Colony Bankcorp (CBAN) 10-Q2023 Q1 Quarterly report

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.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: As of May 9, 2023, the registrant had 17,592,459 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share, issued and outstanding.

Colony Bankcorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company located in Fitzgerald, Georgia. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Colony Bank, Fitzgerald, Georgia (the “Bank”). The “Company” or “our,” as used herein, includes Colony Bank, except where the context requires otherwise.

In July 2019, a new subsidiary of the Company was incorporated under the name Colony Risk Management, Inc. Colony Risk Management, Inc. is a subsidiary of the Company and is located in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is a captive insurance subsidiary which insures various liability and property damage policies for the Company and its related subsidiaries. Colony Risk Management is regulated by the State of Nevada Division of Insurance.

All adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for fair presentation of the interim consolidated financial statements, have been included and fairly and accurately present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company. All significant intercompany accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to generally accepted accounting principles and practices utilized in the commercial banking industry for interim financial information and Regulation S-X. Accordingly, the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information or notes required for complete financial statements.

The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2023. These statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (“2022 Form 10-K”).

The Bank provides a full range of retail, commercial and mortgage banking services for consumers and small- to medium-size businesses located primarily in north central, south and coastal Georgia and in Alabama through two loan production offices. The Bank is headquartered in Fitzgerald, Georgia with banking and mortgage offices in Albany, Ashburn, Athens, Broxton, Centerville, Columbus, Cordele, Douglas, Eastman, Fitzgerald, LaGrange, Leesburg, Macon, Moultrie, Quitman, Rochelle, Savannah, Soperton, Statesboro, Sylvester, Tifton, Valdosta and Warner Robins and loan production offices in Birmingham and Huntsville, Alabama. Lending and investing activities are funded primarily by deposits gathered through its retail banking office network.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans and fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination, including goodwill impairment.

In certain instances, amounts reported in prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to statement presentations selected for 2023. Such reclassifications have not materially affected previously reported stockholders’ equity or net income.

Concentrations of credit risk can exist in relation to individual borrowers or groups of borrowers, certain types of collateral, certain types of industries, or certain geographic regions. The Company has a concentration in real estate loans as well as a geographic concentration that could pose an adverse credit risk. At March 31, 2023, approximately 86% of the Company’s loan portfolio was concentrated in loans secured by real estate. A substantial portion of borrowers’ ability to honor their contractual obligations is dependent upon the viability of the real estate economic sector. Management continues to monitor these concentrations and has considered these concentrations in its allowance for credit loss analysis.

The success of the Company is dependent, to a certain extent, upon the economic conditions in the geographic markets it serves. Adverse changes in the economic conditions in these geographic markets would likely have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and financial condition. The operating results of the Company depend primarily on its net interest income. Accordingly, operations are subject to risks and uncertainties surrounding the exposure to changes in the interest rate environment.

At times, the Company may have cash and cash equivalents at financial institutions in excess of federal deposit insurance limits. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents with high credit quality financial institutions whose credit ratings are monitored by management to minimize credit risk.

The current expected credit loss (“CECL”) approach requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure (or pool of exposures). It replaces the incurred loss approach’s threshold that delayed the recognition of a credit loss until it was probable a loss event was incurred. The estimate of expected credit losses is based on relevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amounts. Historical loss experience is generally the starting point for estimating expected credit losses. The Company then considers whether the historical loss experience should be adjusted for asset-specific risk characteristics or current conditions at the reporting date that did not exist over the historical period used. The Company also considers future economic conditions and portfolio performance as part of a reasonable and supportable forecast period.

The 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 ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Management determines the ACL balance using relevant available information from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit behaviors along with model judgments provide the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to modeled loss estimates may be made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term as well as for changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in economic conditions, property values, or other relevant factors. For the majority of loans and leases the ACL is calculated using a discounted cash flow methodology applied at a loan level with a one-year reasonable and supportable forecast period and a two-year straight-line reversion period.

The ACL-loans is measured on a collective basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company has identified the following portfolio segments and calculates the ACL for each using a discounted cash flow methodology at the loan level, with loss rates, prepayment assumptions and curtailment assumptions driven by each loan’s collateral type:

When management determines that foreclosure is probable or 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 selling costs as appropriate.

Management estimates expected credit losses on commitments to extend credit over the contractual period during which the Company is exposed to credit risk on the underlying commitments. The ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures is adjusted as a provision for credit loss expense. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. The ACL is calculated using the same aggregate reserve rates calculated for the funded portion of loans at the portfolio level applied to the amount of commitments expected to fund.

Management measures current expected credit losses on HTM debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. The estimate of current expected credit losses considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Management classifies the HTM portfolio into the following major security types: U.S. Treasuries, U.S. agencies and state, county and municipal, and mortgage-backed securities. Accrued interest receivable on HTM debt is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

All of the residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities held by the Company as HTM are issued by U.S. Government agencies and government sponsored entities. These securities are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, are highly rated by major rating agencies and have a long history of no credit losses. The state and political subdivision securities are also highly rated by major rating agencies.

For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or whether 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 AFS debt securities that 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, 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 are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an ACL is recorded for the 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 ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income. Accrued interest receivable on AFS debt securities is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Changes in the ACL are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of an AFS security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

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 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. The Company recorded a net decrease to retained earnings of $1.2 million, net of tax, as of January 1, 2023 for the cumulative effect of adopting ASC 326, primarily related to credit losses for unfunded commitments.

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method.” ASU 2023-02 permits reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. ASU 2023-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2023. ASU 2023-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

The Company transferred certain agency-issued securities from the available-for-sale to held-to-maturity portfolio on January 1, 2022 and September 1, 2022, having a combined book value of approximately $511.0 million and a combined market value of approximately $477.0 million. As of the date of each transfer, the related pre-tax net unrecognized losses of approximately $34.0 million within the accumulated other comprehensive loss balance are being amortized over the remaining term of the securities using the effective interest method. This transfer was completed after careful consideration of the Company’s intent and ability to hold these securities to maturity. Factors used in assessing the ability to hold these securities to maturity were future liquidity needs and sources of funding. The Company has had no other transfers of securities since September 1, 2022.

Proceeds from the sale of investment securities totaled $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The sale of investment securities resulted in gross realized gains of $24,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

Investment securities having a carrying value of approximately $389.3 million and $541.8 million were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Information pertaining to available-for-sale securities with gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position is as

Information pertaining to held-to-maturity securities with gross unrealized losses at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position is as follows:

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and (3) the intent

and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

At March 31, 2023, there were 281 available-for-sale securities and 149 held-to-maturity securities that had unrealized losses. These securities are guaranteed by either the U.S. Government, other governments or U.S. corporations. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition. The unrealized losses are largely due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. As management has the ability to hold debt securities until maturity, or for the foreseeable future if classified as available-for-sale, no declines are deemed to be other than temporary.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), as amended on January 1, 2023 which included evaluation of expected credit losses on debt securities. As part of the Company's calculated credit losses, the allowance for credit losses on investment securities was determined to be de minimis due to the high credit quality of the portfolio, which includes securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury, U.S. Government agencies and high quality municipalities. Therefore, no allowance for credit losses was recorded as of March 31, 2023. See Note 1 for additional details on the allowance for credit losses as it relates to the securities portfolio.

The following table presents the composition of loans segregated by class of loans, as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Commercial, financial & agricultural loans are extended to a diverse group of businesses within the Company’s market area. These loans are often underwritten based on the borrower’s ability to service the debt from income from the business. Real estate construction loans often require loan funds to be advanced prior to completion of the project. Due to uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, changes in interest rates and other economic conditions, these loans often pose a higher risk than other types of loans. Consumer and other loans are originated at the Bank level.

The Company uses a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of its loans. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 10. A description of the general characteristics of the grades is as follows:

in the pass column for presentation purposes. There were no loans with a risk rating of "doubtful" or "loss" at December 31, 2022.

A loan’s risk grade is assigned at loan origination and is based on the financial strength of the borrower and the type of collateral. Loan risk grades are subject to review at various times throughout the year as part of the Company’s ongoing loan review process. Loans with an assigned risk grade of six or below and an outstanding balance of $500,000 or more are reassessed on a quarterly basis. During this reassessment process individual reserves may be identified and placed against certain loans which are not considered impaired.

In assessing the overall economic condition of the markets in which it operates, the Company monitors the unemployment rates for its major service areas. The unemployment rates are reviewed on a quarterly basis as part of the allowance for credit loss determination.

Loans are placed on nonaccrual status if principal or interest payments become 90 days past due or when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory guidelines. Loans may be placed on nonaccrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due.

We classify a loan as collateral-dependent when our borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, and we expect repayment to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of collateral. Our commercial loans have collateral that is comprised of real estate and business assets. Our consumer loans have collateral that is substantially comprised of residential real estate.

There were no significant changes in the extent to which collateral secures our collateral-dependent loans during the three months ended March 31, 2023.