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had accrued interest and penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits of $520,000 and $571,000, respectively, which are not included in the table above. The Company believes that it is reasonably possible that a reduction in gross unrecognized tax benefits of up to $975,000 is possible during the next 12 months as a result of the lapse of the statute of limitations. (18) Employee Benefit Plans Employee Retirement Plan. Substantially all employees are covered under a 401(k) defined contribution savings plan. Eligible employees receive 100% matching contributions from the Company of up to 6% of their compensation. Matching contributions by the Company were $857,000, $768,000 and $800,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreement. The Company has recognized a liability for future benefits payable under an agreement that splits the benefits of a bank owned life insurance policy between the Company and a former employee. The liability totaled $44,000 at December 31, 2023 and $43,000 at December 31, 2022. Deferred Compensation Agreements. The Company has entered into deferred compensation and other retirement agreements with certain key employees that provide for cash payments to be made after their respective retirements. The obligations under these arrangements have been recorded at the present value of the accrued benefits. The Company has also entered into agreements with certain directors to defer portions of their compensation. The balance of accrued benefits under these arrangements was $798,000 and $663,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was included as a component of other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company recorded expense associated with the deferred compensation agreements of $2,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and recorded income associated with the deferred compensation agreements of $1,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022 and recorded expense associated with the deferred compensation agreements of $3,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021. The liability balance is also impacted by changes in the value of the underlying assets supporting the agreements for directors who have not retired. (19) Stock Compensation Plan The Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan which allows for the issuance of stock options and restricted common stock, the purpose of which is to provide additional incentive to certain officers, directors, and key employees by facilitating their purchase of a stock interest in the Company. Compensation expense related to prior awards is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period, which is typically four years. The stock-based compensation cost related to these awards was $352,000, $295,000 and $323,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company recognized tax benefits of $84,000, $77,000, and $113,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. 94 For stock options, the exercise price may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares on the date of the grant, and no option shall be exercisable after the expiration of ten years from the grant date. In determining compensation cost, the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of options on date of grant. The Black-Scholes model is a closed-end model that uses the assumptions outlined below. Expected volatility is based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical exercise behavior and other qualitative factors to estimate the expected term of the options, which represents the period of time that the options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk- free rate for the expected term is based on U.S. Treasury rates in effect at the time of grant. On May 20, 2015, our stockholders approved the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan which authorized the issuance of equity awards covering 387,832 shares of common stock, as adjusted for subsequent stock dividends. On August 1, 2021, the Compensation Committee awarded 3,334 shares of restricted common stock, as adjusted for subsequent stock dividends and options to acquire 56,328 shares of common stock, as adjusted for subsequent stock dividends. The restricted stock awards vest ratably over one year and the value was based on a stock price of $23.97 per share on the date such shares were granted, as adjusted for subsequent stock dividends. The options vest ratably over four years. On August 1, 2022, the Compensation Committee awarded 19,350 shares of restricted common stock, as adjusted for subsequent stock dividends. The restricted stock awards vest ratably over one or four years and the value was based on a stock price of $23.12 per share on the date such shares were granted, as adjusted for subsequent stock dividends. On August 1, 2023, the Compensation Committee awarded 5,452 shares of restricted common stock, as adjusted for subsequent stock dividends and options to acquire 85,167 shares of common stock, as adjusted for subsequent stock dividends. The restricted stock awards vest ratably over one year and the value was based on a stock price of $20.16 per share on the date such shares were granted, as adjusted for subsequent stock dividends. The options vest ratably over four years. The fair value of the options granted were determined using the following weighted-average assumptions as of the grant date: Risk-free interest rate Expected term Expected stock price volatility Dividend yield Years ended December 31, 2022 n/a n/a n/a n/a 2021 1.00% 7 years 28.51% 2.88% 2023 4.15% 7 years 26.31% 3.97% A summary of option activity during 2023 is presented below: (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Outstanding at January 1, 2023 Granted Effect of 5% stock dividend Forfeited/expired Exercised Outstanding at December 31, 2023 Exercisable at December 31, 2023 Fully vested options at December 31, 2023 Weighted average exercise price per share Shares 144,572 $ 21.87 81,111 $ 20.16 10,888 (5,470) $ 22.90 (2,693) $ 19.29 228,408 $ 20.58 114,561 $ 20.05 114,561 $ 20.05 Weighted average remaining contractual term 6.8 years $ 502 Aggregate intrinsic value 7.2 years $ 88 5.4 years $ 88 5.4 years $ 88 95 Additional information about stock options exercised is presented below: (Dollars in thousands) Intrinsic value of options exercised (on exercise date) Cash received from options exercised Excess tax benefit realized from options exercised Years ended December 31, 2022 $ 3 - $ - 2023 $ 4 52 $ 1 2021 $ 141 22 $ 21 As of December 31, 2023, there was $418,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the 113,847 outstanding unvested options that will be recognized over the following periods: (Dollars in thousands) Year 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total Amount 150 125 90 53 $ 418 The fair value of restricted stock on the vesting date was $187,000, $223,000 and $229,000 during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 respectively. A summary of nonvested restricted common stock activity during 2023 is presented below: Nonvested restricted common stock at January 1, 2023 Granted Vested Forfeited Effect of 5% stock dividend Nonvested restricted common stock at December 31, 2023 Weighted average grant date price per share $ $ $ $ 23.50 21.17 22.40 17.80 $ 22.40 Shares 26,057 5,192 (8,975) (350) 1,077 23,001 As of December 31, 2023, there was $326,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the 23,001 outstanding nonvested restricted shares that will be recognized over the following periods: (Dollars in thousands) Year 2024 2025 2026 Total Amount 181 92 53 $ 326 96 (20) Fair Value of Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values: Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date. Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. 97 Fair value estimates of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, including methods and assumptions utilized, are set forth below: (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2023 Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents Interest-bearing deposits at other banks Investment securities available-for-sale Investment securities held-to-maturity Bank stocks, at cost Loans, net Loans held for sale Mortgage servicing rights Accrued interest receivable Derivative financial instruments Financial liabilities: Non-maturity deposits Certificates of deposit FHLB and other borrowings Subordinated debentures Repurchase agreements Accrued interest payable Derivative financial instruments (Dollars in thousands) Financial assets: Cash and cash equivalents Interest-bearing deposits at other banks Investment securities available-for-sale Investment securities held-to-maturity Bank stocks, at cost Loans, net Loans held for sale Mortgage servicing rights Accrued interest receivable Derivative financial instruments Financial liabilities: Non-maturity deposits Certificates of deposit FHLB and other borrowings Subordinated debentures Repurchase agreements Accrued interest payable Transfers Carrying amount $ 27,101 4,918 452,769 3,555 8,123 937,619 853 3,158 7,341 114 $ (1,133,097) (183,154) (64,662) (21,651) (12,714) (1,979) (14) Carrying amount $ 23,156 9,084 489,306 3,524 5,470 841,149 2,488 3,813 5,879 126 $ (1,207,371) (93,278) (17,200) (21,651) (29,402) (439) Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total $ 27,101 - 95,667 - n/a - - - 327 - - $ 4,918 357,102 3,049 n/a - 853 9,498 2,280 114 - $ - - - n/a 920,984 - - 4,734 - $ 27,101 4,918 452,769 3,049 n/a 920,984 853 9,498 7,341 114 $ (1,133,097) - - - - - - $ - (181,655) (65,478) (18,906) (12,714) (1,979) (14) $ - - - - - - - $ (1,133,097) (181,655) (65,478) (18,906) (12,714) (1,979) (14) As of December 31, 2022 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total $ 23,156 - 123,111 - n/a - - - 426 - - $ 9,084 366,195 3,452 n/a - 2,488 10,282 2,150 126 - $ - - - n/a 828,726 - - 3,303 - $ 23,156 9,084 489,306 3,452 n/a 828,726 2,488 10,282 5,879 126 $ (1,207,371) - - - - - $ - (90,760) (14,981) (18,189) (29,402) (439) - $ - - - - - $ (1,207,371) (90,760) (14,981) (18,189) (29,402) (439) The Company did not transfer any assets or liabilities among levels during the year ended December 31, 2023 or 2022. 98 Valuation Methods for Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis The following table represents the Company’s financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022, allocated to the appropriate fair value hierarchy: (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Available-for-sale securities U. S. treasury securities Municipal obligations, tax exempt Municipal obligations, taxable Agency mortgage-backed securities Loans held for sale Derivative financial instruments Liabilities: Derivative financial instruments (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Available-for-sale securities U. S. treasury securities U. S. federal agency obligations Municipal obligations, tax exempt Municipal obligations, taxable Agency mortgage-backed securities Loans held for sale Derivative financial instruments As of December 31, 2023 Fair value hierarchy Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 $ 95,667 120,623 79,083 157,396 853 114 $ 95,667 - - - - - - $ 120,623 79,083 157,396 853 114 - $ - - - - - (14) - (14) - As of December 31, 2022 Fair value hierarchy Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 $ 123,111 1,988 127,262 67,244 169,701 2,488 126 $ 123,111 - - - - - - - $ 1,988 127,262 67,244 169,701 2,488 126 - $ - - - - - - The Company’s investment securities classified as available-for-sale include U.S. treasury securities, U.S. federal agency securities, municipal obligations and agency mortgage-backed securities. Quoted exchange prices are available for the Company’s U.S treasury securities which are classified as Level 1. U.S. federal agency securities and agency mortgage- backed obligations are priced utilizing industry-standard models that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curves, volatility factors, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Substantially all of these assumptions are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data, or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace. These measurements are classified as Level 2. Municipal securities are valued using a type of matrix, or grid, pricing in which securities are benchmarked against U.S. treasury rates based on credit rating. These model and matrix measurements are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Changes in the fair value of available-for-sale securities are included in other comprehensive income to the extent the changes are not considered credit-related. Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at estimated fair value. The mortgage loan valuations are based on quoted secondary market prices for similar loans and are classified as Level 2. Changes in the fair value of mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market and derivative financial instruments are included in gains on sales of loans. 99 The aggregate fair value, contractual balance (including accrued interest), and gain or loss on loans held for sale were as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Aggregate fair value Contractual balance Gain As of December 31, 2023 2022 $ 853 $ 2,488 848 2,468 $ 5 $ 20 The Company’s derivative financial instruments consist of interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans. The fair values of these derivatives are based on quoted prices for similar loans in the secondary market. The market prices are adjusted by a factor, based on the Company’s historical data and its judgment about future economic trends, which considers the likelihood that a commitment will ultimately result in a closed loan. These instruments are classified as Level 2. The amounts are included in other assets or other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and gains on sale of loans, net in the consolidated statements of earnings. The total amount of gains and losses from changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments included in earnings were as follows: (Dollars in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 Total change in fair value $ (26) $ (368) $ (836) As of December 31, Valuation Methods for Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis The Company does not record its loan portfolio at fair value. Collateral-dependent loans are generally carried at the lower of cost or fair value of the collateral, less estimated selling costs. Collateral values are determined based on appraisals performed by qualified licensed appraisers hired by the Company and then further adjusted if warranted based on relevant facts and circumstances. The appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including the comparable sales and income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Individually evaluated loans are reviewed at least quarterly for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above. The carrying value of the Company’s individually evaluated loans was $4.3 million at December 31, 2023 and $4.1 million at December 31, 2022, respectively. The Company’s individually evaluated loans with an allowance for credit losses was $1.7 million and $755,000, with an allocated allowance of $311,000 and $654,000, at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Real estate owned includes assets acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure and land previously acquired for expansion. Real estate owned is initially recorded at the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. Subsequent valuations are updated periodically and are based upon independent appraisals, third party price opinions or internal pricing models. The appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including the comparable sales and income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Real estate owned is reviewed and evaluated at least annually for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above. 100 The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for individually evaluated loans measure at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2023 Individual evaluated loans: One-to-four family residential real estate Commercial loans Real estate owned: One-to-four family residential real estate As of December 31, 2022 Impaired loans: Commercial loans Real estate owned: One-to-four family residential real estate Commercial real estate (21) Regulatory Capital Requirements Fair value Valuation technique Unobservable inputs Range $ 31 1,386 Sales comparison Sales comparison Adjustment to appraised value Adjustment to comparable sales 7% 0%-50% 266 Sales comparison Adjustment to appraised value 10% $ 101 Sales comparison Adjustment to comparable sales 0%-25% 272 234 Sales comparison Sales comparison Adjustment to appraised value Adjustment to appraised value 15% 15% Banks and bank holding companies are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators. Failure to meet capital requirements can initiate regulatory action. Management believed that as of December 31, 2023, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject at that time. Prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital distributions are limited, as is asset growth and expansion, and capital restoration plans are required. The Company and the Bank are subject to the Basel III Rule, which is applicable to all U.S. banks that are subject to minimum capital requirements, as well as to bank and savings and loan holding companies other than “small bank holding companies” (generally, non-public bank holding companies with consolidated assets of less than $3.0 billion). The Basel III Rule includes a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets minimum ratio of 4.5%, a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0%, a minimum ratio of Total Capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0%, and a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4.0%. A capital conservation buffer, equal to 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital, is also established above the regulatory minimum capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer increases the common equity Tier 1 capital ratio, and Tier 1 capital and total risk based capital ratios. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the most recent regulatory notifications categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action then in effect. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s category. 101 The following is a comparison of the Company’s regulatory capital to minimum capital requirements in effect at December 31, 2023 and 2022: (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2023 Leverage Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Tier 1 Capital Total Risk Based Capital As of December 31, 2022 Leverage Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Tier 1 Capital Total Risk Based Capital Actual Ratio Amount For capital adequacy purposes Amount Ratio (1) $130,625 109,625 130,625 140,671 8.41% 10.39% 12.38% 13.33% $ 62,116 73,854 89,680 110,781 $122,275 101,275 122,275 131,236 8.14% 10.37% 12.52% 13.44% $ 60,100 68,352 82,999 102,528 4.0% 7.0% 8.5% 10.5% 4.0% 7.0% 8.5% 10.5% (1) The required percent for capital adequacy purposes includes a capital conservation buffer of 2.5%. The following is a comparison of the Bank’s regulatory capital to minimum capital requirements in effect at December 31, 2023 and 2022: (Dollars in thousands) As of December 31, 2023 Leverage Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Tier 1 Capital Total Risk Based Capital As of December 31, 2022 Leverage Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Tier 1 Capital Total Risk Based Capital Actual Ratio Amount For capital adequacy purposes Amount Ratio (1) To be well-capitalized under regulatory guidelines Amount Ratio $ 134,422 134,422 134,422 144,468 8.68% 12.74% 12.74% 13.70% $ 61,951 73,833 89,655 110,750 $ 128,643 128,643 128,643 137,604 8.59% 13.18% 13.18% 14.10% $ 59,933 68,309 82,947 102,464 4.0% 7.0% 8.5% 10.5% 4.0% 7.0% 8.5% 10.5% $ 77,439 68,560 84,381 105,476 $ 74,917 63,430 78,068 97,585 5.0% 6.5% 8.0% 10.0% 5.0% 6.5% 8.0% 10.0% (1) The required percent for capital adequacy purposes includes a capital conservation buffer of 2.5%. 102  (22) Parent Company Condensed Financial Statements The following is condensed financial information of the parent company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021: Condensed Balance Sheets (Dollars in thousands) Assets: Cash and cash equivalents Interest-bearing deposits at other banks Investment in subsidiaries Other Total assets Liabilities and stockholders' equity: Subordinated debentures Other borrowings Other Stockholders' equity As of December 31, 2023 2022 $ 286 $ 166 215 153,813 990 214 140,802 959 $ 155,304 $ 142,141 $ 21,651 $ 21,651 6,649 90 126,914 9,000 57 111,433 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 155,304 $ 142,141 (Dollars in thousands) Years ended December 31, Condensed Statements of Earnings 2023 $ $ 2021 $ 8,000 1,000 51 8 (2,113) (620) 6,326 5,252 102 11,680 (556) 12,236 8,510 20,746 2022 29,350 490 26 8 (998) (412) 28,464 (19,030) 155 9,589 (289) 9,878 (28,946) (19,068) 4,600 1,000 16 7 (472) (532) 4,619 13,599 (272) 17,946 (65) 18,011 (5,567) 12,444 $ $ $ Dividends from Bank Dividends from nonbank subsidiary Interest income Other non-interest income Interest expense Other expense, net Earnings before equity in undistributed earnings Increase (decrease) in undistributed equity of Bank Increase (decrease) in undistributed equity of nonbank subsidiary Earnings before income taxes Income tax benefit Net earnings Other comprehensive income (loss) Total comprehensive income 103 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (Dollars in thousands) Years ended December 31, 2022 2021 2023 Cash flows from operating activities: Net earnings Decrease (increase) in undistributed equity of subsidiaries Other Net cash provided by operating activities $ 12,236 (5,354) 1 6,883 $ 9,878 18,875 79 28,832 $ 18,011 (13,327) 130 4,814 Cash flows from investing activities: Net change in interest-bearing deposits at banks Acquisition of Freedom Bancshares, Inc. Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from exercise of stock options Payment of dividends Purchase of treasury stock Issuances of outstanding debt Payment on outstanding debt Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities Net increase (decrease) in cash Cash at beginning of year Cash at end of year - 1 1 - (33,350) (33,350) - (2) (2) 52 (4,390) (75) - (2,351) (6,764) 120 166 286 $ - (4,198) (1,239) 10,065 (1,065) 3,563 (955) 1,121 166 $ 22 (3,818) - - - (3,796) 1,016 105 1,121 $ Dividends paid by the Company are provided through dividends from the Bank and dividends from nonbank subsidiaries. At December 31, 2023, the Bank could distribute dividends of up to $12.9 million without regulatory approvals. The primary source of funds for the Company is dividends from the Bank. Under the National Bank Act, a national bank may pay dividends out of its undivided profits in such amounts and at such times as the bank’s board of directors deems prudent. Without prior OCC approval, however, a national bank may not pay dividends in any calendar year that, in the aggregate, exceed the bank’s year-to-date net income plus the bank’s retained net income for the two preceding years. The payment of dividends by any financial institution is affected by the requirement to maintain adequate capital pursuant to applicable capital adequacy guidelines and regulations, and a financial institution generally is prohibited from paying any dividends if, following payment thereof, the institution would be undercapitalized. (23) Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees Commitments to extend credit are legally binding agreements to lend to a borrower provided there are no violations of any conditions established in the contract. The Company, as a provider of financial services, routinely issues financial guarantees in the form of financial and performance commercial and standby letters of credit. As many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment does not necessarily represent future cash requirements (see Note 7). There are no pending legal proceedings to which the Company or the Bank is a party other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the Bank’s business. While the ultimate outcome of current legal proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management that the resolution of these legal actions should not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. 104 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None 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 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 Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2023. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined by Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Management has made a comprehensive review, evaluation, and assessment of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. In making its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, management used the framework established in Internal-Control Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission - 2013. Based on that assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2023, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective. Our auditors are not required to formally opine on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, in accordance with Sarbanes-Oxley because the Company is not an accelerated filer or a large accelerated filer. As a result, this annual report on Form 10-K does not include an attestation report of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that materially affected or were reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS Not applicable 105 ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PART III. Directors The Company incorporates by reference the information called for by Item 10 of this Form 10-K from the sections entitled “Proposal 1 - Election of Directors,” “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” and “Corporate Governance and the Board of Directors” of the Company’s Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held May 22, 2024, which will be filed with the SEC no later than 120 days after December 31, 2023 (the “2024 Proxy Statement”). The executive officers of the Company, each of whom is also currently an executive officer of the Bank and all of whom serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors, s of the date of this Form 10-K are identified below: Name Michael E. Scheopner Mark A. Herpich Age 62 56 Positions with the Company Held position since President and Chief Executive Officer May 2013/January 2014 Vice President, Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer October 2001 The executive officers of the Bank as of the date of this 10-K are identified below: Name Michael E. Scheopner Mark A. Herpich Age 62 56 Positions with the Bank Held position since President and Chief Executive Officer May 2013/January 2014 Executive Vice President, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer October 2001 As announced on March 4, 2024, the Company and the Bank appointed Abigail M. Wendel to serve as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank, effective on March 29, 2024. Ms. Wendel will also join boards of directors of both the Company and the Bank. On March 29, 2024, Mr. Scheopner will retire from those positions and will continue to serve as a non-executive employee of the Company and the Bank until his full retirement on December 31, 2024. Mr. Scheopner will also continue to serve on the boards of directors of the Company and the Bank through the end of their terms. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The Company incorporates by reference the information called for by Item 11 of this Form 10-K from the sections entitled “Corporate Governance and the Board of Directors,” and “Executive Compensation” of the 2024 Proxy Statement. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The Company incorporates by reference the information called for by Item 12 of this Form 10-K from the section entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” of the 2024 Proxy Statement. Equity Compensation Plan Information The following table sets forth the following information relating to the number of shares authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2023: (a) the number of securities to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights; 106 (b) the weighted-average exercise price of such outstanding options, warrants and rights; (c) other than securities to be issued upon the exercise of such outstanding options, warrants and rights, the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under the plans. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c) 228,408 (1) $ 20.58 (2) 55,849 (3) 228,408 - - $ 20.58 - 55,849 Plan category Equity compensation plans aproved by security holders Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders Total (1) Reflects the number of underlying shares of our common stock associated with outstanding options granted under the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, as adjusted for stock dividends. (2) Reflects the weight-average exercise price with respect to the exercise of outstanding options included in column (a). (3) Reflects the number of shares of our common stock available for future issuance under the 2015 Stock Incentive Plan, as adjusted for stock dividends. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The Company incorporates by reference the information called for by Item 13 of this Form 10-K from the sections entitled “Proposal 1 – Election of Directors,” “Corporate Governance and the Board of Directors” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” of the 2024 Proxy Statement. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The Company incorporates by reference the information called for by Item 14 of this Form 10-K from the section entitled “Proposal 2 - Ratification of Crowe LLP as our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” of the 2024 Proxy Statement. 107 ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES ITEM 15 (a)1 and 2. Financial Statements and Schedules PART IV. LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY LIST OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its subsidiaries and related notes and auditors’ report are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Report: Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 173) Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2023 and 2022 Consolidated Statements of Earnings – Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity – Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements All schedules are omitted because they are not required or are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements incorporated by reference or notes thereto. Item 15(a)3 and (b). Exhibits Exhibit Number 2.1 Description Incorporated by reference to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated June 28, 2022, by and among Landmark Bancorp, Inc., LARK Investment Corporation and Freedom Bancshares, Inc. Exhibit 2.1 to the registrants report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 28, 2022 (SEC file no. 000-33203) Attached hereto 3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation 3.2 3.3 4.0 Certificate of Amendment of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation Bylaws Certain instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the Company, none of which authorize a total amount of indebtedness in excess of 10% of the total assets of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, have not been filed as exhibits. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any of these agreements to the Commission upon request. Exhibit 3.1 to the registrant’s transition report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2002 (SEC file no. 000-33203) Exhibit 3.2 to the registrant’s report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 29, 2013 (SEC file no. 000- 33203) Exhibit 3.3 to the registrant’s Form S- 4 filed with the SEC on June 7, 2001 (SEC file no. 333-62466) 108 4.1 10.1* 10.2* 10.3* Description of the Company’s securities registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Employment Agreement effective January 1, 2014 between Michael E. Scheopner, the Company and the Bank Employment Agreement effective November 1, 2013 between Mark A. Herpich, the Company and the Bank Form of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. Deferred Compensation Agreement 10.4* Landmark Bancorp, Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Award Agreement Form of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement Form of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. 2015 Stock Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement Exhibit 4.1 to the registrant’s report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 12, 2020 (SEC file no. 000- 33203) Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Form 8- K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2013 (SEC file no. 000-33203) Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant’s Form 8- K filed with the SEC on December 20, 2013 (SEC file no. 000-33203) Exhibit 10.11 to the registrant’s report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 30, 2005 (SEC file no. 000- 33203) Exhibit 10.20 to the registrant’s report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 14, 2016 (SEC file no. 000- 33203) Exhibit 4.5 to the registrant’s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on May 16, 2016 (SEC file no. 333-211399) Exhibit 4.6 to the registrant’s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on May 16, 2016 (SEC file no. 333-211399) Exhibit 4.7 to the registrant’s Form S-8 filed with the SEC on May 16, 2016 (SEC file no. 333-211399) Business Loan Agreement, Promissory Note and Commercial Pledge Agreement, dated November 1, 2021, between Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and First National Bank of Omaha Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 12, 2021 (SEC file no. 000-33203) Change in Terms Agreement and Promissory Note, dated November 03, 2023, between Landmark Bancorp, Inc. and First National Bank of Omaha Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 10, 2022 (SEC file no. 000-33203) Employment Agreement between the Company, the Bank and Abigail M Wendel, dated as of March 1, 2024 Addendum to Employment Agreement by and between the Company, the Bank and Michael E. Scheopner, dated as of March 1, 2024 Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024 (SEC file no. 000-33203) Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 4, 2024 (SEC file no. 000-33203) Letter to Stockholders and Corporate Information included in 2023 Annual Report to Stockholders Subsidiaries of the Company Consent of Crowe LLP Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a- 14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a- 14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 109 X X X X X X X 10.5* 10.6* 10.7* 10.8 10.9 10.10* 10.11* 13.1 21.1 23.1 31.1 31.2 32.1 32.2 101 Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T, formatted in inline XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Earnings for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) X X *Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. Upon written request to the President of the Company, P.O. Box 308, Manhattan, Kansas 66505-0308, copies of the exhibits listed above are available to stockholders of the Company by specifically identifying each exhibit desired in the request. The Company’s filings with the SEC are also available free of charge via the Internet at www.sec.gov, the Company’s website at www.landmarkbancorpinc.com or through the investor relations link at the Bank’s website at www.banklandmark.com. ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None 110 SIGNATURES 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. LANDMARK BANCORP, INC. (Registrant) By: /s/ Michael E. Scheopner Michael E. Scheopner President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) By: /s/ Mark A. Herpich Mark A. Herpich Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) March 27, 2024 date Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act 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. SIGNATURE /s/ Michael E. Scheopner Michael E. Scheopner /s/ Patrick L. Alexander Patrick L. Alexander /s/ Mark A. Herpich Mark A. Herpich /s/ Richard A. Ball Richard A. Ball /s/ Sarah Hill-Nelson Sarah Hill-Nelson /s/ Angela S. Hurt Angela S. Hurt /s/ Mark J Kohlrus Mark J Kohlrus /s/ Jim W. Lewis Jim W. Lewis /s/ Sandra J. Moll Sandra J. Moll /s/ Wayne R. Sloan Wayne R. Sloan /s/ David H. Snapp David H. Snapp /s/ Angelia K Stanland Angelia K Stanland TITLE President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) Chairman of the Board, Director Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Director Director March 27, 2024 Date March 27, 2024 Date March 27, 2024 Date March 27, 2024 Date March 27, 2024 Date March 27, 2024 Director Director Director Director Director Director Director March 27, 2024 Date March 27, 2024 Date March 27, 2024 Date March 27, 2024 Date March 27, 2024 Date March 27, 2024 Date 111 EXHIBIT 13.1 See pages 2-3 of this document for the letter to shareholders and pages 6-7 for the corporate information contained in exhibit 13.1 filed on form 10-K with the SEC. EXHIBIT 21.1 Subsidiaries of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. The most significant subsidiary of the Company is Landmark National Bank, a national banking association with its main office located in Manhattan, Kansas, and with branch offices located in Auburn, Dodge City (2), Fort Scott (2), Garden City, Great Bend (2), Hoisington, Iola, Junction City, Kincaid, LaCrosse, Lawrence (2), Lenexa, Louisburg, Manhattan, Mound City, Osage City, Osawatomie, Overland Park (2), Paola, Pittsburg, Prairie Village, Topeka (2), Wamego and Wellsville, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri. The Company also owns Landmark Risk Management, Inc., which is a Nevada incorporated captive insurance company that provides property and casualty insurance coverage to the Company and the Bank for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in today’s insurance marketplace. Landmark Risk Management, Inc. pools resources with other captive insurance companies to spread a limited amount of risk among themselves. The Company also owns all of the common securities of Landmark Capital Trust I, Landmark Capital Trust II and First Capital (KS) Statutory Trust, each a Delaware statutory trust, formed to issue trust preferred securities in a private placement. Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm EXHIBIT 23.1 We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement No. 333-211399 on Form S-8 of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. of our report dated March 27, 2024 relating to the consolidated financial statements, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. /s/ Crowe LLP Dallas, Texas March 27, 2024 112 1. 2. 3. 4. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 EXHIBIT 31.1 I, Michael E. Scheopner, certify that: I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Landmark Bancorp, Inc.; Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a) (b) (c) (d) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) (b) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 27, 2024 /s/ Michael E. Scheopner Michael E. Scheopner Chief Executive Officer 113 1. 2. 3. 4. CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO EXCHANGE ACT RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 EXHIBIT 31.2 I, Mark A. Herpich, certify that: I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Landmark Bancorp, Inc.; Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: (a) (b) (c) (d) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): (a) (b) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting. Date: March 27, 2024 /s/ Mark A. Herpich Mark A. Herpich Chief Financial Officer 114 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 EXHIBIT 32.1 In connection with the annual report of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Michael E. Scheopner, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Michael E. Scheopner Michael E. Scheopner Chief Executive Officer March 27, 2024 CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 EXHIBIT 32.2 In connection with the annual report of Landmark Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending December 31, 2023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mark A. Herpich, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. /s/ Mark A. Herpich Mark A. Herpich Chief Financial Officer March 27, 2024 115 2023 ANNUAL REPORTNasdaq: LARKEveryone starts as a customer and leaves as a friend.

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