SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2022

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include New Peoples, the Bank, NPB Insurance Services, Inc., and NPB Web Services, Inc. (Hereinafter, collectively referred to as the Company, we, us, or our). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 942, Financial Services – Depository and Lending, NPB Capital Trust I and 2 are not included in the consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles of the United States (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The determination of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses and the determination of the deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance are based on estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the economic environment and market conditions.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents as used in the cash flow statements include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks, federal funds sold and investment securities maturing within three months.

Investment Securities

Investment Securities – Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. If management has the intent and the Company has the ability at the time of purchase to hold securities until maturity, they are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized historical cost. Securities not intended to be held to maturity are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Securities available-for-sale are intended to be used as part of the Company’s asset and liability management strategy and may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, prepayment risk or other similar factors.

The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using the effective interest method over the period to maturity for discounts and the earlier of call date or maturity for premiums. Realized gains and losses on dispositions are based on the net proceeds and the adjusted book value of the securities sold, using the specific identification method. Realized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale are included in noninterest income and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive loss. Unrealized gains and losses on investment securities available for sale are based on the difference between book value and fair value of each security. These gains and losses are credited or charged to other comprehensive loss, net of tax, whereas realized gains and losses flow through the statements of income.

Loans held for sale

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 through earnings. Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing released. Gains and losses on sales of mortgages are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.

Loans

Loans – Loans are carried on the balance sheet at unpaid principal balance, net of any unearned interest and the allowance for loan losses. Interest income on loans is computed using the effective interest method, except where serious doubt exists as to the collectability of the loan, in which case accrual of the income is discontinued.

It is the Company’s policy to stop accruing interest on a loan, and classify that loan as non-accrual under the following circumstances: (a) whenever we are advised by the borrower that scheduled payment or interest payments cannot be met, (b) when our best judgment indicates that payment in full of principal and interest can no longer be expected, or (c) when any such loan or obligation becomes delinquent for 90 days unless it is both well secured and in the process of collection. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income, except in the case of a nonaccrual loan that is well secured and in the process of collection, in which case, the interest accrued but not collected is not reversed. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual status. Generally, loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, six consecutive timely payments are made, and prospects for future contractual payments are reasonably assured.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for commercial and construction loans by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk – The Company identifies a concentration as any obligation, direct or indirect, of the same or affiliated interests which represent 25% or more of the Company’s capital structure, or $14.3 million as of December 31, 2022. Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located within southwest Virginia, southern West Virginia, northeastern Tennessee region and western North Carolina. Certain concentrations may pose credit risk. The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one industry or customer.

Allowance for Loan Losses

Allowance for Loan Losses – The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The loan portfolio is analyzed periodically and loans are assigned a risk rating. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of expected cash flows. A general allowance is made for all other loans not considered impaired as deemed appropriate by management. In determining the adequacy of the allowance, management considers the following factors: the nature of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, the estimated value of any underlying collateral, prevailing environmental factors and economic conditions, and other inherent risks. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reductions in the carrying amounts of loans may be necessary based on changes in collateral values and changes in estimates of cash flows on impaired loans. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is charged to expense and reduced by charge-offs, net of recoveries. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that collectability of all or part of the principal is unlikely. Past due status is determined based on contractual terms.

In regard to our consumer and consumer real estate loan portfolio, the Company uses the guidance found in the Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management Policy which affects our estimate of the allowance for loan losses. Under this approach, a consumer or consumer real estate loan must initially have a credit risk grade of Pass or better. Subsequently, if the loan becomes contractually 90 days past due or the borrower files for bankruptcy protection, the loan is downgraded to Substandard and placed in nonaccrual status. If the loan is unsecured, upon being deemed Substandard, the entire loan amount is charged off. For non-1-4 family residential loans that are 90 days past due or greater, or in bankruptcy, the collateral value less estimated liquidation costs is compared to the loan balance to calculate any potential deficiency. If the collateral is sufficient then no charge-off is necessary. If a deficiency exists, then upon the loan becoming contractually 120 days past due, the deficiency is charged-off against the allowance for loan loss. In the case of 1-4 family residential or home equity loans, upon the loan becoming 120 days past due, a current value is obtained and after application of an estimated liquidation discount, a comparison is made to the loan balance to calculate any deficiency. Subsequently, any noted deficiency is then charged-off against the allowance for loan loss when the loan becomes contractually 180 days past due. If the customer has filed bankruptcy, then within 60 days of the bankruptcy notice, any calculated deficiency is charged-off against the allowance for loan loss. Collection efforts continue by means of repossessions or foreclosures, and upon bank ownership, liquidation ensues.

Bank Premises and Equipment

Bank Premises and Equipment – Land, buildings and equipment are recorded at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

Type	Estimated useful life
Buildings	39 years
Paving and landscaping	15 years
Computer equipment and software	3 to 5 years
Vehicles	5 years
Furniture and other equipment	5 to 10 years

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Repairs and maintenance costs are recorded as a component of noninterest expense as incurred.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other Real Estate Owned – Other real estate owned represents properties acquired through foreclosure or deeds taken in lieu of foreclosure and former branch sites that have been closed and for which there are no intentions to re-open or otherwise use the location. At the time of acquisition, these properties are recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell. Expenses incurred in connection with operating these properties and subsequent write-downs, if any, are charged to operations. Subsequent to foreclosure, management periodically considers the adequacy of the reserve for losses on the property. Gains and losses on the sales of these properties are credited or charged to income in the year of the sale.

Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI)

Bank Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) – The Bank purchased life insurance policies on certain, now-former, key officers and employees. Changes in the cash surrender value are recorded in noninterest income.

Leases

Leases – A right-of-use asset and related lease liability is recognized for operating leases the Bank has entered into for certain office facilities. Most leases include one or more options to renew. The exercise of lease renewal options is typically at the sole discretion of management. If it is determined that it is reasonably certain that the Bank will exercise renewal options, the additional term is included in the calculation of the lease liability. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use the fully collateralized Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing rate, commensurate with the lease terms at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of the lease payments.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes – Deferred tax assets or liabilities are computed based upon the difference between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted marginal tax rate. The Company provides a valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets where it is more likely than not such assets will not be realized. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no valuation allowance on its net deferred tax assets.

The Company recognizes the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. See Note 10, Income Taxes, for additional information. The Company records any penalties and interest attributed to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expenses.

Income Per Share

Income Per Share – Basic income per share computations are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Dilutive earnings per share reflect the additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued.

Financial Instruments – Off-balance-sheet instruments

Financial Instruments – Off-balance-sheet instruments - In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the financial statements when they are funded.

Financial Instruments – Fair Value

Financial Instruments – Fair Value – Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully discussed in Note 22. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risks, prepayments and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.

Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Comprehensive (Loss) Income – GAAP require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive (loss) income. The change in unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities is the Company’s only component of other comprehensive loss.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Revenue from Contracts with Customers - The Company generally satisfies its performance obligations fully on its contracts with customers as services are rendered; and the transaction prices are typically fixed, charged either on a periodic basis or based on activity.

Advertising Cost

Advertising Cost – Advertising costs are expensed in the period incurred. Those costs, which are included in Advertising, sponsorships and donations in Note 24 totaled $162,000 and $252,000, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Reclassification

Reclassification – Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years’ financial statements to place them on a comparable basis with the current year. Net income and shareholders’ equity previously reported were not affected by these reclassifications.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events – The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued. See Note 25 Subsequent Events for additional information.