SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2023

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

NOTE 2 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

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.

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2023 – On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (ASC 326). This standard replaced the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology. CECL requires an estimate of credit losses for the remaining estimated life of the financial asset using historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and generally applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables and held-to-maturity debt securities, and some off-balance sheet credit exposures such as unfunded commitments to extend credit. Financial assets measured at amortized cost will be presented at the net amount expected to be collected by using an allowance for credit losses.

In addition, CECL made changes to the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities. One such change is to require credit losses to be presented as an allowance rather than as a write-down on available-for-sale debt securities if management does not intend to sell and does not believe that it is more likely than not, they will be required to sell.

The Company adopted ASC 326 and all related subsequent amendments thereto effective January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. The transition adjustment of the adoption of CECL included a decrease in the allowance for credit losses on loans of $80,000, which is presented as a reduction to net loans outstanding, and an increase in the allowance for credit losses on unfunded loan commitments of $348,000, which is recorded within other liabilities. The Company recorded a net decrease to retained earnings of $212,000 as of January 1, 2023 for the cumulative effect of adopting CECL, which reflects the transition adjustments noted above, net of the applicable deferred tax assets recorded. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2023 are presented under CECL while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable accounting standards (“Incurred Loss”).

The Company adopted ASC 326 using the prospective transition approach for debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment had been recognized prior to January 1, 2023. As of December 31, 2022, the Company did not have any other-than-temporarily impaired investment securities. Therefore, upon adoption of ASC 326, the Company determined that an allowance for credit losses on available-for-sale securities was not deemed material.

The following table illustrates the impact on the allowance for credit losses from the adoption of ASC 326:

 Schedule of allowance for credit losses on available for sale securities

	January 1, 2023 As Reported Under ASC 326		December 31, 2022 Pre-ASC 326 Adoption		Impact of ASC 326 Adoption
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets:
Loans, at amortized cost	$	584,613	$	584,613	$	—
Allowance for credit losses on loans:
Real estate secured:
Commercial		2,065		2,364		(299	)
Construction and land development		509		345		164
Residential 1-4 family		2,639		2,364		275
Multifamily		274		262		12
Farmland		228		153		75
Total real estate loans		5,715		5,488		227
Commercial		622		381		241
Agriculture		27		32		(5	)
Consumer and other loans		283		386		(103	)
Unallocated		—		440		(440	)
Total allowance for credit losses for loans		6,647		6,727		(80	)
Deferred tax asset		4,679		4,623		56
Liabilities:
Allowance for credit losses for unfunded commitments		348		—		348

The Company elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivable and instead elected to reverse interest income on loans or securities that are placed on nonaccrual status, which is generally when the instrument is 90 days past due, or earlier if the Company believes the collection of interest is doubtful. The Company has concluded that this policy results in the timely reversal of uncollectible interest.

On January 1, 2023, concurrent with its adoption of ASU No. 2016-13, the Company adopted ASU No. 2022-02, “Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures.” The amendments eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) by creditors that have adopted the CECL model and enhance the disclosure requirements for loan refinancings and restructurings made with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Disclosures about periods prior to adoption will be presented under GAAP applicable for that period.

Similar to its policy under previous GAAP, the Company continues to identify modifications to loans and to determine whether the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. If the Company determines that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, the loan’s risk rating is evaluated to determine whether it falls within the regulatory definition of “criticized” and requires individual evaluation. Under previous GAAP, modifications to loans when the borrower was experiencing financial difficulty were designated as TDRs and were individually evaluated for the duration of the loan. Under CECL, if a previously modified loan with financial difficulty is subsequently upgraded to a pass rating, it will no longer be individually evaluated.

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 credit losses is 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 as used in the cash flow statements include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks, federal funds sold and investment securities when purchased within three months of maturity.

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.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Available-for-Sale Securities – For available-for-sale securities, management evaluates all investments in an unrealized loss position on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. If the Company has the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security, the security is written down to fair value and the entire loss is recorded in earnings.

If either of the above criteria is not met, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value is the result of credit losses or other factors. In making the assessment, the Company may consider various factors including the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, performance on any underlying collateral, downgrades in the ratings of the security by a rating agency, the failure of the issuer to make scheduled interest or principal payments and adverse conditions specifically related to the security. If the assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security and any excess is recorded as an allowance for credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any amount of unrealized loss that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit losses expense. Losses are charged against the allowance for credit losses when management believes an available-for-sale security is confirmed to be uncollectible or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. As of December 31, 2023, there was no allowance for credit losses related to the available-for-sale portfolio.

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 that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts and deferred fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable related to loans totaled $2.6 million as of December 31, 2023 and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using methods that approximate a level yield without anticipating prepayments.

The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well collateralized and in the process of collection, or when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the principal or interest will not be collectible in the normal course of business. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. A loan is considered to be past due when a scheduled payment has not been received 30 days after the contractual due date.

All accrued interest is reversed against interest income when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Interest received on such loans is accounted for using the cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, there is a sustained period of repayment performance, and future payments are reasonably assured.

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 $16.2 million as of December 31, 2023. 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 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 the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

The allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of lifetime credit losses inherent in loans as of the balance sheet date. The allowance for credit losses is estimated by management using relevant available information, from both internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

The Company primarily utilizes the cohort and the probability of default/loss given default methodologies for its reasonable and supportable forecasting of current expected credit losses. To further adjust the allowance for credit losses for expected losses not already included within the quantitative component of the calculation, the Company may consider the following qualitative adjustment factors: changes to: lending policies and procedures, national and local economic conditions, the experience and ability of management and staff; the volume and severity of past due, rated and nonaccrual assets, loan review system, collateral value, concentrations of credit, and legal or regulatory requirements and competition.

The Company measures expected credit losses for loans on a pooled basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company has identified the following portfolio segments and calculates the allowance for credit losses for each using a discounted cash flow methodology:

• Commercial Real Estate Loans. We originate loans to qualified businesses and individuals in our market area for the purchase, construction or refinancing of commercial real estate. These loans consist of owner occupied, non-owner occupied and multi-family transactions. Owner occupied real estate properties primarily include retail buildings, medical buildings and industrial/warehouse space. Owner-occupied loans are typically repaid first by the cash flows generated by the borrower’s business operations. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the underlying business and its ability to generate sustainable profitability and positive cash flow. Non-owner occupied commercial real estate properties primarily include retail buildings, hotels, office/medical buildings and industrial/warehouse space. Increases in vacancy rates, interest rates or other changes in general economic conditions can have an impact on the borrower and their ability to repay the loan. Non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans are generally considered to have a higher degree of credit risk as they may be dependent on the ongoing success and operating viability of a fewer number of tenants who are occupying the property and who may have a greater degree of exposure to economic conditions. Multifamily loans are expected to be repaid from the cash flows of the underlying property so the collective amount of rents must be sufficient to cover all operating expenses, property management and maintenance, taxes and debt service. Increases in vacancy rates, interest rates or other changes in general economic conditions can have an impact on the borrower and their ability to repay the loan. Construction loans include not only construction of new structures, but also additions or alterations to existing structures. Construction loans are generally secured by real estate. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the uncertainty on whether the construction will be completed according to the specifications and schedules. Factors that may influence the completion of construction may be customer specific, such as the quality and depth of property management, or related to changes in general economic conditions.

• Commercial Loans. We make commercial loans to qualified businesses in our market area. Our commercial lending consists primarily of commercial and industrial loans to finance accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment. Commercial business loans generally have a higher degree of risk than residential mortgage loans but have commensurately higher yields. Residential mortgage loans are generally made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from employment and other income and are secured by real estate whose value tends to be easily ascertainable. In contrast, commercial business loans typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from cash flow from its business and are secured by business assets, such as commercial real estate, accounts receivable, equipment and inventory. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may be substantially dependent on the success of the business itself. Further, the collateral for commercial business loans may depreciate over time and cannot be appraised with as much precision as residential real estate. To manage these risks, our underwriting guidelines generally require us to secure commercial loans with both the assets of the borrowing business and other additional collateral and guarantees that may be available. In addition, we actively monitor certain measures of the borrower, including advance rate, cash flow, collateral value and other appropriate credit factors.

• Residential Mortgage Loans. Our residential mortgage loans consist of residential first and second mortgage loans, residential construction loans, home equity lines of credit and term loans secured by first and second mortgages on the residences of borrowers for home improvements, education and other personal expenditures. We make mortgage loans with a variety of terms, including fixed and floating or variable rates and a variety of maturities. Under our underwriting guidelines, residential mortgage loans are generally made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from employment and other income and are secured by real estate whose value tends to be easily ascertainable. These loans are made consistent with our appraisal policies and real estate lending policies, which detail maximum loan-to-value ratios and maturities.

• Construction Loans. Construction lending entails significant additional risks compared to residential mortgage lending. Construction loans often involve larger loan balances concentrated with single borrowers or groups of related borrowers. Construction loans also involve additional risks attributable to the fact that loan funds are advanced upon the security of property under construction, which is of uncertain value prior to the completion of construction. Thus, it is more difficult to evaluate the total loan funds required to complete a project and related loan-to-value ratios accurately. To minimize the risks associated with construction lending, loan-to-value limitations for residential, multi-family and non-residential construction loans are in place. These are in addition to the usual credit analyses of borrowers. Management feels that the loan-to-value ratios help to minimize the risk of loss and to compensate for normal fluctuations in the real estate market. Maturities for construction loans generally range from 4 to 12 months for residential property and from 6 to 18 months for non-residential and multi-family properties.

• Consumer Loans. Our consumer loans consist primarily of installment loans to individuals for personal, family and household purposes. The specific types of consumer loans that we make include home improvement loans, debt consolidation loans and general consumer lending. Consumer loans entail greater risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured, such as lines of credit, or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as automobiles. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance due to the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans. A borrower may also be able to assert against the Bank as an assignee any claims and defenses that it has against the seller of the underlying collateral.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. The Company designates loan relationships of $250,000 or more that have been determined to meet the regulatory definitions of “special mention” or “classified” (together known as “criticized”) as individually evaluated. The fair value of individually evaluated loans is measured using the fair value of collateral (“collateral method”) or the DCF method.

• The collateral method is applied to individually evaluated loans for which foreclosure is probable. The collateral method is also applied to individually evaluated loans when borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral (“collateral dependent”). The allowance for credit losses is measured based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date. When repayment is expected to be from the operation of the collateral, the allowance for credit losses is calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the loan exceeds the present value of expected cash flows from the operation of the collateral. When repayment is expected to be from the sale of the collateral, the allowance for credit losses is calculated as the amount by which the loan’s amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated cost to sell. The allowance for credit losses may be zero if the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date exceeds the amortized cost basis of the loan.

• The DCF method is applied to individually evaluated loans that do not meet the criteria for collateral method measurement. Cash flows are projected and discounted using the same method as for collectively evaluated loans, and the Company considers default and prepayment assumptions.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Unfunded Commitments – 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 Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for off-balance sheet loan commitments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

The Company records an allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures, unless the commitments to extend credit are unconditionally cancelable, through a charge to provision for unfunded commitments, which is included in the provision for credit losses, in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated by loan segment at each balance sheet date under the current expected credit loss model using the same methodologies as portfolio loans, taking into consideration the likelihood that funding will occur as well as any third-party guarantees. The allowance for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

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:

 Schedule of estimated useful lives

Type	Estimated useful life
Buildings	39 – 40 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 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 and the time anticipated to dispose of the property is expected to not be short-term. 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”) – 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 – 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 – 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, 2023 and 2022, 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 – 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 - 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 – Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully discussed in Note 23. 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 Income (Loss) – GAAP requires 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 income (loss). 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 - 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 costs are expensed in the period incurred. Those costs, which are included in Advertising, sponsorships and donations in Note 25 totaled $206,000 and $162,000, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

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 – The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and/or disclosure through the date these consolidated financial statements were issued. See Note 26 Subsequent Events for additional information.