10-K - CIZN - Equibles

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

☒	ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022

--12-31FY2022

☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________ to ________________

Commission file number: 001-15375

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Mississippi	64-0666512
(State or Other Jurisdiction of	(IRS Employer Identification Number)
Incorporation or Organization)
521 Main Street, Philadelphia, MS	39350
(Address of Principal Executive Office)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (601) 656-4692

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of Each Exchange on<br><br> <br>Which Registered
Common Stock, $0.20 par value	CIZN	NASDAQ Global Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definition of “accelerated filer,” “large accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒

As of June 30, 2022, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock, $.20 par value, held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $93,595,002 based on the closing sale price as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market for such date (the exchange on which the registrant’s common stock was listed on June 30, 2022).

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class<br><br> <br>Common stock, $.20 par value	Outstanding at March 10, 2023<br><br> <br>5,607,438 Shares

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Citizens Holding Company’s Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 are incorporated by reference into Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Auditor Horne LLP Memphis, TN 171

Portions of Citizens Holding Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement with respect to its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

FORM 10-K

INDEX

		PAGE
PART I
ITEM 1.	BUSINESS	3
ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS	11
ITEM 1B.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS	23
ITEM 2.	PROPERTIES	24
ITEM 3.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	26
ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	26
PART II
ITEM 5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES	27
ITEM 6.	[RESERVED]	27
ITEM 7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	27
ITEM 7A.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	27
ITEM 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA	28
ITEM 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE	28
ITEM 9A.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	28
ITEM 9B	OTHER INFORMATION	28
ITEM 9C	DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS	28
PART III
ITEM 10.	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE	29
ITEM 11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION	29
ITEM 12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS	29
ITEM 13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE	30
ITEM 14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES	30
PART IV
ITEM 15.	EXHIBIT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES	31
ITEM 16.	FORM 10-K SUMMARY	32
SIGNATURES		34

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

FORM 10-K

PART I

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this report contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are based on management’s beliefs, plans, expectations, assumptions and on information currently available to management. The words “may,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “continue,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate” and similar expressions used in this report that do not relate to historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this report, including, but not limited to, statements found in Item 1, “Business,” and in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Citizens Holding Company (the “Company”) notes that a variety of factors could cause its actual results or experience to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations described or implied by such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties that may affect the operation, performance, development and results of the business of the Company and the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia, Mississippi (the “Bank”), include, but are not limited to, the following:

●	expectations about the movement of interest rates, including actions that may be taken by the Federal Reserve Board in response to changing economic conditions;
●	adverse changes in asset quality and loan demand, and the potential insufficiency of the allowance for loan losses and our ability to foreclose on delinquent mortgages;
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●	the risk of adverse changes in business conditions in the banking industry generally and in the specific markets in which the Company operates including, but not limited to, the negative impacts and disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic;
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●	natural disasters, civil unrest, epidemics (including any re-emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic) and other catastrophic events in the Company’s geographic area;
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●	the impact of increased inflation rates on the general economic, market or business conditions;
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●	extensive regulation, changes in the legislative and regulatory environment that negatively impact the Company and the Bank through increased operating expenses and the potential for regulatory enforcement actions, claims, or litigation;
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●	increased competition from other financial institutions and the risk of failure to achieve our business strategies;
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●	events affecting our business operations, including the effectiveness of our risk management framework, the accuracy of our estimates, our reliance on third party vendors, the risk of security breaches and potential fraud, and the impact of technological advances;
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●	climate change and societal responses to climate change could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations, including indirectly through impact to its customers;
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●	our ability to maintain sufficient capital and to raise additional capital when needed;
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●	our ability to maintain adequate liquidity to conduct business and meet our obligations;
●	events affecting our ability to compete effectively and achieve our strategies, such as the risk of failure to achieve the revenue increases expected to result from our acquisitions, branch additions and in new product and service offerings, our ability to control expenses and our ability to attract and retain skilled people;
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●	events that adversely affect our reputation, and the resulting potential adverse impact on our business operations;
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●	increased cybersecurity risk, including network breaches, business disruptions or financial losses;
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●	risks arising from owning our common stock, such as the volatility and trading volume, our ability to pay dividends, the regulatory limitations on stock ownership, and provisions in our governing documents that may make it more difficult for another party to obtain control of us; and
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●	other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements subsequent to the date on which they are made. Please also refer to Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” for a detailed discussion of the risks related to the Company, the Bank in particular, and the banking industry generally.

ITEM 1.	BUSINESS.

BACKGROUND

The Company is a one-bank holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Mississippi on February 16, 1982. The Company is the sole shareholder of The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia (the “Bank”). The Company does not have any subsidiaries other than the Bank. The “Company,” “we,” or “our,” as used herein, includes the Bank, unless the context otherwise requires. All dollar amounts appearing in this report are in thousands unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise dictates.

The Bank was opened on February 8, 1908 as The First National Bank of Philadelphia. In 1917, the Bank surrendered its national charter and obtained a state charter, at which time the name of the Bank was changed to The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia, Mississippi. At December 31, 2022, the Bank was the largest bank headquartered in Neshoba County, Mississippi, with total assets of $1,323,586 and total deposits of $1,126,927. For more information regarding the assets, revenue and profits of the Company, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company contained in Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” The Company's only reportable segment is the assets and cash flow of the Bank, resulting in revenues of $50,586, operating profit of $11,501 and total assets of $1,324,003 for the Company as of December 31, 2022.

The principal executive offices of both the Company and the Bank are located at 521 Main Street, Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350, and the main telephone number is (601) 656-4692. All references hereinafter to the activities or operations of the Company reflect the Company’s activities or operations through the Bank.

OPERATIONS

Through its ownership of the Bank, the Company engages in a wide range of commercial and personal banking activities, including accepting demand deposits, savings and time deposit accounts, making secured and unsecured loans, issuing letters of credit, originating mortgage loans, and providing personal and corporate trust services. The Company also provides certain services that are closely related to commercial banking such as credit life insurance and title insurance for its loan customers through third-party relationships.

Revenues from the Company’s lending activities constitute the largest component of the Company’s operating revenues. Revenue from loan interest and fees made up 53.8% of gross revenues in 2022, 61.6% in 2021 and 60.6% in 2020. Loan demand was stagnant and loan yields compressed due to the low-rate environment coupled with aggressive loan terms offered by other financial institutions. The Company’s primary lending area is the entire state of Mississippi and contiguous states. The Company continues to look for areas of growth within the state of Mississippi and surrounding states but, occasionally the Company extends out-of-area credit to borrowers who are considered to be low risk, as defined within the Bank’s lending policy. The Company is not dependent upon any single customer or small group of customers, and it has no foreign operations.

The Company’s market area has historically been rural, however, since 2008, the Company has continued to expand into larger metropolitan areas and now serves a number of larger growth areas with Jackson, population 156,803, Gulfport, population 72,468, Hattiesburg, population 47,074, Biloxi, population 49,061, and Meridian, population 35,625, being the largest markets. The economy throughout Mississippi is becoming more diverse but agriculture and manufacturing continue to be the largest industries in Mississippi. For more information regarding revenue from external customers for the last three fiscal years, attributed by geographic region, please refer to Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," which is included in the Company's Annual Report and attached as an exhibit hereto.

The Company has historically made, and intends to continue to make, most types of real estate loans, including, but not limited to, single and multi-family housing, farm, residential and commercial construction, and commercial real estate loans. At December 31, 2022, approximately 80.7% of the Company’s loan portfolio was attributed to real estate lending, 16.6% of the Company’s loan portfolio was comprised of commercial, industrial and agricultural production loans, and consumer loans made up the remaining 2.7% of the Company’s total loan portfolio.

The Company’s loan personnel have the authority to extend credit under guidelines established and approved by the Company’s Board of Directors. Any aggregate credit that exceeds the authority of the loan officer is forwarded to the Board’s loan committee for approval. The loan committee is composed of certain independent Company directors. All aggregate credits that exceed the loan committee’s lending authority are presented to the Board of Directors for ultimate approval or denial. The loan committee not only acts as an approval body to ensure consistent application of the Company’s loan policies, but also provides valuable insight through the communication and pooling of knowledge, judgment and experience of its members.

All loans in the Company’s portfolio are subject to risk based on the state of both the local and national economy. As our footprint expands, the Company’s portfolio risks are more closely aligned with the state economy. The state economy remains stable after having an increase in unemployment due to the pandemic with unemployment rates having improved to pre-pandemic levels. The state economy is expected to remain stable. The national economic outlook remains uncertain as it relates to inflation and rising interest rates and the ultimate impact of monetary policy. Therefore, it is still uncertain how the recovering economies on the local, state and national levels will affect the Company in the future.

The Company continues to invest in technology as we understand it is necessary to compete in today’s market. The Company has the technology for consumers to perform many of the routine, transaction-related items through its online and mobile platforms. Additionally, the Company continues to build out a robust treasury management suite of products for business banking such as remote deposit capture, ACH transactions and wire transfers. The Company is evolving with the market to ensure we continue to offer a great customer experience that they have come to expect from the Company.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Stacy M. Brantley, 48, was employed by the Bank in February of 2023. He was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. From 2009 to February 2023, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of Morris Bank in Dublin, GA. Prior to that role, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Magnolia Bankshares, Inc. in Eastman, GA. Prior to that role, he served as a Senior Accountant at a regional CPA firm in Georgia.

Greg L. McKee, 61, was employed by the Bank in 1984. He was named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank in January 2003 until his retirement in January 2023 in which he no longer serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank. He served as President of the Bank from January 2002 until January 2023 and served as Chief Operating Officer of the Bank from January 2002 until December 31, 2002. He has also been a member of the Board of Directors of both the Company and the Bank since 2001. Mr. McKee served as Executive Vice-President of the Bank from 2001 to 2002, Senior Vice-President of the Bank from 2000 to 2001, Vice-President of the Bank from 1992 to 2000, Assistant Vice-President of the Bank from 1989 to 1992, and Assistant Cashier of the Bank from 1984 to 1989.

Phillip R. Branch, 39, has been employed by the Bank since 2018. He has served as Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank since October 2020. Prior to October 2020, Mr. Branch held the title of Vice-President and Comptroller of the Bank from 2018 until 2020. Prior to joining Citizens, Mr. Branch was a Senior Manager in the Financial Institutions practice of HORNE LLP, beginning in September 2006, serving banks throughout the southeastern United States. Mr. Branch has been a Certified Public Accountant since 2009.

EMPLOYEES

The Company has no employees other than three Bank officers who provide services to the Company. These officers receive no compensation from the Company for their services to it as their compensation is paid by the Bank. At December 31, 2022, the Bank employed 271 full-time equivalents. The Bank is not a party to any collective bargaining agreements, and employee relations are considered to be good.

SUPERVISION AND REGULATION

The Bank is chartered under the banking laws of the State of Mississippi and is subject to the supervision of, and is regularly examined by, the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Company is a registered bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the “BHC Act”), and is subject to the supervision of the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”). Certain legislation and regulations affecting the businesses of the Company and the Bank are discussed below.

General.

The current regulatory environment for financial institutions includes substantial enforcement activity by the federal and state banking agencies, and other state and federal law enforcement agencies, reflecting an increase in activity over prior years. This environment entails significant increases in compliance requirements and associated costs. The FRB requires the Company to maintain certain levels of capital and to file an annual report with the FRB. The FRB also has the authority to conduct examinations of the Company and the Bank and to take enforcement action against any bank holding company that engages in any unsafe or unsound practice or that violates certain laws, regulations, or conditions imposed in writing by the FRB.

Capital Standards.

The FRB, FDIC and other federal banking agencies have established risk-based capital adequacy guidelines. These guidelines are intended to provide a measure of a bank’s capital adequacy that reflects the degree of risk associated with a bank’s operations.

Under those guidelines, assets and off-balance sheet items are assigned to broad risk categories, each with appropriate weights. The resulting capital ratios represent capital as a percentage of total risk-weighted assets and off-balance sheet items. Under the current risk-based capital adequacy guidelines, we are required to maintain (1) a ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital (“CET1”) to total risk-weighted assets of not less than 4.5%; (2) a minimum leverage capital ratio of 4%; (3) a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6%; and (4) a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8%. CET1 generally consists of common stock, retained earnings, accumulated other comprehensive income and certain minority interests, less certain adjustments and deductions. In addition, we must maintain a “capital conservation buffer,” which is a specified amount of CET1 capital in addition to the amount necessary to meet minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. If our ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted capital is below the capital conservation buffer, we will face restrictions on our ability to pay dividends, repurchase our outstanding stock and make certain discretionary bonus payments. The required capital conservation buffer is 2.5% of CET1 to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet minimum risk-based capital requirements.

Management believes that, as of December 31, 2022, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements under Basel III. Management will continue to monitor these and any future proposals submitted by the Company’s and Bank’s regulators.

Prompt Corrective Action and Other Enforcement Mechanisms.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, as amended (“FDICIA”) requires each federal banking agency to take prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of insured depository institutions, including, but not limited to, those that fall below one or more of the prescribed minimum capital ratios. The law requires each federal banking agency to promulgate regulations defining the following five categories in which an insured depository institution will be placed, based on the level of its capital ratios: well capitalized; adequately capitalized; undercapitalized; significantly undercapitalized; and critically undercapitalized. The Company and the Bank are classified as well capitalized under the guidelines promulgated by the FRB and the FDIC.

Safety and Soundness Standards.

FDICIA also implemented certain specific restrictions on transactions and required the regulators to adopt overall safety and soundness standards for depository institutions related to internal control, loan underwriting and documentation, and asset growth. Among other things, FDICIA limits the interest rates paid on deposits by undercapitalized institutions, the use of brokered deposits and the aggregate extension of credit by a depository institution to an executive officer, director, principal shareholder or related interest, and reduces deposit insurance coverage for deposits offered by undercapitalized institutions and for deposits by certain employee benefits accounts.

Restrictions on Dividends and Other Distributions.

The Company’s ability to pay dividends depends in large part on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company. The power of the board of directors of an insured depository institution to declare a cash dividend or other distribution with respect to capital is subject to federal statutory and regulatory restrictions, which limit the amount available for such distribution depending upon the earnings, financial condition and cash needs of the institution, as well as general business conditions.

The approval of the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance is also required prior to the Bank paying dividends. The department’s regulations limit dividends to earned surplus in excess of three times the Bank’s capital stock. At December 31, 2022, the maximum amount available for transfer from the Bank to the Company in the form of a dividend was approximately $104,804, or 185.9% of the Bank’s consolidated net assets.

FRB regulations limit the amount the Bank may loan to the Company unless those loans are collateralized by specific obligations. At December 31, 2022, the maximum amount available for transfer from the Bank in the form of loans was $5,637, or 10% of the Bank’s consolidated net assets. The Bank does not have any outstanding loans with the Company.

FDIC Insurance Assessments.

The FDIC insures the deposits of federally insured banks up to prescribed statutory limits for each depositor, through the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) and safeguards the safety and soundness of the banking and thrift industries. The amount of FDIC assessments paid by each insured depository institution is based on its relative risk of default as measured by regulatory capital ratios and other supervisory factors.

The FDIC’s deposit insurance premium assessment is based on an institution’s average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity.

We are generally unable to control the amount of premiums that we are required to pay for FDIC insurance. At least semi-annually, the FDIC will update its loss and income projections for the DIF and, if needed, will increase or decrease assessment rates, following notice-and-comment rulemaking, if required. If there are additional bank or financial institution failures or if the FDIC otherwise determines to increase assessment rates, the Bank may be required to pay higher FDIC insurance premiums. Any future increases in FDIC insurance premiums may have a material and adverse effect on our earnings.

Other BHC Act Provisions.

The BHC Act requires a bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the FRB before acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any bank that is not already majority-owned by such bank holding company. The BHC Act provides that the FRB shall not approve any acquisition, merger or consolidation that would result in a monopoly or that would be in furtherance of any combination or conspiracy to monopolize or attempt to monopolize the business of banking. The FRB also will not approve any other transactions in which the effect might be to substantially lessen competition or in any manner be a restraint on trade, unless the anti-competitive effects of the proposed transaction are clearly outweighed by the public interest in the probable effect of the transaction in meeting the convenience and needs of the community to be served.

The BHC Act also prohibits a bank holding company, with certain exceptions, from engaging in or from acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any company engaged in non-banking activities. The principal exception to this rule is for engaging in or acquiring shares of a company whose activities are found by the FRB to be so closely related to banking or managing banks as to be a proper incident thereto. In making such determinations, the FRB is required to consider whether the performance of such activities by a bank holding company or its subsidiaries can reasonably be expected to produce benefits to the public such as greater convenience, increased competition or gains in efficiency of resources that outweigh the risks of possible adverse effects such as decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest or unsound banking practices.

The BHC Act prohibits the acquisition by a bank holding company of more than 5% of the outstanding voting shares of a bank located outside the state in which the operations of its banking subsidiaries are principally conducted, unless such an acquisition is specifically authorized by statute of the state in which the bank to be acquired is located.

The Company and the Bank are subject to certain restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act on any extensions of credit to the Company or the Bank, on investments in the stock or other securities of the Company or the Bank, and on taking such stock or other securities as collateral for loans of any borrower.

The BHC Act was amended in 2000 by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 to permit “financial holding companies” to engage in a broader range of nonbanking financial activities, such as underwriting and selling insurance, providing financial or investment advice, and dealing and making markets in securities and merchant banking. In order to qualify as a financial holding company, the Company must declare to the FRB its intention to become a financial holding company and certify that the Bank meets the capitalization management requirements and that it has at least a satisfactory rating under the Community Reinvestment Act of 1997, as amended (the “CRA”). To date, we have not elected to become a financial holding company.

Community Reinvestment Act.

The CRA requires the assessment by the appropriate regulatory authority of a financial institution’s record in meeting the credit needs of the local community, including low and moderate-income neighborhoods. The regulations promulgated under CRA emphasize an assessment of actual performance in meeting local credit needs, rather than of the procedures followed by a bank to evaluate compliance with the CRA. CRA compliance is also a factor in evaluations of proposed mergers, acquisitions and applications to open new branches or facilities. Overall CRA compliance is rated across a four-point scale from “outstanding” to “substantial noncompliance.” Different evaluation methods are used depending on the asset size of the bank.

The FDIC examined the Bank on September 24, 2019 for its performance under the CRA. The Bank was rated Satisfactory during this examination, and the FDIC found no discriminatory practices or illegal discouragement of applications.

Consumer Protection.

The Bank is subject to a number of federal and state consumer protection laws. These laws provide substantive consumer rights and subject the Bank to substantial regulatory oversight. Violations of applicable consumer protection laws can result in significant potential liability from litigation brought by customers, including actual damages, restitution and attorneys' fees. Federal bank regulators, state attorneys general and state and local consumer protection agencies may also seek to enforce consumer protection requirements and obtain these and other remedies, including regulatory sanctions, customer rescission rights, action by the state and local attorneys general in each jurisdiction in which the Bank operates and civil money penalties. Failure to comply with consumer protection requirements may also result in the Bank's failure to obtain any required bank regulatory approval for merger or acquisition transactions the Bank may wish to pursue or its prohibition from engaging in such transactions even if approval is not required.

Anti-Money Laundering Efforts.

The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (“USA PATRIOT Act”) requires financial institutions to establish anti-money laundering programs and due diligence policies, procedures and controls with respect to bank accounts involving foreign individuals and certain foreign banks, and to avoid establishing and maintaining accounts in the United States for, or on the behalf of, foreign banks that do not have a physical presence in any country. We believe that we are in compliance with the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act.

Corporate Governance.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes Act”) requires publicly traded companies, such as the Company, to adhere to several directives designed to prevent corporate misconduct. As a result, additional duties have been placed on officers, directors, auditors and attorneys of public companies. The Sarbanes Act requires certifications regarding financial statement accuracy and internal control adequacy by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer to accompany periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Sarbanes Act also accelerates insider reporting obligations under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, restricts certain executive officer and director transactions, imposes new obligations on corporate audit committees and provides for enhanced review by the SEC.

The Dodd-Frank Act mandated a number of new requirements with respect to corporate governance. The legislation requires publicly traded companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation at least every three years and on so-called “golden parachute” payments in connection with approvals of mergers and acquisitions. The Dodd-Frank Act also authorizes the SEC to promulgate rules that would allow stockholders to nominate their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials. Additionally, the Dodd-Frank Act directs the federal banking regulators to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to executives of depository institutions and their holding companies with assets in excess of $1.0 billion, regardless of whether the company is publicly traded. The Dodd-Frank Act gives the SEC authority to prohibit broker discretionary voting on elections of directors and executive compensation matters.

Impact of Monetary Policies.

Banking is a business that substantially depends on interest rate differentials. In general, the difference between the interest paid by a bank on its deposits and other borrowings and the interest rate earned by banks on loans, securities and other interest-earning assets comprises the major source of banks’ earnings. Thus, the earnings and growth of banks are subject to the influence of economic conditions generally, both domestic and foreign, and also to the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States and its agencies including the FRB. The nature and timing of any future changes in such policies and their impact on the Company cannot be predicted.

Future Legislation.

Various legislation affecting financial institutions and the financial industry is from time to time introduced in Congress. Such legislation may change banking statutes and our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways and could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance depending upon whether any of this potential legislation will be enacted, and if enacted, the effect that it or any implementing regulations, would have on the financial condition or our results of operations. With the proposals to alter the Dodd-Frank Act and the evolution of the CFPB, the nature and extent of future legislative and regulatory changes affecting financial institutions continues to be very unpredictable.

COMPETITION

The banking business is highly competitive. The Company’s primary market area is the entire state of Mississippi and contiguous states. The Company continues to look for areas of growth in the state of Mississippi and surrounding states but, occasionally the Company extends out-of-area credit to borrowers who are considered to be low risk, as defined within the Bank’s lending policy. The Company competes with local, regional and national financial institutions throughout the state in obtaining deposits, lending activities and providing many types of financial services. The Company also competes with larger regional banks for the business of companies located in the Company’s market area.

All financial institutions, including the Company, compete for customers’ deposits. The Company also competes with savings and loan associations, credit unions, production credit associations, federal land banks, finance companies, personal loan companies, money market funds and other non-depository financial intermediaries. Many of these financial institutions have resources significantly greater than those of the Company. In addition, financial intermediaries, such as money-market mutual funds and large retailers, are not subject to the same regulations and laws that govern the operation of traditional depository institutions. The Company believes it benefits from a good reputation in the community and from the significant length of time it has provided needed banking services to its customers. Also, as a locally owned financial institution, the Company believes it is able to respond to the needs of the community with services tailored to the particular demands of its customers. Furthermore, as a local institution, the Company believes it can provide such services faster than a larger institution not based in the Company’s market area.

Changes in federal and state law have resulted in, and are expected to continue to result in, increased competition. The reductions in legal barriers to the acquisition of banks by out-of-state bank holding companies resulting from implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act and other banking laws and regulations are expected to continue to further stimulate competition in the markets in which the Company operates, although it is not possible to predict the extent or timing of such increased competition.

Currently, there are approximately forty different financial institutions in the Company’s market competing for the same customer base. According to the FDIC’s Summary of Deposits that is collected as of June 30 each year, the Company’s market share in its market area was approximately 1.49% at June 30, 2022. The Company competes in its market for loan and deposit products, along with many of the other services required by today’s banking customer, on the basis of availability, quality and pricing. The Company believes it is able to compete favorably in its markets, in terms of both the rates the Company offers and the level of service that the Company provides to its customers.

AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION

The Company’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and any amendments thereto, along with other information about the Company, are available, free of charge, on our website https://www.thecitizensbankphila.com/investor-relations/sec-filings/. The information contained on our website is not incorporated into this report. Upon request, the Company will provide to any record holder or beneficial holder of its shares a copy of such reports without charge. Requests should be made to Phillip R. Branch, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer, Citizens Holding Company, 521 Main Street, Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350.

ITEM 1A.	RISK FACTORS.

In addition to the other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this report and the exhibits hereto, the following risk factors should be considered carefully in evaluating the Company’s business. The risks disclosed below, either alone or in combination, could materially adversely affect the business, prospects, financial condition or results of operations of the Company and/or the Bank. Additional risks not presently known to the Company, or that the Company currently deems immaterial, may also adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related To The Company’s Business and Industry

The Company is subject to interest rate risk.

One of the most important aspects of management’s efforts to sustain long-term profitability for the Company is the management of interest rate risk. Management’s goal is to maximize net interest income within acceptable levels of interest-rate risk and liquidity.

The Company’s assets and liabilities are principally financial in nature and the resulting earnings thereon are subject to significant variability due to the timing and extent to which the Company can reprice the yields on interest-earning assets and the costs of interest bearing liabilities as a result of changes in market interest rates. Interest rates in the financial markets affect the Company’s decisions on pricing its assets and liabilities, which impacts net interest income, an important cash flow stream for the Company. As a result, a substantial part of the Company’s risk-management activities is devoted to managing interest-rate risk. Currently, the Company does not have any significant risks related to foreign currency exchange, commodities or equity risk exposures.

The Company’s earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon the net interest income of the Company. Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on assets, such as loans and securities, and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowed funds. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the Company’s control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the FRB. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest the Company receives on loans and securities and the amount of interest the Company pays on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) the Company’s ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, which could reduce the amount of fee income generated; (ii) the fair value of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities; and (iii) the average duration of the Company’s mortgage-backed securities portfolio. If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, the Company’s net interest income could be adversely affected, which in turn could negatively affect its earnings. Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings.

Interest rates increased significantly in 2022 and additional increases are expected in 2023 as the U.S. government attempts to slow economic growth to counteract rising inflation. Although management believes it has implemented effective asset and liability management strategies to reduce the potential effects of changes in interest rates on the results of operations of the Company, any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. For the reasons set forth above, an increase in interest rates generally as a result of such a credit rating downgrade could adversely affect our net interest income levels, thereby resulting in reduced earnings, and reduce loan demand. Volatility in interest rates may also result in disintermediation, which is the flow of funds away from financial institutions into direct investments, such as United States Government and Agency securities and other investment vehicles, including mutual funds, which generally pay higher rates of return than financial institutions because of the absence of federal insurance premiums and reserve requirements. Disintermediation could also result in material adverse effects on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

A discussion of the policies and procedures used to identify, assess and manage certain interest rate risk is set forth in Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

The Company is subject to lending risk.

There are inherent risks associated with the Company’s lending activities. These risks include, among other things, the impact of changes in interest rates and changes in the economic conditions in the markets where the Company operates as well as those across the United States. Increases in interest rates or weakening economic conditions could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans.

As of December 31, 2022, approximately 79.5% of the Company’s loan portfolio consisted of commercial, construction and commercial real estate loans. These types of loans are generally viewed as having more risk of default than residential real estate loans or consumer loans due primarily to the large amounts loaned to individual borrowers. Because the loan portfolio contains a significant number of commercial, construction and commercial real estate loans with relatively large balances, the deterioration of one or a few of these loans could cause a significant increase in non-performing loans. An increase in non-performing loans could result in a net loss of earnings from these loans, an increase in the provision for possible loan losses and an increase in loan charge-offs, all of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Delays in the Company’s ability to foreclose on delinquent mortgage loans may negatively impact our business.

As business necessitates, the Company forecloses on and takes title to real estate serving as collateral for loans. The amount of other real estate held by the Company may increase in the future as a result of, among other things, business combinations, increased uncertainties in the housing market or increased levels of credit stress in residential real estate loan portfolios. Increased other real estate balances could lead to greater expenses as the Company incurs costs to manage, maintain and dispose of real properties as well as to remediate any environmental cleanup costs incurred in connection with any contamination discovered on real property on which the Company has foreclosed and to which the Company has taken title. As a result, the Company’s earnings could be negatively affected by various expenses associated with other real estate owned, including personnel costs, insurance and taxes, completion and repair costs, valuation adjustments and other expenses associated with real property ownership, as well as by the funding costs associated with other real estate assets. The expenses associated with holding a significant amount of other real estate could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

The allowance for possible loan losses may be insufficient.

Although the Company tries to maintain diversification within its loan portfolio in order to minimize the effect of economic conditions within a particular industry, management also maintains an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the entire loan portfolio. The appropriate level of the allowance is based on management’s quarterly analysis of the loan portfolio and represents an amount that management deems adequate to provide for inherent losses, including collective impairment. Among other considerations in establishing the allowance for loan losses, management considers economic conditions reflected within industry segments, the unemployment rate in the Company’s markets, loan segmentation and historical losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires management to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of the Company’s control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses.

In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review the allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. In addition, if charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan losses, the Company will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan losses. Any increases in the allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital, and may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. A discussion of the policies and procedures related to management’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is set forth in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The Company is subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities.

A significant portion of the loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, the Company may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, the Company may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require the Company to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit the ability of the Company to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase the Company’s exposure to environmental liability. Although management has policies and procedures to perform an environmental review during the loan application process and also before initiating any foreclosure action on real property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The profitability of the Company depends significantly on economic conditions in the State of Mississippi.

The Company’s success depends primarily on the general economic conditions of the State of Mississippi and the specific local markets in which it operates. Unlike larger national or other regional banks that are more geographically diversified, the Company provides banking and financial services to customers primarily in the state of Mississippi. The local economic conditions in this area have a significant impact on the demand for the Company’s products and services, as well as the ability of its customers to repay loans, the value of the collateral securing loans and the stability of its deposit funding sources.

The Company is subject to extensive government regulation and supervision.

The Company and the Bank are subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not security holders. These regulations and supervisory guidance affect the Company’s lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations, and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies or supervisory guidance, including changes in interpretation or implementation or statutes, regulations, policies and supervisory guidance, could affect the Company in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject the Company to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products the Company may offer and/or increase the ability of nonbanks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations, policies or supervisory guidance could result in enforcement and other legal actions by Federal or state authorities, including criminal and civil penalties, the loss of FDIC insurance, the revocation of a banking charter, civil money penalties, other sanctions by regulatory agencies and/or reputational damage. In this regard, government authorities, including bank regulatory agencies, continue to pursue enforcement agendas with respect to compliance and other legal matters involving financial activities, which heightens the risks associated with actual and perceived compliance failures. Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to claims and litigation.

From time to time, customers and others make claims and take legal action pertaining to our performance of our responsibilities. Whether customer claims and legal action related to our performance of our responsibilities are founded or unfounded, or if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to us, they may result in significant financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of us and our products and services, as well as impact customer demand for those products and services. Any financial liability or reputation damage could have a material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The Company operates in a highly competitive financial services industry.

The Company faces substantial competition in all areas of its operations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and may have greater financial resources. Such competitors primarily include banks, as well as community banks operating nationwide and regionally within the various markets in which the Company operates. The Company also faces competition from many other types of financial institutions, including savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, factoring companies and other financial intermediaries. Additionally, fintech developments, such as blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies, have the potential to disrupt the financial industry and change the way banks do business. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation.

Some of the Company’s competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many of the Company’s larger 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 the Company.

The Company’s ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including: the ability to develop, maintain and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards and safe, sound assets; the ability to continue to expand the Company’s market position through organic growth and acquisitions; the scope, relevance and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands; the rate at which the Company’s introduces new products and services relative to its competitors; and industry and general economic trends. Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken the Company’s competitive position, which could adversely affect the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to a variety of operational risks, including the risk of fraud or theft by employees, which may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

We are exposed to many types of operational risks, including liquidity risk, credit risk, market risk, interest rate risk, legal and compliance risk, strategic risk, information security risk, and reputational risk. We are also reliant upon our employees, and our operations are subject to the risk of fraud, theft or malfeasance by our employees. We have established processes and procedures intended to identify, measure, monitor, report and analyze these risks, however, there are inherent limitations to our risk management strategies as there may exist, or develop in the future, risks that we have not appropriately anticipated, monitored or identified. If our risk management framework proves ineffective, we could suffer unexpected losses, we may have to expend resources detecting and correcting the failure in our systems and we may be subject to potential claims from third parties and government agencies. We may also suffer severe reputational damage. Any of these consequences could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. In particular, the unauthorized disclosure, misappropriation, mishandling or misuse of personal, non-public, confidential or proprietary information of customers could result in significant regulatory consequences, reputational damage and financial loss.

Our risk management policies and procedures may not be fully effective in identifying or mitigating risk exposure in all market environments or against all types of risk, including employee misconduct.

We have devoted significant resources to develop our risk management policies and procedures and will continue to do so. Nonetheless, our policies and procedures to identify, monitor and manage risks may not be fully effective in mitigating our risk exposure in all market environments or against all types of risk. Many of our methods of managing risk and exposures are based upon our use of observed historical market behavior or statistics based on historical models. During periods of market volatility or due to unforeseen events, the historically derived correlations upon which these methods are based may not be valid. As a result, these methods may not predict future exposures accurately, which could be significantly greater than what our models indicate. This could cause us to incur investment losses or cause our hedging and other risk management strategies to be ineffective. Other risk management methods depend upon the evaluation of information regarding markets, clients, catastrophe occurrence or other matters that are publicly available or otherwise accessible to us, which may not always be accurate, complete, up-to-date or properly evaluated.

Moreover, we are subject to the risks of errors and misconduct by our employees and advisors, such as fraud, non-compliance with policies, recommending transactions that are not suitable, and improperly using or disclosing confidential information. These risks are difficult to detect in advance and deter, and could harm our business, results of operations or financial condition. Management of operational, legal and regulatory risks requires, among other things, policies and procedures to record properly and verify a large number of transactions and events, and these policies and procedures may not be fully effective in mitigating our risk exposure in all market environments or against all types of risk. Insurance and other traditional risk-shifting tools may be held by or available to us in order to manage certain exposures, but they are subject to terms such as deductibles, coinsurance, limits and policy exclusions, as well as risk of counterparty denial of coverage, default or insolvency.

The Company may be required to pay significantly higher FDIC premiums in the future.

The FDIC insures deposits at FDIC insured financial institutions, including the Bank. The FDIC charges the insured financial institutions premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund at an adequate level. The FDIC may increase these rates and impose additional special assessments in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on future earnings.

The Company’s controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented.

Management regularly reviews and updates the Company’s internal control over financial reporting, disclosure controls and procedures and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden, and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the Company’s adherence to financial reporting, disclosure and corporate governance policies and procedures.

The Company may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.

Financial institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. The Company has exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely executes 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 the Company to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, the Company’s credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by the Company cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure due to the Company. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company relies on third party vendors for a number of key components of its business.

The Company contracts with a number of third party vendors to support its infrastructure. Many of these vendors are large national companies who are dominant in their area of expertise and would be difficult to quickly replace. Failures of certain vendors to provide services could adversely affect the Company’s ability to deliver products and services to its customers, disrupting its business and causing it to incur significant expense. External vendors also present information security risks.

The Company is substantially dependent on dividends from the Bank for its revenues.

The Company is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Bank, and it receives substantially all of its revenue from dividends from the Bank. These dividends are the principal source of funds to pay dividends on its common stock and interest and principal on debt. Various federal and state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the Bank may pay to the Company. In the event the Bank is unable to pay dividends to the Company, it may not be able to pay obligations or pay dividends on the Company’s common stock. The inability to receive dividends from the Bank could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations. The information under the heading “Supervision and Regulation” in Item 1, “Business,” provides a discussion about the restrictions governing the Bank’s ability to transfer funds to the Company.

Potential acquisitions may disrupt the Company’s business and dilute shareholder value.

From time-to-time, the Company evaluates merger and acquisition opportunities and conducts due diligence activities related to possible transactions with other financial institutions. As a result, merger or acquisition discussions and, in some cases, negotiations may take place, and future mergers or acquisitions involving cash, debt or equity securities may occur at any time. Acquiring other banks, businesses or branches involves various risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things:

●	potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the target company;
●	exposure to potential asset quality issues of the target company;
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●	difficulty and expense of integrating the operations and personnel of the target company;
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●	potential disruption to the Company’s business;
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●	potential diversion of management’s time and attention;
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●	the possible loss of key employees and customers of the target company;
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●	difficulty in estimating the value of the target company; and
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●	potential changes in banking or tax laws or regulations that may affect the target company.
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In addition, acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market values, and, therefore, some dilution of the Company’s tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future transaction. Furthermore, failure to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, or other projected benefits from an acquisition could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

The Company’s information systems may experience an interruption or breach in security. Evolving technologies and the need to protect against and react to cybersecurity risks and electronic fraud requires significant resources.

The Company relies heavily on communications and information systems to conduct its business. Furthermore, the Bank provides its customers the ability to bank online. The secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet is a critical element of online banking. The Company needs to invest in information technology to keep pace with technology changes, and while the Company invests amounts it believes will be adequate, it may fail to invest adequate amounts such that the efficiency of information technology systems fails to meet operational needs. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in its customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems. While the Company has policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of the Company’s information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will be prevented, and if they occur, that they will be adequately addressed. Additionally, to the extent the Company relies on third party vendors to perform or assist operational functions, the challenge of managing the associated risks becomes more difficult. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of the Company’s information systems could damage its reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject the Company to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose it to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

The operational functions of business counterparties may experience similar disruptions that could adversely impact us and over which the Company may have limited or no control.

Over the course of the past few years, companies such as major retailers have experienced data systems incursions reportedly resulting in the thefts of credit and debit card information, online account information, and other financial data of tens of millions of the retailers’ customers. Retailer incursions affect cards issued and deposit accounts maintained by many banks, including the Bank. Although the Bank systems are not breached in retailer incursions, these events can cause the Bank to reissue a significant number of cards and take other costly steps to avoid significant theft loss to the Bank and its customers. Other possible points of incursion or disruption not within the Bank’s control include internet service providers, electronic mail portal providers, social media portals, distant-server (“cloud”) service providers, electronic data security providers, telecommunications companies, and smart phone manufacturers.

The Company continually encounters technological change and we may not have the resources to implement new technology.

The Company’s 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 reduce costs. The Company’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in the Company’s operations. Many of the Company’s competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. The Company may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing these products and services to its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the Company’s industry could have a material adverse impact on its business and, in turn, the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

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

While the Company continually attempts to use technology to offer new products and services, at the same time, technology and other changes are allowing parties to complete financial transactions that historically have involved banks through alternative methods. For example, consumers can now maintain funds in brokerage accounts, mutual funds or use electronic payment methods such as Apple Pay or PayPal, that would have historically been held as bank deposits. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills 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 deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Company is subject to accounting estimate risks.

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make significant estimates that affect the financial statements. The Company’s most critical estimate is the level of the allowance for credit losses. However, other estimates occasionally become highly significant, especially in volatile situations such as litigation and other loss contingency matters. Estimates are made at specific points in time; as actual events unfold, estimates are adjusted accordingly. Due to the inherent nature of these estimates, it is possible that, at some time in the future, the Company may significantly increase the allowance for credit losses or sustain credit losses that are significantly higher than the provided allowance, or the Company may make some other adjustment that will differ materially from the estimates that the Company makes today.

Risks Associated With the Company’s Common Stock

The trading volume in the Company’s common stock is less than that of other larger bank holding companies.

The Company’s common stock is listed for trading on NASDAQ Global Market. The average daily trading volume in the Company’s common stock is low, generally less than that of many of its competitors and other larger bank holding companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of the Company’s common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which the Company has no control. Given the lower trading volume of the Company’s common stock, significant sales of the Company’s common stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause volatility in the price of the Company’s common stock.

Issuing additional shares of our common stock to acquire other banks, bank holding companies, financial holding companies and/or insurance agencies may result in dilution for existing shareholders and may adversely affect the market price of our stock.

We may issue, in the future, shares of our common stock to acquire additional banks, bank holding companies, and other businesses related to the financial services industry that may complement our organizational structure. Resales of substantial amounts of common stock in the public market and the potential of such sales could adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock and impair our ability to raise additional capital through the sale of equity securities. We may be required to pay an acquisition premium above the fair market value of acquired assets for acquisitions. Paying this acquisition premium, in addition to the dilutive effect of issuing additional shares, may also adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common stock.

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, as well as certain banking laws, may have an anti-takeover effect.

Provisions of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, which are exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and the federal banking laws, including regulatory approval requirements, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire the Company, even if doing so would be perceived to be beneficial to the Company’s shareholders. The combination of these provisions impedes a non-negotiated merger or other business combination, which, in turn, could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock.

General Risk Factors

The Company is subject to risk from adverse economic conditions.

Our operations and profitability are impacted by general business and economic conditions in the State of Mississippi, and the United States. These conditions include recession, short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, money supply, political issues, international conflicts (including the conflict between Ukraine and Russia), legislative and regulatory changes, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets, broad trends in industry and finance, and the strength of the U.S. economy and the local economies in which we operate, all of which are beyond our control. A deterioration in economic conditions could result in an increase in loan delinquencies and nonperforming assets, decreases in loan collateral values and a decrease in demand for our products and services, among other things, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

Negative perceptions or publicity could damage our reputation among existing and potential customers, investors, employees and advisors.

Our reputation is one of our most important assets. Our ability to attract and retain customers, investors, employees and advisors is highly dependent upon external perceptions of our company. Damage to our reputation could cause significant harm to our business and prospects and may arise from numerous sources, including litigation or regulatory actions, failing to deliver minimum standards of service and quality, compliance failures, any perceived or actual weakness in our financial strength or liquidity, technological, cybersecurity, or other security breaches resulting in improper disclosure of client or employee personal information, unethical behavior and the misconduct of our employees, advisors and counterparties. Negative perceptions or publicity regarding these matters could damage our reputation among existing and potential customers, investors, employees and advisors. Adverse developments with respect to our industry may also, by association, negatively impact our reputation or result in greater regulatory or legislative scrutiny or litigation against us. In addition, the SEC and other federal and state regulators have increased their scrutiny of potential conflicts of interest. It is possible that potential or perceived conflicts could give rise to litigation or enforcement actions. It is possible also that the regulatory scrutiny of, and litigation in connection with, conflicts of interest will make our clients less willing to enter into transactions in which such a conflict may occur and will adversely affect our businesses. ****

The Company may not be able to attract and retain skilled people.

The Company’s success depends in part on its ability to retain key executives and to attract and retain additional qualified personnel who have experience both in sophisticated banking matters and in operating a bank of the Company’s size. Competition for such personnel is strong in the banking industry, and the Company may not be successful in attracting or retaining the personnel it requires. The unexpected loss of one or more of the Company’s key personnel could have a material adverse impact on its business because of their skills, knowledge of the Company’s markets, years of industry experience and the difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacements. The Company expects to effectively compete in this area by offering financial packages that are competitive within the industry.

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events could significantly impact the Company’s business.

The Bank has branches along the coast of Mississippi that are subject to risks from hurricanes from time to time. Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism, and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on the ability of the Company to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of the Company’s deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue or cause the Company to incur additional expenses. The occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

The Company’s stock price can be volatile*.*

Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to sell your common stock when you want and at prices you find attractive. The Company’s stock price can fluctuate significantly in response to a variety of factors including, among other things:

●	actual or anticipated variations in quarterly results of operations;
●	recommendations by securities analysts;
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●	operating and stock performance of other companies that to be peers;
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●	perceptions in the marketplace regarding the Company or its competitors;
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●	new technology used, or services offered, by competitors;
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●	significant acquisitions or business combinations involving the Company or its competitors;
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●	failure to integrate acquisitions or realize anticipated benefits from acquisitions;
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●	changes in government regulations; and
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●	volatility affecting the financial markets in general.
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General market fluctuations, the potential for breakdowns on electronic trading or other platforms for executing securities transactions, industry factors and general economic and political conditions could cause the Company’s stock price to decrease regardless of operating results.

Climate change and societal responses to climate change could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations, including indirectly through impact to its customers.

The current and anticipated effects of climate change are creating an increasing level of concern for the state of the global environment. As a result, political and social attention to the issue of climate change has increased. In recent years, governments across the world have entered into international agreements to attempt to reduce global temperatures, in part by limiting greenhouse gas emissions. The United States Congress, state legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies have continued to propose and advance numerous legislative and regulatory initiatives seeking to mitigate the effects of climate change. These agreements and measures may result in the imposition of taxes and fees, the required purchase of emission credits and the implementation of significant operational changes, each of which may require businesses to expend significant capital and incur compliance, operating, maintenance and remediation costs. Consumers and businesses also may change their behavior on their own as a result of these concerns.

It is not possible to predict how climate change may impact the Company’s financial condition and operations; however, the Company’s operates in areas where its business and the activities of its customers could be impacted by the effects of climate change. The effects of climate change may include increased frequency or severity of weather-related events, such as severe storms, hurricanes, flooding and droughts and rising sea levels. These effects can disrupt business operations, damage property, devalue assets and change customer and business preferences, which may adversely affect borrowers, increase credit risk and reduce demand for the Company’s products and services. The Company and its customers will need to respond to new laws and regulations as well as consumer and business preferences resulting from climate change concerns. The Company and its customers may face cost increases, asset value reductions, operating process changes and the like. The impact to the Company’s customers will likely vary depending on their specific attributes, including reliance on or role in carbon intensive activities. In addition, the Company could face reductions in creditworthiness on the part of some customers or in the value of assets securing loans. The Company’s efforts to take these risks into account may not be effective in protecting it from the negative impact of new laws and regulations or changes in consumer or business behavior and could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

ITEM 1B.	UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

ITEM 2.	PROPERTIES.

The Company, through the Bank, currently operates from its main office in downtown Philadelphia, Mississippi, and from 27 additional branches in Neshoba, Newton, Leake, Lamar, Forrest, Scott, Attala, Lauderdale, Lafayette, Oktibbeha, Rankin, Madison, Harrison, Jackson, Winston, and Kemper counties, Mississippi. Information about these branches, the Bank’s main office and its loan production office is set forth in the table below:

	LOCATION/	BANKING<br><br> <br>FUNCTIONS
NAME OF OFFICE	TELEPHONE NUMBER	OFFERED
Main Office	521 Main Street	Full Service;
	Philadelphia, Mississippi	24 Hour Teller
	(601) 656-4692
Eastside Branch	599 East Main Street	Full Service;
	Philadelphia, Mississippi	24 Hour Teller
	(601) 656-4976
Westside Branch	912 West Beacon Street	Full Service;
	Philadelphia, Mississippi	24 Hour Teller
	(601) 656-4978
Northside Branch	802 Pecan Avenue	Deposits;
	Philadelphia, Mississippi	24 Hour Teller
	(601) 656-4977
Union Branch	502 Bank Street	Full Service
	Union, Mississippi	24 Hour Teller
	(601) 774-9231
Carthage Branch	301 West Main Street	Full Service
	Carthage, Mississippi	24 Hour Teller
	(601) 267-4525
Flowood Branch	2845 Lakeland Drive	Deposits; Loans
	Flowood, Mississippi
	(601) 992-7688
Ridgeland Branch	320 Highway 51 North	Deposits; Loans
	Ridgeland, Mississippi
	(601) 519-4020
Sebastopol Branch	24 Pine Street	Full Service;
	Sebastopol, Mississippi	24-Hour Teller
	(601) 625-7447

DeKalb Branch	176 Main Avenue	Full Service
	DeKalb, Mississippi
	(601) 743-2115
Kosciusko Branch	775 North Jackson Avenue	Full Service;
	Kosciusko, Mississippi	24-hour Teller
	(662) 289-4356
Scooba Branch	27597 Highway 16 East	Full Service
	Scooba, Mississippi
	(662) 476-8431
Meridian Eastgate Branch	1825 Highway 39 North	Full Service;
	Meridian, Mississippi	24-Hour Teller
	(601) 693-8367
Decatur Branch	15330 Highway 15 South	Full Service;
	Decatur, Mississippi	24-Hour Teller
	(601) 635-2321
Forest Branch	247 Woodland Drive North	Full Service;
	Forest, Mississippi	24-Hour Teller
	(601) 469-3424
Louisville Main Branch	906 S Columbus Avenue	Full Service;
	Louisville, MS	24 Hour Teller
	(662) 773-6261
Louisville Industrial Branch	1760 S Church Avenue	Drive-Up
	Louisville, MS
	(662) 773-6261
Noxapater Branch	45 East Main Street	Deposits
	Noxapater, MS
	(662) 724-4261
Starkville Branch	201 Highway 12 West	Full Service;
	Starkville, MS 39759	24 Hour Teller
	(662) 323-1420
Collinsville Branch	9065 Collinsville Road	Full Service;
	Collinsville, MS 39325	24 Hour Teller
	(601) 626-7608
Hattiesburg	6222 Highway 98 West	Full Service
	Hattiesburg, MS 39402	24 Hour Teller
	(601) 264-4425

Biloxi Lemoyne	15309 Lemoyne Boulevard	Full Service;
	Biloxi, MS 39532	24 Hour Teller
	(228) 207-2343
Biloxi Cedar Lake	1830 Popps Ferry Road	Full Service
	Biloxi, MS 39532	24 Hour Teller
	(228) 594-6913
Oxford Branch	902 Sisk Avenue,	Full Service
	Suite E	24 Hour Teller
	Oxford, MS 38655
Gulfport Branch	12008 Hwy 49	Full Service
	Gulfport, MS 39503	24 Hour Teller
	(228) 831-3535
Ocean Springs Branch	2702 Bienville Blvd	Full Service
	Ocean Springs, MS 39564	24 Hour Teller
	(228) 875-3933
Pascagoula Branch	1519 Jackson Ave	Full Service
	Pascagoula, MS 39567	24 Hour Teller
	(228) 762-3330

The Bank owns its offices, except for the Gulfport Branch and the Oxford Branch, each of which is leased. The main office facility, originally occupied in 1966, is used solely by the Company and the Bank. This facility contains approximately 20,000 square feet and houses the executive offices and all operations-related departments of the Company. The other branches range in size from nearly 1,000 square feet to 12,000 square feet.

ITEM 3.	LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than routine litigation incidental to their business, to which either the Company or the Bank is a party or to which any of their property is subject.

ITEM 4.	MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

PART II

ITEM 5.	MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Information required in partial response to this Item 5 can be found under the heading “Market Price and Dividend Information” in the 2022 Annual Report to Shareholders, a copy of which is filed as an Exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Such information in incorporated herein by reference.

There were no unregistered sales of equity securities not covered by the filing of a Form 10-Q or Form 8-K during the period covered by this filing. There were no repurchases of equity securities not covered by the filing of a Form 10-Q or Form 8-K during the period covered by this filing.

ITEM 6.	[RESERVED]
ITEM 7.	MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
---	---

Information required in response to this Item 7 can be found under the heading “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020” in the 2022 Annual Report to Shareholders, a copy of which is filed as an Exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7A.	QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Information required in response to this Item 7A can be found under the headings “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in the 2022 Annual Report to Shareholders, a copy of which is filed as an Exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 8.	FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Information required in response to this Item 8 can be found under the heading “Consolidated Financial Statements” and “Quarterly Financial Trends” in the 2022 Annual Report to Shareholders, a copy of which is filed as an Exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 9.	CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

ITEM 9A.	CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The management of this Company, with the participation of its principal executive and financial officers, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a – 15(e) and 15d – 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, including ensuring that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s principal executive and financial officers have concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2022 (the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Information required in response to this item can be found under the headings “Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements contained in its 2022 Annual Report to Shareholders, a copy of which is filed as an Exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes to the internal control over financial reporting in the fourth quarter of 2022 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.	OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 9C.	DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS.

Not applicable.

PART III

ITEM 10.	DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Information required in partial response to this Item 10 can be found under the heading “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Item 1, “Business,” and under the headings “Stock Ownership” and “Board of Directors” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC on or about March 17, 2023, relating to its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Code of Ethics

The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct in compliance with Item 406 of Regulation S-K for the Company’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and controller. Copies of both the Code of Ethics and the Code of Conduct can be found on the Company’s website: https://www.thecitizensbankphila.com/investor-relations/corporate-governance/ The Company intends to satisfy the disclosure requirement under Item 5.05 of Form 8-K regarding an amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of the Code of Ethics and the Code of Conduct by posting information on the Company’s website at the address specified above.

ITEM 11.	EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Information required in response to this Item 11 can be found under the headings “Board of Directors,” “Executive Officers and Executive Compensation,” “Report of the Compensation Committee,” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC on or about March 17, 2023, relating to its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12.	SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Information required in partial response to this Item 12 can be found under the heading “Stock Ownership” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC on or about March 17, 2023, relating to its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table provides information about the Company’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2022.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan category	(a)<br><br> <br>Number of securities<br><br> <br>to be issued upon<br><br> <br>exercise of<br><br> <br>outstanding options,<br><br> <br>warrants and rights		(b)<br><br> <br>Weighted-average<br><br> <br>exercise price of<br><br> <br>outstanding options,<br><br> <br>warrants and rights
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders^(1)^		-0-	$	0.00	270,000
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders		-0-	$	0.00	-0-
Total		-0-	$	0.00	270,000
^(1)^	Consists of the 1999 Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan and the 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan.
---	---
ITEM 13.	CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.
---	---

Information required in response to this Item 13 can be found under the heading “Board of Directors” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC on or about March 17, 2023, relating to its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14.	PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

Information required in response to this Item 14 can be found under the heading “Proposal No. 3, Appointment of HORNE LLP as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC on or about March 17, 2023, relating to its 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

ITEM 15.	EXHIBIT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a)	Financial Statements
---	---
1.	Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Information for years ended December 31, 2020, 2021 and 2022, which include the following:
---	---
(i)	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Financial Statements and Internal Control)
---	---
(ii)	Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
(iii)	Consolidated Statements of Condition
(iv)	Consolidated Statements of Income
(v)	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(vi)	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(vii)	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(viii)	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
2.	Financial Statement Schedules
---	---

None.

3.	Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K
		Incorporated by Reference
---	---	---	---	---	---
Exhibit<br><br> <br>Number	Description of Document	Form	Filing Date	Exhibit<br><br> <br>Number	SEC File<br><br> <br>No.
2.1	Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of May 21, 2019, by and among Citizens Holding Company, The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia and Charter Bank	8-K	May 21, 2019	2.1	000-25221
3(i)	Restated Articles of Incorporation of Citizens Holding Company	10-Q	May 10, 2017	3(A)	000-25221
3(ii)	Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of Citizens Holding Company, as amended	10-Q	May 10, 2017	3(B)	000-25221
4	Description of Common Stock				000-25221
10(1)	Citizens Holding Company Revolving Credit Loan Agreement	8-K	June 14, 2021	10(1)	000-25221
10(a)	Directors’ Deferred Compensation Plan - Form of Agreement †	10/A	June 21, 1999	10	000-25221
10(b)	Citizens Holding Company 1999 Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan †	10/A	June 21, 1999	10(A)	000-25221
10(c)	Citizens Holding Company 1999 Employees’ Long-Term Incentive Plan †	10/A	June 21, 1999	10(B)	000-25221
10(d)	Change in Control Agreement dated December 10, 2002 between Citizens Holding Company and Greg L. McKee †	10-K	March 31, 2003	10(D)	000-25221
10(e)	Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan †	10-K	March 16, 2005	10(F)	000-25221
10(f)	Citizens Holding Company 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan †	DEF-14A	March 21, 2013	A	000-25221
10(g)	Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement under the Citizens Holding Company 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan †	8-K	April 25, 2013	10.1	000-25221

10(h)	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the Citizens Holding Company 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan †	8-K	April 25, 2013	10.2	000-25221
10(i)	Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement under the Citizens Holding Company 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan †	8-K	April 25, 2013	10.3	000-25221
10(j)	Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement for Non-Employee Directors under the Citizens Holding Company 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan †	8-K	April 25, 2013	10.4	000-25221
10(k)	Form of Voting Agreement, between Citizens Holding Company and certain shareholders of Charter Bank (included as an exhibit to the Agreement and Plan of Merger attached as Exhibit 2.1)	8-K	May 21, 2019	2.1	000-25221
13	2022 Annual Report to Shareholders +				000-25221
14	Code of Ethics ±	10-K	March 26, 2004		000-25221
21	Subsidiaries of Citizens Holding Company +				000-25221
23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm +
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer +				000-25221
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer +				000-25221
32.1	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer ++				000-25221
32.2	Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer ++				000-25221
101	Inline XBRL Exhibits +				000-25221
104	Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)
†	Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Form 10-K pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K
+	Filed herewith
++	Furnished herewith
±	As updated on Citizens Holding Company’s website, https://www.thecitizensbankphila.com/investor-relations/
ITEM 16.	FORM 10-K SUMMARY.
---	---

The Company has elected not to include summary information.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY
Date: March 16, 2023	By: /s/ Greg McKee
	Greg McKee
	Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated:

SIGNATURES	CAPACITIES	DATE
/s/ Stacy M. Brantley	Director, President and	March 16, 2023
Stacy M. Brantley	Chief Executive Officer
	The Citizens Bank
/s/ Greg McKee	Director,	March 16, 2023
Greg McKee	Chief Executive Officer
	Citizens Holding Company
	(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Phillip R. Branch	Treasurer, Chief Financial	March 16, 2023
Phillip R. Branch	Officer
	(Principal Financial & Accounting
	Officer)
/s/ Craig Dungan	Director	March 16, 2023
Craig Dungan, MD
/s/ Jason R. Voyles	Director	March 16, 2023
Jason R. Voyles
/s/ Donald L. Kilgore	Director	March 16, 2023
Donald L. Kilgore
/s/ David A. King	Director	March 16, 2023
David A. King
/s/ Herbert A. King	Chairman of the Board	March 16, 2023
Herbert A. King
/s/ Adam Mars	Director	March 16, 2023
---	---	---
Adam Mars
/s/ David P. Webb	Director	March 16, 2023
David P. Webb
/s/ Jane Crosswhite	Director	March 16, 2023
Jane Crosswhite
/s/ Terrell E. Winstead	Director	March 16, 2023
Terrell E. Winstead
/s/ Gregory E. Cronin	Director	March 16, 2023
Gregory E. Cronin

ex_485793.htm

Exhibit 4 – Description of Common Stock

As of December 31, 2022, the only class of securities of the Company registered under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is our common stock, $.20 par value (“common stock”). The following summary of our common stock is based on and qualified by our Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “articles of incorporation”), our Bylaws, as amended (the “bylaws”) and applicable provisions of Mississippi law, including the Mississippi Business Corporation Act. This summary is not complete. For a complete description of the terms and provisions of our common stock refer to the certificate of incorporation and bylaws both of which are filed as exhibits to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

COMMON STOCK ****

We have authorized 22,500,000 shares of common stock, $.20 par value. The common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Its symbol is “CIZN.”

Dividend Rights

Holders of common stock are entitled to receive such dividends, if any, as may be declared by our Board of Directors, in its discretion, out of funds legally available therefore.

Voting Rights

Holders of common stock are entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted on by our shareholders, including the election of directors. Under the Mississippi Business Corporation Act, an affirmative vote of the majority of the shareholders present at a meeting is sufficient in order to take most shareholder actions. Certain extraordinary actions, such as mergers and share exchanges, require the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote.

Liquidation Rights

In the event of the liquidation of the Company, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive pro rata any assets distributed to shareholders with respect to their shares, after payment of all debts and payments to holders of our preferred stock, if any.

Preemptive Rights

Holders of common stock have no right to subscribe to additional shares of capital stock that may be issued by us.

Liability for Calls and Assessments

The outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.

Other Information

Holders of common stock have no conversion, redemption or call rights related to their shares.

Anti-Takeover Provisions Under Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that may delay, deter or inhibit a future acquisition of us not approved by our Board of Directors. Such a result could occur even if our shareholders are offered an attractive value for their shares or even if a majority of our shareholders believe the takeover is in their best interest.

For example, our articles of incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to issue authorized and unissued shares of common stock without shareholder approval or to issue a series of preferred stock without any further approval from our shareholders, with the designations, preferences and relative rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions, as the Board of Directors determines in its discretion.

Our bylaws include restrictions on the ability of a shareholder to call a special shareholder meeting and also establish advance notice procedures for the nomination of candidates for election to the Board of Directors by persons other than the Board of Directors and require that such a shareholder provide detailed information about the nominee and satisfy certain other conditions.

These provisions could limit the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions are intended to encourage any person interested in acquiring us to negotiate with and obtain the approval of our Board of Directors in connection with any such transaction.

ex_452680.htm

Exhibit 13 – 2022 Annual Report to Shareholders

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Philadelphia, Mississippi

Consolidated Financial Statements

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021 and for the

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

CONTENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Horne LLP, Memphis, TN PCAOB ID #: 171)	1-2
Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting	3 – 4
Consolidated Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition	5
Consolidated Statements of Income	6
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income	7
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity	8
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	9 – 10
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	11 – 67

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Citizens Holding Company

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of Citizens Holding Company and Subsidiary (the "Company") as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive (loss) income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting in accordance with PCAOB standards. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting in accordance with PCAOB standards. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of this critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Allowance for Loan Losses

As described in Notes 1 and 5 to the financial statements, the Company's allowance for loan losses, (“allowance”), is a valuation allowance that reflects the Company's estimation of incurred losses in its loan portfolio to the extent they are both probable and reasonable to estimate. The allowance for loan losses was $5,264,000 at December 31, 2022, which consists of two components; the allowance for loans individually evaluated for impairment and the allowance for loans collectively evaluated for impairment ("general reserves").

The Company's general reserves include reserves based on historical charge-off factors and qualitative general reserve factors. The component for qualitative general reserve factors involves an evaluation of items which are not yet reflected in the factors for historical charge-offs including changes in: lending policies and procedures, economic and business conditions, nature and volume of the portfolio, lending staff, volume and severity of delinquent loans, loan review systems, collateral values, and concentrations of credit. The evaluation of these items results in qualitative general reserve factors, which contribute significantly to the general reserve component of the estimate of the allowance for loan losses.

We identified management’s estimate of the aggregate effect of the qualitative reserve factors on the allowance for loan losses as a critical audit matter as it involved subjective auditor judgment. Management's determination of qualitative general reserve factors involved especially subjective judgment because management's estimate relies on qualitative analysis to determine the quantitative impact the items have on the allowance.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:

●	Evaluation of loans excluded from the qualitative general reserve calculation for propriety of classification.
●	Evaluation of the completeness and accuracy of data inputs used as a basis for the adjustments relating to the qualitative general reserve factors.
---	---
●	Evaluation of the reasonableness of management's judgments related to the qualitative general reserve factors through a quantitative and quantitative assessment of the data used in the determination of qualitative general reserve factors and the resulting allocation to the allowance. Our evaluation considered the weight of confirming and disconfirming evidence from internal and external sources, loan portfolio performance and third-party data, and whether management’s significant assumptions were applied consistently period to period.
---	---
●	Evaluation of how management addressed estimation uncertainty in determining the qualitative general reserve factors through considering alternative assumptions or outcomes, and how management determined the final qualitative factor adjustments were reasonable.
---	---

/s/ Horne LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 1998.

Memphis, Tennessee

March 16, 2023

Report on Management’s Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Citizens Holding Company (the “Company”) is responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The consolidated financial statements and notes included in this annual report have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States and necessarily include some amounts that are based on management’s best estimates and judgments.

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

The system of internal control over financial reporting as it relates to the financial statements is evaluated for effectiveness by management and tested for reliability through a program of internal audits. Actions are taken to correct potential deficiencies as they are identified. Any system of internal control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden, and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation.

Citizens Holding Company

Page Two

Management, with the participation of the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in the “Internal Control – Integrated Framework,” (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2022, the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective.

Greg L. McKee	Phillip R. Branch
Chief Executive Officer	Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

March 16, 2023

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
December 31, 2022 and 2021
(in thousands, except share data)
			2021
---	---	---	---	---	---
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	26,948		$	10,673
Interest bearing deposits with other banks	1,646			68,563
Cash and cash equivalents	28,594			79,236
Investment securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	406,590			-
Securities available for sale, at fair value	201,322			631,835
Loans held for investment ("LHFI"), net of unearned income	585,591			571,847
Less allowance for loan losses, LHFI	5,264			4,513
Net LHFI	580,327			567,334
Bank premises, furniture, fixtures and equipment, net	27,705			26,661
Other real estate owned, net	1,179			2,475
Accrued interest receivable	4,864			4,171
Cash surrender value of life insurance	25,724			25,679
Deferred tax assets, net	29,574			6,279
Identifiable intangible assets, net	13,442			13,551
Other assets	4,682			4,088
Total assets	1,324,003		$	1,361,309
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	****	****	****	****	****
Deposits
Non-interest bearing deposits	299,112		$	302,707
Interest bearing deposits	827,290			809,185
Total deposits	1,126,402			1,111,892
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase	127,574			112,760
Borrowings on secured line of credit	18,000			18,000
Accrued interest payable	732			328
Deferred compensation payable	9,868			9,543
Other liabilities	2,402			2,886
Total liabilities	1,284,978			1,255,409
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, .20 par value, authorized 22,500,000 shares; 5,603,570 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 5,595,320 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021	1,122			1,120
Additional paid-in capital	18,448			18,293
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss), net of tax benefit of 29,355 in 2022 and 3,921 in 2021	(83,070	)		(11,795	)
Retained earnings	102,525			98,282
Total shareholders' equity	39,025			105,900
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,324,003		$	1,361,309

All values are in US Dollars.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
	2022		2021		2020
---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Interest income
Interest and fees on loans	$	27,198	$	31,207	$	30,941
Interest on securities
Taxable		8,075		4,440		7,837
Non-taxable		4,040		2,800		1,501
Other interest		388		62		282
Total interest income		39,701		38,509		40,561
Interest expense
Deposits		2,538		4,260		6,556
Other borrowed funds		2,254		755		871
Total interest expense		4,792		5,015		7,427
Net interest income		34,909		33,494		33,134
Provision for loan losses		124		1,409		1,485
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		34,785		32,085		31,649
Non-interest income
Service charges on deposit accounts		3,896		3,499		3,352
Other service charges and fees		4,268		4,281		3,606
Net gains on sales of securities		-		1,378		829
Other income		2,721		3,030		2,673
Total non-interest income		10,885		12,188		10,460
Non-interest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		17,649		18,460		17,476
Occupancy expense		3,195		3,193		3,105
Equipment expense		4,216		3,942		4,255
Write down on other real estate		42		914		230
Other expense		9,067		8,839		8,360
Total non-interest expense		34,169		35,348		33,426
Income before income taxes		11,501		8,925		8,683
Income tax expense		1,881		1,431		1,752
Net income	$	9,620	$	7,494	$	6,931
Net income per share – basic	$	1.72	$	1.34	$	1.24
Net income per share – diluted	$	1.72	$	1.34	$	1.24
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic		5,592,668		5,584,396		5,577,352
Diluted		5,592,668		5,584,483		5,579,916
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
---

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(in thousands)
	2022			2021			2020
---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Net income	$	9,620		$	7,494		$	6,931
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on available-for-sale securities		(96,677	)		(22,608	)		5,736
Income tax effect		24,121			5,641			(1,431	)
Net unrealized (losses) gains		(72,556	)		(16,967	)		4,305
Amortization of net unrealized losses transferred during the period		1,707			-			-
Income tax effect		(426	)		-			-
Net unrealized losses		1,281			-			-
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income		-			1,378			829
Income tax effect		-			(344	)		(207	)
Net gains included in net income		-			1,034			622
Total other comprehensive (loss) income		(71,275	)		(15,933	)		4,927
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(61,655	)	$	(8,439	)	$	11,858
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
---

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
(in thousands, except share data)
	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	Accumulated			****	****	****	****	****	****
---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
			****	****	****	Additional			Other			****	****	****	****	****	****
			Common			Paid-In			Comprehensive			Retained			****	****	****
			Stock			Capital			(Loss) Income			Earnings			Total
Balance, January 1, 2020	5,578,131		$	1,116		$	17,883		$	(789	)	$	94,590		$	112,800
Net income	-			-			-			-			6,931			6,931
Dividends paid (0.96 per share)	-			-			-			-			(5,363	)		(5,363	)
Options exercised	5,189			1			85			-			-			86
Restricted stock granted	8,250			2			(2	)		-			-			-
Restricted stock forfeited	(4,500	)		(1	)		1									-
Stock compensation expense	-			-			167			-			-			167
Other comprehensive income, net	-			-			-			4,927			-			4,927
Balance, December 31, 2020	5,587,070			1,118			18,134			4,138			96,158			119,548
Net income	-			-			-			-			7,494			7,494
Dividends paid (0.96 per share)	-			-			-			-			(5,370	)		(5,370	)
Restricted stock granted	8,250			2			(2	)		-			-			-
Stock compensation expense	-			-			161			-			-			161
Other comprehensive loss, net	-			-			-			(15,933	)		-			(15,933	)
Balance, December 31, 2021	5,595,320			1,120			18,293			(11,795	)		98,282			105,900
Net income	-			-			-			-			9,620			9,620
Dividends paid (0.96 per share)	-			-			-			-			(5,377	)		(5,377	)
Restricted stock granted	8,250			2			(2	)		-			-			-
Stock compensation expense	-			-			157			-			-			157
Other comprehensive loss, net	-			-			-			(71,275	)		-			(71,275	)
Balance, December 31, 2022	5,603,570		$	1,122		$	18,448		$	(83,070	)	$	102,525		$	39,025

All values are in US Dollars.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
1 of 2
(in thousands)
	2022			2021			2020
---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	9,620		$	7,494		$	6,931
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Depreciation and amortization		1,275			1,173			1,121
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on investment securities, net		3,247			6,629			7,286
Stock compensation expense		157			161			167
Provision for loan losses		124			1,409			1,485
Gain on sale of securities		-			(1,378	)		(829	)
Gain from death benefit proceeds on BOLI		(192	)		(357	)		-
(Gain) loss on sale of fixed assets		(322	)		13			(74	)
Impairment loss on fixed assets		208			-			-
Net gain on sale of other real estate owned		(27	)		(323	)		(105	)
Deferred income tax expense		401			566			498
Writedown on other real estate owned		42			914			230
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable		(694	)		1,812			(1,802	)
Increase in cash surrender value life insurance		(665	)		(670	)		(726	)
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable		403			(194	)		(606	)
Increase (decrease) in deferred compensation liability		325			(122	)		212
Net change in other operating assets and liabilities		(142	)		364			255
Net cash provided by operating activities		13,760			17,491			14,043
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from calls, paydowns and maturities of securities available-for-sale	$	39,399		$	150,879		$	237,705
Proceeds from calls, paydowns and maturities of securities held-to-maturity		8,371			-			-
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale		-			500,685			188,324
Purchases of investment securities available-for-sale		(122,120	)		(631,131	)		(640,289	)
Proceeds from sale of FHLB stock		-			4,447			2,913
Decrease in federal funds sold		-			-			1,600
Death benefit proceeds from bank-owned life insurance		812			1,162			-
Purchases of bank premises, furniture, fixtures and equipment		(2,642	)		(2,599	)		(2,019	)

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020
2 of 2
(in thousands)
	2022			2021			2020
---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Proceeds from sales of bank premises, furniture, fixtures and equipment		546			492			124
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned		1,331			3,257			1,899
Purchases of FHLB stock		(880	)		(4,103	)		(1,025	)
Net change in loans		(13,166	)		75,527			(77,239	)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(88,349	)		98,616			(288,007	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in deposits	$	14,510		$	16,703		$	196,193
Net increase (decrease) in securities sold under agreement to repurchase		14,814			(83,512	)		25,862
Proceeds from borrowings on secured line of credit		-			18,000			-
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		-			-			86
Dividends paid to shareholders		(5,377	)		(5,370	)		(5,363	)
Net (decrease) increase in FHLB advances		-			(25,000	)		25,000
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		23,947			(79,179	)		241,778
Net (decrease) increase in cash and due from banks		(50,642	)		36,928			(32,186	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year		79,236			42,308			74,494
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	28,594		$	79,236		$	42,308
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for
Interest	$	4,388		$	5,209		$	8,033
Income taxes	$	1,490		$	515		$	1,539
Noncash disclosures
Real estate acquired by foreclosure	$	49		$	3,250		$	1,546
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
---

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

Nature of Business

Citizens Holding Company (referred to herein as the “Holding Company”) owns and operates The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia (the “Bank”). In addition to full service commercial banking, the Bank offers title insurance services through its affiliate, Title Services LLC. During 2022, Title Services LLC ceased operations. As a state bank, the Bank is subject to regulations of the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance and the Federal Deposit Insurance Company. The Company is also subject to the regulations of the Federal Reserve. The area served by the Bank is east central Mississippi, along with southern and northern counties of Mississippi and their surrounding areas. Services are provided at multiple branch offices.

Basis of Financial Statement Presentation

The accounting policies of the Company and its subsidiary conform to generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America and to general practices within the banking industry. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of the Bank and its affiliate (collectively, the “Company”). All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Segment Reporting

We have determined that all of our lending divisions meet the aggregation criteria of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 280, Segment Reporting, since all offer similar products and services, operate with similar processes, have similar customers and are collectively reviewed by the chief operating decision maker. No other services are material for presentation as a separate segment.

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan losses and valuation of foreclosed real estate, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Continued

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans and to value foreclosed real estate, future additions to the allowance or adjustments to the valuation may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s allowance for loan losses and valuations of foreclosed real estate. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additions to the allowance or to make adjustments to the valuation based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Due to these factors, it is reasonably possible that the allowance for loan losses and valuation of foreclosed real estate may change materially in the near term.

Cash, Due from Banks and Interest Bearing Deposits with Other Banks

For the purpose of reporting cash flows, cash and due from banks includes cash on hand and demand deposits. Cash flows from loans originated by the Company, deposits, and federal funds purchased and sold are reported net in the statement of cash flows. The Company is required to maintain average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank based on a percentage of deposits. Effective March 26, 2021, the Federal Reserve reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero percent, eliminating the reserve requirements for all depository institutions.

Interest-bearing deposits with other banks mature within one year and are carried at cost.

Investment Securities

In accordance with the investments topic of the ASC, securities are classified as “available-for-sale (“AFS”),” “held-to-maturity (“HTM”)” or “trading”. Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. Gains or losses on the sale of securities are determined using the specific identification method. Currently, the Company has no trading securities.

Securities Available-for-Sale

Securities that are held for indefinite periods of time or used as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy and that may be sold in response to interest rate changes, changes in prepayment risk, the need to increase regulatory capital and other similar factors are classified as AFS. Securities available-for-sale are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported, net of related income tax effect, as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Continued

The Company evaluates its investment portfolio for other-than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”) on a quarterly basis in accordance with ASC 320, “Investments - Debt and Equity Securities.” Impairment is assessed at the individual security level. The Company considers an investment security impaired if the fair value of the security is less than its cost or amortized cost basis. Impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary if the Company intends to sell the investment security or if the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security before the Company is required to sell the security or the security’s maturity. When impairment of an equity security is considered to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to its fair value and an impairment loss is recorded as a loss within noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When impairment of a debt security is considered to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down to its fair value. The amount of OTTI recorded as a loss within noninterest income depends on whether an entity intends to sell the debt security and whether it is more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If an entity intends to, or has decided to, sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, OTTI must be recognized in earnings in an amount equal to the entire difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. If an entity does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, OTTI is separated into the amount representing credit loss and the amount related to all other market factors. The amount related to credit loss is recognized in earnings and is calculated as the difference between the estimate of discounted future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the security. A number of qualitative and quantitative factors, including but not limited to the financial condition of the underlying issuer and current and projected deferrals or defaults, are considered by management in the estimate of the discounted future cash flows. The remaining difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the security is considered the amount related to other market factors and is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes.

Securities Held-to-Maturity

HTM securities are carried at amortized cost and represent those securities that the Company both intends and has the ability to hold to maturity.

LHFI and Allowance for Loan Losses

LHFI are loans receivable that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income and an allowance for loan losses. The Company has no loans held-for-sale.

Unearned income includes deferred fees net of deferred direct incremental loan origination cost. Unearned income attributable to loans held with a maturity of more than one year is recognized as income or expense over the life of the loan.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Continued

Unearned discounts on installment loans are recognized as income over the terms of the loans by a method that approximates the interest method. Unearned income and interest on commercial loans are recognized based on the principal amount outstanding. For all other loans, interest is accrued daily on the outstanding balances. For impaired loans, interest is discontinued on a loan when management believes, after considering collection efforts and other factors, that the borrower’s financial condition is such that collection of interest is doubtful. Cash collections on impaired loans are credited to the loan receivable balance, and no interest income is recognized on those loans until the principal balance has been collected. The Company generally discontinues the accrual of interest income when a loan becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest; however, management may elect to continue the accrual when the estimated net realizable value of collateral is sufficient to cover the principal balance and the accrued interest. Interest income on other nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent of interest payments.

Upon discontinuance of the accrual of interest on a loan, any previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed against interest income.

A loan is impaired when management determines that it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all contractual principal and interest payments due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. Impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. The amount of impairment, if any, and any subsequent changes are included in the allowance for loan losses.

Troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) are those for which concessions have been granted to the borrower due to a deterioration of the borrower’s financial condition. Such concessions may include reduction in interest rates or deferral of interest or principal payments. In evaluating whether to restructure a loan, management analyzes the long-term financial condition of the borrower, including guarantor and collateral support, to determine whether the proposed concessions will increase the likelihood of repayment of principal and interest. TDR are classified as performing, unless they are on nonaccrual status of 90 days or more delinquent, in which case they are considered nonperforming.

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged against net income. Loans determined to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The allowance represents an amount, which, in management’s judgment, will be adequate to absorb estimated probable losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible. In order to determine an adequate level of allowance, management utilizes a model that calculates the allowance for loan loss by applying an average historical charge-off percentage by loan segment over a 20-quarter period of time with the most current quarters weighted to show the effect of the most recent chargeoff activity to the current loan balances in the corresponding loan segment. Additionally, for substandard loan relationships with balances over $100, specific reserves on an individual loan basis may be applied. The specific reserve is then added to the general reserve calculated using the model. The general reserve is calculated only on loans that have not been individually assessed for a specific reserve. This specific reserve is determined by review of the borrower’s credit history, capacity to pay, adequacy of collateral and general economic conditions related to the respective loan. This specific reserve will stay in place until such time that the borrower’s obligation is satisfied or the loan is greatly improved.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Continued

Large groups of small-balance homogenous loans are collectively evaluated for impairment. Accordingly, the Company does not separately identify individual consumer and residential loans for impairment disclosures.

Business Combinations, Accounting for Credit-Deteriorated Purchased Loans and Related Assets

Business combinations are accounted for by applying the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805, “Business Combinations.” Under the acquisition method, identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at the acquisition date are measured at their fair values as of that date and are recognized separately from goodwill. Results of operations of the acquired entities are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from the date of acquisition. Acquisition costs incurred by the Company are expensed as incurred.

Loans purchased in business combinations with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which it is probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected are considered to be credit-impaired. Purchased credit deteriorated loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality” (“ASC 310-30”), and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. Increases in expected cash flows to be collected on these loans are recognized as an adjustment of the loan’s yield over its remaining life, while decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as an impairment.

Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

The Company’s premises, furniture, fixtures and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation computed by straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to forty years. Costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.

Leases

ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842),” became effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. The Company adopted FASB ASC Topic 842 utilizing the modified retrospective transition approach prescribed by ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements”. The Company did not elect to adopt the package of practical expedients, which includes reassessing whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, reassessing the lease classification and reassessing initial direct costs. Also, the Company did not elect to adopt the hindsight practical expedient therefore maintaining the lease terms previously determined under FASB ASC Topic 840, “Leases”. The Company made an accounting policy election to not recognize short-term leases (12 months or less) on the balance sheet. The Company accounts for the lease and nonlease components separately as such amounts are readily determinable.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Continued

Once the Company identifies and determines certain contracts are leases according to FASB ASC Topic 842, the Company classifies it as an operating or a finance lease and recognizes a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the lease commencement date. The lease liability represents the present value of the lease payments that remain unpaid as of the commencement date and the right-of-use asset is the initial lease liability recognized for the lease plus any lease payments made to the lessor at or before the commencement date as well as any initial direct costs less any lease incentives received.

The Company’s operating leases primarily consist of building and land leases. The Company recognizes lease rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease contract and records it as noninterest expense in net occupancy – premises for building and land leases. The Company’s amortization of the right-of-use asset is the difference between the straight-line lease expense and the interest expense recognized on the lease liability during the period. The Company’s lease liabilities are measured as the present value of the remaining lease payments throughout the lease term.

In order to calculate its right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, FASB ASC Topic 842 requires the Company to use the rate of interest implicit in the lease when readily determinable. If the rate implicit in the lease is not readily determinable, the Company is required to use its incremental borrowing rate, which is the rate of interest the Company would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term in a similar economic environment. Since the implicit interest rate for most of its building and land leases were not readily determinable, the Company used its incremental borrowing rate.

The Company’s short-term leases primarily include automated teller machines. For short-term leases, the Company recognizes lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. As previously stated, the Company has elected not to include short-term leases on its balance sheet.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned (“OREO”) consists of properties repossessed by the Company on foreclosed loans. These assets are stated at fair value at the date acquired less estimated costs to sell. Losses arising from the acquisition of such property are charged against the allowance for loan losses. Declines in value resulting from subsequent revaluation of the property or losses resulting from disposition of such property are expensed as incurred. Revenue and expenses from operations of other real estate owned are reflected as other income (expense).

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Continued

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

The Company has purchased life insurance contracts on certain employees and directors. Certain of such policies were acquired to fund deferred compensation arrangements with employees and directors. The cash surrender value of the Company owned policies is carried at the actual cash surrender value of the policy at the balance sheet date. Changes in the value of the policies are classified in non-interest income.

Intangible Assets

Intangible assets include core deposits purchased and goodwill. Core deposit intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives ranging from 5 to 10 years. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but are tested at least annually for impairment. Fair values are determined based on market valuation multiples for the Company and comparable businesses based on the assets and cash flow of the Bank, the Company’s only reportable segment. If impairment has occurred, the goodwill or other intangible asset is reduced to its estimated fair value through a charge to expense.

Income Taxes

Provisions for income taxes are based on taxes payable or refundable for the current year and the changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities, excluding components of other comprehensive income. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are included in the financial statements at currently enacted income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

Comprehensive (Loss) Income

Comprehensive (loss) income includes net earnings reported in the consolidated statements of income, changes in unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale and the amount of unrealized losses recorded upon the transfer of AFS securities to HTM securities, net of amortization, reported as a component of shareholders’ equity. Unrealized gain (loss) on AFS securities, net of related income taxes, and unrealized losses from the transfer of AFS securities to HTM securities are the primary components of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income for the Company.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Continued

Net Income Per Share

Net income per share-basic is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Net income per share-diluted is based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the periods, including the dilutive effect of the Company’s outstanding stock options and restricted stock grants. The effect of the dilutive shares for the years 2022, 2021 and 2020 is illustrated in the following table.

	2022		2021		2020
Basic weighted average shares outstanding		5,592,668		5,584,396		5,577,352
Dilutive effect of stock options		-		87		2,564
Dilutive weighted average shares outstanding		5,592,668		5,584,483		5,579,916
Net income	$	9,620	$	7,494	$	6,931
Net income per share-basic	$	1.72	$	1.34	$	1.24
Net income per share-diluted	$	1.72	$	1.34	$	1.24

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are charged to expense when incurred. Advertising expense was $610, $573 and $642 for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at the amounts at which the securities were sold. Securities, generally United States Government, federal agency and state county municipal securities, pledged as collateral under these financing arrangements cannot be sold or re-pledged by the secured party.

Reclassifications

Certain information for 2021 has been reclassified to conform to the financial presentation for 2022. Such reclassifications had no effect on net income or shareholders’ equity.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Continued

Stock-Based Compensation

At December 31, 2022, the Company had outstanding grants under two stock-based compensation plans, which are the 1999 Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan and the 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan. Compensation expense for option grants and restricted stock awards is determined based on the estimated fair value of the stock options and restricted stock on the applicable grant or award date. The Company has elected to account for forfeitures in compensation cost when they occur as permitted under the guidance in ASC 718, “Compensation - Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). Expense associated with the Company’s stock-based compensation is included under the line item “Salaries and benefits” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments to employees in accordance with ASC 718.

Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated, for consideration of recognition or disclosure, subsequent events that have occurred through the date of issuance of its financial statements, and has determined that no significant events occurred after December 31, 2022 but prior to the issuance of these financial statements that would have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

There were no new accounting standards adopted by the Company during the year ended December 31, 2022.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Continued

Newly Issued Accounting Standards

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 makes significant changes to the accounting for credit losses on financial instruments and disclosures about them. The new current expected credit loss (CECL) impairment model will require an estimate of expected credit losses, measured over the contractual life of an instrument, which considers reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions in addition

to information about past events and current conditions. Additionally, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The amendments in ASU 2016-13 were originally effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2020, and interim periods within those years for public business entities that are SEC filers. However, in October 2020, the FASB approved deferral of the effective date for ASU 2016-13 for certain companies.

The new effective date for the Company is January 1, 2023. ASU 2016-13 permits the use of estimation techniques that are practical and relevant to the Company’s circumstances, as long as they are applied consistently over time and faithfully estimate expected credit losses in accordance with the standard. The ASU lists several common credit loss methods that are acceptable such as a discounted cash flow method, loss-rate method and probability of default/loss given default (PD/LGD) method. Depending on the nature of each identified pool of financial assets with similar risk characteristics, the Company currently plans on implementing a PD/LGD method or a loss-rate method to estimate expected credit losses. The Company expects ASU 2016-13 to have a significant impact on the Company’s accounting policies, internal controls over financial reporting and footnote disclosures. The Company has chosen to utilize the loss-rate method for the majority of the loan portfolio, including commercial loans, residential real estate loans, commercial real estate loans and consumer loans. The Company will utilize the weighted average remaining maturity (“WARM”) method for the credit card and overdraft portfolios due to the nature of the loans being less complex. The Company continues to assess the impact of CECL on the financial statements but the initial impact is estimated to be between $1,000 and $1,500. This will be recorded as an adjustment to retained earnings during 2023 and the Company has elected to phase-in the impact for regulatory capital purposes over the next 3 years.

In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This amendment has two main provisions, (1) eliminates the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors and (2) requires the Company to disclose current-period gross writeoffs by year of origination. The effective date for the Company is January 1, 2023 and the Company does not believe this update will have a material impact on the financial statements.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2. Investment Securities

(in thousands)

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income at December 31, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

	****	****	Gross		Gross		****	****
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		****	****
2022	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale
Mortgage-backed securities	$	107,055	$	-	$	10,083	$	96,972
State, County, Municipals		134,906		-		30,993		103,913
Other securities		500		-		63		437
Total	$	242,461	$	-	$	41,139	$	201,322
	****	****	Gross		Gross		****	****
---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		****	****
2021	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
Securities available-for-sale
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies	$	4,969	$	-	$	269	$	4,700
Mortgage-backed securities		411,729		42		12,180		399,591
State, County, Municipals		230,359		700		4,008		227,051
Other securities		500		-		7		493
Total	$	647,557	$	742	$	16,464	$	631,835

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2. Continued

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities HTM and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses at December 31, 2022 were as follows:

	****	****	Gross		Gross		****	****
	Amortized		Unrealized		Unrealized		****	****
2022	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
Securities held-to-maturity
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies	$	4,002	$	-	$	367	$	3,635
Mortgage-backed securities		309,748		-		24,654		285,094
State, County, Municipals		92,840		-		6,277		86,563
Total	$	406,590	$	-	$	31,298	$	375,292

There were no securities held-to-maturity at December 31, 2021.

The following tables show the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments classified as AFS and HTM investments with unrealized losses that are not deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2022 and 2021.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2. Continued

A summary of unrealized loss information for AFS and HTM securities, categorized by security type follows:

December 31, 2022
Available-for-sale	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
Description of Securities	Fair Value		Unrealized<br><br> <br>Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized<br><br> <br>Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized<br><br> <br>Losses
Mortgage backed securities	$	70,652	$	3,838	$	26,320	$	6,245	$	96,972	$	10,083
State, County, Municipal		45,200		9,027		58,713		21,966		103,913		30,993
Other securities		-		-		437		63		437		63
Total	$	115,852	$	12,865	$	85,470	$	28,274	$	201,322	$	41,139
Held-to-maturity	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
Description of Securities	Fair Value		Unrealized<br><br> <br>Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized<br><br> <br>Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized<br><br> <br>Losses
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies	$	-	$	-	$	3,635	$	367	$	3,635	$	367
Mortgage backed securities		17,882		1,333		267,212		23,321		285,094		24,654
State, County, Municipal		15,059		781		71,504		5,496		86,563		6,277
Total	$	32,941	$	2,114	$	342,351	$	29,184	$	375,292	$	31,298

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2. Continued

December 31, 2021
Available-for-sale	Less than 12 months				12 months or more				Total
Description of Securities	Fair Value		Unrealized<br><br> <br>Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized<br><br> <br>Losses		Fair Value		Unrealized<br><br> <br>Losses
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies	$	4,700	$	269	$	-	$	-	$	4,700	$	269
Mortgage backed securities		376,644		11,535		19,986		645		396,630		12,180
State, County, Municipal		175,520		4,008		119		-		175,639		4,008
Other securities		-		-		493		7		493		7
Total	$	556,864	$	15,812	$	20,598	$	652	$	577,462	$	16,464

The unrealized losses shown above are due to increases in market rates over the yields available at the time of purchase of the underlying securities and not credit quality. The Company does not intend to sell any of the securities in an unrealized loss position, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell any such security prior to the recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. None of the unrealized losses disclosed in the previous tables are related to credit deterioration. As such, the Company did not record any other-than-temporary impairment for the years ended December 31, 2022 or 2021.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities at December 31, 2022, by contractual maturity and investment type, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

	Available-for-sale				Held-to-maturity
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	721	$	657	$	-	$	-
Due after one year through five years		3,152		3,042		-		-
Due after five years through ten years		5,275		4,853		-		-
Due after ten years		126,258		95,798		96,842		90,198
Residential mortgage backed securities		94,226		84,481		250,615		230,771
Commercial mortgage backed securities		12,829		12,491		59,133		54,323
Total	$	242,461	$	201,322	$	406,590	$	375,292

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 2. Continued

	Available-for-sale				Held-to-maturity
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
December 31, 2021
Due in one year or less	$	216	$	217	$	-	$	-
Due after one year through five years		1,895		1,924		-		-
Due after five years through ten years		4,226		4,287		-		-
Due after ten years		229,491		225,816		-		-
Residential mortgage backed securities		332,779		323,736		-		-
Commercial mortgage backed securities		78,950		75,855		-		-
Total	$	647,557	$	631,835	$	-	$	-

Investment securities with carrying amounts of $462,954 and $371,190 at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public deposits and securities sold under agreement to repurchase.

Gross realized gains and losses are included in net gains on sales of securities in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Total gross realized gains and gross realized losses from the sale of investment securities for each of the years ended December 31 were:

	2022		2021		2020
Gross realized gains	$	-	$	4,257	$	1,656
Gross realized losses		-		2,879		827
Net realized gains	$	-	$	1,378	$	829

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 3. Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

(in thousands)

The Company, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (“FHLB”) system, owns stock in the organization. No ready market exists for the stock, and it has no quoted market value. The Company’s investment in the FHLB is carried at cost of $1,786 and $889 at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and is included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. The Company purchased stock in 2022 and 2021 at the par value of $100 per share.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Loans

(In Thousands, Except Number of Loans)

The composition of LHFI, net at December 31, 2022 and 2021 is as follows:

	2022			2021
Real Estate:
Land Development and Construction	$	52,731		$	71,898
Farmland		11,437			13,114
1-4 Family Mortgages		92,148			98,525
Commercial Real Estate		316,541			281,239
Total Real Estate Loans		472,857			464,776
Business Loans:
Commercial and Industrial Loans ^(1)^		96,500			92,501
Farm Production and Other Farm Loans		504			621
Total Business Loans		97,004			93,122
Consumer Loans:
Credit Cards		2,738			1,963
Other Consumer Loans		12,992			11,986
Total Consumer Loans		15,730			13,949
Total Gross Loans		585,591			571,847
Unearned Income		-			-
Allowance for Loan Losses		(5,264	)		(4,513	)
Loans, net	$	580,327		$	567,334
^(1)^	Includes Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans of $80 and $5,789 as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
---	---

footnote

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

The Company has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk. Management reviews these policies and procedures and submits them to the Company’s Board of Directors for its approval when needed, but no less frequently than annually. A reporting system supplements the review process by providing management with frequent reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing and potential problem loans. Diversification in the loan portfolio is a means of managing risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions.

The Company maintains an independent loan review department that reviews and validates the credit risk program on a periodic basis. Results of this review are presented to management with quarterly reports made to the board of directors. The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification and assessment decisions made by the lenders and credit personnel, as well as the Company’s policies and procedures.

Loans are made principally to customers in the Company’s market. The Company’s lending policy provides that loans collateralized by real estate are normally made with loan-to-value (“LTV”) ratios of 80 percent or less. Commercial loans are typically collateralized by property, equipment, inventories or receivables with LTV ratios from 50 percent to 80 percent. Residential real estate mortgage loans are collateralized by personal residences with LTV ratios of 80 percent or less. Consumer loans are typically collateralized by real estate, vehicles and other consumer durable goods. Approximately $104,261 and $105,251 of the loans outstanding at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, were variable rate loans.

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has granted loans to certain directors, significant shareholders and their affiliates (collectively referred to as “related parties”). These loans were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other unaffiliated persons and do not involve more than normal risk of collectability. Activity in related party loans during 2022 is presented in the following table.

Balance outstanding at December 31, 2021	$	3,884
Principal additions		145
Principal reductions		(3,106	)
Balance outstanding at December 31, 2022	$	923

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

In addition to the loans outstanding above, the Company has an outstanding letter of credit with one of the Company’s directors with availability of $2,275 at December 31, 2022 and 2021. The letter of credit was not drawn on during 2022 or 2021. The letter of credit was made on substantially the same terms as comparable transactions with other unaffiliated persons.

Loans are considered to be past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on non-accrual status, when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on non-accrual status regardless of whether such loans are considered past due. When interest accruals are discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Year-end non-accrual loans, segregated by class of loans, were as follows:

	2022		2021
Real Estate:
Land Development and Construction	$	-	$	171
Farmland		117		118
1-4 Family Mortgages		1,720		1,891
Commercial Real Estate		846		1,249
Total Real Estate Loans		2,683		3,429
Business Loans:
Commercial and Industrial Loans		281		386
Farm Production and Other Farm Loans		-		3
Total Business Loans		281		389
Consumer Loans:
Other Consumer Loans		24		8
Total Consumer Loans		24		8
Total Non-accrual Loans	$	2,988	$	3,826

In the event that non-accrual loans had performed in accordance with their original terms, the Company would have recognized additional interest income of approximately $354, $281 and $383 in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

An age analysis of past due loans, segregated by class of loans, as of December 31, 2022 is as follows:

											Accruing
			Loans								Loans
	Loans		90 or more								90 or more
	30-89 Days		Days		Total Past		Current		Total		Days
	Past Due		Past Due		Due Loans		Loans		Loans		Past Due
Real Estate:
Land Development and Construction	$	-	$	4	$	4	$	52,727	$	52,731	$	4
Farmland		38		30		68		11,369		11,437		-
1-4 Family Mortgages		1,799		439		2,238		89,910		92,148		95
Commercial Real Estate		933		486		1,419		315,122		316,541		-
Total Real Estate Loans		2,770		959		3,729		469,128		472,857		99
Business Loans:
Commercial and Industrial Loans		109		277		386		96,114		96,500		-
Farm Production and Other Farm Loans		4		-		4		500		504		-
Total Business Loans		113		277		390		96,614		97,004		-
Consumer Loans:
Credit Cards		56		12		68		2,670		2,738		12
Other Consumer Loans		66		23		89		12,903		12,992		-
Total Consumer Loans		122		35		157		15,573		15,730		12
Total Loans	$	3,005	$	1,271	$	4,276	$	581,315	$	585,591	$	111

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

An age analysis of past due loans, segregated by class of loans, as of December 31, 2021 is as follows:

											Accruing
			Loans								Loans
	Loans		90 or more								90 or more
	30-89 Days		Days		Total Past		Current		Total		Days
	Past Due		Past Due		Due Loans		Loans		Loans		Past Due
Real Estate:
Land Development and Construction	$	6	$	-	$	6	$	71,892	$	71,898	$	-
Farmland		130		33		163		12,951		13,114		-
1-4 Family Mortgages		1,678		292		1,970		96,555		98,525		140
Commercial Real Estate		157		570		727		280,512		281,239		-
Total Real Estate Loans		1,971		895		2,866		461,910		464,776		140
Business Loans:
Commercial and Industrial Loans		205		376		581		91,920		92,501		-
Farm Production and Other Farm Loans		3		-		3		618		621		-
Total Business Loans		208		376		584		92,538		93,122		-
Consumer Loans:
Credit Cards		35		12		47		1,916		1,963		12
Other Consumer Loans		76		2		78		11,908		11,986		2
Total Consumer Loans		111		14		125		13,824		13,949		14
Total Loans	$	2,290	$	1,285	$	3,575	$	568,272	$	571,847	$	154

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all the amounts due in accordance with the original contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled principal and interest payments. In determining which loans to evaluate for impairment, management looks at past due loans, bankruptcy filings and any situation that might lend itself to cause a borrower to be unable to repay the loan according to the original contract terms on those loans in excess of $100. If a loan is determined to be impaired and the collateral is deemed to be insufficient to fully repay the loan, a specific reserve will be established. Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. Impaired loans or portions thereof, are charged-off when deemed uncollectible.

Impaired loans as of December 31, by class of loans, are as follows:

			Recorded		Recorded
	Unpaid		Investment		Investment		Total				Average
	Principal		With No		With		Recorded		Related		Recorded
2022	Balance		Allowance		Allowance		Investment		Allowance		Investment
Real Estate:
Land Development and Construction	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	86
Farmland		30		30		-		30		-		32
1-4 Family Mortgages		190		190		-		190		-		479
Commercial Real Estate		3,023		795		2,066		2,861		116		1,996
Total Real Estate Loans		3,243		1,015		2,066		3,081		116		2,593
Business:
Commercial and Industrial		304		196		-		196		-		214
Total Business Loans		304		196		-		196		-		214
Total Loans	$	3,547	$	1,211	$	2,066	$	3,277	$	116	$	2,807

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

			Recorded		Recorded
	Unpaid		Investment		Investment		Total				Average
	Principal		With No		With		Recorded		Related		Recorded
2021	Balance		Allowance		Allowance		Investment		Allowance		Investment
Real Estate:
Land Development and Construction	$	171	$	171	$	-	$	171	$	-	$	240
Farmland		33		33		-		33		-		72
1-4 Family Mortgages		767		767		-		767		-		892
Commercial Real Estate		1,294		1,019		112		1,131		3		3,479
Total Real Estate Loans		2,265		1,990		112		2,102		3		4,683
Business:
Commercial and Industrial		304		72		160		232		36		323
Total Business Loans		304		72		160		232		36		323
Total Loans	$	2,569	$	2,062	$	272	$	2,334	$	39	$	5,006

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

The Company classified one new commercial real estate loan as a TDR for the year ended December 31, 2022 and no new TDRs were added in 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Changes in the Company’s troubled debt restructurings are set forth in the table below:

	Number		Recorded
	of Loans		Investment
Total at January 1, 2021		3	$	2,495
Reductions due to:
Principal paydowns				(382	)
Total at December 31, 2021		3		2,113
Reductions due to:
Reclassification to OREO		2		(1,788	)
Principal paydowns				(112	)
Total at December 31, 2022		1		213
Additions		1		2,078
Reductions due to:
Principal paydowns				(109	)
Total at December 31, 2023		1	$	2,182

The allocated allowance for loan losses attributable to restructured loans was $116 and -0- at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Company had no commitments to lend additional funds on these TDRs at December 31, 2022.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

The Company utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a risk grade to each of its loans when originated and is updated as factors related to the strength of the loan changes. Loans are graded on a scale of 1 to 9. A description of the general characteristics of the 9 risk grades is as follows.

Grade 1. MINIMAL RISK - These loans are without loss exposure to the Company. This classification is reserved for only the best, well secured loans to borrowers with significant capital strength, low leverage, stable earnings and growth and other readily available financing alternatives. This type of loan would also include loans secured by a program of the government.

Grade 2. MODEST RISK - These loans include borrowers with solid credit quality and moderate risk of loss. These loans may be fully secured by certificates of deposit with another reputable financial institution, or secured by readily marketable securities with acceptable margins.

Grade 3. AVERAGE RISK - This is the rating assigned to most of the loans held by the Company. This includes loans with average loss exposure and average overall quality. These loans should liquidate through possessing adequate collateral and adequate earnings of the borrower. In addition, these loans are properly documented and are in accordance with all aspects of the current loan policy.

Grade 4. ACCEPTABLE RISK - Borrower generates sufficient cash flow to fund debt service but most working asset and capital expansion needs are provided from external sources. Profitability and key balance sheet ratios are usually close to peers but one or more may not align with peers.

Grade 5. MANAGEMENT ATTENTION - Borrower has potential weaknesses resulting from performance trends or management concerns. The financial condition of the borrower has taken a negative turn and may be temporarily strained. Cash flow is weak but cash reserves remain adequate to meet debt service. Management weakness is evident.

Grade 6. OTHER LOANS ESPECIALLY MENTIONED (“OLEM”) - Loans in this category are fundamentally sound but possess some weaknesses. OLEM loans have weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Bank's credit position at some future date. These loans have an identifiable weakness in credit, collateral, or repayment ability but there is no expectation of loss.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

Grade 7. SUBSTANDARD ASSETS - Assets classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets classified as substandard must have a well-defined weakness based upon objective evidence. Assets classified as substandard are characterized by the distinct possibility that the insured institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. The possibility that liquidation would not be timely requires a substandard classification even if there is little likelihood of total loss.

Grade 8. DOUBTFUL - A loan classified as doubtful has all the weaknesses of a substandard classification and the added characteristic that the weakness makes collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable or improbable. The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonable specific pending factors that may work to the advantage and strengthening of the asset, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. A doubtful classification could reflect the fact that the primary source of repayment is gone and serious doubt exists as to the quality of a secondary source of repayment.

Grade 9. LOSS - Loans classified loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless asset even though partial recovery may occur in the future. Also included in this classification is the defined loss portion of loans rated substandard assets and doubtful assets.

These internally assigned grades are updated on a continual basis throughout the course of the year and represent management’s most updated judgment regarding grades at December 31, 2022.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

The following table details the amount of gross loans by loan grade and class for the year ended December 31, 2022:

			Special
	Satisfactory		Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Loss		Total
	1,2,3,4		5,6		7		8		9		Loans
Real Estate:
Land Development and Construction	$	50,015	$	2,427	$	289	$	-	$	-	$	52,731
Farmland		10,832		269		336		-		-		11,437
1-4 Family Mortgages		85,861		1,816		4,471		-		-		92,148
Commercial Real Estate		274,901		7,975		33,665		-		-		316,541
Total Real Estate Loans		421,609		12,487		38,761		-		-		472,857
Business Loans:
Commercial and Industrial Loans		91,016		4,902		577		-		5		96,500
Farm Production and Other Farm Loans		491		-		13		-		-		504
Total Business Loans		91,507		4,902		590		-		5		97,004
Consumer Loans:
Credit Cards		2,670		-		68		-		-		2,738
Other Consumer Loans		12,934		7		51		-		-		12,992
Total Consumer Loans		15,604		7		119		-		-		15,730
Total Loans	$	528,720	$	17,396	$	39,470	$	-	$	5	$	585,591

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Continued

The following table details the amount of gross loans by loan grade and class for the year ended December 31, 2021:

			Special
	Satisfactory		Mention		Substandard		Doubtful		Loss		Total
	1,2,3,4		5,6		7		8		9		Loans
Real Estate:
Land Development and Construction	$	69,758	$	1,547	$	593	$	-	$	-	$	71,898
Farmland		12,365		297		452		-		-		13,114
1-4 Family Mortgages		89,120		3,590		5,815		-		-		98,525
Commercial Real Estate		238,561		8,055		34,623		-		-		281,239
Total Real Estate Loans		409,804		13,489		41,483		-		-		464,776
Business Loans:
Commercial and Industrial Loans		85,138		1,483		5,877		-		3		92,501
Farm Production and Other Farm Loans		606		-		12		-		3		621
Total Business Loans		85,744		1,483		5,889		-		6		93,122
Consumer Loans:
Credit Cards		1,916		-		47		-		-		1,963
Other Consumer Loans		11,903		20		58		3		2		11,986
Total Consumer Loans		13,819		20		105		3		2		13,949
Total Loans	$	509,367	$	14,992	$	47,477	$	3	$	8	$	571,847

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5. Allowance for Loan Losses

(in thousands)

The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for possible loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that will occur within the existing portfolio of loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio.

The allowance on the majority of the loan portfolio is calculated using a historical chargeoff percentage applied to the current loan balances by loan segment. This historical period is the average of the previous 20 quarters with the most current quarters weighted to show the effect of the most recent chargeoff activity. This percentage is also adjusted for economic factors such as unemployment and general business conditions, both local and nationwide.

The group of loans that are considered to be impaired are individually evaluated for possible loss and a specific reserve is established to cover any loss contingency. Loans that are determined to be a loss with no benefit of remaining in the portfolio are charged off to the allowance. These specific reserves are reviewed periodically for continued impairment and adequacy of the specific reserve and adjusted when necessary.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5. Continued

The following table details activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31:

	Real			Business
2022	Estate			Loans		Consumer			Total
Beginning Balance	$	3,622		$	645	$	246		$	4,513
Provision for loan losses		279			96		(251	)		124
Chargeoffs		8			61		110			179
Recoveries		261			33		512			806
Net chargeoffs		(253	)		28		(402	)		(627	)
Ending Balance	$	4,154		$	713	$	397		$	5,264
Period end allowance allocated to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	116		$	-	$	-		$	116
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		4,038			713		397			5,148
Ending Balance	$	4,154		$	713	$	397		$	5,264
	Real		Business
---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
2021	Estate		Loans		Consumer		Total
Beginning Balance	$	3,885	$	611	$	239	$	4,735
Provision for loan losses		231		199		979		1,409
Chargeoffs		628		183		1,327		2,138
Recoveries		134		18		355		507
Net chargeoffs		494		165		972		1,631
Ending Balance	$	3,622	$	645	$	246	$	4,513
Period end allowance allocated to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	3	$	36	$	-	$	39
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		3,619		609		246		4,474
Ending Balance	$	3,622	$	645	$	246	$	4,513

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5. Continued

	Real		Business
2020	Estate		Loans		Consumer			Total
Beginning Balance	$	3,075	$	371	$	309		$	2,334
Provision for loan losses		1,072		422		(9	)		1,485
Chargeoffs		384		229		104			717
Recoveries		122		47		43			212
Net chargeoffs		262		182		61			505
Ending Balance	$	3,885	$	611	$	239		$	4,735
Period end allowance allocated to:
Loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	782	$	125	$	-		$	907
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		3,103		486		239			3,828
Ending Balance	$	3,885	$	611	$	239		$	4,735

The Company’s recorded investment in loans as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 related to each balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and disaggregated on the basis of the Company’s impairment methodology was as follows:

	Real		Business
2022	Estate		Loans		Consumer		Total
Loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	3,081	$	196	$	-	$	3,277
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		469,776		96,808		15,730		582,314
	$	472,857	$	97,004	$	15,730	$	585,591
	Real		Business
---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
2021	Estate		Loans		Consumer		Total
Loans individually evaluated for impairment	$	2,102	$	232	$	-	$	2,334
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment		462,674		92,890		13,949		569,513
	$	464,776	$	93,122	$	13,949	$	571,847

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 5. Continued

Net chargeoffs (recoveries), segregated by class of loans, were as follows:

	2022			2021			2020
Real Estate:
Land Development and Construction	$	(14	)	$	27		$	(6	)
Farmland		(1	)		(1	)		-
1-4 Family Mortgages		(71	)		(76	)		243
Commercial Real Estate		(167	)		544			25
Total Real Estate Loans		(253	)		494			262
Business Loans:
Commercial and Industrial Loans		31			165			182
Farm Production and Other Farm Loans		(3	)		-			-
Total Business Loans		28			165			182
Consumer Loans:
Credit Cards		46			19			39
Other Consumer Loans		(448	)		953			22
Total Consumer Loans		(402	)		972			61
Total net (recoveries) chargeoffs	$	(627	)	$	1,631		$	505

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 6. Bank Premises, Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment

(in thousands)

Bank premises, furniture, fixtures and equipment consist of the following at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

	2022		2021
Land and buildings	$	35,120	$	35,108
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		8,522		6,911
		43,642		42,019
Less accumulated depreciation		15,937		15,358
Total	$	27,705	$	26,661

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, was $1,166, $1,064, and $1,012.

The Company leases certain premises and equipment under operating leases. At December 31, 2022, the Company had lease liabilities and right-of-use (“ROU”) assets totaling $316 related to these leases. Lease liabilities and ROU assets are reflected in other liabilities and other assets, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 2.5 years and the weighted average discount rate used in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was 1.86%.

Lease costs were as follows:

	December 31, 2022		December 31, 2021
(in thousands)
Operating lease cost	$	144	$	364
Short-term lease cost		-		23
Variable lease cost		-		-
	$	144	$	387

There were no sale and leaseback transactions, leverage leases or lease transactions with related parties during the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 6. Continued

A maturity analysis of operating lease liabilities and reconciliation of the undiscounted cash flows to the total operating lease liability is as follows:

	December 31, 2022
Lease payments due:
Within one year	$	62
After one year but within two years		64
After two years but within three years		65
After three year but within four years		66
After four years but within five years		67
After five years		6
Total undiscounted cash flows		330
Discount on cash flows		(14	)
Total lease liability	$	316

Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

(in thousands)

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the years ended December 31, 2022 were as follows:

	Total
Balance at December 31, 2020	$	13,030
Addition to goodwill from acquisition		-
Balance at December 31, 2021		13,030
Addition to goodwill from acquisition		-
Balance at December 31, 2022	$	13,030

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 7. Continued

There were no changes to goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company performed a goodwill impairment test for 2022 and concluded that no impairment charge was required.

The following table provides a summary of finite-lived intangible assets as of the dates presented:

	2022			2021
Core deposit intangible	$	521		$	630
Accumulated amortization		(109	)		(109	)
Total finite-lived intangible assets	$	412		$	521

Core deposit intangible amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 was $109, $109 and $27, respectively. The estimated amortization expense of finite-lived intangible assets for the five succeeding fiscal years is summarized as follows:

Year Ending	****	****
December 31,	Amount
2023		109
2024		109
2025		109
2026		85
	$	412

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 8. Deposits

(in thousands)

The composition of deposits as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 is as follows:

		2021
Non-interest bearing	299,112	$	302,707
NOW and money market accounts	515,337		451,809
Savings deposits	133,030		127,217
Time deposits, 250,000 or more	44,370		68,270
Other time deposits	134,553		161,889
Total	1,126,402	$	1,111,892

All values are in US Dollars.

The scheduled maturities of time deposits at December 31, 2022 are as follows:

Year Ending	****	****
December 31,	Amount
2023	$	108,238
2024		52,258
2025		12,101
2026		3,340
2027		2,986
	$	178,923

Note 9. Short-Term Borrowings

(in thousands)

Short-term borrowings as of December 31 are summarized as follows:

	2022		2021
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$	127,574	$	112,760
Federal funds purchased		-		-
Federal Home Loan Bank short-term advances		-		-
Total short-term borrowings	$	127,574	$	112,760

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase (“repurchase agreements”) represent funds received from customers, generally on an overnight or continuous basis, which are collateralized by investment securities owned or, at times, borrowed and re-hypothecated by the Company. The securities used as collateral consist primarily of U.S. Government agency mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Government agency collateralized mortgage obligations, obligations of U.S. Government agencies, and obligations of states and political subdivisions. All securities are maintained by the Company’s safekeeping agents. These securities are reviewed by the Company on a daily basis, and the Company may be required to provide additional collateral due to changes in the fair market value of these securities. The terms of the Company’s repurchase agreements are continuous but may be canceled at any time by the Company or the customer.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 9. Continued

Federal funds purchased are short term borrowings, generally overnight borrowings, between financial institutions that are generally used to maintain reserve requirements at the Federal Reserve Bank or elsewhere.

FHLB short-term advances are borrowings with original maturities of less than one year. Interest is payable monthly. Pursuant to collateral agreements with the FHLB, advances are collateralized by all of the Bank’s FHLB stock and qualifying first mortgages and other loans. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the balance in qualifying first mortgages and other loans was $160,488 and $221,088 respectively.

The average balances and cost of funds of short-term borrowings for the years ending December 31 are summarized as follows:

	Average Balances				Cost of Funds
	2022		2021		2022			2021
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase	$	113,893	$	129,207		1.06	%		0.30	%
Federal funds purchased		779		19		2.70	%		0.72	%
Federal Home Loan Bank short-term advances		7,111		6,056		1.50	%		0.14	%
Total short-term borrowings	$	121,783	$	135,282		1.10	%		0.30	%

Note 10. Long-Term Debt

(in thousands)

Long-term debt as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 is summarized as follows:

	2022		2021
Secured line of credit	$	18,000	$	18,000
Total long-term debt	$	18,000	$	18,000

Secured line of credit

On June 9, 2021, the Company obtained a secured revolving line of credit (“Line”) in the amount of $20,000 with First Horizon Bank. The proceeds of the Line were used to enhance the Bank’s capital structure. The Line bears interest at a floating interest rate linked to WSJ Prime Rate with an initial interest rate of 3.25%, which is payable quarterly on the first day of each calendar quarter, commencing on July 1, 2022, with the final installment of interest being due and payable concurrently on the same date that the principal balance is due. The Line also bears an unused line fee at a rate equal to 0.25%, applied to the unused balance of the Line. The Line is fully secured by the common stock of the Bank. The Line matures on June 9, 2023, at which time all unpaid interest and principal is due and payable. The Company had availability of $2,000 of unused funds of the secured line of credit at December 31, 2022.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 10. Continued

The aggregate stated maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2022, are summarized as follows:

Year Ending	****	****
December 31,	Amount
2023	$	18,000
Thereafter		-
	$	18,000

Note 11. Other Income and Other Expense

(in thousands)

The following is a detail of the major income classifications that are included in other income under non-interest income on the income statement for the year ended December 31:

Other Income	2022		2021		2020
BOLI Insurance	$	444	$	517	$	506
Mortgage Loan Origination Income		652		1,305		1,310
Other Income		1,625		1,208		857
Total Other Income	$	2,721	$	3,030	$	2,673

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 11. Continued

The following is a detail of the major expense classifications that comprise the other expense line item in the income statement for the years ended December 31:

Other Expense	2022		2021		2020
Advertising	$	610	$	573	$	642
Office supplies		1,016		1,007		1,171
Professional fees		1,144		1,039		1,027
FDIC and state assessment		830		879		669
Technology expense		441		520		578
Postage and freight		588		618		548
Loan collection expense		28		89		236
Other losses		442		295		291
Debit card/ATM expense		799		733		612
Other expenses		3,169		3,086		2,586
Total Other Expense	$	9,067	$	8,839	$	8,360

Note 12. Income Taxes

(in thousands)

Income tax expense consists of the following:

	2022		2021		2020
Current payable
Federal	$	993	$	525	$	872
State		487		340		382
		1,480		865		1,254
Deferred tax expense		401		566		498
Income tax expense	$	1,881	$	1,431	$	1,752

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 12. Continued

The differences between income taxes calculated at the federal statutory rate and income tax expense were as follows:

	2022			2021			2020
Federal taxes based on statutory rate	$	2,415		$	1,874		$	1,823
State income taxes, net of federal benefit		384			336			326
Tax-exempt investment interest		(836	)		(593	)		(280	)
Income related to bank-owned life insurance		(159	)		(218	)		(126	)
Other, net		77			32			9
Income tax expense	$	1,881		$	1,431		$	1,752

At December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, net deferred tax assets consist of the following:

	2022		2021
Deferred tax assets
Allowance for loan losses	$	1,313	$	1,293
Deferred compensation liability		2,491		2,429
Net operating loss carryforward		-		94
Other real estate owned		261		469
Acquisition fair value adjustments		-		23
Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale		27,617		3,921
Other		51		-
Total		31,733		8,229
Deferred tax liabilities
Premises and equipment		1,908		1,686
Core deposit intangible		102		130
Other		147		134
Total		2,159		1,950
Net deferred tax asset	$	29,574	$	6,279

The Company has evaluated the need for a valuation allowance related to the above deferred tax assets and, based on the weight of the available evidence, has determined that it is more likely than not that all deferred tax assets will be realized.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 12. Continued

As of December 31, 2022, the Company has no unrecognized tax benefits related to federal and state income tax matters. As of December 31, 2022, the Company has not accrued for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.

The Company and the Bank file a consolidated United States federal income tax return. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service for the years ended December 31, 2019 through 2021. The Company and Bank’s state income tax returns are open to audit under the statute of limitations for the years ended December 31, 2019 through 2021.

The Company acquired federal net operating losses as part of its Charter acquisition, with varying expiration periods. The federal net operating losses (“NOLs”) acquired were $2,302. The Company used $447 and $671 of the NOL during 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Note 13. Summarized Financial Information of Citizens Holding Company

Summarized financial information of Citizens Holding Company, excluding the Bank, at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, and for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, is as follows:

Balance Sheets

December 31, 2022 and 2021

	2022		2021
Assets
Cash ^(1)^	$	526	$	427
Investment in bank subsidiary ^(1)^		56,373		123,140
Other assets ^(1)^		444		333
Total assets	$	57,343	$	123,900
Liabilities
Secured line of credit	$	18,000	$	18,000
Accrued interest payable		318		-
Total liabilities	$	18,318	$	18,000
Shareholders’ equity		39,025		105,900
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	57,343	$	123,900
^(1)^	Fully or partially eliminates in consolidation.
---	---

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 13. Continued

Income Statements

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

	2022			2021			2020
Interest income^(1)^	$	-		$	1		$	2
Other income
Dividends from bank subsidiary^(1)^		6,128			4,104			6,099
Equity in undistributed earnings of bank subsidiary^(1)^		4,546			3,995			1,260
Other income		21			-			-
Total other income		10,695			8,099			7,359
Other expense		1,417			820			526
Income before income taxes		9,278			7,280			6,835
Income tax benefit		(342	)		(214	)		(96	)
Net income	$	9,620		$	7,494		$	6,931
^(1)^	Eliminates in consolidation.
---	---

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 13. Continued

Statements of Cash Flows

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

	2022			2021			2020
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	9,620		$	7,494		$	6,931
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Equity in undistributed earnings of the Bank		(4,546	)		(3,995	)		(1,260	)
Stock compensation expense		157			161			167
Increase in other assets		(94	)		(60	)		(100	)
Increase in other liabilities		318			-			-
Net cash provided by operating activities		5,455			3,600			5,738
Cash flows from investing activities
Decrease (increase) in ownership in subsidiary	$	38		$	(18,000	)	$	-
Increase in other real estate owned		(38	)		-			-
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned		21			-			-
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		21			(18,000	)		-
Cash flows from financing activities
Dividends paid to shareholders	$	(5,377	)	$	(5,370	)	$	(5,363	)
Proceeds from borrowings on secured line of credit		-			18,000			-
Proceeds from stock options		-			-			86
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities		(5,377	)		12,630			(5,277	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash		99			(1,770	)		461
Cash, beginning of year		427			2,197			1,736
Cash, end of year	$	526		$	427		$	2,197

The Bank is required to obtain approval from state regulators before paying dividends.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 14. Related Party Transactions

(in thousands)

The Company had, and may have in the future, banking transactions in the ordinary course of business with directors, significant shareholders, principal officers, their immediate families, and affiliated companies in which they are principal shareholders (commonly referred to as related parties). In management’s opinion, such loans are made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with unrelated parties, and do not involve more than the normal risk of collectability at the time of the transaction.

Activity in related party loans is detailed in tabular form in Note 4 of the notes to the Financial Statements.

Deposits from related parties at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 approximated $157,642 and $133,441, respectively.

The Company and its subsidiary have business dealings with companies owned by directors and beneficial shareholders of the Company. One director is a partner of the law firm that provides general counsel to the Company. Legal and other fees paid to this law firm for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 were $49, $128, and $79, respectively. Additionally, one director is associated with a business which provides insurance to the Company in which the amounts paid for this service in 2022, 2021, and 2020 were $273, $280, and $229, respectively.

Note 15. Off-Balance Sheet Financial Instruments, Commitments and Contingencies and Concentrations of Risks

(in thousands)

Commitments to Extend Credit

In the ordinary course of business, the Company makes various commitments and incurs certain contingent liabilities to fulfill the financing needs of its customers. These commitments and contingent liabilities include commitments to extend credit and issue standby letters of credit. They involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. At December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, commitments related to unused lines of credit were $75,602 and $112,292, respectively, and standby letters of credit were $5,438 and $4,432, respectively. The fair value of such commitments is not materially different than stated values.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 15. Continued

As some of these commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company applies the same credit policies and standards as it does in the lending process when making these commitments. The collateral obtained is based upon the assessed credit worthiness of the borrower. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, crops, livestock, inventory, property and equipment, residential real estate and income-producing commercial properties.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is principally engaged in providing short-term and medium-term installment, commercial and agricultural loans with interest rates that are fixed or fluctuate with the prime lending rate. These assets are primarily funded through short-term demand deposits and long-term certificates of deposit with variable and fixed rates. Accordingly, the Company is exposed to interest rate risk because in changing interest rate environments interest rate adjustments on assets and liabilities may not occur at the same time or in the same amount. The Company manages the overall rate sensitivity and mix of its asset and liability portfolio and attempts to minimize the effects that interest rate fluctuations will have on its net interest margin.

Legal Proceedings

We are a party to various legal proceedings such as claims and lawsuits arising in the course of our normal business activities. Although the ultimate outcome of all claims and lawsuits outstanding as of December 31, 2022 cannot be ascertained at this time, it is the opinion of management that these matters, when resolved, will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Concentration of Risk

The Company makes commercial, residential and consumer loans throughout the state of Mississippi. A substantial portion of the customers’ abilities to honor their contracts is dependent on their business and the agricultural economy in the state.

Although the Company’s loan portfolio is diversified, there is a relationship in this state and our operating regions between the agricultural economy and the economic performance of loans made to nonagricultural customers. The Company’s lending policies for agricultural and nonagricultural customers require loans to be well-collateralized and supported by cash flows. Credit losses from loans related to the agricultural economy are consistent with credit losses experienced in the portfolio as a whole. The concentration of credit in the regional agricultural economy is taken into consideration by management in determining the allowance for loan losses. See Note 4 for a summary of loans by type.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 16. Benefit Plans

(in thousands)

The Company provides its employees with a profit sharing and savings plan, which allows employees to direct a percentage of their compensation into a tax deferred retirement account, subject to statutory limitations. To encourage participation, the Company provides a 50 percent matching contribution for up to a maximum of 3 percent of each participant’s compensation, plus discretionary non-matching contributions. Employees are eligible after one year of service. For 2022, 2021 and 2020, the Company’s contributions were $696, $720 and $712, respectively.

Deferred Compensation Plans

The Company provides a deferred compensation plan covering its directors. Participants in the deferred compensation plan can defer a portion of their compensation for payment after attaining age 70. Life insurance contracts have been purchased which may be used to fund payments under the plan. Expenses related to this plan were $162, $146 and $142 for the plan years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The Company has also entered into deferred compensation arrangements with certain officers that provide for payments to such officers or their survivors after retirement. Life insurance policies have been purchased that may be used to fund all or a portion of the payments under these arrangements. The obligations of the Company under both the directors and officers deferred compensation arrangements are expensed on a systematic basis over the remaining expected service period of the individual directors and officers. Expenses related to this plan were $725, $788 and $607 for the plan years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17. Regulatory Matters

(in thousands)

The Company (on a consolidated basis) and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet the minimum regulatory capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material adverse effect on the Company.

Under the regulatory capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines involving quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s capital amounts and classification under the prompt corrective action guidelines are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total capital and Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets (as defined in the regulations) and Tier I capital to average assets (as defined in the regulations). Management believes, as of December 31, 2022, that the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

The Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”), Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and other federal banking agencies have established risk-based capital adequacy guidelines. These guidelines are intended to provide a measure of a bank’s capital adequacy that reflects the degree of risk associated with a bank’s operations.

A banking organization’s risk-based capital ratios are obtained by dividing its qualifying capital by its total risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items. Since December 31, 1992, the federal banking agencies have required a minimum ratio of qualifying total capital to risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items of 8%, and a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-adjusted assets and off-balance sheet items of 4%.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the FRB, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and the FDIC to adopt regulations imposing a continuing “floor” on the risk based capital requirements. In December 2010, the Basel Committee released a final framework for a strengthened set of capital requirements, known as "Basel III". In July 2013, each of the U.S. federal banking agencies adopted final rules relevant to us: (1) the Basel III regulatory capital reforms; and (2) the "standardized approach of Basel II for non-core banks and bank holding companies, such as the Bank and the Company. The capital framework under Basel III will replace the existing regulatory capital rules for all banks, savings associations and U.S. bank holding companies with greater than $500 million in total assets, and all savings and loan holding companies.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17. Continued

Beginning January 1, 2015, the Bank began to comply with the Basel III rules, which became effective on January 1, 2020. Among other things, the Basel III rules impact regulatory capital ratios of banking organizations in the following manner:

●	Create a new requirement to maintain a ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets of not less than 4.5%;
●	Increase the minimum leverage ratio to 4% for all banking organizations (currently 3% for certain banking organizations);
---	---
●	Increase the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio from 4% to 6%; and
---	---
●	Maintain the minimum total risk-based capital ratio at 8%.
---	---

In addition, the Basel III rules will subject a banking organization to certain limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if the organization did not maintain a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in an amount greater than 2.5% of its total risk-weighted assets. The capital conservation buffer increases the minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio to 7%, the minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio to 8.5% and the minimum total risk-based capital ratio to 10.5% for banking organizations seeking to avoid the limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.

The Basel III rules also changed the capital categories for insured depository institutions for purposes of prompt corrective action. Under the rules, to be well capitalized, an insured depository institution must maintain a minimum common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.0%, and a leverage capital ratio of at least 5%. In addition, the Basel III rules established more conservative standards for including an instrument in regulatory capital and imposed certain deductions from and adjustments to the measure of common equity Tier 1 capital.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 17. Continued

As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the most recent regulatory notification categorized the Bank as well capitalized. There have been no conditions or events that would cause changes to the capital structure of the Company since this notification. To continue to be categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company would have to maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, and Tier I leverage ratios as disclosed below, in comparison with actual capital amounts and ratios:

											Minimum Capital
						Minimum Capital					Requirement to be
						Requirement to be					Adequately
	Actual					Well Capitalized					Capitalized
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
December 31, 2022	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****
Citizens Holding Company
Tier 1 leverage ratio	$	108,756		7.96	%	$	68,352		5.00	%	$	54,682		4.00	%
Common Equity tier 1 capital ratio		108,756		13.19	%		88,858		6.50	%		61,517		4.50	%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio		108,756		13.19	%		65,951		8.00	%		49,463		6.00	%
Total risk-based capital ratio		114,020		13.83	%		82,438		10.00	%		65,951		8.00	%
The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia
Tier 1 leverage ratio	$	126,105		9.23	%	$	68,333		5.00	%	$	54,667		4.00	%
Common Equity tier 1 capital ratio		126,105		15.34	%		88,833		6.50	%		61,500		4.50	%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio		126,105		15.34	%		65,759		8.00	%		49,320		6.00	%
Total risk-based capital ratio		131,370		15.98	%		82,199		10.00	%		65,759		8.00	%
December 31, 2021	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****
Citizens Holding Company
Tier 1 leverage ratio	$	104,181		7.80	%	$	66,789		5.00	%	$	53,431		4.00	%
Common Equity tier 1 capital ratio		104,181		13.16	%		86,826		6.50	%		60,110		4.50	%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio		104,181		13.16	%		63,322		8.00	%		47,492		6.00	%
Total risk-based capital ratio		108,694		13.73	%		79,153		10.00	%		63,322		8.00	%
The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia
Tier 1 leverage ratio	$	121,421		9.09	%	$	66,776		5.00	%	$	53,421		4.00	%
Common Equity tier 1 capital ratio		121,421		15.34	%		86,808		6.50	%		60,098		4.50	%
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio		121,421		15.34	%		63,314		8.00	%		47,486		6.00	%
Total risk-based capital ratio		125,934		15.91	%		79,143		10.00	%		63,314		8.00	%

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 18. Fair Values of Financial Instruments

(in thousands)

Under the authoritative guidance on fair value measurements, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods including market, income and cost approaches. Based on these approaches, the Company often utilizes certain assumptions about risk and or the risks inherent in the inputs to the valuation technique. These inputs can be readily observable, market corroborated, or generally unobservable inputs. The Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. Based on the observability of the inputs used in the valuation techniques, the Company is required to provide the following information according to the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy ranks the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. Financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value will be classified and disclosed in one of the three following categories:

Level 1	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;
Level 2	Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets and liabilities and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability; or
---	---
Level 3	Unobservable inputs, such as discounted cash flow models or valuations.
---	---

The determination of where assets and liabilities fall within this hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company used the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

Investment Securities

The fair values of debt securities available for sale are determined by third party matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs).

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 18. Continued

The following table presents investment securities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022:

	Quoted Prices
	in Active		Significant
	Markets for		Other		Significant
	Identical		Observable		Unobservable
	Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Totals
Securities available for sale
Mortgage-backed securities	$	-	$	96,972	$	-	$	96,972
State, County, Municipals		-		103,913		-		103,913
Other securities		-		437		-		437
	$	-	$	201,322	$	-	$	201,322

The following table presents investment securities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021:

	Quoted Prices
	in Active		Significant
	Markets for		Other		Significant
	Identical		Observable		Unobservable
	Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Totals
Securities available for sale
Obligations of U.S. Government agencies	$	-	$	4,700	$	-	$	4,700
Mortgage-backed securities		-		399,591		-		399,591
State, County, Municipals		-		227,051		-		227,051
Other securities		-		493		-		493
	$	-	$	631,835	$	-	$	631,835

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 18. Continued

Impaired Loans

Loans considered impaired are reserved for at the time the loan is identified as impaired taking into account the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs. Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets including but not limited to, equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. The fair value of real estate is determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. The fair value of the business assets is generally based on amounts reported on the business’s financial statements. Appraised and reported values may be adjusted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation and management knowledge of the client and the client’s business. Since not all valuation inputs are observable, these nonrecurring fair value determinations are classified Level 3. The unobservable inputs may vary depending on the individual assets with the fair value of real estate based on appraised value being the predominant approach. The Company reviews the certified appraisals for appropriateness and adjusts the value downward to consider selling, closing and liquidation costs, which typically approximates 25% of the appraised value. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors previously identified.

Other real estate owned

OREO is primarily comprised of real estate acquired in partial or full satisfaction of loans. OREO is recorded at its estimated fair value less estimated selling and closing costs at the date of transfer, with any excess of the related loan balance over the fair value less expected selling costs charged to the ALLL. Subsequent changes in fair value are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount and are recorded against earnings. The Company outsources the valuation of OREO with material balances to third party appraisers. The Company reviews the third-party appraisal for appropriateness and adjusts the value downward to consider selling and closing costs, which typically approximate 25% of the appraised value.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 18. Continued

The following table presents assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during December 31, 2022 and 2021 and were still held at those respective dates:

	Quoted Prices
	in Active		Significant
	Markets for		Other		Significant
	Identical		Observable		Unobservable
	Assets		Inputs		Inputs
	(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		Totals
December 31, 2022
Impaired loans	$	-	$	-	$	2,074	$	2,074
	$	-	$	-	$	2,074	$	2,074
December 31, 2021
Impaired loans	$	-	$	-	$	109	$	109
Other real estate owned		-		-		1,121		1,121
	$	-	$	-	$	1,230	$	1,230

Impaired loans with a carrying value of $2,190 and $112 had an allocated allowance for loan losses of $116 and $3 at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The allocated allowance is based on the carrying value of the impaired loan and the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell.

After monitoring the carrying amounts for subsequent declines or impairment after foreclosure, management determined that a fair value adjustments to OREO in the amount of $-0- and $836 was necessary and recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 18. Continued

The following represents the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021:

			Quoted Prices
			in Active		Significant
			Markets for		Other		Significant		Total
	Carrying		Identical		Observable		Unobservable		Fair
	Value		Assets		Inputs		Inputs		Value
2022			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial assets
Cash and due from banks	$	26,948	$	26,948	$	-	$	-	$	26,948
Interest bearing deposits with banks		1,646		1,646		-		-		1,646
Securities held-to-maturity		406,590		-		375,292		-		375,292
Securities available-for-sale		201,322		-		201,322		-		201,322
Net loans		580,327		-		-		541,173		541,173
Financial liabilities
Deposits		1,126,402		947,479		178,902		-		1,126,381
Securities Sold under Agreement to Repurchase		127,574		127,574		-		-		127,574
Borrowings on secured line of credit		18,000		18,000		-		-		18,000
			Quoted Prices
---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---	---
			in Active		Significant
			Markets for		Other		Significant		Total
	Carrying		Identical		Observable		Unobservable		Fair
	Value		Assets		Inputs		Inputs		Value
2021			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial assets
Cash and due from banks	$	10,673	$	10,673	$	-	$	-	$	10,673
Interest bearing deposits with banks		68,563		68,563		-		-		68,563
Securities held-to-maturity		-		-		-		-		-
Securities available-for-sale		631,835		-		631,835		-		631,835
Net loans		567,334		-		-		554,351		554,351
Financial liabilities
Deposits		1,111,892		881,733		230,590		-		1,112,323
Securities Sold under Agreement to Repurchase		112,760		112,760		-		-		112,760
Borrowings on secured line of credit		18,000		18,000		-		-		18,000

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 19. Stock Based Compensation

(in thousands, except share data)

The Company has a directors’ stock compensation plan and had an employees’ long-term incentive plan. Under the directors’ plan, the Company may grant options for up to 210,000 shares of common stock. The price of each option is equal to the market price determined as of the option grant date. Options granted are exercisable after six months and expire after 10 years. The employee plan expired on April 13, 2009, no options have been granted since this date and all previously granted options either expired or were exercised as of December 31, 2022. The options previously granted under the employee plan expire 10 years from the grant date. The exercise price is equal to the market price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant.

The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Sholes option-pricing model. No options were granted in 2022 or 2021, therefore no calculations were required in 2022 or 2021 to determine fair values.

The Company has adopted the 2013 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “2013 Plan”), which the Company has used for all equity grants after the adoption and approval of the 2013 Plan.

During 2022, the Company’s directors received restricted stock grants totaling 8,250 shares of common stock at a then market value of $19.05 per share and in 2021 received 8,250 shares of common stock at a then market value of $18.96 per share. These grants vest over a one-year period during which time the recipients have rights to vote the shares and to receive dividends. The grant date fair value of these shares granted in 2022 was $157 and will be recognized ratably over the one-year vesting period. The grant date fair value of the shares granted in 2021 was $156 and was recognized ratably over the one-year vesting period.

During 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded expense of $157 and $161 related to all of the restricted shares.

At December 31, 2022, there were 8,250 shares non-vested with $52 in unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the 2013 Plan.

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 19. Continued

Following is a summary of the status of the stock options remaining under the plans for the years ending December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020:

	Directors’ Plan
	****	****	****	Weighted
	Number			Average
	of			Exercise
	Shares			Price
Outstanding at January 1, 2020		40,500		$	21.49
Granted		-			-
Exercised		(7,500	)		19.26
Expired		(13,500	)		25.72
Outstanding at December 31, 2020		19,500		$	19.42
Granted		-			-
Exercised		-			-
Expired		(10,500	)		20.02
Outstanding at December 31, 2021		9,000		$	18.76
Granted		-			-
Exercised		-			-
Expired		(9,000	)		18.76
Outstanding at December 31, 2022		-		$	-
Options exercisable at:
December 31, 2022		-		$	-

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY

Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 19. Continued

The intrinsic value of options outstanding under the Directors’ Plan at December 31, 2022 was $-0-. Additionally, the total intrinsic value of options exercised during 2022 and 2021 was $-0- and $-0-, respectively.

There were no options granted during 2022 or 2021 under the 2013 Plan.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

(in thousands)

OVERVIEW

The following information discusses the financial condition and results of operations of Citizens Holding Company (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020. In this discussion, all references to the activities, operations or financial performance of the Company reflect the Company’s activities, operations and financial performance through its wholly-owned subsidiary, The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia, Mississippi (the “Bank”), unless otherwise specifically noted. The Company’s financial statements and accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with this Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $9,620, an increase of $2,126, or 28.37% compared to $7,494 at December 31, 2021. Net income increased year-over-year primarily due to the aggressive interest rate increases by the Federal Reserve Bank during 2022. Management was able to increase net interest margin (“NIM”) by 20 bps year-over-year.

The Company continued to maintain and expand customer relationships as reflected by the deposit growth of $14,510 or 1.30% to $1,126,402 at December 31, 2022 compared to $1,111,892 at December 31, 2021. The deposit increase was primarily driven by Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (“NOW”) accounts which grew $72,278, or 18.20%, when compared to December 31, 2021. Along with increasing deposits for the year, management was able to maintain a low cost of funds even as rates rose significantly, with 50 bps at December 31, 2021 compared to 49 bps at December 31, 2022. Year-over-year interest expense decreased by $224, or (4.50%) as a result of management’s repricing and reduction of higher cost interest-bearing deposits.

The actions taken to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and 2021, including but not limited to the Paycheck Protection Program, the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) slashing rates to 0 bps immediately, multiple rounds of economic stimulus in the trillions of dollars all while limiting the amount of economic output that could occur caught up with the economy in 2022 causing record levels of inflation across the globe. This created a situation in which both the FRB and the legislature had to act quickly to reverse course by cutting off the stimulus and hiking interest rates at historic levels. Throughout 2022, the FRB hiked the federal funds rate by 425 bps in addition to methodically shrinking its balance sheet in an effort to slow the economy and ultimately inflation. While the Company’s balance sheet was well positioned for rising rates and did ultimately benefit, the amount of uncertainty that was created throughout the year has and will continue to slow economic activity in the markets we serve. The housing market came to a halt in the fourth quarter of 2022 and there was minimal commercial activity as well. While we were ultimately able to grow loans year over year, this was primarily from construction projects that were started in 2020 and 2021. As the Company heads into 2023, there is still uncertainty around the economic outlook and the activity may be somewhat sparse in the Company’s operating markets due to the current interest rates.

Additionally, at the end of 2022 and heading into 2023, deposit competition has increased dramatically, driving up the cost of funding. The Company could see decreased margins in 2023 as a result of these increased costs coupled with lower loan demand and lower bond yields. 2023 could be a challenging year but the Company is well positioned should economic activity pick back up.

The Company and Bank remain well capitalized with all capital ratios above the regulatory requirements. The Bank’s leverage capital ratio increased from 9.09% at December 31, 2021 to 9.23% at December 31, 2022. The Tier 1 capital ratio for the Company and Bank was 13.34% and 15.34%, respectively, at December 31, 2022. The Company’s capital position reflects the consistent profitability of its diversified financial services businesses.

The Company’s return on average assets (“ROA”) was 0.72% in 2022, compared to 0.53% in 2021 and 0.52% in 2020. The Company’s return on average equity (“ROE”) was 15.30% in 2022, 6.74% in 2021 and 5.89% in 2020. During the 2020 to 2022 period, the Company’s leverage capital ratios (the ratio of equity to average total assets) increased from 7.22% in 2020 to 7.80% in 2021 to 7.96% in 2022. The ROE in 2022, 2021 and 2020 is a function of the level of net income and equity balances during those years. The changes in ROA were also a result of the Company’s net income in those years and also affected by the increase or decrease in total assets during these time periods. The Company set the annual dividend payout rate to approximately 55.81% of 2022 earnings per share, as compared to 71.64% in 2021 and 77.42% in 2020.

Management has continued its practice of maintaining excess funding capacity to provide the Company with adequate liquidity for its ongoing operations. In this regard, the Company benefits from its strong deposit base, its liquid investment portfolio, and its access to funding from a variety of external funding sources such as federal funds lines and FHLB advances. Liquidity is discussed in more detail under the heading, Liquidity and Rate Sensitivity. The Company’s only commitment at December 31, 2022 that would require a material expenditure of capital resources is the outstanding $18,000 FHN secured line of credit balance.

The Company is not aware of any developments that would have a material impact on its revenues or net income outside of the recessionary risks inherent entering 2023. Interest rates are currently projected to remain relatively flat over the next year to help mitigate inflation that has affected the economy due to the amount of money supply injected into the economy as a result of the COIVD-19 pandemic. The Company works to be proactive in monitoring the recessionary risks and impacts to its employees, customers and communities. Although the ultimate outcome cannot be accurately predicted at this point, the Company believes that it is well-capitalized and has the financial stability to continue to serve its customers and communities.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The accounting policy most important to the presentation of the Company’s financial statements relates to the allowance for loan loss and the related provision for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses is available to absorb probable credit losses inherent in the entire loan portfolio. The appropriate level of the allowance is based on a monthly analysis of the loan portfolio and represents an amount that management deems adequate to provide for inherent losses, including collective impairment as recognized under ASC Subtopic 450-20, Loss Contingencies. The collective impairment is calculated based on loans grouped by similar risk characteristics. Another component of the allowance is losses on loans assessed as impaired under ASC Subtopic 310-10, Loan Impairments. The balance of these loans determined to be impaired under ASC Subtopic 310-10 and their related allowance is included in management's estimation and analysis of the allowance for loan losses. For a discussion of other considerations in establishing the allowance for loan losses and the Company’s and the Bank’s loan policies and procedures for addressing credit risk, please refer to the disclosures in this Item under the heading “Provision for Loan Losses and Asset Quality.”

Please refer to Note 1, “Nature of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company included in this Annual Report for a detailed discussion of other significant accounting policies affecting the Company.

DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

●	expectations about the movement of interest rates, including actions that may be taken by the Federal Reserve Board in response to changing economic conditions;
●	adverse changes in asset quality and loan demand, and the potential insufficiency of the allowance for loan losses and our ability to foreclose on delinquent mortgages;
---	---
●	the risk of adverse changes in business conditions in the banking industry generally and in the specific markets in which the Company operates including, but not limited to, the negative impacts and disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic;
---	---
●	natural disasters, civil unrest, epidemics (including any re-emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic) and other catastrophic events in the Company’s geographic area;
---	---
●	the impact of increasing inflation rates on the general economic, market or business conditions;
---	---
●	extensive regulation, changes in the legislative and regulatory environment that negatively impact the Company and the Bank through increased operating expenses and the potential for regulatory enforcement actions, claims, or litigation;
---	---
●	increased competition from other financial institutions and the risk of failure to achieve our business strategies;
---	---
●	events affecting our business operations, including the effectiveness of our risk management framework, the accuracy of our estimates, our reliance on third party vendors, the risk of security breaches and potential fraud, and the impact of technological advances;
---	---
●	climate change and societal responses to climate change could adversely affect the Company’s business and results of operations, including indirectly through impact to its customers;
---	---
●	our ability to maintain sufficient capital and to raise additional capital when needed;
---	---
●	our ability to maintain adequate liquidity to conduct business and meet our obligations;
---	---
●	events affecting our ability to compete effectively and achieve our strategies, such as the risk of failure to achieve the revenue increases expected to result from our acquisitions, branch additions and in new product and service offerings, our ability to control expenses and our ability to attract and retain skilled people;
---	---

●	events that adversely affect our reputation, and the resulting potential adverse impact on our business operations;
●	increased cybersecurity risk, including network breaches, business disruptions or financial losses;
---	---
●	risks arising from owning our common stock, such as the volatility and trading volume, our ability to pay dividends, the regulatory limitations on stock ownership, and provisions in our governing documents that may make it more difficult for another party to obtain control of us; and
---	---
●	other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
---	---

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements subsequent to the date on which they are made.

NET INCOME

Net income for 2022 increased by 28.37% to $9,620 or $1.72 per share-basic and -diluted, from $7,494 or $1.34 per share-basic and -diluted for 2021. The provision for loan losses for 2022 was $124 as compared to $1,409 in 2021. The decrease in the provision is mainly attributed to the fact that the Company was in a large net recovery position for the year ended December 31, 2022 partially offset with increases in qualitative factors due to the FRB’s restrictive monetary policy coupled with recessionary risks for the near future. Noninterest income decreased by $1,304, or (10.70%), and non-interest expense decreased by $1,180 or (3.34%), in 2022. Non-interest income for 2022 decreased primarily as a result of a decrease in the net gains on sales of securities partially offset by increased interchange fees and overdraft fees. Noninterest expense decreased mainly due to a decrease in salaries and benefits and write-downs of OREO partially offset by the continued investment in customer facing and internal technology.

Net income for 2021 increased by 8.12% to $7,494 or $1.34 per share-basic and -diluted, from $6,931 or $1.24 per share-basic and -diluted for 2020. The provision for loan losses for 2021 was $1,409 as compared to $1,485 in 2020. The decrease in the provision is mainly attributed to negative loan growth offset due to the reclassification of the purchased loans to LHFI and specific provisioning required for one impaired relationship coupled with increases in qualitative factors due to the continued effects of the pandemic. Noninterest income increased by $1,728, or 16.52%, and non-interest expense increased by $1,922 or 5.75%, in 2021. Non-interest income for 2021 increased primarily as a result of increased interchange fees coupled with gains on the sale of OREO and investment securities. Noninterest expense increased mainly due to an increase in salaries and benefits, regulatory related expenses, the write-down of OREO, and the continued investment in customer facing and internal technology.

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income is the most significant component of the Company’s earnings. Net interest income is the difference between interest and fees realized on earning assets, primarily loans and securities, and interest paid on deposits and other borrowed funds. The net interest margin is this difference expressed as a percentage of average earning assets. Net interest income is affected by several factors, including the volume of earning assets and liabilities, the mix of earning assets and liabilities, and interest rates. The discussion below is presented on a tax equivalent basis which management believes to be the best way to analyze net interest income.

Net interest income on a tax equivalent basis was $36,049, $34,340 and $33,699 for the years 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Net interest margin was 2.80%, 2.60% and 2.72% for the same periods. In 2022 as compared to 2021, interest-bearing assets decreased by $81,283, or (6.38%) and interest-bearing liabilities increased by $29,324, or 2.39%. For the year ended December 31, 2022, the average yield on earnings assets was 3.17%, an increase of 19 basis points compared to the average yield at December 31, 2021. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 0.49%, a decrease of 1 basis point compared to the average rate at December 31, 2021.

During 2021, the yields on interest earning assets and the rates paid on interest bearing deposits decreased. In 2021 as compared to 2020, interest-bearing assets increased by $83,771, or 6.78% and interest-bearing liabilities increased by $19,562, or 2.02%. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the average yield on earnings assets was 2.98%, a decrease of 35 basis points compared to the average yield at December 31, 2020. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities was 0.50%, a decrease of 26 basis points compared to the average rate at December 31, 2020.

During this three-year period, loans outstanding increased in 2020 and 2022. In 2021 loans decreased significantly due to increased competition and stagnant loan demand due to the continued effects of the pandemic. Loans generally provide the Company with yields that are greater than the yields on typical investment securities. Additionally, the taxable securities yield drove a majority of the increase in the interest earning assets yield with the yield increasing significantly due to historic rate increases during 2022 which drove decreased prepayments on mortgage-backed securities.

Table 1 – Average Balance Sheets and Interest Rates sets forth average balance sheet data, including all major categories of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, together with the interest earned or interest paid and the average yield or average rate paid on each such category for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

TABLE 1 – AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND INTEREST RATES

(in thousands)

	Average Balance						Income/Expense						Average Yield/Rate
	2022		2021		2020		2022		2021		2020		2022			2021			2020
Loans:
Loans, net of unearned^(1)^	$	586,435	$	628,618	$	622,309	$	27,311	$	31,327	$	30,980		4.66	%		4.98	%		4.98	%
Investment Securities
Taxable		465,386		496,946		498,016		8,066		4,441		7,837		1.73	%		0.89	%		1.57	%
Tax-exempt		210,895		148,977		69,591		5,059		3,498		2,027		2.40	%		2.35	%		2.91	%
Total Investment Securities		676,281		645,923		567,607		13,125		7,939		9,864		1.94	%		1.23	%		1.74	%
Federal Funds Sold and Other		23,574		44,451		45,305		370		55		250		1.57	%		0.12	%		0.55	%
Total Interest Earning Assets^(1)(2)^		1,286,290		1,318,992		1,235,221		40,806		39,321		41,094		3.17	%		2.98	%		3.33	%
Non-Earning Assets		56,944		93,090		101,292
Total Assets	$	1,343,234	$	1,412,082	$	1,336,513
Deposits:
Interest-bearing Demand Deposits ^(3)^	$	486,636	$	487,894	$	449,828	$	929	$	1,324	$	3,062		0.19	%		0.27	%		0.68	%
Savings		133,739		118,063		93,886		133		120		111		0.10	%		0.10	%		0.12	%
Time		202,315		245,886		231,832		1,442		2,783		3,351		0.71	%		1.13	%		1.45	%
Total Deposits		822,690		851,843		775,546		2,504		4,227		6,524		0.30	%		0.50	%		0.84	%
Borrowed Funds
Short-term Borrowings		121,783		135,282		192,017		1,338		401		871		1.10	%		0.30	%		0.45	%
Long-term Borrowings		18,000		9,692		-		915		353		-		5.08	%		3.64	%		0.00	%
Total Borrowed Funds		139,783		144,974		192,017		2,253		754		871		1.61	%		0.52	%		0.45	%
Total Interest-Bearing Liabilities ^(3)^		962,473		996,817		967,563		4,757		4,981		7,395		0.49	%		0.50	%		0.76	%
Non-Interest Bearing Liabilities
Demand Deposits		305,247		289,883		236,881
Other Liabilities		12,624		14,193		14,294
Shareholders' Equity		62,890		111,189		117,775
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	1,343,234	$	1,412,082	$	1,336,513
Interest Rate Spread														2.68	%		2.48	%		2.56	%
Net Interest Margin							$	36,049	$	34,340	$	33,699		2.80	%		2.60	%		2.72	%
Less	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****
Tax Equivalent Adjustment								1,140		846		565
Net Interest Income							$	34,909	$	33,494	$	33,134
^(1)^	Overdrafts on demand deposit accounts are not included in the average volume calculation as they are not considered interest earning assets by the Company. They are included in the “Non-Earning Assets” balance above.
---	---
^(2)^	Earning Assets in Table 1 does not include the dividend paying stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank.
---	---
^(3)^	Demand deposits are not included in the average volume calculation as they are not interest bearing liabilities. They are included within the non-interest bearing liabilities section above.
---	---

Table 2 – Net Average Interest Earning Assets illustrates net interest earning assets and liabilities for 2022, 2021, and 2020.

TABLE 2 – NET AVERAGE INTEREST EARNING ASSETS

	(in thousands)
	2022		2021		2020
Average interest earning assets	$	1,286,290	$	1,318,992	$	1,235,221
Average interest bearing liabilities		962,473		996,817		967,563
Net average interest earning assets	$	323,817	$	322,175	$	267,658

Table 3 – Volume/Rate Analysis depicts the effect on interest income and interest expense of changes in volume and changes in rate from 2020 through 2022. Variances, which were attributable to both volume and rate, are allocated proportionately between rate and volume using the absolute values of each for a basis for the allocation. Non-accruing loans are included in the average loan balances used in determining the yields. Interest income on tax‑exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis using a federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 5% in 2022 and 2021, respectively.

TABLE 3 – VOLUME/RATE ANALYSIS

(in thousands)

	2022 Change from 2021									2021 Change from 2020
	Volume			Rate			Total			Volume			Rate			Total
INTEREST INCOME
Loans	$	(2,102	)	$	(1,914	)	$	(4,016	)	$	314		$	33		$	347
Taxable securities		(282	)		3,907			3,625			(10	)		(3,386	)		(3,396	)
Non-Taxable securities		1,454			107			1,561			1,864			(393	)		1,471
Federal funds sold and other		(26	)		341			315			(1	)		(194	)		(195	)
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME	$	(956	)	$	2,441		$	1,485		$	2,167		$	(3,940	)	$	(1,773	)
INTEREST EXPENSE
Interest-bearing demand deposits	$	(3	)	$	(392	)	$	(395	)	$	103		$	(1,841	)	$	(1,738	)
Savings deposits		16			(3	)		13			25			(16	)		9
Time deposits		(493	)		(848	)		(1,341	)		159			(727	)		(568	)
Short-term borrowings		(40	)		977			937			(168	)		(302	)		(470	)
Long-term borrowings		303			259			562			353			-			353
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE	$	(218	)	$	(6	)	$	(224	)	$	472		$	(2,886	)	$	(2,414	)
NET INTEREST INCOME	$	(738	)	$	2,447		$	1,709		$	1,696		$	(1,055	)	$	641

LOANS

The loan portfolio constitutes the major earning asset of the Company and, in the opinion of management, offers the best alternative for maximizing net interest margin. The Company’s loan personnel have the authority to extend credit under guidelines established and approved by the Board of Directors. Any aggregate credit that exceeds the authority of the loan officer is forwarded to the Board’s loan committee for approval. The loan committee is composed of certain directors, including the Chairman of the Board of Directors. All aggregate loans that exceed the loan committee’s lending authority are presented to the full Board of Directors for ultimate approval or denial. The loan committee not only acts as an approval body to ensure consistent application of the Company’s loan policy but also provides valuable insight through communication and pooling of knowledge, judgment, and experience of its members.

The Company has stated in its loan policy the following objectives for its loan portfolio:

●	to make loans after sound and thorough credit analysis;
●	to properly document all loans;
---	---
●	to eliminate loans from the portfolio that are underpriced, high risk or difficult and costly to administer;
---	---
●	to seek good relationships with the customer;
---	---
●	to avoid undue concentrations of loans; and
---	---
●	to keep non-accrual loans to a minimum by aggressive collection policies.
---	---

Loan demand in some of the Company’s market was robust but remained stagnant in other markets. The Company continues to face intense competition with aggressive loan terms for available loans from other financial institutions. However, the Company had positive loan growth for 2022 with loans outstanding increasing year-over-year. A majority of the increase in loans is in the commercial, financial and agricultural segment, with an increase in loans of $37,732, or 9.74%, in 2022. Commercial, financial and agricultural loans are the largest segment of the loan portfolio and, by nature, bear a higher degree of risk. Management believes the lending practices, policies and procedures applicable to this loan category are adequate to manage any risk represented by the current demand and terms of this loan segment.

Real estate mortgage loans originated by the Company decreased by (6.70%), or $6,602 in 2022 and decreased by (16.21%), or $19,059, in 2021, and decreased by (3.63%), or $4,430, in 2020 when compared to the prior years. The decrease in 2022 reflects the impact of higher loan rates and the decrease in 2021 and 2020 reflects the weakness in some of the Company’s local housing markets coupled with increased competition in the mortgage market.

Real estate construction loans decreased by $19,167, or (26.66%) in 2022 to $52,731 when compared to the $71,898 at December 31, 2021 and increased by $23,067 or 47.24% when compared to 2020. Of the overall decrease for 2022, a number of large construction projects were completed during the year and reclassified to other loan types. Real estate construction loans are usually short term in nature and are dependent on construction activity in the Company’s service area. Demand has started to recover for construction loans during the 2022 fiscal year despite the recessionary concerns.

Consumer loans increased by $1,781 or 12.77% in 2022 and increased by $201 or 1.46% in 2021, and decreased by $2,327, or (14.48%) in 2020, compared to the prior years. The Company believes inflation pressure, supply chain issues and the spend down of consumer savings has caused consumer spending to start to pick up.

Table 4 – Loans Outstanding reflects outstanding balances by loan type for the past five years. Additional loan information is presented in Note 4, “Loans,” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

TABLE 4 – LOANS OUTSTANDING

(in thousands)

	AT DECEMBER 31,
	2022		2021		2020		2019		2018
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	425,207	$	387,475	$	472,093	$	357,781	$	285,375
Real estate - construction		52,731		71,898		48,831		81,197		41,134
Real estate - mortgage		91,923		98,525		117,584		122,014		88,747
Consumer		15,730		13,949		13,748		16,075		14,021
TOTAL LOANS	$	585,591	$	571,847	$	652,256	$	577,067	$	429,277

Table 5 – Loan Liquidity and Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates reflects the maturity schedule or repricing frequency of all loans. Also presented are fixed and variable rate loans maturing after one year.

TABLE 5 – LOAN LIQUIDITY

LOAN MATURITIES AT DECEMBER 31, 2022

	1 YEAR		1 - 5		5 - 15		AFTER 15
	OR LESS		YEARS		YEARS		YEARS		Total
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	66,697	$	265,366	$	59,141	$	34,003	$	425,207
Real estate - construction		24,380		28,351		-		-	$	52,731
Real estate - mortgage		11,744		65,465		14,714		-	$	91,923
Consumer		5,488		9,207		1,035		-	$	15,730
Total loans	$	108,309	$	368,389	$	74,890	$	34,003	$	585,591

SENSITIVITY TO CHANGES IN INTEREST RATES

	1 - 5		OVER 5
	YEARS		YEARS
Fixed rates	$	426,161	$	55,169
Variable rates		50,902		53,358
Total loans	$	477,063	$	108,528

Each loan the Company makes either has a stated maturity as to when the loan is to be repaid or is subject to an agreement between the Company and the customer governing its progressive reduction. The Company’s policy is that every loan is to be repaid by its stated maturity and not carried as a continuing debt. Generally, the Company requires that principal reductions on a loan must have begun prior to the second renewal date of the loan.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES AND ASSET QUALITY

The allowance for loan losses represents an amount that in management’s judgment will be adequate to absorb estimated probable losses within the existing loan portfolio. Loans that management determines to be uncollectible are charged against the allowance for loan losses, and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management’s judgment in determining the adequacy of the allowance is based on evaluations of the collectability of specific loans and prior loss experience. Other factors considered by management include specific economic events, general economic conditions and trends, and loan portfolio mix and growth. The allowance for loan losses is subject to close regulatory review from the FDIC and the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance and is also a factor in each agency’s determination of the Company’s capital adequacy. The estimation of losses in the Company’s loan portfolio is susceptible to changes resulting from changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers and economic conditions in the Company’s market area.

The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged against net income. This expense is determined by a number of factors, including historical loan losses, assessment of specific credit weaknesses within the portfolio, assessment of the prevailing economic climate, and other factors that may affect the overall condition of the loan portfolio. Management utilized these factors to determine the provision for loan losses for each of 2022, 2021 and 2020. The ratio of net loans charged off (recovered) to average loans was (0.11%) in 2022, 0.26% in 2021 and 0.08% in 2020. Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for loan loss on a monthly basis and makes adjustments to the allowance based on this analysis.

The provision for loan losses in 2022 was an expense of $124 compared to $1,409 in 2021 and $1,485 in 2020. The change in the provision for all three years was mainly due to management’s assessment of inherent losses in the loan portfolio, including the impact caused by current local and national economic conditions. The Company uses a model that takes into account historical charge-offs and recoveries and applies that to certain loan segments of the Company’s portfolio. The current year’s lower provision is mainly attributed to a large amount of recoveries on a relationship that was deemed impaired in the third quarter of 2021. At the end of 2022, the total allowance for loan losses was $5,264, an amount that management believes to be sufficient to cover estimated probable losses in the loan portfolio.

Activity in the allowance for loan losses is reflected in Table 6 – Analysis of Allowance for Loan Losses. The Company’s policy is to charge-off loans when in management’s opinion the loan is deemed uncollectible. Even after it is charged off, however, the Company makes concerted efforts to maximize recovery of such loan.

TABLE 6 – ANALYSIS OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

(in thousands except for percentage amounts)

	2022			2021			2020			2019			2018
BALANCE AT BEGINNING OF YEAR	$	4,513		$	4,735		$	3,755		$	3,372		$	3,019
LOANS CHARGED-OFF	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****
Commercial, financial and agricultural		65			775			272			176			35
Real estate - construction		-			36			37			-			74
Real estate - mortgage		4			-			304			46			133
Consumer		110			1,327			104			138			146
TOTAL CHARGE-OFFS		179			2,138			717			360			388
CHARGE-OFFS RECOVERED	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****	****
Commercial, financial and agricultural		205			67			65			91			219
Real estate - construction		14			9			43			18			19
Real estate - mortgage		75			76			61			14			81
Consumer		512			355			43			47			88
TOTAL RECOVERIES		806			507			212			170			407
Net loans charged-off		(627	)		1,631			505			190			(19	)
Additions charged to operating expense		124			1,409			1,485			573			334
BALANCE AT END OF YEAR	$	5,264		$	4,513		$	4,735		$	3,755		$	3,372
Loans, net of unearned, at year end	$	585,591		$	571,847		$	652,256		$	577,067		$	429,277
Ratio of allowance to loans at year end		0.90	%		0.79	%		0.73	%		0.65	%		0.79	%
Average loans - net of unearned	$	587,034		$	629,186		$	622,805		$	561,483		$	418,136
Ratio of net loans charged-off to average loans		-0.11	%		0.26	%		0.08	%		0.03	%		0.00	%

ALLOCATION OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

(in thousands)

	AT DECEMBER 31,
	2022		2021		2020		2019		2018
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	3,524	$	3,009	$	3,576	$	2,692	$	2,295
Real estate - construction		478		464		267		192		139
Real estate - mortgage		865		794		653		566		417
Consumer		397		246		239		305		521
Total	$	5,264	$	4,513	$	4,735	$	3,755	$	3,372

COMPOSITION OF LOAN PORTFOLIO BY TYPE

	AT DECEMBER 31,
	2022			2021			2020			2019			2018
Commercial, financial and agricultural		72.61	%		67.76	%		72.38	%		62.00	%		66.48	%
Real estate - construction		9.00	%		12.57	%		7.49	%		14.07	%		9.58	%
Real estate - mortgage		15.70	%		17.23	%		18.03	%		21.14	%		20.67	%
Consumer		2.69	%		2.44	%		2.11	%		2.79	%		3.27	%
		100.00	%		100.00	%		100.00	%		100.00	%		100.00	%

Loan balances outstanding, as illustrated in Table 4, increased in 2022 as a result of the increased demand in our high growth markets. All loan segments except commercial, financial and agricultural decreased in 2021 except for a slight increase in consumer loans. The allowance for loan losses is allocated to the various categories based on the historical loss percentage for each segment of loan and any specific reserves that might be assigned to those loans.

Non-performing assets and the relative percentages of such assets to loan balances are presented in Table 7 – Non-performing Assets. Non-performing loans include non-accrual loans, loans delinquent 90 days or more based on contractual terms and troubled debt restructurings. Management classifies loans as non-accrual when it believes that collection of interest is doubtful. This typically occurs when payments are past due over 90 days, unless the loans are well secured and in the process of collection. Another measurement of asset quality is OREO, which represents properties acquired by the Company through foreclosure following loan defaults by customers. The percentage of OREO to total loans at December 31, 2022 was 0.20% compared to 0.43% in 2021. OREO decreased in 2022 and in 2021 due to sales of several parcels in both 2022 and 2021 partially offset by foreclosures. The Company also had OREO write-downs of $42 for 2022 and $914 for 2021.

Loans on non-accrual status amounted to $2,988 in 2022 as compared to $3,826 in 2021 and $12,026 in 2020. Interest income forgone on loans classified as non-accrual in 2022 was $354 as compared to $281 in 2021 and $395 in 2020. Upon the classification of a loan as non-accrual, all interest accrued on the loan prior to the time it is classified as non-accrual is reversed and interest accruals are suspended until such time that the loan is in compliance with its terms and deemed collectable.

TABLE 7 – NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

(in thousands, except percentages)

	As of December 31,
	2022			2021			2020			2019			2018
PRINCIPAL BALANCE
Non-accrual	$	2,988		$	3,826		$	8,484		$	12,026		$	9,839
Accruing loans 90 days or more past due		111			154			14			274			73
Troubled debt restructurings		2,182			213			2,113			2,495			2,782
TOTAL NON-PERFORMING LOANS	$	5,281		$	4,193		$	10,611		$	14,795		$	12,694
Income on non-accrual loans not recorded	$	354		$	281		$	383		$	555		$	429
Non-performing as a percent of loans		0.90	%		0.73	%		1.63	%		2.56	%		2.96	%
Non-accrual as a percent of loans		0.51	%		0.67	%		1.30	%		2.08	%		2.29	%
Other real estate owned	$	1,179		$	2,475		$	3,073		$	3,552		$	3,440
OREO as a percent of loans		0.20	%		0.43	%		0.47	%		0.62	%		0.80	%
Allowance as a percent of non-performing loans		99.68	%		107.63	%		44.62	%		25.38	%		26.56	%
Allowance as a percent of non-accrual loans		176.17	%		117.96	%		55.81	%		31.22	%		34.27	%

ASC Subtopic 310-10, Loan Impairments outlines the guidance for evaluating impaired loans. These statements changed the methods of estimating the loan loss allowance for problem loans. In general, when management determines that principal and interest due under the contractual terms of a loan are not fully collectible, management must value the loan using discounted future expected cash flows. Management evaluates the Company’s loans for impairment under ASC Subtopic 310-10. The balances of impaired loans for the years 2022, 2021 and 2020 were $3,277, $2,334 and $7,675, respectively.

This table details the impaired loans by category for years ending 2022, 2021 and 2020.

		AT DECEMBER 31,
	2022		2021		2020
Commercial, financial and agricultural	$	3,088	$	1,396	$	6,659
Real estate - construction		-		171		-
Real estate - mortgage		189		767		1,016
Total loans	$	3,277	$	2,334	$	7,675

Management monitors any loans that are classified under FDIC regulations as loss, doubtful or substandard, even if management has not classified the loans as non-performing or impaired. In addition to loans classified for regulatory purposes, management also designates certain loans for internal monitoring purposes in a “watch” category. Loans may be placed on management’s watch list as a result of delinquent status, management’s concern about the borrower’s financial condition or the value of the collateral securing the loan, a substandard classification during regulatory examinations, or simply as a result of management’s desire to monitor more closely a borrower’s financial condition and performance. Watch category loans may include loans that are still performing and accruing interest and may be current under the terms of the loan agreement but which management has a significant degree of concern about the borrowers’ ability to continue to perform according to the terms of the loan agreement. Watch category loans may also include loans, which, although adequately secured and performing, reflect a past delinquency problem or unfavorable financial trends exhibited by the borrower. Loss exposure on these loans is typically evaluated based primarily upon the estimated liquidation value of the collateral securing the loan.

At December 31, 2022, loans totaling $39,451 were included on the Company’s watch list compared to $47,500 at December 31, 2021. The majority of these loans are real estate loans that, although adequately collateralized, have experienced frequent delinquencies in scheduled payments. The inclusion of loans on this list does not indicate a greater risk of loss; rather it indicates that the loan possesses one of the several characteristics described above warranting increased oversight by management.

SECURITIES

At December 31, 2022, the Company classified its securities as AFS or HTM. AFS securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included as a separate component of equity, net of tax. HTM securities are reported at book value. The Company does not hold any securities classified as held for trading purposes.

Table 8 – Securities and Securities Maturity Schedule summarizes the amortized cost of securities from 2020 through 2022 and the maturity distribution at December 31, 2022, by classification.

TABLE 8 – SECURITIES

(in thousands)

	2022		2021		2020
SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
U. S. Government Agencies	$	-	$	4,969	$	11,870
Mortgage Backed Securities		107,055		411,729		560,033
State, County and Municipal Obligations		134,906		230,359		100,823
Other Securities		500		500		500
TOTAL SECURITIES AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE	$	242,461	$	647,557	$	673,226
	2022		2021		2020
---	---	---	---	---	---	---
SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY
U. S. Government Agencies	$	4,002	$	-	$	-
Mortgage Backed Securities		309,748		-		-
State, County and Municipal Obligations		92,840		-		-
TOTAL SECURITIES HELD-TO-MATURITY	$	406,590	$	-	$	-

SECURITIES MATURITY SCHEDULE

	1 year or less					1 to 5 years					5 to 10 years					over 10 years
	Actual		Average			Actual		Average			Actual		Average			Actual		Average
	Balance		Yield			Balance		Yield			Balance		Yield			Balance		Yield
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Mortgage Backed Securities^(1)^	$	-		-		$	6,896		4.12	%	$	14,772		3.13	%	$	85,387		2.68	%
State, County and Municipal^(2)^		221		1.82	%		3,152		4.04	%		5,275		3.15	%		126,258		2.54	%
Other Securities		500		0.00	%		-		0.00	%		-		0.00	%		-		0.00	%
TOTAL AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE	$	721		0.56	%	$	10,048		4.10	%	$	20,047		3.14	%	$	211,645		2.60	%
HELD-TO-MATURITY
U. S. Government Agencies^(1)^	$	-		0.00	%	$	-		0.00	%	$	-		0.00	%	$	4,002		1.74	%
Mortgage Backed Securities^(1)^		-		0.00	%		-		0.00	%		18,726		1.21	%		291,022		1.49	%
State, County and Municipal^(2)^		-		0.00	%		-		0.00	%		-		0.00	%		92,840		1.89	%
TOTAL HELD-TO-MATURITY	$	-		0.00	%	$	-		0.00	%	$	18,726		1.21	%	$	387,864		1.59	%

^(1)^ The maturities for the mortgage backed securities included in this line item are based on final maturity.

^(2)^ Average yields were calculated on tax equivalent basis using a marginal federal income tax rate of 21% and a state tax rate of 5%.

The change in the carrying value of the securities portfolio is due to market value fluctuations resulting from the changing interest rate environment during 2022. This change is not used in the Tier 1 capital calculation.

As detailed in Table 8, the security portfolio increased $1,495 or 0.23% in 2022, decreased $25,669 or (3.81%) in 2021 and increased $207,792 or 44.64% in 2020. The Company strives to maximize the yields on its portfolio while balancing pledging needs and managing risk. The Company seeks to invest most of its funds not needed for loan demand or the reduction of other borrowings in higher yielding securities and not in the lower yielding federal funds sold.

DEPOSITS

The Company offers a wide variety of deposit services to individual and commercial customers, such as non-interest-bearing and interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts, money market deposit accounts and time deposits. The deposit base is the Company’s major funding source for earning assets. Time deposits decreased in 2022 as a result of customers repositioning their deposits to liquid accounts in anticipation of rate increases. Management anticipates a reallocation of transactional deposits to time deposits in the first half of 2023. Time deposits increased in 2021 compared to 2020 due to a deposit special the Company issued during the first half of 2021.

A three-year schedule of average deposits by type and maturities of time deposits greater than $250 is presented in Table 9 – Deposit Information.

TABLE 9 – DEPOSIT INFORMATION

(in thousands, except percentages)

	2022					2021					2020
	Average		Average			Average		Average			Average		Average
	Balance		Rate			Balance		Rate			Balance		Rate
Noninterest-bearing	$	305,247				$	289,883				$	236,881
Interest-bearing demand		486,636		0.19	%		487,894		0.27	%		449,828		0.68	%
Savings		133,739		0.10	%		118,063		0.10	%		93,886		0.12	%
Time deposits		202,315		0.71	%		245,886		1.13	%		231,832		1.45	%
	$	1,127,937		0.30	%	$	1,141,726		0.50	%	$	1,012,427		0.84	%

MATURITY RANGES OF TIME DEPOSITS

OF $250 OR MORE

	AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022
3 months or less	$	9,092
3 through 12 months		18,973
1 year to 3 years		14,762
over 3 years		1,543
	$	44,370

The Company, in its normal course of business, will acquire large time deposits, generally from public entities, with a variety of maturities. These funds are acquired on a bid basis and are considered to be part of the deposit base of the Company.

BORROWINGS

Aside from the core deposit base and large denomination time deposits mentioned above, the remaining funding sources utilized by the Company include short-term and long-term borrowings. Short-term borrowings consist of Federal Funds Purchased from other financial institutions on an overnight basis, short-term advances from the FHLB and securities sold under agreement to repurchase. Long-term borrowings are advances from the FHLB with an initial maturity of greater than one year and the FHN secured line of credit.

TABLE 10 ‑ SHORT‑TERM BORROWINGS

(in thousands)

	As of December 31,
	2022			2021			2020
Short-term borrowings
Year-end balance	$	127,574		$	112,760		$	221,272
Weighted average rate		1.05	%		0.36	%		0.39	%
Maximum month-end balance	$	161,319		$	219,876		$	265,177
Year to date average balance	$	121,783		$	135,282		$	192,017
Weighted average rate		1.10	%		0.30	%		0.45	%

The Company borrows funds for short periods from the FHLB as an alternative to Federal Funds Purchased. The Company foresees short-term borrowings to be a continued source of liquidity and likely will continue to use these borrowings as a method to fund short-term needs. At December 31, 2022, the Company had the capacity to borrow up to $205,488 from the FHLB and other financial institutions in the form of Federal Funds Purchased. The Company generally will use these types of borrowings if loan demand is greater than the growth in deposits. At December 31, 2022 the Company had borrowed $-0- from the FHLB and $-0- in Federal Funds Purchased. At December 31, 2021, the Company had borrowed $-0- from the FHLB and $-0- in Federal Funds Purchased. In 2022, the balances in Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase increased $14,814, or 13,14%, to $127,574 from 2021. In 2021, these balances decreased to $112,760, a decrease of ($83,512), or (42.55%), from 2020.

	(in thousands)
	2022
Less than one year	$	18,000
One year to three years		-
Over three years		-
Total long-term borrowings	$	18,000

At the end of 2022, the Company had $-0- in long-term debt to the FHLB for advances. The Company did have long-term debt of $18,000 outstanding and an additional $2,000 available balance at December 31, 2022 to FHN through a secured line of credit. See Note 10 for details of the long-term debt.

NON-INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE

Table 11 - Non-Interest Income and Expense illustrates the Company’s non-interest income and expense from 2020 through 2022 and percentage changes between such years.

TABLE 11 ‑ NON-INTEREST INCOME & EXPENSE

(in thousands)

			% CHANGE					% CHANGE
	2022		FROM '21			2021		FROM '20			2020
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts	$	3,896		11.35	%	$	3,499		4.39	%	$	3,352
Other operating income		6,989		-19.56	%		8,689		22.24	%		7,108
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME	$	10,885		-10.69	%	$	12,188		16.52	%	$	10,460
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
Salaries and employee benefits	$	17,649		-4.39	%	$	18,460		5.63	%	$	17,476
Occupancy expense, including equipment		7,411		3.87	%		7,135		-3.06	%		7,360
Other operating expense		9,109		-6.60	%		9,753		13.54	%		8,590
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE	$	34,169		-3.34	%	$	35,348		5.75	%	$	33,426

Non-interest income typically consists of service charges on checking accounts, including debit card fees, and other financial services. With continued pressure on interest rates, the Company has sought to increase its non-interest income through the expansion of fee income and the development of new services. Currently, the Company’s main sources of non-interest income are service charges on checking accounts, interchange fees, safe deposit box rentals, mortgage loan origination income, credit life insurance premiums and title insurance service fees.

During 2022 as compared to 2021, non-interest income decreased by ($1,303), or (10.70%). The decrease in other operating income mainly attributed to decreases in net gains on sales of securities, partially offset by an increase in service charges on deposit accounts, primarily interchange fees and overdraft fees.

During 2021 as compared to 2020, non-interest income increased by $1,728, or 16.52%. An increase in other operating income mainly attributed to increases in interchange fees and net gains on sales of securities, partially offset by a decrease in mortgage loan origination income.

Non-interest expenses consist of salaries and benefits, occupancy expense and other overhead expenses incurred by the Company in the transaction of its business. In 2022 as compared to 2021, non-interest expense decreased by ($1,179), or (3.34%), to $34,169. Included in this increase was a decrease in salaries and benefits in the amount of ($811), or (4.39%) and other expense in the amount of ($645) or (6.61%). Write-downs on OREO of $42, a decrease of $872 from 2021 of $914 makes up a majority of the increase in other expense. Occupancy expense increased in 2022 compared to 2021 for $276, or 3.87% to $7,411 from $7,135.

In 2021 as compared to 2020, non-interest expense increased by $1,922, or 5.75%, to $35,348. Included in this increase was an increase in salaries and benefits in the amount of $984, or 5.63% and other expense in the amount of $1,163 or 13.54%. Write-downs on OREO of $914, an increase of $684 from 2021 of $230 makes up a majority of the increase in other expense. Occupancy expense decreased in 2022 compared to 2021 for $225, or (3.06%) to $7,135 from $7,360.

In 2022, the Company’s efficiency ratio was 78.24%, compared to 78.29% in 2021 and 77.88% in 2020. The efficiency ratio is calculated to measure the cost of generating one dollar of revenue. The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing non-interest expense by the sum of net interest income, on a fully tax equivalent basis, and non-interest income.

INCOME TAXES

The Company records a provision for income taxes currently payable, along with a provision for deferred taxes to be realized in the future. Such deferred taxes arise from differences in timing of certain items for financial statement reporting rather than income tax reporting. The deferred tax amount of $29,574 is considered realizable and no valuation allowance is considered necessary.

The Company’s effective tax rate was 16.36%, 16.03% and 20.18% % in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The major difference between the effective tax rate applied to the Company’s financial statement income and the federal statutory rate of 21% in 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, is interest on tax-exempt securities and loans. Further tax information is disclosed in Note 12, “Income Taxes” to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.

LIQUIDITY AND RATE SENSITIVITY

Liquidity management is the process by which the Company ensures that adequate liquid funds are available to meet its financial commitments on a timely basis. These commitments include honoring withdrawals by depositors, funding credit obligations to borrowers, servicing long-term obligations, making shareholder dividend payments, paying operating expenses, funding capital expenditures and maintaining reserve requirements.

The Company’s predominant sources of funding include: core deposits (consisting of both commercial and individual deposits); proceeds from maturities of securities; repayments of loan principal and interest; commercial repurchase agreements; Federal Funds Purchased; and short-term and long-term borrowings from the FHLB. In both 2022 and 2021, the Company experienced an increase in deposits and repurchase agreements in excess of the increase in loans outstanding. The increase in investment securities is mainly the result of the need to invest excess funds outside of new loans. The Company relies upon non-core sources of funding, such as commercial repurchase agreements, Federal Funds Purchased and short and long-term borrowings from the FHLB, when deposit growth is not adequate to meet its short-term needs. While the strategy of using these wholesale funding sources is adequate to cover liquidity deficiencies in the short term, the Company’s goal is to increase core deposits as a source of long-term funding. Management does not intend to rely on borrowings from the FHLB as the first choice as a source of funds but prefers to increase core deposits through increased competition for available deposits. Management believes that core deposits will increase by offering competitive rates and superior service to the Bank’s customers.

The Company had $-0- of FHLB advances outstanding at year end of 2022 and 2021. The Company will continue to use advances if they are needed to maintain the Company’s liquidity position.

The deposit base is diversified between individual and commercial accounts, which the Company believes helps it avoid dependence on large concentrations of funds. The Company does not currently solicit certificates of deposit from brokers. The primary sources of liquidity on the asset side of the balance sheet are securities classified as AFS. $201,322 of the total investment securities of $607,912 is classified in the AFS category at December 31, 2022, and any securities not pledged are available to be sold, should liquidity needs arise. Management, through its Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”), and the Board review the Company’s liquidity position on a monthly basis. At December 31, 2022, both the ALCO and the Board of Directors determined that the Company’s liquidity position was adequate.

Table 12 - Funding Uses and Sources details the main components of cash flows for 2022 and 2021.

TABLE 12 – FUNDING USES AND SOURCES

(in thousands)

	2022								2021
	Average		Increase/(decrease)						Average		Increase/(decrease)
	Balance		Amount			Percent			Balance		Amount			Percent
FUNDING USES
Loans, net of unearned income	$	586,435	$	(42,183	)		-6.71	%	$	628,618	$	6,309			1.00	%
Taxable securities		465,386		(31,560	)		-6.35	%		496,946		(1,070	)		-0.22	%
Tax-exempt securities		210,895		61,918			41.56	%		148,977		79,386			53.29	%
Federal funds sold and other		23,574		(20,877	)		-46.97	%		44,451		(854	)		-1.92	%
TOTAL USES	$	1,286,290	$	(32,702	)		-2.48	%	$	1,318,992		83,771			6.35	%
FUNDING SOURCES
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	305,247	$	15,364			5.30	%	$	289,883		53,002			18.28	%
Interest-bearing demand and savings deposits		620,375		14,418			2.38	%		605,957		62,243			10.27	%
Time deposits		202,315		(43,571	)		-17.72	%		245,886		14,054			5.72	%
Short-term borrowings		7,890		1,815			29.88	%		6,075		(4,242	)		-69.83	%
Commercial repo		113,893		(15,314	)		-11.85	%		129,207		(52,492	)		-40.63	%
Long-term debt		18,000		8,308			-			9,692		9,692			100.00	%
TOTAL SOURCES	$	1,267,720	$	(18,980	)		-1.47	%	$	1,288,065	$	83,622			6.49	%

The Company’s liquidity depends substantially on the ability of the Bank to transfer funds to the Company in the form of dividends. The information under the heading “Market Price and Dividend Information” in this Annual Report discusses federal and state statutory and regulatory restrictions on the ability of the Bank to transfer funds to the Company in the form of dividends.

CAPITAL RESOURCES

The Company and Bank are subject to various regulatory capital guidelines as required by federal and state banking agencies. These guidelines define the various components of core capital and assign risk weights to various categories of assets.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991, as amended (“FDICIA”), required federal regulatory agencies to define capital tiers. These tiers are: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. Under FDICIA, a “well-capitalized” institution must achieve a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.00%, a total capital ratio of at least 10.00%, a leverage ratio of at least 5.00% and not be under a capital directive order. These ratios generally measure the percentage of a bank’s capital to all or certain categories of assets. Failure to meet capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. If a bank is only adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required before the bank may accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital distributions, asset growth, and expansion are limited, and the institution is required to submit a capital restoration plan.

During 2022 as compared to 2021, total risk-based capital increased due to increased earnings.

Management believes the Company and the Bank meet all the capital requirements to be well-capitalized under the guidelines established by FDICIA as of December 31, 2022, as noted below in Table 13 - Capital Ratios. To be classified as well-capitalized, the Company and Bank must maintain the ratios described above.

TABLE 13 – CAPITAL RATIOS

(in thousands, except percentage amounts)

	At December 31,
	2022			2021			2020
Tier 1 capital
Shareholders' equity	$	39,025		$	105,900		$	119,548
Less: Intangibles		(13,340	)		(13,420	)		(13,502	)
Less: DTA related to NOLs		-			(94	)		(267	)
Add/less: Unrealized loss/(gain) on securities		83,071			11,795			(4,139	)
TOTAL TIER 1 CAPITAL	$	108,756		$	104,181		$	101,640
Total capital
Tier 1 capital	$	108,756		$	104,181		$	101,640
Allowable allowance for loan losses		5,264			4,513			4,735
TOTAL CAPITAL	$	114,020		$	108,694		$	106,375
RISK WEIGHTED ASSETS	$	824,382		$	791,529		$	809,754
AVERAGE ASSETS (FOURTH QUARTER)	$	1,367,042		$	1,335,780		$	1,406,885
TIER 1 LEVERAGE RATIO		7.96	%		7.80	%		7.22	%
COMMON EQUITY TIER 1 CAPITAL RATIO		13.19	%		13.16	%		12.55	%
TIER 1 RISK-BASED CAPITAL RATIO		13.19	%		13.16	%		12.55	%
TOTAL RISK-BASED CAPITAL RATIO		13.83	%		13.73	%		13.14	%

Management’s strategy with respect to capital levels is to maintain a sufficient amount of capital to allow the Company to respond to growth and acquisition opportunities in the Bank’s service area. Over the past three years, the Company has been able to increase the amount of its capital, through retention of earnings, while still maintaining a reasonable dividend payout ratio, which is 56%, 71% and 77% in years ending 2022, 2021, 2020, respectively. The Company does have the secured line of credit commitment due in 2023 that will require the Company to make strategic decisions in regards to refinancing the line of credit or raising additional capital to pay off the debt. The Company is currently weighing a variety of options in regards to the upcoming commitment.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

Long-term debt obligations represent borrowings from the FHLB that have an original maturity in excess of one year along with the secured line of credit described in Note 10. The only other significant obligations, other than obligations under deposit contracts and short-term borrowings, were for operating leases for banking facilities. Operating leases are primarily for the lease of branches, ATM machines and other necessary equipment. The equipment leases are for various terms.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

OVERVIEW

The definition of market risk is the possibility of loss that could result from adverse changes in market prices or interest rates. The Company has taken steps to assess the amount of risk that is associated with its asset and liability structure. The Company measures the potential risk on a regular basis and makes changes to its strategies to manage these risks. The Board of Directors reviews important policy limits each month, with a more detailed risk analysis completed on a quarterly basis. These measurement tools are important in allowing the Company to manage market risk and to plan effective strategies to respond to any adverse changes in risk. The Company does not participate in some of the financial instruments that are inherently subject to substantial market risk. All of the financial instruments entered into by the Company are for purposes other than trading. All information presented in this report are denominated in U.S. dollars.

MARKET/INTEREST RATE RISK MANAGEMENT

Interest rate risk is the primary market risk that management must address. Interest rate risk is the exposure of Company earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. All financial institutions assume interest rate risk as an integral part of normal operations.

The primary purpose in managing interest rate risk is to effectively invest capital and preserve the value created by the core banking business of the Company. The Company utilizes an investment portfolio to manage the interest rate risk naturally created through its business activities. The process of managing interest rate risk generally involves both reducing the exposure of the Company’s net interest margin to swings in interest rates and concurrently ensuring that there is sufficient capital and liquidity to support balance sheet growth. The Company uses a quarterly interest rate risk report to evaluate its exposure to interest rate risk, project earnings and manage the composition of the balance sheet and its growth.

In addition to the quarterly interest rate risk report, the Company employs a number of tools to measure interest rate risk. One tool is static gap analysis, which matches assets with specified maturities to liabilities with corresponding maturities. **** Although management believes that this does not provide a complete picture of the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk, it does highlight significant short-term repricing volume mismatches. The following table presents the Company’s rate sensitivity static gap analysis at December 31, 2022 ($ in thousands):

	Interest Sensitive Within
	90 days			One year
Total rate sensitive assets	$	106,667		$	135,446
Total rate sensitive liabilities		238,808			72,038
Net gap	$	(132,141	)	$	63,408

The analysis shows a negative gap position over the next three-month period, which would typically indicate that the Company would benefit somewhat from a decrease in market interest rates in the very short term. However, this is primarily due to repricing assumptions surrounding interest-bearing transaction accounts that don’t necessarily reprice statically and, therefore; rate increases would be beneficial to the Company. Management believes the Company is well positioned from an interest rate risk perspective for any rate movements, up or down.

Management believes that static gap analysis does not fully capture the impact of interest rate movements on interest sensitive assets and liabilities. Thus, the Company also measures interest rate risk by analyzing interest rate sensitivity and the rate sensitivity gap. Table 14 - Interest Rate Sensitivity provides additional information about the financial instruments that are sensitive to changes in interest rates. This tabular disclosure is limited by its failure to depict accurately the effect on assumptions of significant changes in the economy or interest rates or changes in management’s expectations or intentions relating to the Company’s financial statements. The information in the interest rate sensitivity table below reflects contractual interest rate pricing dates and contractual maturity dates. For indeterminate maturity deposit products (money market, NOW and savings accounts), the tables present the majority of principal cash flows in the shortest term. Although these deposits may not reprice within this time frame, the depositors of such funds have the ability to reprice. Weighted average floating rates are based on the rate for that product as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021.

TABLE 14 - INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2022

(in thousands)

																			Carrying			Fair
	2023			2024			2025			2026			2027			Thereafter			Value			Value
Loans
Fixed Rate	$	102,366		$	64,629		$	94,071		$	78,136		$	86,960		$	55,169		$	481,330		$	436,912
Average Int Rate		4.82	%		5.15	%		4.49	%		4.34	%		4.40	%		4.29	%		4.58	%
Floating Rate	$	6,308		$	28,622		$	1,430		$	7,637		$	6,905		$	53,358		$	104,261		$	104,261
Average Int Rate		6.82	%		6.84	%		6.42	%		7.23	%		5.95	%		5.32	%		6.03	%
Investment securities
Fixed Rate	$	657		$	6,893			2,180		$	832		$	140		$	638,284		$	648,987		$	576,614
Average Int Rate		1.82	%		4.12	%		0.04			3.61	%		2.75	%		3.36	%		3.37	%
Floating Rate
Average Int Rate
Other earning assets
Fixed Rate
Average Int Rate
Floating Rate	$	1,646																	$	1,646		$	1,646
Average Int Rate		1.57	%																	1.57	%
Interest-bearing deposits
Fixed Rate	$	756,606		$	52,258		$	12,101		$	3,340		$	2,985					$	827,290		$	827,269
Average Int Rate		0.29	%		1.96	%		0.43	%		0.49	%		0.63	%					0.40	%
Floating Rate
Average Int Rate
Other int-bearing liabilities
Fixed Rate
Average Int Rate
Floating Rate	$	145,574																	$	145,574		$	145,574
Average Int Rate		1.61	%																	1.61	%

AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2021

(in thousands)

																			Carrying			Fair
	2022			2023			2024			2025			2026			Thereafter			Value			Value
Loans
Fixed Rate	$	86,477		$	70,633		$	72,739		$	84,030		$	87,820		$	64,897		$	466,596		$	453,886
Average Int Rate		4.50	%		4.61	%		5.01	%		4.05	%		3.77	%		3.96	%		0.00	%
Floating Rate	$	4,892		$	6,893		$	22,578		$	1,737		$	8,379		$	60,772		$	105,251		$	105,251
Average Int Rate		4.31	%		3.62	%		3.96	%		4.24	%		3.90	%		4.57	%		0.00	%
Investment securities
Fixed Rate	$	217		$	225			-		$	1,535		$	136		$	644,947		$	647,060		$	631,835
Average Int Rate		1.73	%		1.87	%		-			4.66	%		2.78	%		2.39	%		0.00	%
Floating Rate
Average Int Rate
Other earning assets
Fixed Rate
Average Int Rate
Floating Rate	$	68,563																	$	68,563		$	68,563
Average Int Rate		0.08	%																	0.08	%
Interest-bearing deposits
Fixed Rate	$	731,503		$	37,498		$	32,734		$	3,057		$	4,393					$	809,185		$	809,276
Average Int Rate		0.32	%		0.78	%		1.00	%		0.66	%		0.48	%					0.00	%
Floating Rate
Average Int Rate
Other int-bearing liabilities
Fixed Rate
Average Int Rate
Floating Rate	$	112,760		$	18,000														$	130,760		$	130,760
Average Int Rate		0.36	%		3.59	%														0.80	%

Rate sensitivity gap analysis is another tool management uses to measure interest rate risk. The rate sensitivity gap is the difference between the repricing of interest-earning assets and the repricing of interest-bearing liabilities within certain defined time frames. The Company’s interest rate sensitivity position is influenced by the distribution of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities among the maturity categories. Table 15 - Rate Sensitivity Gap reflects interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities by maturity distribution as of December 31, 2022. Product lines repricing in time periods predetermined by contractual agreements are included in the respective maturity categories.

TABLE 15 ‑ RATE SENSITIVITY GAP AT DECEMBER 31, 2022

(in thousands, except percentage amounts)

	1 - 90			91 - 365			1 - 5			Over
	Days			Days			Years			5 years			Total
INTEREST EARNING ASSETS
Loans	$	91,921		$	103,288		$	363,708		$	26,674		$	585,591
Investment securities		13,100			32,158			159,729			516,319			721,306
Interest bearing deposits with other banks		1,646			-			-			-			1,646
TOTAL INTEREST BEARING ASSETS	$	106,667		$	135,446		$	523,437		$	542,993		$	1,308,543
INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES
Interest bearing demand deposits	$	116,834		$	-		$	156,477		$	195,597		$	468,908
Savings and Money Market deposits		55,016			-			91,629			32,814			179,459
Time deposits		36,200			72,038			70,685			-			178,923
Short term borrowings		12,758			-			76,544			38,272			127,574
Long term borrowings		18,000			-			-			-			18,000
TOTAL INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES	$	238,808		$	72,038		$	395,335		$	266,683		$	972,864
Rate sensitive gap	$	(132,141	)	$	63,408		$	128,102		$	276,310		$	335,679
Rate sensitive cumulative gap		(132,141	)		(68,733	)		59,369			335,679			-
Cumulative gap as a percentage of total earning assets		-10.10	%		-5.25	%		4.54	%		25.65	%

The purpose of the above table is to measure interest rate risk utilizing the repricing intervals of interest sensitive assets and liabilities. Rate sensitive gaps constantly change as funds are acquired and invested and as rates change. Rising interest rates are likely to increase net interest income in a positive gap position while falling interest rates are beneficial in a negative gap position.

The above rate sensitivity analysis places interest-bearing demand and savings deposits in the shortest maturity category because these liabilities do not have defined maturities. If these deposits were placed in a maturity distribution representative of the Company’s deposit base history, the shortfall of the negative rate sensitive gap position would be reduced in the 1-to-90 day time frame. It is the goal of the Company to achieve a cumulative gap ratio of plus or minus 15% for all periods under one year, with maximum acceptable limits of plus or minus 20%. Quarterly, management discusses with the ALCO and the board of directors the gap position in relation to the established goals, highlights any reasons for variances from the goals and suggests changes to better align the Company’s position with the established goals. When reviewing the Company’s position, impacting factors and suggested changes, the board of directors also considers other corporate objectives, including increasing core deposits and increasing profitability, before implementing changes intended to align the Company’s position with the established goals. While the board of directors continues to closely monitor the Company’s negative gap position, at this time, management does not anticipate making any significant changes to the Company’s operating practices in order to mitigate the negative gap position.

The rate sensitivity gap table illustrates that the Company had a large negative cumulative gap position for the 1 to 90-day period as of December 31, 2022. This negative gap position was mainly due to: (1) a significant amount of non-maturity deposits classified within that period and (2) approximately 20.23% of certificates of deposit maturing during that period.

The interest rate sensitivity and rate sensitivity gap tables, taken together, indicate that the Company to be in a liability sensitive position when evaluating the maturities of interest-bearing items. Thus, an increase in the interest rate environment would have a negative impact to earnings, while a decrease in interest rates would have the opposite effect on the Company’s earnings. At the current stage of the economy with interest rates having increased quicker than any time in the past few decades and inflation pressure starting to subside, the Company foresees interest rates will remain fairly flat in the coming year. During 2022, the Company raised interest bearing asset rates but was able to hold interest bearing liabilities low until the fourth quarter and as a result, the Company will likely see margin compression during 2023 as deposit costs have started to increase and will likely continue through the first half of 2023.

The COVID-19 pandemic during 2020 and 2021 required some quick actions by the FRB to attempt to limit the recessionary impact of the pandemic. As a result of the actions taken during those years, the FRB had to reverse course in 2022 in a significant way to reduce the money supply in the economy and take a more restrictive stance. Market interest rates have increased 425 bps during 2022, which is the fastest rate increases on a percentage basis in decades. At the beginning of 2022, the ten-year Treasury yield was 1.63%. As of December 31, 2022, the ten-year Treasury yield was 3.88%. This was a result of the aforementioned 425 bps of tightening the FRB did throughout 2022. The movement in the short-term interest rates impact the Company’s decisions in regards to pricing the Company’s products and services. The short-term interest rates have had an impact on the Company’s earnings as we were able to reprice a majority of our interest-bearing assets while holding deposit costs down for most of 2022. The Company is focused on positioning the balance sheet to become more rate neutral to interest rates due to the expectation of relatively flat interest rates in the coming year as the data is showing the FRB’s aggressive actions have helped reduce inflation. In 2022, the Company was able take advantage of rate hikes and the Company’s net interest margin in 2022 was 2.80% compared to 2.60% in 2021.

Market Price and Dividend Information

MARKET PRICE INFORMATION

The Company’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market (“NASDAQ”) under the symbol “CIZN”. On February 28, 2023, the common stock’s closing price on NASDAQ was $15.50.

On February 28, 2023, shares of the Company’s common stock were held of record by approximately 466 shareholders.

DIVIDENDS

Dividends totaled $0.96 per share for 2022 and 2021.

If funds are available, the Board of Directors of the Company typically declares dividends on a quarterly basis in March, June, September and December with payment following at the end of the month in which the dividend was declared. Funds for the payment by the Company of cash dividends are obtained from dividends, loans or advances received by the Company from the Bank. Accordingly, the declaration and payment of dividends by the Company depend upon the Bank’s earnings and financial condition, general economic conditions, compliance with regulatory requirements, and other factors. The Bank must also receive the approval of the Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance prior to the payment of a dividend.

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph shows a comparison of the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the cumulative total returns of the NASDAQ Composite Index and the S&P 500 Regional Banks index. The S&P 500 Regional Banks index replaces the Morningstar Regional Banks Index in this analysis and going forward, as Morningstar has changed its methodology for its index. The graph tracks the performance of a $100 investment in our common stock and in each of the indexes during the last five fiscal years ended December 31, 2022. Data for the NASDAQ Composite Index and S&P 500 Regional Banks index assume reinvestment of dividends. Stockholder returns over the indicated period are based on historical data and should not be considered indicative of future stockholder returns.

Performance Graph

December 31, 2017 - December 31, 2023


Citizens Holding Company	100.00	94.99	103.69	103.69	97.67	75.63
NASDAQ Market Index	100.00	97.16	132.81	192.47	235.15	158.65
S&P 500 Regional Banks	100.00	81.82	110.80	105.77	148.65	110.72

There can be no assurance that the Company’s common stock performance will continue in the future with the same or similar trends depicted in the performance graph above. The Company does not and will not make or endorse any predictions as to future stock performance.

100

THE CITIZENS BANK OFFICERS

Stacy M. Brantley	Pam Garrett
President and CEO	Network Services Manager
Phillip R. Branch	Pat Stokes
Senior Vice President, CFO	Assistant Vice President, Operations Officer
Mark Taylor	Scott Lewis
Senior Vice President, COO, Trust Officer	Vice President, Information Security Officer
Ray Stone	Shon Kirkland
Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer	Assistant Vice President, Security Officer/
	Facilities Manager
Ledale Reynolds
Senior Vice President and CIO	Charles Wilkerson
	Assistant Vice President, Loan Operations Officer
Liz Owen
Senior Vice President, Director of	Greg Jackson
Human Resources, Chief Risk Officer	Accounting Officer
Jackie Hester	Reaghan Jenkins
Vice President, Marketing Officer	Accounting Officer
Pam Lewis	Deborah Ladd
Assistant Vice President, Collections Manager	Item Processing Officer
Jean T. Fulton	Sandra Curtis
Vice President, Internal Auditor	Assistant Vice President, Teller Administrator
Brad Copeland	Temika Triplett
Vice President, Branch Manager	Assistant Vice President, Electronic Services Officer
Mark Majure	Grant Comans
Vice President, Loan Review Officer	Assistance Vice President, Branch Manager
Bob Posey	Jamie Shotts
Vice President	Vice President, Appraisal Review Officer
Brice Richardson	Carthage Branch
Vice President, Branch Manager
	Billy Cook
Stacy Arnold	Vice President
Vice President, Compliance Officer
	Tonya Dorman
Tabbetha Calvert	Deposit Operations Officer
Vice President, BSA Officer
	Sebastopol Branch
Joshua Sullivan
Vice President, Senior Credit Analyst	Connie Comans
	Branch President
Ashley Peebles
Vice President, Director of Deposit Services	Union and Decatur Branches
Sommer Vick	Susan Brown
Vice President, Controller	Assistant Vice President, Deposit Operations Officer
Mitch Peden	Kosciusko Branch
Vice President, Information Services Manager
	Teresa Patterson
Stacy Chisolm	Vice President, Branch Manager
IT Service Desk Manager

101

Scooba and DeKalb Branches	Biloxi Cedar Lake and Lemoyne Branches
Reggie Moore	Travis Moore
Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager	Vice President, Regional Commercial Lender
Jan White	Tammy Warren
Assistant Vice President, Branch Operations Officer	Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer
Forest Branch	Katie Hancock
	Vice President, Branch Manager
Lawanda McCaughn
Deposit Operations Officer	Mandy Dawson
	Treasury Management Officer
Louisville Branch
	Mortgage Loan Department
Bruce Lee
Market President – Winston County	Charlene Deweese
	Assistant Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer
Lynn Graham
Assistant Vice President, Branch Operations Officer	Oxford Branch
Starkville Branch	Marion Boyd
	Oxford City President
Rhonda Edmonson
Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager	Larry Veasey
	Vice President, Regional Commercial Lender
Collinsville Branch
	Pascagoula Branch
Mike Shelby
Vice President, Branch Manager	Gregory E. Cronin
	Gulf Coast President
Meridian Eastgate Branch
	Ford Kinsey
Jay Hines	Vice President, Senior Credit & Special Assets Officer
Vice President, Loan Officer
	Amber Thomas
Tammara Hopson,	Vice President, Commercial Lender
Deposit Operations Officer
	Julius Bosco III
Hattiesburg Branch	BSA Specialist
Chad Hill	Theresa Jenkins
Vice President, Branch Manager	Community Retail Officer
Tammy McAlpin	Ocean Springs Branch
Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager
	Melissa Ceasar
Flowood Branch	Assistant Vice President, Community Retail Officer
George Gammon III	Sharon Wetzel
Metro Jackson President	Vice President, Information Technology Officer
Ridgeland Branch	Reagan Bridley
	Vice President, Commercial Lender
Daniel Webb
Assistance Vice President	Thomas Graham
	Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer
Katrena Thompson
Branch Operation Officer

102

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stacy M. Brantley	Craig Dungan, MD
President & Chief Executive Officer	Physician
The Citizens Bank	Meridian Gastroenterology PLLC
Donald L. Kilgore	Greg L. McKee
Special Assistant Attorney General	President & Chief Executive Officer
State of Mississippi	Citizens Holding Company
David A. King	David P. Webb
Proprietor	Attorney
Philadelphia Motor Company	Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell &
	Berkowitz, PC
Herbert A. King
Civil Engineer	Jane Crosswhite
King Engineering Associates, Inc.	Executive Vice President
	Williams Brothers Inc.
Adam Mars
Business Manager	Terrell E. Winstead
Mars, Mars & Mars	Executive Vice President
	Molpus Woodlands Group
Gregory E. Cronin
Gulf Coast President	Jason Voyles
Citizens Holding Company and	President & Chief Executive Officer
The Citizens Bank	Spectrum Capital, LLC

CITIZENS HOLDING COMPANY OFFICERS

Herbert A. King

Chairman

Greg L. McKee

President and Chief Executive Officer

Mark Taylor

Secretary

Phillip R. Branch

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Gregory E. Cronin

Gulf Coast President

103

BANKING LOCATIONS

Philadelphia Main Office	Collinsville Branch	Decatur Branch
521 Main Street	9065 Collinsville Road	15330 Hwy 15 South
Philadelphia, MS 39350	Collinsville, MS 39325	Decatur, MS 39327
601.656.4692	601.626.7608	601.635.2321
Westside Branch	Flowood Branch	Forest Branch
912 West Beacon Street	2845 Lakeland Drive	247 Woodland Drive North
Philadelphia, MS 39350	Flowood, MS 39232	Forest, MS 39074
601.656.4692	601.992.7688	601.469.3424
Northside Branch	Sebastopol Branch	Louisville-Main Branch
802 Pecan Avenue	24 Pine Street	906 South Columbus Avenue
Philadelphia, MS 39350	Sebastopol, MS 39359	Louisville, MS 39339
601.656.4692	601.625.7447	662.773.6261
Eastside Branch	DeKalb Branch	Noxapater Branch
599 East Main Street	176 Main Avenue	45 East Main Street
Philadelphia, MS 39350	DeKalb, MS 39328	Noxapater, MS 39346
601.656.4692	601.743.2115	662.724.4261
Union Branch	Kosciusko Branch	Louisville-Industrial Branch
502 Bank Street	775 North Jackson Street	1760 South Church Avenue
Union, MS 39365	Kosciusko, MS 39090	Louisville, MS 39339
601.656.4879	662.289.4356	662.773.6261
Starkville Branch	Scooba Branch	Biloxi Lemoyne Boulevard
201 Highway 12 West	27597 Highway 16 East	15309 Lemoyne Boulevard
Starkville, MS 39759	Scooba, MS 39358	Biloxi, MS 39532
662.323.1420	662.476.8431	228.207.2343
Carthage Main Office	Meridian Eastgate	Ocean Springs Branch
301 West Main Street	1825 Hwy 39 North	2702 Bienville Blvd
Carthage, MS 39051	Meridian, MS 39301	Ocean Springs, MS 39564
601.257.4525	601.693.8367	228.875.3933
Biloxi Cedar Lakes	Hattiesburg Branch	Ridgeland Branch
1830 Popps Ferry Road	6222 Highway 98	320 Highway 51 North
Biloxi, MS 39532	Hattiesburg, MS 39402	Ridgeland, MS 39157
228.594.6913	601.264.4425	601.519.4020
Oxford Branch	Gulfport Branch	Pascagoula Branch
902 Sisk Avenue, Ste E	12008 Hwy 49 ****	1519 Jackson Ave ****
Oxford, MS 38655	Gulfport, MS 39503	Pascagoula, MS 39567

104

BANKING LOCATIONS

Continued

Phone Teller ****

1.800.397.0344

Internet and Mobile Banking

http.//www.thecitizensbankphila.com

105

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS

521 Main Street

P.O. Box 209

Philadelphia, MS 39350

601.656.4692

ANNUAL SHAREHOLDER MEETING

The Annual Shareholder meeting of the Citizens Holding Company, Inc. will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 4:30 P.M. in the lobby of the main office of The Citizens Bank, 521 Main Street, Philadelphia, Mississippi.

STOCK REGISTRAR AND TRANSFER AGENT

American Stock Transfer & Trust Company

59 Maiden Lane

New York, NY 10038

FORM 10-K

The Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available without charge to shareholders upon request to the Treasurer of the Citizens Holding Company.

FINANCIAL CONTACT

Phillip R. Branch

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

P.O. 209

Philadelphia, Mississippi 39350

Additional information can be obtained from the Company’s website at https://www.thecitizensbankphila.com/investor-relations/.

106

ex_485794.htm

Exhibit 21 – Subsidiaries of the Registrant

The following is a list of subsidiaries of the Company:

Subsidiaries	Jurisdiction<br><br> <br>of<br><br> <br>Incorporation	Approximate<br><br> <br>Percentage<br><br> <br>of Voting<br><br> <br>Securities Owned
The Citizens Bank of Philadelphia, Mississippi	Mississippi	100%

ex_485795.htm

Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Citizens Holding Company for the year ended December 31, 2022 and in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-89680 and 333-190500) of Citizens Holding Company of our report dated March 16, 2023 related to our audit of the consolidated financial statements which appear in the 2022 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Citizens Holding Company for the year ended December 31, 2022.

/s/ HORNE LLP

Memphis, Tennessee

March 16, 2023

ex_485796.htm

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Greg McKee, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Citizens Holding Company;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
---	---
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
---	---
4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
---	---
a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
---	---
b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
---	---
c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
---	---
d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
---	---
5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
---	---
a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
---	---
b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
---	---
Date: March 16, 2023	By: /s/ Greg McKee<br><br> <br>Greg McKee<br><br> <br>Chief Executive Officer<br><br> <br>Citizens Holding Company
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ex_485797.htm

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, Phillip R Branch, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Citizens Holding Company;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
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3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
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4.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
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a)	Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
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b)	Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
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c)	Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
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d)	Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
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5.	The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
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a)	All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
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b)	Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
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Date: March 16, 2023	By: /s/ Phillip R. Branch<br><br> <br>Phillip R. Branch<br><br> <br>Chief Financial Officer
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ex_485798.htm

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Citizens Holding Company (the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2022 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Greg McKee, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as follows:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 16, 2023	By: /s/ Greg McKee<br><br> <br>Greg McKee<br><br> <br>Chief Executive Officer<br><br> <br>Citizens Holding Company

ex_485799.htm

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Citizens Holding Company (the “Company”) for the period ended December 31, 2022 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Phillip R. Branch, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as follows:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: March 16, 2023	By: /s/ Phillip R. Branch<br><br> <br>Phillip R. Branch<br><br> <br>Chief Financial Officer