Public companies are required to disclose risks that can affect the business and impact the stock. These disclosures are known as “Risk Factors”. Companies disclose these risks in their yearly (Form 10-K), quarterly earnings (Form 10-Q), or “foreign private issuer” reports (Form 20-F). Risk factors show the challenges a company faces. Investors can consider the worst-case scenarios before making an investment. TipRanks’ Risk Analysis categorizes risks based on proprietary classification algorithms and machine learning.

Bancorp 34 disclosed 61 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Bancorp 34 reported the most risks in the “Finance & Corporate” category.

Risk Overview Q3, 2024

Risk Distribution

56% Finance & Corporate

16% Legal & Regulatory

8% Tech & Innovation

8% Ability to Sell

7% Macro & Political

5% Production

Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy

This chart displays the stock's most recent risk distribution according to category. TipRanks has identified 6 major categories: Finance & corporate, legal & regulatory, macro & political, production, tech & innovation, and ability to sell.

Risk Change Over Time

S&P500 Average

Sector Average

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Bancorp 34 Risk Factors

New Risk (0)

Risk Changed (0)

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No changes from previous report

The chart shows the number of risks a company has disclosed. You can compare this to the sector average or S&P 500 average.

The quarters shown in the chart are according to the calendar year (January to December). Businesses set their own financial calendar, known as a fiscal year. For example, Walmart ends their financial year at the end of January to accommodate the holiday season.

Risk Highlights Q3, 2024

Main Risk Category

Finance & Corporate

With 34 Risks

Finance & Corporate

With 34 Risks

Number of Disclosed Risks

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 31

Recent Changes

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Since Sep 2024

0Risks added

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Number of Risk Changed

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 1

No changes from last report

S&P 500 Average: 1

See the risk highlights of Bancorp 34 in the last period.

Risk Word Cloud

Currently, no data available

The most common phrases about risk factors from the most recent report. Larger texts indicate more widely used phrases.

Risk Factors Full Breakdown - Total Risks 61

Finance & Corporate

Total Risks: 34/61 (56%)Above Sector Average

Share Price & Shareholder Rights6 | 9.8%

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 1

The Bancorp 34 articles of incorporation designate the state and federal courts located within the state of Maryland as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by Bancorp 34's stockholders, which could limit Bancorp 34's stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with Bancorp 34 or its directors, officers or employees.

The Bancorp 34 articles of incorporation, which will govern the combined company following completion of the merger, provide that, unless Bancorp 34 consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of Bancorp 34, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of Bancorp 34 to Bancorp 34 or Bancorp 34's stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim pursuant to any provision of the MGCL, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be a state or federal court located within the state of Maryland, in all cases subject to the court's having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. To the extent permitted by law, the exclusive forum clause in Bancorp 34's articles of incorporation could apply, respectively, to claims of the type described in the previous sentence that arise or purport to arise under U.S. federal securities laws, including the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. Section 27 of the Exchange Act creates exclusive federal jurisdiction over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations thereunder, and Section 22 of the Securities Act creates concurrent jurisdiction for federal and state courts over all suits brought to enforce any duty or liability created by the Securities Act or the rules and regulations thereunder. Therefore, claims arising under the Exchange Act may not be brought in state courts, while claims arising under the Securities Act may be brought in either federal or state courts. Bancorp 34's shareholders will not be deemed, as a result of the existence or enforcement of these exclusive forum provisions, to have waived Bancorp 34's compliance with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder. Bancorp 34 believes that requiring these claims to be filed in the state of Maryland is advisable because (i) doing so avoids unnecessarily redundant, inconvenient, costly, unnecessary, time-consuming and sometimes lawyer-driven litigation in multiple forums and (ii) Maryland courts are authoritative on matters of Maryland law and Maryland judges have more experience in dealing with issues of Maryland corporate law than judges in any other state. This exclusive forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that the stockholder believes is favorable for disputes with Bancorp 34 or its directors, officers or employees, which may discourage meritorious claims from being asserted against Bancorp 34 and its directors, officers and employees or may cause a stockholder to incur additional expenses by having to bring a claim in a judicial forum that is different from where the stockholder resides, or both. Alternatively, if a court were to find this provision of the Bancorp 34 articles of incorporation inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings, Bancorp 34 may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect its business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 2

Substantial future sales of our common stock, or the perception that these sales may occur, could cause the price of our common stock to decline, or could result in dilution.

Sales of substantial amounts of Bancorp 34 common stock, including following the proposed merger with CBOA, or in future offerings, or the perception that these sales could occur, could cause the market price of Bancorp 34 common stock to decline. These sales could also make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future, at a time and place that we deem appropriate. Castle Creek and Brush Creek are party to a Registration Rights Agreement under which we may be required to register their approximately 1.5 million shares of Bancorp 34 common stock under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence-Registration Rights Agreement." Accordingly, the market price of Bancorp 34 common stock could be adversely affected by actual or anticipated sales of a significant number of shares of Bancorp 34 common stock in the future. We are authorized to issue up to 100,000,000 shares of our common stock without further stockholder approval. We may issue additional shares of our common stock in the future pursuant to current or future equity compensation plans or in connection with future acquisitions or financings. If we choose to raise capital by selling shares of our common stock for any reason, the issuance would have a dilutive effect on the holders of our common stock and could have a material negative effect on the value of our common stock.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 3

As a reporting issuer under Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, we file more limited reports with the SEC than other companies who are registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. This lack of transparency may make it more difficult for investors in our securities to make informed investment decisions, and there may be a less active trading market for our common stock.

While we are subject to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, and accordingly will file annual, quarterly, and current reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K with the SEC on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov, we do not have a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. Consequently, we will file more limited reports with the SEC than other companies whose shares are registered under Section 12. For example, as a filer subject to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the company is not required to prepare proxy or information statements; our common stock is not subject to the protection of the going private regulations; the company is subject to only limited portions of the tender offer rules; our officers, directors, and more than ten (10%) percent stockholders are not required to file beneficial ownership reports about their holdings in our company; such persons are not subject to the short-swing profit recovery provisions of the Exchange Act; and stockholders of more than five percent (5%) are not required to report information about their ownership positions in the securities. As a result, investors will have less visibility as to the company and its financial condition than they would if the company had a class of securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. While we believe that the disclosure requirements of SEC regulations applicable to us will collectively provide transparency to the investment community and allow informed investment decisions to be made by investors in our securities, there is no assurance that the reduced transparency afforded to registrations under Section 15(d) will not also reduce the information available to investors and make investment decisions in our securities more difficult. If some investors find Bancorp 34's common stock less attractive because Bancorp 34 relies on these reduced disclosure obligations, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and our stock price may be more volatile.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 4

Bancorp 34 qualifies as a "smaller reporting company," and the reduced disclosure obligations applicable to smaller reporting companies may make its common stock less attractive to investors.

Bancorp 34 is a "smaller reporting company," as defined in federal securities laws, and will remain a smaller reporting company until: (i) the fiscal year following the determination that the market value of its voting and non-voting common shares held by non-affiliates is more than $250 million measured on the last business day of its second fiscal quarter; or (ii) its annual revenues are less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year and the market value of its voting and non-voting common shares held by non-affiliates is more than $700 million measured on the last business day of its second fiscal quarter. Smaller reporting companies have reduced disclosure obligations, such as an exemption from providing selected financial data and an ability to provide simplified executive compensation information and only two years of audited financial statements. If some investors find Bancorp 34's common stock less attractive because Bancorp 34 may rely on these reduced disclosure obligations, there may be a less active trading market for its common stock and its stock price may be more volatile.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 5

Some provisions of our organizational documents may have anti-takeover effects that could discourage an acquisition of us by others, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders.

Provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, federal banking laws, as well as provisions of the Maryland General Corporate Law ("MGCL"), could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us or increase the cost of acquiring us, even if doing so would benefit our stockholders, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares. These provisions include: - establishing a classified board of directors such that not all members of the board are elected at one time; nominees for two of our eight director seats following the merger will continue to be designated by Castle Creek, and Brush Creek under the Securities Purchase Agreement, so long as certain stock ownership thresholds are maintained;- prohibiting any persons from voting more than 10% of our outstanding shares of common stock;- providing for a plurality voting standard in the election of directors without cumulative voting;- providing that our stockholders may remove members of our board of directors only for cause;- enabling our board of directors to issue additional shares of authorized, but unissued capital stock;- enabling our board to issue "blank check" preferred stock without further stockholder approval; and - enabling our board of directors to amend our bylaws without stockholder approval.

Share Price & Shareholder Rights - Risk 6

Shareholder litigation could prevent or delay the completion of our proposed merger with CBOA or otherwise negatively impact our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Shareholders of Bancorp 34 and/or CBOA may file lawsuits against Bancorp 34, CBOA and/or the directors and officers of either company in connection with the proposed merger. One of the conditions to the closing is that no law order, injunction or decree issued by any court or governmental entity of competent jurisdiction would prevent, prohibit or make illegal the completion of the merger, the bank merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement be in effect. If any plaintiff were successful in obtaining an injunction prohibiting Bancorp 34 or CBOA from completing the merger, the bank merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, then such injunction may delay or prevent the effectiveness of the merger and could result in significant costs to Bancorp 34, including any cost associated with the indemnification of our directors and officers. We may incur costs in connection with the defense or settlement of any shareholder lawsuits filed in connection with the merger. Shareholder lawsuits may divert management attention from management of our business or operations. Such litigation could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations and could prevent or delay the completion of the merger.

Accounting & Financial Operations2 | 3.3%

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 1

New accounting standards such as ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) (CECL) could require us to increase our allowance for credit losses and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The measure of our allowance for credit losses has been impacted by the adoption and interpretation of accounting standards. The Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, has issued a new credit impairment model, the Current Expected Credit Loss, or CECL model, which became applicable to us in 2023. Under the CECL model, we are required to present certain financial assets carried at amortized cost, such as loans held for investment, unused commitments, and held-to-maturity debt securities, at the net amount expected to be collected. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the estimated collectability of loans held-for-investment, unfunded commitments, and held-to-maturity debt securities. This measurement takes place at the time the financial asset is first added to the balance sheet and periodically thereafter. This differs significantly from the "incurred loss" model previously required under GAAP, which delayed recognition until it is probable a loss was incurred. Accordingly, the CECL model may create more volatility in the level of our allowance for credit losses. If we are required to materially increase our level of allowance for credit losses for any reason, such increase could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Upon adoption, we recorded an increase to the allowance for credit losses (ACL) on loans held-for-investment of $604,000, established an ACL on unfunded commitments of $165,000, established an ACL on held-to-maturity investments of $38,000, recorded an increase to deferred tax assets of $153,000, and a corresponding one-time cumulative reduction to retained earnings, net of tax, of $654,000 in the consolidated balance sheet as of January 1, 2023.

Accounting & Financial Operations - Risk 2

Nonperforming assets take significant time and resources to resolve and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

At December 31, 2023, we had a total of approximately $5.2 million of nonperforming assets or approximately 0.90% of total assets. Our nonperforming assets adversely affect our operating results in various ways. We do not record interest income on nonaccrual loans or other real estate owned, thereby adversely affecting our operating results and returns on assets and equity, increasing our loan administration costs and adversely affecting our efficiency ratio. When we take collateral in foreclosures and similar proceedings, we are required to mark the related asset to the then fair market value of the collateral, which may ultimately result in a loss. An increase in the level of nonperforming assets increases our risk profile and may impact the capital levels regulators believe are appropriate in light of the ensuing risk profile. In addition, the resolution of nonperforming assets requires significant commitments of time from management, which may materially and adversely impact their ability to perform their other responsibilities. If we experience increases in nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets, our net interest income may be negatively impacted and our loan administration costs could increase, each of which could have an adverse effect on our operating results and related ratios, such as return on assets and equity.

Debt & Financing19 | 31.1%

Debt & Financing - Risk 1

Fraud is a major, and increasing operational risk for us and all banks.

Two traditional areas, deposit fraud (check kiting, wire fraud, etc.) and loan fraud, continue to be major sources of fraud attempts and loss. The sophistication and methods used to perpetrate fraud continue to evolve as technology changes. In addition to cybersecurity risk (discussed below), new technologies have made it easier for bad actors to obtain and use client personal information, mimic signatures and otherwise create false documents that look genuine. The industry fraud threat continues to evolve, including but not limited to card fraud, check fraud, social engineering and phishing attacks for identity theft and account takeover. Our anti-fraud measures are both preventive and, when necessary, responsive; however, some level of fraud loss is unavoidable, and the risk of a major loss cannot be eliminated.

Debt & Financing - Risk 2

A flat or inverted yield curve may reduce our net interest margin and adversely affect our loan and investment portfolios.

The yield curve is a reflection of interest rates applicable to short and long-term debt. The yield curve is upward sloping when short-term rates are lower than long-term rates; it is flat when short-term rates and long-term rates are nearly the same; and it is inverted when short-term rates exceed long-term rates. Historically, the yield curve is usually upward sloping (higher rates for longer terms). However, the yield curve can be relatively flat or inverted (downward sloping), which has happened several times in the past few years, and in fact was common in the second half of 2022 and throughout 2023. A flat or inverted yield curve, which tends to decrease net interest margin, would adversely impact our lending businesses and investment portfolio. The Federal Reserve, consistent with long-term goals, has been raising rates in response to inflation. We cannot predict how long those conditions will exist. In 2024 there is significant risk, especially if yield curve inversion remains common and a recession begins, that our net interest margin could compress.

Debt & Financing - Risk 3

Rapidly rising interest rates will impact the value of our investment securities and the cost of our funding sources, including deposits.

Our operating results are highly dependent on our net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income paid to us on our loans and investments and the interest we pay to third parties such as our depositors, lenders and debt holders. Changes in interest rates can impact our profits and the fair values of certain of our assets and liabilities. Higher market interest rates and increased competition for deposits may result in higher interest expense, as we may offer higher rates to attract or retain customer deposits. Increases in interest rates also may increase the amount of interest expense we pay to creditors on short and long-term debt. Interest rate risk can also result from mismatches between the dollar amounts of re-pricing or maturing assets and liabilities and from mismatches in the timing and rates at which our assets and liabilities re-price. Changes in market values of investment securities classified as available for sale are impacted by higher rates and can negatively impact our other comprehensive income and equity levels through accumulated other comprehensive income, which includes net unrealized gains and losses on those securities. Further, such losses could be realized into earnings should liquidity and/or business strategy necessitate the sales of securities in a loss position. We actively monitor and manage the balances of our maturing and re-pricing assets and liabilities to reduce the adverse impact of changes in interest rates, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to avoid material adverse effects on our net interest margin in all market conditions.

Debt & Financing - Risk 4

Our cost of funds may increase as a result of general economic conditions, interest rates and competitive pressures.

We have traditionally obtained funds through local deposits and thus we have a base of lower cost transaction deposits. Generally, we believe local deposits are less expensive and more stable source of funds than other borrowings because interest rates paid for local deposits are typically lower than interest rates charged for borrowings from the Federal Reserve or from other institutional lenders and reflect a mix of transaction and time deposits, whereas brokered deposits typically are higher cost time deposits. Further, economic conditions and rising interest rates could result in a decrease in our transaction deposit account balances as customers seek to obtain maximum federal deposit insurance coverage or to seek higher interest rates. Our cost of funds has increased in the past 12 months due largely to overall increases in the cost of our deposits. Additionally, our costs of funds, operating results and liquidity are likely to be adversely affected if, and to the extent, we have to rely upon higher cost borrowings from the Federal Reserve or other institutional lenders, such as the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB"), or upon brokers to fund liquidity needs, and changes in our deposit mix, pricing, and growth could adversely affect our profitability and the ability to expand our loan portfolio.

Debt & Financing - Risk 5

We are subject to interest rate risk, which could adversely affect our financial condition and profitability.

The majority of our banking assets are subject to changes in interest rates. For example, as of December 31, 2023, 34% of our loan portfolio, including loan level derivative instruments, consisted of floating and adjustable interest rate loans. Like most financial institutions, our earnings significantly depend on our net interest income, the principal component of our operating results, which is the difference between interest earned by us from our interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest paid by us on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. We expect that we will periodically experience "gaps" in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest-earning assets, or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates should move contrary to our position, this "gap" will negatively impact our earnings. Many factors beyond our control impact interest rates, including economic conditions, governmental monetary policies, inflation, recession, changes in unemployment, the money supply, and disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets. Changes in monetary policies of the various government agencies could influence not only the interest we receive on loans and securities and the interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities, and the average duration of our assets and liabilities. In addition, changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, will influence the origination of loans, the prepayment of loans, and the rates received on loans. In a declining interest rate environment, there may be an increase in prepayments on loans as borrowers refinance their loans at lower rates. Interest rate increases often result in larger payment requirements for our floating interest rate borrowers, which increases the potential for default. At the same time, the marketability of the property securing a loan may be adversely affected by any reduced demand resulting from higher interest rates. An increase (or decrease) in interest rates may also require us to increase (or decrease) the interest rates that we pay on our deposits. Changes in interest rates also can affect the value of loans, securities and other assets. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on loans may lead to increases in nonperforming assets, charge-offs and delinquencies, increases to the allowance for credit losses, and a reduction of income recognized, among others, which could have a material adverse effect on our capital, results of operations and cash flows. Further, when we place a loan on non-accrual status, we reverse any accrued but unpaid interest receivable, which decreases interest income. At the same time, we continue to have a cost to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without any interest income to offset the associated funding expense. Thus, an increase in the amount of nonperforming assets could have a material adverse impact on our net interest income. Additionally, an increase in interest rates may not increase our net interest income to the same extent we currently anticipate based on our modeling estimates and the assumptions underlying such modeling. Our failure to benefit from an increased interest rate environment to the extent we currently estimate, to the same extent as our competitors or at all could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Open Market Committee cut short-term interest rates to a record low range of 0% to 0.25%. Over the course of 2022 and throughout 2023 these record low rates were reversed, with the Federal Reserve continuing to signal its concerns with respect to inflation. Interest Rates have remained constant in the second half of 2023 with the Federal Reserve signaling that interest rate decreases could occur in 2024.

Debt & Financing - Risk 6

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate, and events that negatively impact the real estate market could hurt our business.

A significant portion of our loans are secured by real estate. As of December 31, 2023, approximately 88.9% of such loans had real estate as primary collateral. Additionally, certain loans may have real estate as a secondary component of collateral. The real estate collateral in each case provides an alternate source of repayment in the event of default by the borrower and may deteriorate in value during the time the credit is extended. Deterioration in the real estate market could cause us to adjust our opinion of the level of credit quality in our loan portfolio. Such a determination may lead to an additional increase in our provisions for credit losses, which could also adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 7

We are exposed to higher credit risk by commercial real estate, commercial business, and construction lending.

Commercial real estate, commercial business and construction lending usually involves higher credit risks than that of single-family residential lending. At December 31, 2023, the following loan types accounted for the stated percentages of our total loan portfolio: commercial real estate (owner and non-owner occupied) 54.7%, commercial and industrial business 10.9%, and construction and land development lending 7.5%. These types of loans involve larger loan balances to a single borrower or groups of related borrowers. Commercial real estate loans may be affected to a greater extent than residential loans by adverse conditions in real estate markets or the economy because commercial real estate borrowers' ability to repay their loans depends in some cases on successful development of their properties, as well as the factors affecting residential real estate borrowers. These loans may involve greater risk because they generally are not fully amortizing over the loan period, but have a balloon payment due at maturity. A borrower's ability to make a balloon payment typically will depend on being able to either refinance the loan or sell the underlying property in a timely manner. The increase in market rates could increase the risk that a borrower is unable to meet the credit standards needed to refinance a loan. Commercial and industrial business loans are typically based on the borrowers' ability to repay the loans from the cash flow of their businesses, which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Although commercial and industrial business loans are often collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets, the liquidation of collateral in the event of default is often an insufficient source of repayment because, for instance, accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories may be obsolete or of limited use. In addition, business assets may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise, and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. Accordingly, the repayment of commercial business loans depends primarily on the cash flow and credit worthiness of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral value provided by the borrower and liquidity of the guarantor. Risk of loss on a construction and land development loan depends largely upon whether our initial estimate of the property's value at completion of construction exceeds the cost of the property construction (including interest) and the availability of permanent take-out financing. During the construction phase, a number of factors can result in delays and cost overruns. If estimates of value are inaccurate or if actual construction costs exceed estimates, the value of the property securing the loan may be insufficient to ensure full repayment when completed through a permanent loan or by seizure of collateral. Commercial real estate, commercial business, and construction loans are more susceptible to a risk of loss during a downturn in the business cycle. Our underwriting, review, and monitoring cannot eliminate all of the risks related to these loans. As of December 31, 2023, our commercial real estate loans (owner and non-owner occupied) were equal to 338% of the bank's total risk-based capital. The banking regulators give commercial real estate lending greater scrutiny, and may require banks with higher levels of commercial real estate loans to implement enhanced underwriting, internal controls, risk management policies and portfolio stress testing, as well as possibly higher levels of allowances for credit losses and capital levels as a result of commercial real estate lending growth and exposures.

Debt & Financing - Risk 8

Our estimated allowance for credit losses and fair value adjustments with respect to acquired loans may prove to be insufficient to absorb actual losses in our loan portfolio, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are exposed to the risk that our customers will be unable to repay their loans according to their terms and that any collateral securing the payment of their loans will not be sufficient to ensure full repayment. Credit losses are inherent in the lending business and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and ability to meet our obligations. We evaluate the collectability of our loan portfolio and we maintain an allowance for credit losses that represents management's judgment of expected credit losses in our loan portfolio that we believe to be adequate based on a variety of factors including but not limited to: the risk characteristics of various classifications of loans, previous loan loss experience, specific loans that have loss potential, delinquency trends, estimated fair market value of the collateral, current economic conditions, the views of our regulators, and geographic and industry loan concentrations. If our evaluation is incorrect and defaults by borrowers lead to credit losses that exceed our allowance for credit losses, our operating results could be significantly and adversely affected. No assurance can be given that the allowance for credit losses will be adequate to cover credit losses incurred in our portfolio. We may experience credit losses in our loan portfolio or perceive adverse conditions and trends that may require us to significantly increase our allowance for credit losses in the future, a decision that would unfavorably impact our operating results. The application of the acquisition method of accounting in any future acquisitions, including the proposed merger with CBOA, will impact our allowance for credit losses. Under the acquisition method of accounting, all acquired loans will be recorded in our consolidated financial statements at their estimated fair value at the time of acquisition. To the extent that our estimates of fair value are too high, we will incur losses associated with the acquired loans. In addition, our regulators, as an integral part of their periodic examination, review our methodology for calculating, and the adequacy of, our allowance and provision for credit losses. Although we believe that the methodology used by us to determine the amount of both the allowance and provision for credit losses is effective, the regulators may conclude that changes are necessary based on information available to them at the time of their review, which could impact our overall credit portfolio. Such changes could result in, among other things, modifications to our methodology for determining our allowance or provision for credit losses or models, reclassification or downgrades of our loans, increases in our allowance for credit losses or other credit costs, imposition of new or more stringent concentration limits, restrictions in our lending activities and/or recognition of further losses. Further, if actual charge-offs in future periods exceed the amounts allocated to the allowance for credit losses, we may need additional provisions for credit losses to restore the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses.

Debt & Financing - Risk 9

If we fail to effectively manage credit risk, our business and financial condition will suffer.

We must effectively manage credit risk. There are risks inherent in making any loan, including risks with respect to the period of time over which the loan may be repaid, risks relating to proper loan underwriting and guidelines, risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions, risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers and risks resulting from uncertainties as to the future value of collateral. There is no assurance that our credit risk monitoring and loan approval procedures are or will be adequate or will reduce the inherent risks associated with lending. Our risk management practices, such as monitoring the concentration of our loans within specific industries and our credit approval, review and administrative practices, may not adequately reduce credit risk, and our credit administration personnel, policies and procedures may not adequately adapt to changes in economic or any other conditions affecting customers and the quality of the loan portfolio. Many of our loans are made to small and medium-sized businesses that are less able to withstand competitive, economic and financial pressures than larger borrowers. Consequently, we may have significant exposure if any of these borrowers become unable to pay their loan obligations as a result of economic or market conditions, or personal circumstances. A failure to effectively measure and limit the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio may result in loan defaults, foreclosures and additional charge-offs, and may necessitate that we significantly increase our allowance for credit losses, each of which could adversely affect our net income. As a result, our inability to successfully manage credit risk could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 10

Federal Reserve strategies can, and often are intended to, affect the domestic money supply, inflation, interest rates, and the shape of the yield curve.

Effects on the yield curve often are most pronounced at the short end of the curve, which is of particular importance to us and other banks. Among other things, easing strategies are intended to lower interest rates, expand the money supply, and stimulate economic activity, while tightening strategies are intended to increase interest rates, discourage borrowing, tighten the money supply, and restrain economic activity. However, as noted above, in 2022 short term rates rose faster than long term rates to the point that the yield curve inverted for much of the final two quarters of the year. This sort of phenomenon-where short term rates are raised more strongly and rapidly than long-term rates-is relatively common. It is not clear when long term rates are likely to catch up, or when short term rates will decrease, if at all. Many external factors may interfere with the effects of Federal Reserve strategies or cause them to be changed, sometimes quickly. Such factors include significant economic trends or events as well as significant international monetary policies and events. As exemplified by the March 2023 bank failures in the U.S., such strategies also can affect the U.S. and world-wide financial systems in ways that may be difficult to predict. Risks associated with interest rates and the yield curve and their potential effects on financial institutions are discussed in these Risk Factors under the Caption Lending and Interest Rate Risks. Lending and Interest Rate Risks

Debt & Financing - Risk 11

Interest rate volatility may adversely impact the fair value adjustments of investments and loans acquired in our proposed merger with CBOA.

Upon the closing of our proposed merger with CBOA, the combined company will need to adjust the fair value of CBOA's investment and loan portfolios. A continued rising interest rate environment could have the effect of increasing the magnitude of the purchase accounting marks relating to such fair value adjustments, thereby increasing initial tangible book value dilution, extending the tangible book value earn-back period, and negatively impacting the combined company's capital ratios, after consummation of the merger.

Debt & Financing - Risk 12

The value of securities in our investment portfolio may decline in the future.

As of December 31, 2023, we had a carrying amount of $62.4 million of investment securities. The value of our investment securities may be adversely affected by market conditions, including changes in interest rates, and the occurrence of any events adversely affecting the issuer of particular securities in our investments portfolio. The Company evaluates all securities on a quarterly basis to determine if a credit loss exists. The process for determining credit losses usually requires complex, subjective judgments about the future financial performance of the issuer in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security. Because of changing economic and market conditions affecting issuers, we may be required to recognize credit losses in future periods, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 13

We may be adversely affected by the lack of soundness of other financial institutions.

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure due to us. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 14

Consumers may decide not to use banks to complete their financial transactions.

Technology and other changes are allowing parties to complete financial transactions through alternative methods that historically have involved banks. For example, consumers can now maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts, mutual fund, general-purpose reloadable prepaid cards, or cryptocurrencies. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as "disintermediation," could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and the lower cost of deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 15

The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support Bank 34.

The Federal Reserve requires a bank holding company to act as a source of financial strength to a subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. Under the "source of strength" doctrine, the Federal Reserve may require a bank holding company to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank and may charge the bank holding company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to such a subsidiary bank. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act directs the federal bank regulators to require that all companies that directly or indirectly control an insured depository institution serve as a source of strength for the institution. Under these requirements, in the future, we could be required to provide financial assistance to Bank 34 if it experiences financial distress. A capital injection may be required at times when we do not have the resources to provide it, and therefore we may be required to borrow the funds. In the event of a bank holding company's bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any commitment by the holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of the holding company's general unsecured creditors, including the holders of its note obligations. Thus, any borrowing that must be done by the holding company in order to make the required capital injection becomes more difficult and expensive and will adversely impact the holding company's cash flows, financial condition, and results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 16

Deposits traditionally have provided our most affordable funds and by far the largest portion of funding. However, deposit trends can shift with economic conditions.

If interest rates fall, deposit levels in our Bank might fall, perhaps fairly quickly if a tipping point is reached, as depositors become more comfortable with risk and seek higher returns in other vehicles. Further, if interest rates remain high, our competitors, which include other banks and non-banks, may raise interest rates for deposits materially and our depositors may move their funds to other institutions, a process which has become easier with advances in technology and operations. These circumstances could result in material changes in deposit levels over relatively short time periods, and they could pressure us to raise interest we pay on our deposits, which could shrink our net interest margin if loan rates do not rise correspondingly. The extremely low interest rate environment in recent years ended in 2022. Contrary to the expectations outlined in the paragraph above, deposit levels prior to 2022 climbed, possibly buoyed by the severe volatility experienced by the stock markets in 2018-2020 coupled with Federal pandemic assistance, particularly direct cash payments to most citizens, in 2020 and 2021. Significant market volatility resumed in 2022, and we have generally raised deposit interest rates to attract and maintain clients. We are unsure whether or not deposit levels will rise appreciably in 2024. In addition, recent economic events have highlighted the current market volatility related to deposits, and regulators are taking action to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and protect depositors. We are unable to predict how current economic conditions might affect our deposits and whether these regulatory actions will be successful.

Debt & Financing - Risk 17

We may not be able to maintain a low cost deposit base or access other low-cost funding sources.

We rely on bank deposits to be a low cost and stable source of funding. In addition, our future growth will largely depend on our ability to maintain and grow a strong core deposit base. If we are unable to continue to attract and retain core deposits, to obtain third party financing on favorable terms, or to have access to interbank or other liquidity sources, we may not be able to grow our assets. We compete with banks and other financial services companies for deposits. If our competitors raise the rates they pay on deposits in response to interest rate changes initiated by the Federal Reserve or for other reasons of their choice, our funding costs may increase, either because we raise our rates to retain deposits or because of deposit outflows that require us to rely on more expensive sources of funding. In addition, we could experience deposit outflows as a result of depositors seeking to maximize deposit insurance by limiting their deposits at a single financial institution to the maximum federal deposit insurance level. Inflation and higher interest rates, along with monetary events, can cause some of our business customers who have greater operating cash needs to reduce their deposit balances with us. Higher funding costs could reduce our net interest margin and net interest income. Any decline in available funding could adversely affect our ability to continue to implement our business strategy which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Debt & Financing - Risk 18

Liquidity, primarily through deposits, is essential to our business model and a lack of liquidity, or an increase in the cost of liquidity could materially impair our ability to fund our operations and jeopardize our results of operation, financial condition and cash flows.

Liquidity represents an institution's ability to provide funds to satisfy demands from depositors, borrowers and other creditors by either converting assets into cash or accessing new or existing sources of incremental funds. Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that we may be unable to satisfy current or future funding requirements and needs. Deposit levels may be affected by several factors, including rates paid by competitors, general interest rate levels, returns available to customers on alternative investments, customers seeking to maximize deposit insurance by limiting their deposits at a single financial institution to the maximum federal deposit insurance level, general economic and market conditions and other factors. Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds but are subject to the borrowers' ability to repay loans, which can be adversely affected by a number of factors including changes in general economic conditions, adverse trends or events affecting business industry groups or specific businesses, declines in real estate values or markets, business closings or lay-offs, inclement weather, natural disasters and other factors. Furthermore, loans generally are not readily convertible to cash. From time to time, if deposits and loan payments are not sufficient to meet our needs, we may be required to rely on secondary sources of liquidity to meet growth in loans, deposit withdrawal demands or otherwise fund operations. Such secondary sources include FHLB advances, brokered deposits, secured and unsecured federal funds lines of credit from correspondent banks, Federal Reserve borrowings and/or accessing the equity or debt capital markets. The availability of these secondary funding sources is subject to broad economic conditions, to regulation and to investor assessment of our financial strength and, as such, the cost of funds may fluctuate significantly and/or the availability of such funds may be restricted, thus impacting our net interest income, our immediate liquidity and/or our access to additional liquidity. Additionally, if we fail to remain "well-capitalized" our ability to utilize brokered deposits may be restricted. We have somewhat similar risks to the extent high balance core deposits exceed the amount of deposit insurance coverage available. We anticipate we will continue to rely primarily on deposits, loan repayments, and cash flows from our investment securities to provide liquidity. Additionally, when necessary, the secondary sources of borrowed funds described above will be used to augment our primary funding sources. An inability to maintain or raise funds (including the inability to access secondary funding sources) in amounts necessary to meet our liquidity needs would have a substantial negative effect, individually or collectively, on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities, or on terms attractive to us, could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. For example, factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include our financial results, a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a market downturn or adverse regulatory action against us, a reduction in our credit rating, any damage to our reputation, counterparty availability, changes in the activities of our business partners, changes affecting our loan portfolio or other assets, or any other event that could cause a decrease in depositor or investor confidence in our creditworthiness and business. Those factors may lead to depositors withdrawing their deposits or creditors limiting our borrowings. Our access to liquidity could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as general business conditions, interest rate fluctuations, severe volatility or disruption of the financial markets, bank closures or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole, or legal, regulatory, accounting, and tax environments governing our funding transactions. In addition, our ability to raise funds is strongly affected by the general state of the U.S. and world economies and financial markets as well as the policies and capabilities of the U.S. government and its agencies, and may remain or become increasingly difficult due to economic and other factors beyond our control. Any such event or failure to manage our liquidity effectively could affect our competitive position, increase our borrowing costs and the interest rates we pay on deposits, limit our access to the capital markets and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Debt & Financing - Risk 19

We may be exposed to a need for additional capital resources in the future and these capital resources may not be available when needed or at all.

We may need to incur additional debt or equity financing in the future to make strategic acquisitions or investments or to strengthen our capital and liquidity. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on, among other things, conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control and our financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot provide assurance that such financing will be available to us on acceptable terms or at all. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to expand our operations through internal growth and acquisitions could be materially impaired. In addition, if we decide to raise additional equity capital, our current stockholders' interests could be diluted.

Corporate Activity and Growth7 | 11.5%

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 1

Failure to achieve one or more key elements needed for successful organic growth could adversely affect our business and operating results.

There are a number of risks to the successful execution of our organic growth strategy that could result in a material and adverse effect upon our results of operation and financial condition. These risks include, without limitation, the following: - our inability to attract and retain clients in our banking market areas;- our inability to achieve and maintain growth in our earnings while pursuing new business opportunities;- our inability to maintain a high level of client service while optimizing our physical branch count due to changing client demand, all while expanding our remote banking services and expanding or enhancing our information processing, technology, compliance, and other operational infrastructures effectively and efficiently;- our inability to maintain loan quality in the context of significant loan growth;- our inability to attract or maintain sufficient deposits and capital to fund anticipated loan growth;- our inability to maintain adequate common equity and regulatory capital while managing the liquidity and capital requirements associated with growth, especially organic growth and cash - funded acquisitions;- our inability to hire or retain adequate management personnel and systems to oversee and support such growth;- our inability to implement additional policies, procedures and operating systems required to support our growth; and - our inability to manage effectively and efficiently the changes and adaptations necessitated by a complex, burdensome, and evolving regulatory environment.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 2

We may be adversely affected by risks associated with future mergers and acquisitions, including execution risk, which could disrupt our business and dilute stockholder value.

In accordance with our strategic plan, we evaluate opportunities to acquire other banks and branch locations, as well as other fee generating lines of business. As a result, we may engage in mergers, acquisitions and other transactions that could have a material effect on our operating results and financial condition, including short and long-term liquidity. Our merger and acquisition activities, such as our proposed merger with CBOA, could be material and could require us to issue a significant number of shares of our common stock or other securities and/or to use a substantial amount of cash, other liquid assets, and/or incur debt. Our merger and acquisition activities, including our proposed merger with CBOA, could involve a number of additional risks, including the risks of: - the incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets associated with an acquisition or merger and possible adverse short-term effects on our results of operations;- the possibility that the expected benefits of a transaction may not materialize in the timeframe expected or at all, or may be costlier than expected to achieve;- incurring the time and expense associated with identifying and evaluating potential merger or acquisition targets;- diversion of our management's attention to the negotiation of a transaction, and the integration of the operations and personnel of the combining businesses;- our estimates and judgments used to evaluate credit, operations, management and market risks with respect to the acquired or merged company may not be accurate;- potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the acquired or merged company;- difficulty or unanticipated expense associated with converting the operating systems of the acquired or merged company into ours;- the possibility that we will be unable to successfully implement integration strategies, due to challenges associated with integrating complex systems, technology, banking centers, and other assets of the acquired or merged company in a manner that minimizes any adverse effect on customers, suppliers, employees, and other constituencies;- delay in completing a merger or acquisition due to litigation, closing conditions or the regulatory approval process;- the possibility that a proposed acquisition or merger may not be timely completed, if at all;- creating an adverse short-term effect on our results of operations; and - the possible loss of our key employees and customers or of the acquired or merged company. There is no assurance that, following any future mergers or acquisitions, including our proposed merger with CBOA, our integration efforts will be successful or that we, after giving effect to the acquisition, will achieve the strategic objectives, operating efficiencies, increased revenues comparable to or better than our expectations, or other benefits expected in the acquisition, and failure to realize such strategic objectives, operating efficiencies, expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in market presence or other benefits could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 3

Combining Bancorp 34 and CBOA may be more difficult, costly or time consuming than expected and we may fail to realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the merger.

The success of our proposed merger with CBOA will depend, in part, on the ability to realize the anticipated cost savings from combining the businesses of Bancorp 34 and CBOA. To realize the anticipated benefits and cost savings from the proposed merger, Bancorp 34 and CBOA must successfully integrate and combine their businesses in a manner that permits those cost savings to be realized. If Bancorp 34 and CBOA are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of the merger may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected. In addition, the actual cost savings and anticipated benefits of the proposed merger could be less than anticipated, and integration may result in additional unforeseen expenses. An inability to realize the full extent of the anticipated benefits of the proposed merger and the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, as well as any delays encountered in the integration process, could have an adverse effect on the revenues, levels of expenses and operating results of the combined company following the completion of the merger, which may adversely affect the value of the common stock of the combined company following the completion of the merger. Bancorp 34 and CBOA have operated and, until the completion of the merger, must continue to operate, independently. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of our ongoing business or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect each company's ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers, depositors and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits and cost savings of the merger. Integration efforts may also divert management attention during this transition period and for an undetermined period after completion of the merger, which may have an adverse effect on the combined company.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 4

Failure to complete our proposed merger with CBOA could negatively impact us.

Our merger agreement with CBOA is subject to a number of conditions which must be fulfilled in order to complete the merger including the receipt and maintenance of regulatory consents and approvals and shareholder approvals necessary to close the merger. If the proposed merger is not completed for any reason, there may be various adverse consequences and we may experience negative reactions from the financial markets and from our customers and employees. For example, our business may have been impacted adversely by the failure to pursue other beneficial opportunities due to the focus of our management on the merger, without realizing any of the anticipated benefits of completing the merger. Additionally, if the merger agreement is terminated, the market price of our common stock could decline to the extent that current market prices reflect a market assumption that the merger will be beneficial and will be completed. We also could be subject to litigation related to any failure to complete the merger or to proceedings commenced against us to perform our obligations under the merger agreement. Additionally, we have incurred and will incur substantial expenses in connection with the negotiation and completion of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. If the merger is not completed, we would have to recognize these expenses without realizing the expected benefits of the merger.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 5

Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risks and/or losses.

We have implemented a risk management framework to mitigate our risk and loss exposure. This framework is comprised of various processes, systems and strategies, and is designed to identify, measure, monitor, report and manage the types of risk to which we are subject, including, among others, credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, legal and regulatory risk, compliance risk, strategic risk, reputational risk and operational risk related to our employees, systems and vendors, among others. Any system of control and any system to reduce risk exposure, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met and will be effective under all circumstances or that it will adequately identify, manage or mitigate any risk or loss to us. Additionally, instruments, systems and strategies used to hedge or otherwise manage exposure to various types of interest rate, price, legal and regulatory compliance, credit, liquidity, operational and business risks and enterprise-wide risk could be less effective than anticipated. As a result, we may not be able to effectively mitigate our risk exposures in particular market environments or against particular types of risk. If our risk management framework is not effective, we could suffer unexpected losses and become subject to litigation, negative regulatory consequences, or reputational damage among other adverse consequences, any of which could result in our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects being materially adversely affected.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 6

Our board and its committees oversee our cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity risk management framework. Our governance oversight of cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risks and/or losses.

Our board of directors oversees our cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity risk management framework. The board of directors reviews and approves our cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity risk management framework on an annual basis. The board has delegated the primary review of our cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity risk management framework and related policies and procedures to the board-level Information Security Committee, which reports and makes recommendations to the board of directors in these regards. Senior management is responsible for establishing, implementing, maintaining and testing our policies and procedures related to cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity and provides reports on these matters to the Information Security Committee. The Information Security Committee reports its activities to the full board of directors. While we have implemented a cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity risk management framework to mitigate our loss and risk exposure, there is no assurance that such framework will be effective under all circumstances. Failures in our governance oversight of cybersecurity, disaster recovery and business continuity risk management framework could cause us to be more vulnerable to cyber attacks and disruptions to our systems supporting customer activities, such as our online banking and mobile application which could result in disruptions to our business, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs and cause losses. Risks associated with cybersecurity and disruptions to our operations are further addressed in these Risk Factors under the Caption Operational Risks.

Corporate Activity and Growth - Risk 7

Our ability to conduct and grow our businesses profitability is dependent in part upon our ability to create, maintain, expand, and evolve an appropriate operational and organizational infrastructure, manage expenses, and recruit and retain personnel with the ability to manage a complex business.

Operational risk can arise in many ways, including: errors related to failed or inadequate physical, operational, information technology, or other processes; faulty or disabled computer or other technology systems; fraud, theft, physical security breaches, electronic data and related security breaches, or other criminal conduct by associates or third parties; and exposure to other external events. Inadequacies may present themselves in myriad ways. Actions taken to manage one risk may be ineffective against others. For example, information technology systems may be sufficiently redundant to withstand a fire, incursion, malware, or other major casualty, but they may be insufficiently adaptable to new business conditions or opportunities. Efforts to make systems more robust may make them less adaptable, and vice-versa. Also, our efforts to control expenses, which is a significant priority for us, increases our operational challenges as we strive to maintain client service and compliance at high quality and low cost.

Legal & Regulatory

Total Risks: 10/61 (16%)Below Sector Average

Regulation7 | 11.5%

Regulation - Risk 1

Regulatory approvals for our proposed merger with CBOA may not be maintained, may take longer than expected or may impose conditions that are not presently anticipated, cannot be met, or that could have an adverse effect on the combined company following the merger.

Before the merger with CBOA and the related bank merger may be completed, various approvals, consents and non-objections must be obtained from bank regulatory authorities, including the Federal Reserve and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC"). In determining whether to grant these approvals, the regulators consider a variety of factors, including the regulatory standing of each party. Bancorp 34 received the OCC's approval of its application to merge Commerce Bank of Arizona with and into Bank 34 on August 4, 2023, and received the Federal Reserve's approval of its application to merge CBOA with and into Bancorp 34 on August 11, 2023, which approvals are subject to certain conditions, including consummating the transaction within a stated timeframe and which would require the parties to apply for an extension if they are unable to consummate the transaction within the stated timeframe. These approvals could be delayed or not obtained at all, including due to an adverse development in either party's regulatory standing or in any other factors considered by regulators in granting such approvals or an extension to such approvals; governmental, political or community group inquiries, investigations or opposition; or changes in legislation or the political or regulatory environment generally. The approvals or any extension to such approvals that are granted may impose terms and conditions, limitations, obligations or costs, or place restrictions on the conduct of the combined company's business or require changes to the terms of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. There can be no assurance that regulators will not impose any such conditions, limitations, obligations or restrictions and that such conditions, limitations, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of delaying the completion of any of the transactions contemplated by the merger agreement, imposing additional material costs on or materially limiting the revenues of the combined company following the merger or otherwise reduce the anticipated benefits of the merger if the merger were consummated successfully within the expected timeframe. In addition, there can be no assurance that any such conditions, terms, obligations, or restrictions will not result in the delay or abandonment of the merger. The completion of the proposed merger is conditioned on the receipt of the requisite regulatory approvals without the imposition of any materially financially burdensome regulatory condition and the expiration of all statutory waiting periods. Additionally, the completion of the proposed merger is conditioned on the absence of certain laws, orders, injunctions, or decrees issued by any court or governmental entity of competent jurisdiction that would prevent, prohibit or make illegal the completion of the merger, the bank merger or any of the other transactions contemplated by the merger agreement. If the consummation of the proposed merger is delayed, including by a delay in receipt of necessary regulatory approvals or a failure to maintain the current regulatory approvals, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Regulation - Risk 2

The expanding body of federal, state and local regulations and/or the licensing of loan servicing, collections or other aspects of our business and our sales of loans to third parties may increase the cost of compliance and the risks of noncompliance and subject us to litigation.

We service some of our own loans, and loan servicing is subject to extensive regulation by federal, state and local governmental authorities as well as to various laws and judicial and administrative decisions imposing requirements and restrictions on those activities. The volume of new or modified laws and regulations has increased in recent years and, in addition, some individual municipalities have begun to enact laws that restrict loan servicing activities including delaying or temporarily preventing foreclosures or forcing the modification of certain mortgages. If regulators impose new or more restrictive requirements, we may incur additional significant costs to comply with such requirements which may adversely affect us. In addition, were we to be subject to regulatory investigation or regulatory action regarding our loan modification and foreclosure practices, our financial condition and results of operation could be adversely affected.

Regulation - Risk 3

We are subject to federal and state fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties.

Federal and state fair lending laws and regulations, such as the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act, impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The U.S. Department of Justice, CFPB and other federal and state agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution's performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. A successful challenge to our performance under the fair lending laws and regulations could adversely impact our rating under the Community Reinvestment Act and result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on merger and acquisition activity and restrictions on expansion activity, which could negatively impact our reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.

Regulation - Risk 4

Federal, state and local consumer lending laws restrict our ability to originate certain mortgage loans and increase our risk of liability with respect to such loans and increase our cost of doing business.

Federal, state and local laws have been adopted that are intended to eliminate certain lending practices considered "predatory." These laws prohibit practices such as steering borrowers away from more affordable products, selling unnecessary insurance to borrowers, repeatedly refinancing loans and making loans without a reasonable expectation that the borrowers will be able to repay the loans irrespective of the value of the underlying property. Over the course of 2013, the CFPB issued several rules on mortgage lending, notably a rule requiring all home mortgage lenders to determine a borrower's ability to repay the loan. Loans with certain terms and conditions and that otherwise meet the definition of a "qualified mortgage" may be protected from liability to a borrower for failing to make the necessary determinations. In response to these laws and related CFPB rules, we have tightened, and in the future may further tighten, our mortgage loan underwriting standards to determine borrowers' ability to repay. Although it is our policy not to make predatory loans and to determine borrowers' ability to repay, these laws and related rules create the potential for increased liability with respect to our lending and loan investment activities. They increase our cost of doing business and, ultimately, may prevent us from making certain loans and cause us to reduce the average percentage rate or the points and fees on loans that we do make.

Regulation - Risk 5

We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations.

The federal Bank Secrecy Act, the USA Patriot Act and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain effective anti-money laundering programs and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. The federal Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, established by the U.S. Treasury Department to administer the Bank Secrecy Act, is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service, or the "IRS." There is also increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Federal and state bank regulators also have begun to focus on compliance with Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering regulations. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient or the policies, procedures and systems of the financial institutions that we have already acquired or may acquire in the future are deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions such as restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including our acquisition plans, which would negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us.

Regulation - Risk 6

Failure to maintain certain regulatory capital levels and ratios could result in regulatory actions that would be materially adverse to our shareholders.

U.S. capital standards are discussed under the section titled "Capital Resources", as part of Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of Bancorp 34. Pressures to maintain appropriate capital levels and address business needs in a changing economy could result in certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could be dilutive or otherwise have an adverse effect on our shareholders. Such actions could include: reduction or elimination of dividends; the issuance of common or preferred stock, or securities convertible into stock; or the issuance of any class of stock having rights that are adverse to those of the holders of our existing classes of common or preferred stock. In addition, these requirements could have a negative impact on our ability to lend, grow deposit balances, make acquisitions or make share repurchases or redemptions. Higher capital levels could also lower our return on equity.

Regulation - Risk 7

The banking industry is heavily regulated and that regulation, together with any future legislation or regulatory changes, could limit or restrict our activities and adversely affect our operations or financial results.

We operate in an extensively regulated industry and we are subject to examination, supervision, and comprehensive regulation by various federal and state agencies. Bancorp 34 is subject to Federal Reserve regulations, and Bank 34 is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the OCC. Our compliance with banking regulations is costly and restricts some of our activities, including payment of dividends, mergers and acquisitions, investments, loans and interest rates and locations of offices. We are also subject to capitalization guidelines established by our regulators, which require us to maintain adequate capital to support our business. If, as a result of an examination, a banking agency were to determine that the financial condition, capital adequacy, asset quality, asset concentration, earnings prospects, management, liquidity sensitivity to market risk or other aspects of any of our operations has become unsatisfactory, or that we or our management are in violation of any law or regulation, the banking agency could take a number of different remedial actions as it deems appropriate. Regulation by these agencies is intended primarily for the protection of our depositors and the deposit insurance fund and not for the benefit of our stockholders. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted in July 2010, instituted major changes to the banking and financial institutions regulatory regimes. The burden of regulatory compliance has increased under the Dodd-Frank Act and has increased our costs of doing business and, as a result, may create an advantage for our competitors who may not be subject to similar legislative and regulatory requirements. Regulations and laws may be modified at any time, and new legislation may be enacted that will affect us or our subsidiaries. Furthermore, our regulators also have the ability to compel us to take certain actions, or restrict us from taking certain actions entirely, such as actions that our regulators deem to constitute an unsafe or unsound banking practice. Our failure to comply with any applicable laws or regulations, or regulatory policies and interpretations of such laws and regulations, could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies (such as a memorandum of understanding, a written supervisory agreement or a cease and desist order), civil money penalties or damage to our reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Litigation & Legal Liabilities1 | 1.6%

Litigation & Legal Liabilities - Risk 1

We are party to various claims and lawsuits incidental to our business. Litigation is subject to many uncertainties such that the expenses and ultimate exposure with respect to many of these matters cannot be ascertained.

From time to time, we, our directors and our management are the subject of various claims and legal actions by customers, employees, stockholders and others. Whether such claims and legal actions are legitimate or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in our favor, they may result in significant financial liability and/or adversely affect our reputation and our products and services as well as impact customer demand for those products and services. In light of the potential cost and uncertainty involved in litigation, we have in the past and may in the future settle matters even when we believe we have a meritorious defense. Certain claims may seek injunctive relief, which could disrupt the ordinary conduct of our business and operations or increase our cost of doing business. Our insurance or indemnities may not cover all claims that may be asserted against us. Any judgments or settlements in any pending litigation or future claims, litigation or investigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

Taxation & Government Incentives1 | 1.6%

Taxation & Government Incentives - Risk 1

We could be subject to changes in tax laws, regulations and interpretations or challenges to our income tax provision.

We compute our income tax provision based on enacted tax rates in the jurisdictions in which we operate. Any change in enacted tax laws, rules or regulatory or judicial interpretations, or any change in the pronouncements relating to accounting for income taxes could adversely affect our effective tax rate, tax payments and results of operations. The taxing authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate may challenge our tax positions, which could increase our effective tax rate and harm our financial position and results of operations. We are subject to audit and review by U.S. federal and state tax authorities. Any adverse outcome of such a review or audit could have a negative effect on our financial position and results of operations. In addition, changes in enacted tax laws, such as adoption of a lower income tax rate in any of the jurisdictions in which we operate, could impact our ability to obtain the future tax benefits represented by our deferred tax assets. In addition, the determination of our provision for income taxes and other liabilities requires significant judgment by management. Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and could have a material adverse effect on our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.

Environmental / Social1 | 1.6%

Environmental / Social - Risk 1

We are subject to environmental liability and climate change risk associated with our business activities.

We own certain of our properties, and, in the course of our business, we may purchase real estate, or we may foreclose on and take title to real estate. As a result, we could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs required by these parties in connection with environmental contamination or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial and could exceed the value of the underlying properties. In addition, if we are the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. Any significant environmental liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we are subject to the growing risk of climate change. Among the risks associated with climate change are more frequent severe weather events. Severe weather events such as droughts, heat waves, hurricanes, tropical storms, tornados, winter storms, freezes, flooding and other large-scale weather catastrophes in our markets subject us to significant risks and more frequent severe weather events magnify those risks. Large-scale weather catastrophes or other significant climate change effects that either damage or destroy residential or multifamily real estate underlying mortgage loans or real estate collateral, or negatively affects the value of real estate collateral or the ability of borrowers to continue to make payments on loans, could decrease the value of our real estate collateral or increase our delinquency rates in the affected areas and thus diminish the value of our loan portfolio. Such events could also cause downturns in economic and market conditions generally, which could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The potential losses and costs associated with climate change related risks are difficult to predict and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation. Operational Risks

Tech & Innovation

Total Risks: 5/61 (8%)Above Sector Average

Cyber Security1 | 1.6%

Cyber Security - Risk 1

A failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third party vendors and other service providers or other third parties, including as a result of cyber-attacks, could disrupt our businesses, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs and cause losses.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Information security risks for financial institutions such as ours have generally increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, the use of the internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists, activists, and other external parties. As client, public, and regulatory expectations regarding operational and information security have increased, our operational systems and infrastructure must continue to be safeguarded and monitored for potential failures, disruptions, and breakdowns. Our business, financial, accounting and data processing systems, or other operating systems and facilities may stop operating properly or become disabled or damaged as a result of a number of factors, including events that are wholly or partially beyond our control. For example, there could be electrical or telecommunications outages; natural disasters such as earthquakes, tornadoes, and hurricanes; disease pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic); events arising from local or larger scale political or social matters, including terrorist acts; and cyber-attacks. As noted above, our business relies on our digital technologies, computer and email systems, software, and networks to conduct our operations. Although we have information security procedures and controls in place, our technologies, systems, networks, and our clients' devices may become the target of cyberattacks or information security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of our or our clients' confidential, proprietary and other information, or otherwise disrupt our or our clients' or other third parties' business operations. Third parties with whom we do business or that facilitate our business activities, including financial intermediaries, or vendors that provide services or security solutions for our operations, and other third parties, could also be sources of operational and information security risk to us, including from breakdowns or failures of their own systems or capacity constraints. To date, we have experienced cybersecurity incidents. For example, we recently experienced cybersecurity incidents in June of 2023 in which an unauthorized third party gained access to the email accounts of two of our employees. After investigation, we could not definitively determine that sensitive customer information in these email accounts were not accessed by the unauthorized party. In response, we notified the affected customers of the incident in early September 2023, and have taken steps to mitigate our and our customers' exposure to unauthorized activity. To date, we have incurred expenses of approximately $25,000 related to the cybersecurity incidents. We may experience additional cybersecurity incidents in the future that are or may be deemed to be material. While we have disaster recovery and other policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of the evolving nature of these threats. As a result, cybersecurity and the continued development and enhancement of our controls, processes and practices designed to protect our systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access, remain a focus for us. As threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate information security vulnerabilities. Disruptions or failures in the physical infrastructure or operating systems that support our businesses and clients, or cyber-attacks or security breaches of the networks, systems or devices that our clients use to access our products and services could result in client attrition, 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.

Technology4 | 6.6%

Technology - Risk 1

Failure to keep pace with technological change could adversely affect our business.

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Industry-Related Risks

Technology - Risk 2

The nature of technology-driven disruption to our industry is changing, in some cases seeking to displace traditional financial service providers rather than merely enhance traditional services or their delivery.

A number of recent technologies have worked with the existing financial system and traditional banks, such as the evolution of ATM cards into debit/credit cards and the evolution of debit/credit cards into smart phones. These sorts of technologies often have expanded the market for banking services overall while siphoning a portion of the revenues from those services away from banks and disrupting prior methods of delivering those services. Additionally, some recent innovations may tend to replace traditional banks as financial service providers rather than merely augmenting those services.

Technology - Risk 3

Through technological innovations and changes in client habits, the manner in which clients use financial services continues to change at a rapid pace.

We provide a large number of services remotely (online and mobile), and physical branch utilization has been in long-term decline throughout the industry for many years. Technology has helped us reduce costs and improve service, but also has weakened traditional geographic and relationship ties, and has allowed disruptors to enter traditional banking areas. Through digital marketing and service platforms, many banks are making client inroads unrelated to physical presence. This competitive risk is especially pronounced from the largest U.S. banks, and from online-only banks, due in part to the investments they are able to sustain in their digital platforms. Companies as disparate as PayPal, Coinbase and Starbucks provide payment and exchange services which compete directly with banks in ways not possible traditionally.

Technology - Risk 4

We are exposed to the possibility of technology failure and a disruption in our operations may adversely affect our business.

We rely on our computer systems and the technology of outside service providers. Our daily operations depend on the operational effectiveness of their technology. We rely on our systems to accurately track and record our assets and liabilities. If our computer systems or outside technology sources become unreliable, fail, or experience a breach of security, our ability to maintain accurate financial records may be impaired, which could materially affect our business operations and financial condition. In addition, a disruption in our operations resulting from failure of transportation and telecommunication systems, loss of power, interruption of other utilities, natural disaster, fire, global climate changes, computer hacking or viruses, failure of technology, terrorist activity or the domestic and foreign response to such activity or other events outside of our control could have an adverse impact on the financial services industry as a whole and/or on our business. Our business recovery plan may not be adequate and may not prevent significant interruptions of our operations or substantial losses. The increased number of cyberattacks during the past few years has further heightened our attention to this risk.

Ability to Sell

Total Risks: 5/61 (8%)Above Sector Average

Competition1 | 1.6%

Competition - Risk 1

We could experience a decline in operating results due to competition with other financial institutions.

We face substantial competition in all areas of our operations from a variety of different competitors, both within and beyond our principal markets, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources. Such competitors primarily include national, super-regional, and internet banks within the various markets in which we operate. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative and regulatory changes and continued consolidation. In addition, as customer preferences and expectations continue to evolve, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for nonbanks 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. Our ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including, among other things: - our ability to develop, maintain, and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards, and safe and sound assets;- our ability to expand our market position;- the scope, relevance, and pricing of the products and services we offer to meet our customers' needs and demands;- the rate at which we introduce new products and services relative to our competitors;- customer satisfaction with our level of service; and - industry and general economic trends. Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken our competitive position, making it more difficult to attract new and retain existing clients and our net interest margin and net interest income could decline, which would adversely affect our results of operations and could cause us to incur losses in the future.

Sales & Marketing3 | 4.9%

Sales & Marketing - Risk 1

We are exposed to the possibility that more prepayments may be made by customers to pay down loan balances, which could reduce our interest income and negatively impact our operating results.

Prepayment rates stem from consumer behavior, conditions in the housing and financial markets, general U.S. economic conditions, and the relative interest rates on fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans. Therefore, changes in prepayment rates are difficult to predict. Recognition of deferred loan origination costs and premiums paid in originating these loans are normally recognized over the contractual life of each loan. As prepayments occur, the rate at which net deferred loan origination costs and premiums are expensed will accelerate. The effect of the acceleration of deferred costs and premium amortization may be mitigated by prepayment penalties paid by the borrower when the loan is paid in full within a certain period of time, which varies between loans. If prepayment occurs after the period of time when the loan is subject to a prepayment penalty, the effect of the acceleration of premium and deferred cost amortization is no longer mitigated. We recognize premiums paid on mortgage-backed securities as an adjustment from interest income over the expected life of the security based on the rate of repayment of the securities. Acceleration of prepayments on the loans underlying a mortgage-backed security shortens the life of the investment security, increases the rate at which premiums are expensed and further reduces interest income. We may not be able to reinvest loan and security prepayments at rates comparable to the prepaid instrument particularly in a period of declining interest rates.

Sales & Marketing - Risk 2

New lines of business or new products and services may subject us to additional risk.

From time to time, we may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services, we may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business and/or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of our system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business and/or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Legal, Accounting, Regulatory and Compliance Risks

Sales & Marketing - Risk 3

We recently experienced the deterioration of a large out of market commercial real estate credit, and future deterioration in our commercial real estate loan portfolio could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

To diversify the geographic scope of our commercial real estate loan portfolio, a portion of our commercial real estate and construction loan portfolios is secured by real estate outside of our market areas. At December 31, 2023, approximately 9.8% of our commercial real estate and construction loan portfolios were collateralized with out of market real estate. As of September 30, 2023, we experienced a deterioration of a large out of market commercial real estate loan which resulted in this loan becoming nonperforming as of September 30, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, a $3.3 million loss was recognized, and the remaining $3 million balance was transferred to other real estate owned. Subsequent to the December 31, 2023, balance sheet date, the note associated with the loan was sold for $2.5 million and an additional $0.5 million loss was taken in the first quarter of 2024. The additional deterioration in the value occurred due to the decline in rent collections in January and February of 2024 compared to December of 2023. Due to this event, management engaged an external third-party to complete a loan review in the 4th quarter of 2023. This loan review included a review of approximately 90% of our out of market collateral loan portfolio. In addition, management conducted a review of the largest out of market credits, which included a review of the real estate appraisals for the out of market collateral real estate securing these credits. While the external third-party and management reviews did not indicate significant deterioration in our out of market collateral loan portfolio, we may experience material deteriorations with other existing real estate loans, including real estate loans in our out of market commercial real estate loan portfolio. In addition, management plans to limit out of market lending in the future. Future deterioration in our commercial real estate loan portfolio could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Other risks associated with our commercial real estate loan portfolio and nonperforming assets are further discussed in these Risk Factors under the Caption, Lending and Interest Rate Risk.

Brand / Reputation1 | 1.6%

Brand / Reputation - Risk 1

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. 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: being an integral part of the communities we serve; delivering superior service to our customers; and caring about our customers and associates. Damage to our reputation could undermine the confidence of our current and potential clients in our ability to provide financial services. Such damage could also impair the confidence of our counterparties and business partners, and ultimately affect our ability to effect transactions. Maintenance of our reputation depends not only on our success in maintaining our core values and controlling and mitigating the various risks described herein, but also on our success in identifying and appropriately addressing issues that may arise in areas such as potential conflicts of interest, anti-money laundering, client personal information and privacy issues, record-keeping, regulatory investigations and any litigation that may arise from the failure or perceived failure of us to comply with legal and regulatory requirements. If our reputation is negatively affected, by the actions of our employees or otherwise, our business and, therefore, our operating results may be materially adversely affected. Further, negative public opinion can expose us to litigation and regulatory action as we seek to implement our growth strategy, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Macro & Political

Total Risks: 4/61 (7%)Below Sector Average

Economy & Political Environment4 | 6.6%

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 1

Deposit levels may be affected, fairly quickly, by changes in monetary policy.

The Federal Reserve continues to signal its concerns with respect to inflation. Interest rates have remained constant in the second half of 2023 with the Federal Reserve signaling that interest rate decreases could occur in 2024. Additional information concerning monetary policy changes appears in these Risk Factors under the caption Economic and Geographic-Related Risks.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 2

The Federal Reserve has implemented significant economic strategies that have affected interest rates, inflation, asset values, and the shape of the yield curve. These strategies have had, and will continue to have, a significant impact on our business and on many of our clients.

To illustrate: in response to the recession in 2008-09 and the following uneven recovery, the Federal Reserve implemented a series of domestic monetary initiatives designed to lower rates and make credit easier to obtain. The Federal Reserve changed course in 2015, raising rates several times through 2018. The last raise in 2018 was accompanied by a substantial and broad stock market decline. In 2019, the Federal Reserve began to lower rates. In 2020, in response to economic disruption associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve quickly reduced short-term rates to extremely low levels and acted to influence the markets to reduce long-term rates as well. During 2021, the Federal Reserve significantly reduced its "easing" actions that held down long-term rates. During 2022, the Federal Reserve switched to a tightening policy. It raised short term rates significantly and rapidly over most of the year. Those actions triggered a significant decline in the values of most categories of U.S. stocks and bonds; impacted bank asset values, funding costs, and liquidity resources; significantly raised recessionary expectations for the U.S.; and inverted the yield curve through the second quarter of 2023. The Federal Reserve has slowed the rate of increases in 2023 with 25 basis point increases occurring in February, March, May, and July. The Federal Reserve has not increased interest rates since July and has indicated that interest rate decreases may occur in 2024. These increases in interest rates may have significant and adverse effects upon our business as well as the business of many of our customers. For example, the raising of short-term interest rates: (i) increases our cost of funds due largely to overall increases in the cost of our deposits which may decrease our net interest margin; (ii) increases the cost of our other funding sources such as borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank, which we utilize for liquidity, may further decrease our net interest margins; (iii) may cause a further decline in the value of our investment portfolio which could result in unrealized or realized losses if the investments are sold; (iv) may cause a decline in the demand for our products if borrowers are no longer able to afford our loans or if our competitors offer more attractive rates for loans or deposits; and (v) may cause an increase in the number of customers who default on their loans or obligations to us as they may not be able to fund higher loan payments on floating interest rate loans or have the ability to refinance maturing loans at higher interest rates. Risks associated with interest rates and the yield curve and their potential effects on financial institutions are further discussed in these Risk Factors under the Caption Lending and Interest Rate Risks.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 3

Inflationary pressures present a potential threat to our results of operation and financial condition.

The United States generally and the regions in which we operate specifically have recently experienced, for the first time in decades, significant inflationary pressures, evidenced by higher gas prices, higher food prices and higher prices for other consumer items. Accordingly, inflation can result in material adverse effects upon our customers, their businesses and, as a result, our financial position and results of operation. Inflation also can and does generally lead to higher interest rates, which have their own separate risks. Decreased deposit balances could result in our reliance upon higher cost funding sources. See Lending and Interest Rate Risks included in these Risk Factors below.

Economy & Political Environment - Risk 4

Our business may be adversely affected by economic conditions. Generally, in periods of economic downturns, including periods of rising interest rates and recessions, our realized credit losses increase, our deposit and funding costs increase, demand for our products and services declines, and the credit quality of our loan portfolio declines.

Our financial performance generally, and in particular, the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay the principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services we offer and whose success we rely on is highly dependent upon the business environment in the primary markets where we operate and in the United States as a whole. Unlike larger financial institutions that are more geographically diversified, we are a community bank that provides banking and financial services to customers primarily in Arizona and New Mexico. The economic conditions in these markets may be different from, and in some instances worse than, the economic conditions in the United States as a whole. Some elements of the business environment that affect our financial performance include short-term and long-term interest rates, the prevailing yield curve, inflation, monetary supply, fluctuations in the debt and equity capital markets, and the strength of the domestic economy and the local economies in the markets in which we operate. Unfavorable market conditions can result in a deterioration of the credit quality of borrowers, an increase in the number of loan delinquencies, defaults and charge-offs, foreclosures, additional provisions for credit losses, adverse asset values, a reduction in assets under management or administration, and an increase in our deposit and funding costs. A substantial component of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate. A decline in real estate values can negatively impact our ability to recover our investment should the borrower become delinquent. Loans secured by stock or other collateral may be adversely impacted by a downturn in the economy and other factors that could reduce the recoverability of our investment. Unsecured loans are dependent on the solvency of the borrower, which can deteriorate, leaving us with a risk of loss. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence, limitations on the availability of or increases in the cost of credit and capital, increases in inflation or interest rates, high unemployment, natural disasters, epidemics and pandemics (such as COVID-19), state or local government insolvency, or a combination of these or other factors. More specifically, the market conditions in the markets in which we have a presence may be different from, and could be worse than, the economic conditions in the United States as a whole. As of July 2023, the unemployment rates in Arizona and New Mexico were each 3.6% while the United States unemployment rate was 3.8%. For the first quarter of 2023 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2022, Arizona and New Mexico had gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively, as compared to 1.5% GDP growth for the United States over the same time period. Additionally, for the first quarter of 2023 each of Arizona and New Mexico had deposit growth of $3.5 billion and $34 million, respectively. As discussed elsewhere in these Risk Factors, inflationary pressures have caused the Federal Reserve to recently increase interest rates although the Federal Reserve has indicated that there could be interest rate decreases in 2024. Increases in interest rates in the past have led to recessions of various lengths and intensities and might lead to such a recession in the near future. Such a recession or any other adverse changes in business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the markets in which we operate could affect our business, including causing one or more of the following negative developments: - an increase in our deposit and funding costs;- a decrease in the demand for loans and other products and services we offer;- a decrease in our deposit account balances as customers move funds to seek to obtain maximum federal deposit insurance coverage or to seek higher interest rates;- a decrease in the value of the collateral securing our residential or commercial real estate loans;- a permanent impairment of our assets; or - an increase in the number of customers or other counterparties who default on their loans or other obligations to us, which could result in a higher level of nonperforming assets, net charge-offs, and provision for credit losses. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is fluid and there is pervasive uncertainty surrounding the future economic conditions that will emerge in the years following the onset of the pandemic. Moreover, as economic conditions relating to the pandemic have improved over time, the Federal Reserve has shifted its focus to limiting inflationary and other potentially adverse effects of the pandemic-related government stimulus, which signals the potential for a continued period of economic uncertainty. In addition, there are continuing concerns related to, among other things, the level of U.S. government debt and fiscal actions that may be taken to address that debt, the potential resurgence of economic and political tensions with China, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and conflict in the Middle East, each of which may have a destabilizing effect on financial markets and economic activity. Economic pressure on consumers and overall economic uncertainty may result in changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing and saving habits. These economic conditions and/or other negative developments in the domestic or international credit markets may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. Declines in real estate values and sales volumes and high unemployment or underemployment may also result in higher than expected loan delinquencies, increases in our levels of nonperforming and classified assets and a decline in demand for our products and services. These negative events may cause us to incur losses and may adversely affect our capital, liquidity and financial condition.

Production

Total Risks: 3/61 (5%)Below Sector Average

Employment / Personnel2 | 3.3%

Employment / Personnel - Risk 1

We are subject to losses due to errors, omissions or fraudulent behavior by our employees, clients, counterparties or other third parties.

We are exposed to many types of operational risk, including the risk of fraud by employees and third parties, clerical recordkeeping errors and transactional errors. Our business is dependent on our employees as well as third-party service providers to process a large number of increasingly complex transactions. We could be materially and adversely affected if employees, clients, counterparties or other third parties caused an operational breakdown or failure, either as a result of human error, fraudulent manipulation or purposeful damage to any of our operations or systems. In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions with clients and counterparties, we may rely on information furnished to us by or on behalf of clients and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial information. We also may rely on representations of clients and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. For example, in deciding whether to extend credit to clients, we may assume that a customer's audited financial statements conform to GAAP and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. Our operating results are significantly affected by our ability to properly originate, underwrite and service loans. Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted to the extent we incorrectly assess the creditworthiness of our borrowers, fail to detect or respond to deterioration in asset quality in a timely manner, or rely on financial statements that do not comply with GAAP or are materially misleading.

Employment / Personnel - Risk 2

We depend on our executive officers and other key employees, and our ability to attract additional key personnel, to continue the implementation of our long-term business strategy, and we could be harmed by the unexpected loss of their services.

We believe our future success will depend in large part on the skills of our executive officers and other key employees and our ability to motivate and retain these individuals, as well as our ability to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified senior, middle management and other skilled employees. Our business is primarily relationship-driven in that many of our key personnel have extensive customer or asset management relationships. Loss of key personnel with such relationships may lead to the loss of business if the customers were to follow that employee to a competitor or if asset management expertise was not replaced in a timely manner. Competition for employees is intense, and the process of locating key personnel with the combination of skills and attributes required to execute our business strategy may be lengthy. We may not be successful in retaining key personnel, and the unexpected loss of services of one or more of our key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business because of their skill, knowledge of our primary markets, years of industry experience and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel. If the services of any of our key personnel should become unavailable for any reason, we may not be able to identify and hire qualified persons on terms acceptable us, or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operation and future prospects.

Costs1 | 1.6%

Costs - Risk 1

Our deposit insurance premiums could be higher in the future, which could have an adverse effect on our future earnings.

The FDIC insures deposits at FDIC-insured depository institutions, such as Bank 34, up to $250,000 per depositor for each account ownership category. Our regular assessments are based on average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity as well as by risk classification, which includes regulatory capital levels and the level of supervisory concern. In addition to ordinary assessments described above, the FDIC has the ability to impose special assessments in certain instances. We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures, we may be required to pay higher FDIC premiums. For example, in response to March 2023 bank closures and in an effort to strengthen public confidence in the banking system and protect depositors, regulators have announced that any losses to the Deposit Insurance Fund to support uninsured depositors will be recovered by a special assessment on banks, as required by law, which could increase the cost of our FDIC insurance assessments and affect our profitability. If our financial condition deteriorates or if the bank regulators otherwise have supervisory concerns about us, then our assessments could rise. Any future additional assessments, increases or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums could reduce our operating results, may limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, or otherwise negatively impact our operations. Capital and Liquidity Risks

See a full breakdown of risk according to category and subcategory. The list starts with the category with the most risk. Click on subcategories to read relevant extracts from the most recent report.

FAQ

What are “Risk Factors”?

Risk factors are any situations or occurrences that could make investing in a company risky.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that publicly traded companies disclose their most significant risk factors. This is so that potential investors can consider any risks before they make an investment.

They also offer companies protection, as a company can use risk factors as liability protection. This could happen if a company underperforms and investors take legal action as a result.

It is worth noting that smaller companies, that is those with a public float of under $75 million on the last business day, do not have to include risk factors in their 10-K and 10-Q forms, although some may choose to do so.

How do companies disclose their risk factors?

Publicly traded companies initially disclose their risk factors to the SEC through their S-1 filings as part of the IPO process.

Additionally, companies must provide a complete list of risk factors in their Annual Reports (Form 10-K) or (Form 20-F) for “foreign private issuers”.

Quarterly Reports also include a section on risk factors (Form 10-Q) where companies are only required to update any changes since the previous report.

According to the SEC, risk factors should be reported concisely, logically and in “plain English” so investors can understand them.

How can I use TipRanks risk factors in my stock research?

Use the Risk Factors tab to get data about the risk factors of any company in which you are considering investing.

You can easily see the most significant risks a company is facing. Additionally, you can find out which risk factors a company has added, removed or adjusted since its previous disclosure. You can also see how a company’s risk factors compare to others in its sector.

Without reading company reports or participating in conference calls, you would most likely not have access to this sort of information, which is usually not included in press releases or other public announcements.

A simplified analysis of risk factors is unique to TipRanks.

What are all the risk factor categories?

TipRanks has identified 6 major categories of risk factors and a number of subcategories for each. You can see how these categories are broken down in the list below.

1. Financial & Corporate

Accounting & Financial Operations - risks related to accounting loss, value of intangible assets, financial statements, value of intangible assets, financial reporting, estimates, guidance, company profitability, dividends, fluctuating results.
Share Price & Shareholder Rights – risks related to things that impact share prices and the rights of shareholders, including analyst ratings, major shareholder activity, trade volatility, liquidity of shares, anti-takeover provisions, international listing, dual listing.
Debt & Financing – risks related to debt, funding, financing and interest rates, financial investments.
Corporate Activity and Growth – risks related to restructuring, M&As, joint ventures, execution of corporate strategy, strategic alliances.

2. Legal & Regulatory

Litigation and Legal Liabilities – risks related to litigation/ lawsuits against the company.
Regulation – risks related to compliance, GDPR, and new legislation.
Environmental / Social – risks related to environmental regulation and to data privacy.
Taxation & Government Incentives – risks related to taxation and changes in government incentives.

3. Production

Costs – risks related to costs of production including commodity prices, future contracts, inventory.
Supply Chain – risks related to the company’s suppliers.
Manufacturing – risks related to the company’s manufacturing process including product quality and product recalls.
Human Capital – risks related to recruitment, training and retention of key employees, employee relationships & unions labor disputes, pension, and post retirement benefits, medical, health and welfare benefits, employee misconduct, employee litigation.

4. Technology & Innovation

Innovation / R&D – risks related to innovation and new product development.
Technology – risks related to the company’s reliance on technology.
Cyber Security – risks related to securing the company’s digital assets and from cyber attacks.
Trade Secrets & Patents – risks related to the company’s ability to protect its intellectual property and to infringement claims against the company as well as piracy and unlicensed copying.

5. Ability to Sell

Demand – risks related to the demand of the company’s goods and services including seasonality, reliance on key customers.
Competition – risks related to the company’s competition including substitutes.
Sales & Marketing – risks related to sales, marketing, and distribution channels, pricing, and market penetration.
Brand & Reputation – risks related to the company’s brand and reputation.

6. Macro & Political

Economy & Political Environment – risks related to changes in economic and political conditions.
Natural and Human Disruptions – risks related to catastrophes, floods, storms, terror, earthquakes, coronavirus pandemic/COVID-19.
International Operations – risks related to the global nature of the company.
Capital Markets – risks related to exchange rates and trade, cryptocurrency.

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