Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

USE OF ESTIMATES

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that management has determined to be critical accounting estimates are more fully described in Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Form 10-K.

Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The Company adopted ASC 326 on January 1, 2023. It significantly changed guidance for recognizing impairment of financial instruments, including debt securities classified as held-to-maturity ("HTM") or available-for-sale ("AFS").

Certain municipal debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as HTM and recorded at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as HTM are classified as AFS and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income, a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized as adjustments to interest income using the level-yield method. Realized gains or losses from the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are computed using the specific identification method.

Expected credit losses on HTM municipal debt securities are measured on a collective basis by major security types. The estimate of expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Substantially all of LCNB's portfolio of held-to-maturity municipal debt securities were issued by local municipalities and governmental authorities.

For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, LCNB first assesses whether it intends to sell or if it is more likely than not that it 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 available-for-sale debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, LCNB evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to 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 is compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of expected cash flows is less that the amortized cost basis, a provision for credit losses is recorded for the amount of the difference. Any impairment that is not recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as credit loss expense or recovery. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an available-for sale debt security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, declines in the fair value of debt securities below their cost that were deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, and for which the Company did not intend to sell the securities and it was not more likely than not that the securities would be sold before the anticipated recovery of the impairment, were separated into losses related to credit factors and losses related to other factors. The losses related to credit factors were recognized in earnings and losses related to other factors were recognized in other comprehensive income. In estimating other than temporary impairment losses, management considered the length of time and the extent to which the fair value had been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. Management determined that no such impairment adjustment was required to be made in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income as of December 31, 2022.

Accrued interest receivable on HTM securities totaled $53,000 and $58,000 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and accrued interest receivable on AFS debt securities totaled $0.9 million and $1.0 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and are reported in interest receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Management has made the accounting policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable on HTM and AFS securities from the estimate of credit losses as accrued interest is written off in a timely manner when deemed uncollectible.

Equity securities with a readily determinable fair value are measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income.

FHLB stock is an equity interest in the FHLB of Cincinnati. It can be sold only at its par value of $100 per share and only to the FHLB or to another member institution. In addition, the equity ownership rights are more limited than would be the case for a public company because of the oversight role exercised by the Federal Housing Finance Agency in the process of budgeting and approving dividends. Federal Reserve Bank stock is similarly restricted in marketability and value. Both investments are carried at cost, which is their par value.

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock are both subject to minimum ownership requirements by member banks. The required investments in common stock are based on predetermined formulas.

Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Policy Text Block]

ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS

The allowance for credit losses ("ACL") is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans' amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes that the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Consumer loans are charged off when they reach 120 days past due. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off.

Under ASC 326, management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term as well as changes in external conditions, such as changes in unemployment rates, property values, or other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance for credit losses is measured on a pool basis when similar risk characteristics exist. LCNB has identified the following portfolio segments and measures the allowance for credit losses using the following methods:

Portfolio Segment	Pool	Methodology	Loss Driver(s)
Commercial & industrial	Commercial & Industrial	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment and Coincident Economic Activity (CEA) Index for Ohio
Commercial & industrial	Commercial & Industrial - Banc Alliance/Alliance Partners Program	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment and Coincident Economic Activity (CEA) Index for Ohio
Commercial, secured by real estate	Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Non-Owner Occupied	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment and Moody's Commercial Real Estate Price Indexes (CREPI) - US Commercial
Commercial, secured by real estate	Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Owner Occupied	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment
Commercial, secured by real estate	Farm Real Estate	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment
Commercial, secured by real estate	Multifamily	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment and Moody's Commercial Real Estate Price Indexes (CREPI) - US Commercial
Commercial, secured by real estate	Other Construction, Land Development, and Other Land	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment and Weighted Combined MSA Home Price Index
Residential real estate	Real Estate Mortgage	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment and Weighted Combined MSA Home Price Index
Residential real estate	Second Mortgage (Residential)	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment and Weighted Combined MSA Home Price Index
Residential real estate	Home Equity Line of Credit	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment and Weighted Combined MSA Home Price Index
Residential real estate	Residential 1-4 Family Construction	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment and Weighted Combined MSA Home Price Index
Consumer	Installment - Direct and ODP (Consumer)	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment
Consumer	Letter of Credit	Discounted Cash Flow/Manual	N/A
Consumer	Demand Deposit Account Overdrafts	Manual	N/A
Agricultural	Ag Production and Other Farm	Discounted Cash Flow	Weighted Combined MSA Unemployment

*"MSA" referenced above combines forecasts for Cincinnati, Dayton and Columbus metro areas.

**"Weighted" referenced above refers to weighted average of baseline and alternative scenarios

Management has chosen the discounted cash flow ("DCF") methodology to estimate the quantitative portion of the allowance for credit losses on loans for all loan pools. A Loss Driver Analysis (“LDA”) was performed for the September 30, 2024 ACL calculation, based on relevant information available at March 31, 2024, for each segment to identify potential loss drivers and create a regression model for use in forecasting cash flows. The LDA for all DCF-based pools utilized LCNB’s data and peer data from the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council's (“FFIEC”) Call Report filings.

In creating the DCF model, as well as reviewing the model quarterly, management established a four-quarter reasonable and supportable forecast period with a six-quarter straight line reversion to the long-term historical average. Due to the infrequency of losses within the farm real estate and agricultural loan portfolios, LCNB elected to use peer data for a more statistically sound calculation.

Key assumptions in the DCF model include the probability of default (“PD”), loss given default (“LGD”), and prepayment/curtailment rates. The model-driven PD and LGD are derived using company specific and peer historical data. Prepayment and curtailment rates were calculated using third party studies of LCNB's data.

Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes extensions, renewals, and modifications unless the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company.

Qualitative factors for the DCF methodology includes the following:

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Actual and expected changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments in which the Company operates that affect the collectability of financial assets;

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The effect of other external factors such as the regulatory, legal and technological environments, competition, and events such as natural disasters or pandemics;

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Model risk including statistical risk, reversion risk, timing risk, and model limitation risk;

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Changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans; and

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The lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and practices for collections, write-offs, and recoveries.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Loans evaluated individually are not included in the collective evaluation. When the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty at the reporting date and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date adjusted for estimated selling costs.

Prior to the adoption of ASC 326, the provision for loan losses was determined by management based upon its evaluation of the amount needed to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level considered appropriate in relation to the estimated risk of losses inherent in the portfolio. The methodology used by management to estimate the allowance took into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, historic categorical trends, current delinquency levels as related to historical levels, portfolio growth rates, changes in composition of the portfolio, the economic environment, as well as allowance adequacy in relation to the portfolio.

The allowance consisted of specific and general components. The specific component related to loans that were specifically reviewed for impairment. For such loans, an allowance was established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan was lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covered loans not specifically reviewed for impairment and homogeneous loan pools, such as residential real estate and consumer loans. The general component was measured for each loan category separately based on each category’s average of historical loss experience over a trailing sixty month period, adjusted for qualitative factors. Such qualitative factors may have included economic conditions if different from the five-year historical loss period, trends in underperforming loans, trends in volume and terms of loan categories, concentrations of credit, and trends in loan quality.

A loan was considered impaired when management believed, based on information and events current at the time, that it was probable that the Bank would be unable to collect all amounts due, including principal and interest, according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. An impaired loan was measured by the present value of expected future cash flows using the loan's effective interest rate. An impaired collateral-dependent loan was usually measured based on collateral value. Smaller-balance homogeneous loans, including residential mortgage and consumer installment loans, which were not evaluated individually were collectively evaluated for impairment.

Accrued interest receivable totaling $7.7 million and $7.3 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, was excluded from the amortized cost basis of the estimate of credit losses and is reported in interest receivable on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Loans are generally placed on non-accrual status at 90 days past due or when the borrower's ability to repay becomes doubtful. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any accrued interest is reversed and charged against interest income.

Financing Receivable, Held-for-Sale [Policy Text Block]

LOANS HELD FOR SALE

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recorded as a valuation allowance and charged to earnings. Prior to January 1, 2024, mortgage loans held for sale were generally sold with servicing rights retained. Servicing rights were released to the loan purchaser during 2024. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loan sold, which is reduced by the cost allocated to the servicing right. LCNB generally locks in the sale price to the purchaser of the mortgage loan at the same time an interest rate commitment is made to the borrower.

Lender Risk Accounts [Policy Text Block]

LENDER RISK ACCOUNT

Certain loan sale transactions with the FHLB provide for establishment of a LRA. The LRA consists of amounts withheld from loan sale proceeds by the FHLB-Cincinnati for absorbing projected losses that are probable on those sold loans. These withheld funds are an asset as they are scheduled to be paid to LCNB in future years, net of any credit losses on those loans sold. The receivables are estimated by discounting the expected cash flows over the life of each master commitment contract. Changes in the discounted cash flow are recorded as gain and loss on sale of loans. Expected cash flows are re-evaluated at each measurement date. If there is an adverse change in expected cash flows, the gain and loss on sale of loans would be adjusted on a prospective basis and the asset would be evaluated for impairment.

Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]

LEASES

LCNB determines if a contract is a lease or contains a lease at its inception. A liability to make lease payments ("the lease liability") and a right-of-use asset representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments, are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet. The discount rate is LCNB's incremental borrowing rate for periods similar to the respective lease terms. LCNB management is reasonably certain that it will exercise the renewal options contained within the contracts for its leased offices and these additional terms have been included in the calculation of the right-of-use assets and the lease liabilities. Most variable lease payments are excluded except for those that depend on an index or a rate or are in substance fixed payments.

A lease is classified as a finance lease if it meets any of five designated criteria. If the lease does not meet any of the five criteria, the lease is classified as an operating lease. All leases entered into by LCNB through December 31, 2024 are classified as operating leases. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term for operating leases. LCNB has adopted an accounting policy election to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for leases with a term of twelve months or less. Lease expense for such leases is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The acquisition method of accounting requires that assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination are recorded at fair value as of the acquisition date. The valuation of assets and liabilities often involves estimates based on third- party valuations, or internal valuations, based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques, all of which are inherently subjective. Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is not amortized, but is instead subject to an annual review for impairment. A review for impairment may be conducted more frequently than annually if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. Impairment indicators that may be considered include the condition of the economy and banking industry; estimated future cash flows; government intervention and regulatory updates; the impact of recent events to financial performance and cost factors of the reporting unit; performance of LCNB’s stock, and other relevant events. These and other factors could lead to a conclusion that goodwill is impaired, which would require LCNB to write off the difference between the current estimated fair value of the Company and its carrying value.

LCNB performs a goodwill impairment test on an annual basis or more often if events or circumstances indicate that it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value of a reporting unit is below its carrying value. Based on the annual impairment analysis on November 30, 2024, it was determined that the fair value was in excess of its respective carrying value and therefore, goodwill is considered not impaired.

The Company’s other intangible assets relate to core deposits acquired from business combinations. These intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Management evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that indicate the remaining useful life or carrying value of the amortizing intangible should be revised.

Bank Owned Life Insurance, Policy [Policy Text Block]

BANK OWNED LIFE INSURANCE

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain officers of the Company. The Company is the beneficiary of these policies and has recorded the estimated cash surrender value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Income on the policies, based on the increase in cash surrender value and any incremental death benefits, is included in non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy to prioritize the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. A financial instrument’s level within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three broad input levels are:

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Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the reporting date;

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Level 2 – inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability either directly or indirectly; and

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Level 3 - inputs that are unobservable for the asset or liability.

Accounting guidance permits, but does not require, companies to measure many financial instruments and certain other items, including loans and debt securities, at fair value. The decision to elect the fair value option is made individually for each instrument and is irrevocable once made. Changes in fair value for the selected instruments are recorded in earnings.

The Company did not select any financial instruments for the fair value election in 2024 or 2023.

Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]

ADVERTISING EXPENSE

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and are recorded as a marketing expense, a component of non-interest expense.

Treasury Stock [Policy Text Block]

TREASURY STOCK

Common shares repurchased are recorded at cost. Cost of shares retired or reissued is determined using the weighted average method.

Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]

REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS

LCNB record's revenue from contracts with customers in accordance with ASC Topic 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“Topic 606”). Under Topic 606, LCNB must identify the contract with a customer, identify the performance obligations in the contract, determine the transaction price, allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract, and recognize revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. Significant revenue has not been recognized in the current reporting period that results from performance obligations satisfied in previous periods.

LCNB's primary sources of revenue are derived from interest and dividends earned on loans, securities, and other financial instruments that are not within the scope of Topic 606. LCNB has evaluated the nature of its contracts with customers and determined that further disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers into more granular categories beyond what is presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income is not necessary.

LCNB generally satisfies its performance obligations on contracts with customers as services are rendered, and the transaction prices are typically fixed and charged either on a periodic basis, generally monthly, or based on activity. Because performance obligations are satisfied as services are rendered and the transaction prices are fixed, there is little judgment involved in applying Topic 606 that significantly affects the determination of the amount and timing of revenue from contracts with customers.

Revenue- generating activities that are within the scope of ASC 606 and that are presented as non-interest income in LCNB's Consolidated Statements of Income include:

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Fiduciary income - this includes periodic fees due from Wealth Management and Investment Services customers for managing the customers' financial assets. Fees are generally charged on a quarterly or annual basis and are recognized ratably throughout the period, as the services are provided on an ongoing basis.

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Service charges and fees on deposit accounts - these include general service fees charged for deposit account maintenance and activity and transaction-based fees charged for certain services, such as debit card, wire transfer, or overdraft activities. Revenue is recognized when the performance obligation is completed, which is generally after a transaction is completed or monthly for account maintenance services.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share allocated to common shareholders is calculated using the two-class method and is computed by dividing net income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is adjusted for the dilutive effects of stock-based compensation and is calculated using the two-class method or the treasury stock method. The diluted average number of common shares outstanding has been increased for the assumed exercise of stock-based compensation with the proceeds used to purchase treasury shares at the average market price for the period.