0001193125-21-128917.txt : 20210423 0001193125-21-128917.hdr.sgml : 20210423 20210423154330 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001193125-21-128917 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: S-1/A PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 37 FILED AS OF DATE: 20210423 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20210423 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: TC Bancshares, Inc. CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001850398 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SAVINGS INSTITUTION, FEDERALLY CHARTERED [6035] IRS NUMBER: 000000000 STATE OF INCORPORATION: GA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: S-1/A SEC ACT: 1933 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 333-254212 FILM NUMBER: 21849441 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 131 S DAWSON ST CITY: THOMASVILLE STATE: GU ZIP: 31792 BUSINESS PHONE: 229-226-3221 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 131 S DAWSON ST CITY: THOMASVILLE STATE: GU ZIP: 31792 S-1/A 1 d882215ds1a.htm S-1/A S-1/A
Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 23, 2021

Registration No. 333-254212

 

 

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

PRE-EFFECTIVE

AMENDMENT NO. 1

TO THE

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

TC BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its articles of incorporation)

 

 

 

Georgia   6035   86-2650449

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

131 South Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia 31792 (229) 226-3221

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of Registrant’s principal executive offices)

 

 

Gregory H. Eiford

President/Chief Executive Officer

TC Bancshares, Inc.

PO Box 1197

Thomasville, Georgia 31799

(229) 226-3221

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

Robert D. Klingler, Esq.
Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
1201 West Peachtree Street, NW, Suite 1400
Atlanta, Georgia 30309-3488
(404) 572-6600
  Ross Bevan, Esq.
Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP
3299 K Street, N.W., Suite 100
Washington, DC 20007
(202) 295-4500

 

 

Approximate Date of Commencement of Proposed Sale of the Securities to the Public: As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.

If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box.  ☒

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ❑

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ❑

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ❑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or 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.

 

Large accelerated filer      Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer      Smaller reporting company  
     Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. ☐

 

 

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of

securities to be registered

 

Amount

to be

registered

 

Proposed

maximum

offering price

per unit(1)

 

Proposed

maximum

aggregate

offering price(1)

 

Amount of

registration fee

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  6,215,750   $10.00   $62,157,500  

$6,782.00(2)

 

 

(1)

Estimated solely for the purposes of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

(2)

Previously paid.

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting offers to buy these securities in any state or other jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED APRIL 23, 2021

 

    

 

LOGO

 

     

TC Bancshares, Inc.

Up to 5,405,000 Shares of Common Stock

(Subject to increase to up to 6,215,750 shares)

 

 

TC Bancshares, Inc., a Georgia corporation and the proposed holding company for TC Federal Bank, is offering shares of its common stock for sale at $10.00 per share on a best efforts basis in connection with the conversion of TC Federal Bank from the mutual to stock form of organization. There is no established market for our common stock. We expect that our common stock will be traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TCBC” upon conclusion of the stock offering. We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012.

We are first offering the shares of common stock in a “subscription offering” to eligible depositors and borrowers of TC Federal Bank and to our employee stock ownership plan. Depositors who had accounts with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on December 31, 2019 will have first priority to purchase shares of common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. Shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering may be offered for sale to the general public in a “community offering.” To the extent any shares offered for sale are not purchased in the subscription or community offerings, they may be sold in a “syndicated offering” to be managed by Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC. We must sell a minimum of 3,995,000 shares in order to complete the offering. We may sell up to 6,215,750 shares to reflect demand for the shares or changes in market conditions following the commencement of the offering, without resoliciting subscribers.

The minimum number of shares of common stock you may order is 25 shares. The maximum number of shares of common stock that can be ordered by any person in the offering, or persons exercising subscription rights through a single deposit account, is 30,000 shares, and no person together with an associate or group of persons acting in concert may purchase more than 40,000 shares.

The offering is scheduled to expire at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time on [date], 2021. We may extend the expiration date without notice to you, until [date], 2021, or such later date as the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency may approve, which may not be beyond [date, year]. Once submitted, orders are irrevocable unless the offering is terminated or extended beyond [date], 2021, or the number of shares of common stock to be sold is increased to more than 6,215,750 shares or decreased to less than 3,995,000 shares. If the offering is extended beyond [date], 2021, all subscribers will be notified and given an opportunity to confirm, cancel or change their orders. If you do not respond to this notice, we will promptly return your funds with interest or cancel your deposit account withdrawal authorization. If the number of shares to be sold in the offering is increased to more than 6,215,750 shares or decreased to less than 3,995,000 shares, we will resolicit subscribers, and all funds delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings will be returned promptly with interest. Funds submitted for the purchase of shares in the offering will be held in a segregated account at TC Federal Bank and will earn interest at 0.05% per annum until completion or termination of the offering.

Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will use its best efforts to assist us in selling our common stock, but is not obligated to purchase any of the common stock that is being offered for sale. In addition, officers and directors may participate in the solicitation of offers to purchase common stock in reliance upon Rule 3a4-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Subscribers will not pay any commissions on shares of common stock purchased in the offering.

 

 

OFFERING SUMMARY

Price: $10.00 per share

 

     Minimum      Midpoint      Maximum      Adjusted Maximum  

Number of shares

     3,995,000        4,700,000        5,405,000        6,215,750  

Gross offering proceeds

   $ 39,950,000      $ 47,000,000      $ 54,050,000      $ 62,157,500  

Estimated offering expenses, excluding selling agent fees and expenses

   $ 773,500      $ 773,500      $ 773,500      $ 773,500  

Estimated selling agent fees and expenses (1)

   $ 450,988      $ 532,063      $ 613,138      $ 706,369  

Estimated net proceeds (1)

   $ 38,725,512      $ 45,694,437      $ 52,663,362      $ 60,677,631  

Estimated net proceeds per share (1)

   $ 9.69      $ 9.72      $ 9.74      $ 9.76  

 

(1)

The figures shown assume that all shares are sold in the subscription and the community offering, for which a selling agent fee of 1.25% of the aggregate dollar amount such shares would apply, and include reimbursable expenses but excludes stock information center fees and expenses which are payable to Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC, which are included in estimated offering expenses. See “The Conversion and Offering-Plan of Distribution; Selling Agent and Underwriting Compensation” for a discussion of Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC’s compensation for this offering and the compensation to be received by Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC and the other broker-dealers who may participate in a syndicated offering. If all shares of common stock were sold in the syndicated offering, for which a selling agent fee of 5.5% of the aggregate dollar amount of such shares would apply, excluding shares expected to be purchased by our insiders and by our employee stock ownership plan, for which no selling agent fee will be paid, the maximum selling agent fees and expenses would be $2.0 million, $2.3 million, $2.7 million and $3.1 million at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum levels of the offering, respectively.

 

 

This investment involves a degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal. Please read the “Risk Factors ” beginning on page 1.

These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency. None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation nor any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

 

Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC

For assistance, please contact the Stock Information Center at [phone number].

The date of this prospectus is [prospectus date].

 


Table of Contents

LOGO


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

SUMMARY

     i  

RISK FACTORS

     1  

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

     14  

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

     16  

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     20  

HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS FROM THE OFFERING

     22  

OUR POLICY REGARDING DIVIDENDS

     24  

MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK

     25  

HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA REGULATORY CAPITAL COMPLIANCE

     26  

CAPITALIZATION

     27  

PRO FORMA DATA

     29  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF TC FEDERAL BANK

     33  

BUSINESS OF TC BANCSHARES, INC.

     49  

BUSINESS OF TC FEDERAL BANK

     49  

TAXATION

     70  

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

     72  

MANAGEMENT

     82  

SUBSCRIPTIONS BY DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

     92  

THE CONVERSION AND OFFERING

     93  

RESTRICTIONS ON THE ACQUISITION OF TC BANCSHARES,  INC. AND TC FEDERAL BANK

     112  

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF TC BANCSHARES, INC.

     115  

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

     116  

LEGAL AND TAX MATTERS

     116  

EXPERTS

     116  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     117  

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

     117  

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF TC FEDERAL BANK

     F-1  

 


Table of Contents

SUMMARY

The following summary explains material information regarding the mutual-to-stock conversion of TC Federal Bank and the related offering of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock. The summary may not contain all the information that is important to you. For additional information, you should read this entire prospectus carefully, including the financial statements and the notes to the financial statements of TC Federal Bank. In certain circumstances, where appropriate, the terms “we, “us” and “our” refer collectively to TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank or to any of those entities individually, depending on the context.

The Companies

TC Bancshares, Inc.

TC Bancshares, Inc., a newly formed Georgia corporation, will own 100% of the common stock of TC Federal Bank following the completion of TC Federal Bank’s mutual-to-stock conversion. This offering is being made by TC Bancshares, Inc. TC Bancshares, Inc. was incorporated on March 5, 2021 and has not engaged in any business to date. TC Bancshares, Inc. will become the bank holding company for TC Federal Bank by owning all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of TC Federal Bank, and will be regulated by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve Board”). Our executive office will be located at 131 South Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia 31792, and our telephone number will be (229) 226-3221. Our mailing address is PO Box 1197, Thomasville, Georgia 31799.

TC Federal Bank

TC Federal Bank is a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in Thomasville, Georgia. Thomas County Federal Savings & Loan Association was organized in 1934 and chartered in 1937 by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board as a mutual savings and loan association owned 100% by its depositors. Effective January 1, 2018, we amended our corporate name to TC Federal Bank. In addition, in 2019 the bank made the election to become a “covered savings association.” Upon conversion, TC Federal Bank will be a stock savings bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of TC Bancshares, Inc.

We conduct our business from our main office in Thomasville, Georgia, a branch office and a residential mortgage center in Tallahassee, Florida and a commercial loan production office (“LPO”) in Savannah, Georgia. Our primary market area currently consists of Thomas County, Georgia, Chatham County, Georgia, and Leon County, Florida, and the contiguous counties.    

At December 31, 2020, we had total assets of $349.9 million, total deposits of $294.1 million and equity of $39.9 million.

Our business consists primarily of taking deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations, in one- to four-family residential real estate loans, commercial and multi-family residential real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, construction and land development loans and consumer loans. We expect to continue to focus on originating commercial and multi-family residential real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans and construction loans. We also invest in securities, which have historically consisted primarily of mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government sponsored enterprises. In recent years, we have originated single-family owner-occupied loans for sale into the secondary market and for our own portfolio. We intend to continue this activity in the future in order to generate fee income. We offer a variety of deposit accounts, including savings accounts, money market accounts, checking accounts and certificates of deposit.

TC Federal Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by its primary federal regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Our executive office is located at 131 South Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia 31792. Our mailing address is PO Box 1197, Thomasville, Georgia 31799, and our telephone number is (229) 226-3221. Our website address is www.tcfederal.com. Information on our website is not and should not be considered a part of this prospectus.



 

i


Table of Contents

Business Strategy

Our goal is to provide long-term value to our stockholders, customers, employees and the communities we serve by executing a prudent business strategy that produces increasing profitability. We believe there is a significant opportunity for a community-focused bank to provide a full range of financial services to commercial and retail customers in our market areas. The increased capital we will have after the completion of the offering will enable us to compete more effectively with other financial institutions.

Our current business strategy consists of the following:

 

   

Leverage the infrastructure of TC Federal Bank to create additional value for depositors, employees, customers and the communities in which TC Federal Bank operates. We seek to improve our operating efficiency as we optimize a new core processing system that was implemented in 2020 in order to enhance service features for both retail and business customers, and continue the process improvements implemented over the last two years. Our efficiency ratio has gradually improved from 95.2% for the year ended December 31, 2018, to 85.9% for the year ended December 31, 2019, before regressing slightly to 91.2% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in 2020 in our efficiency ratio was directly related to the implementation costs associated with the new core processing system and the recognition of previously deferred conversion expenses, which also contributed to our decline in net income. Based on the personnel and systems now in place, we believe we can continue our trend of improving our operational efficiency, particularly as we are able to utilize the capital raised in this offering to grow assets and increase top line revenue. We foresee the opportunity to add both an additional branch in Tallahassee, Florida and to expand our presence in the Savannah, Georgia market.

 

   

Grow our loan portfolio prudently. We intend to continue to maintain a diversified portfolio of loans, with an emphasis on commercial and multi-family real estate loans and residential mortgage loans. We expect to be able to continue to grow our loan portfolio, having grown our outstanding loans $17.4 million, or 7.1%, from year-end 2019 through year-end 2020, and $9.7 million, or 4.1% from year-end 2018 through year-end 2019. We participated in the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) in 2020. PPP loans represented the growth realized in the loan portfolio in 2020. The bank was able to quickly respond to the needs of customers in our market areas by extending $25.1 million in PPP loans. This has resulted in an increase in core deposit accounts for the bank as initially, the proceeds of the PPP loans were deposited with the bank. In addition, as the economy recovers from the pandemic, increased loan volume is expected from these new customers. The capital we are raising in the offering will provide additional support for continued loan growth throughout our market areas. We also intend to continue to grow our commercial lending activities through government sponsored loan programs, such as the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) and U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) loan programs. Through our residential mortgage office in Tallahassee, we will continue to seek to originate residential loans for our portfolio as well as for sale in the secondary market, using multiple correspondent relationships for the sale of residential mortgages on a servicing-released basis. Residential lending introduces new customer relationships to the bank and provides an opportunity for us to offer additional banking services to those clients.

 

   

Continue to increase core deposits. We seek to increase the proportion of the deposit base consisting of core deposits in order to provide a stable source of funds to support loan growth, at costs consistent with improving our interest rate spread and margin. Historically the bank relied heavily on certificates of deposit, but in recent years has been building a core deposit base. As part of our focus on commercial loan growth, our lenders are expected to source non-interest bearing business checking accounts from our borrowers. We have begun reducing deposit costs to market rates and placed greater emphasis on developing core deposits. As a result of these efforts and recognizing the impact of the government’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, core



 

ii


Table of Contents
 

deposits increased by $42.3 million, or 25.6%, to $207.5 million at December 31, 2020 from $165.2 million at December 31, 2019. We recently redesigned our checking account products and the manner in which they are marketed. Management will continue to emphasize the growth of both retail and commercial core deposits.

 

   

Maintain Credit Standards while Growing. We believe strong asset quality is a critical key to our long-term financial success. Our strategy for credit risk management focuses on having an experienced team of credit professionals, well-defined policies and procedures, prudent loan underwriting criteria and active credit monitoring. Our non-performing assets to total assets ratio was 0.58% at December 31, 2020, 0.90% at December 31, 2019, and 0.55% at December 31, 2018. In anticipation of future growth as a result of the deployment of the capital raised in this offering, TC Federal Bank invested in the enhancement of our credit function by hiring additional experienced credit staff, implemented enhanced internal and external credit review processes, and implemented new technology for underwriting processing and credit analysis. We intend to maintain the high value of our credit culture, both in personnel as well as ancillary support systems, in order to be able to evaluate more complex loans and better manage credit risk, which will also support our intended loan growth, especially in the commercial loan market. During 2020 as a result of the pandemic, we reached a peak of 17.0% of loan customers by principal balance that sought a payment deferment. However, as of December 31, 2020, all customers had exited their loan deferment period, and no customers were deferring payments. To date, in spite of the pandemic, our loan portfolio continues to perform at a high level.

 

   

Supplement organic growth through opportunistic bank or branch acquisitions. Athough management has no current plans or commitments to acquire any banks or branches, we expect to consider acquisition opportunities that we believe would enhance the value of our franchise and yield potential financial benefits for our stockholders. The capital we are raising in the offering will provide us the opportunity to acquire other institutions and financial services businesses located within a reasonable proximity of our current market areas. We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of, and execute on, opportunities given the infrastructure improvements we have undertaken, including the upgrade of our core processing system and expanded management expertise.

 

   

Enhance the sales, marketing and service culture. We believe that loyalty is a key component of the success of community banks. We will continue to develop loyalty with our community and our customers. We will invest in customer and community relationships with the spirit of a servant’s heart and servant leadership. We expect to serve customers when and how they wish to be served within the boundaries of safe and sound risk management. Our technology was significantly enhanced during 2020, including an expansion of our digital banking capabilities, as a result of our core conversion upgrade and ancillary services. During 2021 and beyond, the bank will continue to optimize the system for greater internal efficiencies and customer interactions. We believe the core system will allow us to materially improve the customer experience and help us facilitate greater cross selling.

 

   

Expand our employee base to support future growth. The additional capital we will raise in the offering will provide us with the ability to opportunistically expand our employee base. We intend to continue to build depth and expertise as needed with increases in TC Federal Bank’s size and complexity. The potential to offer equity awards in the future following the offering will also allow us to be more competitive when hiring and retaining experienced banking personnel.

A full description of our products and services can be found under “Business of TC Federal Bank.”

The Conversion and Our Organizational Structure

We do not have stockholders in our current mutual form of ownership. Our depositors and borrowers as of November 20, 2019 whose borrowings remain outstanding currently have the right to vote on certain matters pertaining to TC Federal Bank, such as the election of directors and the proposed conversion. The mutual-to-stock conversion is a series of transactions by which we will reorganize our corporate structure from our current status as a



 

iii


Table of Contents

mutual savings bank to a federal stock savings bank, which will be a wholly owned subsidiary of the newly formed proposed holding company, TC Bancshares, Inc. This reorganization and conversion will be conducted pursuant to a plan of conversion, which we refer to as the plan of conversion. As part of the conversion, TC Bancshares, Inc. will offer for sale shares of its common stock in a subscription offering, and, if necessary, a community offering and syndicated offering. Upon the completion of the conversion and stock offering, TC Federal Bancshares, Inc. will be 100% owned by stockholders and TC Federal Bank will be a wholly owned subsidiary of TC Federal Bancshares, Inc. See “The Conversion and Offering.”

In connection with the conversion, we are offering shares of common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. for sale in the offering. All investors will pay the same price per share in the offering. The $10.00 per share price was selected primarily because it is the price most commonly used in mutual-to-stock conversions and stock offerings. See “—Terms of the Offering.”

The primary reasons for our decision to convert into a stock form of ownership and conduct the offering are to establish an organizational structure that will enable us to:

 

   

increase our capital to support future growth and profitability, although we currently have capital well in excess of all applicable regulatory requirements;

 

   

compete more effectively in the financial services marketplace;

 

   

offer our depositors, employees, management and directors a direct equity ownership interest in TC Bancshares, Inc. and an indirect equity ownership interest in TC Federal Bank, and thereby an economic interest in our future success;

 

   

attract and retain qualified personnel by establishing stock-based benefit plans; and

 

   

increase our flexibility to structure and finance the expansion of our operations, including potential acquisitions of other financial service businesses and establishing de novo branches and/or new loan production offices.

The conversion and the capital raised in the offering are expected to provide us with additional capital to support new loans and higher lending limits, support the growth of our banking franchise, provide an additional cushion against unforeseen risks and expand our asset and deposit base. The conversion and offering also will allow us to establish stock benefit plans for management and other employees that we believe will permit us to attract and retain qualified personnel.

The following chart shows our corporate structure following the conversion and offering:

 

LOGO

Terms of the Offering

We are offering between 3,995,000 and 5,405,000 shares of common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. to eligible depositors and borrowers, our tax-qualified employee stock ownership plan and to the public to the extent shares remain available. The amount of capital we are raising in the offering is based on an appraisal of the pro forma market value of TC Bancshares, Inc. We may increase the maximum number of shares that we sell in the



 

iv


Table of Contents

offering by up to 15.0%, to 6,215,750 shares, as a result of demand for the shares of common stock in the offering or changes in market conditions, including those for financial institutions stocks. Subscription priorities have been established for the allocation of common stock to the extent the subscription offering is oversubscribed. See “The Conversion and Offering—Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights” for a description of allocation procedures in the event of an oversubscription.

Unless the pro forma market value of TC Bancshares, Inc. decreases below $40.0 million or increases above $62.2 million, or the offering is extended beyond [•] 2021, you will not have the opportunity to change or cancel your stock order. The offering price of the shares of common stock is $10.00 per share. All investors will pay the same $10.00 purchase price per share. Investors will not be charged a commission to purchase shares of common stock in the offering. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC, our financial advisor in connection with the conversion and offering, will use its best efforts to assist us in selling our shares of common stock, but Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC is not obligated to purchase any shares in the offering.

Persons Who May Order Stock in the Offering

We are offering the shares of common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. in a “subscription offering” in the following descending order of priority:

 

  (1)

depositors who had accounts at TC Federal Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on December 31, 2019;

 

  (2)

our tax-qualified employee stock ownership plan;

 

  (3)

depositors who had accounts at TC Federal Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on [Supplemental Eligibility Record Date]; and

 

  (4)

other depositors of TC Federal Bank as of the close of business on [Voting Record Date] and borrowers from TC Federal Bank as of November 20, 2019 who maintained such borrowings as of the close of business on [Voting Record Date].

Any shares of our common stock that remain unsold in the subscription offering will be offered for sale in a community offering that may commence concurrently with, during or promptly after, the subscription offering. The community offering must be completed within 45 days of the end of the subscription offering, unless extended with Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approval. Natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in the Georgia Counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas, and the Florida Counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla will have a purchase preference in any community offering. Shares also may be offered to the general public. We also may offer shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or the community offering through a syndicate of brokers in what is referred to as a syndicated offering managed by Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC. We have the right to accept or reject, in our sole discretion, any orders received in the community offering or the syndicated offering.

To ensure proper allocation of stock, each eligible account holder or borrower must list on his or her stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she had an ownership interest at December 31, 2019, [Supplemental Eligibility Record Date] or [Voting Record Date], as applicable, or any loan account as of November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding at [Voting Record Date]. Failure to list an account or providing incorrect information could result in the loss of all or part of a subscriber’s stock allocation. We will attempt to identify your ownership in all accounts, but cannot guarantee we will identify all accounts in which you had an ownership interest. Our interpretations of the terms and conditions of the stock issuance plan and of the acceptability of the order forms will be final.

If we receive orders for more shares than we are offering, we may not be able to fully or partially fill your order. Shares of common stock will be allocated first to categories in the subscription offering in accordance with our plan of conversion. A detailed description of share allocation procedures can be found in the section entitled “The Conversion and Offering—Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights.”



 

v


Table of Contents

How We Determined the Offering Range and the $10.00 Price Per Share

Our decision to offer between 3,995,000 shares and 5,405,000 shares, which is our offering range, is based on an independent appraisal of our pro forma market value prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., a firm experienced in appraisals of financial institutions. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. is of the opinion that as of February 26, 2021, the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. was $47.0 million. Based on applicable regulations, this market value forms the midpoint of a valuation range with a minimum of $40.0 million and a maximum of $54.1 million.

Our board of directors determined that the common stock should be sold at $10.00 per share. Therefore, based on the valuation range, the number of shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock that will be sold in the offering will range from 3,995,000 shares to 5,405,000 shares. If demand for the shares or market conditions warrant, our appraised value can be increased by up to 15.0%, which would result in an appraised value of $62.2 million and an offering of 6,215,750 shares of common stock.

The appraisal is based in part on our financial condition and results of operations, the pro forma effect of the additional capital raised by the sale of shares of common stock in the offering, and an analysis of a peer group of 10 publicly traded savings and loan holding companies, bank holding companies or savings banks that Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considers comparable to TC Bancshares, Inc. on a pro forma basis. The appraisal peer group consists of the following companies, all of which are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Total assets are as of December 31, 2020, unless noted otherwise.

 

Company Name

   Ticker
Symbol
   Headquarters    Total Assets  
               (In millions)  

CBM Bancorp, Inc.

   CBMB    Baltimore, MD    $ 232 (1) 

Cincinnati Bancorp, Inc.

   CNNB    Cincinnati, OH    $ 237  

Elmira Savings Bank

   ESBK    Elmira, NY    $ 645  

FFBW, Inc.

   FFBW    Brookfield, WI    $ 339  

HMN Financial, Inc.

   HMNF    Rochester, MN    $ 910  

Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana

   HFBL    Shreveport, LA    $ 535  

HV Bancorp, Inc.

   HVBC    Doylestown, PA    $ 862  

IF Bancorp, Inc.

   IROQ    Watseka, IL    $ 713  

Mid-Southern Bancorp, Inc.

   MSVB    Salem, IN    $ 235  

WVS Financial Corp.

   WVFC    Pittsburgh, PA    $ 317  

 

(1)

As of September 30, 2020.

In comparing TC Bancshares, Inc. with the peer group, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. determined that our asset size was relatively comparable to the peer group’s median asset size and that our earnings results were lower than the peer group’s median level based on historical profitability ratios. In applying the selected valuation methods, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considered adjustments to the pro forma market value based on the comparison of TC Bancshares, Inc. with the peer group. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. made downward adjustments for earnings prospects and for marketing of the issue. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. made no adjustments for financial condition, market area, management, dividend payments, liquidity of the issue, subscription interest, and effect of banking regulations and regulatory reform. The downward adjustment for earnings prospects took into consideration our less favorable efficiency ratio and lower profitability ratios relative to the peer group measures. The downward adjustment for marketing of the issue took into consideration the volatile stock market conditions in both the overall market and the market for bank and thrift stocks and the heightened uncertainty associated with the new issue market in the prevailing stock market environment, including the new issue market for TC Bancshares, Inc.

The independent appraisal will be updated before we complete the conversion and offering. If the pro forma market value of the common stock at that time is either below $40.0 million or above $62.2 million, then TC Bancshares, Inc., after consulting with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, may terminate the plan of conversion and return all funds promptly with interest; extend or hold a new subscription or community offering, or both; establish a new offering range and commence a resolicitation of subscribers; or take such other actions as may be permitted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Securities and Exchange Commission. If we resolicit subscribers in this instance, then all funds delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings will be returned promptly with interest.

Two measures investors use to analyze an issuer’s stock are the ratio of the offering price to the issuer’s book value and the ratio of the offering price to the issuer’s annual net income. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considered these ratios, among other factors, in preparing its independent appraisal. Book value is the same as total equity, and represents the difference between the issuer’s assets and liabilities. We had no intangible assets at December 31, 2020. Therefore, ratios that are presented related to book value are the same ratios that would be presented related to tangible book value.

The following table presents a summary of selected pricing ratios for TC Bancshares, Inc. (on a pro forma basis) as of and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, and for the peer group companies based on earnings and other information as of and for the latest twelve months ended December 31, 2020, with stock prices as



 

vi


Table of Contents

of February 26, 2021, as reflected in the Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. appraisal report. Compared to the average pricing of the peer group, and based upon the information in the following table, our pro forma pricing ratios at the midpoint of the offering range indicated a discount of 35.7% on a price-to-book value basis, a discount of 37.3% on a price-to-tangible book value basis, and a premium of 61.0% on a price-to-earnings basis.

 

     Pro Forma
Price-to-Earnings
Multiple (1)
     Pro Forma
Price-to-Book
Value Ratio
    Pro Forma
Price-to-Tangible Book
Value Ratio
 

TC Bancshares, Inc. (on a pro forma basis, assuming completion of the offering)

       

Adjusted Maximum

     66.67      66.80     66.80

Maximum

     52.63      62.81     62.81

Midpoint

     41.67      58.82     58.82

Minimum

     33.33      54.14     54.14

Valuation of peer group companies as of February 26, 2021

       

Averages

     25.88      91.45     93.75

Medians

     13.19      90.20     97.18

 

(1)

Price-to-earnings multiples calculated by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in the independent appraisal are based on an estimate of “core” or recurring earnings. These ratios are different than those presented in “Pro Forma Data.”

The pro forma calculations for TC Bancshares, Inc. include the following assumptions:

 

   

8.0% of the shares sold would be purchased by an employee stock ownership plan, with the expense to be amortized over 20 years;

 

   

4.0% of the shares sold would be purchased by stock-based benefit plans, with the expense to be amortized over five years;

 

   

Options equal to 10.0% of the shares sold would be granted under stock-based benefit plans, with option expense of $2.69 per option, and with the expense to be amortized over five years; and

 

   

stock offering expenses would equal 2.78% of the stock offering amount at the midpoint of the offering range.

The independent appraisal does not indicate market value. Do not assume or expect that TC Bancshares, Inc.’s valuation as indicated above means that the common stock will trade at or above the $10.00 purchase price after the conversion and offering. Furthermore, the pricing ratios presented in the appraisal were used by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to estimate our pro forma appraised value for regulatory purposes and not to compare the relative value of shares of our common stock with the value of the capital stock of the peer group. The value of the capital stock of a particular company may be affected by a number of factors such as financial performance, asset size and market location. Our stock price may trade below $10.00 per share, as the stock prices of certain mutual-to-stock conversions have decreased below the initial offering price. If you purchase shares of common stock, you may not be able to sell them at or above $10.00 per share. Before you make an investment decision, we urge you to carefully read this prospectus, including, but not limited to, the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 1.

For a more complete discussion of the amount of common stock we are offering for sale and the independent appraisal, see “The Conversion and Offering—Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued.”



 

vii


Table of Contents

How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering

We intend to invest at least 50% of the net proceeds from the stock offering in TC Federal Bank, fund the loan to our employee stock ownership plan to finance its purchase of shares of common stock in the stock offering and retain the remainder of the net proceeds from the offering at TC Bancshares, Inc. Therefore, assuming we sell 5,405,000 shares of common stock at the maximum of the offering range, and we have net proceeds of $52.7 million, we intend to invest $26.3 million in TC Federal Bank, loan $4.3 million to our employee stock ownership plan to fund its purchase of an amount of the common stock equal to up to 8.0% of our outstanding shares and retain the remaining $22.0 million of the net proceeds at TC Bancshares, Inc.

TC Bancshares, Inc. expects to invest a portion of the net proceeds of the offering, in part, to grow the bank. TC Bancshares, Inc. initially intends to invest the proceeds it retains in interest earning deposits and securities. TC Bancshares, Inc. may use a portion of the net proceeds to pay cash dividends, repurchase shares of our common stock in the future, although we are generally not permitted to do so during the first year following our conversion, and may use a portion of the net proceeds to finance the possible acquisition of other financial institutions or other financial service businesses. We may also use the net proceeds for other general corporate purposes. TC Federal Bank generally intends to use the proceeds it receives to support the origination of additional loans. It may also purchase securities as permitted under our investment policy, expand its banking franchise internally through de novo branching or establishing additional LPOs, or expand through acquisitions of other financial institutions, branch offices, or other financial service businesses.

Neither TC Federal Bank nor TC Bancshares, Inc. has any plans or agreements for any specific acquisition transactions at this time. See “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering.”

Limits on the Amount of Common Stock You May Purchase

The minimum purchase is 25 shares of common stock. Generally, no individual, or individuals through a single account held jointly, may purchase more than $300,000 of common stock. If any of the following persons purchase shares of common stock, their purchases when combined with your purchases cannot exceed $400,000 of common stock:

 

   

Any person who is related by blood or marriage to you and who either lives in your home or who is a director or officer of TC Federal Bank;

 

   

Companies or other entities in which you are an officer or partner or have a 10% or greater beneficial ownership interest;

 

   

Trusts or other estates in which you have a substantial beneficial interest or as to which you serve as a trustee or in another fiduciary capacity; and

 

   

Other persons who may be your associates or persons acting in concert with you.

Persons having the same address and persons exercising subscription rights through qualifying accounts registered to the same address will be subject to this overall purchase limitation. We have the right to determine, in our sole discretion, whether prospective purchasers are associates or acting in concert.

Subject to regulatory approval, we may increase or decrease the purchase limitations in the offering at any time. A detailed discussion of the limitations on purchases of common stock by an individual and persons acting in concert is set forth under the caption “The Conversion and the Offering—Offering of Common Stock—Limitations on Purchase of Shares.”

We may, in our sole discretion, subject to the provisions of 12 CFR 192.385, and without further notice to or solicitation of subscribers or other prospective purchasers, increase the maximum purchase limitation to 9.99% of the number of shares sold in the offering, provided that the total number of shares purchased by persons, their associates and those persons with whom they are acting in concert, to the extent such purchases exceed 5.0% of the shares sold in the offering, shall not exceed, in the aggregate, 10.0% of the total number of the shares sold in the offering.



 

viii


Table of Contents

We expect that the employee stock ownership plan will purchase 8.0% of our outstanding shares. Subject to the approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the employee stock ownership plan may purchase some or all of these shares in the open market following the completion of the offering. Our employee stock ownership plan purchases will range from 319,600 shares to 497,260 shares of common stock, respectively, at the minimum and adjusted maximum of the offering range.

How You May Purchase Shares of Common Stock in the Subscription and Community Offering

In the subscription offering and the community offering you may pay for your shares only by:

 

   

personal check, bank check or money order payable to TC Bancshares, Inc. (cash and third party checks will not be accepted); or

 

   

authorizing us to withdraw available funds (without any early withdrawal penalty) from your deposit account(s) maintained with TC Federal Bank, other than checking accounts or retirement accounts, including individual retirement accounts (“IRAs”).

TC Federal Bank is not permitted to knowingly lend funds for the purpose of purchasing shares of common stock in the offering. You may not pay by wire transfer, use a check drawn on a TC Federal Bank line of credit, or use a third-party check to pay for shares of common stock. Please do not submit cash.

You can subscribe for shares of common stock in the offering by delivering to the Stock Information Center a signed and completed original stock order form, together with full payment, before the expiration date of the subscription offering. You may submit your stock order form in one of three ways: by mail, using the reply envelope provided; by overnight courier to the address indicated on the stock order form; or by bringing your stock order form and payment to our Stock Information Center, which is located at TC Federal Bank’s main office located at 131 South Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia. The Stock Information Center will be open Monday through Friday, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The Stock Information Center will not be open on bank holidays. Once submitted, your order is irrevocable. We will not accept incomplete stock order forms, unsigned stock order forms, or copies or facsimiles of stock order forms. We note that subscribers should be aware of the current delays in the postal service system, and that subscriptions must be received by the Stock Information Center by the offering deadline. All order forms must be received (not postmarked) before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [__________ __], 2021. For orders paid for by check or money order, the funds must be available in the account. Funds received prior to the completion of the offering will be held in a segregated account at TC Federal Bank. Subscription funds will earn interest at 0.05% per annum, which is our current statement savings account rate. If the offering is terminated, we will promptly return your subscription funds with interest.

On the stock order form, you may not designate withdrawal from TC Federal Bank accounts with check-writing privileges; instead, please submit a check. If you request that we directly withdraw the funds from an account with check writing privileges, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and we will immediately withdraw the amount from your checking account. You may not authorize direct withdrawal from a TC Federal Bank IRA or other retirement account. See “—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares of Common Stock in the Subscription and Community Offerings.”

Withdrawals from certificate of deposit accounts at TC Federal Bank for the purpose of purchasing common stock in the offering may be made without incurring an early withdrawal penalty. All funds authorized for withdrawal from deposit accounts with TC Federal Bank must be in the deposit accounts at the time the stock order form is received; no credit to purchase shares will be given for future interest to be earned on the funds in your deposit account or submitted for payment for the shares. However, funds will not be withdrawn from the accounts until the offering is completed and will continue to earn interest at the applicable deposit account rate until the completion of the offering. A hold will be placed on those funds when your stock order is received, making the designated funds unavailable to you. If a withdrawal results in a certificate of deposit account with a balance less than the applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate of deposit will be canceled at the time of withdrawal without penalty, and the remaining balance will earn interest at 0.05% per annum thereafter, until such funds are withdrawn. After we receive an order, the order cannot be revoked or changed.



 

ix


Table of Contents

By signing the stock order form, you are acknowledging receipt of this prospectus and that the shares of our common stock are not deposits or savings accounts that are federally insured or otherwise guaranteed by TC Federal Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares of Common Stock in the Subscription and Community Offerings

You may be able to subscribe for shares of common stock using funds in your IRA or other retirement account. If you wish to use some or all of the funds in your IRA or other retirement account held at TC Federal Bank, the applicable funds must be transferred to a self-directed account maintained by an independent custodian or trustee, such as a brokerage firm, before you place your stock order. If you do not have such an account, you will need to establish one. A one-time and/or annual administrative fee may be payable to the independent custodian or trustee. Because individual circumstances differ and the processing of retirement fund orders takes additional time, we recommend that you contact our Stock Information Center promptly, preferably at least two weeks before the [date], 2021 offering deadline, for assistance with purchases using funds in your IRA or other retirement account held at TC Federal Bank or elsewhere. Whether you may use such funds for the purchase of shares in the stock offering may depend on timing constraints and, possibly, limitations imposed by the institution where the funds are held.

For a complete description of how to use IRA funds to purchase shares in the stock offering, see “The Conversion and Offering—Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds.”    

You May Not Sell or Transfer Your Subscription Rights

Applicable regulations prohibit you from selling, giving, or otherwise transferring your subscription rights. If you order shares of common stock in the subscription offering, you will be required to state that you are purchasing the shares of common stock for yourself and that you have no agreement or understanding to sell or transfer your subscription rights. We intend to take legal action, including reporting persons to federal or state regulatory agencies, against anyone who we believe has sold or given away his or her subscription rights. We will not accept your order if we have reason to believe that you have sold or transferred your subscription rights. On the stock order form, you cannot add the names of others for joint stock registration unless they are also named on the qualifying deposit or loan account, and you cannot delete names of others except in the case of certain orders placed through an IRA, Keogh, 401(k) or similar plan, and except in the event of the death of a named eligible depositor. In addition, the stock order form requires that you list all deposit or loan accounts, giving all names on each account and the account number at the applicable eligibility record date. Your failure to provide this information, or providing incomplete or incorrect information, may result in a loss of part or all of your share allocation, if there is an oversubscription. Eligible depositors or borrowers who enter into agreements to allow ineligible investors to participate in the subscription offering may be violating federal and state law and may be subject to civil enforcement actions or criminal prosecution.     

Deadline for Orders of Common Stock

The deadline for submitting orders to purchase shares of the common stock in the subscription and community offerings is 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [date], 2021, unless we extend this deadline. If you wish to purchase shares of common stock, your properly completed and signed original stock order form, together with full payment for the shares, must be received (not postmarked) at the Stock Information Center by this time. Orders received after 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [date], 2021 will be rejected unless the offering is extended.

Although we will make reasonable attempts to provide a prospectus and offering materials to holders of subscription rights, the subscription offering and all subscription rights will expire at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [date], 2021, whether or not we have been able to locate each person entitled to subscription rights.

See “The Conversion and Offering—Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings —Expiration Date” for a complete description of the deadline for purchasing shares in the stock offering.



 

x


Table of Contents

Once Submitted, Your Stock Purchase Order May Not Be Revoked Except Under Certain Circumstances

Funds that you use to purchase shares of our common stock in the offering will be held in a segregated account until the termination or completion of the offering, including any extension of the expiration date. Because completion of the conversion and offering is subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including an update of the independent appraisal, among other factors, there may be one or more delays in the completion of the conversion. Any orders that you submit to purchase shares of our common stock in the offering are irrevocable, and you will not have access to subscription funds unless the offering is terminated, or extended beyond [date], 2021, or the number of shares to be sold in the offering is increased to more than 6,215,750 shares or decreased to fewer than 3,995,000 shares.

Expiration of the Offering

The subscription offering will expire at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [date], 2021. We expect that the community offering, if one is conducted, would expire at the same time. We may extend this expiration date without notice to you until [date], 2021, or such later date as the applicable regulators may approve. If the subscription offering and/or community offerings are extended beyond [date], 2021, we will be required to resolicit subscriptions before proceeding with the offering. In such event, all subscribers will be afforded the opportunity to confirm, cancel or change their orders. If you choose to cancel your order or you do not respond to the resolicitation notice, your funds will be promptly returned to you with interest and deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be cancelled. All further extensions, in the aggregate, may not last beyond [date], 2023, which is two years after the special meeting of members of TC Federal Bank to be held on [date], 2021 to vote on the plan of conversion.

Possible Termination of the Offering

We may terminate the offering at any time prior to the special meeting of members of TC Federal Bank that is being called to vote on the conversion and offering, and at any time after member approval with applicable regulatory approval. If we terminate the offering, we will promptly return your funds, with interest at 0.05% per annum, and we will cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations.

Steps We May Take If We Do Not Receive Orders for the Minimum Number of Shares

If we do not receive orders for at least 3,995,000 shares of common stock, we may take several steps in order to sell the minimum number of shares of common stock in the offering range. Specifically, we may (a) increase the purchase limitations, (b) seek regulatory approval to extend the offering beyond the [date], 2021 expiration date, and/or (c) reduce the valuation and offering range, provided that any such extension or reduction will require us to resolicit subscriptions received in the offering and provide subscribers with the opportunity to increase, decrease or cancel their subscriptions. If the offering is extended beyond [date], 2021, subscribers will have the right to confirm, cancel or change their orders. If the number of shares to be sold in the offering is increased to more than 6,215,750 shares or decreased to less than 3,995,000 shares, we will resolicit subscribers, and all funds delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings will be returned promptly with interest.

Market for the Common Stock

We have never issued capital stock and there is no established market for our common stock. We expect that our common stock will be traded on the on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TCBC” upon conclusion of the stock offering. See “Market for the Common Stock.”

Our Dividend Policy

Following completion of the offering, our board of directors will have the authority to declare dividends on our shares of common stock, subject to statutory and regulatory requirements. However, no decision has been made with respect to the payment of dividends. In determining whether to pay a cash dividend and the amount of such cash dividend, the board of directors is expected to take into account a number of factors, including capital



 

xi


Table of Contents

requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, other uses of funds for the long-term value of stockholders, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations and general economic conditions. Any payment and amount of any dividend payments will be subject to statutory and regulatory limitations, and will depend upon a number of factors, including the following: regulatory capital requirements; our financial condition and results of operations; our other uses of funds for the long-term value of stockholders; tax considerations; and general economic conditions. We cannot assure you that we will pay dividends in the future, or that any such dividends will not be reduced or eliminated in the future. See “Our Policy Regarding Dividends” for additional information regarding our dividend policy.

Possible Change in the Offering Range

Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. will update its appraisal before we complete the offering. If, as a result of demand for the shares or changes in market conditions, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. determines that our pro forma market value has increased, we may sell up to 6,215,750 shares in the offering without further notice to you. If our pro forma market value at that time is either below $40.0 million or above $62.2 million, then, after consulting with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, we may:

 

   

terminate the stock offering, cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations and promptly return all funds received in the offering with interest at 0.05% per annum;

 

   

set a new offering range; or

 

   

take such other actions as may be permitted by the Federal Reserve Board, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

If we set a new offering range, we will promptly return funds, with interest at 0.05% per annum for funds received in the offering, cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations and commence a resolicitation. In connection with the resolicitation, we will notify subscribers of their right to place a new stock order for a specified period of time.

Our Officers, Directors and Employees Will Receive Additional Benefits and Compensation After the Conversion and Offering

In connection with the conversion, we are establishing an employee stock ownership plan, and, subject to stockholder approval, we intend to implement one or more stock-based benefit plans that will provide for grants of stock options and restricted stock.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The board of directors of TC Federal Bank has adopted an employee stock ownership plan, which will allocate shares of our common stock to eligible employees primarily based on their compensation. Our board of directors will, at the completion of the offering, ratify the loan to the employee stock ownership plan and the issuance of common stock to the employee stock ownership plan. It is expected that our employee stock ownership plan will purchase an amount of shares equal to 8.0% of our outstanding shares.

Stock-Based Benefit Plans. In addition to shares purchased by the employee stock ownership plan, we intend to adopt one or more stock-based benefit plans, which are designed to attract and retain qualified personnel in key positions and provide directors, officers and key employees with an ownership interest in TC Bancshares, Inc., which will be an incentive to contribute to our success, and reward key employees for their performance. The number of options granted and shares of restricted common stock awarded under stock-based benefit plans may not exceed 10.0% and 4.0%, respectively, of our total outstanding shares, provided that if TC Federal Bank’s tangible capital at the time of adoption of the stock-based benefits plan is less than 10% of its assets, then the amount of shares of restricted common stock may not exceed 3.0% of our outstanding shares. Under applicable regulations, the exercise price of options granted within one year of the completion of the offering must be equal to the then fair market value of the common stock on the date the options are granted.

Stock-based benefit plans will not be established sooner than six months after the stock offering, and if adopted within one year after the stock offering, the plans must be approved by a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by our stockholders. If stock-based benefit plans are established more than one year after the stock offering, they must be approved by a majority of votes cast by our stockholders. The following additional restrictions would apply to our stock-based benefit plans only if such plans are adopted within one year after the stock offering:



 

xii


Table of Contents
   

non-employee directors in the aggregate may not receive more than 30% of the options and shares of restricted common stock authorized under the plans;

 

   

no non-employee director may receive more than 5% of the options and shares of restricted common stock authorized under the plans;

 

   

no officer or employee may receive more than 25% of the options and shares of restricted common stock authorized under the plans;

 

   

options and shares of restricted common stock may not vest more rapidly than 20% per year, beginning on the first anniversary of stockholder approval of the plans; and

 

   

accelerated vesting is not permitted except for death, disability or upon a change in control of TC Federal Bank or TC Bancshares, Inc.

We have not determined whether we will present stock-based benefit plans for stockholder approval prior to or more than 12 months after the completion of the stock offering. In the event federal regulators change their regulations or policies regarding stock-based benefit plans, including any regulations or policies restricting the size of awards and vesting of benefits as described above, the restrictions described above may not be applicable.

We may obtain the shares needed for our stock-based benefit plans by issuing additional shares of common stock from authorized but unissued shares or through stock repurchases.

Equity Plan Expenses. The implementation of an employee stock ownership plan and one or more stock-based benefit plans will increase our future compensation costs, thereby reducing our earnings. For example, we will be required to recognize an expense each year under our employee stock ownership plan equal to the fair market value of the shares committed to be released for that year to the participating employees. Similarly, if we issue restricted stock awards under a stock-based benefit plan, we would be required to recognize an expense as the shares vest equal to their fair market value on the grant date. Finally, if we issue stock options, we would be required to recognize an expense as the options vest, equal to their estimated value on the grant date. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Offering—Our stock-based benefit plans will increase our costs, which will reduce our income” and “Management—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Stock Offering.”



 

xiii


Table of Contents

Benefits to Management. The following table summarizes the stock benefits that our officers, directors and employees may receive following the conversion and offering, and assuming that our employee stock ownership plan purchases 8.0% of our outstanding shares and that we implement one or more stock-based benefit plans granting options to purchase 10.0% of the total shares of common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. issued in connection with the conversion and awarding shares of restricted common stock equal to 4.0% of the total shares of common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. issued in connection with the conversion.

 

     Number of Shares to be Granted or Purchased           Value of Grants
(In thousands) (1)
 
     At
Minimum
of Offering
Range
     At
Adjusted
Maximum
of
Offering
Range
     As a
Percentage
of Common
Stock to be
Sold in the
Offering
    As a
Percentage
of Common
Stock to be
Outstanding
    Dilution
Resulting
From
Issuance of
Shares for
Stock-Based
Benefit Plans
    At
Minimum
of
Offering
Range
     At
Adjusted
Maximum
of Offering
Range
 

Employee stock ownership plan(1)

     319,600        497,260        8.00     8.00     0.00   $ 3,196      $ 4,973  

Restricted stock awards

     159,800        248,630        4.00       4.00       3.85       1,598        2,486  

Stock options

     399,500        621,575        10.00       10.00       9.09       1,075        1,672  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     878,900        1,367,465        22.00     22.00     12.28   $ 5,869      $ 9,131  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

The fair value of stock options has been estimated at $2.69 per option using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: a grant-date share price and option exercise price of $10.00; no dividend yield; expected option life of 10 years; risk free interest rate of 0.93%; and a volatility rate of 18.68% based on an index of publicly traded thrift institutions.

The actual value of the shares of restricted common stock awarded under stock-based benefit plans would be based on the price of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s common stock at the time the shares are awarded. The following table presents the total value of all shares of restricted common stock to be available for award and issuance under stock-based benefit plans, assuming receipt of stockholder approval and that the shares are awarded in a range of market prices from $8.00 per share to $14.00 per share.

 

Share Price     159,800 Shares
Awarded at Minimum
of Offering Range
    188,000 Shares
Awarded at Midpoint
of Offering Range
    216,200 Shares
Awarded at Maximum
of Offering Range
    248,630 Shares
Awarded at Adjusted
Maximum of Offering
Range
 
(In thousands, except share price information)  
$ 8.00     $ 1,278     $ 1,504     $ 1,730     $ 1,989  
$ 10.00     $ 1,598     $ 1,880     $ 2,162     $ 2,486  
$ 12.00     $ 1,918     $ 2,256     $ 2,594     $ 2,984  
$ 14.00     $ 2,237     $ 2,632     $ 3,027     $ 3,481  

The grant-date fair value of the options granted under the stock-based benefits plans would be based in part on the price of shares of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s common stock at the time the options are granted. The value will also depend on the various assumptions utilized in the option pricing model ultimately adopted. The following table presents the total estimated value of the options to be available for grant under the stock-based benefit plans, assuming receipt of stockholder approval, using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, and assuming the market price and exercise price for the stock options are equal and the range of market prices for the shares is $8.00 per share to $14.00 per share. The Black-Scholes option pricing model provides an estimate only of the fair value of the options, and the actual value of the options may differ significantly from the value set forth in this table.

 

Market/Exercise
Price
    Grant-Date Fair
Value Per Option
    399,500 Options at
Minimum of
Offering Range
    470,000 Options at
Midpoint of
Offering Range
    540,500 Options at
Maximum of
Offering Range
     621,575 Options at
Adjusted
Maximum of
Offering Range
 
(In thousands, except market/exercise price and fair value information)  
$ 8.00     $ 2.15     $ 859     $ 1,011     $ 1,162      $ 1,336  
$ 10.00     $ 2.69     $ 1,075     $ 1,264     $ 1,454      $ 1,672  
$ 12.00     $ 3.23     $ 1,290     $ 1,518     $ 1,746      $ 2,008  
$ 14.00     $ 3.77     $ 1,506     $ 1,772     $ 2,038      $ 2,343  


 

xiv


Table of Contents

Restrictions on the Acquisition of TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank

Federal regulations, as well as provisions contained in the respective charter, articles of incorporation and bylaws of TC Federal Bank and TC Bancshares, Inc., restrict the ability of any person, firm or entity to acquire TC Bancshares, Inc., TC Federal Bank, or their respective capital stock. These restrictions include the requirement that a potential acquirer of common stock obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board and/or the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency before acquiring in excess of 10% of the voting stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank, as well as a provision in each of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s and TC Federal Bank’s respective articles of incorporation and charter that generally provides that for a period of three years from the closing of the offering, no person may directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank held by any person, and, with respect to TC Federal Bank, other than TC Bancshares, Inc., and that any shares acquired in excess of this limit would not be entitled to be voted and would not be counted as voting stock in connection with any matters submitted to the stockholders for a vote.

For a period of three years following completion of the offering, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regulations generally prohibit any person from acquiring or making an offer to acquire beneficial ownership of more than 10% of the stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank without the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s prior approval.

Proposed Stock Purchases by Management

TC Bancshares, Inc.’s directors and executive officers and their associates are expected to purchase, for investment purposes, approximately [•] shares of common stock in the offering, which represents [•]% of the shares sold to the public and [•]% of the total shares to be outstanding after the offering, each at the minimum of the offering range, respectively. Like all of our eligible depositor and borrower purchasers, our directors and executive officers and their associates have subscription rights based on their deposits or borrowings and, in the event of an oversubscription, their orders will be subject to the allocation provisions set forth in our plan of conversion.    

The plan of conversion provides that the aggregate amount of shares acquired in the offering by our directors and executive officers (and their associates) may not exceed 29% of the outstanding shares held by any person except with the approval of federal regulators. We may seek approval from the federal regulators to allow purchases by our directors and executive officers (and their associates) to exceed the 29% limit to the extent needed to enable us to sell the minimum number of shares of common stock in the offering range.

Directors and executive officers will pay the same $10.00 per share price paid by all other persons who purchase shares in the offering. These shares will be counted in determining whether the minimum of the offering range is reached.

Conditions to Completing the Conversion and Offering

We cannot complete the conversion and offering unless:

 

   

we sell at least 3,995,000 shares, the minimum of the offering range;

 

   

the members of TC Federal Bank vote to approve the conversion and offering;

 

   

we receive final approval from the Federal Reserve Board to become a bank holding company; and

 

   

we receive final approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to complete the conversion and offering.

Federal Reserve Board or Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approval does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of an investment in our stock.



 

xv


Table of Contents

Delivery of Prospectus

To ensure that each person receives a prospectus at least 48 hours before the deadline for orders for common stock, we may not mail prospectuses any later than five days prior to such date or hand-deliver prospectuses later than two days prior to that date. Stock order forms may only be delivered if accompanied or preceded by a prospectus. We are not obligated to deliver a prospectus or stock order form by means other than U.S. mail.

We will make reasonable attempts to provide a prospectus and offering materials to holders of subscription rights. The subscription offering and all subscription rights will expire at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on [date], 2021, whether or not we have been able to locate each person entitled to subscription rights.

Delivery of Shares of Common Stock

All shares of common stock sold will be issued in book entry form. Stock certificates will not be issued. A statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock issued in the subscription and community offerings will be mailed by our transfer agent to the persons entitled thereto at the registration address noted by them on their stock order forms as soon as practicable following consummation of the stock offering. Shares of common stock sold in the syndicated offering may be delivered electronically through the services of The Depository Trust Company, subject to any necessary regulatory approval. We expect trading in the stock to begin on the day of completion of the stock offering or the next business day. Until a statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock is available and delivered to purchasers, purchasers might not be able to sell the shares of common stock that they purchased, even though the common stock will have begun trading. Your ability to sell your shares of common stock before receiving your statement will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm.

Tax Consequences

TC Federal Bank and TC Bancshares, Inc. have received an opinion of counsel, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, regarding the material federal and state income tax consequences of the conversion. As a general matter, the conversion will not be a taxable transaction to TC Federal Bank or TC Bancshares, Inc., nor will it result in taxable gain or loss to depositors, so long as the subscription rights to purchase shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock do not have any value, as is expected. See the section of this prospectus entitled “Taxation” for additional information regarding taxes.

Emerging Growth Company Status

We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to emerging growth companies. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Offering—We are an emerging growth company, and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors” and “Supervision and Regulation—Emerging Growth Company Status.”

An emerging growth company may elect to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies, but must make such election when the company is first required to file a registration statement. Such an election is irrevocable during the period a company is an emerging growth company. We have elected to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.



 

xvi


Table of Contents

How You May Obtain Additional Information Regarding the Conversion and Offering

If you have any questions regarding the conversion and offering, please call the Stock Information Center at [phone number], or visit the Stock Information Center, which is located at 131 South Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia. The Stock Information Center will be open Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The Stock Information Center will be closed on bank holidays.

 



 

xvii


Table of Contents

RISK FACTORS

 

You should consider carefully the following risk factors, in addition to all other information in this prospectus,

in evaluating an investment in our common stock.

Risks Related to Our Business

Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Associated Economic Slowdown.

The ongoing global COVID-19 outbreak could harm our business and results of operations, and such effects will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and are difficult to predict.

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus to be a pandemic. Given the ongoing and dynamic nature of the circumstances, it is difficult to predict the impact of COVID-19 on our business and on our customers, and there is no guarantee that our efforts to address the adverse impacts of the coronavirus will be effective. Global health concerns relating to COVID-19 and related government actions taken to reduce the spread of the virus have been weighing on the macroeconomic environment, and the outbreak has significantly increased economic uncertainty and reduced economic activity. The impact to date has included periods of significant volatility in financial, commodities and other markets. This volatility, if it continues, could have an adverse impact on our customers, our borrowers and on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may also incur additional costs to remedy damages caused by business disruptions.

Additionally, actions by U.S. federal, state and foreign governments to address the pandemic, including travel bans and school, business and entertainment venue closures, may also have a significant adverse effect on the markets in which we conduct our business. The extent of impacts resulting from the coronavirus pandemic and other events beyond our control and will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and actions taken to contain the coronavirus or its impact, among others.

A worsening of economic conditions in our market area could reduce demand for our products and services and/or result in increases in our level of nonperforming loans, which could adversely affect our operations, financial condition and earnings.

Local economic conditions have a significant impact on the ability of our borrowers to repay loans and the value of the collateral securing loans. A deterioration in economic conditions could have the following consequences, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations:

 

   

demand for our products and services may decline;

 

   

loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures may increase;

 

   

collateral for loans, especially real estate, may decline in value, thereby reducing customers’ future borrowing power, and reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with existing loans; and

 

   

the net worth and liquidity of loan guarantors may decline, impairing their ability to honor commitments to us.

 

1


Table of Contents

Moreover, a significant decline in general economic conditions caused by pandemics, inflation, recession, acts of terrorism, an outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic calamities, unemployment or other factors beyond our control could further impact these local economic conditions and could further negatively affect the financial results of our banking operations. In addition, deflationary pressures, while possibly lowering our operating costs, could have a significant negative effect on our borrowers, especially our business borrowers, and the values of underlying collateral securing loans, which could negatively affect our financial performance.

Risks Related to Lending Activities.

We originate commercial and multi-family real estate, commercial and industrial, and construction and land development loans, which involve credit risks that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

At December 31, 2020, commercial real estate loans totaled $72.7 million, or 27.2% of our loan portfolio, commercial and industrial loans totaled $29.6 million, or 11.1% of our loan portfolio, construction and land development loans totaled $30.0 million, or 11.2% of our loan portfolio and multi-family loans totaled $15.1 million, or 5.7% of our loan portfolio. Given their larger balances and the complexity of the underlying collateral, commercial and multi-family real estate, construction and land development loans, and commercial and industrial loans generally have more risk than the one- to four-family residential real estate loans we originate. Because the repayment of commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans depends on the successful management and operation of the borrower’s properties or related businesses, repayment of such loans can be affected by adverse conditions in the local real estate market or economy. Because construction and development loans rely on the demand for lots and housing, the ability of developers to repay loans can be impacted by the economy’s impact on consumers. A downturn in the real estate market or the local economy could adversely impact the value of properties securing the loan or the revenues from the borrower’s business, thereby increasing the risk of nonperforming loans. Further, unlike residential mortgage loans, commercial and industrial loans may be secured by collateral other than real estate, such as inventory and accounts receivable, the value of which may depreciate over time, may be more difficult to appraise and may be more susceptible to fluctuation in value at default. A downturn in the economy may also impact landlords’ ability to retain and find new tenants in non-owner-occupied real estate properties. In addition, the physical condition of non-owner-occupied properties may be below that of owner-occupied properties due to lax property maintenance standards, which have a negative impact on the value of the collateral properties. As our commercial and multi-family real estate and commercial and industrial loan portfolios increase, the corresponding risks and potential for losses from these loans may also increase.    

If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.

In originating loans, there is a substantial likelihood that we will experience credit losses. The risk of loss will vary with, among other things, general economic conditions, the type of loan, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan, and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the quality of the collateral for the loan. We maintain an allowance for loan losses, which is established through a provision for loan losses that represents management’s best estimate of probable losses within the existing portfolio of loans. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of loans. In determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, we rely on our experience and our evaluation of economic conditions. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect, our allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio and adjustment may be necessary to allow for different economic conditions or adverse developments in our loan portfolio. Consequently, a problem with one or more loans could require us to significantly increase the level of our provision for loan losses. In addition, federal regulators periodically review our allowance for loan losses and as a result of such reviews, we may have to adjust our allowance for loan losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. However, regulatory agencies are not directly involved in the process of establishing the allowance for loan losses, as the process is our responsibility and any adjustment of the allowance is the responsibility of management. Material additions to the allowance would materially decrease our net income.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) adopted a new credit loss accounting standard applicable to all banks, savings banks, credit unions, and financial holding companies, regardless of size and will be effective for TC Federal Bank for our fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2023. The Current Expected Credit Loss

 

2


Table of Contents

(“CECL”) rules change the current method of providing allowances for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”), which we expect may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses, and to greatly increase the data we would need to collect and review to determine the appropriate level of the ALLL. Under CECL, the allowance for credit loss is an estimate of the expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost, which is measured using relevant information about past events, including historical credit loss experience on financial assets with similar risk characteristics, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the remaining cash flows over the contractual term of the financial assets. CECL requires an allowance to be created upon the origination or acquisition of a financial asset measured at amortized cost. Any increase in our ALLL, or expenses incurred to determine the appropriate level of the ALLL, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to Our Business Strategy.

Our business strategy includes growth, and our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if we fail to grow or fail to manage our growth effectively. Growing our operations could also cause our expenses to increase faster than our revenues.

Our business strategy includes growth in assets, deposits and the scale of our operations. Achieving such growth will require us to attract customers that currently bank at other financial institutions in our market area. Our ability to successfully grow will depend on a variety of factors, including our ability to attract and retain experienced bankers, the continued availability of desirable business opportunities, competition from other financial institutions in our market area and our ability to manage our growth. Growth opportunities may not be available or we may not be able to manage our growth successfully. If we do not manage our growth effectively, our financial condition and operating results could be negatively affected. Furthermore, there can be considerable costs involved in opening branches and expanding lending capacity that generally require a period of time to generate the necessary revenues to offset their costs, especially in areas in which we do not have an established presence. Accordingly, any such business expansion, if done without proper due diligence and consideration of unexpected outcomes, could be expected to negatively impact our earnings for some period of time until certain economies of scale are reached. Our expenses could be further increased if we encounter delays in the opening of new branches.

We depend on our management team to implement our business strategy and execute successful operations and we could be harmed by the loss of their services.

We are dependent upon the services of the members of our senior management team who direct our strategy and operations. Members of our senior management team, or lending personnel who possess expertise in our markets and key business relationships, could be difficult to replace. Our loss of these persons, or our inability to hire additional qualified personnel, could impact our ability to implement our business strategy and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to compete in our markets. We currently have a comprehensive succession plan in place for key members of our senior management team. See “Management.”

Risks Related to Interest Rates.

A continuation of the historically low interest rate environment and the possibility that we may access higher-cost funds to support our loan growth and operations may adversely affect our net interest income and profitability.

In recent years the Federal Reserve Board’s policy has been to maintain interest rates at historically low levels through its targeted federal funds rate and the purchase of mortgage-backed securities. Our ability to reduce our interest expense may be limited over time as we reach historically low rate levels, as the consumer may ultimately choose to seek higher-yielding investments elsewhere. Earnings could be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and investment securities fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and borrowings. Simultaneously, at current interest rate levels our interest-earning assets may continue to decrease and our interest expense may increase as we find it necessary to potentially access non-core funding sources or increase deposit rates to fund our operations. A continuation of a low interest rate environment or our increasing our cost of funds may adversely affect our net interest income, and therefore earnings, which would have an adverse effect on our profitability.

 

3


Table of Contents

Future changes in interest rates could reduce our profits and asset values.

Net income is the amount by which net interest income and non-interest income exceeds non-interest expense, provision for loan losses, and taxes. Net interest income makes up a majority of our income and is based on the difference between:

 

   

the interest income we earn on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities; and

 

   

the interest expense we pay on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings.

The rates we earn on our assets and the rates we pay on our liabilities are generally fixed for a contractual period of time. Like many savings institutions, our liabilities generally have shorter contractual maturities than our assets. This imbalance can create significant earnings volatility because market interest rates change over time. In a period of rising interest rates, the interest income we earn on our assets may not increase as rapidly as the interest we pay on our liabilities. In a period of declining interest rates, the interest income we earn on our assets may decrease more rapidly than the interest we pay on our liabilities, as borrowers prepay mortgage loans, and mortgage-backed securities and callable investment securities are called, requiring us to reinvest those cash flows at lower interest rates.

In addition, changes in interest rates can affect the average life of loans and mortgage-backed and related securities. A decline in interest rates results in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed and related securities as borrowers refinance their debt to reduce their borrowing costs. This creates reinvestment risk, which is the risk that we may not be able to reinvest prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates we earned on the prepaid loans or securities. Furthermore, an inverted interest rate yield curve, where short-term interest rates (which are usually the rates at which financial institutions borrow funds) are higher than long-term interest rates (which are usually the rates at which financial institutions lend funds for fixed-rate loans) can reduce a financial institution’s net interest margin and create financial risk for financial institutions who originate longer-term, fixed rate mortgage loans.

Any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. Changes in the level of interest rates also may negatively affect the value of our assets and ultimately affect our earnings.

Risks Related to Competitive Markets.

Strong competition within our market areas may limit our growth and profitability.

Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense and we experience strong competition from many other financial institutions as well as financial technology companies (“fintechs”). In our market area, we compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, and brokerage and investment banking firms and unregulated or less regulated non-banking entities, operating locally and elsewhere. Because technology and other changes have lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, we also compete with fintechs seeking to disrupt conventional banking markets. In particular, the activity of fintechs has grown significantly over recent years and is expected to continue to grow. Fintechs have and may continue to offer bank or bank-like products and a number of fintechs have applied for bank or industrial loan charters. In addition, other fintechs have partnered with existing banks to allow them to offer deposit products to their customers. Many of these competitors have substantially greater resources and higher lending limits than we have and offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. In addition, some of our competitors offer loans with lower interest rates on more attractive terms than loans we offer. Competition also makes it increasingly difficult and costly to attract and retain qualified employees. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete in our market area. If we must raise interest rates paid on deposits or lower interest rates charged on our loans, our net interest margin and profitability could be adversely affected.

 

4


Table of Contents

The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of new legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can. We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. For additional information see “Business of TC Federal Bank—Market Area” and “—Competition.”

Our asset size makes it more difficult for us to compete.

Our asset size makes it more difficult to compete with other financial institutions that are larger and can more easily afford to invest in the marketing and technologies needed to attract and retain customers. Our ability to diversify economic risks is limited by our own local markets and economies. Because our principal source of income is the net interest income we earn on our loans and investments after deducting interest paid on deposits and other sources of funds, our ability to generate the revenues needed to cover our expenses and finance such investments is limited by the size of our loan and investment portfolios. Accordingly, we are not always able to offer new products and services as quickly as our competitors. In addition, our smaller customer base may make it difficult to generate meaningful non-interest income from such activities as securities and insurance brokerage. Finally, compared to larger institution, we are disproportionately affected by the continually increasing costs of compliance with new banking and other regulations.

Risks Related to Laws and Regulations.

Changes in laws and regulations and the cost of regulatory compliance with new laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and/or increase our costs of operations.

TC Federal Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and TC Bancshares, Inc. will be subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve Board. Such supervision and regulation governs the activities in which an institution and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the federal deposit insurance fund and the depositors and borrowers of TC Federal Bank, rather than for our stockholders. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on our operations, the classification of our assets and determination of the level of our allowance for loan losses. These regulations, along with existing tax, accounting, securities, insurance and monetary laws, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations, control the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance, and govern financial reporting and disclosures. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations. Further, changes in accounting standards can be both difficult to predict and involve judgment and discretion in their interpretation by us and our independent accounting firms. These changes could materially impact, potentially even retroactively, how we report our financial condition and results of operations.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) has significantly changed the regulation of banks and savings institutions and affects the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new implementing rules and regulations, and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies have been given significant discretion in drafting the implementing rules and regulations, many of which are not in final form. As a result, we cannot at this time predict the full extent to which the Dodd-Frank Act will impact our business, operations or financial condition. However, compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations and policies has already resulted in changes to our business and operations, as well as additional costs, and has diverted management’s time from other business activities, all of which have adversely affected our financial condition and results of operations.

 

5


Table of Contents

Uncertainty exists with regard to regulation of holding companies of covered savings associations.

Effective July 1, 2019, TC Federal Bank qualified as a “covered savings association” and elected to hold such status. On May 24, 2019, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued a final rule and outlined nature and powers of a covered savings association as well as the applicable regulatory structure. Although as a covered savings association we are subject to the same reporting and regulatory requirements as a federal savings bank, neither the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency nor the Federal Reserve Board has adopted regulations on the treatment of covered savings association holding companies. Based on guidance from the Federal Reserve Board, TC Bancshares, Inc. will be the bank holding company of a covered savings association. However, ambiguity remains on the ongoing treatment and regulation of such entities.

Non-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions.

The USA PATRIOT and Bank Secrecy Acts require financial institutions to develop programs to prevent financial institutions from being used for money laundering and terrorist activities. If such activities are detected, financial institutions are obligated to file suspicious activity reports with the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. These rules require financial institutions to establish procedures for identifying and verifying the identity of customers seeking to open new financial accounts. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or sanctions, including restrictions on conducting acquisitions or establishing new branches. The policies and procedures we have adopted that are designed to assist in compliance with these laws and regulations may not be effective in preventing violations of these laws and regulations.

We have become subject to more stringent capital requirements, which may adversely impact our return on equity, require us to raise additional capital, or limit our ability to pay dividends or repurchase shares.

Federal regulations establish minimum capital requirements for insured depository institutions, including minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios and define what constitutes “capital” for calculating these ratios. The minimum capital requirements are: (1) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (2) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 6%; (3) a total capital ratio of 8%; and (4) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. The regulations also require unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for calculating regulatory capital requirements unless a one-time opt out is exercised. We elected to exercise our one-time option to opt out of the requirement to include certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings for calculating our regulatory capital ratios. The regulations also establish a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5%, resulting in the following minimum ratios: (1) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (2) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 8.5%, and (3) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, repurchasing its shares, and paying discretionary bonuses, if its capital levels fall below the buffer amount.

The federal banking agencies proposed a rule to establish for institutions with assets of less than $10 billion that meet other specified criteria a “community bank leverage ratio” (the ratio of a bank’s tangible equity capital to average total consolidated assets) of 9% that such institutions may elect to utilize in lieu of the generally applicable leverage and risk-based capital requirements under the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel III”). A “qualifying community bank” with capital exceeding 9% will be considered compliant with all applicable regulatory capital and leverage requirements, including the requirement to be “well capitalized.” The rule was adopted in final form, effective January 1, 2020. The CARES Act lowered the community bank leverage ratio to 8%, with federal regulation making the reduced ratio effective April 23, 2020. Another rule was issued to transition back to the 9% community bank leverage ratio by increasing the ratio to 8.5% for calendar year 2021 and to 9% thereafter.

We have analyzed the effects of these new capital requirements, and we believe that TC Federal Bank meets all of these new requirements, including the full 2.5% capital conservation buffer. Furthermore, TC Federal Bank runs an annual stress test on its loan portfolio to determine its ability to maintain the full capital conservation buffer in the event of heightened loan losses similar or greater than those experienced by banking peers in the Great Recession. See “Supervision and Regulation—Federal Banking Regulation—Capital Requirements.”

 

6


Table of Contents

Risks Related to Operational Matters.

We face significant operational risks because the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions and increased reliance on technology, including risk of loss related to cyber-security breaches.

We operate in diverse markets and rely on the ability of our employees and systems to process a high number of transactions and to collect, process, transmit and store significant amounts of confidential information regarding our customers, employees and others and concerning our own business, operations, plans and strategies. Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from our operations, including but not limited to, the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside our company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processing and technology, systems failures or interruptions, breaches of our internal control systems and compliance requirements, and business continuation and disaster recovery. Insurance coverage may not be available for such losses, or where available, such losses may exceed insurance limits. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of operational deficiencies or as a result of non-compliance with applicable regulatory standards or customer attrition due to potential negative publicity. In addition, we outsource some of our data processing to certain third-party providers. If these third-party providers encounter difficulties, including as a result of cyber-attacks or information security breaches, or if we have difficulty communicating with them, our ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and our business operations could be adversely affected.

In the event of a breakdown in our internal control systems, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, disruptions or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support our business and customers, or a breach of our security systems, including if confidential or proprietary information were to be mishandled, misused or lost, we could suffer financial loss, customer attrition, the inability of our customers to transact business with us, violations of applicable privacy and other laws, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and/or additional compliance costs, any of which could materially adversely affect our results of operations or financial condition.

The cost of additional finance and accounting systems, procedures and controls in order to satisfy our new public company reporting requirements will increase our expenses.

As a result of the completion of this offering, we will become a public reporting company. We expect that the obligations of being a public company, including the substantial public reporting obligations, will require significant expenditures and place additional demands on our management team. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a stand-alone public company. However, the measures we take may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations as a public company. Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes Oxley Act”) requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, starting with the second annual report that we would expect to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price. In addition, we may need to hire additional compliance, accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical knowledge, and we may not be able to do so in a timely fashion. As a result, we may need to rely on outside consultants to provide these services for us until qualified personnel are hired. These obligations will increase our operating expenses and could divert our management’s attention from our operations.

Risks Related to Accounting Matters.

Changes in accounting standards could affect reported earnings.

The bodies responsible for establishing accounting standards, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory bodies, periodically change the financial accounting and reporting guidance that governs the preparation of our financial statements. These changes can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply new or revised guidance retroactively.

 

7


Table of Contents

Changes in management’s estimates and assumptions may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and our financial condition or operating results.

In preparing this prospectus as well as periodic reports we will be required to file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including our consolidated financial statements, our management is and will be required under applicable rules and regulations to make estimates and assumptions as of a specified date. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and experience as of that date and are subject to substantial risk and uncertainty. Materially different results may occur as circumstances change and additional information becomes known. The Areas requiring significant estimates and assumptions by management include our evaluation of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses and our determinations with respect to amounts owed for income taxes. The uncertainty surrounding the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact results, and our management team’s assumptions may not account for such effects.

We have a significant amount of net operating losses that we may not be able to utilize.

During the great recession, we generated significant net operating losses and unrealized tax losses (collectively, “NOLs”). As of December 31, 2020, we had an estimated federal NOL carryforward of $8.6 million and an estimated state NOL carryforward of $8.9 million, and recognized a deferred tax asset of $2.2 million related to NOL carryforwards. These NOLs generally may be carried forward for a 20-year period to offset future taxable income and reduce our federal and state income tax liability, respectively. Our federal and state NOL carry-forwards begin to expire in 2031 unless previously utilized.

As a result of our conversion from mutual to stock form of ownership and our contemporaneous stock offering, it is possible that we would incur an “ownership change” under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Section 382”). An ownership change will occur if after the conversion, the persons who are considered “owners” of TC Federal Bank before the conversion own less than 50% of our holding company’s stock immediately after the conversion. In addition, an ownership change will occur if, over a rolling three-year period, the percentage of the common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. owned by shareholders holding 5% or more of our common stock has increased by more than 50% over the lowest percentage of common stock owned by such shareholders during the three-year period. In general, if a company incurs an ownership change under Section 382, the company’s ability to utilize an NOL carryforward to offset its taxable income becomes limited to a certain amount per year. This limitation is computed by multiplying the company’s fair market value immediately before the ownership change by a rate equal to the long-term tax-exempt rate for the month in which the ownership change occurs.

If we are unable to fully utilize the NOL carryforwards to reduce our taxable income prior to their expiration, either because of insufficient taxable income or a limitation imposed under Section 382, we will need to write off any remaining deferred tax asset and will incur additional income tax liability, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

Other Risks related to Our Business.

Legal and regulatory proceedings and related matters could adversely affect us.

We have been and may in the future become involved in legal and regulatory proceedings. We consider most of the proceedings to be in the normal course of our business or typical for the industry; however, it is inherently difficult to assess the outcome of these matters, and we may not prevail in any proceedings or litigation. There could be substantial cost and management diversion in such litigation and proceedings, and any adverse determination could have a materially adverse effect on our business, brand or image, or our financial condition and results of our operations.

We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities or properties we own.

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and we could become subject to environmental liabilities with respect to one or more of these properties, or with respect to properties that we own in operating our business. During the ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on and take title to properties securing defaulted loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these

 

8


Table of Contents

properties. If hazardous conditions or toxic substances are found on these properties, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage, civil fines and criminal penalties regardless of when the hazardous conditions or toxic substances first affected any particular property. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses to address unknown liabilities and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability. Our policies, which require us to perform appropriate environmental due diligence when originating loans secured by certain types of commercial properties, may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards, particularly at the point of foreclosure, if necessary. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on us.

Natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other external events could harm our business.

Natural disasters can disrupt our operations, result in damage to our properties, reduce or destroy the value of the collateral for our loans and negatively affect the economies in which we operate, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. A significant natural disaster, such as a hurricane, pandemic, tornado, earthquake, fire or flood, could have a material adverse impact on our ability to conduct business, and our insurance coverage may be insufficient to compensate for losses that may occur. Acts of terrorism, war, civil unrest, violence, pandemics or human error could cause disruptions to our business or the economy as a whole. While we have established and regularly test disaster recovery procedures, the occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, operations and financial condition.

We are a community bank and our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business and the failure to do so may materially adversely affect our performance.

We are a community bank, and our reputation is one of the most valuable components of our business. A key component of our business strategy is to rely on our reputation for customer service and knowledge of local markets to expand our presence by capturing new business opportunities from existing and prospective customers in our market area and contiguous areas. As such, we strive to conduct our business in a manner that enhances our reputation. This is done, in part, by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve, delivering superior service to our customers and caring about our customers and associates. If our reputation is negatively affected, by the actions of our employees, by our inability to conduct our operations in a manner that is appealing to current or prospective customers, or otherwise, our business and, therefore, our operating results may be materially adversely affected.

We may be required to transition from the use of LIBOR interest rate index in the future.

Certain of our investment securities are currently indexed to LIBOR to calculate the loan interest rate. The continued availability of the LIBOR index is not guaranteed after 2021. We cannot predict whether and to what extent banks will continue to provide LIBOR submissions to the administrator of LIBOR or whether any additional reforms to LIBOR may be enacted. At this time, no consensus exists as to what rate or rates may become acceptable alternatives to LIBOR (with the exception of overnight repurchase agreements, which are expected to be based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or SOFR). The language in our LIBOR-based contracts and financial instruments has developed over time and may have various events that trigger when a successor rate to the designated rate would be selected. If a trigger is satisfied, contracts and financial instruments may give the calculation agent discretion over the substitute index or indices for the calculation of interest rates to be selected.

Risks Related to the Offering

The future price of our common stock may be less than the purchase price in the stock offering.

If you purchase shares of common stock in the offering, you may not be able to sell them later at or above the $10.00 purchase price in the offering. In many cases, shares of common stock issued by newly converted savings institutions or stock holding companies have traded below the initial offering price. The aggregate purchase price of the shares of common stock sold in the offering will be based on an independent appraisal. The independent

 

9


Table of Contents

appraisal is not intended, and should not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of common stock in the offering. The independent appraisal is based on certain estimates, assumptions and projections, all of which are subject to change from time to time. After the shares begin trading, the trading price of our common stock will be determined by the marketplace, and may be influenced by many factors, including prevailing interest rates, the overall performance of the economy, changes in federal tax laws, new regulations, investor perceptions of TC Bancshares, Inc. and the outlook for the financial services industry in general. Price fluctuations in our common stock may be unrelated to our operating performance.

The capital we raise in the stock offering may negatively impact our return on equity until we can fully implement our business plan. This could negatively affect the trading price of our shares of common stock.

Net income divided by average equity, known as “return on equity,” is a ratio many investors use to compare the performance of a financial institution to its peers. We expect our return on equity to remain relatively low until we are able to implement our business plan and leverage the additional capital we receive from the stock offering. Although we anticipate increasing net interest income using proceeds of the stock offering, our return on equity will be reduced by the capital raised in the stock offering, higher expenses from the costs of being a public company, and added expenses associated with our employee stock ownership plan and the stock-based benefit plans we intend to adopt. Until we can implement our business plan and increase our net interest income through investment of the proceeds of the offering, we expect our return on equity to remain relatively low compared to our peer group, which may reduce the value of our shares.    

We have broad discretion in using the proceeds of the stock offering. Our failure to effectively deploy the net proceeds of the offering may have an adverse effect on our financial performance and the value of our common stock.

We intend to invest between $19.4 million and $26.3 million of the net proceeds of the offering in TC Federal Bank (or $30.3 million at the adjusted maximum of the offering range). We also expect to use a portion of the net proceeds we retain to fund a loan for the purchase of shares of common stock in the offering by the employee stock ownership plan. We may use the remaining net proceeds to invest in short-term and other investments, repurchase shares of common stock, pay dividends, or for other general corporate purposes. TC Federal Bank intends to use the net proceeds it receives to fund new loans, enhance existing products and services, invest in securities, expand its banking franchise, or for other general corporate purposes. However, with the exception of the loan to the employee stock ownership plan, we have not allocated specific amounts of the net proceeds for any of these purposes, and we will have significant flexibility in determining the amount of the net proceeds we apply to different uses and the timing of such applications. Also, certain of these uses, such as any potential acquisition, paying dividends and repurchasing common stock, may require the approval of or non-objection from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or Federal Reserve Board. We have not established a timetable for investing the net proceeds, and, accordingly, we may not invest the net proceeds at the time that is most beneficial to TC Bancshares, Inc., TC Federal Bank or the stockholders. For additional information see “How We Intend To Use The Proceeds From The Offering.”

There may be a limited trading market in our common stock, which would hinder your ability to sell our common stock and may lower the market price of the stock.

We have never issued capital stock and there is no established market for our common stock. We expect that our common stock will be quoted on the traded on the on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TCBC” upon conclusion of the stock offering, subject to completion of the stock offering and compliance with certain conditions, including having 300 “round lot” stockholders (more than 100 shares) and at least three companies making a market for our common stock. The development of an active trading market depends on the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is not within our control, or that of any market maker. The number of active buyers and sellers of the shares of common stock at any particular time may be limited. Under such circumstances, you could have difficulty selling your shares of common stock on short notice, and, therefore, you should not view the shares of common stock as a short-term investment. In addition, our public “float,” which is the total number of our outstanding shares less the shares held by our employee stock ownership plan and our directors and executive officers, is likely to be quite limited. As a result, it is unlikely that an active trading market for the common stock will develop or that, if it develops, it will continue. If you purchase shares of common stock, you

 

10


Table of Contents

may not be able to sell them at or above $10.00 per share. Purchasers of common stock in this stock offering should have long-term investment intent and should recognize that there will be a limited trading market in the common stock. This may make it difficult to sell the common stock after the stock offering and may have an adverse impact on the price at which the common stock can be sold.

Our stock-based benefit plans will increase our costs, which will reduce our income.

We anticipate that our employee stock ownership plan will purchase up to 8.0% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering with funds borrowed from TC Bancshares, Inc. We will record annual employee stock ownership plan expense equal to the fair value of shares of common stock committed to be released to employees, which is estimated to be between (after tax) $125,000 at the minimum of the offering range and $195,000 at the adjusted maximum of the offering range assuming a price of $10.00 per share. If shares of common stock appreciate in value over time, compensation expense relating to the employee stock ownership plan will increase.

We also intend to adopt one or more stock-based benefit plans after the stock offering that would award participants (at no cost to them) shares of our common stock and/or options to purchase shares of our common stock. The number of shares reserved for awards of restricted stock or grants of stock options under any initial stock-based benefit plan may not exceed 4.0% and 10.0%, respectively, of the total shares sold in the offering, if these plans are adopted within 12 months after the completion of the conversion. We may reserve shares of common stock for stock awards and stock options in excess of these amounts, provided the stock-based benefit plan is adopted more than one year following the stock offering.

The shares of restricted common stock granted under the stock-based benefit plans will be expensed by us over their vesting period based on the fair market value of the shares on the date they are awarded. If the shares of restricted common stock to be granted under the stock-based benefit plans are repurchased in the open market (rather than issued directly from authorized but unissued shares by TC Bancshares, Inc.) and cost the same as the purchase price in the offering, the reduction to stockholders’ equity due to the plan would be between $1.6 million at the minimum of the offering range and $2.5 million at the adjusted maximum of the offering range. To the extent we repurchase shares of common stock in the open market to fund the grants of shares of restricted common stock under the plan, and the price of such shares exceeds the offering price of $10.00 per share, the reduction to stockholders’ equity would exceed the range described above. Conversely, to the extent the price of such shares is below the offering price of $10.00 per share, the reduction to stockholders’ equity would be less than the range described above.

We will generally recognize as an expense in our income statement the grant-date fair value of stock options as such options vest. When we record an expense related to the grant of options using the fair value method, we will incur significant compensation and benefits expense. As discussed in the “Pro Forma Data” and based on certain assumptions discussed therein, we estimate this annual expense would be approximately $239,000 assuming on an after-tax basis, assuming we sell 4.7 million shares in the offering.

The implementation of one or more stock-based benefit plans may dilute your ownership interest.

We intend to adopt one or more stock-based benefit plans following the conversion and offering. The stock-based benefit plans will be funded through either open market purchases, if permitted, or from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares. Public stockholders would experience a reduction in ownership interest totaling 14.0% in the event newly issued shares are used to fund stock options and stock awards in an amount equal to 10.0% and 4.0%, respectively, of the total shares issued in the conversion and offering.

The corporate governance provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws may prevent or impede the holders of a minority of our common stock from obtaining representation on our board of directors and may also prevent or impede a change in control.

 

11


Table of Contents

Provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws may prevent or impede holders of a minority of our common stock from obtaining representation on our board of directors. For example, our board of directors will be divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. A classified board makes it more difficult for stockholders to change a majority of the directors because it generally takes at least two annual elections of directors for this to occur. Second, our articles of incorporation provides that there will not be cumulative voting by stockholders for the election of our directors. Also, we have the ability to issue preferred stock with voting rights to third parties who may be friendly to our board of directors.

In addition, a section in each of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s and TC Federal Bank’s articles of incorporation and charter, respectively will generally provide that, for a period of three years from the closing of the offering, no person may directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank held by any person other than TC Bancshares, Inc., and that any shares acquired in excess of this limit would not be entitled to be voted and would not be counted as voting stock in connection with any matters submitted to the stockholders for a vote.

Under Federal Reserve Board regulations no person may directly or indirectly acquire or offer to acquire beneficial ownership of more than 10% of our common stock without prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Under federal law, subject to certain exemptions, a person, entity or group must notify the Federal Reserve Board before acquiring control of a bank holding company. Acquisition of 10% or more of any class of voting stock of a bank holding company creates a rebuttable presumption that the acquirer “controls” the holding company. Also, a bank holding company must obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board before, among other things, acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting shares of any bank, including TC Federal Bank.

Our management team has limited experience managing a public company, and regulatory compliance may divert its attention from the day-to-day management of our business.

Our management team has limited experience managing a publicly-traded company or complying with the increasingly complex laws pertaining to public companies. Our management team may not successfully or efficiently manage our transition into a public company, which will be subject to significant regulatory oversight and reporting obligations under federal securities laws. In particular, these new obligations will require substantial attention from our management and may divert their attention away from the day-to-day management of our business, which could materially and adversely impact our business operations.

You may not receive dividends on our common stock.

Holders of our common stock are only entitled to receive dividends as our board of directors may declare out of funds legally available for such payments. The declaration and payment of future cash dividends will be subject to, among other things, regulatory restrictions, our then current and projected consolidated operating results, financial condition, tax considerations, future growth plans, general economic conditions, and other factors our board of directors deems relevant. See “Supervision and Regulation—Federal Banking Regulation—Capital Requirements”; “—Capital Distributions”; and “—Holding Company Regulation”

TC Bancshares, Inc. will depend primarily upon the proceeds it retains from the offering as well as earnings of TC Federal Bank to provide funds to pay dividends on our common stock. The payment of dividends by TC Federal Bank also is subject to certain regulatory restrictions. Federal law generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be or continue to be undercapitalized, and dividends by a depository institution are subject to additional limitations.

As a result, any payment of dividends in the future by TC Bancshares, Inc. will depend, in large part, on TC Federal Bank’s ability to satisfy these regulatory restrictions and its earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors.

You may not be able to sell your shares of common stock until you have received a statement reflecting ownership of shares, which will affect your ability to take advantage of changes in the stock price immediately following the offering.

 

12


Table of Contents

A statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock purchased in the offering may not be delivered for several days after the completion of the offering and the commencement of trading in the common stock. Your ability to sell the shares of common stock before receiving your ownership statement will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm, and you may not be able to sell your shares of common stock until you have received your ownership statement. As a result, you may not be able to take advantage of fluctuations in the price of the common stock immediately following the offering.

We are an emerging growth company, and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.

We are an emerging growth company, and, for as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to “emerging growth companies,” including, but not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As an emerging growth company, we also will not be subject to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which would require that our independent auditors review and attest as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. We have also elected to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

We could remain an “emerging growth company” for up to five years, or until the earliest of (a) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our total annual gross revenues amount to $1.07 billion or more, (b) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or (c) the date on which we have issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period.

As a result, our stockholders may not have access to certain information they may deem important, and investors may find our common stock less attractive if we choose to rely on these exemptions. This could result in a less active trading market for our common stock and the price of our common stock may be more volatile.

You may not revoke your decision to purchase TC Bancshares common stock in the subscription or community offerings after you send us your order.

Funds submitted or automatic withdrawals authorized in connection with the purchase of shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings will be held by us until the completion or termination of the conversion and offering, including any extension of the expiration date and consummation of a syndicated offering. Because completion of the conversion and offering will be subject to regulatory approvals and an update of the independent appraisal prepared by Feldman Financial among other factors, there may be one or more delays in completing the conversion and offering. Orders submitted in the subscription and community offerings are irrevocable, and purchasers will have no access to their funds unless the offering is terminated, or extended beyond [extension date], or the number of shares to be sold in the offering is increased to more than shares 6,215,750 or decreased to fewer than 3,995,000 shares.

 

13


Table of Contents

SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

The following tables set forth selected historical financial and other data for TC Federal Bank at the dates and for the periods indicated. It is only a summary and it should be read in conjunction with the business and financial information contained elsewhere in this prospectus, including the financial statements that appear starting on page F-1 of this prospectus. The information at December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 is derived in part from the audited financial statements appearing in this prospectus. The information at December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 is derived in part from audited financial statements not appearing in this prospectus.

 

     At December 31,  
     2020     2019      2018     2017     2016  
     (In thousands)  

Selected Financial Condition Data:

           

Total assets

   $ 349,927     $ 321,762      $ 297,178     $ 273,412     $ 246,271  

Cash and cash equivalents

     41,876       24,192        12,653       16,942       9,385  

Investment securities available-for-sale:(1)

     15,917       22,107        27,114       21,500       21,112  

Loans, net(2)

     262,356       244,971        235,233       210,109       197,378  

Bank owned life insurance

     10,883       10,583        —         —         —    

Deposits

     294,100       273,604        250,348       224,096       201,365  

Total equity

     39,858       39,788        38,019       37,609       31,401  
     Years Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019      2018     2017     2016  
     (In thousands)  

Selected Operations Data:

           

Total interest income

   $ 13,088     $ 12,557    $  11,374     $ 9,712     $ 9,534  

Total interest expense

     2,365       3,102        2,110       1,428       1,273  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income

     10,723       9,455        9,264       8,284       8,261  

Provision for loan losses

     780       0        (551     (1,860     184  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     9,943       9,455        9,815       10,144       8,077  

Non-interest income:

           

Service charges on deposits

     472       513        420       375       369  

Gain on sale of loans

     1,236       380        187       250       151  

Gain on sale of securities

     —         68        —         —         1  

Other

     323       299        —         2       37  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-interest income

     2,031       1,260        607       627       558  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-interest expenses:

           

Salaries and employee benefits

     6,444       5,327        5,499       5,546       4,569  

Occupancy and equipment

     754       658        629       796       658  

Data processing conversion costs

     1,132       0        0       0       0  

Other real estate loss/(gain) on sale and writedowns

     (13     10        (4     51       113  

Other

     3,309       3,146        3,271       2,587       2,123  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-interest expense

     11,626       9,141        9,395       8,980       7,463  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

     348       1,574        1,027       1,791       1,172  

Provision for income taxes

     40       367        348       (4,295     40  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 308     $  1,207    $  679   $  6,086   $  1,132  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1)

There were no held-to-maturity securities at any of the dates presented.

(2) 

Net of allowances for loan losses and deferred loan fees. Amounts do not include loans-in-process which amounted to $15.1 million and $13.6 million at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

14


Table of Contents
     At or For the
Years Ended December 31,
 
     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  

Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:

          

Performance ratios(1):

          

Return on average assets (ratio of net income

to average total assets)

     0.09     0.39     0.24     2.37     0.46

Return on average equity (ratio of net income to average equity)

     0.76     3.06     1.80     18.44     3.69

Yield on interest-earning assets

     4.12     4.33     4.11     3.79     3.85

Rate paid on interesting-bearing liabilities

     0.89     1.25     0.92     0.68     0.62

Average interest rate spread:(2)

     3.23     3.08     3.19 %     3.11     3.23

Net interest margin(3)

     3.38     3.25     3.35     3.23     3.34

Operating expense to average total assets

     3.46     2.99     3.31     3.48     2.98

Average interest-earning assets to average

interest-bearing liabilities

     119.41     117.55     121.20     121.54     120.31

Efficiency ratio(4)

     91.16     85.86     95.18     100.77     84.62

Asset quality ratios:

          

Non-performing assets to total assets(5)

     0.59     0.90     0.55     0.76     0.80

Non-performing loans to total gross loans(5)

     0.74     1.04     0.54     0.80     0.70

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans(5)

     206.47     118.29     247.74     203.88     340.60

Allowance for loan losses to loans receivable, net

     1.53     1.23     1.33     1.62     2.40

Net recoveries (charge-offs) to average outstanding loans during the period

     0.09     (0.05 )%      0.12     0.23     (0.21 )% 

Capital ratios:

          

Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets)

     16.47     17.60     17.74     18.37     17.47

Tier 1 leverage (core) capital (to adjusted tangible assets)

     11.73     12.60     12.99     14.13     13.61

Tier 1 risk-based capital (to risk weighted assets)

     16.47     17.60     17.74     18.37     17.47

Total risk-based capital (to risk weighted assets)

     17.72     18.86     19.00     19.63     18.74

Average equity to average assets

     12.06     12.91     13.28     12.86     12.39

Other data:

          

Number of full-service offices(6)

     2       2       2       2       1  

Full-time equivalent employees

     54       45       48       49       40  

 

(1)

With the exception of end of period ratios, all ratios are based on average monthly balances during the indicated periods.

(2)

Average interest rate spread represents the difference between the average yield on interest-earning assets and the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(3)

Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

(4)

Total non-interest expense as a percentage of net interest income and total non-interest income.

(5)

Non-performing assets consist of non-performing loans and real estate owned. Non-performing loans consist of all loans 90 days or more past due (non-accrual loans) and loans in excess of 90 days delinquent and still accruing interest. It is our policy to cease accruing interest on all loans 90 days or more past due unless the loan is in the process of collection. Real estate owned consists of real estate acquired through foreclosure or by acceptance of a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

(6)

Since 2017, we have also had a commercial LPO and a residential mortgage center.

 

15


Table of Contents

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

The following tables set forth selected historical financial and other data of TC Federal Bank for the periods and at the dates indicated. The information at December 31, 2020 is derived in part from, and should be read together with, the audited financial statements and notes thereto of TC Federal Bank beginning at page F-1 of this prospectus. The information at March 31, 2021 and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 is unaudited, but reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be achieved for the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2021.

 

     At
March 31, 2021
     At
December 31, 2020
 
     (In thousands)  

Selected Financial Condition Data:

     

Total assets

   $ 363,624      $ 349,927  

Cash and cash equivalents

     63,999        41,876  

Investment securities available-for-sale

     19,457        15,917  

Loans, net(1)

     252,135        262,356  

Bank owned life insurance

     10,955        10,883  

Deposits

     307,514        294,100  

Total equity

     40,506        39,858  

 

(1)

Net of allowances for loan losses and deferred fees. Amounts do not include loans-in-process which amount to $13.7 and $15.1 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively

 

     For the Three
Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2021      2020  
     (In thousands)  

Selected Operations Data:

     

Total interest income

   $ 3,348      $ 3,242  

Total interest expense

     321        798  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest income

     3,027        2,444  

Provision for loan losses

     —          225  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for loan losses

     3,027        2,219  

Total non-interest income

     756        335  

Total non-interest expense

     2,787        2,233  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income before provision for income taxes

     996        321  

Provision for income taxes

     231        64  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 765      $ 257  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

16


Table of Contents
     At or For the Three
Months Ended
March 31, (1)
 
     2021     2020  

Selected Financial Ratios and Other Data:

    

Performance Ratios:

    

Return on average assets

     0.87     0.39

Return on average equity

     11.36     3.09

Yield earned on interest-earning assets

     4.04     4.33

Rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities

     0.47     1.26

Average interest rate spread

     3.57     3.07

Net interest margin

     3.66     3.24

Operating expense to average total assets

     3.15     2.81

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

     122.23     118.45

Efficiency ratio

     73.65     80.35

Asset Quality Ratios:

    

Non-performing assets to total assets

     0.62     0.82

Non-performing loans to total gross loans

     0.85     0.90

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

     188.34     151.35

Allowance for loan losses to loans receivable, net

     1.60     1.36

Net recoveries to average outstanding loans during period

     0.00     0.05

Capital Ratios:

    

Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)

     16.90     17.28

Tier 1 leverage (core) capital (to adjusted tangible assets)

     11.48     12.68

Tier 1 risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)

     16.90     17.28

Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)

     18.16     18.53

Average equity to average total assets

     11.36     12.52

Other Data:

    

Number of full-service offices

     2       2  

Full-time equivalent employees

     53       45  

 

(1)

Annualized where appropriate

Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020

Total assets increased $13.7 million, or 3.9%, to $363.6 million at March 31, 2021 from $349.9 million at December 31, 2020. The increase was principally due to an increase in cash and cash equivalents of $22.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in loans of $10.2 million. Cash and cash equivalents increased primarily from the cash received from the payoff of loans and increase in deposits of $13.4 million.

Loans, including loans held for sale, decreased $10.2 million, or 3.9%, to $257.3 million at March 31, 2021 from $267.5 million at December 31, 2020. During the quarter ended March 31, 2021, commercial and multi-family real estate loans increased $6.9 million, or 7.8%, to $94.8 million from $87.9 million at December 31, 2020 due to new loan originations. However, loan balances in other categories decreased due to the payoff of loans. Construction and land development loans decreased $1.9 million, or 6.3%, to $28.1 million at March 31, 2021 from $30.0 million at December 31, 2020. Commercial and industrial loans decreased $6.7 million, or 22.7%, of which $5.3 million consisted of PPP loans, to $22.9 million at March 31, 2021 from $29.6 million at December 31, 2020. One- to four-family residential real estate loans held for investment decreased $9.4 million, or 8.9%, from $105.8 million to $96.4 million at March 31, 2021. As a percentage of net loans, residential real estate loans fell from 39.5% of total loans at December 31, 2020 to 37.5% at March 31, 2021.

Investment securities, all of which are available-for-sale, increased $3.5 million, or 22.2%, to $19.5 million at March 31, 2021 from $15.9 million at December 31, 2020 as a result of investments made in U.S. treasuries.

At March 31, 2021, our investment in bank owned life insurance was $11.0 million, an increase of $71,000, or 0.91%, from $10.9 million at December 31, 2020. Our investment in bank owned life insurance at March 31, 2021 was 24.5% of our Tier 1 capital plus our allowance for loan losses.

Total deposits increased $13.4 million, or 4.6%, to $307.5 million at March 31, 2021 from $294.1 million at December 31, 2020. Noninterest-bearing accounts increased $10.2 million, or 35.6%, to $39.0 million at March 31, 2021, from $28.8 million at December 31, 2020. Interest-bearing accounts increased $3.2 million, or 7.3%, to $47.1 million at March 31, 2021, from $43.9 million at December 31, 2021. Savings accounts and money market accounts increased $4.3 million, or 3.2%, to $139.2 million at March 31, 2021 from $134.9 million at December 31, 2020. Certificates of deposit decreased $4.4 million, or 5.1%, to $82.2 million at March 31, 2021 from $86.6 million at December 31, 2020. The decrease in certificates of deposit resulted primarily from a decrease in offered rates.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances decreased $470,000, or 4.9%, to $9.0 million at March 31, 2021. As of March 31, 2021, we had $15.8 million in credit available with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. In addition to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta availability, we have three unsecured federal funds line of credit, in the aggregate amount of $18.3 million. No amount was outstanding on these lines of credit at or during the year ended March 31, 2021.

Total equity increased $648,000, or 1.6%, to $40.5 million at March 31, 2021 from $39.9 million at December 31, 2020. The increase resulted primarily from net income of $765,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020

General. Net income increased $508,000, or 197.2%, to $765,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to $257,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase in net income resulted from $583,000 and $421,000 increases in net interest income and noninterest income respectively, combined with a $225,000 decrease in the provision for loan losses, partially offset by a $554,000 increase in other operating expenses.

Interest Income. Interest income increased $106,000 or 3.3%, to $3.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in loan interest income. The average balance of loans, including loans held for sale, increased $9.9 million, or 3.9%, to $263.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $253.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, and the average yield on loans increased 22 basis points to 4.97% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from 4.77% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The average balance of investment securities decreased $6.2 million, or 28.3%, to $15.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $21.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, while the average yield on investment securities decreased 105 basis points to 1.47% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from 2.52% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The average balance of other interest-earning deposits increased $28.1 million, or 100.7%, to $56.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $27.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, partially offset by a decrease in the average yield on other interest-earning deposits of 126 basis points to 0.43% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from 1.69% for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

17


Table of Contents

Interest Expense. Total interest expense decreased $477,000, or 59.8%, to $321,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $798,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates offered on all deposit products due to the lower fed funds target rate which declined 150 basis points to 0-0.25% in 2020. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased $11.8 million, or 4.7%, to $265.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $253.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, offset, in part, by the decline in the average cost of interest-bearing deposits of 79 basis points to 0.46% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from 1.25% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, reflecting the lower market interest rate environment in the first quarter of 2021. The average balance of FHLB advances increased $6.5 million, or 232.1%, to $9.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The average cost of these advances decreased 159 basis points to 0.87% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from 2.46% for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $583,000, or 23.9%, to $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. Our average net interest-earning assets increased $32.1 million period to period. This increase was due primarily to increases in interest-earning deposits of $28.1 million combined with a $9.8 million increase in the average balance of our loan portfolio. Our interest rate spread increased to 3.57% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from 3.07% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, and our net interest margin increased to 3.66% for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from 3.24% for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase in interest rate spread and net interest margin were primarily the result of the increase in the average balances of our interest-earning assets combined with the significant reduction in our costs of funds, more than offsetting the decreases in the average yield on our interest-earning assets.

Provision for Loan Losses. We recorded no provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2021, compared to a $225,000 provision for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The decrease in the provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2020 resulted from our analysis of the factors described in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of TC Federal Bank – Allowance for Loan Losses.” The allowance for loan losses was $4.1 million, or 1.60% of total loans, at March 31, 2021, compared to $4.1 million , or 1.53% of total loans, at December 31, 2020, and $3.4 million, or 1.36% of total loans, at March 31, 2020. Classified (substandard, doubtful and loss) loans decreased to $6.3 million at March 31, 2021 from $6.4 million at December 31, 2020, but remained higher than the $2.3 million of classified loans at March 31, 2020. There were $2.2 million in non-performing loans at March 31, 2021 compared to $2.0 million at December 31, 2020 and $2.3 million at March 31, 2020. Net recoveries for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 were $2,000 and $127,000, respectively. We had no loans in deferral at December 31, 2020 or March 31, 2021.

Noninterest Income. Non-interest income information is as follows.

 

     For the three
months ended

March 31,
     Change  
     2021      2020      Amount      Percent  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Service charges on deposit accounts

   $ 142      $ 154      $ (12      (7.8 %) 

Gain on sale of loans

     539        87        452        519.5

Other

     75        94        (19      (20.2 )% 
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total non-interest income

     756      $ 335      $ 421        125.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Noninterest income increased $421,000, or 125.7%, to $756,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $335,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase was primarily due to gains on sale of mortgage loans into the secondary market of $539,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 from $87,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

 

18


Table of Contents

Noninterest Expense. Non-interest expenses information is as follows.

 

     For the three
months ended

March 31,
     Change  
     2021      2020      Amount      Percent  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 1,710      $ 1,413      $ 297        21.0

Occupancy and equipment

     205        176        29        16.5

Advertising

     58        73        (15      (20.6 )% 

Audit and examination

     119        104        15        14.4

Checking account related expenses

     42        112        (70      (62.5 )% 

Consulting and advisory fees

     30        15        15        100.0

Data system conversion costs

     1        6        (5      (83.3 )% 

Data processing fees

     148        91        57        62.6

Director fees

     84        59        25        42.4

Legal

     24        (14      38        271.4

Other real estate loss/(gain) on sale and writedowns

     —          (6      6        100.0

Other

     366        204        162        79.4
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total non-interest expense

   $ 2,787      $ 2,233      $ 554        24.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Noninterest expense increased $554,000, or 24.8%, to $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021, from $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase was due primarily to a $297,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits as additional lending and business development staff have been retained and variable incentive compensation was paid on the mortgage loan gains recognized on the sale of loans into the secondary market. Legal expense increased $38,000, or 271.4%, to $24,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, reflecting lower legal expenses in the prior year period due to a borrower’s reimbursement of the bank for legal expenses that resulted in a credit balance of $14,000 for the period in 2020.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased $167,000 to $231,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to $64,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020. The increase resulted from the $675,000 increase in income before income taxes. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, income before taxes was $997,000 compared to $321,000 for March 31, 2020.

 

19


Table of Contents

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements, which reflect our current opinions, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or projections regarding, among other things, future events or future results, in contrast with statements that reflect historical facts. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of conditional words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “target” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

 

   

statements of our goals, intentions and expectations;

 

   

statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies;

 

   

statements regarding the quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and

 

   

estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits.

These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. We are under no duty to and do not take any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus.

The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:

 

   

the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business, customers, employees and third-party service providers;

 

   

general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected;

 

   

changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses, including after CECL implementation;

 

   

our ability to access cost-effective funding;

 

   

fluctuations in real estate values and both residential and commercial real estate market conditions;

 

   

demand for loans and deposits in our market area;

 

   

our ability to implement and change our business strategies;

 

   

competition among depository and other financial institutions;

 

   

inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, our mortgage banking revenues, the fair value of financial instruments or our level of loan originations, or increase the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make;

 

   

adverse changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets;

 

   

changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees and capital requirements, including as a result of Basel III and CECL implementation;

 

   

changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies or practices resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic;

 

   

our ability to comply with the extensive laws and regulations to which we are subject, including the laws for each jurisdiction where we operate;

 

20


Table of Contents
   

the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and the implementing regulations;

 

   

changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios;

 

   

changes in consumer spending and saving habits;

 

   

the effects of harsh weather conditions, including hurricanes, and man-made disasters;

 

   

technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected;

 

   

the inability of third party providers to perform as expected;

 

   

the efficiency and effectiveness of our internal control environment;

 

   

our ability to manage market risk, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and operational risk in the current economic environment;

 

   

the soundness of other financial institutions;

 

   

our ability to enter new markets successfully and capitalize on growth opportunities;

 

   

our ability to successfully integrate into our operations any assets, liabilities, customers, systems and management personnel we may acquire and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames, and any goodwill charges related thereto;

 

   

changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board;

 

   

our ability to retain key employees;

 

   

our management team’s ability to focus primarily on the operation of our business rather than diversion of management attention to responses to the COVID-19 pandemic;

 

   

our compensation expense associated with equity allocated or awarded to our employees; and

 

   

changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own.

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this prospectus, including those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 1. Accordingly, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are made only as of the date hereof. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise. We do not undertake, and specifically decline, any obligation to update any such statements or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of such statements to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law.

 

21


Table of Contents

HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS FROM THE OFFERING

Although we will not be able to determine the amount of actual net proceeds we will receive from the sale of shares of common stock until the offering is completed, we anticipate that the net proceeds will be between $38.7 million and $52.7 million, or $60.7 million if the offering is increased by 15.0%, assuming in each case all shares are sold in the subscription offering and the community offering.

TC Bancshares, Inc. intends to distribute the net proceeds from the offering as follows:

 

     Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of  
     3,995,000 Shares at
Minimum of Offering
Range
    4,700,000 Shares at
Midpoint of Offering
Range
    5,405,000 Shares at
Maximum of Offering
Range
    6,215,750 Shares at
Adjusted Maximum of
Offering Range (1)
 
     Amount      Percent
of Net
Proceeds
    Amount      Percent
of Net
Proceeds
    Amount      Percent
of Net
Proceeds
    Amount      Percent
of Net
Proceeds
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Offering proceeds

   $ 39,950        $ 47,000        $ 54,050        $ 62,158     

Less: offering expenses

     1,224          1,306          1,387          1,480     
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

Net offering proceeds

   $ 38,726        100.0   $ 45,694        100.0   $ 52,663        100.0   $ 60,678        100.0
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

Less:

                    

Proceeds contributed to TC Federal Bank

   $ 19,363        50.0   $ 22,847        50.0   $ 26,332        50.0   $ 30,339        50.0

Proceeds used for loan to employee stock ownership plan (2)

   $ 3,196        8.3   $ 3,760        8.2   $ 4,324        8.2   $ 4,973        8.2

Proceeds retained by TC Bancshares, Inc.

   $ 16,167        41.7   $ 19,087        41.8   $ 22,007        41.8   $ 25,366        41.8

 

(1) 

As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares, which could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares or changes in market conditions following the commencement of the offering.

(2) 

The employee stock ownership plan will purchase 8.0% of our outstanding shares. The loan will be repaid principally through TC Federal Bank’s contributions to the employee stock ownership plan and dividends payable on common stock held by the employee stock ownership plan over the anticipated 20-year term of the loan. The interest rate for the employee stock ownership plan loan is expected to be equal to the prime rate, as published in The Wall Street Journal, on the closing date of the offering.

The net proceeds may vary because total expenses relating to the conversion and offering may be more or less than our estimates. For example, our expenses would increase if a syndicated offering were used to sell shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering and the community offering. See “The Conversion and Offering—Plan of Distribution; Selling Agent and Underwriting Compensation” for a discussion of fees to be paid in the event that shares are sold in a syndicated offering. Payments for shares made through withdrawals from existing deposit accounts will not result in the receipt of new funds for investment but will result in a reduction of TC Federal Bank’s deposits. TC Federal Bank will receive at least 50% of the net proceeds of the offering.

Use of Proceeds Retained by TC Bancshares, Inc.

TC Bancshares, Inc.:

 

   

intends to initially invest the proceeds that it retains in interest-earning deposits and in securities, including securities issued by the U. S. government and its agencies or government sponsored enterprises, mortgage-backed securities, and other securities as permitted by our investment policy. See “Business of TC Federal Bank—Investment Activities;”

 

   

may, in the future, use a portion of the proceeds that it retains to pay cash dividends or to repurchase shares of our common stock. See “Our Policy Regarding Dividends” for a discussion of our expected dividend policy following completion of the conversion. Under current federal regulations we may not repurchase shares of our common stock during the first year following the conversion and offering, except to fund stock-based benefit plans or when extraordinary circumstances exist with prior regulatory approval;

 

   

may, in the future, use a portion of the proceeds that it retains to finance acquisitions of financial institutions or other financial services businesses, or to expand through de novo branching, although no specific transactions are being considered at this time and no specific expansion is being considered at this time; and

 

22


Table of Contents
   

expects to use the proceeds that it retains from time to time for other general corporate purposes.

The use of the proceeds may change based on changes in interest rates, equity markets, laws and regulations affecting the financial services industry, our relative position in the financial services industry, the attractiveness of potential acquisitions to expand our operations, and overall market conditions.

Use of Proceeds Received by TC Federal Bank

TC Federal Bank:

 

   

intends to use a portion of the proceeds received to support additional commercial and multi-family real estate loans, residential mortgage loans and commercial and industrial loans and, to a lesser extent, other loans, in accordance with our business plan and lending guidelines. See “Business of TC Federal Bank—Lending Activities;”

 

   

may use a portion of the proceeds received to support new loan, deposit and other financial products and services if our board of directors determines that such products will help us compete more effectively in our market area or increase our financial performance;

 

   

may invest a portion of the proceeds received in securities issued by the U. S. government and its agencies or government sponsored enterprises, mortgage-backed securities, and other securities as permitted by our investment policy. See “Business of TC Federal Bank—Investment Activities;”

 

   

may, in the future, use a portion of the proceeds received to expand our retail banking franchise, by acquiring other financial institutions, branch offices or other financial services businesses, or establishing new branches or LPOs, although no specific transactions are being considered at this time; and

 

   

expects to use the proceeds received from time to time for other general corporate purposes.

The use of the proceeds may change based on changes in interest rates, equity markets, laws and regulations affecting the financial services industry, our relative position in the financial services industry, the attractiveness of potential acquisitions to expand our operations, and overall market conditions.

 

23


Table of Contents

OUR POLICY REGARDING DIVIDENDS

Following completion of the offering, our board of directors will have the authority to declare dividends on our shares of common stock, subject to statutory and regulatory requirements. However, no decision has been made with respect to the payment of dividends. In determining whether to pay a cash dividend and the amount of such cash dividend, the board of directors is expected to take into account a number of factors, including capital requirements, our financial condition and results of operations, other uses of funds for the long-term value of stockholders, tax considerations, statutory and regulatory limitations and general economic conditions. Any payment and amount of any dividend payments will be subject to statutory and regulatory limitations, and will depend upon a number of factors, including the following: regulatory capital requirements; our financial condition and results of operations; our other uses of funds for the long-term value of stockholders; tax considerations. We cannot assure you that we will pay dividends in the future, or that any such dividends will not be reduced or eliminated in the future.

The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement providing that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if our prospective rate of earnings retention is consistent with our capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance also provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to capital distributions in certain circumstances such as where the holding company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the holding company’s overall rate or earnings retention is inconsistent with its capital needs and overall financial condition. In addition, TC Federal Bank’s ability to pay dividends will be limited if it does not have the capital conservation buffer required by the new capital rules, which may limit our ability to pay dividends to stockholders. See “Supervision and Regulation—Federal Banking Regulation—Capital Requirements.” No assurances can be given that any dividends will be paid or that, if paid, will not be reduced or eliminated in the future. Special cash dividends, stock dividends or returns of capital, to the extent permitted by regulations and policies of the Federal Reserve Board and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, may be paid in addition to, or in lieu of, regular cash dividends.

We will file a consolidated federal tax return with TC Federal Bank. Accordingly, it is anticipated that any cash distributions that we make to our stockholders would be treated as cash dividends and not as a non-taxable return of capital for federal and state tax purposes. Additionally, pursuant to regulations of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, during the three-year period following the stock offering, we will not take any action to declare an extraordinary dividend to stockholders that would be treated by recipients as a tax-free return of capital for federal income tax purposes.

Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, we are authorized to issue preferred stock. If we issue preferred stock, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of our shares of common stock with respect to the payment of dividends. For a further discussion concerning the payment of dividends on our shares of common stock, see “Description of Capital Stock of TC Bancshares, Inc.—Common Stock.” Dividends we can declare and pay will depend, in part, upon receipt of dividends from TC Federal Bank, because initially we will have no source of income other than dividends from TC Federal Bank and earnings from the investment of the net proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock retained by TC Bancshares, Inc. and interest payments received in connection with the loan to the employee stock ownership plan. Regulations of the Federal Reserve Board and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency impose limitations on “capital distributions” by savings institutions. See “Supervision and Regulation—Federal Banking Regulation—Capital Distributions.”

Any payment of dividends by TC Federal Bank to us that would be deemed to be drawn out of TC Federal Bank’s bad debt reserves, if any, would require a payment of taxes at the then-current tax rate by TC Federal Bank on the amount of earnings deemed to be removed from the reserves for such distribution. TC Federal Bank does not intend to make any distribution to us that would create such a federal tax liability. Included in the Bank’s ending retained earnings at December 31, 2020 is approximately $5.4 million in reserves established as a result of the Bank’s claiming a deduction for bad debts based on a percentage of taxable income on its tax returns for its taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 1996. The Bank has not recorded any deferred federal income tax on the Bank’s balance sheet as a liability in the event that some or all of this reserve were to become subject to income taxation in the future. See “Taxation.”

 

24


Table of Contents

MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK

TC Bancshares, Inc. has never issued capital stock. TC Federal Bank, as a mutual institution, has never issued capital stock. Accordingly, there is no established market for our common stock. TC Bancshares, Inc. expects that its common stock will be traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TCBC”

The development of an active trading market depends on the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is not within our control, or that of any market maker. The number of active buyers and sellers of the shares of common stock at any particular time may be limited. Under such circumstances, you could have difficulty selling your shares of common stock on short notice, and, therefore, you should not view the shares of common stock as a short-term investment. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that, if you purchase shares of common stock, you will be able to sell them at or above $10.00 per share. Purchasers of common stock in this stock offering should have long-term investment intent and should recognize that there may be a limited trading market in the common stock. This may make it difficult to sell the common stock after the stock offering and may have an adverse impact on the price at which the common stock can be sold.

 

25


Table of Contents

HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA REGULATORY CAPITAL COMPLIANCE

At December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank exceeded all of the applicable regulatory capital requirements and was considered “well capitalized.” The table below sets forth the historical equity capital and regulatory capital of TC Federal Bank at December 31, 2020, and the pro forma equity capital and regulatory capital of TC Federal Bank after giving effect to the sale of shares of common stock at $10.00 per share. The table assumes the receipt by TC Federal Bank of 50% of the net proceeds. See “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering.”

 

    TC Federal Bank
Historical at

December 31, 2020
    Pro Forma at December 31, 2020, Based Upon the Sale in the Offering of (1)  
    3,995,000 Shares     4,700,000 Shares     5,405,000 Shares     6,215,750 Shares (2)  
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (3)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (3)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (3)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (3)
    Amount     Percent of
Assets (3)
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Equity

  $ 39,858       11.39   $ 54,427       14.80   $ 57,065       15.39   $ 59,704       15.96   $ 62,738       16.61

Tier 1 leverage capital

  $ 40,090       11.73   $ 54,659       15.20   $ 57,297       15.79   $ 59,936       16.38   $ 62,970       17.03

Tier 1 leverage capital requirement

    17,091       5.00       17,979       5.00       18,139       5.00       18,299       5.00       18,484       5.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Excess

  $ 22,999       6.73   $ 36,680       10.20   $ 39,158       10.79   $ 41,637       11.38   $ 44,486       12.03
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tier 1 risk-based capital (4)

  $ 40,090       16.46   $ 54,659       22.11   $ 57,297       23.12   $ 59,936       24.12   $ 62,970       25.27

Tier 1 risk-based requirement

    19,489       8.00       19,773       8.00       19,825       8.00       19,876       8.00       19,935       8.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Excess

  $ 20,601       8.46   $ 34,886       14.11   $ 37,472       15.12   $ 40,060       16.12   $ 43,035       17.27
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total risk-based capital (4)

  $ 43,148       17.71   $ 57,717       23.35   $ 60,355       24.36   $ 62,994       25.36   $ 66,028       26.50

Total risk-based requirement

    24,361       10.00       24,717       10.00       24,781       10.00       24,845       10.00       24,918       10.00  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Excess

  $ 18,787       7.71   $ 33,000       13.35   $ 35,574       14.36   $ 38,149       15.36   $ 41,110       16.50
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital (4)

  $ 40,090       16.46   $ 54,659       22.11   $ 57,297       23.12   $ 59,936       24.12   $ 62,970       25.27

Common equity tier 1 risk-based requirement

    15,835       6.50       16,066       6.50       16,107       6.50       16,149       6.50       16,197       6.50  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Excess

  $ 24,255       9.96   $ 38,593       15.61   $ 41,190       16.62   $ 43,787       17.62   $ 46,773       18.77
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Reconciliation of capital infused into TC Federal Bank:

                   

Net offering proceeds

      $ 38,726       $ 45,694       $ 52,663       $ 60,678    
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Proceeds to TC Federal Bank

      $ 19,363       $ 22,847       $ 26,332       $ 30,339    

Less: Common stock acquired by employee stock ownership plan

        (3,196       (3,760       (4,324       (4,973  

Less: Common stock acquired to fund stock-based benefit plans

        (1,598       (1,880       (2,162       (2,486  
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

Pro forma increase

      $ 14,569       $ 17,207       $ 19,846       $ 22,880    
     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

(1)

Pro forma capital levels assume that the employee stock ownership plan purchases 8.0% of our total outstanding shares with funds we lend and that one or more stock-based benefit plans purchases 4.0% of our total outstanding shares to fund restricted stock awards under our stock-based benefit plans for restricted stock awards. Pro forma capital calculated under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and regulatory capital have been reduced by the amount required to fund these plans. See “Management” for a discussion of the employee stock ownership plan.

(2)

As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares, which could occur due to a 15.0% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares or changes in market conditions following the commencement of the offering.

(3)

Tier 1 leverage capital levels are shown as a percentage of total adjusted assets. Risk-based capital levels are shown as a percentage of risk-weighted assets.

(4)

Pro forma amounts and percentages assume net proceeds are invested in assets that carry a 20% risk weighting.

 

26


Table of Contents

CAPITALIZATION

The following table presents the historical capitalization of TC Federal Bank at December 31, 2020, and the pro forma consolidated capitalization of TC Bancshares, Inc. after giving effect to the offering, based upon the sale of the number of shares of common stock indicated in the table and the other assumptions set forth under “Pro Forma Data.”

 

     TC Federal
Bank Historical
Capitalization
at December 31,
2020
    Pro Forma Consolidated Capitalization at December 31,
2020 of

TC Bancshares, Inc.
Based Upon the Sale for $10.00 Per Share of
 
    3,995,000
Shares
    4,700,000
Shares
    5,405,000
Shares
    6,215,750
Shares (1)
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Deposits (2)

   $ 294,100     $ 294,100     $ 294,100     $ 294,100     $ 294,100  

Borrowings

     9,515       9,515       9,515       9,515       9,515  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total deposits and borrowings

   $ 303,615     $ 303,615     $ 303,615     $ 303,615     $ 303,615  

Stockholders’ equity:

          

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share: 1,000,000 shares authorized (post offering); none to be issued

   $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —       $ —    

Common stock, $0.01 par value per share:

          

19,000,000 shares authorized (post offering); shares to be issued as reflected (3)

     —         40       47       54       62  

Additional paid-in capital (3)

     —         38,686       45,647       52,609       60,616  

Retained earnings (4)

     41,973       41,973       41,973       41,973       41,973  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (2,115     (2,115     (2,115     (2,115     (2,115

Less:

          

Common stock acquired to fund employee stock ownership plan(5)

     —         (3,196     (3,760     (4,324     (4,973

Common stock acquired by stock-based benefit plans(6)

     —         (1,598     (1,880     (2,162     (2,486
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ 39,858     $ 73,790     $ 79,912     $ 86,035     $ 93,077  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total tangible stockholders’ equity

   $ 39,858     $ 73,790     $ 79,912     $ 86,035     $ 93,077  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma shares outstanding:

          

Shares offered for sale

     —         3,995,000       4,700,000       5,405,000       6,215,750  

Total shares outstanding

     —         3,995,000       4,700,000       5,405,000       6,215,750  

Total stockholders’ equity as a percentage of pro forma total assets(7)

     11.39     19.22     20.49     21.72     23.09
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Tangible stockholders’ equity as a percentage of pro forma tangible assets(7)

     11.39     19.22     20.49     21.72     23.09
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

(1) 

As adjusted to give effect to a 15.0% increase in the number of shares of common stock outstanding after the offering, which could occur due to an increase in the maximum of the independent valuation to reflect demand for the shares or changes in market conditions following the commencement of the offering.

(2) 

Does not reflect withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purchase of shares of common stock in the offering. Such withdrawals would reduce pro forma deposits by the amount of such withdrawals.

(3) 

The sum of the par value and additional paid-in capital equals the net offering proceeds. No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares of common stock pursuant to stock options under one or more stock-based benefit plans that TC Bancshares, Inc. expects to adopt..

(4) 

The retained earnings of TC Federal Bank will be substantially restricted after the offering. See “Supervision and Regulation—Federal Banking Regulation—Capital Distributions.”

(5) 

Assumes that 8.0% of the shares of common stock outstanding following the conversion and offering will be purchased by the employee stock ownership plan at a price of $10.00 per share and that the funds used to acquire the employee stock ownership plan shares will be borrowed from TC Bancshares, Inc. The common stock acquired by the employee stock ownership plan is reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. TC Federal Bank will provide the funds to repay the employee stock ownership plan loan. See “Management—Benefit Plans and Agreements.”

(footnotes continued on following page)

 

27


Table of Contents

(continued from previous page)

 

(6) 

Assumes that subsequent to the offering, 4.0% of the shares of common stock issued in the conversion and are purchased by TC Bancshares, Inc. for stock awards under one or more stock-based benefit plans in the open market. The shares of common stock to be purchased to fund restricted stock awards under our stock-based benefit plans are reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. See “Pro Forma Data” and “Management.” The dollar amount of common stock to be purchased is based on the $10.00 per share offering price and represents unearned compensation. This amount does not reflect possible increases or decreases in the value of common stock relative to the offering price. TC Bancshares, Inc. will accrue compensation expense to reflect the vesting of shares pursuant to such stock-based benefit plans and will credit capital in an amount equal to the charge to expense. The stock-based benefit plans will not be implemented for at least six months after the conversion and offering and, if required under applicable regulations, until they have been approved by stockholders.

(7) 

Since TC Federal Bank has no intangible assets or goodwill, total stockholders’ equity and tangible stockholders’ equity are the same.

 

28


Table of Contents

PRO FORMA DATA

The following table summarizes historical data of TC Federal Bank and pro forma data of TC Bancshares, Inc. at and for the year ended December 31, 2020. This information is based on assumptions set forth below and in the tables and related footnotes, and should not be used as a basis for projections of market value of the shares of common stock following the conversion.

The net proceeds disclosed in the tables are based upon the following assumptions:

 

  (i)

all of the shares of common stock will be sold in the subscription and community offerings;

 

  (i)

our employee stock ownership plan will purchase 8.0% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering with a loan from TC Bancshares, Inc. The loan will be repaid in substantially equal payments of principal and interest (at the prime rate of interest, as published in The Wall Street Journal) over 20 years. Interest income that we earn on the loan will offset the interest paid by TC Federal Bank. The effect on earnings for the employee stock ownership plan is the cost of amortizing the loan over 20 years, net of historical expense for the period;

 

  (ii)

our directors, executive officers, and their associates will purchase 147,500 shares of common stock;

 

  (iii)

we will pay Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC a fee equal to 1.25% of the aggregate dollar amount of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings, excluding common stock sold to our employee stock ownership and to our directors, executive officers and employees and their immediate families; and

 

  (iv)

total expenses of the offering, other than the selling agent fees and expenses to be paid to Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC and other broker-dealers, will be $773,500.

We calculated pro forma consolidated net income for the period as if the estimated net proceeds we received had been invested at the beginning of the period at an assumed interest rate of 0.36% (0.28% on an after-tax basis). This represents the yield on the five-year U.S. Treasury Note at December 31, 2020, which, in light of current market interest rates, we consider to reflect more accurately the pro forma reinvestment rate than the arithmetic average of the weighted average yield earned on our interest earning assets and the weighted average rate paid on our deposits, which is the reinvestment rate federal regulations require that we assume in presenting pro forma data.

We further believe that the reinvestment rate is factually supportable because:

 

   

the yield on the U.S. Treasury Note can be determined and/or estimated from third-party sources; and

 

   

we believe that U.S. Treasury securities are not subject to credit losses due to a U.S. Government guarantee of payment of principal and interest.

We calculated historical and pro forma per share amounts by dividing historical and pro forma amounts of consolidated net income and stockholders’ equity by the indicated number of shares of common stock. For pro forma earnings per share calculations, we adjusted these figures to give effect to the shares of common stock purchased by the employee stock ownership plan. We computed per share amounts as if the shares of common stock were outstanding at the beginning of the period, but we did not adjust per share historical or pro forma stockholders’ equity to reflect the earnings on the estimated net proceeds.

The pro forma data gives effect to the implementation of one or more stock-based benefit plans. We have assumed that, subject to receipt of stockholder approval, stock-based benefit plans will acquire for restricted stock awards a number of shares of common stock equal to 4.0% of our total outstanding shares of common stock at the same price for which they were sold in the stock offering. We have assumed that awards of common stock granted under such plans vest over a five-year period.

 

29


Table of Contents

We also have assumed that options will be granted under stock-based benefit plans to acquire shares of common stock equal to 10.0% of our total outstanding shares of common stock. In preparing the tables below, we assumed that stockholder approval was obtained, that the exercise price of the stock options and the market price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share and that the stock options had a term of ten years and vested over five years. We applied the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate a grant-date fair value of $2.69 for each option.

We may grant options and award shares of common stock under one or more stock-based benefit plans in excess of 10.0% and 4.0%, respectively, of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering and that vest sooner than over a five-year period if the stock-based benefit plans are adopted more than one year following the completion of the stock offering.

As discussed under “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering,” we intend to contribute 50% of the net proceeds from the stock offering to TC Federal Bank, and we will retain the remainder of the net proceeds from the stock offering. We will use a portion of the proceeds we retain to fund a loan to the employee stock ownership plan and retain the rest of the proceeds for future use.

The pro forma data does not give effect to:

 

   

withdrawals from deposit accounts to purchase shares of common stock in the stock offering;

 

   

our results of operations after the stock offering; or

 

   

changes in the market price of the shares of common stock after the stock offering.

The following pro forma data may not be representative of the financial effects of the offering at the date on which the offering actually occurs, and should not be taken as indicative of future results of operations. Pro forma consolidated stockholders’ equity represents the difference between the stated amounts of our assets and liabilities. The pro forma stockholders’ equity is not intended to represent the fair market value of the shares of common stock and may be different than the amounts that would be available for distribution to stockholders if we liquidated. Moreover, pro forma stockholders’ equity per share does not give effect to the liquidation account to be established in the conversion or, in the unlikely event of a liquidation of TC Federal Bank, to the tax effect of the recapture of the bad debt reserve. See “The Conversion and Offering – Liquidation Rights.”

 

     Minimum      Midpoint      Maximum      Adjusted
Maximum
 

Shares sold in offering

     3,995,000        4,700,000        5,405,000        6,215,750 (1) 

Offering price

   $ 10.00      $ 10.00      $ 10.00      $ 10.00  

Gross proceeds of the offering

   $ 39,950      $ 47,000      $ 54,050      $ 62,158  

Expenses

     (1,224      (1,306      (1,387      (1,480
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Estimated net proceeds

     38,726        45,694        52,663        60,678  

Common stock acquired by ESOP

     (3,196      (3,760      (4,324      (4,973

Common stock acquired by stock-based benefit plans

     (1,598      (1,880      (2,162      (2,486
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Estimated net proceeds as adjusted

   $ 33,932      $ 40,054      $ 46,177      $ 53,219  

Consolidated net income:

           

Historical

   $ 308      $ 308      $ 308      $ 308  

Income on adjusted net proceeds

     96        113        130        150  

Employee stock ownership plan(2)

     (125      (147      (170      (195

Shares granted under stock-based benefit plans(3)

     (251      (295      (339      (390

Options granted under stock-based benefit plans(4)

     (203      (239      (275      (316
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Pro forma net income

     (175      (260      (346      (443
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Earnings per share:

           

Historical

   $ 0.08      $ 0.07      $ 0.06      $ 0.05  

 

30


Table of Contents

Income on adjusted net proceeds

     0.03       0.03       0.03       0.03  

Employee stock ownership plan(2)

     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03     (0.03

Shares granted under stock-based benefit plans(3)

     (0.07     (0.07     (0.07     (0.07

Options granted under stock-based benefit plans(4)

     (0.06     (0.06     (0.06     (0.06
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma earnings per share(5)

     (0.05     (0.06     (0.07     (0.08
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Offering price to pro forma earnings per share

     NM       NM       NM       NM  

No. of shares used in EPS calculations

     3,691,380       4,342,800       4,994,220       5,743,353  

Stockholders’ equity:

        

Historical

   $ 39,858     $ 39,858     $ 39,858     $ 39,858  

Estimated net proceeds

     38,726       45,694       52,663       60,678  

Common stock acquired by ESOP

     (3,196     (3,760     (4,324     (4,973

Common stock acquired by stock-based benefit plans

     (1,598     (1,880     (2,162     (2,486
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma stockholders’ equity(6)

   $ 73,790     $ 79,912     $ 86,035     $ 93,077  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity(6)

   $ 73,790     $ 79,912     $ 86,035     $ 93,077  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity per share

        

Historical

   $ 9.98     $ 8.48     $ 7.38     $ 6.41  

Estimated net proceeds

     9.69       9.72       9.74       9.76  

Common stock acquired by ESOP

     (0.80     (0.80     (0.80     (0.80

Common stock acquired by stock-based benefit plans

     (0.40     (0.40     (0.40     (0.40
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma stockholders’ equity per share

   $ 18.47     $ 17.00     $ 15.92     $ 14.97  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity per share

   $ 18.47     $ 17.00     $ 15.92     $ 14.97  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Offering price as a percentage of pro forma stockholders’ equity per share

     54.14     58.82     62.81     66.80

Offering price as a percentage of pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity per share

     54.14     58.82     62.81     66.80

Number of shares outstanding for pro forma equity per share calculations

     3,995,000       4,700,000       5,405,000       6,215,750  

 

(1)

As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares, which could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares or changes in market conditions following the commencement of the offering.

(2)

Assumes that 8.0% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering will be purchased by the employee stock ownership plan. For purposes of these tables, the funds used to acquire these shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the employee stock ownership plan from TC Bancshares, Inc. TC Federal Bank intends to make annual contributions to the employee stock ownership plan in an amount at least equal to the required principal and interest payments on the debt. TC Federal Bank’s total annual payments on the employee stock ownership plan debt are based upon 20 equal annual installments of principal and interest. Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718-40, “Compensation – Stock Compensation — Employee Stock Ownership Plans” (“ASC 718-40”) requires that an employer record compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the shares committed to be released to employees. The pro forma adjustments assume that the employee stock ownership plan shares are allocated in equal annual installments based on the number of loan repayment installments assumed to be paid by TC Federal Bank, the fair value of the common stock remains equal to the subscription price and the employee stock ownership plan expense reflects an effective combined income tax rate of 21.6%. The unallocated employee stock ownership plan shares are reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. No reinvestment is assumed on proceeds contributed to fund the employee stock ownership plan. The pro forma net income further assumes that 15,980, 18,800, 21,620 and 24,863 shares were committed to be released during the year ended December 31, 2020 at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, and in accordance with ASC 718-40, only the employee stock ownership plan shares committed to be released during the period were considered outstanding for net income per share calculations.

(3)

Assumes that one or more stock-based benefit plans purchase an aggregate number of shares of common stock equal to 4.0% of the shares to be sold in the offering. Stockholder approval of the plans and purchases by the plans may not occur earlier than six months after the completion of the conversion. The shares may be acquired directly from TC Bancshares, Inc. or through open market purchases. Shares in the stock-based benefit plan are assumed to vest over a period of five years. The funds to be used to purchase the shares will be provided by TC Bancshares, Inc. The table assumes that (i) the stock-based benefit plan acquires the shares through open market purchases at $10.00 per share, (ii) 20.0% of the amount contributed to the plan is amortized as an expense during the year ended December 31, 2020, and (iii) the plan expense reflects an effective combined income tax rate of 21.6%. Assuming stockholder approval of the stock-based benefit plans and that shares of common stock equal to 4.0% of the shares sold in the offering are awarded through the use of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, stockholders would have their ownership and voting interests diluted by approximately 3.85%.

(4)

Assumes that options are granted under one or more stock-based benefit plans to acquire an aggregate number of shares of common stock equal to 10.0% of the shares to be sold in the offering. Stockholder approval of the plans may not occur earlier than six months after the completion of the conversion. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock-based benefit plans, it is assumed that the exercise price of the stock options and the trading price of the common stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share, the estimated grant-date fair value determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $2.69 for each option

 

31


Table of Contents
  and that the aggregate grant-date fair value of the stock options was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over a five-year vesting period of the options using an effective combined income tax rate of 21.6%. The actual expense will be determined by the grant-date fair value of the options, which will depend on a number of factors, including the valuation assumptions used and the option pricing model ultimately adopted. Under the above assumptions, the adoption of the stock-based benefit plans will result in no additional shares under the treasury stock method for calculating earnings per share. There can be no assurance that the actual exercise price of the stock options will be equal to the $10.00 price per share. If a portion of the shares used to satisfy the exercise of options comes from authorized but unissued shares, our net income per share and stockholders’ equity per share would decrease. Assuming stockholder approval of the stock-based benefit plans and that all the shares of common stock used to cover the exercise of stock options equal to 10% of the shares sold in the offering are from authorized but unissued shares, stockholders would have their ownership and voting interests diluted by approximately 9.09%
(5)

Net income per share computations are determined by taking the number of shares assumed to be sold in the offering and the number of new shares assumed to be issued in exchange for publicly held shares and, in accordance with ASC 718-40, subtracting the employee stock ownership plan shares that have not been committed for release during the period. See footnote 2, above. The number of shares of common stock actually sold may be more or less than the assumed amounts.

(6)

The retained earnings of TC Federal Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “Our Dividend Policy,” “The Conversion and Offering – Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation – Federal Banking Regulation – Capital Distributions.”

 

32


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS OF TC FEDERAL BANK

This discussion and analysis reflects our financial statements and other relevant statistical data, and is intended to enhance your understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. The information in this section has been derived from the financial statements, which appear beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus. You should read the information in this section in conjunction with the business and financial information regarding TC Federal Bank provided in this prospectus.

Overview

We are a federally chartered savings bank headquartered in Thomasville, Georgia that has served the banking needs of our customers since 1934. Our business consists primarily of taking deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations, in one- to four-family residential real estate loans, commercial and multi-family residential real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, construction and land development loans and consumer loans. At December 31, 2020, we had total assets of $349.9 million, total deposits of $294.1 million and total equity of $39.9 million. During 2019, we elected to be treated as a “covered savings association” which allows us to engage in the same activities as a national bank. See “Supervision and Regulation.” We are subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by our primary federal regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

We expect to continue to focus on originating one- to four-family residential real estate loans, commercial and multi-family residential real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, construction and land development loans and consumer loans. We also invest in securities, which have historically consisted primarily of mortgage-backed securities issued by U.S. government sponsored enterprises. In recent years, we have originated single-family owner-occupied loans for sale into the secondary market and for our own portfolio. We intend to continue this activity in the future in order to generate fee income. We offer a variety of deposit accounts, including savings accounts, money market accounts, checking accounts and certificates of deposit.

Total assets increased $28.2 million, or 8.8%, to $349.9 million at December 31, 2020 from $321.8 million at December 31, 2019, primarily due to growth in our loan portfolio. Total net loans increased $17.4 million, or 7.1%, to $262.4 million at December 31, 2020 from $245.0 million at December 31, 2019, reflecting primarily increases in the commercial and industrial loan portfolio resulting from the origination of $25.1 million in Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans authorized under the CARES Act. In addition, bank owned life insurance policies of $10.3 million were purchased in 2019, and their subsequent increase in cash surrender value increased non-interest income $301,000 in 2020. Total liabilities increased $28.1 million or 10.0% to $310.1 million at December 31, 2020 from $282.0 million partially due to a $21.2 million increase in interest-bearing demand deposits, a $10.3 million increase in savings deposits and an increase of $6.7 million increase in Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

Net income decreased $900,000, or 74.5%, to $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily due to three non-recurring factors. The largest was the conversion of our outdated core data processing system. The core conversion resulted in an expense of $1.1 million in 2020. Second, due to the uncertainty in the economic environment created by the COVID-19 pandemic, we increased our loan loss provision by $780,000. Lastly, due to the pandemic, as well as concerns with regard to potential adverse tax ramifications if we proceeded with the planned mutual holding company reorganization, we decided to postpone our planned stock conversion. The delay of almost a year as well as the change in the structure resulted in the bank recognizing all costs accumulated to the date the conversion was delayed. This resulted in an expense of $507,000. Non-interest income increased $770,000, or 61.1% to $2.0 million, primarily due to expansion of the residential mortgage group that resulted in an increase in the gain on sale of mortgage loans.

As a general matter, our interest-bearing liabilities reprice or mature more quickly than our interest-earning assets, which can result in interest expense increasing more rapidly than increases in interest income as interest rates increase. Therefore, increases in interest rates may adversely affect our net interest income and net economic value, which in turn would likely have an adverse effect on our results of operations. As described in “—Management of

 

33


Table of Contents

Market Risk,” we expect that our net interest income and our net economic value would decrease as a result of an instantaneous increase in interest rates. To help manage interest rate risk, we promote core deposit products and we are continuing to diversify our loan portfolio by adding more commercial-related loans. We continued to increase our core checking accounts during 2020. Two factors played heavily into our success in this area, our change to the ‘simply free’ checking account program and additional commercial checking accounts resulting from assisting non-bank customers in obtaining PPP loans. See “—Management of Market Risk” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business— Future changes in interest rates could reduce our profits and asset values.”

Business Strategy

Our goal is to provide long-term value to our shareholders, depositors, customers, employees and the communities we serve by executing a safe and sound business strategy that produces increasing earnings. We believe there is a significant opportunity for a community-focused bank to provide a full range of financial services to commercial and retail customers in our market areas, and the increased capital we will have after the completion of the offering will enable us to compete more effectively with other financial institutions.

Our current business strategy consists of the following:

 

   

Leverage the infrastructure of TC Federal Bank to create additional value for depositors, employees, customers and the communities in which TC Federal Bank operates. We seek to improve our operating efficiency as we optimize a new core processing system that was implemented in 2020 in order to enhance service features for both retail and business customers, and continue the process improvements implemented over the last two years. Our efficiency ratio has gradually improved from 95.2% for the year ended December 31, 2018, to 85.9% for the year ended December 31, 2019, before regressing slightly to 91.2% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in 2020 in our efficiency ratio was directly related to the implementation costs associated with the new core processing system and the recognition of previously deferred conversion expenses, which also contributed to our decline in net income. Based on the personnel and systems now in place, we believe we can continue our trend of improving our operational efficiency, particularly as we are able to utilize the capital raised in this offering to grow assets and increase top line revenue. Although management currently has no definitive plans or commitments to add an additional branch in Tallahassee or expand its presence in the Savannah, Georgia market, we foresee the opportunity to add both an additional branch in Tallahassee, Florida and to expand our presence in the Savannah, Georgia market.

We believe our existing infrastructure will support prudent growth in assets and deposits initially without additional infrastructure expenditures thereby allowing us to improve our net interest income and non-interest income without significant increases in our non-interest expense. Our commercial loan production office in Savannah and our residential mortgage office in Tallahassee were each opened in 2017 and each has the ability to support meaningful additional growth without requiring significant expansion. We also believe further growth is possible in both markets by expanding our presence. The bank’s core processing system conversion was completed in late 2020 which we believe improved the bank’s competitive position with constituencies that demand digital access to accounts for the movement of money through expanded capability made available in the new core processing system.

 

   

Grow our loan portfolio prudently. We intend to continue to maintain a diversified portfolio of loans, with an emphasis on commercial and multi-family real estate loans and residential mortgage loans. We expect to be able to continue to grow our loan portfolio, having grown our outstanding loans $17.4 million, or 7.1%, from year-end 2019 through year-end 2020, and $9.7 million, or 4.1% from year-end 2018 through year-end 2019. We participated in the PPP in 2020. PPP loans represented the growth realized in the loan portfolio in 2020. The bank was able to quickly respond to the needs of customers in our market areas by extending $25.1 million in PPP loans. This has resulted in an increase in core deposit accounts for the bank as initially, the proceeds of the PPP loans were deposited with the bank. In addition, as the economy recovers from the pandemic, increased loan volume is expected from these new customers. The capital we are raising in the offering will provide additional support for continued loan growth throughout our market areas. We also intend to continue to grow our commercial lending activities through

 

34


Table of Contents
 

government sponsored loan programs, such as the SBA and USDA loan programs. Through our residential mortgage office in Tallahassee, we will continue to seek to originate residential loans for our portfolio as well as for sale in the secondary market, using multiple correspondent relationships for the sale of residential mortgages on a servicing-released basis. Residential lending introduces new customer relationships to the bank and provides an opportunity for us to offer additional banking services to those clients.

For much of the bank’s existence as a federal savings bank, our loan portfolio focused on residential mortgage lending. However, in the first decade of the 2000’s, we expanded the loan product mix of the bank and have a diversified mix of one- to four-family residential real estate loans, commercial and multi-family real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, construction and land development loans and consumer loans. As of December 31, 2020, 39.6% of our loan portfolio consisted of residential real estate loans, 32.8% were commercial and multi-family real estate loans, 11.2% were construction and land development loans, 11.1% were commercial and industrial loans, with the remaining 5.3% divided approximately equally between home equity loans and consumer loans. Although commercial and multi-family real estate loans decreased $7.3 million, or 7.7%, to $87.9 million at December 31, 2020 from $95.2 million at December 31, 2019, commercial and industrial loans increased $20.4 million, or 221.5%, to $29.6 million at December 31, 2020 from $9.3 million at December 31, 2019, as did construction and land development loans, increasing $6.6 million, or 27.9%, to $30.0 million at December 31, 2020 from $23.4 million at December 31, 2019.

 

   

Continue to increase core deposits. We seek to increase the proportion of the deposit base consisting of core deposits in order to provide a stable source of funds to support loan growth, at costs consistent with improving our interest rate spread and margin. Historically, the bank relied heavily on certificates of deposit but in recent years has been building a core deposit base. As part of our focus on commercial loan growth, our lenders are expected to source non-interest bearing business checking accounts from our borrowers. We have begun reducing deposit costs to market rates and placed greater emphasis on developing core deposits. As a result of these efforts and recognizing the impact of the government’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic, core deposits increased by $42.3 million, or 25.6%, to $207.5 million at December 31, 2020 from $165.2 million at December 31, 2019. We recently redesigned our checking account products and the manner in which they are marketed. Management will continue to emphasize the growth of both retail and commercial core deposits.

Core deposits also help us maintain loan-to-deposit ratios at levels consistent with regulatory expectations. We consider our core deposits to include checking accounts (both interest-bearing and non-interest bearing), savings accounts and money market deposit accounts. However, we will also explore utilizing non-core funding sources, such as CDARs and brokered deposits, and may use borrowings, as needed, to fund future loan growth and our operations.

 

   

Maintain Credit Standards while Growing. We believe strong asset quality is a critical key to our long-term financial success. Our strategy for credit risk management focuses on having an experienced team of credit professionals, well-defined policies and procedures, prudent loan underwriting criteria and active credit monitoring. Our non-performing assets to total assets ratio was 0.58% at December 31, 2020, 0.90% at December 31, 2019, and 0.55% at December 31, 2018. In anticipation of future growth as a result of the deployment of the capital raised in this offering, TC Federal Bank invested in the enhancement of our credit function by hiring additional experienced credit staff, implemented enhanced internal and external credit review processes, and implemented new technology for underwriting processing and credit analysis. We intend to maintain the high value of our credit culture, both in personnel as well as ancillary support systems, in order to be able to evaluate more complex loans and better manage credit risk, which will also support our intended loan growth, especially in the commercial loan market. During 2020 as a result of the pandemic, we reached a peak of 17.0% of loan customers by principal balance that sought a payment deferment. However, as of December 31, 2020, all customers had exited their loan deferment period, and no customers were deferring payments. To date, in spite of the pandemic, our loan portfolio continues to perform at a high level.

 

35


Table of Contents
   

Supplement organic growth through opportunistic bank or branch acquisitions. Although management has no current definitive plans or commitments to acquire other institutions or Financial services businesses, we expect to consider acquisition opportunities that we believe would enhance the value of our franchise and yield potential financial benefits for our stockholders. The capital we are raising in the offering will provide us the opportunity to acquire other institutions and financial services businesses located within a reasonable proximity of our current market areas. We believe we are well positioned to take advantage of, and execute on, opportunities given the infrastructure improvements we have undertaken, including the upgrade of our core processing system and expanded management expertise.

 

   

Enhance the sales, marketing and service culture. We believe that loyalty is a key component of the success of community banks. We will continue to develop loyalty with our community and our customers. We will invest in customer and community relationships with the spirit of a servant’s heart and servant leadership. We expect to serve customers when and how they wish to be served within the boundaries of safe and sound risk management. Our technology was significantly enhanced during 2020, including an expansion of our digital banking capabilities, as a result of our core conversion upgrade and ancillary services. During 2021 and beyond, the bank will continue to optimize the system for greater internal efficiencies and customer interactions. We believe the core system will allow us to materially improve the customer experience and help us facilitate greater cross selling.

 

   

Expand our employee base to support future growth. The additional capital we will raise in the offering will provide us with the ability to opportunistically expand our employee base. We intend to continue to build depth and expertise as needed with increases in TC Federal Bank’s size and complexity. The potential to offer equity awards in the future following the offering will also allow us to be more competitive when hiring and retaining experienced banking personnel.

COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has already had a significant impact on our operating results, and we believe it will continue to have an impact for at least the remainder of the year ending December 31, 2021. We expect the short- and long-term economic consequences of COVID-19 to our customers to be significant, and that the continuing health safety concerns relating to the ongoing pandemic will change the way we conduct our business and interact with our customers.

 

   

Starting in March 2020, we realized the impact of the pandemic and economic shut down would have an immediate impact on selected segments of our customers. We did not automatically downgrade borrowers that requested a deferral. However, if the borrower requested a deferral that extended beyond the initial three months granted, we considered downgrades based on the trend in revenues. During the year, we downgraded to substandard $2.1 million in loans that were placed on deferral, and combined with our other lending activity during the year ended December 31, 2020, these adjustments resulted in a provision for loan losses of $780,000, compared to no provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

   

In addition, starting in March 2020, we modified the terms of loans with customers impacted by the COVID-19-pandemic to permit payment deferral. Through the end of December 31, 2020, these deferrals have affected a total of $46.6 million of loans, including $4.0 million of construction loans, $2.8 million of commercial and industrial loans, $7.9 million of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans and $17.9 million of non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans. These deferrals are intended to provide customers with temporary relief. At year end, none of the loans with modification were still on modified terms. We believe these actions provided our customers with the best chance to meet their longer-term obligations and for us to work with those who will not be able to meet their obligations or default on their loans.

 

36


Table of Contents
   

Starting in April 2020, we worked with our customers to help them understand the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act. The PPP generally provides eligible employers with funds to pay payroll costs (including benefits) and interest on mortgages, rent and utilities, and the PPP loan may be forgiven to the extent the loan proceeds are applied to eligible expenditures during a specified measurement period. Funds are provided in the form of loans that will generally be fully forgiven when used for permissible expenditures, subject to certain reductions based on certain decreases in the employer’s full-time equivalent employees or salary and wages during the measurement period. To the extent not forgiven, a PPP loan is intended to be 100% guaranteed by the SBA and will have a term of two years (or five years if the PPP loan is made after June 4, 2020) and carry an interest rate of 1%. Payment of principal, interest and fees on PPP loans is deferred until the amount to be forgiven is finalized, in general. The bank was paid a processing fee by the SBA on PPP loan originations ranging from 1% to 5% of the amount of the loan, based on the size of the loans. As of December 31, 2020, the bank had recorded approximately $478,000 in PPP-related SBA fees and is accreting these fees into interest income over the estimated life of the applicable loans. If a PPP loan is forgiven or paid off before maturity, the remaining unearned fee is recognized into income at that time. As of December 31, 2020, the bank has recognized approximately $218,000 in PPP-related SBA fees through accretion. The majority of the remaining unearned fees are expected to be recognized as the PPP loans are either forgiven or paid off.

 

   

During March 2020, the Federal Reserve reduced the federal funds rate by .50% as an initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Later in March 2020, the Federal Reserve reduced the target range for the federal funds rate to between 0.0% and 0.25%, compared to the previous target of between 1.00% and 1.25%. These rate reductions, combined with the decline of longer-term interest rates, reduced our net interest income to lower levels during 2020, and potentially beyond, compared to what we experienced for the year ended December 31, 2019. In 2020, the PPP fee income was recorded as interest income, which will partially offset the decline in interest income due to rate reductions. After the PPP loans have been fully paid off or forgiven, we would expect lower levels of interest income going forward if market rates of interest remain at low levels.

Additional impacts expected from the COVID-19 pandemic include:

 

   

During 2020, we anticipated a reduction in fees as we waived certain fees for our customers affected by the pandemic. In addition, we expected higher loan workout costs and expenses related to recovery activities. To date, higher loan workout costs have not been encountered.

 

   

Although we saw higher loans and deposits in the third and fourth quarters of 2020, we are less certain about the longer-term impact of COVID-19 on our organic loan and deposit growth.

 

   

Due to the pandemic, we migrated much of our staff to working remotely beginning in March 2020. After making significant facility changes to add to the safety of the work environment during a pandemic, the bank staff returned to in-person work during the month of June.

Anticipated Increase in Noninterest Expense

In 2021, following the completion of the conversion and stock offering, our noninterest expense is expected to increase in the third and fourth quarters because of the increased costs associated with operating as a public company, and the increased compensation expenses associated with the purchase of shares of common stock by our employee stock ownership plan and the possible implementation of one or more stock-based benefit plans, if approved by our stockholders, no earlier than six months after the completion of the conversion and stock offering. For further information, see “Summary—Our Officers, Directors and Employees Will Receive Additional Benefits and Compensation After the Conversion and Offering;” “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Offering—Our stock-based benefit plans will increase our costs, which will reduce our income;” and “Management—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Stock Offering.”

 

37


Table of Contents

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on our financial statements, which are prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of income and expenses. We consider the accounting policies discussed below to be significant accounting policies. The estimates and assumptions that we use are based on historical experience and various other factors and are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, resulting in a change that could have a material impact on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations.

As an “emerging growth company” we may delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. We intend to take advantage of the benefits of this extended transition period. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

In 2020, COVID-19 spread into a worldwide pandemic. The pandemic may impact various parts of the bank’s future operations and financial results, including additional allowance for loan loss provisions. Management believes the bank is taking appropriate actions to mitigate the negative impact. However, the full impact of COVID-19 on the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020 cannot be reasonably estimated, as these events are still developing.

The following represent our significant accounting policies:

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a reserve for estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans determined to be impaired as well as estimated credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Actual credit losses, net of recoveries, are deducted from the allowance for loan losses. Loans are charged off when the Asset Quality Committee (which consists of Board and management members) believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan losses. A provision for loan losses, which is a charge against earnings, is recorded to bring the allowance for loan losses to a level that, in the Asset Quality Committee’s judgment, is adequate to absorb probable losses in the loan portfolio. The Asset Quality Committee’s evaluation process used to determine the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses is subject to the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgment. The evaluation process involves gathering and interpreting many qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect probable credit losses. Because interpretation and analysis involve judgment, current economic or business conditions can change, and future events are inherently difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated loan losses and therefore the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses could change significantly.

The allocation methodology applied by TC Federal Bank is designed to assess the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses and includes allocations for specifically identified impaired loans and loss factor allocations for all remaining loans, with a component primarily based on historical loss rates and a component primarily based on other qualitative factors. The methodology includes evaluation and consideration of several factors, such as, but not limited to, an ongoing review and grading of loans, facts and issues related to specific loans, historical loan loss and delinquency experience, trends in past due and non-accrual loans, existing risk characteristics of specific loans or loan pools, the fair value of underlying collateral, current economic conditions and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect potential credit losses. While the Asset Quality Committee uses the best information available to make its evaluation, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic conditions or circumstances underlying the collectability of loans. Because each of the criteria used is subject to change, the allocation of the allowance for loan losses is made for analytical purposes and is not necessarily indicative of the trend of future loan losses in any particular loan category. The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any segment of the loan portfolio. The Asset Quality Committee believes the allowance for loan losses is appropriate at December 31, 2020. The allowance analysis is reviewed by the Asset Quality Committee on a no less than quarterly basis in compliance with regulatory requirements. In addition, various regulatory agencies and TC Federal Bank’s external auditors, periodically review the allowance for loan losses. As a result of such reviews, we may have to adjust our allowance for loan losses.

 

38


Table of Contents

However, regulatory agencies are not directly involved in the process of establishing the allowance for loan losses as the process is the responsibility of TC Federal Bank and any increase or decrease in the allowance is the responsibility of the Asset Quality Committee.

Income Taxes. The assessment of income tax assets and liabilities involves the use of estimates, assumptions, interpretation, and judgment concerning certain accounting pronouncements and federal and state tax codes. There can be no assurance that future events, such as court decisions or positions of federal and state taxing authorities, will not differ from management’s current assessment, the impact of which could be significant to the results of operations and reported earnings.

TC Federal Bank files a federal and a state income tax return. Amounts provided for income tax expense are based on income reported for financial statement purposes and do not necessarily represent amounts currently payable under tax laws. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are computed for differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on enacted tax law rates applicable to the periods in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income tax expense. Valuation allowances are established when it is more likely than not that a portion of the full amount of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the ability to realize deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies. TC Federal Bank may also recognize a liability for unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits represent the differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured in the financial statements. Penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income tax expense.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2020 and 2019

Total assets increased $28.2 million, or 8.8%, to $349.9 million at December 31, 2020 from $321.8 million at December 31, 2019. The increase was principally due to increases of $17.4 million in net loans held for investment and $17.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by a $6.2 million decrease in securities.    

Cash and cash equivalents, and certificates of deposit with other banks, increased $14.5 million, or 43.9%, to $47.5 million at December 31, 2020 from $33.0 million at December 31, 2019. The increase resulted from an increase in deposits, partially offset by loan originations.

Loans, including loans held for sale, increased $18.9 million, or 7.6%, to $267.5 million at December 31, 2020 from $248.7 million at December 31, 2019. Construction and land development loans increased $6.6 million to $30.0 million at December 31, 2020 from $23.4 million at December 31, 2019, while commercial and multi-family real estate loans decreased $7.4 million, or 7.7%, to $87.9 million at December 31, 2020 from $95.2 million at December 31, 2019, and commercial and industrial loans increased $20.4 million, or 221.5%, to $29.6 million, of which $17.9 million were PPP loans, at December 31, 2020 from $9.3 million at December 31, 2019. We have recently increased our focus on commercial lending, including construction lending, and our construction lending has benefitted from the opening of our LPO in Savannah, Georgia in 2017. One- to four- family residential real estate loans remained the largest loan category, however, balances of such loans held for investment decreased from $109.6 million at December 31, 2019 to $105.8 million at December 31, 2020. This represents a decrease of 3.5%. As a percentage of the net loan portfolio, residential real estate loans fell from 44.1% at December 31, 2019 to 39.5% at December 31, 2020.

Investment securities, all of which are available-for-sale, and other investments decreased $5.9 million, or 26.1% to $16.6 million at December 31, 2020 from $22.5 million at December 31, 2019. Investment securities available-for-sale decreased $6.2 million or 28.0% to $15.9 million at December 31, 2020 from $22.1 million at December 31, 2019. We have invested excess cash in higher-yielding loans instead of lower-yielding securities as we have been able to grow our loan portfolio.

In 2019, in connection with adopting supplemental executive retirement plans (“SERPs”) for certain of our officers as a result of freezing our deferred benefit pension plan, we purchased single premium bank owned life insurance to fund the benefit obligations created by the SERPs. The cash surrender value of these policies was approximately $10.9 million as of December 31, 2020. We also recorded a liability for the present value of the SERP obligations of approximately $491,000. We invest in bank owned life insurance to provide us with a funding offset for our benefit plan obligations. Bank owned life insurance also generally provides us noninterest income that is non-taxable. Federal regulations generally limit our investment in bank owned life insurance to 25% of our Tier 1 capital plus our allowance for loan losses, and indicate that an institution holding bank owned life insurance in an amount in excess of 25% should expect examiners to closely scrutinize the risk management policies and controls associated with bank owned life assets and, where deficient, to require corrective action. Our investment in bank owned life insurance at December 31, 2020 was 24.6% of our Tier 1 capital plus our allowance for loan losses.

 

39


Table of Contents

Total deposits increased $20.5 million, or 7.5%, to $294.1 million at December 31, 2020 from $273.6 million at December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to increases in money market and interest-bearing checking accounts and certificates of deposit, none of which we believe was related to the federal government COVID-19 stimulus relief issued to some of our depositors. Money market accounts increased $212,000, or 0.2%, to $89.7 million at December 31, 2020 from $89.5 million at December 31, 2019. Interest-bearing checking accounts increased $38.8 million, or 17.0%, to $56.8 million at December 31, 2020 from $18.0 million at December 31, 2019. Certificates of deposit decreased $21.8 million, or 20.1% to $86.6 million at December 31, 2020 from $108.4 million at December 31, 2019 as we consciously took steps to reduce our use of this funding source. In addition, non-interest bearing checking accounts increased $10.7 million, or 59.5%, to $28.8 million at December 31, 2020, from $18.0 million at December 31, 2019. Additionally, savings accounts increased $10.3 million, or 47.0%, to $32.3 million at December 31, 2020 from $22.0 million at December 31, 2019. We have been able to fund loan growth from excess cash as well as cash generated from other deposit products.

Federal Home Loan Bank advances increased $6.7 million, or 139.3% to $9.5 million at December 31, 2020 from $2.8 million as two advances were obtained in April 2020 due to concern about potential liquidity as the pandemic’s effects on the economy intensified.

Total equity increased $70,000, or 0.2%, to $39.9 million at December 31, 2020 from $39.8 million at December 31, 2019. The growth was due to net income of $307,000 partially offset by an increase in other comprehensive loss, primarily due to an increase in post-retirement benefit obligations of $569,000.

 

40


Table of Contents

Average Balances, Interest and Average Yields/Cost

The following tables set forth for the periods indicated, information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities as well as the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, resultant yields, interest rate spread, net interest margin (otherwise known as net yield on interest-earning assets), and the ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities. Average balances have been calculated using monthly balances. Management does not believe that the monthly averages differ significantly from what the daily averages would be. Non-accruing loans have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield. Loan fees are included in interest income on loans and are not material. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments have been made, as the effects would be immaterial.

 

    Years Ended December 31,  
    2020     2020     2019     2018  
    Yield/rate
At 12-31-2020
    Average
Balance
Outstanding
    Interest
Earned/
Paid
    Average
Yield/
Rate
    Average
Balance
Outstanding
    Interest
Earned/
Paid
    Average
Yield/
Rate
    Average
Balance
Outstanding
    Interest
Earned/
Paid
    Average
Yield /
Rate
 
    (Dollars in thousands)  

Interest-earning assets:

                   

Loans receivable

    4.21   $ 268,245     $ 12,736       4.61   $ 242,594     $ 11,389       4.69   $ 224,567     $ 10,263       4.57

Securities available for sale

    1.72     19,878       416       2.09     23,327       688       2.95     23,647       727       3.07

Interest-earning deposits

    0.45     28,589       264       0.92     24,283       454       1.87       27,976       358       1.28  

Other interest-earning assets

    3.72     692       32       4.62     395       25       6.33     393       26       6.62
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total interest-earning assets

    3.56     317,404       13,088       4.12     290,204       12,556       4.33     276,583       11,374       4.11

Non-interest-earning assets

      18,731         —       15,588       —         —       7,863       —         —  
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total assets

    $ 336,135     $ 13,088       3.89   $ 305,792     $ 12,556       4.11   $ 284,446     $ 11,374       4.00
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Interest-bearing liabilities:

                   

Savings and money market accounts

    0.22     115,777       724       0.63     104,820       1,042       0.99     100,229       796       0.79

Interest-bearing checking accounts

    0.06     42,661       31       0,07     34,813       85       0.24     29,915       54       0.18

Certificate accounts

    1.22     98,065       1,504       1.53     104,672       1,902       1.82     94,754       1,174       1.24

Total interest-bearing deposits

    0.52     265,503       2,259       0.88     244,305       3,029       1.24     224,898       2024       0.90
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Borrowings

    0.86     9,313       106       1.14     2,907       72       2.48     3,298       86       2.61
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other

      —         —         —       —         —         —       —         —         —  
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total interest-bearing liabilities

    0.53     265,816       2.365       0.89   $ 247,212     $ 3,101       1.25   $ 228,196     $ 2,110       0.92

Non-interest-bearing liabilities

      24,527       —         —         19,101       —         —         18,476       —         —    
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total liabilities

      295,599       2,3365       0.80     266,363       3,101       1.16     246,672       2,110       0.86

Total equity

      40,536       —         —       39,479       —         —       37,774       —         —  
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total liabilities and equity

    $ 336,135     $                            $ 305,792     $                            $ 284,446     $                     —  
   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net interest income

      $ 10,723         $ 9,455         $ 9,264    
     

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

   

Net earning assets

    $ 51,588         $ 42,992         $ 48,387      
   

 

 

       

 

 

       

 

 

     

Net interest rate spread(1)

    3.03         3.23         3.07         3.19

Net interest margin(2)

          3.38         3.26         3.35

Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities

      119.41         117.39         121.20    
(1)

Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average rate of interest-bearing liabilities.

(2)

Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets.

 

41


Table of Contents

Rate/Volume Analysis

The following schedule presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. It distinguishes between the changes related to outstanding balances and that due to the changes in interest rates. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (i) changes in volume (i.e., changes in volume multiplied by old rate) and (ii) changes in rate (i.e., changes in rate multiplied by old volume). For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately to the change due to volume and the change due to rate.

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
 
   2020 vs. 2019     2019 vs. 2018  
     Increase/
(decrease)
due to
    Total
increase/
    Increase/
(decrease)
due to
    Total
increase/
 
     Volume     Rate     (decrease)     Volume     Rate     (decrease)  
     (In thousands)  

Interest-earning assets:

            

Loans receivable

   $ 1,204     $ (218   $ 987     $ 823     $ 303     $ 1,126  

Securities available for sale

     (102     (170     (272     (10     (29     (39

Interest-earning deposits

     80       (269     (190     (47     143       96  

Other interest-earning assets

     19       (12     7       —         (1     (1
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest-earning assets

     1,202       (670     531       766       416       1,182  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Interest-bearing liabilities:

            

Savings and money market accounts

     109       (427     (318     36       210       246  

Interest-bearing checking accounts

     19       (73     (54     9       22       31  

Certificate accounts

     (120     (278     (398     123       605       728  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing deposits

     8       (778     (770     168       837       1,005  

Borrowings

     159       (125     34       (10     (4     (14
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total interest-bearing liabilities

     167       (903     (736     158       833       991  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Change in net interest income

   $ 1,035       233     $ 1,268     $ 608       (417   $ 191  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2020 and 2019

General. Net income decreased $900,000, or 74.5%, to $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was due to an increase in provision expense and non-interest expense, as described in more detail below.

Interest Income. Interest income increased $531,000, or 4.2%, to $13.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $12.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase was due primarily to a $987,000, or 8.7%, increase in interest income on loans, which is our primary source of interest income. Our average balance of loans, including loans held for sale, increased $25.7 million, or 10.6%, to $268.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $242.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in average balance resulted from our recent increased focus on commercial lending, including commercial construction lending. Our average yield on loans decreased 8 basis points to 4.61% for the year ended December 31, 2020 from 4.69% for the year ended December 31, 2019, as higher-yielding loans have been repaid or refinanced and replaced with lower-yielding loans and there were more originations at lower yielding loans, reflecting the current interest rate environment.

 

42


Table of Contents

Interest income on interest-earning deposits decreased $190,000, or 38.3%, to $264,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $454,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019. The average yield we earned on interest-earning deposits decreased 95 basis points to 0.92% for the year ended December 31, 2020 from 1.87% for the year ended December 31, 2019, reflecting lower market interest rates. Our average balance of interest-earning deposits increased $4.3 million, or 17.7%, to $28.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, which partially offset the decline in the average yield. Our average balance of securities available for sale decreased $3.4 million, or 14.8%, to $19.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $23.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Interest income on securities available for sale decreased $272,000 due to the decline in securities and an 86 basis point decline in the average yield we earned on securities available for sale to 2.09% for the year ended December 31, 2020 from 2.95% for the year ended December 31, 2019, again reflecting lower market interest rates.

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased $736,000, or 23.8%, to $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, due primarily to a decrease in interest expense on deposits. Specifically, interest expense on certificates of deposit decreased $398,000 or 21.0%, to $1.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 reflecting the effect of the decline in market rates of interest. This decrease resulted from decreases in both the average balance of certificates of deposit and the average rate we paid on them. The average balance of certificates of deposit decreased $6.6 million, or 6.3%, to $98.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $104.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the average rate we paid on certificates of deposit decreased 29 basis points to 1.53% for the year ended December 31, 2020 from 1.82% for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Interest expense on savings and money market accounts decreased $318,000, or 30.5% to $724,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This decrease resulted from the decline in the average rate we paid on savings and money market accounts partially offset by an increase in the average balances of savings and money market accounts. The average balance of savings and money market accounts increased $11.0 million, or 10.5%, to $115.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $104.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the average rate we paid on savings and money market accounts decreased 36 basis points to 0.63% for the year ended December 31, 2020 from 0.99% for the year ended December 31, 2019, reflecting lower market interest rates. The increase in the average balance of savings and money market accounts reflected in part, our customers’ response to the pandemic. Interest expense on interest-bearing checking accounts decreased $54,000, or 64.0%, to $31,000 at December 31, 2020 from $85,000 at December 31, 2019, reflecting lower market interest rates.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $1.3 million, or 13.4%, to $10.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $9.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, primarily as a result of a higher balance of net interest-earning assets and, to a lesser extent, a higher net interest margin. Our average net interest-earning assets increased by $8.6 million, or 20.0%, to $51.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $43.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, due primarily to a $25.6 million increase in the average balances of our loan portfolio, partially offset primarily by a $21.2 million increase in our interest-bearing deposits. Our net interest rate spread increased by 16 basis points to 3.23% for the year ended December 31, 2020 from 3.07% for the year ended December 31, 2019. Our net interest margin increased by 12 basis points to 3.38% for the year ended December 31, 2020 from 3.26% for the year ended December 31, 2019, reflecting primarily the increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets combined with the greater reduction in our cost of funds as compared to our yield on interest-earning assets.

Provision for Loan Losses. Provisions for loan losses are charged to operations to establish an allowance for loan losses at a level necessary to absorb known and inherent losses in our loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the financial statements. In evaluating the level of the allowance for loan losses, management analyzes several qualitative loan portfolio risk factors including, but not limited to, management’s ongoing review and grading of loans, facts and issues related to specific loans, historical loan loss and delinquency experience, trends in past due and non-accrual loans, existing risk characteristics of specific loans or loan pools, the fair value of underlying collateral, current economic conditions and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect potential credit losses. See “—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Business of TC Federal Bank—Allowance for Loan Losses” for additional information.

 

43


Table of Contents

Our allowance for loan losses was $4.1 million at December 31, 2020 compared to $3.1 million at December 31, 2019. The allowance for loan losses to total net loans increased to 1.5% at December 31, 2020 from 1.2% at December 31, 2019, and the allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans increased to 206.5% at December 31, 2020 from 118.3% at December 31, 2019. We increased the portion of the allowance for loan losses allocated to commercial real estate loans due to potential loan losses from the ongoing effects of the pandemic, in the absence of other factors, would result in an increase in the allowance for loan losses as we apply historical loss ratios to newly originated loans. We modestly increased the portion of the allowance for loan losses allocated to construction and land development loans despite an increase in this portion of the loan portfolio, as we have a low loss history with respect to construction and land development loans.

To the best of our knowledge, we have recorded all loan losses that are both probable and reasonable to estimate at December 31, 2020. However, future changes in the factors described above, including, but not limited to, actual loss experience with respect to our loan portfolio, could result in material increases in our provision for loan losses. In addition, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as an integral part of its examination process, will periodically review our allowance for loan losses, and as a result of such reviews, we may have to adjust our allowance for loan losses. However, regulatory agencies are not directly involved in establishing the allowance for loan losses as the process is our responsibility and any increase or decrease in the allowance is the responsibility of management.

Non-interest Income. Non-interest income information is as follows. 

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
     Change  
     2020      2019      Amount      Percent  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Service charges on deposit accounts

   $ 472      $ 513      $ (41      (8.0 %) 

Gain on sale of loans

     1,236        380        856        225.3

Gain on sale of securities

     —          67        (67      (100.0 %) 

Other

     323        300        23        7.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total non-interest income

   $ 2,031      $ 1,260      $ 771        61.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

In 2020, non-interest income increased approximately $771,000 from 2019, or a 61.2% increase from the previous year. This increase is primarily due to the sale of $65.9 million of residential mortgage loans during 2020 that generated $1.2 million in gain on sale of loans income compared to $380,000 for 2019.

Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense information is as follows. 

 

     Years Ended
December 31,
     Change  
     2020      2019      Amount      Percent  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Salaries and employee benefits

   $ 6,444      $ 5,327      $ 1,117        21.0

Occupancy and equipment

     754        658        96        14.6

Advertising

     253        282        (29      (10.3 %) 

Audit and examination

     436        318        118        37.1

Checking account related expenses

     338        313        25        8.0

Consulting & advisory fees

     200        490        (290      (59.2 %) 

Data processing conversion costs

     1,132        —          1,132     

Data processing fees

     393        356        37        10.4

Director fees

     253        195        58        29.7

Legal

     404        143        261        182.5

Other real estate loss/(gain) on sale and writedowns

     (13      10        (23      (230.0 %) 

Other

     1,032        1,049        (17      1.6
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Total non-interest expense

   $ 11,626      $ 9,141      $ 2,485        27.2
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

44


Table of Contents

Overall, our non-interest expenses in 2020 increased $2.5 million from 2019, or a 27.2% increase, primarily due to expenses related to the completion of our core processing system conversion of $1.1 million and the required recognition of our stock offering expenses of $507,000 which were primarily legal expenses, as a result of the delay in proceeding and changing the form of the conversion to a standard mutual-to-stock conversion from a mutual holding company reorganization. Salaries and employee benefits expense increased primarily due to the increased variable compensation paid to the mortgage lenders as a result of increased mortgage loan closings. Our audit and examination expense increased to $436,000 or 37.1% from 2019 to 2020 due to increased costs in anticipation of the mutual to stock conversion, registering shares of the Company’s common stock with the SEC, the listing of the Company’s common stock with NASDAQ and the subsequent reporting requirements to which the Company will be subject.

In connection with the delay of our stock offering in 2020, our legal fees increased 182.5% which was partially offset by a decrease in our consulting and advisory fees by 59.2%. Had the stock offering proceeded in 2020 as originally planned, most of these fees would have been instead treated as offering expenses and deducted from the gross proceeds. Occupancy and equipment expense also increased in part due to these investments we made in new technology and services in order to increase operational efficiencies and provide product and service enhancement, which also resulted in an increase in data processing fees in connection with the conversion, which were up 10.4% in 2020 from 2019.

Upon consummation of the conversion and stock offering, we expect noninterest expense to increase because of the costs associated with operating as a public company, including the expected hiring of additional accounting personnel, and the increased compensation expenses associated with the expensing of the purchase of shares of common stock by our employee stock ownership plan and the possible implementation of a stock-based benefit plan, if approved by our stockholders.

Income Tax Expense. We incurred income tax expense of $40,000 and $367,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, resulting in effective rates of 11.4% and 23.3%, respectively. The decrease in tax expense and change in the effective tax rate resulted from a $1.2 million, or 77.9%, decrease in pre-tax income to $347,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 from $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Management of Market Risk

General. Our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk because, as a financial institution, the majority of our assets and liabilities are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Therefore, a principal part of our operations is to manage interest rate risk and limit the exposure of our financial condition and results of operations to changes in market interest rates. Our Asset/Liability Management Committee is responsible for evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate, given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the policy and guidelines approved by our board of directors. We currently utilize a third-party modeling program, prepared on a quarterly basis, to evaluate our sensitivity to changing interest rates, given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the board of directors.

We have sought to manage our interest rate risk in order to minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. We have implemented the following strategies to manage our interest rate risk:

 

   

growing the loan portfolio, with a focus on commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans, in accordance with TC Federal Bank’s risk appetite, while operating in a safe and sound manner;

 

   

increasing the diversification of our loan portfolio; and

 

   

growing our level of core deposits.

By following these strategies, we believe that we are better positioned to react in increased in market interest rates. Beginning in the calendar year 2020, we introduced adjustable-rate, one- to four-family residential real estate loans (in addition to our existing home equity loans and lines of credit, which are originated with adjustable interest rates), and we expect to increase our investment securities portfolio, with an average maturity of less than 15 years. In addition, we generally only originate fixed-rate residential mortgage loans for sale into the secondary mortgage market.

Net Interest Income. We analyze our sensitivity to changes in interest rates through an interest rate risk model, developed by a third-party provider. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. We estimate what our net interest income would be for a 12-month period. We then calculate what the net interest income would be for the same period under the assumptions that the United States Treasury yield curve increases instantly by up to 400 basis points or decreases instantly by up to 200 basis points, in 100 point increments, with changes in interest rates representing immediate and permanent, parallel shifts in the yield curve. A basis point equals one-hundredth of one percent, and 100 basis points equals one percent. An increase in interest rates from 3% to 4% would mean, for example, a 100 basis point increase in the “Change in Interest Rates” column below.

 

45


Table of Contents

The table below sets forth, as of December 31, 2020, the calculation of the estimated changes in our net interest income that would result from the designated immediate changes in the United States Treasury yield curve.

 

Change in Interest Rates

(basis points) (1)

   Net Interest Income
Year 1 Forecast
     Year 1 Change
from Level
 
(Dollars in thousands)  

+400

   $ (1,285      (11.75 )% 

+300

     (756      (6.92 )% 

+200

     (654      (5.98 )% 

+100

     (413      (3.78 )% 

Level

     —          —    

-100

     (78      (0.71 )% 

-200

     (78      (0.71 )% 

 

(1) 

Assumes an immediate uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.

Economic Value of Equity. We also compute amounts by which the net present value of our assets and liabilities (economic value of equity or “EVE”) would change in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates. This model uses a discounted cash flow analysis and an option-based pricing approach to measure the interest rate sensitivity of net portfolio value. The model estimates the economic value of each type of asset, liability and off-balance sheet contract under the assumptions that the United States Treasury yield curve increases or decreases instantaneously by 200 basis point increments, with changes in interest rates representing immediate and permanent, parallel shifts in the yield curve.

The tables below set forth, as of December 31, 2020, the estimated changes in our economic value of equity, or EVE, that would result from the designated instantaneous changes in market interest rates. Computations of prospective effects of hypothetical interest rate changes are based on numerous assumptions including relative levels of market interest rates, loan prepayments and deposit decay, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results.

 

            Estimated Increase (Decrease) in EVE     EVE as a Percentage of Present
value of Assets(3)
 

Basis Point (“bp”) Change in Interest Rates(1)

   Estimated EVE(2)      Amount     Percent     EVE
Ratio(4)
    Increase
(Decrease)
(Basis Points)
 
     (Dollars in thousands)              

+400

   $ 40,813      $ 11,478       39.13     12.37     419  

+300

     41,634        12,299       41.93       12.33       415  

+200

     40,390        11,055       37.69       11.70       352  

+100

     36,538        7,203       24.55       10.37       219  

Level

     29,335        —         —         8.18       —    

-100

     16,388        (12,947     (44.13     4.56       (362

-200

     14,110        (15,225     (51.90     3.92       (426

 

(1) 

Assumes an instantaneous uniform change in interest rates at all maturities.

(2) 

EVE is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts.

(3) 

Present value of assets represents the discounted value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets.

(4) 

EVE Ratio represents EVE divided by the present value of assets.

The table above indicates that at December 31, 2020, in the event of an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point increase in interest rates, we would experience a 37.69% increase in economic value of equity, and in the event of an instantaneous 200 basis point decrease in interest rates, we would experience a 51.90% decrease in economic value of equity. At December 31, 2019, in the event of an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point increase in interest rates, we would experience a 4.35% decrease in economic value of equity, and in the event of an instantaneous 200 basis point decrease in interest rates, we would experience a 42.17% decrease in economic value of equity.

 

 

46


Table of Contents

Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes require making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. In this regard, the net interest income and economic value of equity tables presented assume that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the net interest income and EVE tables provide an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates on net interest income and EVE and will differ from actual results. Furthermore, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Additionally, certain assets have features that restrict changes in interest rates both on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset.

Interest rate risk calculations also may not reflect the fair values of financial instruments. For example, decreases in market interest rates can increase the fair values of our loans, deposits and borrowings.

Liquidity and Capital Resources. Liquidity describes our ability to meet the financial obligations that arise in the ordinary course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of our customers and to fund current and planned expenditures. Our primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and securities, proceeds from the sale of loans, and proceeds from maturities of securities. We also have the ability to borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. At December 31, 2020, we had $19.2 million in borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, and had $9.5 million outstanding as of December 31, 2020. In addition, we have $18.3 million in unsecured federal funds lines of credit through our correspondent banks and $9.9 million secured borrowing capacity through the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. No amounts were outstanding on these lines of credit at December 31, 2020.

While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. Our most liquid assets are cash and short-term investments including interest-bearing demand deposits. The levels of these assets are dependent on our operating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period.

Our cash flows are comprised of three primary classifications: cash flows from operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. Net cash used in operating activities was $647,644 and $516,670 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities, which consists primarily of disbursements for loan originations and the purchase of securities, offset by principal collections on loans, proceeds from the sale of securities and proceeds from maturing securities and pay downs on mortgage-backed securities, was $8.9 million and $11.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Net cash provided by financing activities, consisting primarily of activity in deposit accounts, was $27.2 million and $23.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

We are committed to maintaining a strong liquidity position. We monitor our liquidity position on a daily basis. We anticipate that we will have sufficient funds to meet our current funding commitments. Based on our deposit retention experience and current pricing strategy, we anticipate that a significant portion of maturing time deposits will be retained.

At December 31, 2020, we exceeded all of our regulatory capital requirements, and we were categorized as well capitalized at December 31, 2020 and 2019. Management is not aware of any conditions or events since the most recent notification that would change our category. See “Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance.”

 

47


Table of Contents

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations

Commitments. As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans we make. At December 31, 2020, we had outstanding commitments to originate loans of $30.3 million. We anticipate that we will have sufficient funds available to meet our current lending commitments. Certificates of deposit that are scheduled to mature in less than one year from December 31, 2020 totaled $33.9 million. As a result of the current interest rate environment, a significant portion of funds have moved from certificate accounts to money market accounts, which provides the customer more flexibility and liquidity. The bank reduced both certificates of deposit and money market account rates accordingly. Management expects that a substantial portion of the maturing certificates of deposit will be renewed. If a substantial portion of these deposits is not retained, we may utilize Federal Home Loan Bank advances or raise interest rates on deposits to attract new deposits, which may result in higher levels of interest expense.

Contractual Obligations. In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include data processing services, operating leases for premises and equipment, agreements with respect to borrowed funds and deposit liabilities.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Please refer to Note 1 to the Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 beginning on page F-1 for a description of recent accounting pronouncements that may affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Price

The financial statements and related data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP which requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The primary impact of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates, generally, have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than does inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

 

48


Table of Contents

BUSINESS OF TC BANCSHARES, INC.

We have not engaged in any business to date. Upon completion of the conversion and offering, we will own all of the issued and outstanding common stock of TC Federal Bank. We intend to retain up to 50% of the net proceeds from the offering. A portion of the net proceeds we retain will be used to make a loan to fund the purchase of shares of our common stock by the TC Federal Bank employee stock ownership plan. We intend to invest our capital as discussed in “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering.”

In the future, TC Bancshares, Inc., as the holding company of TC Federal Bank, will be authorized to pursue other business activities permitted by applicable laws and regulations for bank holding companies, which may include the acquisition of banking and financial services companies. At the present time, we have no plans for any mergers or acquisitions, or other diversification of the activities of TC Bancshares, Inc.

Our cash flow will depend on earnings from the investment of the net proceeds we retain, and any dividends received from TC Federal Bank. Initially, TC Bancshares, Inc. will neither own nor lease any property, but will instead use the premises, equipment and furniture of TC Federal Bank. At the present time, we intend to employ only persons who are officers of TC Federal Bank to serve as officers of TC Bancshares, Inc. We will also use the support staff of TC Federal Bank from time to time. These persons will not be separately compensated by TC Bancshares, Inc. TC Bancshares, Inc. may hire additional employees, as appropriate, to the extent it expands its business in the future.

BUSINESS OF TC FEDERAL BANK

General

Thomas County Federal Savings & Loan Association was organized in 1934 and chartered in 1937 by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board as a mutual savings and loan association owned 100% by its depositors. Effective January 1, 2018, we amended our corporate name to TC Federal Bank. We conduct our business from our main office in Thomasville, Georgia, a branch office and a residential mortgage center in Tallahassee, Florida and a commercial LPO in Savannah, Georgia. The bank provides a variety of services to individual and commercial customers in its market area. Our Savannah LPO has accounted for a significant portion of loan production and provided a loan portfolio of $48.8 million as of December 31, 2020.

Our primary deposit products are personal checking accounts, business checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. Our lending products include single-family residential loans, home equity lines of credit, consumer loans, commercial and multi-family residential real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, construction loans, land development loans and SBA/USDA guaranteed loans. We are primarily regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and our deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). We undergo periodic examinations by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Our executive office is located at 131 South Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia 31792, and our telephone number at this address is (229) 226-3221. Our mailing address is PO Box 1197, Thomasville, Georgia 31799. Our website address is www.tcfederal.com. Information on our website should not be considered a part of this prospectus.

Market Area

Our headquarters is located in Thomasville, Georgia, which is approximately 35 miles north of Tallahassee, 225 miles south of Atlanta, and 225 miles southwest of Savannah. We primarily serve retail and small business customers located in and around Thomasville, Georgia as well as Tallahassee, Florida and Savannah, Georgia, through our branch network, a commercial LPO located in Savannah, Georgia, and a residential mortgage center in Tallahassee, Florida. Executive management considers our primary markets to be demographically and socioeconomically attractive.

 

49


Table of Contents

Thomasville was founded in 1825, and serves as the county seat of Thomas County, Georgia. Thomasville is known for its award-winning downtown and preserved historical charm. The city of Thomasville deems itself the “City of Roses” as it plays host to an annual Rose Festival. In 2019, the most recent estimate available, Thomas County had an estimated total population of 44,451. The largest employers in Thomas County are the Archbold Medical Center, the Thomas County School System and the Thomasville City School System. Thomasville is home to Flowers Foods (NYSE: FLO), the second largest baking company in the nation, and Archbold Medical Center, a four hospital, three nursing home health system with state-of-the-art facilities. Thomasville’s economy focuses on healthcare and educational services, but also has significant manufacturing, retail and tourism industries.

Tallahassee is the capital city of Florida and is the county seat of Leon County, Florida. Established as the capital in 1824, Tallahassee is home to museums, parks, and universities, including Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee Community College which collectively have approximately 80,000 students. In 2019, the most recent estimate available, Leon County had an estimated total population of 293,582. The largest employers in Leon County are the State of Florida, Florida State University and Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, Inc. The greater Tallahassee area has the fastest growing economy per capita in Florida. Government and educational services are the central focus of Tallahassee’s economy, although professional, scientific and technical services, drawing on the highly educated population, play an important role as well.

Savannah is the oldest city in the state of Georgia and is the county seat of Chatham County, Georgia. Savannah is an important industrial center and significant seaport. The Savannah Historical District is a popular tourism destination. In 2019, the most recent estimate available, Chatham County had an estimated total population of 289,430. The largest employers in Chatham County are Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Memorial Health University Medical Center and Savannah-Chatham County Board of Education. Savannah’s diverse economy consists of tourist attractions and retail shops, jet manufacturer Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a major seaport an army airbase, and health and educational services. The port of Savannah is home to the largest single-terminal container facility of its kind in North America and is the third fastest growing port in the nation.

We believe that we have developed products and services that will meet the financial needs of our current and future customer base; however, we plan, and believe it is necessary, to expand the range of products and services that we offer to be more competitive in our market area. Marketing strategies focus on the depth of our knowledge of local consumer and small business markets, as well as expanding relationships with current customers and reaching out to develop new, profitable business relationships.

Competition

We face competition within our market areas both in making loans and attracting deposits. Our market area has a concentration of financial institutions that include large money center and regional banks, community banks and credit unions. We also face competition from savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies and credit unions and, with respect to deposits, from money market funds, brokerage firms, mutual funds and insurance companies. As of June 30, 2020 (the most recent date for which data is available), our market share of deposits represented approximately 14% of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-insured deposits in Thomas County, ranking us third in market share of deposits out of six institutions operating in the county. TC Federal Bank’s deposit market share in Leon County is less than 1%, reflecting Leon Count’s much more competitive environment.

Lending Activities

General. Since the early 2000’s, the bank has sought a diversified loan portfolio. The bank grants loans and extensions of credit to individuals and a variety of small businesses in its market areas. The bank’s loan portfolio generally consists of one- to four-family residential real estate loans, commercial and multi-family real estate loans, construction and land development loans, commercial and industrial loans and consumer loans.

 

50


Table of Contents

Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table presents information concerning the composition of our loan portfolio in dollar amounts and in percentages (before deductions for deferred fees and discounts and allowances for losses) as of the dates indicated.

 

     At December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent     Amount      Percent  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate loans:

                         

Residential

   $ 105,837        39.6   $ 109,604        44.1   $ 115,601        48.4   $ 99,131        46.3   $ 90,900        44.9

Home equity

     8,892        3.3     6,855        2.8     4,945        2.1     5,772        2.7     5,052        2.5 %

Multi-family

     15,141        5.7     17,074        6.9     17,056        7.1     10,294        4.8     10,112        5.0 %

Commercial

     72,718        27.2     78,151        31.4     73,385        30.7     60,662        28.4     69,724        34.4 %
       

 

 

                   

Construction and land development(*)

     29,983        11.2     23,428        9.4     18,214        7.6     29,199        13.7     21,744        10.7 %
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     232,571        86.9     235,112        94.6   $ 229,201        95.9     205,058        95.9     197,532        97.5

Consumer loans(**):

     5,372        2.0     4,313        1.7     2,233        0.9     1,225        0.6     1,305        0.7 %

Commercial and industrial loans:

     29,600        11.1     9,235        3.7     7,502        3.1     7.669        3.5     3,712        1.8
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans(***)

     267,543        100     $ 248,660        100.0   $ 238,936        100.0     213,952        100.0     202,549        100.0
     

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Less:

                                                          

Deferred fees and discounts

     1,101          624          517          373          314     

Allowance for loan losses

     4,086          3,065          3,186          3,470          4,857     
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total loans receivable, net

     262,356        $ 244,971        $ 235,233      $ 210,109        $ 197,378     
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

    

 

(*) 

Excludes loans-in-process; at December 31, 2020 loans-in-process amounted to $15.1 million.

(**) 

In 2019, consists primarily of savings secured and personal loans.

(***)

Excludes loans held for sale.

 

51


Table of Contents

Contractual Maturities. The following table sets forth certain information at December 31, 2020 regarding the dollar amount of loans maturing in our portfolio based on their contractual terms to maturity, but does not include scheduled payments or potential prepayments. Loans with scheduled maturities are reported in the maturity category in which the payment is due. Demand loans with no stated maturity and overdrafts are reported in the “due one year or less” category. Loans that have adjustable rates are shown as amortizing to final maturity rather than when the interest rates are next subject to change. Loan balances do not include undisbursed loan proceeds, unearned discounts, unearned income and the allowance for loan losses.

 

     Real Estate  
     Residential      Home Equity      Multi-family      Commercial      Construction
and
Land
Development
     Consumer      Commercial and
Industrial
     Total  
     (In thousands)  

Amounts Due in:

                       

One year or less(1)

   $  5,195      $  60      $  3,286      $  1,607      $  4,780      $ 170      $  550      $  15,648  

More than one to five years

     21,832        —          7,214        33,104        12,700        729        21,928        97,507  

More than five to ten years

     13,919        1,470        1,464        21,776        6,099        4,463        6,228        55,419  

More than ten years

     64,892        7,362        3,176        16,231        6,404        10        894        98,969  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $  105,838      $  8,892    $  15,140      $  72,718    $  29,983      $  5,372      $  29,600      $  267,543  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes demand loans, loans having no stated maturity and overdraft loans.

The total amount of loans due after December 31, 2021 which have pre-determined or fixed interest rates is $81.0 million, while the total amount of loans due after this date which have floating or adjustable interest rates is $186.0 million. The following table shows the dollar amount of all loans as of December 31, 2020 contractually due after December 31, 2021, as shown in the table above, which have fixed interest rates or which have floating or adjustable interest rates.

 

     Due after December 31, 2021  
     Fixed-Rate      Floating or
Adjustable-Rate
     Total  
     (In thousands)  

Residential

   $ 40,246      $ 60,396      $ 100,643  

Home equity

     —          8,832        8,832  

Multi-family residential

     576        11,279        11,854  

Commercial real estate

     16,878        54,233        71,111  

Construction and land development

     12,271        12,932        25,203  

Commercial and industrial

     358        4,844        5,202  

Consumer

     2,204        26,846        29,050  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 72,533      $ 179,362      $ 251,895  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Lending. At December 31, 2020, we had $105.8 million of loans secured by one- to four-family real estate, representing 39.6 % of our total loan portfolio. Of the total $105.8 million of loans secured by one- to four-family real estate, $39.0 million of loans are secured by non-owner-occupied properties, with the remaining $66.8 million of loans secured by owner-occupied properties. Generally, non-owner-occupied loans are originated as balloon loans, generally five to seven years, with an amortization period up to 20 years. In recent years, we have also originated single-family owner-occupied loans for sale in the secondary market, and we intend to continue this activity to generate fee income. We currently generally only originate owner-occupied fixed-rate loans for sale into the secondary market.

 

52


Table of Contents

Our one- to four-family owner-occupied residential real estate loans are generally underwritten to internal guidelines and/or that of our investors. We generally follow documentation practices of Fannie Mae guidelines. The significant majority of our one- to four-family residential real estate loans are secured by properties located in our primary market area.

Our one-to-four family non-owner-occupied residential real estate loans are underwritten per internal guidelines. We consider a number of factors in originating non-owner-occupied residential real estate loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower, including credit history, profitability and expertise, as well as the value and condition of the property securing the loan. When evaluating the qualifications of the borrower, we consider the financial resources of the borrower and its related entities, the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower’s payment history with us and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, the factors we consider include the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the mortgaged property, the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to debt service), and underlying leases. Personal guarantees are generally obtained from the principals of the asset owning entities.

We generally limit the loan-to-value ratios of our one- to four-family residential mortgage loans to 85% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is lower. In addition, we occasionally make one- to four-family residential mortgage loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 85% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less, if the borrower obtains private mortgage insurance.

Our one- to four-family owner-occupied residential real estate loans typically have terms of up to 30 years. Our adjustable-rate loans typically have five to ten year fixed interest periods and then adjust annually tied to the one-year constant maturity U.S. treasury plus a margin with amortization terms of up to 30 years.

Our one-to-four family non-owner-occupied residential real estate loans typically have fixed rates and have balloon terms of five to seven years but with amortization schedules of up to 20 years.

We offer two different home equity lines of credit, one with an interest only option with a ten-year term and another with a 15-year term that requires a principal payment of 1% of the outstanding balance plus interest. These loans are limited primarily to borrowers’ personal primary residences and to those borrowers who reside within our primary market area with acceptable credit ratings. These loans can be secured either by a first or second lien position. At December 31, 2020, our home equity loans totaled $8.9 million, or 3.3% of gross loans.

We do not offer “interest only” mortgage loans on permanent one- to four-family residential real estate loans (where the borrower pays interest for an initial period, after which the loan converts to a fully amortizing loan). We also do not offer loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on the loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. We do not offer “subprime loans” on one- to four-family residential real estate loans (i.e., generally loans to borrowers with credit scores less than 620).

Commercial and Multi-Family Real Estate Loans. Our commercial real estate loans are secured by office buildings, farms, retail and mixed-use properties, churches, warehouses and restaurants, substantially all located in our market areas. Our multi-family real estate loans are secured by apartments, mobile home parks or other multi-family properties, substantially all located in our market areas. At December 31, 2020, we had $72.7 million in commercial real estate loans, representing 27.2% of our total loan portfolio. In addition, we had $15.1 million of multi-family residential real estate loans. At December 31, 2020, our commercial real estate loans had an average principal balance of $627,000 and our multi-family loans had an average principal balance of $636,000.

Most of our commercial real estate loans are balloon loans with a five to seven year initial term and a 20-year amortization period, although we do originate loans that fully amortize over 20 years with certain financial covenants in the loan agreements that would trigger an event of default. The maximum loan-to-value ratio of our commercial real estate loans is generally 80%. All of our commercial real estate loans are subject to our underwriting procedures and guidelines. At December 31, 2020, our two largest commercial real estate loans were both for $3.0 million. The first loan is secured by an 811-unit mini-warehouse facility in Montgomery, Alabama. The second loan is secured by a strip center in Pooler, Georgia that is occupied by local tenants including a Dunkin

 

53


Table of Contents

Donut franchise and AT&T. This loan was originated for $3.6 million, and we sold a $620,000 participation to reduce our exposure to a single asset of $3.0 million. These loans were performing in accordance with their terms at December 31, 2020. Four years ago, we initiated a policy to manage concentration risk whereas we would limit our total exposure to a single piece of collateral property to $3.0 million and our exposure to a related entity aggregate debt of $5.0 million. There are a few legacy loans that exceed these current limits, and one loan has been originated that exceeded the limit to an individual property since implementation. This loan is an SBA 504 loan structure that results in a loan-to-value ratio of less than 55%.

We consider a number of factors in originating commercial real estate loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower, including credit history, profitability and expertise, as well as the value and condition of the property securing the loan. When evaluating the qualifications of the borrower, we consider the financial resources of the borrower and its related entities, the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower’s payment history with us and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, the factors we consider include the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the mortgaged property, the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to debt service), and the composition of the tenants and underlying leases. The significant majority of our commercial real estate loans are appraised by outside independent appraisers approved by the board of directors, although we are only required to obtain independent appraisals on commercial real estate loans in amounts of $500,000 or greater if the property is income-producing property or $1,000,000 or greater if the property is owner-occupied. Personal guarantees are generally obtained from the principals of commercial real estate borrowers.

Construction and Land Development Loans. We make construction loans, primarily to individuals for the construction of their primary or secondary residences or commercial structures, as well as loans to contractors and builders of single-family homes. We also make a limited amount of land development loans to complement our construction lending activities, as such loans are generally secured by lots that will be used for residential development. Land development loans also include loans secured by land purchased for investment purposes. At December 31, 2020, our construction loans totaled $30.0 million, representing 11.2% of our total loan portfolio, and included $2.1 million of land development loans. At that date, we also had $15.1 million of construction loans in process. At December 31, 2020, $5.0 million of our single-family construction loans were to individuals and $4.6 million were to contractors and builders.

While we may originate loans to contractors and builders whether or not the collateral property underlying the loan is under contract for sale, we consider each project carefully in light of current residential real estate market conditions. We actively monitor the number of unsold homes in our construction loan portfolio and local housing markets to attempt to maintain an appropriate balance between home sales and new loan originations. We generally will limit the maximum number of speculative units (units that are not pre-sold) approved for each builder. We have attempted to attenuate the risk inherent in speculative construction lending by doing business with experienced small and mid-sized builders within our market area.

We also originate construction loans for commercial development projects, including retail buildings, churches, small industrial, hotels and office buildings. Most of our construction loans are interest-only loans that provide for the payment of interest during the construction phase, which is usually up to 12 months. At the end of the construction phase, the loan may convert to a permanent mortgage loan or the loan may be paid in full. Construction loans generally can be made with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% of the estimated appraised market value upon completion of the project. Before making a commitment to fund a construction loan, we require an appraisal of the property by an independent licensed appraiser. We also require inspections of the property before disbursements of funds during the term of the construction loan.

At December 31, 2020, our largest construction and land development loan exposure to any one borrower was $3.25 million which related to a $10.5 million loan commitment. The remaining exposure of this loan will be paid out through the SBA 504 program in the amount of $4.0 million, and through another financial institution in the amount of $3.25 million as a participation. As of December 31, 2020, $8.5 million was outstanding on this loan. This loan was originated in 2019 and is secured by improved commercial owner-occupied property and contiguous out parcels. This loan was performing according to its terms at December 31, 2020.

 

54


Table of Contents

Commercial and Industrial Loans. We make commercial and industrial loans, primarily in our market area, to a variety of professionals, sole proprietorships and small businesses. These loans are generally secured by business assets, and we may support this collateral with junior liens on real property. At December 31, 2020, commercial and industrial loans were $29.6 million, or 11.1% of our gross loans held for investment. As part of our relationship driven focus, we encourage our commercial borrowers to maintain their primary deposit accounts with us, which enhances our interest rate spread and margin. This year, our commercial and industrial loan portfolio was inflated due to our participation in the PPP loan program. During 2020, the bank originated 307 PPP loans totaling $25.1 million. We began receiving SBA forgiveness payments towards the end of the year, and our PPP loan portfolio had been reduced to 254 loans totaling $17.9 million at December 31, 2020.

Commercial lending products include term loans and revolving lines of credit. Commercial loans and lines of credit are made with either adjustable or fixed rates of interest. Adjustable rates and fixed rates are based on the Wall Street Journal prime rate or the constant maturity treasury, plus a margin. We are focusing our efforts on experienced, growing small- to medium-sized, privately-held companies with solid historical financial performance and projected cash flow that operate in our market areas.

When making commercial and industrial loans, we consider the financial statements of the borrower and its related entities, our lending history with the borrower, the debt service capabilities and global cash flows of the borrower and other guarantors, the projected cash flows of the business and the value of the collateral, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment. Depending on the collateral used to secure the loans, commercial and industrial loans are made in amounts of up to 75% of the value of the collateral securing the loan. All of these loans are secured by assets of the respective borrowers.

Our largest commercial and industrial loan at December 31, 2020 totaled $4.2 million, was originated in December, 2020 to a development to fund a Qualified Opportunity Zone Fund and is secured by a bank deposit account. At December 31, 2020, this loan was performing in accordance with its terms.

Consumer Loans. We offer a limited range of consumer loans, principally to customers residing in our primary market areas with other relationships with us and with acceptable credit ratings. Our consumer loans generally consist of loans secured by deposit accounts, loans on new and used automobiles and unsecured personal loans. At December 31, 2020, consumer and other loans were $5.4 million, or 2.0% of gross loans held for investment.

Loan Underwriting Risks

Commercial Real Estate Loans. Loans secured by commercial real estate generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than one- to four-family residential real estate loans. The primary concern in commercial real estate lending is the borrower’s creditworthiness and the feasibility and cash flow potential of the project. Payments on loans secured by income properties often depend on successful operation and management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to a greater extent than residential real estate loans, to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. To monitor cash flows on income properties, we require borrowers and loan guarantors to provide annual financial statements on commercial real estate loans. In reaching a decision on whether to make a commercial real estate loan, we consider and review a global cash flow analysis of the borrower and consider the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability and the value of the underlying property. We have generally required that the properties securing these real estate loans have an aggregate debt service ratio, including the guarantor’s cash flow and the borrower’s other projects, of at least 1.20x. An environmental phase one report is obtained when the possibility exists that hazardous materials may have existed on the site, or the site may have been impacted by adjoining properties that handled hazardous materials.

If we foreclose on a commercial real estate loan, the marketing and liquidation period to convert the real estate asset to cash can be lengthy with substantial holding costs. In addition, vacancies, deferred maintenance, repairs and market stigma can result in prospective buyers expecting sale price concessions to offset their real or perceived economic losses for the time it takes them to return the property to profitability. Depending on the individual circumstances, initial charge-offs and subsequent losses on commercial real estate loans can be unpredictable and substantial.

 

55


Table of Contents

Commercial and Industrial Loans. Unlike residential real estate loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment or other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial and industrial loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Our commercial and industrial loans are originated primarily based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most often, this collateral consists of accounts receivable, inventory or equipment, including rolling stock. Credit support provided by the borrower for most of these loans is based on the liquidation of the pledged collateral and enforcement of a personal guarantee, if any. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial and industrial loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself.

Construction and Land Development Loans. Our construction loans are based upon estimates of costs and values associated with the completed project, along with the marketability of the completed project. Underwriting is focused on the borrower’s financial strength, credit history and demonstrated ability to produce a quality product and effectively market and manage their operations.

Construction lending involves additional risks when compared with permanent lending because funds are advanced upon the security of the project, which is of uncertain value prior to its completion. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation of real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. To mitigate this uncertainty, we generally require a third party inspection of the construction contracts or budgets on loans of over $1.0 million to assure reasonableness and ability to complete the project for the stated amount. In addition, generally during the term of a construction loan, interest may be funded by the borrower or disbursed from an interest reserve set aside from the construction loan budget. These loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property or obtain permanent take-out financing, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If the appraised value of a completed project proves to be overstated, we may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project and may incur a loss.

Balloon Loans. Although balloon mortgage loans may reduce to an extent our vulnerability to changes in market interest rates because they reprice at the end of the term, the ability of the borrower to renew or repay the loan and the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected if real estate values decline prior to the expiration of the term of the loan or in a rising interest rate environment.

Adjustable-Rate Loans. Adjustable-rate loans better offset the adverse effects of an increase in interest rates as compared to fixed-rate loans, an increased monthly payment required of adjustable-rate loan borrowers in a rising interest rate environment could cause an increase in delinquencies and defaults. The marketability of the underlying collateral also may be adversely affected in a high interest rate environment.

Consumer Loans. Consumer loans may entail greater risk than residential real estate loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or secured by assets that depreciate rapidly, such as motor vehicles. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and a small remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. Consumer loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are likely to be adversely affected by various factors, including 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 that can be recovered on such loans.

 

56


Table of Contents

Originations, Purchases and Sales of Loans

Lending activities are conducted by our loan personnel operating at our main and branch office locations, our LPO and residential mortgage center. All loans originated by us are underwritten pursuant to our policies and procedures. We primarily originate hybrid ARM loans and fixed-rate balloon loans and, to a lesser extent, fully amortized fixed-rate loans. Our ability to originate hybrid ARM loans and fixed-rate balloon loans or fully amortized fixed-rate loans is dependent upon relative customer demand for such loans, which is affected by current and expected future levels of market interest rates. We originate real estate and other loans through our loan officers, marketing efforts, our customer base, walk-in customers and referrals from real estate brokers, builders and attorneys.

TC Federal Bank will continue to evaluate purchasing or selling participation interests in loans. We underwrite our participation interest in the loan that we are purchasing according to our own underwriting criteria and procedures. At December 31, 2020, we had $1.9 million of committed funds for loan participation interests that we purchased, all of which had been funded. At December 31, 2020 we had $20.4 million related to loans for which we had sold participations, with $17.9 million of that being funded.

The following table shows total loans (excluding loans held for sale) originated, purchased, sold and repaid during the periods indicated.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (In thousands)  

Loan originations:(1)

     

Residential

   $ 21,320      $ 16,551      $ 26,322  

Home equity

     2,496        1,017        502  

Multi-family residential

     2,177        4,141        6,962  

Commercial real estate

     17,539        13,418        18,312  

Construction and land development

     12,796        10,959        10,119  

Commercial and industrial

     24,967        5,164        5,592  

Consumer

     4,745        627        1,376  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loan originations

     86,040        51,877        69,185  

Loans purchased (2)

     1,500        4,735        3,749  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans originated and acquired

     87,540        56,612        72,934  

Loans sold (3)

     5,425        3,483        350  

Loans transferred to real estate owned

     —          7        27  

Loan principal repayments

     63,232        43,078        47,403  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total loans sold and principal repayments

     68,657        46,568        47,780  

Decrease due to other items, net (4)

     —          (320      (170
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net increase in loan portfolio

   $ 18,883      $ 9,724      $ 24,984  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1)

Includes loan participations originated by TC Federal and sold to other lenders.

(2)

Participation interests in loans bought by TC Federal.

(3)

Participation interests in loans sold by TC Federal.

(4)

Other items consist of deferred fees and the allowance for loan losses. The December 31, 2019 balance consisted primarily of charged-off loans of $214,000.

In addition to originating loans for our own portfolio, we currently originate loans for sale to generate fee income. We sell residential loans through third-party loan servicers. At December 31, 2020, we held $2.9 million of loans for sale, and we sold $65.9 million of loans during the year ended December 31, 2020, all on a servicing-released basis, generating $1.2 million in fee income.

Loan Approval Procedures and Authority

Pursuant to federal law, the aggregate amount of loans that TC Federal Bank is permitted to make to any one borrower or a group of related borrowers is generally limited to 15% of TC Federal Bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus (25% if the amount in excess of 15% is secured by “readily marketable collateral” or 30% for certain residential development loans). At December 31, 2020, based on the 15% limitation, TC Federal Bank’s loans-to-one-borrower limit was approximately $6.6 million. On the same date, TC Federal Bank had a loan relationship with a developer in excess of this amount, but $4.2 million is secured by a deposit account at TC Federal Bank. This borrower’s total relationship was for $8.8 million. Multi-family properties secured $4.6 million of this total. These loans were performing in accordance with their terms as of December 31, 2020. Our loan-to-one borrower limitation will increase following the completion of the stock offering due to the additional capital TC Federal Bank will receive.

 

57


Table of Contents

Our lending is subject to written underwriting standards and origination procedures. Decisions on loan applications are made on the basis of detailed applications submitted by the prospective borrower, credit histories that we obtain, and property valuations (consistent with our appraisal policy) prepared by outside independent licensed appraisers approved by our board of directors as well as internal evaluations, where permitted by regulations. The loan applications are designed primarily to determine the borrower’s ability to repay the requested loan, and the more significant items on the application are verified through use of credit reports, bank statements and tax returns.

All loan approval amounts are based on the aggregate loans, including total balances of outstanding loans and the proposed loan to the individual borrower and any related entity. Each of our President/Chief Executive Officer and Chief Credit Officer have individual authorization to approve secured loans up to $750,000. These individuals can combine their authority to approve loans up to $1.5 million as long as the total relationship exposure does not exceed $3.0 million. Combined, our President/Chief Executive Officer, Chief Credit Officer and Senior Lending Officer can approve loans up to the legal lending limit of TC Federal Bank. The TC Federal Bank Board of Directors reviews credit decisions on a monthly basis.

Generally, we require title insurance or abstracts on our mortgage loans as well as fire and extended coverage casualty insurance in amounts at least equal to the principal amount of the loan or the value of improvements on the property, depending on the type of loan.

Delinquencies and Asset Quality

Delinquency Procedures. When a loan payment becomes 15 days past due, we contact the customer by mailing a late notice, and loan officers may contact their customers. If a loan payment becomes 30 days past due, we mail an additional late notice and a loan-specific letter written by a collection representative, and we also place telephone calls to the borrower. These loan collection efforts continue until a loan becomes 90 days past due, at which point we would refer the loan for foreclosure proceedings unless management determines that it is in the best interest of TC Federal Bank to work further with the borrower to arrange a workout plan. The foreclosure process would begin when a loan becomes 120 days delinquent. From time to time we may accept deeds in lieu of foreclosure.

Loans Past Due and Non-Performing Assets. Loans are reviewed on a regular basis. Management determines that a loan is impaired or non-performing when it is probable that at least a portion of the loan will not be collected in accordance with the original terms due to a deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower or the value of the underlying collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. When a loan is determined to be impaired, the measurement of the loan in the allowance for loan losses is based on present value of expected future cash flows, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral. Non-accrual loans are loans for which collectability is questionable and, therefore, interest on such loans will no longer be recognized on an accrual basis. All loans that become 90 days or more delinquent are placed on non-accrual status unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, unpaid accrued interest is fully reversed, and further payments are used to reduce the principal outstanding.

When we acquire real estate as a result of foreclosure, the real estate is classified as real estate owned. The real estate owned is recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Soon after acquisition, we order a new appraisal to determine the current market value of the property. Any excess of the recorded value of the loan satisfied over the market value of the property is charged against the allowance for loan losses, or, if the existing allowance is inadequate, charged to expense in the current period. After acquisition, all costs incurred in maintaining the property are expensed. Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property, however, are capitalized to the extent of estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell.

 

58


Table of Contents

A loan is classified as a troubled debt restructuring if, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, we grant a concession to the borrower that we would not otherwise consider. This usually includes a modification of loan terms, such as a reduction of the interest rate to below market terms, capitalizing past due interest or extending the maturity date and possibly a partial forgiveness of the principal amount due. Initially, such loans are on non-accrual. Interest income on restructured loans is accrued after the borrower demonstrates the ability to pay under the restructured terms through a sustained period of repayment performance, which is generally six consecutive months.

Delinquent Loans. The following table shows our delinquent loans and leases by the type of loan or lease and number of days delinquent as of December 31, 2020. The following table does not include loans placed on deferral during the pandemic pursuant to the CARES Act. Such loans are not deemed delinquent.

 

     Loans Delinquent For:  
     30-59 Days      60-89 Days      90 Days and Over      Total Loans Delinquent
30 Days or More
 
     Number      Amount      Number      Amount      Number      Amount      Number      Amount  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Real estate loans:

                       

Residential

     1      $ 41        4      $ 84        4      $ 197        9      $ 322  

Home equity

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Multi-family

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial

     —          —          —          —          1        1,339        1        1,339  

Construction and development

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total land loans

     1        41        4        84        5        1,536        10        1,661  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consumer

     —          —          —          —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial and industrial

     2        151        —          —          —          —          2        151  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

     3      $ 192        4      $ 84        5      $ 1,536      12      $ 1,812  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

59


Table of Contents

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

 

     December 31,  
   2020      2019      2018     2017     2016  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Non-accruing loans:

            

Residential

   $ 624      $ 905        1,093     $ 1,581     $ 1,425  

Home equity

     —          4        20       14       —    

Multi-family

     —          —          —         —         —    

Commercial

     1,339        1,621        120       —         —    

Construction and land development

     —          15        53       66       1  

Commercial and industrial

     —          —          —         —         —    

Consumer

     —          —          —         41       —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-accruing loans

     1,963        2,545        1,286       1,702     1,426
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accruing loans 90 days or more past due:

            

Residential

     16        46        —         —         —    

Home equity

     —          —          —         —         —    

Multi-family

     —          —          —         —         —    

Commercial

     —          —          —         —         —    

Construction

     —          —          —         —         —    

Commercial and industrial

     —          —          —         —         —    

Consumer

     —          —          —         —         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accruing loans 90 days or more past due

     16        46        —         —         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-performing loans (1)

     1,979        2,591        1,286       1,702     1,426  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Real estate owned, net (2)

     81        358        351       384     552  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-performing assets

   $ 2,060      $ 2,949      $ 1,637     $ 2,086     $ 1 978  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total accruing troubled debt restructurings

   $ 319      $ 246      $ 314     $ 464   $ 505  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-performing loans as a percentage of loans, gross

     0.74        1.04        0.54     0.80     0.70
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-performing loans as a percentage of total assets

     0.57        0.81        0.43     0.62     0.58
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets

     0.59        0.90        0.55     0.76     0.80
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) 

Non-performing loans consist of non-accruing loans plus accruing loans 90 days or more past due.

(2) 

Real estate owned balances are shown net of related loss allowances.

For the year ended December 31, 2020, gross interest income which would have been recorded had the non-accruing loans been current in accordance with their original terms amounted to $145,000. The amount that was included in interest income on such loans during the period was $4,000.

The largest loan in non-accrual status is a professional medical/surgical center facility with a book value of $1.3 million. This loan originated in August 2016 for $2.7 million as an SBA 7(a) loan with a 75% guaranty. The borrower went into default in September 2019, abandoning the building and the medical and office equipment. The loan has been charged down by $1.1 million to the current market value of the building and equipment less sales costs. The liquidation strategy has been to obtain a summary judgment against the borrower for the full value of the loan and then to foreclose the property and liquidate. Upon liquidation, the bank will apply to the SBA for its guaranty. The initial court hearing was delayed, as the Judge presiding over the case recused himself. A new hearing date has not been set.

Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets, such as debt and equity securities considered by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to be of lesser quality, as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss.” An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss allowance is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are designated as “special mention” by our management.

 

60


Table of Contents

When an insured institution classifies problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, it may establish general allowances in an amount deemed prudent by management to cover probable accrued losses. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to cover probable accrued losses associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies problem assets as “loss,” it is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge-off such amount. An institution’s determination as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances is subject to review by the regulatory authorities, which may require the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.

In connection with the filing of our periodic reports with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and in accordance with our classification of assets policy, we regularly review the problem loans in our portfolio to determine whether any loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations.

On the basis of this review of our assets, our classified and special mention assets at the dates indicated were as follows:

 

     At December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     (In thousands)  

Watch and special mention

   $ 9,042      $ 2,421      $ 4,464  

Substandard

     6,836        4,324        3,959  

Doubtful

     —          —          —    

Loss

     —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total classified and criticized assets

   $ 15,878      $ 6,745      $ 8,423  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

61


Table of Contents

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level which, in management’s judgment, is adequate to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance is based on management’s evaluation of the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the nature of the portfolio, credit concentrations, trends in historical loss experience, specific impaired loans, and economic conditions. Allowances for impaired loans are generally determined based on collateral values or the present value of estimated cash flows. Because of uncertainties associated with regional economic conditions, collateral values, and future cash flows on impaired loans, it is reasonably possible that management’s estimate of probable credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio and the related allowance may change materially in the near-term. The allowance is increased by a provision for loan losses, which is charged to expense and reduced by full and partial charge-offs, net of recoveries. Changes in the allowance relating to impaired loans are charged or credited to the provision for loan losses. The Asset Quality Committee’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance is based on various factors, including, but not limited to, an ongoing review and grading of loans, facts and issues related to specific loans, historical loan loss and delinquency experience, trends in past due and non-accrual loans, existing risk characteristics of specific loans or loan pools, the fair value of underlying collateral, current economic conditions and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect potential credit losses.

As an integral part of their examination process, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency periodically reviews our allowance for loan losses, and as a result of such reviews, we may have to adjust our allowance for loan losses. However, regulatory agencies are not directly involved in the process for establishing the allowance for loan losses as the process is our responsibility and any increase or decrease in the allowance is the responsibility of the Asset Quality Committee.

The following table sets forth an analysis of our allowance for loan losses at the dates and for the periods indicated.

 

     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Balance at beginning of period:

   $ 3,065     $ 3,186   $ 3,470     $ 4,857     $ 5,085  

Charge-offs:

     —         —         —         —         —    

Real estate loans:

     —         —         —         —         —    

Residential

     (3     (15     (21     (113     (191

Home equity

     (1     —         —         (3     (24

Multi-family

       —         —         —         —    

Commercial

     (63     (199     —         —         (34
        

 

 

   

Construction and land development

     (1     —         (4       (128
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     (68     (214     (25     (116     (377
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consumer loans

     —         —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commercial and industrial

     —         —         —         —         (401
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Charge offs

     (68     (214     (25     (116     (778
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Recoveries:

          

Real estate loans:

          

Residential

     123       21       186       16       59  

Home equity

     —         —         2       1       —    

Multi-family

           —         —         —         —    

Commercial

     —         —         2       441       155  

Construction and development

     32       38       38       57       80  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     155       59       228       515       294  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Consumer loans

     8       —         —         —         —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commercial and industrial

     146       34       63       74       72  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total recoveries

     309       93       291       589       366  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net charge-offs

     241       (121     266       473       (412

Additions (reductions) charged to operations

     780       —         (550     (1,860     184  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

   $ 4,086     $ 3,065     $ 3,186     $ 3,470   $ 4,857  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net (charge-offs) recoveries during the period to average loans outstanding during the period

     0.09     (0.05 )%      0.12     0.23     (0.21 )% 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance as a percentage of non-performing loans

     206.5     118.3     247.7     203.9     340.6
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Allowance as a percentage of total loans, net (end of period)

     1.5     1.2     1.3     1.6     2.4
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

62


Table of Contents

Allocation of Allowance for Loan Losses. The following tables set forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category and the percent of the loans in each category at the dates indicated. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.

The following table summarizes the distribution of the allowance for loan losses by category at the dates indicated.

 

     At December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018     2017     2016  
     Amount      Percent of
loans in
each
category to
total loans
    Amount      Percent of
loans in
each
category to
total loans
    Amount      Percent of
loans in each
category to
total loans
    Amount      Percent of
loans in each
category to
total loans
    Amount      Percent of
loans in
each
category to
total loans
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Allocated at end of period to:

                         

Real estate loans:

                         

Residential

     1,650        39.6       1,356        44.1       1,583        48.4       1,712        46.3       2,192        44.9  

Home equity

     —          3.3       97        2.8       68        2.1       100        2.7       122        2.5  

Multi-family

     325        5.6       293        6.9       275        7.1       298        4.8       281        5.0  

Commercial

     1,599        27.2       1,124        31.4       1,057        30.7       1,034        28.4       1,381        34.4  

Construction and land development

     404        11.2       194        9.4       202        7.6       325        13.6       655        10.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     3,978        86.9       3,064        94.6       3,185        95.9       3,469        95.8       4,631        97.5  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Consumer loans

     1        2.0       1        1.7       1        1.0       1        0.6       1        0.7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commercial and industrial loans

     107        11.1       —          3.7       —          3.1       —          3.6       225        1.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 4,086        100.0   $ 3,065        100.0   $ 3,186        100.0   $ 3,470        100.0   $ 4,857        100
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

63


Table of Contents

Investment Activities

General. The goals of our investment policy are to provide liquidity, meet pledging requirements, generate a reasonable rate of return, and minimize risk. Subject to loan demand, the potential uses of our liquidity and our interest rate risk analysis, we will increase the balance of our investment securities portfolio when we have excess liquidity. We expect to initially invest a substantial portion of the proceeds of the offering in short-term and other investments, including U.S. government securities.

Our investment policy was adopted by the board of directors and is reviewed annually by the board of directors. All investment decisions are made by our Asset/Liability Management Committee, consisting of our President/Chief Executive Officer, Chief Credit Officer, Chief Financial Officer, members of the board of directors, and other members of senior management. The Chief Financial Officer provides an investment schedule detailing the investment portfolio which is reviewed at least monthly by the Asset/Liability Management Committee.

Our current investment policy permits, with certain limitations: investments in U.S. Treasury securities; securities issued by the U.S. government and its agencies or government sponsored enterprises including mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) issued by Fannie Mae, Ginnie Mae and Freddie Mac; corporate and municipal bonds; certificates of deposit in other financial institutions; federal funds and money market funds.

The table below sets forth information regarding the composition of our securities portfolio and other investments at the dates indicated. At December 31, 2020, our securities portfolio did not contain securities of any issuer with an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of our equity capital, excluding those issued by the United States Government or its agencies.

 

     At December 31,  
     2020      2019      2018  
     Book
Value
     Fair
Value
     Book
Value
     Fair
Value
     Book
Value
     Fair
Value
 
     (In thousands)  

Securities available for sale:

                 

U.S. government and federal agency

   $  —        $  —        $  —        $  —        $  —        $  —    

State and municipal obligations

     —          —          —                 —          —    

Government sponsored mortgage-backed
securities

     5,944        6,281        9,791        9,941        22,577        22,140  

CMOs

     8,966        9,135        9,766        9,650        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other

     500        501        2,500        2,517        5,009        4,974  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total investment securities

   $  15,410      $  15,917      $  22,057      $  22,108      $  28,186    $  27.714  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

64


Table of Contents

Portfolio Maturities and Yields. The composition and maturities of our investment portfolio at December 31, 2020 are indicated in the following table. Maturities are based on the final contractual payment date and do not reflect the effect of scheduled principal repayments, prepayments, or early redemptions that may occur. As of December 31, 2020, no securities were held to maturity.

 

     One Year or Less     Over One Year to
Five Years
    Over Five to Ten Years     Over Ten Years     Total Securities  
     Amortized
Cost
     Weighted
Average
Yield
    Amortized
Cost
     Weighted
Average
Yield
    Amortized
Cost
     Weighted
Average
Yield
    Amortized
Cost
     Weighted
Average
Yield
    Amortized
Cost
     Weighted
Average
Yield
    Fair
Value
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Securities available for sale:

                           

U.S. government and federal agency

     —          —         —          —         —          —         —          —         —          —         —    

State and municipal obligations

     —          —         —          —         —          —         —          —         —          —         —    

Government sponsored mortgage-backed securities

          313        2.41     1,621        2.28     4,010        3.21     5,944        3.21     6,281  

Collateral Mortgage Obligations

               7,341        .88     1,625        0.50     8,966        0.81     9,135  

Other

   $ 500        3.06                    500        4.51     501  

U.S. government and federal agency

                           
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

Total securities available for sale

   $ 500        3.06   $ 313        2.41   $ 8,962        1.14   $ 5,635        2.42   $ 15,410        1.70   $ 15,917  
  

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

      

 

 

 

 

65


Table of Contents

Sources of Funds

General. Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funds for use in lending and investment activities. We also may use borrowings to supplement cash flow needs, lengthen the maturities of liabilities for interest rate risk purposes and to manage the cost of funds. In addition, we receive funds from scheduled loan payments, investment maturities and repayments, loan prepayments, retained earnings and income on earning assets. While scheduled loan payments and income on earning assets are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates, market conditions and levels of competition.

Deposits. Our deposits are generated primarily from our primary market area. Our primary deposit products are personal checking accounts, business checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. Deposit account terms vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the amount of time the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. We have accepted minimal brokered deposits in recent periods.

Interest rates paid, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties are established on a periodic basis. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market rates, liquidity requirements, rates paid by competitors and growth goals. We rely upon personalized customer service, long-standing relationships with customers, and the favorable image of TC Federal Bank in the community to attract and retain deposits. We also seek to obtain deposits from our commercial loan customers.

The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money market and other prevailing interest rates and competition. The variety of deposit accounts offered allows us to be competitive in obtaining funds and responding to changes in consumer demand. Based on experience, we believe that our deposits are relatively stable. However, the ability to attract and maintain deposits and the rates paid on these deposits, has been and will continue to be significantly affected by market conditions.

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of savings deposits in the various types of deposits programs we offered at the dates indicated.

 

     At December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  
     Amount      Percent
of Total
    Amount      Percent
of Total
    Amount      Percent
of Total
 
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Transaction and Savings Deposits:

               

Interest-bearing checking

   $ 56,800        19.3   $ 18,042        6.6   $ 16,217        6.4

Non-interest-bearing checking

     28,769        9.8       35,770        13.1       31,417        12.5  

Savings

     32,275        11.0       21,961        8.0       22,780        9.1  

Money market

     89,680        30.5       89,468        32.7       81,065        32.4  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total non-certificates

   $ 207,524        70.6   $ 165,241        60.4   $ 151,479        60.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Certificates:

               

0.00 – 1.00%

   $ 38,117        13.0   $ 2,966        1.1   $ 20,247        8.1

1.01 – 2.00%

     27,078        9.2       46,726        17.1       52,144        20.8  

2.01 – 3.00%

     21,306        7.2       57,773        21.1       26,256        10.5  

3.01 – 4.00%

     75        0.0       898        0.3       221        0.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total certificates

   $ 86,576        29.4   $ 108,363        39.6   $ 98,869        39.5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits

   $ 294,100        100.0   $ 273,604        100.0   $ 250,248        100.0
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

66


Table of Contents

The following table sets forth our total deposit activities for the periods indicated.

 

     Years Ended December 31,  
     2020     2019     2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Beginning balance

   $ 273,604     $ 250,344     $ 224,096  

Net deposits

     18,443       20,479       24,450  
      

 

 

 

Interest credited

     2,053       2,781       1,798  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 294,100     $ 273,604     $ 250,344  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase

   $ 20,496     $ 23,260     $ 26,248  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percent increase

     7.5     9.3     11.7
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The following table sets forth the rate and maturity information of our time deposit certificates at December 31, 2020.

 

     0.00-
1.00%
    1.01-
2.00%
    2.01-
3.00%
    3.01-
4.00%
    Total     Percent
of Total
 

Certificate accounts maturing in year ending:

            

December 31, 2021

   $ 30,192     $ 20,370     $ 17,073     $ 75     $ 68,246       78.8

December 31, 2022

     5,280       5,276       1,796       —         12 351       14.3  

December 31, 2023

     958       1,000       2,116       —         4,075       4.7  

Thereafter

     1,151       432       321       —         1,904       2.2  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 38,117     $ 27,078     $ 21,306     $ 75     $ 86,576       100.0
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Percent of total

     44.0     31.3     24.6     0.1     100.0  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

The following table indicates the amount of our certificates of deposit in amounts greater than $100,000 as of December 31, 2020 by time remaining until maturity.

 

Maturity         

Three Months

or Less

     Over
Three to Six
Months
     Over
Six to Twelve
Months
     Over
Twelve
Months
     Total  
(In thousands)  
$ 11,415      $ 6,381      $ 16,067        $8,501      $ 42,364  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

67


Table of Contents

Borrowings. As of December 31, 2020, we had $19.2 million in credit available with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta. In addition to the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta availability, we have three unsecured federal funds line of credit, in the aggregate amount of $18.3 million. No amount was outstanding on these lines of credit at or during the year ended December 31, 2020.

The following tables set forth information regarding our borrowing at the end of and during the periods indicated. The tables include both long- and short-term borrowings.

 

     At or For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2020     2019     2018  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

FHLB advances:

      

Average balance outstanding

   $ 9,667     $ 2,901     $ 3,177  

Maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period

   $ 12,769     $ 2,978     $ 3,803  

Balance outstanding at end of period

   $ 9,515     $ 2,825     $ 2,992  

Average interest rate during the period

     1.10     2.46     2.59

Weighted average interest rate at end of period

     0.86     2.41     2.47

 

68


Table of Contents

Properties

We currently conduct business from our main office, a full-service branch in Tallahassee, Florida, a commercial LPO in Savannah, Georgia and a residential mortgage center in Tallahassee, Florida. The following table sets forth the net book value of the land, building and leasehold improvements and certain other information with respect to our offices at December 31, 2020.

 

                   Net Book Value
of Property and
Leasehold
Improvements
     Amount of
Deposits
 

Description/Address

   Leased/Owned      Date of
Lease
Expiration
     (In thousands)  

Main Office

131 South Dawson Street

Thomasville, Georgia 31792

     Owned        N/A      $  2.067      $  221,663

Tallahassee Branch

2915-501 Kerry Forest Parkway

Tallahassee, Florida 32309

     Owned        N/A      $ 1,355      $ 72,437  

Savannah Commercial LPO

105 West Congress Street

Unit C

Savannah, Georgia 31401

     Leased        12/31/21      $ 21        N/A  

Residential Mortgage Center

2282 Killearn Center Boulevard, Suite B

Tallahassee, Florida 32308

     Leased        8/31/21        —          N/A  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

         $ 3,443      $ 294,100  
        

 

 

    

 

 

 

We believe that current facilities are adequate to meet our present and foreseeable needs, subject to possible future expansion.

Legal Proceedings

We are not involved in any pending legal proceedings as a defendant other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business. At December 31, 2020, we were not involved in any legal proceedings the outcome of which would be material to our financial condition or results of operations.

Expense and Tax Allocation

TC Federal Bank will enter into an agreement with TC Bancshares, Inc. to provide it with certain administrative support services for compensation not less than the fair market value of the services provided. In addition, TC Federal Bank and TC Bancshares, Inc. will enter into an agreement to establish a method for allocating and for reimbursing the payment of their consolidated tax liability.

Personnel

As of February 28, 2021 we had 54 full-time employees. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining group. Management believes that we have good working relations with our employees.

 

69


Table of Contents

TAXATION

TC Federal Bank is, and TC Bancshares, Inc. will be, subject to federal and state income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal and state taxation is intended only to summarize material income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank.

TC Federal Bank’s federal and state income tax returns have not been audited for the past five years.

Federal Taxation

Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, TC Federal Bank currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31. TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank will file a consolidated federal income tax return. The Small Business Protection Act of 1996 eliminated the use of the reserve method of accounting for income taxes on bad debt reserves by savings institutions. For taxable years beginning after 1995, TC Federal Bank has been subject to the same bad debt reserve rules as commercial banks. It currently utilizes the specific charge-off method under Section 582(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”).

Net Operating Loss Carryovers. Pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, net operating losses generated in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2021 may be carried back five years or carried forward indefinitely, and may be used to offset up to 100% of taxable income in each taxable year. Net operating losses generated in tax years beginning after December 31, 2020 may not be carried back, but may be carried forward indefinitely and used to offset up to 80% of taxable income in each taxable year. At December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank had $8.6 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards. The ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards to offset taxable income realized in the future can also be limited by other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. If, for example, TC Bancshares Inc. or TC Federal Bank were to experience an ownership change with respect to their stock (generally, a cumulative change of more than 50% in the ownership of a corporation’s stock over a three-year period) as a result of the conversion or issuances or transfers of stock in the future, their ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards may be further limited. While TC Federal Bank does not believe that the conversion will result in an ownership change that would put a limitation on its ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards, TC Federal Bank cannot provide any assurance that subsequent transfers or changes in the ownership of its stock or TC Bancshares Inc.’s stock will not result in limitations on its ability to utilize net operating losses.

Capital Loss Carryovers. A corporation cannot recognize capital losses in excess of capital gains generated. Generally, a financial institution may carry back capital losses to the preceding three taxable years and forward to the succeeding five taxable years. Any capital loss carryback or carryover is treated as a short-term capital loss for the year to which it is carried. As such, it is grouped with any other capital losses for the year to which carried and is used to offset any capital gains. Any undeducted loss remaining after the five-year carryover period is not deductible. At December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank had no capital loss carryovers.

Corporate Dividends. TC Bancshares, Inc. will generally exclude from its income 100% of dividends received from TC Federal Bank as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.

State Taxation

TC Federal Bank is treated as a financial institution under Georgia state income tax law. The state of Georgia subjects financial institutions to all state and local taxes in the same manner and to the same extent as other business corporations in Georgia. Additionally, depository financial institutions are subject to local business license taxes and a special occupation tax.

Consolidated Group Return. Georgia is not a unitary business state. Affiliated corporations that file a consolidated federal income tax return must file separate income tax returns unless they have prior approval or have been requested to file a consolidated return by the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Revenue.

 

70


Table of Contents

Net Operating Loss Carryovers. Generally, Georgia law conforms to federal law with respect to the treatment of net operating losses. However, Georgia law does not conform to the changes made to the federal treatment of net operating losses pursuant to the CARES Act. Thus, Georgia net operating losses generated in tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 may not be carried back to any preceding taxable year, but may be carried forward indefinitely and used to offset up to 80% of Georgia taxable income in any taxable year. At December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank had $8.6 million of Georgia net operating loss which can be carried forward.

Bank Tax Credit. All financial depositary institutions that conduct business or own property in Georgia are required to file a Georgia Financial Institutions Business Occupation Tax based on Georgia gross receipts. Any local license tax and state occupation tax paid a depository financial institution is credited dollar for dollar against any state corporate income tax liability of such institution for the tax year during which any such tax is paid. Any unused credits may be carried forward for five years. At December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank had $232,000 of bank tax credits available.

 

71


Table of Contents

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

General

As a federal savings bank, TC Federal Bank is subject to examination, supervision and regulation, primarily by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and, secondarily, by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) as deposits insurer. Prior to July 21, 2011, the Office of Thrift Supervision was TC Federal Bank’s primary federal regulator. However, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), which is discussed further below, eliminated the Office of Thrift Supervision and transferred the Office of Thrift Supervision’s functions relating to federal savings banks, including rulemaking authority, to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, effective July 21, 2011. The federal system of supervision and regulation establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which TC Federal Bank may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund.

TC Federal Bank is also regulated to a lesser extent by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, or the “Federal Reserve Board,” which governs the reserves to be maintained against deposits and other matters. In addition, TC Federal Bank is a member of and owns stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, which is one of the 11 regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System. TC Federal Bank’s relationship with its depositors and borrowers also is regulated to a great extent by federal law and, to a lesser extent, state law, including in matters concerning the ownership of deposit accounts and the form and content of TC Federal Bank’s loan documents.

TC Federal Bank has elected to operate as a “covered savings association” As a covered savings association, TC Federal Bank maintains its charter as a federal savings bank, but also has the power to engage in the same activities (including investment activities) as a national bank, subject to the same authorization, terms, and conditions as a national bank. Covered savings associations are subject to the federal savings association laws in the area of governance, consolidation, merger, dissolution, conservatorship and receivership. As a covered savings association, TC Federal Bank is not required to comply with the lending limits established by the Home Owners’ Loan Act that are applicable to federal savings associations.

As a bank holding company, TC Bancshares, Inc. will be subject to examination and supervision by, and be required to file certain reports with, the Federal Reserve Board. TC Bancshares, Inc. will also be subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws. The Federal Reserve Board has not introduced any corresponding regulations for treatment of holding companies of covered savings associations, so ambiguity remains regarding the ongoing treatment and regulation of such holding companies.

Set forth below are certain material regulatory requirements that are applicable to TC Federal Bank and TC Bancshares, Inc. This description of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on TC Federal Bank and TC Bancshares, Inc. Any change in these laws or regulations, whether by Congress or the applicable regulatory agencies, could have a material adverse impact on TC Bancshares, Inc., TC Federal Bank and their operations.

Dodd-Frank Act

As noted above, the Dodd-Frank Act made significant changes to the regulatory structure for depository institutions and their holding companies. However, the Dodd-Frank Act’s changes go well beyond that and affect the lending, investments and other operations of all depository institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act required the Federal Reserve Board to set minimum capital levels for both bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies that are as stringent as those required for the insured depository subsidiaries, and the components of Tier 1 capital for holding companies were restricted to capital instruments that were then currently considered to be Tier 1 capital for insured depository institutions. Subsequent regulations issued by the Federal Reserve Board generally exempted from these requirements bank and savings and loan holding companies of less than $3 billion of

 

72


Table of Contents

consolidated assets. The legislation also established a floor for capital of insured depository institutions that cannot be lower than the standards in effect upon passage, and directed the federal banking regulators to implement new leverage and capital requirements that take into account off-balance sheet activities and other risks, including risks relating to securitized products and derivatives. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act authorized the payment of interest on commercial checking accounts, effective July 21, 2011.

The Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions such as TC Federal Bank, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets. Banks and savings institutions with $10 billion or less in assets continue to be examined for compliance by their applicable bank regulators. The new legislation also weakened the federal preemption available for national banks and federal savings banks, and gave state attorneys general the ability to enforce applicable federal consumer protection laws.

The Dodd-Frank Act broadened the base for FDIC insurance assessments. Assessments are now based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution. The legislation also permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor, retroactive to January 1, 2008. The Dodd-Frank Act increased stockholder influence over boards of directors by requiring publicly traded companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments. The legislation also directed the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded. Further, the legislation required that originators of securitized loans retain a percentage of the risk for transferred loans, directed the Federal Reserve Board to regulate pricing of certain debit card interchange fees and contained a number of reforms related to mortgage origination.

Many provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act involve delayed effective dates and/or require implementing regulations. The implementation of the legislation is an ongoing process and the impact on operations cannot yet fully be assessed. However, there is a significant likelihood that the Dodd-Frank Act will result in an increased regulatory burden and compliance, operating and interest expense for TC Federal Bank and TC Bancshares, Inc.

Federal Banking Regulation

Business Activities. A federal savings bank derives its lending and investment powers from the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, and applicable federal regulations. Under these laws and regulations, TC Federal Bank may invest in mortgage loans secured by residential and commercial real estate, commercial business and consumer loans, certain types of debt securities and certain other assets, subject to applicable limits. However, as a covered savings association, TC Federal Bank is not subject to the qualified thrift lender test and the lending restrictions under the Home Owners’ Loan Act. Covered savings associations such as TC Federal Bank have the power and authority to engage in the same activities as a national bank. Prior to TC Federal Bank’s election to become a covered savings association, TC Federal Bank had authority to establish, subject to specified investment limits, service corporation subsidiaries that may engage in certain activities not otherwise permissible for TC Federal Bank, including real estate investment and securities and insurance brokerage. Upon election to become a covered savings association, TC Federal Bank was required to divest or discontinue subsidiaries, assets or activities that are not permissible for national banks, and no divestitures were required.

Examinations and Assessments. TC Federal Bank is primarily supervised by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. TC Federal Bank is required to file reports with and is subject to periodic examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. TC Federal Bank is required to pay assessments to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to fund the agency’s operations.

Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require FDIC-insured depository institutions, including federal savings banks, to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio, a total capital to risk-based assets and a Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. The existing capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015 and are the result of a final rule implementing regulatory amendments based on recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act.

 

73


Table of Contents

The capital standards require the maintenance of common equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and Total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, 6% and 8%, respectively. The regulations also establish a minimum required leverage ratio of at least 4% Tier 1 capital. Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital generally includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus Additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities). Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations. TC Federal Bank exercised the AOCI opt-out.

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, an institution’s assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests), are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risk deemed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one to four-family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.

In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, effective January 1, 2019 the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.

The FASB adopted a new credit loss accounting standard applicable to all banks, savings banks, credit unions, and financial holding companies, regardless of size and is effective for TC Federal Bank for our fiscal year beginning on January 1, 2023. The final rule allows for an optional three-year phase in of the day-one adverse effects on a bank’s regulatory capital. This Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) standard requires financial institutions to determine periodic estimates of lifetime expected credit losses on loans, and recognize the expected credit losses as allowances for loan losses.

Federal regulations establish minimum capital requirements for insured depository institutions, including minimum risk-based capital and leverage ratios and define what constitutes “capital” for calculating these ratios. The minimum capital requirements are: (1) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.5%; (2) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 6%; (3) a total capital ratio of 8%; and (4) a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%. The regulations also require unrealized gains and losses on certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings to be included for calculating regulatory capital requirements unless a one-time opt out is exercised. We elected to exercise our one-time option to opt out of the requirement to include certain “available-for-sale” securities holdings for calculating our regulatory capital ratios. The regulations also establish a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5%, resulting in the following minimum ratios: (1) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 7.0%, (2) a Tier 1 to risk-based assets capital ratio of 8.5%, and (3) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. An institution will be subject to limitations on paying dividends, repurchasing its shares, and paying discretionary bonuses, if its capital levels fall below the buffer amount.

 

74


Table of Contents

The federal banking agencies proposed a rule to establish for institutions with assets of less than $10 billion that meet other specified criteria a “community bank leverage ratio” (the ratio of a bank’s tangible equity capital to average total consolidated assets) of 9% that such institutions may elect to utilize in lieu of the generally applicable leverage and risk-based capital requirements under the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel III”). A “qualifying community bank” with capital exceeding 9% will be considered compliant with all applicable regulatory capital and leverage requirements, including the requirement to be “well capitalized.” The rule was adopted in final form, effective January 1, 2020. TC Federal Bank has not elected to use the community bank leverage ratio.

We have analyzed the effects of these new capital requirements, and at December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank’s capital exceeded and we believe that TC Federal Bank meets all of these new requirements, including the full 2.5% capital conservation buffer. See “Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance.”

Loans-to-One Borrower. Generally, a federal savings bank may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional amount may be lent, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if secured by “readily marketable collateral,” which generally includes certain financial instruments (but not real estate). As of December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank was in compliance with the loans-to-one borrower limitations.

Standards for Safety and Soundness. Federal law requires each federal banking agency to prescribe certain standards for all insured depository institutions. These standards relate to, among other things, internal controls, information systems and audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, compensation and other operational and managerial standards as the agency deems appropriate. Interagency guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. Failure to implement such a plan can result in further enforcement action, including the issuance of a cease and desist order or the imposition of civil money penalties.

Prompt Corrective Action Regulations. Under the federal Prompt Corrective Action statute, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is required to take supervisory actions against undercapitalized institutions under its jurisdiction, the severity of which depends upon the institution’s level of capital. An institution that has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5% or a leverage ratio of less than 4% is considered to be “undercapitalized.” A savings institution that has total risk-based capital of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0% or a leverage ratio that is less than 3.0% is considered to be “significantly undercapitalized.” A savings institution that has a tangible capital to assets ratio equal to or less than 2.0% is deemed to be “critically undercapitalized.”

Generally, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is required to appoint a receiver or conservator for a federal savings bank that becomes “critically undercapitalized” within specific time frames. The regulations also provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency within 45 days of the date that a federal savings bank is deemed to have received notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” Any holding company of a federal savings bank that is required to submit a capital restoration plan must guarantee performance under the plan in an amount of up to the lesser of 5.0% of the savings bank’s assets at the time it was deemed to be undercapitalized by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the amount necessary to restore the savings bank to adequately capitalized status. This guarantee remains in place until the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency notifies the savings bank that it has maintained adequately capitalized status for each of four consecutive calendar quarters. Institutions that are undercapitalized become subject to certain mandatory measures such as restrictions on capital distributions and asset growth. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency may also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions against undercapitalized federal savings banks, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors.

At December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank met the criteria for being considered “well capitalized,” which means that its total risk-based capital ratio exceeded 10%, its Tier 1 risk-based ratio exceeded 8.0%, its common equity Tier 1 ratio exceeded 6.5% and its leverage ratio exceeded 5.0%

 

75


Table of Contents

Qualified Thrift Lender Test. As a covered savings association, TC Federal Bank is not required to satisfy the qualified thrift lender, or “QTL,” test with which other federal savings banks would otherwise be required to comply. If the QTL test were to apply to TC Federal Bank, the bank would be required maintain at least 65% of its “portfolio assets” in “qualified thrift investments” (primarily residential mortgages and related investments, including mortgage-backed securities) in at least nine months of every 12-month period under the QTL test. “Portfolio assets” generally means total assets of a savings bank, less the sum of specified liquid assets up to 20% of total assets, goodwill and other intangible assets, and the value of property used in the conduct of the savings bank’s business. Alternatively, TC Federal Bank would be able satisfy the QTL test by qualifying as a “domestic building and loan association” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code.

A savings bank that fails the qualified thrift lender test must operate under specified restrictions set forth in the Home Owners’ Loan Act. The Dodd-Frank Act made noncompliance with the QTL test subject to agency enforcement action for a violation of law. Although the QTL test may not be applicable to TC Federal Bank because of its covered savings association status, at December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank satisfied the QTL test.

Capital Distributions. Federal regulations govern capital distributions by a federal savings bank, which include cash dividends, stock repurchases and other transactions charged to the savings bank’s capital account. A federal savings bank must file an application with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for approval of a capital distribution if:

 

   

the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceed the sum of the savings bank’s net income for that year to date plus the savings bank’s retained net income for the preceding two years;

 

   

the savings bank would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution;

 

   

the distribution would violate any applicable statute, regulation, agreement or regulatory condition; or

 

   

the savings bank is not eligible for expedited treatment of its filings.

An application or notice related to a capital distribution may be disapproved if:

 

   

the federal savings bank would be undercapitalized following the distribution;

 

   

the proposed capital distribution raises safety and soundness concerns; or

 

   

the capital distribution would violate a prohibition contained in any statute, regulation or agreement.

In addition, the Federal Deposit Insurance Act provides that an insured depository institution shall not make any capital distribution if, after making such distribution, the institution would fail to meet any applicable regulatory capital requirement. A federal savings bank also may not make a capital distribution that would reduce its regulatory capital below the amount required for the liquidation account established in connection with its conversion to stock form.

Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending Laws. All federal savings banks have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income borrowers. In connection with its examination of a federal savings bank, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is required to assess the federal savings bank’s record of compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act. A savings bank’s failure to comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could, at a minimum, result in denial of certain corporate applications such as branches or mergers, or in restrictions on its activities. In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act

 

76


Table of Contents

prohibit lenders from discriminating in their lending practices on the basis of characteristics specified in those statutes. The failure to comply with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act could result in enforcement actions by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as well as other federal regulatory agencies and the Department of Justice.

In June 2020, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued a final rule clarifying and expanding the activities that qualify for Community Reinvestment Act credit and, according to the agency, seeking to create a more consistent and objective method for evaluating Community Reinvestment Act performance. The final rule was effective October 1, 2020, but compliance with the revised requirements is not mandatory until January 1, 2024 for institutions of TC Federal Bank’s asset size.

The Community Reinvestment Act requires all institutions insured by the FDIC to publicly disclose their rating. TC Federal Bank received a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recent federal examination.

Transactions with Related Parties. A federal savings bank’s authority to engage in transactions with its affiliates is limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and federal regulation. An affiliate is generally a company that controls, or is under common control with an insured depository institution such as TC Federal Bank. TC Bancshares, Inc. will be an affiliate of TC Federal Bank because of its control of TC Federal Bank. In general, transactions between an insured depository institution and its affiliates are subject to certain quantitative limits and collateral requirements. In addition, transactions with affiliates must be consistent with safe and sound banking practices, not involve the purchase of low-quality assets and be on terms that are as favorable to the institution as comparable transactions with non-affiliates.

TC Federal Bank’s authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% stockholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board. Among other things, these provisions generally require that extensions of credit to insiders:

 

   

be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features; and

 

   

not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of TC Federal Bank’s capital.

In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by TC Federal Bank’s board of directors. Extensions of credit to executive officers are subject to additional limits based on the type of extension involved.

Enforcement. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has primary enforcement responsibility over federal savings banks and has authority to bring enforcement action against all “institution-affiliated parties,” including directors, officers, stockholders, attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful action likely to have an adverse effect on a federal savings bank. Formal enforcement action by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors of the institution to the appointment of a receiver or conservator. Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and actions, and range up to $25,000 per day, unless a finding of reckless disregard is made, in which case penalties may be as high as $1.0 million per day. The FDIC also has the authority to terminate deposit insurance or recommend to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency that enforcement action be taken with respect to a particular savings bank. If such action is not taken, the FDIC has authority to take the action under specified circumstances.

 

77


Table of Contents

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC insures deposits at FDIC insured financial institutions such as TC Federal Bank. Deposit accounts in TC Federal Bank are insured by the FDIC generally up to a maximum of $250,000 per separately insured depositor and up to a maximum of $250,000 for self-directed retirement accounts.

The FDIC charges insured depository institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund. Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, assessments for most institutions are now based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimating the probability of failure within three years and certain other factors. An institution’s rate depended upon the category to which it is assigned, and certain adjustments specified by FDIC regulations. Institutions deemed less risky pay lower FDIC assessments. FDIC assessments are based upon each insured institution’s total assets less tangible equity instead of deposits. Effective July 1, 2016, the FDIC adopted an assessment range (inclusive of possible adjustments) for most banks and savings banks of 1.5 basis points to 30 basis points.

The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. Any significant increases would have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of TC Federal Bank. Management cannot predict what assessment rates will be in the future.

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. We do not currently know of any practice, condition or violation that may lead to termination of our deposit insurance.

Federal Home Loan Bank System. TC Federal Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 11 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank System provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions as well as other entities involved in home mortgage lending. As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta, TC Federal Bank is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Home Loan Bank. As of December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank was in compliance with this requirement. While TC Federal Bank’s ability to borrow from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta provides an additional source of liquidity, TC Federal Bank has historically not used Federal Home Loan Bank advances to fund its operations.

Other Regulations

Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by TC Federal Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. TC Federal Bank’s operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the:

 

   

Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;

 

   

Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;

 

   

Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;

 

   

Fair Credit Reporting Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;

 

   

Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies;

 

   

Truth in Savings Act; and

 

   

rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.

 

78


Table of Contents

The operations of TC Federal Bank also are subject to the:

 

   

Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;

 

   

Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services;

 

   

Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as “Check 21”), which gives “substitute checks,” such as digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check;

 

   

The USA PATRIOT Act, which requires savings banks to, among other things, establish broadened anti-money laundering compliance programs, and due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. Such required compliance programs are intended to supplement existing compliance requirements that also apply to financial institutions under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations; and

 

   

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which places limitations on the sharing of consumer financial information by financial institutions with unaffiliated third parties. Specifically, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires all financial institutions offering financial products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with the financial institution’s privacy policy and provide such customers the opportunity to “opt out” of the sharing of certain personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties.

Holding Company Regulation

General. TC Bancshares, Inc. will be a unitary bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. As such, TC Bancshares, Inc. will be registered with the Federal Reserve Board and be subject to the regulation, examination, supervision and reporting requirements applicable to bank holding companies. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board will have enforcement authority over TC Bancshares, Inc. and its non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve Board to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary depository institution. Little is known regarding the supervision and regulation of holding companies of covered savings associations because the adopting rules governing covered savings association does not address the issue and neither the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency nor the Federal Reserve Board has provided any guidance.

 

79


Table of Contents

Permissible Activities. Under present law, the business activities of TC Bancshares, Inc. is generally limited to those activities permissible for financial holding companies under Section 4(k) of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, provided certain conditions are met and financial holding company status is elected. A financial holding company may engage in activities that are financial in nature, including underwriting equity securities and insurance as well as activities that are incidental to financial activities or complementary to a financial activity. TC Bancshares, Inc. has not elected financial holding company status.

A bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in non-banking activities, or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting securities of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the principal activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation to be so closely related to banking are: (i) making or servicing loans; (ii) performing certain data processing services; (iii) providing discount brokerage services; (iv) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; (v) leasing personal or real property; (vi) making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and (vii) acquiring a savings and loan association whose direct and indirect activities are limited to those permitted for bank holding companies.

Capital. TC Bancshares, Inc. will be subject to the Federal Reserve Board’s capital adequacy guidelines for bank holding companies (on a consolidated basis) which have historically been similar to, though less stringent than, those required of banks and savings associations. The Dodd-Frank Act, however, required the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to institutions themselves. Consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to those applicable to the subsidiary banks apply to bank holding companies; as is the case with institutions themselves, the capital conservation buffer was phased in between 2016 and 2019. However, the Federal Reserve Board has provided a “small bank holding company” exception to its consolidated capital requirements, and legislation and the related issuance of regulations by the Federal Reserve Board has increased the threshold for the exception to $3.0 billion. As a result, TC Bancshares, Inc. will not be subject to the capital requirement until such time as its consolidated assets exceed $3.0 billion.

Source of Strength. The Dodd-Frank Act “source of strength” doctrine applies to bank holding companies. The Federal Reserve Board has issued regulations requiring that all bank holding companies serve as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions.

Dividends and Stock Repurchases. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by holding companies. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall supervisory financial condition. Separate regulatory guidance provides for prior consultation with Federal Reserve Bank staff concerning dividends in certain circumstances such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate or earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary insured depository institution becomes undercapitalized. The regulatory guidance also states that a bank holding company should inform Federal Reserve Bank supervisory staff prior to redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock if the bank holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or the repurchase or redemption would result in a net reduction, at the end of a quarter, in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred. These regulatory policies may affect the ability of TC Bancshares, Inc. to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

 

80


Table of Contents

Acquisition. Under the Federal Change in Bank Control Act, a notice must be submitted to the Federal Reserve Board if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of a bank holding company. Under certain circumstances, a change of control may occur, and prior notice is required, upon the acquisition of 10% or more of the company’s outstanding voting stock, unless the Federal Reserve Board has found that the acquisition will not result in control of the company. A change in control definitively occurs upon the acquisition of 25% or more of the company’s outstanding voting stock. Under the Change in Bank Control Act, the Federal Reserve Board generally has 60 days from the filing of a complete notice to act, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted a final rule, effective September 30, 2020, that revises its framework for determining whether a company, under the Bank Holding Company Act, as amended, has a “controlling influence” over a bank or savings and loan holding company.

Federal Securities Laws

TC Bancshares, Inc.’s common stock will be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. TC Bancshares, Inc. will be subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Emerging Growth Company Status

The Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”), which was enacted in April 2012, has made numerous changes to the federal securities laws to facilitate access to capital markets. Under the JOBS Act, a company with total annual gross revenues of less than $1.0 billion during its most recently completed fiscal year qualifies as an “emerging growth company.” TC Bancshares, Inc. qualifies as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act.

An “emerging growth company” may choose not to hold stockholder votes to approve annual executive compensation (more frequently referred to as “say-on-pay” votes) or executive compensation payable in connection with a merger (more frequently referred to as “say-on-golden parachute” votes). An emerging growth company also is not subject to the requirement that its auditors attest to the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting, and can provide scaled disclosure regarding executive compensation; however, TC Bancshares, Inc. will also not be subject to the auditor attestation requirement or additional executive compensation disclosure so long as it remains a “smaller reporting company” under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. TC Bancshares, Inc. will remain a “smaller reporting company” so long as it has a less than $250 million in shares tradable by the public (excluding equity held by affiliates and insiders, referred to as a “public float”) or TC Bancshares has less than $100 million in annual revenues and less than $700 million in public float. Finally, an emerging growth company may elect to comply with new or amended accounting pronouncements in the same manner as a private company, but must make such election when the company is first required to file a registration statement. Such an election is irrevocable during the period a company is an emerging growth company. TC Bancshares, Inc. has elected to comply with new or amended accounting pronouncements in the same manner as a private company.

A company loses emerging growth company status on the earlier of: (i) the last day of the fiscal year of the company during which it had total annual gross revenues of $1.07 billion or more; (ii) the last day of the fiscal year of the issuer following the fifth anniversary of the date of the first sale of common equity securities of the company pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933; (iii) the date on which such company has, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt; or (iv) the date on which such company is deemed to be a “large accelerated filer” under Securities and Exchange Commission regulations (generally, at least $700 million of voting and non-voting equity held by non-affiliates).

 

81


Table of Contents

MANAGEMENT

Our Directors

The board of directors of TC Bancshares, Inc. will initially consist of eight members. Directors will serve three-year staggered terms so that approximately one-third of the directors will be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders. At the present time, each of our directors, other than our President/Chief Executive Officer Greg Eiford, and G. Matthew Brown, would be considered independent under the Nasdaq Stock Market corporate governance listing standards. See “—Board Independence” below.

The following table states our directors’ names, their ages as of December 31, 2020, and the calendar years when they began serving as directors of TC Federal Bank:

 

Directors

  

Position

   Age      Director
Since
     Current Term
to Expire
 

G. Matthew Brown

   Director      69        2019        2022  

James R. Clanton, Jr.

   Director      75        1999        2023  

Peter (“Trey”) A. DeSantis, III

   Director      48        2019        2023  

Charles M. Dixon

   Director      58        2014        2022  

Gregory H. Eiford

   President/Chief Executive Officer & Director      50        2021        2021  

Jefferson L. Johnson

   Director      58        2007        2022  

Fred E. Murphy, IV

   Director      57        2007        2021  

Fortson T. Rumble

   Director      60        2011        2023  

Stephanie B. Tillman

   Chairman of the Board      50        2010        2022  

The business experience for the past five years of each of our directors is set forth below. The biographies also contain information regarding the person’s experience, qualifications, attributes or skills that caused the board of directors to determine that the person should serve as a director. Unless otherwise indicated, directors have held their positions for the past five years.

G. Matthew Brown is the former Chief Executive Officer of TC Federal Bank, having retired on December 31, 2020 after serving in that capacity since July 2018 and having joined TC Federal Bank in March of 2017. Mr. Brown now provides consulting work to TC Federal Bank and sits on the board of directors. Mr. Brown has over 40 years of experience in serving financial institutions, including more than 20 years of executive officer leadership service to depository institutions and 20 years of board member service on financial institutions’ boards. Prior to serving in the Chief Executive Officer role in 2018, Mr. Brown served as Executive Vice President and Tallassee Market President for TC Federal Bank since March 2017. From April 2015 through March 2017, Mr. Brown served as the Tallahassee Market President for Tallahassee State Bank, a division of Synovus. From December 2012 through April 2015, Mr. Brown served as the Market President for Tallahassee, Florida for Centennial Bank. Mr. Brown’s extensive experience includes a prior savings bank to stock conversion, denovo charter filing, commercial bank and savings and loan management and bank workouts. Mr. Brown has been involved in many community activities. He previously served as the Chairman of the Board of the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Community Foundation of North Florida. He has also served on the boards of the Florida Bankers Association and the Florida School of Banking. The Board of Directors believes that the board benefits from Mr. Brown’s extensive experience with financial institutions, including a prior to mutual to stock conversion, executive leadership, vision, and community and industry connections. Mr. Brown graduated from Florida State University with a B. S. in Social Sciences and an M.S. in Public Administration. He is also a graduate of Georgia’s School of Executive Development and the University of Texas’ Graduate School of Community Bank Management.

James R. Clanton, Jr. is an existing director of TC Federal Bank, but is expected to retire in connection with this year’s annual meeting of members pursuant to the bank’s mandatory retirement bylaw for directors, and therefore will not be appointed to the board of directors of TC Bancshares, Inc. Dr. Clanton is a lifelong Thomasville, Georgia resident and is a 1969 graduate from the University of Georgia of Veterinary Medicine. He is a second-generation Veterinarian and practiced veterinary medicine and managed his veterinary practice for over 45

 

82


Table of Contents

years until his retirement in 2005. Dr. Clanton has served on the TC Federal Bank board of directors for twenty years, including service on a variety of board committees. Dr. Clanton is active in the local Kiwanis Club. He is a Sunday School teacher and a member of First Newark Baptist Church. Dr. Clanton has conducted business with TC Federal Bank since 1970. The Board of Directors and the executive management team sincerely thank Dr. Clanton for his dedication and service to the bank.

Peter (“Trey”) A. DeSantis, III has been a partner of the commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm, TLG Real Estate Services, PLLC (based in Tallahassee, Florida) since 2005. Mr. DeSantis is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in Georgia and Florida. Prior to joining TLG Real Estate Services, PLLC, Mr. DeSantis worked as an attorney in both Georgia and Florida and maintains his bar license in both states. Mr. DeSantis’s career experience as an attorney and partner in a commercial real estate brokerage firm includes risk management, strategic planning and commercial real estate. Mr. DeSantis spent his youth in Thomasville Georgia and currently resides in Tallahassee, Florida. Mr. DeSantis previously served on the Tallahassee Advisory Board for a high-performance regional bank. Mr. DeSantis serves on the Asset Quality Committee and Information Technology Steering Committee. The Board of Directors believes that the board benefits from Mr. DeSantis’ real estate brokerage and management experience in North Florida and South Georgia and related connections.

Charles M. Dixon is the current President of Dixon Pest Services, Inc. which operates out of Thomasville, Georgia and provides pest control services in Alabama, Georgia Florida and South Carolina. Mr. Dixon is a licensed Associate Certified Entomologist and is the recipient of the PCT Syngenta Class of 2007 Leadership Award. Mr. Dixon also owns D.P.S. Holdings of Thomasville, LLC, a real estate investment and holding company. Mr. Dixon previously served as the President of the Georgia Pest Control Association, and was a board member and Commercial Committee Correspondent for the National Pest Management Association. In 2015, Mr. Dixon attended Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Bank Director Training in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Dixon has served in various roles for the Rotary Club of Thomasville, Thomas University and First United Methodist Church of Thomasville. Mr. Dixon previously served on a Thomasville commercial bank’s Advisory Board. The Board of Directors believes the board benefits from Mr. Dixon’s experience as a small business owner as well as his ties with the Thomasville, Georgia market.

Gregory H. Eiford, age 50, is the President/Chief Executive Officer of TC Federal Bank effective January 1, 2021 following the retirement of G. Matthew Brown. Mr. Eiford was named our President and Senior Lending Officer in August 2019, having previously served as Executive Vice President and Thomasville Market President since 2017 and Senior Lender since 2010. Mr. Eiford has been employed with TC Federal Bank since October 2008. Mr. Eiford has been instrumental in managing numerous projects related to the bank’s transition to a community bank platform. Prior to being employed with TC Federal Bank, Mr. Eiford owned and operated E & E Homes, a residential home builder, from 2004 through 2008 and Rayann’s Christian Book Stores from 2002 through 2008, both in Thomasville, Georgia. Mr. Eiford is a graduate of The Georgia Institute of Technology and the Stonier School of Banking. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce and is Past President of Thomasville’s Habitat for Humanity, Brookwood School Athletic Boosters and is the past Deacon and Vice Chairman of First Baptist Church of Thomasville. Mr. Eiford recently began serving on the Georgia Bankers Association Community Bankers Committee. He remains actively involved with the Brookwood School and First Baptist Church of Thomasville.

Jefferson L. Johnson has 30 years of experience as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and is the co-owner of the CPA firm Guy, Johnson & Rayburn, P.C. Mr. Johnson’s 30 years of experience as an accountant includes working with businesses and individuals as well as auditing financials. Mr. Johnson has served on the board of a Thomasville Women’s Shelter and is a member of First Baptist Church of Thomasville, Georgia. The Board of Directors believes the board benefits from Mr. Johnson’s experiences as a certified public accountant and small business owner. Mr. Johnson serves as Vice Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Fred E. Murphy, IV is the President and Managing Director of MMHP Investment Advisors, an investment firm based in Thomasville, Georgia. Mr. Murphy is a Chartered Financial Analyst Charterholder and previously maintained his Series 7, Series 63 and Series 65 licenses. Prior to founding MMHP Investment Advisors, Mr. Murphy worked as a portfolio manager and analyst with the State of Florida Retirement system in Tallahassee, Florida, and with Capital Management Associates in New York City. Mr. Murphy’s nearly 35 years of experience in the capital management industry includes overseeing the supervision of portfolios and supervised personnel. Mr.

 

83


Table of Contents

Murphy serves as Chairman of the bank’s Asset and Liability Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee and of the Pension Review Committee. He received his degree in Finance at Auburn University. The Board of Directors believes the board benefits from Mr. Murphy’s investment management, operational and compliance experience as well as his ties with the Thomasville, Georgia market.

Fortson T. Rumble is the former President of Rumble’s, Inc., an office supply and services company, prior to the company’s sale in 2018. Since the sale of Rumble’s, Inc. Mr. Rumble works as a consultant for Rumbles Document Solutions, LLC and is a partner in ER FR Enterprisers, a real estate holding company. Mr. Rumble serves as Chairman of the Board of Thomas University in Thomasville Georgia and serves on the Board of Directors of The Archbold Hospital Foundation. The Board of Directors believes that the board benefits from Mr. Rumble’s experience as a small business owner and related connections.

Stephanie B. Tillman is the Chief Legal Officer of Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE: FLO) a publicly-traded producer of fresh bakery products. Ms. Tillman was appointed Chief Legal Officer on January 1, 2020 and prior to that served as Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer and Deputy General Counsel of Flowers Foods, Inc. She is also the secretary of the company and serves as assistant secretary of the various subsidiaries of the company. She is licensed to practice law in the state of Georgia and has done so for approximately 25 years. In addition to her law degree, Ms. Tillman also earned her Master of Business Administration and holds a Bachelor of Science in Education. She is vice president and co-owner of Litespot Enterprises, LLC, a rental property management business established in 2005. Ms. Tillman serves on the board of directors of the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, a public-private partnership launched in 2020 to lead a coordinated statewide effort to position the State of Georgia as the technology capital of the East Coast. The Board of Directors believes that the board benefits from Ms. Tillman’s experience as general counsel to a NYSE publicly-traded company, her experience with mergers and acquisitions, SEC reporting, and her ties with the Thomasville, Georgia market.

Executive Officers who are Not Directors

The following sets forth information regarding our executive officers who are not directors. Age information is as of December 31, 2020. The executive officers of TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank are elected annually.

Noel A. Ellis, age 60, was named our Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer in August 2016, and has served in those positions since August 2016. Ellis served as Chief Credit Officer of Capital City Bank, Tallahassee, Florida from 1998 to 2007. Prior to joining TC Federal Bank, from 2007 through 2014, Mr. Ellis served as the Chief Credit Officer of The Coastal Bank in Savannah, Georgia. Following the sale of The Coastal Bank to Ameris Bank, Mr. Ellis served from 2014 through 2016 as Senior Vice President and Regional Credit Officer for Ameris Bank in Savannah, Georgia. He has served in the credit function at financial institutions since 1988. Mr. Elllis is a Graduate of Stonier School of Banking and Delta State University with a degree in Accounting. He earned his CPA license (inactive). Mr. Ellis’s broad credit experience with larger, more sophisticated institutions has led to the transformation of the TC Federal credit culture in recent years. He was instrumental in establishing the Savannah LPO. Mr. Ellis is a member of the Thomasville Rotary Club and volunteers with programs for youth.

Linda K. Palmer, age 65, was named our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in May 2019. She has previously served in a variety of leadership positions in community banks in her nearly thirty plus year career in community banking. From April 2014 through October 2018, Ms. Palmer served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Farmers & Merchants Bank. Following the sale of Farmers & Merchants Bank to The First, a national banking association, Ms. Palmer continued employment with The First as an accounting officer from November 2018 through May 2019.

Nathan L. Higdon, age 46, was named Executive Vice President/Senior Lender in January 2021, having previously served as a Tallahassee Market President for TC Federal Bank since his hiring in June of 2012. Prior to Mr. Higdon’s work with the bank, he served as the Vice President of Operations for Ira Higdon Grocery Company, managing wholesale grocery distribution operations. Mr. Higdon currently serves on the Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Board, is on the board of directors of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and is the acting Chairman of the Board of the Alfred B. McClay School Alumni Association. Mr. Higdon obtained his degree from Louisiana State University and attended the Stonier School of Banking.

 

84


Table of Contents

Board Independence

The board of directors has determined that each of our directors, with the exception of President/Chief Executive Officer Eiford and Director Brown, is “independent” as defined in the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market. Mr. Eiford and Mr. Brown are not considered independent because of their service as an executive officer of TC Federal Bank. In determining the independence of our directors, the board of directors considered relationships between TC Federal Bank and our directors that are not required to be reported under “—Transactions With Certain Related Persons,” below, consisting of deposit accounts that our directors maintain at TC Federal Bank.

Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

In August 2012, Premier Bank Holding Company filed a voluntary petition for relief under the provisions of Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to facilitate the sale of Premier Bank to Home Bancshares, Inc. At the time of such filing, Mr. Brown was serving as President and Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Palmer was serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Premier Bank Holding Company. Mr. Brown served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Bank and Premier Bank Holding Company from April 2000 through December 2012. Ms. Palmer joined Premier Bank in 2001, and served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from December 2004 through December 2012. In 2012, the Bankruptcy Court approved the sale of Premier Bank to Home Bancshares, Inc., at which time Premier Bank was merged with and into Centennial Bank. In 2013, the Bankruptcy Court approved the conversion of the petition to a filing under Chapter 7, an independent trustee was appointed, and the dissolution of Premier Bank Holding Company was completed under Bankruptcy Court review and supervision with no finding of personal liability against the directors or officers of Premier Bank Holding Company.

Transactions With Certain Related Persons     

The Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing and approving related party transactions. Additionally, it is responsible for reviewing the procedures used to identify related parties and any transactions with related parties. Pursuant to SEC regulations, we are required to disclose any transaction, or any transaction that is currently proposed, in which we were or are a participant, where the amount involved exceeds $120,000, and any related person has or will have a direct (or indirect) material interest.

Laquan Brunner, the sister of the chair of the board of directors, Stephanie Tillman, is the Chief Information Officer of the bank. Ms. Brunner was hired in this position in December 2020 at an annual total compensation of approximately $120,000.

Since December 31, 2020, other than described above, and except for loans to executive officers made in the ordinary course of business that were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to TC Federal Bank and for which management believes neither involve more than the normal risk of collection nor present other unfavorable features, we and our subsidiaries have not had any transaction or series of transactions, or business relationships, nor are any such transactions or relationships proposed, in which the amount involved exceeds $120,000 and in which our directors or executive officers have a direct or indirect material interest.

Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors

We conduct business through meetings of our board of directors and its committees, including audit and compensation committees. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the board of directors of TC Federal Bank met 14 times. TC Federal Bank’s audit committee has been chaired by Director Johnson, with Directors Tillman, Murphy and Dixon also serving on the committee. TC Federal Bank’s compensation committee has been chaired by Director Rumble, with Directors Dixon and Clanton also serving on the committee. TC Federal Bank has also historically appointed an ad hoc committee to consider director nominations from time to time.

 

85


Table of Contents

It is expected that the board of directors of TC Bancshares, Inc. will establish a standing audit, compensation and nominating committees, which will each operate under a written charter, which will govern the committee’s composition, responsibilities and operations. It is further anticipated that the audit, compensation and nominating committees will all be comprised of independent directors in accordance with Nasdaq corporate governance requirements.

Corporate Governance Policies and Procedures

In addition to establishing committees of our board of directors, TC Bancshares, Inc. will adopt several policies to govern the activities of both TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank, including corporate governance policies and a code of business conduct and ethics. The corporate governance policies are expected to involve such matters as the following:

 

   

the composition, responsibilities and operation of our board of directors;

 

   

the establishment and operation of board committees, including audit, nominating and corporate governance and compensation committees;

 

   

convening executive sessions of independent directors; and

 

   

our board of directors’ interaction with management and third parties.

The code of business conduct and ethics, which is expected to apply to all employees and directors, will address conflicts of interest, the treatment of confidential information, general employee conduct and compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. In addition, the code of business conduct and ethics will be designed to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct, the avoidance of conflicts of interest, full and accurate disclosure and compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.

Executive Compensation

TC Federal Bank’s compensation practices have been subject to the review and oversight of TC Federal Bank’s compensation committee, and it is anticipated that the compensation committee of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s board of directors will take on a comparable role. In reviewing the compensation practices, the compensation committee has considered, from time to time, advice of various compensation consultants, legal counsel, their own respective business experiences, and compensation practices of other community banks. In addition, the compensation committee takes into consideration regulatory feedback, including 12 CFR 30, appendix A, section III regarding excessive compensation and compensation leading to material financial loss as well as OCC Bulletin 2010-24, Incentive Compensation: Interagency Guidance on Sound Incentive Compensation Policies.

Summary Compensation Table. The table below summarizes the total compensation paid to or earned by the bank’s principal executive officer during 2020, and to the bank’s two other most highly compensated executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2020. As previously disclosed, Mr. Brown retired as our Chief Executive Officer, effective December 31, 2020, and Mr. Eiford was promoted to Chief Executive Officer and President, effective January 1, 2021. Each individual listed in the table below is referred to as a “named executive officer.”

 

Name and Principal Position

   Year      Salary
($)
     Bonus
($)(1)
     All Other
Compensation
($)(2)
     Total
($)
 

G. Matthew Brown,
Chief Executive Officer (3)

     2020        260,000        53,324        20,850        334,174  

Gregory H. Eiford,
President, Senior Lending Officer (4)

     2020        220,000        37,698        29,469        287,167  

Noel A. Ellis,
Executive Vice President, Chief Credit Officer

     2020        204,594        25,668        16,120        246,382  

 

(1) 

Reflects a cash bonus granted to all staff (approximately $300) and bonus paid pursuant to the TC Federal Officer Incentive Program.

(2) 

All Other Compensation as reported in this column includes: 401(k) discretionary profit sharing contributions, 401(k) company match contributions, and other perquisites and personal benefits each less than $10,000 individually (auto allowances, club memberships and phone allowances). The amounts of All Other Compensation for 2020 are detailed in the table below. Employee directors do not receive any additional compensation for service as a director.

 

86


Table of Contents

Name

   401(k) Profit
Sharing
Contribution
($)
     401(k)
Match
($)
     Other Perquisites and Personal Benefits
Less Than $10,000 Individually

($)
     Total All Other
Compensation

($)
 

Brown

     2,850        11,400        6,600        20,850  

Eiford

     2,802        11,209        15,458        29,469  

Ellis

     2,144        8,576        5,400        16,120  

 

(3) 

Mr. Brown retired as Chief Executive Officer, effective December 31, 2020.

(4) 

Mr. Eiford was promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2021.

Employment Agreements. TC Federal Bank has entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Eiford and Ellis. Following the closing of the stock offering, we may amend the employment agreements to reflect the formation of TC Bancshares, Inc.

The employment agreement with Mr. Eiford has a term of three years and the employment agreement with Mr. Ellis has a term of two years, optional one-year renewals thereafter. The current terms of the employment agreements expire on January 1, 2024 (in the case of Mr. Eiford) and August 1, 2021 (in the case of Mr. Ellis).

Under the employment agreements, the current annual base salaries for Messrs. Eiford and Ellis are $250,000 and $204,594, respectively. The Compensation Committee will review each executive officer’s base salary at least annually to determine whether an increase is appropriate. In addition to base salary, the executive officers are entitled to participate in bonus and incentive programs and other benefit plans available to management employees and will be reimbursed for all reasonable business expenses incurred. Mr. Eiford is entitled to reimbursements for regular membership dues to a single country club and a monthly automobile allowance. Mr. Ellis is entitled either to reimbursements for regular membership dues to a single country club or a monthly automobile allowance.

Under the employment agreements, if the bank terminates the executive’s employment for “cause,” as that term is defined in the employment agreements, the executive will not receive any compensation or benefits after the termination date other than compensation and benefits that have accrued or vested through the date of the termination. If the bank terminates the executive’s employment without cause or if the executive terminates employment for “good reason,” as that term is defined in the employment agreements, the executive will be entitled to severance payments paid over the next 12 months in an aggregate amount equal to their base salary. If the termination of employment occurs during the term of the employment agreement but following a change in control, Mr. Eiford will be entitled to an additional severance payout equal to two times the sum of current base salary and average bonus paid during the prior three years immediately preceding the change in control in a lump sum payment, and Mr. Ellis will be entitled in lieu of any other benefit, a payment equal to one times current base salary in a lump sum payment.

The employment agreements also contain confidentiality and proprietary information protections in favor of TC Federal Bank as well as certain post-employment obligations (non-competition and non-solicitation) that may apply for 12 months following a termination of employment depending on the nature of the termination.

Consulting Agreement. TC Federal Bank has entered into a consulting agreement with Mr. Brown. In connection with Mr. Brown’s retirement effective December 31, 2020, the bank and Mr. Brown replaced Mr. Brown’s employment agreement with a new consulting agreement. Pursuant to the terms of the consulting agreement, through December 31, 2021, Mr. Brown has agreed to serve as a consultant and provide services to the bank as reasonably requested from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer or board of directors. Under the terms of the consulting agreement, the bank will pay Mr. Brown $75,000, payable in equal monthly installments. If the bank terminates Mr. Brown’s consulting agreement without “cause,” as that term is defined in the consulting agreement, Mr. Brown will be entitled to receive, in a lump sum payment, any remaining payments owed under the terms of the agreement. The consulting agreement also contains confidentiality and proprietary information protections in favor of TC Federal Bank as well as certain post-service obligations (non-competition and non-solicitation) that may apply for 12 months following a termination of Mr. Brown’s service on the board of TC Federal Bank.

 

87


Table of Contents

TC Federal Officer Incentive Program. TC Federal Bank maintains the TC Federal Officer Incentive Program as an annual bonus plan to focus officers on achieving and possibly exceeding the bank’s annual performance objectives consistent with safe and sound operations of the bank. Under the Officer Incentive Program, the Compensation Committee retains full discretion to set the final bonus amount. The Compensation Committee seeks to recognize achievement of annual financial targets based upon the bank’s budget, setting performance targets at levels that are determined to be reasonable and achievable. In setting the named executive officers’ awards, the Compensation Committee considered a number of financial metrics, including net income, deposits (volume and accounts), and the bank’s efficiency ratio, as well as more subjective components, including the achievement of individual achievement goals.

Based on the above performance measures and the Compensation Committee’s assessment of individual performance, the 2020 cash incentive payments were awarded as follows relative to the 2020 target value:

 

Name

   Opportunity as
Percentage of
Salary
    2020 Total
Payout
Percentage
    Calculated
Incentive
Program
Payment
    2020 Officer
Incentive
Program
Payout
 

G. Matthew Brown

     30     68     20.4   $ 53,040  

Gregory H. Eiford

     25     68     17.0   $ 37,400  

Noel A. Ellis

     20     62     12.4   $ 25,370  

In light of Mr. Eiford’s promotion to chief executive officer in 2021, his opportunity as a percentage of salary under the Officer Incentive Program is expected to increase to 30%.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans. TC Federal Bank has entered into supplemental executive retirement agreements (each a “SERP”) with each of the named executive officers, whereby a specified annual benefit ($60,000 for Mr. Brown, $100,000 for Mr. Eiford, and $50,000 for Mr. Ellis) is payable monthly upon a normal retirement for a period of 10 years. Each SERP is a nonqualified deferred compensation arrangement that conditions payment of the full normal retirement benefit upon an officer’s attaining normal retirement age while in the service of the bank. Mr. Brown and Mr. Eiford are currently fully vested in their respective SERP agreements, while the SERP for Mr. Ellis will vest in five equal annual installments commencing in August, 2022. Each SERP provides (i) a lump sum early termination benefit in an amount equal to the product of the accrued balance and the executive’s vesting percentage and (ii) a lump sum benefit upon permanent disability or a termination in connection with a change in control in an amount equal to the executive’s accrued balance. In the event an executive is terminated for cause (as defined in the SERP), the executive will forfeit any and all benefits to which the executive would otherwise be entitled to receive under the SERP. In the event an executive dies prior to the occurrence of an event triggering a benefit, then no benefits shall be paid under the SERP; in the event an executive dies while the SERP is being paid out, the executive’s beneficiary shall receive a lump sum payment of any remaining accrual balance. As of December 31, 2020, the present value of the vested accrued benefit were as follows: Mr. Brown, $190,702; Mr. Eiford, $34,589; and Mr. Ellis, $0. The SERP constitutes an unfunded, unsecured promise by TC Federal Bank to make payments in the future.

Split Dollar Life Insurance Agreements. TC Federal Bank has entered into split dollar life insurance agreements with each of the named executive officers, pursuant to which each executive is entitled to designate for a beneficiary, in the event such executive dies prior to triggering payment under such executive’s SERP, an amount equal to the executive’s present value of remaining obligations under such executive’s SERP determined as of the executive’s death.

Frozen Defined Benefit Plan. TC Federal Bank sponsors a tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plan. Effective March 31, 2019, eligibility for the plan was frozen so that no employee who was not then a participant in the plan could later become a participant and to freeze benefit accruals for all existing participants. For existing participants, the plan provides for retirement payments based on a formula using a participant’s years of creditable service and highest three years of annual compensation. Mr. Brown is entitled to a $7,438 annual benefit, Mr. Eiford is entitled to a $25,919 annual benefit upon retirement at age 65, and Mr. Ellis will vest in a $7,827 annual benefit upon retirement at age 65 on June 1, 2025.

 

88


Table of Contents

401(k) Plan. TC Federal Bank maintains the TC Federal Bank 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan, a tax-qualified defined contribution plan for eligible employees (the “401(k) Plan”). The named executive officers are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan just like other employees. An employee must complete one month of service to be eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan.

Under the 401(k) Plan a participant may elect to defer, on a pre-tax basis, the maximum amount as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. For 2021, the salary deferral contribution limit is $19,500, provided, however, that a participant at least age 50 may contribute an additional $6,500 to the 401(k) Plan for a total of $26,000. In addition to salary deferral contributions, TC Federal Bank makes matching contributions equal to 100% of the first 3% of pay a participant contributes to the 401(k) Plan as salary deferrals and 50% of the next 2% of such pay. TC Federal may also make discretionary profit sharing contributions to the 401(k) Plan to participants who satisfy applicable service requirements for the applicable plan year. TC Federal Bank made both matching and profit sharing contributions to the 401(k) Plan for the plan year ended December 31, 2020. A participant is always 100% vested in his or her salary deferral contributions and matching contributions. Profit sharing contributions vest on a graduated basis after six years of a participant’s service with TC Federal Bank. As a general rule, unless the participant elects otherwise, the participant’s account balance will be distributed in a lump sum as soon as practicable following the participant’s termination of employment. Expense recognized in connection with the 401(k) Plan totaled approximately $201,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan. In connection with the conversion, we intend to adopt an employee stock ownership plan for eligible employees. The named executive officers will be eligible to participate in the employee stock ownership plan as eligible employees. Eligible employees will begin participation in the employee stock ownership plan as early as the effective date of the conversion. Following the conversion, the normal eligibility rules will provide for bi-annual entry dates following an eligible employee’s completion of one year of service and attainment of age 21. Participants who were employed by TC Federal Bank immediately prior to the offering will receive credit for eligibility purposes for years of service prior to adoption of the employee stock ownership plan.

The employee stock ownership plan trustee is expected to purchase, on behalf of the employee stock ownership plan, 8.0% of the total number of shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock outstanding. We anticipate that the employee stock ownership plan will fund its stock purchase with a loan from TC Bancshares, Inc. equal to the aggregate purchase price of the common stock. The loan will be repaid principally through TC Federal Bank’s contributions to the employee stock ownership plan and any dividends payable on common stock held by the employee stock ownership plan over the anticipated 20-year term of the loan. The interest rate for the employee stock ownership plan loan is expected to equal the prime rate, as published in The Wall Street Journal, on the closing date of the offering. See “Pro Forma Data.”

The trustee will hold the shares purchased by the employee stock ownership plan in an unallocated suspense account, and shares will be released from the suspense account on a pro-rata basis as the loan is repaid. The trustee will allocate the shares released among participants on the basis of each participant’s proportional share of eligible compensation relative to all participants. A participant will be 0% vested in his or her account balance until completing three years of service. Participants who were employed by TC Federal Bank immediately prior to the offering will receive credit for vesting purposes for years of service prior to adoption of the employee stock ownership plan. Participants also will become fully vested prior to completion of three years of service upon normal retirement, death or disability, a change in control, or termination of the employee stock ownership plan. As a general rule, participants may elect to have distributions from the employee stock ownership plan be made or commence upon the participant’s termination of employment, subject to certain restrictions and limitations provided by the terms of the plan. The employee stock ownership plan reallocates any unvested shares forfeited upon termination of employment among the remaining participants.

The employee stock ownership plan will permit participants to direct the trustee as to how to vote the shares of common stock allocated to their accounts. The trustee will vote unallocated shares and allocated shares for which participants do not timely provide instructions on any matter in the same ratio as those shares for which participants provide timely instructions, subject to fulfillment of the trustee’s fiduciary responsibilities.

 

89


Table of Contents

Under applicable accounting requirements, TC Federal Bank will record a compensation expense for the employee stock ownership plan at the fair market value of the shares as they are committed to be released from the unallocated suspense account to participants’ accounts, which may be more or less than the original issue price. The compensation expense resulting from the release of the common stock from the suspense account and allocation to plan participants will result in a corresponding reduction in the earnings of TC Bancshares, Inc.

Director Fees

Directors earn an annual retainer of $15,000, and our chairman receives an additional chairman fee of $10,000 per year and our vice chairman receives an additional vice chairman fee of $4,0000. Directors currently receive fees of $750 per board meeting and $200 per meeting for committee meetings. Chairmen of committees receive an additional fee of $200 per meeting, except for the audit committee chair, who receives an additional fee of $500 per meeting. The following table sets forth for the year ended December 31, 2020 certain information as to the total remuneration TC Federal Bank paid to its directors. Mr. Brown, as an inside director, did not receive fees for his service on the Board of Directors.

 

Name

   Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash

($)
     All Other
Compensation
($)
     Total
($)
 

G. Matthew Brown

     —          —          —    

James R. Clayton

     27,600        —          27,600  

Peter A. DeSantis, III

     29,000        —          29,000  

Charles M. Dixon

     27,350        —          27,350  

Jefferson L. Johnson

     33,750        —          33,750  

Fred E. Murphy, IV

     28,400        —          28,400  

Fortson T. Rumble

     29,100        —          29,100  

Stephanie B. Tillman

     35,883        —          35,883  

Each person who will serve as a director of TC Bancshares, Inc. will also serve as a director of TC Federal Bank and will initially earn a monthly fee only in his or her capacity as a board or committee member of TC Federal Bank. Upon completion of the conversion, additional director fees may be paid for TC Bancshares, Inc. director meetings although no such determination has been made at this time.

Non-Employee Director Retirement Plan

Prior to 2020, TC Federal Bank had a practice of paying directors who retire at or after age 70 with at least 15 years of service a monthly benefit of $875 for life. In 2020, the board of directors decided to freeze the practice so that no director joining the board of directors after November 1, 2019 would be eligible for this post-retirement benefit. In addition, the board of directors decided to formalize and modify the practice. As formalized, the Non-Employee Director Retirement Plan will continue unchanged the current payments to retired directors and to any existing director who, as of November 1, 2019, had attained at least the age of 70 while serving on the board of directors with at least fifteen 15 years of service. With respect to all other existing directors, the Plan limits payment of the monthly benefit to a period of no more than 10 years. Existing directors will qualify for the modified post-retirement benefit if they retire at or after age 65 with at least 10 years of service. The Plan further provides for an actuarially equivalent lump sum payout of unpaid amounts in the event of a change in control of TC Bancshares, Inc. As of December 31, 2020, we had a total post-retirement defined benefit obligation of $610,000.

Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Stock Offering

Following the stock offering, we intend to adopt one or more new stock-based benefit plans that will provide for grants of stock options and awards of shares of restricted common stock. In accordance with applicable regulations, we anticipate that the plan will authorize a number of stock options and a number of shares of restricted common stock, not to exceed 10.0% and 3.0%, respectively, of the shares issued in the offering, provided however that the number of shares of restricted common stock may be increased to 4.0% if TC Bancshares, Inc. has a tangible capital of at least 10% at the time of implementation of the plans. These limitations may not apply if the plans are implemented more than one year after the conversion and offering, subject to any then applicable regulatory approvals.

 

90


Table of Contents

The stock-based benefit plans will not be established sooner than six months after the stock offering and, if adopted within one year after the stock offering, the plans must be approved by a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by our stockholders. If stock-based benefit plans are established more than one year after the stock offering, they must be approved by a majority of votes cast by our stockholders.

Certain additional restrictions would apply to our stock-based benefit plan(s) if adopted within one year after the stock offering, including:

 

   

non-employee directors in the aggregate may not receive more than 30% of the options and shares of restricted common stock authorized under the plan(s);

 

   

any non-employee director may not receive more than 5% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan(s);

 

   

any officer or employee may not receive more than 25% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan(s);

 

   

the options and shares of restricted common stock may not vest more rapidly than 20% per year, beginning on the first anniversary of stockholder approval of the plan(s); and

 

   

accelerated vesting is not permitted except for death, disability or upon a change in control of TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank.

We have not yet determined whether we will present stock-based benefit plans for stockholder approval within one year following the completion of the reorganization or whether we will present plans for stockholder approval more than one year after the completion of the conversion. In the event of changes in applicable regulations or policies regarding stock-based benefit plans, including any regulations or policies restricting the size of awards and vesting of benefits as described above, the restrictions described above may not be applicable.

We may obtain the shares needed for our stock-based benefit plans by issuing additional shares of common stock from authorized but unissued shares or through stock repurchases.

 

91


Table of Contents

SUBSCRIPTIONS BY DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following table sets forth information regarding intended common stock subscriptions by each of our directors and executive officers and their associates, and by all directors, officers and their associates as a group. However, there can be no assurance that any such person or group will purchase any specific number of shares of our common stock. In the event the individual maximum purchase limitation is increased, persons subscribing for the maximum amount may increase their purchase order. Directors and officers will purchase shares of common stock at the same $10.00 purchase price per share and on the same terms as other purchasers in the offering. This table excludes shares of common stock to be purchased by the employee stock ownership plan, as well as any stock awards or stock option grants that may be made no earlier than six months after the completion of the offering. Purchases by directors, officers and their associates will be included in determining whether the required minimum number of shares has been subscribed for in the offering. The shares being acquired by the directors, executive officers and their associates are being acquired for investment purposes, and not with a view towards resale. Our directors and executive officers will be subject to the same minimum purchase requirements and purchase limitations as other participants in the offering set forth under “The Conversion and Offering—Limitations on Purchase of Shares.”    

 

Name and Title

   Number of
Shares(1)
     Aggregate
Purchase
Price(1)
     Percent of
Outstanding
Shares at
Minimum of
Offering  Range(2)
 

G. Matthew Brown, Director

     4,000      $ 40,000        *  

Peter A. DeSantis, Director

     7,500        75,000        *  

Charles M. Dixon, Director

     20,000        200,000        *  

Gregory H. Eiford, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director

     10,000        100,000        *  

Noel A. Ellis, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer

     2,000        20,000        *  

Nathan L. Higdon, Executive Vice President

     10,000        100,000        *  

Jefferson L. Johnson, Director

     10,000        100,000        *  

Fred E. Murphy, IV, Director

     10,000        100,000        *  

Linda K. Palmer, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

     5,000        50,000        *  

Fortson T. Rumble, Director

     20,000        200,000        *  

Stephanie B. Tillman, Director

     10,000        100,000        *  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

All directors and executive officers as a group (11 persons)

     108,500      $ 1,085,000        2.7
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

*

Less than 1.0%.

(1) 

Includes purchases by the named individual’s spouse and other relatives of the named individual living in the same household. Other than as set forth above, the named individuals are not aware of any other purchases by a person who or entity that would be considered an associate of the named individuals under the plan of conversion.

(2) 

At the adjusted maximum of the offering range, directors and executive officers would own 1.7% of our outstanding shares of common stock.

 

92


Table of Contents

THE CONVERSION AND OFFERING

The board of directors of TC Federal Savings Bank has approved the plan of conversion. The plan of conversion must also be approved by TC Federal Bank’s members (depositors and certain borrowers). A special meeting of members has been called for this purpose. We have filed an application for conversion with respect to the conversion and stock offering with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and have filed a bank holding company application with the Federal Reserve Board. The final approvals of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve Board are required before we can consummate the conversion and stock offering. Any approval by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Federal Reserve Board does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion.

General

On March 5, 2021 the board of directors of TC Federal Bank unanimously adopted the plan of conversion. Pursuant to the plan of conversion, TC Federal Bank will convert from the mutual form of organization to the stock form of organization. In connection with the conversion, TC Federal Bank has organized a new Georgia bank holding company, TC Bancshares, Inc., which will sell shares of common stock to the public in this offering. When the conversion and offering are completed, all of the outstanding capital stock of TC Federal Bank will be owned by TC Bancshares, Inc., and all of the common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. will be owned by shareholders.

Pursuant to the plan of conversion, we will offer shares of common stock for sale in the subscription offering to our eligible account holders, our tax-qualified employee stock ownership plan, supplemental eligible account holders and other members. To the extent shares remain available for sale, we may offer common stock for sale in a community offering to members of the general public, with a preference given to natural (including trusts of natural persons) residing in the Georgia Counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas, and the Florida Counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla.

We have the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any orders to purchase shares of the common stock received in the community offering. The community offering may begin concurrently with, during or promptly after the subscription offering and must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the subscription offering unless otherwise extended by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. We also may offer for sale shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription or community offerings through a syndicated offering in which Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will be sole manager. See “—Community Offering” and “—Syndicated Offering.”

We intend to retain between $16.2 million and $22.0 million of the net proceeds of the offering (or $25.4 million at the adjusted maximum of the offering range) and to invest between $19.4 million and $26.3 million of the net proceeds in TC Federal Bank (or $30.3 million at the adjusted maximum of the offering range). The offering will be consummated only upon the issuance of at least the minimum number of shares of our common stock offered pursuant to the plan of conversion.

We determined the number of shares of common stock to be offered in the offering based upon an independent valuation of the estimated pro forma market value of TC Bancshares, Inc. All shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be sold at $10.00 per share. Investors will not be charged a commission to purchase shares of common stock. The independent valuation will be updated and the final number of the shares of common stock to be issued in the offering will be determined at the completion of the offering. See “—Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued” for more information as to the determination of the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock.

The following is a brief summary of the plan of conversion and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the plan of conversion. The plan of conversion should be consulted for further information about the conversion and offering. A copy of the plan of conversion is available for inspection at each office of TC Federal Bank. The plan of conversion is also filed as an exhibit to TC Federal Bank’s application for conversion, of which this prospectus is a part, copies of which may be obtained from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The plan of conversion is also filed as an exhibit to the registration statement we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, of which this prospectus is a part, copies of which may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission or online at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, www.sec.gov. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

 

93


Table of Contents

Prior Plan

The board of directors of TC Federal Bank previously adopted in February 2020 a Plan of Reorganization from a Mutual Saving Bank to a Mutual Holding Company and Stock Issuance Plan pursuant to which TC Federal Bank would have reorganized into the mutual holding company form of organization. During the process of preparing to conduct the mutual holding company reorganization, it was determined that if TC Federal Bank proceeded with the mutual holding company formation as structured in accordance with applicable law and regulation, there was a material risk of loss or significant curtailment of TC Federal Bank’s ability to utilize its deferred tax assets, in particular, its net operating loss carryforwards. While this analysis was underway, the coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared to be a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant economic dislocation in the United States as many state and local governments ordered non-essential businesses to close and residents to shelter in place at home. This resulted in, among other things, an unprecedented slow-down in economic activity as well as declines in value of the stock markets and in particular, the values of bank stocks. As a result, the board of directors determined to delay proceeding with plan to reorganize into the mutual holding company form of structure until (i) a final determination was made with regard the effect of the mutual holding company reorganization on TC Federal Bank’s deferred tax assets and (ii) the COVID-19 pandemic situation was clearer and the stock markets had stabilized. During the intervening several months, the board of directors continued to review and assess the situation as well as whether reorganizing into the mutual holding company form of structure Plan was the most appropriate course of action to pursue. Upon further reflection and in consideration of the adverse financial and tax consequences of pursuing the mutual holding company reorganization as required to be structured as well as in view of TC Federal Bank’s strategic direction, the board of directors concluded that a standard mutual-to-stock conversion was the more appropriate structure to pursue rather than the mutual holding company formation. The plan of mutual holding company reorganization was neither presented to nor approved by either the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Federal Reserve Board or by TC Federal Bank’s members. In light of the foregoing determination, the board of directors determined to terminate the plan of mutual holding company reorganization and adopt the plan of conversion.

Reasons for the Conversion

The primary purpose of the conversion is to establish a holding company and to convert TC Federal Bank to the stock form of ownership in order to compete and expand more effectively in the financial services marketplace. The stock form of ownership is the corporate form used by commercial banks, most major businesses and a large number of savings institutions. The conversion also will enable customers, employees, management and directors to have a direct equity ownership interest in TC Bancshares, Inc. and an indirect equity ownership interest in TC Federal Bank. Management believes that this will enhance the long-term growth and performance of TC Federal Bank and TC Bancshares, Inc. by enabling us to attract and retain qualified employees who have a direct interest in our financial success and that customer ownership may enhance our connection with our customers. The conversion will permit us to issue and sell capital stock, which is a source of capital not available to mutual savings institutions. The conversion also will give us greater flexibility to structure and finance the expansion of our operations and increase our capital to support future growth and profitability, including the potential acquisition of other financial institutions, and to diversify into other financial services, to the extent permissible by applicable law and regulation. Although there are no current arrangements, understandings or agreements regarding any such opportunities, we will be in a position after the conversion, subject to regulatory limitations and our financial condition, to take advantage of any such opportunities that may arise, and to compete more effectively in the financial services marketplace. The conversion and the capital raised in the offering are expected to increase our lending capacity by providing us with additional capital to support new loans and higher lending limits, support the growth of our banking franchise, provide an additional cushion against unforeseen risk and expand our asset base. Lastly, the conversion will enable us to better manage our capital by providing broader investment opportunities through the holding company structure and by enabling us to repurchase our common stock as market conditions permit.

 

94


Table of Contents

Approvals Required

The affirmative vote of a majority of the total outstanding votes eligible to be cast by the members (depositors and certain borrowers) of TC Federal Bank, represented in person or by proxy, is required to approve the plan of conversion. A special meeting of members to consider and vote upon the plan of conversion has been called for [________ __], 2021. We have filed an application for conversion with respect to the conversion and stock offering with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Such application, which includes the plan of conversion, must be approved by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Approval of our holding company application by the Federal Reserve Board also must be obtained. We cannot consummate the conversion and offering without receiving these approvals and non-objections and satisfying the conditions contained in them.

Effects of Conversion on Depositors and Borrowers

Continuity. While the conversion is being accomplished, our normal business of accepting deposits and making loans will continue without interruption. After the conversion, we will continue to offer existing services to depositors, borrowers and other customers. The directors serving TC Federal Bank at the time of the conversion will be the directors of TC Federal Bank and of TC Bancshares, Inc. after the conversion. The officers of TC Federal Bank at the time of the conversion will retain their positions after the conversion.

Effect on Deposit Accounts. Pursuant to the plan of conversion, each depositor of TC Federal Bank at the time of the conversion will automatically continue as a depositor after the conversion, and the deposit balance, interest rate and other terms of such deposit accounts will not change as a result of the conversion. Each such account will be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, without interruption, to the same extent as before the conversion. Depositors will continue to hold their existing certificates and other evidences of their accounts.

Effect on Loans. No loan outstanding from TC Federal Bank will be affected by the conversion, and the amount, interest rate, maturity and security for each loan will remain as it was contractually fixed before the conversion.

Effect on Voting Rights of Members. All of our depositors and certain borrowers are members of and have voting rights in TC Federal Bank as to all matters requiring membership action. Upon completion of the conversion, TC Federal Bank will cease to have members and former members will no longer have voting rights. Upon completion of the conversion, all voting rights in TC Federal Bank will be vested in TC Bancshares, Inc. as the sole shareholder of TC Federal Bank. The shareholders of TC Bancshares, Inc. will possess exclusive voting rights with respect to TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock.

Tax Effects. We have received opinions of counsel and our tax advisors with regard to the federal and state income tax consequences of the conversion to the effect that the conversion will not be taxable for federal or Georgia income tax purposes to TC Federal Bank or its depositors. See “—Material Income Tax Consequences.”

Effect on Liquidation Rights. Each depositor of TC Federal Bank has both a deposit account in TC Federal Bank and a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of TC Federal Bank based upon the deposit balance in his or her account. This ownership interest is tied to the depositor’s account and has no tangible market value separate from the deposit account. This interest may only be realized upon a complete liquidation of TC Federal Bank. Any depositor who opens a deposit account obtains a pro rata ownership interest in TC Federal Bank without any additional payment beyond the amount of the deposit. A depositor who reduces or closes his or her account receives a portion or all, respectively, of the balance in the deposit account but nothing for his or her ownership interest in the net worth of TC Federal Bank, which is lost to the extent that the balance in the account is reduced or closed. Consequently, depositors in a mutual savings bank normally have no way of realizing the value of their ownership interest, which has realizable value only in the unlikely event that the institution is completely liquidated. If this occurs, the depositors of record at that time, as owners, would share pro rata in any residual surplus and reserves of TC Federal Bank after other claims, including claims of depositors to the amounts of their deposits, are paid.

 

95


Table of Contents

In the unlikely event that TC Federal Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, also would be paid first, followed by distribution of a “liquidation account” to depositors at December 31, 2019 and [________ __], 2021, who continue to maintain their deposit accounts at the date of liquidation, with any assets remaining thereafter distributed to TC Bancshares, Inc. as the holder of TC Federal Bank’s capital stock. See “—Liquidation Rights.”

Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued

The plan of conversion and applicable regulations require that the aggregate purchase price of the common stock sold in the offering must be based on the appraised pro forma market value of the common stock, as determined by an independent valuation. We have retained Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to prepare an independent valuation. For its services in preparing the valuation appraisal, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. will receive a fee of $20,000, as well as payment for reimbursable expenses and an additional $7,500 for each updated valuation prepared. We have paid Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. no other fees during the previous three years except $47,500 in connection with the initial appraisal services performed in connection with the initial plan to effect a mutual holding company reorganization.

We are not affiliated with Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., and neither we nor Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. has an economic interest in, or is held in common with, the other. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. represents and warrants that it is not aware of any fact or circumstance that would cause it not to be “independent” within the meaning of the conversion regulations or the applicable regulatory valuation guidelines or otherwise prohibit or restrict in anyway Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. from serving in the role of our independent appraiser.    

We have agreed to indemnify Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. and its employees and affiliates against specified losses, including any losses in connection with claims under the federal securities laws, arising out of its services as independent appraiser, except where such liability results from Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.’s bad faith or negligence.

The independent valuation was prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in reliance upon the information contained in this prospectus, including the consolidated financial statements of TC Federal Bank. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. also considered the following factors, among others:

 

   

the present results and financial condition of TC Federal Bank and the projected consolidated results and financial condition of TC Bancshares, Inc.;

 

   

the economic and demographic conditions in TC Federal Bank’s existing market area;

 

   

certain historical, financial and other information relating to TC Federal Bank;

 

   

a comparative evaluation of the operating and financial characteristics of TC Federal Bank with those of other publicly traded savings institutions;

 

   

the effect of the offering on our equity and earnings potential;

 

   

the proposed dividend policy of TC Bancshares, Inc.; and

 

   

the trading market for securities of comparable institutions and general conditions in the market for such securities.

The independent valuation is also based on an analysis of a peer group of publicly traded savings and loan holding companies, bank holding companies or savings banks that Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considered comparable to TC Bancshares, Inc. under regulatory guidelines applicable to the independent valuation. Under these guidelines, a minimum of ten peer group companies are selected from the universe of all publicly-traded financial institutions with relatively comparable resources, strategies and financial and other operating characteristics. Such companies must also be traded on an exchange (such as Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange). The peer group companies selected for TC Bancshares, Inc. also consisted of fully-converted stock institutions that were not subject to an actual or rumored acquisition and that had been in fully-converted form for at least one year. In addition, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. limited the peer group companies to the following selection criteria: total assets of less than $1.0 billion, positive earnings, tangible equity-to-tangible assets ratios of greater than 4.5%, and non-performing assets-to-total assets ratios of less than 2.0%.

 

96


Table of Contents

The independent valuation considered the pro forma effect of the offering. Consistent with regulatory appraisal guidelines, the appraisal applied three primary methodologies: (i) the pro forma price-to-book value approach applied to both reported book value and tangible book value; (ii) the pro forma price-to-earnings approach applied to reported and core earnings; and (iii) the pro forma price-to-assets approach. The market value ratios applied in the three methodologies were based on the current market valuations of the peer group companies. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. placed the greatest emphasis on the price-to-earnings and price-to-book approaches in estimating pro forma market value. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. did not consider a pro forma price-to-assets approach to be as meaningful in preparing the appraisal, as this approach is more meaningful when a company has low equity or earnings. The price-to-assets approach is less meaningful for a company like us, as we have equity in excess of regulatory capital requirements and positive reported and core earnings.

In applying each of the valuation methods, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considered adjustments to the pro forma market value based on a comparison of TC Bancshares, Inc. with the peer group. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. made downward adjustments for earnings prospects and for marketing of the issue. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. made no adjustments for financial condition, market area, management, dividend payments, liquidity of the issue, subscription interest, and effect of banking regulations and regulatory reform. The downward adjustment for earnings prospects took into consideration our less favorable efficiency ratio and lower profitability ratios relative to the peer group measures. The downward adjustment for marketing of the issue took into consideration the volatile stock market conditions in both the overall market and the market for bank and thrift stocks and the heightened uncertainty associated with the new issue market in the prevailing stock market environment, including the new issue market for TC Bancshares, Inc.

Included in Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.’s independent valuation were certain assumptions as to the pro forma earnings of TC Bancshares, Inc. after the offering used in determining the appraised value. These assumptions included estimated expenses, an assumed after-tax rate of return of 0.28% at December 31, 2020 on the net offering proceeds and purchases in the open market of common stock by the stock-based benefit plan at the $10.00 per share purchase price. See “Pro Forma Data” for additional information concerning assumptions included in the independent valuation and used in preparing pro forma data. The use of different assumptions may yield different results.

The independent valuation states that at February 26, 2021, the estimated pro forma market value of TC Bancshares, Inc. was $47.0 million. Based on applicable regulations, this market value forms the midpoint of a range with a minimum of $40.0 million and a maximum of $24.1 million. The aggregate offering price of the shares will be equal to the valuation range multiplied by the offering price of $10.00 per share. The number of shares offered will be equal to the aggregate offering price of the shares divided by the $10.00 price per share. Based on the valuation range and the $10.00 offering price per share, the minimum of the offering range is 3,995,000 shares, the midpoint of the offering range is 4,700,000 shares and the maximum of the offering range is 5,405,000 shares.

Following commencement of the subscription offering, the maximum of the valuation range may be increased by up to 15%, or up to $62.2 million, without resoliciting subscribers, which will result in a corresponding increase of up to 15% in the maximum of the offering range, to up to 6,215,750 shares, to reflect changes in the market and financial conditions or demand for the shares. We will not decrease the minimum of the valuation range and the minimum of the offering range without a resolicitation of subscribers. The offering price of $10.00 per share will remain fixed. See “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases” as to the method of distribution of additional shares to be issued upon an increase in the offering range to up to 6,215,750 shares.

The board of directors of TC Federal Bank reviewed the independent valuation and, in particular, considered the following:

 

   

TC Federal Bank’s financial condition and results of operations;

 

   

a comparison of financial performance ratios of TC Federal Bank to those of other financial institutions of similar size; and

 

97


Table of Contents
   

market conditions generally and in particular for financial institutions.

All of these factors are set forth in the independent valuation. The board of directors also reviewed the methodology and the assumptions used by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to prepare the independent valuation and believes that such assumptions were reasonable. The offering range may be amended with the approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency as a result of subsequent developments in the financial condition of TC Federal Bank or market conditions generally. If the independent valuation is updated to amend the pro forma market value of TC Bancshares, Inc. to less than $40.0 million or to more than $62.2 million, the appraisal will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by a post-effective amendment to TC Bancshares, Inc.’s registration statement.

The following table presents a summary of selected pricing ratios for TC Bancshares, Inc. (on a pro forma basis) at and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, and for the peer group companies based on earnings and other information at and for the latest twelve months ended December 31, 2020, with stock prices at February 26, 2021, as reflected in the appraisal report. Compared to the average pricing of the peer group, and based upon the information in the following table, our pro forma pricing ratios at the midpoint of the offering range indicated a discount of 35.7% on a price-to-book value basis, a discount of 37.3% on a price-to-tangible book value basis and a premium of 61.0% on a price-to-earnings basis. Our board of directors, in reviewing and approving the appraisal, considered the range of price-to-earnings multiples and the range of price-to-book value and price-to-tangible book value ratios at the different amounts of shares to be sold in the offering. The appraisal did not consider one valuation approach to be more important than the other. The estimated appraised value and the resulting premium/discount took into consideration the potential financial effect of the conversion and offering.

 

     Pro Forma
Price-to-Earnings
Multiple (1)
     Pro Forma
Price-to-Book
Value Ratio
    Pro Forma
Price-to-Tangible Book
Value Ratio
 

TC Bancshares, Inc. (on a pro forma basis, assuming completion of the offering)

       

Adjusted Maximum

     66.67x        66.80     66.80

Maximum

     52.63x        62.81     62.81

Midpoint

     41.67x        58.82     58.82

Minimum

     33.33x        54.14     54.14

Valuation of peer group companies as of February 26, 2021

       

Averages

     25.88x        91.45     93.75

Medians

     13.19x        90.20     97.18

 

(1)

Price-to-earnings multiples calculated by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in the independent appraisal are based on an estimate of “core” or recurring earnings. These ratios are different than those presented in “Pro Forma Data.”

The independent valuation is not intended, and must not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing our shares of common stock. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. did not independently verify our consolidated financial statements and other information that we provided to them, nor did Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. independently value our assets or liabilities. The independent valuation considers TC Federal Bank as a going concern and should not be considered as an indication of the liquidation value of TC Federal Bank. Moreover, because the valuation is necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which may change from time to time, no assurance can be given that persons purchasing our common stock in the offering will thereafter be able to sell their shares at prices at or above the $10.00 price per share.

If the update to the independent valuation at the conclusion of the offering results in an increase in the maximum of the valuation range to more than $62.2 million and a corresponding increase in the offering range to more than 6,215,750 shares, or a decrease in the minimum of the valuation range to less than $40.0 million and a corresponding decrease in the offering range to less than 3,995,000 shares, then we will promptly return with interest at 0.05% per annum all funds previously delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings and cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations and, after consulting

 

98


Table of Contents

with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, we may terminate the plan of conversion. Alternatively, we may establish a new offering range, extend the offering period and commence a resolicitation of purchasers or take other actions as permitted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in order to complete the offering. If we extend the offering and conduct a resolicitation due to a change in the independent valuation, we will notify subscribers of the extension of time and of the rights of subscribers to place a new stock order for a specified period of time. Any single offering extension will not exceed 90 days and aggregate extensions may not conclude beyond ___________ __, 2023, which is two years after the date of the special meeting of members called to consider and approve the plan of conversion.

An increase in the number of shares to be issued in the offering would decrease both a subscriber’s ownership interest and TC Bancshares, Inc.’s pro forma earnings and shareholders’ equity on a per share basis while increasing shareholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. A decrease in the number of shares to be issued in the offering would increase both a subscriber’s ownership interest and TC Bancshares, Inc.’s pro forma earnings and shareholders’ equity on a per share basis, while decreasing shareholders’ equity on an aggregate basis.

A copy of the independent valuation report of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., together with the detailed memorandum setting forth the method and assumptions used in the appraisal report, is filed as an exhibit to each of the documents specified under “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”

Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights

According to the plan of conversion, rights to subscribe for shares of common stock in the subscription offering have been granted in the following descending order of priority. The filling of all subscriptions that we receive will depend on the availability of common stock after satisfaction of all subscriptions of all persons having prior rights in the subscription offering and on the purchase and ownership limitations set forth in the plan of conversion and as described below under “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”

Priority 1: Eligible Account Holders. Each depositor of TC Federal Bank with aggregate deposit account balances of $50.00 or more (a “Qualifying Deposit”) at the close of business on December 31, 2019 (an “Eligible Account Holder”) will receive, without payment, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase, subject to the overall purchase limitations, up to the greater of $300,000 (30,000 shares) of our common stock, 0.10% of the total number of shares of common stock issued in the offering, or 15 times the product of the number of subscription shares offered multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is the aggregate Qualifying Deposit account balances of the Eligible Account Holder and the denominator is the aggregate Qualifying Deposit account balances of all Eligible Account Holders, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will first be allocated so as to permit each Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, any remaining unallocated shares will be allocated to each remaining Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in same the proportion that the amount of his or her Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all subscribing Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled. If an amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated among those Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are not fully satisfied until all available shares have been allocated.

To ensure proper allocation of our shares of common stock, each Eligible Account Holder must list on his or her stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she has an ownership interest on December 31, 2019. If there is an oversubscription, failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed. If there is an oversubscription, the subscription rights of Eligible Account Holders who are also directors or officers of TC Federal Bank or who are associates of such persons will be subordinated to the subscription rights of other Eligible Account Holders to the extent attributable to their increased deposits in the 12 months preceding December 31, 2019.

Priority 2: Tax-Qualified Plans. Our tax-qualified employee stock ownership plan, will receive, without payment, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase in the aggregate up to 8.0% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering. If market conditions warrant, in the judgment of its trustees, the employee stock ownership plan may instead elect to purchase shares in the open market following the completion of the offering, subject to the approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

 

99


Table of Contents

Priority 3: Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. To the extent that there are sufficient shares of common stock remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders and by our employee stock ownership plan, each depositor of TC Federal Bank (other than directors and officers of TC Federal Bank, and their associates) with a Qualifying Deposit at the close of business on ____________ __, 2021, who is not an Eligible Account Holder (a “Supplemental Eligible Account Holder”) will receive, without payment, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase, subject to the overall purchase limitations, up to the greater of $300,000 (30,000 shares) of our common stock, 0.10% of the total number of shares of common stock issued in the offering, or 15 times the product of the number of subscription shares offered multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is the aggregate Qualifying Deposit account balances of the Supplemental Eligible Account Holder and the denominator is the aggregate Qualifying Deposit account balances of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will first be allocated so as to permit each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, any remaining unallocated shares will be allocated to each remaining Supplemental Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in same the proportion that the amount of his or her Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled. If an amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated among those Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are not fully satisfied until all available shares have been allocated.

To ensure proper allocation of our shares of common stock, each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder must list on his or her stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she has an ownership interest on __________ __, 2021. If there is an oversubscription, failure to list an account could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.

Priority 4: Other Members. To the extent that there are shares of common stock remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders, our tax-qualified employee benefit plan, and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, each depositor on the voting record date of _______ __, 2021 who is not an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder and each borrower of TC Federal Bank as of November 20, 2019 whose loan remained outstanding as of the close of business on the voting record date (“Other Members”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to the greater of $300,000 (30,000 shares) of our common stock or 0.10% of the total number of shares of common stock issued in the offering, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “ – Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, available shares will be allocated so as to permit each Other Member to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares of common stock or the number of shares for which he or she subscribed. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated to each Other Member on an equal number of shares basis per order until all orders have been filled or the remaining shares have been allocated, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued.

To ensure proper allocation of common stock, each Other Member must list on the stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she had an ownership interest at ________ __, 2021. In the event of oversubscription, failure to list an account, or including incomplete or incorrect information, could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.

Expiration Date. The subscription offering will expire at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on _________ __, 2021, unless extended by us for up to 45 days or such additional periods with the approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Subscription rights will expire whether or not each eligible depositor can be located. We may decide to extend the expiration date of the subscription offering for any reason, whether or not subscriptions have been received for shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum or adjusted maximum of the offering range. Subscription rights which have not been exercised before the expiration date will become void.

 

100


Table of Contents

We will not execute orders until at least the minimum number of shares of common stock has been sold in the offering. If at least 3,995,000 shares have not been sold in the offering by ___________ __, 2021 and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has not consented to an extension, all funds delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock in the offering will be returned promptly, with interest at 0.05% per annum for funds received in the subscription and community offerings, and all deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be canceled. If an extension beyond _________ __, 2021 is necessary and granted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, we will resolicit purchasers in the offering as described under “—Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings—Expiration Date.”

Community Offering

To the extent that shares of common stock remain available for purchase after satisfaction of all subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, we will offer shares pursuant to the plan of conversion to members of the general public in a community offering. Shares will be offered in the community offering with the following preferences:

 

   

Natural persons and trusts or natural persons residing in the Georgia Counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas, and the Florida Counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla; and

 

   

Other members of the general public.

Subscribers in the community offering may purchase up to $300,000 (30,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” The opportunity to purchase shares of common stock in the community offering category is subject to our right, in our sole discretion, to accept or reject any such orders in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable following the expiration date of the offering.

If we do not have sufficient shares of common stock available to fill the orders of natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in the Georgia Counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas, and the Florida Counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla (“Preferred Subscribers”), we will allocate the available shares among those persons in a manner that permits each of them, to the extent possible, to purchase the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares subscribed for by such person. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated among the Preferred Subscribers whose orders remain unsatisfied in the same proportion that the unfilled subscription of each bears to the total unfilled subscriptions of all Preferred Subscribers whose subscription remains unsatisfied. If there are any shares remaining, shares will be allocated to other members of the general public who subscribe in the community offering applying the same allocation described above for Preferred Subscribers. In connection with the allocation process, orders received for shares of common stock in the community offering will first be filled up to a maximum of 2% of the shares sold in the offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order until all shares have been allocated.

The term “residing” or “resident” as used in this prospectus with respect to the Georgia Counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas, and the Florida Counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla means any person who occupies a dwelling within the local community, has a present intent to remain within the local community for a period of time, and manifests the genuineness of that intent by establishing an ongoing physical presence within the local community together with an indication that such presence within the local community is something other than merely transitory in nature. We may utilize deposit or loan records or other evidence provided to us to determine whether a person is a resident. In all cases, however, the determination shall be in our sole discretion.

Expiration Date. The community offering may begin concurrently with, during or promptly after the subscription offering, and is currently expected to terminate at the same time as the subscription offering, and must terminate no more than 45 days following the subscription offering, unless extended with the approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. We may decide to extend the community offering for any reason and are not required to give purchasers notice of any such extension unless such period extends beyond __________ __, 2021, in which event we will resolicit purchasers.

 

101


Table of Contents

Syndicated Offering

If feasible, our board of directors may decide to offer for sale shares of common stock not subscribed for or purchased in the subscription and community offerings in a syndicated offering, subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as we may determine, subject to any approvals required from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency in a manner that will achieve a wide distribution of our shares of common stock.

If a syndicated offering or firm commitment offering is held, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will serve as sole manager. If shares of common stock are sold in a syndicated offering, we will pay fees of 5.5% of the aggregate amount of common stock sold in the syndicated offering to Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC. and any other broker-dealers included in the syndicated offering. Neither Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC nor any registered broker-dealer will have any obligation to take or purchase any shares of the common stock in the syndicated offering; however, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC has agreed to use its best efforts in the sale of shares in any syndicated offering. The shares of common stock will be sold at the same price per share ($10.00 per share) that the shares are sold in the subscription offering and the community offering.

If there is a syndicated offering, it is currently expected that investors would follow the same general procedures applicable to purchasing shares in the subscription and community offerings (the use of order forms and the submission of funds directly to TC Bancshares, Inc. for the payment of the purchase price of the shares ordered) except that payment must be in immediately available funds (bank checks, money orders, deposit account withdrawals from accounts at TC Federal Bank or wire transfers). See “—Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings.” “Sweep” arrangements and delivery versus payment settlement will only be used in a syndicated offering to the extent consistent with Rules 10b-9 and 15c2-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and then-existing guidance and interpretations thereof of the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding the conduct of “min/max” offerings.

If for any reason we cannot undertake a syndicated offering of shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription and community offerings, or if there are an insignificant number of shares remaining unsold after such offerings, we will try to make other arrangements for the sale of unsubscribed shares. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority must approve any such arrangements.

Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases

The plan of conversion includes the following additional limitations on the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in the offering:

 

   

No individual, or group of individuals exercising subscription rights through a single qualifying deposit account held jointly, may purchase more than $300,000 (30,000 shares) in the offering;

 

   

Except for the employee stock ownership plan, no person or entity, together with associates or persons acting in concert with such person or entity, may purchase more than $400,000 (40,000 shares) of common stock in all categories of the offering combined;

 

   

Tax qualified employee benefit plans, including our employee stock ownership plan, may purchase in the aggregate up to 10.0% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering, including shares issued upon an increase in the offering range of up to 15.0%;

 

   

No person may purchase fewer than 25 shares of common stock, to the extent those shares are available for purchase; and

 

   

The aggregate number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in all categories of the offering by officers and directors of TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank and their associates may not exceed 29% of the total shares sold in the offering.

 

102


Table of Contents

Depending upon market or financial conditions, our board of directors, with regulatory approval and without further approval of the depositors of TC Federal Bank, may decrease or increase the purchase limitations. If a purchase limitation is increased, subscribers in the subscription offering who ordered the maximum amount of shares of common stock and who indicated on their stock order forms a desire to be resolicited in the event of an increase will be given the opportunity to increase their orders up to the then applicable revised limit. The effect of this type of resolicitation will be an increase in the number of shares of common stock owned by persons who choose to increase their orders. If the maximum purchase limitation is increased to 5% of the shares sold in the offering, such limitation may be further increased to 9.99%, subject to the provisions of 12 CFR 192.385, provided that orders for shares of common stock exceeding 5% of the shares sold in the offering may not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the total shares sold in the offering.

If there is an increase in the offering range to up to 6,215,750 shares of common stock, shares will be allocated in the following order of priority according to the plan of conversion:

 

  (i)

to fill the subscriptions of our tax-qualified employee benefit plans, specifically our employee stock ownership plan, for up to 8.0% of the total number of shares of common stock sold in the offering;

 

  (ii)

if there is an oversubscription at the Eligible Account Holder level, to fill unfilled subscriptions of these subscribers according to their respective priorities;

 

  (iii)

if there is an oversubscription at the Supplemental Eligible Account Holder level, to fill unfilled subscriptions of these subscribers according to their respective priorities;

 

  (iv)

if there is an oversubscription at the other members level, to fill unfilled subscriptions of these subscribers according to their respective priorities; and

 

  (v)

to fill unfilled subscriptions in the community offering, with preference given first to natural persons and trusts of natural persons residing in the Georgia Counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas, and the Florida Counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla, and then to members of the general public.

The term “associate” of a person means:

 

   

any corporation or organization (other than TC Federal Bank, TC Bancshares, Inc. or a majority-owned subsidiary of any of those entities) of which the person is a senior officer, partner or, directly or indirectly, 10% beneficial shareholder;

 

   

any trust or other estate in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and

 

   

any relative or spouse of such person, or any relative of such spouse, who either has the same home as the person or who is a director, trustee or officer of TC Federal Bank or TC Bancshares, Inc.

As used above, the term “acting in concert” means:

 

   

knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or

 

   

a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise. A person or company that acts in concert with another person or company (“other party”) shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any tax-qualified employee plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether stock held by the trustee and stock held by the plan will be aggregated. When persons act together for such purpose, their group is deemed to have acquired their stock.

 

103


Table of Contents

The determination of whether a group is acting in concert shall be made solely by us and may be based on any evidence upon which we choose to rely, including, without limitation, joint account relationships or the fact that such persons have filed joint Schedules 13D or 13G with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to other companies. Persons with the same address, whether or not related, and persons exercising subscription rights through qualifying deposit accounts registered to the same address will be deemed to be acting in concert unless we determine otherwise. Directors of TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank are not treated as associates of each other solely because of their membership on the boards of directors.

Common stock purchased in the offering will be freely transferable except for shares purchased by directors and certain officers of TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank and except as described below. Any purchases made by any associate of TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank for the explicit purpose of meeting the minimum number of shares of common stock required to be sold in order to complete the offering shall be made for investment purposes only and not with a view toward redistribution. In addition, under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority guidelines, members of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and their associates are subject to certain restrictions on transfer of securities purchased according to subscription rights and to certain reporting requirements upon purchase of these securities. For a further discussion of limitations on purchases of our shares of common stock at the time of offering and thereafter, see “—Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares After the Offering” and “Restrictions on Acquisition of TC Bancshares, Inc.”

Plan of Distribution; Selling Agent and Underwriting Compensation

Subscription and Community Offerings. To assist in the marketing of our shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings, we have retained Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC, which is a broker-dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will assist us on a best efforts basis in the subscription and community offerings by:

 

   

consulting as to the marketing implications of the plan of conversion;

 

   

reviewing with the boards the financial impact of the offering on us, based upon the independent appraiser’s appraisal of the common stock;

 

   

reviewing all offering documents, including the prospectus, stock order forms and related marketing materials;

 

   

assisting us in the design and implementation of a marketing strategy for the offering;

 

   

assisting our management in scheduling and preparing for meetings with potential investors and/or other broker-dealers in connection with the offering; and

 

   

providing such other general advice and assistance as may be requested to promote the successful completion of the offering.

For its services as financial advisor, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will receive a selling agent fee of 1.25% of the aggregate dollar amount of all shares of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings. No fee will be paid on any shares purchased by our directors, officers or employees or members of their immediate families (whether directly or through a personal trust), or on shares purchased by any employee benefit plan or trust established for the benefit of our directors, officers and employees. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC has also received an advance payment of $25,000 for services as the marketing agent, which will be credited against the service fee.

Syndicated Offering. If shares of common stock are sold in a syndicated offering, we will pay fees of 5.5% of the aggregate dollar amount of common stock sold in the syndicated offering to Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC and any other broker-dealers included in the syndicated offering. Any such offering will be on a best efforts basis, and Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will serve as sole book-running manager in such an offering. All fees payable with respect to a syndicated offering will be in addition to fees payable with respect to the subscription and community offerings.

 

104


Table of Contents

Expenses. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will be reimbursed for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, not to exceed $10,000, and fees and expenses of its legal counsel not to exceed $125,000. The expenses may be increased in the event we conduct a syndicated offering. Under such circumstances, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC may be reimbursed for total additional reasonable expenses and legal fees and expenses not to exceed $150,000 in the aggregate. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will reimburse any amounts paid or advanced by us in excess of their actual reasonable out-of-pocket accountable expenses. If the plan of conversion is terminated or if Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC’s engagement is terminated according to the provisions of the agency agreement, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will only receive reimbursement of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

No opinion. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC has not prepared any report or opinion constituting a recommendation or advice to us or to persons who subscribe for stock, nor has it prepared an opinion as to the fairness to us of the purchase price or the terms of the stock to be sold. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC expresses no opinion as to the prices at which the shares of common stock to be issued may trade.

Stock Information Center Management

We have also engaged Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC to manage our Stock Information Center in connection with the offering. In this role, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will assist us in the offering as follows:

 

   

coordinating vote solicitation and the special meeting of members;

 

   

design stock order forms;

 

   

organize and supervise the Stock Information Center; and

 

   

employee training.

For these services, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will receive a fee of $20,000, $10,000 of which is non-refundable and has already been paid (the remainder to be paid upon mailing of the offering materials), plus reimbursement of expenses not to exceed $15,000. The fee can be increased by $5,000 in the event of any unusual or additional items or duplication of service required as a result of a material change in applicable regulations or the plan of conversion, or a material delay or other similar events.

Indemnity

We will indemnify Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC against liabilities and expenses, including legal fees, incurred in connection with certain claims or litigation arising out of or based upon untrue statements or omissions contained in the offering materials for the common stock, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as well as certain other claims and litigation arising out of Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC’s engagement with respect to the offering.

Solicitation of Offers by Officers and Directors

Some of our directors and executive officers may participate in the solicitation of offers to purchase common stock in the subscription and community offerings. These persons will be reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation, which out-of-pocket expenses, if any, are expected to be insignificant. Other regular employees of TC Federal Bank may assist in the offering, but only in ministerial capacities, and may provide clerical work in effecting a sales transaction. No offers or sales may be made by tellers or at the teller counters. Investment-related questions of prospective purchasers will be directed to executive officers or registered representatives of Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC Our other employees have been instructed not to solicit offers to purchase shares of common stock or provide advice regarding the purchase of common stock. We will rely on Rule 3a4-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and sales of common stock will be conducted within the requirements of Rule 3a4-1, so as to permit officers, directors and employees to participate in the sale of common stock. None of our officers, directors or employees will be compensated in connection with their participation in the offering. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC will solicit orders and conduct sales of the common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. in states in which our directors and executive officers are not permitted to offer and sell our shares of common stock.

 

105


Table of Contents

Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offerings

Expiration Date. The subscription and community offerings will expire at 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on ______ __, 2021, unless we extend one or both for up to 45 days, with the approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. This extension may be approved by us, in our sole discretion, without notice to purchasers in the offering. Any extension of the subscription and/or community offering beyond __________ __, 2021 would require the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s approval. If the offering is so extended, all subscribers will be notified and given an opportunity to confirm, change or cancel their orders. If you do not respond to this notice, we will promptly return your funds with interest at 0.05% per annum or cancel your deposit account withdrawal authorization. If the offering range is decreased below the minimum of the offering range or is increased above the adjusted maximum of the offering range, all subscribers’ stock orders will be cancelled, their deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be cancelled, and funds submitted to us will be returned promptly, with interest at 0.05% per annum for funds received in the subscription and community offerings. We will then resolicit the subscribers, giving them an opportunity to place a new stock order for a period of time.

To ensure that each purchaser in the subscription and community offerings receives a prospectus at least 48 hours before the expiration of the offering in accordance with Rule 15c2-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we may not mail a prospectus any later than five days prior to the expiration date or hand deliver a prospectus any later than two days prior to that date. We are not obligated to deliver a prospectus or stock order form by means other than U.S. Mail. Execution of a stock order form will confirm receipt of delivery of a prospectus in accordance with Rule 15c2-8. Stock order forms will be distributed only if preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.

We reserve the right in our sole discretion to terminate the offering at any time and for any reason (subject to any required regulatory approvals), in which case we will cancel any deposit account withdrawal authorizations and promptly return all funds submitted, with interest at 0.05% per annum from the date of receipt as described above.

Use of Order Forms in the Subscription and Community Offerings. In order to purchase shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings, you must properly complete an original stock order form and remit full payment. We are not required to accept orders submitted on photocopied or facsimiled order forms. We note that subscribers should be aware of the current delays in the postal service system, and that subscriptions must be received by the Stock Information Center. All order forms must be received (not postmarked) before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on __________ __, 2021. We are not required to accept order forms that are not received by that time, are not signed or are otherwise executed defectively or are received without full payment or without appropriate deposit account withdrawal instructions. We are not required to notify subscribers of incomplete or improperly executed order forms, and we have the right to waive or permit the correction of incomplete or improperly executed order forms. We do not represent, however, that we will do so and we have no affirmative duty to notify any prospective subscriber of any such defects. You may submit your order form and payment by mail to the Stock Information Center using the stock order return envelope provided, or by overnight delivery to our Stock Information Center, which will be located at TC Federal Bank’s main office, located at 131 South Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia. You may also hand-deliver stock order forms to the Stock Information Center. Hand-delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location. We will not accept stock order forms at our other banking offices. Please do not mail stock order forms to TC Federal Bank’s other offices.

Once tendered, an order form cannot be modified or revoked without our consent. We reserve the absolute right, in our sole discretion, to reject orders received in the community offering, in whole or in part, at the time of receipt or at any time before completion of the offering. If you are ordering shares in the subscription offering, you must represent that you are purchasing shares for your own account and that you have no agreement or understanding with any person for the sale or transfer of the shares. We have the right to reject any order submitted in the offering by a person who we believe is making false representations or who we otherwise believe, either alone or acting in concert with others, is violating, evading, circumventing, or intends to violate, evade or circumvent the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion and of the acceptability of the order forms will be final.

 

106


Table of Contents

By signing the order form, you will be acknowledging that the common stock is not a deposit or savings account and is not federally insured or otherwise guaranteed by TC Federal Bank, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency, and that you received a copy of this prospectus. However, signing the order form will not result in you waiving your rights under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Payment for Shares. Payment for all shares of common stock must accompany all completed order forms for the purchase to be valid. Payment for shares in the subscription and community offerings may be made by:

 

  (i)

personal check, bank check or money order, made payable to TC Bancshares, Inc.; or

 

  (ii)

authorization of withdrawal of available funds from your TC Federal Bank deposit accounts.

Appropriate means for designating withdrawals from deposit accounts at TC Federal Bank are provided on the order form. The funds designated must be available in the account(s) at the time the order form is received. A hold will be placed on these funds, making them unavailable to the depositor. Funds authorized for withdrawal will continue to earn interest within the account at the contractual rate until the offering is completed, at which time the designated withdrawal will be made. Interest penalties for early withdrawal applicable to certificate accounts will not apply to withdrawals authorized for the purchase of shares of common stock; however, if a withdrawal results in a certificate account with a balance less than the applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate will be canceled at the time of withdrawal without penalty and the remaining balance will earn interest at the current statement savings account rate after the withdrawal. In the case of payments made by personal check, these funds must be available in the account(s). Checks and money orders received in the subscription and community offerings will be immediately cashed and placed in a segregated account at TC Federal Bank and will earn interest at 0.05% per annum from the date payment is processed until the offering is completed or terminated.

You may not remit TC Federal Bank line of credit checks or any type of third-party checks (including those payable to you and endorsed over to TC Bancshares, Inc.). You may not designate on your stock order form direct withdrawal from a retirement account held at TC Federal Bank. See “—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds.” If permitted by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, if we resolicit large purchasers, as described above in “—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases,” such purchasers who wish to increase their purchases will not be able to use personal checks to pay for the additional shares, but instead must pay for the additional shares using immediately available funds. We will not accept wire transfers except set forth below.

Once we receive your executed stock order form, it may not be modified, amended or rescinded without our consent, unless the offering is not completed by ____________ __, 2021. If the subscription and community offerings are extended past ____________ __, 2021, all subscribers will be notified and given an opportunity to confirm, change or cancel their orders. If you do not respond to this notice, we will promptly return your funds with interest at 0.05% per annum or cancel your deposit account withdrawal authorization. We may resolicit purchasers for a specified period of time.

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regulations prohibit TC Federal Bank from lending funds or extending credit to any persons to purchase shares of common stock in the offering. Purchasers may seek financing from banks or institutions unaffiliated with TC Federal Bank in order to finance the purchase of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock.

We shall have the right, in our sole discretion, to permit institutional investors to submit irrevocable orders together with the legally binding commitment for payment and to thereafter pay for the shares of common stock for which they subscribe in the community offering at any time before 48 hours before the completion of the offering. This payment may be made by wire transfer.

If our employee stock ownership plan purchases shares in the offering, it will not be required to pay for such shares until completion of the offering, provided that there is a loan commitment from an unrelated financial institution or TC Bancshares, Inc. to lend to the employee stock ownership plan the necessary amount to fund the purchase.

 

107


Table of Contents

Using Individual Retirement Account Funds. If you are interested in using funds in your individual retirement account or other retirement account to purchase shares of common stock, you must do so through a self-directed retirement account. By regulation, TC Federal Bank’s retirement accounts are not self-directed, so they cannot be invested in our shares of common stock. Therefore, if you wish to use funds that are currently in a retirement account held at TC Federal Bank, you may not designate on the order form that you wish funds to be withdrawn from the account for the purchase of common stock. The funds you wish to use for the purchase of common stock will instead have to be transferred to an independent trustee or custodian, such as a brokerage firm, offering self-directed retirement accounts. The purchase must be made through that account. If you do not have such an account, you will need to establish one before placing a stock order. A one-time and/or annual administrative fee may be payable to the independent trustee or custodian. There will be no early withdrawal or Internal Revenue Service interest penalties for these transfers. Individuals interested in using funds in an individual retirement account or any other retirement account, whether held at TC Federal Bank or elsewhere, to purchase shares of common stock should contact our Stock Information Center for guidance as soon as possible, preferably at least two weeks before the _____________ __, 2021 offering deadline. Processing such transactions takes additional time, and whether such funds can be used may depend on limitations imposed by the institutions where such funds are currently held. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to use such funds.

Delivery of Shares of Common Stock. All shares of common stock sold will be issued in book entry form. Stock certificates will not be issued. A statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock issued in the subscription and community offerings will be mailed by our transfer agent to the persons entitled thereto at the registration address noted by them on their stock order forms as soon as practicable following consummation of the offering. We expect trading in the stock to begin on the day of completion of the offering or the next business day. Until a statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock is available and delivered to purchasers, purchasers might not be able to sell the shares of common stock that they ordered, even though the shares of common stock will have begun trading. Your ability to sell the shares of common stock before receiving your statement will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm.

Other Restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provision of the plan of conversion, no person is entitled to purchase any shares of common stock to the extent the purchase would be illegal under any federal or state law or regulation, including state “blue sky” regulations, or would violate regulations or policies of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, particularly those regarding free riding and withholding. We may ask for an acceptable legal opinion from any purchaser as to the legality of his or her purchase and we may refuse to honor any purchase order if an opinion is not timely furnished. In addition, we are not required to offer shares of common stock to any person who resides in a foreign country, or in a State of the United States with respect to which any of the following apply:

 

  (i)

a small number of persons otherwise eligible to subscribe for shares under the plan of conversion reside in such state;

 

  (ii)

the offer or sale of shares of common stock to such persons would require us or our employees to register, under the securities laws of such state, as a broker or dealer or to register or otherwise qualify our securities for sale in such state; or

 

  (iii)

such registration or qualification would be impracticable for reasons of cost or otherwise.

Restrictions on Transfer of Subscription Rights and Shares

Applicable banking regulations prohibit any person with subscription rights, including the Eligible Account Holder, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, from transferring or entering into any agreement or understanding to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of the subscription rights issued under the plan of conversion or the shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise. These rights may be exercised only by the person to whom they are granted and only for his or her account. When registering your stock purchase on the order form, you cannot add the name(s) of others for joint stock registration unless they are also named on the qualifying deposit account, and you cannot delete names of others except for certain orders placed through an IRA, Keogh, 401(k) or similar plan and for the death of the named eligible depositor. Doing so may jeopardize your subscription rights. Each person exercising subscription rights will be required to certify that he or she is purchasing shares solely for his or her own account and that he or she has no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of such shares. The regulations also prohibit any person from offering or making an announcement of an offer or intent to make an offer to purchase subscription rights or shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise before completion of the offering.

 

108


Table of Contents

We will pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies if we become aware of the transfer of subscription rights, and we will not honor orders that we believe involve the transfer of subscription rights.

Stock Information Center

Our banking office personnel may not, by law, assist with investment-related questions about the offering. If you have any questions regarding the offering, please call our Stock Information Center. The telephone number is [(____) ___-____]. The Stock Information Center is open Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time. The Stock Information Center will be closed on weekends and bank holidays.

Liquidation Rights

In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of TC Federal Bank before the conversion, all claims of creditors of TC Federal Bank, including those of its depositors (to the extent of their deposit balances), would be paid first, with any remaining assets distributed to TC Federal Bank’s depositors. In the unlikely event that TC Federal Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, would be paid first, followed by distribution of the “liquidation account” to certain depositors, with any assets remaining thereafter distributed to TC Bancshares, Inc. as the sole holder of TC Federal Bank capital stock.

The plan of conversion provides for the establishment, upon the completion of the conversion, of a special “liquidation account” for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in an amount equal to the total equity of TC Federal Bank at the date of its latest balance sheet contained in this prospectus. The purpose of the liquidation account is to provide Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who maintain their deposit accounts with TC Federal Bank after the conversion with a liquidation interest in the unlikely event of the complete liquidation of TC Federal Bank after the conversion. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder that continues to maintain his or her deposit account at TC Federal Bank would be entitled, on a complete liquidation of TC Federal Bank after the conversion, to an interest in the liquidation account before any payment to the shareholders of TC Bancshares, Inc. Each Eligible Account Holder would have an initial interest in the liquidation account for each deposit account, including savings accounts, transaction accounts such as negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit, with a balance of $50 or more held in TC Federal Bank on December 31, 2019. Each Eligible Account Holder would have a pro rata interest in the total liquidation account for each such deposit account, based on the proportion that the balance of each such deposit account on December 31, 2019 bears to the balance of all such deposit accounts in TC Federal Bank on such date. Each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder would have an initial interest in the liquidation account for each deposit account, including savings accounts, transaction accounts such as money market deposit accounts and certificates of deposit, with a balance of $50 or more held in TC Federal Bank on _____________ __, 2021. Each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder would have a pro rata interest in the total liquidation account for each such deposit account, based on the proportion that the balance of each such deposit account on ____________ __, 2021 bears to the balance of all such deposit accounts in TC Federal Bank on such date.

If, however, on any December 31, annual closing date commencing on or after the effective date of the conversion, the amount in any such deposit account is less than the amount in the deposit account on December 31, 2019 or ___________ __, 2021, respectively, or any other annual closing date, then the interest in the liquidation account relating to such deposit account would be reduced from time to time by the proportion of any such reduction, and such interest will cease to exist if such deposit account is closed. In addition, no interest in the liquidation account would ever be increased despite any subsequent increase in the related deposit account. Payment pursuant to liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders would be separate and apart from the payment of any insured deposit accounts to such depositor. Any assets remaining after the above liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are satisfied would be distributed to TC Bancshares, Inc., as the sole shareholder of TC Federal Bank.

 

109


Table of Contents

Material Income Tax Consequences

Consummation of the conversion is subject to the prior receipt of an opinion of counsel or tax advisor with respect to federal and state income taxation that the conversion will not be a taxable transaction to TC Federal Bank, TC Bancshares, Inc., Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members. Unlike private letter rulings, opinions of counsel or tax advisors are not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or any state taxing authority, and such authorities may disagree with such opinions. If there is such disagreement, there can be no assurance that TC Federal Bank or TC Bancshares, Inc. would prevail in a judicial proceeding.

TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank have received an opinion of counsel, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, regarding the following material federal and state income tax consequences of the conversion:

 

  1.

The conversion of TC Federal Bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code.

 

  2.

TC Federal Bank will not recognize any gain or loss upon the receipt of money from TC Bancshares, Inc. in exchange for shares of common stock of TC Federal Bank.

 

  3.

The basis and holding period of the assets received by TC Federal Bank, in stock form, from TC Federal Bank, in mutual form, will be the same as the basis and holding period in such assets immediately before the conversion.

 

  4.

No gain or loss will be recognized by account holders of TC Federal Bank, including Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members, upon the issuance to them of withdrawable deposit accounts in TC Federal Bank, in stock form, in the same dollar amount and under the same terms as held at TC Federal Bank, in mutual form. In addition, Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will not recognize gain or loss upon receipt of an interest in a liquidation account in TC Federal Bank in exchange for their ownership interests in TC Federal Bank.

 

  5.

The basis of the account holders’ deposit accounts in TC Federal Bank, in stock form, will be the same as the basis of their deposit accounts in TC Federal Bank, in mutual form. The basis of the Eligible Account Holders and, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders interests in the liquidation account will be zero, which is the cost of such interest to such persons.

 

  6.

No gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members upon distribution to them of nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock, provided that the subscription rights do not have any value.

 

  7.

The basis of the shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock purchased in the offering will be the purchase price for the stock, provided that the subscription rights do not have any value. The holding period of the TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of nontransferable subscription rights will commence on the date on which the right to acquire such stock was exercised.

 

  8.

No gain or loss will be recognized by TC Bancshares, Inc. on the receipt of money in exchange for shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock sold in the offering.

TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank have also received an opinion from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP regarding the Georgia income tax consequences that is consistent with the federal tax opinion.

In the view of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. (which is acting as independent appraiser of the value of the shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock in connection with the conversion), the subscription rights do not have any value based on the fact that these rights are acquired by the recipients without cost, are nontransferable and of short duration, and afford the recipients the right only to purchase the common stock at a price equal to its

 

110


Table of Contents

estimated fair market value, which will be the same price as the subscription price for the shares of common stock in the offering. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.’s view is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service. If the subscription rights granted to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are deemed to have an ascertainable value, receipt of these rights could result in taxable gain to those Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who exercise the subscription rights in an amount equal to their value, and TC Bancshares, Inc. could recognize gain on the distribution of such rights. Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences if such subscription rights are deemed to have an ascertainable value.

The opinion of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service and the conclusions expressed therein may be challenged by the Internal Revenue Service at a future date. The Internal Revenue Service has issued favorable rulings for transactions substantially similar to the proposed conversion and offering, but any such ruling may not be cited as precedent by any taxpayer other than the taxpayer to whom the ruling is addressed. We do not plan to apply for a letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service concerning the transactions described herein.

The federal and state tax opinion have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as exhibits to TC Bancshares, Inc.’s registration statement.

Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares After the Offering

All shares of common stock purchased in the offering by a director, or certain officers of TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank, as well as their associates, generally may not be sold for a period of one year following the closing of the offering, except upon death or judicial declaration of incompetency of the individual. Each statement of ownership for restricted shares will bear a legend giving notice of this restriction on transfer, and instructions will be issued to TC Bancshares, Inc.’s transfer agent to the effect that any transfer within this time period of any record ownership of the shares other than as provided above is a violation of the restriction. Any shares of common stock issued at a later date as a stock dividend, stock split, or otherwise, with respect to the restricted stock will be similarly restricted. The directors and executive officers of TC Bancshares, Inc. also will be restricted by the insider trading rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Purchases of shares of our common stock by any of our directors, certain officers and their associates, during the three-year period following the closing of the offering may be made only through a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except with the prior written approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. This restriction does not apply, however, to purchases of our common stock by our stock option plan or any of our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans or non-tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, including any restricted stock plans.

Federal conversion regulations prohibit TC Bancshares, Inc. from repurchasing its shares of common stock during the first year following the conversion unless compelling business reasons exist for such repurchases, or to fund management recognition plans that have been ratified by stockholders (with Office of the Comptroller of the Currency approval) or tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans.

 

111


Table of Contents

RESTRICTIONS ON THE ACQUISITION OF TC BANCSHARES, INC. AND TC FEDERAL BANK

The principal federal regulatory restrictions which affect the ability of any person, firm or entity to acquire TC Bancshares, Inc., TC Federal Bank or their respective capital stock are described below. Also discussed are certain provisions in TC Bancshares, Inc.’s articles of incorporation and bylaws that may be deemed to affect the ability of a person, firm or entity to acquire TC Bancshares, Inc.

Federal Law

Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of a bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve Board has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition.

Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control, or holding with power to vote, of 25% or more of any class of voting stock. Federal regulations establish a rebuttable presumption of control upon ownership, control, or holding with power to vote, of 10% or more of a class of voting stock (i) where the company has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or (ii) no other person will own control or hold the power to vote a greater percentage of that class of voting securities.

The Federal Reserve Board may deny an acquisition of control if it finds, among other things, that:

 

   

the acquisition would result in a monopoly or substantially lessen competition;

 

   

the financial condition of the acquiring person might jeopardize the financial stability of the institution;

 

   

the competence, experience or integrity of the acquiring person indicates that it would not be in the interest of the depositors or the public to permit the acquisition of control by such person; or

 

   

the acquisition would have an adverse effect on the Deposit Insurance Fund.

For a period of three years following completion of the offering, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency regulations generally prohibit any person from acquiring or making an offer to acquire beneficial ownership of more than 10% of the stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank without the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s prior approval.

Respective Articles of Incorporation, Charter and Bylaws of TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank

The following discussion is a summary of provisions of the respective articles of incorporation, charter and bylaws of TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank that may be deemed to affect the ability of a person, firm or entity to acquire TC Bancshares, Inc. The description is necessarily general and qualified by reference to the respective articles of incorporation, charter and bylaws.

Classified Board of Directors. The board of directors of TC Bancshares, Inc. is required by the articles of incorporation and bylaws to be divided into three staggered classes that are as equal in size as is possible. Each year one class will be elected by stockholders of TC Bancshares, Inc. for a three-year term. A classified board promotes continuity and stability of management of TC Bancshares, Inc., but makes it more difficult for stockholders to change a majority of the directors because it generally takes at least two annual elections of directors for this to occur.

Authorized but Unissued Shares of Capital Stock. Following the offering, TC Bancshares, Inc. will have authorized but unissued shares of preferred stock and common stock. See “Description of Capital Stock of TC Bancshares, Inc.” These shares could be used by the board of directors of TC Bancshares, Inc. to make it more difficult or to discourage an attempt to obtain control of TC Bancshares, Inc. through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise.

 

112


Table of Contents

How Shares are Voted. TC Bancshares, Inc.’s articles of incorporation provides that there will not be cumulative voting by stockholders for the election of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s directors. This could prevent minority stockholder representation on TC Bancshares, Inc. board of directors.

Restrictions on Acquisitions of Shares. A section in TC Bancshares, Inc.’s articles of incorporation provides that for a period of three years from the closing of the offering, no person, and with respect to TC Federal Bank, other than TC Bancshares, Inc., may directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of TC Bancshares, Inc. and, with respect to TC Federal Bank, other than TC Bancshares, Inc., and that any shares acquired in excess of this limit would not be entitled to be voted and would not be counted as voting stock in connection with any matters submitted to the stockholders for a vote.

Evaluation of Offers. TC Bancshares, Inc.’s articles of incorporation provide that its board of directors, when evaluating a transaction that would or may involve a change in control of TC Bancshares, Inc. (whether by purchases of its securities, merger, consolidation, share exchange, dissolution, liquidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets, proxy solicitation or otherwise), may, in connection with the exercise of its business judgment in determining what is in the best interests of TC Bancshares, Inc. and its stockholders and in making any recommendation to the stockholders, give due consideration to all relevant factors, including, but not limited to, certain enumerated factors.

Procedures for Stockholder Nominations and Proposals for New Business. TC Bancshares, Inc.’s bylaws provide that any stockholder wanting to make a nomination for the election of directors or a proposal for new business at a meeting of stockholders must send written notice to the Secretary of TC Bancshares, Inc. at least five days before the date of the annual meeting. Management believes that it is in the best interests of TC Bancshares, Inc. and its stockholders to provide enough time for management to disclose to stockholders information about a dissident slate of nominations for directors. This advance notice requirement may also give management time to solicit its own proxies in an attempt to defeat any dissident slate of nominations if management thinks it is in the best interest of stockholders generally. Similarly, adequate advance notice of stockholder proposals will give management time to study such proposals and to determine whether to recommend to the stockholders that such proposals be adopted.

Limitations on Calling Special Meetings of Stockholders. Our bylaws provide that special meetings of our stockholders may be called by the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, the president, or a majority of the board of directors, and shall be called by the chairman of the board, the chief executive officer, the president, or the secretary upon the written request of the holders of not less than one-fourth of all of our outstanding shares of voting stock.

Purpose and Anti-Takeover Effects of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Our board of directors believes that the provisions described above are prudent and will reduce our vulnerability to takeover attempts and certain other transactions that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors. These provisions also will assist us in the orderly deployment of the offering proceeds into productive assets during the initial period after the stock offering. We believe these provisions are in the best interests of TC Bancshares, Inc. and its stockholders. Our board of directors believes that it will be in the best position to determine the true value of TC Bancshares, Inc. and to negotiate more effectively for what may be in the best interests of all our stockholders. Accordingly, our board of directors believes that it is in the best interests of TC Bancshares, Inc. and all of our stockholders to encourage potential acquirers to negotiate directly with the board of directors and that these provisions will encourage such negotiations and discourage hostile takeover attempts. It is also the view of our board of directors that these provisions should not discourage persons from proposing a merger or other transaction at a price reflective of the true value of TC Bancshares, Inc. and that is in the best interests of all our stockholders.

Takeover attempts that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors present the risk of a takeover on terms that may be less favorable than might otherwise be available. A transaction that is negotiated and approved by our board of directors, on the other hand, can be carefully planned and undertaken at an opportune time in order to obtain maximum value for our stockholders, with due consideration given to matters such as the management and business of the acquiring corporation.

 

113


Table of Contents

Although a tender offer or other takeover attempt may be made at a price substantially above the current market price, such offers are sometimes made for less than all of the outstanding shares of a target company. As a result, stockholders may be presented with the alternative of partially liquidating their investment at a time that may be disadvantageous, or retaining their investment in an enterprise that is under different management and whose objectives may not be similar to those of the remaining stockholders.

Despite our belief as to the benefits to stockholders of these provisions of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s articles of incorporation and bylaws, these provisions also may have the effect of discouraging a future takeover attempt that would not be approved by our board of directors, but pursuant to which stockholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such a transaction may not have any opportunity to do so. Such provisions will also make it more difficult to remove our board of directors and management. We believe, however, that the potential benefits outweigh the possible disadvantages.

Benefit Plans

In addition to the provisions of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s articles of incorporation and bylaws described above, benefit plans of TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank that may authorize the issuance of equity to its board of directors, officers and employees adopted in connection with the offering contain provisions which also may discourage hostile takeover attempts which the board of directors of TC Federal Bank might conclude are not in the best interests of TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank or TC Bancshares, Inc.’s stockholders.

 

114


Table of Contents

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF TC BANCSHARES, INC.

General

TC Bancshares, Inc. is authorized to issue 20,000,000 shares of common stock having a par value of $0.01 per share and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value of $0.01 per share. Each share of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s common stock will have the same relative rights as, and will be identical in all respects with, each other share of common stock. Upon payment of the purchase price for the common stock in accordance with the plan of conversion and stock issuance plan, all of the stock will be duly authorized, fully paid and nonassessable. Presented below is a description of the features of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s capital stock that are deemed material to an investment decision with respect to the offering. The common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. will represent nonwithdrawable capital, will not be an account of an insurable type, and will not be insured by the FDIC.

TC Bancshares, Inc. currently expects that it will have a maximum of up to 6,215,750 shares of common stock outstanding after the offering. Our board of directors can, without stockholder approval, issue additional shares of common stock. TC Bancshares, Inc.’s issuance of additional shares of common stock could dilute the voting strength of the holders of the common stock and may assist management in impeding an unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control. TC Bancshares, Inc. has no present plans to issue additional shares of common stock other than pursuant to the stock benefit plans previously discussed.

Common Stock

Distributions. TC Bancshares, Inc. can pay dividends if, as and when declared by its board of directors, subject to compliance with limitations which are imposed by law. The holders of common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. will be entitled to receive and share equally in such dividends as may be declared by the board of directors of TC Bancshares, Inc. out of funds legally available therefore. Dividends from TC Bancshares, Inc. will depend, in large part, upon receipt of dividends from TC Federal Bank, because TC Bancshares, Inc. initially will have no source of income other than dividends from TC Federal Bank, earnings from the investment of proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock, and interest payments with respect to TC Bancshares, Inc.’s loan to the employee stock ownership plan. Regulations of the Federal Reserve Board and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency impose limitations on “capital distributions” by savings institutions.

Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, TC Bancshares, Inc. is authorized to issue preferred stock. If TC Bancshares, Inc. issues preferred stock, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock with respect to dividends.

Voting Rights. Upon the effective date of the offering, the holders of common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. will possess exclusive voting rights in TC Bancshares, Inc. Each holder of common stock will be entitled to one vote per share and will not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. If TC Bancshares, Inc. issues preferred stock, holders of the preferred stock may also possess voting rights.

Liquidation. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TC Federal Bank, TC Bancshares, Inc., as holder of TC Federal Bank’s capital stock, would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of TC Federal Bank, including all deposit accounts and accrued interest thereon, all assets of TC Federal Bank available for distribution. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TC Bancshares, Inc., the holders of its common stock would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all its debts and liabilities, all of the assets of TC Bancshares, Inc. available for distribution. If preferred stock is issued, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock in the event of liquidation or dissolution.

Rights to Buy Additional Shares. Holders of the common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. will not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares which may be issued. Preemptive rights are the priority right to buy additional shares if TC Bancshares, Inc. issues more shares in the future. The common stock is not subject to redemption.

 

115


Table of Contents

Preferred Stock

None of the shares of TC Bancshares, Inc.’s authorized preferred stock will be issued in the offering. Such stock may be issued with such preferences and designations as our board of directors may from time to time determine. Our board of directors can, without stockholder approval, issue preferred stock with voting, dividend, liquidation and conversion rights which could dilute the voting strength of the holders of the common stock and may assist management in impeding an unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control. The issuance of preferred stock must be approved by a majority of our independent directors who do not have an interest in the transaction and who have access, at our expense, to legal counsel. TC Bancshares, Inc. has no present plans to issue preferred stock.

TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

Pacific Stock Transfer Company, Las Vegas, Nevada, will act as the transfer agent and registrar for the common stock.

LEGAL AND TAX MATTERS

The legality of the common stock and the federal and state income tax consequences of the conversion and offering have been passed upon for TC Federal Bank and TC Bancshares, Inc. by the firm of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, Atlanta, Georgia. Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP has consented to the references in this prospectus to their opinions. Certain legal matters regarding the conversion and offering will be passed upon for Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC by Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP, Washington, D.C.

EXPERTS

The financial statements of TC Federal Bank as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 and for each of the years in the two year period ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 have been audited by Wipfli LLP (“Wipfli”), an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report thereon and included in this Prospectus and Registration Statement in reliance upon such report of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing. Effective October 1, 2019, TC Federal Bank’s prior accounting firm, Porter Keadle Moore, LLC (“PKM”) combined its practice the (“Practice Combination”) with Wipfli. As a result of the Practice Combination, PKM effectively resigned as the TC Federal Bank’s accounting firm and Wipfli, as the successor to PKM following the Practice Combination, was engaged as TC Federal Bank’s independent registered public accounting firm. TC Federal Bank’s audit committee was notified of the Practice Combination and the effective resignation of PKM and ratified and approved the engagement of Wipfli.

The report of PKM on the financial statements of TC Federal Bank for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 contained no adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope or accounting principal. In connection with its audits in the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and reviews of TC Federal Bank’s financial statement through September 30, 2019, there were no disagreements with PKM on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of PKM, would have caused them to make reference thereto in their report on the financial statements for such years.

TC Federal Bank has furnished to Wipfli (as successor following the Practice Combination of PKM) the statements made in this Registration Statement. Attached as Exhibit 16.1 to this Registration Statement is Wipfli’s letter to the Commission dated March 12, 2021 regarding these statements.

During the two most recent fiscal years and through September 30, 2019, TC Federal Bank has not consulted with Wipfli on any matter that (i) involved the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on TC Federal Bank’s financial statements, in each case where a written report was provided or oral advice was provided that Wipfli concluded was an important factor considered by TC Federal Bank in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing, or financial reporting issue; or (ii) was either the subject of a disagreement, as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions to Item 304 of Regulation S-K, or a reportable event as that term is defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.

 

116


Table of Contents

Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. has consented to the publication in this prospectus of the summary of its report to TC Federal Bank and TC Bancshares, Inc. setting forth its opinion as to the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock upon the completion of the conversion and offering and its valuation with respect to subscription rights.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

TC Bancshares, Inc. has filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, with respect to the common stock offered hereby. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, this prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. Such information, including the appraisal report, which is an exhibit to the registration statement, can be examined without charge on the website maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov). The Securities and Exchange Commission’s website contains reports, proxy and information statements, including other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including TC Bancshares, Inc. The statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are, of necessity, brief descriptions of the material terms of, and should be read in conjunction with, such contract or document.

TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank have filed applications with the Federal Reserve Board and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency with respect to the conversion and offering. Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, this prospectus omits certain information contained in such applications. To obtain a copy of non-confidential portions of the applications filed with the Federal Reserve Board and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, you may contact Kathryn Haney, Applications Manager of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, at (404) 498-7298 and the Southern District Office of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency located at 500 N. Akard Street, Suite 1600, Dallas, Texas 75201

A copy of the articles of incorporation and bylaws of TC Bancshares, Inc. is available without charge from TC Federal Bank.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

In connection with the offering, TC Bancshares, Inc. will register its common stock with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Upon this registration, TC Bancshares, Inc. and the holders of its shares of common stock will become subject to the proxy solicitation rules, reporting requirements and restrictions on stock purchases and sales by directors, officers and greater than 10% stockholders, the annual and periodic reporting and certain other requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Under the plan of conversion, TC Bancshares, Inc. has undertaken that it will not terminate this registration for a period of at least three years following the conversion.

 

 

117


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

THOMASVILLE, GEORGIA

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

CONTENTS

 

     PAGE  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2  

Balance Sheets

     F-4  

Statements of Income

     F-5  

Statements of Comprehensive Income

     F-6  

Statements of Changes in Equity

     F-7  

Statements of Cash Flows

     F-8  

Notes to Financial Statements

     F-9  

 

F-1


Table of Contents

LOGO

  

235 Peachtree Street NE

Suite 1800

Atlanta, GA 30303

  

404 588 4200

wipfli.com

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors

TC Federal Bank

Thomasville, Georgia

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of TC Federal Bank (the “Bank”) (f/k/a Thomas County Federal Savings and Loan Association) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the years then ended and the related notes to the financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Bank as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Bank’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Bank’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Bank in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Bank is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

 

F-2


Table of Contents

LOGO

  

235 Peachtree Street NE

Suite 1800

Atlanta, GA 30303

  

404 588 4200

wipfli.com

Allowance for loan losses

As described in Notes 1 and 3 to the financial statements, the Bank’s allowance for loan losses (ALL) totaled $4,085,719 which relates to loans collectively evaluated for impairment (general reserve). The Bank estimated the general reserve using the historical loss method which utilizes historical loss rates of pools of loans with similar risk characteristics and then applied to the respective loan pool balances. These amounts are then adjusted for certain qualitative factors related to current economic and general conditions currently observed by management.

We identified the estimate of the general reserve portion of the ALL as a critical audit matter because auditing it required significant auditor judgment and involved significant estimation uncertainty requiring industry knowledge and experience.

The primary audit procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

 

   

We tested the completeness and accuracy of the data used by management to calculate historical loss rates.

 

   

We tested the completeness and accuracy of the data used by management in determining qualitative factor adjustments by agreeing them to internal and external information.

 

   

We analyzed the qualitative factors in comparison to historical periods to evaluate the directional consistency in relation to the Bank’s loan portfolio and local economy.

We have served as the Bank’s auditor since 2012.

/s/ WIPFLI, LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

March 12, 2021

 

F-3


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

ASSETS  
     2020      2019  

Cash and due from banks

   $ 31,876,399      $ 24,191,882  

Federal funds sold

     10,000,000        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

     41,876,399        24,191,882  

Certificates of deposit with other banks

     5,652,000        8,844,000  

Investment securities available-for-sale

     15,916,866        22,107,832  

Other investments

     714,000        400,200  

Mortgage loans held for sale

     2,944,962        1,427,889  

Loans, net

     262,355,967        244,970,192  

Premises and equipment, net

     3,443,509        3,339,901  

Other real estate owned

     81,000        357,514  

Bank owned life insurance

     10,883,428        10,582,512  

Accrued interest receivable and other assets

     6,059,002        5,539,196  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Assets

   $ 349,927,133      $ 321,761,118  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY  

Deposits:

     

Demand

   $ 28,768,659      $ 18,041,863  

Interest-bearing demand

     146,479,513        125,238,564  

Savings

     32,275,374        21,960,793  

Certificates of deposit

     86,576,281        108,363,212  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total deposits

     294,099,827        273,604,432  

Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     9,515,477        2,825,000  

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

     6,453,541        5,543,224  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     310,068,845        281,972,656  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments

     —          —    

Equity:

     

Retained earnings

     41,973,211        41,665,557  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (2,114,923      (1,877,095
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

     39,858,288        39,788,462  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Equity

   $ 349,927,133      $ 321,761,118  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral

part of these financial statements.

F-4


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

STATEMENTS OF INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

     2020      2019  

Interest and Dividend Income:

     

Interest and fees on loans

   $ 12,376,269      $ 11,389,681  

Interest and dividends on taxable investment securities

     415,897        688,403  

Interest on deposits with other banks and federal funds sold

     295,417        478,456  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest and dividend income

     13,087,583        12,556,540  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Interest Expense:

     

Interest on deposits

     2,258,401        3,029,759  

Interest on borrowings

     106,295        71,605  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total interest expense

     2,364,696        3,101,364  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest income

     10,722,887        9,455,176  

Provision for Allowance for Loan Losses

     779,758        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net interest income after provision for allowance for loan losses

     9,943,129        9,455,176  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Income:

     

Service charges on deposit accounts

     471,891        513,120  

Gain on sale of mortgage loans

     1,235,737        380,160  

Gain on sale of available-for-sale securities

     —          67,386  

Bank owned life insurance income

     300,916        295,864  

Other

     21,981        3,673  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other income

     2,030,525        1,260,203  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Expense:

     

Salaries and employee benefits

     6,443,953        5,327,383  

Occupancy and equipment

     753,793        658,462  

Other real estate owned, net of operations, (gain) loss on sales and writedowns

     (12,509      10,704  

Data processing conversion costs

     1,132,087        —    

Other

     3,308,922        3,144,856  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other expense

     11,626,246        9,141,405  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Income Before Income Taxes

     347,408        1,573,974  

Income Tax Expense

     39,754        366,648  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Income

   $ 307,654      $ 1,207,326  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral

part of these financial statements.

F-5


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

     2020      2019  

Net Income

   $ 307,654      $  1,207,326  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Net of Income Taxes:

     

Unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale:

     

Holding gains arising during the period, net of taxes of $125,178 and $159,376, respectively

     331,252        430,905  

Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income, net of tax of $18,194 in 2019

     —          (49,192

Change in post-retirement benefit obligations, net of taxes of $191,214 and $57,948, respectively

     (569,080      180,311  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive (loss) income

     (237,828      562,024  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comprehensive Income

   $ 69,826      $ 1,769,350  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral

part of these financial statements.

F-6


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

     Retained
Earnings
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
     Total  

Balance, December 31, 2018

   $ 40,458,231      $ (2,439,119    $ 38,019,112  

Net income

     1,207,326        —          1,207,326  

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

     —          562,024        562,024  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2019

     41,665,557        (1,877,095      39,788,462  

Net income

     307,654        —          307,654  

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

     —          (237,828      (237,828
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2020

   $ 41,973,211      $ (2,114,923    $ 39,858,288  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral

part of these financial statements.

F-7


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

     2020      2019  

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

     

Net income

   $ 307,654      $ 1,207,326  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:

     

Depreciation, amortization and accretion

     405,666        353,994  

Deferred income tax expense

     39,754        366,648  

Provision for allowance for loan losses

     779,758        —    

Gain on sale of investment securities available-for-sale

     —          (67,386

Gain on sale of other real estate owned

     (18,986      —    

Increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance

     (300,916      (295,864

Gain on mortgage loans sold, net

     (1,235,737      (380,160

Proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans held for sale

     65,639,576        20,720,471  

Originations of mortgage loans held for sale

     (65,920,912      (21,679,589

Change in:

     

Accrued interest receivable and other assets

     (684,738      (693,638

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities

     341,237        (48,472
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

     (647,644      (516,670
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

     

Net change in interest-bearing deposits in other banks

     3,192,000        3,630,000  

Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale

     —          (11,460,768

Proceeds from calls, paydowns and maturities of investment securities available-for-sale

     6,586,138        6,155,970  

Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale

     —          10,855,080  

Purchase of other investments

     (432,400      (21,300

Proceeds from sales of other investments

     118,600        —    

Net change in loans

     (18,165,533      (9,744,192

Purchase of bank owned life insurance

     —          (10,286,648

Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned

     295,500        —    

Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment

     11,493        —    

Purchases of premises and equipment

     (459,509      (162,499
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (8,853,711      (11,034,357
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

     

Net increase in deposits

     20,495,395        23,256,728  

Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     10,000,000        —    

Repayments of Federal Home Loan Bank advances

     (3,309,523      (166,667
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

     27,185,872        23,090,061  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents

     17,684,517        11,539,034  

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year

     24,191,882        12,652,848  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year

   $ 41,876,399      $ 24,191,882  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:

     

Cash paid during the year for interest

   $ 2,391,582      $ 3,073,590  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Cash received from tax refund

   $ 26,976      $ 53,591  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:

     

Transfer of loans to other real estate owned

   $ —        $ 6,514  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale, net of tax

   $ 331,252      $ 381,713  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Change in defined benefit pension obligations, net of tax

   $ (569,080    $ 108,311  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral

part of these financial statements.

F-8


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations:

TC Federal Bank (“Bank”) was organized in 1934 and chartered in 1937 by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board as a mutual savings and loan association owned 100% by its depositors. Effective January 1, 2018, the Bank amended its corporate name to TC Federal Bank. The Bank operates one branch in Thomasville, Georgia, and one in Tallahassee, Florida as well as loan production offices in Tallahassee, Florida and Savannah, Georgia, that provide a variety of services to individuals and corporate customers in their markets. The Bank’s primary deposit products are interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposit. Its primary lending products consist of single-family residential mortgage loans and commercial and multi-family real estate loans. The Bank is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and its deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Bank undergoes periodic examinations by the OCC.

Basis of Presentation:

The accounting principles followed by the Bank and the method of applying these principles, conform with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and with general practices within the banking industry. In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Material estimates common to the banking industry that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term include, but are not limited to, the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, the valuation of the post-retirement obligation, and valuation allowance associated with the realization of deferred tax assets, which are based on future taxable income.

In 2020, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) spread into a worldwide pandemic. The pandemic may impact various parts of the Bank’s future operations and financial results, including additional allowance for loan loss provisions. Management believes the Bank is taking appropriate actions to mitigate the negative impact. However, the full impact of COVID-19 on the allowance for loan losses as of December 31, 2020 cannot be reasonably estimated, as these events are still developing.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and balances due from banks and federal funds sold, all of which mature within 90 days. Reserve requirements held in cash on hand or in deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta by the Bank were approximately $0 and $583,000 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

F-9


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Investment Securities:

The Bank classifies its securities in one of three categories: trading, available-for-sale, or held-to-maturity. Trading securities are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term. Held-to-maturity securities are those securities for which the Bank has the ability and intent to hold the security until maturity. All other securities not included in trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, all securities were classified as available-for-sale.

Trading and available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value. Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost, adjusted for the amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Unrealized holding gains and losses, net of the related tax effect, on securities available-for-sale are excluded from income and are reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity until realized. Transfers of securities between categories are recorded at fair value at the date of transfer.

Management evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment on an annual basis. A decline in the market value of any investment below cost that is deemed other-than-temporary is charged to income for the decline in value deemed to be credit related and a new cost basis in the security is established. The decline in value attributed to non-credit related factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Premiums and discounts are amortized or accreted over the life of the related security as an adjustment to the yield. Realized gains and losses for securities classified as available-for-sale are included in income and are derived using the specific identification method for determining the cost of securities sold.

Other Investments:

Other investments are carried at cost and consist of Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta (“FHLB”) stock. The Bank is required to hold the FHLB stock as a member of the FHLB, and transfer of the stock is substantially restricted.    The stock is pledged as collateral for outstanding FHLB advances.

Loans, Loan Fees and Interest Income on Loans:

Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of the allowance for loan losses. Interest on loans is calculated by using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding.

 

F-10


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Loans, Loan Fees and Interest Income on Loans (Continued):

Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts that the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, previously accrued and uncollected interest is charged to interest income on loans. Generally, payments on nonaccrual loans are applied to principal.

Loan fees, net of certain origination costs, are deferred and amortized over the lives of the respective loans.

A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or at the loan’s observable market price, or at the fair value of the collateral of the loan if the loan is collateral dependent. Estimated impairment losses for collateral dependent loans are set up as specific reserves. Interest income on impaired loans is recognized using the cash-basis method of accounting during the time the loans are impaired.

Allowance for Loan Losses:

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance for loan losses when management believes that the collectibility of the principal is unlikely. The allowance represents an amount which, in management’s judgment based on, among other things, historical losses and on the current economic environment, will be adequate to absorb probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. Loans deemed uncollectible are charged-off and deducted from the allowance and recoveries on loans previously charged-off are added back to the allowance.

Management’s judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is based on evaluations of the collectibility of loans. These evaluations take into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions that may affect the borrower’s ability to pay, overall portfolio quality, and review of specific problem loans.

Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s allowance for loan losses. As a result of such review, the Bank may have to recognize additions to its allowance for loan losses.

 

F-11


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale:

The Bank sells mortgage loans for an amount equal to the principal amount of loans with yields to investors based upon current market rates. Realized gains and losses related to loan sales are included in gains on sale of loans. For financial reporting purposes, the Bank classifies a portion of its loans as “Mortgage loans held for sale”. Included in this category are loans which the Bank has the current intent to sell and loans which are available to be sold in the event the Bank determines that loans should be sold to support the Bank’s investment and liquidity objectives. Loans included in this category for which the Bank has the current intention to sell are recorded at the lower of the aggregate cost or fair value. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Bank had $2,944,962 and $1,427,889, respectively, in loans classified as “Mortgage loans held for sale.”

Premises and Equipment:

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related asset. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income for the period. The cost of maintenance and repairs which do not improve or extend the useful life of the respective asset is charged to income as incurred, whereas significant renewals and improvements are capitalized. The range of estimated useful lives for premises and equipment is:

 

  Building and improvements      20 - 40 years   
  Furniture, fixtures and equipment      5 - 10 years   

Advertising Costs:

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Other Real Estate Owned:

Other real estate owned represents properties acquired through or by deed in lieu of loan foreclosure and is initially recorded at fair value less estimated costs to sell. Any write-down to fair value at the time of transfer to other real estate owned is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Costs of improvements are capitalized, whereas costs relating to holding other real estate owned and subsequent adjustments to the value are expensed.

 

F-12


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Bank owned life insurance:

The Bank has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives and members of management. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other changes or other amounts due that are probable of settlement.

Income Taxes:

The Bank uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Additionally, this method requires the recognition of future tax benefits, such as net operating loss carryforwards, to the extent that realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the assets and liabilities are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income tax expense in the period that includes the enactment date.

In the event the future tax consequences of differences between the financial reporting bases and the tax bases of the Bank’s assets and liabilities results in deferred tax assets, an evaluation of the probability of being able to realize the future benefits indicated by such asset is required. A valuation allowance is provided for the portion of the deferred tax asset when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In assessing the realization of the deferred tax assets, management considers the scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies.

The Bank currently evaluates income tax positions judged to be uncertain. A loss contingency reserve is accrued if it is probable that the tax position will be challenged, it is probable that the future resolution of the challenge will confirm that a loss has been incurred, and the amount of such loss can be reasonably estimated.

Post-Retirement Defined Benefit Obligation:

The Bank accounts for its post-retirement defined benefit obligations under Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification” or “ASC”) Topic 715, Retirement Benefits (“ASC 715”). The under or over funded status of the Bank’s post-retirement defined benefit obligations are recognized as a liability or asset in the balance sheet. To the extent these obligations are funded, changes in funded status are reflected in other comprehensive income. Net actuarial gains and losses and adjustments to prior service costs that are not recorded as components of the net periodic benefit cost are charged to other comprehensive income.

 

F-13


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Revenue from Contracts with Customers:

On January 1, 2019, the Bank adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ASC Topic 606”) (“Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09”). The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Bank concluded ASU 2014-09 did not change the timing or presentation of revenue recognition for its current revenue streams. The majority of the Bank’s revenues are interest earned and gain on sale of loans, investment securities, and other financial instruments which are unaffected as they are outside the scope of ASU 2014-09.

Some of the Bank’s non-interest revenue streams, such as service charges on deposit accounts and interchange fees are within the scope of ASU 2014-09. However, ASC Topic 606 focuses on revenues from contracts earned over time. Service charges on deposit accounts, such as ATM fees and stop payment fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed. Service charges on deposits such as account maintenance fees are earned over the course of a month and are withdrawn from the customer’s account balance at the end of that month. The Bank earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions through the debit card payment network. These fees represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder.

The Bank records a gain or loss from the sale of other real estate owned when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of an executed deed. There are no ASC Topic 606 implications unless the Bank finances the sale of the other real estate owned property. ASC Topic 606 could change the timing of revenue recognition in the case of seller financing.

The contract balances disclosure requirement of ASC Topic 606 is not relevant, as no revenues in the scope of this standard are earned over time that would require the monitoring of contract balances.

Comprehensive Income (Loss):

The Bank has elected to present comprehensive income in a separate statement of comprehensive income. Accumulated other comprehensive income includes the net of tax effect of unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale and the unfunded post-retirement benefit obligation of the Bank’s defined benefit plan.

Reclassifications:

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

F-14


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Emerging Growth Company Status:

The Bank qualifies as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). For as long as the Bank is an emerging growth company, it may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to emerging growth companies. An emerging growth company may elect to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies, but must make such election when the company is first required to file a registration statement. The Bank intends to elect to use the extended transition period described above and intends to maintain its emerging growth company status as allowed under the JOBS Act.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2016-02—Leases (Topic 842). The guidance in this topic supersedes the requirements in ASC Topic 840, Leases. The update will require business entities to recognize lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet and to disclose key information about leasing arrangements. A lessee would recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the leased asset for the lease term. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842). This update clarified the effective date of ASC 2016-02 for nonpublic business entities to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. In June 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-05, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) and Leases (Topic 842). This update reflects the FASB’s acknowledgement that entities could be facing limited resources due to the COVID-19 pandemic and provides a one-year deferral of the effective date for certain entities applying the revenue recognition (ASC 606) and leases (ASC 842) standards. The impact of this update to the Bank will be the deferral of the effective date of the leases standard (ASC 842). The Bank adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, in 2019.

 

F-15


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Continued):

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This update will require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizations will now include forward-looking information in the determination of their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. In addition, this update amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842). This update clarified the effective date of ASC 2016-13 for nonpublic business entities to fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2022. Early application of ASU 2016-13 will be permitted for all organizations for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Bank is currently evaluating the impact that the standard will have on its financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, which amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements in ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging. The purpose of this ASU is to better portray a company’s risk management activities in its financial statements and simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842). This update clarified the effective date of ASC 2017-12 for nonpublic business entities to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted in any interim period after issuance of the ASU. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded to opening retained earnings as of the initial adoption date while the presentation and disclosure guidance is required only prospectively. Management does not expect adoption of this ASU to have a significant impact on the Bank’s financial statements.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU amends the disclosure requirements for recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements by removing, modifying, and adding certain disclosures. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The adoption of this ASU did not have a significant impact on the Bank’s financial statements.

 

F-16


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Continued):

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14Compensation – Retirement Benefits – Defined Benefit Plans - General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Defined Benefit Plans. This ASU removes disclosures that no longer are considered cost beneficial, clarifies the specific requirements of disclosures and adds disclosure requirements identified as relevant. This ASU is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2020, for public business entities and for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2021, for all other entities. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. Management does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a significant impact on the Bank’s financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes. The amendments in this ASU simplify the accounting for income taxes by removing certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740. The amendments also improve consistent application of and simplify GAAP for other areas of Topic 740 by clarifying and amending existing guidance. For public business entities, the amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2020. For all other entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. Early adoption of the amendments is permitted, including adoption in any interim period for (1) public business entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been issued and (2) all other entities for periods for which financial statements have not yet been made available for issuance. An entity that elects to early adopt the amendments in an interim period should reflect any adjustments as of the beginning of the annual period that includes that interim period. Additionally, an entity that elects early adoption must adopt all the amendments in the same period. Management does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a significant impact on the Bank’s financial statements.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. This ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this ASU apply only to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The expedients and exceptions provided by the amendments do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated after December 31, 2022, except for hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022, that an entity has elected certain optional expedients for and that are retained through the end of the hedging relationship. The amendments in this ASU are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Management does not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a significant impact on the Bank’s financial statements.

 

F-17


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Investment securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Gross
Unrealized
Gains
     Gross
Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Fair Value
 

December 31, 2020 -

           

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 5,943,804      $ 336,801      $ —        $ 6,280,605  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     8,966,213        168,852        —          9,135,065  

Corporate obligations

     499,580        1,616        —          501,196  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 15,409,597      $ 507,269      $ —        $ 15,916,866  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2019 -

           

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ 9,791,373      $ 177,188      $ 27,573      $ 9,940,988  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     9,766,037        —          115,808        9,650,229  

Corporate obligations

     2,499,583        17,032        —          2,516,615  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 22,056,993      $ 194,220      $ 143,381      $ 22,107,832  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-18


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

The following outlines the unrealized losses and estimated fair value by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     2020      2019  
     Estimated
Fair Value
     Unrealized
Losses
     Estimated
Fair Value
     Unrealized
Losses
 

Unrealized loss for less than 12 months:

           

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ —        $ —        $ 1,609,045      $ 27,573  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     —          —          9,650,229        115,808  

Corporate obligations

     —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total less than 12 months

     —          —          11,259,274        143,381  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Unrealized loss for more than 12 months:

           

Mortgage-backed securities

     —          —          —          —    

Corporate obligations

     —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total more than 12 months

     —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ —        $ —        $ 11,259,274      $ 143,381  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

At December 31, 2020, there were no unrealized losses in the investment portfolio.

 

F-19


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investment securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2020, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to call or prepay certain obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

     Amortized
Cost
     Estimated
Fair Value
 

Investment securities with maturities -

     

Within 1 year

   $ 499,580      $ 501,196  

1 to 5 years

     —          —    

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations

     14,910,017        15,415,670  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 15,409,597      $ 15,916,866  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

During 2019, the Bank had sales of securities available-for-sale for total proceeds of approximately $10,855,000 resulting in gross gains and losses of approximately $67,000, and $-0-, respectively. The Bank did not sell any investment securities available-for-sale during 2020. Securities with carrying values of approximately $265,000 and $612,000 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits as required by law and for other purposes.

 

F-20


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Major classifications of loans, by purpose code, at December 31, 2020 and 2019, are summarized as follows:

 

     2020      Percent     2019      Percent  

Real estate loans:

          

Residential

   $ 105,837,324        39.56   $ 109,603,876        44.08

Home equity

     8,892,417        3.32     6,854,880        2.76

Multi-family

     15,140,468        5.66     17,073,889        6.87

Commercial

     72,717,869        27.18     78,150,819        31.43

Construction and land development

     29,982,506        11.21     23,427,601        9.42
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total real estate loans

     232,570,584          235,111,065     

Consumer loans

     5,372,529        2.01     4,313,173        1.73

Commercial and industrial loans

     29,599,982        11.06     9,235,048        3.72
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Total loans

     267,543,095        100.00     248,659,286        100.00

Less: Allowance for loan losses

     4,085,719          3,064,777     

Deferred loan fees

     1,101,409          624,317     
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

Loans, net

   $ 262,355,967        $ 244,970,192     
  

 

 

      

 

 

    

The Bank grants loans and extensions of credit to individuals and a variety of firms and corporations primarily in Thomas County, Georgia and other surrounding areas. Although the Bank has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of the loan portfolio is collateralized by improved and unimproved real estate and is dependent on the real estate market.

The Bank has divided the loan portfolio into seven portfolio segments, each with different risk characteristics and methodologies for assessing risk. The portfolio segments identified by the Bank are real estate - residential, real estate - home equity, real estate - multi-family, real estate - commercial, real estate - construction and land development, consumer loans and commercial and industrial loans.

Real Estate - Residential: The Bank originates residential real estate loans for the purchase or refinancing of a mortgage. These loans are primarily collateralized by owner-occupied properties and rental properties located primarily in the Bank’s market areas.

Real Estate - Home Equity: The Bank originates home equity real estate loans to provide home equity lines of credit and closed-end home equity loans. These loans are primarily collateralized by owner-occupied properties located primarily in the Bank’s market areas.

 

F-21


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Real Estate - Multi-family: Multi-family loans consist of loans to finance real estate purchases, refinancings, expansions and improvements to multi-family properties. These loans may be secured by, but are not limited to, first liens on apartments, mobile home parks or other mutli-family properties primarily located within the Bank’s market areas. The Bank’s underwriting analysis includes credit verification, independent appraisals, a review of the borrower’s and borrower’s related entities’ financial condition, and a detailed analysis of the borrower’s underlying cash flows. Multi-family loans are larger than residential or home equity loans and involve greater credit risk. The repayment of these loans largely depends on the results of operations and management of these properties. Adverse economic conditions also affect the repayment ability to a greater extent than residential or home equity real estate loans.

Real Estate - Commercial: Commercial real estate loans consist of loans to finance real estate purchases, refinancings, expansions and improvements to commercial properties. These loans may be secured by first liens on office buildings, farms, retail and mixed-use properties, churches, warehouses and restaurants primarily located within the Bank’s market areas. The Bank’s underwriting analysis includes credit verification, independent appraisals, a review of the borrower’s and borrower’s related entities’ financial condition, and a detailed analysis of the borrower’s underlying cash flows. Commercial real estate loans are larger than residential loans and involve greater credit risk. The repayment of these loans largely depends on the results of operations and management of these properties. Adverse economic conditions also affect the repayment ability to a greater extent than residential real estate loans.

Real Estate - Construction and land development: These loans are made to borrowers to build commercial structures, a primary or secondary residence and, in some cases, to real estate investors to acquire and develop land. These loans are more difficult to evaluate since they are significantly more vulnerable to changes in economic conditions. In addition, these loans possess a higher degree of credit risk since they are made based on estimates of the future worth of a project and the estimated costs required for completion. The Bank limits its overall investment in this portfolio segment due both to management’s assessment of risk and certain percentage guidance set by the regulatory agencies.

Consumer: Consumer loans mainly consist of personal loans, revolving credit plans and other loans. The Bank’s consumer loans may be uncollateralized and rely on the borrower’s income for repayment.

 

F-22


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Commercial and industrial: Commercial and industrial loans consist generally of business loans and lines of credit to companies in the Bank’s market area. Commercial and industrial loans are generally used for working capital purposes or for acquiring equipment, inventory or furniture. Such loans are usually collateralized by the financed assets, although a portion may be made on an unsecured basis and contain the guarantee of the business principals. The Bank’s underwriting analysis consists of a review of the financial statements of the borrower, the lending history of the borrower, the debt service capabilities of the borrower, the projected cash flows of the business, the value of the collateral, if any, and whether the loan is guaranteed by the principals of the borrower. Commercial and industrial loans are typically made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business, which makes them of higher risk than residential loans and the collateral securing loans may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.

Commercial and industrial loans also include loans originated under the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), as prescribed in the CARES Act. These loans have an interest rate of 1.0% and a two-year or five-year loan term to maturity. The Small Business Administration (“SBA”) guarantees 100% of the PPP loans made to eligible borrowers, and loan proceeds may be partially or fully forgiven by the SBA if the funds are used for eligible expenses during the relevant forgiveness period and the borrower meets the employee retention criteria.

The Bank was paid a processing fee from the SBA on PPP loan originations ranging from 1% to 5%, based on the size of the loans. As of December 31, 2020, the Bank has recorded approximately $478,000 in PPP-related SBA fees and is accreting these fees into interest income over the estimated life of the applicable loans. If a PPP loan is forgiven or paid off before maturity, the remaining unearned fee is recognized into income at that time. As of December 31, 2020, the Bank has recognized approximately $218,000 in PPP-related SBA fees through accretion. The majority of the remaining unearned fees are expected to be recognized as the PPP loans are forgiven or paid off.

 

F-23


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Allowance for Loan Losses:

The following schedule presents a rollforward of the allowance for loan losses as of December 31:

 

     2020      2019  

Balance, beginning of year

   $ 3,064,777      $ 3,185,938  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Charge-offs:

     

Real estate loans:

     

Residential

     (2,951      (14,725

Home equity

     (1,377      —    

Multi-family

     —          —    

Commercial

     (62,896      (198,901

Construction and land development

     (629      (148
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     (67,853      (213,774

Consumer loans

     —          —    

Commercial and industrial loans

     (149      —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total charge-offs

     (68,002      (213,774
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Recoveries:

     

Real estate loans:

     

Residential

     123,368        21,035  

Home equity

     —          —    

Multi-family

     —          —    

Commercial

     —          —    

Construction and land development

     31,573        37,549  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     154,941        58,584  

Consumer loans

     7,910        —    

Commercial and industrial loans

     146,335        34,029  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total recoveries

     309,186        92,613  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net recoveries (charge-offs)

     241,184        (121,161
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Provision for allowance for loan losses

     779,758        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance, end of year

   $ 4,085,719      $ 3,064,777  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-24


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Allowance for Loan Losses (Continued):

The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     Loans      Allowance for loan losses  
     Individually
evaluated
for impairment
     Collectively
evaluated
for impairment
     Individually
evaluated
for impairment
     Collectively
evaluated
for impairment
 

December 31, 2020 -

           

Real estate loans:

           

Residential

   $ 1,480,633      $ 104,356,691      $ —        $ 1,444,921  

Home equity

     675        8,891,742        —          133,985  

Multi-family

     —          15,140,468        —          311,409  

Commercial

     1,339,199        71,378,670        —          1,531,037  

Construction and development

     11,637        29,970,869        —          387,127  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     2,832,144        229,738,440        —          3,808,479  

Consumer loans

     —          5,372,529        —          1,360  

Commercial and industrial loans

     —          29,599,982        —          101,497  

Unallocated

     —          —          —          174,383  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,832,144      $ 264,710,951      $ —        $ 4,085,719  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2019 -

           

Real estate loans:

           

Residential

   $ 1,176,700      $ 108,427,176      $ —        $ 1,319,120  

Home equity

     4,107        6,850,773        —          82,894  

Multi-family

     —          17,073,889        —          282,661  

Commercial

     1,620,762        76,530,057        —          1,084,268  

Construction and development

     497,737        22,929,864        —          187,392  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     3,299,306        231,811,759        —          2,956,335  

Consumer loans

     —          4,313,173        —          1,363  

Commercial and industrial loans

     —          9,235,048        —          —    

Unallocated

     —          —          —          107,079  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,299,306      $ 245,359,980      $ —        $ 3,064,777  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-25


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Impaired Loans:

The following tables present impaired loans by class of loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

December 31, 2020 -

              

Impaired loans with related allowance:

              

Real estate loans:

              

Residential

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —    

Home equity

     —          —          —          —          —    

Multi-family

     —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial

     —          —          —          —          —    

Construction and land development

     —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     —          —          —          —          —    

Consumer loans

     —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial and industrial loans

     —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Impaired loans without related allowance:

              

Real estate loans:

              

Residential

   $ 1,480,633      $ 1,480,633      $ —        $ 1,328,667      $ 53,255  

Home equity

     675        675        —          2,391        194  

Multi-family

     —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial

     1,339,199        1,339,199        —          1,479,981        —    

Construction and land development

     11,637        11,637        —          254,687        697  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     2,832,144        2,832,144        —          3,065,726        54,146  

Consumer loans

     —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial and industrial loans

     —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 2,832,144      $ 2,832,144      $ —        $ 3,065,726      $ 54,146  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-26


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Impaired Loans (Continued):

 

December 31, 2019 -

   Recorded
Investment
     Unpaid
Principal
Balance
     Related
Allowance
     Average
Recorded
Investment
     Interest
Income
Recognized
 

Impaired loans with related allowance:

              

Real estate loans:

              

Residential

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —    

Home equity

     —          —          —          —          —    

Multi-family

     —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial

     —          —          —          —          —    

Construction and land development

     —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     —          —          —          —          —    

Consumer loans

     —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial and industrial loans

     —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Impaired loans without related allowance:

              

Real estate loans:

              

Residential

   $ 1,176,700      $ 1,176,700      $ —        $ 1,342,806      $ 5,589  

Home equity

     4,107        4,107        —          12,281        —    

Multi-family

     —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial

     1,620,762        1,620,762        —          870,312        —    

Construction and land development

     497,737        497,737        —          330,825        17,081  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     3,299,306        3,299,306        —          2,556,224        22,670  

Consumer loans

     —          —          —          —          —    

Commercial and industrial loans

     —          —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 3,299,306      $ 3,299,306      $ —        $ 2,556,224      $ 22,670  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-27


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans:

The following tables present the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans and nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, by class of loans:

 

     30-59 Days
Past Due
     60-89
Days
Past Due
     90 Days or
Greater
Past Due
     Total
Past Due
     Current      Total      Non-accrual  
December 31, 2020 -                                                 

Real estate loans:

                    

Residential

   $ 40,583      $ 84,167      $ 196,826      $ 321,576      $ 105,515,748      $ 105,837,324      $ 623,998  

Home equity

     —          —          —          —          8,892,417        8,892,417        —    

Multi-family

     —          —          —          —          15,140,468        15,140,468        —    

Commercial

     —          —          1,339,199        1,339,199        71,378,670        72,717,869        1,339,199  

Construction and land development

     —          —          —          —          29,982,506        29,982,506        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     40,583        84,167        1,536,025        1,660,775        230,909,809        232,570,584        1,963,197  

Consumer loans

     —          —          —          —          5,372,529        5,372,529        —    

Commercial and industrial loans

     151,136        —          —          151,136        29,448,846        29,599,982        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 191,719      $ 84,167      $ 1,536,025      $ 1,811,911      $ 265,731,184      $ 267,543,095      $ 1,963,197  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
December 31, 2019 -                                                 

Real estate loans:

                    

Residential

   $ 685,372      $ 319,543      $ 354,613      $ 1,359,528      $ 108,244,348      $ 109,603,876      $ 905,205  

Home equity

     —          32,638        —          32,638        6,822,242        6,854,880        4,107  

Multi-family

     —          —          —          —          17,073,889        17,073,889        —    

Commercial

     —          —          1,620,762        1,620,762        76,530,057        78,150,819        1,620,762  

Construction and land development

     460,644        —          —          460,644        22,966,957        23,427,601        15,103  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     1,146,016        352,181        1,975,375        3,473,572        231,637,493        235,111,065        2,545,177  

Consumer loans

     3,687        —          —          3,687        4,309,486        4,313,173        —    

Commercial and industrial loans

     55,300        —          —          55,300        9,179,748        9,235,048        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 1,205,003      $ 352,181      $ 1,975,375      $ 3,532,559      $ 245,126,727      $ 248,659,286      $ 2,545,177  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-28


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Past Due and Nonaccrual Loans (Continued):

As of December 31, 2020, there was one loan greater than 90 days past due and still accruing totaling approximately $16,000. As of December 31, 2019, there was one loan greater than 90 days past due and still accruing totaling approximately $46,000.

Troubled Debt Restructurings:

The Bank did not modify any loans in 2020 or 2019 in a manner that would be considered troubled debt restructurings. There were no specific allowances allocated to troubled debt restructurings as of December 31, 2020 or 2019. The Bank did not commit to lend any additional amounts to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as troubled restructurings. Certain troubled debt restructurings are accruing loans in which interest is earned when payments are made. Management continues to evaluate these accruing troubled debt restructurings for impairment on a quarterly basis. During the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, no restructured loans defaulted subsequent to modification.

COVID-19 Related Loan Modifications:

The Bank implemented a customer payment deferral program to assist borrowers that may be experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 related challenges, whereby short-term deferrals of payments (generally three to six months) have been provided. As of December 31, 2020, all loans that were granted COVID-19 related payment deferrals had resumed making payments under the terms of the original loan agreements. Consistent with industry regulatory guidance, borrowers that were otherwise current on loan payments that were granted COVID-19 related financial hardship payment deferrals continued to be reported as current loans throughout the agreed upon deferral period and were not classified as troubled debt restructurings.

 

F-29


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Credit Quality:

The Bank categorized loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Bank analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis is performed on a continuous basis. The Bank uses the following definitions for its risk ratings:

Special Mention. Evidence of financial deterioration exists, or file documentation is inadequate or not available to determine the borrower’s financial status or ability to repay. The loan possesses potential weakness which may, if not reversed or corrected, weaken the credit or inadequately protect the Bank’s position.

Substandard. A well-defined weakness or weaknesses exists that jeopardizes the liquidation of the debt. The loan is characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful. All of the weaknesses of a substandard loan exist, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses jeopardize the collection and/or liquidation of the debt. Loss exposure, while evident, is not clearly determinable. Special workout negotiations and/or litigation should be initiated.

Loss. Considered uncollectible in full and of such little value that its continuance as a bankable asset is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this asset even though partial recovery may be achieved in the future.

 

F-30


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 3 - LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (Continued)

Credit Quality (Continued):

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be Pass rated loans. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows:

Credit Exposure Based on Risk Ratings:

 

     Pass      Special
Mention
     Substandard      Doubtful      Loss      Total  
December 31, 2020 -                                          

Real estate loans:

                 

Residential

   $ 102,229,498      $ 1,243,538      $ 2,364,288      $ —        $ —        $ 105,837,324  

Home equity

     8,891,742        —          675        —          —          8,892,417  

Multi-family

     14,831,774        308,694        —          —          —          15,140,468  

Commercial

     67,305,357        4,073,313        1,339,199        —          —          72,717,869  

Construction and land development

     25,390,597        2,950,389        1,641,520        —          —          29,982,506  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     218,648,968        8,575,934        5,345,682        —          —          232,570,584  

Consumer loans

     5,372,529        —          —          —          —          5,372,529  

Commercial and industrial loans

     27,643,564        466,020        1,490,398        —          —          29,599,982  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 251,665,061      $ 9,041,954      $ 6,836,080      $ —        $ —        $ 267,543,095  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
December 31, 2019 -                                          

Real estate loans:

                 

Residential

   $ 106,918,158      $ 1,084,448      $ 1,601,270      $ —        $ —        $ 109,603,876  

Home equity

     6,850,773        —          4,107        —          —          6,854,880  

Multi-family

     16,735,478        338,411        —          —          —          17,073,889  

Commercial

     76,194,427        90,333        1,866,059        —          —          78,150,819  

Construction and land development

     21,670,510        908,108        848,983        —          —          23,427,601  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total real estate loans

     228,369,346        2,421,300        4,320,419        —          —          235,111,065  

Consumer loans

     4,313,173        —          —          —          —          4,313,173  

Commercial and industrial loans

     9,232,175        —          2,873        —          —          9,235,048  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 241,914,694      $ 2,421,300      $ 4,323,292      $ —        $ —        $ 248,659,286  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-31


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 4 - PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Major classifications of premises and equipment at December 31, 2020 and 2019 are summarized as follows:

 

     2020      2019  

Land

   $ 47,512      $ 47,512  

Buildings and improvements

     4,920,575        4,880,333  

Furniture and equipment

     1,836,230        1,456,929  

Automobiles

     56,844        79,833  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     6,861,161        6,464,607  

Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     3,417,652        3,124,706  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Premises and equipment, net

   $ 3,443,509      $ 3,339,901  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation expense was approximately $344,000 and $308,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

NOTE 5 - CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT

The aggregate amount of certificates of deposit, that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000, were approximately $10,824,000 at December 31, 2020 and $17,289,000 at December 31, 2019.

At December 31, 2020, the scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit were as follows:

 

2021

   $ 68,246,633  

2022

     12,351,286  

2023

     4,074,724  

2024

     1,635,147  

2025

     268,491  
  

 

 

 
   $ 86,576,281  
  

 

 

 

 

F-32


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 6 - FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES AND OTHER BORROWINGS

The following advances from the FHLB were outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

December 31, 2020 -                                  

Advance Date

   Amount      Rate      Interest
Rate
    Maturity      Call
Feature
 

January 7, 2008

   $ 208,334        Fixed        4.49     January 9, 2023        N/A  

September 20, 2012

     450,000        Fixed        1.80     September 20, 2022        N/A  

April 1, 2020

     4,333,333        Fixed        0.66     April, 1 2025        N/A  

April 1, 2020

     4,523,810        Fixed        0.79     April 7, 2027        N/A  
  

 

 

            
   $ 9,515,477             
  

 

 

            
December 31, 2019 -                                  

Advance Date

                                 

January 7, 2008

   $ 308,333        Fixed        4.49     January 9, 2023        N/A  

September 20, 2012

     516,667        Fixed        1.80     September 20, 2022        N/A  

September 30, 2016

     2,000,000        Fixed        2.25     September 30, 2020        N/A  
  

 

 

            
   $ 2,825,000             
  

 

 

            

The FHLB advance maturing January 9, 2023 requires principal (approximately $8,300) and interest payments on a monthly basis. The FHLB advance maturing September 20, 2022 requires principal (approximately $5,600) and interest payments on a monthly basis. The FHLB advance maturing April 1, 2025 requires principal (approximately $83,000) and interest payments on a monthly basis. The FHLB advance maturing April 7, 2027 requires principal (approximately $59,000) and interest payments on a monthly basis.

The FHLB advances are collateralized by the Bank’s FHLB stock and a blanket lien on certain of the Bank’s residential and commercial real estate loans with a carrying value of approximately $37,248,000 and $48,398,000 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Bank had approximately $19,200,000 and $35,400,000 in available borrowing capacity through the FHLB at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

F-33


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 6 - FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES AND OTHER BORROWINGS (Continued)

Unsecured federal funds lines of credit totaling $18,300,000 were available to the Bank for overnight borrowing through correspondent banks at December 31, 2020 and 2019. The Bank also had approximately $9,900,000 and $13,300,000 in available borrowing capacity through the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. There were no borrowings against either of these facilities at December 31, 2020 or 2019. The available borrowings with the Federal Reserve Bank are collateralized by a blanket lien on certain of the Bank’s residential and commercial real estate loans with a carrying value of approximately $15,000,000 and $21,459,000 at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES

The components of income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

 

     2020      2019  

Current - Alternative minimum tax

   $ 3,000      $ —    

Deferred

     (212,222      61,875  

Utilization of operating loss carryforward

     238,918        299,551  

Change in valuation allowance

     10,058        5,222  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 39,754      $ 366,648  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-34


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES (Continued)

The difference between the actual income tax expense and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, is as follows:

 

     2020      2019  

Pretax income at statutory rate

   $ 72,956      $ 330,535  

Add (deduct):

     

State income tax expense, net of federal benefit

     13,469        51,425  

Tax-exempt income

     (63,192      (62,131

Change in valuation allowance

     10,058        5,222  

Other

     6,463        41,597  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 39,754      $ 366,648  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-35


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 7 - INCOME TAXES (Continued)

The following summarizes the sources and expected tax consequences of future taxable deductions or income, which comprise the net deferred tax asset, which is included as a component of other assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     2020      2019  

Deferred income tax assets:

     

Deferred compensation

   $ 254,526      $ 178,465  

Net operating loss carryforward

     2,183,138        2,427,610  

Other real estate owned

     2,688        10,232  

Charitable contributions

     64,038        47,992  

State tax credits

     176,462        166,404  

Defined benefit obligations (non-qualified)

     812,019        620,101  

Director deferred fee practice

     22,379        23,083  

Non-accrual loans

     108,320        139,856  

Frozen pension accrual (tax-qualified)

     375,275        409,089  

Other

     3,848        4,102  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gross deferred tax assets

     4,002,693        4,026,934  

Less: Valuation allowance

     (176,462      (166,404
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

     3,826,231        3,860,530  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred income tax liabilities:

     

Premises and equipment

     36,005        37,776  

Allowance for loan losses

     151,516        347,606  

Unrealized gain on investment securities available-for-sale

     138,905        13,727  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total gross deferred tax liabilities

     326,426        399,109  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 3,499,805      $ 3,461,421  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The future tax consequences of the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of the Bank’s assets and liabilities resulted in a net deferred tax asset. A valuation allowance in the amount of $176,462 and $166,404 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, was established as these deferred tax assets relate to state tax credit carryforwards that will likely expire prior to realization. As of December 31, 2020, the Bank had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $8,557,000 and state net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $8,878,000, which will begin to expire in 2031 unless previously utilized.

 

F-36


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Credit Related Financial Instruments:

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheet. The contractual amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Bank has in particular classes of financial instruments.

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. In most cases, the Bank requires collateral or other security to support financial instruments with credit risk.

 

     2020      2019  

Financial instruments whose contract amounts
represent credit risk:

     

Commitments to extend credit

   $ 30,288,000      $ 17,292,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Stand-by letters of credit

   $ 725,000      $ 283,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank, upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include unimproved and improved real estate, certificates of deposit, or personal property.

 

F-37


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 8 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)

Credit Related Financial Instruments (Continued):

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to businesses within the Bank’s trade area.

The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Bank holds real estate and assignments of deposit accounts as collateral supporting those commitments for which collateral is deemed necessary. The extent of collateral held for these commitments at December 31, 2020 and 2019 varies.

NOTE 9 - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the normal course of business, officers and directors of the Bank, and certain business organizations and individuals associated with them, maintain a variety of relationships with the Bank. Transactions with officers and directors are made on terms comparable to those available to other Bank customers. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, deposits from directors, executive officers, and their related interests aggregated approximately $3,895,000 and $2,076,000, respectively. The following summary reflects related party loan activity during 2020 and 2019.

 

     2020      2019  

Beginning balance

   $ 644,441      $ 1,375,193  

New loans and advancements

     36,050        36,200  

Change in executive officers and directors

     —          (255,869

Repayments

     (109,281      (511,083
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

   $ 571,210      $ 644,441  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-38


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 10 - REGULATORY MATTERS

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements. Under certain adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

In July 2013, the Federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating components of capital and of computing risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule applies to all depository institutions and, pursuant to the Federal Reserve Board’s policy statements, to top-tier bank and savings and loan holding companies with total consolidated assets of $3.0 billion or more. The rule established a new common equity Tier 1 minimum capital requirement, increased the minimum capital ratios and assigned a higher risk weight to certain assets based on the risk associated with these assets. The final rule includes a transition period that implements the new regulations over a five-year period. These changes were phased in beginning in January 2015.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total common equity Tier 1, total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. Management believes, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, that the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.

As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the most recent notification from the FDIC categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum common equity Tier 1 risk-based, total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the institution’s category.

 

F-39


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 10 - REGULATORY MATTERS (Continued)

The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios, and minimum amounts under current regulatory standards, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, are presented in the following table:

 

     Actual     For Capital
Adequacy
Purposes
    To Be Well
Capitalized Under
Prompt Corrective
Action Provisions
 
     Amount      Ratio     Amount      Ratio     Amount      Ratio  
     (Dollars in Thousands)  
December 31, 2020:                                        

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets

   $ 40,090        16.46   $ 10,963        4.50   $ 15,835        6.50

Total Capital to Risk-

               

Weighted Assets

   $ 43,148        17.71   $ 19,489        8.00   $ 24,361        10.00

Tier 1 Capital to Risk-

               

Weighted Assets

   $ 40,090        16.46   $ 14,617        6.00   $ 19,489        8.00

Tier I Capital to

               

Average Assets

   $ 40,090        11.73   $ 13,673        4.00   $ 17,091        5.00
December 31, 2019:                                        

Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets

   $ 39,574        17.60   $ 10,116        4.50   $ 14,612        6.50

Total Capital to Risk-

               

Weighted Assets

   $ 42,387        18.86   $ 17,984        8.00   $ 22,480        10.00

Tier 1 Capital to Risk-

               

Weighted Assets

   $ 39,574        17.60   $ 13,488        6.00   $ 17,984        8.00

Tier I Capital to

               

Average Assets

   $ 39,574        12.60   $ 12,567        4.00   $ 15,708        5.00

 

F-40


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 11 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

401(k):

The Bank sponsors a 401(k) plan. The 401(k) plan covers substantially all employees and provides for an employer matching contribution based on a percentage of salary contributed to the plan. The Bank contributed approximately $201,000 and $162,000 to the 401(k) plan during 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans:

During 2019, the Bank entered into supplemental executive retirement agreements (each, a “SERP”) with certain of its officers whereby a specified monthly benefit is payable upon a normal retirement for a period of 10 years. Each SERP is a nonqualified deferred compensation arrangement that conditions payment of the full normal retirement benefit upon an officer’s attaining normal retirement age while in the service of the Bank. Otherwise, the retirement benefit is earned over time and, with the exception of the SERPs for Matt Brown and Linda Palmer, is subject to a ten-year vesting schedule. Moreover, the amount and timing of payment of the retirement benefit may vary depending upon the circumstances of an officer’s earlier termination of employment, including death, disability, or in connection with a change in control. The retirement benefit is forfeited in the event of a termination of employment for cause or if grounds exist for such a termination. The expense associated with the SERPs is offset by earnings on life insurance policies owned by the Bank. The cash surrender value on these insurance policies was approximately $10,883,000 and $10,583,000 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Additionally, at December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Bank has recorded a liability for the present value of the future retirement benefits of approximately $491,000 and $203,000, respectively, to be paid under the SERPs. Expense for the SERPs was approximately $288,000 and $203,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In determining the SERPs obligation for 2020 and 2019, the discount rate used was 2.18% and 3.01%, respectively.

 

F-41


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 11 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

Director Deferred Fee Practice:

The Bank has maintained a discretionary practice of paying a retirement benefit to eligible non-employee directors who attain at least age 70 in the service of the Bank with at least 15 years of service to their credit. Under this practice, each eligible retired director received a monthly benefit in the amount of $825. In anticipation of the Reorganization (see Note 13), the Bank decided to formalize and revise this practice in 2020. The Bank has relinquished its discretion over the practice with respect to eligible retired directors and current non-employee directors who satisfied the eligibility criteria for the benefit as of December 31, 2019. The normal retirement benefit for this group will be a monthly benefit in the amount of $825 a month for the remaining life of the director. With respect to all other non-employee directors serving as of December 31, 2019, the amount of the normal monthly benefit will remain unchanged, but will be paid over a period of 10 years following retirement or, if less, the director’s remaining lifetime. The eligibility criteria for this group has been changed to the attainment of at least age 65 with at least 10 years of service. No future non-employee director will be eligible for a benefit under this formalized plan. The Bank has recorded and will continue to record a liability for these payments as post-retirement defined benefit obligations. The Bank recognized current year expense of $46,000 and $42,000 during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the Bank had a projected defined benefit obligation of approximately $610,000 and $598,000, respectively, assuming the continuation of its then existing practice. The discount rate used in determining the accumulated post-retirement defined benefit obligation was 2.18% in 2020 and 3.01% in 2019.

Tax-Qualified Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plan:

The Bank also sponsors a tax-qualified defined benefit retirement plan. Effective March 31, 2019, eligibility for the plan was frozen so that no employee who was not then a participant in the plan could later become a participant and to freeze benefit accruals for all existing participants. For existing participants, the plan provides for retirement payments based on a formula using a participant’s years of creditable service and highest three years of annual compensation. Retirees age 66 and older are also eligible for an annual supplemental payment equal to one percent of their monthly benefit multiplied by the number of their retirement years beyond age 65. Participants who entered the plan prior to July 1, 1983 are also eligible for a one-time lump sum payment upon retirement after reaching age 55 equal to three times their monthly retirement benefit. A participant is also required to vest in any benefit earned under the plan formula by completing a minimum number of years of vesting service. The plan also provides for disability benefits and surviving spouse benefits in circumstances where the normal retirement benefit would not otherwise be payable.

 

F-42


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 11 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

Tax-Qualified Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Continued):

The following is a summary of the components of the net periodic post-retirement benefit cost during 2020 and 2019:

 

     2020      2019  

Service cost

   $ —        $ 83,809  

Interest cost

     366,543        428,598  

Expected return on assets

     (643,058      (601,866

Amortization of unrecognized loss

     142,053        105,213  

Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost

     —          (3,113

Effect of curtailment

     —          (9,340
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net periodic post-retirement (benefit) cost

   $ (134,462    $ 3,301  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The discount rate used in determining the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation was 3.09% and 3.75% in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The expected long-term rate of return on assets was 8.00% during both 2020 and 2019. The assumed rates of salary increase used in measuring the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation ranged from 5.35% to 10.10% during 2020 and 2019.

The Bank expects to make contributions to the plan in 2021 totaling $2,909. The following table presents the estimated benefit payments for each of the next five years and in the aggregate for the five years thereafter as of December 31, 2020:

 

2021

   $ 583,405  

2022

     584,085  

2023

     593,084  

2024

     595,933  

2025

     596,925  

2026-2030

     2,908,634  
  

 

 

 
   $ 5,862,066  
  

 

 

 

 

F-43


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 11 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

Tax-Qualified Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Continued):

The following is a reconciliation of the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     2020      2019  

Projected benefit
obligation at beginning of year

   $ 12,155,436      $ 11,675,793  

Service cost

     —          83,809  

Interest cost

     366,543        428,598  

Actuarial gain

     1,261,873        1,784,519  

Benefits paid

     (574,833      (579,500

Effect of curtailment

     —          (1,237,783
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Projected benefit
obligation at end of year

   $ 13,209,019      $ 12,155,436  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following is a summary of the change in plan assets during 2020 and 2019:

 

     2020      2019  

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

   $ 8,257,698      $ 7,427,183  

Actual return on assets

     1,062,482        1,449,700  

Employer contributions

     485,934        22,383  

Administrative expenses

     (62,698      (62,068

Benefits paid, net

     (574,833      (579,500
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

   $ 9,168,583      $ 8,257,698  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-44


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 11 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

Tax-Qualified Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Continued):

The fair values of the Bank’s pension plan assets at December 31, 2020 and 2019, by asset category, are as follows:

 

     Assets
Measured at

Fair Value
     Fair Value Measurements  
   Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

December 31, 2020 :

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 23,438      $ 23,438      $ —        $ —    

Debt securities mutual funds

     2,751,130        2,751,130        —          —    

Equity securites mutual funds

     6,394,015        6,394,015        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 9,168,583        9,168,583      $ —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2019 :

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 134,816      $ 134,816      $ —        $ —    

Debt securities mutual funds

     2,495,122        2,495,122        —          —    

Equity securites mutual funds

     5,627,760        5,627,760        —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 8,257,698      $ 8,257,698      $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of all pension assets are determined from quoted market prices and are considered Level 1 fair value measurements.

The plan’s investment policy includes various guidelines and procedures designed to ensure assets are invested in a manner necessary to meet expected future benefits earned by participants. The investment guidelines consider a broad range of economic conditions. Central to the policy are target allocation ranges by major asset categories. The objectives of the target allocations are to maintain investment portfolios that diversify risk through prudent asset allocation parameters, achieve asset returns that meet or exceed the plan’s actuarial assumptions and achieve asset returns that are competitive with like institutions employing similar investment strategies.

 

F-45


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 11 - EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Continued)

Tax-Qualified Frozen Defined Benefit Pension Plan (Continued):

The following is a summary of the amount recognized in other liabilities as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     2020      2019  

Projected benefit
obligation at end of year

   $ 13,209,019      $ 12,155,436  

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

     (9,168,583      (8,257,698
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 4,040,436      $ 3,897,738  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 were:

 

     2020      2019  

Net loss

   $ (3,228,704    $ (2,465,610

Prior service charge

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ (3,228,704    $ (2,465,610
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amounts recognized in the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation and other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were:

 

     2020      2019  

Net loss

   $ 905,147      $ 998,753  

Amortization of net unrecognized gain

     (142,053      (105,213

Amortization of prior service cost

     —          3,113  

Effect of curtailment

     —          9,340  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

   $ 763,094      $ 905,993  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-46


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

The Bank utilizes fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. From time to time, the Bank may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as impaired loans and other real estate owned. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of the lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets. Additionally, the Bank is required to disclose, but not record, the fair value of other financial instruments.

Fair Value Hierarchy

The Bank groups assets at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

Level 1 - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

Level 2 - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3 - Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset. Valuation techniques include use of option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

 

F-47


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis. The table below presents the recorded amount of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, all of which consisted of investment securities available-for-sale:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

December 31, 2020 :

           

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ —        $ 6,280,605      $ —        $ 6,280,605  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     —          9,135,065        —          9,135,065  

Corporate obligations

     —          501,196        —          501,196  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investment securities available-for-sale

   $ —        $ 15,916,866      $ —        $ 15,916,866  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2019 :

           

Mortgage-backed securities

   $ —        $ 9,940,988      $ —        $ 9,940,988  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

     —          9,650,229        —          9,650,229  

Corporate obligations

     —          2,516,615        —          2,516,615  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Investment securities available-for-sale

   $ —        $ 22,107,832      $ —        $ 22,107,832  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

F-48


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

Assets Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis. The Bank may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. These include assets that are measured at the lower of cost or market that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period. Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are included in the table below as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

December 31, 2020 :

           

Other real estate owned

   $ —        $ —        $ 81,000      $ 81,000  

Impaired loans

     —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ —        $ —        $ 81,000      $ 81,000  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

December 31, 2019 :

           

Other real estate owned

   $ —        $ —        $ 357,514      $ 357,514  

Impaired loans

     —          —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ —        $ —        $ 357,514      $ 357,514  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of assets and liabilities either recorded or disclosed at fair value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Certificates of deposit with other banks. The carrying value of certificates of deposit with other banks is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

 

F-49


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

Investment Securities Available-for-Sale. Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange and U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter market funds. Level 2 securities include mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by government sponsored enterprises and state, county and municipal bonds. Securities classified as Level 3 include asset-backed securities in less liquid markets.

Other Investments. Other investments consist of FHLB stock whose carrying value approximates its fair value.

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale. The estimated fair value of mortgage loans held for sale, classified within Level 2, is approximated by the carrying value, given the short-term nature of the loans and similarly to what secondary markets are currently offering for portfolios of loans with similar characteristics.

Loans. The Bank does not record loans at fair value on a recurring basis. However, from time to time, a loan is considered impaired and a specific allocation is established within the allowance for loan losses. Loans for which it is probable that payment of interest and/or principal will not be made in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement are considered impaired. Once a loan is identified as individually impaired, management measures impairment using one of three methods, including collateral value, market value of similar debt, and discounted cash flows. Those impaired loans not requiring an allowance represent loans for which the fair value of the expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investments in such loans. Impaired loans in which an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price, the Bank records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is utilized or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Bank records the impaired loan as nonrecurring Level 3.

Other Real Estate Owned. Other real estate owned properties are adjusted to fair value less estimated selling costs upon transfer of the loans to other real estate owned. Subsequently, other real estate owned assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral. When the fair value is based on an observable market price, the Bank records the other real estate owned as nonrecurring Level 2. When the fair value is based on an appraised value, or when an appraised value is not available, the Bank records the other real estate owned asset as nonrecurring Level 3.

 

F-50


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

Bank Owned Life Insurance. The carrying value of Bank Owned Life Insurance approximates fair value.

Commitments to Extend Credit. Commitments to extend credit are short-term and, therefore, the carrying value and the fair value are considered immaterial for disclosure.

Deposits. The fair values disclosed for demand deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts). The carrying amounts of savings accounts approximate their fair values at the reporting date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered to a schedule of aggregated expected maturities of time deposits.

Federal Home Loan Bank Advances. Federal Home Loan Bank advances are carried at cost and the fair value is obtained from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Bank’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

 

     Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2020  
   Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Financial assets:

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 41,876,399      $ 41,876,399      $ 41,876,399      $ —        $ —    

Certificates of deposit with other banks

     5,652,000        5,652,000        5,652,000        —          —    

Investment securities available-for-sale

     15,916,866        15,916,866        —          15,916,866        —    

Other investments

     714,000        714,000        —          714,000        —    

Mortgage loans held for sale

     2,944,962        2,944,962        —          2,944,962        —    

Loans, net

     262,355,967        277,366,000        —          —          277,366,000  

Bank owned life insurance

     10,883,428        10,883,428        10,883,428        —          —    

Financial liabilities:

              

Deposits

     294,099,827        313,033,000        207,523,546        —          105,509,454  

FHLB advances

     9,515,477        9,631,000        —          —          9,631,000  

 

F-51


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT (Continued)

 

     Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2019  
   Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Financial assets:

              

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 24,191,882      $ 24,191,882      $ 24,191,882      $ —        $ —    

Certificates of deposit with other banks

     8,844,000        8,844,000        8,844,000        —          —    

Investment securities available-for-sale

     22,107,832        22,107,832        —          22,107,832        —    

Other investments

     400,200        400,200        —          400,200        —    

Mortgage loans held for sale

     1,427,889        1,427,889        —          1,427,889        —    

Loans, net

     244,970,192        249,279,000        —          —          249,279,000  

Bank owned life insurance

     10,582,512        10,582,512        10,582,512        —          —    

Financial liabilities:

              

Deposits

     273,604,432        277,347,000        165,241,220        —          112,105,780  

FHLB advances

     2,825,000        2,857,000        —          —          2,857,000  

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Bank’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for a significant portion of the Bank’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect these estimates.

 

F-52


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 13 - PLAN OF REORGANIZATION

On March 5, 2021, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Bank adopted a Plan of Conversion (the “Plan”) whereby the Bank will convert from a federally chartered mutual savings bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank and operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of a newly formed stock holding company, TC Bancshares, Inc. (the “Holding Company”), and offer the Holding Company stock (the “Stock Offering”) on a priority basis to qualifying depositors and borrowers and a tax-qualified employee ownership plan that will be sponsored by the Bank in a subscription offering, with any remaining shares to be offered to the public in a community offering and possibly in a syndicated offering (the “Conversion”). Pursuant to the Plan, the total offering value and number of shares of common stock to be offered and sold in the Stock Offering will be determined based upon an independent appraiser’s valuation. The Holding Company will be organized as a corporation under the laws of the State of Georgia and will own all of the outstanding common stock of the Bank upon completion of the Conversion.

The Plan is subject to the approval of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and must be approved by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast by the voting members of the Bank at a special meeting.

As part of the Conversion, the Bank will establish a liquidation account in an amount equal to the retained earnings of the Bank as of the date of the latest balance sheet appearing in the final prospectus distributed in connection with the Conversion. The liquidation account will be maintained for the benefit of eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders who maintain their accounts at the Bank after the Conversion. The liquidation account will be reduced annually to the extent that such account holders have reduced their qualifying deposits as of each anniversary date. Subsequent increases will not restore an account holder’s interest in the liquidation account. In the event of a complete liquidation, each eligible account holder will be entitled to receive balances for accounts then held.

The costs of issuing the common stock will be deferred and deducted from the sales proceeds of the offering. If the Conversion is unsuccessful, all deferred costs will be charged to operations. Deferred conversion costs totaled approximately $116,000 at December 31, 2020.

 

F-53


Table of Contents

TC FEDERAL BANK

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

DECEMBER 31, 2020 AND 2019

 

NOTE 13 - PLAN OF REORGANIZATION (Continued)

In connection with the adoption of the Plan, the Bank terminated the Plan of Reorganization from a Mutual Savings Bank to a Mutual Holding Company and Stock Issuance Plan (the “Reorganization Plan”) previously adopted in February 2020 pursuant to which the Bank would have reorganized into the mutual holding company form of organization. In late March 2020, due to market conditions and concerns over potential adverse tax ramifications of proceeding with the Reorganization Plan, the Board determined to delay proceeding with the plan to reorganize into the mutual holding company form of structure until (i) a final determination was made with regard the effect of the mutual holding company reorganization on TC Federal Bank’s deferred tax assets and (ii) the COVID-19 pandemic situation was clearer and the stock markets had stabilized. Upon further reflection and in consideration of the adverse financial and tax consequences of pursuing the mutual holding company reorganization as required to be structured as well as in view of the Bank’s strategic direction, the Board concluded that a standard mutual-to-stock conversion was the more appropriate structure to pursue rather than the mutual holding company formation. In light of the foregoing determination, the Board determined to terminate the Reorganization Plan and adopt the Plan. As a result of the delay in proceeding with the Reorganization Plan, $506,500 in deferred costs related to the Reorganization Plan were charged to operations as of December 31, 2020.

 

F-54


Table of Contents

 

 

No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation other than as contained in this prospectus and, if given or made, such other information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby to any person in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal Bank since any of the dates as of which information is furnished herein or since the date hereof.

Up to 5,405,000 shares

(Subject to Increase to up to 6,215,750 shares)

LOGO

(Proposed Holding Company for

TC Federal Bank)

COMMON STOCK

par value $0.01 per share

 

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

PERFORMANCE TRUST

[prospectus date]

These securities are not deposits or accounts and are not federally insured or guaranteed.

 

 

Until ___________________, all dealers that effect transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the obligation of dealers to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable in connection with the sale of shares of common stock being registered.

 

*

  

Registrant’s Legal Fees and Expenses

   $
 
 
300,000
 
 

*

  

Registrant’s Accounting Fees and Expenses

     35,000  

*

  

Marketing Agent Expenses (including legal fees and expenses)

     135,000  

*

  

Stock Center Fees and Expenses

     35,000  

*

  

Appraisal Fees and Expenses

     30,000  

*

  

Printing, Postage, Mailing and EDGAR Fees

     120,000  

*

  

Filing Fees (NASDAQ, FINRA, SEC)

     75,000  

*

  

Transfer Agent Fees and Expenses

     25,000  

*

  

Business Plan Fees and Expenses

     30,000  

*

  

Proxy Solicitor Fees and Expense

     50,000  

*

  

Data Conversion Fees and Expenses

     37,500  

*

  

Other

     36,000  
     

 

 

 

*

  

Total

   $ 908,500  
     

 

 

 

 

*

Estimated

TC Bancshares, Inc. has retained Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC to assist in the sale of common stock on a best efforts basis in the offerings. The marketing agent fees are estimated at the adjusted maximum of the offering range, assuming 100% of the shares are sold in the subscription and community offering, to amount to approximately $571,369.

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Provisions in the Registrant’s bylaws provide for the mandatory indemnification of the Registrant’s directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by applicable law and Section 14-2-202(b)(4) of the Georgia Business Corporation Code. The elimination of personal liability of directors does not apply to:

 

  a.

any appropriation in violation of his or her duties, of any business opportunity of the Company;

 

  b.

acts or omissions which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of the law;

 

  c.

any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit; or

 

  d.

any violation of Code Section 14-2-832.

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Not Applicable

 

II-1


Table of Contents

Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) List of Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.
  

Description

1.1    Engagement Letters between TC Federal Bank and Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC*
1.2    Form of Agency Agreement between TC Federal Bank, TC Bancshares, Inc., and Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
2    Plan of Conversion, as amended
3.1    Articles of Incorporation of TC Bancshares, Inc.*
3.2    Bylaws of TC Bancshares, Inc.*
4    Form of Common Stock Certificate of TC Bancshares, Inc.*
5    Opinion of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP regarding legality of securities being registered*
8    Federal and State Tax Opinion of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP*
10.1    Directors Deferred Compensation Plan†*
10.2    Consulting Agreement with G. M. Brown†
10.3    Employment Agreement with G. H. Eiford†
10.4    Employment Agreement with N. Ellis†
10.5    Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan with G. M. Brown†
10.6    Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan with G. H. Eiford†
10.7    Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan with N. Ellis†
10.8    Form of Split Dollar Agreement†
16.1    Letter of Wipfli, LLP regarding change in certifying accountant of TC Federal Bank*
21    Subsidiaries of TC Bancshares, Inc.*
23.1    Consent of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP (set forth in Exhibits 5 and 8 )
23.2    Consent of Wipfli, LLP
23.3    Consent of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.*
24    Power of Attorney (set forth on the signature page to the Registration Statement filed March 12, 2021)*
99.1    Engagement Letter with Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to serve as appraiser*
99.2    Letter of Feldman Financial Advisors with respect to Subscription Rights*
99.3    Appraisal Report of Feldman Financial Advisors*
99.4    Marketing Materials
99.5    Stock Order and Certification Form

 

*

Previously filed.

Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.

 

II-2


Table of Contents

Item 17. Undertakings

The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:

(i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;

 

II-3


Table of Contents

(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a twenty percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective Registration Statement; and

(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement or any material change to such information in the Registration Statement.

(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§230.424 of this chapter);

(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(5) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.

(6) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

(7) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

 

II-4


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has filed this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Thomasville, State of Georgia, on April 23, 2021.

 

TC BANCSHARES, INC.
By:   /s/ Gregory H. Eiford
Gregory H. Eiford
President / Chief Executive Officer
(Duly Authorized Representative)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities stated and on the 23rd day of April, 2021.

 

/s/ Gregory H. Eiford

     

*

Gregory H. Eiford       Stephanie B. Tillman
President / Chief Executive Officer       Director
(Principal Executive Officer)       (Chairman of the Board of Directors)

*

     

*

Linda K. Palmer       Fred E. Murphy IV
Chief Financial Officer       Director
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)      

 

     

*

Fortson T. Rumble       Jefferson L. Johnson
Director       Director

*

     

*

Charles M. Dixon       G. Matthew Brown
Director       Director

*

     
Peter A. DeSantis, III      
Director      

 

*

Pursuant to a Power of Attorney contained on the signature page of the Registration Statement on the Form S-1 filed March 12, 2021.

 

/s/ Gregory H. Eiford

Gregory H. Eiford

 

II-5

EX-1.2 2 d882215dex12.htm EX-1.2 EX-1.2

FORM OF AGENCY AGREEMENT

Exhibit 1.2

Up to 5,405,000 Shares

(Subject to increase up to 6,215,750 in shares

the event of an increase in the pro forma market

value of the Company’s Common Stock)

TC BANCSHARES, INC.

(a Georgia corporation)

Common Stock

(par value $0.01 per share)

AGENCY AGREEMENT

[●] [●], 20[●]

Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC

500 West Madison Street

Suite 450

Chicago, Illinois 60661

Ladies and Gentlemen:

TC Bancshares, Inc., a Georgia corporation (the “Company”), and TC Federal Bank, a federally chartered mutual savings bank (the “Bank”), hereby confirm their agreement with Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC (“Performance Trust” or the “Agent”) with respect to the offer and sale by the Company of up to 5,405,000 shares (subject to increase up to 6,215,750 shares) of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”). The shares of Common Stock to be sold by the Company in the Offerings (as defined below) are hereinafter called the “Securities.” It is acknowledged that the number of Securities to be sold in the Offerings may be increased or decreased as described in the Prospectus (as hereinafter defined). If the number of Securities is increased or decreased in accordance with the Plan, the term “Securities” shall mean such greater or lesser number, where applicable.

The Securities are being offered for sale in accordance with the Plan of Conversion (the “Plan”) adopted by the Board of Directors of the Bank, which provides for the conversion of the Bank from mutual to stock form and the concurrent reorganization of the Bank into the holding company structure with the Bank as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Conversion”). The Conversion is being conducted in accordance with the laws of the United States and the applicable regulations of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”) (such laws and the regulations are referred to herein as the “Conversion Regulations”).

Pursuant to the Plan, the Company will offer to certain depositors and borrowers of the Bank and to the Bank’s employee stock ownership plan (the “ESOP”) rights to subscribe for the Securities in a subscription offering (the “Subscription Offering”). Securities that are not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering may be offered to certain members of the general public in a community offering (the “Community Offering”), with preference given to natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in the Georgia counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas and the Florida counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla. The Community Offering, which together with the Subscription Offering, as each may be extended or reopened from time to time, are herein referred to as the “Subscription and Community Offering,” may be commenced concurrently with, during or after the Subscription Offering. It is currently anticipated that any Securities not subscribed for in the Subscription and Community Offering

 

1


will be offered, subject to Section 2 hereof, in a syndicated offering (the “Syndicated Offering”); provided, however, that the Community Offering may be held concurrently with, during or after the Subscription Offering and the Syndicated Offering. The Subscription and Community Offering and the Syndicated Offering are hereinafter referred to collectively as the “Offerings.”

The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) a registration statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-254212), including a related prospectus, for the registration of the sale of the Securities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), has filed such amendments thereto, if any, and such amended prospectuses as may have been required to the date hereof by the Commission in order to declare such registration statement effective, and will file such additional amendments thereto and such amended prospectuses and prospectus supplements as may hereafter be required. Such registration statement (as amended to date, if applicable, and as from time to time amended or supplemented hereafter) and the prospectuses constituting a part thereof (including in each case all documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein and the information, if any, deemed to be a part thereof pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Commission promulgated under the Securities Act, as from time to time amended or supplemented pursuant to the Securities Act or otherwise (the “Securities Act Regulations”)), are hereinafter referred to as the “Registration Statement” and the “Prospectus,” respectively, except that if any revised prospectus shall be used by the Company in connection with the Subscription and Community Offering or the Syndicated Offering, if any, which differs from the Prospectus on file at the Commission at the time the Registration Statement becomes effective (whether or not such revised prospectus is required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act Regulations), the term “Prospectus” shall refer to such revised prospectus from and after the time it is first provided to the Agent for such use.

Concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Company is delivering to the Agent copies of the Prospectus of the Company to be used in the Subscription and Community Offering and, if necessary, will deliver copies of the Prospectus and a prospectus supplement for use in a Syndicated Offering, if any. Such Prospectus contains information with respect to the Bank, the Company and the Common Stock.

SECTION 1. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES.

(a)    The Company and the Bank jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Agent as of the date hereof as follows:

(i)    The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission, no stop order has been issued with respect thereto and no proceedings therefor have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company and the Bank, threatened by the Commission. At the time the Registration Statement became effective and at the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Registration Statement complied and will comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The Prospectus as of the date hereof does not, and at the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof will not, include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading; provided, however, that the representations and warranties in this subsection shall not apply to statements in or omissions from the Registration Statement or Prospectus made in reliance upon and in conformity with information with respect to the Agent furnished to the Company in writing by the Agent or its counsel expressly for use in the Registration Statement or Prospectus which the Company and the Bank agree consists solely of the Agent Information (as hereinafter defined) described as such in Section 6(a) hereof.

 

2


(ii)    At the time of filing the Registration Statement relating to the offering of the Securities and as of the date hereof, the Company was not, and is not, an ineligible issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Regulations. At the time of the filing of the Registration Statement and at the time of the use of any issuer free writing prospectus, as defined in Rule 433(h) of the Securities Act Regulations, the Company met the conditions required by Rules 164 and 433 of the Securities Act Regulations for the use of a free writing prospectus. If required to be filed, the Company has filed any issuer free writing prospectus related to the Securities at the time it was required to be filed under Rule 433 of the Securities Act Regulations and, if not required to be filed, it has retained such free writing prospectus in the Company’s records pursuant to Rule 433(g) of the Securities Act Regulations and, if any issuer free writing prospectus is used after the date hereof in connection with the offering of the Securities, the Company will file or retain such free writing prospectus as required by Rule 433 of the Securities Act Regulations.

(iii)    As of the Applicable Time, neither (i) the Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus(es) issued at or prior to the Applicable Time and the Statutory Prospectus, all considered together (collectively, the “General Disclosure Package”), nor (ii) any individual Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus, when considered together with the General Disclosure Package, included, nor will include, any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state any material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The preceding sentence does not apply to statements in or omissions from any Prospectus included in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by the Agent expressly for use therein, it being understood and agreed that the only information furnished by the Agent consists of the Agent Information described in Section 6(a) hereof. As used in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Agreement:

1.    “Applicable Time” means each and every date when a potential purchaser submitted a subscription or otherwise committed to purchase Securities.

2.    “Statutory Prospectus”, as of any time, means the Prospectus relating to the Securities that is included in the Registration Statement relating to the Securities immediately prior to the relevant Applicable Time, including any document incorporated by reference therein.

3.    “Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus” means any “issuer free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 433(h) of the Securities Act Regulations, relating to the Securities. The term does not include any writing exempted from the definition of prospectus pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2(a)(10) of the Securities Act, without regard to Rule 172 or Rule 173 of the Securities Act Regulations.

4.    “Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus that is intended for general distribution to prospective investors.

5.    “Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus” means any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus that is not an Issuer-Represented General Free Writing Prospectus. The term Issuer-Represented Limited-Use Free Writing Prospectus also includes any “bona fide electronic road show,” as defined in Rule 433 of the Securities Act Regulations, that is made available without restriction pursuant to Rule 433(d)(8)(ii) of the Securities Act Regulations or otherwise, even though not required to be filed with the Commission.

6.    “Permitted Free Writing Prospectus” means any free writing prospectus consented to by the Company and the Agent.

 

3


(iv)    Each Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, as of its date of first use and at all subsequent times through the completion of the Offerings and sale of the Securities or until any earlier date that the Company notified or notifies the Agent (as described in the next sentence), did not, does not and will not include any information that conflicted, conflicts or will conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the offering of the Securities, including any document incorporated by reference therein that has not been superseded or modified. If at any time following the date of first use of an Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus conflicted, conflicts or would conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement relating to the offering of the Securities or included, includes or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted, omits or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company has notified or will notify promptly the Agent so that any use of such Issuer-Represented Free-Writing Prospectus may cease until it is amended or supplemented and the Company has promptly amended or will promptly amend or supplement such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission. The foregoing two sentences do not apply to statements in or omissions from any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus based upon and in conformity with the Agent Information furnished to the Company by the Agent expressly for use therein.

(v)    The Prospectus and each Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus when filed, if filed by electronic transmission, pursuant to EDGAR (except as may be permitted by Regulation S-T under the Securities Act), was identical to the copy thereof delivered to the Agent for use in connection with the offer and sale of the Securities.

(vi)    The Company has filed with the FRB an application on Form H-(e)1-S for approval, pursuant to Section 10(e) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended (“HOLA”), and the regulations promulgated thereunder for the Company to become a savings and loan holding company with respect to the Bank (the “Holding Company Application”). The Company has received written notice from the FRB of its approval of the Holding Company Application, such approval remains in full force and effect, no order has been issued by the FRB suspending or revoking such approval and no proceedings therefor have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank, threatened by the FRB. At the date of such approval and at the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Holding Company Application complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the HOLA and the regulations promulgated thereunder (the “FRB Regulations”) and the Holding Company Application is truthful and accurate in all material respects.

(vii)    In connection with the Conversion, the Bank filed with the OCC an Application for Conversion on Form AC (the “Conversion Application”) and has filed such amendments thereto and supplementary materials as may have been required to the date hereof, including copies of the Bank’s Proxy Statement for a Special Meeting of its Members relating to the Conversion (the “Proxy Statement”), the Conversion Valuation Appraisal Report (the “Appraisal”) and the Prospectus. The Offerings and the Plan have been duly adopted by the Board of Directors of the Bank and have been, or will be, with respect to the Company, duly adopted by the Board of Directors thereof and such adoptions have not since been rescinded or revoked. The OCC has conditionally approved the Conversion Application, and such approval remains in full force and effect and no order has been issued by the OCC suspending or revoking such approval and no proceedings therefor have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank, threatened by the OCC. The Prospectus and Proxy Statement have each been authorized for use by the OCC. At the time of the approval of the Conversion Application, including the Prospectus and the Proxy Statement (including any amendment or supplement thereto), by the OCC and at all times subsequent thereto until the Closing Time referred to in Section 2, the Conversion Application, including the Prospectus and the Proxy Statement (including any amendment or supplement thereto), will comply in all material respects with

 

4


Conversion Regulations, and applicable federal law and regulations of the OCC and the Conversion Application was and will be truthful and accurate in all material respects.

(viii)    At the time of their use, the Proxy Statement and any other proxy solicitation materials with respect to the Special Meeting of Members of the Bank to approve the Plan will comply in all material respects with the applicable provisions of the Conversion Regulations and will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading. The Company and the Bank will promptly file the Prospectus and any supplemental sales literature with the Commission and the OCC. The Prospectus and all supplemental sales literature, as of the date the Registration Statement became effective and at the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, complied and will comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of the Conversion Regulations and the Securities Act Regulations and, at or prior to the time of their first use, will have received all required authorizations of the OCC and the Commission for use in final form.

(ix)    None of the Commission, the OCC or any state securities “Blue Sky” authority, if applicable, has by order or otherwise, prevented or suspended the use of the Proxy Statement, the Prospectus or any supplemental sales literature authorized by the Company or the Bank for use in connection with the Offerings, and no actions or proceedings for such purposes are pending or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank, threatened.

(x)    At the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Company and the Bank will have completed the conditions precedent to the Conversion in accordance with the Plan, the Conversion Regulations and all other applicable laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including all material terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon the Company or the Bank by the FRB, the OCC or any other regulatory authority, other than those which the regulatory authority permits to be completed after the Conversion or which have been waived thereby. The Conversion, the Offerings and other transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not require any material consent, approval, authorization or permit or filing with any other governmental agency or regulatory authority, except as disclosed in the Prospectus.

(xi)    Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. (the “Appraiser”), which prepared the valuation of the Company as part of the Conversion, has advised the Company and the Bank in writing that it satisfies all requirements for an appraiser set forth in the Conversion Regulations and any interpretations or guidelines issued by the OCC or its staff with respect thereto and that it has not been advised by the OCC that it is not so qualified to prepare such valuation.

(xii)    Wipfli, LLP (“Wipfli”), the accountants who audited the financial statements for the two-year period ended December 31, 2020 included in the Registration Statement, has advised the Company and the Bank in writing that they are independent public accountants within the meaning of Rule 101 of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (the “AICPA”), that they are registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) and such accountants are, with respect to the Company and the Bank, independent certified public accountants as required by the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations and the Conversion Regulations.

(xiii)    The Bank does not, directly or indirectly, control any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, trust or other business organization. Upon completion of the Conversion, the only direct subsidiary of the Company will be the Bank. The Company will not conduct any business initially other than indirectly through the Bank.

 

5


(xiv)    The financial statements and the related notes thereto included in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package present fairly the financial position of the Bank at the dates indicated and the results of operations, comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the periods specified, and comply as to form with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act Regulations and the Conversion Regulations; except as otherwise stated in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, said financial statements have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent basis (“GAAP”) and present fairly the information required to be stated therein except as noted therein. The other financial, statistical and pro forma information and related notes included in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package present fairly the information shown therein on a basis consistent with the audited financial statements included in the Prospectus, and as to the pro forma adjustments, the adjustments made therein have been consistently applied on the basis described therein.

(xv)    Since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, except as otherwise stated therein: (A) there has been no material adverse change in the financial condition, results of operations, business affairs, management or prospects of the Company and the Bank, considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business (“Material Adverse Effect”), (B) except for transactions specifically referred to or contemplated in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, there have been no transactions entered into by the Company and the Bank, other than those in the ordinary course of business, which are material with respect to the Company and the Bank, (C) the capitalization, liabilities, assets, properties and business of the Company and the Bank conform in all material respects to the descriptions contained in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package and neither the Company nor Bank has any material liabilities of any kind, contingent or otherwise, except as disclosed in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package and (D) neither the Company nor the Bank has issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, for borrowed money, except borrowings in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice from the same or similar sources and in similar amounts as indicated in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package.

(xvi)    The Company is a stock corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Georgia with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; and at the Closing Time, the Company will be duly qualified to transact business and in good standing in each other jurisdiction in which such qualification is required, whether by reason of the ownership or leasing of property or the conduct of business, except where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Following the completion of the Conversion, the Company will be a registered savings and loan holding company under HOLA.

(xvii)    Upon consummation of the Conversion, the authorized, issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company will be within the range as set forth in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package under “Capitalization” (except for subsequent issuances, if any, pursuant to reservations, agreements or employee benefit plans referred to in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package); [except as set forth elsewhere in this Agreement,] no shares of Common Stock have been or will be issued and outstanding prior to the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof; at the time of the Conversion, the Securities will have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to the Plan against payment of the consideration calculated as set forth in the Plan and stated on the cover page of the Prospectus, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable; the certificates and/or book entries, as applicable, representing the shares of Common Stock will conform to the requirements of applicable law and regulations; and the issuance of the Securities is not subject to preemptive or other similar rights except for subscription rights granted under the Plan in accordance with Conversion Regulations.

 

6


(xviii)    The Bank has been duly organized and is validly existing as a federally chartered savings bank in mutual form and upon consummation of the Conversion will be a federally chartered savings bank in stock form, in both instances with full corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its property and to conduct its business as described in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package and to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. The Bank is a “covered savings association” as defined in 12 C.F.R. Part 101; as of the Closing Time, the Bank’s status as a covered savings association will be in full force and effect and, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank, no action is threatened by the OCC to remove such status. The Bank has, and as of the Closing Time, the Company will have, obtained all licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations currently required for the conduct of their respective businesses or required for the conduct of their respective businesses as contemplated by the Holding Company Application and the Conversion Application and as described in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, except where the failure to obtain such licenses, permits or other governmental authorizations would not have a Material Adverse Effect. All such licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations are, or with respect to the Company at the Closing Time will be, in full force and effect and the Company and the Bank are, or with respect to the Company, will be, in all material respects in compliance therewith. Neither the Company or the Bank has received notice of any proceeding or action relating to the revocation or modification of any such license, permit or other governmental authorization which, singly or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable decision, ruling or finding, might have a Material Adverse Effect. The Bank is in good standing under the laws of the United States and is qualified as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would have a Material Adverse Effect. The Bank is a “qualified thrift lender” within the meaning of 12 U.S.C. Section 1467a(m).

(xix)    The Bank is a member in good standing of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta; the deposit accounts of the Bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) up to the applicable limits and upon consummation of the Conversion, the liquidation account for the benefit of eligible account holders and supplemental eligible account holders will be duly established in accordance with the requirements of the Plan and the Conversion Regulations.

(xx)    The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 20,000,000 shares of Common Stock and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Company Preferred Stock”). No shares of Common Stock and no shares of Company Preferred Stock have been or will be issued and outstanding prior to the Closing Time. Upon consummation of the Conversion described in the Prospectus, the authorized capital stock of the Bank will be 10,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Bank Common Stock”). No shares of Bank Common Stock have been or will be issued prior to the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof. As of the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, the shares of Bank Common Stock to be issued to the Company will have been duly authorized for issuance and, when issued and delivered by the Bank pursuant to the Plan against payment of the consideration described in the Plan and in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and nonassessable, and all such Bank Common Stock will be owned beneficially and of record by the Company, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien, encumbrance or legal or equitable claim; and the certificates representing the shares of the Bank Common Stock will conform with the requirements of applicable laws and regulations. The issuance of the Bank Common Stock is not subject to preemptive or similar rights and there are no other warrants, options or rights of any kind to acquire additional shares of Bank Common Stock.

(xxi)    The Company and the Bank have taken all corporate action necessary for them to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, and this Agreement

 

7


has been duly executed and delivered by, and is the valid and binding agreement of the Company and the Bank, assuming due execution by the Agent, enforceable in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws and the availability of equitable remedies.

(xxii)    Subsequent to the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package and prior to the Closing Time, except as otherwise may be indicated or contemplated therein, neither the Company nor the Bank will have (A) except as otherwise set forth herein, issued any securities or incurred any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, for borrowed money, except borrowings in the ordinary course of business from the same or similar sources and in similar amounts as indicated in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package or (B) entered into any transaction or series of transactions which is material in light of the business of the Company and the Bank, considered as one enterprise, excluding the origination, purchase and sale of loans or the purchase or sale of investment securities or mortgage-backed securities in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

(xxiii)    No approval of any regulatory or supervisory or other public authority is required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the issuance of the Securities or the consummation of the Conversion that has not been obtained or will be obtained prior to the Closing Time and a copy of which has been delivered to the Agent, except as may be required under the “blue sky” or state securities laws of various jurisdictions.

(xxiv)    Neither the Company nor the Bank is, or at the Closing Time will be, in violation of their respective articles of incorporation, charter or bylaws (and the Bank will not be in violation of its charter or bylaws in stock form upon consummation of the Conversion); and neither the Company nor the Bank is in default (nor has any event occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default) in the performance or observance of any obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument to which the Company or the Bank is a party or by which it or either of them may be bound, or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or the Bank is subject, except for such defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; and there are no contracts or documents of the Company or the Bank that are required to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement, the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application that have not been so filed or described.

(xxv)    The Conversion, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company and the Bank and do not and will not conflict with or constitute a breach of, or default under, or result in the creation or imposition of any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of the Company or the Bank pursuant to any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument to which the Company or the Bank is a party or by which it or any of them may be bound, or to which any of the property or assets of the Company or the Bank is subject, except for such conflicts, breaches or defaults that would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect; nor will such action result in any violation of the provisions of the respective articles of incorporation, charter or bylaws of the Company or the Bank, or any applicable law, administrative regulation or administrative or court decree.

(xxvi)    No labor dispute with the employees of the Company or the Bank exists or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank, is imminent or threatened; and the Company and the Bank are not aware of any existing or threatened labor disturbance by the employees of any of its principal suppliers or contractors that might be expected to result in any Material Adverse Effect.

 

8


(xxvii)    Each of the Company and the Bank has good and marketable title to all properties and assets for which ownership is material to the business of the Company and the Bank and to those properties and assets described in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package as owned by them, free and clear of all liens, charges, encumbrances or restrictions, except such as are described in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, and all of the leases and subleases material to the business of the Company or the Bank under which the Company or the Bank hold properties, including those described in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, are valid and binding agreements of the Company or the Bank, enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws and availability of equitable remedies.

(xxviii)    The Company and the Bank own or have the right to use all patents, patent applications, trademarks, service marks, trade names, trademark registrations, service mark registrations, domain names and other source indicators, copyrights and copyrightable works, know-how, trade secrets, systems, procedures, proprietary or confidential information and all other worldwide intellectual property, industrial property and proprietary rights (collectively, “Intellectual Property”) used in the conduct of their respective businesses; (ii) the Company and the Bank conduct of their respective businesses does not infringe, misappropriate or otherwise violate any Intellectual Property of any person; (iii) the Company and the Bank have not received any written notice of any claim relating to Intellectual Property; and (iv) to the knowledge of the Company and the Bank, the Intellectual Property of the Company and the Bank is not being infringed, misappropriated or otherwise violated by any person.

(xxix)    The information technology assets and equipment, computers, systems, networks, hardware, software, websites, applications, and databases (collectively, “IT Systems”) of the Company and the Bank are adequate for, and operate and perform in all material respects as required in connection with the operation of the business of the Company and the Bank as currently conducted and, to the knowledge of the Company and the Bank, free and clear of all material bugs, errors, defects, Trojan horses, time bombs, malware and other corruptants, except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The Company and the Bank have implemented and maintained commercially reasonable controls, policies, procedures, and safeguards to maintain and protect their material confidential information and the integrity, continuous operation, redundancy and security of all IT Systems and data (including all personal, personally identifiable, sensitive, confidential or regulated data (“Personal Data”)) used in connection with their respective businesses, and there have been no breaches, violations, outages or unauthorized uses of or accesses to same, except for those that have been remedied without material cost or liability or the duty to notify any other person, nor any incidents under internal review or investigations relating to the same. The Company and the Bank are presently in material compliance with all applicable laws or statutes and all judgments, orders, rules and regulations of any court or arbitrator or governmental or regulatory authority, internal policies and contractual obligations relating to the privacy and security of IT Systems and Personal Data and to the protection of such IT Systems and Personal Data from unauthorized use, access, misappropriation or modification.

(xxx)    Neither the Company nor the Bank is in violation of any order or directive from the FRB, the OCC, the FDIC, the Commission or any regulatory authority to make any material change in the method of conducting its respective businesses; the Company and the Bank have conducted and are conducting their business so as to comply in all material respects with all applicable statutes, regulations and administrative and court decrees (including, without limitation, all regulations, decisions, directives and orders of the FRB, the OCC, the FDIC and the Commission). Neither the Company nor the Bank is subject or is party to, or has received any notice or advice that either of them may become subject or party to, any investigation with respect to any cease-and-desist order, agreement, consent agreement, memorandum of understanding or other regulatory enforcement action, proceeding or order with or by, or is a party to any commitment letter or similar undertaking to, or is subject to any directive by, or has been a recipient of any supervisory letter from, or has adopted any board resolutions at the request of, any

 

9


Regulatory Agency (as defined below) that currently restricts in any material respect the conduct of their business or that in any material manner relates to their capital adequacy, their credit policies, their management or their business (each, a “Regulatory Agreement”), nor has the Company or the Bank been advised by any Regulatory Agency that it is considering issuing or requesting any such Regulatory Agreement; and there is no unresolved violation, criticism or exception by any Regulatory Agency with respect to any report or statement relating to any examinations of the Company or the Bank that, in the reasonable judgment of the Company or the Bank, is expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or that might materially and adversely affect the properties or assets thereof or that might materially and adversely affect the consummation of the Conversion or the performance of this Agreement. As used herein, the term “Regulatory Agency” means any federal or state agency charged with the supervision or regulation of depository institutions or holding companies of depository institutions, or engaged in the insurance of depository institution deposits, or any court, administrative agency or commission or other governmental agency, authority or instrumentality having supervisory or regulatory authority with respect to the Company or the Bank.

(xxxi)    There is no action, suit or proceeding before or by any court or governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign, now pending, or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank, threatened, against or affecting the Company or the Bank that is required to be disclosed in the Registration Statement (other than as disclosed therein), or that might result in any Material Adverse Effect, or that might materially and adversely affect the properties or assets thereof, the performance of this Agreement or the consummation of the Conversion; all pending legal or governmental proceedings to which the Company or the Bank is a party or of which any of their respective property or assets is the subject that are not described in the Registration Statement, including ordinary routine litigation incidental to their respective business, are considered in the aggregate not material.

(xxxii)    The Company and the Bank have obtained an opinion of its counsel, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, with respect to the (i) legality of the Securities to be issued and (ii) federal income tax and the Georgia state tax consequences of the Conversion, copies of which are filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement; all material aspects of the aforesaid opinions are accurately summarized in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package; the facts and representations upon which such opinions are based are truthful, accurate and complete in all material respects; and neither the Company nor the Bank has taken or will take any action inconsistent therewith.

(xxxiii)    Neither the Company nor the Bank is and, upon completion of the Conversion and the Offerings and sale of the Securities and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, will be, required to be registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.

(xxxiv)    All of the loans represented as assets on the most recent financial statements or selected financial information of the Bank and on the financial statements included in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package meet or are exempt from all requirements of federal, state or local law pertaining to lending, including, without limitation, truth in lending (including the requirements of Regulations Z and 12 C.F.R. Part 226), real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, equal credit opportunity and all disclosure laws applicable to such loans, except for violations which, if asserted, would not result in a Material Adverse Effect.

(xxxv)    To the knowledge of the Company and the Bank, with the exception of the intended loan to the Bank’s ESOP by the Company to enable the ESOP to purchase Securities in an amount up to 8.0% of the Common Stock that will be outstanding upon completion of the Conversion, none of the Company or the Bank or their employees has made any payment of funds of the Company or the Bank as a loan for the purchase of the Common Stock or made any other payment of funds prohibited by law, and no funds have been set aside to be used for any payment prohibited by law.

 

10


(xxxvi)    The Bank maintains, and, immediately prior to the Closing, the Company will adopt, a system of internal accounting controls sufficient to provide reasonable assurance that (a) transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations; (b) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (c) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (d) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

(xxxvii)    The Company and the Bank are in compliance in all material respects with the applicable financial recordkeeping and reporting requirements of the Currency and Foreign Transaction Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder. The Bank has established compliance programs and is in compliance in all material respects with the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and all applicable regulations promulgated thereunder and any other applicable money laundering or similar or related laws and any related rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any applicable governmental agency or regulatory authority. There is no charge, investigation, action, suit or proceeding before any court, regulatory authority or governmental agency or body pending or, to the knowledge of the Company and the Bank, threatened regarding the Bank’s compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and any other applicable money laundering or similar or related laws and any related rules, regulations or guidelines issued, administered or enforced by any applicable governmental agency or regulatory authority.

(xxxviii)     None of the Company, the Bank nor any properties owned or operated by the Company or the Bank, is in violation of or liable under any Environmental Law (as defined below). There are no actions, suits or proceedings, or demands, claims, notices or investigations (including, without limitation, notices, demand letters or requests for information from any environmental agency) instituted or pending, or to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank threatened, relating to the liability of any property owned or operated by the Company or the Bank under any Environmental Law, except for such actions, suits or proceedings, or demands, claims, notices or investigations that, individually or in the aggregate, would not have a Material Adverse Effect. For purposes of this subsection, the term “Environmental Law” means any federal, state, local or foreign law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, code, license, permit, authorization, approval, consent, order, judgment, decree, injunction or agreement with any regulatory authority relating to (i) the protection, preservation or restoration of the environment (including, without limitation, air, water, vapor, surface water, groundwater, drinking water supply, surface soil, subsurface soil, plant and animal life or any other natural resource), and/or (ii) the use, storage, recycling, treatment, generation, transportation, processing, handling, labeling, production, release or disposal of any substance presently listed, defined, designated or classified as hazardous, toxic, radioactive or dangerous, or otherwise regulated, whether by type or by quantity, including any material containing any such substance as a component.

(xxxix)     The Company and the Bank have filed all federal, state and local income and franchise tax returns required to be filed and have made timely payments of all taxes shown as due and payable in respect of such returns, and no deficiency has been asserted with respect thereto by any taxing authority. The Company and the Bank have no knowledge of any tax deficiency that has been asserted or could be asserted against the Company or the Bank.

(xl)     The Company has submitted or will have submitted prior to Closing all notices required to consummate the Conversion and to have the Securities listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market effective as of the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof.

 

11


(xli)    At or prior to the Closing Time, the Company will have filed a Form 8-A (the “Exchange Act Registration Statement”) for the Securities to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder (“Exchange Act Regulations”).

(xlii)    There are no affiliations or associations (as such terms are defined by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)) between any member of FINRA and any of the Company’s or the Bank’s officers or directors. Neither the Company nor the Bank has: (i) issued any securities within the last 18 months (except for notes to evidence bank loans or other liabilities in the ordinary course of business or as described in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package); (ii) had any dealings with respect to sales of securities within the 12 months prior to the date hereof with any member of the FINRA, or any person related to or associated with such member, other than discussions and meetings relating to the Offerings and purchases and sales of U.S. government and agency and other securities in the ordinary course of business; or (iii) engaged any intermediary between the Agent and the Company and the Bank in connection with the Offerings, and no person is being compensated in any manner for such services.

(xliii)    The Bank carries, or is covered by, and the Company will carry, or be covered by, prior to Closing, insurance in such amounts and covering such risks as is adequate for the conduct of their respective businesses and the value of their respective properties as is customary for companies engaged in similar industries.

(xliv)    The Company and the Bank have not relied on the Agent or its counsel for any legal, tax or accounting advice in connection with the Conversion.

(xlv)    The records of eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders, and other depositor and borrower members are accurate and complete in all material respects.

(xlvi)    The Company and the Bank are in compliance in all material respects with all presently applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, including the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (“ERISA”); no “reportable event” (as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to any “pension plan” (as defined in ERISA) for which the Company or the Bank, respectively, would have any liability; neither the Company nor the Bank has incurred and does not expect to incur liability under (i) Title IV of ERISA with respect to termination of, or withdrawal from, any “pension plan” or (ii) Sections 412 or 4971 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including the regulations and published interpretations thereunder (the “Code”); and each “pension plan” for which the Company and the Bank would have any liability that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code is so qualified in all material respects and nothing occurred, whether by action or by failure to act, that would cause the loss of such qualification.

(xlvii)    The Company is in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, and the Nasdaq corporate governance rules applicable to the Company, and will use its best efforts to comply with those provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Nasdaq corporate governance rules that will become effective in the future upon their effectiveness.

(xlviii)    No forward-looking statement (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act) contained in the Registration Statement, the General Disclosure Package, the Prospectus and any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus has been made or reaffirmed without a reasonable basis or has been disclosed other than in good faith. Any statistical and market related data contained in any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, the Prospectus and the Registration Statement are based on or derived from sources which the Company and the Bank believe were reliable and accurate at the time they were filed with the Commission.

 

12


(xlix)    All of the information, as may have been updated or amended, provided to the Agent or to counsel for the Agent by the Company and the Bank and their respective officers and directors in connection with letters, filings or other supplemental information provided to FINRA pursuant to FINRA Rules 5110 and 5121 is true, complete and correct.

(l)    Neither the Company or the Bank nor any of their affiliates does business with the government of Cuba or with any person or affiliate located in Cuba within the meaning of Section 517.075, Florida Statutes. For purposes of this subsection, “affiliate” means a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company or the Bank.

(li)    Neither the Company or the Bank nor any director, officer, employee or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank, after due inquiry, agent or affiliate thereof is (a) currently subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Treasury Department (“OFAC”) or relevant sanctioning authority; (b) located, organized or resident in a country or territory that is the subject of such sanctions (including, without limitation, Burma/Myanmar, Crimea, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria); and (c) the Company will not, directly or indirectly, use the proceeds of the Offerings, or lend, contribute or otherwise make available such proceeds to any subsidiary, joint venture partner or other person or entity, for the purpose of financing the activities of any person, or engage in dealings or transactions with any person, or in any country, or territory, subject to any U.S. sanctions administered by OFAC or relevant sanctioning authority.

(lii)    Neither the Company or the Bank nor any director, officer or employee of the Company or the Bank nor, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank, any agent, affiliate or other person associated with or acting on behalf of the Company or the Bank has (a) used any corporate funds for any unlawful contribution, gift, entertainment or other unlawful expense relating to political activity; (b) made or taken an act in furtherance of an offer, promise or authorization of any direct or indirect unlawful payment or benefit to any foreign or domestic government official or employee, including of any government-owned or controlled entity or of a public international organization, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any of the foregoing, or any political party or party official or candidate for political office; (c) violated or is in violation of any provision of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended, or any applicable law or regulation implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, or committed an offence under the Bribery Act 2010 of the United Kingdom or any other applicable anti-bribery or anti-corruption law; or (d) made, offered, agreed, requested or taken an act in furtherance of any unlawful bribe or other unlawful benefit, including, without limitation, any rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback or other unlawful or improper payment or benefit. The Bank has instituted, maintains and enforces, and the Company and the Bank subsequent to the Conversion will continue to maintain and enforce policies and procedures designed to promote and ensure compliance with all applicable anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws.

(liii)    The Company has established or will establish and maintain prior to the Closing Time disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Exchange Act), that (i) are designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company and the Bank is made known to each of the Company’s and the Bank’s principal executive officer and its principal financial officer by others within those entities, (ii) have been (or will be) evaluated for effectiveness as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing of the Company’s annual or quarterly report filed with the Commission subsequent to the Closing Time and (iii) are effective in all material respects to perform the functions for which they were established. [The Company’s and the Bank’s independent registered

 

13


public accounting firm and the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors have been advised of:] [There] (i) any [are no] significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls that could adversely affect the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data and/or (ii) [has not been] any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a role in the Company’s internal controls; and [such deficiencies or fraud have either been disclosed in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, or are not material to the Company and the Bank considered as one enterprise;] and since the date of the most recent evaluation of such disclosure controls and procedures, there have been no material changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies, material weaknesses or fraud.

(liv)    Except as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect:

(A)    The Company and the Bank have complied with, and all documentation in connection with the origination, processing, underwriting and credit approval of any mortgage loan originated, purchased or serviced by the Company or the Bank satisfied, (i) all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations with respect to the origination, insuring, purchase, sale, pooling, servicing, subservicing, or filing of claims in connection with mortgage loans, including all laws relating to real estate settlement procedures, consumer credit protection, truth in lending laws, usury limitations, fair housing, transfers of servicing, collection practices, equal credit opportunity and adjustable rate mortgages, (ii) the responsibilities and obligations relating to mortgage loans set forth in any agreement between the Company or the Bank and any Agency, Loan Investor or Insurer (as such terms are hereinafter defined), (iii) the applicable rules, regulations, guidelines, handbooks and other requirements of any Agency, Loan Investor or Insurer and (iv) the terms and provisions of any mortgage or other collateral documents and other loan documents with respect to each mortgage loan; and

(B)    No Agency, Loan Investor or Insurer has (i) claimed in writing that the Company or the Bank has violated or has not complied with the applicable underwriting standards with respect to mortgage loans sold by the Company or the Bank to a Loan Investor or Agency, or with respect to any sale of mortgage servicing rights to a Loan Investor, (ii) imposed in writing restrictions on the activities (including commitment authority) of the Company or the Bank or (iii) indicated in writing to the Company or the Bank that it has terminated or intends to terminate its relationship with the Company or the Bank for poor performance, poor loan quality or concern with respect to the Company’s or the Bank’s compliance with laws.

For purposes of hereof (X) “Agency” means the Federal Housing Administration, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal National Mortgage Association, the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Rural Development Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or any other federal or state agency with authority to (i) determine any investment, origination, lending or servicing requirements with regard to mortgage loans originated, purchased or serviced by the Company or the Bank or (ii) originate, purchase, or service mortgage loans, or otherwise promote mortgage lending, including state and local housing finance authorities; (Y) “Loan Investor” means any person (including an Agency) having a beneficial interest in any mortgage loan originated, purchased or serviced by the Company or the Bank or a security backed by or representing an interest in any such mortgage loan; and (Z) “Insurer” means a person who insures or guarantees for the benefit of the mortgagee all or any portion of the risk of loss upon borrower default on any of the mortgage loans originated, purchased or serviced by the Company or the Bank, including the Federal Housing Administration, the United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the Rural Housing Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and any private mortgage insurer, and providers of hazard, title or other insurance with respect to such mortgage loans or the related collateral.

 

14


(lv)    Except as described in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, there are no contractual encumbrances or contractual restrictions or regulatory restrictions on the ability (i) of the Company or the Bank to pay dividends or to make any other distributions on the Company’s or the Bank’s capital stock or (ii) of the Company or the Bank (A) to pay any indebtedness owed to the Company or the Bank, (B) to make any loans or advances to, or investments in, the Company or the Bank, subject to applicable law and regulation, or (C) to transfer any of its property or assets to the Company or the Bank.

(lvi)    The Bank has, in all material respects, properly administered all accounts for which it acts as a fiduciary, including accounts for which it serves as a trustee, agent, custodian, personal representative, guardian, conservator or investment advisor, in accordance with the terms of the governing documents and applicable law and regulations. Neither the Bank nor, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank, any director, officer or employee of the Bank has committed any breach of trust or fiduciary duty with respect to any such fiduciary account, and the accountings for each such fiduciary account are true and correct in all material respects and accurately reflect the assets of such fiduciary account.

(lvii)    From the time of submission of the Registration Statement to the Commission through the date hereof, the Company has been and is an “emerging growth company,” as defined in Section 2(a) of the Securities Act. Neither the Company nor the Bank (i) has alone engaged in any Testing-the-Waters Communications or (ii) authorized anyone (including the Agent) to engage in Testing-the-Waters Communications. “Testing-the-Waters Communication” means any oral or written communication with potential investors undertaken in reliance on either Section 5(d) of Securities Act or Rule 163B of the Securities Act Regulations

(b)    Any certificate signed by any officer of the Company or the Bank and delivered to the Agent or counsel for the Agent shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company or the Bank to the Agent and, for purposes of the opinions to be delivered to the Agent pursuant to Sections 5(b)(1) and 5(b)(2) hereof, to the counsel for the Company and the Agent, respectively, as to matters covered thereby.

SECTION 2. APPOINTMENT OF AGENT; SALE AND DELIVERY OF THE SECURITIES; CLOSING. On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, the Company hereby appoints Performance Trust (i) as its exclusive marketing agent to consult with and advise the Company, and to assist the Company with the solicitation of subscriptions and purchase orders for the Securities, in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering and (ii) as sole book-running manager in connection with the solicitation of purchase orders for the Securities in the Syndicated Offering, if applicable. On the basis of the representations and warranties herein contained, and subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth, Performance Trust accepts such appointment and agrees to use its best efforts to assist the Company with the solicitation of subscriptions and purchase orders for Securities in accordance with this Agreement; provided, however, that the Agent shall not be obligated to take any action that is inconsistent with any applicable laws, regulations, decisions or orders.

The services to be rendered pursuant to this appointment include the following: (i) consulting as to the securities marketing implications of the Plan; (ii) reviewing with the Board of Directors the financial impact of the Offerings on the Company, based upon the Appraiser’s appraisal of the Common Stock; (iii) reviewing all offering documents, including the Prospectus, stock order forms and related offering materials (it being understood that preparation and filing of such documents is the sole responsibility of the Company, the Bank and their counsel); (iv) assisting in the design and implementation of a marketing strategy for the Offerings; (v) assisting the Company’s and the Bank’s management in scheduling and preparing for meetings with potential investors and/or other broker-dealers in connection with the Offerings, and (vi) providing such other general advice and assistance as may be reasonably necessary to promote the successful completion of the Offerings.

 

15


The appointment of the Agent hereunder shall terminate upon the earlier to occur of (i) forty-five (45) days after the last day of the Subscription Offering and, if held, the Community Offering, unless the Company and the Agent agree in writing to extend such period and the OCC agrees to extend the period of time in which the Securities may be sold, or (ii) the receipt and acceptance of subscriptions and purchase orders for all of the Securities, or (iii) the completion of the Syndicated Offering, if applicable.

If any of the Securities remain available after the expiration of the Subscription Offering and, if held, the Community Offering, at the request of the Company and the Bank, the Agent will seek to form a syndicate of registered brokers or dealers (“Selected Dealers”) to assist in the solicitation of purchase orders of such Securities on a best efforts basis in a Syndicated Offering. Performance Trust will serve as sole book-running manager of any Syndicated Offering. The Agent will endeavor to distribute the Securities among the Selected Dealers in a fashion that best meets the distribution objectives of the Company and the Bank and the requirements of the Plan, which may result in limiting the allocation of Securities to certain Selected Dealers. It is understood that in no event shall the Agent be obligated to act as a Selected Dealer or to take or purchase any Securities.

In the event the Company is unable to sell at least the minimum amount of the Securities, as set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus, within the period herein provided, this Agreement shall terminate and the Company shall refund promptly to any persons who have subscribed for any of the Securities the full amount that it may have received from them, together with interest as provided in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, and no party to this Agreement shall have any obligation to the others hereunder, except for the obligations of the Company and the Bank as set forth in Sections 4, 6(a) and 7 hereof and the obligations of the Agent as provided in Sections 6(b) and 7 hereof. Appropriate arrangements for promptly placing the funds received from subscriptions for Securities or other offers to purchase Securities in special interest-bearing accounts with the Bank until all Securities are sold and paid for were made by the Company prior to the commencement of the Subscription Offering, with provision for refund to the purchasers as set forth above, or for delivery to the Company if all Securities are sold.

If at least the total minimum amount of Securities, as set forth on the cover page of the Prospectus, are sold, the Company agrees to issue or have issued the Securities sold and to release for delivery certificates for such Securities or statements reflecting book entry ownership of such Securities at the Closing Time against payment therefor by release of funds from the special interest-bearing accounts referred to above. The closing shall be held at the offices of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time, or at such other place and time as shall be agreed upon by the parties hereto, on a business day to be agreed upon by the parties hereto. Certificates or statements reflecting book-entry ownership of Securities shall be delivered directly to the purchasers thereof in accordance with their directions. Notwithstanding the foregoing, certificates or statements reflecting book-entry ownership of Securities purchased through Selected Dealers shall be made available to the Agent for inspection at least 24 hours prior to the Closing Time at such office as the Agent shall designate. The hour and date upon which the Company shall release for delivery all of the Securities, in accordance with the terms hereof, is herein called the “Closing Time.”

The Company will pay any stock issue and transfer taxes that may be payable with respect to the sale of the Securities.

In addition to the reimbursement of the expenses specified in Section 4 hereof, the Agent will receive:

(a)    A management fee of $25,000 (the “Management Fee”), all of which has been paid prior to the date hereof and which will be applied towards the Service Fee (as defined below);

 

16


(b)    as compensation for its marketing agent services in the Subscription and Community Offering, a fee of one a quarter percent (1.25%) of the aggregate purchase price of the Securities sold in the Subscription and Community Offering (the “Service Fees”), excluding in each case shares purchased by (i) any employee benefit plan or trust of the Company or the Bank established for the benefit of their respective directors, officers and employees, and (ii) any director, officer or employee of the Company or the Bank or members of their immediate families, which term shall mean parents, spouse, children and grandchildren; and

(c)    with respect to any Securities sold in the Syndicated Offering, an aggregate fee of five and a half percent (5.50%) of the aggregate purchase price of Securities sold in the Syndicated Offering.

The Management Fee shall be credited against the Service Fee.

If this Agreement is terminated by the Agent in accordance with the provisions of Section 9(a) hereof or the Offering is terminated by the Company, no fee shall be payable by the Company to the Agent; provided, however, that the Company shall reimburse the Agent in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 hereof for all of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses up to $10,000 and for its attorney’s fees and expenses up to $125,000, for a total maximum of $135,000, subject to increase to an aggregate of $150,000 in the event a Syndicated Offering is conducted, incurred prior to termination. In addition, the Company shall be obligated to pay the other fees and expenses as contemplated by the provisions of Section 4 hereof in the event of any such termination.

In addition, the Agent will receive a fee of $20,000 for certain records management agent services set forth in the letter dated March 4, 2021 between the Agent and the Bank; provided, however, in the event of any unusual or additional items or duplication of services required as a result of a material change in applicable regulations or the Plan, or a material delay or other similar events, such fee can be increased by $5,000. In addition, the Agent shall be reimbursed for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its records management agent services up to $15,000.

All fees payable to the Agent hereunder shall be payable in immediately available funds at the Closing Time, or upon the termination of this Agreement, as the case may be.

SECTION 3. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY AND THE BANK. The Company and the Bank jointly and severally covenant with the Agent as follows:

(a)    The Company and the Bank will prepare and file such amendments or supplements to the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the Conversion Application, the Holding Company Application and the Proxy Statement as may hereafter be required by the Securities Act Regulations, the Conversion Regulations, the FRB Regulations or as may hereafter be requested by the Agent. Following completion of the Subscription and Community Offering, in the event of a Syndicated Offering, the Company and the Bank will (i) promptly prepare and file with the Commission, if required, a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement relating to the results of the Subscription and Community Offering, any additional information with respect to the proposed plan of distribution, including the Syndicated Offering, if any, and any revised pricing information or (ii) if no such post-effective amendment is required, will file with the Commission a prospectus or prospectus supplement containing information relating to the results of the Subscription and Community Offering and pricing information pursuant to Rule 424 of the Securities Act Regulations, in either case in a form acceptable to the Agent. The Company and the Bank will notify the Agent immediately, and confirm the notice in writing, (i) of the effectiveness of any post-effective amendment of the Registration Statement, the filing of any supplement to the Prospectus and the filing of any amendment to the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application, (ii) of the receipt of any comments from the FRB, the OCC or the Commission with respect to the transactions contemplated

 

17


by this Agreement or the Plan, (iii) of any request by the Commission, the OCC or the FRB for any amendment to the Registration Statement, the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus or for additional information, (iv) of the issuance by the OCC or the FRB of any order suspending their respective approvals of the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, (v) of the issuance by the Commission or the OCC of an order suspending the Offerings or the use of the Prospectus or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus or the initiation or threatened initiation of such proceedings, (vi) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the initiation of any proceedings for that purpose, and (vii) of the receipt of any notice with respect to the suspension of any qualification of the Securities for offering or sale in any jurisdiction. The Company and the Bank will make every reasonable effort to prevent the issuance of any stop order and, if any stop order is issued, to obtain the lifting thereof at the earliest possible moment.

(b)    The Company represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Agent, and the Agent represents and agrees that, unless it obtains the prior written consent of the Company, they have not made and will not make any offer relating to the Securities that would constitute an Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus or that would constitute a “free writing prospectus,” as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Regulations, required to be filed with the Commission. The Company represents that it has and will comply with the requirements of Rule 433 of the Securities Act Regulations applicable to any Permitted Free Writing Prospectus, including timely Commission filing where required, legending and record keeping. The Company need not treat any communication as a free writing prospectus if it is exempt from the definition of prospectus pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2(a)(10) of the Securities Act without regard to Rule 172 or 173 of the Securities Act Regulations. If at any time following issuance of an Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus there occurred or occurs an event or development as a result of which such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus materially conflicted or would materially conflict with the information contained in the Registration Statement or included or would include an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or would omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances prevailing at that subsequent time, not misleading, the Company will notify promptly the Agent so that any use of such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus may cease until it is amended or supplemented and the Company will promptly amend or supplement such Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus to eliminate or correct such conflict, untrue statement or omission; provided, however, that this covenant shall not apply to any statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company by the Agent expressly for use therein.

(c)    The Company and the Bank will give the Agent notice of their intention to file or prepare any amendment to the Conversion Application, the Holding Company Application, or the Registration Statement (including any post-effective amendment) or any amendment or supplement to the Prospectus (including any revised prospectus that the Company proposes for use in connection with any Syndicated Offering that differs from the prospectus on file at the Commission at the time the Registration Statement became effective, whether or not such revised prospectus is required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) of the Securities Act Regulations), will furnish the Agent with copies of any such amendment or supplement a reasonable amount of time prior to such proposed filing or use, as the case may be, and will not file any such amendment or supplement or use any such prospectus to which the Agent or counsel for the Agent may object.

(d)    The Company and the Bank will deliver to the Agent as many signed copies and as many conformed copies of the Holding Company Application, the Conversion Application and the Registration Statement as originally filed and of each amendment thereto (including exhibits filed therewith or incorporated by reference therein) as the Agent may reasonably request, and from time to time such number of copies of the Prospectus as the Agent may reasonably request.

 

18


(e)    During the period when the Prospectus is required to be delivered, the Company and the Bank will comply, at their own expense, with all requirements imposed upon them by the OCC, by the applicable Conversion Regulations, as from time to time in force, and by the Nasdaq Stock Market, the Securities Act, the Securities Act Regulations, the Exchange Act, and the Exchange Act Regulations, including, without limitation, Regulation M under the Exchange Act, so far as necessary to permit the continuance of sales or dealing in shares of Common Stock during such period in accordance with the provisions hereof and the Prospectus.

(f)    If any event or circumstance shall occur as a result of which it is necessary, in the reasonable opinion of counsel for the Agent, to amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus in order to make the Prospectus not misleading in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser or if it is necessary to amend or supplement the Prospectus to comply with applicable law and regulation, the Company and the Bank will forthwith amend or supplement the Registration Statement or Prospectus (in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Agent) so that, as so amended or supplemented, the Registration Statement or Prospectus will not include an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances existing at the time it is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading or so the Prospectus will comply with applicable law and regulation, and the Company and the Bank will furnish to the Agent a reasonable number of copies of such amendment or supplement. For the purpose of this subsection, the Company and the Bank will each furnish such information with respect to itself as the Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

(g)    The Company and the Bank will take all necessary action, in cooperation with the Agent, to qualify the Securities for offering and sale under the applicable securities laws of such states of the United States and other jurisdictions as the Conversion Regulations may require and as the Agent and the Company have agreed; provided, however, that neither the Company nor the Bank shall be obligated to file any general consent to service of process or to qualify as a foreign corporation in any jurisdiction in which it is not so qualified. In each jurisdiction in which the Securities have been so qualified, the Company and the Bank will file such statements and reports as may be required by the laws of such jurisdiction to continue such qualification in effect for a period of not less than one year from the effective date of the Registration Statement.

(h)    The Company authorizes the Agent and any Selected Dealer to act as agents of the Company in distributing the Prospectus to persons entitled to receive subscription rights and other persons to be offered Securities having record addresses in the states or jurisdictions set forth in a survey of the securities or “blue sky” laws of the various jurisdictions in which the Offerings will be made (the “Blue Sky Survey”).

(i)    The Company will make generally available to its security holders as soon as practicable, but not later than 60 days after the close of the period covered thereby, an earnings statement (in form complying with the provisions of Rule 158 of the Securities Act Regulations) covering a twelve-month period beginning not later than the first day of the Company’s fiscal quarter next following the “effective date” (as defined in said Rule 158) of the Registration Statement.

(j)    During the period ending on the third anniversary of the expiration of the fiscal year during which the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby occurs, the Company will furnish to its shareholders as soon as practicable after the end of each such fiscal year an annual report (including consolidated statements of financial condition and consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows, certified by independent public accountants) and, as soon as practicable after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal quarter ending after the effective date of the Registration Statement), consolidated summary financial

 

19


information of the Company and the Bank for such quarter in reasonable detail. In addition, the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to make public such annual report and quarterly consolidated summary financial information through the issuance of appropriate press releases at the same time or prior to the time of the furnishing thereof to shareholders of the Company.

(k)    During the period ending on the third anniversary of the expiration of the fiscal year during which the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby occurs, the Company will furnish to the Agent (i) as soon as publicly available, a copy of each report or other document of the Company furnished generally to shareholders of the Company or furnished to or filed with the Commission under the Exchange Act or any national securities exchange or system on which any class of securities of the Company is listed, and (ii) from time to time, such other information concerning the Company as the Agent may reasonably request. For purposes of this paragraph, any document filed electronically with the Commission shall be deemed furnished to the Agent.

(l)    The Company and the Bank will (i) use their best efforts to complete the conditions precedent to the Offerings and the Conversion in accordance with the Plan, the applicable Conversion Regulations, and all other applicable laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including all material terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion and the Offerings imposed upon the Company or the Bank by the Commission, the OCC, the FRB, or any other regulatory authority or state securities (blue sky) authority, and to comply with those which the regulatory authority permits to be completed after the Conversion and the Offerings; and (ii) conduct the Conversion and the Offerings in the manner described in the Prospectus and in accordance with the Plan, the Conversion Regulations and all other applicable material laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including in compliance with all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion and the Offerings imposed upon the Company and the Bank by the Commission, the OCC, the FRB or any other regulatory or blue sky authority.

(m)    The Company and the Bank will comply, at their own expense, with all requirements imposed by the Commission, the FRB, the OCC, and the Nasdaq Stock Market or pursuant to the applicable Securities Act Regulations, Conversion Regulations, the FRB Regulations and Nasdaq Stock Market requirements as from time to time in force.

(n)    The Company will promptly inform the Agent upon its receipt of service with respect to any material litigation or administrative action instituted with respect to the Conversion and/or the Offerings.

(o)    Each of the Company and the Bank will use the net proceeds received by it from the sale of the Securities in the manner specified in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package under “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering.”

(p)    The Company will report the use of proceeds from the Offerings on its first periodic report following the Closing Time filed pursuant to Sections 13(a) and 15(d) of the Exchange Act and on any subsequent periodic reports as may be required pursuant to Rule 463 of the Securities Act Regulations.

(q)    The Company will maintain the effectiveness of the Exchange Act Registration Statement for not less than three years and will comply in all material respects with its filing obligations under the Exchange Act. For three years, the Company will use its best efforts to effect and maintain the listing of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market and, once listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, the Company will comply with all applicable listing standards required by the Nasdaq Stock Market.

 

20


(r)    The Company and the Bank will take such actions and furnish such information as are reasonably requested by the Agent in order for the Agent to ensure compliance with FINRA Rules 5130 and 5131.

(s)    Other than in connection with any employee benefit plan or arrangement described in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, the Company will not, without the prior written consent of the Agent, sell or issue, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of, any shares of Common Stock other than the Securities for a period of 180 days following the Closing Time.

(t)    During the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the later of the third anniversary of the Closing Time or the date on which the Agent receives full payment in satisfaction of any claim for indemnification or contribution to which they may be entitled pursuant to Sections 6 or 7 hereof, respectively, made prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Time, neither the Company nor the Bank shall, without the prior written consent of the Agent, take or permit to be taken any action that could result in the Common Stock or the Bank Common Stock becoming subject to any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance, with the exception of the intended loan to the Bank’s ESOP by the Company to enable the ESOP to purchase securities in an amount up to 8.0% of the Common Stock that sold in the Offerings.

(u)    The Company and the Bank will comply with the conditions imposed by or agreed to with the FRB in connection with its approval of the Holding Company Application and the OCC in connection with its approval of the Conversion Application, respectively.

(v)    The Company shall not deliver the Securities until the Company and the Bank have satisfied each condition set forth in Section 5 hereof, unless such condition is waived by the Agent.

(w)    The Company or the Bank will furnish to the Agent as early as practicable prior to the Closing Time, but no later than two (2) full business days prior thereto, a copy of the latest available unaudited interim financial statements of the Bank, which have been read by Wipfli, as stated in their letters to be furnished pursuant to subsections (f) and (g) of Section 5 hereof.

(x)    During the period in which the Prospectus is required to be delivered, each of the Company and the Bank will conduct its business in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, decisions, directives and orders, including all decisions, directives and orders of the Commission, the FRB, the OCC, the FDIC and the Nasdaq Stock Market.

(y)    The Company and the Bank will not amend the Plan in any manner that would affect the sale of the Securities or the terms of this Agreement without the consent of the Agent.

(z)    The Company and the Bank will not, prior to the Closing Time, incur any liability or obligation, direct or contingent, or enter into any material transaction, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, except as contemplated by the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package.

(aa)    The Company and the Bank will use all reasonable efforts to comply with, or cause to be complied with, the conditions precedent to the obligations of the Agent specified in Section 5 hereof.

(bb)    The Company and the Bank will provide the Agent with any information necessary to carry out the allocation of the Securities in the event of an oversubscription, and such information will be accurate and reliable in all material respects.

 

21


(cc)    The Company and the Bank will notify the Agent when funds have been received for the minimum number of Securities set forth in the Prospectus.

SECTION 4. PAYMENT OF EXPENSES. The Company and the Bank jointly and severally agree to pay all expenses incident to the performance of their obligations under this Agreement, including but not limited to (i) the cost of obtaining all securities and bank regulatory approvals, including any required FINRA filing fees including the filing fees paid by the Agent referenced below, (ii) the cost of printing and distributing the materials used in the Offerings, (iii) the costs of Blue Sky qualification (including fees and expenses of Blue Sky counsel) of the Securities in the various states, (iv) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with obtaining the listing of the Securities on the Nasdaq Stock Market, (v) all fees and disbursements of the Company’s and the Bank’s counsel, accountants and other advisors, and (vi) the establishment and operational expenses for the Stock Information Center (e.g. postage, telephones, supplies, temporary employees, etc.). In the event the Agent incurs any such fees and expenses on behalf of the Company or the Bank, the Bank will reimburse the Agent for such fees and expenses whether or not the Conversion is consummated; provided, however, that the Agent shall not incur any substantial expenses on behalf of the Company or the Bank without prior approval, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld.

The Company and the Bank jointly and severally agree to pay certain expenses incident to the performance of the Agent’s obligations under this Agreement, regardless of whether the Conversion is consummated, including (i) the filing fees paid or incurred by the Agent in connection with all filings with FINRA, (ii) all reasonable documented out-of-pocket expenses up to $10,000 incurred by the Agent in connection with its services as marketing agent as described above including, without limitation, travel, meals, lodging, postage, syndication and documentation expenses, and up to $125,000, incurred by the Agent on legal fees and expenses, if no Syndicated Offering occurs and up to $150,000 if a Syndicated Offering occurs, and (iii) reasonable out-of-pocket expenses up to $15,000 as stock information center manager; provided, however, that the Agent shall document such expenses to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company and the Bank. All fees and expenses to which the Agent is entitled to reimbursement under this paragraph of this Section 4 shall be due and payable upon receipt by the Company or the Bank of a written accounting therefor setting forth in reasonable detail the expenses incurred by the Agent.

SECTION 5. CONDITIONS OF AGENT’S OBLIGATIONS. The Company, the Bank and the Agent agree that the issuance and the sale of Securities and all obligations of the Agent hereunder are subject to the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the Company and the Bank herein contained as of the date hereof and the Closing Time, to the accuracy of the statements of officers and directors of the Company, the Bank made pursuant to the provisions hereof, to the performance by the Company and the Bank of their obligations hereunder, and to the following further conditions:

(a)    No stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, including any post-effective amendment thereto, shall have been issued under the Securities Act or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened by the Commission, no order suspending the Offerings or authorization for final use of the Prospectus, including any prospectus included in a post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement, shall have been issued or proceedings therefor initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened by the Commission or the OCC and no order suspending the sale of the Securities in any jurisdiction shall have been issued.

(b)    At the Closing Time, the Agent shall have received:

(1)    The favorable opinion, dated as of the Closing Time, of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, counsel for the Company and the Bank, in form and substance satisfactory to counsel for the Agent, as attached hereto as Exhibit A.

 

22


(2)    The favorable opinion, dated as of the Closing Time, of Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP, counsel for the Agent, as to such matters as the Agent may reasonably require.

(3)    In addition to giving their opinions required by subsections (b)(l) and (b)(2), respectively, of this Section, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP and Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP shall each additionally state that nothing has come to their attention that would lead them to believe that the Registration Statement (except for financial statements, notes to financial statements, financial tables and other tabular, financial, pro forma, appraisal, accounting or statistical data included therein, as to which counsel need make no statement), at the time it became effective, contained an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or that the Prospectus (except for financial statements, notes to financial statements and other tabular financial, pro forma, appraisal, accounting or statistical data included therein, as to which counsel need make no statement), at the time the Registration Statement became effective, as of the date of the Prospectus or at the Closing Time, or (if applicable) that the General Disclosure Package as of the Applicable Time, included or includes an untrue statement of a material fact or omitted or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

In giving their opinions, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP and Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP may rely as to matters of fact on certificates of officers and directors of the Company and the Bank and certificates of public officials. Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP may also rely on the opinion of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP.

(c)    At the Closing Time referred to in Section 2 hereof, the Company and the Bank shall have completed in all material respects the conditions precedent to the Conversion in accordance with the Plan, the applicable Conversion Regulations and all other applicable laws, regulations, decisions and orders, including all terms, conditions, requirements and provisions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon the Company or the Bank by the FRB or the OCC or any other regulatory authority other than those which the FRB or the OCC or any such other regulatory authority permit to be completed after the consummation of the Conversion.

(d)    At the Closing Time, there shall not have been, since the date hereof or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, any Material Adverse Effect, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, and the Agent shall have received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect that (i) there has been no such Material Adverse Effect, (ii) there shall have been no material transaction entered into by the Company or the Bank from the latest date as of which the financial condition of the Company or the Bank, as set forth in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package other than transactions referred to or contemplated therein and transactions in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, (iii) neither the Company nor the Bank shall have received from the FRB, the OCC or the FDIC any order or direction (oral or written) to make any material change in the method of conducting its business with which it has not complied (which order or direction, if any, shall have been disclosed in writing to the Agent) or which would materially and adversely affect the business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects of the Company and the Bank, considered as one enterprise, (iv) the representations and warranties in Section 1 hereof are true and correct with the same force and effect as though expressly made at and as of the Closing Time, (v) each of the Company and the Bank have complied with all agreements and satisfied all conditions on their part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the Closing Time, (vi) no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank,

 

23


threatened by the Commission, (vii) no order suspending the FRB’s approval of the Holding Company Application, the OCC’s approval of the Conversion Application or the respective transactions contemplated thereby has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated or, to the knowledge of the Company or the Bank, threatened by the FRB or the OCC and no person has sought to obtain regulatory or judicial review of the action of the OCC in approving the Plan in accordance with the Conversion Regulations nor has any person sought to obtain regulatory or judicial review of the action of the OCC in approving the Conversion Application or the action of the FRB in approving the Holding Company Application, and (viii) no order suspending the Subscription and Community Offering or the Syndicated Offering or authorization for use of the Prospectus has been issued and no proceedings for that purpose have been initiated by the OCC.

(e)    At the Closing Time, the Agent shall have received a certificate of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company and the Bank, dated as of Closing Time, to the effect that (i) they have reviewed the contents of the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package; (ii) based on each of their knowledge, the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading; (iii) based on each of their knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package fairly present the financial condition and results of operations of the Bank as of and for the dates and periods covered by the Registration Statement and the Prospectus; (iv) they are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures; (v) they have designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Company and the Bank is made known to them; (vi) they have evaluated the effectiveness of their disclosure controls and procedures; and (vii) they have disclosed to Wipfli and the audit committee (A) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of disclosure controls and procedures which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Bank’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial data, and have identified for the Company’s and the Bank’s independent registered public accounting firm any material weaknesses in disclosure controls and procedures and (B) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Company’s and the Bank’s disclosure controls and procedures.

(f)    As of the date hereof, the Agent shall have received from Wipfli a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, to the effect that: (i) they are independent public accountants with respect to the Company and the Bank within the meaning of the Code of Ethics of the AICPA, the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and the Conversion Regulations, they are registered with the PCAOB, and they are not in violation of the auditor independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; (ii) it is their opinion that the financial statements and supporting schedules included in the Registration Statement and covered by their opinions therein comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations; (iii) based upon limited procedures as agreed upon by the Agent and Wipfli set forth in detail in such letter, nothing has come to their attention which causes them to believe that, except as set forth in such letters, (A) the unaudited amounts of net interest income and net income set forth under “Selected Financial and Other Data” or under “Recent Developments” in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package do not agree with the amounts set forth in unaudited financial statements as of and for the dates and periods presented under such captions or such amounts were not determined on a basis substantially consistent with that used in determining the corresponding amounts in the audited financial statements included in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, (B) at a specified date not more than five (5) business days prior to the date of this Agreement, there has been any increase in the long-term or short-term debt of the Bank or any decrease in total assets, the allowance for loan losses, total deposits or retained earnings of the Bank, in each case as compared with the amounts

 

24


shown in the [March 31, 2021] unaudited statements of financial condition presented under the “Recent Developments” caption in the Registration Statement or, (D) during the period from [March 31, 2021] to a specified date not more than five (5) business days prior to the date of this Agreement, there were any decreases, as compared with the corresponding period in the preceding fiscal year, in total interest income, net interest income, net interest income after provision for loan losses, income before income tax expense or net income of the Bank or increases in interest expense or the provision for loan losses, except in all instances for increases or decreases which the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package disclose have occurred or may occur; and (iv) in addition to the examination referred to in their opinions and the limited procedures referred to in clause (iii) above, they have carried out certain specified procedures, not constituting an audit, with respect to certain amounts, percentages and financial information that are included in the Registration Statement, Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package and that are specified by the Agent, and have found such amounts, percentages and financial information to be in agreement with the relevant accounting, financial and other records of the Company and the Bank identified in such letter. [In addition, as of the date hereof, the Agent shall have received from Porter Keadle Moore LLC (“PKM”), a letter dated such date, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agent, to the effect that: (i) they are independent public accountants with respect to the Company, the Mid-Tier Company and the Bank within the meaning of the Code of Ethics of the AICPA, the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations and the FRB Regulations, they are registered with the PCAOB, and they are not in violation of the auditor independence requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; and (ii) they have carried out certain specified procedures, not constituting an audit, with respect to certain amounts, percentages and financial information that are included in the Registration Statement, Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package and that are specified by the Agent, and have found such amounts, percentages and financial information to be in agreement with the relevant accounting, financial and other records of the Company and the Bank identified in such letter.]

(g)    At the Closing Time, the Agent shall have received from [each of] Wipfli [and PKM] a letter dated as of the Closing Time, to the effect that they reaffirm the statements made in the letters furnished pursuant to subsection (f) of this Section, except that the specified date referred to shall be a date not more than five (5) days prior to the Closing Time.

(h)    At the Closing Time, the Securities shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market.

(i)    At the Closing Time, the Agent shall have received a letter from the Appraiser, dated as of the Closing Time, confirming its appraisal.

(j)    At the Closing Time, counsel for the Agent shall have been furnished with such documents and opinions as they may require for the purpose of enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated and related proceedings, or in order to evidence the accuracy of any of the representations or warranties, or the fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained; and all proceedings taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Securities as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent and counsel for the Agent.

(k)    At any time prior to the Closing Time, (i) there shall not have occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or elsewhere or any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis the effect of which, in the judgment of the Agent, are so material and adverse as to make it impracticable to market the Securities or to enforce contracts, including subscriptions or orders, for the sale of the Securities, and (ii) trading generally on any of the NYSE MKT, the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq shall not have been suspended, and minimum or maximum prices for trading shall not have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been required, by any of said

 

25


Exchanges or by order of the Commission or any other governmental authority, and a banking moratorium shall not have been declared by either Federal or Georgia authorities.

SECTION 6. INDEMNIFICATION.

(a)    The Company and the Bank, jointly and severally, agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent, each person, if any, who controls the Agent, within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act, and its respective partners, directors, officers, employees and agents as follows:

(i)    from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, judgment, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, related to or arising out of the Conversion or any action taken by the Agent where acting as agent of the Company or the Bank or otherwise as described in Section 2 hereof;

(ii)    from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, judgment, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, based upon or arising out of (A) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, the General Disclosure Package, any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus, the Proxy Statement, or any amendment or supplement thereto (including any post-effective amendment), (B) the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in the Registration, the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (C) any omission or alleged omission from the Prospectus, the General Disclosure Package, any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus or the Proxy Statement to state therein a material fact necessary in order to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

(iii)    from and against any and all loss, liability, claim, judgment, damage and expense whatsoever, as incurred, to the extent of the aggregate amount paid in settlement of any litigation, or any investigation or proceeding by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or of any claim whatsoever described in clauses (i) or (ii) above, if such settlement is effected with the written consent of the Company or the Bank, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld; and

(iv)    from and against any and all expense whatsoever, as incurred (including, subject to Section 6(c) hereof, the fees and disbursements of counsel chosen by the Agent), reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any litigation, or any investigation, proceeding or inquiry by any governmental agency or body, commenced or threatened, or any claim pending or threatened whatsoever described in clauses (i) or (ii) above, to the extent that any such expense is not paid under clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above;

provided, however, that the indemnification provided for in this paragraph (a) shall not apply to any loss, liability, claim, judgment, damage or expense that (i) arises out of any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto), or the omission or alleged omission therefrom of a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading which was made in reliance upon and in conformity with the written information furnished to the Company by the Agent expressly for use therein, provided that the Company and the Bank hereby acknowledge and agree that the only information that the Agent has furnished to the Company consists solely of the information set forth in the first sentence in the second paragraph of the section “The Conversion and Offering-Plan of Distribution; Selling Agent and Underwriter Compensation—Subscription and Community Offerings”, the first sentence of the paragraph

 

26


of the section “The Conversion and Offering-Plan of Distribution; Selling Agent and Underwriter Compensation-Syndicated Offering”, the first and third sentence of the paragraph of “The Conversion and Offering-Plan of Distribution; Selling Agent and Underwriter Compensation-Expenses”, and the first and second sentences of the second paragraph of the section “The Conversion and Offering—Stock Information Center Management” in the Prospectus (the “Agent Information”), or (ii) is finally judicially determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be primarily attributable to the gross negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith of the Agent arising out of the engagement of the Agent pursuant to, or the performance by the Agent of the services contemplated by, this Agreement. To the extent required by law, the indemnification provided for in this paragraph (a) shall be subject to and limited by Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act, as amended.

(b)    The Agent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and the Bank, their directors, each of their officers who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act against any and all loss, liability, claim, judgment, damage and expense described in the indemnity contained in subsection (a) of this Section, as incurred, but only with respect to untrue statements or omissions, or alleged untrue statements or omissions, of a material fact made in the Prospectus or the General Disclosure Package or any Issuer-Represented Free Writing Prospectus (or any amendment or supplement thereto) in reliance upon and in conformity with the Agent Information.

(c)    Each indemnified party shall give notice as promptly as reasonably practicable to each indemnifying party of any action commenced against it in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, but failure to so notify an indemnifying party shall not relieve such indemnifying party from any liability that it may have otherwise than on account of this indemnity agreement. If any such action shall be brought or asserted against an indemnified party and such indemnified party shall have notified the indemnifying party thereof, the indemnifying party shall retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party (who shall not, without the consent of the indemnified party, be counsel to the indemnifying party) to represent the indemnified party in such proceeding and shall pay the fees and expenses of such counsel related to such proceeding, as incurred. In any such proceeding, any indemnified party shall have the right to retain its own counsel, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such indemnified party unless (i) the indemnifying party and the indemnified party shall have mutually agreed to the contrary; (ii) the indemnifying party has failed within a reasonable time to retain counsel reasonably satisfactory to the indemnified party; (iii) the indemnified party shall have reasonably concluded that there may be legal defenses available to such indemnified party that are different from or in addition to those available to the indemnifying party; or (iv) the named parties in any such proceeding (including any impleaded parties) include both the indemnifying party and the indemnified party and representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential differing interest between them. An indemnifying party may participate at its own expense in the defense of any such action. The indemnifying party shall not be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (in addition to no more than one local counsel in each separate jurisdiction in which any action or proceeding is commenced) separate from such indemnifying party’s own counsel for all indemnified parties in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same general allegations or circumstances. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6, the indemnifying party shall not, without the prior written consent of an indemnified party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), effect any settlement of any pending or threatened action in respect of which indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such indemnified party unless (i) such settlement includes an unconditional release of such indemnified party in form and substance satisfactory to such indemnified party from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such action and (ii) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any indemnified party.

 

27


(d)    The Company and the Bank also agree that the Agent shall not have any liability (whether direct or indirect, in contract or tort or otherwise) to the Bank, the Company and its security holders, or the Bank’s and the Company’s creditors relating to or arising out of the engagement of the Agent pursuant to, or the performance by the Agent of the services contemplated by, this Agreement, except to the extent that any liability is found in a final judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted primarily from the Agent’s bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence.

(e)    In addition to, and without limiting, the provisions of Section (6)(a)(iv) hereof, in the event that the Agent, any person, if any, who controls the Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act or any of its partners, directors, officers, employees, affiliates or agents is requested or required to appear as a witness or otherwise gives testimony in any action, proceeding, investigation or inquiry brought by or on behalf of or against the Company, the Bank, the Agent or any of its affiliates or any participant in the transactions contemplated hereby in which the Agent or such person or agent is not named as a defendant, the Company and the Bank jointly and severally agree to reimburse the Agent and its partners, directors, officers, employees or agents for all reasonable and necessary out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in connection with preparing or appearing as a witness or otherwise giving testimony and to compensate the Agent and its partners, directors, officers, employees or agents in an amount to be mutually agreed upon.

SECTION 7. CONTRIBUTION. In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in circumstances in which the indemnity agreement provided for in Section 6 hereof is for any reason held to be unenforceable by the indemnified parties although applicable in accordance with its terms or is insufficient in respect of any losses, liabilities, claims, judgments, damages or expenses referred to therein, the Company, the Bank and the Agent shall contribute to the aggregate losses, liabilities, claims, damages and expenses of the nature contemplated by said indemnity agreement incurred by the Company or the Bank and the Agent, as incurred, in such proportions (i) that the Agent is responsible for that portion represented by the percentage that the maximum aggregate marketing fees appearing on the cover page of the Prospectus bears to the maximum aggregate gross proceeds appearing thereon and the Company and the Bank are jointly and severally responsible for the balance or (ii) if, but only if, the allocation provided for in clause (i) is for any reason held unenforceable, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits to the Company and the Bank on the one hand and the Agent on the other, as reflected in clause (i), but also the relative fault of the Company and the Bank on the one hand and the Agent on the other, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations; provided, however, that no person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes of this Section, each person, if any, who controls the Agent within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act and its respective partners, directors, officers, employees, affiliates and agents shall have the same rights to contribution as the Agent, and each director of the Company and the Bank, each officer of the Company who signed the Registration Statement, and each person, if any, who controls the Company or the Bank within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to contribution as the Company and the Bank. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, to the extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall the Agent be required to contribute an aggregate amount in excess of the aggregate marketing fees to which the Agent is entitled and actually paid pursuant to this Agreement.

SECTION 8. REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND AGREEMENTS TO SURVIVE DELIVERY. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this Agreement, or contained in certificates of officers of the Company or the Bank submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Agent or controlling person, or by or on behalf of the Company or the Bank, and shall survive delivery of the Securities.

 

28


SECTION 9. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT

(a)    The Agent may terminate this Agreement, by notice to the Company, at any time at or prior to the Closing Time (i) if there has been, since the date of this Agreement or since the respective dates as of which information is given in the Registration Statement, any Material Adverse Effect, whether or not arising in the ordinary course of business, (ii) if there has occurred any material adverse change in the financial markets in the United States or elsewhere or any outbreak of hostilities or escalation thereof or other calamity or crisis, including a widespread outbreak of epidemic illness (including the novel coronavirus COVID-19 to the extent that there is a material worsening of such outbreak that actually occurs after the date hereof in the markets in which the Company and the Bank operate), the effect of which, in the judgment of the Agent, are so material and adverse as to make it impracticable to market the Securities or to enforce contracts, including subscriptions or orders, for the sale of the Securities, (iii) if trading generally on the Nasdaq, the NYSE MKT or the New York Stock Exchange has been suspended, or minimum or maximum prices for trading have been fixed, or maximum ranges for prices for securities have been required, by any of said Exchanges or by order of the Commission or any other governmental authority, or if a banking moratorium has been declared by either Federal or Georgia authorities, (iv) if any condition specified in Section 5 hereof shall not have been fulfilled when and as required to be fulfilled; (v) if there shall have been such material adverse change in the condition or prospects of the Company or the Bank or the prospective market for the Company’s Securities as in the Agent’s good faith opinion would make it inadvisable to proceed with the offering, sale or delivery of the Securities; (vi) if, in the Agent’s good faith opinion, the aggregate price for the Securities established by the Appraiser is not reasonable or equitable under then prevailing market conditions, or (vii) if the Conversion is not consummated on or prior to December 31, 2021.

(b)    If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to this Section 9, such termination shall be without liability of any party to any other party except as provided in Sections 2 and 4 hereof relating to the reimbursement of expenses and except that the provisions of Sections 6 and 7 hereof shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

SECTION 10. NOTICES. All notices and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed or transmitted by any standard form of telecommunication. Notices to the Agent shall be directed to 500 West Madison Street, Suite 450, Chicago, Illinois 60661, attention Jennie Balkas, with a copy to Philip Ross Bevan at Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP, 3299 K Street, N.W., Suite 100, Washington, D.C. 20007; notices to the Company and the Bank shall be directed to any of them at 131 South Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia 31799, attention of Gregory H. Eiford, President and Chief Executive Officer, with a copy to Robert D. Klingler, Esq., at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, One Atlantic Center, 14th Floor, 1201 West Peach Street, N.W., Atlanta, Georgia 30309.

SECTION 11. PARTIES. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the Agent, the Company and the Bank and their respective successors. Nothing expressed or mentioned in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other than the Agent, the Company and the Bank and their respective successors and the controlling persons and the partners, officers, directors, trustees, employees affiliates and agents referred to in Sections 6 and 7 hereof and their heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision herein or therein contained. This Agreement and all conditions and provisions hereof and thereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the Agent, the Company and the Bank and their respective successors, and said controlling persons, partners, officers, directors and trustees and their heirs, partners, legal representatives, and for the benefit of no other person, firm or corporation.

 

29


SECTION 12. ENTIRE AGREEMENT; AMENDMENT. This Agreement represents the entire understanding of the parties hereto with reference to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes any and all other oral or written agreements heretofore made, except for the engagement letter dated March 4, 2021, by and between Performance Trust and the Bank, relating to Performance Trust’s service as stock information center manager in connection with the Conversion. No waiver, amendment or other modification of this Agreement shall be effective unless in writing and signed by the parties hereto.

SECTION 13. GOVERNING LAW AND TIME. This Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be performed in said State without regard to the conflicts of laws provisions thereof. Unless otherwise noted, specified times of day refer to Eastern time.

SECTION 14. SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction. If any provision of this Agreement is so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only so broad as is enforceable.

SECTION 15. HEADINGS. Section headings are not to be considered part of this Agreement, are for convenience and reference only, and are not to be deemed to be full or accurate descriptions of the contents of any paragraph or subparagraph.

[The next page is the signature page]

 

30


If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding of our agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof, whereupon this instrument, along with all counterparts, will become a binding agreement between the Agent on the one hand, and the Company and the Bank on the other in accordance with its terms.

 

Very truly yours,
TC BANCSHARES, INC.
By:  

 

 

Gregory H. Eiford

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

TC FEDERAL BANK
By:  

 

 

Gregory H. Eiford

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

CONFIRMED AND ACCEPTED

As of date first above written:

Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC

 

By:  

 

Name:  

 

Title:  

 

 

31


EXHIBIT A TO AGENCY AGREEMENT

FORM OF OPINION OF BRYAN CAVE LEIGHTON PAISNER LLP

At the Closing Date, Agent shall have received:

The favorable opinion, dated as of the Closing Date, of Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, counsel for the Company and the Bank, in form and substance acceptable to the Agent to the effect that:

(i)    The Company is duly incorporated and validly existing as a stock corporation in good standing under the laws of the State of Georgia; and the Bank is validly existing as a mutual savings bank organized under the laws of the United States and, as of the Closing Time, will be duly organized and validly existing in stock form.

(ii)    Each of the Company and the Bank has, the corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its properties and to conduct its business as described in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package.

(iii)    Each of the Company and the Bank is qualified to conduct its business in each jurisdiction in which the conduct of its business requires such qualification except where the failure to so qualify would not have a Material Adverse Effect upon the financial condition, results of operations, business affairs or prospects of the Company and the Bank, considered as one enterprise. The Company will be a savings and loan holding company upon completion of the Conversion.

(iv)    The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 20,000,000 shares of common stock, par value 0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; upon consummation of the Conversion and the Offering, the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Company will be within the range set forth in the Prospectus under “Capitalization” and [no] shares of the Common Stock or preferred stock of the Company have been or will be issued and outstanding prior to the Closing Time.

(v)    The Securities have been duly and validly authorized for issuance; the Securities, when issued and delivered by the Company pursuant to the Plan against payment of the consideration calculated as set forth in the Plan, will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and non-assessable.

(vi)    Except for subscription rights with respect to the Securities, the issuance of the Securities is not subject to preemptive or other similar rights arising by operation of law or regulation or the articles of incorporation, charter or bylaws of the Company or the Bank.

(vii)    The Bank is a member in good standing of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.

(viii)    The deposit accounts of the Bank are insured by the FDIC up to the applicable limits.

 

A-1


(ix)    Immediately upon consummation of the Conversion and the Offerings, the authorized capital stock of the Bank will consist of 10,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Bank Common Stock”), and the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Bank will be [100] shares of Bank Common Stock; when issued in accordance with the Plan, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Bank will be duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and owned beneficially and of record by the Company, to such counsel’s actual knowledge, free and clear of any security interest, mortgage, pledge, lien or encumbrance. The issuance of such Bank Common Stock to the Company was exempt from registration under the Securities Act pursuant to Section (3)(a)(5) thereof.

(x)    The FRB has approved the Holding Company Application and the OCC has approved the Conversion Application and all of such approvals remain in full force and effect and no action by the FRB or OCC is pending or, to such counsel’s knowledge, threatened to suspend the effectiveness of the approvals of the Holding Company Application or the Conversion Application; the Conversion Application, including the Plan, and the Holding Company Application, comply as to form in all material respects with the applicable requirements of law and regulation including the requirements of the Conversion Regulations, the FRB Regulations, HOLA and the regulations promulgated thereunder, as the case may be, except as waived or otherwise approved by the FRB or OCC (it being understood, however, that (i) no opinion need be rendered with respect to the financial statements, notes to the financial statements, stock valuation data, and the other financial, tabular, statistical, pro forma and appraisal data included in, or omitted from, the Conversion Application or the Holding Company Application, (ii) in passing upon the compliance as to form of the Conversion Application and the Holding Company Application, such counsel need not assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the statements contained therein, and (iii) no opinion need be rendered with respect to the business plan or the appraisal report), and, to such counsel’s knowledge, include all documents required to be filed as exhibits thereto.

(xi)    At the time of their use, the Proxy Statement and the Prospectus complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Conversion Regulations (other than the financial statements, notes to the financial statements, stock valuation information and the other financial, tabular, statistical, pro forma and appraisal data included therein, or omitted therefrom, as to which no opinion need be rendered).

(xii)    The Company and the Bank have full corporate power and authority to enter into and perform their obligations under the Agreement and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and by the Plan. The execution and delivery of the Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, (a) have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part of each of the Company and the Bank, (b) will not violate the articles of incorporation, charter or bylaws of the Company or the Bank, and (c) will not result in a breach of or default, or result in the creation of any lien, charge or encumbrance under any agreement filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement.

(xiii)    The Registration Statement has been declared effective by the Commission under the Securities Act, and no stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement, including any post-effective amendment thereto, has been issued under the Securities Act and no proceedings for such purpose have been initiated or, to such counsel’s knowledge, threatened by the Commission.

 

A-2


(xiv)    No further approval, authorization, consent or other order of any public board or body is required to be obtained by the Company or the Bank in connection with the execution and delivery of the Agreement, the issuance of the Securities and the consummation of the Conversion except as may be required under the securities or “Blue Sky” laws of various jurisdictions or the rules and regulations of FINRA, as to which no opinion need be rendered.

(xv)    At the time the Registration Statement became effective, the Registration Statement complied as to form in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Act Regulations; it being understood, however, that (a) no opinion need be rendered with respect to the financial statements, the notes to the financial statements, stock valuation data or other tabular, financial, statistical, pro forma and appraisal data included in, or omitted from, the Registration Statement and (b) in passing upon the compliance as to form of the Registration Statement, such counsel may assume that the statements made therein are correct and complete, except as otherwise expressly set forth in paragraph (xviii) hereof.

(xvi)    The Common Stock conforms to the description thereof contained in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, and, to the extent certificates are used to evidence the Common Stock, the form of certificate used to evidence the Common Stock complies in all material respects with all applicable statutory requirements.

(xvii)    There are no legal or governmental proceedings pending or, to such counsel’s knowledge, threatened against or affecting the Company or the Bank that are required, individually or in the aggregate, to be disclosed in the Registration Statement, Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, other than those disclosed therein.

(xviii)    The information in the Prospectus under “Our Policy Regarding Dividends,” “Taxation,” “Supervision and Regulation,” “The Conversion and Offering—Effects of the Conversion and Offering on Depositors and Borrowers of TC Federal Bank,” “ – Restrictions on Transfer of Subscription Rights and Shares,” “ –Material Income Tax Consequences” and “–Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares After the Offering,” “Restrictions on the Acquisition of TC Bancshares, Inc. and TC Federal Bank” and “Description of Capital Stock of TC Bancshares, Inc.,” to the extent that it constitutes matters of law, summaries of legal matters, documents or proceedings, or legal conclusions, has been reviewed by them and is, in all material respects, complete and accurate.

(xix)    To such counsel’s knowledge, there are no contracts, indentures, mortgages, loan agreements, notes, leases or other instruments required to be described or referred to in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package or to be filed as exhibits thereto other than those described or referred to therein or filed as exhibits thereto and the descriptions thereof or references thereto are correct in all material respects, and, except as described in the Prospectus and the General Disclosure Package, no default exists, and no event has occurred which, with notice or lapse of time or both, would constitute a default, in the due performance or observance of any material obligation, agreement, covenant or condition contained in any contract, indenture, mortgage, loan agreement, note, lease or other instrument so described, referred to or filed.

(xx)    The Plan has been duly authorized by the Board of Directors of the Bank and the Company and, based solely on the report and certificate of the Bank’s inspector(s) of election, the Plan has been approved by the requisite vote of the Bank’s members.

 

A-3


(xxi)    To such counsel’s knowledge, the Company and the Bank have conducted the Conversion in all material respects in accordance with applicable requirements of the Conversion Regulations, HOLA and other applicable laws and regulations including the FRB Regulations and (except to the extent that the requirement to comply was specifically waived by the FRB or the OCC), the Plan, the letter from the FRB dated [●] [●], 20[●] approving the Holding Company Application (which letter, to such counsel’s knowledge, is the only such letter received from the FRB relating to the approval of the Holding Company Application) and the letter from the OCC dated [●] [●], 20[●] approving the Conversion Application (which letter, to such counsel’s knowledge, is the only such letter received from the OCC relating to the approval of the Conversion Application) and have satisfied all conditions precedent to the Conversion imposed upon the Company or the Bank by the FRB and the OCC and no order has been issued by the FRB and the OCC to suspend the Conversion or the Offerings and no action for such purpose has been instituted or, to such counsel’s knowledge, threatened by the FRB or the OCC; to such counsel’s knowledge, no person has sought to obtain review of the final action of the FRB in approving the Holding Company Application or the OCC in approving the Conversion Application

(xxii)    To such counsel’s knowledge, neither the Company nor the Bank is currently in violation of its respective articles of incorporation, charter or bylaws.

(xxiii)    Neither the Company nor the Bank is and, upon completion of the Conversion and the Offerings and the sale of the Common Stock and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, the Company will not be, required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

The opinion may be limited to matters governed by the laws of the State of Georgia and the United States. In rendering such opinion, such counsel may rely as to matters of fact, to the extent such counsel deems proper, on certificates of responsible officers of the Company and the Bank and public officials.

 

A-4

EX-2 3 d882215dex2.htm EX-2 EX-2

Exhibit 2

PLAN OF CONVERSION, AS AMENDED

OF

TC FEDERAL BANK

 

1.

INTRODUCTION.

This Plan of Conversion (“Plan”) provides for the conversion of TC Federal Bank (“Bank”), from a federally chartered mutual savings bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank. This Plan also provides that the Bank shall operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of a stock holding company (“Holding Company”) and that non-transferable subscription rights to purchase the common stock of the Holding Company (“Conversion Stock”) shall be granted to certain deposit account holders and borrower members of the Bank pursuant to this Plan and in accordance with the regulations of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”). The Conversion will raise additional capital which will permit the Bank to continue to grow and diversify its lending and investment activities thereby permitting the Bank to further enhance its capabilities to serve the borrowing and other financial needs of the communities it serves. The larger capital base and the holding company structure also will facilitate the Bank’s ability to expand and diversify in accordance with its business plan, through internal growth as well as through possible future acquisitions of other banking institutions or financial services companies.

The Board of Directors of the Bank previously adopted in February 2020 a Plan of Reorganization from a Mutual Saving Bank to a Mutual Holding Company and Stock Issuance Plan (the “MHC Reorganization Plan”) pursuant to which the Bank would reorganize into the mutual holding company form of organization. During the process of preparing to conduct the mutual holding company reorganization, it was determined that if the Bank proceeded with the mutual holding company formation as structured in accordance with applicable law and regulation, there was a material risk of loss or significant curtailment of the Bank’s ability to utilize its deferred tax assets, in particular, its net operating loss carryforwards. While that analysis was underway, the coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared to be a pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant economic dislocation in the United States as many state and local governments ordered non-essential businesses to close and residents to shelter in place at home. This resulted in, among other things, an unprecedented slow-down in economic activity as well as declines in value of the stock markets and in particular, the values of bank stocks. As a result, the Board of Directors determined to delay proceeding with MHC Reorganization Plan until (i) a final determination was made with regard the effect of the mutual holding company reorganization on the Bank’s deferred tax assets and (ii) the COVID-19 pandemic situation was clearer and the stock markets had stabilized. In the intervening several months, the Board of Directors continued to review and assess the situation as well as whether the MHC Reorganization Plan was the most appropriate course of action to pursue. Upon further reflection and in consideration of the adverse financial and tax consequences of pursuing the MHC Reorganization Plan as required to be structured as well as in view of the Bank’s strategic direction, the Board of Directors concluded that a standard mutual-to-stock conversion was the more appropriate structure to pursue rather than the mutual holding company formation. The MHC Reorganization Plan was neither presented to nor approved by either the OCC or the FRB or by the Voting Members of the Bank. In light of the foregoing determination, the Board of Directors of the Bank determined to terminate the MHC Reorganization Plan in accordance with the provisions of Section 29 thereof and adopt the Plan.

This Plan, which has been approved by the required two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors of the Bank, is subject to further approval by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total outstanding votes held by voting members of the Bank at a special meeting to be called for that purpose. Prior to the submission of this Plan to the Voting Members for consideration, it must be approved by the OCC.


2.

DEFINITIONS.

As used in this Plan, the terms set forth below have the following meaning:

2.1    Acting in Concert means (i) knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement or understanding; or (ii) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise. A Person which acts in concert with another Person (“other party”) shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any Person who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether stock held by the trustee and stock held by the plan will be aggregated and participants or beneficiaries of any such Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan will not be deemed to be Acting in Concert solely as a result of their common interests as participants or beneficiaries. The determination of whether a group is acting in concert shall be made solely by the Board of Directors of the Holding Company or the Bank or Officers delegated by such Boards and may be based on any evidence upon which the Board or such delegate chooses to rely, including, without limitation, joint account relationships or the fact that such Persons share a common address (whether or not related by blood or marriage) or have filed joint Schedules 13D or Schedules 13G with the SEC with respect to other companies. Directors of the Holding Company, and the Bank shall not be deemed to be Acting in Concert solely as a result of their membership on any such Board or Boards.

2.2    Actual Purchase Price means the price per share at which the Conversion Stock is ultimately sold by the Holding Company in the Offerings in accordance with the terms hereof.

2.3    Affiliate means a Person who, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with the Person specified.

2.4    Application for Conversion shall have the meaning set forth in Section 3(a) hereof.

2.5    Associate when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, means (i) a corporation or organization (other than the Bank, a majority-owned subsidiary of the Bank or the Holding Company) of which such Person is a senior officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, the beneficial owner of 10% or more of any class of equity securities, (ii) any trust or other estate in which such Person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity, provided, however, that such terms shall not include any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan or Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan of the Holding Company or the Bank in which such Person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity, and (iii) any Person who is related by blood or marriage to such Person and who lives in the same home as such Person or who is a director or senior officer of the Bank or the Holding Company or any of the subsidiaries of the foregoing.

2.6    Bank means TC Federal Bank, in its mutual or stock form, as the sense of the reference requires.

2.7    Bank Benefit Plans includes, but is not limited to, Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans and Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans.

2.8    Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

2.9    Community means the Georgia counties of Thomas, Grady, Brooks, Mitchell, and Colquitt and the Florida counties of Leon, Jefferson, Wakulla, and Gadsden.

 

2


2.10    Community Offering means the offering for sale by the Holding Company of any shares of Conversion Stock not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering to certain members of the general public as may be selected by the Holding Company and the Bank in their sole discretion and to whom a copy of the Prospectus is delivered by or on behalf of the Holding Company. The Community Offering may occur concurrently with the Subscription Offering and any Syndicated Community Offering or both, or upon conclusion of the Subscription Offering.

2.11    Control (including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with”) means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of or exercise a controlling influence over the management and policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise as described in 12 C.F.R. Section 5.50 and 12 C.F.R. Part 238.

2.12    Conversion means the series of transactions provided for in this Plan, including but not limited to (i) the adoption of a federal stock charter by the Bank to authorize the issuance of shares of capital stock and otherwise to conform to the requirements of a stock savings bank organized under the laws of the United States (ii) the issuance of Conversion Stock by the Holding Company as provided herein and (iii) the purchase by the Holding Company of all of the capital stock of the Bank to be issued by the Bank in connection with its conversion from mutual to stock form.

2.13    Conversion Stock means the Holding Company Common Stock to be issued and sold in the Offerings pursuant to this Plan.

2.14    Deposit Account means any withdrawable account including, without limitation, savings accounts, demand accounts, certificate accounts, passbook accounts, money market deposit accounts, demand accounts and negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, held by an account holder of the Bank.

2.15    Director, Officer and Employee means the terms as applied respectively to any person who is a director, officer or employee of the Bank, the Holding Company or any subsidiary thereof, as appropriate in the context.

2.16    ESOP means a Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan adopted by the Company and the Bank in connection with the Conversion, the purpose of which shall be to acquire capital stock of the Company, including Conversion Stock.

2.17    Eligible Account Holder means any Person holding a Qualifying Deposit on the Eligibility Record Date for purposes of determining Subscription Rights and establishing subaccount balances in the Liquidation Account to be established pursuant to Section 15 hereof.

2.18    Eligibility Record Date means the date for determining Qualifying Deposits of Eligible Account Holders and is the close of business on December 31, 2019.

2.19    Estimated Price Range means the range of the estimated aggregate pro forma market value of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock to be issued in the Conversion, as determined by the Independent Appraiser in accordance with Section 4 hereof.

2.20    FDIC means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any successor thereto.

2.21    FRB means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or any successor thereto.

 

3


2.22    Holding Company means TC Bancshares, Inc., a Georgia corporation, to be organized at the direction of the Board of Directors of the Bank to hold all of the capital stock of the Bank.

2.23    Holding Company Application means the Holding Company Application on such form as may be prescribed by the FRB in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Plan.

2.24    Holding Company Common Stock means the common stock of the Holding Company, which stock cannot and will not be insured by the FDIC or any other governmental authority.

2.25    Independent Appraiser means the independent investment banking or financial consulting firm retained by the Bank to prepare an appraisal of the estimated pro forma market value of the Conversion Stock.

2.26    Initial Purchase Price means the price per share to be paid initially by Participants for shares of Conversion Stock subscribed for in the Subscription Offering and by Persons for shares of Conversion Stock ordered in the Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering.

2.27    Liquidation Account means the account established by the Bank representing the liquidation interests received by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in exchange for their interests in the Bank immediately prior to the Conversion, as set forth in Section 15 hereof.

2.28    Maximum Shares has the meaning set forth in Section 6 hereof.

2.29    Member means any Person qualifying as a member of the Bank in accordance with its mutual charter and bylaws and the laws of the United States.

2.30    Offerings mean the Subscription Offering, the Community Offering, the Syndicated Community Offering or the Public Offering.

2.31    Officer means chief executive officer, president, any vice president (but not an assistant vice president, second vice president, or other vice president having authority similar to an assistant or second vice president), secretary, treasurer or principal financial officer, comptroller or principal accounting officer and any other person performing similar functions with respect to any organization whether incorporated or unincorporated.

2.32    Order Form means the form or forms provided by the Bank, containing all such terms and provisions as set forth in Section 11 hereof, to a Participant or other Person by which Conversion Stock may be ordered in the Offerings.

2.33    Other Member means a Voting Member (including any borrower from the Bank who qualifies as a Voting Member) who is not an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder.

2.34    OCC means the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or any successor thereto.

2.35    Participant means any Eligible Account Holder, Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan, Supplemental Eligible Account Holder or Other Member.

2.36    Person means an individual, a corporation, a limited liability company, a partnership, a limited liability partnership, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or a government or any political subdivision thereof.

 

4


2.37    Plan and Plan of Conversion mean this Plan of Conversion as adopted by the Board of Directors of the Bank and any amendment hereto approved as provided herein.

2.38    Preferred Subscribers has the meaning set forth in Section 9 hereof.

2.39    Prospectus means the one or more documents to be used in offering the Conversion Stock in the Offerings.

2.40    Proxy Statement means the document used to solicit approval of the Plan by the Voting Members of the Bank.

2.41    Public Offering means an underwritten firm commitment offering to the public through one or more underwriters.

2.42    Qualifying Deposit means the aggregate balance of all Deposit Accounts in the Bank of (i) an Eligible Account Holder at the close of business on the Eligibility Record Date, provided such aggregate balance is not less than $50 and (ii) a Supplemental Eligible Account Holder at the close of business on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, provided such aggregate balance is not less than $50.

2.43    Resident means any Person who occupies a dwelling within the Community, has a present intent to remain within the Community for a period of time, and manifests the genuineness of that intent by establishing an ongoing physical presence within the Community together with an indication that such presence within the Community is something other than merely transitory in nature. To the extent the Person is a corporation or other business entity, the place of business or headquarters shall be in the Community. To the extent a Person is a personal benefit plan, the circumstances of the beneficiary shall apply with respect to this definition. In the case of all other benefit plans, circumstances of the trustee shall be examined for purposes of this definition. The Bank may utilize deposit or loan records or such other evidence provided to it to make a determination as to whether a Person is a resident. In all cases, however, such a determination shall be in the sole discretion of the Bank. A Person must be a “Resident” for purposes of determining whether such Person “resides” in the Community as such term is used in this Plan.

2.44    SEC means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

2.45    Special Meeting means the special meeting of Members of the Bank called for the purpose of submitting this Plan to the Members for their approval, including the adoption of a federal stock charter and new bylaws to authorize the issuance of capital stock and otherwise to read in a form consistent with a federally chartered stock form savings bank, and any adjournments of such meeting.

2.46    Subscription Offering means the offering of the Conversion Stock to Participants.

2.47    Subscription Rights means non-transferable rights to subscribe for Conversion Stock granted to Participants pursuant to the terms of this Plan.

2.48    Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, if applicable, means any Person, except Directors and Officers of the Bank and their Associates (unless the OCC grants a waiver permitting a Director or Officer or an Associate thereof to be included), holding a Qualifying Deposit at the close of business on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date.

2.49    Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, if applicable, means the date for determining Qualifying Deposits of Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and shall be required if the Eligibility Record Date is more than 15 months prior to the date of the latest amendment to the Application for Conversion filed prior to approval of such application by the OCC. If applicable, the Supplemental

 

5


Eligibility Record Date shall be the last day of the calendar quarter preceding OCC approval of the Application for Conversion submitted by the Bank pursuant to this Plan of Conversion.

2.50    Syndicated Community Offering means the offering for sale by a syndicate of broker-dealers to the general public of shares of Conversion Stock not purchased in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering.

2.51    Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan means any defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan, including the ESOP, a stock bonus plan, profit-sharing plan or other plan, which is established for the benefit of the employees of the Holding Company and/or the Bank and which, with its related trust, meets the requirements to be “qualified” under Section 401 of the Code as from time to time in effect. A “Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan” is any defined benefit plan or defined contribution stock benefit plan which is not so qualified.

2.52    Voting Member means a Person who at the close of business on the Voting Record Date is entitled to vote as a member of the Bank in accordance with its federal mutual charter and bylaws.

2.53    Voting Record Date means the date for determining the eligibility of Members to vote at the Special Meeting.

 

3.

GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR CONVERSION.

(a)    The Bank will take the necessary steps to prepare and file an application for conversion, including the Plan, together with all requisite material, to the OCC for approval (the “Application for Conversion”). The Bank also will cause notice of the adoption of the Plan by the Board of Directors of the Bank to be given by publication in a newspaper having general circulation in each community in which an office of the Bank is located, and will cause copies of the Plan to be made available at each office of the Bank for inspection by Members. The Bank will post the notice of the filing of its Application for Conversion in each of its offices and will again cause to be published, in accordance with the requirements of applicable regulations of the OCC, a notice of the filing with the OCC of the Application for Conversion.

(b)    Promptly following approval of the Bank’s Application for Conversion by the OCC, this Plan will be submitted to the Voting Members for their consideration and approval at the Special Meeting. The Bank may, at its option, mail to all Voting Members as of the Voting Record Date, at their last known address appearing on the records of the Bank, a Proxy Statement in either long or summary form describing the Plan which will be submitted to a vote of the Members at the Special Meeting. If the Bank provides a summary form Proxy Statement, the Bank shall also mail to all Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who are not Members of the Bank as of the Voting Record Date a letter informing them of their right to receive a Prospectus and Order Form for the purchase of Conversion Stock. Under such circumstances, Participants will be given the opportunity to request a Prospectus and Order Form and other materials relating to the Conversion by returning a postage prepaid card which will be distributed with the Proxy Statement or letter. If the Plan is approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total outstanding votes at the Special Meeting, the Bank shall take all other necessary organizational steps pursuant to applicable laws and regulations to amend its charter and bylaws to authorize the issuance of its capital stock to the Holding Company at the time the Conversion of the Bank to stock form is consummated.

(c)    The Holding Company shall submit or cause to be submitted to the FRB the Holding Company Application and such other materials as may be required for approval of the Holding Company’s acquisition of the Bank and a Registration Statement to the SEC to register the Conversion Stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Holding Company shall also register or qualify the Conversion Stock as may be necessary under any applicable state securities laws, subject to Section 13 hereof. Upon registration and after the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, the Conversion Stock shall be first

 

6


offered for sale in a Subscription Offering to Eligible Account Holders, Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, if applicable, and Other Members as set forth in Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 hereof. It is anticipated that any shares of Conversion Stock remaining unsold after the Subscription Offering will be sold through a Community Offering and/or a Syndicated Community Offering and/or a Public Offering as set forth in Section 9 hereof. The purchase price per share for the Conversion Stock shall be a uniform price determined in accordance with Section 4 hereof. The Holding Company shall purchase all of the capital stock of the Bank with an amount (not less than 50%) of the net proceeds received by the Holding Company from the sale of Conversion Stock as shall be determined by the Boards of Directors of the Holding Company and the Bank and as shall be approved by the OCC.

(d)    The Holding Company and the Bank may retain and pay for the services of financial and other advisors and investment bankers to assist in connection with any or all aspects of the Conversion, including in connection with the Subscription Offering, Community Offering and/or any Syndicated Community Offering or Public Offering, the payment of fees to brokers and investment bankers for assisting Persons in completing and/or submitting Order Forms. All fees, expenses, retainers and similar items shall be reasonable.

(e)    Upon completion of the Conversion, the legal existence of the Bank shall not terminate but the stock Bank shall be a continuation of the entity of the mutual Bank and all property of the mutual Bank, including its right, title and interest in and to all property of whatever kind and nature, whether real, personal, or mixed, and things, and choses in action, and every right, privilege, interest and asset of every conceivable value or benefit then existing or pertaining to it, or which would inure to it, immediately by operation of law and without the necessity of any conveyance or transfer and without any further act or deed shall vest in the stock Bank. The stock Bank shall have, hold, and enjoy the same in its own right as fully and to the same extent as the same was possessed, held and enjoyed by the mutual Bank. The stock Bank at the time and the taking effect of the Conversion shall continue to have and succeed to all the rights, obligations and relations of the mutual Bank. All pending actions and other judicial or administrative proceedings to which the Bank was a party shall not be discontinued by reason of the Conversion, but may be prosecuted to final judgment or order in the same manner as if the Conversion had not been made and the stock Bank resulting from the Conversion may continue the actions in its name notwithstanding the Conversion.

 

4.

TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES AND PURCHASE PRICE OF CONVERSION STOCK.

(a)    The aggregate price at which all shares of Conversion Stock to be sold shall be based on a pro forma valuation of the aggregate market value of the Conversion Stock prepared by the Independent Appraiser. The valuation shall be based on financial information relating to the Holding Company and the Bank, economic and financial conditions, a comparison of the Holding Company and the Bank with selected publicly-held financial institutions and holding companies and with comparable financial institutions and holding companies and such other factors as the Independent Appraiser may deem to be important, including, but not limited to, the projected operating results and financial condition of the Holding Company and the Bank. The valuation shall be stated in terms of an Estimated Price Range, the maximum of which shall generally be no more than 15% above the average of the minimum and maximum of such price range and the minimum of which shall generally be no more than 15% below such average. The valuation shall be updated during the Conversion as market and financial conditions warrant and as may be required by the OCC.

(b)    Based upon the independent valuation, the Boards of Directors of the Holding Company and the Bank shall fix the Initial Purchase Price and the number of shares of Conversion Stock to be offered in the Subscription Offering, Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering. The Actual Purchase Price and the total number of shares of Conversion Stock to be issued in the Offerings shall be

 

7


determined by the Boards of Directors of the Holding Company and the Bank upon conclusion of such offerings in consultation with the Independent Appraiser and any financial advisor or investment banker retained by the Bank in connection with such offerings.

(c)    Subject to the approval of the OCC, the Estimated Price Range may be increased or decreased to reflect market and economic conditions prior to completion of the Conversion or to fill the order of the Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans, and under such circumstances the Holding Company may increase or decrease the total number of shares of Conversion Stock to be issued in the Conversion to reflect any such change. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan, no resolicitation of subscribers shall be required and subscribers shall not be permitted to modify or cancel their subscriptions unless the gross proceeds from the sale of the Conversion Stock issued in the Conversion are less than the minimum or more than 15% above the maximum of the Estimated Price Range set forth in the Prospectus. In the event of an increase in the total number of shares offered in the Conversion due to an increase in the Estimated Price Range, the priority of share allocation shall be as set forth in this Plan.

 

5.

SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS (FIRST PRIORITY).

(a)    Each Eligible Account Holder shall receive, without payment, non-transferable Subscription Rights to purchase up to the greater of (i) $300,000 of Conversion Stock (or such maximum purchase limitation as may be established for the Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering or Public Offering), (ii) one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of the total offering of shares in the Subscription Offering, or (iii) 15 times the product (rounded down to the next whole number) obtained by multiplying the total number of shares of Conversion Stock offered in the Subscription Offering by a fraction, of which the numerator is the amount of the Qualifying Deposits of the Eligible Account Holder and the denominator is the total amount of all Qualifying Deposits of all Eligible Account Holders, in each case subject to Sections 10 and 13 hereof.

(b)    In the event of an oversubscription for shares of Conversion Stock pursuant to Section 5(a), available shares shall be allocated among subscribing Eligible Account Holders so as to permit each such Eligible Account Holder, to the extent possible, to purchase a number of shares which will make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of the number of shares subscribed for or 100 shares. Any available shares remaining after each subscribing Eligible Account Holder has been allocated the lesser of the number of shares subscribed for or 100 shares shall be allocated among the subscribing Eligible Account Holders in the proportion which the Qualifying Deposit of each such subscribing Eligible Account Holder bears to the total Qualifying Deposits of all such subscribing Eligible Account Holders, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued. Subscription Rights of Eligible Account Holders shall be subordinated to the priority rights of the ESOP to purchase shares in excess of the Maximum Shares, as defined in Section 6 below.

(c)    Subscription Rights of Eligible Account Holders who are also Directors or Officers of the Bank and their Associates shall be subordinated to those of other Eligible Account Holders to the extent that they are attributable to increased deposits during the one year period preceding the Eligibility Record Date.

 

6.

SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF TAX-QUALIFIED EMPLOYEE STOCK BENEFIT PLANS; ESOP (SECOND PRIORITY).

The ESOP, established by the Bank as a Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan, shall receive, without payment, non-transferable Subscription Rights to purchase in the aggregate up to 8% of the Conversion Stock issued in the Conversion. The subscription rights granted to the ESOP shall be subject to the availability of shares of Conversion Stock after taking into account the shares of Conversion Stock purchased by Eligible Account Holders, provided, however, that in the event that the total number of shares offered in the Conversion is increased to an amount greater than the number of shares representing the

 

8


maximum of the Estimated Price Range as set forth in the Prospectus (“Maximum Shares”), the ESOP shall have a priority right to purchase any such shares exceeding the Maximum Shares up to an aggregate of 8% of the Conversion Stock issued in the Conversion. Consistent with applicable laws and regulations and policies and practices of the OCC, the ESOP may use funds contributed by the Holding Company or the Bank and/or borrowed from the Holding Company or an independent financial institution to exercise such Subscription Rights, and the Holding Company and the Bank may make scheduled discretionary contributions thereto, provided that such contributions do not cause the Bank to fail to meet any applicable capital maintenance requirements. Alternatively, if permitted by the OCC, the ESOP may purchase all or a portion of such shares in the open market after consummation of the Conversion. The ESOP shall not be deemed to be an Associate or Affiliate of, or Person Acting in Concert with, any Director or Officer of the Holding Company or the Bank.

 

7.

SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS (THIRD PRIORITY).

(a)    In the event that the Eligibility Record Date is more than 15 months prior to the date of the latest amendment to the Application for Conversion filed prior to OCC approval, then, and only in that event, each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall receive, without payment, non-transferable Subscription Rights to purchase up to the greater of (i) $300,000 of Conversion Stock (or such maximum purchase limitation as may be established for the Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering or Public Offering), (ii) one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of the total offering of shares in the Subscription Offering, or (iii) 15 times the product (rounded down to the next whole number) obtained by multiplying the total number of shares of Conversion Stock offered in the Subscription Offering by a fraction, of which the numerator is the amount of the Qualifying Deposits of the Supplemental Eligible Account Holder and the denominator is the total amount of all Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, subject to the availability of shares of Conversion Stock for purchase after taking into account the shares of Conversion Stock purchased by Eligible Account Holders and Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans through the exercise of Subscription Rights under Sections 5 and 6 hereof, and subject to Sections 10 and 13 hereof.

(b)    In the event of an oversubscription for shares of Conversion Stock pursuant to Section 7(a), available shares shall be allocated among subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders so as to permit each such Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, to the extent possible, to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation (including the number of shares, if any, allocated in accordance with Section 5(a)) equal to the lesser of the number of shares subscribed for or 100 shares. Any remaining available shares shall be allocated among subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in the proportion that the amount of their respective Qualifying Deposits bears to the total amount of the Qualifying Deposits of all subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued.

 

8.

SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF OTHER MEMBERS (FOURTH PRIORITY).

(a)    Each Other Member shall receive, without payment, non-transferable Subscription Rights to purchase up to the greater of (i) $300,000 of Conversion Stock in the Subscription Offering (or such maximum purchase limitation as may be established for the Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering or Public Offering), or (ii) one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of the total offering of shares in the Subscription Offering, in each case if and only to the extent that shares of Conversion Stock are available for purchase after taking into account the shares of Conversion Stock purchased by Eligible Account Holders, Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders through the exercise of Subscription Rights under Sections 5, 6 and 7 hereof, and subject to Sections 10 and 13 hereof.

 

9


(b)    If, pursuant to this Section 8, Other Members subscribe for a number of shares of Conversion Stock in excess of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock remaining, shares shall be allocated so as to permit each such Other Member, to the extent possible, to purchase a number of shares which will make his or her total allocation equal to the lesser of the number of shares subscribed for or 100 shares. Any shares remaining will be allocated among the subscribing Other Members whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied on an equal number of shares basis per order until all orders have been filled or the remaining shares have been allocated, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued.

 

9.

COMMUNITY OFFERING, SYNDICATED COMMUNITY OFFERING, PUBLIC OFFERING AND OTHER OFFERINGS.

(a)    If less than the total number of shares of the Conversion Stock are sold in the Subscription Offering, it is anticipated that all remaining shares of Conversion Stock shall, if practicable, be sold directly in a Community Offering and/or a Syndicated Community Offering. Subject to the requirements set forth herein, Conversion Stock sold in the Community Offering and/or the Syndicated Community Offering shall achieve the widest possible distribution of such stock.

(b)    In the event of a Community Offering, all shares of Conversion Stock which are not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering shall be offered for sale by means of a direct community marketing program, which may provide for the use of brokers, dealers or investment banking firms experienced in the sale of financial institution securities. Any available shares in excess of those not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering will be available for purchase by members of the general public to whom a Prospectus is delivered by the Holding Company or on its behalf, with preference given to natural persons and trusts of natural persons residing in the Community (the “Preferred Subscribers”) and thereafter to cover orders of the general public.

(c)    A Prospectus and Order Form shall be furnished to such Persons as the Holding Company and the Bank may select in connection with the Community Offering and each order for Conversion Stock in the Community Offering shall be subject to the absolute right of the Holding Company and the Bank to accept or reject any such order in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable following completion of the Community Offering. Available shares will be allocated first to each Preferred Subscriber whose order is accepted by the Holding Company, in an amount equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares subscribed for by each such Preferred Subscriber, if possible. Thereafter, any shares remaining will be allocated among the Preferred Subscribers whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied on an equal number of shares basis per order until all orders have been filled or the remaining shares have been allocated, subject to the provisions of Section 10 hereof, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued. If there are any shares remaining after all subscriptions by Preferred Subscribers have been satisfied, such remaining shares shall be allocated to other members of the general public who purchase in the Community Offering, applying the same allocation described above for Preferred Subscribers.

(d)    The amount of Conversion Stock that any Person may purchase in the Community Offering shall not exceed the greater of (i) $300,000, or (ii) one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of the total offering of shares in the Subscription Offering, provided, however, that this amount may be increased to 5% of the total offering of shares in the Subscription Offering, subject to any required regulatory approval but without the further approval of Members; provided, further, that orders for Conversion Stock in the Community Offering shall first be filled to a maximum of 2% of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock sold in the Conversion and thereafter any remaining shares shall be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order until all orders have been filled, provided that no fractional shares shall be issued. The Holding Company and the Bank may commence the Community Offering concurrently with, at any time during, or as soon as practicable after the end of, the Subscription Offering. The Community Offering must be

 

10


completed within 45 days after the completion of the Subscription Offering, unless extended by the Holding Company and the Bank with any required regulatory approval.

(e)    Subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as may be determined by the Holding Company and the Bank, all shares of Conversion Stock not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering or ordered in the Community Offering may be sold by a syndicate of broker-dealers to the general public in a Syndicated Community Offering. Each order for Conversion Stock in the Syndicated Community Offering shall be subject to the absolute right of the Holding Company and the Bank to accept or reject any such order in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable after completion of the Syndicated Community Offering. The amount of Conversion Stock that any Person may purchase in the Syndicated Community Offering shall not exceed $300,000; provided, however, that this amount may be increased to 5% of the total offering of shares in the Subscription Offering, subject to any required regulatory approval but without the further approval of Members; provided further that orders for Conversion Stock in the Syndicated Community Offering, unless the OCC permits otherwise, shall first be filled to a maximum of 2% of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock sold in the Offerings. The Holding Company and the Bank may commence the Syndicated Community Offering concurrently with, at any time during, or as soon as practicable after the end of the Subscription Offering and/or Community Offering. The Syndicated Community Offering must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the Subscription Offering, unless extended by the Holding Company and the Bank with any required regulatory approval.

(f)    The Holding Company and the Bank may sell any shares of Conversion Stock remaining following the Subscription Offering, Community Offering and/or the Syndicated Community Offering in a Public Offering. The provisions of Section 10 hereof shall not be applicable to the sales to underwriters for purposes of the Public Offering but shall be applicable to sales by the underwriters to the public. The price to be paid by the underwriters in such an offering shall be equal to the Actual Purchase Price less an underwriting discount to be negotiated among such underwriters and the Bank and the Holding Company, subject to any required regulatory approval or consent.

(g)    If for any reason a Syndicated Community Offering or Public Offering of shares of Conversion Stock not sold in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering cannot be effected, or in the event that an insignificant residue of shares of Conversion Stock is not sold in the Subscription Offering, Community Offering or Syndicated Community Offering, the Holding Company and the Bank shall use their best efforts to obtain other purchasers for such shares in such manner and upon such conditions as may be satisfactory to the OCC.

 

10.

LIMITATIONS ON SUBSCRIPTIONS AND PURCHASES OF CONVERSION STOCK.

(a)    The maximum number of shares of Conversion Stock which may be purchased in the Conversion by the ESOP shall not exceed 8% of the aggregate of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock sold in the Offerings and all Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans shall not exceed 10% of the aggregate shares of Conversion Stock sold in the Offerings, in each instance, including any shares which may be issued in the event of an increase in the maximum of the Estimated Price Range to reflect changes in market and economic conditions after commencement of the Subscription Offering and prior to the completion of the Conversion; provided; however, that purchases of Conversion Stock which are made by Plan Participants pursuant to the exercise of subscription rights granted to such Plan Participant in his individual capacity as an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder or purchases by a Plan Participant in the Community Offering using the funds thereof held in Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans shall not be deemed to be purchases by a Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan for purposes of this Section 10(a).

 

11


(b)    Except in the case of Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans in the aggregate, as set forth in Section 10(a) hereof, and in addition to the other restrictions and limitations set forth herein, the maximum amount of Conversion Stock which any Person, together with any Associate or group of Persons Acting in Concert, may directly or indirectly subscribe for or purchase in the Offerings shall not exceed $400,000 of the Conversion Stock offered. In order to assist the Bank in ensuring compliance with this aggregate purchase limitation, the Bank may ask that members of the same immediate family (as defined in 12 C.F.R. § 5.50(d)(8) or any successor thereto) provide written documentation or information to assist the Bank in determining whether such Persons are or are not a group Acting in Concert.

(c)    The number of shares of Conversion Stock which Directors and Officers and their Associates may purchase in the aggregate in the Conversion shall not exceed 29% of the total number of shares of Conversion Stock sold in the Offerings, including any shares which may be issued in the event of an increase in the maximum of the Estimated Price Range to reflect changes in market and economic conditions after commencement of the Subscription Offering and prior to completion of the Conversion.

(d)    No Person may purchase fewer than 25 shares of Conversion Stock in the Offerings, to the extent such shares are available; provided, however, that if the Actual Purchase Price is greater than $20.00 per share, such minimum number of shares shall be adjusted so that the aggregate Actual Purchase Price for such minimum shares will not exceed $500.00.

(e)    If the number of shares of Conversion Stock otherwise allocable pursuant to Sections 5 through 9, inclusive, to any Person or that Person’s Associates would be in excess of the maximum number of shares permitted as set forth above, the number of shares of Conversion Stock allocated to each such person shall be reduced to the lowest limitation applicable to that Person, and then the number of shares allocated to each group consisting of a Person and that Person’s Associates shall be reduced so that the aggregate allocation to that Person and his or her Associates complies with the above limits.

(f)    For purposes of the foregoing limitations and the determination of Subscription Rights, (i) Directors, Officers and Employees shall not be deemed to be Associates or a group Acting in Concert solely as a result of their capacities as such, (ii) shares purchased by Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans shall not be attributable to the individual trustees of any such plan and the Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans shall not be deemed to be Associates or Affiliates of or Persons Acting in Concert with any Director or Officer of the Holding Company or the Bank for purposes of determining compliance with the limitations set forth in Section 10(b) or 10(c) hereof, (iii) shares purchased by Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans shall not be attributable to the individual trustees of any such plan for purposes of determining compliance with the limitation set forth in Section 10(c) hereof and (iv) shares purchased by a Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan pursuant to instructions of an individual in an account in such plan in which the individual has the right to direct the investment, including any plan of the Bank qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code, shall be aggregated and included in that individual’s purchases and not attributed to the Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan.

(g)    Subject to any required regulatory approval and the requirements of applicable laws and regulations, but without further approval of the Members of the Bank or resolicitation of subscribers, the Holding Company and the Bank may increase or decrease any of the individual or aggregate purchase limitations set forth herein, provided, however, that any increase in the purchase limitations shall, except as provided below, be limited to a percentage which does not exceed 5% of the total offering of Conversion Stock in the Offerings, whether prior to, during or after the Subscription Offering, Community Offering, Syndicated Community Offering and/or Public Offering. In the event that an individual purchase limitation is increased after commencement of the Subscription Offering or any of the other Offerings, the Holding Company and the Bank are only required to resolicit such Persons who subscribed for the maximum number of shares of Conversion Stock and who indicated a desire to be resolicited on the Order Form, and may, in

 

12


the sole discretion of the Holding Company and the Bank, resolicit certain other large subscribers. In the event of such a resolicitation, the Holding Company shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to require such persons to supply immediately available funds for the purchase of additional shares of Conversion Stock. Such persons will be prohibited from paying with a personal check, but the Holding Company may allow payment by wire transfer. In the event that any of the individual or aggregate purchase limitations are decreased after commencement of the Subscription Offering or any of the other Offerings, the orders of any Person who subscribed for the maximum number of shares of Conversion Stock shall be decreased by the minimum amount necessary so that such Person shall be in compliance with the then maximum number of shares permitted to be subscribed for by such Person. In the event the maximum purchase limitation is increased to 5% of the shares sold in the Subscription Offering, Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering, such limitation may be further increased to 9.99%, subject to regulatory approval, provided that orders for Conversion Stock exceeding 5% of the shares of Conversion Stock issued in the Offerings shall not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the total shares of Conversion Stock issued in the Offerings. Whether to fill any requests to purchase additional shares of Conversion Stock in the event that the individual or aggregate purchase limitations set forth herein are so increased will be determined in the sole discretion of the Boards of Directors of the Holding Company and the Bank.

(h)    In the event of an increase in the total number of shares offered in the Offering due to an increase in the maximum of the Estimated Price Range of up to 15%, the additional shares may be used to fill the ESOP and other Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans orders before all other orders and then will be allocated in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Plan.

(i)    Each Person purchasing Conversion Stock shall be deemed to confirm that such purchase does not conflict with the above purchase limitations contained in this Plan.

(j)    The Holding Company and the Bank shall have the right to take all such action as they may, in their sole discretion, deem necessary, appropriate or advisable in order to monitor and enforce the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions contained in this Section 10 and elsewhere in this Plan and the terms, conditions and representations contained in the Order Form, including, but not limited to, the absolute right (subject only to any necessary regulatory approvals or concurrence) to reject, limit or revoke acceptance of any subscription or order and to delay, terminate or refuse to consummate any sale of Conversion Stock which they believe might violate, or is designed to, or is any part of a plan to, evade or circumvent such terms, conditions, limitations, restrictions and representations. Any such action shall be final, conclusive and binding on all persons and the Holding Company and the Bank and their respective Boards shall be free from any liability to any Person on account of any such action.

 

11.

TIMING OF SUBSCRIPTION OFFERING, MANNER OF EXERCISING SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS AND ORDER FORMS.

(a)    The Subscription Offering may be commenced concurrently with or at any time after the mailing to Voting Members of the proxy statement to be used in connection with the Special Meeting. The Subscription Offering may be closed before the Special Meeting, provided that the offer and sale of the Conversion Stock shall be conditioned upon the approval of the Plan by Voting Members at the Special Meeting.

(b)    The exact timing of the commencement of the Subscription Offering shall be determined by the Holding Company and the Bank in consultation with the Independent Appraiser and any financial or advisory or investment banking firm retained by them in connection with the Conversion. The Holding Company and the Bank may consider a number of factors, including, but not limited to, their current and projected future earnings, local and national economic conditions and the prevailing market for stocks in general and stocks of financial institutions in particular. The Holding Company and the Bank shall have the right to withdraw, terminate, suspend, delay, revoke or modify any such Subscription Offering, at any

 

13


time and from time to time, as it in its sole discretion may determine, without liability to any Person, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and any necessary regulatory approval or concurrence.

(c)    The Holding Company and the Bank shall, promptly after the SEC has declared the Prospectus effective and all required regulatory approvals have been obtained, distribute or make available the Prospectus, together with Order Forms for the purchase of Conversion Stock, to all Participants for the purpose of enabling them to exercise their respective Subscription Rights, subject to Section 13 hereof. The Holding Company and the Bank may elect to mail a Prospectus and Order Form only to those Participants who request such materials by returning a postage-paid card to the Holding Company and the Bank by a date specified in the letter informing them of their Subscription Rights. Under such circumstances, the Subscription Offering shall not be closed until the expiration of 30 days after the mailing by the Holding Company and the Bank of the postage-paid card to Participants.

(d)    A single Order Form for all Deposit Accounts maintained with the Bank by an Eligible Account Holder and a Supplemental Eligible Account Holder may be furnished irrespective of the number of Deposit Accounts maintained with the Bank on the Eligibility Record Date and Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, respectively. No person holding a Subscription Right may exceed any otherwise applicable purchase limitation by submitting multiple orders for Conversion Stock.

(e)    Participants shall have no less than 20 days and no more than 45 days from the date of mailing of the Order Form (with the exact termination date to be set forth on the Order Form) to properly complete and execute the Order Form and deliver it to the Bank. The Holding Company and the Bank may extend such period by such amount of time as they determine is appropriate. Failure of any Participant to deliver a properly executed Order Form to the Bank, along with payment (or authorization for payment by withdrawal) for the shares of Conversion Stock subscribed for, within the time limits prescribed, shall be deemed a waiver and release by such person of any rights to subscribe for shares of Conversion Stock. Each Participant shall be required to confirm to the Holding Company and the Bank by executing an Order Form that such Person has fully complied with all of the terms, conditions, limitations and restrictions in the Plan.

(f)    The Holding Company and the Bank shall have the absolute right, in their sole discretion and without liability to any Participant or other Person, to reject any Order Form, including, but not limited to, any Order Form (i) that is improperly completed or executed; (ii) that is not timely received; (iii) that is submitted by facsimile or is photocopied; (iv) that is not accompanied by the proper payment (or authorization of withdrawal for payment) or, in the case of institutional investors in the Community Offering, not accompanied by an irrevocable order together with a legally binding commitment to pay the full amount of the purchase price prior to 48 hours before the completion of the Offerings; (v) submitted by a Person whose representations the Holding Company and the Bank believe to be false or who they otherwise believe, either alone, or Acting in Concert with others, is violating, evading or circumventing, or intends to violate, evade or circumvent, the terms and conditions of the Plan. Furthermore, in the event Order Forms (i) are not delivered and are returned to the Bank by the United States Postal Service or the Bank is unable to locate the addressee, or (ii) are not mailed pursuant to a “no mail” order placed in effect by the account holder, the Subscription Rights of the person to which such rights have been granted will lapse as though such person failed to return the contemplated Order Form within the time period specified thereon. The Holding Company and the Bank may, but will not be required to, waive any irregularity on any Order Form or may require the submission of corrected Order Forms or the remittance of full payment for shares of Conversion Stock by such date as they may specify. The interpretation of the Holding Company and the Bank of the terms and conditions of the Order Forms shall be final and conclusive, subject to the authority of the OCC.

 

12.

PAYMENT FOR CONVERSION STOCK.

 

14


(a)    Payment for shares of Conversion Stock subscribed for by Participants in the Subscription Offering and payment for shares of Conversion Stock ordered by Persons in the Community Offering shall be equal to the Initial Purchase Price per share multiplied by the number of shares which are being subscribed for or ordered, respectively. Such payment may be made in cash, if delivered in person, or by check or money order at the time the Order Form is delivered to the Bank. The Bank, in its sole and absolute discretion, may also elect to receive payment for shares of Conversion Stock by wire transfer. In addition, Participants and/or other Persons who have a Deposit Account with the Bank may pay for shares of Conversion Stock by authorizing the Bank to withdraw from such Deposit Account an amount equal to the aggregate Initial Purchase Price of such shares. Payment may also be made by a Participant using funds held for such Participant’s benefit by a Bank Benefit Plan to the extent that such plan allows participants or any related trust established for the benefit of such participants to direct that some or all of their individual accounts or sub-accounts be invested in Conversion Stock. If the Actual Purchase Price is less than the Initial Purchase Price, the Bank shall refund the difference to all Participants and other Persons, unless the Holding Company and the Bank choose to provide Participants and other Persons the opportunity on the Order Form to elect to have such difference applied to the purchase of additional whole shares of Conversion Stock. If the Actual Purchase Price is more than the Initial Purchase Price, the Bank shall reduce the number of shares of Conversion Stock ordered by Participants and other Persons and refund any remaining amount which is attributable to a fractional share interest, unless the Bank chooses to provide Participants and other Persons the opportunity to increase the Actual Purchase Price submitted to it.

(b)    Consistent with applicable laws and regulations and policies and practices of the OCC, payment for shares of Conversion Stock subscribed for by the ESOP may be made with funds contributed by the Holding Company or the Bank and/or funds obtained pursuant to a loan from the Holding Company or an unrelated financial institution pursuant to a loan commitment which is in force from the time that any such plan submits an Order Form until the closing of the transactions contemplated hereby. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, that if a Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan subscribes for shares in the Subscription Offering, such plan will not be required to pay for the shares at the time its subscribes but rather may pay for such shares of Conversion Stock subscribed for by such plan at the Subscription Price upon consummation of the Conversion.

(c)    If a Participant or other Person authorizes the Bank to withdraw the amount of the Initial Purchase Price from his or her Deposit Account, the Bank shall have the right to make such withdrawal or to freeze funds equal to the aggregate Initial Purchase Price upon receipt of the Order Form. Notwithstanding any regulatory provisions regarding penalties for early withdrawals from certificate accounts, payment by means of withdrawal from certificate accounts may be made without the assessment of such penalties. In the case of an early withdrawal of only a portion of such account, the certificate evidencing such account shall be cancelled if any applicable minimum balance requirement ceases to be met. In such case, the remaining balance will earn interest at the statement savings rate. However, where any applicable minimum balance is maintained in such certificate account, the rate of return on the balance of the certificate account shall remain the same as prior to such early withdrawal. This waiver of the early withdrawal penalty applies only to withdrawals made in connection with the purchase of Conversion Stock.

(d)    The Bank shall pay interest, at not less than the rate it pays on statement savings accounts, for all amounts paid in cash, by check or money order to purchase shares of Conversion Stock in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering from the date payment is received until the date the Conversion is completed or terminated. All funds received for the purchase of Conversion Stock in the Offerings shall be held in a segregated account at the Bank.

(e)    The Bank shall not knowingly loan funds or otherwise extend credit to any Participant or other Person to purchase Conversion Stock.

 

15


(f)    Each share of Conversion Stock shall be non-assessable upon payment in full of the Actual Purchase Price.

 

13.

ACCOUNT HOLDERS IN NONQUALIFIED STATES OR FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

The Holding Company and the Bank shall make reasonable efforts to comply with the securities laws of all jurisdictions in the United States in which Participants reside. However, no Participant will be offered or receive any Conversion Stock under the Plan if such Participant resides in a foreign country or in a jurisdiction of the United States with respect to which: (a) there are few Participants otherwise eligible to subscribe for shares under this Plan who reside in such jurisdiction; (b) the granting of Subscription Rights or the offer or sale of shares of Conversion Stock to such Participants would require the Holding Company or the Bank or their respective Directors and Officers, under the laws of such jurisdiction, to register as a broker or dealer, salesman or selling agent or to register or otherwise qualify the Conversion Stock for sale in such jurisdiction, or the Holding Company or the Bank would be required to qualify as a foreign corporation or file a consent to service of process in such jurisdiction; or (c) such registration or qualification in the judgment of the Holding Company and the Bank would be impracticable or unduly burdensome for reasons of cost or otherwise.

 

14.

VOTING RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS.

Following consummation of the Conversion, voting rights with respect to the Bank shall be held and exercised exclusively by the Holding Company as holder of all of the Bank’s voting capital stock and voting rights with respect to the Holding Company shall be held and exercised exclusively by the holders of the Holding Company’s voting capital stock.

 

15.

LIQUIDATION ACCOUNT.

(a)    At the time of Conversion, the Bank shall establish a Liquidation Account in an amount equal to the Bank’s net worth as reflected in its latest statement of financial condition contained in the final Prospectus utilized in the Conversion. The function of the Liquidation Account will be to preserve the rights of certain holders of Deposit Accounts in the Bank who maintain such accounts in the Bank following Conversion to a priority to distributions in the unlikely event of a liquidation of the Bank subsequent to Conversion.

(b)    The liquidation account shall be maintained for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, if any, who maintain their Deposit Accounts in the Bank after Conversion. Each such account holder will, with respect to each Deposit Account held, have a related inchoate interest in a portion of the liquidation account balance, which interest will be referred to in this Section 15 as the “subaccount balance.” All Deposit Accounts having the same social security number will be aggregated for purposes of determining the initial subaccount balance with respect to such Deposit Accounts, except as provided in Section 15(d) hereof.

(c)    In the event of a complete liquidation of the Bank subsequent to Conversion (and only in such event), each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, if any, shall be entitled to receive a liquidation distribution from the liquidation account in the amount of the then current subaccount balances for Deposit Accounts then held (adjusted as described below) before any liquidation distribution may be made with respect to the capital stock of the Bank. No merger, consolidation, sale of bulk assets or similar combination transaction with another FDIC-insured institution in which the Bank is not the surviving entity shall be considered a complete liquidation for this purpose. In any such transaction, the liquidation account shall be assumed by the surviving entity.

 

16


(d)    The initial subaccount balance for a Deposit Account held by an Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, if any, shall be determined by multiplying the opening balance in the Liquidation Account by a fraction, of which the numerator is the amount of the Qualifying Deposits of such account holder and the denominator is the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Eligible Account Holders and, if applicable, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. For Deposit Accounts in existence at both the Eligibility Record Date and the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, if applicable, separate initial subaccount balances shall be determined on the basis of the Qualifying Deposits in such Deposit Accounts on each such record date. Initial subaccount balances shall not be increased, and shall be subject to downward adjustment as provided below.

(e)    If the aggregate deposit balance in any Deposit Account(s) of any Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder at the close of business on any December 31, annual closing date, commencing on or after the effective date of the Conversion, is less than the lesser of (a) the deposit balance in such Deposit Account(s) at the close of business on any other annual closing date subsequent to such record dates or (b) the deposit balance in such Deposit Account(s) as of the Eligibility Record Date or the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, if any, the subaccount balance for such Deposit Account(s) shall be adjusted by reducing such subaccount balance in an amount proportionate to the reduction in such deposit balance. In the event of such a downward adjustment, the subaccount balance shall not be subsequently increased, notwithstanding any increase in the deposit balance of the related Deposit Account(s). The subaccount balance of an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, if any, shall be reduced to zero if such holder ceases to maintain a Deposit Account at the Bank that has the same social security number as appeared on his or her Deposit Account(s) at the Eligibility Record Date or, if applicable, the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date.

(f)    Subsequent to Conversion, the Bank may not pay cash dividends generally on capital stock of the Bank, or repurchase any of the capital stock of the Bank, if such dividend or repurchase would reduce the Bank’s net worth below the aggregate amount of the then current subaccount balances for Deposit Accounts then held; otherwise, the existence of the Liquidation Account shall not operate to restrict the use or application of any of the net worth accounts of the Bank.

(g)    For purposes of this Section 15, a Deposit Account includes a predecessor or successor account which is held only by an account holder with the same social security number.

 

16.

TRANSFER OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS.

Each Deposit Account in the Bank at the time of the consummation of the Conversion shall become, without further action by the holder, a Deposit Account in the Bank equivalent in withdrawable amount to the withdrawal value (as adjusted to give effect to any withdrawal made for the purchase of Conversion Stock), and subject to the same terms and conditions (except as to voting and liquidation rights) as such Deposit Account in the Bank immediately preceding consummation of the Conversion. Holders of Deposit Accounts in the Bank shall not, as such holders, have any voting rights.

 

17.

REQUIREMENTS FOLLOWING CONVERSION FOR REGISTRATION, MARKET MAKING AND STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING.

In connection with the Conversion, the Holding Company shall register its common stock pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and shall undertake not to deregister such stock for a period of three years thereafter. The Holding Company also shall use its best efforts to (i) encourage and assist a market maker to establish and maintain a market for its common stock; and (ii) list its common stock on a national or regional securities exchange.

 

18.

DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS OF THE BANK.

 

17


Each person serving as a Director or Officer of the Bank at the time of the Conversion shall continue to serve as a Director or Officer of the Bank for the balance of the term for which the person was elected prior to the Conversion, and until a successor is elected and qualified.

 

19.

REQUIREMENTS FOR STOCK PURCHASES BY DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS FOLLOWING CONVERSION.

For a period of three years following the Conversion, the Directors and Officers of the Holding Company and the Bank and their Associates may not purchase, without the prior written approval of the OCC, the Holding Company Common Stock except from a broker or dealer registered with the SEC. This prohibition shall not apply, however, to (i) a negotiated transaction involving more than 1% of the outstanding common stock of the Holding Company, (ii) purchases of stock made by and held by any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan (and purchases of stock made by and held by any Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan following receipt of stockholder approval of such plan) that may be attributable to individual Officers or Directors and (iii) the exercise of any options pursuant to any stock benefit plan of the Holding Company. As used herein, the term “negotiated transaction” means a transaction in which the securities are offered and the terms and arrangements relating to any sale are arrived at through direct communications between the seller or any person acting on its behalf and the purchaser or his investment representative. The term “investment representative” shall mean a professional investment advisor acting as agent for the purchaser and independent of the seller and not acting on behalf of the seller in connection with the transaction.

The foregoing restriction on purchases of Holding Company Common Stock shall be in addition to any restrictions that may be imposed by federal and state securities laws.

 

20.

RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF STOCK.

All shares of the Conversion Stock which are purchased by Persons other than Directors and Officers shall be transferable without restriction, except in connection with a transaction proscribed by Section 21 of this Plan or otherwise provided below. Shares of Conversion Stock purchased by Directors and Officers of the Holding Company and the Bank on original issue from the Holding Company (by subscription or otherwise) shall be subject to the restriction that such shares shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of for value for a period of one year following the date of purchase, except for any disposition of such shares following the death of the original purchaser or pursuant to any exchange of such shares in connection with a merger or acquisition involving the Bank or the Holding Company, as applicable, which has been approved by the appropriate federal regulatory agency. The certificates representing shares of Conversion Stock issued, if any, by the Holding Company to Directors and Officers shall bear the following legend giving appropriate notice of such one-year restriction:

“The shares of stock evidenced by this Certificate are restricted as to transfer for a period of one year from the date of this Certificate pursuant to 12 C.F.R. §192.505. These shares may not be transferred during such one-year period without a legal opinion of counsel for the Company that said transfer is permissible under the provisions of applicable law and regulation. This restrictive legend shall be deemed null and void after one year from the date of this Certificate.”

In addition, the Holding Company shall give appropriate instructions to the transfer agent for the Holding Company Common Stock with respect to the applicable restrictions relating to the transfer of restricted stock. Any shares issued at a later date as a stock dividend, stock split or otherwise with respect to any such restricted stock shall be subject to the same holding period restrictions as may then be applicable to such restricted stock.

 

18


The foregoing restriction on transfer shall be in addition to any restrictions on transfer that may be imposed by federal and state securities laws.

 

21.

RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF STOCK OF THE HOLDING COMPANY.

For a period of three years from the date of consummation of the Conversion, no person, other than the Holding Company, may directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of an equity security of the Bank without the prior written consent of the OCC and/or the FRB. Nothing in this Plan shall prohibit the Holding Company from repurchasing its shares in compliance with applicable regulations.

In addition, upon consummation of the Conversion, the articles of incorporation of the Holding Company may contain a provision prohibiting any Person together with Associates or group of Persons Acting in Concert from offering to acquire or acquiring, directly or indirectly, beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity securities of the Holding Company, or of securities convertible into more than 10% of any such class following completion of the Conversion. The articles of incorporation may also provide that following the completion of the Conversion, all equity securities beneficially owned by any Person in excess of 10% of any class of equity securities shall be considered “excess shares,” and that excess shares shall not be counted as shares entitled to vote and shall not be voted by any Person or counted as voting shares in connection with any matters submitted to the stockholders for a vote. The foregoing restrictions shall not apply to (i) any offer with a view toward public resale made exclusively to the Holding Company by underwriters or a selling group acting on its behalf, (ii) the purchase of shares by a Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan established for the benefit of the employees of the Holding Company and its subsidiaries, and (iii) any offer or acquisition approved in advance by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the entire Board of Directors of the Holding Company. Directors, Officers or Employees of the Holding Company or the Bank or any subsidiary thereof shall not be deemed to be Associates or a group Acting in Concert with respect to their individual acquisitions of any class of equity securities of the Holding Company solely as a result of their capacities as such.

In addition, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Holding Company may contain provisions which provide for staggered terms of the directors, noncumulative voting for directors, limitations on the calling of special meetings, a fair price provision for certain business combinations, certain notice requirements and supermajority voting requirements for certain matters.

 

22.

ADOPTION OF FEDERAL STOCK CHARTER AND BYLAWS.

As part of the Conversion, the Bank shall take all appropriate steps to adopt a federal stock charter and bylaws to authorize the issuance of capital stock and otherwise to read in a form consistent with a federally chartered stock form savings bank.

 

23.

TAX RULINGS OR OPINIONS.

For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the conversion of the Bank from a federally chartered mutual saving bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank is intended to constitute a reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and this Plan is intended to constitute a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of U.S. Treasury regulation Section 1.368-2(g).

Consummation of the Conversion is expressly conditioned upon prior receipt by the Bank of either a ruling or an opinion of counsel with respect to federal tax laws, and either a ruling or an opinion of counsel with respect to Georgia tax laws, to the effect that the conversion of the Bank from a federally chartered mutual savings bank into a federally chartered stock savings bank will constitute a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby

 

19


will not otherwise result in adverse tax consequences to Holding Company, the Bank and the Bank’s account holders receiving Subscription Rights before or after the Conversion, except to the extent, if any, that Subscription Rights are deemed to have fair market value on the date such rights are issued.

 

24.

STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS.

(a)    The Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to adopt Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans in connection with the Conversion, including, without limitation, the ESOP.

(b)    Subsequent to the Conversion, the Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to adopt Non-Tax Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans, including without limitation, stock option plans and restricted stock plans, provided however that, with respect to any such plan implemented during the one-year period subsequent to the date of consummation of the Conversion, any such plan: (i) shall be disclosed in the proxy solicitation materials for the Special Meeting of Members and in the Prospectus; (ii) in the case of stock option plans, shall have a total number of shares of common stock for which options may be granted of not more than 10% of the amount of shares issued in the Conversion; (iii) in the case of management or employee recognition or grant plans, shall have a total number of shares of common stock of not more than 4% of the amount of shares issued in the Conversion; (iv) in the case of stock option plans and employee recognition or grant plans, shall be submitted for approval by the holders of the Holding Company Common Stock no earlier than six months following consummation of the Conversion; and (v) shall comply with all other applicable requirements of the OCC. Any stock option plan, restricted stock award plan or other Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan implemented more than 12 months following the completion of the Conversion will not be subject to the foregoing restrictions.

(c)    Existing as well as any newly created Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans may purchase shares of Conversion Stock in the Offerings, to the extent permitted by the terms of such benefit plans and this Plan.

(d)    The Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to enter into employment or severance agreements with their executive officers.

 

25.

DIVIDEND AND REPURCHASE RESTRICTIONS ON STOCK.

(a)    Following consummation of the Conversion, any repurchases of shares of capital stock by the Holding Company will be made in accordance with then applicable laws and regulations.

(b)    The Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend on, or repurchase any of, its capital stock if the effect thereof would cause the regulatory capital of the Bank to be reduced below (i) the amount required for the Liquidation Account, or (ii) applicable federal regulatory capital requirements.

 

26.

PAYMENT OF FEES TO BROKERS.

The Bank may elect to offer to pay fees on a per share basis to securities brokers who assist Persons in determining to purchase shares in the Offerings.

 

27.

EFFECTIVE DATE.

The effective date of the Conversion shall be the date of the closing of the sale of all shares of Conversion Stock after all requisite regulatory and Member approvals have been obtained, all applicable waiting periods have expired, and sufficient subscriptions and orders for Subscription Shares have been received. The closing of the sale of all shares of Conversion Stock sold in the Offerings shall occur simultaneously and shall be conditioned upon the prior receipt of all requisite regulatory and other approvals.

 

20


28.

AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF THE PLAN.

If deemed necessary or desirable by the Board of Directors of the Bank, this Plan may be substantively amended, as a result of comments from regulatory authorities or otherwise, at any time prior to the solicitation of proxies from Members to vote on the Plan and at any time thereafter with the concurrence of the OCC. Any amendment to this Plan made after approval by the Members with the concurrence of the OCC shall not necessitate further approval by the Members unless otherwise required by the OCC. This Plan shall terminate if the sale of all shares of Conversion Stock is not completed within 24 months from the date of the Special Meeting (subject to extension by the OCC). Prior to the Special Meeting, this Plan may be terminated by the Board of Directors of the Bank without approval of the OCC; after the Special Meeting, the Board of Directors may terminate this Plan only with the approval of the OCC.

By adoption of the Plan, Voting Members of the Bank authorize the Board of Directors of the Bank to amend or terminate the Plan under the circumstances set forth in this Section.

 

29.

CONDITIONS TO CONVERSION.

  Consummation of the Conversion pursuant to this Plan is expressly conditioned upon the following:

(a)    Prior receipt by the Holding Company and the Bank of rulings of the United States Internal Revenue Service and the state taxing authorities, or opinions of counsel or tax advisers as described in Section 23 hereof;

(b)    The issuance of the Conversion Stock; and

(c)    The completion of the Conversion within the time period specified in Section 28 of this Plan.

 

30.

INTERPRETATION OF THE PLAN.

All interpretations of this Plan and application of its provisions to particular circumstances by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Holding Company and the Bank shall be final, subject to the authority of the OCC.

 

21

EX-10.2 4 d882215dex102.htm EX-10.2 EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

CONSULTING AGREEMENT

THIS CONSULTING AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of December 21, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and between TC FEDERAL BANK, a Georgia bank (the “Bank”), and Matt Brown, a resident of the State of Florida (“Brown”).

WHEREAS, Brown is currently engaged as the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank; and

WHEREAS, the Bank and Brown desire to set forth their mutual agreement with respect to matters relating to Brown’s retirement from the position as Chief Executive Officer and his continued service as a member of the board of directors of the Bank (the “Board”) and as a consultant, and the terms of Brown’s transition, compensation and benefits and other matters related thereto;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the Agreement’s mutual covenants, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

1. Transition; Duties.

1.1 Board Member. Effective December 31, 2020 (the “Transition Date”), Brown shall resign as the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and continue service as a member of the Board. Brown shall serve as a member of the Board beginning on the Transition Date and until the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank or until his successor is elected and qualified. The Board shall nominate Brown for election as a member of the Board in connection with the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank.

1.2 Consultant. Effective as of the Transition Date, and until the one-year anniversary of the Transition Date (the “Term”), Brown shall serve as a consultant and provide services to the Bank in the form of strategic advice as reasonably requested from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and/or the Board, including, without limitation, facilitating a smooth transition by providing his knowledge, counsel and advice to his successor; providing guidance in developing the Tallahassee market; and providing assistance with conversion marketing and stock sales. For the avoidance of doubt, during the Term, Brown shall provide services as an independent contractor and not as an employee, agent or representative of the Bank. During the Term, Brown shall devote sufficient business time and energy in providing consulting services as is reasonably necessary to perform his consulting services.

2. Compensation. Brown shall receive the following compensation and benefits during the Term, except as otherwise provided below:

2.1 Compensation for Services. In consideration of his service during the Term and his agreement to the covenants contained in Sections 4-7 of this Agreement during and after the Term, the Bank shall pay Brown Seventy-Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000) per year (prorated for any partial year), which amount shall be paid in equal monthly installments on the 1st business day of each month during the Term.

2.2 Business Expenses. The Bank shall reimburse Brown for reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by Brown in the performance of his duties and services hereunder in accordance with reimbursement policies of the Bank.

2.3 Withholding. During the Term, Brown agrees to pay all taxes due on amounts paid to him for services as a member of the Board and as a consultant, and is solely responsible for timely remittance

 

1


to appropriate authorities of all federal, state and local taxes and charges incident to the payment of compensation for such services. Without limitation, the parties hereto agree that the Bank shall not be responsible for, nor withhold, any taxes, assessments or other fees incurred by or on behalf of Brown with respect to his directorship or consulting services, including but not limited to federal, state and local withholding taxes.

3. Termination; Suspension or Reduction of Benefits.

3.1 Termination. During the Term, Brown’s service under this Agreement may only be terminated as follows:

(a) By the Board:

(1) for Cause; or

(2) upon Brown’s Disability.

(b) By Brown for any or no reason, provided that Brown shall give the Bank not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of his intent to effect the termination; or

(c) At any time upon mutual, written agreement of the parties or automatically upon Brown’s death.

3.2 Effect of Termination and Timing of Payments.

(a) Upon the termination of Brown’s service hereunder for any reason, the Bank shall be obligated to pay to Brown or his estate any compensation (as applicable) due and owing under Section 2.1 on the effective date of the termination, reimbursement under Section 2.3 of expenses incurred up to the effective date of the Termination, and any compensation and benefits to which Brown is entitled under the terms of any compensation or benefit plan or agreement in which Brown participated. Upon the termination of Brown’s service hereunder by the Board without Cause, the Bank shall be obligated to pay to Brown in a single lump sum all amounts due pursuant to this Agreement as if such termination had not occurred.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, as a condition of the Bank’s payment of any amount owed to Brown under Section 3.2(a) (other than pursuant to the first sentence thereof), Brown must execute and return to the Bank within such period of time following termination as is permitted by the Bank (not later than forty-five (45) days following such termination) (and not timely revoke during any revocation period provided pursuant to such release) a customary separation and release agreement in the form provided by the Bank.

(c) All payments pursuant to Section 3.2(a) shall be made no later than the sixtieth (60th) day following Brown’s termination. Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, this Agreement shall at all times be interpreted and operated in compliance with the requirements of Code Section 409A, as amended and the standards, regulations or other guidance promulgated thereunder (“Section 409A”). Specifically, to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of tax on Brown under Section 409A, payments payable upon a termination shall be suspended until the first business day for the seventh (7th) month following the effective date of termination, if, immediately prior to Brown’s termination, Brown is a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Section 409A) and Section 409A would require the delay of such payment

 

2


to avoid any penalties thereunder. Each payment hereunder shall be deemed a separate payment for purposes of Section 409A, and the parties agree that the any payments pursuant to Section 3.2(a) are intended to be exempt from Section 409A as a short-term deferral. The parties intend that no payment pursuant to this Agreement shall give rise to any adverse tax consequences to either party pursuant to Section 409A; however, Brown acknowledges that the Bank does not guarantee any particular tax treatment and that Brown is solely responsible for any taxes he incurs pursuant to Section 409A or any similar statue or regulations, if any, as a result of this Agreement.

(d) For purposes of this Agreement, Brown will be deemed to have terminated his service as of the time he incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A.

3.3 Regulatory Matters.

(a) If Brown is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (“FDIA”) (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) and (g)(1)), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate, as of the effective date of such order, except for the payment of amounts due and owing under Section 2.1 on the effective date of said order, and reimbursement of expenses incurred as of the effective date of termination.

(b) If Brown is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) or 8(g)(1) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(3) and (g)(1)), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank shall (1) pay Brown all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (2) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which were suspended.

(c) If the Bank is in default as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA, all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but the vested rights of the parties shall not be affected.

(d) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent a determination is made that continuation of the contract is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank (1) by the director of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) or his or her designee (the “Director), at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in 13(c) of the FDIA; or (2) by the Director, at the time the Director approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank when the Bank is determined by the Director to be in an unsafe and unsound condition. Any rights of Brown that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.

(e) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to Brown by the Bank pursuant to this Agreement are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with Section 18(k) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k)), and the regulations promulgated thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359 or otherwise.

 

3


4. Employer Information.

4.1 Confidential Information and Trade Secrets.

(a) The parties acknowledge that the Bank shall disclose during the Term, or has already disclosed, to Brown for use in Brown’s service, and that during the Term and Brown’s service as a member of the Board, Brown will be provided access to and otherwise make use of, acquire, create, or add to certain valuable, unique, proprietary, and secret information of the Bank (whether tangible or intangible and whether or not electronically kept or stored), including financial statements, drawings, designs, manuals, business plans, processes, procedures, formulas, inventions, pricing policies, customer and prospect list and contracts, sources and identity of vendors and contractors, financial information of customers of the Bank, and other proprietary documents, materials, or information indigenous to the Bank, relating to its businesses and activities, or the manner in which the Bank does business, which is valuable to the Bank in conducting its business because the information is kept confidential and is not generally known to the Bank’s competitors or to the general public (the Confidential Information”). Confidential information does not include information (1) that has been voluntarily disclosed to the public by the Bank, except where such public disclosure has been made by Brown without authorization from the Bank; (2) that has been independently developed and disclosed by others, or (3) that has otherwise entered the public domain through lawful means.

(b) To the extent that the Confidential Information rises to the level of a trade secret under applicable law, then Brown shall, during Brown’s service and for so long as the Confidential Information remains a trade secret under applicable law (or for the maximum period of time otherwise allowed by applicable law) (i) protect and maintain the confidentiality of such trade secrets and (ii) refrain from disclosing, copying, or using any such trade secrets, without the Bank’s prior written consent, except as necessary in Brown’s performance of Brown’s duties under this Agreement.

(c) To the extent that the Confidential Information defined above does not rise to the level of a trade secret under applicable law, Brown shall, during Brown’s service as a member of the Board and thereafter, (i) protect and maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information and (ii) refrain from disclosing, copying, or using any Confidential Information without the Bank’s prior written consent, except as necessary in Brown’s performance of Brown’s duties under this Agreement.

4.2 Return of Property of the Bank. Upon any voluntary or involuntary termination of Brown’s service (or at any time upon request by the Bank), Brown agrees to immediately return to the Bank all property of the Bank (including, without limitation, all documents, electronic files, records, computer disks or other tangible or intangible things that may or may not relate to or otherwise comprise Confidential Information or trade secrets, as defined by applicable law) that Brown created, used, possessed or maintained while providing services to the Bank from whatever source and whenever created, including all reproductions or excerpts thereof. This provision does not apply to purely personal documents of Brown, but it does apply to business calendars, customer lists, contact information, computer programs, disks and their contents and like information that may contain some personal matters of Brown. Brown acknowledges that title to all such property is vested in the Bank. Upon request by the Bank, Brown shall certify in writing that Brown has complied with this provision and has permanently deleted all Bank information from any computers or other electronic storage devices or media owned by Brown. Brown may only retain information relating to Brown’s own compensation and benefits.

5. Non-Competition. During Brown’s service as a member of the Board and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Brown covenants and agrees that Brown shall not, directly or indirectly, compete with the Bank, as an officer, director, member, principal, partner, shareholder (other than a shareholder in a company that is publicly traded and so long as such ownership is less than five (5) percent), owner,

 

4


manager, supervisor, administrator, employee, consultant, or independent contractor, by working in the Territory for or as a Competitive Business, in a capacity identical or substantially similar to the capacity in which Brown served at the Bank. Brown acknowledges that the Bank conducts its business within the Territory, that Brown will perform services for and on behalf of the Bank within the Territory, and that this Section 5 (and the definition of the Territory) is a reasonable limitation on Brown’s ability to compete with the Bank.

6. Non-Solicitation of Customers. During Brown’s service as a member of the Board and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Brown agrees not to, directly or indirectly), contact, solicit, divert, appropriate, or call upon, the customers of the Bank with whom Brown has had Material Contact during the most recent twelve (12) months, including actively sought prospects of the Bank with whom Brown had such Material Contact during said most recent twelve (12) months (a) to solicit such customers or prospective customers for a Competitive Business as herein defined (including, without limitation, any Competitive Business started by Brown) or (b) to otherwise encourage any such customer to discontinue, reduce, or adversely alter the amount of its business with the Bank. Brown acknowledges that, due to Brown’s relationship with the Bank, Brown will develop, or has developed, special contacts and relationships with the Bank’s customers and prospective customers, and that it would be unfair and harmful to the Bank if Brown took advantage of these relationships.

7. Non-Solicitation of Employees. During Brown’s service as a member of the Board and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Brown covenants and agrees that Brown shall not, directly or indirectly: (1) solicit, recruit, or hire (or attempt to solicit, recruit, or hire) or otherwise assist anyone in soliciting, recruiting, or hiring, any employee or independent contractor (which shall not include non-exclusive outside vendors) of the Bank with whom Brown had direct personal contact and who performed work for the Bank within the six (6) month period prior to the solicitation or who was otherwise engaged or employed with the Bank at the time of the termination of Brown’s service with the Bank or (2) otherwise encourage, solicit, or support any such employees or independent contractors to leave their employment or engagement with the Bank, in either case until such employee or contractor has been terminated or separated from the Bank for at least twelve (12) months.

8. Acknowledgements. It is understood and agreed by Brown that the parties have attempted to limit Brown’s right to compete following Brown’s service as a member of the Board only to the extent necessary to protect the Bank from unfair competition. It is acknowledged that the purpose of these covenants and promises is (and that they are necessary) to protect the Bank’s legitimate business interests, to protect the Bank’s investment in the overall development of its business and the good will of its customers, and to protect and retain (and to prevent Brown from unfairly and to the detriment of the Bank utilizing or taking advantage of) the business trade secrets and Confidential Information of the Bank and those substantial contacts and relationships (including those with customers and employees of the Bank) which Brown will continue to establish during the Term and while engaged in service as member of the Board. Brown acknowledges that the covenants contained in Sections 4 through 7 of this Agreement (and their respective time, geographic, and/or activity limitations) are reasonable and that said limitations are no greater than necessary to protect said legitimate business interests in light of the Bank’s business and the services Brown has provided and will provide to the Bank pursuant to this Agreement, and Brown agrees to strictly abide by the terms hereof. Brown further acknowledges that Brown has substantial experience and knowledge such that Brown can readily obtain subsequent employment which does not violate this Agreement and that this Agreement does not pose an undue hardship on Brown or harm the public.

9. Remedies. Brown agrees that the covenants contained in Sections 4 through 7 of this Agreement are of the essence of this Agreement; that each of the covenants is reasonable and necessary to protect the business, interests and properties of the Bank, and that irreparable loss and damage will be suffered by the Bank should Brown breach any of the covenants. Therefore, Brown agrees and consents that, in addition

 

5


to all the remedies provided by law or in equity, the Bank shall be entitled to a temporary restraining order and temporary and permanent injunctions to prevent a breach or contemplated breach of any of the covenants. The Bank and Brown agree that all remedies available to the Bank or Brown, as applicable, shall be cumulative.

10. Severability. The parties agree that each of the provisions included in this Agreement is separate, distinct and severable from the other provisions of this Agreement and that the invalidity or unenforceability of any Agreement provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. Further, if any provision of this Agreement is ruled invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction because of a conflict between the provision and any applicable law or public policy, the provision shall be redrawn to make the provision consistent with, and valid and enforceable under, the law or public policy.

11. Notice. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sufficiently given if and when mailed in the United States by registered or certified mail, or personally delivered, to the party entitled thereto at the address stated below or to such changed address as the addressee may have given by a similar notice:

If to the Bank:

TC Federal Bank

131 S. Dawson St.

Thomasville, Georgia 31792

Attention: Chairman

If to Brown:

Matt Brown

9187 McDougal Court

Tallahassee, Florida 32312

12. Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any right or interest hereunder shall be assignable by Brown, his beneficiaries or legal representatives, without the prior written consent of the Bank provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude (i) Brown from designating a beneficiary to receive any benefits payable hereunder upon his death, or (ii) the executors, administrators, or other legal representatives of Brown or his estate from assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. The Bank may assign this Agreement without the consent of Brown. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the Bank and Brown and their respective heirs, successors, assigns, and legal representatives.

13. Waiver. A waiver by one party to this Agreement of any breach of this Agreement by the other party to this Agreement shall not be effective unless in writing, and no waiver shall operate or be construed as a waiver of the same or another breach on a subsequent occasion.

14. Governing Law and Forum. This Agreement has been executed under seal and delivered in the State of Georgia, and its validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia, without reference to its rules of conflicts of laws. Further, Georgia law shall apply to the merits of any dispute or claim in arbitration, without reference to its rules of conflicts of law. The parties agree that they will not file any action arising out of this agreement other than in a state or federal court located in Georgia. The parties consent to personal jurisdiction and venue solely within these forums and waive all otherwise possible objections thereto.

 

6


15. Interpretation. Words importing any gender include all genders. Words importing the singular form shall include the plural and vice versa. The terms “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereby,” “hereto,” “hereof” and any similar terms refer to this Agreement. Any captions, titles or headings preceding the text of any article, section or subsection herein are solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute part of this Agreement or affect its meaning, construction or effect.

16. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire and final agreement of the parties on the subject matter stated in this Agreement. No amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be valid or binding upon the Bank, or Brown unless made in writing and signed by all parties. All prior understandings and agreements relating to the subject matter of this Agreement are hereby expressly terminated.

17. Rights of Third Parties. Nothing herein expressed is intended to or shall be construed to confer upon or give to any person, firm or other entity, other than the parties hereto and their permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

18. Survival. The obligations of Brown and the Bank shall survive Brown’s termination of service and termination or expiration of this Agreement for the period designated under each respective section.

19. Representation Regarding Restrictive Covenants. Brown represents that Brown is not and will not become a party to any non-competition or non-solicitation agreement or any other agreement which would prohibit Brown from entering into this Agreement or providing the services for the Bank contemplated by this Agreement on or after the Effective Date. In the event Brown is subject to any such agreement, this Agreement shall be rendered null and void and the Bank shall have no obligations to Brown under this Agreement.

20. Definitions. Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms and their variant forms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) “Agreement” shall mean this Agreement and any exhibits incorporated herein together with any amendments hereto made in the manner described in this Agreement.

(b) “Cause” shall mean:

(1) any act by Brown of fraud against, material misappropriation from, or material dishonesty to the Bank during the Term;

(2) conduct by Brown that amounts to wilful misconduct, gross and willful insubordination, or gross neglect in the performance of Brown’s duties and responsibilities hereunder;

(3) Brown’s indictment for (or its procedural equivalent), or entering of a guilty plea or plea of no contest with respect to, a crime involving breach of trust or moral turpitude or any felony;

(4) the Bank’s receipt of any form of notice, written or otherwise, that any regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the Bank intends to institute any form of formal or informal regulatory action against Brown;

(5) Brown’s removal and/or permanent prohibition from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under 12 U.S.C. Section 1818(e) or (g);

 

7


(6) the exhibition of a standard of behavior within the scope of or related to Brown’s service that is materially disruptive to the orderly conduct of the Bank’s business operations (including, without limitation, substance abuse or sexual harassment or sexual misconduct that violates federal or state law);

(7) Brown’s breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Bank; or

(8) a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by Brown not cured by Brown within ten (10) business days after his receipt of the Bank’s written notice thereof, including, without limitation, a material failure by Brown to perform Brown’s duties and responsibilities in the manner and to the extent required under this Agreement, and, in the event Brown does not cure said condition, the Bank terminates his service within thirty (30) days after the period for curing said condition has expired;

each of the foregoing to be determined by the Board in the reasonable exercise of its discretion and acting in good faith.

(c) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(d) “Competitive Business” shall mean an enterprise that is in the business of offering banking products and/or services, which services and/or products are similar or substantially identical to those offered by the Bank during Executive’s service with the Bank.

(e) “Disability” shall mean a condition for which benefits are payable to Brown under any long-term disability insurance coverage then provided to Brown by the Bank, or, if no such coverage is then being provided, the inability of Brown to perform the essential functions of Brown’s duties under this Agreement with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of at least ninety (90) days in the aggregate in any rolling one hundred and eighty (180)-day period, as determined by an independent physician selected by the Board.

(f) Material Contact shall mean the contact between Brown and each customer or potential customer:

(i) With whom or which Brown dealt on behalf of the Bank;

(ii) Whose dealings with the Bank were coordinated or supervised by Brown;

(iii) About whom Brown obtained confidential information in the ordinary course of business as a result of Brown’s association with the Bank; or

(iv) Who receives products or services authorized by the Bank, the sale or provision of which results or resulted in compensation, commissions, or earnings for Brown within two years prior to the date of the Executive’s termination.

(g) “Territory” shall mean, to the extent the Bank carries on business therein, (i) Thomas County, Georgia and its adjacent counties, Grady, Colquitt, Brooks, and Mitchell Counties, Georgia, (ii) Leon County, Florida and its adjacent counties, Gadsden, Wakulla, Jefferson and Liberty Counties, Florida, (iii) Chatham County, Georgia and its adjacent counties, Liberty, Bryan, and Effingham Counties, Georgia as well as the adjacent Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort Metropolitan Statistical Area, (iv) other communities within a 75-mile distance of any branch or loan production office of the Bank, and (v) in the event that the Bank expands the geographic reach of its business to other counties during Brown’s service as a member of the Board, the definition of Territory shall expand to include such additional counties.

 

8


(h) “Term” shall mean the period this Agreement is in effect pursuant to Section 2.

(i) “Termination” shall mean a termination of Brown’s engagement as a member of the Board of as a consultant.

[Signatures on next page]

 

9


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

TC FEDERAL BANK
By:  

/s/ Stephanie B. Tillman

Name:   Stephanie B. Tillman
Title:   Chairman of the Board
BROWN:

/s/ Matt Brown

Matt Brown

 

10

EX-10.3 5 d882215dex103.htm EX-10.3 EX-10.3

Exhibit 10.3

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into as of December 24, 2020, by and between TC FEDERAL BANK, a Georgia bank (the “Bank”) and GREG EIFORD, a resident of Georgia (“Executive”). The Bank and Executive are sometimes hereinafter referred to, collectively, as the “Parties” and, individually, as a “Party.”

WHEREAS, Executive is currently engaged as the President of the Bank; and

WHEREAS, the Bank wishes to employ Executive to serve as its Chief Executive Officer and as a member of its board of directors (the “Board”), effective as of January 1, 2021 (the “Effective Date”), and Executive wishes to be so employed by the Bank, all upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the Agreement’s mutual covenants, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and legal sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:

1. Definitions. The following terms used in this Agreement shall have the following meanings:

(a) “Cause” shall mean a termination of Executive’s employment as a result of:

(i) any act by Executive of fraud against, material misappropriation from, or material dishonesty to the Bank during the Term;

(ii) conduct by Executive that amounts, to willful misconduct, gross and willful insubordination, or gross neglect in the performance of Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder;

(iii) Executive’s indictment for (or its procedural equivalent), or entering of a guilty plea or plea of no contest with respect to, a crime involving breach of trust or moral turpitude or any felony;

(iv) the Bank’s receipt of any form of notice, written or otherwise, that any regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the Bank intends to institute any form of formal or informal regulatory action against Executive;

(v) Executive’s removal and/or permanent prohibition from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under 12 U.S.C. Section 1818(e) or (g);

(vi) the exhibition of a standard of behavior within the scope of or related to Executive’s employment that is materially disruptive to the orderly conduct of the Bank’s business operations (including, without limitation, substance abuse or sexual harassment or sexual misconduct that violates federal or state law);

(vii) Executive’s breach of any fiduciary duty owed to the Bank; or

(viii) a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by Executive not cured by Executive within ten (10) business days after his receipt of the Bank’s written notice

 

1


thereof, including, without limitation, a material failure by Executive to perform Executive’s duties and responsibilities in the manner and to the extent required under this. Agreement, and, in the event Executive does not cure said condition, the Bank terminates his employment within thirty (30) days after the period for curing said condition has expired;

each of the foregoing to be determined by the Board in the reasonable exercise of its discretion and acting in good faith.

(b) “Change in Control” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events, provided the Change in Control also constitutes a change in the ownership of the Bank, or in a substantial portion of the assets of the Bank, as applicable, within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code.

(i) During any twelve (12)-month period, the individuals who are members of the Board immediately before the beginning of such twelve (12)-month period (the “Incumbent Board”) cease for any reason to constitute at least 50% of the Board during that twelve (12)-month period; provided, however, that if the election, or nomination for election by the Bank’s shareholders, of any new director was approved in advance by a vote of at least 50% of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall, for purposes of this Agreement, be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board;

(ii) Upon the consummation of any acquisition, merger, consolidation, reorganization or other similar transaction immediately after which the shareholders of the Bank immediately before such transaction own less than 50% of the total fair market value or total voting power of the Bank or the Person resulting from such transaction if not the Bank; provided, however, that the event described in this Subsection (ii) shall not be deemed to be a Change in Control by virtue of any of the following acquisitions: (A) by the Bank, (B) by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Bank, or (C) by an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an offering of such securities;

(iii) When any Person or more than one Person acting as a group acquires, or has acquired during any twelve (12)-month period) more than 50% of the total gross fair market value of the assets of the Bank immediately prior to such acquisition or acquisitions, including without limitation stock or assets of the Bank.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, any merger, share exchange or other transaction pursuant to which the Bank reorganizes or converts into a holding company structure, immediately following the consummation of which the holders of Bank common stock immediately preceding the consummation of such transaction hold the same percentage ownership interest in such holding company as they held in the Bank, subject only to adjustments necessary to reflect the elimination of Bank common stock interests held by holders of Bank common stock exercising their rights as objecting or dissenting shareholders, and/or the elimination of fractional share interests resulting from the use of an exchange ratio other than one share of holding company common stock for each share of Bank common stock, shall not constitute a Change in Control.

(c) “Code” shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

2


(d) “Competitive Business” shall mean an enterprise that is in the business of offering banking products and/or services, which services and/or products are similar or substantially identical to those offered by the Bank during Executive’s employment with the Bank.

(e) “Disability” shall mean a condition for which benefits are payable to Executive under any long-term disability insurance coverage then provided to Executive by the Bank; or, if no such coverage is then being provided, the inability of Executive to perform the essential functions of Executive’s duties under this Agreement with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of at least ninety (90) days in the aggregate in any rolling one hundred and eighty (180)-day period, as determined by an independent physician selected by the Board.

(f) “Good Reason” shall mean if, during the term of Executive’s employment under this Agreement, and without Executive’s consent, the following occurs:

(i) any breach of the material terms of this Agreement by the Bank;

(ii) any material and adverse change in the reporting relationship(s), authority, duties or responsibilities of Executive;

(iii) any assignment of duties that are materially and adversely inconsistent with Executive’s position or that are materially and adversely inconsistent with Executive’s authority, duties or responsibilities described in this Agreement;

(iv) the relocation of Executive without Executive’s consent to any principal place of employment that is a material change from the main office of the Bank as the Bank may from time to time designate; provided, however, this Subsection (iv) shall not apply in the case of business travel which requires Executive to relocate temporarily for periods of ninety (90) days or less; or

(v) any material and adverse change in Executive’s Base Salary or annual bonus opportunity.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no event shall constitute Good Reason unless Executive notifies the Board in writing regarding the existence of the condition(s) constituting Good Reason no later than thirty (30) days after Executive knows of the condition(s), the Bank does not cure said condition within thirty (30) days after receipt of Executive’s written notice and, in the event the Bank does not cure said condition, Executive terminates his employment within thirty (30) days after the period for curing said condition has expired without the Bank having cured same.

(g) “Material Contact” shall mean the contact between Executive and each customer or potential customer:

(i) With whom or which Executive dealt on behalf of the Bank;

(ii) Whose dealings with the Bank were coordinated or supervised by Executive;

(iii) About whom Executive obtained confidential information in the ordinary course of business as a result of Executive’s association with the Bank; or

 

3


(iv) Who receives products or services authorized by the Bank, the sale or provision of which results or resulted in compensation, commissions, or earnings for Executive with in two years prior to the date of the Executive’s termination.

(h) “Person” shall mean any individual, corporation, bank, credit union, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association, organization or other entity of any kind or nature.

(i) “Territory” shall mean, to the extent the Bank carries on business therein, (i) Thomas County, Georgia and its adjacent counties, Grady, Colquitt. Brooks, and Mitchell Counties, Georgia, (ii) Leon County, Florida and its adjacent counties, Gadsden, Wakulla, Jefferson and Liberty Counties, Florida, (iii) Chatham County, Georgia and its adjacent counties, Liberty, Bryan, and Effingham Counties, Georgia as well as the adjacent Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort Metropolitan Statistical Area, (iv) other communities within a 75-mile distance of any branch or loan production office of the Bank, and (v) in the event that the Bank expands the geographic reach of its business to other counties during Executive’s employment, the definition of Territory shall expand to include such additional counties.

2. Employment. The Bank hereby employs Executive, Executive hereby accepts such employment, as Chief Executive Officer of the Bank with such duties and responsibilities as are customarily performed by persons acting in such capacities and as may be delegated from time to time to Executive by the Board upon and pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement.

3. Term and Duties.

(a) Term. The period of Executive’s employment with the Bank under this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and shall continue fora period of three (3) years unless earlier terminated pursuant to this Agreement (the “Initial Term”). If the Agreement is in effect at the end of the Initial Term, the Term, as defined herein, shall be renewed automatically for successive twelve-month periods (each a “Renewal Term”) unless and until one Party gives written notice to the other of its or his intent not to extend this Agreement with such written notice to be given not less than ninety (90) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or any subsequent Renewal Term, as applicable. In the event such notice of non-renewal is properly given, this Agreement shall terminate at the end of the remaining Initial Term or Renewal Term then in effect, subject to earlier termination in connection with the termination of Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement. In the event that any Party provides timely notice of non-renewal of the Agreement, Executive shall terminate his employment with the Bank on expiration of the Term (the Initial Term and any subsequent Renewal Terms hereinafter referred to as the “Term”).

(b) Performance of Duties. During the Term, except for periods of illness, disability, reasonable vacation periods, and authorized leaves of absence, all subject to policies generally applicable to senior executives of the Bank, Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time, attention, skill, and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties under this Agreement. Executive shall be eligible to participate as a member in community, civic, religious, or similar organizations, and may pursue personal investments, which in either event do not present any material conflict of interest with the Bank (with prior written approval by the Board during the Term), or unfavorably affect in any material respect the performance of Executive’s duties under this Agreement.

(c) Directorship. Executive shall be appointed to serve as a member of the Board beginning on the Effective Date and until the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank or

 

4


until his successor is elected and qualified. Thereafter, during the Term, the Board shall nominate Executive for election as a member of the Board, including without limitation in connection with the 2021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Bank and, at the expiration of each then-current term, re-election as a member of the Board.

(d) No Other Agreement. Executive shall have no employment contract or other written or oral agreement concerning employment with any organization, entity or person other than the Bank during the Term.

4. Compensation.

(a) Base Salary. The Bank shall pay Executive a base salary of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) per year during the first year of the Initial Term (the “Base Salary”). Following the first anniversary of the Initial Term and thereafter (including during any Renewal Term), Executive’s Base Salary may be increased (but not decreased) at the discretion of the Board; such initial Base Salary, or any increased Base Salary, shall be payable in substantially equal installments in accordance with the Bank’s normal pay practices, but not less frequently than monthly.

(b) Incentive Compensation. Subject to applicable law, including any required regulatory approval, Executive shall be eligible to participate in an annual incentive compensation program. For each calendar year during the Term (prorated for any partial calendar year), Executive shall be eligible to receive annual incentive compensation in an amount of up to thirty percent (30%) of his Base Salary earned for that calendar year (“Incentive Compensation”). The performance measures for any given year shall be set by the Board after consultation with Executive no later than November 30th of the year preceding the year to which the Incentive Compensation opportunity relates. Entitlement to and payment of such Incentive Compensation and any related holdbacks are subject to the discretion and approval of the Board. Any Incentive Compensation earned shall be payable no later than sixty (60) days following the calendar quarter in which the Incentive Compensation is earned, in accordance with the Bank’s normal practices for the payment of Incentive Compensation. To be entitled to any payment of Incentive Compensation, Executive must be employed by the Bank on the last day of the applicable calendar year in which the Incentive Compensation is earned.

(c) Stock Option and Equity Awards. Executive will be eligible to participate in any stock option plan, restricted stock and long-term equity incentive plans offered by the Bank to senior executives on the same basis as such other similarly situated employees of the Bank and terms consistent with Executive’s position with the Bank.

(d) Reimbursement of Expenses; Automobile Use. Executive shall be entitled to each of the following:

(i) the Bank shall pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel and entertainment expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, in accordance with the terms provided in the Bank’s applicable policies and procedures, and as the Board has adopted or may adopt in the future;

(ii) the Bank shall pay or reimburse Executive for actual monthly dues paid and business-related expenditures associated with the membership at his country club or similar social club. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Bank shall not pay or reimburse Executive for any initiation fee related to Executive’s membership or enrollment in any such club without prior approval of the Board; and

 

5


(iii) the Bank shall provide Executive with a monthly automobile allowance of Five Hundred Dollars ($500) per month.

Executive agrees, as a condition of any such reimbursement, to submit verification of the nature and amount of such expenses in accordance with such reimbursement policies and in sufficient detail to comply with rules and regulation promulgated by the United States Department of Treasury.

(e) Clawback of Compensation. Executive agrees to repay the gross amount of any compensation previously paid to Executive under this Agreement that is subject to recovery under any applicable law (including any rule of any exchange or service through which the securities of the Bank are then traded) or compensation recoupment policy the Bank may adopt from time to time, including, but not limited to, the following circumstances:

(i) where such compensation was in excess of what should have been paid because the determination of the amount due was based, in whole or in part, on materially inaccurate financial information of the Bank;

(ii) where such compensation constitutes “excessive compensation” within the meaning of 12 C.F.R. Part 30, Appendix A;

(iii) where Executive has committed, is substantially responsible for, or has violated, the respective acts, omissions, conditions, or offenses outlined under 12 C.F.R. Section 359.4(a)(4); or

(iv) if the Bank becomes, and for so long as the Bank remains, subject to the provisions of 12 U.S.C. Section 1831o(f), where such compensation exceeds the restrictions imposed on the senior executive officers of such an institution.

Executive agrees to return within sixty (60) days, or within any earlier timeframe required by applicable law or any recoupment policy, any such compensation properly identified by the Bank by written notice. If Executive fails to return such compensation within the applicable time period, Executive agrees that the amount of such compensation may be deducted from any and all other compensation owed to Executive by the Bank. The provisions of this Section 4(e) shall be modified to the extent, and remain in effect for the period, required by applicable law.

5. Participation in Benefit Plans.

(a) Incentive, Savings, and Retirement Plans. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to participate in all other incentive, savings, and retirement plans, practices, policies, and programs applicable generally to senior executive officers of the Bank, on the same basis as such other similarly situated employees of the Bank and consistent with Executive’s position with the Bank, in accordance with the terms of such plans, practices, policies and programs, as may be amended from time to time.

(b) Health and Welfare Benefit Plans. During the Term, Executive and Executive’s dependents shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits under any health and welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Bank, to the extent

 

6


applicable to similarly situated executives of the Bank and their eligible dependents and subject to the terms, conditions and eligibility requirements (including any required premium payments or other costs) therefore as may be prescribed by the Bank and set forth in the terms of such plans, practices, policies and programs from time to time.

(c) Paid Time Off. During the Term, Executive shall be entitled to annual paid time off in accordance with the policies that the Bank periodically establishes for similarly situated executives of the Bank.

6. Payments and Benefits to Executive Upon Termination of Employment. The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement for any reason with (except upon termination of Executive’s employment for Cause) thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Executive, and Executive may voluntarily terminate his employment under this Agreement with thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the Bank. The rights and obligations of the Bank and Executive in the event of employment termination during the Term are set forth in this Section 6 as follows:

(a) Death Benefits. Executive’s employment under this Agreement shall terminate automatically upon Executive’s death. If Executive’s employment is terminated by reason of death during. the Term, the Bank shall pay Executive, or as applicable, his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or to his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum payment for (i) the Base Salary earned but unpaid through the Executive’s date of termination, (ii) accrued but unused paid time off as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment and (iii) any reimbursements for expenses incurred but not yet paid under Section 4(d) (the “Accrued Obligations”). Such Accrued Obligations shall be paid to Executive within thirty (30) days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment (or. if later, following presentation of supporting documentation for unreimbursed expenses in accordance with Section 4(d)).

(b) Disability Benefits. If the Board determines that Executive has incurred a Disability (whether or not any applicable long-term disability insurance carrier deems him to have incurred a Disability), the Bank may terminate Executive’s employment under this Agreement on account of Executive’s Disability. If Executive’s employment is terminated by the Bank by reason of Disability, the Bank shall pay to Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, to his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or to his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum payment of any Accrued Obligations within thirty (30) days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment (or, if later, following presentation of supporting documentation for unreimbursed expenses in accordance with Section 4(d)).

(c) Termination for Cause or by Executive Without Good Reason. Following Executive’s termination for Cause or a termination by Executive without Good Reason upon thirty (30) days’ written notice, the Bank shall pay Executive a lump sum payment of any Accrued Obligations within thirty (30) days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment (or, if later, following presentation of supporting documentation for unreimbursed expenses in accordance with Section 4(d)). Executive shall have no right to any other compensation or benefits (except for vested benefits under any employee benefit plan in accordance with the terms of the plan and any right to continued health coverage the federal Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended, if applicable, or similar state law (“COBRA”)) for any period after a termination for Cause or a termination by Executive without Good Reason upon thirty (30) days’ written notice, and all outstanding unvested equity and shares/units associated with outstanding performance cycles and all unvested options or other equity awards will be cancelled.

 

7


(d) Other Qualifying Events of Termination. Upon Executive’s termination of employment for Good Reason or the Bank’s termination of Executive’s employment for any reason other than death. Disability or Cause, Executive shall be entitled to the following:

(i) the Bank shall pay to Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, to his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or to his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum payment of any Accrued Obligations within thirty (30) days following the date of Executive’s termination of employment (or, if later, following presentation of supporting documentation for unreimbursed expenses in accordance with Section 4(d)):, and

(ii) the Bank shall pay to Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, to his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or to his estate, as the case may be, an amount equal to Executive’s then-current Base Salary (or, if greater, the rate in effect before any reduction in Base Salary that gave rise to termination of Executive’s employment for Good Reason), to be paid in equal monthly installments and in accordance with the Bank’s regular payroll practices. over a period of twelve (12) months following the date of termination of his employment (“Severance”).

Any amounts due pursuant to this Section 6(d) shall be subject to Section 8(a). Executive shall have no right to any other compensation or benefits (except for vested benefits under any employee benefit plan in accordance with the terms of the plan and any right to continued health coverage under COBRA or similar state law) for any period after termination.

7. Change in Control.

(a) If during the Term and during the period beginning six (6) months prior to, and ending twelve (12) months after the date of the closing of a Change in Control, Executive experiences a termination of employment either by Executive for Good Reason or the Bank for any reason other than death, Disability or Cause, then, in addition to any Severance payable pursuant to Section 6(d), the Bank shall pay to Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, to his designated beneficiary or beneficiaries, or to his estate, as the case may be, an amount equal to two (2) times the sum of (i) Executive’s then-current Base Salary (or, if greater, the rate in effect before any reduction in Base Salary that gave rise to termination of Executive’s employment for Good Reason) plus (ii) the average annual bonus paid to Executive with respect to the three (3) calendar-year period immediately preceding Executive’s termination of employment, to be paid on the later of the date of the Change in Control or Executive’s termination of employment. Any amounts due pursuant to this Section 7(a) (a “Change in Control Payment”) shall be paid in a lump sum subject to Section 8(a).

(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if all or any portion of the payments and benefits provided to an Executive under this Agreement, or any other payment or benefit (including under any plan or arrangement adopted in the future), would otherwise constitute “excess parachute payments” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code (“Payments”), then the amount of such Payments shall be reduced to an amount that would result in there being no excess parachute payments; provided, however, that the foregoing reduction will be made only if and to the extent that such reduction would result in an increase-in the aggregate Payments to be provided, determined on an after-tax basis (taking into account the excise tax imposed by Section 4999 of the Code (the “Excise Tax”), any tax imposed by any comparable provision of state law, and any applicable federal, state and local income and employment taxes). If any such reduction is necessary hereunder, cash payments shall be modified or reduced first, against the latest amounts otherwise payable, and then any other benefits on a prorated basis. Determination of whether the

 

8


Payments would constitute an excess parachute payment, and the amount of reduction so that no excess parachute payments shall exist, shall be made, at the Bank’s expense, by the independent accounting firm employed by the Bank immediately prior to the occurrence of any Change in Control (the “Determination Firm”).

(c) This Agreement contains covenants of Executive to refrain from certain activities deemed harmful to the Bank for a set period of time in exchange for the promises contained herein. If Executive is deemed eligible to receive Payments under this Agreement that could be subject to the Excise Tax, the Bank shall seek a valuation from the Determination Firm to determine the value of the covenants contained in this Agreement and such amount shall be allocated to such arrangements and be excluded from treatment as a Payment.

8. General Provisions Applicable to Post-Termination.

(a) Release. In return for Severance or any other post-termination payments and benefits described in Sections 6 or 7 of this Agreement and the Release, Executive shall execute a full release and waiver acceptable to the Bank (the “Release”) of all known or unknown claims or causes of action Executive has, had, or may have against the Bank, its affiliates and all of the officers, employees, directors and agents of the Bank and its affiliates. Executive must execute such Release and the applicable revocation period required by law must expire, within sixty (60) days following Executive’s termination of employment (and again as to payments due as of a later Change in Control within sixty (60) days following the Change in Control). The Severance or any other post-termination payments and benefits described in Sections 6 or 7 of this Agreement that would have been made prior to such Release becoming effective and irrevocable shall be held and accumulated until the execution of said Release and the expiration of the revocation period without Executive having revoked the same. If the Release becomes effective and irrevocable within such sixty (60) days, all payments and reimbursements held and accumulated will be made within ten (10) days after the Release becomes effective and irrevocable and the remaining payments and reimbursements will be made as otherwise specified. If Executive does not execute the Release and the Release does not become irrevocable before the sixtieth (60’) day after Executive’s termination of employment, Executive shall not receive Severance or any other post-termination payments and benefits described in Sections 6 or 7 described of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the period for the execution of said Release and the expiration of the revocation period without Executive having revoked the same spans more than one calendar year, all payments and reimbursements held and accumulated will not be made any earlier than the subsequent calendar year.

(b) Compliance with Protective Covenants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event Executive fails or ceases to fully abide by all of the covenants contained in Section 10, or in the event any court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator deems any such covenant(s) to be invalid or unenforceable as the result of a challenge by Executive, then Executive acknowledges and agrees that such circumstances shall constitute a failure of consideration and Executive shall not be entitled to Severance or any other post-termination payments or benefits pursuant to Sections 6 or 7 of this Agreement. If Executive has already received any such Severance or post-termination payments and benefits at the time he fails or ceases to fully abide by any such covenant or any court of competent jurisdiction or arbitrator deems any such covenant(s) to be invalid or unenforceable as the result of a challenge by Executive, the Bank shall immediately be entitled to recover all such gross amounts in full from Executive.

(c) Resignation from the Board. If Executive is a member of the Board and Executive’s employment is terminated by the Bank or by Executive pursuant to Section 6, Executive shall immediately resign from Executive’s position on the Board, effective no later than the effective date of Executive’s termination of employment.

 

9


9. Regulatory Limitations.

(a) If Executive is suspended and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the Bank by a notice served under 12 U.S.C. Section 1818(e) or (g), the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall be suspended as of the date of service of such notice, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings.

(b) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of the Bank by an order issued under 12 U.S.C. Section 1818(e) or (g), all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the Parties shall not be affected.

(c) Notwithstanding the timing for the payment of any Severance or other post-termination payments and benefits described in Sections 6 and 7, no such payments shall be made or commence, as applicable, that require the concurrence or consent of the appropriate federal banking agency of the Bank pursuant to 12 C.F.R. Section 359 prior to the receipt of such concurrence or consent. The Bank shall have the obligation to submit an application to make such payment to the appropriate federal banking agency within fifteen (15) business days of Executive’s right to such payment arising and shall provide a copy of such application to Executive. Any payments suspended by operation of this Section 9(c) shall be paid as a lump sum within thirty (30) days following receipt of the concurrence or consent of the appropriate federal banking agency of the Bank or as otherwise directed by such federal banking agency.

(d) All obligations under this Agreement are further subject to such conditions, restrictions, limitations and forfeiture provisions as may separately apply pursuant to any applicable state banking laws.

10. Protective Covenants. Executive shall abide by and be bound by the following Protective Covenants:

(a) Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. The Parties acknowledge that the Bank shall disclose during the Term, or has already disclosed, to Executive for use in Executive’s employment, and that during the Term Executive will be provided access to and otherwise make use of, acquire, create, or add to certain valuable, unique, proprietary, and secret information of the Bank (whether tangible or intangible and whether or not electronically kept or stored), including financial statements, drawings, designs, manuals, business plans, processes, procedures, formulas, inventions, pricing policies, customer and prospect lists and contacts, contracts, sources and identity of vendors and contractors, financial information of customers of the Bank, and other proprietary documents, materials, or information indigenous to the Bank, relating to its businesses and activities, or the manner in which the Bank does business, which is valuable to the Bank in conducting its business because the information is kept confidential and is not generally known to the Bank’s competitors or to the general public (the “Confidential Information”). Confidential Information does not include information (i) that has been voluntarily disclosed to the public by the Bank, except where such public disclosure has been made by Executive without authorization from the Bank; (ii) that has been independently developed and disclosed by others, or (iii) that has otherwise entered the public domain through lawful means.

 

10


To the extent that the Confidential Information rises to the level of a trade secret under applicable law, then Executive shall, during Executive’s employment and for so long as the Confidential Information remains a trade secret under applicable law (or for the maximum period of time otherwise allowed by applicable law) (i) protect and maintain the confidentiality of such trade secrets and (ii) refrain from disclosing, copying, or using any such trade secrets, without the Bank’s prior written consent, except as necessary in Executive’s performance of Executive’s duties while employed with the Bank.

To the extent that the Confidential Information defined above does not rise to the level of a trade secret under applicable law, Executive shall, during Executive’s employment and following any voluntary or involuntary termination of employment, (i) protect and maintain the confidentiality of the Confidential Information and (ii) refrain from disclosing, copying, or using any Confidential Information without the Bank’s prior written consent, except as necessary in Executive’s performance of Executive’s duties while employed with the Bank.

(b) Return of Property of the Bank. Upon any voluntary or involuntary termination of Executive’s employment (or at any time upon request by the Bank), Executive agrees to immediately return to the Bank all property of the Bank (including, without limitation, all documents, electronic files, records, computer disks or other tangible or intangible things that may or may not relate to or otherwise comprise Confidential Information or trade secrets, as defined by applicable law) that Executive created, used. possessed or maintained while working for the Bank from whatever source and whenever created, including all reproductions or excerpts thereof. This provision does not apply to purely personal documents of Executive, but it does apply to business calendars, customer lists, contact information, computer programs. disks and their contents and like information that may contain some personal matters of Executive. Executive acknowledges that title to all such property is vested in the Bank. Upon request by the Bank, Executive shall certify in writing that Executive has complied with this provision and has permanently deleted all Bank information from any computers or other electronic storage devices or media owned by Executive. Executive may only retain information relating to Executive’s own compensation and benefits.

(c) Non-Solicitation of Customers. During the Term and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive agrees not to, directly or indirectly contact, solicit, divert, appropriate, or call upon, the customers of the Bank with whom Executive has had Material Contact during the most recent twelve (12) months, including actively sought prospects of the Bank with whom Executive had such Material Contact during said most recent twelve (12) months (i) to solicit such customers or prospective customers for a Competitive Business as herein defined (including, without limitation, any Competitive Business started by Executive) or (ii) to otherwise encourage any such customer to discontinue, reduce, or adversely alter the amount of its business with the Bank. Executive acknowledges that, due to Executive’s relationship with the Bank, Executive will develop, or has developed, special contacts and relationships with the Bank’s customers and prospective customers, and that it would be unfair and harmful to the Bank if Executive took advantage of these relationships.

(d) Non-Piracy of Employees. During the Term and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive covenants and agrees that Executive shall not, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit, recruit, or hire (or attempt to solicit, recruit, or hire) or otherwise assist anyone in soliciting, recruiting, or hiring, any employee or independent contractor (which shall not include non-exclusive outside vendors) of the Bank with whom Executive had direct personal contact and who performed work for the Bank within the six (6) month period prior to the solicitation or who was otherwise engaged or employed with the Bank at the time of the termination of Executive’s employment with the Bank; or (ii) otherwise encourage, solicit, or support any such employees or

 

11


independent contractors to leave their employment or engagement with the Bank, in either case until such employee or contractor has been terminated or separated from the Bank for at least twelve (12) months.

(e) Non-Compete. During the Term and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive covenants and agrees that Executive shall not, directly or indirectly, compete with the Bank, as an officer, director, member, principal, partner, shareholder (other than a shareholder in a company that is publicly traded and so long as such ownership is less than five (5) percent), owner, manager, supervisor. administrator, employee, consultant, or independent contractor, by working in the Territory (as defined above) for or as a Competitive Business, in a capacity identical or substantially similar to the capacity in which Executive served at the Bank. Executive acknowledges that the Bank conducts its business within the Territory, that Executive will perform services for and on behalf of the Bank within the Territory, and that this Section 10(e) (and the definition of the Territory) is a reasonable limitation on Executive’s ability to compete with the Bank.

(f) Mutual Non-Disparagement. During the Term and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, the Bank agrees that it will not issue any statement (written or oral) that could reasonably be perceived as disparaging to Executive. During the Term and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, Executive agrees that he will not make any statement (written or oral) that could reasonably be perceived as disparaging to the Bank or any person or entity that he reasonably should know is an affiliate of the Bank. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to or will be used in any way to prevent Executive from testifying truthfully under oath in a judicial proceeding or to limit Executive’s right to communicate with a government agency, as provided for, protected under or warranted by applicable law or with an attorney retained by Executive.

(g) Acknowledgment. It is understood and agreed by Executive that the Parties have attempted to limit his right to compete only to the extent necessary to protect the Bank from unfair competition. It is acknowledged that the purpose of these covenants and promises is (and that they are necessary) to protect the Bank’s legitimate business interests, to protect the Bank’s investment in the overall development of its business and the good will of its customers, and to protect and retain (and to prevent Executive from unfairly and to the detriment of the Bank utilizing or taking advantage of) the business trade secrets and Confidential Information of the Bank and those substantial contacts and relationships (including those with customers and employees of the Bank) which Executive established due to his employment with the Bank. Therefore, in addition to any other remedies, Executive agrees that in the event that he breaches any of the covenants in Section 10 of this Agreement, no further amounts will be paid to Executive pursuant hereto, other than salary or benefits earned and accrued by Executive as of the date of any such breach. The Bank and Executive agree that all remedies available to the Bank or Executive, as applicable, shall be cumulative.

Executive acknowledges that these covenants and promises (and their respective time, geographic, and/or activity limitations) are reasonable and that said limitations are no greater than necessary to protect said legitimate business interests in light of Executive’s position with the Bank and the Bank’s business, and Executive agrees to strictly abide by the terms hereof. Executive further acknowledges that Executive has substantial experience and knowledge such that Executive can readily obtain subsequent employment which does not violate this Agreement and that this Agreement does not pose an undue hardship on Executive or harm the public.

 

12


If any provision of this Agreement is ruled invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction because of a conflict between the provision and any applicable law or public policy, the provision shall be redrawn to make the provision consistent with, and valid and enforceable under, the law or public policy.

(h) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) nothing in this Agreement, including but not limited to the Release, or other agreement prohibits Executive from reporting possible violations of law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Congress and any agency Inspector General (the “Government Agencies”), or communicating with Government Agencies or otherwise participating in any investigation or proceedings that may be conducted by Government Agencies, including providing documents or other information; (ii) Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Bank to take any action described in (i), and Executive is not required to notify the Bank that he has taken any action described in (i); and (iii) neither this Agreement nor the Release limits Executive’s right to receive an award for providing information relating to a possible securities law violation to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Further, notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal, state or local trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that (A) is made (I) in confidence to a federal, state or local official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney: and (II) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation or law; or (B) is made in a compliant or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal. Additionally, if Executive is suing the Bank for retaliation based on the reporting of a suspected violation, of law, he may disclose a trade secret to his attorney and use the trade secret information in the court proceeding, so long as any document containing the trade secret is filed under seal and Executive does not disclose the trade secret except pursuant to court order. The rights described in this Subsection (h) are referred to in this Agreement as the “Protected Rights.”

(i) Injunctive Relief. The Bank or Executive shall have the right to apply to any appropriate court located in the State of Georgia for injunctive relief with respect to the enforcement of the covenants and agreements set forth in this Section 10. This remedy shall be in addition to, and not in limitation of, any other rights or remedies to which the Bank or Executive are or may be entitled at law or in equity respecting this Agreement.

11. Section 409A. It is intended that any payment or benefit which Executive is to be paid or provided in connection with this Agreement which is considered to be deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code shall be paid or provided in such manner, and at such time, as will either be exempt from or in compliance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code and the regulations and rulings thereunder, and the Agreement will be interpreted consistent with such intent. The Bank shall have authority to take action, or refrain from taking any action, with respect to the payments and benefits under this Agreement that is reasonably necessary to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A. Neither the Bank nor Executive shall take any action to accelerate or delay the payment of any monies and/or provision of any benefits in any manner which would not be in compliance with Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement, in no event shall the Bank or its affiliates be liable to Executive or any other person if this Agreement or any payment or benefit to be provided hereunder fails to be exempt from or comply with Section 409A of the Code. Any payments that qualify for the “short-term deferral” exception or another exception under Section 409A of the Code shall be paid under the applicable exception (with the earliest amounts payable being deemed subject to the exception to the extent available). For purposes of the limitations on nonqualified deferred compensation under Section 409A of the Code, all rights to payments or benefits under this Agreement shall be treated as a series of separate payments and benefits to the fullest extent allowed compensation under and for purposes

 

13


of applying the Section 409A of the Code and, accordingly, each installment payment hereunder shall at all times be considered a separate and distinct payment. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any amounts or benefits payable under this Agreement in the event of Executive’s termination of employment constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, payment of such amounts and benefits shall commence when Executive incurs a “separation from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h), without regard to any of the optional provisions thereunder, from the Bank and any entity that would be considered a single employer with the Bank under Code Section 414(b) or 414(c) as modified by the rules under Section 409A of the Code (a “Separation from Service”). Such payments or benefits shall be provided in accordance with the timing provisions of this Agreement by substituting the Agreement’s references to “termination of employment” or “termination” with Separation from Service. If the Bank’s stock is publicly traded on an established securities market or otherwise, and at the time of Executive’s Separation from Service Executive is .a “specified employee” within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i), any amount or benefits that the constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A that becomes payable to Executive on account of Executive’s Separation from Service will not be paid until after the earlier of (i) the first business day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service, or (ii) the date of Executive’s death (the “409A Suspension Period”) to the extent required to comply with Section 409A of the Code. After the end of the 409A Suspension Period, Executive shall be paid a cash lump sum payment equal to any payments (including interest on any such payments, at an interest rate of not less than the prime interest rate, as published in the Wall Street Journal, over the period such payment is restricted from being paid to Executive) and benefits that the Bank would otherwise have been required to provide under this Agreement but for the imposition of the 409A Suspension Period. Thereafter, Executive shall receive any remaining payments and benefits due under this Agreement in accordance with the terms of Section 6(d) or Section 7(a), as applicable (as if there had not been any 409A Suspension Period beforehand). To the extent not otherwise specified in this Agreement, all (A) reimbursements and (B) in-kind benefits provided under this Agreement shall be made or provided in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code, including. where applicable, the requirement that (I) any reimbursement is for expenses incurred during Executive’s lifetime (or during a shorter period of time specified in this Agreement); (II) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits provided, during a calendar year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in kind benefits to be provided, in any other calendar year; (III) the reimbursement of an eligible expense will be made no later than the last day of the calendar year following the year in which the expense is incurred; and (4) the right to reimbursement or in kind benefits is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

12. General Provisions.

(a) Modification and Waiver. This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing, signed by the Parties, and which specifically refers to this Agreement. No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the Party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future or as to any act other than that specifically waived.

(b) Nonassignability. Neither this Agreement nor any right or interest hereunder shall be assignable by Executive, his beneficiaries or legal representatives, without the prior written consent of the Bank, provided, however, that nothing herein shall preclude (i) Executive from designating a beneficiary to receive any benefits payable hereunder upon his death, or (ii) the executors, administrators, or other legal representatives of Executive or his estate from assigning any rights hereunder to the person or persons entitled thereto. The Bank may assign this Agreement without the consent of Executive.

 

14


(b) Binding Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the Bank and Executive and their respective heirs, successors, assigns, and legal representatives.

(c) No Bar. Executive acknowledges and agrees that the existence of any claim or cause of action against the Bank shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Bank of Executive’s covenants, obligations, or undertakings in this Agreement.

(d) No Conflicting Obligations. Executive hereby acknowledges and represents by his execution of this Agreement that he will not perform, except upon the Bank’s written request, employment-related obligations and duties for the Bank that would cause a breach, default, or violation of any other employment, nondisclosure, confidentiality, non-competition, or other agreement to which Executive may be a party or otherwise bound. Moreover, Executive hereby agrees that he will not use in the performance of such employment-related obligations and duties for the Bank or otherwise disclose to the Bank, except upon the Bank’s written request, any trade secrets or confidential information of any person or entity (including any former employer) if and to the extent that such use or disclosure may cause a breach or violation of any obligation or duty owed to such employer, person, or entity under any agreement or applicable law.

(e) Mediation. Except with respect to Section 10 above, if any dispute arises out of or relates to this Agreement. or a breach thereof, and if the dispute cannot be settled through direct discussions between the Parties, the Parties agree to first endeavor to settle the dispute in an amicable manner by mediation under the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association before resorting to any other process for resolving the dispute.

(f) Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Bank shall indemnify Executive with respect to any actions, proceedings, investigations, or inquiries (collectively, “Actions”) commenced against or relating to Executive in his capacity as an officer, director, executive, agent or fiduciary or former officer, director, executive, agent or fiduciary of the Bank or any affiliate thereof, for which Executive may render service in such capacity, whether by or on behalf of the Bank, its shareholders, or other third parties, including, without limitation, any governmental agent or entity, and the Bank shall advance to Executive on a timely basis an amount equal to the reasonable fees and expenses incurred in defending such Actions, after receipt of an itemized request for such advance, and an undertaking from Executive to repay the amount of such advance, with interest at a reasonable rate from the date of the request, as determined by the Bank, if it shall ultimately be determined that Executive is not entitled (as a matter of law or by judicial determination) to be indemnified against such expenses. This indemnity shall survive any termination of employment under this Agreement and is in addition to and not in limitation of any other right to indemnification or exoneration to which Executive is entitled at law, or under the governing organizational documents and/or policies of the Bank. The Bank agrees to use its best efforts to secure and maintain officers’ and directors’ liability insurance, including coverage for Executive on terms similar to those provided to other senior executives.

(g) Legal Fees. If, after a Change in Control, (i) the Bank has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement, or (ii) the Bank or any other person (other than Executive) has taken any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or instituted any litigation or other legal action designed to deny, diminish, or to recover from Executive the benefits intended to be provided to Executive hereunder (including any payment pursuant to Section 6(d)

 

15


and/or Section 7 of this Agreement), the Bank irrevocably authorizes Executive from time to time to retain counsel of his choice, at the Bank’s expense, to represent Executive in connection with the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Bank or any of its affiliated companies or any director, officer, shareholder, or other person affiliated with the Bank. The fees and expenses of counsel selected from time to time by Executive as provided in this Section 13(g) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive by the Bank, whether suit or an arbitration proceeding has been brought or not. The Bank’s obligation to pay Executive’s legal fees provided by this Section 13(a) operates separately from and in addition to any legal fee reimbursement obligation the Bank has with Executive under any separate severance or other agreement.

(h) Withholding of Taxes. The Bank shall withhold from all payments and benefits provided under this Agreement (or from other available amounts) all federal, state and local withholding, payroll and other taxes required to be withheld pursuant to applicable law.

(i) Severability. If for any reason any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, the Parties agree that the court or arbitrator shall modify the provision(s) (or subpart(s) thereof) to make the provision(s) (or subpart(s) thereof) and this Agreement valid and enforceable. Any invalid provision shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement not held invalid, and each such other provision shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held invalid in part, such invalidity shall in no way affect the rest of such provision not held so invalid, and the rest of such provision, together with all other provisions of this Agreement, shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.

(j) Governing Law and Forum. This Agreement has been executed under seal and delivered in the State of Georgia, and its validity, interpretation, performance, and enforcement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Georgia, without reference to its rules of conflicts of laws. Further, Georgia law shall apply to the merits of any dispute or claim in arbitration, without reference to its rules of conflicts of law. The Parties agree that they will not file any action arising out of this agreement other than in a state or federal court located in Georgia. The Parties consent to personal jurisdiction and venue solely within these forums and waive all otherwise possible objections thereto.

(k) Rights of Third Parties. Nothing herein expressed or implied is intended to or shall be construed to confer upon or give to any person, firm, or other entity, other than the Parties and their permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

(l) Notices. All notices, requests, demands, and other communications provided for by this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sufficiently given if and when mailed in the United States by registered or certified mail, or personally delivered, to the Party entitled thereto at the address stated below or to such changed address as the addressee may have given by a similar notice:

 

  To the Bank:    TC Federal Bank
     131 S. Dawson St.
     Thomasville, Georgia 31792
     Attention: Chairman
  To Executive:    Greg Eiford
     [                        ]
     [                        ]
     [                        ]

 

16


(m) Counterpart Signatures. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts or by facsimile signature, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

[Signatures on next page]

 

17


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

TC FEDERAL BANK
By:  

/s/ Stephanie B. Tillman

Name:  

Stephanie B. Tillman

Title:  

Chairman of the Board

EXECUTIVE:

/s/ Greg Eiford

Greg Eiford
EX-10.4 6 d882215dex104.htm EX-10.4 EX-10.4

Exhibit 10.4

June 6, 2019

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT is made as of the 6th day of June 2019 with an effective date of August 1, 2019, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), by and between TC Federal Bank, a federal savings and loan association (the “Employer”), and Noel A. Ellis (the “Executive”).

BACKGROUND:

The Employer and the Executive are parties to that certain Employment Agreement, dated July 11, 2016, setting forth the terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Employer in the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer (the “Original Employment Agreement”).

The Employer and the Executive now desire to amend and restate the Original Employment Agreement, effective as of the Effective Date, to establish a revised set of terms and conditions of the Executive’s employment with the Employer as an Executive Vice President and its Chief Credit Officer.

AGREEMENT:

In consideration of the above premises and the mutual agreements hereinafter set forth, effective as of the Effective Date, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. Duties.

1.1 Positions. The Executive shall be employed as an Executive Vice President and the Chief Credit Officer of the Employer and shall perform and discharge faithfully the duties and responsibilities which may be assigned to the Executive from time to time in connection with the conduct of the businesses. The duties and responsibilities of the Executive shall be commensurate with similar positions at other financial institutions similar in operation and size. The Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Employer and shall be assigned to, and shall perform his duties principally at, the Employer’s location at 131 South Dawson Street, Thomasville, GA 31792.

1.2 Full-Time Status. In addition to the duties and responsibilities specifically assigned to the Executive pursuant to Section 1.1 hereof, the Executive shall:

(a) subject to Section 1.3, devote substantially all of the Executive’s time, energy and skill during regular business hours to the performance of the duties of the Executive’s employment (reasonable vacations and reasonable absences due to illness excepted) and faithfully and industriously perform such duties;

(b) diligently follow and implement all reasonable and lawful management policies and decisions communicated to the Executive by the Chief Executive Officer of the Employer; and

(c) timely prepare and forward to the Chief Executive Officer of the Employer, all reports and accountings as may be requested of the Executive.


1.3 Permitted Activities. The Executive shall devote substantially all of the Executive’s entire business time, attention and energies to the Business of the Employer, but as long as the following activities do not interfere with the Executive’s obligations to the Employer, this shall not be construed as preventing the Executive from:

(a) investing the Executive’s personal assets in any manner which will not require any services on the part of the Executive in the operation or affairs of the entity and in which the Executive’s participation is solely that of an investor; provided that such investment activity following the Effective Date shall not result in the Executive owning beneficially at any time one percent (1%) or more of the equity securities of any Competing Business; or

(b) participating in civic and professional affairs and organizations and conferences, preparing or publishing papers or books, or teaching or serving on the board of directors of an entity so long as any such participation does not interfere with the ability of the Executive to effectively discharge the Executive’s duties hereunder; provided further, that the Chief Executive Officer of the Employer may direct the Executive in writing to resign from any such organization and/or cease such activities should the Chief Executive Officer of the Employer reasonably conclude that continued membership and/or activities of the type identified would not be in the best interests of the Employer.

2. Term. This Agreement shall remain in effect for the Initial Term. Following the Initial Term, however, the Term shall automatically be extended without further action by the parties for successive twelve (12) month periods, unless and until one party gives written notice to the other of its or his intent not to extend this Agreement with such written notice to be given not less than ninety (90) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or extended Term, as applicable (any extension of the Initial Term, together with the Initial Term, the “Term”), then in effect. In the event such notice of non-extension is properly given, this Agreement shall terminate at the end of the remaining Term then in effect, subject to earlier termination in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment pursuant to Section 4 hereof. In the event that either party provides notice of the termination of the Agreement, but the Executive continues to provide services to the Employer as an employee, such post-expiration employment shall be deemed to be performed on an “at-will” basis and either party may thereafter terminate such employment with or without notice and for any or no reason and without any obligations determined by reference to this Agreement.

3. Compensation. The Employer shall pay the Executive the following during the Term, except as otherwise provided below:

3.1 Annual Base Salary. The Executive shall be compensated at an annual base rate of Two Hundred Four Thousand Five Hundred Ninety Four and 00/100 Dollars ($204,594) (the “Annual Base Salary”). The Executive’s Annual Base Salary shall be reviewed by the Employer at least annually for possible increases, based on an evaluation of the Executive’s performance. The Executive’s Annual Base Salary shall be payable in accordance with the Employer’s normal payroll practices.

3.2 Incentive Compensation.

(a) The Executive shall be eligible to receive annual incentive compensation, if any, as may be determined by, and based on performance measures established by, the Board of Directors consistent with the Employer’s strategic planning process pursuant to any annual incentive compensation program as may be adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors.

(b) The Executive also shall be eligible to receive long-term incentive compensation, if any, as may be determined by, and based on performance measures established by, the Board of Directors consistent with the Employer’s strategic planning process pursuant to any long-term incentive compensation program as may be adopted from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

2


(c) Any incentive compensation earned shall be in accordance with the terms of such incentive program. The payment of any incentive compensation shall be subject to any approvals or non-objections required by any regulator of the Employer, and the obligation to pay any such incentive compensation shall be rendered null and void to the extent the same is then prohibited by any applicable law or regulatory restriction.

3.3 Insurance. During the Term of this Agreement, but only for as long as the practice is not considered discriminatory under applicable law, the Employer shall pay the entire cost of coverage for the Executive and Executive’s eligible dependents under the Employer’s group health plan for such periods as a group health plan is maintained by the Employer.

3.4 Business and Professional Education Expenses; Memberships. Subject to the reimbursement policies from time to time adopted by the Board of Directors and consistent with the annual budget approved for the period during which an expense was incurred, the Employer specifically agrees to reimburse the Executive for reasonable and necessary business expenses incurred by the Executive in the performance of the Executive’s duties hereunder; provided, however, that as a condition of any such reimbursement, the Executive submit verification of the nature and amount of such expenses in accordance with such reimbursement policies and in sufficient detail to comply with rules and regulations promulgated by the United States Department of the Treasury. Examples of appropriate categories of expenses include membership in professional and civic organizations, professional development, and customer entertainment. The Employer also agrees to reimburse the Executive for the initiation fee and annual dues associated with membership in the Golden Eagle Country Club. At the Executive’s discretion the Golden Eagle Country Club membership may be replaced with a $400 per month automobile allowance. The Executive acknowledges that the Employer makes no representation with respect to the taxability or nontaxability of the benefits provided under this Section 3.4.

3.5 Paid Leave. The Executive shall be entitled to paid leave in accordance with the paid leave policy or policies maintained by the Employer, as in effect from time to time.

3.6 Benefits. In addition to the benefits specifically described in this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to such additional benefits as may be available from time to time to similarly situated employees. All such additional benefits shall be awarded and administered in accordance with the written terms of any applicable benefit plan or, if no written terms exist, the Employer’s standard policies and practices relating to such benefit. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions of this Section 3.6 shall in no event be construed as impairing the discretion of the Employer to amend, replace, substitute or terminate any one or more of these additional benefits at any time.

3.7 Withholding. The Employer may deduct from each payment of compensation hereunder all amounts required to be deducted and withheld in accordance with applicable federal and state income, FICA and other withholding requirements.

3.8 Reimbursement of Expenses; In-Kind Benefits. All expenses eligible for reimbursements described in this Agreement must be incurred by the Executive during the Term of this Agreement to be eligible for reimbursement. Any in-kind benefits provided by the Employer must be provided during the Term of this Agreement. The amount of reimbursable expenses incurred, and the amount of any in-kind benefits provided, in one taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided, in any other taxable year. Each category of reimbursement shall be paid as soon as administratively practicable, but in no event shall any such reimbursement be paid after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the expense was incurred. Neither rights to reimbursement nor in-kind benefits are subject to liquidation or exchanges for other benefits.

 

3


3.9 Clawback of Compensation. The Executive agrees to repay any compensation previously paid or otherwise made available to the Executive under this Agreement that is subject to recovery under any applicable law (including any rule of any exchange or service through which the securities of the Employer or Affiliate are then traded), including, but not limited to, the following circumstances:

(a) where such compensation was in excess of what should have been paid or made available because the determination of the amount due was based, in whole or in part, on materially inaccurate financial information of the Employer where the Employer has been required to prepare an accounting restatement due to material noncompliance of the Employer, as a result of misconduct, with any financial reporting requirement under the federal securities laws;

(b) where the Executive has committed, is substantially responsible for, or has violated, the respective acts, omissions, conditions, or offenses outlined under 12 C.F.R. Section 359.4(a)(4); and

(c) if the Employer becomes, and for so long as the Employer remains, subject to the provisions of 12 U.S.C. Section 1831o(f), where such compensation exceeds the restrictions imposed on the senior executive officers of such an institution.

The Executive agrees to return within sixty (60) days, or within any earlier timeframe required by applicable law, any such compensation properly identified by the Employer by written notice provided pursuant to Section 14. If the Executive fails to return such compensation within the applicable time period, the Executive agrees that the amount of such compensation may be deducted from any and all other compensation owed to the Executive by the Employer. If the Executive is then employed by the Employer, the Executive acknowledges that the Employer may take appropriate disciplinary action (up to, and including, Termination of Employment) if the Executive fails to return such compensation. The Executive acknowledges the Employer’s rights to engage in any legal or equitable action or proceeding in order to enforce the provisions of this Section 3.9. The provisions of this Section 3.9 shall be modified to the extent, and remain in effect for the period, required by applicable law.

4. Termination; Suspension or Reduction of Benefits.

4.1 Termination of Employment. During the Term, the Executive’s Termination of Employment under this Agreement may only occur as follows:

(a) By the Employer:

(1) for Cause; provided that the Employer shall give the Executive any prior written notice and cure period to the extent required by Section 25(f);

(2) without Cause (other than pursuant to Section 4.1(a)(3) below) at any time, provided that the Chief Executive Officer of the Employer shall give the Executive thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of its intent; and provided further that the Employer shall meet its obligations to the Executive under Section 4.2 or Section 4.3, as applicable; or

(3) in the event that a regulator for the Employer requires the Executive’s removal from service as an officer of the Employer.

 

4


(b) By the Executive:

(1) for any reason (other than pursuant to Section 4.1(b)(2)), provided that the Executive shall give the Employer thirty (30) days’ prior written notice of the Executive’s intent to effect the Executive’s Termination of Employment; or

(2) for Good Reason, provided that the Executive shall give the Employer the prior written notice described in Section 25(o).

(c) Upon the Executive becoming subject to a Disability.

(d) At any time upon mutual, written agreement of the parties.

(e) Upon expiration, including non-renewal, of the Term.

(f) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Term shall end automatically upon the Executive’s death.

4.2 Severance. If, during the Term, other than within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control if the Change in Control occurs following the Conversion Date, the Executive experiences (a) an involuntary Termination of Employment by the Employer without Cause pursuant to Section 4.1(a)(2), or (b) a resignation by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4.1(b)(2); the Executive shall receive as liquidated damages, in lieu of all other claims and payments under this Agreement an amount equal to one (1) times the Annual Base Salary in effect as of the effective date of the Termination of Employment. Any severance payable pursuant to this Section 4.2 shall be paid in substantially equal monthly increments in cash or cash equivalents over a period of twelve (12) months in accordance with the Employer’s regular payroll practices, commencing with the first payroll date that is more than sixty (60) days following the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

4.3 Change in Control. If, after the Conversion Date and within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, the Executive experiences (a) an involuntary Termination of Employment by the Employer without Cause pursuant to Section 4.1(a)(2), or (b) a resignation by the Executive for Good Reason pursuant to Section 4.1(b)(2); the Executive shall receive as liquidated damages, in lieu of all other claims and payments under this Agreement an amount equal to one (1) times the Annual Base Salary in effect as of the effective date of the Termination of Employment. Any severance payable pursuant to this Section 4.3 shall be paid in a lump sum in cash or cash equivalents, in accordance with the Employer’s regular payroll practices, on the first payroll date that is more than sixty (60) days following the date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

4.4 Golden Parachute Limitations. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit to be paid or provided under this Agreement or otherwise payable to the Executive by the Employer would be an “excess parachute payment,” within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code, but for the application of this sentence, then the payments and benefits to be paid or provided under this Agreement will be reduced to the minimum extent necessary (but in no event to less than zero) so that no portion of any such payment or benefit, as so reduced, constitutes an excess parachute payment; provided, however, that the foregoing reduction will be made only if and to the extent that such reduction would result in an increase in the aggregate payment and benefits to be provided, determined on an after-tax basis (taking into account the excise tax imposed pursuant to Section 4999 of the Code, any tax imposed by any comparable provision of state law, and any applicable federal, state and local income and employment taxes). Whether requested by the Executive or the Employer, the determination of whether any reduction in such payments or benefits to be provided under this Agreement or otherwise is required

 

5


pursuant to the preceding sentence will be made at the expense of the Employer by the Employer’s independent accountants. In the event the Aggregate Payments are required to be reduced pursuant to this Section, the Aggregate Payments will be reduced by category in the following order: (a) cancellation of accelerated vesting of equity awards; (b) reduction or elimination of cash severance benefits that are subject to Code Section 409A; (c) reduction or elimination of cash severance benefits that are not subject to Code Section 409A; (d) reduction or elimination of any remaining portion of the Aggregate Payments that are subject to Code Section 409A; and (e) reduction or elimination of any remaining portion of the Aggregate Payments that are not subject to Code Section 409A. In the event that acceleration of vesting of equity award compensation is to be cancelled, such acceleration of vesting will be cancelled in the reverse order of the date of grant of the Executive’s equity awards. Within each other category, cash payments and payments with respect to any equity award will be reduced pro rata based on the portion of cash or other payment with respect to the Aggregate Payments, in each case beginning with payments that would otherwise be made last in time; provided that in no event shall the cash portion of the Aggregate Payments be less than the amount of federal and state income tax withholding owed by the Executive with respect to the Aggregate Payments.

4.5 Effect of Termination of Employment.

(a) Upon Executive’s Termination of Employment hereunder for any reason, the Employer shall have no further obligations to the Executive or the Executive’s estate with respect to this Agreement, except for the payment of any amount earned and owing under Section 3 through the effective date of the termination of the Agreement and, if applicable, any payments set forth in Section 4.2 or Section 4.3, if applicable.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, as a condition of the Employer’s payment of any amount in connection with the Executive’s Termination of Employment, the Executive must execute, and not timely revoke during any revocation period provided pursuant to such release, which form shall be reasonable and consistent with customary practices in the banking industry. The Employer shall provide the release to the Executive in sufficient time so that if the Executive timely executes and returns the release, the revocation period will expire no later than sixty (60) days following the effective date of the Termination of Employment.

(c) Any actual or constructive termination of the Executive’s employment which does not rise to the level of a Termination of Employment shall not entitle the Executive to any of the payments or benefits described in Section 4.

(d) Notwithstanding any provision in the Agreement to the contrary, to the extent necessary to avoid the imposition of tax on the Executive under Code Section 409A, any payments that are otherwise payable to the Executive within the first six (6) months following the effective date of Termination of Employment, shall be suspended and paid as soon as practicable following the end of the six-month period following such effective date if, immediately prior to the Executive’s Termination of Employment, the Executive is determined to be a “specified employee” (within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i)) of the Employer (or any related “service recipient” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder). Any payments suspended by operation of the foregoing sentence shall be paid as a lump sum within thirty (30) days following the end of such six-month period. Payments (or portions thereof) that would be paid latest in time during the six-month period will be suspended first.

 

6


4.6 Regulatory Limitation.

(a) FDIC Golden Parachute Limitations. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, no payments shall be made pursuant to Section 4 or any other provision herein or otherwise in contravention of the requirements of Section 2[18(k)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act (the “FDIA”) (12 U.S.C. 1828(k)) and Part 359 of the FDIC Rules and Regulations, 12 C.F.R. 359 (collectively, the “FDIC Golden Parachute Restrictions”). In the event any such payments become due and payable under this Agreement at a time when such payments would constitute “golden parachute payments,” other than “golden parachute payments,” for which the concurrence or consent of the appropriate federal banking agency has been received as contemplated by the FDIC Golden Parachute Restrictions, the obligation on the part of the Employer to make any such payments shall become null and void. In addition, nothing in the preceding sentence shall impose an obligation on the part of the Employer to petition the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) (and/or other regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the Employer) for its concurrence or consent.

(b) Other Bank Regulatory Limitations. If the Executive is removed from office and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the affairs of any depository institution by an order issued under Section 8(e) or 8(g) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1818(e) and (g)), the Employer shall have the right to terminate all obligations of the Employer under this Agreement as of the effective date of such order, except for the payment of Annual Base Salary due and owing under Section 3.1 on the effective date of said order, and reimbursement under Section 3.4 of expenses incurred as of the effective date of termination. If the Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Employer’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e) or 8(g) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1818(e) and (g)), the Employer shall have the right to suspend all obligations of the Employer under this Agreement as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Employer shall reinstate prospectively any of its obligations which were suspended. If the FDIC is appointed receiver or conservator under Section 11(c) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1821(c)) of the Employer or any depositary institution controlled by the Employer, the Employer shall have the right to terminate all obligations of the Employer under this Agreement as of the date of such receivership or conservatorship, other than any rights of the Executive that vested prior to such appointment. If the Employer is in default (as defined in Section 3(x)(1) of the FDIA), all obligations under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but the vested rights of the parties shall not be affected. If the FDIC provides open bank assistance under Section 13(c) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1823(c)) to the Employer or any depositary institution controlled by the Employer, but excluding any such assistance provided to the industry generally, the Employer shall have the right to terminate all obligations of the Employer under this Agreement as of the date of such assistance, other than any rights of the Employee that vested prior to the FDIC action. If the FDIC requires a transaction under Section 13(f) or 13(k) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1823(f) and (k)) by the Employer or any depository institution controlled by the Employer, the Employer shall have the right to terminate all obligations of the Employer under this Agreement as of the date of such transaction, other than any rights of the Employee that vested prior to the transaction. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.6(b), any vested rights of the Executive may be subject to such modifications that are consistent with the authority of the FDIC.

(c) Regulatory Approval. Notwithstanding the timing for the payment of monthly severance amounts described in Section 4.2 or Section 4.3, no such payments shall be made or commence, as applicable, that require the concurrence or consent of the appropriate federal banking agency of the Employer pursuant to 12 C.F.R. Section 359 prior to the receipt of such concurrence or consent. Any payments suspended by operation of this Section 4.6(c) shall be paid as a lump sum within thirty (30) days following receipt of the concurrence or consent of the appropriate federal banking agency of the Employer or as otherwise directed by such federal banking agency.

 

7


5. Employer Information.

5.1 Ownership of Employer Information. All Employer Information received or developed by the Executive or by the Employer while the Executive is employed by the Employer will remain the sole and exclusive property of the Employer.

5.2 Obligations of the Executive. The Executive agrees:

(a) to hold Employer Information in strictest confidence;

(b) not to use, duplicate, reproduce, distribute, disclose or otherwise disseminate Employer Information or any physical embodiments of Employer Information to any unauthorized recipient; and

(c) in any event, not to take any action causing or fail to take any action necessary in order to prevent any Employer Information from losing its character or ceasing to qualify as Confidential Information or a Trade Secret;

provided, however, that none of the foregoing obligations shall preclude the Executive from making any disclosures of Employer Information required by law. This Section 5 shall survive for so long as is permitted by applicable law.

5.3 Delivery upon Request or Termination. Upon request by the Employer, and in any event upon the Executive’s Termination of Employment with the Employer, the Executive will promptly deliver to the Employer all property belonging to the Employer, including, without limitation, all Employer Information then in the Executive’s possession or control.

6. Intellectual Property Rights.

(a) Executive hereby agrees that all Works made, conceived, developed or reduced to practice, in whole or in part, solely by Executive or jointly with others, either during or after the Executive’s period of employment with the Employer, if such Works are: (1) made through the use of any of the Employer Information or any of the Employer’s equipment, facilities, supplies or time, or (2) result from any work performed by Executive for the Employer or its Affiliates, shall belong exclusively to the Employer and shall be deemed part of the Employer Information for purposes of this Agreement whether or not fixed in a tangible medium of expression. Without limiting the foregoing, Executive agrees that all such Works shall be deemed to be “works made for hire” under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, as amended, and that the Employer shall be deemed the author and owner thereof, provided that in the event and to the extent such Works are determined not to constitute “works made for hire” as a matter of law, Executive hereby irrevocably assigns and transfers to the Employer the entire right, title and interest, domestic and foreign, of Executive in and to such Works. The Employer shall have the right to obtain and to hold in its own name, copyrights, registrations or such other protection as may be appropriate to the subject matter, and any extensions and renewals thereof. Executive agrees to give the Employer, and any person designated by the Employer, any assistance the Employer deems necessary or appropriate to perfect the rights defined in this Section 6.

 

8


(b) Executive will promptly disclose in writing (which may be by e-mail) to the Board of Directors, or its designee, every Work made, conceived, developed or reduced to practice, in whole or in part, solely by Executive or jointly with others, in connection with the business of the Employer either: (1) during the Term, whether or not Executive believes the Work to have been made, conceived, developed or reduced to practice within the course and scope of his employment, or (2) after the termination of employment, if such Work is made through the use of Employer Information or any of the Employer’s equipment, facilities, supplies or time, or results from any work performed by Executive for the Employer or its Affiliates.

(c) Executive agrees to: (1) keep and maintain adequate and current records (in the form of notes, drawings, software, object code, source code, manuals, plans, research, specifications, designs, documentation, data, processes, procedures, discoveries, models or in other appropriate forms) of all Works, which records shall be available at all times to the Employer and shall remain the sole property of the Employer; and (2) assist the Employer, both during and subsequent to the Executive’s period of employment with the Employer, in obtaining and enforcing for the Employer’s own benefit patents, copyrights, mask work rights, trade secret rights and other legal protections in any and all countries for any and all Works made by Executive (in whole or in part), the rights to which belong to or have been assigned to the Employer pursuant to this Agreement. Upon request, Executive will execute all applications, assignments, instruments and papers and perform all acts that the Employer or its counsel may deem necessary or desirable to obtain or enforce any and all such patents, copyrights, mask work rights, trade secret rights and other legal protections in such Works and otherwise to protect the interests of the Employer therein. The Employer agrees to bear all expenses which it causes to be incurred by Executive in assigning, obtaining, maintaining and enforcing said patents, copyrights, trade secret rights, mask work rights and other legal protections in accordance with this Agreement.

(d) Executive understands that utilization of the Works is in the sole discretion of the Employer, and that the Employer is not obligated to develop, market or otherwise use any device or product.

7. Non-Competition. The Executive agrees that during the Executive’s employment by the Employer hereunder, and for the duration of the Post-Termination Period following any termination of employment while the Agreement is in effect, the Executive will not (except on behalf of or with the prior written consent of the Employer), within the Area, either directly or indirectly, on the Executive’s own behalf or in the service or on behalf of others, perform for any Competing Business any services which are the same as or essentially the same as the services the Executive provided for the Employer.

8. Non-Solicitation of Customers. The Executive agrees that during the Executive’s employment by the Employer hereunder, and in the event of the Executive’s termination of employment while the Agreement is in effect, regardless of the reason, for the duration of the Post-Termination Period, the Executive will not (except on behalf of or with the prior written consent of the Employer) on the Executive’s own behalf or in the service or on behalf of others, solicit, divert or appropriate or attempt to solicit, divert or appropriate, any business from any of the Employer’s customers, including prospective customers actively sought by the Employer, with whom the Executive has or had Material Contact during the last two (2) years of the Executive’s employment with Employer, for purposes of providing products or services that are competitive with those provided by the Employer.

9. Non-Solicitation of Employees. The Executive agrees that during the Executive’s employment by the Employer hereunder, and in the event of the Executive’s termination of employment while the Agreement is in effect, regardless of the reason, for the duration of the Post-Termination Period, the Executive will not (except on behalf of or with the prior written consent of the Employer) on the

 

9


Executive’s own behalf or in the service or on behalf of others, solicit, recruit or hire away or attempt to solicit, recruit or hire away, any employee of the Employer located in the Area, whether or not such employee is a full-time employee or a temporary employee of the Employer, such employment is pursuant to written agreement, for a determined period, or at will.

10. Remedies. The Executive agrees that the covenants contained in Sections 5 through 9 of this Agreement are of the essence of this Agreement; that each of the covenants is reasonable and necessary to protect the business, interests and properties of the Employer, and that irreparable loss and damage will be suffered by the Employer should the Executive breach any of the covenants. Therefore, the Executive agrees and consents that, in addition to all the remedies provided by law or in equity, the Employer shall be entitled to a temporary restraining order and temporary and permanent injunctions to prevent a breach or contemplated breach of any of the covenants. Furthermore, in addition to any other remedies, the Executive agrees that any violation of the covenants in Sections 5 through 9 will result in the immediate forfeiture of any remaining payment that otherwise is or may become due under Section 4.2 or Section 4.3, if applicable. The Executive further agrees that should the Executive breach any of the covenants contained in Sections 5 through 9 of this Agreement, the Executive shall repay to the Employer any amounts previously received by the Executive pursuant to Section 4 that are attributable to that portion of the payments paid for the period during which the Executive was in breach of any of the covenants. The Employer and the Executive agree that all remedies available to the Employer or the Executive, as applicable, shall be cumulative.

11. Non-disparagement. The Executive agrees that during the Term and for a period of two years thereafter, the Executive will not make any statement (written or oral) that could reasonably be perceived as disparaging to the Employer or any person or entity that the Executive reasonably should know is an Affiliate of the Employer. Nothing contained in this Section 11 is intended to prevent Executive from (a) complying with the requirements and policies of any federal or state agency, (b) cooperating with any investigation or request for information from any state or federal government agency, or (c) testifying truthfully in any legal or administrative proceeding.

12. Severability. The parties agree that each of the provisions included in this Agreement is separate, distinct and severable from the other provisions of this Agreement and that the invalidity or unenforceability of any Agreement provision shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. Further, if any provision of this Agreement is ruled invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction because of a conflict between the provision and any applicable law or public policy, the provision shall be redrawn to make the provision consistent with, and valid and enforceable under, the law or public policy.

13. No Set-Off by the Executive. The existence of any claim, demand, action or cause of action by the Executive against the Employer whether predicated upon this Agreement or otherwise, shall not constitute a defense to the enforcement by the Employer of any of its rights hereunder.

14. Notice. All notices, requests, waivers and other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be either personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight courier service or mailed by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address below indicated:

 

If to the Employer:    TC Federal Bank
  

Attn:

  

Chief Executive Officer

  

131 South Dawson Street

  

Thomasville, GA 31792

If to the Executive:    The address most recently on file with the Employer

 

10


or such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending party. All such notices, requests, waivers and other communications shall be deemed to have been effectively given: (a) when personally delivered to the party to be notified; (b) two (2) business days after deposit with a national overnight delivery service, postage prepaid, addressed to the party to be notified as set forth above with next-business-day delivery guaranteed; or (c) five (5) business days after deposit in the United States Mail postage prepaid by certified or registered mail with return receipt requested at any time other than during a general discontinuance of postal service due to strike, lockout, or otherwise (in which case such notice, request, waiver or other communication shall be effectively given upon receipt) and addressed to the party to be notified as set forth above. A party may change that party’s notice address given above by giving the other party ten (10) days’ written notice of the new address in the manner set forth above.

15. Assignment. The rights and obligations of the Employer under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and shall be binding upon the successors and assigns of the Employer, as applicable, including without limitation, a purchaser of all or substantially all the assets of the Employer. If the Agreement is assigned pursuant to the foregoing sentence, the assignment shall be by novation and the Employer shall have no further liability hereunder, and the successor or assign, as applicable, shall become the “Employer” hereunder, but the Executive will not be deemed to have experienced a Termination of Employment by virtue of such assignment. The Agreement is a personal contract and the rights and interest of the Executive may not be assigned by the Executive. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive and the Executive’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, successors, heirs, distributees, devisees and legatees.

16. Waiver. A waiver by one party to this Agreement of any breach of this Agreement by any other party to this Agreement shall not be effective unless in writing, and no waiver shall operate or be construed as a waiver of the same or another breach on a subsequent occasion.

17. Mediation. Except with respect to Sections 5 through 10 above, and as provided in this Section 17, if any dispute arises out of or relates to this Agreement, or a breach thereof, and if the dispute cannot be settled through direct discussions between the parties, the parties agree to first endeavor to settle the dispute in an amicable manner by mediation wider the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association before resorting to any other process for resolving the dispute. The Employer and the Executive agree to share equally the fees and expenses associated with any mediation proceedings.

18. Applicable Law and Choice of Forum. This Agreement shall be construed and enforced wider and in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia. The parties agree that any appropriate state court located in Thomas County, Georgia or federal court for the Middle District of Georgia shall have exclusive jurisdiction of any case or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be a proper forum in which to adjudicate such case or controversy. The parties consent and waive any objection to the jurisdiction or venue of such courts.

19. Interpretation. Words importing any gender include all genders. Words importing the singular form shall include the plural and vice versa. The terms “herein,” “hereunder,” “hereby,” “hereto,” “hereof” and any similar terms refer to this Agreement. Any captions, titles or headings preceding the text of any article, section or subsection herein are solely for convenience of reference and shall not constitute part of this Agreement or affect its meaning, construction or effect.

 

11


20. Entire Agreement. This Agreement embodies the entire and final agreement of the parties on the subject matter stated in this Agreement. No amendment or modification of this Agreement shall be valid or binding upon the Employer or the Executive unless made in writing and signed by all parties. All prior understandings and agreements relating to the subject matter of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, the Original Employment Agreement, are hereby expressly terminated.

21. Rights of Third Parties. Nothing herein expressed is intended to or shall be construed to confer upon or give to any person, firm or other entity, other than the parties hereto and their permitted assigns, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement.

22. Survival. The obligations of the parties pursuant to Sections 3.9, 4.2. 4.3, 5 through 10. 17, 18 and 23, as applicable, shall survive the Executive’s Termination of Employment hereunder for the period designated under each of those respective sections.

23. Representation Regarding Restrictive Covenants. The Executive represents that the Executive is not and will not become a party to any non-competition or non-solicitation agreement or any other agreement which would prohibit the Executive from entering into this Agreement or providing the services for the Employer contemplated by this Agreement on or after the Effective Date. In the event the Executive is subject to any such agreement, this Agreement shall be rendered null and void and the Employer shall have no obligations to the Executive under this Agreement.

24. Section 409A. It is the intent of the parties that any payment to which the Executive is entitled under this Agreement be exempt from Section 409A of the Code, to the maximum extent permitted under Section 409A of the Code. However, if any such amounts are considered to be “nonqualified deferred compensation” subject to Section 409A of the Code, such amounts shall be paid and provided in a manner, and at such time and form, as complies with the applicable requirements of Section 409A of the Code to avoid the unfavorable tax consequences provided therein for non-compliance. Neither the Executive nor the Employer shall intentionally take any action to accelerate or delay the payment of any amounts in any manner which would not be in compliance with Section 409A of the Code without the consent of the other party. For purposes of this Agreement, all rights to payments shall be treated as rights to receive a series of separate payments to the fullest extent allowed by Section 409A of the Code. To the extent that some portion of the payments under this Agreement may be bifurcated and treated as exempt from Section 409A of the Code under the “short-term deferral” or “separation pay” exemptions, then such amounts may be so treated as exempt from Section 409A of the Code.

20. Definitions. Whenever used in this Agreement, the following terms and their variant forms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) Affiliate shall mean any entity which controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another entity. For this purpose, “control” means ownership of more than fifty percent (50%) of the ordinary voting power of the outstanding equity securities of an entity.

(b) Agreement shall mean this Agreement and any appendices incorporated herein together with any amendments hereto made in the manner described in this Agreement.

(c) Areashall mean (1) Leon County, Florida; (2) Chatham and Thomas Counties, Georgia; and (3) and in any other county located in Florida, Georgia or other State where the Employer then maintains a branch or loan production office as of the Determination Date.

(d) Board of Directors shall mean the board of directors of the Employer and, where appropriate, includes any committee thereof or other designee.

 

12


(e) Business of the Employer shall mean the business conducted by the Employer, which is the business of commercial and consumer banking.

(f) Cause shall mean:

(1) a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by the Executive not cured by the Executive within ten (10) business days after the Executive’s receipt of Employer’s written notice thereof, including, without limitation, failure by the Executive to perform the Executive’s duties and responsibilities in the manner and to the extent required under this Agreement;

(2) any act by the Executive of fraud against, material misappropriation from, or material dishonesty to the Employer;

(3) arrest for, conviction of, or a plea of nolo contendere by, the Executive of a crime involving breach of trust or moral turpitude or any felony;

(4) conduct by the Executive that amounts to willful misconduct, gross and willful insubordination, gross neglect or inattention to or material failure to perform the Executive’s duties and responsibilities hereunder, including prolonged absences without the written consent of the Board of Directors; provided that the nature of such conduct shall be set forth with reasonable particularity in a written notice to the Executive who shall have ten (10) days following delivery of such notice to cure such alleged conduct, provided that such conduct is, in the reasonable discretion of the Chief Executive Officer of the Employer, susceptible to a cure;

(5) conduct in material violation of the Employer’s written code of conduct as the same may be in force from time to time; provided that the nature of such conduct shall be set forth with reasonable particularity in a written notice to the Executive who shall have ten (10) days following delivery of such notice to cure such alleged conduct, provided that such conduct is, in the reasonable discretion of the Chief Executive Officer of the Employer, susceptible to a cure;

(6) receipt of any form of notice, written or otherwise, that any regulatory agency having jurisdiction over the Employer intends to institute any form of formal or informal regulatory action against the Executive; or

(7) Executive’s removal and/or permanent prohibition from participating in the conduct of the Employer’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) or 8(g)(1) of the FDIA (12 U.S.C. 1818(e)(4) and (g)(1)).

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the Executive’s right to cure as set forth in this Section 25(f) shall not apply if there are habitual or repeated breaches by the Executive involving conduct of the same or similar character.

(g) Change in Control means the occurrence of any one of the following events following the Conversion Date: a “change in the ownership or effective control of a corporation, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of a corporation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, provided, however, that for purposes of determining a “substantial portion of the assets of a corporation,” “eighty-five percent (85%)” shall be used instead of “forty percent (40%).” For purposes of the preceding sentence, “a corporation” refers to the Company or the Bank, except that in the case of a change of effective control of a corporation, “a corporation” will refer solely to the Company. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of a merger, consolidation, reorganization, share exchange or other transaction as to which the holders of the capital stock of the Company before the transaction continue after the transaction to hold,

 

13


directly or indirectly through a holding company or otherwise, shares of capital stock of the Company (or other surviving company) representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the value or ordinary voting power to elect directors of the capital stock of the Company (or other surviving company), such transaction shall not constitute a Change in Control.

(h) Codeshall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(i) Competing Business shall mean any entity (other than the Employer and its Affiliates) that is conducting business that is the same or substantially the same as the Business of the Employer.

(j) Confidential Information means data and information: (1) relating to the Business of the Employer, regardless of whether the data or information constitutes a Trade Secret; (2) disclosed to the Executive or of which the Executive became aware of as a consequence of the Executive’s relationship with the Employer and/or any Affiliates; (3) having value to the Employer and/or any Affiliates; (4) not generally known to competitors of the Employer and/or any Affiliates; and (5) which includes trade secrets, methods of operation, names of customers, price lists, financial information and projections, route books, personnel data, and similar information; provided, however, that such term shall not mean data or information (A) which has been voluntarily disclosed to the public by the Employer and/or any Affiliates, except where such public disclosure has been made by the Executive without authorization from the Employer and/or any Affiliates; (B) which has been independently developed and disclosed by others; or (C) which has otherwise entered the public domain through lawful means.

(k) Conversion Date means the effective date of the conversion transaction whereby the Employer will change its structure from that of a federal mutual savings association into a capital stock form of ownership. A new stock holding company (the “Company”) will be established as a part of the conversion and will issue common stock in connection with the transaction and the Company will own all of the capital stock of a bank (the “Bank), which will be the successor to the Employer.

(l)Determination Date means (1) during the Executive’s employment, the date for which compliance is being determined, and (2) following Executive’s Termination of Employment, the date of Executive’s Termination of Employment.

(m) Disability shall mean that the Executive suffers from a physical or mental disability or infirmity that qualifies the Executive for disability benefits under any accident and health plan maintained by the Employer that provides income replacement benefits due to disability or, if the Employer does not maintain such a plan, the Executive’s inability to perform the essential functions of the Executive’s job for a period of ninety (90) or more days, with or without reasonable accommodation, as a result of a physical or mental disability or infirmity, as reasonably determined by the Employer.

(n) Employer Information shall mean Confidential Information and Trade Secrets.

(o) Good Reason shall mean any of the following which occurs on or after the Effective Date:

(1) a material reduction of the Executive’s Annual Base Salary from its then current rate, other than a reduction that also is applied to substantially all other executive officers of the Employer if Executive’s reduction is substantially proportionate to, or no greater than, the reduction applied to substantially all other executive officers;

 

14


(2) a material diminution in the authority, responsibilities or duties of the Executive as in effect immediately after the Effective Date, without the Executive’s consent;

(3) any requirement by the Employer that the Executive change where the Executive is to perform the duties required by this Agreement to a geographic location outside of the Area, other than business travel consistent with the Employer’s practices for similarly situated executives; or

(4) a material breach of the terms of this Agreement by the Employer; provided, however, that for a Termination of Employment by the Executive to be for Good Reason, the Executive must notify the Employer in writing of the event giving rise to Good Reason within thirty (30) days following the occurrence of the event (or, if later, thirty (30) days following the Executive’s knowledge of occurrence of the event), the event must remain uncured after the expiration of thirty (30) days following the delivery of written notice of such event to the Employer by the Executive, and the Executive must resign effective no later than sixty (60) days following the Employer’s failure to cure the event and must give at least thirty (30) days advance written notice prior to the Executive’s effective date of resignation.

(p) Initial Term shall mean that period of time commencing on the Effective Date and running until the earlier of (1) twenty-four (24) months following the Effective Date, or (2) any earlier Termination of Employment of the Executive under this Agreement as provided for in Section 4.

(q) Material Contact means the contact between the Executive and each customer or potential customer: (1) with whom or which the Executive dealt on behalf of the Employer and/or any Affiliates; (2) whose dealings with the Employer and/or any Affiliates were coordinated or supervised by the Executive; (3) about whom the Executive obtained Confidential Information in the ordinary course of business as a result of such Executive’s association with the Employer and/or any Affiliates; or (4) who receives products or services authorized by the Employer and/or any Affiliates, the sale or provision of which results or resulted in compensation, commissions, or earnings for the Executive within two years prior to the Determination Date.

(r) Post-Termination Period shall mean twelve (12) months following the effective date of the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

(s) Termshall mean the Initial Term and any subsequent extension periods or any earlier Termination of Employment of the Executive under this Agreement as provided for in Section 4.

(t) Termination of Employment shall mean a termination of the Executive’s employment where either (1) the Executive has ceased to perform any services for the Employer and all affiliated companies that, together with the Employer, constitute the “service recipient” within the meaning of Code Section 409A (collectively, the “Service Recipient”) or (2) the level of bona fide services the Executive performs for the Service Recipient after a given date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) permanently decreases (excluding a decrease as a result of military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six months, or if longer, so long as the Executive retains a right to reemployment with the Service Recipient under an applicable statute or by contract) to no more than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed for the Service Recipient (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of service if the Executive has been providing services to the Service Recipient for less than 36 months).

 

15


(u) Trade Secrets shall mean Employer or Affiliate information including, but not limited to, technical or nontechnical data, formulas, patterns, compilations, programs, devices, methods, techniques, drawings, processes, financial data, financial plans, product plans or lists of actual or potential customers or suppliers which:

(1) derives economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use; and

(2) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy.

(v) Worksshall mean intellectual property and proprietary rights, including without limitation, ideas, designs, concepts, techniques, inventions, discoveries and works of authorship, whether or not patentable or protectible by copyright or as a mask work, and whether or not reduced to practice, including, without limitation, devices, processes, trade secrets, formulas, techniques, compositions of matter, computer software programs, mask works and methods, together with any improvements thereon or thereto, derivative works made therefrom and know how related thereto.

[SIGNATURES ARE ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Employer and the Executive have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date first shown above.

 

TC Federal Bank:
By:  

/s/Matt Brown

  Signature
 

 

  Matt Brown, Chief Executive Officer
Executive:

/s/ Noel A. Ellis

Noel A. Ellis
EX-10.5 7 d882215dex105.htm EX-10.5 EX-10.5

Exhibit 10.5

SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

This SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 20th day of February, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), by and among TC FEDERAL BANK, a Georgia bank (the “Bank”), and MATT BROWN (the “Executive”). Capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 10 of this Agreement.

BACKGROUND

To incentivize the Executive to devote his full business time, attention, and energies to the business of the Bank, the Bank and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to establish the terms and conditions of the nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan to be maintained by the Bank on the Executive’s behalf.

AGREEMENT

In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. General Terms and Conditions. The Bank hereby establishes a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan for the benefit of the Executive. Section 2 below describes the benefits available to the Executive, or the Executive’s Beneficiary, upon the occurrence of certain events as described in, and subject to the terms and conditions of, this Agreement; provided the Executive remains in the Continuous Service of the Bank from the Effective Date until the specified event. Each benefit described in Section 2 is in lieu of any other benefit therein. No benefits under this Agreement shall be payable with respect to any event other than the events described below, and the benefits otherwise payable pursuant to Section 2 below are subject to the further limitations in Section 2(f) and (g).

2. Retirement Benefits.

(a) Termination on or after Normal Retirement Age. If Executive remains in the Continuous Service of the Bank until on or after attaining Normal Retirement Age, then following the date on which the Executive experiences a Separation from Service on or after Normal Retirement Age (the “Normal Retirement Date”) for any reason other than (i) discharge of the Executive by the Bank for Cause, (ii) because the Executive dies or becomes Permanently Disabled or (iii) on or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change in Control, the Bank shall pay to the Executive the Normal Retirement Benefit each year for ten (10) years. Payment of the Normal Retirement Benefit shall commence upon the Executive’s Normal Retirement Date, beginning with the month immediately following the Executive’s Normal Retirement Date, and be paid in twelve (12) equal monthly installments (without interest) on the first day of each month thereafter until paid in full.

(b) Termination Prior to Normal Retirement Age. If the Executive experiences a Separation from Service prior to attaining Normal Retirement Age for any reason other than (i) discharge of the Executive by the Bank for Cause, (ii) because the Executive dies or becomes Permanently Disabled or (iii) on or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change in Control, then the Bank shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s Separation from Service an amount equal to the Accrual Balance as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service.

 

1


(c) Termination in Connection with a Change in Control. If before, on or after Normal Retirement Age, the Executive experiences a Separation from Service on or within the twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change in Control for any reason other than (i) discharge of the Executive by the Bank for Cause or (ii) because the Executive dies or becomes Permanently Disabled, then the Bank shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s Separation from Service an amount equal to the Accrual Balance as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service.

(d) Disability. If Executive becomes Permanently Disabled while in the Continuous Service of the Bank and before any event described in Subsections (a), (b) or (c) above, the Bank shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days following the date on which the Executive becomes Permanently Disabled an amount equal to the Accrual Balance as of the date Executive becomes Permanently Disabled.

(e) Death. If the Executive dies while in the Continuous Service of the Bank and before the occurrence of any event triggering the Executive’s entitlement to a benefit under this Section 2, then no benefits shall be paid under this Agreement. If Executive dies after the occurrence of any event triggering the Executive’s entitlement to a benefit under this Section 2 and prior to payment of the entire Accrual Balance, the Executive’s Beneficiary shall receive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s death an amount equal to the remaining Accrual Balance at the time of Executive’s death.

(f) Forfeiture of Benefits; Regulatory Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if (i) the Bank discharges the Executive for Cause, or grounds exist for the Bank to discharge the Executive for Cause, regardless of whether an event triggering an entitlement to a benefit under Subsection (a) through (e) has occurred, no benefits shall be paid under this Agreement and any previously paid amounts shall be repaid to Bank by Executive upon five (5) days’ notice, The obligations of the Bank under this Agreement are further subject to its adherence to applicable state and federal banking regulations, rules, or statutes.

(g) Temporary Suspension Applicable to a Specified Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2, if Executive is a “specified employee,” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service with the Bank other than by reason of death, payment of benefit amounts otherwise due shall be delayed to the extent necessary under Code Section 409A until the earlier of six (6) months after Separation from Service or the date of Executive’s death, as applicable. Any payments that are so delayed shall be paid in a single lump sum in cash in the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service, or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s death, if earlier.

3. Amendment; Termination. This Agreement may be amended or terminated only by a written agreement signed by the Bank and the Executive, The Bank may unilaterally amend the Agreement to conform with written directives to the Bank to comply with legislative changes or tax law, including, without limitation, Code Section 409A and any and all Treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder. No amendment shall provide for or otherwise permit any acceleration of the time or schedule of any payment under the Agreement in a manner that would be prohibited under Code Section 409A. No waiver of any provision contained in this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by the party against whom such waiver is asserted. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 3, the Bank may elect to terminate the Agreement under any circumstances permitted by Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix). In any such event, the Bank shall distribute to the Executive the Accrual Balance in a single lump sum at the earliest date permitted under such Treasury Regulations. The amount of the benefit (but not the timing of payment) shall be determined as if the effective date of the termination of the Agreement constituted an involuntary discharge by the Bank other than for Cause on or within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control.

 

2


4. ERISA Provisions.

(a) Plan Administrator Duties. This Agreement shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board of Directors”), or such committee or person(s) as the Board of Directors shall appoint, except that the Executive may not participate in any such actions and will excuse himself from participating in any such matter involving himself and/or this Agreement. The Board of Directors, (or its delegatee(s)) in its capacity as the “administrator” of the Agreement for purposes of ERISA, shall have the discretion and authority to (i) make, amend, interpret and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Agreement; and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions including interpretations of this Agreement, as may arise in connection with the Agreement. The decision or action of the Board of Directors (or its delegatee) with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation and application of the Agreement and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Agreement. The “Named Fiduciary” under the Agreement is the Bank.

(b) Claims Procedures.

(i) Notice of Denial.

(1) If Executive or a Beneficiary (a “claimant”) is denied a claim for benefits under this Agreement, the Claims Administrator shall provide to the claimant written notice of the adverse benefit determination (whether such claim is denied in whole or in part) within a reasonable period of time but no later than ninety (90) days after the Claims Administrator receives the claim. However, under special circumstances (to be determined by the Claims Administrator), the Claims Administrator may extend the time for processing the claim to a day no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the Claims Administrator receives the claim. The claimant shall be notified in writing within the initial 90-day period of the need to extend the time for review, the special circumstances requiring an extension, and the date by which a decision is expected.

(2) With respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, the Claims Administrator shall provide to the claimant written notice of the adverse benefit determination within a reasonable period of time but no later than forty-five (45) days after the Claims Administrator receives the claim. This 45-day period may be extended up to thirty (30) days if an extension is necessary due to matters beyond the control of the Agreement (to be determined by the Claims Administrator) and the claimant is notified, prior to the expiration of the initial 45-day period, of the circumstances requiring the extension of time and the date by which the Claims Administrator expects to render a decision. If, prior to the end of the first 30-day extension period, the Claims Administrator determines that, due to matters beyond the control of the Agreement (to be determined by the Claims Administrator), a decision cannot be rendered within that extension period, the period for making the determination may be extended for up to an additional thirty (30) days, provided that the Claims Administrator notifies the claimant, prior to the expiration of the initial 30-day extension period, of the circumstances requiring the extension and the date as of which the Claims

 

3


Administrator expects to render a decision. In the case of any such extension, the notice of extension shall also specifically explain the standards on which entitlement to a benefit is based, the unresolved issues that prevent a decision on the claim, and the additional information needed to resolve those issues, and the claimant shall have at least forty-five (45) days within which to provide the specified information, if any.

(ii) Contents of Notice of Denial. If a claimant is denied a claim for benefits under this Agreement, the Claims Administrator shall provide to such claimant written notice of the denial. Any such notice of an adverse benefit determination shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant (and with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, be provided in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner) and shall set forth:

(1) the specific reason or reasons for the denial;

(2) specific references to the pertinent provisions of this Agreement on which the denial is based;

(3) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary;

(4) an explanation of this Agreement’s claim review procedures, and the time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following an adverse benefit determination on review;

(5) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled:

(A) a discussion of the decision, including an explanation of the basis for disagreeing with or not following: the views presented by the claimant to the Agreement of health* care professionals treating the claimant and vocational professionals who evaluated the claimant, the views of medical or vocational experts whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Agreement in connection with a claimant’s adverse benefit determination, without regard to whether the advice was relied upon in making the benefit determination, and a disability determination regarding the claimant presented by the claimant to the Agreement made by the Social Security Administration;

(B) if the adverse benefit determination is based on a medical necessity or experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, either an explanation of the scientific or clinical judgment for the determination, applying the terms of the Agreement to the claimant’s medical circumstances, or a statement that such explanation will be provided free of charge upon request in writing;

(C) the specific internal rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria of the Agreement relied upon in making the

 

4


adverse determination, or, alternatively, a statement that such rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria of the Agreement do not exist; and

(D) a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claimant’s claim for benefits.

(iii) Right to Review. After receiving written notice of the denial of a claim, a claimant or his representative shall be entitled to:

(1) submit written comments, documents, records, and other information relating to the denied claim to the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable; and

(2) request, free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim

(3) request a full and fair review of the denial of the claim by written application to the Claims Administrator (or Appeals Fiduciary in the case of a claim for benefits payable due to Executive being Permanently Disabled), which shall include:

(A) a review that takes into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by the claimant relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination; and

(B) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled:

i. before issuing an adverse benefit determination on review, providing the claimant, free of charge with any new or additional evidence considered, relied upon, or generated by the Agreement or other person making the benefit determination (or at the direction of the Agreement or such other person) in connection with the claim as soon as possible and sufficiently in advance of the date on which the notice of adverse benefit determination on review is required to be provided to give the claimant a reasonable opportunity to respond prior to that date; and

ii. before issuing an adverse benefit determination on review based on a new or additional rationale, providing the claimant, free of charge, with the rationale as soon as possible and sufficiently in advance of the date on which the notice of adverse benefit determination on review is required to be provided to give the claimant a reasonable opportunity to respond prior to that date.

(iv) Application for Review.

(1) If a claimant wishes a review of the decision denying his claim to benefits under this Agreement, other than a claim described in paragraph (2) of this Section 4(b)(iv), he must submit the written application to the Claims Administrator within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice of the denial.

 

5


(2) If the claimant wishes a review of the decision denying his claim to benefits under this Agreement due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, he must submit the written application to the Appeals Fiduciary within one hundred eighty (180) days after receiving written notice of the denial.

(v) Hearing. Upon receiving such written application for review, the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable, may schedule a hearing for purposes of reviewing the claimant’s claim, which hearing shall take place not more than thirty (30) days from the date on which the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary received such written application for review.

(vi) Notice of Hearing. At least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled hearing, the claimant and his representative designated in writing by him, if any, shall receive written notice of the date, time, and place of such scheduled hearing. The claimant or his representative, if any, may request that the hearing be rescheduled, for his convenience, on another reasonable date or at another reasonable time or place.

(vii) Counsel. All claimants requesting a review of the decision denying their claim for benefits may employ counsel for purposes of the hearing.

(viii) Decision on Review. No later than sixty (60) days (forty-five (45) days with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled) following the receipt of the written application for review, the Claims Administrator or the Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable, shall submit its decision on the review in writing to the claimant involved and to his representative, if any, unless the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary determines that special circumstances (such as the need to hold a hearing) require an extension of time, to a day no later than one hundred twenty (120) days (ninety (90) days with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled) after the date of receipt of the written application for review. If the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary determines that the extension of time is required, the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary shall furnish to the claimant written notice of the extension before the expiration of the initial sixty (60) day (forty-five (45) days with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled) period. The extension notice shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary expects to render its decision on ‘review. In the case of a decision adverse to the claimant, the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary shall provide to the claimant written notice of the denial. Any such notice of an adverse benefit determination shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant (and with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, be provided in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner) and shall include:

(1) the specific reason or reasons for the adverse benefit determination;

(2) specific references to the pertinent provisions of this Agreement on which the adverse benefit determination is based;

 

6


(3) a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claimant’s claim for benefits;

(4) a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following the adverse benefit determination on review;

(5) a statement regarding the availability of other voluntary alternative dispute resolution options;

(6) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled:

(A) a description of any contractual limitations period that applies to the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA, including the calendar date on which the contractual limitations period expires for the claim;

(B) a discussion of the decision, including an explanation of the basis for disagreeing with or not following: the views presented by the claimant to the Agreement of health care professionals treating the claimant and vocational professionals who evaluated the claimant, the views of medical or vocational professionals whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Agreement in connection with a claimant’s adverse benefit determination, without regard to whether the advice was relied upon in making the determination, and a disability determination regarding the claimant presented by the claimant to the Agreement made by the Social Security Administration;

(C) if the adverse benefit determination is based on a medical necessity or experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, either an explanation of the scientific or clinical judgment for the determination, applying the terms of the Agreement to the claimant’s medical circumstances, or a statement that such explanation will be provided free of charge upon request; and

(D) the specific internal rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria of the Agreement relied upon in making the adverse determination, or a statement that such rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria do not exist.

The Claims Administrator has the discretionary authority to determine all interpretative issues arising under this Agreement and the interpretations of the Claims Administrator shall be final and binding upon Executive or any other party claiming benefits under this Agreement.

(ix) Calculating Time Periods. The period of time within which a benefit determination initially or on review is required to be made shall begin at the time a claim or request for review is filed in accordance with the procedures of the Agreement, without regard to whether all the information necessary to make a benefit determination accompanies the filing. In the event that a period of time is extended due to the failure of a claimant to submit information necessary to decide a claim or review, the period for

 

7


making the benefit determination shall be tolled from the date on which the notification of the extension is sent to the claimant until the date on which the claimant responds to the request for additional information.

(x) Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Notices. With respect to any notices required to be provided in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, the Agreement shall provide (i) oral language services in the applicable non-English language (that include answering questions in any applicable non-English language and providing assistance with filing claims in any applicable non-English language), (ii) a statement in the applicable non-English language, prominently displayed on notices, explaining how to access language services and (iii) notices in the applicable non-English language upon request. For this purpose, a non-English language is an applicable non-English language if 10% or more of the population residing in the county for which the notice is sent is literate only in the same non-English language.

(xi) Adjudication of Disability Benefit Claims: Independence and Impartiality. All claims and appeals with respect to benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled shall adjudicated in a manner designed to ensure the independence and impartiality of the persons involved in making the decision. Accordingly, decisions regarding hiring, compensation, termination, promotion, or other similar matters with respect to any individual (such as a claims adjudicator or medical or vocational expert) shall not be based upon the likelihood that the individual will support the denial of benefits.

(xi) Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies Available under the Agreement.

(1) In no event will Executive be entitled to challenge the Claims Administrator’s decision in court or any other proceeding unless and until these claims procedures are exhausted. The Executive then shall have one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of receipt of the Claims Administrator’s decision on appeal in which to file suit regarding a claim for benefits under this Agreement. If suit is not filed within such one hundred eighty (180)-day period, it shall be forever barred.

(2) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, if the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable, fails to strictly adhere to all the applicable requirements hereunder, the claimant is deemed to have exhausted the administrative remedies available under the Agreement, except as provided in the paragraph below with respect to de minimis violations. If the claimant chooses to pursue remedies under Section 502(a) of ERISA under such circumstances, the claim or appeal is deemed denied on review without the exercise of discretion by an appropriate fiduciary.

The administrative remedies available under the Agreement will not be deemed exhausted based on de minimis violations that do not cause, and are not likely to cause, prejudice or harm to the claimant, provided the Agreement demonstrates that the violation was for good cause or due to matters beyond the control of the Agreement and that the violation occurred in the context of an ongoing, good faith exchange of information between the Agreement and the claimant. A violation shall not be de minimis if it is part of a pattern or practice of violations by the Agreement. The claimant may request a written explanation of the violation from the Agreement,

 

8


and the Agreement must provide such explanation within ten (10) days, including a specific description of its bases, if any, for asserting that the violation should not cause the available administrative remedies to be deemed exhausted. If a court rejects the claimant’s request for immediate review on the basis that the Agreement met the standards for the de minimis exception the claim shall be considered as refiled on appeal upon the Agreement’s receipt of the court’s decision. Within a reasonable time after the receipt of the decision, the Agreement shall provide the claimant with notice of the resubmission.

(xiii) Definitions. For purposes of the Agreement’s claims procedures, the following words and phrases shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

(1) “Adverse benefit determination” means any of the following: a denial, reduction or termination of, or a failure to provide or make payment (in whole or in part) for, a benefit, including any such denial, reduction, termination, or failure to provide or make payment that is based on a determination of a claimant’s eligibility to participate in a plan and with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, shall also mean any rescission of disability coverage with respect to a Participant or Beneficiary (whether or not there is an adverse effect on any particular benefit at that time), where rescission means a cancellation or discontinuance of coverage that has retroactive effect, except to the extent it is attributable to a failure to timely pay required premiums or contributions towards the cost of coverage.

(2) “Appeals Fiduciary” means an individual or group of individuals appointed by the Claims Administrator to review appeals of claims for benefits payable due to the Executive being Permanently Disabled made pursuant to this Subsection (b).

(3) “Claims Administrator” means the Board of Directors or such other person designated by the Board of Directors from time to time and named by notice to Executive.

(4) A document, record, or other information shall be considered “relevant” to a claimant’s claim if such document, record, or other information (A) was relied upon in making the benefit determination, (B) was submitted, considered, or generated in the course of making the benefit determination, without regard to whether such document, record, or other information was relied upon in making the benefit determination, (C) demonstrates compliance with the administrative processes and safeguards required in making the benefit determination, or (D) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, constitutes a statement of policy or guidance with respect to the Agreement concerning the denied treatment option or benefit for the claimant’s diagnosis, without regard to whether such advice or statement was relied upon in making the benefit determination.

(xiv) Person Authorized to Act on Behalf of Claimant. The Claims Administrator may establish reasonable procedures to permit an authorized person to act on behalf of the claimant (and for determining whether a person has been authorized to act on behalf of a claimant).

 

9


5. Funding by Bank.

(a) The benefit obligations of the Bank set forth herein constitute an unfunded retirement arrangement, the obligations under which shall be reflected on the general ledger of the Bank (the “Retirement Liability”). The general corporate funds of the Bank shall be the sole source of payment of the Retirement Liability. The Bank shall be under no obligation to set aside, earmark or otherwise segregate any funds with which to pay the Retirement Liability, Executive and Executive’s Beneficiary or any successor in interest shall be and shall remain unsecured general creditors of the Bank with respect to the Retirement Liability. Executive and Executive’s Beneficiary shall have no interest in any property of the Bank or any other rights with respect thereto except to the extent of the contractual right to the Retirement Liability represented by the obligations described in Section 2 of this Agreement.

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Bank has no obligation whatsoever to set aside assets, either directly or indirectly, in a trust for purposes of paying the Retirement Liability under this Agreement. The Retirement Liability is not a deposit, is not otherwise funded by the Bank and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and does not constitute a trust account or any other special obligation of the Bank and does not have priority of payment over any other general obligations of the Bank. If the Bank determines in its sole discretion to set aside assets in a grantor trust for the purpose of paying benefits under this Agreement, the grantor trust shall not be located outside of the United States or subsequently transferred to any trust outside of the United States.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Bank, in its sole discretion, may procure bank-owned life insurance covering the life of the Executive, with respect to which the Bank shall be the beneficiary, to pay the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement. Executive agrees to fully cooperate with the Bank to enable the Bank to procure such life insurance, including undertaking a physical to the extent needed to procure the policy. Executive and Executive’s Beneficiary, however, shall have no interest in any such policy of the Bank or any other rights with respect to such policy, the proceeds of which will be paid to the Bank. The Bank in its sole discretion will determine whether to procure any such policy and, if the Bank elects to procure such policy, the face amount of such policy.

6. Employment of Executive; Other Agreements. The benefits provided for herein for Executive are supplemental retirement benefits and shall not be deemed to modify, affect or limit any salary or salary increases, bonuses, profit sharing or any other type of compensation of Executive in any manner whatsoever. No provision contained in this Agreement shall in any way affect, restrict or limit any existing employment agreement between the Bank and Executive, nor shall any provision or condition contained in this Agreement create specific employment or other service rights of Executive or limit the right of the Bank to discharge Executive with or without cause or otherwise terminate the Executive’s service on the Board of Directors.

7. Withholding.

(a) The Executive is responsible for payment of all taxes applicable to compensation and benefits paid or provided to the Executive under the Agreement, including federal and state income tax withholding, as applicable. The Bank shall withhold any taxes that, in its reasonable judgment, are required to be withheld, including but not limited to taxes owed under Code Section 409A and regulations thereunder, if any, and all employment taxes due to be paid by the Bank pursuant to Code Section 3121(v) and regulations promulgated thereunder (i.e., Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes on the present value of payments hereunder which are no longer subject to vesting). The Bank’s sole liability regarding such taxes is to forward any amounts withheld to the appropriate taxing authority(ies). By participating in the Agreement, the Executive consents to the deduction of all tax withholdings attributable to participation in the Agreement from the benefits due under the Agreement or other payments due to the Executive by the Bank to satisfy the employee-portion of such obligations. If insufficient cash wages are available or, if the Executive so desires, the Executive may remit payment in cash for the withholding amounts.

 

10


(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in the Agreement to the contrary, to the extent permitted by Code Section 409A, payments due under the Agreement may be accelerated to pay, where applicable, the FICA tax imposed under Code Sections 3101, 3121(a), and 3121(v)(2) and any state, local, and foreign tax obligations (the “Tax Obligations”) that may be imposed on amounts deferred pursuant to the Agreement prior to the time such amounts are paid or made available and to pay the income tax at source on wages imposed under Code Section 3401 or the corresponding withholding provisions of applicable state, local, or foreign tax laws as a result of an accelerated payment of the Tax Obligations (the “Income Tax Obligations”). Accelerated payments pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall not exceed the amount of the Tax Obligations and Income Tax Obligations and shall be made as a payment directly to taxing authorities pursuant to the applicable withholding provisions. Any accelerated payments pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall reduce the benefit otherwise payable to the Executive pursuant to the Agreement.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision in the Agreement to the contrary, the Executive shall be liable for all taxes related to payments under this Agreement, and the Bank shall not be liable to any interested party for any such taxes or if the Agreement fails to be exempt from or to comply with Code Section 409A. Moreover, the Bank and the Executive acknowledge that amounts payable under this Agreement may need to be bifurcated and made subject to different withholdings and reporting, given the benefits to accrue hereunder relate to both the Executive’s employment with the Bank and the Executive’s service on the Board of Directors.

8. Arbitration; Jury Trial Waiver.

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in any other subsequent written agreement between Executive and the Bank, unless prohibited by law, any controversy or claim between Executive and the Bank, or between the respective successors or assigns of either, or between Executive and any of the Bank’s officers, employees, agents or affiliated entities, arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any representations, negotiations, or discussions leading up to this Agreement or any relationship that results from any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, an alleged tort, breach of warranty, or other legal theory (including claims of fraud, misrepresentation, suppression of material fact, fraud in the inducement, and breach of fiduciary obligation), and whether based on acts or omissions occurring or existing prior to, at the time of, or after the execution of this Agreement and whether asserted as an original or amended claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or otherwise, shall be settled by binding arbitration; provided, however, that resort to arbitration as provided in this Section 8 may only be had after exhaustion of the claims procedure described in Subsection 4(b) followed by mediation under the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Thereafter, arbitration of any unresolved claim shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Any dispute regarding whether a particular claim is subject to arbitration will be decided by the arbitrator. Any court of competent jurisdiction may compel arbitration of claims pursuant to this Agreement.

(b) The arbitrator may award to the prevailing party pre-and post-award expenses of the arbitration, including the arbitrator’s fees and travel expenses, administrative fees, out-of-pocket expenses such as copying and telephone, court costs, witness fees, stenographer’s fees, and (if allowed by applicable law) attorneys’ fees. Otherwise, the parties will share equally the arbitrator’s fee and travel expenses and administrative fees, and each party will bear its own expenses.

 

11


(c) This agreement to arbitrate disputes will survive the payment of all obligations under this Agreement and termination or performance of any transactions contemplated hereby between Executive and the Bank, and will continue in full force and effect unless Executive and the Bank otherwise expressly agree in writing.

(d) By entering into this Agreement, Executive and the Bank agree and acknowledge that:

(i) by agreeing to arbitrate disputes, Executive and the Bank are giving up the right to trial in a court and THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY of all claims that are subject to arbitration under this Agreement;

(ii) grounds for appeal of the arbitrator’s decision are very limited; and

(iii) in some cases the arbitrator may be employed by, or may have worked closely with, a business in the same or a related type of business as the business engaged in by Executive or the Bank.

(e) EXECUTIVE AND THE BANK HEREBY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ALL DISPUTES, CONTROVERSIES AND CLAIMS BY, BETWEEN OR AGAINST EXECUTIVE OR THE BANK, WHETHER THE DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM IS SUBMITTED TO ARBITRATION OR IS DECIDED BY A COURT.

Executive must initial here:                     

9. Miscellaneous Provisions.

(a) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts. Each counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile transmission of an executed counterpart.

(b) Construction. As used in this Agreement, the neuter gender shall include the masculine and the feminine, the masculine and feminine genders shall be interchangeable among themselves and each with the neuter, the singular numbers shall include the plural, and the plural the singular. The term “person” shall include all persons and entities of every nature whatsoever, including, but not limited to, individuals, corporations, partnerships, governmental entities and associations. The terms “including,” “included,” “such as” and terms of similar import shall not imply the exclusion of other items not specifically enumerated.

(c) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be held to be invalid, illegal, unenforceable or inconsistent with any present or future law, ruling, rule or regulation of any court, governmental or regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the subject matter of this Agreement, such provision shall be rescinded or modified in accordance with such law, ruling, rule or regulation and the remainder of this Agreement or the application of such provision to the person or circumstances other than those as to which it is held inconsistent shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

(d) Governing Law. This Agreement is made in the State of Georgia and shall be governed in all respects and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to its conflicts of law principles, except to the extent superseded by the Federal laws of the United States.

 

12


(e) Binding Effect. This Agreement is binding upon the parties, their respective successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives. Without limiting the foregoing this Agreement shall be binding upon any successor of the Bank whether by merger or acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets or liabilities of the Bank. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party without the prior written consent of each other party hereto.

(f) No Trust. Nothing contained in this Agreement and no action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship between the Bank and Executive, Executive’s Beneficiary or any other person.

(g) Assignment of Rights and Benefits. No right or benefit provided in this Agreement will be transferable by Executive except, upon his death, to a named Beneficiary as provided in this Agreement. No right or benefit provided for in the Agreement will be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, pledge, encumber, or charge the same will be void. No right or benefit provided for in the Agreement will in any manner be liable for or subject to any debts, contracts, liabilities or torts of the person entitled to such benefits; provided, however, that the undistributed portion of any benefit payable hereunder shall at all times be subject to set-off for debts owed by Executive to the Bank.

(h) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, are hereby superseded, merged and integrated into this Agreement.

(i) Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and, if mailed by prepaid first-class mail or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed to have been received on the earlier of the date shown on the receipt or three (3) business days after the postmarked date thereof. In addition, notices hereunder may be delivered by hand, facsimile transmission or overnight courier, in which event the notice shall be deemed effective when delivered or transmitted. All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be given to the parties hereto, at the following addresses:

 

Bank:

TC Federal Bank

131 S. Dawson St.

Thomasville, Georgia 31799

Attention: HR

Executive: Address on file with Bank

(j) Non-waiver. No delay or failure by either party to exercise any right under this Agreement, and no partial or single exercise of that right, shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right.

 

13


(k) Headings. Headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret or construe its provisions.

(l) Accelerated Payouts in the Event of 409A Violations. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement to the contrary, the Bank shall make payments hereunder before such payments are otherwise due if it determines that the provisions of the Agreement fail to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; provided, however, that such payment(s) may not exceed the amount required to be included in income as a result of such failure to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and, to the extent permissible therein, any taxes, penalties, interest and costs attributable thereto.

10. Definitions. Where the following words and phrases appear in the Agreement, they shall have the respective meanings set forth below, unless their context clearly indicates to the contrary:

(a) “Accrual Balance” means the liability that the Bank accrues, under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) as reasonably applied by the Bank, for the Bank’s obligation to the Executive under this Agreement in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion Number 12, as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 106, and the Discount Rate. Any one of a variety of amortization methods may be used to determine the Accrual Balance. However, once chosen, the method must be consistently applied.

(b) “Beneficiary” shall mean the person(s) designated by the Executive to receive any death benefits described under Section 2(e) of the Agreement. The Executive shall designate his Beneficiary in writing to the Bank pursuant to procedures as may be established from time to time; provided, however, if no such designation has been made or if the Beneficiary predeceases Executive, the Beneficiary of Executive under this Agreement shall be Executive’s legally-married spouse, if any, or, if there is no legally-married surviving spouse, the Beneficiary shall be Executive’s estate.

(c) “Cause” shall have the same meaning given to the same or similar term in any employment agreement between the parties as may be in effect from time to time; provided, however, if there is no such term or similar term in the employment agreement or if there is no such employment agreement, then the term shall mean (i) intentional misconduct or gross malfeasance, or an act or acts of gross negligence in the course of employment or any material breach of the Executive’s obligations contained herein, including, without limitation, acts competitive with or deliberately harmful to the business of the Bank; (ii) any intentional misstatement or omission to the directors or executive officers of the Bank with respect to any matter; (iii) the intentional failure of the Executive to follow the reasonable instructions and policies of the Bank; (iv) the Executive’s conviction, admission or confession of any felony or an unlawful act involving active and willful fraud or moral turpitude; or (v) the violation by the Executive of applicable state and federal banking regulations, rules, or statutes. If there is a discharge of the Executive by the Bank for Cause, the Executive will be deemed to and shall resign from the Board of Directors contemporaneously with the termination of the Executive’s employment.

(d) “Change in Control” shall mean (i) any transaction, whether by merger, consolidation, asset sale, recapitalization, reorganization, combination, stock purchase, tender offer, reverse stock split, or otherwise, which results in the acquisition of, or beneficial ownership (as such term is defined under rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by any entity, person or any group thereof acting in concert, of 50% or

 

14


more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank; or (ii) the sale of 50% or more of the collective assets of the Bank. For purposes of this Section 10(d), persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Bank. Change in Control shall be construed consistent with its meaning under Section 409A of the Code.

(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(f) “Continuous Service” shall mean continuous employment by the Executive with the Bank or any affiliates as a common law employee and/or continuous service by the Executive as a member of the Board of Directors.

(g) “Discount Rate” shall mean the interest rate designated by the Board of Directors for determining the present value of any benefits payable under this Agreement and/or the amount of the installment payments necessary to fully amortize the Accrual Balance at the designated Discount Rate over the specified payment period. The Board of Directors has the authority to designate and/or adjust the Discount Rate, in its sole discretion, so as to maintain the rate within reasonable standards according to GAAP and applicable bank regulatory guidance.

(h) “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,

(i) “Normal Retirement Age” means the attainment of age seventy-two (72) by the Executive.

(j) “Normal Retirement Benefit” means sixty thousand dollars ($60,000).

(k) “Permanently Disabled” shall mean any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months that results in Executive (i) being unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity; or (ii) receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Bank’s long-term disability plan covering Executive. The determination of whether Executive is Permanently Disabled shall be made by the Bank and shall be construed consistent with its meaning under Section 409A of the Code. If the Executive becomes Permanently Disabled, the Executive will be deemed to and shall resign from the Board of Directors contemporaneously with the Executive becoming Permanently Disabled.

(l) “Separation from Service” shall mean (i) a termination of the Executive’s employment where either (A) the Executive has ceased to perform any services for the Bank and all affiliated companies that, together with the Bank, constitute the “service recipient” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Service Recipient”) or (B) the level of bona fide services the Executive performs for the Service Recipient after a given date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) permanently decreases (excluding either a decrease as a result of military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or if longer, so long as the Executive retains a right to reemployment with the Service Recipient under an applicable statute or by contract or any other decrease permitted under Code Section 409A) to no more than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed for the Service Recipient (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of service if the Executive has been providing services to the Service

 

15


Recipient for less than 36 months), and (ii) a termination of the Executive’s service on the Board of Directors, in each case, consistent with a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A. Given the Executive is to be provided retirement benefits under the Agreement in return for his services as both an employee of the Bank and a member of the Board of Directors, the Executive will need to separate from service both as an employee and as a member of the Board of Directors to be treated as having a Separation from Service for purposes of this Agreement. All references to termination or discharge of employment and/or service shall be deemed to refer to a “separation from service.”

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

TC FEDERAL BANK:
By:  

/s/ Stephanie B. Tillman

Name:   Stephanie B. Tillman
Title:   Chairman of the Board

 

EXECUTIVE:

/s/ Matt Brown

Matt Brown

 

17


DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY FORM

UNDER

SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

Pursuant to Section 10(b) of the SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (the “Agreement”), I, Matt Brown, hereby designate the beneficiary(ies) listed below to receive any benefits under the Agreement that may be due following my death. This designation shall replace and revoke any prior designation of beneficiary(ies) made by me under the Agreement.

Full Name(s), Address(es) and Social Security Number(s) of Primary Beneficiary(ies)*:

 

 
 
 

*If more than one beneficiary is named above, the beneficiaries will share equally in any benefits, unless you have otherwise provided above. Further, if you have named more than one beneficiary and one or more of the beneficiaries is deceased at the time of your death, any remaining beneficiary (ies) will share equally, unless you have provided otherwise above. If no primary beneficiary survives you, then the contingent beneficiary designated below will receive any benefits due upon your death. In the event you have no designated beneficiary upon your death, any benefits due will be paid to your legally-married spouse, if any, or, if there is no legally-married surviving spouse, to your estate. In the event that you are naming a beneficiary that is not a person, please provide pertinent information regarding the designation.

Full Name, Address and Social Security Number of Contingent Beneficiary:

 

 
 
 

 

Date:  

2/20/19

            

/s/ Matt Brown

      Matt Brown

 

18

EX-10.6 8 d882215dex106.htm EX-10.6 EX-10.6

Exhibit 10.6

SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

This SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 22 day of February, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), by and among TC FEDERAL BANK, a Georgia bank (the “Bank”), and Greg Eiford (the “Executive”). Capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 10 of this Agreement.

BACKGROUND

To incentivize the Executive to devote his full business time, attention, and energies to the business of the Bank, the Bank and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to establish the terms and conditions of the nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan to be maintained by the Bank on the Executive’s behalf.

AGREEMENT

In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. General Terms and Conditions. The Bank hereby establishes a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan for the benefit of the Executive. Section 2 below describes the benefits available to the Executive, or the Executive’s Beneficiary, upon the occurrence of certain events as described in, and subject to the terms and conditions of, this Agreement; provided the Executive remains in the Continuous Service of the Bank from the Effective Date until the specified event. Each benefit described in Section 2 is in lieu of any other benefit therein. No benefits under this Agreement shall be payable with respect to any event other than the events described below, and the benefits otherwise payable pursuant to Section 2 below are subject to the further limitations in Section 2(f) and (g).

2. Retirement Benefits.

(a) Termination on or after Normal Retirement Age. If Executive remains in the Continuous Service of the Bank until on or after attaining Normal Retirement Age, then following the date on which the Executive experiences a Separation from Service on or after Normal Retirement Age (the “Normal Retirement Date”) for any reason other than (i) discharge of the Executive by the Bank for Cause, (ii) because the Executive dies or becomes Permanently Disabled or (iii) on or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change in Control, the Bank shall pay to the Executive the Normal Retirement Benefit each year for ten (10) years. Payment of the Normal Retirement Benefit shall commence upon the Executive’s Normal Retirement Date, beginning with the month immediately following the Executive’s Normal Retirement Date, and be paid in twelve (12) equal monthly installments (without interest) on the first day of each month thereafter until paid in full. The Executive shall be 100% vested in the Normal Retirement Benefit upon attaining Normal Retirement Age prior to a Separation from Service.

(b) Termination Prior to Normal Retirement Age. If the Executive experiences a Separation from Service prior to attaining Normal Retirement Age for any reason other than (i) discharge of the Executive by the Bank for Cause, (ii) because the Executive dies or becomes Permanently Disabled or (iii) on or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change in Control, then the Bank shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s Separation from Service an amount equal to the product of the Executive’s Accrual Balance, as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service, multiplied by the Executive’s Vesting Percentage.

 

1


(c) Termination in Connection with a Change in Control. If before, on or after Normal Retirement Age, the Executive experiences a Separation from Service on or within the twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change in Control for any reason other than (i) discharge of the Executive by the Bank for Cause or (ii) because the Executive dies or becomes Permanently Disabled, then the Bank shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s Separation from Service an amount equal to the Accrual Balance as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service (regardless of whether the Executive’s Vesting Percentage is less than one hundred percent (100%) at that time).

(d) Disability. If Executive becomes Permanently Disabled while in the Continuous Service of the Bank and before any event described in Subsections (a), (b) or (c) above, the Bank shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days following the date on which the Executive becomes Permanently Disabled an amount equal to the Accrual Balance as of the date Executive becomes Permanently Disabled (regardless of whether the Executive’s Vesting Percentage is less than one hundred percent (100%) at that time).

(e) Death. If the Executive dies while in the Continuous Service of the Bank and before the occurrence of any event triggering the Executive’s entitlement to a benefit under this Section 2, then no benefits shall be paid under this Agreement. If Executive dies after the occurrence of any event triggering the Executive’s entitlement to a benefit under this Section 2 and prior to payment of the entire Accrual Balance, the Executive’s Beneficiary shall receive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s death an amount equal to the remaining Accrual Balance at the time of Executive’s death.

(f) Forfeiture of Benefits; Regulatory Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if (i) the Bank discharges the Executive for Cause, or grounds exist for the Bank to discharge the Executive for Cause, regardless of whether an event triggering an entitlement to a benefit under Subsection (a) through (e) has occurred, no benefits shall be paid under this Agreement and any previously paid amounts shall be repaid to Bank by Executive upon five (5) days’ notice. The obligations of the Bank under this Agreement are further subject to its adherence to applicable state and federal banking regulations, rules, or statutes.

(g) Temporary Suspension Applicable to a Specified Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2, if Executive is a “specified employee,” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service with the Bank other than by reason of death, payment of benefit amounts otherwise due shall be delayed to the extent necessary under Code Section 409A until the earlier of six (6) months after Separation from Service or the date of Executive’s death, as applicable. Any payments that are so delayed shall be paid in a single lump sum in cash in the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service, or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s death, if earlier.

3. Amendment; Termination. This Agreement may be amended or terminated only by a written agreement signed by the Bank and the Executive. The Bank may unilaterally amend the Agreement to conform with written directives to the Bank to comply with legislative changes or tax law, including, without limitation, Code Section 409A and any and all Treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder. No amendment shall provide for or otherwise permit any acceleration of the time or schedule of any payment under the Agreement in a manner that would be prohibited under Code Section 409A. No waiver of any provision contained in this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by

 

2


the party against whom such waiver is asserted. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 3, the Bank may elect to terminate the Agreement under any circumstances permitted by Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix). In any such event, the Bank shall distribute to the Executive the Accrual Balance in a single lump sum at the earliest date permitted under such Treasury Regulations. The amount of the benefit (but not the timing of payment) shall be determined as if the effective date of the termination of the Agreement constituted an involuntary discharge by the Bank other than for Cause on or within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control.

4. ERISA Provisions.

(a) Plan Administrator Duties. This Agreement shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board of Directors”), or such committee or person(s) as the Board of Directors shall appoint. The Board of Directors, (or its delegatee(s)), in its capacity as the “administrator” of the Agreement for purposes of ERISA, shall have the discretion and authority to (i) make, amend, interpret and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Agreement; and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions including interpretations of this Agreement, as may arise in connection with the Agreement. The decision or action of the Board of Directors (or its delegatee) with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation and application of the Agreement and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Agreement. The “Named Fiduciary” under the Agreement is the Bank.

(b) Claims Procedures.

(i) Notice of Denial.

(1) If Executive or a Beneficiary (a “claimant”) is denied a claim for benefits under this Agreement, the Claims Administrator shall provide to the claimant written notice of the adverse benefit determination (whether such claim is denied in whole or in part) within a reasonable period of time but no later than ninety (90) days after the Claims Administrator receives the claim. However, under special circumstances (to be determined by the Claims Administrator), the Claims Administrator may extend the time for processing the claim to a day no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the Claims Administrator receives the claim. The claimant shall be notified in writing within the initial 90-day period of the need to extend the time for review, the special circumstances requiring an extension, and the date by which a decision is expected.

(2) With respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, the Claims Administrator shall provide to the claimant written notice of the adverse benefit determination within a reasonable period of time but no later than forty-five (45) days after the Claims Administrator receives the claim. This 45-day period may be extended up to thirty (30) days if an extension is necessary due to matters beyond the control of the Agreement (to be determined by the Claims Administrator) and the claimant is notified, prior to the expiration of the initial 45-day period, of the circumstances requiring the extension of time and the date by which the Claims Administrator expects to render a decision. If, prior to the end of the first 30-day extension period, the Claims Administrator determines that, due to matters beyond the control of the Agreement (to be determined by the Claims Administrator), a decision cannot be rendered within that extension period, the period for making the determination may be extended for up to an additional

 

3


thirty (30) days, provided that the Claims Administrator notifies the claimant, prior to the expiration of the initial 30-day extension period, of the circumstances requiring the extension and the date as of which the Claims Administrator expects to render a decision. In the case of any such extension, the notice of extension shall also specifically explain the standards on which entitlement to a benefit is based, the unresolved issues that prevent a decision on the claim, and the additional information needed to resolve those issues, and the claimant shall have at least forty-five (45) days within which to provide the specified information, if any.

(ii) Contents of Notice of Denial. If a claimant is denied a claim for benefits under this Agreement, the Claims Administrator shall provide to such claimant written notice of the denial. Any such notice of an adverse benefit determination shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant (and with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, be provided in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner) and shall set forth:

(1) the specific reason or reasons for the denial;

(2) specific references to the pertinent provisions of this Agreement on which the denial is based;

(3) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary;

(4) an explanation of this Agreement’s claim review procedures, and the time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following an adverse benefit determination on review;

(5) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled:

(A) a discussion of the decision, including an explanation of the basis for disagreeing with or not following: the views presented by the claimant to the Agreement of health care professionals treating the claimant and vocational professionals who evaluated the claimant, the views of medical or vocational experts whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Agreement in connection with a claimant’s adverse benefit determination, without regard to whether the advice was relied upon in making the benefit determination, and a disability determination regarding the claimant presented by the claimant to the Agreement made by the Social Security Administration;

(B) if the adverse benefit determination is based on a medical necessity or experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, either an explanation of the scientific or clinical judgment for the determination, applying the terms of the Agreement to the claimant’s medical circumstances, or a statement that such explanation will be provided free of charge upon request in writing;

 

4


(C) the specific internal rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria of the Agreement relied upon in making the adverse determination, or, alternatively, a statement that such rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria of the Agreement do not exist; and

(D) a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claimant’s claim for benefits.

(iii) Right to Review. After receiving written notice of the denial of a claim, a claimant or his representative shall be entitled to:

(1) submit written comments, documents, records, and other information relating to the denied claim to the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable; and

(2) request, free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim

(3) request a full and fair review of the denial of the claim by written application to the Claims Administrator (or Appeals Fiduciary in the case of a claim for benefits payable due to Executive being Permanently Disabled), which shall include:

(A) a review that takes into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by the claimant relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination; and

(B) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled:

i. before issuing an adverse benefit determination on review, providing the claimant, free of charge with any new or additional evidence considered, relied upon, or generated by the Agreement or other person making the benefit determination (or at the direction of the Agreement or such other person) in connection with the claim as soon as possible and sufficiently in advance of the date on which the notice of adverse benefit determination on review is required to be provided to give the claimant a reasonable opportunity to respond prior to that date; and

ii. before issuing an adverse benefit determination on review based on a new or additional rationale, providing the claimant, free of charge, with the rationale as soon as possible and sufficiently in advance of the date on which the notice of adverse benefit determination on review is required to be provided to give the claimant a reasonable opportunity to respond prior to that date.

(iv) Application for Review.

(1) If a claimant wishes a review of the decision denying his claim to benefits under this Agreement, other than a claim described in paragraph (2) of this Section 4(b)(iv), he must submit the written application to the Claims Administrator within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice of the denial.

 

5


(2) If the claimant wishes a review of the decision denying his claim to benefits under this Agreement due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, he must submit the written application to the Appeals Fiduciary within one hundred eighty (180) days after receiving written notice of the denial.

(v) Hearing. Upon receiving such written application for review, the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable, may schedule a hearing for purposes of reviewing the claimant’s claim, which hearing shall take place not more than thirty (30) days from the date on which the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary received such written application for review.

(vi) Notice of Hearing. At least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled hearing, the claimant and his representative designated in writing by him, if any, shall receive written notice of the date, time, and place of such scheduled hearing. The claimant or his representative, if any, may request that the hearing be rescheduled, for his convenience, on another reasonable date or at another reasonable time or place.

(vii) Counsel. All claimants requesting a review of the decision denying their claim for benefits may employ counsel for purposes of the hearing.

(viii) Decision on Review. No later than sixty (60) days (forty-five (45) days with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled) following the receipt of the written application for review, the Claims Administrator or the Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable, shall submit its decision on the review in writing to the claimant involved and to his representative, if any, unless the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary determines that special circumstances (such as the need to hold a hearing) require an extension of time, to a day no later than one hundred twenty (120) days (ninety (90) days with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled) after the date of receipt of the written application for review. If the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary determines that the extension of time is required, the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary shall furnish to the claimant written notice of the extension before the expiration of the initial sixty (60) day (forty-five (45) days with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled) period. The extension notice shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary expects to render its decision on review. In the case of a decision adverse to the claimant, the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary shall provide to the claimant written notice of the denial. Any such notice of an adverse benefit determination shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant (and with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, be provided in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner) and shall include:

(1) the specific reason or reasons for the adverse benefit determination;

(2) specific references to the pertinent provisions of this Agreement on which the adverse benefit determination is based;

 

6


(3) a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claimant’s claim for benefits;

(4) a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following the adverse benefit determination on review;

(5) a statement regarding the availability of other voluntary alternative dispute resolution options;

(6) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled:

(A) a description of any contractual limitations period that applies to the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA, including the calendar date on which the contractual limitations period expires for the claim;

(B) a discussion of the decision, including an explanation of the basis for disagreeing with or not following: the views presented by the claimant to the Agreement of health care professionals treating the claimant and vocational professionals who evaluated the claimant, the views of medical or vocational professionals whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Agreement in connection with a claimant’s adverse benefit determination, without regard to whether the advice was relied upon in making the determination, and a disability determination regarding the claimant presented by the claimant to the Agreement made by the Social Security Administration;

(C) if the adverse benefit determination is based on a medical necessity or experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, either an explanation of the scientific or clinical judgment for the determination, applying the terms of the Agreement to the claimant’s medical circumstances, or a statement that such explanation will be provided free of charge upon request; and

(D) the specific internal rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria of the Agreement relied upon in making the adverse determination, or a statement that such rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria do not exist.

The Claims Administrator has the discretionary authority to determine all interpretative issues arising under this Agreement and the interpretations of the Claims Administrator shall be final and binding upon Executive or any other party claiming benefits under this Agreement.

(ix) Calculating Time Periods. The period of time within which a benefit determination initially or on review is required to be made shall begin at the time a claim or request for review is filed in accordance with the procedures of the Agreement, without regard to whether all the information necessary to make a benefit determination accompanies the filing. In the event that a period of time is extended due to the failure of a claimant to submit information necessary to decide a claim or review, the period for making

 

7


the benefit determination shall be tolled from the date on which the notification of the extension is sent to the claimant until the date on which the claimant responds to the request for additional information.

(x) Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Notices. With respect to any notices required to be provided in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, the Agreement shall provide (i) oral language services in the applicable non-English language (that include answering questions in any applicable non-English language and providing assistance with filing claims in any applicable non-English language), (ii) a statement in the applicable non-English language, prominently displayed on notices, explaining how to access language services and (iii) notices in the applicable non-English language upon request. For this purpose, a non-English language is an applicable non-English language if 10% or more of the population residing in the county for which the notice is sent is literate only in the same non-English language.

(xi) Adjudication of Disability Benefit Claims: Independence and Impartiality. All claims and appeals with respect to benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled shall adjudicated in a manner designed to ensure the independence and impartiality of the persons involved in making the decision. Accordingly, decisions regarding hiring, compensation, termination, promotion, or other similar matters with respect to any individual (such as a claims adjudicator or medical or vocational expert) shall not be based upon the likelihood that the individual will support the denial of benefits.

(xi) Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies Available under the Agreement.

(1) In no event will Executive be entitled to challenge the Claims Administrator’s decision in court or any other proceeding unless and until these claims procedures are exhausted. The Executive then shall have one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of receipt of the Claims Administrator’s decision on appeal in which to file suit regarding a claim for benefits under this Agreement. If suit is not filed within such one hundred eighty (180)-day period, it shall be forever barred.

(2) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, if the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable, fails to strictly adhere to all the applicable requirements hereunder, the claimant is deemed to have exhausted the administrative remedies available under the Agreement, except as provided in the paragraph below with respect to de minimis violations. If the claimant chooses to pursue remedies under Section 502(a) of ERISA under such circumstances, the claim or appeal is deemed denied on review without the exercise of discretion by an appropriate fiduciary.

The administrative remedies available under the Agreement will not be deemed exhausted based on de minimis violations that do not cause, and are not likely to cause, prejudice or harm to the claimant, provided the Agreement demonstrates that the violation was for good cause or due to matters beyond the control of the Agreement and that the violation occurred in the context of an ongoing, good faith exchange of information between the Agreement and the claimant. A violation shall not be de minimis if it is part of a pattern or practice of violations by the Agreement. The claimant may request a written explanation of the violation from the Agreement, and the Agreement must provide such explanation

 

8


within ten (10) days, including a specific description of its bases, if any, for asserting that the violation should not cause the available administrative remedies to be deemed exhausted. If a court rejects the claimant’s request for immediate review on the basis that the Agreement met the standards for the de minimis exception the claim shall be considered as refiled on appeal upon the Agreement’s receipt of the court’s decision. Within a reasonable time after the receipt of the decision, the Agreement shall provide the claimant with notice of the resubmission.

(xiii) Definitions. For purposes of the Agreement’s claims procedures, the following words and phrases shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

(1) “Adverse benefit determination” means any of the following: a denial, reduction or termination of, or a failure to provide or make payment (in whole or in part) for, a benefit, including any such denial, reduction, termination, or failure to provide or make payment that is based on a determination of a claimant’s eligibility to participate in a plan and with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, shall also mean any rescission of disability coverage with respect to a Participant or Beneficiary (whether or not there is an adverse effect on any particular benefit at that time), where rescission means a cancellation or discontinuance of coverage that has retroactive effect, except to the extent it is attributable to a failure to timely pay required premiums or contributions towards the cost of coverage.

(2) “Appeals Fiduciary” means an individual or group of individuals appointed by the Claims Administrator to review appeals of claims for benefits payable due to the Executive being Permanently Disabled made pursuant to this Subsection (b).

(3) “Claims Administrator” means the Board of Directors or such other person designated by the Board of Directors from time to time and named by notice to Executive.

(4) A document, record, or other information shall be considered “relevant” to a claimant’s claim if such document, record, or other information (A) was relied upon in making the benefit determination, (B) was submitted, considered, or generated in the course of making the benefit determination, without regard to whether such document, record, or other information was relied upon in making the benefit determination, (C) demonstrates compliance with the administrative processes and safeguards required in making the benefit determination, or (D) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, constitutes a statement of policy or guidance with respect to the Agreement concerning the denied treatment option or benefit for the claimant’s diagnosis, without regard to whether such advice or statement was relied upon in making the benefit determination.

(xiv) Person Authorized to Act on Behalf of Claimant. The Claims Administrator may establish reasonable procedures to permit an authorized person to act on behalf of the claimant (and for determining whether a person has been authorized to act on behalf of a claimant).

 

9


5. Funding by Bank.

(a) The benefit obligations of the Bank set forth herein constitute an unfunded retirement arrangement, the obligations under which shall be reflected on the general ledger of the Bank (the “Retirement Liability”). The general corporate funds of the Bank shall be the sole source of payment of the Retirement Liability. The Bank shall be under no obligation to set aside, earmark or otherwise segregate any funds with which to pay the Retirement Liability. Executive and Executive’s Beneficiary or any successor in interest shall be and shall remain unsecured general creditors of the Bank with respect to the Retirement Liability. Executive and Executive’s Beneficiary shall have no interest in any property of the Bank or any other rights with respect thereto except to the extent of the contractual right to the Retirement Liability represented by the obligations described in Section 2 of this Agreement.

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Bank has no obligation whatsoever to set aside assets, either directly or indirectly, in a trust for purposes of paying the Retirement Liability under this Agreement. The Retirement Liability is not a deposit, is not otherwise funded by the Bank and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and does not constitute a trust account or any other special obligation of the Bank and does not have priority of payment over any other general obligations of the Bank. If the Bank determines in its sole discretion to set aside assets in a grantor trust for the purpose of paying benefits under this Agreement, the grantor trust shall not be located outside of the United States or subsequently transferred to any trust outside of the United States.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Bank, in its sole discretion, may procure bank-owned life insurance covering the life of the Executive, with respect to which the Bank shall be the beneficiary, to pay the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement. Executive agrees to fully cooperate with the Bank to enable the Bank to procure such life insurance, including undertaking a physical to the extent needed to procure the policy. Executive and Executive’s Beneficiary, however, shall have no interest in any such policy of the Bank or any other rights with respect to such policy, the proceeds of which will be paid to the Bank. The Bank in its sole discretion will determine whether to procure any such policy and, if the Bank elects to procure such policy, the face amount of such policy.

6. Employment of Executive; Other Agreements. The benefits provided for herein for Executive are supplemental retirement benefits and shall not be deemed to modify, affect or limit any salary or salary increases, bonuses, profit sharing or any other type of compensation of Executive in any manner whatsoever. No provision contained in this Agreement shall in any way affect, restrict or limit any existing employment agreement between the Bank and Executive, nor shall any provision or condition contained in this Agreement create specific employment or other service rights of Executive or limit the right of the Bank to discharge Executive with or without cause.

7. Withholding.

(a) The Executive is responsible for payment of all taxes applicable to compensation and benefits paid or provided to the Executive under the Agreement, including federal and state income tax withholding, as applicable. The Bank shall withhold any taxes that, in its reasonable judgment, are required to be withheld, including but not limited to taxes owed under Code Section 409A and regulations thereunder, if any, and all employment taxes due to be paid by the Bank pursuant to Code Section 3121(v) and regulations promulgated thereunder (i.e., Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes on the present value of payments hereunder which are no longer subject to vesting). The Bank’s sole liability regarding such taxes is to forward any amounts withheld to the appropriate taxing authority(ies). By participating in the Agreement, the Executive consents to the deduction of all tax withholdings attributable to participation in the Agreement

 

10


from the benefits due under the Agreement or other payments due to the Executive by the Bank to satisfy the employee-portion of such obligations. If insufficient cash wages are available or, if the Executive so desires, the Executive may remit payment in cash for the withholding amounts.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in the Agreement to the contrary, to the extent permitted by Code Section 409A, payments due under the Agreement may be accelerated to pay, where applicable, the FICA tax imposed under Code Sections 3101, 3121(a), and 3121(v)(2) and any state, local, and foreign tax obligations (the “Tax Obligations”) that may be imposed on amounts deferred pursuant to the Agreement prior to the time such amounts are paid or made available and to pay the income tax at source on wages imposed under Code Section 3401 or the corresponding withholding provisions of applicable state, local, or foreign tax laws as a result of an accelerated payment of the Tax Obligations (the “Income Tax Obligations”). Accelerated payments pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall not exceed the amount of the Tax Obligations and Income Tax Obligations and shall be made as a payment directly to taxing authorities pursuant to the applicable withholding provisions. Any accelerated payments pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall reduce the benefit otherwise payable to the Executive pursuant to the Agreement.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision in the Agreement to the contrary, the Executive shall be liable for all taxes related to payments under this Agreement, and the Bank shall not be liable to any interested party for any such taxes or if the Agreement fails to be exempt from or to comply with Code Section 409A.

8. Arbitration; Jury Trial Waiver.

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in any other subsequent written agreement between Executive and the Bank, unless prohibited by law, any controversy or claim between Executive and the Bank, or between the respective successors or assigns of either, or between Executive and any of the Bank’s officers, employees, agents or affiliated entities, arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any representations, negotiations, or discussions leading up to this Agreement or any relationship that results from any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, an alleged tort, breach of warranty, or other legal theory (including claims of fraud, misrepresentation, suppression of material fact, fraud in the inducement, and breach of fiduciary obligation), and whether based on acts or omissions occurring or existing prior to, at the time of, or after the execution of this Agreement and whether asserted as an original or amended claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or otherwise, shall be settled by binding arbitration; provided, however, that resort to arbitration as provided in this Section 8 may only be had after exhaustion of the claims procedure described in Subsection 4(b) followed by mediation under the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Thereafter, arbitration of any unresolved claim shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Any dispute regarding whether a particular claim is subject to arbitration will be decided by the arbitrator. Any court of competent jurisdiction may compel arbitration of claims pursuant to this Agreement.

(b) The arbitrator may award to the prevailing party pre-and post-award expenses of the arbitration, including the arbitrator’s fees and travel expenses, administrative fees, out-of-pocket expenses such as copying and telephone, court costs, witness fees, stenographer’s fees, and (if allowed by applicable law) attorneys’ fees. Otherwise, the parties will share equally the arbitrator’s fee and travel expenses and administrative fees, and each party will bear its own expenses.

 

11


(c) This agreement to arbitrate disputes will survive the payment of all obligations under this Agreement and termination or performance of any transactions contemplated hereby between Executive and the Bank, and will continue in full force and effect unless Executive and the Bank otherwise expressly agree in writing.

(d) By entering into this Agreement, Executive and the Bank agree and acknowledge that:

(i) by agreeing to arbitrate disputes, Executive and the Bank are giving up the right to trial in a court and THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY of all claims that are subject to arbitration under this Agreement;

(ii) grounds for appeal of the arbitrator’s decision are very limited; and

(iii) in some cases the arbitrator may be employed by, or may have worked closely with, a business in the same or a related type of business as the business engaged in by Executive or the Bank.

(e) EXECUTIVE AND THE BANK HEREBY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ALL DISPUTES, CONTROVERSIES AND CLAIMS BY, BETWEEN OR AGAINST EXECUTIVE OR THE BANK, WHETHER THE DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM IS SUBMITTED TO ARBITRATION OR IS DECIDED BY A COURT.

Executive must initial here:     

9. Miscellaneous Provisions.

(a) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts. Each counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile transmission of an executed counterpart.

(b) Construction. As used in this Agreement, the neuter gender shall include the masculine and the feminine, the masculine and feminine genders shall be interchangeable among themselves and each with the neuter, the singular numbers shall include the plural, and the plural the singular. The term “person” shall include all persons and entities of every nature whatsoever, including, but not limited to, individuals, corporations, partnerships, governmental entities and associations. The terms “including,” “included,” “such as” and terms of similar import shall not imply the exclusion of other items not specifically enumerated.

(c) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be held to be invalid, illegal, unenforceable or inconsistent with any present or future law, ruling, rule or regulation of any court, governmental or regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the subject matter of this Agreement, such provision shall be rescinded or modified in accordance with such law, ruling, rule or regulation and the remainder of this Agreement or the application of such provision to the person or circumstances other than those as to which it is held inconsistent shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

(d) Governing Law. This Agreement is made in the State of Georgia and shall be governed in all respects and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to its conflicts of law principles, except to the extent superseded by the Federal laws of the United States.

 

12


(e) Binding Effect. This Agreement is binding upon the parties, their respective successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives. Without limiting the foregoing this Agreement shall be binding upon any successor of the Bank whether by merger or acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets or liabilities of the Bank. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party without the prior written consent of each other party hereto.

(f) No Trust. Nothing contained in this Agreement and no action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship between the Bank and Executive, Executive’s Beneficiary or any other person.

(g) Assignment of Rights and Benefits. No right or benefit provided in this Agreement will be transferable by Executive except, upon his death, to a named Beneficiary as provided in this Agreement. No right or benefit provided for in the Agreement will be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, pledge, encumber, or charge the same will be void. No right or benefit provided for in the Agreement will in any manner be liable for or subject to any debts, contracts, liabilities or torts of the person entitled to such benefits; provided, however, that the undistributed portion of any benefit payable hereunder shall at all times be subject to set-off for debts owed by Executive to the Bank.

(h) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, are hereby superseded, merged and integrated into this Agreement.

(i) Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and, if mailed by prepaid first-class mail or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed to have been received on the earlier of the date shown on the receipt or three (3) business days after the postmarked date thereof. In addition, notices hereunder may be delivered by hand, facsimile transmission or overnight courier, in which event the notice shall be deemed effective when delivered or transmitted. All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be given to the parties hereto, at the following addresses:

 

  Bank:   
  TC Federal Bank   
  131 S. Dawson St.   
  Thomasville, Georgia 31799   
  Attention: HR   
  Executive: Address on file with Bank   

(j) Non-waiver. No delay or failure by either party to exercise any right under this Agreement, and no partial or single exercise of that right, shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right.

 

13


(k) Headings. Headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret or construe its provisions.

(l) Accelerated Payouts in the Event of 409A Violations. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement to the contrary, the Bank shall make payments hereunder before such payments are otherwise due if it determines that the provisions of the Agreement fail to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; provided, however, that such payment(s) may not exceed the amount required to be included in income as a result of such failure to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and, to the extent permissible therein, any taxes, penalties, interest and costs attributable thereto.

10. Definitions. Where the following words and phrases appear in the Agreement, they shall have the respective meanings set forth below, unless their context clearly indicates to the contrary:

(a) “Accrual Balance” means the liability that the Bank accrues, under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) as reasonably applied by the Bank, for the Bank’s obligation to the Executive under this Agreement in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion Number 12, as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 106, and the Discount Rate. Any one of a variety of amortization methods may be used to determine the Accrual Balance. However, once chosen, the method must be consistently applied.

(b) “Beneficiary” shall mean the person(s) designated by the Executive to receive any death benefits described under Section 2(e) of the Agreement. The Executive shall designate his Beneficiary in writing to the Bank pursuant to procedures as may be established from time to time; provided, however, if no such designation has been made or if the Beneficiary predeceases Executive, the Beneficiary of Executive under this Agreement shall be Executive’s legally-married spouse, if any, or, if there is no legally-married surviving spouse, the Beneficiary shall be Executive’s estate.

(c) “Cause” shall have the same meaning given to the same or similar term in any employment agreement between the parties as may be in effect from time to time; provided, however, if there is no such term or similar term in the employment agreement or if there is no such employment agreement, then the term shall mean (i) intentional misconduct or gross malfeasance, or an act or acts of gross negligence in the course of employment or any material breach of the Executive’s obligations contained herein, including, without limitation, acts competitive with or deliberately harmful to the business of the Bank; (ii) any intentional misstatement or omission to the directors or executive officers of the Bank with respect to any matter; (iii) the intentional failure of the Executive to follow the reasonable instructions and policies of the Bank; (iv) the Executive’s conviction, admission or confession of any felony or an unlawful act involving active and willful fraud or moral turpitude; or (v) the violation by the Executive of applicable state and federal banking regulations, rules, or statutes.

(d) “Change in Control” shall mean (i) any transaction, whether by merger, consolidation, asset sale, recapitalization, reorganization, combination, stock purchase, tender offer, reverse stock split, or otherwise, which results in the acquisition of, or beneficial ownership (as such term is defined under rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by any entity, person or any group thereof acting in concert, of 50% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank; or (ii) the sale of 50% or more of the collective assets of the Bank. For purposes of this Section 10(d), persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Bank. Change in Control shall be construed consistent with its meaning under Section 409A of the Code.

 

14


(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

(f) “Continuous Service” shall mean continuous employment by the Executive with the Bank or any affiliates as a common law employee.

(g) “Discount Rate” shall mean the interest rate designated by the Board of Directors for determining the present value of any benefits payable under this Agreement and/or the amount of the installment payments necessary to fully amortize the Accrual Balance at the designated Discount Rate over the specified payment period. The Board of Directors has the authority to designate and/or adjust the Discount Rate, in its sole discretion, so as to maintain the rate within reasonable standards according to GAAP and applicable bank regulatory guidance.

(h) “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,

(i) “Normal Retirement Age” means the attainment of age sixty-five (65) by the Executive.

(j) “Normal Retirement Benefit” means fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).

(k) “Permanently Disabled” shall mean any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months that results in Executive (i) being unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity; or (ii) receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Bank’s long-term disability plan covering Executive. The determination of whether Executive is Permanently Disabled shall be made by the Bank and shall be construed consistent with its meaning under Section 409A of the Code.

(l) “Separation from Service” shall mean (i) a termination of the Executive’s employment where either (A) the Executive has ceased to perform any services for the Bank and all affiliated companies that, together with the Bank, constitute the “service recipient” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Service Recipient”) or (B) the level of bona fide services the Executive performs for the Service Recipient after a given date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) permanently decreases (excluding either a decrease as a result of military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or if longer, so long as the Executive retains a right to reemployment with the Service Recipient under an applicable statute or by contract or any other decrease permitted under Code Section 409A) to no more than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed for the Service Recipient (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of service if the Executive has been providing services to the Service Recipient for less than 36 months), consistent with a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A. All references to termination or discharge of employment and/or service shall be deemed to refer to a “separation from service.”

 

15


(m) “Vesting Percentage” shall mean the percentage determined under the following vesting schedule based on the Executive’s Years of Vesting Service:

 

Years of Vesting Service

   Vesting Percentage  

Less than 6

     0

6

     20

7

     40

8

     60

9

     80

10 or more

     100

(n) “Years of Vesting Service” shall mean, for vesting purposes, the number of full twelve (12)-month periods, commencing with the Executive’s most recent hire date, during which the Executive remains in Continuous Service with the Bank. For purposes of determining vesting, all Years of Vesting Service with the Bank shall be counted regardless of whether such service occurred before or after the Effective Date of this Agreement.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

TC FEDERAL BANK:
By:  

/s/ Jami Porter

Name:   Jami Porter
Title:   SVP, HR
EXECUTIVE:

/s/ Greg Eiford

Greg Eiford

 

17


DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY FORM

UNDER

SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

Pursuant to Section 10(b) of the SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (the “Agreement”), I, Greg Eiford, hereby designate the beneficiary(ies) listed below to receive any benefits under the Agreement that may be due following my death. This designation shall replace and revoke any prior designation of beneficiary(ies) made by me under the Agreement.

Full Name(s), Address(es) and Social Security Number(s) of Primary Beneficiary(ies)*:

 

 

 

 

 

 

*If more than one beneficiary is named above, the beneficiaries will share equally in any benefits, unless you have otherwise provided above. Further, if you have named more than one beneficiary and one or more of the beneficiaries is deceased at the time of your death, any remaining beneficiary (ies) will share equally, unless you have provided otherwise above. If no primary beneficiary survives you, then the contingent beneficiary designated below will receive any benefits due upon your death. In the event you have no designated beneficiary upon your death, any benefits due will be paid to your legally-married spouse, if any, or, if there is no legally-married surviving spouse, to your estate. In the event that you are naming a beneficiary that is not a person, please provide pertinent information regarding the designation.

Full Name, Address and Social Security Number of Contingent Beneficiary:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:  

2/22/19

 

        

  

/s/ Greg Eiford

Greg Eiford

 

18


FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE

TC FEDERAL BANK SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

THIS FIRST AMENDMENT (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into this 15 day of January, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and among TC Federal Bank, a Georgia bank (the “Bank”), and Greg Eiford (“Executive”).

BACKGROUND

The Bank and Executive previously entered into that certain Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated as of the 22nd day of February, 2019 (the “SERP Agreement”) to incentivize Executive to devote his full business time, attention and energies to the business of the Bank and establish the terms and conditions of the nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan to be maintained by the Bank on Executive’s behalf; and

The Bank and Executive now desires to amend the SERP Agreement to increase the benefits payable thereunder in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Amendment.

AGREEMENT

In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereby amend the SERP Agreement as follows:

1. Section 10(j) of the SERP Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the current definition and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

Normal Retirement Benefit” means seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000).

2. All portions of the SERP Agreement not inconsistent with the foregoing are hereby ratified and affirmed.

[Signatures on next page]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this parties have executed this Amendment as of the date first set forth above.

 

TC FEDERAL BANK
By:  

/s/ G. Matthew Brown

Name:   G. Matthew Brown
Title:   CEO
EXECUTIVE

/s/ Greg Eiford

Greg Eiford

 

2


SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE

TC FEDERAL BANK SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

THIS SECOND AMENDMENT (this “Amendment”) is made and entered into this 24th day of December, 2020 (the “Effective Date”), by and among TC Federal Bank, a Georgia bank (the “Bank”), and Greg Eiford (“Executive”).

BACKGROUND

The Bank and Executive previously entered into that certain Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan dated as of the 22nd day of February, 2019 and amended by the First Amendment dated as of January     , 2020 (collectively, the “SERP Agreement”) to incentivize Executive to devote his full business time, attention and energies to the business of the Bank and establish the terms and conditions of the nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan to be maintained by the Bank on Executive’s behalf; and

The Bank and Executive now desires to amend the SERP Agreement to increase the benefits payable thereunder in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in this Amendment.

AGREEMENT

In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereby amend the SERP Agreement as follows:

1. Section 10(j) of the SERP Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the current definition and inserting in lieu thereof the following:

Normal Retirement Benefit” means one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).

2. All portions of the SERP Agreement not inconsistent with the foregoing are hereby ratified and affirmed.

[Signatures on next page]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this parties have executed this Amendment as of the date first set forth above.

 

TC FEDERAL BANK
By:  

/s/ Stephanie B. Tillman

Name:   Stephanie B. Tillman
Title:   Chairman of the Board
EXECUTIVE:

/s/ Greg Eiford

Greg Eiford

 

2

EX-10.7 9 d882215dex107.htm EX-10.7 EX-10.7

Exhibit 10.7

SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

This SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (this “Agreement”) is made and entered into this 22nd day of February, 2019 (the “Effective Date”), by and among TC FEDERAL BANK, a Georgia bank (the “Bank”), And Noel Ellis (the “Executive”). Capitalized terms used herein are defined in Section 10 of this Agreement.

BACKGROUND

To incentivize the Executive to devote his full business time, attention, and energies to the business of the Bank, the Bank and the Executive desire to enter into this Agreement to establish the terms and conditions of the nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan to be maintained by the Bank on the Executive’s behalf.

AGREEMENT

In consideration of the mutual promises contained herein and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereby agree as follows:

1. General Terms and Conditions. The Bank hereby establishes a nonqualified supplemental executive retirement plan for the benefit of the Executive. Section 2 below describes the benefits available to the Executive, or the Executive’s Beneficiary, upon the occurrence of certain events as described in, and subject to the terms and conditions of, this Agreement; provided the Executive remains in the Continuous Service of the Bank from the Effective Date until the specified event. Each benefit described in Section 2 is in lieu of any other benefit therein. No benefits under this Agreement shall be payable with respect to any event other than the events described below, and the benefits otherwise payable pursuant to Section 2 below are subject to the further limitations in Section 2(f) and (g).

2. Retirement Benefits.

(a) Termination on or after Normal Retirement Age. If Executive remains in the Continuous Service of the Bank until on or after attaining Normal Retirement Age, then following the date on which the Executive experiences a Separation from Service on or after Normal Retirement Age (the “Normal Retirement Date) for any reason other than (i) discharge of the Executive by the Bank for Cause, (ii) because the Executive dies or becomes Permanently Disabled or (iii) on or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change in Control, the Bank shall pay to the Executive the Normal Retirement Benefit each year for ten (10) years. Payment of the Normal Retirement Benefit shall commence upon the Executive’s Normal Retirement Date, beginning with the month immediately following the Executive’s Normal Retirement Date, and be paid in twelve (12) equal monthly installments (without interest) on the first day of each month thereafter until paid in full. The Executive shall be 100% vested in the Normal Retirement Benefit upon attaining Normal Retirement Age prior to a Separation from Service.

(b) Termination Prior to Normal Retirement Age. If the Executive experiences a Separation from Service prior to attaining Normal Retirement Age for any reason other than (i) discharge of the Executive by the Bank for Cause, (ii) because the Executive dies or becomes Permanently Disabled or (iii) on or within twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change in Control, then the Bank shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s Separation from Service an amount equal to the product of the Executive’s Accrual Balance, as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service, multiplied by the Executive’s Vesting Percentage.


(c) Termination in Connection with a Change in Control. If before, on or after Normal Retirement Age, the Executive experiences a Separation from Service on or within the twelve (12) months following the effective date of a Change in Control for any reason other than (i) discharge of the Executive by the Bank for Cause or (ii) because the Executive dies or becomes Permanently Disabled, then the Bank shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s Separation from Service an amount equal to the Accrual Balance as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service (regardless of whether the Executive’s Vesting Percentage is less than one hundred percent (100%) at that time).

(d) Disability. If Executive becomes Permanently Disabled while in the Continuous Service of the Bank and before any event described in Subsections (a), (b) or (c) above, the Bank shall pay to the Executive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days following the date on which the Executive becomes Permanently Disabled an amount equal to the Accrual Balance as of the date Executive becomes Permanently Disabled (regardless of whether the Executive’s Vesting Percentage is less than one hundred percent (100%) at that time).

(e) Death. If the Executive dies while in the Continuous Service of the Bank and before the occurrence of any event triggering the Executive’s entitlement to a benefit under this Section 2, then no benefits shall be paid under this Agreement. If Executive dies after the occurrence of any event triggering the Executive’s entitlement to a benefit under this Section 2 and prior to payment of the entire Accrual Balance, the Executive’s Beneficiary shall receive in a single lump sum on or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s death an amount equal to the remaining Accrual Balance at the time of Executive’s death.

(f) Forfeiture of Benefits; Regulatory Limitations. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if (i) the Bank discharges the Executive for Cause, or grounds exist for the Bank to discharge the Executive for Cause, regardless of whether an event triggering an entitlement to a benefit under Subsection (a) through (e) has occurred, no benefits shall be paid under this Agreement and any previously paid amounts shall be repaid to Bank by Executive upon five (5) days’ notice. The obligations of the Bank under this Agreement are further subject to its adherence to applicable state and federal banking regulations, rules, or statutes.

(g) Temporary Suspension Applicable to a Specified Employee. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2, if Executive is a “specified employee,” within the meaning of Code Section 409A, as of the date of Executive’s Separation from Service with the Bank other than by reason of death, payment of benefit amounts otherwise due shall be delayed to the extent necessary under Code Section 409A until the earlier of six (6) months after Separation from Service or the date of Executive’s death, as applicable. Any payments that are so delayed shall be paid in a single lump sum in cash in the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service, or within thirty (30) days after the Executive’s death, if earlier.

3. Amendment; Termination. This Agreement may be amended or terminated only by a written agreement signed by the Bank and the Executive. The Bank may unilaterally amend the Agreement to conform with written directives to the Bank to comply with legislative changes or tax law, including, without limitation, Code Section 409A and any and all Treasury regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder. No amendment shall provide for or otherwise permit any acceleration of the time or schedule of any payment under the Agreement in a manner that would be prohibited under Code Section 409A. No waiver of any provision contained in this Agreement shall be effective unless it is in writing and signed by

 

2


the party against whom such waiver is asserted. Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this Section 3, the Bank may elect to terminate the Agreement under any circumstances permitted by Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix). In any such event, the Bank shall distribute to the Executive the Accrual Balance in a single lump sum at the earliest date permitted under such Treasury Regulations. The amount of the benefit (but not the timing of payment) shall be determined as if the effective date of the termination of the Agreement constituted an involuntary discharge by the Bank other than for Cause on or within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control.

4. ERISA Provisions.

(a) Plan Administrator Duties. This Agreement shall be administered by the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board of Directors”), or such committee or person(s) as the Board of Directors shall appoint. The Board of Directors, (or its delegatee(s)) in its capacity as the “administrator” of the Agreement for purposes of ERISA, shall have the discretion and authority to (i) make, amend, interpret and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Agreement; and (ii) decide or resolve any and all questions including interpretations of this Agreement, as may arise in connection with the Agreement. The decision or action of the Board of Directors (or its delegatee) with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation and application of the Agreement and the rules and regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Agreement. The “Named Fiduciary” under the Agreement is the Bank.

(b) Claims Procedures.

(i) Notice of Denial.

(1) If Executive or a Beneficiary (a “claimant”) is denied a claim for benefits under this Agreement, the Claims Administrator shall provide to the claimant written notice of the adverse benefit determination (whether such claim is denied in whole or in part) within a reasonable period of time but no later than ninety (90) days after the Claims Administrator receives the claim. However, under special circumstances (to be determined by the Claims Administrator), the Claims Administrator may extend the time for processing the claim to a day no later than one hundred eighty (180) days after the Claims Administrator receives the claim. The claimant shall be notified in writing within the initial 90-day period of the need to extend the time for review, the special circumstances requiring an extension, and the date by which a decision is expected.

(2) With respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, the Claims Administrator shall provide to the claimant written notice of the adverse benefit determination within a reasonable period of time but no later than forty-five (45) days after the Claims Administrator receives the claim. This 45-day period may be extended up to thirty (30) days if an extension is necessary due to matters beyond the control of the Agreement (to be determined by the Claims Administrator) and the claimant is notified, prior to the expiration of the initial 45-day period, of the circumstances requiring the extension of time and the date by which the Claims Administrator expects to render a decision. If, prior to the end of the first 30-day extension period, the Claims Administrator determines that, due to matters beyond the control of the Agreement (to be determined by the Claims Administrator), a decision cannot be rendered within

 

3


that extension period, the period for making the determination may be extended for up to an additional thirty (30) days, provided that the Claims Administrator notifies the claimant, prior to the expiration of the initial 30-day extension period, of the circumstances requiring the extension and the date as of which the Claims Administrator expects to render a decision. In the case of any such extension, the notice of extension shall also specifically explain the standards on which entitlement to a benefit is based, the unresolved issues that prevent a decision on the claim, and the additional information needed to resolve those issues, and the claimant shall have at least forty-five (45) days within which to provide the specified information, if any.

(ii) Contents of Notice of Denial. If a claimant is denied a claim for benefits under this Agreement, the Claims Administrator shall provide to such claimant written notice of the denial. Any such notice of an adverse benefit determination shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant (and with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, be provided in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner) and shall set forth:

(1) the specific reason or reasons for the denial;

(2) specific references to the pertinent provisions of this Agreement on which the denial is based;

(3) a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary;

(4) an explanation of this Agreement’s claim review procedures, and the time limits applicable to such procedures, including a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following an adverse benefit determination on review;

(5) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled:

(A) a discussion of the decision, including an explanation of the basis for disagreeing with or not following: the views presented by the claimant to the Agreement of health care professionals treating the claimant and vocational professionals who evaluated the claimant, the views of medical or vocational experts whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Agreement in connection with a claimant’s adverse benefit determination, without regard to whether the advice was relied upon in making the benefit determination, and a disability determination regarding the claimant presented by the claimant to the Agreement made by the Social Security Administration;

(B) if the adverse benefit determination is based on a medical necessity or experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, either an explanation of the scientific or clinical judgment for the determination, applying the terms of the Agreement to the claimant’s medical circumstances, or a statement that such explanation will be provided free of charge upon request in writing;

 

4


(C) the specific internal rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria of the Agreement relied upon in making the adverse determination, or, alternatively, a statement that such rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria of the Agreement do not exist; and

(D) a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claimant’s claim for benefits.

(iii) Right to Review. After receiving written notice of the denial of a claim, a claimant or his representative shall be entitled to:

(1) submit written comments, documents, records, and other information relating to the denied claim to the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable; and

(2) request, free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claim

(3) request a full and fair review of the denial of the claim by written application to the Claims Administrator (or Appeals Fiduciary in the case of a claim for benefits payable due to Executive being Permanently Disabled), which shall include:

(A) a review that takes into account all comments, documents, records, and other information submitted by the claimant relating to the claim, without regard to whether such information was submitted or considered in the initial benefit determination; and

(B) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled:

i. before issuing an adverse benefit determination on review, providing the claimant, free of charge with any new or additional evidence considered, relied upon, or generated by the Agreement or other person making the benefit determination (or at the direction of the Agreement or such other person) in connection with the claim as soon as possible and sufficiently in advance of the date on which the notice of adverse benefit determination on review is required to be provided to give the claimant a reasonable opportunity to respond prior to that date; and

ii. before issuing an adverse benefit determination on review based on a new or additional rationale, providing the claimant, free of charge, with the rationale as soon as possible and sufficiently in advance of the date on which the notice of adverse benefit determination on review is required to be provided to give the claimant a reasonable opportunity to respond prior to that date.

 

5


(iv) Application for Review.

(1) If a claimant wishes a review of the decision denying his claim to benefits under this Agreement, other than a claim described in paragraph (2) of this Section 4(b)(iv), he must submit the written application to the Claims Administrator within sixty (60) days after receiving written notice of the denial.

(2) If the claimant wishes a review of the decision denying his claim to benefits under this Agreement due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, he must submit the written application to the Appeals Fiduciary within one hundred eighty (180) days after receiving written notice of the denial.

(v) Hearing. Upon receiving such written application for review, the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable, may schedule a hearing for purposes of reviewing the claimant’s claim, which hearing shall take place not more than thirty (30) days from the date on which the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary received such written application for review.

(vi) Notice of Hearing. At least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled hearing, the claimant and his representative designated in writing by him, if any, shall receive written notice of the date, time, and place of such scheduled hearing. The claimant or his representative, if any, may request that the hearing be rescheduled, for his convenience, on another reasonable date or at another reasonable time or place.

(vii) Counsel. All claimants requesting a review of the decision denying their claim for benefits may employ counsel for purposes of the hearing.

(viii) Decision on Review. No later than sixty (60) days (forty-five (45) days with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled) following the receipt of the written application for review, the Claims Administrator or the Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable, shall submit its decision on the review in writing to the claimant involved and to his representative, if any, unless the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary determines that special circumstances (such as the need to hold a hearing) require an extension of time, to a day no later than one hundred twenty (120) days (ninety (90) days with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled) after the date of receipt of the written application for review. If the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary determines that the extension of time is required, the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary shall furnish to the claimant written notice of the extension before the expiration of the initial sixty (60) day (forty-five (45) days with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled) period. The extension notice shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary expects to render its decision on review. In the case of a decision adverse to the claimant, the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary shall provide to the claimant written notice of the denial. Any such notice of an adverse benefit determination shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant (and with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, be provided in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner) and shall include:

(1) the specific reason or reasons for the adverse benefit determination;

 

6


(2) specific references to the pertinent provisions of this Agreement on which the adverse benefit determination is based;

(3) a statement that the claimant is entitled to receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records, and other information relevant to the claimant’s claim for benefits;

(4) a statement of the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA following the adverse benefit determination on review;

(5) a statement regarding the availability of other voluntary alternative dispute resolution options;

(6) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled:

(A) a description of any contractual limitations period that applies to the claimant’s right to bring a civil action under Section 502(a) of ERISA, including the calendar date on which the contractual limitations period expires for the claim;

(B) a discussion of the decision, including an explanation of the basis for disagreeing with or not following: the views presented by the claimant to the Agreement of health care professionals treating the claimant and vocational professionals who evaluated the claimant, the views of medical or vocational professionals whose advice was obtained on behalf of the Agreement in connection with a claimant’s adverse benefit determination, without regard to whether the advice was relied upon in making the determination, and a disability determination regarding the claimant presented by the claimant to the Agreement made by the Social Security Administration;

(C) if the adverse benefit determination is based on a medical necessity or experimental treatment or similar exclusion or limit, either an explanation of the scientific or clinical judgment for the determination, applying the terms of the Agreement to the claimant’s medical circumstances, or a statement that such explanation will be provided free of charge upon request; and

(D) the specific internal rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria of the Agreement relied upon in making the adverse determination, or a statement that such rules, guidelines, protocols, standards or other similar criteria do not exist.

The Claims Administrator has the discretionary authority to determine all interpretative issues arising under this Agreement and the interpretations of the Claims Administrator shall be final and binding upon Executive or any other party claiming benefits under this Agreement.

(ix) Calculating Time Periods. The period of time within which a benefit determination initially or on review is required to be made shall begin at the time a claim or request for review is filed in accordance with the procedures of the Agreement, without

 

7


regard to whether all the information necessary to make a benefit determination accompanies the filing. In the event that a period of time is extended due to the failure of a claimant to submit information necessary to decide a claim or review, the period for making the benefit determination shall be tolled from the date on which the notification of the extension is sent to the claimant until the date on which the claimant responds to the request for additional information.

(x) Standards for Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Notices. With respect to any notices required to be provided in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, the Agreement shall provide (i) oral language services in the applicable non-English language (that include answering questions in any applicable non-English language and providing assistance with filing claims in any applicable non-English language), (ii) a statement in the applicable non-English language, prominently displayed on notices, explaining how to access language services and (iii) notices in the applicable non-English language upon request. For this purpose, a non-English language is an applicable non-English language if 10% or more of the population residing in the county for which the notice is sent is literate only in the same non-English language.

(xi) Adjudication of Disability Benefit Claims: Independence and Impartiality. All claims and appeals with respect to benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled shall adjudicated in a manner designed to ensure the independence and impartiality of the persons involved in making the decision. Accordingly, decisions regarding hiring, compensation, termination, promotion, or other similar matters with respect to any individual (such as a claims adjudicator or medical or vocational expert) shall not be based upon the likelihood that the individual will support the denial of benefits.

(xii) Exhaustion of Administrative Remedies Available under the Agreement.

(1) In no event will Executive be entitled to challenge the Claims Administrator’s decision in court or any other proceeding unless and until these claims procedures are exhausted. The Executive then shall have one hundred eighty (180) days from the date of receipt of the Claims Administrator’s decision on appeal in which to file suit regarding a claim for benefits under this Agreement. If suit is not filed within such one hundred eighty (180)-day period, it shall be forever barred.

(2) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, if the Claims Administrator or Appeals Fiduciary, as applicable, fails to strictly adhere to all the applicable requirements hereunder, the claimant is deemed to have exhausted the administrative remedies available under the Agreement, except as provided in the paragraph below with respect to de minimis violations. If the claimant chooses to pursue remedies under Section 502(a) of ERISA under such circumstances, the claim or appeal is deemed denied on review without the exercise of discretion by an appropriate fiduciary.

The administrative remedies available under the Agreement will not be deemed exhausted based on de minimis violations that do not cause, and are not likely to cause, prejudice or harm to the claimant, provided the Agreement demonstrates that the violation was for good cause or due to matters beyond the control of the Agreement and that the violation occurred in the context of an ongoing, good faith exchange of information between the Agreement and the

 

8


claimant. A violation shall not be de minimis if it is part of a pattern or practice of violations by the Agreement. The claimant may request a written explanation of the violation from the Agreement, and the Agreement must provide such explanation within ten (10) days, including a specific description of its bases, if any, for asserting that the violation should not cause the available administrative remedies to be deemed exhausted. If a court rejects the claimant’s request for immediate review on the basis that the Agreement met the standards for the de minimis exception the claim shall be considered as refiled on appeal upon the Agreement’s receipt of the court’s decision. Within a reasonable time after the receipt of the decision, the Agreement shall provide the claimant with notice of the resubmission.

(xiii) Definitions. For purposes of the Agreement’s claims procedures, the following words and phrases shall have the respective meanings set forth below:

(1) “Adverse benefit determination” means any of the following: a denial, reduction or termination of, or a failure to provide or make payment (in whole or in part) for, a benefit, including any such denial, reduction, termination, or failure to provide or make payment that is based on a determination of a claimant’s eligibility to participate in a plan and with respect to a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, shall also mean any rescission of disability coverage with respect to a Participant or Beneficiary (whether or not there is an adverse effect on any particular benefit at that time), where rescission means a cancellation or discontinuance of coverage that has retroactive effect, except to the extent it is attributable to a failure to timely pay required premiums or contributions towards the cost of coverage.

(2) “Appeals Fiduciary” means an individual or group of individuals appointed by the Claims Administrator to review appeals of claims for benefits payable due to the Executive being Permanently Disabled made pursuant to this Subsection (b).

(3) “Claims Administrator” means the Board of Directors or such other person designated by the Board of Directors from time to time and named by notice to Executive.

(4) A document, record, or other information shall be considered “relevant” to a claimant’s claim if such document, record, or other information (A) was relied upon in making the benefit determination, (B) was submitted, considered, or generated in the course of making the benefit determination, without regard to whether such document, record, or other information was relied upon in making the benefit determination, (C) demonstrates compliance with the administrative processes and safeguards required in making the benefit determination, or (D) in the case of a claim for benefits due to Executive being Permanently Disabled, constitutes a statement of policy or guidance with respect to the Agreement concerning the denied treatment option or benefit for the claimant’s diagnosis, without regard to whether such advice or statement was relied upon in making the benefit determination.

(xiv) Person Authorized to Act on Behalf of Claimant. The Claims Administrator may establish reasonable procedures to permit an authorized person to act on behalf of the claimant (and for determining whether a person has been authorized to act on behalf of a claimant).

 

9


5. Funding by Bank.

(a) The benefit obligations of the Bank set forth herein constitute an unfunded retirement arrangement, the obligations under which shall be reflected on the general ledger of the Bank (the “Retirement Liability”). The general corporate funds of the Bank shall be the sole source of payment of the Retirement Liability. The Bank shall be under no obligation to set aside, earmark or otherwise segregate any funds with which to pay the Retirement Liability. Executive and Executive’s Beneficiary or any successor in interest shall be and shall remain unsecured general creditors of the Bank with respect to the Retirement Liability. Executive and Executive’s Beneficiary shall have no interest in any property of the Bank or any other rights with respect thereto except to the extent of the contractual right to the Retirement Liability represented by the obligations described in Section 2 of this Agreement.

(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Bank has no obligation whatsoever to set aside assets, either directly or indirectly, in a trust for purposes of paying the Retirement Liability under this Agreement. The Retirement Liability is not a deposit, is not otherwise funded by the Bank and is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and does not constitute a trust account or any other special obligation of the Bank and does not have priority of payment over any other general obligations of the Bank. If the Bank determines in its sole discretion to set aside assets in a grantor trust for the purpose of paying benefits under this Agreement, the grantor trust shall not be located outside of the United States or subsequently transferred to any trust outside of the United States.

(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Bank, in its sole discretion, may procure bank-owned life insurance covering the life of the Executive, with respect to which the Bank shall be the beneficiary, to pay the Bank’s obligations under this Agreement. Executive agrees to fully cooperate with the Bank to enable the Bank to procure such life insurance, including undertaking a physical to the extent needed to procure the policy. Executive and Executive’s Beneficiary, however, shall have no interest in any such policy of the Bank or any other rights with respect to such policy, the proceeds of which will be paid to the Bank. The Bank in its sole discretion will determine whether to procure any such policy and, if the Bank elects to procure such policy, the face amount of such policy.

6. Employment of Executive; Other Agreements. The benefits provided for herein for Executive are supplemental retirement benefits and shall not be deemed to modify, affect or limit any salary or salary increases, bonuses, profit sharing or any other type of compensation of Executive in any manner whatsoever. No provision contained in this Agreement shall in any way affect, restrict or limit any existing employment agreement between the Bank and Executive, nor shall any provision or condition contained in this Agreement create specific employment or other service rights of Executive or limit the right of the Bank to discharge Executive with or without cause.

7. Withholding.

(a) The Executive is responsible for payment of all taxes applicable to compensation and benefits paid or provided to the Executive under the Agreement, including federal and state income tax withholding, as applicable. The Bank shall withhold any taxes that, in its reasonable judgment, are required to be withheld, including but not limited to taxes owed under Code Section 409A and regulations thereunder, if any, and all employment taxes due to be paid by the Bank pursuant to Code Section 3121(v) and regulations promulgated thereunder (i.e., Federal Insurance Contributions Act (“FICA”) taxes on the present value of payments hereunder which are no longer subject to vesting). The Bank’s sole liability regarding such taxes is to forward any amounts withheld to the appropriate taxing authority(ies). By participating in the Agreement, the Executive consents to the deduction of all tax withholdings attributable to participation in the Agreement from the benefits due under the Agreement or other payments due to the Executive by the Bank to satisfy the employee-portion of such obligations. If insufficient cash wages are available or, if the Executive so desires, the Executive may remit payment in cash for the withholding amounts.

 

10


(b) Notwithstanding any other provision in the Agreement to the contrary, to the extent permitted by Code Section 409A, payments due under the Agreement may be accelerated to pay, where applicable, the FICA tax imposed under Code Sections 3101, 3121(a), and 3121(v)(2) and any state, local, and foreign tax obligations (the “Tax Obligations”) that may be imposed on amounts deferred pursuant to the Agreement prior to the time such amounts are paid or made available and to pay the income tax at source on wages imposed under Code Section 3401 or the corresponding withholding provisions of applicable state, local, or foreign tax laws as a result of an accelerated payment of the Tax Obligations (the “Income Tax Obligations”). Accelerated payments pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall not exceed the amount of the Tax Obligations and Income Tax Obligations and shall be made as a payment directly to taxing authorities pursuant to the applicable withholding provisions. Any accelerated payments pursuant to this Section 7(b) shall reduce the benefit otherwise payable to the Executive pursuant to the Agreement.

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision in the Agreement to the contrary, the Executive shall be liable for all taxes related to payments under this Agreement, and the Bank shall not be liable to any interested party for any such taxes or if the Agreement fails to be exempt from or to comply with Code Section 409A.

8. Arbitration; Jury Trial Waiver.

(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or in any other subsequent written agreement between Executive and the Bank, unless prohibited by law, any controversy or claim between Executive and the Bank, or between the respective successors or assigns of either, or between Executive and any of the Bank’s officers, employees, agents or affiliated entities, arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any representations, negotiations, or discussions leading up to this Agreement or any relationship that results from any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, an alleged tort, breach of warranty, or other legal theory (including claims of fraud, misrepresentation, suppression of material fact, fraud in the inducement, and breach of fiduciary obligation), and whether based on acts or omissions occurring or existing prior to, at the time of, or after the execution of this Agreement and whether asserted as an original or amended claim, counterclaim, cross-claim, or otherwise, shall be settled by binding arbitration; provided, however, that resort to arbitration as provided in this Section 8 may only be had after exhaustion of the claims procedure described in Subsection 4(b) followed by mediation under the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association. Thereafter, arbitration of any unresolved claim shall be administered by the American Arbitration Association under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof. Any dispute regarding whether a particular claim is subject to arbitration will be decided by the arbitrator. Any court of competent jurisdiction may compel arbitration of claims pursuant to this Agreement.

(b) The arbitrator may award to the prevailing party pre-and post-award expenses of the arbitration, including the arbitrator’s fees and travel expenses, administrative fees, out-of-pocket expenses such as copying and telephone, court costs, witness fees, stenographer’s fees, and (if allowed by applicable law) attorneys’ fees. Otherwise, the parties will share equally the arbitrator’s fee and travel expenses and administrative fees, and each party will bear its own expenses.

(c) This agreement to arbitrate disputes will survive the payment of all obligations under this Agreement and termination or performance of any transactions contemplated hereby between Executive and the Bank, and will continue in full force and effect unless Executive and the Bank otherwise expressly agree in writing.

 

11


(d) By entering into this Agreement, Executive and the Bank agree and acknowledge that:

(i) by agreeing to arbitrate disputes, Executive and the Bank are giving up the right to trial in a court and THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY of all claims that are subject to arbitration under this Agreement;

(ii) grounds for appeal of the arbitrator’s decision are very limited; and

(iii) in some cases the arbitrator may be employed by, or may have worked closely with, a business in the same or a related type of business as the business engaged in by Executive or the Bank.

(e) EXECUTIVE AND THE BANK HEREBY WAIVE THE RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ALL DISPUTES, CONTROVERSIES AND CLAIMS BY, BETWEEN OR AGAINST EXECUTIVE OR THE BANK, WHETHER THE DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM IS SUBMITTED TO ARBITRATION OR IS DECIDED BY A COURT.

Executive must initial here:                     

9. Miscellaneous Provisions.

(a) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed simultaneously in any number of counterparts. Each counterpart shall be deemed to be an original, and all such counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may be executed and delivered by facsimile transmission of an executed counterpart.

(b) Construction. As used in this Agreement, the neuter gender shall include the masculine and the feminine, the masculine and feminine genders shall be interchangeable among themselves and each with the neuter, the singular numbers shall include the plural, and the plural the singular. The term “person” shall include all persons and entities of every nature whatsoever, including, but not limited to, individuals, corporations, partnerships, governmental entities and associations. The terms “including,” “included,” “such as” and terms of similar import shall not imply the exclusion of other items not specifically enumerated.

(c) Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall be held to be invalid, illegal, unenforceable or inconsistent with any present or future law, ruling, rule or regulation of any court, governmental or regulatory authority having jurisdiction over the subject matter of this Agreement, such provision shall be rescinded or modified in accordance with such law, ruling, rule or regulation and the remainder of this Agreement or the application of such provision to the person or circumstances other than those as to which it is held inconsistent shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.

(d) Governing Law. This Agreement is made in the State of Georgia and shall be governed in all respects and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Georgia, without regard to its conflicts of law principles, except to the extent superseded by the Federal laws of the United States.

 

12


(e) Binding Effect. This Agreement is binding upon the parties, their respective successors, assigns, heirs and legal representatives. Without limiting the foregoing this Agreement shall be binding upon any successor of the Bank whether by merger or acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets or liabilities of the Bank. This Agreement may not be assigned by any party without the prior written consent of each other party hereto.

(f) No Trust. Nothing contained in this Agreement and no action taken pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement shall create or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship between the Bank and Executive, Executive’s Beneficiary or any other person.

(g) Assignment of Rights and Benefits. No right or benefit provided in this Agreement will be transferable by Executive except, upon his death, to a named Beneficiary as provided in this Agreement. No right or benefit provided for in the Agreement will be subject to anticipation, alienation, sale, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge, and any attempt to anticipate, alienate, sell, assign, pledge, encumber, or charge the same will be void. No right or benefit provided for in the Agreement will in any manner be liable for or subject to any debts, contracts, liabilities or torts of the person entitled to such benefits; provided, however, that the undistributed portion of any benefit payable hereunder shall at all times be subject to set-off for debts owed by Executive to the Bank.

(h) Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and all prior or contemporaneous negotiations, agreements and understandings, whether oral or written, are hereby superseded, merged and integrated into this Agreement.

(i) Notices. All notices and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and, if mailed by prepaid first-class mail or certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be deemed to have been received on the earlier of the date shown on the receipt or three (3) business days after the postmarked date thereof. In addition, notices hereunder may be delivered by hand, facsimile transmission or overnight courier, in which event the notice shall be deemed effective when delivered or transmitted. All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be given to the parties hereto, at the following addresses:

 

  Bank:
  TC Federal Bank
  131 S. Dawson St.
  Thomasville, Georgia 31799
  Attention: HR
  Executive: Address on file with Bank

(j) Non-waiver. No delay or failure by either party to exercise any right under this Agreement, and no partial or single exercise of that right, shall constitute a waiver of that or any other right.

(k) Headings. Headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret or construe its provisions.

(l) Accelerated Payouts in the Event of 409A Violations. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Agreement to the contrary, the Bank shall make payments hereunder before such

 

13


payments are otherwise due if it determines that the provisions of the Agreement fail to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; provided, however, that such payment(s) may not exceed the amount required to be included in income as a result of such failure to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and, to the extent permissible therein, any taxes, penalties, interest and costs attributable thereto.

10. Definitions. Where the following words and phrases appear in the Agreement, they shall have the respective meanings set forth below, unless their context clearly indicates to the contrary:

(a) “Accrual Balance” means the liability that the Bank accrues, under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) as reasonably applied by the Bank, for the Bank’s obligation to the Executive under this Agreement in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion Number 12, as amended by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards Number 106, and the Discount Rate. Any one of a variety of amortization methods may be used to determine the Accrual Balance. However, once chosen, the method must be consistently applied.

(b) “Beneficiary” shall mean the person(s) designated by the Executive to receive any death benefits described under Section 2(e) of the Agreement. The Executive shall designate his Beneficiary in writing to the Bank pursuant to procedures as may be established from time to time; provided, however, if no such designation has been made or if the Beneficiary predeceases Executive, the Beneficiary of Executive under this Agreement shall be Executive’s legally-married spouse, if any, or, if there is no legally-married surviving spouse, the Beneficiary shall be Executive’s estate.

(c) “Cause” shall have the same meaning given to the same or similar term in any employment agreement between the parties as may be in effect from time to time; provided, however, if there is no such term or similar term in the employment agreement or if there is no such employment agreement, then the term shall mean (i) intentional misconduct or gross malfeasance, or an act or acts of gross negligence in the course of employment or any material breach of the Executive’s obligations contained herein, including, without limitation, acts competitive with or deliberately harmful to the business of the Bank; (ii) any intentional misstatement or omission to the directors or executive officers of the Bank with respect to any matter; (iii) the intentional failure of the Executive to follow the reasonable instructions and policies of the Bank; (iv) the Executive’s conviction, admission or confession of any felony or an unlawful act involving active and willful fraud or moral turpitude; or (v) the violation by the Executive of applicable state and federal banking regulations, rules, or statutes.

(d) “Change in Control” shall mean (i) any transaction, whether by merger, consolidation, asset sale, recapitalization, reorganization, combination, stock purchase, tender offer, reverse stock split, or otherwise, which results in the acquisition of, or beneficial ownership (as such term is defined under rules and regulations promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by any entity, person or any group thereof acting in concert, of 50% or more of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank; or (ii) the sale of 50% or more of the collective assets of the Bank. For purposes of this Section 10(d), persons will be considered to be acting as a group if they are owners of a corporation that enters into a merger, consolidation, purchase or acquisition of stock, or similar business transaction with the Bank. Change in Control shall be construed consistent with its meaning under Section 409A of the Code.

(e) “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

 

14


(f) “Continuous Service” shall mean continuous employment by the Executive with the Bank or any affiliates as a common law employee.

(g) “Discount Rate” shall mean the interest rate designated by the Board of Directors for determining the present value of any benefits payable under this Agreement and/or the amount of the installment payments necessary to fully amortize the Accrual Balance at the designated Discount Rate over the specified payment period. The Board of Directors has the authority to designate and/or adjust the Discount Rate, in its sole discretion, so as to maintain the rate within reasonable standards according to GAAP and applicable bank regulatory guidance.

(h) “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and all applicable rules and regulations promulgated thereunder,

(i) “Normal Retirement Age” means the attainment of age sixty-five (65) by the Executive.

(j) “Normal Retirement Benefit” means fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).

(k) “Permanently Disabled” shall mean any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve (12) months that results in Executive (i) being unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity; or (ii) receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three (3) months under the Bank’s long-term disability plan covering Executive. The determination of whether Executive is Permanently Disabled shall be made by the Bank and shall be construed consistent with its meaning under Section 409A of the Code.

(l) “Separation from Service” shall mean a termination of the Executive’s employment where either (A) the Executive has ceased to perform any services for the Bank and all affiliated companies that, together with the Bank, constitute the “service recipient” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations thereunder (collectively, the “Service Recipient”) or (B) the level of bona fide services the Executive performs for the Service Recipient after a given date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) permanently decreases (excluding either a decrease as a result of military leave, sick leave, or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months, or if longer, so long as the Executive retains a right to reemployment with the Service Recipient under an applicable statute or by contract or any other decrease permitted under Code Section 409A) to no more than twenty percent (20%) of the average level of bona fide services performed for the Service Recipient (whether as an employee or an independent contractor) over the immediately preceding 36-month period (or the full period of service if the Executive has been providing services to the Service Recipient for less than 36 months), consistent with a “separation from service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A. All references to termination or discharge of employment and/or service shall be deemed to refer to a “separation from service.”

(m) “Vesting Percentage” shall mean the percentage determined under the following vesting schedule based on the Executive’s Years of Vesting Service:

 

Years of Vesting Service

   Vesting Percentage  

Less than 6

     0

6

     20

7

     40

8

     60

9

     80

10 or more

     100

 

15


(n) “Years of Vesting Service” shall mean, for vesting purposes, the number of full twelve (12)-month periods, commencing with the Executive’s most recent hire date, during which the Executive remains in Continuous Service with the Bank. For purposes of determining vesting, all Years of Vesting Service with the Bank shall be counted regardless of whether such service occurred before or after the Effective Date of this Agreement.

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]

 

16


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above.

 

TC FEDERAL BANK:
By:  

/s/ Jami Porter

Name:   Jami Porter
Title:   SVP, HR
EXECUTIVE:

/s/ Noel Ellis

Noel Ellis

 

17


DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY FORM

UNDER

SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN

Pursuant to Section 10(b) of the SUPPLEMENTAL EXECUTIVE RETIREMENT PLAN (the “Agreement”), I, Noel Ellis, hereby designate the beneficiary(ies) listed below to receive any benefits under the Agreement that may be due following my death. This designation shall replace and revoke any prior designation of beneficiary(ies) made by me under the Agreement.

Full Name(s), Address(es) and Social Security Number(s) of Primary Beneficiary(ies)*:

 

 

 

 

*If more than one beneficiary is named above, the beneficiaries will share equally in any benefits, unless you have otherwise provided above. Further, if you have named more than one beneficiary and one or more of the beneficiaries is deceased at the time of your death, any remaining beneficiary(ies) will share equally, unless you have provided otherwise above. If no primary beneficiary survives you, then the contingent beneficiary designated below will receive any benefits due upon your death. In the event you have no designated beneficiary upon your death, any benefits due will be paid to your legally-married spouse, if any, or, if there is no legally-married surviving spouse, to your estate. In the event that you are naming a beneficiary that is not a person, please provide pertinent information regarding the designation.

Full Name, Address and Social Security Number of Contingent Beneficiary:

 

 

 

 

Date:  

2-22-19

            

/s/ Noel Ellis

      Noel Ellis

 

18

EX-10.8 10 d882215dex108.htm EX-10.8 EX-10.8

Exhibit 10.8

TC FEDERAL BANK

FORM OF SPLIT DOLLAR AGREEMENT

THIS SPLIT DOLLAR AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made by and between TC Federal Bank, Thomasville, Georgia, a Georgia bank (the “Bank”), and                      (the “Executive”).

INTRODUCTION

To encourage the Executive to remain an employee of the Bank, the Bank is willing to divide the death proceeds of a life insurance policy on the Executive’s life provide if the Executive dies prior to Termination of Employment. The Bank will pay life insurance premiums from its general assets.

ARTICLE 1

DEFINITIONS

1.1 Definitions. Whenever used in this Agreement, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings specified:

1.1.1 “Death Proceeds” means the total death proceeds of the Policy.

1.1.2 “Insured” means the Executive.

1.1.3 “Insurer means each life insurance carrier in which there is a Split Dollar Policy Endorsement attached to this Agreement.

1.1.4 “Policy” means the specific life insurance policy issued by the Insurer and set forth on the Split Dollar Policy Endorsement (“Endorsement”) attached hereto, which Endorsement may be amended, updated, or changed from time to time.

1.1.5 “Termination of Employment” means shall mean a termination of the Executive’s employment, whether voluntary or involuntary, for any reason whatsoever.

ARTICLE 2

POLICY OWNERSHIP/INTERESTS

2.1 Bank Ownership. The Bank is the sole owner of the Policy and shall have the right to exercise all incidents of ownership.

2.2 Executive’s Interest. The Executive shall have the right to designate that the Executive’s beneficiary receive an amount equal to One Hundred percent (100%) of the executive’s present value of remaining obligation at retirement under that certain Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan Agreement by and between the Bank and the Executive, dated                 , with such amount determined as of the date of the Executive’s death. Notwithstanding the preceding, neither the Executive or the Executive’s beneficiary shall have any rights with respect to all or any portion of the Policy following the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

ARTICLE 3

PREMIUMS

3.1 Premium Payment. The Bank shall pay any premiums due on the Policy.

 

1


3.2 Economic Benefit. The Bank shall determine the economic benefit attributable to the Executive based on the amount of the current term rate for the Executive’s age multiplied by the aggregate death benefit payable to the Executive’s beneficiary. The “current term rate” is the minimum amount required to be imputed under Treasury Regulation §1.61-22(d)(3)(ii), or any subsequent applicable authority.

3.3 Imputed Income. The Bank shall impute the economic benefit to the Executive on an annual basis by adding the economic benefit to the Executive’s Form W-2, or, if applicable, Form 1099.

ARTICLE 4

ASSIGNMENT

The Executive may assign without consideration some, or all, of the Executive’s Interest to any person, entity, or trust. In the event the Executive irrevocably transfers some or all of the Executive’s Interest in the Policy, then such transferred portion shall be vested in the Executive’s transferee, who shall be substituted as a party hereunder and the Executive shall have no further interest in the transferred portion of the Executive’s Interest.

ARTICLE 5

INSURER

The Insurer shall be bound only by the terms of the Policy. Any payments the Insurer makes or actions it takes in accordance with the Policy shall fully discharge it from all claims, suits, and demands of all entities or persons. The Insurer shall not be bound by or be deemed to have notice of the provisions of this Agreement.

ARTICLE 6

CLAIMS AND REVIEW PROCEDURES

6.1 Claims Procedure. The Bank shall notify the Executive, the Executive’s transferee or beneficiary, or any other party who claims a right to an interest under this Agreement (the “Claimant”) in writing, within ninety (90) days of Claimant’s written application for benefits, of his or her eligibility or ineligibility for benefits under this Agreement. If the Bank determines that the Claimant is not eligible for benefits or full benefits, the notice shall set forth (1) the specific reasons for such denial, (2) a specific reference to the provisions of this Agreement on which the denial is based, (3) a description of any additional information or material necessary for the Claimant to perfect his or her claim, and a description of why it is needed, and (4) an explanation of this Agreement’s claims review procedure and other appropriate information as to the steps to be taken if the Claimant wishes to have the claim reviewed. If the Bank determines that there are special circumstances requiring additional time to decide, the Bank shall notify the Claimant of the special circumstances and the date by which a decision is expected to be made and may extend the time for up to an additional ninety (90) days.

6.2 Review Procedure. If the Claimant is determined by the Bank not to be eligible for benefits, or if the Claimant believes that he or she is entitled to greater or different benefits, the Claimant shall have the opportunity to have such claim reviewed by the Bank by filing a petition for review with the Bank within sixty (60) days after receipt of the notice issued by the Bank. Said petition shall state the specific reasons which the Claimant believes entitle him or her to benefits or to greater or different benefits. Within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Bank of the petition, the Bank shall afford the Claimant (and counsel, if any) an opportunity to present his or her position to the Bank verbally or in writing, and the Claimant (or counsel) shall have the right to review the pertinent documents. The Bank shall notify the Claimant of its decision in writing within the 60-day period, stating specifically the basis of its decision, written in a manner

 

2


calculated to be understood by the Claimant and the specific provisions of terms Agreement on which the decision is based. If, because of the need for a hearing, the 60-day period is not sufficient, the decision may be deferred for up to another sixty (60) days at the election of the Bank but notice of this deferral shall be given to the Claimant.

ARTICLE 7

AMENDMENTS AND TERMINATION

This Agreement may be amended, in whole or in part, by the Bank at its sole discretion; provided that any such amendment that modifies the benefit payable hereunder may not be done without the Executive’s consent. This Agreement may be terminated by the mutual agreement of the Executive and the Bank; provide that this Agreement automatically terminates on the Executive’s Termination of Employment.

ARTICLE 8

MISCELLANEOUS

8.1 Binding Effect. This Agreement shall bind the Executive and the Bank and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators, and transferees, and any Policy beneficiary.

8.2 No Guarantee of Employment. This Agreement is not an employment policy or contract. It does not give the Executive the right to remain an employee of the Bank, nor does it interfere with the Bank’s right to discharge the Executive. It also does not require the Executive to remain an employee nor interfere with the Executive’s right to terminate employment at any time.

8.3 Applicable Law. This Agreement and all rights hereunder shall be governed by and construed according to the laws of the State of Georgia, except to the extent preempted by the laws of the United States of America.

8.4 Reorganization. The Bank shall not merge or consolidate into or with another Bank, or reorganize, or sell substantially all of its assets to another Bank, firm, or person unless such succeeding or continuing Bank, firm, or person agrees to assume and discharge the obligations of the Bank under this Agreement.

8.5 Notice. Any notice, consent, or demand required or permitted to be given under the provisions of this Agreement by one party to another shall be in writing, shall be signed by the party giving or making the same, and may be given either by delivering the same to such other party personally, or by mailing the same, by United States certified mail, postage prepaid, to such party, addressed to his or her last known address as shown on the records of the Bank. The date of such mailing shall be deemed the date of such mailed notice, consent or demand.

8.6 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Bank and the Executive as to the subject matter hereof. No rights are granted to the Executive by virtue of this Agreement other than those specifically set forth herein.

8.7 Plan Administration. The Bank shall have powers which are necessary to administer this Agreement, including but not limited to:

(a) interpreting the provisions of this Agreement;

(b) establishing and revising the method of accounting for this Agreement;

 

3


(c) maintaining a record of benefit payments; and

(d) Establishing rules and prescribing any forms necessary or desirable to administer this Agreement.

8.8 Named Fiduciary. The Bank shall be the named fiduciary and plan administrator under the Agreement. The named fiduciary may delegate to others certain aspects of the management and operation responsibilities of the plan including the employment of advisors and the delegation of ministerial duties to qualified individuals.

********

 

4


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement the day and year first above written.

 

TC FEDERAL BANK:
By:  

 

Name:   Tami Porter
Its:   SVP, HR
Date:  
EXECUTIVE:

 

Date:  

 

5


SPLIT DOLLAR POLICY ENDORSEMENT

TC FEDERAL BANK

SPLIT DOLLAR AGREEMENT

 

Policy No.                                Insured:   

 

Pursuant to the terms of the TC FEDERAL BANK SPLIT DOLLAR AGREEMENT dated                 , the undersigned Owner requests that the above-referenced policy issued by New York Life, Great-West Life, and Midland National (“Insurer”) provide for the following beneficiary designation and limited contract ownership rights to the Insured:

1. Upon the death of the Insured, proceeds shall be paid in one sum to the Owner, its successors or assigns, to the extent of its interest in the policy. It is hereby provided that the Insurer may rely solely upon a statement from the Owner as to the amount of proceeds it is entitled to receive under this paragraph.

2. Any proceeds at the death of the Insured in excess of the amount paid under the provisions of the preceding paragraph shall be paid in one sum to:

 

 

PRIMARY BENEFICIARY, RELATIONSHIP/SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

 

 

PRIMARY BENEFICIARY, RELATIONSHIP/SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

 

 

CONTINGENT BENEFICIARY, RELATIONSHIP/SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

 

 

The exclusive right to change the beneficiary for the proceeds payable under this paragraph, to elect any optional method of settlement for the proceeds paid under this paragraph which are available under the terms of the policy and to assign all rights and interests granted under this paragraph are hereby granted to the Insured. The sole signature of the Insured shall be sufficient to exercise said rights. The Owner retains all contract rights not granted to the Insured under this paragraph.

3. It is agreed by the undersigned that this designation and limited assignment of rights shall be subject in all respects to the contractual terms of the policy.

4. Any payment directed by the Owner under this endorsement shall be a full discharge of the Insurer, and such discharge shall be binding on all parties claiming any interest under the policy.

The undersigned for the Owner is signing in a representative capacity and warrants that he or she has the authority to bind the entity on whose behalf this document is being executed.

Signed at Thomas County, Georgia, as of this          day of                     , 2019.

 

INSURED:    

OWNER:

   

TC Federal Bank

/s/

    By:  

/s/

 

1

EX-23.2 11 d882215dex232.htm EX-23.2 EX-23.2

Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement on Amendment No. 1 to the Form S-1 of TC Bancshares, Inc. filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Form FR Y-3 filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Amended Form AC filed with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, of our report dated March 12, 2021, on our audits of the financial statements of TC Federal Bank appearing in the Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement, the Form FR Y-3, and the Amended Form AC. We also consent to the references to our firm under the captions “Experts” in the Prospectus.

/S/ Wipfli, LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

April 23, 2021

EX-99.4 12 d882215dex994.htm EX-99.4 EX-99.4

Exhibit 99.4

 

LOGO

 

Dear Valued Customer:

I am pleased to tell you about an investment opportunity and, just as importantly, to request your vote. Pursuant to a Plan of Conversion (the “Plan”), we will convert from the mutual (meaning no stockholders) to the stock form of ownership. To accomplish the conversion, TC Bancshares, Inc., a newly formed company that will become the holding company for TC Federal Bank (“TC Federal”), is conducting an offering of shares of its common stock. Enclosed you will find a Prospectus, a Proxy Statement, Proxy Card(s) and a Questions and Answers Brochure describing the conversion, the offering and the Plan.

THE PROXY VOTE:

Your vote is extremely important for us to meet our goals. Although we have received conditional regulatory approval to undertake the conversion of TC Federal, we must receive the approval of our eligible depositors and borrowers. NOT VOTING YOUR ENCLOSED PROXY CARD WILL HAVE THE SAME EFFECT AS VOTING “AGAINST” THE PLAN. Note that you may receive more than one packet of material, depending on the ownership structure of your accounts at TC Federal. Please vote all the Proxy Cards you receive — none are duplicates! To cast your vote, please sign each Proxy Card and return the card(s) in the Proxy Reply Envelope provided. Alternatively, you may vote by Internet or telephone by following the simple instructions on the Proxy Card.

Our Board of Directors urges you to vote “FOR” the Plan.

Please note:

 

   

The proceeds resulting from the sale of stock will support our business strategy.

   

There will be no change to account numbers, interest rates or other terms of your accounts at TC Federal. Deposit accounts will not be converted to stock. Your deposit accounts will continue to be insured by the FDIC, up to the maximum legal limits.

   

You will continue to enjoy the same services with the same Board of Directors, management and staff.

   

Voting does not obligate you to purchase shares of common stock in our offering.

THE STOCK OFFERING:

As an eligible TC Federal customer, you have non-transferable rights, but no obligation, to purchase shares of common stock during our Subscription Offering before any shares are made available for sale to the general public. The common stock is being offered at $10.00 per share, and there will be no sales commission charged to purchasers during the offering.

Please read the enclosed materials carefully. If you are interested in purchasing shares of common stock, complete the enclosed Stock Order Form and return it, with full payment, in the Stock Order Reply Envelope provided. You may submit your Stock Order Form by overnight delivery to the address indicated on the Stock Order Form, by hand-delivery to TC Federal’s main office located at 131 S. Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia or by mail using the Stock Order Reply Envelope provided. Stock Order Forms and full payment must be received (not postmarked) before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June     , 2021. If you are considering purchasing stock with funds you have in an IRA or other retirement account, please call our Stock Information Center promptly for guidance, because these orders require additional processing time.

I invite you to consider this opportunity to share in our future. Thank you for your continued support as a TC Federal customer.

 

Sincerely,

LOGO

Greg Eiford

President and Chief Executive Officer

This letter is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

 

Questions?

Call our Stock Information Center, at (    )                     ,

from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except bank holidays.

 

M


LOGO

 

Dear Friend:

I am pleased to tell you about an investment opportunity. TC Bancshares, Inc., a newly formed company that will become the holding company for TC Federal Bank (“TC Federal”), is offering shares of its common stock for sale at a price of $10.00 per share. No sales commission will be charged to purchasers during the offering.

Our records indicate that you were a depositor of TC Federal at the close of business on December 31, 2019 or March 31, 2021 whose account(s) was/were closed thereafter. As such, you have non-transferable rights, but no obligation, to subscribe for shares of common stock during our Subscription Offering before any shares are made available for sale to the general public.

Please read the enclosed materials carefully before making an investment decision. If you are interested in purchasing shares of common stock, complete the enclosed Stock Order Form and return it, with full payment, in the Stock Order Reply Envelope provided. You may submit your Stock Order Form by overnight delivery to the address indicated on the Stock Order Form, by hand-delivery to TC Federal’s main office located at 131 S. Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia or by mail using the Stock Order Reply Envelope provided. Stock Order Forms and full payment must be received (not postmarked) before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June     , 2021. If you are considering purchasing stock with funds you have in an IRA or other retirement account, please call our Stock Information Center promptly for guidance, because these orders require additional processing time.

If you have questions about our organization or purchasing shares, please refer to the enclosed Prospectus and Questions and Answers Brochure, or call our Stock Information Center at the number shown below.

I invite you to consider this opportunity to share in our future as a TC Bancshares, Inc. stockholder.

 

Sincerely,

LOGO

Greg Eiford

President and Chief Executive Officer

This letter is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

 

Questions?

Call our Stock Information Center, at (    )                     ,

from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except bank holidays.

 

F


LOGO

Dear Sir/Madam:

Performance Trust has been retained by TC Bancshares, Inc. as marketing agent in connection with the offering of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock.

At the request of TC Bancshares, Inc., we are enclosing materials regarding the offering of shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock. Included in this package is a Prospectus describing the stock offering. We encourage you to read the enclosed information carefully, including the “Risk Factors” section of the Prospectus.

Sincerely,

 

LOGO

 

 

 

This letter is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

B


LOGO

 

Dear Potential Investor:

I am pleased to tell you about an investment opportunity. TC Bancshares, Inc., a newly-formed company that will become the holding company for TC Federal Bank (“TC Federal”), is offering shares of its common stock for sale at a price of $10.00 per share. No sales commission will be charged to purchasers during the offering.

Please read the enclosed materials carefully. If you are interested in purchasing shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock, complete the enclosed Stock Order Form and return it, with full payment, in the Stock Order Reply Envelope provided. You may submit your Stock Order Form by overnight delivery to the address indicated on the Stock Order Form, by hand-delivery to TC Federal’s main office located at 131 S. Dawson Street, Thomasville, Georgia or by mail using the Stock Order Reply Envelope provided. Stock Order Forms and full payment must be received (not postmarked) before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June     , 2021. If you are considering purchasing stock with funds you have in an IRA or other retirement account, please call our Stock Information Center promptly for guidance, because these orders require additional processing time.

If you have questions about our organization or purchasing shares, please refer to the enclosed Prospectus and Questions and Answers Brochure, or call our Stock Information Center at the number shown below.

I invite you to consider this opportunity to share in our future as a TC Bancshares, Inc. stockholder.

 

Sincerely,

LOGO

Greg Eiford

President and Chief Executive Officer

This letter is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 

 

Questions?

Call our Stock Information Center, at (    )                     ,

from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except bank holidays.

 

I


LOGO

Questions and Answers

About Our Conversion and

Stock Offering

 

 

LOGO

 

 



This brochure answers questions about our conversion and stock offering. Investing in shares of common stock involves certain risks. Before making an investment decision, please read the enclosed Prospectus carefully, including the “Risk Factors” section.

 

GENERAL — THE CONVERSION

Our Board of Directors has determined that the conversion is in the best interests of TC Federal Bank (“TC Federal”), our customers and the communities we serve.

Under our plan of conversion (the “Plan”), TC Federal will convert from a mutual (meaning no stockholders) to the stock form of ownership, through the sale of shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock. Upon completion of the conversion, 100% of the common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc. will be owned by stockholders, and TC Bancshares, Inc. will own TC Federal.

 

Q.

WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR THE CONVERSION?

 

 

A.

Our primary reasons for our decision to convert into a stock form of ownership are to establish an organizational structure that will enable us to: increase our capital to support future growth and profitability; compete more effectively in the financial services marketplace; offer our depositors, employees, management, and directors an equity ownership interest in TC Federal, and thereby an economic interest in our future success; attract and retain qualified personnel; and increase our flexibility to structure and finance the expansion of our operations.

 

Q.

WHAT CHANGES WILL OCCUR AS A RESULT OF THE CONVERSION? WILL THERE BE ANY CHANGES AT MY LOCAL BRANCH?

 

 

A.

No changes are planned in the way we operate our business. The conversion is an internal change to our corporate structure. The conversion will have no effect on the staffing, products or services we offer to our customers through our offices, except to enable us to potentially add additional staff, products and services in the future.

 

Q.

WILL THE CONVERSION AND OFFERING AFFECT CUSTOMERSDEPOSIT ACCOUNTS OR LOANS?

 

 

A.

No. The conversion will have no effect on the balance or terms of any deposit account. Your deposits will continue to be federally insured to the fullest extent permissible by law. The terms, including interest rates, of your loans with us will also be unaffected by the conversion.

 

Q.

IS TC FEDERAL BANK CONSIDEREDWELL-CAPITALIZEDFOR REGULATORY PURPOSES?

 

 

A.

Yes. As of December 31, 2020, TC Federal Bank was considered “well-capitalized” for regulatory purposes.

THE PROXY VOTE

Although we have received conditional regulatory approval, the Plan is also subject to approval by our eligible customers.

 

Q.

WHY SHOULD I VOTE “FOR” THE PLAN?

 

 

A.

Your vote “FOR” the Plan is extremely important to us. Each eligible TC Federal customer as of May 3, 2021 received a Proxy Card attached to a Stock Order Form. These packages received by eligible customers also include a Proxy Statement describing the Plan, which cannot be implemented without their approval.

 

    

Although you have the right to subscribe for stock, voting does not require you to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.

Q.

WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE PLAN?

 

 

A.

The Plan must be approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of votes eligible to be cast by the members of TC Federal at the special meeting of members.

 

Q.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DONT VOTE?

 

 

A.

Your vote is very important. Not voting all the Proxy Cards you receive will have the same effect as voting “AGAINST” the Plan. Without sufficient favorable votes, we cannot proceed with the conversion and related stock offering.

 

Q.

HOW DO I VOTE?

 

 

A.

Mark your vote, sign and date each Proxy Card enclosed and return the card(s) in the enclosed Proxy Reply Envelope. Alternatively, you may vote by Internet or by telephone, by following the simple instructions on the Proxy Card. PLEASE VOTE PROMPTLY. NOT VOTING HAS THE SAME EFFECT AS VOTING “AGAINST” THE PLAN.

 

Q.

HOW MANY VOTES ARE AVAILABLE TO ME?

 

 

A.

Eligible depositors at the close of business on May 3, 2021 are entitled to one vote for each $100 or fraction thereof on deposit. No depositor may cast more than 1,000 votes. Additionally, each borrower as of November 20, 2019 whose borrowing remained outstanding at the close of business on May 3, 2021 will be entitled to one vote. Proxy Cards are not imprinted with your number of votes; however, votes will be automatically tallied by computer.

 

Q.

WHY DID I RECEIVE MORE THAN ONE PACKET?

 

 

A.

If you had more than one deposit and/or applicable loan account on May 3, 2021, you may have received more than one packet of material, depending on the ownership structure of your accounts. There are no duplicate cards — please promptly vote all the Proxy Cards sent to you. Telephone and Internet voting are available 24 hours a day.

 

Q.

MORE THAN ONE NAME APPEARS ON MY PROXY CARD. WHO MUST SIGN?

 

 

A.

The name(s) reflect the title of your account. Proxy Cards for joint accounts require the signature of only one of the account holders. Proxy Cards for trust or custodian accounts must be signed by the trustee or the custodian, not the listed beneficiary.

THE STOCK OFFERING AND PURCHASING SHARES

 

Q.

HOW MANY SHARES ARE BEING OFFERED AND AT WHAT PRICE?

 

 

A.

TC Bancshares, Inc. is offering for sale between 3,995,000 and 5,405,000 shares of common stock (subject to increase to 6,215,750 shares) at $10.00 per share. No sales commission will be charged to purchasers.

 


Q.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PURCHASE STOCK DURING THE STOCK OFFERING?

 

 

A.

Pursuant to our Plan, non-transferable rights to subscribe for shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock in the Subscription Offering have been granted in the following descending order of priority:

Priority #1—Depositors of TC Federal Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on December 31, 2019;

Priority #2—Our tax-qualified employee benefit plans;

Priority #3—Depositors of TC Federal Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on March 31, 2021; and

Priority #4—Other depositors of TC Federal Bank at the close of business on May 3, 2021 and borrowers as of November 20, 2019 who maintained such borrowing as of the close of business on May 3, 2021.

 

    

Shares of common stock not purchased in the Subscription Offering may be offered for sale to the public in a Community Offering, with a preference given to natural persons and trusts of natural persons residing in the Georgia Counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas, and Florida Counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla.

 

    

Shares not sold in the Subscription and Community Offerings may be offered for sale through a Syndicated Offering to the general public.

 

Q.

I AM ELIGIBLE TO SUBSCRIBE FOR SHARES OF COMMON STOCK IN THE SUBSCRIPTION OFFERING BUT AM NOT INTERESTED IN INVESTING. MAY I ALLOW SOMEONE ELSE TO USE MY STOCK ORDER FORM TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF MY PRIORITY AS AN ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDER?

 

 

A.

No. Subscription rights are non-transferable! Only those eligible to subscribe in the Subscription Offering, as listed above, may purchase shares in the Subscription Offering. On the stock order form, you cannot add the names of others for joint stock registration unless they are also named on the qualifying deposit or loan account, and you cannot delete names of others except in the case of certain orders placed through an IRA, Keogh, 401(k) or similar plan, and except in the event of the death of a named eligible depositor. In addition, the stock order form requires that you list all deposit or loan accounts, giving all names on each account and the account number at the applicable eligibility record date. Your failure to provide this information, or providing incomplete or incorrect information, may result in a loss of part or all of your share allocation, if there is an oversubscription. Eligible depositors or borrowers who enter into agreements to allow ineligible investors to participate in the subscription offering may be violating federal and state law and may be subject to civil enforcement actions or criminal prosecution.

 

Q.

WHAT IS THE DEADLINE FOR PURCHASING SHARES?

 

 

A.

To purchase shares in the Subscription and Community Offerings, you must deliver a properly completed, signed Stock Order Form, with full payment, so that it is received (not postmarked) before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June     , 2021.

Q.

HOW MAY I PAY FOR THE SHARES?

 

 

A.

Payment for shares can be remitted in two ways:

 

  (1)

By personal check, bank check or money order, payable to TC Bancshares, Inc. These will be deposited upon receipt. We cannot accept wires or third party checks. Please do not mail cash!

 

  (2)

By authorized deposit account withdrawal of funds from your TC Federal deposit account(s). The Stock Order Form section titled “Method of Payment — Deposit Account Withdrawal” allows you to list the deposit account number(s) and amount(s) to be withdrawn. Funds designated for direct withdrawal must be in the account(s) at the time the Stock Order Form is received. You may not authorize direct withdrawal from accounts with check-writing privileges. Please submit a check instead. If you request direct withdrawal from such accounts, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and we will immediately withdraw the amount from your checking account(s). Also, IRA or other retirement accounts held at TC Federal may not be listed for direct withdrawal. See information on retirement accounts below.

 

Q.

WILL I EARN INTEREST ON MY FUNDS?

 

 

A.

Yes. If you pay by personal check, bank check or money order, you will earn interest at a rate of 0.05% per annum from the date we process your payment until the completion or termination of the conversion and offering. At that time, you will be issued a check for interest earned on these funds. If you pay for shares by authorizing a direct withdrawal from your TC Federal deposit account(s), your funds will continue earning interest within the account at the contract rate. The interest will remain in your account(s) when the designated withdrawal is made, upon completion or termination of the conversion and offering.

 

Q.

ARE THERE LIMITS TO HOW MANY SHARES I CAN ORDER?

 

 

A.

Yes. The minimum order is 25 shares ($250). The maximum number of shares that may be purchased by a person or group of persons exercising subscription rights through a single deposit account held jointly is 30,000 shares ($300,000). Additionally, no person or entity, together with any associate or group of persons acting in concert, may purchase more than 40,000 shares ($400,000) in all categories of the offering combined.

 

    

More detail on purchase limits, including the definition of “associate” and “acting in concert,” can be found in the Prospectus section entitled “Summary — Limits on the Amount of Common Stock You May Purchase.”

 

Q.

MAY I USE MY TC FEDERAL INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (“IRA”) TO PURCHASE SHARES?

 

 

A.

You may use funds currently held in retirement accounts with TC Federal. However, before you place your stock order, the funds you wish to use must be transferred to a self-directed retirement account maintained by an independent trustee or custodian, such as a brokerage firm. If you are interested in using IRA or any other retirement funds held at TC Federal or elsewhere, please call our Stock Information Center as

 


 

soon as possible for guidance, but preferably at least two weeks before the June     , 2021 offering deadline. Your ability to use such funds for this purchase may depend on time constraints, because this type of purchase requires additional processing time, and may be subject to limitations imposed by the institution where the funds are held.

 

Q.

MAY I USE A LOAN FROM TC FEDERAL TO PAY FOR SHARES?

 

 

A.

No. TC Federal, by regulation, may not extend a loan for the purchase of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock during the offering.

 

Q.

MAY I CHANGE MY MIND AFTER I PLACE AN ORDER TO SUBSCRIBE FOR STOCK?

 

 

A.

No. After receipt, your executed Stock Order Form cannot be modified or revoked unless the offering is terminated or is extended beyond [●][●], 2021 or the number of shares of common stock to be sold is increased to more than 6,215,750 shares or decreased to less than 3,995,000 shares.

 

Q.

ARE DIRECTORS AND SENIOR OFFICERS OF TC FEDERAL BANK PLANNING TO PURCHASE STOCK?

 

 

A.

Yes. Directors and senior officers, together with their associates, are expected to subscribe for an aggregate of [●] shares ($[●]), or approximately [●]%, of the shares to be sold in the offering at the minimum of the offering range.

 

Q.

WILL THE STOCK BE INSURED?

 

 

A.

No. Like any common stock, TC Bancshares, Inc.’s stock will not be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

Q.

WILL DIVIDENDS BE PAID ON THE STOCK?

 

 

A.

Following completion of the offering, our board of directors will have the authority to declare dividends on our shares of common stock, subject to statutory and regulatory requirements. However, no decision has been made with respect to the payment of dividends.

 

Q.

HOW WILL TC BANCSHARES, INC.’S SHARES TRADE?

 

 

A.

Upon completion of the conversion and offering, we expect the common stock will be traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “TCBC”. Once the shares have begun trading, you may contact a firm offering investment services in order to buy or sell “TCBC” shares in the future.

 

Q.

IF I PURCHASE SHARES DURING THE OFFERING, WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY SHARES?

 

A.

All the shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock sold in the stock offering will be issued in book-entry form on the books of our transfer agent, through the Direct Registration System. Paper stock certificates will not be issued. As soon as practicable after completion of the stock offering, our transfer agent will send, by first class mail, a statement reflecting your stock ownership.

WHERE TO GET MORE INFORMATION

 

Q.

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?

 

 

A.

For more information, refer to the enclosed Prospectus or call our Stock Information Center, at (    )     , from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The Stock Information Center is not open on bank holidays.

This brochure is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of common stock. The offer is made only by the Prospectus. These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

 


IMPORTANT REMINDER Please Support Us

 

 

LOGO

LOGO   FOR

Dear Member:

As a follow-up to our recent mailing, WE URGE YOU TO VOTE ALL OF YOUR PROXY CARDS on the proposed plan of conversion. We value your relationship with TC Federal Bank and ask for your support by voting the enclosed proxy card today.

Your Board of Directors urges you to vote “FOR” the Plan of Conversion.

If you are unsure whether you voted, please vote the enclosed proxy card. If you have already voted all of your proxy card(s), I would like to extend my appreciation for your vote. Let me assure you that:

 

   

The conversion will not affect the terms of your deposit accounts or loans.

 

   

Deposit accounts will continue to be federally insured to the legal maximum.

 

   

Although you have the right to subscribe for stock, voting does not obligate you to subscribe for stock.

Thank you for choosing TC Federal Bank, and we appreciate your vote. If you have any questions, please call our Stock Information Center at (    )                     , from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except bank holidays.

 

Sincerely,

LOGO

Greg Eiford

President and Chief Executive Officer

The Plan of Conversion must be approved by a majority of the votes eligible to be cast.

If you have more than one account or a qualifying loan you may receive more than one proxy card.

Please support us by voting all proxy cards received.

 

PG1


SECOND REQUEST Please Support Us

 

 

LOGO

LOGO   FOR

Dear Member:

As a follow-up to our recent proxy mailing, our records show that YOU HAVE NOT VOTED ALL OF YOUR PROXY CARDS on the proposed plan of conversion. We value your relationship with TC Federal Bank and ask for your support by voting the enclosed proxy card today.

Your Board of Directors urges you to vote “FOR” the Plan of Conversion.

If you are unsure whether you voted, please vote the enclosed proxy card. If you have already voted all of your proxy card(s), I would like to extend my appreciation for your vote. Let me assure you that:

 

 

The conversion will not affect the terms of your deposit accounts or loans.

 

 

Deposit accounts will continue to be federally insured to the legal maximum.

 

 

Although you have the right to subscribe for stock, voting does not obligate you to subscribe for stock.

Thank you for choosing TC Federal Bank, and we appreciate your vote. If you have any questions, please call our Stock Information Center at (    )                     , from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except bank holidays.

 

Sincerely,

LOGO

Greg Eiford

President and Chief Executive Officer

The Plan of Conversion must be approved by a majority of the votes eligible to be cast.

If you have more than one account or a qualifying loan you may receive more than one

proxy card.

Please support us by voting all proxy cards received.

 

PG2


THIRD REQUEST Please Support Us

 

 

LOGO

LOGO   FOR

Dear Member:

As a follow-up to our recent proxy mailing, our records show that YOU HAVE NOT VOTED ALL OF YOUR PROXY CARDS on the proposed plan of conversion. We value your relationship with TC Federal Bank and ask for your support by voting the enclosed proxy card today.

Your Board of Directors urges you to vote “FOR” the Plan of Conversion.

If you are unsure whether you voted, please vote the enclosed proxy card. If you have already voted all of your proxy card(s), I would like to extend my appreciation for your vote. Let me assure you that:

 

 

The conversion will not affect the terms of your deposit accounts or loans.

 

 

Deposit accounts will continue to be federally insured to the legal maximum.

 

 

Although you have the right to subscribe for stock, voting does not obligate you to subscribe for stock.

Thank you for choosing TC Federal Bank, and we appreciate your vote. If you have any questions, please call our Stock Information Center at (    )                     , from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except bank holidays.

 

Sincerely,

LOGO

Greg Eiford

President and Chief Executive Officer

The Plan of Conversion must be approved by a majority of the votes eligible to be cast.

If you have more than one account or a qualifying loan you may receive more than one

proxy card.

Please support us by voting all proxy cards received.

 

PG3


 

 

 

STOCK ORDER FORM

    For Internal Use Only
 

 

SEND OVERNIGHT

LOGO

 

 

PACKAGES TO:

Stock Information Center

131 S. Dawson Street

Thomasville, GA 31792

Call us at

(    )             

   

 

BATCH #                              ORDER #                           CATEGORY #                          

 

REC’D                                                                      O                              C                          

 

 
 
   

ORDER DEADLINE & DELIVERY: A Stock Order Form, properly completed and with full payment, must be received (not postmarked) before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June     , 2021. Subscription rights will become void after the deadline. Stock Order Forms can be delivered by using the enclosed Stock Order Reply Envelope, by overnight delivery to the Stock Information Center address on this form, or by hand-delivery to TC Federal Bank’s (“TC Federal”) main office located at 131 S. Dawson Street Thomasville, GA 31792. Hand delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location. You may not deliver this form to our other TC Federal offices. Do not mail Stock Order Forms to TC Federal. Faxes or copies of this form are not required to be accepted.

 

 

    PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY AND COMPLETE ALL APPLICABLE SHADED AREAS. READ THE ENCLOSED STOCK ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS (BLUE SHEET) AS YOU COMPLETE THIS FORM.

 

(1) NUMBER OF SHARES  

 

SUBSCRIPTION

PRICE PER SHARE

  (2) TOTAL PAYMENT DUE    
     
      ×  $10.00  =   $                         .00    
 

Minimum Number of Shares: 25 ($250).

Maximum Number of Shares: 30,000 ($300,000).

See Stock Order Form Instructions for more information regarding maximum number of shares.

   

 

(3) METHOD OF PAYMENT – CHECK OR MONEY ORDER

   
Enclosed is a personal check, bank check or money order made payable to TC Bancshares, Inc. in the amount of:   $                         .00    
 

 

Cash, wire transfers and third party checks will not be accepted for this purchase. Checks and money orders will be cashed upon receipt.

 

   
   

 

 

(4) METHOD OF PAYMENT – DEPOSIT ACCOUNT WITHDRAWAL

The undersigned authorizes withdrawal from the TC Federal deposit account(s) listed below. There will be no early withdrawal penalty applicable for funds authorized on this form. Funds designated for withdrawal must be in the listed account(s) at the time this form is received. IRA and other retirement accounts held at TC Federal and accounts with check-writing privileges may NOT be listed for direct withdrawal below.

 

 
 
 
For Internal Use Only  

TC Federal

Deposit Account Number

 

Withdrawal

Amount(s)

 
        $                         .00
        $                         .00  

 

  Total Withdrawal Amount       $                         .00  

 

ATTACH A SEPARATE PAGE IF ADDITIONAL SPACE IS NEEDED.

 

 

 

(5) PURCHASER INFORMATION

Subscription Offering. Check the one box that applies, as of the earliest eligibility date, to the

 

purchaser(s) listed in Section 9.

 

 

a.  LOGO Depositors of TC Federal with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on December 31, 2019.

 

b.  LOGO Depositors of TC Federal with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on March 31, 2021.

 

c.  LOGO   Depositors of TC Federal at the close of business on May 3, 2021 and borrowers as of November 20, 2019, who maintained such borrowings as of the close of business on May 3, 2021.

 

Community Offering. If (a), (b) or (c) above do not apply to the purchaser(s) listed in Section 9, check the first box that applies to this order:

 

 

d.  LOGO You are a resident of the Georgia Counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas, and Florida Counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla.

 

e.  LOGO   You are placing an order in the Community Offering, but (d) above does not apply.

 

ACCOUNT INFORMATION – SUBSCRIPTION OFFERING

 

 

If you checked box (a), (b) or (c) under “Subscription Offering,” please provide the following information as of the eligibility date under which purchaser(s) listed in Section 9 below qualify in the Subscription Offering:

 

Deposit Account Title

(Name(s) on Account)

  

TC Federal

Account Number

      
      
      

 

NOTE: NOT LISTING ALL ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS, OR PROVIDING INCORRECT OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION, COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ALL OR PART OF ANY SHARE ALLOCATION. ATTACH A SEPARATE PAGE IF ADDITIONAL SPACE IS NEEDED.

 

 

 

(6) MANAGEMENT Check if you are a TC Bancshares, Inc., or TC Federal:

LOGO   Director       LOGO   Officer       LOGO   Employee       LOGO   Immediate family member, as defined in the Stock Order Form Instructions

 

 

(7) MAXIMUM PURCHASER IDENTIFICATION

   
LOGO   Check here if you, individually or together with others (see Section 8), are subscribing in the Subscription Offering for the maximum purchase allowed and are interested in purchasing more shares if the maximum purchase limitation(s) is/are increased. If you do not check the box, you will not be contacted and resolicited in the event the maximum purchase limitations are increased.

 

 

(8) ASSOCIATES/ACTING IN CONCERT

LOGO   Check here if you, or any associate or persons acting in concert with you, have submitted other orders for shares in the Subscription Offering. If you check the box, list below all other orders submitted by you or your associates or by persons acting in concert with you. (the terms “Associate” and “Acting in Concert” defined on reverse side of this form)
 
         
    Name(s) listed in Section 9 on other Stock Order Forms   Number of shares         Name(s) listed in Section 9 on other Stock Order Forms   Number of shares    
       
                         
       
                         
                 

 

 

(9) STOCK REGISTRATION The name(s) and address that you provide below will be reflected on your ownership statement, and will be used for other communications related to this order. Please PRINT clearly and use full first and last name(s), not initials. If purchasing in the Subscription Offering, you may not add the name(s) of persons/entities who do not have subscription rights or who qualify only in a lower purchase priority than yours. See Stock Order Form Instructions for further guidance.

 

 

 

 
  LOGO   Individual   LOGO   Tenants in Common  

LOGO   Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (for reporting SSN, use minor’s)

            FOR TRUSTEE/BROKER USE ONLY:  
  LOGO   Joint Tenants   LOGO   Corporation   LOGO   Partnership   LOGO   Trust – Under Agreement Dated                                     LOGO   Other                                   

LOGO   IRA

 

(SSN of Beneficial Owner)                  -                  -                 

 
    First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name  

Reporting SSN/Tax ID No.

 
    First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name  

Phone # (DAY)

 
    Street  

Phone # (CELL)

 
    City   State   Zip   County (Important)  

Email

 
           

 

 

  (10) ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE(S)  
  I understand that, to be effective, this form, properly completed, together with full payment, must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June     , 2021, otherwise this form and all subscription rights will be void. (continued on reverse side of this form)  
 
 

ORDER NOT VALID UNLESS SIGNED

LOGO                                                                               LOGO

  Bank Use  
   
 

ONE SIGNATURE REQUIRED, UNLESS SECTION 4 OF THIS FORM INCLUDES ACCOUNTS REQUIRING MORE THAN ONE SIGNATURE TO AUTHORIZE

WITHDRAWAL. IF SIGNING AS A CUSTODIAN, TRUSTEE, CORPORATE OFFICER, ETC., PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FULL TITLE.

         
 

 Signature (title, if applicable)

 

Date             

   

 Signature (title, if applicable)

  

Date             

     
                            

 


STOCK ORDER FORM – SIDE 2

(8) ASSOCIATES/ACTING IN CONCERT (continued from front of Stock Order Form)

Associate – The term “associate” of a person means:

 

  (1)   any corporation or organization, other than TC Bancshares, Inc., TC Federal or a majority-owned subsidiary of these entities, of which the person is a senior officer, partner or beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of any class of equity securities of the corporation or organization;
  (2)   any trust or other estate in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a trustee or in a fiduciary capacity, excluding any employee stock benefit plan in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as trustee or in a fiduciary capacity; and
  (3)   any blood or marriage relative of the person, who either lives in the same house as the person or who is a director or senior officer of TC Bancshares, Inc., TC Federal or a subsidiary thereof.

Acting in Concert – The term “acting in concert” means:

 

  (1)   knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or
  (2)   a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.

In general, a person or company that acts in concert with another person or company (“other party”) shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any tax-qualified employee plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether stock held by the trustee and stock held by the employee plan will be aggregated.

Our directors are not treated as associates of each other solely because of their membership on the Board of Directors. We have the right to determine, in our sole discretion, whether prospective purchasers are associates or acting in concert. Persons having the same address or exercising subscription rights through qualifying accounts registered to the same address generally will be assumed to be associates of, and acting in concert with, each other.

Please see the Prospectus section entitled “Summary – Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases” for more information on purchase limitations.

(10) ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE(S) (continued from front of Stock Order Form)

 

I agree that, after receipt by TC Bancshares, Inc., this Stock Order Form may not be modified or canceled without TC Bancshares, Inc.’s consent, and that if withdrawal from a deposit account has been authorized, the authorized amount will not otherwise be available for withdrawal. Under penalty of perjury, I certify that (1) the Social Security or Tax ID information and all other information provided hereon are true, correct and complete, (2) I am purchasing shares solely for my own account and that there is no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of such shares, or my right to subscribe for shares, and (3) I am not subject to backup withholding tax [cross out (3) if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding]. I acknowledge that my order does not conflict with the overall purchase limitation of $400,000 in all categories of the offering combined, for any person or entity, together with any associate or group of persons acting in concert, as set forth in the Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance and the Prospectus dated May [·], 2021.

Subscription rights pertain to those eligible to subscribe in the Subscription Offering. Subscription rights are only exercisable by completing and submitting a Stock Order Form, with full payment for the shares subscribed for. Federal regulations prohibit any person from transferring or entering into any agreement directly or indirectly to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of subscription rights, or the underlying securities, to the account of another.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR ACCOUNTS AND ARE NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. If anyone asserts that this security is Federally insured or guaranteed, or is as safe as an insured deposit, I should call the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

I further certify that, before subscribing for shares of the common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc., I received the Prospectus dated May [·], 2021, and I have read the terms and conditions described in the Prospectus, including disclosure concerning the nature of the security being offered and the risks involved in the investment, described by TC Bancshares, Inc., in the “Risk Factors” section, beginning on page [·]. Risks include, but are not limited to the following:

 

 

Risks Related to Our Business

Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Associated Economic Slowdown.

 

  1.   The ongoing global COVID-19 outbreak could harm our business and results of operations, and such effects will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and are difficult to predict.

 

  2.   A worsening of economic conditions in our market area could reduce demand for our products and services and/or result in increases in our level of nonperforming loans, which could adversely affect our operations, financial condition and earnings.

Risks Related to Lending Activities.

 

  3.   We originate commercial and multi-family real estate, commercial and industrial, and construction and land development loans, which involve credit risks that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

  4.   If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.

Risks Related to Our Business Strategy.

 

  5.   Our business strategy includes growth, and our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if we fail to grow or fail to manage our growth effectively. Growing our operations could also cause our expenses to increase faster than our revenues.

 

  6.   We depend on our management team to implement our business strategy and execute successful operations and we could be harmed by the loss of their services.

Risks Related to Interest Rates.

 

  7.   A continuation of the historically low interest rate environment and the possibility that we may access higher-cost funds to support our loan growth and operations may adversely affect our net interest income and profitability.

 

  8.   Future changes in interest rates could reduce our profits and asset values.

Risks Related to Competitive Markets.

 

  9.   Strong competition within our market areas may limit our growth and profitability.

 

  10.   Our asset size makes it more difficult for us to compete.

Risks Related to Laws and Regulations.

 

  11.   Changes in laws and regulations and the cost of regulatory compliance with new laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and/or increase our costs of operations.

 

  12.   Uncertainty exists with regard to regulation of holding companies of covered savings associations.

 

  13.   Non-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions.

 

  14.   We have become subject to more stringent capital requirements, which may adversely impact our return on equity, require us to raise additional capital, or limit our ability to pay dividends or repurchase shares.

Risks Related to Operational Matters.

 

  15.   We face significant operational risks because the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions and increased reliance on technology, including risk of loss related to cyber-security breaches.

 

  16.   The cost of additional finance and accounting systems, procedures and controls in order to satisfy our new public company reporting requirements will increase our expenses.

Risks Related to Accounting Matters.

 

  17.   Changes in accounting standards could affect reported earnings.

 

  18.   Changes in management’s estimates and assumptions may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and our financial condition or operating results.

 

  19.   We have a significant amount of net operating losses that we may not be able to utilize.

Other Risks related to Our Business.

 

  20.   Legal and regulatory proceedings and related matters could adversely affect us.

 

  21.   We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities or properties we own.

 

  22.   Natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other external events could harm our business.

 

  23.   We are a community bank and our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business and the failure to do so may materially adversely affect our performance.

 

  24.   We may be required to transition from the use of LIBOR interest rate index in the future.

Risks Related to the Offering

 

  25.   The future price of our common stock may be less than the purchase price in the stock offering.

 

  26.   The capital we raise in the stock offering may negatively impact our return on equity until we can fully implement our business plan. This could negatively affect the trading price of our shares of common stock.

 

  27.   We have broad discretion in using the proceeds of the stock offering. Our failure to effectively deploy the net proceeds of the offering may have an adverse effect on our financial performance and the value of our common stock.

 

  28.   There may be a limited trading market in our common stock, which would hinder your ability to sell our common stock and may lower the market price of the stock.

 

  29.   Our stock-based benefit plans will increase our costs, which will reduce our income.

 

  30.   The implementation of one or more stock-based benefit plans may dilute your ownership interest.

 

  31.   The corporate governance provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws may prevent or impede the holders of a minority of our common stock from obtaining representation on our board of directors and may also prevent or impede a change in control.

 

  32.   Our management team has limited experience managing a public company, and regulatory compliance may divert its attention from the day-to-day management of our business.

 

  33.   You may not receive dividends on our common stock.

 

  34.   You may not be able to sell your shares of common stock until you have received a statement reflecting ownership of shares, which will affect your ability to take advantage of changes in the stock price immediately following the offering.

 

  35.   We are an emerging growth company, and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.

 

  36.   You may not revoke your decision to purchase TC Bancshares common stock in the subscription or community offerings after you send us your order.

 

By executing this form, the investor is not waiving any rights under federal or state securities laws, including the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

LOGO  

See Front of Stock Order Form

 


TC BANCSHARES, INC.

STOCK INFORMATION CENTER: (    )                     

STOCK ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS – SIDE 1

Sections (1) and (2) – Number of Shares and Total Payment Due. Indicate the Number of Shares that you wish to subscribe for and the Total Payment Due. Calculate the Total Payment Due by multiplying the Number of Shares by the $10.00 price per share. The minimum purchase is 25 shares ($250). The maximum allowable purchase by a person or group of persons exercising subscription rights through a single deposit account held jointly is 30,000 shares ($300,000). Further, no person or entity, together with any associate or group of persons acting in concert, may purchase more than 40,000 shares ($400,000) in all categories of the offering combined. Please see the Prospectus section entitled “The Conversion and Offering – Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases” for more specific information. By signing this form, you are certifying that your order does not conflict with these purchase limitations.

 

 

Section (3) – Method of Payment – Check or Money Order. Payment may be made by including with this form a personal check, bank check or money order made payable directly to TC Bancshares, Inc. These will be deposited upon receipt. The funds remitted by personal check must be available within the account(s) when your Stock Order Form is received. Indicate the amount remitted. Interest will be calculated at 0.05% per annum from the date payment is processed until the offering is completed or terminated, at which time a subscriber will be issued a check for interest earned. Please do not remit cash, wire transfers or third party checks for this purchase.

 

 

Section (4) – Method of Payment – Deposit Account Withdrawal. Payment may be made by authorizing a direct withdrawal from your TC Federal deposit account(s). Indicate the account number(s) and the amount(s) you wish withdrawn. Attach a separate page, if necessary. Funds designated for withdrawal must be available within the account(s) at the time this Stock Order Form is received. Upon receipt of this order, we will place a hold on the amount(s) designated by you – the funds will be unavailable to you for withdrawal thereafter. The funds will continue to earn interest within the account(s) at the contract rate. The interest will remain in the accounts when the designated withdrawal is made, at the completion or termination of the offering. There will be no early withdrawal penalty for withdrawal from a TC Federal certificate of deposit (CD) account. Note that you may NOT designate accounts with check-writing privileges. Please submit a check instead. If you request direct withdrawal from such accounts, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and we will immediately withdraw the amount from your checking account(s). Additionally, you may not designate direct withdrawal from a TC Federal IRA or other retirement accounts. For guidance on using retirement funds, whether held at TC Federal or elsewhere, please contact the Stock Information Center as soon as possible – preferably at least two weeks before the June     , 2021 offering deadline. See the Prospectus section entitled “The Conversion and Offering – Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offering – Using Individual Retirement Account Funds.” Your ability to use retirement account funds to purchase shares cannot be guaranteed and depends on various factors, including timing constraints and the institution where those funds are currently held.

 

 

Section (5) – Purchaser Information. Please check the one box that applies to the purchaser(s) listed in Section 9 of this form. Purchase priorities in the Subscription Offering are based on eligibility dates. Boxes (a), (b) and (c) refer to the Subscription Offering. If you checked box (a) or (b), list all TC Federal deposit account numbers that the purchaser(s) had ownership in as of the applicable eligibility date. If you checked box (c), list all TC Federal deposit and/or applicable loan account numbers that the purchaser(s) had ownership in as of May 3, 2021. Include all forms of account ownership (e.g. individual, joint, IRA, etc.). If purchasing shares for a minor, list only the minor’s eligible accounts. If purchasing shares for a corporation or partnership, list only that entity’s eligible accounts. Attach a separate page, if necessary. Failure to complete this section, or providing incorrect or incomplete information, could result in a loss of part or all of your share allocation in the event of an oversubscription. Boxes (d) and (e) refer to the Community Offering. Orders placed in the Subscription Offering will take priority over orders placed in the Community Offering. See the Prospectus section entitled “The Conversion and Offering” for further details about the Subscription and Community Offerings.

 

 

Section (6) – Management. Check the box if you are a TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal director, officer or employee, or a member of their immediate family. Immediate family includes spouse, parents, siblings and children who live in the same house as the director, officer or employee.

 

 

Section (7) – Maximum Purchaser Identification. Check the box, if applicable. Failure to check the box will result in you not receiving notification in the event the maximum purchase limit(s) is/are increased. If you checked the box but have not subscribed for the maximum amount in the Subscription Offering, you will not receive this notification.

 

 

Section (8) – Associates/Acting in Concert. Check the box, if applicable, and provide the requested information. Attach a separate page if necessary.

 

 

Section (9) – Stock Registration. Clearly PRINT the name(s) in which you want the shares registered and the mailing address for all correspondence related to your order, including a stock ownership statement. Each Stock Order Form will generate one stock ownership statement, subject to the stock allocation provisions described in the Prospectus. IMPORTANT: Subscription rights are non-transferable. If placing an order in the Subscription Offering, you may not add the names of persons/entities who do not have subscription rights or who qualify only in a lower purchase priority than yours. A Social Security or Tax ID Number must be provided. The first number listed will be identified with the stock certificate for tax reporting purposes. Listing at least one phone number is important in the event we need to contact you about this form. NOTE FOR FINRA MEMBERS (Formerly NASD): If you are a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”), or a person affiliated or associated with a FINRA member, you may have additional reporting requirements. Please report this subscription in writing to the applicable department of the FINRA member firm within one day of payment thereof.

(over)


TC BANCSHARES, INC

STOCK INFORMATION CENTER: (    )                     

STOCK ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS – SIDE 2

Form of Stock Ownership. For reasons of clarity and standardization, the stock transfer industry has developed uniform stockholder registrations for issuance of stock ownership statements. Beneficiaries may not be named on stock registrations. If you have any questions on wills, estates, beneficiaries, etc., please consult your legal advisor. When registering stock, do not use two initials – use the full first name, middle initial and last name. Omit words that do not affect ownership such as “Dr.” or “Mrs.” Check the one box that applies.

Buying Stock Individually Used when shares are registered in the name of only one owner. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the individual named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or May 3, 2021 or a loan on November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding as of close of business on May 3, 2021.

Buying Stock Jointly To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the persons named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or May 3, 2021 or a loan on November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding as of close of business on May 3, 2021.

Joint Tenants Joint Tenancy (with Right of Survivorship) may be specified to identify two or more owners where ownership is intended to pass automatically to the surviving tenant(s). All owners must agree to the sale of shares.

Tenants in Common May be specified to identify two or more owners where, upon the death of one co-tenant, ownership of the stock will be held by the surviving co-tenant(s) and by the heirs of the deceased co-tenant. All owners must agree to the sale of shares.

Buying Stock for a Minor Shares may be held in the name of a custodian for a minor under the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the minor (not the custodian) named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or May 3, 2021.

The standard abbreviation for custodian is “CUST.” The Uniform Transfer to Minors Act is “UTMA.” Include the state abbreviation. For example, stock held by John Smith as custodian for Susan Smith under the GA Uniform Transfer to Minors Act, should be registered as John Smith CUST Susan Smith UTMA-GA (list only the minor’s social security number).

Buying Stock for a Corporation/Partnership On the first name line indicate the name of the corporation or partnership and indicate the entity’s Tax ID Number for reporting purposes. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the corporation or partnership named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or May 3, 2021 or a loan on November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding as of close of business on May 3, 2021.

Buying Stock in a Trust/Fiduciary Capacity Indicate the name of the fiduciary and the capacity under which the fiduciary is acting (for example, “Executor”), or name of the trust, the trustees and the date of the trust. Indicate the Tax ID Number to be used for reporting purposes. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the entity named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or April 30, 2021 or a loan on November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding as of close of business on May 3, 2021.

Buying Stock in a Self-Directed IRA (for trustee/broker use only) – Registration should reflect the custodian or trustee firm’s registration requirements. For example, on the first name line, indicate the name of the brokerage firm, followed by CUST or TRUSTEE. On the second name line, indicate the name of the beneficial owner (for example, “FBO John SMITH IRA”). You can indicate an account number or other underlying information and the custodian or trustee firm’s address and department to which all correspondence should be mailed related to this order, including a stock ownership statement. Indicate the TAX ID Number under which the IRA account should be reported for tax purposes. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the beneficial owner named in Section 9 of this form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or May 3, 2021 or a loan on November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding as of close of business on May 3, 2021.

 

 

Section (10) – Acknowledgment and Signature(s). Sign and date the Stock Order Form where indicated. Before you sign, please carefully review the information you provided and read the acknowledgment. Verify that you have printed clearly and completed all applicable shaded areas on the Stock Order Form. Only one signature is required, unless any account listed in Section 4 requires more than one signature to authorize a withdrawal.

Please review the Prospectus carefully before making an investment decision. Deliver your completed Stock Order Form, with full payment or deposit account withdrawal authorization, so that it is received (not postmarked) before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June     , 2021. Stock Order Forms can be delivered by using the enclosed postage paid Stock Order Reply Envelope, by overnight delivery to the Stock Information Center address on the front of the Stock Order Form, or by hand-delivery to TC Federal’s main office located at 131 S. Dawson Street, Thomasville, GA 31792. Hand delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location. You may not deliver this form to our other TC Federal offices. Please do not mail Stock Order Forms to TC Federal. We are not required to accept Stock Order Forms that are found to be deficient or incorrect, or that do not include proper payment or the required signature. Faxes or copies of this form are not required to be accepted.

OVERNIGHT DELIVERY can be made to the Stock Information Center address provided on the front of the Stock Order Form. QUESTIONS? Call our Stock Information Center, at (    )                     , from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The Stock Information Center is not open on bank holidays.


 

 

 

 

TC FEDERAL BANK

 

LOGO      Please vote by marking one of the boxes as shown.

 

 

1.       Approval of the plan of conversion

 

 

 

 

   

REVOCABLE PROXY

 

CONTROL NUMBER

 

 

FOR  

 

   

LOGO

        

 

AGAINST  

 

 

 

   

LOGO

          
               
                 

 

The undersigned acknowledges receipt, before the execution of this proxy, of the Notice of Special Meeting of Members, TC Federal Bank proxy statement for the Special Meeting of Members, and TC Bancshares, Inc.’s prospectus.

               
               
                 

 

LOGO

 

 

                 

Signature                                                         Date

                 

 

NOTE: Only one signature is required in the case of a joint deposit account. Please sign exactly as your name appears on this proxy card. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give your full title. Corporations or partnership proxies should be signed by an authorized officer.

                 
                 
                 
 

 

IF YOU VOTE BY MAIL, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN, AND RETURN ALL CARDS IN THE ENCLOSED PROXY RETURN ENVELOPE. NONE ARE DUPLICATES.

 

LOGO

DETACH HERE

WHAT Am I Voting For?

We are counting on you to cast your vote “FOR” the approval of the plan of conversion.

WHY Vote?

Because your vote makes a difference. As a valued customer, your vote is important to us. The proposal requires the approval of our members. Your vote “FOR” will help us support our future growth, enhance our capital position, compete more effectively, offer our members an opportunity to obtain an economic interest in our future success, and to form a holding company structure. We value your relationship and continued support of TC Federal Bank and are asking you to help us meet our goal by voting today.

HOW Do I Vote?

1 of 3 ways. Please have your control number(s) ready when voting by telephone or internet.

PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS

 

     
LOGO   LOGO   LOGO

By Mail

 

RETURN ENVELOPE

 

 

By Phone

 

CALL xxx-xxx-xxxx

 

 

By Internet

 

proxypush.com/TCF

 

 

 

PROXY CARDS CAN BE RETURNED IN ONE ENVELOPE.

 

 

 

 

IF YOU VOTE BY TELEPHONE OR INTERNET,

YOU DO NOT NEED TO VOTE YOUR PROXY BY MAIL.

 

THANK YOU For Your Vote.

If you have more than one account, you may receive more than one proxy card depending on the ownership structure of your accounts. Please support us and vote all proxy cards received.


 

TC FEDERAL BANK    REVOCABLE PROXY

 

SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF TC FEDERAL BANK FOR USE AT A

SPECIAL MEETING OF MEMBERS TO BE HELD ON [], 2021 AND AT ADJOURNMENTS OF THAT MEETING FOR THE PURPOSES SET FORTH IN THE NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING

 

The undersigned hereby appoints the full Board of Directors of TC Federal Bank, with full powers of substitution, to act as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned to cast such votes as the undersigned may be entitled to cast at the Special Meeting of Members (the “Special Meeting”) to be held at [meeting location] on [meeting date] at [meeting time], and at any and all adjournments thereof, as follows, in accordance with the instructions on the reverse side hereof:

 

1.  Approval of a Plan of Conversion pursuant to which TC Federal Bank would be converted from a federally chartered mutual savings bank to a federally chartered stock savings bank and issue all of its capital stock to a new holding company, TC Bancshares, Inc., and the transactions provided for in such Plan of Conversion, including the adoption of a new federal stock charter and new bylaws for TC Federal Bank, as described in more detail in the accompanying proxy statement.

 

Votes will be cast in accordance with this proxy. Should the undersigned be present and elect to vote virtually during the Special Meeting, or at any adjournments, and notifies the Secretary of TC Federal Bank at the Special Meeting of the undersigned’s decision to terminate this proxy, then the power of said attorney-in-fact or agents shall be deemed terminated and of no further force and effect.

 

THIS PROXY, IF PROPERLY SIGNED AND DATED, WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, BUT IF NO INSTRUCTIONS ARE SPECIFIED, THIS PROXY, IF PROPERLY SIGNED AND DATED, WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE PROPOSAL STATED ABOVE.

 

IF ANY OTHER BUSINESS IS PRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS IN ITS BEST JUDGMENT. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS KNOWS OF NO OTHER BUSINESS TO BE PRESENTED AT THE SPECIAL MEETING.

 

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS UNANIMOUSLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE PLAN OF CONVERSION.

 

(Continued on reverse side)

 

 

LOGO

DETACH HERE

WHY Convert?

The plan of conversion will provide us with access to additional capital, which will provide us the financial strength to better serve our customers and support our future growth and expansion.

WHAT Will Change?

The conversion is an internal change to our corporate structure and will have no effect on the staffing, products or services we offer to our customers. Voting will not affect your deposit accounts or loans or require you to purchase shares of TC Bancshares, Inc. common stock in the offering. Deposit accounts will continue to be federally insured.

We appreciate your vote and your continued support of TC Federal Bank

Please support us and vote all proxy cards received

 

 

LOGO

 

 


LOGO


READ THIS FIRST

Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Guidance for

Account Holders

Your financial institution is in the process of selling stock to the public in a mutual-to-stock conversion transaction. As an account holder at this institution, you have certain priority subscription rights to purchase stock in the offering. These priority subscription rights are non-transferable. If you subscribe for stock, you will be asked to sign a statement that the purchase is for your own account, and that you have no agreement or understanding regarding the subsequent sale or transfer of any shares you receive.

On occasion, unscrupulous people attempt to persuade account holders to transfer subscription rights, or to purchase shares in the offering based on the understanding that the shares will subsequently be transferred to others. Such arrangements violate federal regulations. If you participate in these schemes, you are breaking the law and may be subject to prosecution. If someone attempts to persuade you to participate in such a scheme, please contact the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) Customer Assistance Group, toll-free, at (800) 613-6743. The OCC is very interested in ensuring that the prohibitions on transfer of subscription rights are not violated.

How will you know if you are being approached illegally? Typically, a fraudulent opportunist will approach you and offer to “loan” you money to purchase a significant amount of stock in the offering. In exchange for that “loan” you most likely will be asked either to transfer control of any stock purchased with that money to an account the other person controls, or sell the stock and give the majority of the profits to the other person. You may be told, untruthfully, that there is no risk to you, that the practice is common, and even if you are caught, that your legal expenses will be covered.

On the back of this page is a list of some key concepts that you should keep in mind when considering whether to participate in a mutual-to-stock conversion offering. If you have questions, please contact the Stock Information Center at the telephone number listed elsewhere in the literature you are receiving. Alternatively, you can contact the OCC at: The Southern District Office located at 500 North Akard Street, Suite 1600, Dallas, Texas 75201.

(over)


What Investors Need to Know

Key concepts for investors to bear in mind when considering whether to participate in a conversion offering include the following:

 

   

Know the Rules — By law, account holders cannot sell or transfer their priority subscription rights, or the stock itself, prior to the completion of a financial institution’s conversion. Moreover, account holders cannot enter into agreements or arrangements to sell or transfer either their subscription rights or the underlying conversion stock.

 

   

“Neither a Borrower nor a Lender Be” — If someone offers to lend you money so that you can participate — or participate more fully — in a conversion, be extremely wary. Be even more wary if the source of the money is someone you do not know. The loan agreement may make you unable to certify truthfully that you are the true holder of the subscription rights and the true purchaser of the stock and that you have no agreements regarding the sale or transfer of the stock.

 

   

Watch Out for Opportunists — The opportunist may tell you that he or she is a lawyer — or a consultant or a professional investor or some similarly impressive tale — who has experience with similar conversion transactions. The opportunist may go to extreme lengths to assure you that the arrangement you are entering into is legitimate. They might tell you that they have done scores of these transactions and that this is simply how they work. Or they might downplay the warnings or restrictions in the prospectus or stock order form, telling you that “everyone” enters into such agreements or that the deal they are offering is legitimate. They may also tell you that you have no risk in the transaction. The cold, hard truth is that these are lies, and if you participate, you are breaking the law.

 

   

Get the Facts from the Source — If you have any questions about the securities offering, ask your financial institution for more information. If you have any doubts about a transaction proposed to you by someone else, ask the financial institution whether the proposed arrangement is proper. You may be able to find helpful resources by visiting your financial institution.

The bottom line for investors is always to remember that if an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.

EX-99.5 13 d882215dex995.htm EX-99.5 EX-99.5

Exhibit 99.5

 

 

 

STOCK ORDER FORM

    For Internal Use Only
 

 

SEND OVERNIGHT

LOGO

 

 

PACKAGES TO:

Stock Information Center

131 S. Dawson Street

Thomasville, GA 31792

Call us at

(    )             

   

 

BATCH #                              ORDER #                           CATEGORY #                          

 

REC’D                                                                      O                              C                          

 

 
 
   

ORDER DEADLINE & DELIVERY: A Stock Order Form, properly completed and with full payment, must be received (not postmarked) before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June     , 2021. Subscription rights will become void after the deadline. Stock Order Forms can be delivered by using the enclosed Stock Order Reply Envelope, by overnight delivery to the Stock Information Center address on this form, or by hand-delivery to TC Federal Bank’s (“TC Federal”) main office located at 131 S. Dawson Street Thomasville, GA 31792. Hand delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location. You may not deliver this form to our other TC Federal offices. Do not mail Stock Order Forms to TC Federal. Faxes or copies of this form are not required to be accepted.

 

 

    PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY AND COMPLETE ALL APPLICABLE SHADED AREAS. READ THE ENCLOSED STOCK ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS (BLUE SHEET) AS YOU COMPLETE THIS FORM.

 

(1) NUMBER OF SHARES  

 

SUBSCRIPTION

PRICE PER SHARE

  (2) TOTAL PAYMENT DUE    
     
      ×  $10.00  =   $                         .00    
 

Minimum Number of Shares: 25 ($250).

Maximum Number of Shares: 30,000 ($300,000).

See Stock Order Form Instructions for more information regarding maximum number of shares.

   

 

(3) METHOD OF PAYMENT – CHECK OR MONEY ORDER

   
Enclosed is a personal check, bank check or money order made payable to TC Bancshares, Inc. in the amount of:   $                         .00    
 

 

Cash, wire transfers and third party checks will not be accepted for this purchase. Checks and money orders will be cashed upon receipt.

 

   
   

 

 

(4) METHOD OF PAYMENT – DEPOSIT ACCOUNT WITHDRAWAL

The undersigned authorizes withdrawal from the TC Federal deposit account(s) listed below. There will be no early withdrawal penalty applicable for funds authorized on this form. Funds designated for withdrawal must be in the listed account(s) at the time this form is received. IRA and other retirement accounts held at TC Federal and accounts with check-writing privileges may NOT be listed for direct withdrawal below.

 

 
 
 
For Internal Use Only  

TC Federal

Deposit Account Number

 

Withdrawal

Amount(s)

 
        $                         .00
        $                         .00  

 

  Total Withdrawal Amount       $                         .00  

 

ATTACH A SEPARATE PAGE IF ADDITIONAL SPACE IS NEEDED.

 

 

 

(5) PURCHASER INFORMATION

Subscription Offering. Check the one box that applies, as of the earliest eligibility date, to the

 

purchaser(s) listed in Section 9.

 

 

a.  LOGO Depositors of TC Federal with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on December 31, 2019.

 

b.  LOGO Depositors of TC Federal with aggregate balances of at least $50 at the close of business on March 31, 2021.

 

c.  LOGO   Depositors of TC Federal at the close of business on May 3, 2021 and borrowers as of November 20, 2019, who maintained such borrowings as of the close of business on May 3, 2021.

 

Community Offering. If (a), (b) or (c) above do not apply to the purchaser(s) listed in Section 9, check the first box that applies to this order:

 

 

d.  LOGO You are a resident of the Georgia Counties of Brooks, Colquitt, Grady, Mitchell and Thomas, and Florida Counties of Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon and Wakulla.

 

e.  LOGO   You are placing an order in the Community Offering, but (d) above does not apply.

 

ACCOUNT INFORMATION – SUBSCRIPTION OFFERING

 

 

If you checked box (a), (b) or (c) under “Subscription Offering,” please provide the following information as of the eligibility date under which purchaser(s) listed in Section 9 below qualify in the Subscription Offering:

 

Deposit Account Title

(Name(s) on Account)

  

TC Federal

Account Number

      
      
      

 

NOTE: NOT LISTING ALL ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS, OR PROVIDING INCORRECT OR INCOMPLETE INFORMATION, COULD RESULT IN THE LOSS OF ALL OR PART OF ANY SHARE ALLOCATION. ATTACH A SEPARATE PAGE IF ADDITIONAL SPACE IS NEEDED.

 

 

 

(6) MANAGEMENT Check if you are a TC Bancshares, Inc., or TC Federal:

LOGO   Director       LOGO   Officer       LOGO   Employee       LOGO   Immediate family member, as defined in the Stock Order Form Instructions

 

 

(7) MAXIMUM PURCHASER IDENTIFICATION

   
LOGO   Check here if you, individually or together with others (see Section 8), are subscribing in the Subscription Offering for the maximum purchase allowed and are interested in purchasing more shares if the maximum purchase limitation(s) is/are increased. If you do not check the box, you will not be contacted and resolicited in the event the maximum purchase limitations are increased.

 

 

(8) ASSOCIATES/ACTING IN CONCERT

LOGO   Check here if you, or any associate or persons acting in concert with you, have submitted other orders for shares in the Subscription Offering. If you check the box, list below all other orders submitted by you or your associates or by persons acting in concert with you. (the terms “Associate” and “Acting in Concert” defined on reverse side of this form)
 
         
    Name(s) listed in Section 9 on other Stock Order Forms   Number of shares         Name(s) listed in Section 9 on other Stock Order Forms   Number of shares    
       
                         
       
                         
                 

 

 

(9) STOCK REGISTRATION The name(s) and address that you provide below will be reflected on your ownership statement, and will be used for other communications related to this order. Please PRINT clearly and use full first and last name(s), not initials. If purchasing in the Subscription Offering, you may not add the name(s) of persons/entities who do not have subscription rights or who qualify only in a lower purchase priority than yours. See Stock Order Form Instructions for further guidance.

 

 

 

 
  LOGO   Individual   LOGO   Tenants in Common  

LOGO   Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (for reporting SSN, use minor’s)

            FOR TRUSTEE/BROKER USE ONLY:  
  LOGO   Joint Tenants   LOGO   Corporation   LOGO   Partnership   LOGO   Trust – Under Agreement Dated                                     LOGO   Other                                   

LOGO   IRA

 

(SSN of Beneficial Owner)                  -                  -                 

 
    First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name  

Reporting SSN/Tax ID No.

 
    First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name  

Phone # (DAY)

 
    Street  

Phone # (CELL)

 
    City   State   Zip   County (Important)  

Email

 
           

 

 

  (10) ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE(S)  
  I understand that, to be effective, this form, properly completed, together with full payment, must be received no later than 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June     , 2021, otherwise this form and all subscription rights will be void. (continued on reverse side of this form)  
 
 

ORDER NOT VALID UNLESS SIGNED

LOGO                                                                               LOGO

  Bank Use  
   
 

ONE SIGNATURE REQUIRED, UNLESS SECTION 4 OF THIS FORM INCLUDES ACCOUNTS REQUIRING MORE THAN ONE SIGNATURE TO AUTHORIZE

WITHDRAWAL. IF SIGNING AS A CUSTODIAN, TRUSTEE, CORPORATE OFFICER, ETC., PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR FULL TITLE.

         
 

 Signature (title, if applicable)

 

Date             

   

 Signature (title, if applicable)

  

Date             

     
                            

 


STOCK ORDER FORM – SIDE 2

(8) ASSOCIATES/ACTING IN CONCERT (continued from front of Stock Order Form)

Associate – The term “associate” of a person means:

 

  (1)   any corporation or organization, other than TC Bancshares, Inc., TC Federal or a majority-owned subsidiary of these entities, of which the person is a senior officer, partner or beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of any class of equity securities of the corporation or organization;
  (2)   any trust or other estate in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a trustee or in a fiduciary capacity, excluding any employee stock benefit plan in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as trustee or in a fiduciary capacity; and
  (3)   any blood or marriage relative of the person, who either lives in the same house as the person or who is a director or senior officer of TC Bancshares, Inc., TC Federal or a subsidiary thereof.

Acting in Concert – The term “acting in concert” means:

 

  (1)   knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or
  (2)   a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise.

In general, a person or company that acts in concert with another person or company (“other party”) shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any tax-qualified employee plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether stock held by the trustee and stock held by the employee plan will be aggregated.

Our directors are not treated as associates of each other solely because of their membership on the Board of Directors. We have the right to determine, in our sole discretion, whether prospective purchasers are associates or acting in concert. Persons having the same address or exercising subscription rights through qualifying accounts registered to the same address generally will be assumed to be associates of, and acting in concert with, each other.

Please see the Prospectus section entitled “Summary – Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases” for more information on purchase limitations.

(10) ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE(S) (continued from front of Stock Order Form)

 

I agree that, after receipt by TC Bancshares, Inc., this Stock Order Form may not be modified or canceled without TC Bancshares, Inc.’s consent, and that if withdrawal from a deposit account has been authorized, the authorized amount will not otherwise be available for withdrawal. Under penalty of perjury, I certify that (1) the Social Security or Tax ID information and all other information provided hereon are true, correct and complete, (2) I am purchasing shares solely for my own account and that there is no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of such shares, or my right to subscribe for shares, and (3) I am not subject to backup withholding tax [cross out (3) if you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding]. I acknowledge that my order does not conflict with the overall purchase limitation of $400,000 in all categories of the offering combined, for any person or entity, together with any associate or group of persons acting in concert, as set forth in the Plan of Conversion and Stock Issuance and the Prospectus dated May [·], 2021.

Subscription rights pertain to those eligible to subscribe in the Subscription Offering. Subscription rights are only exercisable by completing and submitting a Stock Order Form, with full payment for the shares subscribed for. Federal regulations prohibit any person from transferring or entering into any agreement directly or indirectly to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of subscription rights, or the underlying securities, to the account of another.

I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE SHARES OF COMMON STOCK ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR ACCOUNTS AND ARE NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. If anyone asserts that this security is Federally insured or guaranteed, or is as safe as an insured deposit, I should call the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

I further certify that, before subscribing for shares of the common stock of TC Bancshares, Inc., I received the Prospectus dated May [·], 2021, and I have read the terms and conditions described in the Prospectus, including disclosure concerning the nature of the security being offered and the risks involved in the investment, described by TC Bancshares, Inc., in the “Risk Factors” section, beginning on page [·]. Risks include, but are not limited to the following:

 

 

Risks Related to Our Business

Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Associated Economic Slowdown.

 

  1.   The ongoing global COVID-19 outbreak could harm our business and results of operations, and such effects will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and are difficult to predict.

 

  2.   A worsening of economic conditions in our market area could reduce demand for our products and services and/or result in increases in our level of nonperforming loans, which could adversely affect our operations, financial condition and earnings.

Risks Related to Lending Activities.

 

  3.   We originate commercial and multi-family real estate, commercial and industrial, and construction and land development loans, which involve credit risks that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

  4.   If our allowance for loan losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, our earnings could decrease.

Risks Related to Our Business Strategy.

 

  5.   Our business strategy includes growth, and our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively affected if we fail to grow or fail to manage our growth effectively. Growing our operations could also cause our expenses to increase faster than our revenues.

 

  6.   We depend on our management team to implement our business strategy and execute successful operations and we could be harmed by the loss of their services.

Risks Related to Interest Rates.

 

  7.   A continuation of the historically low interest rate environment and the possibility that we may access higher-cost funds to support our loan growth and operations may adversely affect our net interest income and profitability.

 

  8.   Future changes in interest rates could reduce our profits and asset values.

Risks Related to Competitive Markets.

 

  9.   Strong competition within our market areas may limit our growth and profitability.

 

  10.   Our asset size makes it more difficult for us to compete.

Risks Related to Laws and Regulations.

 

  11.   Changes in laws and regulations and the cost of regulatory compliance with new laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and/or increase our costs of operations.

 

  12.   Uncertainty exists with regard to regulation of holding companies of covered savings associations.

 

  13.   Non-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions.

 

  14.   We have become subject to more stringent capital requirements, which may adversely impact our return on equity, require us to raise additional capital, or limit our ability to pay dividends or repurchase shares.

Risks Related to Operational Matters.

 

  15.   We face significant operational risks because the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions and increased reliance on technology, including risk of loss related to cyber-security breaches.

 

  16.   The cost of additional finance and accounting systems, procedures and controls in order to satisfy our new public company reporting requirements will increase our expenses.

Risks Related to Accounting Matters.

 

  17.   Changes in accounting standards could affect reported earnings.

 

  18.   Changes in management’s estimates and assumptions may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and our financial condition or operating results.

 

  19.   We have a significant amount of net operating losses that we may not be able to utilize.

Other Risks related to Our Business.

 

  20.   Legal and regulatory proceedings and related matters could adversely affect us.

 

  21.   We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities or properties we own.

 

  22.   Natural disasters, acts of terrorism and other external events could harm our business.

 

  23.   We are a community bank and our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business and the failure to do so may materially adversely affect our performance.

 

  24.   We may be required to transition from the use of LIBOR interest rate index in the future.

Risks Related to the Offering

 

  25.   The future price of our common stock may be less than the purchase price in the stock offering.

 

  26.   The capital we raise in the stock offering may negatively impact our return on equity until we can fully implement our business plan. This could negatively affect the trading price of our shares of common stock.

 

  27.   We have broad discretion in using the proceeds of the stock offering. Our failure to effectively deploy the net proceeds of the offering may have an adverse effect on our financial performance and the value of our common stock.

 

  28.   There may be a limited trading market in our common stock, which would hinder your ability to sell our common stock and may lower the market price of the stock.

 

  29.   Our stock-based benefit plans will increase our costs, which will reduce our income.

 

  30.   The implementation of one or more stock-based benefit plans may dilute your ownership interest.

 

  31.   The corporate governance provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws may prevent or impede the holders of a minority of our common stock from obtaining representation on our board of directors and may also prevent or impede a change in control.

 

  32.   Our management team has limited experience managing a public company, and regulatory compliance may divert its attention from the day-to-day management of our business.

 

  33.   You may not receive dividends on our common stock.

 

  34.   You may not be able to sell your shares of common stock until you have received a statement reflecting ownership of shares, which will affect your ability to take advantage of changes in the stock price immediately following the offering.

 

  35.   We are an emerging growth company, and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.

 

  36.   You may not revoke your decision to purchase TC Bancshares common stock in the subscription or community offerings after you send us your order.

 

By executing this form, the investor is not waiving any rights under federal or state securities laws, including the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

LOGO  

See Front of Stock Order Form

 


TC BANCSHARES, INC.

STOCK INFORMATION CENTER: (    )                     

STOCK ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS – SIDE 1

Sections (1) and (2) – Number of Shares and Total Payment Due. Indicate the Number of Shares that you wish to subscribe for and the Total Payment Due. Calculate the Total Payment Due by multiplying the Number of Shares by the $10.00 price per share. The minimum purchase is 25 shares ($250). The maximum allowable purchase by a person or group of persons exercising subscription rights through a single deposit account held jointly is 30,000 shares ($300,000). Further, no person or entity, together with any associate or group of persons acting in concert, may purchase more than 40,000 shares ($400,000) in all categories of the offering combined. Please see the Prospectus section entitled “The Conversion and Offering – Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases” for more specific information. By signing this form, you are certifying that your order does not conflict with these purchase limitations.

 

 

Section (3) – Method of Payment – Check or Money Order. Payment may be made by including with this form a personal check, bank check or money order made payable directly to TC Bancshares, Inc. These will be deposited upon receipt. The funds remitted by personal check must be available within the account(s) when your Stock Order Form is received. Indicate the amount remitted. Interest will be calculated at 0.05% per annum from the date payment is processed until the offering is completed or terminated, at which time a subscriber will be issued a check for interest earned. Please do not remit cash, wire transfers or third party checks for this purchase.

 

 

Section (4) – Method of Payment – Deposit Account Withdrawal. Payment may be made by authorizing a direct withdrawal from your TC Federal deposit account(s). Indicate the account number(s) and the amount(s) you wish withdrawn. Attach a separate page, if necessary. Funds designated for withdrawal must be available within the account(s) at the time this Stock Order Form is received. Upon receipt of this order, we will place a hold on the amount(s) designated by you – the funds will be unavailable to you for withdrawal thereafter. The funds will continue to earn interest within the account(s) at the contract rate. The interest will remain in the accounts when the designated withdrawal is made, at the completion or termination of the offering. There will be no early withdrawal penalty for withdrawal from a TC Federal certificate of deposit (CD) account. Note that you may NOT designate accounts with check-writing privileges. Please submit a check instead. If you request direct withdrawal from such accounts, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and we will immediately withdraw the amount from your checking account(s). Additionally, you may not designate direct withdrawal from a TC Federal IRA or other retirement accounts. For guidance on using retirement funds, whether held at TC Federal or elsewhere, please contact the Stock Information Center as soon as possible – preferably at least two weeks before the June     , 2021 offering deadline. See the Prospectus section entitled “The Conversion and Offering – Procedure for Purchasing Shares in Subscription and Community Offering – Using Individual Retirement Account Funds.” Your ability to use retirement account funds to purchase shares cannot be guaranteed and depends on various factors, including timing constraints and the institution where those funds are currently held.

 

 

Section (5) – Purchaser Information. Please check the one box that applies to the purchaser(s) listed in Section 9 of this form. Purchase priorities in the Subscription Offering are based on eligibility dates. Boxes (a), (b) and (c) refer to the Subscription Offering. If you checked box (a) or (b), list all TC Federal deposit account numbers that the purchaser(s) had ownership in as of the applicable eligibility date. If you checked box (c), list all TC Federal deposit and/or applicable loan account numbers that the purchaser(s) had ownership in as of May 3, 2021. Include all forms of account ownership (e.g. individual, joint, IRA, etc.). If purchasing shares for a minor, list only the minor’s eligible accounts. If purchasing shares for a corporation or partnership, list only that entity’s eligible accounts. Attach a separate page, if necessary. Failure to complete this section, or providing incorrect or incomplete information, could result in a loss of part or all of your share allocation in the event of an oversubscription. Boxes (d) and (e) refer to the Community Offering. Orders placed in the Subscription Offering will take priority over orders placed in the Community Offering. See the Prospectus section entitled “The Conversion and Offering” for further details about the Subscription and Community Offerings.

 

 

Section (6) – Management. Check the box if you are a TC Bancshares, Inc. or TC Federal director, officer or employee, or a member of their immediate family. Immediate family includes spouse, parents, siblings and children who live in the same house as the director, officer or employee.

 

 

Section (7) – Maximum Purchaser Identification. Check the box, if applicable. Failure to check the box will result in you not receiving notification in the event the maximum purchase limit(s) is/are increased. If you checked the box but have not subscribed for the maximum amount in the Subscription Offering, you will not receive this notification.

 

 

Section (8) – Associates/Acting in Concert. Check the box, if applicable, and provide the requested information. Attach a separate page if necessary.

 

 

Section (9) – Stock Registration. Clearly PRINT the name(s) in which you want the shares registered and the mailing address for all correspondence related to your order, including a stock ownership statement. Each Stock Order Form will generate one stock ownership statement, subject to the stock allocation provisions described in the Prospectus. IMPORTANT: Subscription rights are non-transferable. If placing an order in the Subscription Offering, you may not add the names of persons/entities who do not have subscription rights or who qualify only in a lower purchase priority than yours. A Social Security or Tax ID Number must be provided. The first number listed will be identified with the stock certificate for tax reporting purposes. Listing at least one phone number is important in the event we need to contact you about this form. NOTE FOR FINRA MEMBERS (Formerly NASD): If you are a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”), formerly the National Association of Securities Dealers (“NASD”), or a person affiliated or associated with a FINRA member, you may have additional reporting requirements. Please report this subscription in writing to the applicable department of the FINRA member firm within one day of payment thereof.

(over)


TC BANCSHARES, INC

STOCK INFORMATION CENTER: (    )                     

STOCK ORDER FORM INSTRUCTIONS – SIDE 2

Form of Stock Ownership. For reasons of clarity and standardization, the stock transfer industry has developed uniform stockholder registrations for issuance of stock ownership statements. Beneficiaries may not be named on stock registrations. If you have any questions on wills, estates, beneficiaries, etc., please consult your legal advisor. When registering stock, do not use two initials – use the full first name, middle initial and last name. Omit words that do not affect ownership such as “Dr.” or “Mrs.” Check the one box that applies.

Buying Stock Individually Used when shares are registered in the name of only one owner. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the individual named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or May 3, 2021 or a loan on November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding as of close of business on May 3, 2021.

Buying Stock Jointly To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the persons named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or May 3, 2021 or a loan on November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding as of close of business on May 3, 2021.

Joint Tenants Joint Tenancy (with Right of Survivorship) may be specified to identify two or more owners where ownership is intended to pass automatically to the surviving tenant(s). All owners must agree to the sale of shares.

Tenants in Common May be specified to identify two or more owners where, upon the death of one co-tenant, ownership of the stock will be held by the surviving co-tenant(s) and by the heirs of the deceased co-tenant. All owners must agree to the sale of shares.

Buying Stock for a Minor Shares may be held in the name of a custodian for a minor under the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the minor (not the custodian) named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or May 3, 2021.

The standard abbreviation for custodian is “CUST.” The Uniform Transfer to Minors Act is “UTMA.” Include the state abbreviation. For example, stock held by John Smith as custodian for Susan Smith under the GA Uniform Transfer to Minors Act, should be registered as John Smith CUST Susan Smith UTMA-GA (list only the minor’s social security number).

Buying Stock for a Corporation/Partnership On the first name line indicate the name of the corporation or partnership and indicate the entity’s Tax ID Number for reporting purposes. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the corporation or partnership named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or May 3, 2021 or a loan on November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding as of close of business on May 3, 2021.

Buying Stock in a Trust/Fiduciary Capacity Indicate the name of the fiduciary and the capacity under which the fiduciary is acting (for example, “Executor”), or name of the trust, the trustees and the date of the trust. Indicate the Tax ID Number to be used for reporting purposes. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the entity named in Section 9 of the Stock Order Form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or April 30, 2021 or a loan on November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding as of close of business on May 3, 2021.

Buying Stock in a Self-Directed IRA (for trustee/broker use only) – Registration should reflect the custodian or trustee firm’s registration requirements. For example, on the first name line, indicate the name of the brokerage firm, followed by CUST or TRUSTEE. On the second name line, indicate the name of the beneficial owner (for example, “FBO John SMITH IRA”). You can indicate an account number or other underlying information and the custodian or trustee firm’s address and department to which all correspondence should be mailed related to this order, including a stock ownership statement. Indicate the TAX ID Number under which the IRA account should be reported for tax purposes. To qualify in the Subscription Offering, the beneficial owner named in Section 9 of this form must have had an eligible deposit account at TC Federal as of the close of business on December 31, 2019, March 31, 2021 or May 3, 2021 or a loan on November 20, 2019 that remained outstanding as of close of business on May 3, 2021.

 

 

Section (10) – Acknowledgment and Signature(s). Sign and date the Stock Order Form where indicated. Before you sign, please carefully review the information you provided and read the acknowledgment. Verify that you have printed clearly and completed all applicable shaded areas on the Stock Order Form. Only one signature is required, unless any account listed in Section 4 requires more than one signature to authorize a withdrawal.

Please review the Prospectus carefully before making an investment decision. Deliver your completed Stock Order Form, with full payment or deposit account withdrawal authorization, so that it is received (not postmarked) before 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on June     , 2021. Stock Order Forms can be delivered by using the enclosed postage paid Stock Order Reply Envelope, by overnight delivery to the Stock Information Center address on the front of the Stock Order Form, or by hand-delivery to TC Federal’s main office located at 131 S. Dawson Street, Thomasville, GA 31792. Hand delivered stock order forms will only be accepted at this location. You may not deliver this form to our other TC Federal offices. Please do not mail Stock Order Forms to TC Federal. We are not required to accept Stock Order Forms that are found to be deficient or incorrect, or that do not include proper payment or the required signature. Faxes or copies of this form are not required to be accepted.

OVERNIGHT DELIVERY can be made to the Stock Information Center address provided on the front of the Stock Order Form. QUESTIONS? Call our Stock Information Center, at (    )                     , from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time, Monday through Friday. The Stock Information Center is not open on bank holidays.

GRAPHIC 14 g882215dsp3logo.jpg GRAPHIC begin 644 g882215dsp3logo.jpg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end GRAPHIC 15 g882215eiford.jpg GRAPHIC begin 644 g882215eiford.jpg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end GRAPHIC 16 g882215g00r81.jpg GRAPHIC begin 644 g882215g00r81.jpg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�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