Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana, a Louisiana chartered corporation (“Home Federal Bancorp” or the “Company”), is the holding company for Home Federal Bank (“Home Federal Bank” or the “Bank”). Home Federal Bank is a federally chartered stock savings bank originally organized in 1924 as Home Building and Loan Association.  The Bank reorganized into the mutual holding company structure in January 2005 and changed its name to “Home Federal Bank” in 2009 as part of its business strategy to be recognized as a community bank.  Home Federal Bank’s home office and ten full service branch offices are located in Caddo, Bossier and Webster Parishes, Louisiana and serve the Shreveport-Bossier City-Minden combined statistical area. In February 2023, the Bank acquired First National Bank of Benton and its full service branch office in Benton, Louisiana. Home Federal Bank’s business primarily consists of attracting deposits from the general public and using those funds to originate loans.

As of June 30, 2024, Home Federal Bancorp’s only business activities are to hold all of the outstanding common stock of Home Federal Bank. Home Federal Bancorp is authorized to pursue other business activities permitted by applicable laws and regulations for savings and loan holding companies, which may include the issuance of additional shares of common stock to raise capital or to support mergers or acquisitions and borrowing funds for reinvestment in Home Federal Bank.

Home Federal Bancorp does not own or lease any property but instead uses the premises, equipment, and furniture of Home Federal Bank. At the present time, Home Federal Bancorp employs only persons who are officers of Home Federal Bank to serve as officers of Home Federal Bancorp and may also use the support staff of Home Federal Bank from time to time. These other persons are not separately compensated by Home Federal Bancorp.

Pursuant to the regulations under Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, Home Federal Bank and Home Federal Bancorp have entered into an expense sharing agreement. Under this agreement, Home Federal Bancorp will reimburse Home Federal Bank for the time that employees of Home Federal Bank devote to activities of Home Federal Bancorp, the portion of the expense of the annual independent audit attributable to Home Federal Bancorp, and all expenses attributable to Home Federal Bancorp’s public filing obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Market Area

Competition.  We face significant competition both in attracting deposits and in making loans. Our most direct competition for deposits has come historically from commercial banks, credit unions, and other savings institutions located in our primary market area, including many large financial institutions which have greater financial and marketing resources available to them. In addition, we face significant competition for investors’ funds from short-term money market securities, mutual funds, and other corporate and government securities. We do not rely upon any individual group or entity for a material portion of our deposits. Our ability to attract and retain deposits depends on our ability to generally provide a rate of return, liquidity, and risk comparable to that offered by competing investment opportunities.

Our competition for real estate loans comes principally from mortgage banking companies, commercial banks, other savings institutions, and credit unions. We compete for loan originations primarily through the interest rates and loan fees we charge and the efficiency and quality of services we provide borrowers. Factors which affect competition include general and local economic conditions, current interest rate levels, and volatility in the mortgage markets. Competition may increase as a result of the continuing reduction of restrictions on the interstate operations of financial institutions.

Lending Activities

General.  At June 30, 2024, our net loan portfolio amounted to $470.9 million, representing approximately 73.9% of total assets at that date. Historically, our principal lending activity was the origination of one-to-four family residential loans. At June 30, 2024, one-to-four family residential loans amounted to $178.3 million, or 37.5% of the total loan portfolio. We have sold a substantial amount of our fixed-rate conforming one-to-four family residential loans to correspondent banks. Commercial real estate loans amounted to $143.5 million, or  30.2% of the total loan portfolio, at June 30, 2024.

The types of loans that we may originate are subject to federal and state laws and regulations. Interest rates charged on loans are affected principally by the demand for such loans, the supply of money available for lending purposes, and the rates offered by our competitors. These factors are, in turn, affected by general and economic conditions, the monetary policy of the federal government, including the Federal Reserve Board, legislative and tax policies, and governmental budgetary matters.

A savings institution generally may not make loans to one borrower and related entities in an amount which exceeds 15% of its unimpaired capital and surplus, although loans in an amount equal to an additional 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus may be made to a borrower, if the loans are fully secured by readily marketable securities. In addition, upon application, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency permits a savings institution to lend up to an additional 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus to one borrower to develop domestic residential housing units. At June 30, 2024, our regulatory limit on loans to one borrower was $9.0 million, and the five largest loans or groups of loans to one borrower, including related entities, aggregated $5.5 million, $5.4 million, $5.0 million, $5.0 million, and $4.5 million. Each of our five largest loans or groups of loans was originated with strong guarantor support to known borrowers in our market area and was performing in accordance with its terms at June 30, 2024.

Loans to or guaranteed by general obligations of a state or political subdivision are not subject to the foregoing lending limits.

Loan Portfolio Composition.  The following table shows the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated.

Origination of Loans.  Our lending activities are subject to written underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by the board of directors and management. When applicable, loans originated are also subject to the underwriting standards of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD, VA, USDA, and correspondent banks that purchase loans we originate. Loan originations are obtained through a variety of sources, primarily from existing customers, local realtors, and builders. Written loan applications are taken by one of our loan officers. The loan officer also supervises the procurement of credit reports, income and asset documentation, and other documentation involved with a loan. All appraisals are ordered through an approved appraisal management company in compliance with the Dodd-Frank Consumer Protection Act. Under our lending policy, a title insurance policy is required on most mortgage loans, with the exception of certain smaller loan amounts where our policy requires a title opinion only. We also require fire and extended coverage casualty insurance in order to protect the properties securing the real estate loans. Borrowers must also obtain flood insurance policies when the property is in a flood hazard area.

Our loan approval process is intended to assess the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, the viability of the loan, and the value of the property that will secure the loan. All residential loans originated for sale to FNMA or other investor banks that receive an Approve-Eligible recommendation on the automated underwriting feedback certificate that is applicable for each loan type must be approved by a Bank mortgage underwriter. Loans that do not receive an Approve-Eligible recommendation must be approved by a Bank mortgage underwriter and the Senior Vice President of Mortgage. In addition, all loans originated to be held on the Bank’s portfolio must be approved by a Bank mortgage underwriter and the Senior Vice President of Mortgage for loans up to $500,000, and for loans up to $1.0 million by the Senior Credit Officer. Commercial real estate secured loans and lines of credit and commercial business loans up to $1.0 million must be approved by the Senior Credit Officer or the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, up to $2.0 million by the Senior Credit Officer and the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer, and in excess of $2.0 million by the Executive Committee. In accordance with past practice, all loans are ratified by our board of directors.

 

During fiscal 2024 and 2023, we sold $16.0 million and $24.9 million of loans, respectively. We recognized gain on sale of loans of $265,000 and $466,000 during fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. Loans were sold during these periods primarily to other financial institutions. Such loans were sold against forward sales commitments with servicing released and without recourse after a certain period of time, typically 90 days. The loans sold primarily consisted of long-term, fixed rate residential real estate loans. We will continue to sell loans in the future to the extent we believe the interest rate environment is unfavorable and interest rate risk is unacceptable.

Contractual Terms to Final Maturities.  The following table shows the scheduled contractual maturities of our loans as of June 30, 2024, before giving effect to net items. Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less. The amounts shown below do not take into account loan prepayments.

Scheduled contractual maturities of loans do not necessarily reflect the actual expected term of the loan portfolio. The average life of mortgage loans is substantially less than their average contractual terms because of prepayments. The average life of mortgage loans tends to increase when current mortgage loan rates are higher than rates on existing mortgage loans and, conversely, decrease when rates on current mortgage loans are lower than existing mortgage loan rates (due to refinancing of adjustable-rate and fixed-rate loans at lower rates). Under the latter circumstance, the weighted average yield on loans decreases as higher yielding loans are repaid or refinanced at lower rates.

One-to-Four Family Residential Real Estate Loans.  As of June 30, 2024, one-to-four family residential loans were $178.3 million, or 37.5%, of the total loan portfolio, before net items.

The loan-to-value ratios, maturities, and other provisions of the loans made by us generally have reflected the policy of making less than the maximum loan permissible under applicable regulations, in accordance with sound lending practices, market conditions, and underwriting standards established by us. Our current lending policy on one-to-four family residential loans generally limits the maximum loan-to-value ratio to 90% or less of the appraised value of the property, although we will lend up to a 100% loan-to-value ratio with private mortgage insurance. These loans are amortized on a monthly basis with principal and interest due each month, terms not in excess of 30 years, and generally include “due-on-sale” clauses.

At June 30, 2024, $126.6 million, or 71%, of our one-to-four family residential mortgage loans were fixed-rate loans. Fixed-rate loans generally have maturities ranging from 15 to 30 years and are fully amortizing with monthly loan payments sufficient to repay the total amount of the loan with interest by the end of the loan term. Our fixed-rate loans generally are originated under terms, conditions, and documentation which permit them to be sold to U.S. Government-sponsored agencies, such as the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and other investors in the secondary mortgage market. Consistent with our asset/liability management, we have sold a significant portion of our long-term, fixed rate loans.  Servicing is released on all loans sold.

Although we offer adjustable rate loans, substantially all of the single-family loan originations over the last few years have consisted of fixed-rate loans due to the low interest rate environment. The adjustable-rate loans held in portfolio typically have interest rates which adjust on an annual basis. These loans generally have an annual cap of 1% on any increase or decrease and a cap of 6% above or below the initial rate over the life of the loan. Such loans are underwritten based on the initial rate plus 2%. At June 30, 2024, $51.7 million, or 29%, of our one-to-four family residential mortgage loans were adjustable rate loans.

Multi-Family Residential Loans.  As of June 30, 2024, multi-family residential loans were $37.1 million, or 7.8%, of the total loan portfolio, before net items. Our multi-family residential loan portfolio includes income producing properties of five or more units and low income housing developments. We obtain personal guarantees on all properties other than those of the public housing authority for which they are not permitted.

Land Loans.  As of June 30, 2024, land loans were $30.7 million, or 6.5%, of the total loan portfolio, before net items. Land loans include land which has been acquired for the purpose of development and unimproved land. Our loan policy provides for loan-to-value ratios of 50% for unimproved land loans. Land loans are originated with fixed rates and terms up to five years with longer amortizations. Although land loans generally are considered to have greater credit risk than certain other types of loans, we expect to mitigate such risk by requiring personal guarantees and identifying other secondary sources of repayment for the land loan other than the sale of the collateral. It is our practice to only originate a limited amount of loans for speculative development to borrowers with whom our lenders have a prior relationship.

Consumer non-real estate loans generally have shorter terms and higher interest rates than residential mortgage loans and generally entail greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly those loans secured by assets that depreciate rapidly, such as automobiles, boats, and recreational vehicles. In such cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan, and the remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. In particular, amounts realizable on the sale of repossessed automobiles may be significantly reduced based upon the condition of the automobiles and the fluctuating demand for used automobiles.

We offer loans secured by deposit accounts held with us. These loans amounted to $393,000, or 0.1% of the total loan portfolio, before net items, at June 30, 2024. Such loans are originated for up to 100% of the account balance, with a hold placed on the account restricting the withdrawal of the account balance. The interest rate on the loan is equal to the interest rate paid on the account plus 2%. These loans typically are payable on demand with a maturity date of one year.

Loan Origination and Other Fees.  In addition to interest earned on loans, we generally receive loan origination fees or “points” for originating loans. Loan points are a percentage of the principal amount of the mortgage loan and are charged to the borrower in connection with the origination of the loan. In accordance with accounting guidance, loan origination fees and points are deferred and amortized into income as an adjustment of yield over the life of the loan.

Asset Quality

Our collection procedures provide that when a loan is 10 days past due personal contact efforts are attempted, either in person or by telephone. At 15 days past due, a late charge notice is sent to the borrower requesting payment. If the loan is still past due at 30 days, a formal letter is sent to the borrower stating that the loan is past due and that legal action, including foreclosure proceedings, may be necessary. If a loan becomes 60 days past due and no progress has been made in resolving the delinquency, a collection letter from legal counsel is sent and personal contact is attempted. When a loan continues in a delinquent status for 90 days or more, and a repayment schedule has not been made or kept by the borrower, generally a notice of intent to foreclose is sent to the borrower. If the delinquency is not cured, foreclosure proceedings are initiated. In most cases, deficiencies are cured promptly. While we generally prefer to work with borrowers to resolve such problems, we will institute foreclosure or other collection proceedings, when necessary, to minimize any potential loss.

Delinquent Loans.  The following table shows the delinquencies in our loan portfolio as of the dates indicated.

Non-Performing Assets.  The following table shows the amounts of our non-performing assets (defined as non-accruing loans, accruing loans 90 days or more past due, and real estate owned) at the dates indicated.

At June 30, 2024, the Company had $1.9 million of non-performing assets (defined as non-accruing loans, accruing loans 90 days or more past due, and other real estate owned) compared to $1.6 million on non-performing assets at June 30, 2023, consisting of three commercial non-real estate loans, five single-family residential loans, four home equity line-of-credit loans, and three single-family residences in other real estate owned at June 30, 2024, compared to seven single-family residential loans, two commercial non-real estate loans, one consumer loan and two single-family residences in other real estate owned at June 30, 2023.

Classified Assets.  Federal regulations require that each insured savings institution classify its assets on a regular basis and the amount of its valuation allowance is subject to review by Federal bank regulators. There are three classifications for problem assets: “substandard”, “doubtful”, and “loss”. Substandard assets have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss, if the deficiencies are not corrected. Doubtful assets have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values questionable, and there is a higher possibility of loss. An asset classified as loss is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as an asset of the institution is not warranted. Another category designated “special mention” also must be established and maintained for assets which do not currently expose an insured institution to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification as substandard, doubtful, or loss. Assets classified as substandard or doubtful require the institution to establish general allowances for loan losses. If an asset, or portion thereof, is classified as loss, the insured institution must either establish specific allowances for loan losses in the amount of 100% of the portion of the asset classified loss, or charge-off such amount. General loss allowances established to cover possible losses related to assets classified substandard or doubtful may be included in determining an institution’s regulatory capital, while specific valuation allowances for loan losses do not qualify as regulatory capital. Federal examiners may disagree with an insured institution’s classifications and amounts reserved. At June 30, 2024, we had $3.8 million in classified assets.  There were seven residential mortgage loans  totaling $1.2 million, two commercial real estate loans totaling $434,000, four commercial non-real estate loans totaling $142,000, and one land loan for $73,000 classified as special mention . At June 30, 2024 the Company had six single family residential loans totaling $1.5 million, four home-equity line-of-credit loans totaling $282,000, five commercial non-real-estate loans totaling $146,000, and one auto loan for $16,000 classified as substandard. There were no loans classified as doubtful or loss at June 30, 2024.

Allowance for Credit Losses.  At June 30, 2024, our allowance for credit losses amounted to $4.6 million. The methodology for determining the allowance for credit losses under the new current expected credit loss ("CECL") model was implemented effective July 1, 2023 in accordance with ASU No. 2016-13 and subsequent ASUs issued to amend ASC Topic 326. The allowance methodology for prior periods is disclosed in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the measurement of its allowance for credit losses. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any outstanding accrued interest is reversed against interest income. The allowance for credit losses for loans is an estimate of the expected losses to be realized over the life of the loans in the portfolio. 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. Adjustments to historical loss information are made to incorporate our reasonable and supportable forecast of future losses at the portfolio segment level, as well as any necessary qualitative adjustments, including, but not limited to, changes in current and expected future economic conditions, changes in industry experience and industry loan concentrations, changes in the volume and severity of nonperforming assets, changes in lending policies and personnel and changes in the competitive and regulatory environment of the banking industry. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are individually evaluated and are excluded from the pooled loan analysis.

The following table shows changes in our allowance for credit losses during the periods presented.  We had $1.0 million and $237,000 of loan charge-offs during fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively.  Bad debt recoveries amounted to $13,000 and $91,000 during fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The following table shows how our allowance for credit losses is allocated by type of loan at each of the dates indicated.

We have authority to invest in various types of securities, including mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various federal agencies and of state and municipal governments, certificates of deposit at federally insured banks and savings institutions, certain bankers’ acceptances, and federal funds.  Our investment strategy is established by the board of directors.

The following table sets forth certain information relating to our investment securities portfolio at the dates indicated.