As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 11, 2024
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
| Maryland | 6036 | Applied for |
| (State or Other Jurisdiction of | (Primary Standard Industrial | (I.R.S. Employer |
| Incorporation or Organization) | Classification Code Number) | Identification Number) |
109 West Second Street
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 02492
(920) 766-4646
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
Charles D. Schmalz
President and Chief Executive Officer
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
109 West Second Street
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 02492
(920) 766-4646
(Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of Agent for Service)
Copies to:
| Kip A. Weissman, Esq. | Ross Bevan, Esq. |
| Zachary A. Davis, Esq. | Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP |
| Luse Gorman, PC | 3299 K Street, N.W., Suite 100 |
| 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W. | Washington, DC 20007 |
| Suite 780 | (202) 295-4500 |
| Washington, D.C. 20015 | |
| (202) 274-2000 |
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box: x
If this Form is filed to register additional shares for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462I under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: ¨
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering: ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
| Large accelerated filer | ¨ | Accelerated filer | ¨ |
| Non-accelerated filer | x | Smaller reporting company | x |
| Emerging growth company | x |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act: ¨
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
PROSPECTUS
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
(Proposed Holding Company for East Wisconsin Savings Bank)
Up to 1,006,250 shares of Common Stock
(Subject to increase to up to 1,157,188 shares)
EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (“New EWSB Bancorp” or the “Company”), a newly formed Maryland corporation, and the proposed holding company for East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”), is offering shares of common stock for sale in connection with the conversion of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “MHC”), from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company form of organization. There is currently no public market for the shares of our common stock. We expect our common stock to be quoted on the OTCQB Market operated by OTC Markets Group upon the completion of the conversion and stock offering. We are an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 and, as such, we have elected to comply with certain reduced public company reporting requirements for this prospectus and future filings.
We are offering up to 1,006,250 shares of common stock for sale. We must sell a minimum of 743,750 shares in order to complete the offering. We may sell up to 1,157,188 shares of common stock because of demand for the shares or changes in market conditions without resoliciting subscribers.
We are offering the shares of common stock in a subscription offering to eligible members of the MHC (i.e., eligible depositors of the Bank) and the Bank’s tax-qualified employee benefits plan. Shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering may be offered for sale to the general public in a community offering, with a preference given to residents of the communities served by the Bank. Any shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering or community offering may be offered for sale in a syndicated community offering.
The minimum purchase order is 25 shares. All shares of common stock are being offered for sale at a price of $10.00 per share. Purchasers will not pay a commission to purchase shares of common stock in the offering. Stock orders must be received by us before 3:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date]. We may extend the expiration date without notice to you until [extension date], or longer if the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions approves a later date. Once submitted, orders are irrevocable unless the subscription and community offerings are terminated or extended beyond [extension date], or the number of shares of common stock to be sold is increased to more than 1,157,188 shares or decreased to less than 743,750 shares. In these instances, we will resolicit subscribers, and all funds delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock will be returned promptly with interest. Funds received in the subscription and the community offerings will be held in a segregated account at the Bank and will earn interest at [interest rate %] per annum until completion or termination of the stock offering.
Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC (“Performance Trust”) will assist us in selling the shares on a best efforts basis in the subscription and community offerings, and will serve as sole manager for any syndicated community offering. Performance Trust is not required to purchase any shares of common stock that are sold in the stock offering.
This investment involves a degree of risk, including the possible loss of your investment.
Please read “Risk Factors” beginning on page 15.
OFFERING SUMMARY
Price: $10.00 per Share
| Minimum | Midpoint | Maximum | Adjusted Maximum | |||||||||||||
| Number of shares | 743,750 | 875,000 | 1,006,250 | 1,157,188 | ||||||||||||
| Gross offering proceeds | $ | 7,437,500 | $ | 8,750,000 | $ | 10,062,500 | $ | 11,571,880 | ||||||||
| Estimated offering expenses, excluding marketing agent fees and expenses (1) (2) | $ | 1,330,000 | $ | 1,330,000 | $ | 1,330,000 | $ | 1,330,000 | ||||||||
| Marketing agent fees and expenses (1) | $ | 360,000 | $ | 360,000 | $ | 360,000 | $ | 360,000 | ||||||||
| Estimated net proceeds | $ | 5,747,500 | $ | 7,060,000 | $ | 8,372,500 | $ | 9,881,880 | ||||||||
| Estimated net proceeds per share (1) | $ | 7.73 | $ | 8.07 | $ | 8.32 | $ | 8.54 | ||||||||
| 1. | See “The Conversion and Offering—Marketing and Distribution; Compensation” for a discussion of Performance Trust’s compensation for this offering and the compensation to be received by Performance Trust and the other broker-dealers that may participate in the syndicated community offering. |
| 2. | Excludes records agent fees and expenses payable to Performance Trust, which are included in estimated offering expenses. See “The Conversion and Offering—Marketing and Distribution; Compensation.” |
These securities are not deposits or savings accounts and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.
None of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, nor any state securities regulator has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
For assistance, please call the Stock Information Center at [phone number].

The date of this prospectus is [prospectus date].

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
The following summary explains the significant aspects of the MHC’s mutual-to-stock conversion and the related offering of New EWSB Bancorp common stock. It may not contain all of the information that is important to you. For additional information before making an investment decision, you should read this entire document carefully, including the consolidated financial statements and the notes to the financial statements, and the section entitled “Risk Factors.”
In this prospectus, the terms “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to New EWSB Bancorp, the Bank, the MHC and the current Wisconsin-chartered mid-tier holding company of the Bank, EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (“Old EWSB Bancorp”), unless the context indicates another meaning.
New EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
New EWSB Bancorp, Inc. is a newly formed Maryland corporation that will own all of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank upon completion of the conversion and the offering. New EWSB Bancorp has not engaged in any business to date. Our corporate offices are located at 109 West Second Street, Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130. Our telephone number at this address is (920) 766-4646.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
The Bank is a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank headquartered in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The Bank was organized in 1887 under the name Kaukauna Savings and Loan Association. In 1972, the Bank changed its name to East Wisconsin Savings and Loan Association and in 1997, the Bank changed its name to East Wisconsin Savings Bank, S.A. In 2017 the Bank reorganized into the no stock mutual holding company form of ownership. The Bank operates through its headquarters in Kaukauna and branches in Appleton, Freedom, Grand Chute and Kimberly, Wisconsin. We consider our primary lending market area to be Outagamie County, Wisconsin, and its adjoining counties.
Our business consists primarily of taking deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations, primarily in one- to four-family residential real estate loans, as well as marine and recreational vehicle loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and other consumer loans. To a lesser extent, we originate commercial real estate, multifamily, construction and commercial loans. At December 31, 2023, $122.2 million, or 69.7%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of one- to four-family residential real estate loans, $30.8 million, or 17.6%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of marine and recreational vehicle loans, $6.2 million, or 3.5%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of home equity loans and lines of credit, and $4.0 million, or 2.3%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of other consumer loans. We also invest in securities, consisting primarily of U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities, including agency mortgage-backed securities and corporate bonds. We offer a variety of deposit accounts, including certificates of deposit, money market accounts, savings accounts and interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing demand accounts. We historically have utilized advances from the FHLB to assist in the funding of our operations and we had $18.6 million of FHLB advances at December 31, 2023.
The Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (the “Department”) under Wisconsin law, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) as its primary federal regulator and insurer of its deposits.
Our corporate offices are located at 109 West Second Street, Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130. Our telephone number at this address is (920) 766-4646. Our website address is www.eastwis.com.
Information on our website is not incorporated into this prospectus and should not be considered part of this prospectus.
Business Strategy
Our current business strategy includes the following:
| · | Increase loan originations; |
| · | Increase the proportion of our assets consisting of loans; |
| · | Control operating expenses; |
| · | Continue our historical emphasis on residential mortgage lending; |
| · | Continue to improve asset/liability management by implementing enhancements to our interest rate management framework and investment securities policies and procedures; |
| · | Continue to manage credit risk to maintain a low level of non-performing assets; and |
| · | Continue our community-oriented focus. |
Our Organizational Structure and the Proposed Conversion
In 2017, the Bank completed a mutual holding company reorganization at which time the Bank became the wholly owned subsidiary of Old EWSB Bancorp, a Wisconsin corporation, which in turn became the wholly owned subsidiary of the MHC, a Wisconsin-chartered mutual holding company. The following diagram shows our organizational structure as of December 31, 2023:
| WISCONSIN
MUTUAL BANCORP, MHC (a Wisconsin mutual holding company) |
|||
| 100% of common stock | |||
| EWSB
BANCORP, INC. (a Wisconsin stock corporation) |
|||
| 100% of common stock | |||
| EAST
WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK (a Wisconsin stock savings bank) |
|||
2
After the conversion and offering are completed, we will be organized as a fully public stock holding company, as follows:
| PUBLIC STOCKHOLDERS | |||
| 100% of common stock | |||
| EWSB
BANCORP, INC. (a Maryland stock corporation) |
|||
| 100% of common stock | |||
| EAST
WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK (a Wisconsin stock savings bank) |
|||
Reasons for the Conversion
Our primary reasons for the conversion and offering are to:
| · | increase capital to improve our regulatory capital position and support future operations and profitability; |
| · | transition our organization to a stock holding company structure, which gives us greater flexibility to access the capital markets compared to our existing mutual holding company structure; |
| · | enhance our ability to manage risk; and |
| · | enhance our community ties by providing customers and members of our community with the opportunity to acquire an ownership interest in New EWSB Bancorp and the Bank. |
Recent Operating Losses
Our results of operations for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 were materially adversely impacted by a historic spike in general interest rates. As a result, our loan volume declined dramatically while our cost of funds increased more rapidly than the yield on our earning assets. In addition, the market value of our available-for-sale securities declined significantly. In order to reduce our vulnerability to changes in interest rates, improve liquidity and increase our interest rate spread, during fiscal 2022, we sold a significant amount of our available-for-sale securities resulting in a $5.1 million pretax loss upon the sale of those securities. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022—2022 Securities Portfolio Restructuring Transaction.” Our results for 2023 and 2022 were also negatively affected by expenses related to a proposed acquisition of another mutual institution that was later terminated. These expenses are considered nonrecurring and will not impact our future results of operations.
3
Our future operating results will be significantly dependent upon our ability to increase our net interest margin as well as our originations of one- to four-family loans, including in particular loans available-for-sale, which drive mortgage banking income. See “—Business Strategy.” In addition, we have taken a number of steps to increase our core deposits and increase our residential loan volume, both of which should enhance our goals of increasing both loan originations and our net interest margin. Although the capital raised in the conversion will support this effort, the conversion will also have an adverse impact on our operating results due to additional expenses to be incurred in connection with and as a result of the conversion. These additional expenses include costs related to becoming a public company, increased non-cash compensation expenses associated with our employee stock ownership plan (the “ESOP”) and the possible implementation of a stock-based benefit plan after the completion of the conversion. See “Risk Factors—Our stock-based benefit plan will increase our expenses and reduce our income;” and “Management—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion.”
There can be no assurances, however, that we will successfully execute our business plan and return to profitability.
Terms of the Offering
We are offering between 743,750 shares and 1,006,250 shares of common stock to eligible members of the MHC (i.e., eligible depositors of the Bank) and our ESOP, and, to the extent shares remain available, to members of our local community and the general public. The number of shares of common stock to be sold may be increased to up to 1,157,188 shares as a result of demand for the shares or changes in the market for financial institution stocks. Unless the number of shares of common stock to be offered is increased to greater than 1,157,188 shares or decreased to fewer than 743,750 shares, or the offering is extended beyond [extension date], subscribers will not have the opportunity to change or cancel their stock orders once submitted.
The purchase price of each share of common stock to be issued in the offering is $10.00. Investors will not be charged a commission to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.
Persons Who May Order Shares of Common Stock in the Offering
We are offering the shares of common stock in a subscription offering in the following descending order of priority:
| · | To depositors with accounts at the Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50.00 at the close of business on December 31, 2022. |
| · | To our ESOP. We expect the ESOP to purchase 7% of the total number of shares of common stock sold in the offering. |
| · | To depositors with accounts at the Bank with aggregate balances of at least $50.00 at the close of business on March 31, 2024. |
| · | To depositors of the Bank as of the close of business on [voting record date]. |
Shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering may be offered for sale to the general public in a community offering, with a preference given first to natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago Counties, Wisconsin. The community offering may begin concurrently with, during or promptly after the subscription offering. We may also offer for sale shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription offering and the community offering in a syndicated community offering. Performance Trust will act as sole manager for the syndicated community offering. We have the right to accept or reject, in our sole discretion, orders received in the community offering or syndicated community offering, and our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion will be final. Any determination to accept or reject stock orders in the community offering or syndicated community offering will be based on the facts and circumstances available to management at the time of the determination.
4
If we receive orders for more shares than we are offering for sale, we may not be able to fill your order, either fully or partially. A detailed description of the subscription offering, the community offering, if any, and the syndicated community offering, if any, as well as a discussion regarding allocation procedures, can be found in the section of this prospectus entitled “The Conversion and Offering.”
How We Determined the Offering Range
The amount of common stock that we are offering is based on an independent appraisal of the estimated market value of New EWSB Bancorp, assuming the offering is completed. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., our independent appraiser, has estimated that, as of February 23, 2024, this market value was $8.8 million. Based on applicable state and federal regulations, this market value forms the midpoint of a valuation range with a minimum of $7.4 million and a maximum of $10.1 million. Based on this valuation range and the $10.00 per share price, the number of shares of common stock being offered for sale by New EWSB Bancorp ranges from 743,750 shares to 1,006,250 shares. The purchase price of $10.00 per share was selected primarily because it is the price most commonly used in mutual-to-stock conversions of financial institutions. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. will update its appraisal before we complete the conversion and offering. If, as a result of demand for the shares or changes in market conditions, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. determines that our estimated pro forma market value has increased, we may sell up to 1,157,188 shares without further notice to you. If our pro forma market value at the time we complete the conversion and offering is either below $7.4 million or above $11.6 million, then, after consulting with the Department and the Federal Reserve Board, we may: terminate the offering and promptly return all funds with interest; set a new offering range and give all subscribers the opportunity to place a new order; or take such other actions as may be permitted by our regulators.
The appraisal is based in part on our financial condition and results of operations, the pro forma effect of the capital raised by the sale of shares of common stock in the offering, and an analysis of a peer group of eleven publicly traded savings and loan and bank holding companies that Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considered comparable to us. The appraisal peer group consists of the following companies, all of which are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
| Company Name | Ticker Symbol |
Headquarters | Total assets
as of December 31, 2023 (in millions) |
|||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. | BCOW | Greenfield, WI | $ | 557.6 | ||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | CLST | Opelousas, LA | 270.9 | |||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. | CULL | Cullman, AL | 410.6 | |||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. | GBNY | Seneca Falls, NY | 424.4 | |||||
| HMN Financial, Inc. | HMNF | Rochester, MN | 1,107.1 | |||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana | HFBL | Shreveport, LA | 654.2 | |||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | IROQ | Watseka, IL | 910.8 | |||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. | NSTS | Waukegan, IL | 256.8 | |||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. | PBBK | Coatesville, PA | 439.7 | |||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. | TCBC | Thomasville, GA | 466.6 | |||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | TCBS | Mineola, TX | 452.0 | |||||
5
The following table presents a summary of our selected pricing ratios (on a pro forma basis) as of and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and for the peer group as of and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 (or the last twelve months for which data is available), with stock prices as of February 23, 2024, as reflected in the appraisal report. Compared to the average pricing of the peer group, our pro forma pricing ratios at the midpoint of the offering range indicated a discount of 34.9% on a price-to-book value basis and a discount of 35.6% on a price-to-tangible book value basis. Due to our recent net loss, our calculated price-to-core earnings ratio at the midpoint was not meaningful and, therefore, not subject to comparison with the peer group.
| Price-to-core
earnings multiple(1) |
Price-to-book value ratio |
Price-to-tangible book value ratio |
||||||||||
| EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (on a pro forma basis, assuming completion of the conversion) | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted Maximum | NM | 57.11 | % | 57.11 | % | |||||||
| Maximum | NM | 53.22 | % | 53.22 | % | |||||||
| Midpoint | NM | 49.38 | % | 49.36 | % | |||||||
| Minimum | NM | 44.96 | % | 44.94 | % | |||||||
| Valuation of peer group companies, all of which are fully converted (on an historical basis) | ||||||||||||
| Averages | 17.66 | x | 75.87 | % | 76.72 | % | ||||||
| Medians | 18.48 | x | 77.34 | % | 77.40 | % | ||||||
| (1) | Price-to-earnings multiples calculated by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in the independent appraisal are based on an estimate of “core” or recurring earnings. These ratios are different than those presented in “Pro Forma Data.” Our price-to-core earnings ratios are negative values and are shown as not meaningful. |
The independent appraisal does not indicate trading market value. Do not assume or expect that our valuation as indicated in the appraisal means that after the conversion and offering the shares of our common stock will trade at or above the $10.00 per share purchase price. Furthermore, the pricing ratios presented in the appraisal were used by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. to estimate our pro forma appraised value for regulatory purposes and not to compare the relative value of shares of our common stock with the value of the capital stock of the peer group. The value of the capital stock of a particular company may be affected by a number of factors such as financial performance, asset size and market location.
For a more complete discussion of the amount of common stock we are offering for sale and the independent appraisal, see “The Conversion and Offering—Determination of Share Price and Number of Shares to be Issued.”
Limits on How Much Common Stock You May Purchase
The minimum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased is 25. Generally, no individual, or individuals acting through a single qualifying account held jointly, may purchase more than 15,000 shares ($150,000) of common stock. If any of the following persons purchase shares of common stock, their purchases, in all categories of the offering, when combined with your purchases, cannot exceed 30,000 shares ($300,000) of common stock:
| · | your spouse or relatives of you or your spouse living in your house; |
| · | most companies, trusts or other entities in which you are a senior officer, partner, trustee or have a substantial beneficial interest; or |
| · | other persons who may be your associates or persons acting in concert with you. |
6
Unless we determine otherwise, persons having a joint account relationship, persons having the same address and persons exercising subscription rights through qualifying accounts registered to the same address will be subject to the overall purchase limitation of 30,000 shares ($300,000).
Subject to regulatory approval, we may increase or decrease the purchase limitations at any time. Please see “The Conversion and Offering—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”
How You May Purchase Shares of Common Stock in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering
In the subscription offering and community offering, you may pay for your shares only by:
| · | personal check, bank check or money order made payable directly to EWSB Bancorp, Inc.; or |
| · | authorizing us to withdraw available funds from the types of the Bank deposit accounts identified on the stock order form. |
You may not use any type of third-party check to pay for shares of common stock. Do not submit cash. Wire transfers will not be accepted. Applicable regulations prohibit the Bank from lending funds or extending credit to any person to purchase shares of common stock in the offering. You may not submit a Bank line of credit check. You may not designate withdrawal from the Bank’s accounts with check-writing privileges; rather, submit a check. If you request a direct withdrawal from an account with check-writing privileges, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and will immediately withdraw the amount from your demand account(s). You may not authorize direct withdrawal from a Bank individual retirement account (“IRA”). See “—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares of Common Stock.”
You may subscribe for shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings by delivering a signed and completed original stock order form, together with full payment payable to EWSB Bancorp, Inc. or authorization to withdraw funds from one or more of your Bank deposit accounts, provided that the stock order form is received (not postmarked) before 3:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], which is the expiration of the subscription offering period. You may return your stock order form and payment by (1) overnight delivery to the address indicated on the stock order form for this purpose; (2) in-person delivery to the Bank’s corporate office located at 109 West Second Street, Kaukauna, Wisconsin; or (3) regular mail using the stock order reply envelope provided. In-person delivery of stock order forms will be accepted only at the Bank’s corporate offices. Do not deliver your stock order form to any other of the Bank's offices. The Bank is open Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Central Time, excluding bank holidays.
For a complete description of how to purchase shares in the offering, see “The Conversion and Offering—Procedure for Purchasing Shares.”
7
Using Retirement Account Funds to Purchase Shares of Common Stock in the Subscription and Community Offerings
You may be able to subscribe for shares of common stock using funds in your IRA or other retirement account. If you wish to use some or all of the funds in your Bank IRA or other retirement account, the applicable funds must be transferred to a self-directed account maintained by an independent custodian or trustee, such as a brokerage firm, and the purchase must be made through that account. If you do not have such an account, you will need to establish one before placing your stock order. An annual administrative fee may be payable to the independent custodian or trustee. Because individual circumstances differ and the processing of retirement fund orders takes additional time, we recommend that you contact our Stock Information Center promptly, preferably at least two weeks before the [expiration date] offering deadline, for assistance with purchases using funds in your IRA or other retirement account you may have at the Bank or elsewhere. Whether you may use such funds to purchase shares in the offering may depend on timing constraints and, possibly, limitations imposed by the institution where the funds are held.
See “The Conversion and Offering—Procedure for Purchasing Shares in the Subscription and Community Offerings—Payment for Shares” and “—Using Retirement Account Funds” for a complete description of how to use IRA funds to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.
Purchases by Executive Officers and Directors and Ownership by Benefit Plans
We expect our directors and executive officers, together with their associates, to subscribe for 117,500 shares ($1,175,000) of common stock in the offering, or 15.8% of the shares to be sold at the minimum of the offering range. Our directors and executive officers will pay the same $10.00 per share price for the common stock as all other subscribers in the offering. Purchases of the common stock by our directors and executive officers are for investment purposes for these individuals and not with a view towards resale, and pursuant to applicable conversion regulations, our directors and executive officers generally will not be permitted to sell any shares of the common stock that they purchase in the offering for a period of at least one year from the closing of the conversion and offering. See “Subscriptions by Directors and Executive Officers.”
Additionally, we expect our ESOP to purchase 7% of the total number of shares of common stock that we issue in the offering, and also expect, following completion of the conversion, and subject to stockholder approval, to adopt and implement a stock-based benefit plan. The shares owned by these plans will increase the ownership of our officers and directors. See “—Benefits to Management and Potential Dilution to Stockholders Following the Conversion.”
How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering
Pursuant to the plan of conversion, we must contribute at least 50% of the net proceeds from the offering to the Bank. We intend to retain $100,000 of the net conversion proceeds at New EWSB Bancorp and enough of the net proceeds to fund the loan to the ESOP. The remainder of the net conversion proceeds will be contributed to the Bank. Assuming we sell 875,000 shares of common stock in the offering, the midpoint of the offering range, and we have net proceeds of approximately $7.1 million, we intend to distribute the net proceeds as follows:
| · | Approximately $6.3 million (89.9% of the net proceeds at the midpoint) will be invested in the Bank; |
| · | $613,000 (8.7% of the net proceeds at the midpoint) will be loaned by New EWSB Bancorp to our ESOP to fund its purchase of our shares of common stock; and |
| · | $100,000 (1.4% of the net proceeds) will be retained by New EWSB Bancorp. |
8
New EWSB Bancorp may use the funds it retains to invest in securities or for other general corporate purposes. The Bank expects to use the proceeds from the offering it receives from New EWSB Bancorp to increase its capital position and to support increased lending.
We do not anticipate the number of shares we sell in the offering will result in significant changes in the respective uses of proceeds by the Bank and New EWSB Bancorp. Please see the section of this prospectus entitled “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds From the Offering” for more information on the proposed use of the proceeds from the offering, including a table showing the distribution of net proceeds at different points in the offering range.
You May Not Sell or Transfer Your Subscription Rights
Applicable regulations prohibit you from transferring your subscription rights. If you order shares of common stock in the subscription offering, you will be required to state that you are purchasing the shares of common stock for yourself and that you have no agreement or understanding to sell or transfer your subscription rights. We intend to take legal action, including reporting persons to federal and/or state regulatory agencies, against anyone who we believe has sold or given away his or her subscription rights. We will not accept your order if we have reason to believe that you have sold or transferred your subscription rights.
When registering your stock purchase on the stock order form, you cannot add the name(s) of others for joint stock registration unless they are also named on your qualifying deposit account. In addition, the stock order form requires that you list all qualifying accounts, giving all names on each account and the account number at the applicable eligibility date. Failure to provide this information, or providing incomplete or incorrect information, may result in a loss of part or all of your share allocation if there is an oversubscription.
Deadline for Orders of Shares of Common Stock in the Subscription and Community Offerings
If you wish to purchase shares of common stock in the offering, we must receive a properly signed and completed original stock order form, together with full payment for the shares of common stock, no later than 3:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], unless we extend the subscription offering and/or the community offering. Orders received after 3:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date] will be rejected unless we extend the offering. If you wish to purchase shares of common stock, a properly completed and signed original stock order form, together with full payment, must be received (not postmarked) by this time.
Although we will make reasonable attempts to provide this prospectus and offering materials to holders of subscription rights, the subscription offering and all subscription rights will expire at 3:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], whether or not we have been able to locate each person entitled to subscription rights.
For a complete description of the deadline for purchasing shares in the offering, see “The Conversion and Offering—Procedure for Purchasing Shares—Expiration Date.”
Steps We May Take If We Do Not Receive Orders for the Minimum Number of Shares
If we do not receive orders for at least 743,750 shares of common stock, we may take additional steps to complete the offering. Specifically, we may:
| · | increase the purchase limitations; and/or |
| · | seek regulatory approval, to the extent required, to extend the offering beyond [extension date], so long as we resolicit persons that have previously subscribed in the offering. |
9
If we extend the offering past [extension date], we will resolicit subscribers. You will have the opportunity to confirm, change or cancel your order within a specified period of time. If you do not respond during that period of time, your stock order will be cancelled and your deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be cancelled or your funds submitted will be returned promptly with interest at [interest rate %] from the date the stock order was processed. If one or more purchase limitations are increased, subscribers in the subscription offering who ordered the maximum amount will be given the opportunity to increase their subscriptions up to the newly applicable limit.
Possible Change in the Offering Range
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. will update its appraisal before we complete the offering. If, as a result of demand for the shares, changes in market conditions or changes to our financial condition, operating results or other aspects of our business, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. determines that our pro forma market value has increased, we may sell up to 1,157,188 shares in the offering without further notice to you. If our pro forma market value at that time is either below $7.4 million or above $11.6 million (the minimum and adjusted maximum pro forma market value, respectively, based on the appraised value of New EWSB Bancorp as of February 23, 2024), then, after consulting with the Federal Reserve Board and the Department, we may:
| · | terminate the offering, cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations and promptly return all funds received in the offering with interest at [interest rate %]; |
| · | set a new offering range; or |
| · | take such other actions as may be permitted, to the extent such permission is required, by the Department, the Federal Reserve Board, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
If we set a new offering range, we will promptly return funds, with interest at [interest rate %] for funds received in the offering, cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations and commence a resolicitation. In connection with the resolicitation, we will notify subscribers of their right to place a new stock order for a specified period of time.
Possible Termination of the Offering
We may terminate the offering at any time with the approval, to the extent such approval is required, of the Department and the Federal Reserve Board.
We must sell a minimum of 743,750 shares to complete the offering. If we terminate the offering because we fail to sell the minimum number of shares or for any other reason, we will promptly return your funds with interest at [interest rate %], and we will cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations.
10
Conditions to Completion of the Conversion and the Offering
We cannot complete the conversion and the offering unless:
| · | the plan of conversion is approved by at least a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by members of the MHC, who are the depositors of the Bank, at a special meeting of members of the MHC. |
| · | the plan of conversion is approved by the MHC, the sole stockholder of Old EWSB Bancorp; |
| · | we have received and accepted orders to purchase at least the minimum number of shares of common stock offered; and |
| · | we receive all required final approvals of the Department and the Federal Reserve Board to complete the conversion and the offering. |
Benefits to Management and Potential Dilution to Stockholders Following the Conversion
We expect our ESOP to purchase 7% of the total number of shares of common stock that we issue in the offering, or 70,437 shares of common stock, assuming we sell the maximum of the number of shares proposed to be sold. If market conditions warrant, in the judgment of its trustees, the ESOP’s subscription order will not be filled and the ESOP may elect to purchase shares in the open market following the completion of the conversion, subject to the approval of the Federal Reserve Board and the Department.
We intend to implement a stock-based benefit plan no earlier than six months after completion of the conversion. Stockholder approval of the plan would be required. We have not determined whether we would adopt the plan within or after 12 months following the completion of the conversion. If we implement a stock-based benefit plan within 12 months following the completion of the conversion, the stock-based benefit plan would be limited to reserving a number of shares (i) up to 3% of the shares of common stock outstanding following the stock offering for awards of restricted stock to key employees and directors, at no cost to the recipients, and (ii) up to 10% of the shares of common stock outstanding following the stock offering for issuance of stock options to key employees and directors. If the stock-based benefit plan is adopted more than 12 months after the completion of the conversion, it would not be subject to the percentage limitations set forth above. We have not yet determined the number of shares that would be reserved for issuance under the plan. See “Management of New EWSB Bancorp—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Offering.”
In connection with the conversion, we expect to enter into employment and change in control agreements with certain of our other executive officers. See “Management of New EWSB Bancorp—Executive Compensation” for a further discussion of these agreements, including their terms and potential costs, as well as a description of other benefits arrangements.
11
The following table summarizes the number of shares of common stock and aggregate dollar value of grants (valuing each share granted at the offering price of $10.00) that will be available under our ESOP and a stock-based benefit plan if such plan is adopted within one year following the completion of the conversion and the offering. The table shows the dilution to stockholders if all these shares are issued from authorized but unissued shares, instead of shares purchased in the open market. The table also sets forth the number of shares of common stock to be acquired by the ESOP for allocation to all employees. A portion of the stock awards and stock option grants shown in the table below may be made to non-management employees.
| Number of Shares to be Granted | Dilution | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| or Purchased (3) | Resulting | Value of Grants (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| At | As a | From | At | |||||||||||||||||||||
| At | Adjusted | Percentage | Issuance of | At | Adjusted | |||||||||||||||||||
| Minimum | Maximum | of Common | Shares for | Minimum | Maximum | |||||||||||||||||||
| of Offering | of Offering | Stock to be | Stock Benefit | Offering | Offering | |||||||||||||||||||
| Range | Range | Issued (2) | Plans | Range | Range | |||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ESOP | 52,063 | 81,003 | 7.00 | % | n/a | $ | 520,630 | $ | 810,030 | |||||||||||||||
| Stock awards | 22,313 | 34,716 | 3.00 | % | 2.91 | % | 223,130 | 347,160 | ||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | 74,375 | 115,719 | 10.00 | % | 9.09 | % | 309,400 | 481,391 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | 148,751 | 231,438 | 20.00 | % | 11.50 | % | $ | 1,053,160 | $ | 1,638,581 | ||||||||||||||
| (1) | The actual value of restricted stock awards will be determined based on their fair value as of the date grants are made. For purposes of this table, fair value is assumed to be the same as the offering price of $10.00 per share. The fair value of stock options has been estimated at $4.16 per option using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: a grant-date share price and option exercise price of $10.00; no dividend yield; an expected option life of 10 years; a risk-free interest rate of 3.88%; and a volatility rate of 21.29% based on an index of publicly traded thrift institutions. The actual expense of stock options granted under a stock-based benefit plan will be determined by the grant-date fair value of the options, which will depend on a number of factors, including the valuation assumptions used in the option pricing model ultimately adopted, which may or may not be the Black-Scholes model. |
| (2) | The stock-based benefit plan may award a greater number of options and shares, respectively, if the plans are adopted more than 12 months after the completion of the conversion. |
| (3) | For plans adopted within 12 months of the completion of the conversion, applicable regulations permit stock awards to encompass up to 3.0% and the ESOP and stock awards to encompass in the aggregate up to 10.0% of the shares issued, provided the Bank has tangible capital of 10.0% or more following the conversion. |
Market for Common Stock
The Company has never issued capital stock and there is no established market for our common stock. We expect that our common stock will be quoted on the OTCQB Market operated by the OTC Markets Group upon conclusion of the stock offering. See “Market for the Common Stock.”
Our Policy Regarding Dividends
We do not currently intend to pay cash dividends to our stockholders, and no assurances can be given that any such dividends will be paid in the future. The payment and amount of any dividend payments will be subject to statutory and regulatory limitation, and will depend upon a number of factors, including the following: regulatory capital requirements; restrictions in a confidential memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) entered into with the FDIC and the Department, described below; compliance with Wisconsin law; our financial condition and results of operations; our other uses of funds for the long-term value of stockholders and general economic conditions. See “Our Policy Regarding Dividends” for additional information regarding our dividend policy.
Material Income Tax Consequences
The conversion qualifies as a tax-free reorganization. None of the MHC, Old EWSB Bancorp, New EWSB Bancorp, the Bank, nor persons eligible to subscribe in the subscription offering will recognize any gain or loss as a result of the conversion. See “The Conversion and Offering—Material Income Tax Consequences” for a complete discussion of the income tax consequences of the transaction.
12
Delivery of Shares of Common Stock
All shares of common stock of New EWSB Bancorp sold in the subscription offering and community offering will be issued in book entry form and held electronically on the books of our transfer agent. Stock certificates will not be issued. A statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock sold in the offering will be mailed by our transfer agent to the persons entitled thereto at the address noted by them on their stock order form as soon as practicable following consummation of the conversion. Shares of common stock sold in the syndicated community offering may be delivered electronically through the services of The Depository Trust Company. We expect trading in the stock to begin on the business day immediately following the completion of the conversion and offering. It is possible that until a statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock is available and delivered to purchasers, purchasers might not be able to sell the shares of common stock that they ordered, even though the common stock will have begun trading. Your ability to sell the shares of common stock before receiving your statement will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm.
Emerging Growth Company Status
We qualify as an “emerging growth company” under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (the “JOBS Act”). For as long as we are an emerging growth company, we may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to other public companies but not to emerging growth companies. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Offering—We are an emerging growth company, and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors” and “Regulation and Supervision—Emerging Growth Company Status.”
We may remain an emerging growth company for up to five years from the closing of the offering, or until the earliest of (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenues exceed $1.24 billion, (ii) the date that we become a “large accelerated filer” as defined in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act,” which would occur if the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, or (iii) the date on which we have issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt during the preceding three-year period.
An emerging growth company may elect to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies, but must make such election when the company is first required to file a registration statement. Such an election is irrevocable during the period a company is an emerging growth company. We have elected to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
Important Risks in Owning New EWSB Bancorp’s Common Stock
An investment in our common stock involves substantial risks and uncertainties, including risks related to our business and this offering. Investors should carefully consider all of the information in this prospectus, including the detailed discussion of these and other risks under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 15, before investing in our common stock.
13
How You Can Obtain Additional Information – Stock Information Center
Our banking personnel may not, by law, assist with investment-related questions about the offering. If you have questions regarding the conversion or offering, please call our Stock Information Center at [phone number]. The Stock Information Center is open Monday through Friday, between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Central Time, except for bank holidays.
TO ENSURE THAT EACH PERSON IN THE OFFERING RECEIVES A PROSPECTUS AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE OF [expiration date] AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW, NO PROSPECTUS WILL BE MAILED OR HAND-DELIVERED ANY LATER THAN FIVE DAYS OR TWO DAYS, RESPECTIVELY, PRIOR TO [expiration date].
14
You should carefully consider the following risk factors that may affect our business, future operating results and financial condition, as well as the other information set forth in this prospectus, before making a decision to invest in our common stock. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely be materially adversely affected. In such case, the trading price of our common stock would likely decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment. The following risks are not the only risks we face. Additional risks that are not presently known or that we presently deem to be immaterial also could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and business.
Risks Related to our Lending Activities
Our results of operations are significantly impacted by our one- to four-family residential lending.
Our one- to four-family residential lending provides a significant portion of our interest and noninterest income. Longer term, fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originate are generally sold in the secondary market on a servicing retained basis and we generally retain shorter term and adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans. The income that we generate from these activities, including, in particular, from loan sales, is significantly dependent upon mortgage volume, which in turn is dependent in large part on general interest rates. In large part due to the Federal Reserve Board’s increase in interest rates to address inflationary pressures, market mortgage rates increased dramatically beginning in the first half of 2022. As a result, mortgage loan demand decreased both nationally and in the Bank’s primary market area. Although national and local mortgage loan demand has recovered somewhat from its recent low point, it remains well below the levels of the recent past. In addition, our ability to sell loans in the secondary market is also subject to investor demand and increased investor yield requirements for these loans. These conditions may fluctuate or worsen in the future and a prolonged period of elevated interest rates and/or secondary market illiquidity may reduce our loan production volumes and could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our emphasis on one- to four-family residential mortgage lending exposes us to credit risks.
At December 31, 2023, $122.2 million, or 69.7%, of our loan portfolio was secured by one- to four-family real estate and we intend to continue to make loans of this type in the future. One- to four-family residential mortgage lending is generally sensitive to regional and local economic conditions that significantly impact the ability of borrowers to meet their loan payment obligations, making loss levels difficult to predict. Declines in real estate values could cause some of our residential mortgages to be inadequately collateralized, which would expose us to a greater risk of loss if we seek to recover on defaulted loans by selling the real estate collateral.
If our allowance for credit losses is not sufficient to cover actual credit losses, our earnings could decrease.
We maintain an allowance for credit losses, which is established through a provision for credit losses that represents management’s best estimate of the current expected losses within the loan portfolio. We make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, we review our loans and our loss and delinquency experience, and we evaluate economic conditions. If our assumptions or the results of our analyses are incorrect, our allowance for credit losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to our allowance. In addition, any future credit deterioration or changes in economic conditions could require us to increase our allowance for credit losses in the future. At December 31, 2023, our allowance for credit losses was 0.60% of total loans and 5,872.2% of total non-performing loans. Material additions to our allowance would materially decrease our net income.
15
The implementation of the Current Expected Credit Loss, referred to as “CECL” throughout this prospectus, standard became effective for the Bank on January 1, 2023. CECL requires financial institutions to determine periodic estimates of lifetime expected credit losses on loans, and recognize the expected credit losses as allowances for credit losses. Accordingly, we changed our method of providing allowances for loan losses that are incurred or probable, which required us to increase the types of data we must collect and review to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses.
In addition, bank regulators periodically review our allowance for credit losses and, as a result of such reviews, may recommend that we increase our provision for credit losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. However, regulatory agencies are not directly involved in the process of establishing the allowance for credit losses, as the process is our responsibility and any adjustment of the allowance is the responsibility of our management. Any increase in our allowance for credit losses or loan charge-offs as a result of such review or otherwise may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The geographic concentration of our loan portfolio and lending activities makes us vulnerable to a downturn in the local economy.
We primarily serve individuals and businesses located in Outagamie County, Wisconsin, and its adjoining counties. At December 31, 2023, approximately $133.2 million, or 76.0%, of our total loan portfolio was primarily secured by real estate in these market areas. Therefore, our success is largely dependent on the economic conditions, including employment levels, population growth, income levels, savings trends and government policies, in these market areas. Weaker economic conditions caused by recessions, unemployment, inflation, a decline in real estate values or other factors beyond our control may adversely affect the ability of our borrowers to service their debt obligations and could result in higher loan and lease losses and lower net income for us.
Although there is not a single employer or industry in our market areas on which a significant number of our customers are dependent, we are still vulnerable to a downturn in the local economy and real estate markets. Decreases in local real estate values caused by economic conditions or other events could adversely affect the value of the property used as collateral for our loans, which could cause us to realize a loss in the event of a foreclosure.
A worsening of business and economic conditions generally or specifically in the principal markets in which we conduct business could have adverse effects on our business, including the following:
| · | a decrease in the demand for, or the availability of, loans and other products and services offered by us; |
| · | a decrease in the value of our loans or other assets secured by residential real estate; |
| · | a decrease in interest income from variable-rate loans due to declines in interest rates; and |
| · | an increase in the number of customers and counterparties who become delinquent, file for protection under bankruptcy laws or default on their loans or other obligations to us, which could result in a higher level of non-performing assets, net charge-offs, and provisions for credit losses. |
16
Moreover, a significant decline in general economic conditions, caused by inflation, recession, acts of terrorism, an outbreak of hostilities or other international or domestic calamities, unemployment, public health crises or other factors beyond our control could further impact these local economic conditions and could further negatively affect the financial results of our banking operations. In the event of severely adverse business and economic conditions generally, or specifically in the principal markets in which we conduct business, there can be no assurance that the federal government and the Federal Reserve Board would intervene. If economic conditions worsen or volatility increases, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected. For more information about our market area, please see the section of this prospectus titled “Business of East Wisconsin Savings Bank—Market Area.”
Risks Related to Market Interest Rates
Our securities portfolio impairment in difficult market conditions could have adverse effects on our results of operations.
Unrealized losses on investment securities available-for-sale result from changes in credit spreads and liquidity issues in the marketplace, along with changes in the credit profile of individual securities issuers. Under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we are required to review our investment portfolio periodically for the presence of credit losses of our securities, taking into consideration current and future market conditions, the extent and nature of changes in fair value, issuer rating changes and trends, volatility of earnings, current analysts’ evaluations, our ability and intent to hold investments until a recovery of fair value, as well as other factors. Adverse developments with respect to one or more of the foregoing factors may require us to deem particular securities to be impaired, with the credit-related portion of the reduction in the value recognized as a charge to our earnings through an allowance. Subsequent valuations, in light of factors prevailing at that time, may result in significant changes in the values of these securities in future periods. Any of these factors could require us to recognize further impairments in the value of our securities portfolio, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations in future periods.
Future changes in interest rates could reduce our profits and asset values.
Net income is the amount by which net interest income and noninterest income exceed noninterest expense and the provision for credit losses. Net interest income makes up a majority of our income and is based on the difference between:
| · | the interest income we earn on interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities; and |
| · | the interest expense we pay on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. |
A majority of our loans are fixed-rate loans. Furthermore, the rates we earn on our other interest-earning assets and the rates we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities are generally fixed for a contractual period of time. Like many savings banks, our interest-bearing liabilities generally have shorter contractual maturities than our interest-earning assets. This imbalance can create significant earnings volatility because market interest rates change over time. In a period of rising interest rates, the interest income we earn on our assets may not increase as rapidly as the interest we pay on our liabilities. In a period of declining interest rates, the interest income we earn on our assets may decrease more rapidly than the interest we pay on our liabilities, as borrowers prepay mortgage loans, and mortgage-backed securities and callable investment securities are called, requiring us to reinvest those cash flows at lower, current interest rates.
17
Interest rates also affect how much money we lend. For example, when interest rates rise, the cost of borrowing increases and loan originations tend to decrease. A rising rate environment can also negatively impact us if the higher debt service costs on adjustable-rate loans due to increases in interest rates on such loans lead to borrowers’ inability to pay contractual obligations. In addition, changes in interest rates can affect the average life of loans and securities. A decline in interest rates results in increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed and related securities as borrowers refinance their debt to reduce their borrowing costs. This creates reinvestment risk, which is the risk that we may not be able to reinvest prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates we earned on the prepaid loans or securities. Furthermore, an inverted interest rate yield curve, where short-term interest rates (which are usually the rates at which financial institutions borrow funds) are higher than long-term interest rates (which are usually the rates at which financial institutions lend funds for fixed-rate loans) can reduce a financial institution’s net interest margin and create financial risk for financial institutions that primarily originate longer term, fixed-rate mortgage loans.
Any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. Changes in the level of interest rates also may negatively affect the value of our assets and ultimately affect our earnings. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had accumulated other comprehensive losses of $7.7 million and $9.2 million, respectively. Our accumulated other comprehensive loss at the end of these periods was primarily related to unrealized losses on investment securities in 2022 and the restructuring of our investment securities portfolio, as further described under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022—2022 Securities Portfolio Restructuring Transaction.”
We monitor interest rate risk through the use of simulation models, including estimates of the amounts by which the fair value of our assets and liabilities (our economic value of equity or “EVE”) and our net interest income would change in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates. With regard to EVE, as of December 31, 2023, we would have experienced a 33.13% decrease in EVE in the event of an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point increase in market interest rates and a 27.04% increase in EVE in the event of an instantaneous 200 basis point decrease in market interest rates. With regard to net interest income, at December 31, 2023, we would have experienced a 0.62% increase in net interest income in the event of an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point increase in market interest rates and a 3.63% increase in net interest income in the event of an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point decrease in market interest rates. For further discussion of how changes in interest rates could impact us, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Management of Market Risk.”
Inflationary pressures and rising prices may affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Inflation rose sharply at the end of 2021 and remained at an elevated level throughout 2022 and 2023. Small to medium-sized businesses may be impacted more during periods of high inflation as they are not able to leverage economies of scale to mitigate cost pressures compared to larger businesses. Consequently, the ability of our business customers to repay their loans may deteriorate, and in some cases this deterioration may occur quickly, which would adversely impact our results of operations and financial condition. Furthermore, a prolonged period of inflation could cause wages and other costs to the Company to increase, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
18
Risks Related to Our Business Strategy and Operational Matters
The Bank has entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) with the Department and the FDIC. The MOU places certain restrictions on our operations and imposes certain requirements, and the failure to adequately address the issues identified in the MOU or comply with its terms could result in additional regulatory or enforcement actions by the FDIC and/or the Department. Restrictions on our operations and expenses associated with the MOU may also have adverse effects on our operations and financial condition.
In July 2023, the Bank entered into a confidential MOU with the FDIC and the Department, the Bank’s primary banking regulators. The MOU requires that the Bank address certain practices and conditions identified during regulatory examinations, including, among other things, the level of its capital, earnings, liquidity, investments, and information technology. The MOU also requires enhancements to board oversight, asset/liability management, and risk management.
The Bank is in the process of putting into place policies and processes to address each of these noted areas. The failure to adequately address the issues identified in the MOU or comply with its terms could result in additional regulatory or enforcement actions by the FDIC and/or the Department. The Bank has expended significant resources in connection with the MOU, and our continued efforts to comply with the MOU may restrict our operations or result in the continued expenditure of significant resources, which could have adverse effects on our operations and financial condition. For additional information regarding the MOU, see “Regulation and Supervision—Informal Agreements with Regulators.”
19
As a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank, we are subject to a 6% net worth ratio requirement. If our net worth ratio continues to be less than 6%, we may be subject to restrictions on our operations imposed by the Department.
As a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank, we must maintain a net worth ratio of 6% (with “net worth ratio” defined under Wisconsin law as the Bank’s liabilities subtracted from its assets, plus unallocated general loan loss reserves, all divided by the Bank’s total assets). At December 31, 2023 we had a net worth ratio of 4.50%. If our net worth ratio continues to be less than 6%, the Department may direct us to adhere to a specific written plan established by the Department to correct the deficiency, as well as a number of other restrictions on our operations, including a prohibition on the payment of dividends. Our pro forma regulatory capital ratios, including the net worth ratio, after giving effect to the sale of shares of common stock in the offering, are set forth under “Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance.”
We have experienced net losses in recent periods, and we may not return to sustained profitability in the future.
Our results of operations for fiscal years 2022 and 2023 were materially adversely impacted by a historic spike in general interest rates. As a result, our loan volume declined dramatically while our cost of funds increased more rapidly than the yield on our earning assets. In addition, the market value of our available-for-sale securities declined significantly. In order to reduce our vulnerability to changes in interest rates and strengthen our balance sheet, during fiscal 2022, we sold a significant amount of our available-for-sale securities resulting in a $5.1 million pretax loss upon the sale of those securities. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022—2022 Securities Portfolio Restructuring Transaction.” Our results of operations will continue to be negatively impacted until we are able to increase our interest income and noninterest income relative to our expenses. To improve our results of operations we have focused on controlling our expenses and have adopted a plan to enhance our results of operations, particularly through increasing our originations of one- to four-family loans, including, in particular, loans held-for-sale, which drive mortgage banking income. Although the capital raised in the conversion will support this effort, the conversion will also have an adverse impact on our operating results due to additional expenses to be incurred in connection with and as a result of the conversion. These additional expenses include costs related to becoming a public company, increased non-cash compensation expenses associated with our ESOP and the possible implementation of a stock-based benefit plan after the completion of the conversion. See “—Our stock-based benefit plan will increase our expenses and reduce our income;” and “Management—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion.”
We may be unsuccessful, however, in executing on our business plan and may not be able to return to profitability in the timeframe we expect, or at all. A number of factors may inhibit us from executing on our business plan or impair our ability to achieve profitability as expected, or at all, including adverse economic conditions, regulatory risks, the level of competition from other financial institutions, adverse changes in the interest rate environment and the securities markets and other risks and uncertainties outlined in this “Risk Factors” section. Continued net losses after the completion of our mutual-to-stock conversion could adversely affect our capital levels and would be expected to negatively impact our stock price.
The Company may not be able to realize the value of its deferred tax assets.
Due to losses in prior years, at December 31, 2023 the Bank had a net deferred tax asset of $4.9 million, including a net operating loss carry-forward of $1.9 million. In order to realize the benefit of these tax losses, credits, and deductions, the Company must generate substantial taxable income in future periods. Deferred tax assets are calculated using a federal corporate tax rate of 21% and a state corporate tax rate of 7.9%. Changes in tax laws and rates may affect deferred tax assets in the future. If higher federal corporate tax rates are enacted, net deferred tax assets would be increased commensurate with the rate increase. Wisconsin state net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2042. Additionally, should the Company need to raise additional capital by issuing new common shares or securities convertible into common shares, then depending on the number of common share equivalents issued, it could trigger a “change in control,” as defined by Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Such an event could negatively impact or limit the ability to utilize net operating loss carry-forwards, credit loss carry-forwards, and other net deferred tax assets, and result in an impairment of these deferred tax assets for financial reporting purposes.
20
We face significant operational risks because of our reliance on technology. Our information technology systems may be subject to failure, interruption or security breaches.
Information technology systems are critical to our business. Our business requires us to collect, process, transmit and store significant amounts of confidential information regarding our customers, employees, business, operations, plans and business strategies. We use various technology systems to manage our customer relationships, general ledger, securities investments, deposits, and loans. Our computer systems, data management and internal processes, as well as those of third parties, are integral to our performance. Our operational risks include the risk of malfeasance by employees or persons outside the Bank, errors relating to transaction processing and technology, systems failures or interruptions, breaches of our internal control systems and compliance requirements, and business continuation and disaster recovery. There have been increasing efforts by third parties to breach data security at financial institutions. Such attacks include computer viruses, malicious or destructive code, phishing attacks, denial of service or information or other security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of confidential, proprietary, personal and other information, damages to systems, or other material disruptions to network access or business operations. Although we take protective measures and believe that we have not experienced any of the data breaches described above, the security of our computer systems, software, and networks may be vulnerable to breaches, unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses, or other malicious code or cyber-attacks that could have an impact on information security. Because the techniques used to cause security breaches change frequently, we may be unable to proactively address these techniques or to implement adequate preventative measures.
If there is a breakdown in our internal control systems, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, or a breach of our security systems, including if confidential, personal or proprietary information were to be mishandled, misused or lost, we could suffer financial loss, loss of customers and damage to our reputation, and face regulatory action or civil litigation. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Insurance coverage may not be available for such losses, or where available, such losses may exceed insurance limits.
We outsource critical operations to third-party service providers.
We outsource a majority of our data processing requirements to third-party providers. Accordingly, our operations are exposed to the risk that these vendors will not perform in accordance with our contractual agreements with them, or we also could be adversely affected if such an agreement is not renewed by the third-party vendor or is renewed on terms less favorable to us. If our third-party providers encounter difficulties, or if we have difficulty communicating with those service providers, our ability to adequately process and account for transactions could be affected, and our business operations could be adversely affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other vendors and their personnel, and our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes and other security breaches. We may have to expend additional resources to protect against the threat of such security breaches and computer viruses, or to alleviate problems caused by such security breaches or viruses. To the extent that the activities of our third-party service providers or the activities of our customers involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches and viruses could expose us to claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation costs and other possible liabilities. To our knowledge, the services and programs provided to us by third parties have not experienced any material security breaches. However, the existence of cyber-attacks or security breaches at third parties with access to our data, such as vendors, may not be disclosed to us in a timely manner.
21
While our Board of Directors takes an active role in cybersecurity risk tolerance, we rely to a large degree on management and outside consultants in overseeing cybersecurity risk management.
Our Board of Directors takes an active role in our cybersecurity risk tolerance and all members receive cybersecurity training annually. The Board reviews the annual risk assessments and approves information technology policies, which include cybersecurity. Furthermore, our Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing all audit findings related to information technology general controls, internal and external vulnerability, and penetration testing. We also engage outside consultants to support our cybersecurity efforts. However, our directors do not have significant experience in cybersecurity risk management outside of the Bank and therefore, the Board’s ability to fulfill its oversight function remains dependent on the input it receives from management and outside consultants.
Our business may be adversely affected by an increasing prevalence of fraud and other financial crimes.
Our loans to businesses and individuals and our deposit relationships and related transactions are subject to exposure to the risk of loss due to fraud and other financial crimes. Nationally, reported incidents of fraud and other financial crimes have increased. To our knowledge, we have not experienced material losses due to apparent fraud or other financial crimes. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent such losses, losses may still occur.
We depend on our management team to implement our business strategy and execute successful operations and we could be harmed by the loss of their services.
We depend on the services of the members of our senior management team who direct our strategy and operations. Our executive officers and lending personnel possess substantial expertise, extensive knowledge of our markets, and key business relationships. Our loss of these persons, or our inability to hire additional qualified personnel, could impact our ability to implement our business strategy and could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and our ability to compete in our markets. See “Management.”
We are a community bank and our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business. The failure to do so may materially adversely affect our performance.
We are a community bank, and our reputation is one of the most valuable components of our business. A key factor in implementing our business strategy is our reputation for customer service and knowledge of local markets to expand our presence by capturing new business opportunities from existing and prospective customers in our market areas and contiguous areas. Threats to our reputation can come from many sources, including adverse sentiment about financial institutions generally, unethical practices, employee misconduct, failure to deliver minimum standards of service or quality, compliance deficiencies, cybersecurity incidents and questionable or fraudulent activities of our customers. Negative publicity regarding our business, employees, or customers, with or without merit, may result in the loss of customers and employees, costly litigation and increased governmental regulation, all of which could adversely affect our business and operating results.
22
Risks Related to Our Funding
Recently we have relied on certificates of deposit, which has significantly increased our cost of funds and could continue to do so in the future.
At December 31, 2023, certificates of deposit comprised 45.3% of our total deposits. Our reliance on certificates of deposit to help fund our operations has resulted in a higher cost of funds than would otherwise be the case if we had a higher percentage of demand deposits, savings deposits and money market accounts. In addition, if our certificates of deposit do not remain with us, we may be required to access other sources of funds, including loan sales, other types of deposits, advances from the FHLB and other borrowings. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on our certificates of deposits.
Our funding sources may prove insufficient to replace deposits at maturity and support our future operations.
We must maintain sufficient funds to respond to the needs of depositors and borrowers. As a part of our liquidity management, we use a number of funding sources in addition to core deposits and repayments and maturities of loans and investments. Adverse operating results or changes in industry conditions could lead to difficulty or an inability to access these additional funding sources. Our financial flexibility may be constrained if we are unable to maintain our access to funding or if adequate financing or other sources of funds are not available. If we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources, our revenues may not increase proportionately to cover our costs. In this case, our operating margins and profitability would be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Laws and Regulations
Changes in laws and regulations and the cost of regulatory compliance with new laws and regulations may adversely affect our operations and/or increase our costs of operations.
The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Department and the FDIC. The Company will be subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Federal Reserve Board. Such regulation and supervision govern the activities in which an institution and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the federal deposit insurance fund and the depositors of the Bank, rather than for our stockholders. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on our operations, the classification of our assets, and determination of the adequacy of the level of our allowance for credit losses. These regulations, along with existing tax, accounting, securities, insurance and monetary laws, rules, standards, policies, and interpretations, control the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance, and govern financial reporting and disclosures. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations. Further, changes in accounting standards can be both difficult to predict and involve judgment and discretion in their interpretation by us and our independent registered public accounting firm. These changes could materially impact, potentially even retroactively, how we report our financial condition and results of operations.
23
Non-compliance with the USA PATRIOT Act, Bank Secrecy Act, or other laws and regulations could result in fines or sanctions.
The USA PATRIOT and Bank Secrecy Acts require financial institutions to develop programs to prevent financial institutions from being used for money laundering and terrorist activities. If such activities are suspected, financial institutions are obligated to file suspicious activity reports with the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. These rules require financial institutions to establish procedures for identifying and verifying the identity of customers seeking to open new financial accounts. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in fines or sanctions, including restrictions on pursuing acquisitions or establishing new branches. The policies and procedures we have adopted that are designed to assist in compliance with these laws and regulations may not be effective in preventing violations of these laws and regulations. Furthermore, these rules and regulations continue to evolve and expand. We have not been subject to fines or other penalties or suffered business or reputational harm as a result of money laundering or terrorist activities in the past.
Monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve Board. An important function of the Federal Reserve Board is to regulate money supply and credit conditions. Among the instruments used by the Federal Reserve Board to implement these objectives are open market purchases and sales of U.S. government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and changes in banks’ reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.
The monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board have had a significant effect on the operating results of financial institutions in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effects of such policies upon our business, financial condition and results of operations cannot be predicted.
We are an emerging growth company, and any decision on our part to comply only with certain reduced reporting and disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.
The Company qualifies as an “emerging growth company” under the JOBS Act. For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we plan to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to public companies that are not to emerging growth companies, including, but not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation. As an emerging growth company, the Company also will not be subject to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which would require that our independent auditors audit our internal control over financial reporting. In addition, as an emerging growth company, we have elected to take advantage of the extended transition periods for adopting new or revised financial accounting standards until the date they are required to be adopted by private companies (however, if any new or revised financial accounting standards would not apply to private companies, we would not be able to delay their adoption). Accordingly, our financial statements may not be comparable to those of public companies that adopt new or revised financial accounting standards as of an earlier date. Investors may find our common stock less attractive since we have chosen to rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result of any choices to reduce future disclosure, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and the price of our common stock may be more volatile.
24
Risks Related to Competitive Matters
Strong competition within our market areas may limit our profitability.
Competition in the banking and financial services industry is intense. We compete with commercial banks, savings institutions, mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions, finance companies, mutual funds, insurance companies, brokerage and investment banking firms and unregulated or less regulated non-banking entities. Many of these competitors are substantially larger than us and have substantially greater resources and higher lending limits than we have and offer certain services that we do not or cannot provide. In addition, some of our competitors offer loans with lower interest rates and/or more attractive terms than loans we offer. Competition also makes it increasingly difficult and costly to attract and retain qualified employees. We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Our profitability will depend upon our continued ability to successfully compete for business and qualified employees in our market areas. The greater resources and deposit and loan products offered by some of our competitors may limit our ability to increase our interest-earning assets. See “Business of East Wisconsin Savings Bank — Competition.”
Our size makes it more difficult for us to compete.
Our asset size makes it more difficult to compete with other financial institutions that are larger and can more easily afford to invest in the marketing and technologies needed to attract and retain customers. Because our principal source of income is the net interest income we earn on our loans and investments after deducting interest paid on deposits and other sources of funds, our ability to generate the revenues needed to cover our expenses and finance such investments is limited by the size of our loan and investment portfolios. Accordingly, we are not always able to offer new products and services as quickly as our competitors. Our lower earnings may also make it more difficult to offer competitive salaries and benefits. In addition, our smaller customer base may make it difficult to generate meaningful noninterest income from such activities as securities and insurance brokerage. Finally, as a smaller institution, we are disproportionately affected by the continually increasing costs of compliance with new banking and other regulations.
Risks Related to Accounting Matters
Changes in management’s estimates and assumptions may have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and our financial condition or operating results.
In preparing this prospectus, as well as periodic reports we will be required to file under the Exchange Act, upon the completion of the conversion and stock offering, including the Company’s consolidated financial statements, our management is and will be required under applicable rules and regulations to make estimates and assumptions as of a specified date. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and experience as of that date and are subject to substantial risk and uncertainty. Materially different results may occur as circumstances change and additional information becomes known. Areas requiring significant estimates and assumptions by management include our evaluation of the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses, the utilization of deferred tax assets, determinations with respect to amounts owed for income taxes and the fair value of debt securities.
25
Changes in accounting standards could affect reported earnings.
The bodies responsible for establishing accounting standards, including the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory bodies, periodically change the financial accounting and reporting guidance that governs the preparation of our financial statements. These changes can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply new or revised guidance retroactively.
Other Risks Related to Our Business
Our future net income will be dependent in part on secondary market revenues, which are highly dependent on macroeconomic factors and United States real estate market, mortgage market and financial market conditions.
The success of our business strategies and our results of operations are materially affected by current or future conditions in the real estate market, mortgage markets, financial markets and the economy generally. Factors such as changes in policies employed by government sponsored entities, including the FHLB, related to the purchase of mortgage loans, the costs and impact of inflation, deflation, unemployment, personal and business income taxes, healthcare, energy costs, domestic political issues, government shutdowns, and climate change, and the availability and cost of credit may contribute to increased volatility and unclear expectations for the economy in general and the real estate, mortgage market and financial markets in particular going forward. Volatility in the real estate market, mortgage market and financial markets or deterioration in these markets also could reduce our loan production volume or adversely affect our ability to sell mortgage loans that we originate, either at a profit or at all. Any of the foregoing could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
Legal and regulatory proceedings could adversely affect us.
We have been and may in the future become involved in legal and regulatory proceedings. We consider most of the proceedings to be in the normal course of our business or typical for the industry; however, it is inherently difficult to assess the outcome of these matters, and we may not prevail in any proceedings or litigation. There could be substantial costs and management diversion in such litigation and proceedings, and any adverse determination could have a materially adverse effect on our business, reputation, or our financial condition and results of our operations. We are not currently involved in any litigation or administrative proceedings anticipated to have a material adverse effect.
Risks Related to the Stock Offering
The future price of our shares of common stock may be less than the $10.00 purchase price per share in the stock offering.
If you purchase shares of common stock in the stock offering, you may not be able to sell them later at or above the $10.00 purchase price. In some cases, shares of common stock issued by newly converted savings institutions or mutual holding companies have traded below the initial offering price. The aggregate purchase price of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering will be based on an independent appraisal. The independent appraisal is not intended, and should not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of common stock. The independent appraisal is based on certain estimates, assumptions and projections, all of which are subject to change from time to time. After the shares begin trading, the trading price of our common stock will be determined by the marketplace, and may be influenced by many factors, including prevailing interest rates, the overall performance of the economy, changes in federal tax laws, new regulations, investor perceptions of the Company and the outlook for the financial services industry in general. Price fluctuations in our common stock may be unrelated to our operating performance.
26
There will be a limited trading market in our common stock, which would hinder your ability to sell our common stock and may lower the market price of the stock.
We have never issued capital stock and there is no established market for our common stock. We expect that our common stock will be quoted on the OTCQB Market operated by the OTC Markets Group upon conclusion of the stock offering, subject to completion of the stock offering. The development of an active trading market depends on the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is not within our control, or that of any market maker. The number of active buyers and sellers of the shares of common stock at any particular time may be limited. Under such circumstances, you could have difficulty selling your shares of common stock on short notice, and, therefore, you should not view the shares of common stock as a short-term investment. As a result, it is unlikely that an active trading market for the common stock will develop or that, if it develops, it will continue. If you purchase shares of common stock, you may not be able to sell them at or above $10.00 per share. Purchasers of common stock in this stock offering should have long-term investment intent and should recognize that there will be a limited trading market in the common stock. This may make it difficult to sell the common stock after the stock offering and may have an adverse impact on the price at which the common stock can be sold.
A significant percentage of our common stock will be held by our directors and executive officers and benefit plans.
We expect that our directors and executive officers, together with their associates, will subscribe for 117,500 shares in the stock offering. In addition, we intend to establish an ESOP that will purchase an amount of shares equal to 7.0% of the total number of shares sold in the stock offering. As a result, upon consummation of the conversion and stock offering, an aggregate up to 169,562 shares, or 22.8%, and 198,503 shares, or 17.2%, of our outstanding common stock would be held by our directors and executive officers and their associates and by our ESOP at the minimum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively. Further, additional shares would be held by management following the implementation of an equity incentive plan, which we intend to implement no earlier than six months following the completion of the conversion and stock offering following the receipt of stockholder approval.
Our failure to effectively deploy the net proceeds may have an adverse effect on our financial performance.
We intend to contribute between $5.1 million and $7.6 million of the net proceeds of the stock offering at the minimum and the maximum of the offering range (or $9.0 million at the adjusted maximum of the offering range) to the Bank. We expect to use a portion of the net proceeds we retain to fund a loan to our ESOP to purchase shares of common stock in the stock offering. We may use the remaining net proceeds to invest in short-term investments and for general corporate purposes. The Bank may use the net proceeds it receives to fund new loans or for other general corporate purposes. However, except for funding the loan to the ESOP, we have not allocated specific amounts of the net proceeds for any of these purposes, and we will have broad discretion in determining the amount of the net proceeds we apply to different uses and when we apply or reinvest such proceeds. We have not established a timetable for investing the net proceeds, and we cannot predict how long we will require to invest the net proceeds. Our failure to reinvest these funds effectively could adversely affect our results of operations and may adversely affect the value of our common stock.
27
The cost of additional finance and accounting systems, procedures, compliance and controls in order to satisfy our new public company reporting requirements will increase our expenses.
As a result of the completion of the conversion and stock offering, we will become a public reporting company. We expect that the obligations of being a public company, including the substantial public reporting obligations, will require significant expenditures and place additional demands on our management team. We have made, and will continue to make, changes to our internal controls and procedures for financial reporting and accounting systems to meet our reporting obligations as a stand-alone public company. However, the measures we take may not be sufficient to satisfy our obligations as a public company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, starting with the second annual report that we would expect to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Any failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price. In addition, we may need to hire additional compliance, accounting, and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical knowledge, and we may not be able to do so in a timely fashion. As a result, we may need to rely on outside consultants to provide these services for us until qualified personnel are hired. These obligations will increase our operating expenses and could divert our management’s attention from our operations.
Our stock-based benefit plan will increase our expenses and reduce our income.
We intend to a new stock-based benefit plan after the conversion, subject to stockholder approval, which will increase our annual compensation and benefit expenses related to the stock options and stock awards granted to participants under the new stock-based benefit plan. The actual amount of the new stock-related compensation and benefit expenses will depend on the number of options and stock awards granted under the plan, the fair market value of our stock or options on the date of grant, the vesting period, and other factors which we cannot predict at this time. If we adopt a stock-based benefit plan within 12 months following the conversion, the shares of common stock reserved for issuance pursuant to awards of restricted stock and grants of options under such plan would be limited to 3% and 10%, respectively, of the total number of shares of our common stock sold in the stock offering. If we adopt a stock-based benefit plan more than 12 months after the completion of the conversion, we may adopt plans that allow for greater amounts of awards and options and, therefore, we could award restricted shares of common stock or grant options in excess of these amounts, which would further increase costs.
In addition, we will recognize expense for our ESOP when shares are committed to be released to participants’ accounts, and we will recognize expense for restricted stock awards and stock options over the vesting period of awards made to recipients. The expense in the first year following the conversion and stock offering for our ESOP and for our new stock-based benefit plan, assuming both of such plans had been implemented at the beginning of the year, is estimated to be approximately $178,000 at the adjusted maximum of the offering range as set forth in the pro forma financial information under “Pro Forma Data,” assuming the $10.00 per share purchase price as fair market value. Actual expenses, however, may be higher or lower, depending on the price of our common stock. For further discussion of our proposed stock-based plans, see “Management—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion and Stock Offering.”
28
The implementation of a stock-based benefit plan may dilute your ownership interest. Historically, stockholders have approved these stock-based benefit plans.
We intend to adopt a new stock-based benefit plan following the stock offering. The plan may be funded either through open market purchases of our common stock or from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares of common stock. Our ability to repurchase shares of our common stock to fund the plan will be subject to many factors, including applicable regulatory restrictions on stock repurchases, the availability of stock in the market, the trading price of our stock, our capital levels, alternative uses for our capital and our financial performance. While our intention is to fund the new stock-based benefit plan through open market purchases, stockholders would experience a 9.1% dilution in ownership interest if newly issued shares of our common stock are used to fund stock options in an amount equal to 10% of the total number of shares sold in the stock offering, and all such stock options are exercised, and a 2.9% dilution in ownership interest if newly issued shares of our common stock are used to fund shares of restricted common stock in an amount equal to 3% of the total number of shares sold in the stock offering. Such dilution would also reduce earnings per share. If we adopt the plan more than 12 months following the conversion, the new stock-based benefit plan would not be subject to these size limitations and stockholders could experience even greater dilution.
Although the implementation of a new stock-based benefit plan would be subject to stockholder approval, historically, the overwhelming majority of stock-based benefit plans adopted by savings institutions and their holding companies following mutual-to-stock conversions have been approved by stockholders.
We have not determined when we will adopt a new stock-based benefit plan. A stock-based benefit plan adopted more than 12 months following the completion of the conversion may exceed regulatory restrictions on the size of stock-based benefit plans adopted within 12 months, which would further increase our costs.
If we adopt a stock-based benefit plan more than 12 months following the completion of the conversion, then grants of shares of common stock or stock options under our proposed stock-based benefit plans may exceed 3% and 10%, respectively, of the total number of shares of common stock sold in the stock offering. A stock-based benefit plan that provides for awards in excess of these amounts would increase our costs beyond the amounts estimated in “—Our stock-based benefit plan will increase our expenses and reduce our income.” A stock-based benefit plan that provides for awards in excess of these amounts could also result in dilution to stockholders in excess of that described in “—The implementation of a stock-based benefit plan may dilute your ownership interest. Historically, stockholders have approved these stock-based benefit plans.” Although the implementation of stock-based benefit plans would be subject to stockholder approval, the timing of the implementation of such plans will be at the discretion of our board of directors.
Our stock value may be negatively affected by applicable regulations that restrict stock repurchases.
Applicable regulations generally restrict us from repurchasing our shares of common stock during the first year following the completion of the conversion and stock offering. Stock repurchases are a capital management tool that can enhance the value of a company’s stock, and our inability to repurchase our shares of common stock during the first year following the stock offering may negatively affect our stock price.
29
Various factors may make takeover attempts more difficult to achieve.
Certain provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws coupled with federal banking laws and regulatory approval requirements could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of the Company without our board of directors’ approval. Under regulations applicable to the conversion, for a period of three years following completion of the conversion, no person may offer to acquire or acquire beneficial ownership of more than 10% of our common stock without prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Under federal law, subject to certain exemptions, a person, entity or group must notify the Federal Reserve Board and receive the Federal Reserve Board’s non-objection before acquiring control of a bank holding company. There also are provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws that we may use to delay or block a takeover attempt, including a provision that prohibits any person from voting more than 10% of our outstanding shares of common stock. Furthermore, shares of restricted stock and stock options that we may grant to employees and directors, stock ownership by our management and directors, stock held by the ESOP and other factors may make it more difficult for companies or persons to acquire control of the Company without the consent of our board of directors, and may increase the cost of an acquisition. Taken as a whole, these statutory or regulatory provisions and provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws could result in our being less attractive to a potential acquirer and therefore could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. For additional information, see “Management—Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Conversion and Stock Offering.”
Our articles of incorporation provide that, subject to limited exceptions, state and federal courts in the State of Maryland are the sole and exclusive forum for certain stockholder litigation matters, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, and other employees.
The articles of incorporation of the Company provide that, unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or its stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine will be conducted in a state or federal court located within the State of Maryland, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. This exclusive forum provision does not apply to claims arising under the federal securities laws. This exclusive forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum it finds favorable for disputes with the Company and its directors, officers, and other employees or may cause a stockholder to incur additional expense by having to bring a claim in a judicial forum that is distant from where the stockholder resides, or both. In addition, if a court were to find this exclusive forum provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable in a particular action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving the action in another jurisdiction, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
30
You may not revoke your decision to purchase the Company common stock in the subscription offering or in any community offering after you send us your order.
Funds submitted or automatic withdrawals authorized in connection with the purchase of shares of common stock in the subscription offering and in any community offering will be held by us until the completion or termination of the conversion and stock offering, including any extension of the expiration date and consummation of a syndicated community offering. Because completion of the conversion and stock offering will be subject to regulatory approvals and an update of the independent appraisal, among other factors, there may be one or more delays in completing the conversion and stock offering. Orders submitted in the subscription offering and in any community offering are irrevocable, and purchasers will have no access to their funds unless the stock offering is terminated, or extended beyond [extension date], or the number of shares to be sold in the stock offering is increased to more than 1,157,188 shares or decreased to fewer than 743,750 shares.
The distribution of subscription rights could have adverse income tax consequences.
If the subscription rights granted in connection with the stock offering are deemed to have an ascertainable value, receipt of such rights may be taxable in an amount equal to such value. Whether subscription rights are considered to have ascertainable value is an inherently factual determination. We have received an opinion of counsel that it is more likely than not that such rights have no value; however, such opinion is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service.
31
SELECTED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA
The following tables set forth selected consolidated historical financial and other data of the MHC for the years and at the dates indicated. This information is derived in part from, and should be read together with, the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto of the MHC beginning at page F-1 of this prospectus. The following information is only a summary, and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus.
| At December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||
| Selected Financial Condition Data: | ||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 262,567 | $ | 271,191 | ||||
| Cash and due from banks and time deposits with other financial institutions | 6,106 | 7,839 | ||||||
| Securities available-for-sale | 23,948 | 33,881 | ||||||
| Securities held-to-maturity | 40,051 | 38,727 | ||||||
| Loans, net of allowance for credit losses | 174,315 | 172,424 | ||||||
| Total deposits | 230,468 | 249,208 | ||||||
| Borrowed funds | 19,030 | 9,100 | ||||||
| Total equity | 11,537 | 10,919 | ||||||
| For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||
| Selected Operating Data: | ||||||||
| Interest income | $ | 8,932 | $ | 7,985 | ||||
| Interest expense | 4,350 | 1,834 | ||||||
| Net interest income | 4,582 | 6,151 | ||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 145 | — | ||||||
| Net interest income after provision for credit losses | 4,437 | 6,151 | ||||||
| Noninterest income | 1,449 | 877 | ||||||
| Noninterest expense | 7,219 | 7,657 | ||||||
| Net loss on sale of available-for-sale securities | — | 5,103 | ||||||
| Loss before income tax benefit | (1,333 | ) | (5,732 | ) | ||||
| Income tax benefit | (398 | ) | (1,567 | ) | ||||
| Net loss | $ | (935 | ) | $ | (4,164 | ) | ||
32
| At or For the Year
Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Performance Ratios: | ||||||||
| Return on average assets (1) | (0.34 | )% | (1.40 | )% | ||||
| Return on average equity (2) | (9.18 | )% | (27.85 | )% | ||||
| Interest rate spread (3) | 1.79 | % | 2.23 | % | ||||
| Net interest margin (4) | 1.72 | % | 2.17 | % | ||||
| Noninterest expense to average assets | 2.71 | % | 2.66 | % | ||||
| Efficiency ratio (5) | 118.66 | % | 110.58 | % | ||||
| Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities | 101.67 | % | 106.20 | % | ||||
| Capital Ratios (of the Bank): | ||||||||
| Total capital to risk-weighted assets | 11.89 | % | 12.58 | % | ||||
| Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets | 11.17 | % | 11.97 | % | ||||
| Common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets | 11.17 | % | 11.97 | % | ||||
| Tier 1 capital to average assets | 6.34 | % | 6.59 | % | ||||
| Average equity to average assets | 3.39 | % | 3.02 | % | ||||
| Net worth ratio (6) | 4.50 | % | 4.36 | % | ||||
| Asset Quality Ratios: | ||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses to total loans | 0.60 | % | 0.52 | % | ||||
| Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans | 5,872.22 | % | 2,456.76 | % | ||||
| Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average outstanding loans | — | % | 0.05 | % | ||||
| Non-performing loans to total loans | 0.01 | % | 0.02 | % | ||||
| Non-performing loans to total assets | 0.01 | % | 0.02 | % | ||||
| Total non-performing assets to total assets | 0.01 | % | 0.02 | % | ||||
| Other: | ||||||||
| Number of offices | 5 | 6 | ||||||
| Number of full-time equivalent employees | 46 | 50 | ||||||
| (1) | Represents net income divided by average total assets. |
| (2) | Represents net income divided by average equity. |
| (3) | Represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of average interest-bearing liabilities. |
| (4) | Represents net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. |
| (5) | Represents noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest and dividend income and noninterest income. |
| (6) | Net worth ratio is defined under Wisconsin law as the ratio, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the result of subtracting the Bank’s liabilities from its assets and adding to that number unallocated, general loan loss reserves, but not loss reserves for specific, identified losses, and the denominator of which is the Bank’s total assets. |
33
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “plan,” “seek,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “indicate,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “intend,” “target” and words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:
| · | statements of our goals, intentions and expectations; |
| · | statements regarding our business plans, prospects, growth and operating strategies; |
| · | statements regarding the quality of our loan portfolio; and |
| · | estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits. |
These forward-looking statements are based on our current beliefs and expectations and are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control. In addition, these forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions with respect to future business strategies and decisions that are subject to change. We are under no duty to and do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements:
| · | our ability to manage our vulnerability to interest rates; |
| · | general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas, that are worse than expected including as a result of employment levels and labor shortages, and the effects of inflation, a potential recession or slowed economic growth caused by supply chain disruptions or otherwise; |
| · | inflation and changes in the interest rate environment that reduce our margins and yields, our mortgage banking revenues, the fair value of financial instruments, including our mortgage servicing rights asset, or our level of loan originations, or increase the level of defaults, losses and prepayments on loans we have made and make; |
| · | changes in the level and direction of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in estimates of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; |
| · | our ability to comply with the MOU; |
| · | changes in liquidity, including the size and composition of our deposit portfolio, including the percentage of uninsured deposits in the portfolio; |
| · | our ability to access cost-effective funding; |
| · | fluctuations in real estate values and residential real estate market conditions; |
| · | demand for loans and deposits in our market area; |
34
| · | our ability to execute on our business strategies, including increasing our loan originations; |
| · | competition among depository and other financial institutions; |
| · | adverse changes in the securities or secondary mortgage markets; |
| · | changes in laws or government regulations or policies affecting financial institutions, including changes in regulatory fees, capital requirements and insurance premiums; |
| · | changes in the quality or composition of our loan or investment portfolios; |
| · | technological changes that may be more difficult or expensive than expected; |
| · | the inability of third-party providers to perform as expected; |
| · | a failure or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, including cyberattacks; |
| · | our ability to manage market risk, credit risk and operational risk; |
| · | changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; |
| · | changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the bank regulatory agencies, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; |
| · | our ability to attract and retain key employees; and |
| · | changes in the financial condition, results of operations or future prospects of issuers of securities that we own. |
Because of these and a wide variety of other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. Please see “Risk Factors” beginning on page 15.
35
HOW WE INTEND TO USE THE PROCEEDS FROM THE OFFERING
Although we cannot determine what the actual net proceeds from the sale of the shares of common stock in the offering will be until the offering is completed, we anticipate that the net proceeds will be between approximately $5.1 million and $7.6 million, or $9.9 million if the offering range is increased to the adjusted maximum. Please see “Pro Forma Data” for additional information.
We intend to distribute the net proceeds from the offering as follows:
| Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 743,750 shares | 875,000 shares | 1,006,250 shares | 1,157,188 shares (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Percent of Net Proceeds |
Amount | Percent of Net Proceeds |
Amount | Percent of Net Proceeds |
Amount | Percent of Net Proceeds |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Offering proceeds | $ | 7,438 | $ | 8,750 | $ | 10,063 | $ | 11,572 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less offering expenses and fees | (1,690 | ) | (1,690 | ) | (1,690 | ) | (1,690 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net offering proceeds | $ | 5,748 | 100.0 | % | $ | 7,060 | 100.0 | % | $ | 8,373 | 100.0 | % | $ | 9,882 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Use of net proceeds: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To East Wisconsin Savings Bank | $ | 5,127 | 89.2 | % | $ | 6,347 | 89.9 | % | $ | 7,569 | 90.4 | % | $ | 8,972 | 90.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| To fund loan to ESOP | 521 | 9.1 | % | 613 | 8.7 | % | 704 | 8.4 | % | 810 | 8.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Retained by EWSB Bancorp, Inc. | $ | 100 | 1.7 | % | $ | 100 | 1.4 | % | $ | 100 | 1.2 | % | $ | 100 | 1.0 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| (1) | As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares, which could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares or changes in market conditions following the commencement of the offering. |
Payments for shares of common stock made through withdrawals from existing deposit accounts will not result in the receipt of new funds for investment but will result in a reduction of the Bank’s deposits. The net proceeds may vary because the total expenses relating to the offering may be more or less than our estimates. For example, our expenses would increase if a syndicated community offering were used to sell shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription and community offerings.
New EWSB Bancorp intends to fund a loan to the ESOP to purchase shares of common stock in the stock offering. New EWSB Bancorp may also use the proceeds it retains from the offering:
| · | to invest in investment securities consistent with our investment policy; and |
| · | for other general corporate purposes. |
With the exception of the funding of the loan to the ESOP, New EWSB Bancorp has not quantified its plans for use of the offering proceeds for each of the foregoing purposes.
The Bank expects to use the net proceeds it receives from the offering:
| · | increase its capital position; and |
| · | to support increased lending. |
The Bank has not quantified its plans for use of the offering proceeds for any of the foregoing purposes. Initially, we intend to invest a substantial portion of the net proceeds in shorter term liquidity prior to deploying the proceeds into new investments and loans. The use of the proceeds outlined above may change based on many factors, including, but not limited to, changes in interest rates, equity markets, laws and regulations affecting the financial services industry, our relative position in the financial services industry, the attractiveness of opportunities to expand our operations through establishing or acquiring new branches, our ability to receive regulatory approval for any such expansion activities, and overall market conditions.
36
OUR POLICY REGARDING DIVIDENDS
We do not currently intend to pay cash dividends to our stockholders, and no assurances can be given that any such dividends will be paid in the future. The payment and amount of any dividend payments will be subject to statutory and regulatory limitations and restrictions, and will depend upon a number of factors, including the following: regulatory capital requirements; restrictions in our confidential MOU; compliance with Wisconsin law, our financial condition and results of operations; our other uses of funds for the long-term value of stockholders; tax considerations; and general economic conditions.
Special cash dividends, stock dividends or returns of capital, to the extent permitted by regulations and policies of the Federal Reserve Board, the Department and the FDIC, may be paid in addition to, or in lieu of, regular cash dividends.
We will be subject to state law limitations and federal bank regulatory policy on any future payment of dividends. Maryland law generally limits dividends if the corporation would not be able to pay its debts in the usual course of business after giving effect to the dividend or if the corporation’s total assets would be less than the corporation’s total liabilities plus the amount needed to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights on dissolution are superior to those receiving the distribution.
The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement providing that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if our prospective rate of earnings retention is consistent with our capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance also provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to capital distributions in certain circumstances such as where the holding company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the holding company’s overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with its capital needs and overall financial condition. In addition, the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company will be limited if the Bank does not meet regulatory requirements under Wisconsin law, as described below or if the Bank does not have the capital conservation buffer required by regulatory capital rules, which may limit our ability to pay dividends to stockholders. See “Regulation and Supervision—Dividends.”
We will file a consolidated federal tax return with the Bank. Accordingly, it is anticipated that any cash distributions that we make to our stockholders would be treated as cash dividends and not as a non-taxable return of capital for federal and state tax purposes. Additionally, pursuant to applicable regulations, during the three-year period following the stock offering, we will not take any action to declare an extraordinary dividend to stockholders that would be treated by recipients as a tax-free return of capital for federal income tax purposes.
Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, we are authorized to issue preferred stock. If we issue preferred stock, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of our shares of common stock with respect to the payment of dividends. For a further discussion concerning the payment of dividends on our shares of common stock, see “Description of Capital Stock of New EWSB Bancorp.”
37
Any future dividends we can declare and pay will depend, in part, upon receipt of dividends from the Bank, because initially we will have no source of income other than dividends from the Bank and earnings from the investment of the net proceeds from the sale of shares of common stock retained by the Company. Applicable regulations impose limitations on “capital distributions” by savings institutions. Specifically, the Bank will not be permitted to make a capital distribution if, after making such distribution, it would be undercapitalized. The Bank must file an application with the FDIC for approval of a capital distribution if the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceed the sum of the Bank’s net income for that year to date plus its retained net income for the preceding two years, or the Bank would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution. Under Wisconsin law and applicable regulations, the Bank may declare dividends on capital stock based upon net profits, provided that its paid-in surplus equals its capital stock and that it meets its regulatory capital requirements. If the Bank’s paid-in surplus does not equal its capital stock, the board of directors may not declare a dividend unless at least 10% of the net profits of the preceding half year, in the case of quarterly or semi-annual dividends, or 10% of the net profits of the preceding year, in the case of annual dividends, has been transferred to paid-in surplus. In addition, prior Department approval will be required before the Bank declares any dividends exceeding 50% of profits for any calendar year and before a stock dividend may be declared out of retained earnings.
Any payment of dividends by the Bank to the Company that would be deemed to be drawn out of the Bank’s bad debt reserves, if any, would require a payment of taxes at the then-current tax rate by the Bank on the amount of earnings deemed to be removed from the reserves for such distribution. The Bank does not intend to make any distribution to us that would create such a federal tax liability. See “Taxation.”
New EWSB Bancorp is a newly formed company which has never publicly issued capital stock, and there is no established market for our shares of common stock. We expect that our common stock will be quoted on the OTCQB Market operated by the OTC Markets Group upon completion of the conversion and offering.
The development of an active trading market depends on the existence of willing buyers and sellers, the presence of which is not within our control, or that of any market maker. The number of active buyers and sellers of the shares of common stock at any particular time is likely to be limited. Under such circumstances, you could have difficulty selling your shares of common stock on short notice, and, therefore, you should not view the shares of common stock as a short-term investment. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that, if you purchase shares of common stock, you will be able to sell them at or above $10.00 per share. Purchasers of common stock in this stock offering should have long-term investment intent and should recognize that there is likely to be a limited trading market in the common stock. This may make it difficult to sell the common stock after the stock offering and may have an adverse impact on the price at which the common stock can be sold.
38
HISTORICAL AND PRO FORMA REGULATORY CAPITAL COMPLIANCE
The table below sets forth the historical equity capital, regulatory capital and net worth (under Wisconsin law) of the Bank at December 31, 2023, and the pro forma equity capital and regulatory capital of the Bank, after giving effect to the sale of shares of common stock at a $10.00 per share purchase price. The table assumes the receipt by the Bank of approximately $5.1 million, $6.3 million, $7.6 million, or $9.0 of the net offering proceeds at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjustment maximum of the offering rage, respectively. See “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering.”
| East
Wisconsin Savings Bank Historical at December 31, 2023 |
Pro Forma at December 31, 2023, Based Upon the Sale in the Offering of (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 743,750 shares | 875,000 shares | 1,006,250 shares | 1,157,188 shares (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Percent
of Assets (3) |
Amount | Percent
of Assets (3) |
Amount | Percent
of Assets (3) |
Amount | Percent
of Assets (3) |
Amount | Percent
of Assets (3) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Equity | $ | 10,747 | 4.10 | % | $ | 15,130 | 5.67 | % | $ | 16,218 | 6.05 | % | $ | 17,310 | 6.43 | % | $ | 18,562 | 6.86 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 leverage capital | $ | 16,464 | 6.34 | % | $ | 20,847 | 7.88 | % | $ | 21,935 | 8.25 | % | $ | 23,027 | 8.63 | % | $ | 24,279 | 9.05 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Requirement | 12,982 | 5.00 | 13,227 | 5.00 | 13,286 | 5.00 | 13,346 | 5.00 | 13,413 | 5.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Excess | $ | 3,482 | 1.34 | % | $ | 7,620 | 2.88 | % | $ | 8,649 | 3.25 | % | $ | 9,681 | 3.63 | % | $ | 10,866 | 4.05 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 risk-based capital (4) | $ | 16,464 | 11.17 | % | $ | 20,847 | 14.05 | % | $ | 21,935 | 14.76 | % | $ | 23,027 | 15.47 | % | $ | 24,279 | 16.28 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Requirement | 11,794 | 8.00 | 11,872 | 8.00 | 11,891 | 8.00 | 11,910 | 8.00 | 11,932 | 8.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Excess | $ | 4,670 | 3.17 | % | $ | 8,975 | 6.05 | % | $ | 10,044 | 6.76 | % | $ | 11,117 | 7.47 | % | $ | 12,347 | 8.28 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total risk-based capital (4) | $ | 17,521 | 11.89 | % | $ | 21,904 | 14.76 | % | $ | 22,992 | 15.47 | % | $ | 24,084 | 16.18 | % | $ | 25,336 | 16.99 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Requirement | 14,742 | 10.00 | 14,840 | 10.00 | 14,864 | 10.00 | 14,887 | 10.00 | 14,915 | 10.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Excess | $ | 2,779 | 1.89 | % | $ | 7,064 | 4.76 | % | $ | 8,128 | 5.47 | % | $ | 9,197 | 6.18 | % | $ | 10,421 | 6.99 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital (4) | $ | 16,464 | 11.17 | % | $ | 20,847 | 14.05 | % | $ | 21,935 | 14.76 | % | $ | 23,027 | 15.47 | % | $ | 24,279 | 16.28 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Requirement | 9,582 | 6.50 | 9,646 | 6.50 | 9,661 | 6.50 | 9,677 | 6.50 | 9,694 | 6.50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Excess | $ | 6,882 | 4.67 | % | $ | 11,201 | 7.55 | % | $ | 12,274 | 8.26 | % | $ | 13,350 | 8.97 | % | $ | 14,585 | 9.78 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net worth ratio (5) | $ | 11,804 | 4.50 | % | $ | 16,187 | 6.06 | % | $ | 17,275 | 6.44 | % | $ | 18,367 | 6.82 | % | $ | 19,619 | 7.25 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net worth ratio requirement | 15,728 | 6.00 | 16,022 | 6.00 | 16,093 | 6.00 | 16,164 | 6.00 | 16,245 | 6.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Excess (deficiency) | $ | (3,924 | ) | (1.50 | )% | $ | 165 | 0.06 | % | $ | 1,182 | 0.44 | % | $ | 2,203 | 0.82 | % | $ | 3,374 | 1.25 | % | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reconciliation of capital infused into East Wisconsin Savings Bank: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net proceeds to East Wisconsin Savings Bank | $ | 5,127 | $ | 6,347 | $ | 7,569 | $ | 8,972 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Common stock acquired by ESOP | (521 | ) | (613 | ) | (704 | ) | (810 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Common stock acquired by stock-based benefit plan (6) | (223 | ) | (263 | ) | (302 | ) | (347 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro forma increase | $ | 4,383 | $ | 5,471 | $ | 6,563 | $ | 7,815 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Pro forma capital levels assume that the ESOP purchases 7% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering with funds we lend and that our stock-based equity plan purchases 3% of the shares sold in the offering for restricted stock awards. Pro forma capital calculated under GAAP and regulatory capital have been reduced by the amount required to fund these plans. See “Management” for a discussion of the ESOP. | |
| (2) | As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares which could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares or changes in market conditions following the commencement of the offering. | |
| (3) | Tier 1 leverage capital levels are shown as a percentage of total adjusted assets. Risk-based capital levels are shown as a percentage of risk-weighted assets. | |
| (4) | Pro forma amounts and percentages assume net proceeds are invested in assets that carry a 20% risk weighting. |
| (5) | Net worth ratio is defined under Wisconsin law as the ratio, expressed as a percentage, the numerator of which is the result of subtracting the Bank’s liabilities from its assets and adding to that number unallocated, general loan loss reserves, but not loss reserves for specific, identified losses, and the denominator of which is the Bank’s total assets. |
| (6) | The table assumes that New EWSB Bancorp will fund the purchase of all shares of common stock to be awarded by the stock-based incentive plan. Alternatively, depending on whether New EWSB Bancorp has cash available to fund the purchase of all shares at the time they are awarded under the plan and other factors, the shares awarded under the stock-based incentive plan may be funded through other means or through the use of authorized but unissued shares of common stock. If authorized but unissued shares of common stock are used, stockholders would have their ownership and voting interests diluted. See the tables and footnotes thereto included in this prospectus under the heading “Pro Forma Data.” |
39
The following table presents the historical consolidated capitalization of the MHC at December 31, 2023 and the pro forma consolidated capitalization of New EWSB Bancorp, after giving effect to the conversion and the offering, based upon the assumptions set forth in the “Pro Forma Data” section.
| Wisconsin Mutual | Pro Forma at December 31, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Bancorp, MHC at | Based upon the Sale in the Offering at $10.00 per Share of | |||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, | 743,750 | 875,000 | 1,006,250 | 1,157,188 | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | Shares | Shares | Shares | Shares (1) | ||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Deposits (2) | $ | 230,468 | $ | 230,468 | $ | 230,468 | $ | 230,468 | $ | 230,468 | ||||||||||
| Borrowings | 19,030 | 19,030 | 19,030 | 19,030 | 19,030 | |||||||||||||||
| Total deposits and borrowings | $ | 249,498 | $ | 249,498 | $ | 249,498 | $ | 249,498 | $ | 249,498 | ||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized (post-conversion) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||
| Common stock, $0.01 par value, 4,000,000 shares authorized (post-conversion); shares to be issued as reflected (3) (4) | — | 7 | 9 | 10 | 12 | |||||||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital (4) | — | 5,741 | 7,051 | 8,363 | 9,870 | |||||||||||||||
| Retained earnings (5) | 19,199 | 19,199 | 19,199 | 19,199 | 19,199 | |||||||||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (7,662 | ) | (7,662 | ) | (7,662 | ) | (7,662 | ) | (7,662 | ) | ||||||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock held by ESOP (6) | — | (521 | ) | (613 | ) | (704 | ) | (81 | ) | |||||||||||
| Common stock to be acquired by stock-based benefit plan (7) | — | (223 | ) | (263 | ) | (302 | ) | (347 | ) | |||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | $ | 11,537 | $ | 16,541 | $ | 17,721 | $ | 18,904 | $ | 20,262 | ||||||||||
| Shares sold in stock offering | — | 743,750 | 875,000 | 1,006,250 | 1,157,188 | |||||||||||||||
| Pro forma shares outstanding | — | 743,750 | 875,000 | 1,006,250 | 1,157,188 | |||||||||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity as a percentage of total assets (2) | 4.39 | % | 6.18 | % | 6.59 | % | 7.00 | % | 7.47 | % | ||||||||||
| Tangible equity as a percentage of tangible assets (2) | 4.39 | % | 6.18 | % | 6.59 | % | 7.00 | % | 7.47 | % | ||||||||||
| (1) | As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares of common stock that could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for shares or changes in market conditions following the commencement of the subscription and community offerings. |
| (2) | Does not reflect withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purchase of shares of common stock in the conversion and offering. These withdrawals would reduce pro forma deposits and assets by the amount of the withdrawals. |
| (3) | No effect has been given to the issuance of additional shares of New EWSB Bancorp common stock pursuant to the exercise of options under a stock-based benefit plan. If the plan is implemented within the first year after the closing of the offering, an amount up to 10% of the shares of New EWSB Bancorp common stock sold in the offering will be reserved for issuance upon the exercise of options under the plan. |
| (4) | On a pro forma basis, common stock and additional paid-in capital have been revised to reflect the number of shares of New EWSB Bancorp common stock to be outstanding. |
| (5) | The retained earnings of the Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights” and “Regulation and Supervision.” |
| (6) | Assumes that 7% of the shares sold in the offering will be acquired by the ESOP financed by a loan from New EWSB Bancorp. The loan will be repaid principally from the Bank’s contributions to the ESOP. Since New EWSB Bancorp will finance the ESOP debt, this debt will be eliminated through consolidation and no liability will be reflected on New EWSB Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements. Accordingly, the amount of shares of common stock acquired by the ESOP is shown in this table as a reduction of total stockholders’ equity. |
| (7) | Assumes a number of shares of common stock equal to 3% of the shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be purchased for grant by a stock-based benefit plan in open market purchases by New EWSB Bancorp. The dollar amount of common stock to be purchased is based on the $10.00 per share subscription price in the offering and represents unearned compensation. This amount does not reflect possible increases or decreases in the value of common stock relative to the subscription price in the offering. As New EWSB Bancorp accrues compensation expense to reflect the vesting of shares pursuant to the stock-based benefit plan, the credit to equity will be offset by a charge to noninterest expense. Implementation of the stock-based benefit plan will require stockholder approval. |
40
The following table summarizes historical data of the MHC and pro forma data of New EWSB Bancorp at and for the year ended December 31, 2023. This information is based on assumptions set forth below and in the footnotes to the table, and should not be used as a basis for projections of the market value of the shares of common stock following the conversion and stock offering.
The net proceeds in the table are based upon the following assumptions:
| · | all shares of common stock will be sold in the subscription offering; |
| · | our ESOP will purchase 7% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering funded by a loan from New EWSB Bancorp. The loan will be repaid in substantially equal payments of principal and interest (at the prime interest rate, adjusted annually) over a period of 20 years; and |
| · | estimated expenses of the stock offering, including fees and expenses to be paid to Performance Trust, are $1.7 million. |
Pro forma earnings on net proceeds have been calculated assuming the stock has been sold at the beginning of the period and the net proceeds have been invested at a yield of 3.84% for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is the yield on the five-year U.S. Treasury Note rate at December 31, 2023. In light of current market interest rates, we consider this rate to reflect the pro forma reinvestment rate more accurately than the arithmetic average of the weighted average yield earned on our interest-earning assets and the weighted average rate paid on our deposits, which is the reinvestment rate generally required by federal regulations. The pro forma after-tax yield on the net offering proceeds is assumed to be 3.03% for the year ended December 31, 2023, based on an effective tax rate of 21.0%.
We calculated historical and pro forma per share amounts by dividing historical and pro forma amounts of consolidated net income and stockholders’ equity by the indicated number of shares of common stock. We adjusted the earnings figures to give effect to the shares of common stock purchased by the ESOP. We computed per share amounts for the year as if the shares of common stock were outstanding at the beginning of the year, but we did not adjust per share historical or pro forma stockholders’ equity to reflect the earnings on the estimated net proceeds.
The pro forma tables give effect to the implementation of a stock-based benefit plan. Subject to the receipt of stockholder approval, which we have assumed for purposes of preparing the table below, we have assumed that the stock-based benefit plan will acquire for restricted stock awards a number of shares of common stock equal to 3% of our outstanding shares of common stock at the same price for which they were sold in the stock offering. We assume that shares of common stock are granted under the plan in awards that vest over a five-year period.
We have also assumed that the stock-based benefit plan will grant options to acquire shares of common stock equal to 10% of our outstanding shares of common stock. In preparing the table below, we assumed that stockholder approval was obtained, that the exercise price of the stock options and the market price of the stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share and that the stock options have a term of ten years and vested over five years. We applied the Black-Scholes option pricing model to estimate a grant-date fair value of $4.16 for each option. In addition to the terms of the options described above, the Black-Scholes option pricing model assumed an estimated volatility rate of 21.29% for the shares of common stock, no dividend yield, an expected option life of 10 years and a risk-free interest rate of 3.88%. Finally, we assumed that 25% of the stock options were non-qualified options granted to directors, resulting in a tax benefit (at an assumed tax rate of 21.0%) for a deduction equal to the grant date fair value of the options.
41
We may reserve shares for the exercise of stock options and the grant of stock awards under a stock-based benefit plan in excess of 10% and 3%, respectively, of our total outstanding shares if the stock-based benefit plan is adopted more than one year following the stock offering. In addition, we may grant options and award shares that vest more rapidly than over a five-year period if the stock-based benefit plan is adopted more than one year following the stock offering.
The pro forma table does not give effect to: (i) withdrawals from deposit accounts at East Wisconsin Savings Bank to purchase shares of common stock in the stock offering; (ii) New EWSB Bancorp’s results of operations after the conversion and stock offering; or (iii) changes in the market price of the shares of common stock after the conversion and stock offering.
The following pro forma information may not represent the financial effects of the stock offering at the date on which the stock offering actually occurs, and you should not use the table to indicate future results of operations. Pro forma stockholders’ equity represents the difference between the stated amount of our assets and liabilities, computed according to GAAP. We did not increase or decrease stockholders’ equity to reflect the difference between the carrying value of loans and other assets and their market value. Pro forma stockholders’ equity is not intended to represent the fair market value of the shares of common stock and may be different than the amounts that would be available for distribution to stockholders if we liquidated. Pro forma stockholders’ equity does not give effect to the impact of intangible assets, bad debt reserve, or the liquidation accounts we will establish in the conversion in the unlikely event we are liquidated.
42
| At or For the
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Based Upon the Sale at $10.00 Per Share of |
||||||||||||||||
| 743,750 Shares |
875,000 Shares |
1,006,250 Shares |
1,157,188 Shares (1) |
|||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross Proceeds of Offering | $ | 7,438 | $ | 8,750 | $ | 10,063 | $ | 11,572 | ||||||||
| Less: expenses | (1,690 | ) | (1,690 | ) | (1,690 | ) | (1,690 | ) | ||||||||
| Estimated net proceeds | 5,748 | 7,060 | 8,373 | 9,882 | ||||||||||||
| Less: Common stock purchased by ESOP (2) | (521 | ) | (613 | ) | (704 | ) | (810 | ) | ||||||||
| Less: Common
stock awarded under stock-based benefit plan (3) |
(223 | ) | (263 | ) | (302 | ) | (347 | ) | ||||||||
| Estimated net cash proceeds, as adjusted | $ | 5,004 | $ | 6,184 | $ | 7,367 | $ | 8,725 | ||||||||
| For the Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated net income: | ||||||||||||||||
| Historical | $ | (935 | ) | $ | (935 | ) | $ | (935 | ) | $ | (935 | ) | ||||
| Pro forma income on net proceeds | 152 | 188 | 223 | 265 | ||||||||||||
| Pro forma ESOP adjustment (2) | (21 | ) | (24 | ) | (28 | ) | (32 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma stock award adjustment (3) | (35 | ) | (42 | ) | (48 | ) | (55 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma stock option adjustment (4) | (59 | ) | (69 | ) | (79 | ) | (91 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma net loss | $ | (898 | ) | $ | (882 | ) | $ | (867 | ) | $ | (848 | ) | ||||
| Per share net income: | ||||||||||||||||
| Historical | $ | (1.35 | ) | $ | (1.15 | ) | $ | (0.99 | ) | $ | (0.87 | ) | ||||
| Pro forma income on net proceeds | 0.22 | 0.23 | 0.24 | 0.24 | ||||||||||||
| Pro forma ESOP adjustment (2) | (0.03 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.03 | ) | (0.03 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma stock award adjustment (3) | (0.05 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.05 | ) | (0.05 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma stock option adjustment (4) | (0.08 | ) | (0.08 | ) | (0.09 | ) | (0.08 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma net loss per share (5) | $ | (1.29 | ) | $ | (1.08 | ) | $ | (0.92 | ) | $ | (0.79 | ) | ||||
| Offering price as a multiple of pro
forma net loss per share |
NM | NM | NM | NM | ||||||||||||
| Number of shares
outstanding for pro forma net earnings per share calculations (5) |
694,291 | 816,813 | 939,334 | 1,080,235 | ||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity: | ||||||||||||||||
| Historical | $ | 11,537 | $ | 11,537 | $ | 11,537 | $ | 11,537 | ||||||||
| Estimated net proceeds | 5,748 | 7,060 | 8,373 | 9,882 | ||||||||||||
| Less: Common stock acquired by ESOP (2) | (521 | ) | (613 | ) | (704 | ) | (810 | ) | ||||||||
| Less: Common
stock awarded under stock-based benefit plan (3)(4) |
(223 | ) | (263 | ) | (302 | ) | (347 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma stockholders’ equity | $ | 16,541 | $ | 17,721 | $ | 18,904 | $ | 20,262 | ||||||||
| Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity | $ | 16,541 | $ | 17,721 | $ | 18,904 | $ | 20,262 | ||||||||
| Stockholders’ equity per share: | ||||||||||||||||
| Historical | $ | 15.51 | $ | 13.18 | $ | 11.47 | $ | 9.97 | ||||||||
| Estimated net proceeds | 7.73 | 8.07 | 8.32 | 8.54 | ||||||||||||
| Less: Common stock acquired by ESOP (2) | (0.70 | ) | (0.70 | ) | (0.70 | ) | (0.70 | ) | ||||||||
| Less: Common
stock awarded under stock-based benefit plan (3)(4) |
(0.30 | ) | (0.30 | ) | (0.30 | ) | (0.30 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma stockholders’ equity per share (6) | $ | 22.24 | $ | 20.25 | $ | 18.79 | $ | 17.51 | ||||||||
| Pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity per share (6) | $ | 22.24 | $ | 20.25 | $ | 18.79 | $ | 17.51 | ||||||||
| Offering price as percentage of pro forma stockholders’ equity per share | 44.96 | % | 49.38 | % | 53.22 | % | 57.11 | % | ||||||||
| Offering price as percentage of pro forma tangible stockholders’ equity per share | 44.96 | % | 49.38 | % | 53.22 | % | 57.11 | % | ||||||||
| Number of shares outstanding for pro forma book value per share calculations | 743,750 | 875,000 | 1,006,250 | 1,157,188 | ||||||||||||
(footnotes begin on following page)
43
| (1) | As adjusted to give effect to an increase in the number of shares which could occur due to a 15% increase in the offering range to reflect demand for the shares or changes in market conditions following the commencement of the offering. |
| (2) | Assumes that 7% of shares of common stock sold in the offering will be purchased by the ESOP. For purposes of this table, the funds used to acquire these shares are assumed to have been borrowed by the ESOP from New EWSB Bancorp. The Bank intends to make annual contributions to the ESOP in an amount at least equal to the required principal and interest payments on the debt. The Bank’s total annual payments on the ESOP debt are based upon 20 equal annual installments of principal and interest. Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 718-40, “Employers’ Accounting for Employer Stock Ownership Plans” (“ASC 718-40”) requires that an employer record compensation expense in an amount equal to the fair value of the shares committed to be released to employees. The pro forma adjustments assume that the ESOP shares are allocated in equal annual installments based on the number of loan repayment installments assumed to be paid by the Bank, the fair value of the common stock remains equal to the subscription price and the ESOP expense reflects an effective tax rate of 21%. The unallocated ESOP shares are reflected as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. No reinvestment is assumed on proceeds contributed to fund the ESOP. The pro forma net income further assumes that 2,603, 3,062, 3,521 and 4,050 shares were committed to be released during the year ended December 31, 2023 at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, and in accordance with ASC 718-40, only the ESOP shares committed to be released during the period were considered outstanding for purposes of income per share calculations. |
| (3) | If approved by New EWSB Bancorp’s stockholders, a stock-based benefit plan may purchase an aggregate number of shares of common stock equal to 3% of the shares sold in the offering, or possibly a greater number of shares if the plan is implemented more than one year after completion of the conversion. Stockholder approval of the stock-based benefit plan, and purchases by the plan may not occur earlier than six months after the completion of the conversion. The shares may be acquired directly from New EWSB Bancorp or through open market purchases. The table assumes that New EWSB Bancorp will fund the purchase of all shares of common stock to be awarded by the stock-based incentive plan. The table also assumes that (i) the stock-based benefit plan acquires the shares through open market purchases at $10.00 per share, (ii) 10% of the amount contributed to the stock-based benefit plan is amortized as an expense during the six month period, and (iii) the stock-based benefit plan expense reflects an effective tax rate of 21%. Alternatively, depending on whether New EWSB Bancorp has cash available to fund the purchase of all shares at the time they are awarded under the plan and other factors, the shares awarded under the stock-based incentive plan may be funded through other means or through the use of authorized but unissued shares of common stock. Assuming stockholder approval of the stock-based benefit plan and that shares of common stock equal to 3% of the shares sold in the offering are awarded through the use of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, stockholders would have their ownership and voting interests diluted by approximately 2.9%. |
| (4) | If approved by New EWSB Bancorp’s stockholders, a stock-based benefit plan may grant options to acquire an aggregate number of shares of common stock equal to 10% of the shares to be sold in the offering (or possibly a greater number of shares if the plan is implemented more than one year after completion of the conversion). Stockholder approval of the stock-based benefit plan may not occur earlier than six months after the completion of the conversion. In calculating the pro forma effect of the stock options to be granted under stock-based benefit plan, it is assumed that the exercise price of the stock options and the trading price of the common stock at the date of grant were $10.00 per share, the estimated grant-date fair value determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model was $4.16 for each option, and the aggregate grant-date fair value of the stock options was amortized to expense on a straight-line basis over a five-year vesting period of the options. The actual expense of the stock options to be granted under the stock-based benefit plan will be determined by the grant-date fair value of the options, which will depend on a number of factors, including the valuation assumptions used in the option pricing model ultimately adopted. Under the above assumptions, the adoption of the stock-based benefit plan will result in no additional shares under the treasury stock method for purposes of calculating earnings per share. There can be no assurance that the actual exercise price of the stock options will be equal to the $10.00 price per share. If a portion of the shares to satisfy the exercise of options under the stock-based benefit plan is obtained from the issuance of authorized but unissued shares, our net income per share and stockholders’ equity per share would decrease. The stock options may also be granted using authorized but unissued shares of common stock. Assuming stockholder approval of the stock-based benefit plan and that shares of common stock used to fund stock options (equal to 10% of the shares sold in the offering) are awarded through the use of authorized but unissued shares of common stock, stockholders would have their ownership and voting interests diluted by approximately 9.1%. |
| (5) | Income per share computations are determined by taking the number of shares assumed to be sold in the offering and, in accordance with ASC 718-40, subtracting the ESOP shares that have not been committed for release during the period. Income per share computations assume that 7% of the shares of common stock sold in the offering will be purchased by the ESOP, equal to 52,062, 61,250, 70,437 and 81,003 shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, and an equal number of shares (1/20th of the total per year based on a 20-year loan) will be released each year over the term of the loan. Income per share computations assume that 2,603, 3,062, 3,521 and 4,050 shares were committed to be released during the year ended December 31, 2023 at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively, resulting in ESOP shares that have not been committed to be released during the period of 49,459, 58,188, 66,916 and 76,953 at the minimum, midpoint, maximum and adjusted maximum of the offering range, respectively. |
| (6) | The retained earnings of the Bank will be substantially restricted after the conversion. See “Our Dividend Policy,” “The Conversion and Offering—Liquidation Rights” and “Supervision and Regulation.” The number of shares used to calculate pro forma stockholders’ equity per share is equal to the total number of shares to be outstanding upon completion of the offering. |
44
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This discussion and analysis reflects our consolidated financial statements and other relevant statistical data, and is intended to enhance your understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. The information in this section has been derived from the consolidated financial statements that appear beginning on page F-1 of this prospectus. You should read the information in this section in conjunction with the business and financial information regarding the Bank and the consolidated financial statements provided in this prospectus for the MHC. New EWSB Bancorp had not engaged in any activities at December 31, 2023.
Overview
Our business consists primarily of taking deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations, primarily in one- to four-family residential real estate loans, as well as marine and recreational vehicle loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and other consumer loans. To a lesser extent, we originate commercial real estate, multifamily, construction and commercial loans. At December 31, 2023, $122.2 million, or 69.7%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of one- to four-family residential real estate loans, $30.8 million, or 17.6%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of marine and recreational vehicle loans, $6.2 million, or 3.5%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of home equity loans and lines of credit, and $4.0 million, or 2.3%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of other consumer loans. We also invest in securities, consisting primarily of U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities, including agency mortgage-backed securities and corporate bonds. We offer a variety of deposit accounts, including certificates of deposit, money market accounts, savings accounts and interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing demand accounts. We historically have utilized advances from the FHLB to assist in the funding of our operations and we had $18.6 million of FHLB advances at December 31, 2023.
For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, we recorded net losses of $935,000 and $4.2 million, respectively. The reduction in our net loss year over year resulted primarily from an increase in our noninterest income and a decrease in our noninterest expense, partially offset by a decrease in our net interest income. Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to a loss on the sale of available-for-sale securities of $5.1 million in connection with the restructuring of our securities portfolio in the third quarter of 2022. See “—Comparison of Financial Condition at December 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022—2022 Securities Portfolio Restructuring Transaction.”
Our results of operations depend primarily on our net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities. Our results of operations also are affected by our provision for credit losses, noninterest income and noninterest expense. Noninterest income currently consists primarily of mortgage banking income, customer service fees, and the increase in the cash value of bank-owned life insurance. Noninterest expense currently consists primarily of expenses related to salary and related benefits, data processing, net occupancy, and other general and administrative expenses.
Our results of operations also may be affected significantly by general and local economic and competitive conditions, changes in market interest rates, governmental policies and actions of regulatory authorities.
45
Business Strategy
Our current business strategy includes the following:
| · | Increase loan originations. Historically, a significant portion of our income has been derived from mortgage loan originations, including through the sale of longer term, fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans we originate and sell into the secondary market. We have taken steps to enhance our lending function to increase residential loan production, particularly as the mortgage market as a whole recovers. |
| · | Increase the proportion of our assets consisting of loans. Although we do not project rapid asset growth, we intend to increase the proportion of our assets that consists of loans as our investment securities mature and are prepaid. This should have a material positive impact on our net interest margin. |
| · | Control operating expenses. As a result of the competitive, economic and regulatory challenges of operating in today’s environment, expense levels have risen for most community financial institutions, including the Bank. Even in this current environment, the Bank has generally been effective in limiting the increase in its expenses and in January 2023 we further reduced our current and future overhead costs by closing a branch office that was duplicative to our corporate office. Given our attractive market area, we believe we are well-positioned to execute on our strategic initiatives to both increase loan originations and the proportion of our assets consisting of loans while controlling our noninterest expenses and maintaining sufficient capital and liquidity. We believe these steps will build franchise value over the long term. |
| · | Continue our historical emphasis on residential mortgage lending. Historically, we have emphasized residential mortgage lending. At December 31, 2023, one- to four-family residential real estate loans totaled $122.2 million, or 69.7%, of our total loan portfolio. We intend to continue measured, efficient growth of this type of residential real estate lending while continuing to implement other lending strategies with which we have found success historically, including cross selling our loan, deposit and other financial services customers on the range of other products we offer. In the current environment, we expect that a substantial portion of our one- to four-family loans will consist of adjustable-rate mortgages. |
| · | Continue to improve asset/liability management by implementing enhancements to our interest rate management framework and investment securities policies and procedures. During the rapidly rising interest rate environment experienced in 2022, we experienced significant negative adjustments to our accumulated other comprehensive income, primarily due to negative adjustments to the Bank’s investment securities. In an effort to, among other things, improve the long-term health of our securities portfolio and reduce our interest rate risk exposure, we restructured our securities portfolio by selling a portion of or available-for-sale securities, resulting in a $5.1 million loss for 2022, and reclassifying approximately $46.4 million of our securities as held-to-maturity, making their market values no longer subject to changing interest rates, thus reducing interest rate volatility. Furthermore, in 2023 the Bank adopted a new asset/liability management policy, enhanced its investment policy with increased board oversight and reporting and revamped its interest rate risk management processes and procedures to reduce interest rate risk exposure. Through these and other enhancements, we have significantly improved our ability to manage our interest rate risk and minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Management of Market Risk.” |
46
| · | Continue to manage credit risk to maintain a low level of non-performing assets. Historically, we have been able to maintain a high level of asset quality. We believe strong asset quality remains a key to our long-term financial success. Our total non-performing assets to total assets ratio was 0.01% at both December 31, 2023 and 2022. Our strategy for credit risk management continues to focus on having an experienced team of credit professionals, well-defined policies and procedures, appropriate loan underwriting criteria and active credit monitoring. |
| · | Continue our community-oriented focus. As a community banking organization, we intend to continue to play an active role in the communities that we serve. We understand the financial needs of our local customers, and we offer a broad range of financial products and services specifically designed to meet those needs. |
We expect these strategies to guide our investment of the net proceeds of the stock offering. We intend to continue to pursue these business strategies after the conversion and stock offering, subject to changes necessitated by future market conditions, regulatory restrictions and other factors.
Summary of Critical Accounting Policies and Critical Accounting Estimates
The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on our consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions affecting the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of income and expenses. We consider the accounting policies discussed below to be critical accounting policies. The estimates and assumptions that we use are based on historical experience and various other factors and are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, resulting in a change that could have a material impact on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations.
The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, reduce certain reporting requirements for qualifying public companies. As an “emerging growth company,” we have elected to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. Accordingly, our consolidated financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of public companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.
The following represent our critical accounting policies:
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans. The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) is an estimate of expected credit losses on the loans held for investment, and unfunded loan commitments. The ACL is calculated according to GAAP standards and is maintained by management at a level believed adequate to absorb estimated credit losses that are expected to occur within the existing loan portfolio through their contractual terms. The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on loans. The determination of our allowance for credit losses is considered a critical accounting estimate by management because of the high degree of judgment involved in determining qualitative loss factors, the subjectivity of the assumptions used, and the potential for changes in the forecasted economic environment that could result in changes to the amount of the recorded allowance for credit losses. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the ACL is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s direct control, including, but not limited to, the performance of the loan portfolio, consideration of current economic trends, changes in interest rates and property values, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on an analysis that uses historical loss experience for prior periods that are determined to have like characteristics with the current period such as pre-recessionary, recessionary, or recovery periods, portfolio growth and concentration risk, management and staffing changes, the interpretation of loan risk classifications by regulatory authorities and other credit market factors. While each component of the ACL is determined separately, the entire balance is available for the entire loan portfolio.
47
The ACL methodology consists of measuring loans on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company has identified three loan portfolios and measures the ACL using the Scaled CECL Allowance for Losses Estimator (“SCALE”) method. The loan portfolios are commercial and commercial real estate; residential real estate; and consumer. The SCALE method uses publicly available data from call reports to derive the initial proxy expected lifetime loss rates. This proxy expected lifetime loss rates are then adjusted for bank-specific facts and circumstances to arrive at the final ACL estimate that adequately reflects the Company’s loss history and credit risk within our portfolio.
The qualitative factors considered for each loan portfolio consist of the impact of other internal and external qualitative and credit market factors as assessed by management through a detailed loan review, ACL analysis and credit discussions. These internal and external qualitative and credit market factors include:
| ● | changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collections, charge-offs and recovery practices; |
| ● | changes in international, national, regionally and local conditions (specific factors which impact portfolios or discrepancies with national economic factors which are utilized within the economic forecast); |
| ● | changes in the experience, depth and ability of lending management; |
| ● | changes in the volume and severity of past due loans and other similar loan conditions; |
| ● | changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and terms of loans; |
| ● | the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the levels of such concentrations; |
| ● | effects of other external factors, such as competition, legal or regulatory factors, on the level of estimated credit losses; |
| ● | changes in the quality of our loan review functions; and |
| ● | changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans. |
The impact of the above-listed internal and external qualitative and credit market risk factors is assessed within predetermined ranges to adjust the ACL totals calculated.
In addition to the pooled analysis performed for the majority of our loan and commitment balances, we also review those loans that have collateral dependency or nonperforming status which requires a specific review of that loan, per our individually analyzed CECL calculations.
Loans are charged off against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed, while recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited to the ACL. Approved releases from previously established ACL reserves authorized under our ACL methodology also reduce the ACL. Additions to the ACL are established through the provision for credit losses on loans, which is charged to expense.
48
Our ACL methodology is intended to reflect all loan portfolio risk, but management recognizes the inability to accurately depict all future credit losses in a current ACL estimate, as the impact of various factors cannot be fully known. Accrued interest receivable on loans is excluded from the amortized cost basis of financing receivables for the purpose of determining the allowance for credit losses.
As noted above, we consider a number of variables in our evaluation of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses, with one of the more significant variables being growth trends in the various segments of our loan portfolio. Based on our model, if all segments of our loan portfolio grew by 5% on a year-over-year basis, our allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 would have increased by $52,000 to $1.1 million, holding all other variables constant. Conversely, if all segments of our loan portfolio contracted by 5% on a year-over-year basis, our allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 would have decreased by $67,000 to $990,000, holding all other variables constant. If the portfolio segment with both the highest balance and highest required reserve ratio, one- to four-family residential mortgages, increased by 10%, the required reserve would increase by $78,000 to $1.1 million, holding all other variables constant.
Allowance for Loan Losses (applicable to periods prior to January 1, 2023). The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense as losses are estimated to have occurred. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes that the collectibility of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
Management regularly evaluates the allowance for loan losses using the Company's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, composition of the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective since it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change.
The allowance for loan losses includes specific allowances related to loans that have been judged to be impaired under these accounting standards. A loan is impaired when, based on current information, it is probable that the Company will not collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management determines whether a loan is impaired on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the payment status, collateral value, length and reason of any payment delays, the borrower's prior payment record, and any other relevant factors. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage and consumer loans, are collectively evaluated in the allowance for loan losses analysis and are not subject to impairment analysis unless such loans have been subject to a restructuring agreement. Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) and classified as impaired. Specific allowances for impaired loans are based on discounted cash flows of expected future payments using the loan's initial effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment and included in the impairment disclosures. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's original effective rate. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral-dependent loan, the loan is measured at the fair value of the collateral less applicable estimated selling costs. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of the allowance on that loan in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses on loans individually identified as impaired.
Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities have been determined using the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities as measured by the current enacted tax rates, which will be in effect when these differences are expected to reverse. 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. Provision (benefit) for deferred taxes is the result of changes in the deferred tax assets and liabilities.
The Company may also recognize a liability for unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits represent the differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured in the financial statements. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income taxes.
Debt Securities. Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the estimated lives or earliest call date of the debt securities, as applicable. Gains and losses on the sales of debt securities are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific-identification method.
On January 1, 2023, for held-to-maturity debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company began evaluating the securities individually to determine whether the decline in fair value below amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors, such as market interest rate fluctuations.
In evaluating securities held-to-maturity for potential impairment, the Company considers many factors, including the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, which for debt securities considers external credit ratings and recent downgrades; and its ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value. The Company also considers the extent to which the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, and any guarantee of issued amounts by those agencies.
49
Accrued interest receivable on securities held-to-maturity is excluded from the amortized cost basis of those securities for the purpose of determining the allowance for credit losses.
As of January 1, 2023, for available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the aforementioned criteria exists, the Company will record an ACL related to securities available-for-sale with an offsetting entry to the provision for credit losses on securities on the statements of income. If neither of these criteria exists, the Company will evaluate the securities individually to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors, such as market interest rate fluctuations.
In evaluating securities available-for sale for potential impairment, the Company considers many factors, including the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, which for debt securities considers external credit ratings and recent downgrades; and its ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value. The Company also considers the extent to which the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, and any guarantee of issued amounts by those agencies. The amount of the impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Accrued interest receivable on securities available-for-sale is excluded from the amortized cost basis of those securities for the purpose of determining the allowance for credit losses.
Through December 31, 2022, declines in fair value of debt securities that are deemed to be other than temporary, if applicable, are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
2022 Securities Portfolio Restructuring Transaction. During the rapidly rising interest rate environment experienced in 2022, our equity position decreased materially as a result of accumulated other comprehensive losses of $9.2 million as of December 31, 2022, primarily due to negative adjustments to our investment securities portfolio. In the third quarter of 2022, following extensive modeling and stress testing, we sought to limit further erosion to our capital position and bolster liquidity levels by restructuring our securities portfolio, which included the sale of U.S. Treasury, federal agency, mortgage-backed and municipal securities with a book value of $39.7 million, an average yield of 0.97% (based on book value) and a weighted average term to maturity of 4.7 years. The cash proceeds of approximately $34.6 million were reinvested into cash and short-term investments and redeployed into other investment securities and the retirement of borrowed funds. The sale resulted in a $5.1 million pretax net loss on the sale of available-for-sale securities during the year ended December 31, 2022. Additionally, the Bank transferred securities with a book value of approximately $46.4 million and market value of $38.4 million from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity during 2022. The resulting pretax unrealized loss of $8.0 million, which is included in other comprehensive income, is being amortized over 14 years with $6.5 million remaining to be amortized as of December 31, 2023. For additional information regarding our securities portfolio, see Note 3 to the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
50
Total Assets. Total assets decreased $8.6 million, or 3.2%, to $262.6 million at December 31, 2023 from $271.2 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily the result of decreases in available-for-sale securities and cash and due from banks, partially offset by increases in securities held-to-maturity and net loans as we prioritized the preservation of capital.
Cash and Due from Banks and Time Deposits with Other Financial Institutions. Cash and due from banks and time deposits with other financial institutions decreased $1.7 million, or 22.1%, to $6.1 million at December 31, 2023 from $7.8 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to decreases in deposits and cash used to fund loan portfolio growth and principal payments on borrowed funds, partially offset by the proceeds received from maturities and paydowns of securities available-for-sale and the proceeds received from borrowed funds.
Securities Available-for-Sale. Securities available-for-sale decreased $9.9 million, or 29.3%, to $23.9 million at December 31, 2023 from $33.9 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease of $8.9 million in agency securities resulting from a portion of the portfolio maturing in the first half of 2023. The proceeds from these maturing securities were utilized to manage liquidity and support loan growth.
Securities Held-to-Maturity. Securities held-to-maturity increased $1.3 million, or 3.4%, to $40.1 million at December 31, 2023 from $38.7 million at December 31, 2022. The increase in securities held-to-maturity was due to a $906,000 increase in agency securities and a $418,000 increase in U.S. Treasury securities due to the amortization of unrealized losses from the transfer of available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity during 2022.
Loans, net. Loans, net increased $1.9 million, or 1.1%, to $174.3 million at December 31, 2023 from $172.4 million at December 31, 2022. Marine and recreational vehicles, construction, and home equity loans and lines of credit increased $4.5 million, $2.6 million and $661,000, respectively, to $30,800 million, $4.0 million and $6.2 million at December 31, 2023 as a result of loan production exceeding payoffs and amortization. These increases were partially offset by decreases to other commercial real estate, one- to four-family, multifamily, commercial and other consumer loans of $1.7 million, $1.5 million, $958,000, $318,000 and $416,000, respectively, to $2.3 million, $122.2 million, $1.5 million, $4.4 million and $4.0 million at December 31, 2023. In addition, to help manage interest rate risk and generate noninterest income, we sell longer term, fixed-rate one- to four-family residential mortgage loans into the secondary market on a servicing retained basis. During the year ended December 31, 2023, we sold $10.7 million of such loans and recognized gains of $188,000.
Deposits. Deposits decreased $18.7 million, or 7.5%, to $230.5 million at December 31, 2023 from $249.2 million at December 31, 2022. The decrease was due to decreases in all deposit types except certificates of deposit as, consistent with general trends across the industry, the Bank experienced a decrease in its core deposit transactional accounts as those funds flowed into interest-bearing time deposits bearing higher interest rates. Interest-bearing deposits, other than certificates of deposit (interest-bearing demand, savings and money market deposits), decreased $23.3 million, or 16.8%, to $115.7 million at December 31, 2023, noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $974,000, or 8.7%, to $10.3 million at December 31, 2023, and certificates of deposit increased $5.5 million, or 5.6%, to $104.5 million at December 31, 2023.
Borrowings. We had $19.0 million of borrowings at December 31, 2023 as compared to $9.1 million at December 31, 2022. The increase was generally related to offsetting deposit outflow and supporting the growth in the loan portfolio. In addition, in 2023, Old EWSB Bancorp issued $400,000 in promissory notes with an annual rate of 7.0% to various directors and officers of Old EWSB Bancorp to support future capital contributions. We expect to retire these notes prior to completing the conversion.
51
Equity. Total equity increased $617,000, or 5.7%, to $11.5 million at December 31, 2023 from $10.9 million at December 31, 2022, due to a decrease in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $1.6 million, partially offset by a decrease in retained earnings of $935,000 due to the net loss experienced for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
Net Income. We recorded a net loss of $935,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to a net loss of $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, an improvement of $3.2 million, or 77.5%. The reduction in our net loss year over year resulted primarily from the increase in our noninterest income and a decrease in our noninterest expenses, partially offset by a decrease in our net interest income. Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to a loss on the sale of available-for-sale securities of $5.1 million, pretax in connection with the restructuring of our securities portfolio in the third quarter of 2022. See “—Comparison of Financial Condition at December 1, 2023 and December 31, 2022—2022 Securities Portfolio Restructuring Transaction.”
Interest Income. Interest income increased $947,000, or 11.9%, to $8.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $8.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to a $1.2 million increase in interest and fees on loans. The increase in interest and fees on loans was primarily due to an increase of 34 basis points in the weighted average yield on the loan portfolio to 4.26% for 2023 from 3.92% for 2022 and an increase of $15.4 million in the average balance of the loan portfolio to $177.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $162.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, reflecting the increasing rate environment year to year as well as the growth in the marine and recreational vehicle and construction portfolios.
Interest Expense. Total interest expense increased $2.5 million, or 137.2%, to $4.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $1.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Interest expense on deposits increased $2.0 million, or 122.7%, to $3.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, due primarily to an increase in the weighted average rate paid on certificates of deposit of 182 basis points to 3.08% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 1.26% for the year ended December 31, 2022 combined with an increase in the average balance of such deposits of $900,000 during 2023.
Interest expense on borrowed funds increased $525,000, or 247.7%, to $737,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $212,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The rate paid on borrowed funds increased 119 basis points to 3.60% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 2.41% for the year ended December 31, 2022 while the average balance of borrowed funds increased $11.7 million, or 132.5%, to $20.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $8.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in the average balance was generally related to the measured use of borrowings to offset deposit outflows and to support the increase in the loan portfolio.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income decreased $1.6 million, or 25.5%, to $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, primarily due to a decrease in the interest rate spread to 1.79% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 2.27% for the year ended December 31, 2022 and a decrease in the net interest margin to 1.82% for the year ended December 31, 2023 from 2.29% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decreases in the interest rate spread and the net interest margin were primarily due to an increase in the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities in conjunction with an increase in our borrowings from the FHLB, partially offset by an increase in the weighted average yield on our interest earning assets.
52
Provision for Credit Losses. Based on management’s analysis of the adequacy of allowance for credit losses, a $145,000 provision for credit losses was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023. No provision was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022. The provision in 2023 was due to our adoption of the CECL methodology.
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $572,000, or 65.2%, to $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $877,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase resulted primarily from a $208,000 gain on sale of office properties and equipment in 2023 resulting from the sale of one of our branch offices, an increase in mortgage banking income of $164,000 to $355,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and an increase in additional other noninterest income of $114,000 to $302,000 for the same period. The table below sets forth our noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Years Ended December 31, |
Change | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Service charges on deposit accounts | $ | 53 | $ | 54 | $ | (1 | ) | (1.9 | )% | |||||||
| Interchange income | 248 | 252 | (4 | ) | (1.6 | )% | ||||||||||
| Mortgage banking income | 355 | 191 | 164 | 85.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Increase in cash value of life insurance | 212 | 192 | 20 | 10.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Gain on sale of office properties and equipment | 208 | — | 208 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Gain on sale of repossessed assets | 71 | — | 71 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Other | 302 | 188 | 114 | 60.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 1,449 | $ | 877 | $ | 572 | 65.2 | % | ||||||||
53
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense decreased $5.5 million, or 43.4%, to $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Noninterest expense was higher in 2022 primarily due to the $5.1 million pretax loss incurred on the sale of available-for-sale securities in 2022 as part of a restructuring of our investment securities portfolio with no such loss recorded in 2023. See “—Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022—2022 Securities Portfolio Restructuring Transaction.” Additionally, salaries and related benefits decreased $616,000, or 13.5%, to $3.9 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease in salary and related benefits resulted primarily from the closing of one of our branch offices in the third quarter of 2023 combined with additional operational efficiencies that we implemented in 2023. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase of $274,000 in other noninterest expense to $1.2 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in other noninterest expense was due in large part to expenses in 2023 of $317,000 related to the proposed mutual-to-stock conversion and offering and $58,822 related to the proposed acquisition of another mutual institution that was later terminated. The merger-related expenses are considered nonrecurring and will not impact our future results of operations. Additionally, FDIC insurance premiums increased $192,000 to $299,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The table below sets forth our noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Years Ended December 31, |
Change | |||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and related benefits | $ | 3,936 | $ | 4,551 | $ | (615 | ) | (13.5 | )% | |||||||
| Net occupancy expense | 716 | 811 | (95 | ) | (11.7 | )% | ||||||||||
| Data processing | 961 | 917 | 44 | 4.8 | % | |||||||||||
| Advertising | 143 | 200 | (57 | ) | (28.5 | )% | ||||||||||
| Net loss on sale of securities available-for-sale | — | 5,103 | (5,103 | ) | (100.0 | )% | ||||||||||
| Loss on sale of fixed assets | — | 181 | (181 | ) | (100.0 | )% | ||||||||||
| FDIC insurance premiums | 299 | 107 | 192 | 179.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Other | 1,164 | 890 | 274 | 30.9 | % | |||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 7,219 | $ | 12,760 | $ | (5,541 | ) | (43.4 | )% | |||||||
Income Tax Expense. Our benefit for income taxes decreased $1.2 million, or 74.6%, to a benefit of $398,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 from a benefit of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 due to the significantly smaller loss before taxes experienced in 2023.
54
Average Balances and Yields. The following table sets forth average balance sheets, average yields and costs, and certain other information at the dates and for the periods indicated. No tax-equivalent yield adjustments have been made, as the effects would be immaterial. Average yields include the effect of net deferred fee income, discounts and premiums that are amortized or accreted to interest income or interest expense. Average balances are calculated using daily average balances. Non-accrual loans are included in the computation of average balances only. Average loan balances exclude any loans held for sale.
| For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||
| Average Outstanding Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Outstanding Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | |||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Loans (1) | $ | 177,911 | $ | 7,573 | 4.26 | % | $ | 162,536 | $ | 6,373 | 3.92 | % | ||||||
| Securities available-for-sale | 25,799 | 685 | 2.66 | % | 88,551 | 1,356 | 1.55 | % | ||||||||||
| Securities held-to-maturity | 39,336 | 550 | 1.40 | % | 9,700 | 137 | 1.40 | % | ||||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and other interest-earning assets | 8,684 | 125 | 1.44 | % | 7,526 | 120 | 1.59 | % | ||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | 251,730 | 8,933 | 3.55 | % | 268,313 | 7,986 | 2.98 | % | ||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets | 17,529 | 14,186 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 269,259 | $ | 282,499 | ||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 34,846 | $ | 28 | 0.08 | % | $ | 37,992 | $ | 25 | 0.07 | % | ||||||
| Savings deposits | 31,514 | 18 | 0.06 | % | 34,568 | 19 | 0.05 | % | ||||||||||
| Money market | 58,027 | 399 | 0.69 | % | 75,004 | 293 | 0.39 | % | ||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 102,750 | 3,168 | 3.08 | % | 101,834 | 1,285 | 1.26 | % | ||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 227,137 | 3,613 | 1.59 | % | 249,398 | 1,622 | 0.65 | % | ||||||||||
| Borrowed funds | 20,461 | 737 | 3.60 | % | 8,799 | 212 | 2.41 | % | ||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 247,598 | 4,350 | 1.76 | % | 258,197 | 1,834 | 0.71 | % | ||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | 9,584 | 10,726 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other noninterest-bearing liabilities | 1,331 | 602 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities | 258,513 | 269,525 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total equity | 10,746 | 12,974 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 266,259 | 282,499 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | $ | 4,583 | $ | 6,152 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest rate spread (2) | 1.79 | % | 2.27 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest-earning assets (3) | $ | 4,132 | $ | 10,116 | ||||||||||||||
| Net interest margin (4) | 1.82 | % | 2.29 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Average interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities | 101.67 | % | 103.92 | % | ||||||||||||||
| (1) | Net deferred fee income included in interest earned on loans totaled $353,891 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $367,195 for the year ended December 31, 2022. |
| (2) | Net interest rate spread represents the difference between the weighted average yield earned on interest-earning assets and the weighted average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. |
| (3) | Net interest-earning assets represent total interest-earning assets less total interest-bearing liabilities. |
| (4) | Net interest margin represents net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets. |
55
Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table presents the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income for the periods indicated. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The total column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to both rate and volume, which cannot be segregated, have been allocated proportionately based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume. There were no out-of-period items or adjustments required to be excluded from the table below.
| Year Ended December 31,
2023 vs. Year Ended December 31, 2022 |
||||||||||||
| Increase (Decrease) Due to | Total Increase | |||||||||||
| Volume | Rate | (Decrease) | ||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||
| Loans | $ | 603 | $ | 597 | $ | 1,200 | ||||||
| Securities available-for-sale | (961 | ) | 290 | (671 | ) | |||||||
| Securities held-to-maturity | 415 | (2 | ) | 413 | ||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and other interest-earning assets | 18 | (13 | ) | 5 | ||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | 75 | 872 | 947 | |||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing demand deposits | (2 | ) | 5 | 3 | ||||||||
| Savings deposits | (2 | ) | 1 | (1 | ) | |||||||
| Money market | (66 | ) | 172 | 106 | ||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 12 | 1,871 | 1,883 | |||||||||
| Total interest-bearing deposits | (145 | ) | 2,136 | 1,991 | ||||||||
| Borrowed funds | 281 | 244 | 525 | |||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 136 | 2,380 | 2,516 | |||||||||
| Change in net interest income | $ | (61 | ) | $ | (1,508 | ) | $ | (1,569 | ) | |||
Management of Market Risk
General. Our most significant form of market risk is interest rate risk because, as a financial institution, the majority of our assets and liabilities are sensitive to changes in interest rates. Therefore, a principal part of our operations is to manage interest rate risk and limit the exposure of our financial condition and results of operations to changes in market interest rates. Our Asset Liability Committee is responsible for evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in our assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate, given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the policy and guidelines approved by our board of directors. The Asset Liability Committee meets at least quarterly, or more frequently when necessary, is comprised of executive officers and certain other members of senior management, and reports to the full board of directors on at least a quarterly basis. We currently utilize a third-party modeling program, prepared on a quarterly basis, to evaluate our sensitivity to changing interest rates, given our business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the guidelines approved by the board of directors.
56
Management of interest rate risk is one of the Bank’s highest priorities. In 2023, the Bank adopted a new asset/liability management policy and revamped its interest rate risk management processes and procedures to reduce interest rate risk exposure. Over the last year, the Bank has refined the input assumptions and various other input and output metrics, such as deposit decay rates, to enhance modeling accuracy. The Bank has also instituted education and training processes to provide management with information regarding emerging market forces and asset/liability-related management issues, practices and governance. Through these and other enhancements, we have significantly improved our ability to manage our interest rate risk and minimize the exposure of our earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. Pursuant to our new asset/liability management policy, we are seeking to implement the following strategies to further improve the management of our interest rate risk:
| · | maintaining capital levels that exceed the thresholds for well-capitalized status under federal regulations; |
| · | maintaining a prudent level of liquidity, including through maintaining a portfolio of cash, short-term investments or investments with amortizing features; |
| · | originating shorter term or adjustable-rate loans for portfolio, which have become somewhat more attractive to many borrowers in the current rate environment, and selling the majority of our longer term, fixed-rate residential loans; |
| · | attempting to increase the balances of core deposits, which are less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations; |
| · | managing our utilization of wholesale funding with borrowings from the FHLB in a prudent manner; |
| · | managing the terms of our certificates of deposit; and |
| · | emphasizing asset quality to maximize the level of interest-earning assets. |
Shortening the average term of our interest-earning assets by increasing our investments in shorter term assets, as well as originating loans with variable interest rates, helps to match the maturities and interest rates of our assets and liabilities better, thereby reducing the exposure of our net interest income to changes in market interest rates.
We recently entered into an interest rate swap for the purpose of mitigating interest rate risk, but it is not our policy to enter into such transactions on a regular basis. The interest rate swap was designated as a fair value last of layer hedge for certain fixed-rate prepayable loans and had a notional value of $25.0 million at December 31, 2023.
Net Interest Income. We analyze our sensitivity to changes in interest rates through a net interest income model. Net interest income is the difference between the interest income we earn on our interest-earning assets, such as loans and securities, and the interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. We estimate what our net interest income would be for a 12-month period. We then calculate what the net interest income would be for the same period under the assumptions that the U.S. Treasury yield curve increases or decreases instantaneously by various basis point increments, with changes in interest rates representing immediate and permanent, parallel shifts in the yield curve. A basis point equals one-hundredth of one percent, and 100 basis points equals one percent. An increase in interest rates from 3% to 4% would mean, for example, a 100-basis point increase in the “Change in Interest Rates” column below.
57
The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2023, the calculation of the estimated changes in our net interest income that would result from the designated immediate changes in the U.S. Treasury yield curve.
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||
| Change in
Interest Rates (basis points) (1) |
Net Interest
Income Year 1 Forecast |
Year 1 Change
from Level |
||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
| 300 | $ | 3,663 | (0.89 | )% | ||||||
| 200 | 3,719 | 0.62 | % | |||||||
| 100 | 3,762 | 1.79 | % | |||||||
| Level | 3,696 | — | % | |||||||
| (100 | ) | 3,821 | 3.38 | % | ||||||
| (200 | ) | 3,830 | 3.63 | % | ||||||
| (300 | ) | 3,832 | 3.68 | % | ||||||
| (1) | Assumes an immediate uniform change in interest rates at all maturities. |
The table above indicates that at December 31, 2023, we would have experienced a 0.62% increase in net interest income in the event of an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point increase in market interest rates and a 3.63% increase in net interest income in the event of an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point decrease in market interest rates.
Economic Value of Equity. We also compute amounts by which the net present value of our assets and liabilities (economic value of equity or “EVE”) would change in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates. This model uses a discounted cash flow analysis and an option-based pricing approach to measure the interest rate sensitivity of net portfolio value. The model estimates the economic value of each type of asset, liability and off-balance sheet contract under the assumptions that the U.S. Treasury yield curve increases instantaneously by 100, 200 and 300 basis point increments or decreases instantaneously by 100, 200 and 300 basis point increments, with changes in interest rates representing immediate and permanent, parallel shifts in the yield curve.
The following table sets forth, as of December 31, 2023, the calculation of the estimated changes in our EVE that would result from the designated immediate changes in the U.S. Treasury yield curve.
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
| Estimated Increase | ||||||||||||||
| Change in Interest Rates | Estimated | (Decrease) in EVE | ||||||||||||
| (basis points) (1) | EVE (2) | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||
| 300 | $ | 9,581 | $ | (8,168 | ) | (46.02 | )% | |||||||
| 200 | 11,868 | (5,881 | ) | (33.13 | )% | |||||||||
| 100 | 14,944 | (2,805 | ) | (15.80 | )% | |||||||||
| Level | 17,749 | n/a | — | % | ||||||||||
| (100 | ) | 19,914 | 2,165 | 12.20 | % | |||||||||
| (200 | ) | 22,548 | 4,799 | 27.04 | % | |||||||||
| (300 | ) | 25,192 | 7,443 | 41.94 | % | |||||||||
| (1) | Assumes an immediate uniform change in interest rates at all maturities. |
| (2) | EVE is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet contracts. |
| (3) | Present value of assets represents the discounted present value of incoming cash flows on interest-earning assets. |
| (4) | EVE ratio represents EVE divided by the present value of assets. |
58
The table above indicates that at December 31, 2023, we would have experienced a 33.13% decrease in EVE in the event of an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point increase in market interest rates and a 27.04% increase in EVE in the event of an instantaneous parallel 200 basis point decrease in market interest rates.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the methodologies used in the above interest rate risk measurements. Modeling changes require making certain assumptions that may or may not reflect the manner in which actual yields and costs respond to changes in market interest rates. The net interest income and net economic value tables presented assume that the composition of our interest-sensitive assets and liabilities existing at the beginning of a period remains constant over the period being measured and assumes that a particular change in interest rates is reflected uniformly across the yield curve regardless of the duration or repricing of specific assets and liabilities. Accordingly, although the tables provide an indication of our interest rate risk exposure at a particular point in time, such measurements are not intended to and do not provide a precise forecast of the effect of changes in market interest rates, and actual results may differ.
Interest rate risk calculations also may not reflect the fair values of financial instruments. For example, decreases in market interest rates can increase the fair values of our loans, mortgage servicing rights, deposits and borrowings.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity describes our ability to meet the financial obligations that arise in the ordinary course of business. Liquidity is primarily needed to meet the borrowing and deposit withdrawal requirements of our customers and to fund current and planned expenditures. In 2023, the Bank developed and implemented an improved process to project the sources and uses of funds over short- and long-term horizons, and, in concert with our asset/liability management policy, implemented guidelines to better identify potential funding gaps. Further, we have established an early warning system for measuring and monitoring liquidity, including through the establishment of early warning indicators.
Our primary sources of funds are deposits, principal and interest payments on loans and securities, and proceeds from maturities of securities. We are also able to borrow from the FHLB. At December 31, 2023, we had outstanding advances of $18.6 million from the FHLB. At December 31, 2023, we had unused borrowing capacity of $48.6 million from the FHLB. At December 31, 2023, we also had a $25.0 million available line of credit with the Discount Window at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In addition, at December 31, 2023 we had a $6.0 million line of credit with a correspondent bank. We have not drawn against the Discount Window or the line of credit.
While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and loan prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. Our most liquid assets are cash and short-term investments. The levels of these assets are dependent on our operating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period.
Our cash flows are comprised of three primary classifications: cash flows from operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. For additional information, see the consolidated statements of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 included as part of the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.
59
We are committed to maintaining a strong liquidity position. We monitor our liquidity position on a daily basis. We anticipate that we will have sufficient funds to meet our current funding commitments. Based on our deposit retention experience and current pricing strategy and regulatory restrictions, we anticipate that a significant portion of maturing time deposits will be retained, and that we can supplement our funding with borrowings in the event that we allow these deposits to run off at maturity.
As a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank, we must maintain a net worth ratio of 6% (with “net worth ratio” defined under Wisconsin law as the Bank’s liabilities subtracted from its assets, plus unallocated general loan loss reserves, all divided by the Bank’s total assets). At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we had a net worth ratio of 4.50% and 4.36%, respectively.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, our capital levels at the Bank level exceeded the levels required to be technically considered “well capitalized” under federal regulatory capital regulations. At December 31, 2023, we had Tier 1 capital equal to 6.3% of total average assets and total risk-based capital equal to 11.9% of risk-weighted assets. At December 31, 2022, we had Tier 1 capital equal to 6.6% of total average assets and total risk-based capital equal to 12.6% of risk-weighted assets. Our pro forma regulatory capital ratios, including the pro forma net worth ratio, after giving effect to the sale of shares of common stock in the offering, are set forth under “Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance.”
The net proceeds from the offering contributed to the Bank will significantly increase our liquidity and capital resources. Over time, the initial level of liquidity will be reduced as net proceeds from the stock offering are used for general corporate purposes, including funding loans. Our financial condition and results of operations will be enhanced by the net proceeds from the offering, which will increase our net interest-earning assets and net interest income. However, due to the increase in equity resulting from the net proceeds raised in the offering, as well as other factors associated with the offering, our return on equity will be adversely affected following the offering. See “Historical and Pro Forma Regulatory Capital Compliance” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Offering—Our return on equity may be low following the stock offering. This could negatively affect the trading price of our shares of common stock.”
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations
Commitments. As a financial services provider, we routinely are a party to various financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risks, such as commitments to extend credit and unused lines of credit. While these contractual obligations represent our future cash requirements, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans we make. At December 31, 2023, we had outstanding commitments to originate loans of $20.0 million. We anticipate that we will have sufficient funds available to meet our current lending commitments. Certificates of deposit that are scheduled to mature in one year or less from December 31, 2023 totaled $73.2 million. Management expects that a substantial portion of these time deposits will be retained. However, if a substantial portion of these time deposits is not retained, we may utilize advances from the FHLB or raise interest rates on deposits to attract new accounts, which may result in higher levels of interest expense.
Contractual Obligations. In the ordinary course of our operations, we enter into certain contractual obligations. Such obligations include data processing services, operating contracts for premises and equipment, agreements with respect to borrowed funds and deposit liabilities.
60
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements that may affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices
The consolidated financial statements and related data presented in this prospectus have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The primary impact of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates, generally, have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than does inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.
61
BUSINESS OF NEW EWSB BANCORP, INC.
New EWSB Bancorp is a Maryland corporation organized and incorporated in February 2024 for the purpose of becoming the bank holding company of the Bank. Upon completion of the conversion, New EWSB Bancorp will become the holding company of the Bank and will succeed to all of the business and operations of Old EWSB Bancorp, and each of Old EWSB Bancorp and the MHC will cease to exist. New EWSB Bancorp has not engaged, and prior to the completion of the conversion will not engage, in any business. Initially following the completion of the conversion, New EWSB Bancorp will own all of the issued and outstanding stock of the Bank and will have cash and assets held by Old EWSB Bancorp and the MHC, which totaled $1.2 million as of December 31, 2023, and the net proceeds New EWSB Bancorp retains from the stock offering, part of which will be used to fund a loan to the ESOP. We will invest our initial capital as discussed in “How We Intend to Use the Proceeds from the Offering.”
Included in cash and assets held by Old EWSB Bancorp and the MHC as of December 31, 2023 was $400,000 in borrowings from promissory notes Old EWSB Bancorp issued in 2023 to various directors and officers of Old EWSB Bancorp. Prior to the completion of the conversion and stock offering Old EWSB Bancorp intends to fully redeem the notes and our directors and officers holding the notes may use the funds returned to them in the redemption to fund purchases of our stock in the offering.
After the conversion and the offering are complete, New EWSB Bancorp, as the holding company of the Bank, will be authorized to pursue other business activities permitted by applicable laws and regulations, which may include the acquisition of other banking and financial services companies. See “Supervision and Regulation—Holding Company Regulation” for a discussion of the activities that are permitted for bank holding companies.
Following the offering, our cash flow will depend on earnings from the investment of the net proceeds from the offering that we retain, and any dividends we receive from the Bank. The payment and amount of any dividends paid by the Bank to New EWSB Bancorp, will be subject to statutory and regulatory limitations, and will depend upon a number of factors, including the following: regulatory capital requirements; restrictions in the confidential MOU; compliance with applicable Wisconsin law; our financial condition and results of operations; our other uses of funds for the long-term value of stockholders and general economic conditions. See “Our Policy Regarding Dividends” and “Supervision and Regulation—Federal Regulations—Capital Requirements.” Initially, New EWSB Bancorp will neither own nor lease any property, but will instead pay a fee to the Bank for the use of its premises, equipment and furniture. At the present time, we intend to employ only certain persons who are officers of the Bank to serve as officers of New EWSB Bancorp. We will, however, use the support staff of the Bank from time to time. We will pay a fee to the Bank for the time devoted to New EWSB Bancorp by employees of the Bank; however, these persons will not be separately compensated by New EWSB Bancorp. New EWSB Bancorp may hire additional employees, as appropriate, to the extent it expands its business in the future.
The corporate offices of the Company are located at 109 West Second Street, Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130, and its telephone number is (920) 766-4646. Upon completion of the conversion, the Company will be subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Federal Reserve Board.
BUSINESS OF EAST WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK
General
The Bank is a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank headquartered in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The Bank was organized in 1887 under the name Kaukauna Savings and Loan Association. In 1972, the Bank changed its name to East Wisconsin Savings and Loan Association and in 1997, the Bank changed its name to East Wisconsin Savings Bank, S.A. In 2017, the Bank reorganized into the no stock mutual holding company form of ownership. The Bank operates through its headquarters in Kaukauna and branches in Appleton, Freedom, Grand Chute and Kimberly, Wisconsin. We consider our primary lending market area to be Outagamie County, Wisconsin, and its adjoining counties.
62
Our business consists primarily of taking deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations, primarily in one- to four-family residential real estate loans, as well as marine and recreational vehicle loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and other consumer loans. To a lesser extent, we originate commercial real estate, multifamily, construction and commercial loans. At December 31, 2023, $122.2 million, or 69.7%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of one- to four-family residential real estate loans, $30.8 million, or 17.5%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of marine and recreational vehicle loans, $6.2 million, or 3.5%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of home equity loans and lines of credit, and $4.0 million, or 2.3%, of our total loan portfolio was comprised of other consumer loans. We also invest in securities, consisting primarily of U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities, including agency mortgage-backed securities, securities issued by state and political subdivisions and corporate bonds. We offer a variety of deposit accounts, including certificates of deposit, money market accounts, savings accounts and interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing demand accounts. We historically have utilized advances from the FHLB to assist in funding our operations and we had $18.6 million of FHLB advances at December 31, 2023.
The Bank is subject to comprehensive regulation and examination by the Department and the FDIC. Our website address is www.eastwis.com. Information on our website is not considered a part of this document.
Market Area
We conduct our operations from our headquarters and four branch offices, all of which are located in Outagamie County, Wisconsin. According to information from S&P Market Intelligence, out of 72 counties in Wisconsin, Outagamie County is the sixth most populous with a population of approximately 193,000 in 2023. Outagamie County’s population has increased at an annual rate of 0.7% from 2018 to 2023, which was a faster growth rate than both Wisconsin as a whole and the United States during the same period. Likewise, age distribution measures reflect that Outagamie County has a slightly younger population relative to Wisconsin and the United States. The favorable population growth trend and comparatively younger population are both supportive of demand for the financial services that the Bank offers.
The economy in our primary market area has benefited from being varied and diverse, with a broad economic base with underlying support from the presence of diverse manufacturing and medical technology institutions. According to information from S&P Market Intelligence, in 2023, Outagamie County had a median household income of approximately $71,800. In 2023, the median household income for Wisconsin was approximately $71,700 and the median household income was approximately $73,500 for the United States. As of December 2023, the unemployment rate was 2.3% for Outagamie County compared to 2.7% for Wisconsin and a national rate of 3.8%.
63
Competition
We face competition within our market area both in making loans and attracting deposits. Our market area has a concentration of financial institutions that include large money center and regional banks, community banks and credit unions. We also face competition from savings institutions, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, financial technology or “fintech” companies and credit unions and, with respect to deposits, from money market funds, brokerage firms, mutual funds and insurance companies. Based on FDIC data at June 30, 2023 (the latest date for which information is available), we had 5.5 % of the FDIC-insured deposit market share in Outagamie County, making us the seventh largest out of 19 banks operating in the county.
We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend toward consolidation of the financial services industry. Technological advances, for example, have lowered barriers to entry, which have allowed banks to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the internet and made it possible for non-depository institutions, including financial technology companies, to offer products and services that traditionally have been provided by banks. Competition for deposits and the origination of loans could limit our growth in the future.
Lending Activities
Our principal lending activity is originating one- to four-family residential real estate loans, as well as marine and recreational vehicle loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and other consumer loans. To a lesser extent, we originate commercial real estate, multifamily, construction and commercial loans. Subject to market conditions and our asset-liability analysis, we expect to continue to grow our originations of one- to four-family residential real estate loans (both owner-occupied and non-owner occupied) and, to a limited degree, marine and recreational vehicle loans and commercial real estate loans. We currently sell a significant majority of the longer term, fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originate on a servicing retained basis while retaining shorter term fixed-rate, and adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans in order to manage the duration and time to repricing of our loan portfolio.
64
Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated. We had no loans held for sale, at December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022.
| At December 31, 2023 | At December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||
| Real estate: | ||||||||||||||||
| One- to four-family | $ | 122,240 | 69.7 | % | $ | 123,752 | 71.4 | % | ||||||||
| Home equity | 2,064 | 1.2 | % | 1,276 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | 4,147 | 2.4 | % | 4,273 | 2.5 | % | ||||||||||
| Construction | 3,978 | 2.3 | % | 1,721 | 1.0 | % | ||||||||||
| Multifamily | 1,485 | 0.8 | % | 2,443 | 1.4 | % | ||||||||||
| Other commercial real estate | 2,334 | 1.3 | % | 3,632 | 2.1 | % | ||||||||||
| Commercial | 4,373 | 2.5 | % | 4,691 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||||
| Consumer installment: | ||||||||||||||||
| Marine and recreational vehicle | 30,800 | 17.5 | % | 27,183 | 15.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Other consumer | 4,038 | 2.3 | % | 4,454 | 2.6 | % | ||||||||||
| Total | $ | 175,459 | 100.0 | % | $ | 173,426 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | (1,057 | ) | (909 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Loans in process, settlement | (87 | ) | (93 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Loans, net | $ | 174,315 | $ | 172,424 | ||||||||||||
Contractual Maturities. The following tables set forth the contractual maturities of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2023. Demand loans, loans having no stated repayment schedule or maturity, and overdraft loans are reported as being due in one year or less. The tables present contractual maturities and do not reflect repricing or the effect of prepayments. Actual maturities may differ.
| One- to four-family | Home equity | Equity
line of credit | Construction | Multifamily | ||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due in: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| One year or less | $ | 709 | $ | 4 | $ | 2,411 | $ | 285 | $ | — | ||||||||||
| After one through five years | 2,215 | 310 | 1,644 | — | 151 | |||||||||||||||
| After five through 15 years | 41,124 | 1,673 | 92 | 273 | 287 | |||||||||||||||
| More than 15 years | 78,192 | 77 | — | 3,420 | 1,047 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 122,240 | $ | 2,064 | $ | 4,147 | $ | 3,978 | $ | 1,485 | ||||||||||
| Other
commercial real estate | Commercial | Marine
and recreational vehicle | Other consumer | Totals | ||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts due in: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| One year or less | $ | 66 | $ | 3 | $ | 6 | $ | 47 | $ | 3,531 | ||||||||||
| After one through five years | 89 | 1,882 | 1,833 | 3,262 | 11,386 | |||||||||||||||
| After five through 15 years | 753 | 2,488 | 28,961 | 729 | 76,380 | |||||||||||||||
| More than 15 years | 1,426 | — | — | — | 84,162 | |||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,334 | $ | 4,373 | $ | 30,800 | $ | 4,038 | $ | 175,459 | ||||||||||
65
The following table sets forth our fixed and adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2023 that are contractually due after December 31, 2024.
| Due After December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Fixed | Adjustable | Total | ||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||
| Real estate: | ||||||||||
| One- to four-family | $ | 65,929 | $ | 55,602 | $ | 121,531 | ||||
| Home equity | 2,060 | — | 2,060 | |||||||
| Equity line of credit | — | 1,736 | 1,736 | |||||||
| Construction | 3,693 | — | 3,693 | |||||||
| Multifamily | 296 | 1,189 | 1,485 | |||||||
| Other commercial real estate | 2,227 | 41 | 2,268 | |||||||
| Commercial | 4,370 | — | 4,370 | |||||||
| Consumer instalment: | ||||||||||
| Marine and recreational vehicle | 30,794 | — | 30,794 | |||||||
| Other consumer | 3,991 | — | 3,991 | |||||||
| Total | $ | 113,360 | $ | 58,568 | $ | 171,928 | ||||
One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Lending. The primary focuses of our lending has long been the origination of long-term loans secured by mortgages on primarily owner-occupied, one- to four-family residences. At December 31, 2023, $122.2 million, or 69.7%, of our total loan portfolio, consisted of one- to four-family residential real estate loans. The vast majority of the one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originate are secured by properties located in our primary market area. See “—Originations, Sales and Purchases of Loans.” At December 31, 2023, $13.5 million, or 10.7% of residential mortgage loans, were secured by non-owner occupied properties. At December 31, 2023, our largest residential mortgage loan had an outstanding balance of $855,000 and was performing according to its original terms. The average principal loan balance of our one- to four-family residential real estate loans was $94,000 at December 31, 2023.
Our one- to four-family residential real estate loans are generally underwritten to secondary market guidelines. We currently sell a significant majority of the fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originate on a servicing retained basis while retaining shorter term fixed-rate and adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans in order to manage the duration and time to repricing of our loan portfolio. See “—Originations, Sales and Purchases of Loans.” We generally limit the loan-to-value ratios of our one- to four-family residential real estate loans to 80% of the appraised value, purchase price or cost, whichever is lowest. In addition, we may make one- to four-family residential real estate loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80% of the appraised value, purchase price or cost, whichever is less, where the borrower obtains private mortgage insurance. We also originate certain non-conforming loans in excess of limits established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which are referred to as “jumbo loans.” We generally underwrite jumbo loans in a manner similar to conforming loans and at December 31, 2023, approximately 9.0% of our one- to four-family residential real estate loans were jumbo loans with an average balance of less than $619,000.
Our fixed- and adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans are originated with terms of up to 30 years, though one- to four-family residential real estate loans often remain outstanding for shorter periods than their contractual terms because borrowers have the right to refinance or prepay their loans. At December 31, 2023, $59.0 million, or 48.3%, of our one- to four-family residential real estate loans were adjustable-rate loans.
We originate our adjustable-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans with initial fixed interest rate periods of three, five and seven years and then adjust annually for the balance of the loan term, based on changes in a designated market index. Generally, these loans are limited to a 100 basis point (1%) initial increase/decrease in their interest rate, a 100 basis point (1%) increase/decrease in their interest rate annually after the initial adjustment and a maximum upward adjustment of 600 basis points (6%) over the life of the loan and the floor being the designated interest rate margin (2.75% minimum). We determine whether a borrower qualifies for an adjustable-rate mortgage loan based on our lending policy.
66
A subset our of one to four-family residential real estate operation is our construction lending, primarily to developers building single-family homes. At December 31, 2023, we had $4.0 million in construction loans. Our construction loans are primarily secured by properties in our market area. Our construction loans are fixed-rate interest-only loans that provide for the payment of interest during construction phase. At the end of the construction phase, the loan may convert to a permanent mortgage loan or may be paid in full. These loans are underwritten to our normal residential real estate underwriting procedures. At December 31, 2023, or largest outstanding construction loan was for $2.2 million of which $590,000 was outstanding. The loan was performing according to its contractual terms at December 31, 2023.
We generally do not offer “interest-only” mortgage loans on one- to four-family residential real estate loans, except with regard to our construction loans, as described above. We do not offer loans that provide for negative amortization of principal, such as “Option ARM” loans, where the borrower can pay less than the interest owed on their loan, resulting in an increased principal balance during the life of the loan. Additionally, we do not offer “subprime loans” (loans that are made with low down-payments to borrowers with weakened credit histories typically characterized by payment delinquencies, previous charge-offs, judgments, bankruptcies, or borrowers with questionable repayment capacity as evidenced by low credit scores or high debt-burden ratios).
We evaluate both the borrower’s ability to make principal, interest and escrow payments and the value of the property that will secure the loan. Our one- to four-family residential real estate loans do not currently include prepayment penalties, are non-assumable and do not produce negative amortization. Our one- to four-family residential mortgage loans customarily include “due-on-sale” clauses giving us the right to declare the loan immediately due and payable in the event that, among other things, the borrower sells the property subject to the mortgage. All borrowers are required to obtain title insurance or an attorney’s opinion. We also require homeowner’s insurance and fire and casualty insurance and, where circumstances warrant, flood insurance on properties securing real estate loans.
Marine and Recreational Vehicle Lending. At December 31, 2023, we had $30.8 million, or 17.5%, of our total loans in marine and recreational vehicle loans. Marine and recreational vehicle loans are typically made through a long-standing broker relationship and are primarily secured by boats and motor homes purchased in the upper Midwest of the United States. These loans typically have a maximum loan term of 15 years and are made at a fixed rate. For each marine or recreational vehicle loan arranged through our broker relationship, we generally pay the broker a commission based on the size of the loan. Marine and recreational vehicle loans are generally limited to no more than 120% of invoice for new and 100% of National Automobile Dealers Association Marine Appraisal Guide used price plus taxes and fees. Marine and recreational vehicle borrowers generally have very high credit scores, substantial down payments, substantial net worth, personal liquidity, and excess cash flow. Marine and recreational vehicle lending supports our ALCO management as such loans generally have shorter terms and higher rates than fixed-rate residential loans.
Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. In addition to one- to four-family residential real estate loans, we offer home equity loans and lines of credit that are secured by the borrower’s primary or secondary residence. At December 31, 2023, we had $6.2 million, or 3.6%, of our total loan portfolio in home equity loans and lines of credit.
Home equity loans and lines of credit are generally underwritten using the same criteria that we use to underwrite one- to four-family residential real estate loans with terms of up to 15 years. Home equity loans and lines of credit may be underwritten with a loan-to-value ratio of up to 90% when combined with the principal balance of the existing first mortgage loan.
67
Home equity loans and lines of credit are generally secured by junior mortgages and have greater risk than one- to four-family residential real estate loans secured by first mortgages. We face the risk that the collateral will be insufficient to compensate us for loan losses and costs of foreclosure, after repayment of the senior mortgages, if applicable. When customers default on their loans, we attempt to foreclose on the property and resell the property as soon as possible to minimize foreclosure and carrying costs. However, the value of the collateral may not be sufficient to compensate us for the amount of the unpaid loan and we may be unsuccessful in recovering the remaining balance from those customers. Particularly with respect to our home equity loans and lines of credit, decreases in real estate values could adversely affect our ability to fully recover the loan balance in the event of a default.
Other Consumer Loans. We originate limited amounts of other consumer loans. At December 31, 2023, our portfolio of other consumer loans totaled $4.0 million, or 2.3% of our total loan portfolio. The other consumer loans that we originate generally consist of loans secured by automobile loans, deposits and miscellaneous other types of installment loans including a limited amount of unsecured personal loans.
Multifamily Lending and Other Commercial Real Estate. Our commercial real estate and multifamily loans are secured primarily by owner-occupied commercial properties, multifamily properties and retail or mixed use properties, almost all of which are located in our Outagamie County lending market and the surrounding area. At December 31, 2023, we had $3.8 million in the aggregate in multifamily loans and other commercial real estate, representing 2.1% of our total loan portfolio.
We generally originate adjustable-rate multifamily and other commercial real estate loans with maximum terms of up to 30 years. From time to time, we will also originate fixed-rate loans in these portfolios. We generally limit loan-to-value ratios to 95% of the appraised value or purchase price, whichever is lower. Loans over 80% are required to have mortgage insurance. All of our multifamily and other commercial real estate loans are subject to our underwriting procedures and guidelines.
At December 31, 2023, neither our largest multifamily loans-to-one borrower nor our largest other commercial real estate loans-to-one borrower was at or exceeding $1.0 million.
We consider a number of factors in originating multifamily and other commercial real estate loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower (including credit history), profitability and expertise, as well as the value and condition of the mortgaged property securing the loan. When evaluating the qualifications of the borrower, we consider the financial resources of the borrower, the borrower’s experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower’s payment history with us and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, among other factors we consider the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to debt service) to ensure that, subject to certain exceptions, it is at least 1.20x for multifamily and other commercial real estate loans. Our multifamily and other commercial real estate loans are appraised by outside independent and qualified appraisers that are duly approved in accordance with the Bank’s policy. Personal guarantees are often obtained from multifamily and other commercial real estate borrowers. Each borrower’s financial information on such loans is monitored on an ongoing basis by requiring periodic financial statement updates.
68
Commercial. At December 31, 2023, commercial loans were $4.4 million, or 2.5% of total loans. Our commercial loans include both term loans and lines of credit made with either fixed or adjustable interest rates. Almost the entire portfolio is comprised of loans originated and serviced by a national broker specializing in the professional and healthcare industries. All loans purchased are fully reviewed and underwritten pursuant to our policies and procedures.
Loan Underwriting Risks
Adjustable-Rate Residential Real Estate Loans. Although adjustable-rate mortgage loans may reduce to an extent our vulnerability to changes in market interest rates because they periodically reprice, as interest rates increase, the required payments due from the borrower also increase (subject to rate caps), increasing the potential for default by the borrower. At the same time, the marketability of the underlying collateral may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. Upward adjustments of the contractual interest rate are also limited by the maximum periodic and lifetime rate adjustments permitted by our loan documents.
Construction. Our construction loans are based upon estimates of costs and values associated with the completed project. Underwriting is focused on the borrower’s financial strength, credit history and demonstrated ability to produce a quality product and effectively market and manage their operations.
Construction lending involves additional risks when compared with permanent lending because funds are advanced upon the security of the project, which is of uncertain value prior to its completion. Risk of loss on a construction loan also depends on the accuracy of the initial estimate of the value of the property at completion of construction compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of construction and other assumptions. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation on real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. In addition, generally during the term of a construction loan, interest may be funded by the borrower or disbursed from an interest reserve set aside from the loan budget. If the estimate of construction cost is inaccurate, we may be required to advance additional funds beyond the amount originally committed in order to protect the value of the property. Moreover, if the estimated value of the completed project is inaccurate, the borrower may hold a property with a value that is insufficient to assure full repayment of the loan upon the sale of the property. Construction loans also carry the risk that construction will not be completed on time in accordance with specifications and projected costs. These loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property or obtain permanent take-out financing, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If the appraised value of a completed project proves to be overstated, we may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project and may incur a loss in the event of non-payment by the borrower.
Marine and Recreational Vehicle Lending. Marine and recreational vehicle loans may entail greater risk than one- to four-family residential real estate loans. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted marine or recreational vehicle loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and a small remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. Further, any collateral securing such loan will likely depreciate over time, be difficult to appraise and fluctuate in value.
69
Consumer Loans. Consumer loans may entail greater risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or secured by assets that depreciate rapidly, or for which there is a limited re-sale market. Repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and a small remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. Consumer loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are likely to be adversely affected by various factors, including job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.
Multifamily and Other Commercial Real Estate Loans. Loans secured by multifamily properties or other commercial real estate generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than owner-occupied, one- to four-family residential real estate loans. The primary concern in commercial real estate lending is the borrower’s creditworthiness and the feasibility and cash flow potential of the project. Payments on loans secured by income properties often depend on successful operation and management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject, to a greater extent than residential real estate loans, to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. To monitor cash flows on income properties, we may require borrowers and loan guarantors to provide quarterly, semi-annual or annual financial statements, depending on the size of the loan, on commercial real estate loans. In reaching a decision on whether to make a commercial real estate loan, we consider and review a global cash flow analysis of the borrower and consider the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability and the value of the underlying property. We have generally required that the properties securing these real estate loans have an aggregate debt service ratio, including the guarantor’s cash flows and the borrower’s other projects, of at least 1.20x for multifamily and commercial real estate loans. While this is a small percentage of our business, our analysis may require an environmental phase one report when the possibility exists that hazardous materials may have existed on the site, or the site may have been impacted by adjoining properties that handled hazardous materials.
If we foreclose on a multifamily or commercial real estate loan, the marketing and liquidation period to convert the real estate asset to cash can be lengthy with substantial holding costs. In addition, vacancies, deferred maintenance, repairs and market stigma can result in prospective buyers expecting sale price concessions to offset their real or perceived economic losses for the time it takes them to return the property to profitability. Depending on the individual circumstances, initial charge-offs and subsequent losses on commercial real estate loans can be unpredictable and substantial. As of December 31, 2023, we held no “other real estate owned” as a result of foreclosures (or the acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure).
Commercial. Unlike residential real estate loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment or other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flows of the borrower’s business. As a result, the Bank historically has had a very small presence in this space. Such loans must comply with our consumer lending guidelines. Commercial loans are primarily loans purchased from a national financial services firm that specializes in loans to the professional and healthcare industries. Like consumer loans, the commercial loans that we purchase from this firm may entail greater risk than residential mortgage loans. Like consumer loans, collections on commercial loans depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are likely to be adversely affected by various factors, including job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.
70
Credit support provided by the borrower for most of these loans is based on the enforcement of a personal guarantee. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself.
Originations, Participations, Sales and Purchases of Loans
Our loan originations are generated by our loan personnel operating at our banking offices and mortgage loan originators. Additionally, in recent years, we have purchased a consumer and commercial loans. We also obtain referrals from existing and former customers and from accountants, real estate brokers, builders and attorneys. All loans we originate are underwritten pursuant to our policies and procedures which incorporate secondary market underwriting guidelines to the extent applicable for residential loans.
While we originate both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans, our ability to generate each type of loan depends upon relative borrower demand and the pricing levels as set in the local marketplace by competing banks, thrifts, credit unions, and mortgage banking companies. Our volume of real estate loan originations is influenced significantly by market interest rates, and, accordingly, the volume of our real estate loan originations can vary from period to period.
Consistent with our interest rate risk strategy, we originate for sale and sell a significant majority of the longer term, fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans that we originate on a servicing retained basis while retaining shorter term fixed-rate, adjustable-rate and non-conforming one- to four-family residential real estate loans in order to manage the duration and time to repricing of our loan portfolio. We consider our balance sheet as well as market conditions on an ongoing basis in making decisions as to whether to hold loans we originate for investment or to sell such loans, choosing the strategy that is most advantageous to us from a profitability and risk management standpoint.
In addition, we have sold loans in the past to the FHLB pursuant to the Mortgage Partnership Finance program consisting of long-term, fixed-rate single-family residential loans originated which had interest rates below certain levels established by the board of directors. Such sales provide for a limited amount of recourse. At December 31, 2023, the outstanding balance of our loans subject to recourse was approximately $308,000.
As a supplement to our in-house loan originations, we have entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated broker as a source for certain marine and recreational vehicle loans. This broker does not have an ownership interest in or any common employees or directors. The broker is located in our market area. For each marine or recreational vehicle loan arranged through our broker relationship, we generally pay the broker a commission based on the loan amount. We use the same parameters in evaluating these loans as we do for our in-house loan originations.
We also have an agreement with a national financial services firm that specializes in loans to the professional and healthcare industries. The Bank purchases loans originated by this firm as they offer unique features designed to provide a reliable source of quality loan portfolio growth that is fully compliant with our lending guidelines. The firm services these loans and the Bank holds the notes. These loan purchases can only be approved by an officer of the Bank and are limited, in aggregate, to 20% of total capital. Loans purchased from the firm are fully documented and reviewed for multiple factors, including, but not limited to, debt-to-income, cash flow coverage, FICO and other matrix scores, and all the loans have terms of 180 months or less.
71
We occasionally purchase loan participations in commercial loans originated by another local financial institution acting as the lead lender. In these circumstances, we follow our customary loan underwriting and approval policies. At December 31, 2023, the outstanding balances of our loan participations where we are not the lead lender totaled $1.0 million, or 0.57% of our loan portfolio. All such loans were performing in accordance with their original repayment terms. Historically, we have not purchased whole loans.
Loan Approval Procedures, Loans to One Borrower Limit and Lending Authority
Pursuant to applicable Wisconsin law, the aggregate amount of loans that we are permitted to make to any one borrower or a group of related borrowers is generally limited to 20% of our capital (25% if the amount in excess of 20% is secured by “readily marketable collateral”). At December 31, 2023, based on the 20% limitation, our loans-to-one-borrower limit was approximately $3.8 million.
At December 31, 2023, our general internal limit on an aggregate loan relationship-to-one borrower (and related entities) was also 20% of our capital. At December 31, 2023, our largest loan relationship with one borrower was 38 loans aggregating $3.6 million, which were secured by apartment buildings with four or less units that are located in Outagamie County. All of the loans were performing in accordance with their contractual terms on that date.
As a result of the offering, our loans-to-one borrower limit will increase on a dollar basis and, consistent with our strategy to grow segments of our loan portfolio, we may originate and retain in our portfolio larger loan relationships, while also remaining diversified with smaller and mid-sized relationships as well.
Our lending is subject to written underwriting standards and origination procedures. Decisions on loans are made consistent with our loan policies and procedures, and the underwriting and review of a loan decision is designed primarily to determine the borrower’s ability to repay the requested loan.
The board of directors has overall responsibility for our lending policy, and the board reviews this policy at least annually.
The board of directors has delegated loan approval authority to certain officers up to prescribed limits, depending on the officer’s experience, the type of loan and whether the loan is secured or unsecured. Loan applications for residential real estate of greater than $400,000 require approval by management’s Loan Committee, which consists of three of the Bank’s directors and the President/Chief Executive Officer. Underwriting of these applications are completed or reviewed by the Vice President of Lending (or designated signer). As with residential real estate, loans for commercial real estate of greater than $400,000 up to our internal loans-to-one relationship limitation require approval by the Loan Committee. All commercial loans we originate up to $400,000 (excluding loans purchased through the national financial services firm) are approved by the Vice President of Lending (or designated signer), and all commercial loans we originate over $400,000 are approved by the Loan Committee. Loan policy exceptions are fully disclosed to the approving authority, either an individual officer or the appropriate management or Loan Committee prior to approval. Reporting on Policy exceptions is included within each Loan Committee meeting and quarterly board meeting and subsequent board package.
72
Delinquencies and Non-Performing Assets
Delinquency Procedures. When a borrower fails to make required payments on a loan, we take a number of steps to induce the borrower to cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status. Past due notices are generated automatically once a loan is 16 days past due. If the payment is not received by the 30th day, a second notice is mailed. Collection activity including phone calls and other approved forms of communication may occur to remedy the delinquency. If the loan reaches 45 days past due without cooperation, a right to cure is sent out and the borrower has 15 days in which to satisfy the right to cure. If there are still no payments, and no cooperation on the part of the borrower, a demand letter is sent and we may consult with our attorney demanding that the loan be brought entirely current within 30 days. If there are still no payments and no cooperation from the borrower, the matter may be turned over to the attorney to start legal action for foreclosure when the loan reaches 120 days delinquent.
Loans Past Due and Non-Performing Assets. Loans are reviewed on a regular basis. Management determines that a loan is impaired or non-performing when it is probable at least a portion of the loan will not be collected in accordance with the original terms due to a deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower or the value of the underlying collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. When a loan is determined to be impaired, the measurement of the loan in the allowance for credit losses is based on present value of expected future cash flows, except that all collateral-dependent loans are measured for impairment based on the fair value of the collateral. Non-accrual loans are loans for which collectability is questionable and, therefore, interest on such loans will no longer be recognized on an accrual basis. All loans that become 90 days or more delinquent are placed on non-accrual status unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. When loans are placed on non-accrual status, unpaid accrued interest is fully reversed, and further income is recognized only to the extent received on a cash basis. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.
When we acquire real estate as a result of foreclosure, the real estate is classified as real estate owned. The real estate owned is recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Soon after acquisition, we order a new appraisal to determine the current market value of the property. Any excess of the recorded value of the loan satisfied over the market value of the property is charged against the allowance for credit losses, or, if the existing allowance is inadequate, charged to expense of the current period. After acquisition, all costs incurred in maintaining the property are expensed. Costs relating to the development and improvement of the property, however, are capitalized to the extent of estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell. At December 31, 2023, we had no real estate owned.
Effective January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-02 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDR) and Vintage Disclosures, which removed the existing measurement and disclosure requirements for troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) loans and added additional disclosure requirements related to modifications provided to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Prior to adoption, a change in contractual terms of a loan where a borrower was experiencing financial difficulty and received a concession not available through other sources was required to be disclosed as a TDR, whereas now a borrower that is experiencing financial difficulty and receives a modification in the form of principal forgiveness, interest rate reduction, an other-than-insignificant payment delay or a term extension in the current period is disclosed as a modification to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty.
We may modify the contractual terms of a loan to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties as a way to mitigate loss, proactively work with borrowers in financial difficulty, or to comply with regulations regarding the treatment of certain bankruptcy filing and discharge situations. A borrower is considered to be experiencing financial difficulty when there is significant doubt about the borrower’s ability to make required payments on the debt or to get equivalent financing from another creditor at a market rate for similar debt. A loan placed on nonaccrual because the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty may be returned to accrual status when all contractually due interest and principal has been paid and the borrower demonstrates the financial capacity to continue to pay as agreed, with the risk of loss diminished. We had no loans classified as modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty as of December 31, 2023 and no loans classified as TDRs at December 31, 2022.
73
Delinquent Loans. The following table sets forth our loan delinquencies by type and amount at the dates indicated.
| At December 31, 2023 | At December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| 30-59 Days Past Due |
60-89 Days Past Due |
90 Days or More Past Due |
30-59 Days Past Due |
60-89 Days Past Due |
90 Days or More Past Due |
|||||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| One- to four-family | $ | 1,166 | $ | 395 | $ | — | $ | 183 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||
| Home equity | — | 60 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | — | — | — | 5 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Marine and recreational vehicle | — | 250 | — | 100 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,166 | $ | 705 | $ | — | $ | 288 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||
74
Non-Performing Assets. The following table sets forth information regarding our non-performing assets. Non-performing assets include loans that are 90 or more days past due or on non-accrual status and real estate and other loan collateral acquired through foreclosure and repossession. Additionally, whenever management becomes aware of facts or circumstances that may adversely impact the collectability of principal or interest on loans, management may place such loans on non-accrual status immediately, rather than waiting until the loan become 90 days past due.
| At December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
| Non-accrual loans: | ||||||||
| One- to four-family | $ | — | $ | 37 | ||||
| Other consumer | 18 | — | ||||||
| Total accruing loans past due 90 days or more | — | — | ||||||
| Total non-performing loans | $ | 18 | $ | 37 | ||||
| Foreclosed assets | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
| Total non-performing assets | $ | 18 | $ | 37 | ||||
| Total accruing troubled debt restructured loans | $ | — | $ | — | ||||
| Total non-performing loans to total loans | 0.01 | % | 0.02 | % | ||||
| Total non-accrual loans to total loans | — | % | — | % | ||||
| Total non-performing assets to total assets | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | ||||
Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide that each insured savings institution classify its assets on a regular basis. In addition, in connection with examination of insured depository institutions, federal and Wisconsin banking regulators have authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, classify them. There are three classifications for problem assets: “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss.” An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the insured institution will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted. Assets which do not currently expose the insured institution to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are designated as “special mention” by our management.
In connection with the filing of our periodic regulatory reports and according to our classification of assets policy, we regularly review the problem loans in our portfolio to determine whether any loans require classification according to applicable regulations. If a problem loan deteriorates in asset quality, the classification is changed to “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss” depending on the circumstances and the evaluation. Generally, loans 90 days or more past due are placed on nonaccrual status and classified “substandard.”
75
The table below sets forth our classified loans at the dates indicated. We did not have any “special mention” loans at the dates indicated.
| At December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (In thousands) | ||||||||
| Substandard assets | $ | — | $ | 635 | ||||
| Doubtful assets | — | — | ||||||
| Loss assets | — | — | ||||||
| Total classified loans | $ | — | $ | 635 | ||||
Other Loans of Concern. At December 31, 2023, except for loans included in the above table, there were no other loans of concern for which we had information about possible credit problems of borrowers that caused us to have serious doubts about the ability of the borrowers to comply with present loan repayment terms and that may result in disclosure of such loans in the future.
Provision for Credit Losses. On January 1, 2023, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which replaces the incurred loss methodology with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the CECL methodology. Under this new current expected loss model, provisions for credit losses are charged to operations to establish an allowance for credit losses at a level to cover expected losses over the expected life of a loan or securities portfolio. Under the previous “incurred loss” model, provisions for loan losses were charged to operations to establish an allowance for loan losses at a level necessary to absorb known and inherent losses in our loan portfolio that are both probable and reasonably estimable at the date of the consolidated financial statements. In evaluating the level of the allowance for credit losses, management analyzes reasonable and supportable forecasts and several qualitative loan portfolio risk factors including, but not limited to, management’s ongoing review and grading of loans, facts and issues related to specific loans, historical loan loss and delinquency experience, trends in past due and non-accrual loans, existing risk characteristics of specific loans or loan pools, the fair value of underlying collateral, current economic conditions and other qualitative and quantitative factors which could affect potential credit losses.
Our allowance for credit losses was $1.1 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $909,000 at December 31, 2022. The ratio of our allowance for credit losses to total loans was 0.60% at December 31, 2023 and 0.52% at December 31, 2022, while the allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans was 5,872.22% at December 31, 2023 compared to 2,456.76% at December 31, 2022.
Additions to the allowance for credit losses are provided by charges against income based on various factors, which, in our judgment, deserve current recognition in estimating expected losses. Credit losses are charged-off in the period the loans, or portion thereof, are deemed uncollectible. Generally, the Company will record a loan charge-off (including a partial charge-off) to reduce a loan to the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, less cost to sell, for collateral dependent loans. We regularly review the loan portfolio in order to maintain the allowance for credit losses in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
As an integral part of their examination process, the Department and the FDIC will periodically review our allowance for credit losses, and as a result of such reviews, we may determine to adjust our allowance for credit losses. However, regulatory agencies are not directly involved in the process for establishing the allowance for credit losses as the process is our responsibility and any increase or decrease in the allowance is the responsibility of management.
76
The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated.
| At or For
the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses at beginning of period | $ | 909 | $ | 986 | ||||
| Provision for credit losses | 145 | — | ||||||
| Charge-offs: | ||||||||
| Other consumer | (22 | ) | (78 | ) | ||||
| Total charge-offs | (22 | ) | (78 | ) | ||||
| Recoveries: | ||||||||
| Marine and recreational vehicle | 25 | 1 | ||||||
| Total recoveries | 25 | 1 | ||||||
| Net recoveries (charge-offs) | 3 | (77 | ) | |||||
| Allowance at end of period | $ | 1,057 | $ | 909 | ||||
| Allowance for credit losses to total loans outstanding at end of period | 0.60 | % | 0.52 | % | ||||
| Non-accrual loans to total loans outstanding at end of period | 0.01 | % | 0.02 | % | ||||
| Allowance for credit losses to non-accrual loans at end of period | 5,872.22 | % | 2456.76 | % | ||||
| Net recoveries (charge-offs) to average loans outstanding during period | — | % | (0.04 | )% | ||||
The following table sets forth additional information with respect to charge-offs by category for the periods indicated.
| For the Year
Ended December 31, |
||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Net recoveries (charge-offs) to average loans outstanding during the period: | ||||||||
| Home equity | — | % | (0.29 | )% | ||||
| Marine and recreational vehicle | — | % | (0.29 | )% | ||||
77
Allocation of Allowance for Credit Losses. The following table sets forth the allowance for credit losses allocated by loan category and the percent of the allowance in each category to the total allocated allowance at the dates indicated. The allowance for credit losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other categories.
| At December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Allowance for Credit Losses |
Percent of Allowance in Category to Total Allowance |
Percent of Loans in Category to Total Loans |
Allowance for Credit Losses |
Percent of Allowance in Category to Total Allowance |
Percent of Loans in Category to Total Loans |
|||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Residential real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| One- to four-family | $ | 655 | 61.97 | % | 69.67 | % | $ | 408 | 44.88 | % | 71.36 | % | ||||||||||||
| Home equity | 11 | 1.04 | % | 1.18 | % | 3 | 0.33 | % | 0.74 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | 22 | 2.08 | % | 2.36 | % | 13 | 1.43 | % | 2.46 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Construction | 21 | 1.99 | % | 2.27 | % | 4 | 0.44 | % | 0.99 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Multifamily | 8 | 0.76 | % | 0.85 | % | 7 | 0.77 | % | 1.41 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 26 | 2.46 | % | 1.33 | % | 10 | 1.10 | % | 2.09 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 45 | 4.26 | % | 2.49 | % | 10 | 1.10 | % | 2.70 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Consumer installment: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marine and recreational vehicle | 242 | 22.89 | % | 17.55 | % | 388 | 42.68 | % | 15.67 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 27 | 2.55 | % | 2.30 | % | 66 | 7.26 | % | 2.57 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total allowance | $ | 1,057 | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | $ | 909 | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | ||||||||||||
Investment Activities
General. Our investment policy is established by the board of directors. As part of the enhancement to our asset-liability, interest rate risk, and liquidity management process, in 2023, the board and management reviewed our investment portfolio composition and strategy and enhanced the investment policy with increased board oversight and reporting and addressed the perceived shortcomings in the former policy, including the immediate and long-term risk associated with the Bank’s previous investment strategy. The objectives of the enhanced policy are to: (i) provide and maintain liquidity within the guidelines of Wisconsin and federal banking laws and regulations, and to allow us to alter our liquidity position to meet both day-to-day and long-term changes in assets and liabilities; (ii) maintain high quality investments to minimize risk; (iii) provide collateral for pledging requirements; (iv); serve as a countercyclical balance to earnings and (v) maximize return on our investments.
Our investment policy is reviewed annually by our board of directors and all policy changes recommended by management must be approved by the board. Our president appoints an investment manager who administers and implements our investment policy and as such is authorized to manage our daily cash flows and make transfers from depositories to approved short-term investment accounts, and invest in approved longer term investments based on our investment strategy to meet future funding needs or as a prudent utilization of excess liquidity. Any long-term investment must be reviewed by the board. The investment manager must request prior approval from the president or our Asset/Liability Committee for any deviation from the investment policy.
We have legal authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various government-sponsored enterprises and municipal governments, deposits at the FHLB, certificates of deposit of federally insured depository institutions and investment grade corporate bonds. We also are required to maintain an investment in FHLB stock. Derivative investments are not approved activities under the policy unless first studied and approved by the board.
78
At December 31, 2023 we had $64.0 million of investment securities (both held-to-maturity and available-for-sale), representing 24.5% of our total assets, and our investment portfolio consisted primarily of U.S. Treasury and federal agency securities, government-sponsored residential mortgage-backed securities (which includes collateralized mortgage obligations) and corporate bonds. In addition, at December 31, 2023, we owned $1.1 million of FHLB stock. As a member of the FHLB, we are required to purchase stock in the FHLB, which stock is carried at cost and classified as restricted equity securities.
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, a portion of our investment portfolio was classified as held-to-maturity. These securities are carried at amortized cost net of any remaining unrealized gains or losses on them at the time the securities were classified as held-to-maturity. The following table sets forth the maturities and weighted average yields of these debt securities not carried at fair value through earnings as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Weighted average yields are as of the period end.
| One Year or Less | More than
One Year to Five Years | More than
Five Years to Ten Years | More than Ten Years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government sponsored agencies | $ | 736 | 0.42 | % | $ | 4,733 | 0.85 | % | $ | 18,483 | 1.19 | % | $ | 4,281 | 2.37 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | 1,477 | 0.25 | % | $ | 10,350 | 0.74 | % | $ | — | — | % | $ | — | 0.68 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government sponsored agencies | $ | — | — | % | $ | 3,577 | 0.67 | % | $ | 17,734 | 1.19 | % | $ | 6,006 | 2.20 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | $ | — | — | % | $ | 11,410 | 0.71 | % | $ | — | — | % | $ | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||||
For additional information regarding our investment securities portfolio, see Note 3 to the notes to our consolidated financial statements.
Sources of Funds
General. Deposits have traditionally been our primary source of funds for use in lending and investment activities. We have also historically used borrowings to supplement cash flow needs, to lengthen the maturities of liabilities for interest rate risk purposes and to manage the cost of funds. In addition, we receive funds from scheduled loan payments, investment maturities, loan prepayments, retained earnings and income on earning assets. While scheduled loan payments and income on earning assets are relatively stable sources of funds, deposit inflows and outflows can vary widely and are influenced by prevailing interest rates, market conditions and levels of competition. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Funding—Our inability to generate core deposits may cause us to rely more heavily on wholesale funding strategies for funding and liquidity needs, which could have an adverse effect on our net interest margin and profitability.”
79
Deposits. Our deposits are generated primarily from our primary market area. We offer a selection of deposit accounts, including noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts and certificates of deposit. Deposit account terms vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the amount of time the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate. We have the authority to accept brokered deposits, but had no such deposits as of December 31, 2023.
On a periodic basis, we establish interest rates paid, maturity terms, service fees and withdrawal penalties. Deposit rates and terms are based primarily on current operating strategies and market rates, liquidity requirements, rates paid by competitors and growth goals. We rely upon personalized customer service, long-standing relationships with customers, and the favorable image of the Bank in the community to attract and retain local deposits. We also seek to obtain deposits from our commercial loan customers.
The flow of deposits is influenced significantly by general economic conditions, changes in money market and other prevailing interest rates and competition. The variety of deposit accounts offered allows us to be competitive in obtaining funds and responding to changes in consumer demand. Based on experience, we believe that our deposits are relatively stable. However, the ability to attract and maintain deposits and the rates paid on these deposits, has been and will continue to be significantly affected by market conditions.
The following table sets forth the distribution of total deposits, by account type, at the dates indicated.
| At December 31, 2023 | At December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount | Percent | Average Rate | Amount | Percent | Average Rate | |||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand | $ | 10,250 | 4.45 | % | — | % | $ | 11,224 | 4.50 | % | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| Interest bearing demand | 32,901 | 14.28 | % | 0.08 | % | 36,702 | 14.73 | % | 0.07 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Savings | 32,889 | 14.27 | % | 0.06 | % | 36,368 | 14.59 | % | 0.05 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Money market | 49,912 | 21.66 | % | 0.69 | % | 65,933 | 26.46 | % | 0.39 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 104,516 | 45.35 | % | 3.08 | % | 98,981 | 39.72 | % | 1.26 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 230,468 | 100.00 | % | 1.53 | % | $ | 249,208 | 100.00 | % | 0.62 | % | ||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the aggregate amount of total uninsured deposits (deposits in amounts greater than or equal to $250,000, which is the maximum amount for federal deposit insurance) was $36.7 million and $26.7 million, respectively. In addition, uninsured certificates of deposit totaled $18.5 million and $18.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. We have no deposits that are uninsured for any reason other than being in excess of the maximum amount for federal deposit insurance.
80
The following table sets forth, by time remaining until maturity, the portions of our certificates of deposit that are in excess of the FDIC insurance limit at December 31, 2023.
| At | ||||
| December 31, 2023 | ||||
| (In thousands) | ||||
| Maturity period: | ||||
| Three months or less | $ | [2,561] | ||
| Over three to six months | [8,757] | |||
| Over six to twelve months | [—] | |||
| Over twelve months | [6,670] | |||
| Total | $ | [17,988] | ||
Borrowing Capacity. As a member of the FHLB, the Bank is eligible to obtain advances upon the security of the FHLB common stock owned and certain residential mortgage loans, provided certain standards related to creditworthiness have been met. FHLB advances are available pursuant to several credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities. At December 31, 2023, we had the ability to borrow an additional $48.6 million from the FHLB, subject to certain collateral requirements and had advances of $18.6 million at such date.
Additionally, at December 31, 2023 we had a $25.0 million available line of credit with the Discount Window at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. In addition, at December 31, 2023 we had a $6.0 million line of credit with a correspondent bank. We have not drawn against the Discount Window or the line of credit.
Properties
We conduct our business through our headquarters in Kaukauna and branches in Appleton, Freedom, Grand Chute and Kimberly, Wisconsin We own all five of our offices. At December 31, 2023 the total net book value of our land, buildings, leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment was $2.9 million.
Subsidiary and Other Activities
Upon completion of the conversion, the Bank will become the wholly owned subsidiary of New EWSB Bancorp. The Bank has no subsidiaries.
Legal Proceedings
Among other things, the activities of the Bank, including with respect to disclosures about and implementation of numerous consumer products, are subject to various laws and numerous regulations, including those related to unfair or deceptive acts or practices. If the Bank is found to have violated one or more consumer protection laws, it may be required to pay restitution to certain affected customers in connection with certain of these practices. In addition, as a result of the extensive regulation, supervision and examination of our business described elsewhere in this prospectus, we are also involved, from time to time, in other reviews, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by governmental agencies regarding our business, certain of which may result in adverse judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, public or private censure, increased costs, required remediation, restriction on business activities or other impacts on us.
81
We are not involved in any pending legal proceedings as a plaintiff or defendant other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business, and at December 31, 2023, we were not involved in any legal proceedings, the outcome of which would be material to our financial condition or results of operations.
Expense and Tax Allocation
The Bank will enter into an agreement with New EWSB Bancorp to provide it with certain administrative support services for compensation not less than the fair market value of the services provided. In addition, the Bank and New EWSB Bancorp will enter into an agreement to establish a method for allocating and for reimbursing the payment of their consolidated tax liability.
Personnel
As of December 31, 2023, we had 46 full-time equivalent employees. Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining group. Management believes that we have a good working relationship with our employees.
General
The Bank is a stock savings bank organized under the laws of the State of Wisconsin. The lending, investment, and other business operations of the Bank are governed by Wisconsin law and regulations, as well as applicable federal law and regulations, and the Bank is prohibited from engaging in any operations not authorized by such laws and regulations. The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the Department and by the FDIC. This regulation and supervision establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution may engage and is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund and depositors, and not for the protection of security holders. As a registered bank holding company, New EWSB Bancorp will be regulated by the Federal Reserve Board. The Bank also is a member of and owns stock in the FHLB Chicago, which is one of the 11 regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System.
Under this system of regulation, the regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory, enforcement, rulemaking and examination activities and policies, including rules or policies that: establish minimum capital levels; restrict the timing and amount of dividend payments; govern the classification of assets; provide oversight for the adequacy of loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes and the adequacy of its risk management framework; and establish the timing and amounts of assessments and fees imposed by the regulatory agencies. Moreover, as part of their examination authority, the banking regulators assign numerical ratings to banks and savings institutions relating to capital, asset quality, management, liquidity, earnings and other factors. These ratings rely on the supervisor’s judgment and the receipt of a less than satisfactory rating in one or more categories may result in enforcement action by the banking regulators against a financial institution. A less than satisfactory rating may also prevent a financial institution, such as the Bank or its holding company, from obtaining necessary regulatory approvals to access the capital markets, pay dividends, acquire other financial institutions or establish new branches.
In addition, the Bank must comply with significant anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws and regulations, Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) laws and regulations, and fair lending laws and regulations. Government agencies have the authority to impose monetary penalties and other sanctions on institutions that fail to comply with these laws and regulations, which could significantly affect our business activities, including our ability to acquire other financial institutions or expand our branch network.
82
As bank holding companies, the MHC and Old EWSB Bancorp are required to comply with the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board. Each is required to file certain reports with the Federal Reserve Board and is subject to examination by and the enforcement authority of the Federal Reserve Board.
Following the conversion and offering, New EWSB Bancorp will be a bank holding company and will be required to comply with the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (“BHCA”), and the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board. It will be required to file certain reports with the Federal Reserve Board and will be subject to examination by and the enforcement authority of the Federal Reserve Board. Additionally, the Federal Reserve Board may directly examine the subsidiaries of a bank holding company, including the Bank. New EWSB Bancorp will also be subject to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission under the federal securities laws.
Any change in applicable laws or regulations, whether by the Wisconsin legislature, the Department, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the operations and financial performance of New EWSB Bancorp and the Bank.
Set forth below is a brief description of material regulatory requirements that are or will be applicable to the Bank and New EWSB Bancorp. The description is limited to certain material aspects of the statutes and regulations addressed, and is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on the Bank and New EWSB Bancorp.
Intrastate and Interstate Merger and Branching Activities
Wisconsin Law and Regulation. Any Wisconsin savings bank meeting certain requirements may, upon approval of the Department, establish one or more branch offices in the state of Wisconsin and the states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Ohio. In addition, upon Department approval, a Wisconsin savings bank may establish a branch office in any other state as the result of a merger or consolidation.
Federal Law and Regulation. The Interstate Banking Act permits the federal banking agencies to, under certain circumstances, approve merger transactions between banks located in different states, regardless of whether an acquisition would be prohibited under state law. The Interstate Banking Act, as amended, authorizes de novo branching into another state at locations at which banks chartered by the host state could establish a branch. The establishment of branches and bank mergers require the prior approval of the FDIC.
Loans and Investments
Wisconsin Law and Regulations. Under Wisconsin law and regulation, The Bank is authorized to make, invest in, sell, purchase, participate or otherwise deal in mortgage loans or interests in mortgage loans without geographic restriction, including loans made on the security of residential and commercial property. Wisconsin savings banks also may lend funds on a secured or unsecured basis for business, commercial or agricultural purposes, provided the total of all such loans does not exceed 20% of the savings bank’s total assets, unless the Department authorizes a greater amount. Loans are subject to certain other limitations, including percentage restrictions based on total assets.
83
Wisconsin savings banks may invest funds in certain types of debt and equity securities, including obligations of federal, state and local governments and agencies. Subject to prior approval of the Department, compliance with capital requirements and certain other restrictions, Wisconsin savings banks may invest in residential housing development projects. Wisconsin savings banks may also invest in service corporations or subsidiaries with the prior approval of the Department, subject to certain restrictions.
Wisconsin savings banks may make loans and extensions of credit, both direct and indirect, to one borrower in amounts up to 20% of the savings bank’s capital plus an additional 5% for loans fully secured by readily marketable collateral. In addition, and notwithstanding the 20% of capital and additional 5% of capital limitations set forth above, Wisconsin savings banks may make loans to one borrower, or a related group of borrowers, for any purpose in an amount not to exceed $500,000, or to develop domestic residential housing units in an amount not to exceed the lesser of $30 million or 30% of the savings bank’s capital, subject to certain conditions.
Federal Law and Regulation. FDIC regulations also govern the equity investments of the Bank and, notwithstanding Wisconsin law and regulations, such regulations prohibit the Bank from making certain equity investments and generally limit the Bank’s equity investments to those that are permissible for national banks and their subsidiaries. Also, under FDIC regulations, the Bank must obtain prior FDIC approval before directly, or indirectly through a majority-owned subsidiary, engaging “as principal” in any activity that is not permissible for a national bank unless certain exceptions apply. The activity regulations provide that state banks that meet applicable minimum capital requirements would be permitted to engage in certain activities that are not permissible for national banks, including certain real estate and securities activities conducted through subsidiaries. The FDIC will not approve an activity that it determines presents a significant risk to the FDIC insurance fund. The current activities of the Bank and its subsidiaries are permissible under applicable federal regulations.
Loans to, and other transactions with, affiliates of the Bank, such as New EWSB Bancorp, are restricted by the Federal Reserve Act and regulations issued by the Federal Reserve Board thereunder. See “—Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders” below.
Lending Standards
Wisconsin Law and Regulations. Wisconsin law and regulations issued by the Department impose on Wisconsin savings banks certain fairness in lending requirements and prohibit savings banks from discriminating against a loan applicant based upon the applicant’s physical condition, developmental disability, sex, marital status, race, color, creed, national origin, religion or ancestry.
Federal Law and Regulation. The federal banking agencies have adopted uniform regulations prescribing standards for extensions of credit that are secured by liens on interests in real estate or made for the purpose of financing the construction of a building or other improvements to real estate. Under the joint regulations adopted by the federal banking agencies, all insured depository institutions, such as the Bank, must adopt and maintain written policies that establish appropriate limits and standards for extensions of credit that are secured by liens or interests in real estate or are made for the purpose of financing permanent improvements to real estate. These policies must establish loan portfolio diversification standards, prudent underwriting standards (including loan-to-value limits) that are clear and measurable, loan administration procedures, and loan documentation, approval and reporting requirements. The real estate lending policies must reflect consideration of the Interagency Guidelines for Real Estate Lending Policies that have been adopted by the federal bank regulators.
84
The Interagency Guidelines, among other things, require a depository institution to establish internal loan-to-value limits for real estate loans that are not in excess of the following supervisory limits:
| · | for loans secured by raw land, 65% of the value of the collateral; |
| · | for land development loans (i.e., loans for the purpose of improving unimproved property prior to the erection of structures), the supervisory loan-to-value limit is 75%; |
| · | for loans for the construction of commercial, over four-family or other non-residential property, the supervisory limit is 80%; |
| · | for loans for the construction of one- to four-family properties, the supervisory limit is 85%; and |
| · | for loans secured by other improved property (e.g., farmland, completed commercial property and other income-producing property, including non-owner occupied, one- to four-family property), the supervisory limit is 85%. |
Although no supervisory loan-to-value limit has been established for permanent mortgages on owner-occupied, one- to four-family or home equity loans, the Interagency Guidelines state that for any such loan with a loan-to-value ratio that equals or exceeds 90% at origination, an institution should require appropriate credit enhancement in the form of either mortgage insurance or readily marketable collateral.
Deposits
Wisconsin Law and Regulations. Under Wisconsin law, the Bank is permitted to establish deposit accounts and accept deposits. The Bank’s board of directors, or its designee, determines the rate and amount of interest to be paid on or credited to deposit accounts subject to FDIC limitations.
Deposit Insurance
Wisconsin Law and Regulations. Under Wisconsin law, the Bank is required to obtain and maintain insurance on its deposits from a deposit insurance corporation. The deposits of the Bank are insured up to the applicable limits by the FDIC.
Federal Law and Regulation. The Bank is a member of the Deposit Insurance Fund, which is administered by the FDIC. The Bank’s deposit accounts are insured by the FDIC, generally up to a maximum of $250,000 per separately insured depositor per account ownership category.
The FDIC imposes an assessment against all insured depository institutions. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the perceived risk of the institution to the Deposit Insurance Fund, with less risky institutions paying lower rates. Currently, assessments for institutions of less than $10 billion of total assets are based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical models estimating the probability of failure within three years.
The FDIC adopted a final rule in October 2022 to increase initial base deposit insurance assessment rates by two basis points beginning in the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. The FDIC may increase or decrease the range of assessments uniformly, except that no adjustment can deviate more than two basis points from the base assessment rate without notice and comment rulemaking.
85
The FDIC has the authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance premiums would have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of the Bank. We cannot predict what deposit insurance assessment rates will be in the future.
Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. We do not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.
Capitalization
Wisconsin Law and Regulations. Wisconsin savings banks are required to maintain a minimum capital to total assets ratio of 6% and must maintain total capital necessary to ensure the continuation of insurance of deposit accounts by the FDIC. If the Department determines that the financial condition, history, management or earning prospects of a savings bank are not adequate, the Department may require a higher minimum capital level for the savings bank. If a Wisconsin savings bank’s capital ratio falls below the required level, the Department may direct the savings bank to adhere to a specific written plan established by the Department to correct the savings bank’s capital deficiency, as well as a number of other restrictions on the savings bank’s operations, including a prohibition on the payment of dividends. At December 31, 2023, the Bank’s capital to assets ratio, as calculated under Wisconsin law, was 4.50% and thus the Bank was not in compliance with this requirement. See “Regulation and Supervision—Informal Agreements with Regulators.”
Federal Law and Regulation. Federal regulations require FDIC insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets of 8.0%, and a 4.0% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio.
Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities). The Bank exercised its AOCI opt-out election. Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.
In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements.
86
In assessing an institution’s capital adequacy, the FDIC takes into consideration, not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, including the bank’s exposure to interest rate risk. The FDIC has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions where deemed necessary due to a determination that an institution’s capital level is, or is likely to become, inadequate in light of particular circumstances.
The federal banking agencies have established a “community bank leverage ratio” of between 8 to 10% of average total consolidated assets for qualifying institutions with assets of less than $10 billion. Institutions with capital meeting the specified requirements and electing to follow the alternative framework are deemed to comply with the applicable regulatory capital requirements, including the risk-based requirements. A qualifying institution may opt in and out of the community bank leverage ratio on its quarterly call report.
The optional community bank leverage ratio has currently been established at 9%. The Bank has not opted into the community bank leverage ratio.
Safety and Soundness Standards
Each federal banking agency, including the FDIC, has adopted guidelines establishing general standards relating to internal controls, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings and compensation, fees and benefits, and information security. In general, the guidelines require, among other things, appropriate systems and practices to identify and manage the risks and exposures specified in the guidelines. The guidelines prohibit excessive compensation as an unsafe and unsound practice and describe compensation as excessive when the amounts paid are unreasonable or disproportionate to the services performed by an executive officer, employee, director, or principal shareholder.
Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action
Federal bank regulatory authorities are required to take “prompt corrective action” with respect to institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, the statute establishes five capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized. Under the regulations, a bank is deemed to be (i) “well capitalized” if it has total risk-based capital of 10.0% or more, has a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or more, has a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 5.0% or more and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or more, and is not subject to any written capital order or directive; (ii) “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or more, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or more, a Tier 1 leveraged capital ratio of 4.0% or more and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5% or more, and does not meet the definition of “well capitalized”; (iii) “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio that is less than 4.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5%; (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 6.0% and a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio that is less than 4.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0%; and (v) “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%.
Federal law and regulations also specify circumstances under which a federal banking agency may reclassify a well-capitalized institution as adequately capitalized and may require an institution classified as less than well capitalized to comply with supervisory actions as if it were in the next lower category (except that the FDIC may not reclassify a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized).
87
The FDIC may order savings banks that have insufficient capital to take corrective actions. For example, a savings bank that is categorized as “undercapitalized” is subject to growth limitations and is required to submit a capital restoration plan, and a holding company that controls such a savings bank is required to guarantee that the savings bank complies with the restoration plan. A “significantly undercapitalized” savings bank may be subject to additional restrictions. Savings banks deemed by the FDIC to be “critically undercapitalized” would be subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.
At December 31, 2023, our capital levels at the bank level exceeded the levels required to be technically considered “well-capitalized” with a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 11.2%, Tier 1 leverage ratio of 6.3%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 11.2% and a total risk-based capital ratio of 11.9%.
A qualifying institution whose Tier 1 capital equals or exceeds the specified community bank leverage ratio and opts into that framework will be considered well capitalized for prompt corrective action purposes.
Banking regulators addressed the regulatory capital treatment of credit loss allowance under Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (CECL) methodology by allowing banking organizations an option to phase in the day-one regulatory capital effects. See Note 1 to the notes to the consolidated financial statements for the section “New accounting Pronouncements” for additional information regarding the adoption of this standard.
Dividends
Wisconsin Law and Regulations. Under Wisconsin law and applicable regulations, a Wisconsin savings bank that meets its regulatory capital requirements may declare dividends on capital stock based upon net profits, provided that its paid-in surplus equals its capital stock. In addition, prior Department approval is required before dividends exceeding 50% of net profits for any calendar year may be declared and before a stock dividend may be declared out of retained earnings. Under Department regulations, a Wisconsin savings bank which has converted from mutual to stock form also is prohibited from paying a dividend on its capital stock if the payment causes the regulatory capital of the savings bank to fall below the amount required for its liquidation account.
Federal Law and Regulation. The FDIC has the authority to prohibit the Bank from paying dividends if, in its opinion, the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice in light of the financial condition of the Bank. Institutions may not pay dividends if they would be “undercapitalized” following payment of the dividend within the meaning of the prompt corrective action regulations.
Liquidity and Reserves
Wisconsin Law and Regulations. Under Department regulations, all Wisconsin savings banks are required to maintain a certain amount of their assets as liquid assets, consisting of cash and certain types of investments. The exact amount of assets a savings bank is required to maintain as liquid assets is set by the Department, but generally ranges from 4% to 15% of the savings bank’s average daily balance of net withdrawable accounts plus short-term borrowings (the “Required Liquidity Ratio”). At December 31, 2023, the Bank’s Required Liquidity Ratio was 15%, and the Bank was in compliance with this requirement. In addition, 50% of the liquid assets maintained by a Wisconsin savings bank must consist of “primary liquid assets,” which are defined to include securities issued by the United States Government, United States Government agencies, or the state of Wisconsin or a subdivision thereof, and cash. At December 31, 2023, the Bank was in compliance with this requirement.
88
Federal Law and Regulation. Under federal law and regulations, the Bank is required to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure safe and sound banking practices. Regulation D, promulgated by the Federal Reserve Board, imposes reserve requirements on all depository institutions, including the Bank, which maintain transaction accounts or non-personal time deposits. Checking accounts, NOW accounts, Super NOW checking accounts, and certain other types of accounts that permit payments or transfers to third parties fall within the definition of transaction accounts and are subject to Regulation D reserve requirements, as are any nonpersonal time deposits (including certain money market deposit accounts) at a savings institution. However, effective March 26, 2020, the Federal Reserve Board reduced reserve requirement ratios to zero, thereby effectively eliminating the requirements. The Federal Reserve Board took that action due to a change in its approach to monetary policy; it has indicated that it has no plans to re-impose reserve requirements but could in the future if conditions warrant.
Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders
Wisconsin Law and Regulations. Under Wisconsin law, a savings bank may not make a loan to a person owning 10% or more of its stock, an affiliated person (including a director, officer, the spouse of either and a member of the immediate family of such person who is living in the same residence), agent, or attorney of the savings bank, either individually or as an agent or partner of another, except as under the rules of the Department and regulations of the FDIC. In addition, unless the prior approval of the Department is obtained, a savings bank may not purchase, lease or acquire a site for an office building or an interest in real estate from an affiliated person, including a shareholder owning more than 10% of its capital stock, or from any firm, corporation, entity or family in which an affiliated person or 10% shareholder has a direct or indirect interest.
Federal Law and Regulation. Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act govern transactions between an insured savings bank, such as the Bank, and any of its affiliates, including New EWSB Bancorp. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted Regulation W, which comprehensively implements and interprets Sections 23A and 23B, in part by codifying prior Federal Reserve Board interpretations under Sections 23A and 23B.
An affiliate of a savings bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the savings bank. A subsidiary of a savings bank that is not also a depository institution or a “financial subsidiary” under federal law is not treated as an affiliate of the savings bank for the purposes of Sections 23A and 23B; however, the FDIC has the discretion to treat subsidiaries of a savings bank as affiliates on a case-by-case basis. Sections 23A and 23B limit the extent to which a savings bank or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of such savings bank’s capital stock and surplus, and limit all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus. The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of guarantees and other similar types of transactions. Further, most loans and other extensions of credit by a savings bank to any of its affiliates must be secured by collateral in amounts ranging from 100% to 130% of the loan amounts, depending on the type of collateral. In addition, any affiliate transaction by a savings bank must be on terms that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the savings bank as those that would be provided to a non-affiliate, and be consistent with safe and sound banking practices.
89
A savings bank’s loans to its executive officers, directors, any owner of more than 10% of its stock (each, an insider) and any of certain entities affiliated with any such person (an insider’s related interest) are subject to the conditions and limitations imposed by Section 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act and the Federal Reserve Board’s Regulation O thereunder. Under these restrictions, the aggregate amount of the loans to any insider and the insider’s related interests may not exceed the loans to-one-borrower limit applicable to national banks, (which is generally 15% of capital and surplus). Aggregate loans by a savings bank to its insiders and insiders’ related interests in the aggregate may not exceed the savings bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus. With certain exceptions, loans to an executive officer, other than loans for the education of the officer’s children and certain loans secured by the officer’s primary residence, may not exceed the greater of $25,000 or 2.5% of the savings bank’s unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus, but in no event may such loan be more than $100,000. Regulation O also requires that any proposed loan to an insider or a related interest of that insider be approved in advance by a majority of the board of directors of the savings bank, with any interested director not participating in the voting, if such loan, when aggregated with any existing loans to that insider and the insider’s related interests, would exceed either $500,000 or the greater of $25,000 or 5% of the savings bank’s unimpaired capital and surplus. Generally, such loans must be made on substantially the same terms as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are no less stringent than, those that are prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and must not present more than a normal risk of collectability.
An exception to the requirement is made for extensions of credit made pursuant to a benefit or compensation plan of a bank that is widely available to employees of the savings bank and that does not give any preference to insiders of the bank over other employees of the bank.
Transactions between Bank Customers and Affiliates
Wisconsin savings banks, such as the Bank, are subject to the prohibitions on certain tying arrangements. Subject to certain exceptions, a savings bank is prohibited from extending credit to or offering any other service to a customer, or fixing or varying the consideration for such extension of credit or service, on the condition that such customer obtain some additional service from the institution or certain of its affiliates or not obtain services of a competitor of the institution.
Examinations and Assessments
The Bank is required to file periodic reports with and is subject to periodic examinations by the Department and the FDIC. The Bank is required to pay examination fees and annual assessments to fund its supervision. Federal regulations require annual on-site examinations for all depository institutions except certain well-capitalized and highly rated institutions with assets of less than $3 billion which are examined every 18 months.
Customer Privacy
Under Wisconsin and federal law and regulations, savings banks, such as the Bank, are required to develop and maintain privacy policies relating to information on its customers, restrict access to and establish procedures to protect customer data. Applicable privacy regulations further restrict the sharing of nonpublic customer data with non-affiliated parties if the customer requests.
Cyber Security
The federal banking agencies recently adopted rules providing for new notification requirements for banking organizations and their service providers for significant cybersecurity incidents. Specifically, the new rules require a banking organization to notify its primary federal regulator as soon as possible, and no later than 36 hours after, the banking organization determines that a “computer-security incident” rising to the level of a “notification incident” has occurred. Notification is required for incidents that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the viability of a banking organization’s operations, its ability to deliver banking products and services, or the stability of the financial sector. Service providers are required under the rule to notify affected banking organization customers as soon as possible when the provider determines that it has experienced a computer-security incident that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect the banking organization’s customers for four or more hours.
90
Community Reinvestment Act
Under the CRA, the Bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation consistent with its safe and sound operation to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the FDIC, in connection with its examination of the Bank, to assess our record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by the Bank, including applications to establish branches and acquire other financial institutions. The CRA requires the FDIC to provide a written evaluation of an institution’s CRA performance utilizing a four-tiered descriptive rating system. The Bank’s most recent FDIC CRA rating in December 2020 was “Satisfactory.” On October 24, 2023, the FDIC and other federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule to strengthen and modernize the CRA regulations. The changes are designed to encourage banks to expand access to credit, investment and banking services in low- and moderate-income communities, adapt to changes in the banking industry including mobile and internet banking, provide greater clarity and consistency in the application of the CRA regulations and tailor CRA evaluations and data collection to bank size and type. Under the final rule, banks with assets of less than $600 million as of December 31 in both of the prior two calendar years will be a “small bank.” The agencies will evaluate small banks under the Small Bank Lending Test or, at the bank’s option, the Retail Lending Test. The applicability date for the majority of the provisions in the CRA regulations is January 1, 2026, and additional requirements will be applicable on January 1, 2027.
Federal Home Loan Bank System
The Federal Home Loan Bank System, consisting of 11 Federal Home Loan Banks, is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Housing Finance Board. The designated duties of the Federal Housing Finance Board are to supervise the Federal Home Loan Banks; ensure that the Federal Home Loan Banks carry out their housing finance mission; ensure that the Federal Home Loan Banks remain adequately capitalized and able to raise funds in the capital markets; and ensure that the Federal Home Loan Banks operate in a safe and sound manner.
The Bank, as a member of the FHLB, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB in specified amounts. The Bank is in compliance with this requirement with an investment in FHLB stock of $1.1 million at December 31, 2023.
Among other benefits, the Federal Home Loan Banks provide a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the Federal Home Loan Bank System. It makes advances to members in accordance with policies and procedures established by the Federal Housing Finance Board and the board of directors of the FHLB. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had $18.6 million in advances from the FHLB.
91
USA PATRIOT Act
The USA PATRIOT Act gives the federal government powers to address terrorist threats through enhanced domestic security measures, expanded surveillance powers, increased information sharing and broadened anti-money laundering requirements. The USA PATRIOT Act also requires the federal banking agencies to take into consideration the effectiveness of controls designed to combat money laundering activities in determining whether to approve a merger or other acquisition application of a member institution. Accordingly, if the Bank engages in a merger or other acquisition, the Bank’s controls designed to combat money laundering would be considered as part of the application process. The Bank has established policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations.
Holding Company Regulation
General. New EWSB Bancorp will be a bank holding company within the meaning of the Bank Holding Company of 1956. As such, New EWSB Bancorp will be registered with the Federal Reserve Board and be subject to the regulation, examination, supervision and reporting requirements applicable to bank holding companies. In addition, the Federal Reserve Board will have enforcement authority over New EWSB Bancorp and its non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the Federal Reserve Board to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to the subsidiary savings institution. Acquisitions of additional banks or savings institutions by a bank holding company generally require the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board.
Permissible Activities. A bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in non-banking activities, or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting securities of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the principal activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation to be so closely related to banking are: (i) making or servicing loans; (ii) performing certain data processing services; (iii) providing discount brokerage services; (iv) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; (v) leasing personal or real property; (vi) making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and (vii) acquiring a savings and loan association whose direct and indirect activities are limited to those permitted for bank holding companies.
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 authorized a bank holding company that meets specified conditions, including being “well capitalized” and “well managed,” to opt to become a “financial holding company” and thereby engage in a broader array of financial activities than previously permitted. Such activities can include insurance underwriting and investment banking.
Capital. Bank holding companies are subject to consolidated regulatory capital requirements, which have historically been similar to, though less stringent than, those of the FDIC for the Bank. Federal legislation enacted in 2010, however, required the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate consolidated capital requirements for depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent, both quantitatively and in terms of components of capital, than those applicable to institutions themselves. A framework of consolidated regulatory capital requirements identical to that applicable to the subsidiary banks applies to bank holding companies. However, the Federal Reserve Board has provided a “Small Bank Holding Company” exception to its consolidated capital requirements, and 2018 legislation, and the related regulations, has increased the threshold for the exception to $3.0 billion. As a result, the Federal Reserve Board’s consolidated holding company regulatory capital requirements will not presently apply to New EWSB Bancorp.
92
Source of Strength. The Federal Reserve Board has issued regulations requiring that all bank holding companies serve as a source of strength to their subsidiary depository institutions by providing financial, managerial and other support in times of an institution’s distress.
Dividends and Stock Repurchases. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by holding companies. In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall supervisory financial condition. Separate regulatory guidance provides for prior consultation with Federal Reserve Bank staff concerning dividends in certain circumstances such as when the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend, the proposed dividend is not covered by earnings for the period for which the dividend is being paid or the company’s overall rate or earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary savings bank becomes undercapitalized.
Federal Reserve Board regulatory guidance also states that a bank holding company should consult with Federal Reserve Bank supervisory staff prior to redeeming or repurchasing common stock or perpetual preferred stock if the bank holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or the repurchase or redemption would result in a net reduction, at the end of a quarter, in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding compared with the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurred.
There is a separate requirement that a bank holding company give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of then outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. There is an exception to this approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain other conditions.
These regulatory policies may affect the ability of New EWSB Bancorp to pay dividends, repurchase shares of common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.
Change in Control Regulations
Under the Change in Bank Control Act, no person or group of persons may acquire “control” of a bank holding company unless the Federal Reserve Board has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition. Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the institution’s directors, or a determination by the regulator that the acquirer has the power, directly or indirectly, to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of the institution. There is a presumption of control upon the acquisition of 10% or more of a class of voting stock if the holding company involved has its shares registered under the Exchange Act, or, if the holding company involved does now have its shares registered under the Exchange Act, if no other persons will own, control or hold the power to vote a greater percentage of that class of voting security after the acquisition.
93
In addition, the BHCA prohibits any company from acquiring control of a bank or bank holding company without first having obtained the approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Among other circumstances, under the BHCA, a company has control of a bank or bank holding company if the company owns, controls or holds with power to vote 25% or more of a class of voting securities of the bank or bank holding company, controls in any manner the election of a majority of directors or trustees of the bank or bank holding company, or the Federal Reserve Board has determined, after notice and opportunity for hearing, that the company has the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of the bank or bank holding company. The Federal Reserve Board has established presumptions of control under which the acquisition of control of 5% or more of a class of voting securities of a bank holding company, together with other factors enumerated by the Federal Reserve Board, could constitute the acquisition of control of a bank holding company for purposes of the BHCA.
Federal Securities Laws
The common stock of New EWSB Bancorp will be registered with the SEC after the conversion and offering. New EWSB Bancorp will be subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Exchange Act.
The registration, under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) of shares of common stock to be issued in the initial public offering of New EWSB Bancorp does not cover the subsequent resale of those shares. Shares of common stock purchased by persons who are not affiliates of New EWSB Bancorp may be resold without registration. Shares purchased by an affiliate of New EWSB Bancorp will be subject to the resale restrictions of Rule 144 under the Securities Act. If New EWSB Bancorp meets the current public information requirements of Rule 144 under the Securities Act, each affiliate of New EWSB Bancorp that complies with the other conditions of Rule 144, including those that require the affiliate’s sale to be aggregated with those of other persons, would be able to sell in the public market, without registration, a number of shares not to exceed, in any three-month period, the greater of 1% of the outstanding shares of New EWSB Bancorp, or the average weekly volume of trading in the shares during the preceding four calendar weeks.
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 is intended to improve corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws. After the conversion and offering is completed, New EWSB Bancorp will adopt policies, procedures and systems designed to comply with these regulations, and will review and document such policies, procedures and systems to ensure continued compliance with these regulations.
Emerging Growth Company Status
New EWSB Bancorp will be an emerging growth company. For as long as it continues to be an emerging growth company, it may choose to take advantage of exemptions from various reporting requirements applicable to public companies. These exemptions include, but are not limited to, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. As an emerging growth company, New EWSB Bancorp also will not be subject to Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which would require that our independent auditors audit our internal control over financial reporting. We have also elected to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. Such an election is irrevocable during the period a company is an emerging growth company.
94
New EWSB Bancorp will cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest of: (i) the end of the fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of the conversion and offering; (ii) the first fiscal year after our annual gross revenues are $1.235 billion (adjusted for inflation) or more; (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities; or (iv) the end of any fiscal year in which the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700 million at the end of the second quarter of that fiscal year. We expect to lose our status as an emerging growth company effective December 31, 2029, which is the end of the fifth year after the expected completion date of the conversion and offering.
Informal Agreements with Regulators
In July 2023, the Bank entered into a confidential MOU with the FDIC and the Department, the Bank’s primary banking regulators. The MOU requires that the Bank address certain practices and conditions identified during regulatory examinations, including, among other things, the level of its capital, earnings, liquidity, investments, and information technology. The MOU also requires enhancements to board oversight, asset/liability management, and risk management. The MOU also places certain restrictions on our operations.
The Bank is in the process of putting into place policies and processes to address each of these noted areas. The failure to adequately address the issues identified in the MOU or comply with its terms could result in additional regulatory or enforcement actions by the FDIC and/or the Department. The Bank has expended significant resources in connection with the MOU, and our continued efforts to comply with the MOU may restrict our operations or result in the continued expenditure of significant resources, which could have adverse effects on our operations and financial condition.
95
Federal Taxation
General. New EWSB Bancorp and the Bank are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below. The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize material federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to New EWSB Bancorp and the Bank.
Method of Accounting. For federal income tax purposes, the Bank currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a tax year ending December 31 for filing its federal income tax returns.
Net Operating Loss Carryovers. Generally, a financial institution may carry net operating losses forward indefinitely. At December 31, 2023, the Bank has a net operating loss carry-forward of $1.9 million.
Capital Loss Carryovers. A corporation cannot recognize capital losses in excess of capital gains generated. Generally, a financial institution may carry back capital losses to the preceding three taxable years and forward to the succeeding five taxable years. Any capital loss carryback or carryover is treated as a short-term capital loss for the year to which it is carried. As such, it is grouped with any other capital losses for the year to which it is carried and is used to offset any capital gains. Any undeducted loss remaining after the five-year carryover period is not deductible. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had no capital loss carryovers.
Corporate Dividends. New EWSB Bancorp may generally exclude from its income 100% of dividends received from the Bank as a member of the same affiliated group of corporations.
Audit of Tax Returns. Neither the Bank’s federal income tax returns, nor the consolidated returns of the MHC’s and Old EWSB Bancorp’s have been audited in the most recent five-year period.
State Taxation
As a Maryland business corporation, New EWSB Bancorp is required to file an annual report with and pay franchise taxes to the state of Maryland.
New EWSB Bancorp is subject to the Wisconsin corporate franchise (income) tax. The State of Wisconsin imposes a corporate franchise tax of 7.9% on the combined taxable income of the members of a consolidated income tax group.
In general, Wisconsin net business losses may be carried forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years. However, losses originated in taxable years beginning before 2009 may be carried forward to tax years beginning before 2032. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had approximately $362,000 of Wisconsin net business loss carryforwards.
96
MANAGEMENT OF EWSB BANCORP, INC.
Shared Management Structure
The directors of New EWSB Bancorp are the same persons who are the directors of the Bank. In addition, each executive officer of New EWSB Bancorp is also an executive officer of the Bank. We expect that New EWSB Bancorp and the Bank will continue to have common executive officers until there is a business reason to establish separate management structures.
Directors of New EWSB Bancorp and the Bank
The board of directors of New EWSB Bancorp consists of seven members. Directors serve three-year staggered terms so that approximately one-third of the directors will be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders. Directors of the Bank will be elected by New EWSB Bancorp as its sole stockholder.
The following table states our directors’ names, their ages as of December 31, 2023, the years when they began serving as directors of the Bank, and the years when their current terms expire.
| Name (1) | Position(s) Held
With East Wisconsin Savings Bank |
Age | Director Since |
Current Term Expires | ||||
| Charles D. Schmalz | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | 58 | 2007 | 2025 | ||||
| Lisa Cruz | Director | 52 | 2016 | 2024 | ||||
| Kenneth P. Demerath | Director | 59 | 2020 | 2025 | ||||
| Kay M. Dorow | Director | 58 | 2019 | 2026 | ||||
| Steven Haen | Director | 71 | 2018 | 2026 | ||||
| Lori Hoersch | Director | 61 | 2020 | 2025 | ||||
| Steve Tyink | Director | 63 | 2016 | 2024 |
| (1) | The mailing address for each individual is 109 West Second Street, Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130. |
The Business Background of Our Directors and Executive Officers
The following sets forth certain information regarding the members of our board of directors, and executive officers who are not directors. There are no arrangements or understandings between any director and any other person pursuant to which the director was selected.
With respect to directors, the biographies contain information regarding the person’s business experience and the experiences, qualifications, attributes or skills that caused the board of directors to determine that the person should serve as a director.
Most of our directors are long-time residents of the communities we serve and many of such individuals have operated, or currently operate, businesses located in such communities. As a result, we believe each director has significant knowledge of the businesses that operate in our market area, an understanding of the general real estate market, values and trends in such communities and an understanding of the overall demographics of such communities. As the holding company for a community bank, we believe that the local knowledge and experience of our directors assists us in assessing the credit and banking needs of our customers, developing products and services to better serve our customers and in assessing the risks inherent in our lending operations. As local residents, our directors are also exposed to the advertising, product offerings and community development efforts of competing institutions which, in turn, assists us in structuring our marketing efforts and community outreach programs.
97
Directors
Charles D. Schmalz is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company and the Bank. He has been employed by the Bank since 1993 and has served as its President and Chief Executive Officer since 2008. Mr. Schmalz’s extensive knowledge of the banking industry and strong leadership skills provide us with invaluable insight and guidance into the business and regulatory requirements of today’s banking environment.
Lisa Cruz is the founder and owner of Red Shoes, Inc., a marketing firm headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin, and oversees the financials, business development and strategic planning for the firm. Ms. Cruz provides us with knowledge of our local business community, and how to operate a business and an understanding of how to make a business successful.
Kenneth P. Demerath, now retired, was a partner at Wipfli, LLP, a certified public accounting firm. Mr. Demerath is a certified public accountant and is a member of the Wisconsin Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Mr. Demerath is also a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves and served in the Persian Gulf War. Through his experience as a certified public accountant and his strong risk assessment, financial reporting and internal control expertise, Mr. Demerath provides us with an understanding of accounting and financial matters.
Kay M. Dorow, now retired, was the Chief Financial Officer of the Bank until her retirement in May 2023. Ms. Dorow joined the Bank in 1984 and has held several positions during her tenure, giving her valuable knowledge of the Bank’s operations. Ms. Dorow’s strong financial background and her knowledge and understanding of the Bank and the financial and economic environments that we operate in make her a valuable asset to the Board.
Steven Haen, now retired, was the Compliance and Security Officer for the Bank at the time of his retirement in 2016. Mr. Haen joined the Bank in 1975 and has held several positions during his tenure, giving him valuable knowledge of the Bank’s operations. Mr. Haen’s strong compliance background and his knowledge and understanding of the Bank and the regulatory environment that we operate in make him a valuable asset to the Board.
Lori Hoersch, is the Chief People Officer for U.S. Venture, Inc., an energy products distribution company headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin. Ms. Hoersch’s experience and background in various human resources positions provide us with invaluable insight and guidance regarding human resource management, corporate culture and talent acquisition.
Steve Tyink, is Director of Partner Development at Fork Farms, a privately held agriculture company. Prior to Fork Farms, he held executive leadership positions in automotive, industrial design and commercial construction verticals. Mr. Tyink provides us with extensive knowledge regarding business operations.
Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors
James E. Mangold, age 51, is Vice President, Lending, for the Bank, a position he has held since 2020. Prior to joining the Bank, Mr. Mangold was Senior Vice President and Regional Manager, East Region, for Marine Credit Union from 2019 to 2020 and Market Manager, Commercial Banking Services, for Wells Fargo & Co. from 2010 to 2019.
Kory J. Schneider, age 51, is Vice President, Member Experience, for the Bank, a position he has held since August 2018.
Scott J. Liske, age 68, is Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, for the Bank, a position he has held since 2014.
98
Board Independence
The board of directors has determined that each of our directors, except for Mr. Schmalz and Ms. Dorow, is “independent” as defined in the listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market, which standards we are using to determine director independence. Mr. Schmalz is not independent because he is employed by us. Ms. Dorow is not independent because she was employed by us during the last three years. In determining the independence of our directors, the board of directors considered relationships between the Bank and our directors that are not required to be reported under “—Transactions With Certain Related Persons,” below, consisting of loans and deposit accounts that our directors maintain at the Bank.
To our knowledge, there are no other transactions between us and any director or entity controlled by a director that would interfere with the directors exercise of independent judgement in carrying out their responsibilities as a director.
Committees of the Board of Directors
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the boards of directors of the MHC, Old EWSB Bancorp and the Bank met 5, 3 and 17 times, respectively. The board of directors of New EWSB Bancorp intends to establish a standing Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, each of which will operate under a written charter that will govern the committee’s composition, responsibilities and operations.
The Audit Committee is expected to consist of Directors Demerath (Chair), Dorow and Tyink. The Compensation Committee is expected to consist of Directors Hoersch (Chair), Cruz and Haen. The Nominating and Corporate Governance is expected to consist of Directors Tyink (Chair), Haen and Cruz.
Transactions With Certain Related Persons
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits publicly traded companies from making loans to their executive officers and directors, but it contains a specific exemption from such prohibition for loans made by federally insured financial institutions, such as the Bank, to their executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking regulations. Federal regulations permit executive officers and directors to receive the same terms that are widely available to other employees as long as the director or executive officer is not given preferential treatment compared to the other participating employees. At December 31, 2023, all of our loans to directors and executive officers were made in the ordinary course of business, were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with persons not related to the Bank, and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. These loans were performing according to their original repayment terms at December 31, 2023, and were made in compliance with federal banking regulations.
99
Executive Compensation
Summary Compensation Table. The following information is furnished for our principal executive officer and the two most highly compensated executive officers (other than the principal executive officer) whose total compensation exceeded $100,000 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. These individuals are sometimes referred to in this prospectus as the “named executive officers.”
| Name and Principal Position | Year | Salary ($) | Bonus ($) | All
Other Compensation ($)(1) | Total ($) | |||||||||||||||
| Charles D. Schmalz President and Chief Executive Officer | 2023 | 270,308 | — | 65,867 | 335,905 | |||||||||||||||
| James E. Mangold Vice President, Head of Lending | 2023 | 150,600 | — | 7,847 | 158,447 | |||||||||||||||
| Kory J. Schneider Vice President, Member Experience | 2023 | 168,942 | — | 8,797 | 177,739 | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | The compensation set forth in the “All Other Compensation” column is detailed in the following table: |
| 401(k) Plan Employer Contributions ($) | Director
Fees ($) | Automobile ($) | Life
Insurance ($)(1) | Total
All Other Compensation ($) | ||||||||||||||||
| Charles D. Schmalz | 14,000 | 23,800 | 7,020 | 21,047 | 65,867 | |||||||||||||||
| James E. Mangold | 7,800 | — | — | 47 | 7,847 | |||||||||||||||
| Kory J. Schneider | 8,750 | — | — | 47 | 8,797 | |||||||||||||||
| (1) | Amount represents imputed income from life insurance in the amount of $47, and, for Mr. Schmalz only, a payment of $21,000 to satisfy the annual premium of the executive’s whole life insurance policy. |
Benefit Plans and Agreements
Proposed Employment Agreements. The Bank does not currently maintain employment agreements with any of its employees. In connection with the conversion and stock offering, it intends to enter into an employment agreement with each of Charles D. Schmalz, James E. Mangold and Kory J. Schneider. Our continued success depends to a significant degree on their skills and competence and the employment agreements are intended to ensure we maintain a stable management base following the conversion and stock offering.
The employment agreements for Messrs. Schmalz, Mangold and Schneider will have initial terms that commence on the effective date of the conversion and stock offering and continue until December 31, 2024. On January 1, 2025, the respective terms will continue thereafter for three years for Mr. Schmalz’s agreement and two years for Messrs. Mangold and Schneider’s agreements. On January 1, 2026 and each January 1 thereafter, the respective terms of the agreements will extend for an additional year, so that the respective terms again become three years for Mr. Schmalz’s agreement and two years for Messrs. Mangold and Schneider’s agreements. However, at least thirty (30) days before a January 1st renewal date of the respective terms of the agreements, the disinterested members of the board of directors must conduct a comprehensive performance evaluation of Messrs. Schmalz, Mangold and Schneider and affirmatively approve any extension of the respective agreements for an additional year or determine not to extend the term of any of the agreements. If the board of directors determines not to extend the term, it must notify the executive before the applicable January 1st renewal date and the term of the applicable agreement will expire at the end of the then current term. If a change in control occurs during the terms of the employment agreements, the terms of the respective agreements will automatically renew for three years for Mr. Schmalz’s agreement and two years for Messrs. Mangold and Schneider’s agreements from the date of the change in control.
100
The employment agreements will provide Messrs. Schmalz, Mangold and Schneider with initial annual base salaries of $280,000, $165,360 and $175,000, respectively. The board of directors will review the executive’s base salary at least annually and the base salary may be increased, but not decreased, except for a decrease that is generally applicable to all employees. In addition to receiving base salary, Messrs. Schmalz, Mangold and Schneider will participate in any bonus programs and benefit plans made available to senior management employees. The Bank will also reimburse Messrs. Schmalz, Mangold and Schneider for all reasonable business expenses incurred in performing their duties.
If Messrs. Schmalz’s, Mangold’s or Schneider’s employment involuntarily terminates for reasons other than cause, disability or death, or in the event of the executive’s resignation for “good reason,” in either event other than in connection with a change in control, the executive will receive a severance payment, paid in a lump sum, equal to: (i) the base salary and bonuses the executive would have received during the remaining term of the respective employment agreement, (ii) the present value of the contributions that would have been made on the executive’s behalf under the Bank’s defined contribution plans as if executive had continued working for the Bank for the remaining term of the agreement, and (iii) continued nontaxable medical and dental coverage and life insurance coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for the executive, at no cost to the executive, for the remaining unexpired term of the agreement.
If Messrs. Schmalz’s, Mangold’s or Schneider’s employment involuntarily terminates for reasons other than cause, disability or death, or in the event of the executive’s resignation for “good reason,” (as defined in the agreement) in either event within 18 months following a change in control, the executive will receive a severance payment, paid in a lump sum, equal to: (i) three times (two times for Messrs. Mangold and Schneider) the sum of (a) the highest annual base salary paid to the executive at any time under the agreement, and (b) the highest bonus paid to the executive with respect to the three completed fiscal years (two completed fiscal years for Messrs. Mangold and Schneider) prior to a change in control, (ii) the present value of the contributions that would have been made on the executive’s behalf under the Bank’s defined contribution plans as if executive had continued working for the Bank for thirty-six (36) months (twenty-four (24) months for Messrs. Mangold and Schneider), and (iii) continued nontaxable medical and dental coverage and life insurance coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for the executive, at no cost to the executive, for thirty-six (36) months (twenty-four (24) months for Messrs. Mangold and Schneider). The severance benefits under Messrs. Schmalz’s, Mangold’s and Schneider’s respective employment agreements may be reduced if the severance benefits under the employment agreement or otherwise result in “excess parachute payments” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code.
If Messrs. Schmalz, Mangold or Schneider become disabled during the term of the respective employment agreement, the executive will be entitled to receive benefits under all short-term or long-term disability plans maintained by the Bank for its executives. To the extent such benefits are less than executive’s base salary, the Bank shall pay the executive an amount equal to the difference between such disability plan benefits, the executive’s social security disability benefits and the amount of executive’s base salary for the longer of one (1) year following the termination of the executive’s employment due to disability or the remaining term of the employment agreement, payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Bank. In addition, the executive will be entitled to continued non-taxable medical and dental coverage that is substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for the executive before the termination of the executive’s employment until the earlier of (i) the date the executive returns to the full-time employment of the Bank; (ii) executive’s full-time employment by another employer; (iii) expiration of the remaining term of the agreement; or (iv) the executive’s death.
101
If the executive dies while employed by the Bank, the executive’s beneficiaries will receive the executive’s base salary, payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Bank, for a period of one year from the date of executive’s death, and the Bank shall continue to provide non-taxable medical, and dental insurance benefits normally provided to the executive’s family (in accordance with its customary co-pay percentages) for 12 months after the executive’s death.
Upon termination of employment (other than a termination in connection with a change in control), Messrs. Schmalz, Mangold or Schneider will be required to adhere to a one-year non-solicitation restriction and a six month non-competition restriction.
Salary Continuation Agreement. In connection with the conversion and stock offering, the Bank intends to enter into a salary continuation agreement with Mr. Schmalz. Under the agreement, if Mr. Schmalz separates from service after reaching the normal retirement age of age 65, he will be entitled to an annual benefit equal to $25,000. This benefit payment will begin on the first business day of the first month following the executive’s separation from service and will be payable monthly for a period of 120 months.
If Mr. Schmalz separates from service before reaching normal retirement age (other than on account of death or for cause), he will be entitled to the accrued benefit (i.e., the amount accrued for GAAP purposes), paid in a lump sum on the first business day of the first month following the executive’s separation from service. If Mr. Schmalz experiences a qualifying termination of employment within two years following a change in control and before age 65, he will receive an amount equal to the present value of the normal retirement benefit under the agreement (regardless of the executive’s age at the time). The benefit will be paid to him in a lump sum on the first business day of the first month following his separation from service. Excess parachute payments may be subject to a cutback pursuant to the terms listed in the employment agreements.
If Mr. Schmalz dies before a separation from service and before age 65, his beneficiary will receive the accrued benefit paid in a lump sum on the first business day of the first month following his death. If Mr. Schmalz dies before a separation from service and after age 65, his beneficiary will receive the benefits (at the same time and in the same form) he would have continued to have received under the agreement had he survived. If Mr. Schmalz dies while receiving benefits, his beneficiary will continue to receive the benefit payments (at the same time and in the same form) he would have continued to have received under the agreement had he survived.
401(k) Plan. The Bank maintains a tax-qualified defined contribution plan under which eligible employees may elect to defer a portion of their compensation and receive certain employer contributions (the “401(k) Plan”). The named executive officers are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan on the same terms as other eligible employees of the Bank. Eligible employees generally become participants in the 401(k) Plan after they have been employed for six months.
Under the 401(k) Plan, a participant may elect to defer, on a pretax basis, a portion of their eligible compensation. For 2024, the salary deferral contribution limit is $23,000, provided, however, that a participant over age 50 may contribute an additional $7,500 to the 401(k) Plan, for a total of $30,500. In addition to salary deferral contributions, the Bank makes matching contributions up to 5% of the participant’s compensation. A participant is immediately 100% vested in his or her salary deferral contributions and employer matching contributions. Participants become vested in employer nonelective contributions and prior matching contributions, to the 401(k) Plan pursuant to a six-year graded vesting schedule. Participants become vested in these contributions at a rate of 20% per year beginning in year two. The expense recognized in connection with the 401(k) Plan totaled approximately $26,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023.
102
Employee Stock Ownership Plan. In connection with the conversion, the Bank intends to adopt an ESOP for eligible employees. The named executive officers will be eligible to participate in the ESOP on the same terms as other eligible employees. Eligible employees will begin participation in the ESOP on the later of the effective date of the conversion or upon the first entry date commencing on or after the eligible employee’s completion of one year of service and attainment of age 21.
The ESOP trustee is expected to purchase, on behalf of the ESOP, 7.0% of the total number of shares of EWSB Bancorp, Inc. common stock sold in the conversion. We anticipate the ESOP will fund its stock purchase with a loan from New EWSB Bancorp equal to the aggregate purchase price of the common stock. The trustee will repay the loan principally through contributions to the ESOP by the Bank and any dividends, if any, paid on common stock held by the ESOP over the anticipated 20-year term of the loan. The interest rate for the ESOP loan is expected to equal to the prime rate, as published in The Wall Street Journal, on the closing date of the offering. See “Pro Forma Data.”
The trustee will hold the shares purchased by the ESOP in an unallocated suspense account, and shares will be released from the suspense account on a pro-rata basis as the trustee repays the loan. The trustee will allocate the shares released among participants’ accounts based on each participant’s proportional share of compensation relative to all participants. A participant will become vested in his or her account balance pursuant to a six-year graded vesting schedule. Participants will vest at a rate of 20% per year of service beginning in year two. Participants who are employed by the Bank immediately prior to the closing of the offering will receive credit for vesting purposes for years of service prior to adoption of the ESOP. Participants also will automatically become fully vested upon attainment of their normal retirement age (age 65), death or disability, a change in control, or termination of the ESOP. Generally, participants will receive distributions from the ESOP upon terminating employment in accordance with the terms of the plan document. The ESOP reallocates any unvested shares forfeited upon a participant’s termination of employment among the remaining participants.
The ESOP will permit participants to direct the trustee as to how to vote the shares of common stock allocated to their accounts. The trustee will vote unallocated shares and allocated shares for which participants do not timely provide instructions on any matter in the same ratio as those shares for which participants provide timely instructions, subject to fulfillment of the trustee’s fiduciary responsibilities.
Under applicable accounting requirements, the Bank will record a compensation expense for the ESOP at the fair market value of the shares as they are committed to be released from the unallocated suspense account, which may be more or less than the original purchase price. The compensation expense resulting from the release of the common stock from the suspense account and allocation to the accounts of plan participants will result in a corresponding reduction in the earnings of New EWSB Bancorp.
103
Directors’ Compensation
The following table sets forth for the year ended December 31, 2023, certain information as to the total remuneration we paid to our non-employee directors. Information with respect to director fees paid to Mr. Schmalz is included above in “Executive Officer Compensation—Summary Compensation Table.”
| Name | Fees
Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | All
Other Compensation ($) | Total ($) | |||||||||
| Lisa Cruz | 23,800 | — | 23,800 | |||||||||
| Kenneth Demerath | 21,000 | — | 21,000 | |||||||||
| Kay M. Dorow | 15,250 | — | 15,250 | |||||||||
| Steve Haen | 25,200 | — | 25,200 | |||||||||
| Lori Hoersch | 25,200 | — | 25,200 | |||||||||
| Steve Tyink | 19,600 | — | 19,600 | |||||||||
Director Fees. For the year ended December 31, 2023, non-employee directors received a board meeting fee of $1,400. In addition, each committee member of the loan and/or the compensation committee received a meeting fee of $1,400 for each loan committee meeting and $700 for each compensation committee meeting.
Each individual who serves as a director of the Bank also serves as a director of New EWSB Bancorp. Initially, each director will receive director fees only in his or her capacity as a director of the Bank. Following the completion of the conversion and stock offering, EWSB Bancorp may also pay director fees but has not determined to do so at this time.
Deferred Fee Plan. The Bank maintains the East Wisconsin Savings Bank Amended and Restated Deferred Fee Plan, pursuant to which directors may elect to defer a portion of their director’s fees each year. The Bank credits the deferred amounts with interest at a rate determined by the board of directors. Directors may elect to receive their deferred fees and interest when they separate from service or at a specified age and have the benefits paid in a lump sum or installments.
Benefits to be Considered Following Completion of the Stock Offering
Following the offering, we intend to adopt a stock-based benefit plan that will provide for grants of stock options and restricted common stock awards. In accordance with applicable regulations, we anticipate that the plan will authorize a number of stock options and a number of shares of restricted stock, not to exceed 10% and 3%, respectively, of the shares issued in the offering. These limitations will not apply if the plan is implemented more than one year after the consummation date of the conversion.
The stock-based benefit plan will not be established sooner than six months after the conversion is completed and, if adopted within one year after the conversion, would require the approval by stockholders owning a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock of New EWSB Bancorp. If the stock-based benefit plan is established after one year after the conversion, it would require the approval of our stockholders by a majority of votes cast.
104
The following additional restrictions would apply to our stock-based benefit plan only if the plan is adopted within one year after the completion of the conversion:
| · | non-employee directors in the aggregate may not receive more than 30% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan; |
| · | any non-employee director may not receive more than 5% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan; |
| · | any officer or employee may not receive more than 25% of the options and restricted stock awards authorized under the plan; |
| · | the options and restricted stock awards may not vest more rapidly than 20% per year, beginning on the first anniversary of stockholder approval of the plan; and |
| · | accelerated vesting is not permitted except for death, disability or upon a change in control of New EWSB Bancorp or the Bank. |
We have not yet determined whether we will present the stock-based benefit plan for stockholder approval within one year following the completion of the conversion. In the event of changes in applicable regulations or policies regarding stock-based benefit plans, including any regulations or policies restricting the size of awards and vesting of benefits as described above, the restrictions described above may not be applicable.
We may obtain the shares needed for our stock-based benefit plans by issuing additional shares of common stock from authorized but unissued shares or through stock repurchases.
The actual value of the shares awarded under stock-based benefit plans would be based in part on the price of the common stock of New EWSB Bancorp at the time the shares are awarded. The following table presents the total value of all shares of restricted stock that would be available for issuance under the new stock-based benefit plan, assuming the shares are awarded when the market price of our common stock ranges from $8.00 per share to $14.00 per share.
| Share Price | Value of
22,313 Shares Awarded at Minimum of Offering Range | Value of
26,250 Shares Awarded at Midpoint of Offering Range | Value of
30,188 Shares Awarded at Maximum of Offering Range | Value of
34,716 Shares Awarded at Adjusted Maximum of Offering Range | ||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except share price information) | ||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 8.00 | $ | 179 | $ | 210 | $ | 242 | $ | 275 | |||||||||
| 10.00 | 223 | 263 | 302 | 347 | ||||||||||||||
| 12.00 | 268 | 315 | 362 | 417 | ||||||||||||||
| 14.00 | 312 | 368 | 423 | 486 | ||||||||||||||
105
The grant-date fair value of the options granted under the new stock-based benefit plan will be based in part on the price of shares of common stock of New EWSB Bancorp at the time the options are granted. The value also will depend on the various assumptions utilized in the option pricing model ultimately adopted. The following table presents the total estimated value of the options to be available for grant under the stock-based benefit plan, assuming the market price and exercise price for the stock options are equal and the range of market prices for the shares is $8.00 per share to $14.00 per share. The Black-Scholes option pricing model provides an estimate only of the fair value of the stock options, and the actual value of the stock options may differ significantly from the value set forth in this table.
| Exercise Price | Grant-Date
Fair Value Per Option | Value of
74,375 Options at Minimum of Offering Range | Value of
87,500 Options at Midpoint of Offering Range | Value of
100,625 Options at Maximum of Offering Range | Value of
115,719 Options at Adjusted Maximum of Offering Range | |||||||||||||||||
| (In thousands, except exercise price and fair value information) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 8.00 | $ | 3.33 | $ | 248 | $ | 291 | $ | 335 | $ | 385 | |||||||||||
| 10.00 | 4.16 | 309 | 364 | 419 | 481 | |||||||||||||||||
| 12.00 | 4.99 | 371 | 437 | 502 | 577 | |||||||||||||||||
| 14.00 | 5.82 | 433 | 509 | 586 | 673 | |||||||||||||||||
The tables presented above are provided for informational purposes only. There can be no assurance that our stock price will not trade below $10.00 per share. Before you make an investment decision, we urge you to read this prospectus carefully, including, but not limited to, the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 15.
106
SUBSCRIPTIONS BY DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The following table sets forth information regarding intended common stock subscriptions by each of the directors and executive officers and their associates, and by all directors, executive officers and their associates as a group. However, there can be no assurance that any such person or group will purchase any specific number of shares of our common stock. In the event the individual maximum purchase limitation is increased, persons subscribing for the maximum amount may increase their purchase order. Directors and officers will purchase shares of common stock at the same $10.00 purchase price per share and on the same terms as other purchasers in the offering. This table excludes shares of common stock to be purchased by the ESOP, as well as any stock awards or stock option grants that may be made no earlier than six months after the completion of the offering. Purchases by directors, officers and their associates will be included in determining whether the required minimum number of shares has been subscribed for in the offering. The shares being acquired by the directors, executive officers and their associates are being acquired for investment purposes, and not with a view towards resale. Our directors and executive officers will be subject to the same minimum purchase requirements and purchase limitations as other participants in the offering set forth under “The Conversion and Offering—Additional Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”
| Name and Title | Number
of Shares (1) | Aggregate
Purchase Price (1) | Percent
of Outstanding Shares at Minimum of Offering Range | |||||||||
| Charles D. Schmalz, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer | 30,000 | $ | 300,000 | 4.0 | % | |||||||
| Lisa Cruz, Director | 5,000 | 50,000 | * | |||||||||
| Kenneth P. Demerath, Director | 5,000 | 50,000 | * | |||||||||
| Kay M. Dorow, Director | 10,000 | 100,000 | 1.3 | % | ||||||||
| Steven Haen, Director | 2,000 | 20,000 | * | |||||||||
| Lori Hoersch, Director | 15,000 | 150,000 | 2.0 | % | ||||||||
| Steve Tyink, Director | 2,500 | 25,000 | * | |||||||||
| James E. Mangold, Vice President, Lending | 20,000 | 200,000 | 2.7 | % | ||||||||
| Kory J. Schneider, Vice President, Member Experience | 23,000 | 230,000 | 3.1 | % | ||||||||
| Scott J. Liske, Vice President, Chief Risk Officer | 5,000 | 50,000 | * | |||||||||
| All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons) | 117,500 | $ | 1,175,000 | 15.8 | % | |||||||
| * | Less than 1.0%. |
| (1) | Includes purchases by the named individual’s spouse and other relatives of the named individual living in the same household and/or by the named individual’s associates. |
107
The boards of directors of the MHC, Old EWSB Bancorp, New EWSB Bancorp and the Bank have each unanimously approved the plan of conversion. The plan of conversion must also be approved by the members of the MHC (i.e., depositors of the Bank) and by the MHC, the sole stockholder of Old EWSB Bancorp. A special meetings of members has been called for this purpose. We have filed applications with the Federal Reserve Board and the Department with respect to the conversion and with the Federal Reserve Board with respect to the Company becoming the holding company for the Bank. The approvals of the Federal Reserve Board and the Department are required before we can consummate the conversion and issue shares of common stock. Any approval by the Federal Reserve Board or the Department does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of the plan of conversion.
General
Pursuant to the plan of conversion, our organization will convert from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully stock form of organization. The MHC will be merged with and into Old EWSB Bancorp and, as a result, the MHC will cease to exist. Old EWSB Bancorp, which owns 100% of the outstanding common stock of the Bank, will merge with and into the Company, a new Maryland corporation, and, as a result, Old EWSB Bancorp will cease to exist. As part of the conversion, the MHC’s 100% ownership interest in Old EWSB Bancorp will be offered for sale in the stock offering. When the conversion and offering is completed, the Company will own all of the outstanding common stock of the Bank and public stockholders will own all of the outstanding common stock of the Company. A diagram of our corporate structure before and after the conversion is set forth in the “Summary” section of this prospectus.
We intend to retain $100,000 of the net conversion proceeds at the Company and enough of the net proceeds to fund the loan to the ESOP. The remainder of the net conversion proceeds will be contributed to the Bank. The conversion will be consummated only upon the issuance of at least the minimum number of shares of our common stock offered pursuant to the plan of conversion.
The plan of conversion provides that we will offer shares of common stock for sale in the subscription offering to eligible account holders, our tax-qualified ESOP, supplemental account holders, and other members (qualifying depositors of the Bank). In addition, we may offer common stock for sale in a community offering to members of the general public, with a preference given to natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago Counties, Wisconsin.
We have the right to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any orders to purchase shares of the common stock received in the community offering. The community offering may begin concurrently with, during or after the subscription offering and must be completed within 45 days after the completion of the subscription offering unless otherwise extended by the Federal Reserve Board and the Department. See “—Community Offering.”
We also may offer for sale shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription or community offerings in a syndicated community offering in which Performance Trust will be sole manager. See “—Syndicated Community Offering.”
We determined the number of shares of common stock to be offered in the offering based upon an independent valuation appraisal of the estimated pro forma market value of the Company. All shares of common stock to be sold in the offering will be sold at $10.00 per share. Investors will not be charged a commission to purchase shares of common stock. The independent valuation will be updated and the final number of shares of common stock to be issued in the offering will be determined at the completion of the offering. See “—Stock Pricing and Number of Shares to be Issued” for more information as to the determination of the estimated pro forma market value of the common stock.
108
The following is a brief summary of the conversion and offering and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the provisions of the plan of conversion. A copy of the plan of conversion is available for inspection at each office of the Bank. The plan of conversion is also filed as an exhibit to the MHC’s application for conversion, of which this prospectus is a part, copies of which may be obtained from the Federal Reserve Board and the Department. The plan of conversion is also filed as an exhibit to the registration statement we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, of which this prospectus is a part. Copies of the registration statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission or online at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website (www.sec.gov). See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”
Reasons for the Conversion
Our primary reasons for converting and raising additional capital through the offering are to:
| · | increase capital to improve our regulatory capital position and support future operations and profitability; |
| · | transition our organization to a stock holding company structure, which gives us greater flexibility to access the capital markets compared to our existing mutual holding company structure; |
| · | enhance our ability to manage risk; and |
| · | enhance our community ties by providing customers and members of our community with the opportunity to acquire an ownership interest in New EWSB Bancorp and the Bank. |
Approvals Required
The affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast by the members of the MHC (i.e., eligible depositors of the Bank) is required to approve the plan of conversion. By their approval of the plan of conversion, the members of the MHC will also be approving the merger of the MHC with and into Old EWSB Bancorp. The affirmative vote of the MHC, the sole stockholder of Old EWSB Bancorp, also is required to approve the plan of conversion. We have filed applications with the Federal Reserve Board and the Department with respect to the conversion and with the Federal Reserve Board with respect to the Company becoming the holding company for the Bank. The approvals of the Federal Reserve Board and the Department are required before we can consummate the conversion and issue shares of common stock.
Effects of Conversion on Depositors and Borrowers
Continuity. The conversion will not affect the normal business of the Bank of accepting deposits and making loans. The Bank will continue to be a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank and will continue to be regulated by the Department and the FDIC. After the conversion, the Bank will continue to offer existing services to depositors, borrowers and other customers. The directors of the Bank serving at the time of the conversion will be the directors of the Company upon the completion of the conversion.
109
Effect on Deposit Accounts. Pursuant to the plan of conversion, each depositor of the Bank at the time of the conversion will automatically continue as a depositor after the conversion, and the deposit balance, interest rate and other terms of such deposit accounts will not change as a result of the conversion. Each such account will be insured by the FDIC to the same extent as before the conversion. Depositors will continue to hold their existing certificates and other evidence of their accounts.
Effect on Loans. No loan outstanding from the Bank will be affected by the conversion, and the amount, interest rate, maturity and security for each loan will remain as it was contractually fixed before the conversion.
Effect on Voting Rights of Depositors. Depositors of the Bank are members of, and have voting rights in, the MHC, as to all matters requiring a vote of members. Upon completion of the conversion, depositors will no longer have voting rights. All voting rights in the Bank will be vested in the Company as the sole stockholder of the Bank. The stockholders of the Company will possess exclusive voting rights with respect to the common stock of the Company.
Tax Effects. We have received an opinion of counsel with regard to the federal income tax consequences of the conversion and an opinion of our tax advisor with regard to the Wisconsin income tax consequences of the conversion to the effect that the conversion will not be a taxable transaction for federal or state income tax purposes to the MHC, Old EWSB Bancorp, the Bank, eligible account holders, supplemental eligible account holders, or other members. See “—Material Income Tax Consequences.”
Effect on Liquidation Rights. Each depositor in the Bank has both a deposit account in the Bank and a pro rata ownership interest in the net worth of the MHC based upon the deposit balance in his or her account. This ownership interest is tied to the depositor’s account and has no tangible market value separate from the deposit account. This ownership interest may only be realized in a complete liquidation of the MHC and the Bank; however, there has never been a liquidation of a solvent mutual holding company. Any depositor who opens a deposit account before the completion of the offering receives a pro rata ownership interest in the MHC without any additional payment beyond the amount of the deposit. A depositor who reduces or closes his or her account receives a portion or all of the balance in the deposit account but nothing for his or her ownership interest in the net worth of the MHC, which is lost to the extent that the balance in the account is reduced or closed.
Consequently, depositors in a stock depository institution that is a subsidiary of a mutual holding company normally have no way of realizing the value of their ownership interest, which would be realizable only in the unlikely event that the MHC and the Bank are liquidated completely. If this occurs, the depositors of record at that time, as owners, would share pro rata in any residual surplus and reserves of the MHC after other claims, including claims of depositors to the amounts of their deposits, are paid.
Under the plan of conversion, Eligible Account Holders (as defined below) and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders (as defined below) will receive an interest in liquidation accounts maintained by the Company and the Bank in an aggregate amount equal to (i) the MHC’s ownership interest in Old EWSB Bancorp’s total stockholders’ equity as of the date of the latest consolidated balance sheets included in this prospectus, plus (ii) the value of the net assets of the MHC as of the date of the latest consolidated balance sheets of the MHC before the consummation of the conversion (excluding its ownership of Old EWSB Bancorp). The Company and the Bank will hold the liquidation accounts for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain deposits in the Bank after the conversion. The liquidation accounts are intended to preserve for Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain their deposit accounts with the Bank a liquidation interest in the residual net worth, if any, of the Company or the Bank (after the payment of all creditors, including depositors to the full extent of their deposit accounts) in the event of a liquidation of (a) the Company and the Bank or (b) the Bank. See “—Liquidation Rights.”
110
Determination of Share Price and Number of Shares to be Issued
The plan of conversion and applicable state and federal regulations require that the aggregate purchase price of the common stock sold in the stock offering be based on the appraised pro forma market value of the common stock, as determined by an independent valuation. We have retained Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., an independent appraisal firm, to prepare an independent valuation appraisal. For its services in preparing the initial valuation, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. will receive a fee of $35,000. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. will receive a fee of $5,000 for each valuation update, and will be reimbursed for its expenses up to $5,000.
We are not affiliated with Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., and neither we nor Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. has an economic interest in, or is held in common with, the other. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. represents and warrants that it is not aware of any fact or circumstance that would cause it not to be “independent” within the meaning of the conversion regulations or the applicable regulatory valuation guidelines or otherwise prohibit or restrict in anyway Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. from serving in the role of our independent appraiser.
We have agreed to indemnify Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. and its employees and affiliates against specified losses, including any losses in connection with claims under the federal securities laws, arising out of its services as independent appraiser, except where such liability results from its gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
The independent valuation appraisal considered the pro forma effect of the stock offering. Consistent with federal appraisal guidelines, the appraisal applied three primary methodologies: (i) the pro forma price-to-book value approach applied to both reported book value and tangible book value; (ii) the pro forma price-to-earnings approach applied to reported and core earnings; and (iii) the pro forma price-to-assets approach. The market value ratios applied in the three methodologies were based on the current market valuations of the peer group companies. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. placed the greatest emphasis on the price-to-book approach in estimating pro forma market value. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. did not consider a pro forma price-to-earnings approach to be meaningful in preparing the appraisal due to our recent operating losses. The price-to-assets approach was less meaningful for a company like us, as we are an operating business and not seeking to replace assets or liabilities.
The independent valuation was prepared by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in reliance upon the information contained in this prospectus, including our consolidated financial statements. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. also considered the following factors, among others:
| · | the operating results and financial condition of the Bank and the projected operating results and financial condition of New EWSB Bancorp; |
| · | the economic and demographic conditions in our existing market area; |
| · | certain historical, financial, and other information relating to us; |
| · | a comparative evaluation of our operating and financial characteristics with those of other similarly situated publicly traded savings institutions; |
111
| · | the impact of the conversion and stock offering on New EWSB Bancorp’s stockholders’ equity and earnings potential; |
| · | our proposed dividend policy; and |
| · | the trading market for securities of comparable institutions and general conditions in the market for such securities. |
The independent valuation is also based on an analysis of a peer group of publicly traded savings and loan and bank holding companies that Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considered comparable to us under regulatory guidelines applicable to the independent valuation. Under these guidelines, a minimum of ten peer group companies are selected from the universe of all publicly traded savings institutions with relatively comparable resources, strategies, and financial and other operating characteristics. Such companies must also be traded on an exchange (such as the Nasdaq Stock Market or the New York Stock Exchange). Because of the initial and continuing listing standards of the Nasdaq Stock Market and the New York Stock Exchange, including public float and round lot holders requirements, as well as the fact that many of the smaller converted savings institutions ultimately de-list their shares from the Nasdaq Stock Market and/or are acquired by larger companies, all but one of the peer group companies has a comparatively larger asset size than our asset size. The peer group companies selected also consisted of fully converted stock institutions that were not subject to an actual or rumored acquisition and that had been in fully converted form for at least one year. In addition, the peer group companies were limited to the following selection criteria: (i) headquartered in Midwest, Southwest, Southeast, or Mid-Atlantic states; (ii) total assets of less than $1.2 billion; and (iii) tangible common equity-to-assets ratios of greater than 3.0%. Among the companies meeting these criteria, greater selection emphasis was placed on smaller institutions and headquarters location in Midwest states.
Included in the independent valuation were certain assumptions as to our pro forma earnings after the conversion that were utilized in determining the appraised value. These assumptions included estimated expenses, an assumed after-tax rate of return on the net offering proceeds of 3.03%, and purchases in the open market of 3.0% of the common stock sold in the stock offering by the stock-based benefit plan at the $10.00 purchase price. See “Pro Forma Data” for additional information concerning these assumptions. The use of different assumptions may yield different results.
The independent valuation states that at February 23, 2024, the estimated pro forma market value of New EWSB Bancorp ranged from $7.4 million to $10.1 million, with a midpoint of $8.8 million. Our board of directors decided to offer the shares of common stock for a price of $10.00 per share primarily because it is the price most commonly used in mutual-to-stock conversions of financial institutions. The number of shares offered for sale in the stock offering equals the aggregate offering price of the shares divided by the price per share. Based on the valuation range and the $10.00 price per share, the minimum of the offering range is 743,750 shares, the midpoint of the offering range is 875,000 shares, and the maximum of the offering range is 1,006,250 shares, or 1,157,188 shares if the maximum amount is increased by 15% because of demand for shares or changes in market conditions.
In applying each of the valuation methods, Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. considered adjustments to the pro forma market value based on a comparison of New EWSB Bancorp with the peer group. Feldman Financial made downward adjustments for earnings growth and viability, financial condition, liquidity of the stock issue, and marketing of the stock issue, while applying an upward adjustment for market area. The downward adjustment for earnings growth and viability was prompted by our lower profitability, lower net interest margin and less favorable efficiency ratio as compared to the overall peer group companies. The downward adjustment for financial condition was mainly related to our much lower ratio of equity to assets. The downward adjustment for the liquidity of the issue took into consideration the lower number of shares to be outstanding and the lower market capitalization expected in comparison to the peer group companies. The downward adjustment for dividend policy reflected our stated intention currently not to pay cash dividends to our stockholders. The downward adjustment for marketing of the issue was based on the risk and uncertainty related to a new offering in the current environment of market volatility. The upward adjustment for our market area reflected the more attractive demographic data in comparison to the peer group’s overall markets, specifically in regard to household income levels, population growth forecasts and recent unemployment rates. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. made no adjustments for management and subscription interest.
112
The following table presents a summary of selected pricing ratios for the peer group companies and for New EWSB Bancorp (on a pro forma basis) utilized by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in its appraisal. These ratios are based on New ESWB Bancorp’s pro forma book value, tangible book value, and core earnings as of and for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The peer group ratios are based on the latest date for which complete financial data are publicly available and stock prices as of February 23, 2024. Compared to the average pricing of the peer group, our pro forma pricing ratios at the midpoint of the offering range indicated a discount of 34.9% on a price-to-book value basis and a discount of 35.6% on a price-to-tangible book value basis. Due to our recent net loss, our calculated price-to-core earnings ratio at the midpoint was not meaningful and, therefore, not subject to comparison with the peer group ratios.
| Price-to-core
earnings multiple (1) | Price-to-book
value ratio | Price-to-tangible
book value ratio | ||||||||||
| EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (pro forma basis, assuming completion of the conversion and stock offering): | ||||||||||||
| Adjusted Maximum | NM | 57.11 | % | 57.11 | % | |||||||
| Maximum | NM | 53.22 | % | 53.22 | % | |||||||
| Midpoint | NM | 49.38 | % | 49.38 | % | |||||||
| Minimum | NM | 44.96 | % | 44.96 | % | |||||||
| Valuation of peer group companies, all of which are fully converted (historical basis): | ||||||||||||
| Average | 17.66 | x | 75.87 | % | 76.72 | % | ||||||
| Median | 18.48 | x | 77.34 | % | 77.40 | % | ||||||
| (1) | Price-to-earnings multiples calculated by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in the independent appraisal are based on an estimate of “core” or recurring earnings. These ratios are different than those presented in “Pro Forma Data.” Our price-to-core earnings ratios are negative values and are shown as not meaningful. |
The following table presents information regarding the peer group companies utilized by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in its independent appraisal. All of the peer group companies are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
| Company Name | Ticker Symbol |
Headquarters | Total assets
as of December 31, 2023 (in millions) |
|||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. | BCOW | Greenfield, WI | $ | 557.6 | ||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | CLST | Opelousas, LA | 270.9 | |||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. | CULL | Cullman, AL | 410.6 | |||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. | GBNY | Seneca Falls, NY | 424.4 | |||||
| HMN Financial, Inc. | HMNF | Rochester, MN | 1,107.1 | |||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana | HFBL | Shreveport, LA | 654.2 | |||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | IROQ | Watseka, IL | 910.8 | |||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. | NSTS | Waukegan, IL | 256.8 | |||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. | PBBK | Coatesville, PA | 439.7 | |||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. | TCBC | Thomasville, GA | 466.6 | |||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | TCBS | Mineola, TX | 452.0 | |||||
113
Our board of directors reviewed the independent valuation and, in particular, considered the following:
| · | our financial condition and results of operations; |
| · | a comparison of our financial performance ratios to those of other financial institutions of similar size; and |
| · | market conditions generally and, in particular, for financial institutions. |
All of these factors are set forth in the independent valuation. Our board of directors also reviewed the methodology and the assumptions used by Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. in preparing the independent valuation and believes that such assumptions were reasonable. The offering range may be amended with the approval of the Department and the Federal Reserve Board, if required, as a result of subsequent developments in our financial condition or market conditions generally. If the independent valuation is updated to amend our pro forma market value to less than $7.4 million or more than $11.6 million, the updated appraisal will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by means of a post-effective amendment to our registration statement.
The independent valuation is not intended, and must not be construed, as a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of our common stock. Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. did not independently verify our consolidated financial statements and other information that we provided to them, nor did Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. independently value our assets or liabilities. The independent valuation considers New EWSB Bancorp as a going concern and should not be considered as an indication of its liquidation value. Moreover, because the valuation is necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which may change from time to time, no assurance can be given that persons purchasing our common stock in the stock offering will thereafter be able to sell their shares at prices at or above the $10.00 offering price per share.
Following commencement of the subscription offering, the maximum of the valuation range may be increased by up to 15%, or up to $11.6 million, which would result in a corresponding increase of up to 15% in the maximum of the offering range to up to 1,157,188 shares, to reflect changes in the market and financial conditions or demand for the shares. We will not increase the offering range above this level or decrease the minimum of the offering range without a resolicitation of subscribers. The subscription price of $10.00 per share will remain fixed. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases” as to the method of distribution and allocation of additional shares that may be issued in the event of an increase in the offering range to fill unfilled orders in the stock offering.
If the update to the independent valuation at the conclusion of the stock offering results in an increase in the maximum of the valuation range to more than $11.6 million and a corresponding increase in the offering range to more than 1,157,188 shares, or a decrease in the minimum of the valuation range to less than $7.4 million and a corresponding decrease in the offering range to fewer than 743,750 shares, then we will promptly return, with interest at a rate of [interest rate%] per annum, all funds received in the stock offering and cancel deposit account withdrawal authorizations. After consulting with the Department and the Federal Reserve Board, we may terminate the plan of conversion. Alternatively, we may establish a new offering range and commence a resolicitation of subscribers or take other actions as permitted by the Department and the Federal Reserve Board in order to complete the conversion and stock offering. If we conduct a resolicitation, we will notify subscribers of their rights to place a new stock order for a specified period of time. If a person does not respond, we will cancel his or her stock order and return his or her subscription funds, with interest, and cancel any authorization to withdraw funds from deposit accounts for the purchase of shares of common stock. Any resolicitation following the conclusion of the subscription and community offerings would not exceed 45 days unless further extended with the approval, to the extent approval is required, of the Department and the Federal Reserve Board, for periods of up to 90 days.
114
An increase in the number of shares to be issued in the stock offering would decrease both a subscriber’s ownership interest and our pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis while increasing pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. A decrease in the number of shares to be issued in the stock offering would increase both a subscriber’s ownership interest and our pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on a per share basis, while decreasing pro forma earnings and stockholders’ equity on an aggregate basis. For a presentation of the effects of these changes, see “Pro Forma Data.”
Copies of the independent valuation appraisal report of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. and the detailed memorandum setting forth the method and assumptions used in the appraisal report are filed as exhibits to the documents specified under “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”
Subscription Offering and Subscription Rights
In accordance with the plan of conversion, rights to subscribe for shares of common stock in the subscription offering have been granted in the following descending order of priority. The filling of all subscriptions that we receive will depend on the availability of common stock after satisfaction of all subscriptions of all persons having prior rights in the subscription offering and on the purchase and ownership limitations set forth in the plan of conversion and as described below under “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.”
Priority 1: Eligible Account Holders. Each depositor of the Bank with aggregate deposit account balances of $50.00 or more (a “Qualifying Deposit”) at the close of business on December 31, 2022 (an “Eligible Account Holder”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase, subject to the overall purchase limitations, up to the greater of $150,000 (15,000 shares) of our common stock, 0.10% of the total number of shares of common stock issued in the offering, or 15 times the product of the number of subscription shares offered multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator is the aggregate Qualifying Deposit account balances of the Eligible Account Holder and the denominator is the aggregate Qualifying Deposit account balances of all Eligible Account Holders. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will first be allocated so as to permit each Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his, her or its total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which he, she or it subscribed. Thereafter, any remaining unallocated shares will be allocated to each remaining Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in same the proportion that the amount of his, her or its Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all subscribing Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled. If an amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated among those Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are not fully satisfied until all available shares have been allocated.
To ensure proper allocation of our shares of common stock, each Eligible Account Holder must list on his or her stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she has an ownership interest at the close of business on December 31, 2022. If there is an oversubscription, failure to list all accounts could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed. If there is an oversubscription, the subscription rights of Eligible Account Holders who are also directors or officers of the Bank specified in the plan of conversion or who are associates of such persons will be subordinated to the subscription rights of other Eligible Account Holders to the extent attributable to their increased deposits in the 12 months preceding December 31, 2022.
115
Priority 2: Tax-Qualified Plan. Our ESOP will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the number of shares of common stock sold in the offering, although our ESOP intends to purchase 7% of the sum shares of common stock sold in the offering. If market conditions warrant, in the judgment of its trustees, the ESOP may instead elect to purchase shares in the open market following the completion of the conversion, subject to the approval of the Federal Reserve Board and the Department.
Priority 3: Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. To the extent that there are sufficient shares of common stock remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders and by our ESOP, each depositor of the Bank with a Qualifying Deposit at the close of business on March 31, 2024, who is not an Eligible Account Holder (a “Supplemental Eligible Account Holder”), will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to $150,000 (15,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will be allocated so as to permit each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his, her or its total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares of common stock or the number of shares for which he, she or it subscribed. Thereafter, any remaining shares will be allocated to each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unfilled in the proportion that the amount of his, her or its Qualifying Deposit bears to the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unfilled. If an amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated among those Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are not fully satisfied until all available shares have been allocated.
To ensure proper allocation of common stock, each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder must list on the stock order form all deposit accounts in which he or she has an ownership interest at the close of business on March 31, 2024. If there is an oversubscription, failure to list all accounts could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.
Priority 4: Other Members. To the extent that there are shares of common stock remaining after satisfaction of subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders, by our ESOP and by Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, each depositor of the Bank at the close of business on [voting record date] who is not an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder (collectively, “Other Members”) will receive, without payment therefor, nontransferable subscription rights to purchase up to $150,000 (15,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” If there are not sufficient shares available to satisfy all subscriptions, shares will be allocated so as to permit each Other Member to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his, her or its total allocation equal to the lesser of 100 shares of common stock or the number of shares for which he, she or it subscribed. Thereafter, any remaining shares will be allocated in the proportion that the amount of the subscription of each Other Member bears to the total amount of the subscriptions of all Other Members whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied.
To ensure proper allocation of common stock, each Other Member must list on the stock order form all deposit accounts in which he, she or it has an ownership interest at the close of business on [voting record date]. If there is an oversubscription, failure to list all accounts could result in fewer shares being allocated than if all accounts had been disclosed.
Expiration Date. The subscription offering will expire at 3:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date] unless extended by us for up to 45 days or such additional periods with the approval of the Federal Reserve Board and the Department, if necessary. Subscription rights will expire whether or not each account holder can be located. We may decide to extend the expiration date of the subscription offering for any reason, whether or not subscriptions have been received for shares at the minimum, midpoint, maximum or adjusted maximum of the offering range. Subscription rights which have not been exercised before the expiration date will become void.
116
We will not execute orders until at least the minimum number of shares of common stock has been sold in the offering. If at least 743,750 shares have not been sold in the offering by [extension date] and the Federal Reserve Board and the Department have not consented to an extension, all funds delivered to us to purchase shares of common stock in the offering will be returned promptly, with interest at [interest rate %] per annum, for funds received in the subscription and community offerings, and all deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be canceled. If the Federal Reserve Board and the Department grant an extension beyond [extension date], we will resolicit purchasers in the offering as described under “—Procedure for Purchasing Shares in the Subscription and Community Offerings—Expiration Date.”
Community Offering
To the extent that shares of common stock remain available for purchase after satisfaction of all subscriptions of Eligible Account Holders, our ESOP, Supplemental Eligible Account Holder and Other Members, we may offer shares pursuant to the plan of conversion to members of the general public in a community offering. If there is a community offering, shares would be offered with the following preferences:
| (i) | Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago Counties, Wisconsin; and |
| (ii) | Other members of the general public. |
Subscribers in the community offering may purchase up to $150,000 (15,000 shares) of common stock, subject to the overall purchase limitations. See “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases.” The opportunity to purchase shares of common stock in the community offering category is subject to our right, in our sole discretion, to accept or reject any such orders in whole or in part either at the time of receipt of an order or as soon as practicable following the expiration date of the offering.
If we do not have sufficient shares of common stock available to fill the orders of natural persons residing in Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago Counties, Wisconsin, we will allocate the available shares among those persons in a manner that permits each of them, to the extent possible, to purchase the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares subscribed for by such person. Thereafter, unallocated shares will be allocated among natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago Counties whose orders remain unsatisfied on an equal number of shares basis per order. If an oversubscription occurs due to the orders of members of the general public, the allocation procedures described above will apply to the orders of such persons. In connection with the allocation process, orders received for shares of common stock in the community offering will first be filled up to a maximum of 2% of the shares sold in the offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order until all shares have been allocated.
The term “residing” or “resident” as used in this prospectus with respect to the community means any person who occupies a dwelling within the local community, has a present intent to remain within the local community for a period of time, and manifests the genuineness of that intent by establishing an ongoing physical presence within the local community together with an indication that such presence within the local community is something other than merely transitory in nature. We may utilize deposit or loan records or other evidence provided to us to determine whether a person is a resident. In all cases, however, the determination shall be in our sole discretion.
117
Expiration Date. The community offering may begin concurrently with, during or promptly after the subscription offering, and is currently expected to terminate at the same time as the subscription offering, and must terminate no more than 45 days following the subscription offering, unless extended. We may decide to extend the community offering for any reason and we are not required to give purchasers notice of any such extension unless such period extends beyond [extension date], in which case we will resolicit purchasers.
Syndicated Community Offering
If feasible, our board of directors may decide to offer for sale shares of common stock not subscribed for or purchased in the subscription and community offerings in a syndicated community offering, subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as we may determine, in a manner that will achieve a wide distribution of our shares of common stock.
If a syndicated community offering is held, Performance Trust will serve as sole book running manager and will assist us on a best efforts basis. In such capacity, Performance Trust may form a syndicate of other brokers-dealers who are member firms of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”). Neither Performance Trust nor any registered broker-dealer will have any obligation to take or purchase any shares of the common stock in the syndicated community offering. We have not selected any particular broker-dealers to participate in a syndicated community offering and will not do so until before the commencement of the syndicated community offering. The shares of common stock will be sold at the same price per share ($10.00 per share) that the shares are sold in the subscription offering and the community offering.
The syndicated community offering will be conducted according to certain Securities and Exchange Commission rules applicable to best efforts “min/max” offerings. Orders in the syndicated community offering will be submitted in substantially the same manner as utilized in the subscription and community offerings. Payments in the syndicated offering, however, must be made in immediately available funds (bank checks, money orders, deposit account withdrawal authorizations from accounts at the Bank or wire transfers). Personal checks will not be accepted. If the closing of the stock offering does not occur, either as a result of not confirming receipt of at least $7.4 million in gross proceeds (the minimum of the offering range) or the inability to satisfy other closing conditions to the stock offering, the funds will be promptly returned with interest at a rate of [interest rate %] per annum.
The closing of the syndicated community offering, which will be simultaneous with the closing of the subscription and community offerings, is subject to conditions set forth in an agency agreement by and among Bank, the Company, the MHC and Old EWSB Bancorp, on one hand, and Performance Trust, on the other hand.
Expiration Date. The syndicated community offering may begin concurrently with, during or after the subscription offering, and may terminate at the same time as the subscription offering, but must terminate no more than 45 days following the expiration of the subscription offering, unless extended with regulatory approval. If held, the syndicated community offering is expected to conclude at 3:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], but must terminate no more than 45 days following the expiration of the subscription offering, unless extended with regulatory approval. We may decide to extend the syndicated community offering for any reason and are not required to give purchasers notice of any such extension unless such period extends beyond [extension date]. If an extension beyond [extension date] is granted by the required regulatory agencies, we will resolicit persons whose orders we accept in the syndicated community offering, giving them an opportunity to confirm, change or cancel their orders. If a person does not respond, we will cancel his or her stock order and return funds, with interest, and cancel any authorization to withdraw funds from deposit accounts for the purchase of shares of common stock. These extensions may not go beyond _______________, 2026, which is two years after the date of the special meeting of members.
118
If for any reason we cannot effect a syndicated community offering of shares of common stock not purchased in the subscription and community offerings, or if there are an insignificant number of shares remaining unsold after such offerings, we will try to make other arrangements for the sale of such unsubscribed shares. The Federal Reserve Board, the Department and FINRA must approve any such arrangement.
Limitations on Common Stock Purchases
The plan of conversion includes the following additional limitations on the number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in the offering:
| (i) | generally, no individual, or individuals acting through a single qualifying account held jointly, may purchase more than 15,000 shares ($150,000) of common stock, and no person or entity together with associates or persons acting in concert with such person or entity, may purchase more than 30,000 shares ($300,000) of common stock in all categories of the stock offering combined, except that our tax-qualified employee benefit plans may purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the shares of common stock sold in the stock offering (including shares issued in the event of an increase in the offering range of up to 15%); |
| (ii) | the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be purchased in all categories of the offering by officers (as specified in our plan of conversion) and directors of the Bank and their associates, in the aggregate, may not exceed 30% of the total shares issued in the conversion; and |
| (iii) | no person may purchase fewer than 25 shares of common stock, to the extent those shares are available for purchase. |
Depending upon market or financial conditions, our board of directors, with regulatory approval and without further approval of members of the MHC and of the MHC as the sole stockholder of Old EWSB Bancorp, may decrease or increase the purchase limitations. If a purchase limitation is increased, subscribers in the subscription offering who ordered the maximum amount of shares of common stock and who indicated on their stock order forms a desire to be resolicited if the purchase limitation is increased will be given the opportunity to increase their orders up to the then applicable revised limit. The effect of this type of resolicitation will be an increase in the number of shares of common stock owned by persons who choose to increase their orders. If the maximum purchase limitation is increased to 5% of the shares sold in the offering, such limitation may be further increased to 9.99%, provided that orders for shares of common stock exceeding 5% of the shares sold in the offering may not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the total shares sold in the offering.
If the offering range is increased to up to 1,157,188 shares of common stock, shares will be allocated in the following order of priority in accordance with the plan of conversion:
| (i) | to fill the subscriptions of our tax-qualified employee benefit plans, specifically our ESOP, for up to 10% of the total number of shares of common stock sold in the offering; |
119
| (ii) | if there is an oversubscription at the Eligible Account Holder, Supplemental Eligible Account Holder or Other Member levels, to fill unfilled subscriptions of these subscribers according to their respective priorities; and |
| (iii) | to fill unfilled subscriptions in the community offering, with preference given first to natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in Outagamie, Calumet and Winnebago Counties, Wisconsin, and then to members of the general public. |
The term “associate” of a person means:
| (i) | any corporation or organization (other than the Bank, Old EWSB Bancorp, the Company or the MHC, or a majority-owned subsidiary of any of those entities) of which the person is a senior officer, partner or, directly or indirectly, 10% beneficial stockholder; |
| (ii) | any trust or other estate in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as a trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; provided, however, it does not include any employee stock benefit plan in which the person has a substantial beneficial interest or serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity; and |
| (iii) | any person who is related by blood or marriage, and who either has the same home as the person or who is a director or officer of Old EWSB Bancorp, the Company, the MHC or the Bank. |
The term “acting in concert” means:
| (i) | knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or |
| (ii) | a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise. |
A person or company that acts in concert with another person or company (“other party”) will also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any tax-qualified employee stock benefit plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for determining whether common stock held by the trustee and common stock held by the employee stock benefit plan will be aggregated.
We have the sole discretion to determine whether prospective purchasers are “associates” or “acting in concert.” We may presume that certain persons are acting in concert based upon, among other things, joint account relationships or the fact that persons share a common address (whether or not related by blood or marriage) or may have filed joint Schedules 13D or 13G with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to other companies. Our directors are not treated as associates of each other solely because of their membership on the board of directors.
Common stock purchased in the offering will be freely transferable except for shares purchased by directors and certain officers of the Company or the Bank and except as described below. Any purchases made by any associate of the Company or the Bank for the explicit purpose of meeting the minimum number of shares of common stock required to be sold in order to complete the offering shall be made for investment purposes only and not with a view toward redistribution. In addition, under FINRA guidelines, members of FINRA and their associates are subject to certain restrictions on transfer of securities purchased in accordance with subscription rights and to certain reporting requirements upon purchase of these securities. For a further discussion of limitations on purchases of our shares of common stock at the time of conversion and thereafter, see “—Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares after Conversion” and “Restrictions on Acquisition of New EWSB Bancorp.”
120
Marketing and Distribution; Compensation
Subscription and Community Offerings. To assist in the marketing of our shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings, we have retained Performance Trust, which is a broker-dealer registered with FINRA. Performance Trust will assist us on a best efforts basis in the subscription and community offerings by:
| · | consulting with us on the marketing implications of the plan of conversion; |
| · | reviewing with us the pro forma financial impact of the offering, based upon the independent appraisal; |
| · | reviewing with us all offering documents, including the prospectus, stock order form and marketing materials (it being understood that the preparation and filing of any and all such documents will be our responsibility and that of our counsel); |
| · | assisting in the design and implementation of a marketing strategy for the offering; |
| · | assisting us in scheduling and preparing meetings with potential investors and/or other broker-dealers, if necessary; and |
| · | providing such other general advice and assistance as may be reasonably requested to promote the successful completion of the offering. |
For these services, Performance Trust has received a management fee of $25,000, which shall be credited to the fees payable at the closing of the offering, and will receive at the closing of the offering a success fee equal to the greater or $250,000 or 1.00% of the aggregate purchase price of the shares of common stock sold in the subscription and community offerings, excluding shares purchased by or on behalf of: (i) any employee benefit plan or trust of the Company or the Bank established for the benefit of its directors, officers and employees; (ii) any charitable foundation established by the Company or the Bank (or any shares contributed to a charitable foundation); and (iii) any director, officer or employee of the Company or the Bank or members of their immediate families (whether directly or through a personal trust), which for these purposes means parents, spouses, siblings, children and grandchildren. The management fee, to the extent actually paid at or before closing, will be credited against the success fee. In the event that the management fee exceeds the aggregate amount due in payment of all fees and reimbursement of expenses, Performance Trust will promptly refund such excess amount to the Company.
Syndicated Community Offering. If shares of common stock are sold in a syndicated community offering, we will pay a fee of 5.0% of the aggregate dollar amount of common stock sold in the syndicated community offering by Performance Trust and any other broker-dealers included in the syndicated community offering. Any syndicated offering will be on a best efforts basis, and Performance Trust will serve as sole book-running manager in such an offering. All fees payable with respect to a syndicated community offering will be in addition to fees payable with respect to the subscription offering and any community offering.
121
Expenses. Performance Trust also will be reimbursed for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses up to a maximum of $100,000 for legal fees and expenses and $10,000 for all other out-of-pocket expenses (which may be increased to $20,000 in the event of re-solicitation of subscribers). If the plan of conversion is terminated or if Performance Trust’s engagement is terminated in accordance with the provisions of the agency agreement, Performance Trust will receive reimbursement of its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. Performance Trust shall have earned in full, and be entitled to be paid in full, all fees then due and payable at such date of termination.
Other. Performance Trust has not prepared any report or opinion constituting a recommendation or advice to us or to persons who subscribe for shares of New EWSB Bancorp common stock, nor has it prepared an opinion as to the fairness to us of the purchase price or the terms of the common stock to be sold in the stock offering. Performance Trust expresses no opinion as to the prices at which the shares of common stock to be issued may trade.
Records Agent Services and Stock Information Center Management
We have also engaged Performance Trust as our records agent and stock information center manager in connection with the conversion and the subscription and community offerings. In its role as records agent and stock information center manager, Performance Trust will assist us by:
performing records agent services, including but not limited to:
| · | consolidation of customer accounts for voting and offering purposes; |
| · | coordinating with our financial printer for labeling and mailing of all proxy and offering materials; |
| · | providing supporting account information to our legal counsel for “blue sky” research and applicable registration; |
| · | assisting our transfer agent with the generation and mailing of statements of ownership, interest and refund checks and 1099-INT statements, as required; |
| · | coordinating proxy tabulation and solicitation efforts; and |
| · | subscription services; and |
stock information center manager services including but not limited to:
| · | coordinating vote solicitation and the special meeting of members; |
| · | designing the stock order forms; |
| · | organizing and supervising the stock information center; and |
| · | employee training. |
Performance Trust will receive a fee of $30,000 for these services, of which $10,000 will become payable upon the mailing of the offering materials, provided, however, in the event of any unusual or additional items or duplication of services required as a result certain circumstances, such fee may be increased by up to $10,000. Performance Trust will also be reimbursed up to $25,000 for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to its engagement as records agent and stock information center manager.
122
Indemnity
We will indemnify Performance Trust against liabilities and expenses, including legal fees, incurred in connection with certain claims or litigation arising out of or based upon untrue statements or omissions contained in the offering materials for the common stock, including liabilities under the Securities Act, as well as certain other claims and litigation arising out of Performance Trust’s engagement with respect to the conversion.
Solicitation of Offers by Officers and Directors
Some of our directors and executive officers may participate in the solicitation of offers to purchase common stock in the subscription and community offerings. These persons will be reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation. Other regular employees of the Bank may assist in the offering, but only in ministerial capacities, and may provide clerical work in effecting a sales transaction. No offers or sales may be made by tellers or at the teller counters. Investment-related questions of prospective purchasers will be directed to executive officers or registered representatives of Performance Trust. Our other employees have been instructed not to solicit offers to purchase shares of common stock or provide advice regarding the purchase of common stock. We will rely on Rule 3a4-1 under the Exchange Act, and sales of common stock will be conducted within the requirements of Rule 3a4-1, so as to permit officers, directors and employees to participate in the sale of common stock. None of our officers, directors or employees will be compensated in connection with their participation in the offering.
Prospectus Delivery
To ensure that each purchaser in the subscription offering and any community offering receives a prospectus at least 48 hours before the expiration of the stock offering according to Rule 15c2-8 of the Exchange Act we may not mail a prospectus any later than five days before the expiration date or hand deliver a prospectus any later than two days before that date. We are not obligated to deliver a prospectus or stock order form by means other than U.S. Mail. Execution of a stock order form will confirm receipt of delivery of a prospectus according to Rule 15c2-8. Stock order forms will be distributed only if preceded or accompanied by a prospectus.
In any syndicated community offering, a prospectus and stock order form in electronic format may be made available on Internet sites or through other online services maintained by Performance Trust or one or more other members of the syndicate, or by their respective affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and, depending upon the syndicate member, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. The members of the syndicate may agree with us to allocate a specific number of shares for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions will be made on the same basis as other allocations.
Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on the Internet sites referenced in the preceding paragraph and any information contained in any other Internet site maintained by any member of the syndicate is not part of this prospectus or the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or by Performance Trust or any other member of the syndicate in its capacity as selling agent or syndicate member and should not be relied upon by investors.
123
Procedure for Purchasing Shares in the Subscription and Community Offerings
Expiration Date. The subscription and community offerings will expire at 3:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date], unless we extend one or both for up to 45 days, with the approval of Federal Reserve Board and the Department, if required. This extension may be approved by us, in our sole discretion, without notice to purchasers in the offering. Any extension of the subscription and/or community offering beyond [extension date] would require the Federal Reserve Board’s and the Department’s approvals. If the offering is so extended, all subscribers will be notified and given an opportunity to confirm, change or cancel their orders. If you do not respond to the notice of extension, we will promptly return your funds, with interest at [interest rate %] per annum, or cancel your deposit account withdrawal authorization. If the offering range is decreased below the minimum of the offering range or is increased above the adjusted maximum of the offering range, all subscribers’ stock orders will be cancelled, their deposit account withdrawal authorizations will be cancelled, and funds submitted to us will be returned promptly, with interest at [interest rate %] per annum, for funds received in the subscription and community offerings. We will then resolicit the subscribers, giving them an opportunity to place a new stock order for a period of time.
We reserve the right in our sole discretion to terminate the offering at any time and for any reason, in which case we will cancel any deposit account withdrawal authorizations and promptly return all funds submitted, with interest [interest rate %] per annum, from the date of receipt as described above.
Use of Order Forms in the Subscription and Community Offerings. To purchase shares of common stock in the subscription and community offerings, you must properly complete an original stock order form and remit full payment. We are not required to accept orders submitted on photocopied or facsimiled stock order forms. All stock order forms must be received (not postmarked) on or before 3:00 p.m., Central Time, on [expiration date]. We are not required to accept stock order forms that are not received by that time, are not signed or are otherwise executed defectively or are received without full payment or without appropriate deposit account withdrawal instructions. We are not required to notify subscribers of incomplete or improperly executed stock order forms. We have the right to waive or permit the correction of incomplete or improperly executed stock order forms. We do not represent, however, that we will do so and we have no affirmative duty to notify any prospective subscriber of any such defects. You may return your stock order form and payment by (1) overnight delivery to the address indicated on the stock order form for this purpose; (2) in-person delivery to the Bank’s corporate office located at 109 West Second Street, Kaukauna, Wisconsin; or (3) regular mail using the stock order reply envelope provided. In-person delivery of stock order forms will be accepted only at the Bank’s corporate office. Do not deliver your stock order form to any other of the Bank’s offices. The Bank is open Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Central Time, excluding bank holidays.
Once tendered, an order form cannot be modified or revoked without our consent. We reserve the absolute right, in our sole discretion, to reject orders received in the community offering, in whole or in part, at the time of receipt or at any time before completion of the offering. If you are ordering shares in the offering, you must represent that you are purchasing shares for your own account and that you have no agreement or understanding with any person for the sale or transfer of the shares. We have the right to reject any order submitted in the offering by a person who we believe is making false representations or who we otherwise believe, either alone or acting in concert with others, is violating, evading, circumventing, or intends to violate, evade or circumvent the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the plan of conversion and of the acceptability of the order forms will be final.
124
By signing the order form, you will be acknowledging that the common stock is not a deposit or savings account and is not federally insured or otherwise guaranteed by the Bank, the FDIC or the federal government, and that you received a copy of this prospectus. However, signing the order form will not result in you waiving your rights under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act.
Payment for Shares. Payment for all shares of common stock must accompany all completed order forms for the purchase to be valid. Payment for shares in the subscription and community offerings may be made by:
| (i) | personal check, bank check or money order, made payable to EWSB Bancorp, Inc. Do not remit cash; or |
| (ii) | authorization of withdrawal of available funds from your East Wisconsin Savings Bank deposit account(s). |
Appropriate means for designating withdrawals from deposit account(s) at the Bank are provided on the stock order form. The funds designated must be available in the account(s) at the time the stock order form is received. A hold will be placed on these funds, making them unavailable to the depositor. Funds authorized for withdrawal will continue to earn interest within the account at the contractual rate until the offering is completed, at which time the designated withdrawal will be made. Interest penalties for early withdrawal applicable to certificate of deposit accounts will not apply to withdrawals authorized for the purchase of shares of common stock; however, if a withdrawal results in a certificate of deposit account with a balance less than the applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate of deposit will be canceled at the time of withdrawal without penalty and the remaining balance will earn interest at the current statement savings rate after the withdrawal. In the case of payments made by personal check, these funds must be available in the account(s). Checks and money orders received in the subscription and community offerings will be immediately cashed and placed in a segregated account at the Bank and will earn interest at [interest rate %] per annum from the date payment is processed until the offering is completed or terminated.
You may not remit cash, any type of third-party checks (including those payable to you and endorsed over to the Company) or an East Wisconsin Savings Bank line of credit check. You may not designate on your stock order form direct withdrawal from a retirement account at the Bank. See “—Using Individual Retirement Account Funds.” Additionally, you may not designate on your stock order form a direct withdrawal from deposit accounts at the Bank with check-writing privileges. Instead, a check should be provided. If you request a direct withdrawal from an account with check-writing privileges, we reserve the right to interpret that as your authorization to treat those funds as if we had received a check for the designated amount, and will immediately withdraw the amount from your demand account(s). If permitted by the Federal Reserve Board and the Department, if we resolicit persons who subscribed for the maximum purchase amount, as described above in “—Limitations on Common Stock Purchases,” such purchasers who wish to increase their purchases will not be able to use personal checks to pay for the additional shares, but instead must pay for the additional shares using immediately available funds. Wire transfers will not otherwise be accepted, except as described below.
Once we receive your executed stock order form, it may not be modified, amended or rescinded without our consent, unless the offering is not completed by [extension date]. If the subscription and community offerings are extended past [extension date], all subscribers will be notified and given an opportunity to confirm, change or cancel their orders. If you do not respond to the notice of extension, we will promptly return your funds, with interest at [interest rate %] per annum, or cancel your deposit account withdrawal authorization. We may resolicit purchasers for a specified period of time.
125
Regulations prohibit the Bank from lending funds or extending credit to any persons to purchase shares of common stock in the offering.
We have the right, in our sole discretion, to permit institutional investors to submit irrevocable orders together with the legally binding commitment for payment and to thereafter pay for the shares of common stock for which they subscribe in the community offering at any time before 48 hours before the completion of the conversion. This payment may be made by wire transfer.
If our ESOP purchases shares in the offering, it will not be required to pay for such shares until completion of the offering, provided that at the expiration of the subscription offering there is a loan commitment from an unrelated financial institution or the Company to lend to the ESOP the necessary amount to fund the purchase.
Using Individual Retirement Account Funds. If you are interested in using funds in your IRA at the Bank or other retirement account to purchase shares of common stock in the offering, you must do so through an account offered by a custodian that can hold common stock. By regulation, the Bank’s IRAs are not capable of holding common stock. Therefore, if you wish to use funds that are currently in an IRA held at the Bank, you may not designate on the order form that you wish funds to be withdrawn from the account for the purchase of common stock. The funds you wish to use for the purchase of common stock will instead have to be transferred to an independent trustee or custodian, such as a brokerage firm, which offers the type of retirement accounts that can hold common stock. The purchase must be made through that account. If you do not have such an account, you will need to establish one before placing a stock order. A one-time and/or annual administrative fee may be payable to the independent trustee or custodian. There will be no early withdrawal or Internal Revenue Service interest penalties for these transfers. Individuals interested in using funds in an individual retirement account or any other retirement account, whether held at the Bank or elsewhere, to purchase shares of common stock should contact our Stock Information Center for guidance as soon as possible, but in no event less than two weeks before the [expiration date] offering deadline. You may select the independent trustee or custodian of your choice. However, processing these transactions takes additional time, and whether such funds can be used may depend on limitations imposed by the institutions where such funds are currently held or the independent trustee or custodian you select. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to use such funds.
Delivery of Shares of Common Stock. All shares of common stock sold will be issued in book entry form. Stock certificates will not be issued. A book entry statement reflecting ownership of shares of common stock issued in the subscription and community offerings will be mailed by our transfer agent to the persons entitled thereto at the registration address noted by them on their stock order forms as soon as practicable following consummation of the conversion and offering. We expect trading in the stock to begin on the first business day following completion of the conversion and offering. You may not be able to sell the shares of common stock that you purchased until a statement reflecting your ownership of shares of common stock is available and delivered to you, even though the shares of common stock will have begun trading. Your ability to sell the shares of common stock before receiving your statement will depend on arrangements you may make with a brokerage firm.
126
Other Restrictions. Notwithstanding any other provision of the plan of conversion, no person is entitled to purchase any shares of common stock to the extent the purchase would be illegal under any federal or state law or regulation, including state “blue sky” regulations, or would violate regulations or policies of FINRA, particularly those regarding free riding and withholding. We may ask for an acceptable legal opinion from any purchaser as to the legality of his or her purchase and we may refuse to honor any purchase order if an opinion is not timely furnished. In addition, we are not required to offer shares of common stock to any person who resides in a foreign country, or in a state of the United States with respect to which any of the following apply:
| (i) | a small number of persons otherwise eligible to subscribe for shares under the plan of conversion reside in such state; |
| (ii) | the offer or sale of shares of common stock to such persons would require us or our employees to register, under the securities laws of such state, as a broker or dealer or to register or otherwise qualify our securities for sale in such state; or |
| (iii) | such registration or qualification would be impracticable for reasons of cost or otherwise. |
Restrictions on Transfer of Subscription Rights and Shares
Applicable banking regulations prohibit any person with subscription rights, including the Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, and Other Members, from transferring or entering into any agreement or understanding to transfer the legal or beneficial ownership of the subscription rights issued under the plan of conversion or the shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise. These rights may be exercised only by the person to whom they are granted and only for his or her account. When registering your stock purchase on the stock order form, you cannot add the name(s) of others for joint stock registration unless they are also named on your qualifying deposit account. Taking this action may jeopardize your subscription rights. Each person exercising subscription rights will be required to certify that he or she is purchasing shares solely for his or her own account and that he or she has no agreement or understanding regarding the sale or transfer of such shares. The regulations also prohibit any person from offering or making an announcement of an offer or intent to make an offer to purchase subscription rights or shares of common stock to be issued upon their exercise before completion of the offering.
We will pursue any and all legal and equitable remedies if we become aware of the transfer of subscription rights, and we will not honor orders that we believe involve the transfer of subscription rights.
Stock Information Center
Our banking office personnel may not, by law, assist with investment-related questions about the offering. If you have any questions regarding the conversion or offering, call our Stock Information Center at [phone number]. The Stock Information Center is open Monday through Friday between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Central Time, except for bank holidays.
Liquidation Rights
Liquidation Before the Conversion. In the unlikely event that the MHC is liquidated before the conversion, all claims of creditors of the MHC would be paid first. Thereafter, if there were any assets of the MHC remaining, these assets would first be distributed to depositors of the Bank pro rata based on the value of their accounts at the Bank.
127
Liquidation Following the Conversion. The plan of conversion provides for the establishment, upon the completion of the conversion, of a liquidation account by the Company for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in an amount equal to (i) the MHC’s ownership interest in Old EWSB Bancorp’s total stockholders’ equity as of the date of the latest consolidated balance sheets contained in this prospectus plus (ii) the value of the net assets of the MHC as of the date of the latest consolidated balance sheets of the MHC before the consummation of the conversion (excluding its ownership of Old EWSB Bancorp). The plan of conversion also provides for the establishment of a parallel liquidation account in the Bank to support the Company’s liquidation account if the Company does not have sufficient assets to fund its obligations under the Company’s liquidation account.
In the unlikely event that the Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, would be paid first. However, except with respect to the liquidation account to be established by the Company, a depositor’s claim would be solely for the principal amount of his or her deposit accounts plus accrued interest. Depositors generally would not have an interest in the value of the assets of the Bank or the Company above that amount.
The liquidation account established by the Company is intended to provide qualifying depositors of the Bank with a liquidation interest (exchanged for the liquidation interests such persons had in the MHC) after the conversion in the event of a complete liquidation of the Company and the Bank or a liquidation solely of the Bank. Specifically, in the unlikely event that either (i) the Bank or (ii) the Company and the Bank were to liquidate after the conversion, all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, would be paid first, followed by a distribution to depositors as of the close of business on December 31, 2022 and March 31, 2024 of their interests in the liquidation account maintained by the Company. Also, in a complete liquidation of both entities, or of the Bank only, when the Company has insufficient assets (other than the stock of the Bank) to fund the liquidation account distribution owed to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, and the Bank has positive net worth, then the Bank shall immediately make a distribution to fund the remaining obligations of the Company under the liquidation account. In no event will any Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder be entitled to a distribution that exceeds such holder’s interest in the liquidation account maintained by the Company as adjusted periodically pursuant to the plan of conversion and federal regulations. If the Company is completely liquidated or sold apart from a sale or liquidation of the Bank, then the Company liquidation account will cease to exist and Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will receive an equivalent interest in the Bank liquidation account, subject to the same rights and terms as the Company liquidation account.
Pursuant to the plan of conversion, after two years from the date of conversion and upon the written request of the Federal Reserve Board and the Department, the Company will transfer, or, upon the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board and the Department, may transfer the liquidation account and the depositors’ interests in such account to the Bank and the liquidation account shall thereupon be subsumed into the liquidation account of the Bank.
Under the rules and regulations of the Federal Reserve Board, a post-conversion merger, consolidation, or similar combination or transaction with another depository institution or depository institution holding company in which the Company or the Bank is not the surviving institution, would not be considered a liquidation. In such a transaction, the liquidation account would be assumed by the surviving institution or company.
128
Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder would have an initial pro-rata interest in the liquidation account for each deposit account, including savings accounts, transaction accounts such as negotiable order of withdrawal accounts, money market deposit accounts, and certificates of deposit, with an aggregate balance of all such accounts of $50.00 or more held in the Bank as of the close of business on December 31, 2022 or March 31, 2024, respectively, equal to the proportion that the balance of such account holder’s deposit account at the close of business on December 31, 2022 or March 31, 2024, respectively, bears to the balance of all deposit accounts of all Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in the Bank on such dates.
If, however, on any December 31 annual closing date commencing after the effective date of the conversion, the amount in any such deposit account is less than the amount in the deposit account at the close of business on December 31, 2022 or March 31, 2024, or any other annual closing date, then the liquidation account as well as the interest in the liquidation account relating to such deposit account will be reduced by the proportion of any such reduction, and such interest will cease to exist if such deposit account is closed. In addition, no interest in the liquidation account would ever be increased despite any subsequent increase in the related deposit account. Payment pursuant to liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders would be separate and apart from the payment of any insured deposit accounts to such depositors. Any assets remaining after the above liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are satisfied would be available for distribution to stockholders.
Material Income Tax Consequences
Completion of the conversion is subject to the prior receipt of an opinion of counsel or tax advisor with respect to the federal and state income tax consequences of the conversion to the MHC, Old EWSB Bancorp, New EWSB Bancorp, the Bank, Eligible Account Holders, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Depositors. Unlike private letter rulings, an opinion of counsel or a tax advisor is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service or any state taxing authority, and those authorities may disagree with the opinions. In the event of a disagreement, there can be no assurance that New EWSB Bancorp or the Bank would prevail in a judicial proceeding.
The MHC, Old EWSB Bancorp, the Bank and New EWSB Bancorp have received an opinion of counsel, Luse Gorman, PC, regarding the material federal income tax consequences of the conversion, which includes the following:
| 1. | The merger of the MHC with and into Old EWSB Bancorp will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
| 2. | The constructive exchange of Eligible Account Holders’ and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders’ liquidation interests in the MHC for liquidation interests in Old EWSB Bancorp will satisfy the continuity of interest requirement of Section 1.368-1(b) of the Federal Income Tax Regulations. |
| 3. | None of the MHC, Old EWSB Bancorp, Eligible Account Holders nor Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will recognize any gain or loss on the transfer of the assets of the MHC to Old EWSB Bancorp and the assumption by Old EWSB Bancorp of the MHC’s liabilities, if any, in constructive exchange for liquidation interests in Old EWSB Bancorp. |
129
| 4. | The basis of the assets of the MHC (other than stock in Old EWSB Bancorp) and the holding period of the assets to be received by Old EWSB Bancorp will be the same as the basis and holding period of such assets in the MHC immediately before the exchange. |
| 5. | The merger of Old EWSB Bancorp with and into New EWSB Bancorp will constitute a mere change in identity, form or place of organization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code and, therefore, will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code. Neither Old EWSB Bancorp nor New EWSB Bancorp will recognize gain or loss as a result of the merger. |
| 6. | The basis of the assets of Old EWSB Bancorp and the holding period of such assets to be received by New EWSB Bancorp will be the same as the basis and holding period of such assets in Old EWSB Bancorp immediately before the exchange. |
| 7. | Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will not recognize any gain or loss upon the constructive exchange of their liquidation interests in Old EWSB Bancorp for interests in the liquidation account in New EWSB Bancorp. |
| 8. | It is more likely than not that the fair market value of the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase New EWSB Bancorp common stock is zero. Accordingly, it is more likely than not that no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders or Supplemental Eligible Account Holders upon distribution to them of nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of New EWSB Bancorp common stock. Eligible Account Holders or Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will not realize any taxable income as the result of the exercise by them of the nontransferable subscriptions rights. |
| 9. | It is more likely than not that the fair market value at the effective date of the conversion of the benefit to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders provided by an interest in the liquidation account of the Bank that they receive is zero. The Bank Liquidation Account supports the payment of the liquidation account of New EWSB Bancorp in the unlikely event that either the Bank (or New EWSB Bancorp and the Bank) were to liquidate after the conversion (including a liquidation of the Bank or the Bank and New EWSB Bancorp in a purchase and assumption transaction with a credit union acquiror) when New EWSB Bancorp lacks sufficient net assets to pay distributions from the liquidation account of New EWSB Bancorp when due. Accordingly, it is more likely than not that no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders upon the distribution to them of such rights in the liquidation account of New EWSB Bancorp as of the effective date of the conversion. |
| 10. | It is more likely than not that the basis of the shares of New EWSB Bancorp common stock purchased in the stock offering by the exercise of nontransferable subscription rights will be the purchase price. The holding period of the New EWSB Bancorp common stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of nontransferable subscription rights will commence on the date the right to acquire such stock was exercised. |
| 11. | No gain or loss will be recognized by New EWSB Bancorp on the receipt of money in exchange for New EWSB Bancorp common stock sold in the stock offering. |
130
We believe that the tax opinions summarized above address the material federal income tax consequences that are generally applicable to the MHC, Old EWSB Bancorp, the Bank, New EWSB Bancorp and persons receiving subscription rights. With respect to items 8 and 10 above, Luse Gorman, PC noted that the subscription rights will be granted at no cost to the recipients, are legally non-transferable and of short duration, and will provide the recipient with the right only to purchase shares of common stock at the same price to be paid by members of the general public in any community offering. Luse Gorman, PC also noted that Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. has issued a letter that the subscription rights have no ascertainable fair market value. Luse Gorman, PC also noted that the Internal Revenue Service has not in the past concluded that subscription rights have value. Based on the foregoing, Luse Gorman, PC believes that it is more likely than not that the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of common stock have no value. However, the issue of whether or not the nontransferable subscription rights have value is based on all the facts and circumstances. If the subscription rights granted to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are deemed to have an ascertainable value, receipt of these rights could result in taxable gain to those Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who exercise the subscription rights in an amount equal to the ascertainable value, and we could recognize gain on the distribution of such rights. Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences in the event that subscription rights are deemed to have an ascertainable value.
The opinion as to item 9 above is based on the position that: (i) no holder of an interest in a liquidation account has ever received any payment attributable to a liquidation of a solvent bank and/or holding company (other than as set forth below); (ii) the interests in the liquidation accounts are not transferable; (iii) the amounts due under the liquidation account with respect to each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder will be reduced as their deposits in the Bank are reduced; (iv) holders of an interest in a liquidation account have received payments of their interests in very few instances (out of hundreds of transactions involving mergers, acquisitions and the purchase of assets and assumption of liabilities of holding companies and subsidiary banks) and these instances involved the purchase and assumption of a bank’s assets and liabilities by a credit union; and (v) the Bank liquidation account payment obligation arises only if New EWSB Bancorp lacks sufficient assets to fund the liquidation account or if the Bank (or the Bank and New EWSB Bancorp) enters into a transaction to transfer the Bank’s assets and liabilities to a credit union.
In addition, we have received a letter from Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. stating its belief that the benefit provided by the Bank liquidation account supporting the payment of the liquidation account if (i) New EWSB Bancorp lacks sufficient net assets or (ii) the Bank (or the Bank and New EWSB Bancorp) enters into a transaction to transfer the Bank’s assets and liabilities to a credit union, does not have any economic value at the time of the conversion. Based on the foregoing, Luse Gorman, PC believes it is more likely than not that such rights in the Bank liquidation account have no value. If such rights are subsequently found to have an economic value as of the effective time of the conversion, income may be recognized by each Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder in the amount of such fair market value as of the date of the conversion.
The opinion of Luse Gorman, PC, unlike a letter ruling issued by the Internal Revenue Service, is not binding on the Internal Revenue Service and the conclusions expressed therein may be challenged at a future date. The Internal Revenue Service has issued favorable rulings for transactions substantially similar to the proposed conversion and stock offering, but any such ruling may not be cited as precedent by any taxpayer other than the taxpayer to whom the ruling is addressed. We do not plan to apply for a letter ruling concerning the transactions described herein.
We have also received an opinion from Wipfli LLP that the Wisconsin state income tax consequences are consistent with the federal income tax consequences.
131
The federal and state tax opinions have been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as exhibits to the registration statement of New EWSB Bancorp.
Certain Restrictions on Purchase or Transfer of Our Shares after Conversion
All shares of common stock purchased in the offering by a director or certain officers (as defined in the plan of conversion) of the Bank, Old EWSB Bancorp, the Company or the MHC generally may not be sold for a period of one year following the closing of the conversion, except if the individual dies. Restricted shares will bear a legend giving notice of this restriction on transfer, and instructions will be issued to the effect that any transfer within this time period of any record ownership of the shares other than as provided above is a violation of the restriction. Any shares of common stock issued at a later date as a stock dividend, stock split, or otherwise, with respect to the restricted stock will be similarly restricted. The directors and executive officers of the Company also will be restricted by the insider trading rules under the Exchange Act.
Purchases of shares of our common stock by any of our directors, certain officers (as defined in the plan of conversion) and their associates, during the three-year period following the closing of the conversion, may be made only through a broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except with the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board. This restriction does not apply, however, to negotiated transactions involving more than 1% of our outstanding common stock or to purchases of our common stock by any of our tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans or non-tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans, including any stock option or restricted stock plans.
Applicable conversion regulations prohibit New EWSB Bancorp from repurchasing its shares of common stock during the first year following the conversion unless compelling business reasons exist for such repurchases, or to fund management recognition plans that have been approved by stockholders (with any applicable regulatory approval) or tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans.
RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF NEW EWSB BANCORP, INC.
Although the board of directors of the Company is unaware of any effort that might be made to obtain control of the Company after the conversion and offering, the board of directors believes that it is appropriate to include certain provisions as part of the articles of incorporation of the Company to protect the interests of the Company and its stockholders from takeovers which the board of directors might conclude are not in the best interests of the Company or its stockholders.
The following discussion is a general summary of the material provisions of Maryland law, the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company, and certain regulatory provisions that may be deemed to have an “anti-takeover” effect. The following description is necessarily general and is not intended to be a complete description of the document or regulatory provision in question. The articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company are included as part of the MHC’s application for conversion filed with the Federal Reserve Board and the Department and with the registration statement filed by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. See “Where You Can Find Additional Information.”
Maryland Law and Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of New EWSB Bancorp
Maryland law, as well as the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company, contain a number of provisions relating to corporate governance and rights of stockholders that may discourage future takeover attempts. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such transactions may not have an opportunity to do so. In addition, these provisions will also render the removal of the board of directors or management of the Company more difficult.
132
Directors. The board of directors will be divided into three classes. The members of each class will be elected for a term of three years and only one class of directors will be elected annually. Thus, it would take at least two annual elections to replace a majority of the board of directors. The bylaws establish qualifications for board members, including restrictions on affiliations with competitors of the Bank, restrictions based upon prior legal or regulatory violations, a residency requirement and an age requirement.
Further, the bylaws impose notice and information requirements in connection with the nomination by stockholders of candidates for election to the board of directors or the proposal by stockholders of business to be acted upon at an annual meeting of stockholders. Such notice and information requirements are applicable to all stockholder business proposals and nominations, and are in addition to any requirements under the federal securities laws.
Restrictions on Calling Special Meetings. The articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that special meetings of stockholders can be called by the president, the chairperson, by a majority of the whole board of directors or upon the written request of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all votes entitled to vote at the meeting.
Stockholder Nominations and Proposals. The bylaws provide that any stockholder desiring to make a nomination for the election of directors or a proposal for new business at an annual meeting of stockholders must submit written notice to the Company at least 90 days, but not more than 100 days, prior to the anniversary date of the proxy statement relating to the previous year’s annual meeting. However, if less than 90 days’ prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is given to stockholders and the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than 30 days, or delayed by more than 30 days, from the anniversary date of the preceding year’s annual meeting, then stockholders must submit written notice to the Company no later than 10 days following the day on which public disclosure of the date of the meeting is first made in a press release, in a document filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or on a website maintained by the Company.
Prohibition of Cumulative Voting. The articles of incorporation prohibit cumulative voting for the election of directors.
Limitation of Voting Rights. The articles of incorporation provide that no record owner of any of the outstanding common stock of the Company that is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a person who beneficially owns more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock will be permitted to vote any shares in excess of such 10% limit. The 10% limit will not apply if, before the stockholder acquires shares in excess of the 10% limit, the acquisition is approved by a majority of the directors who are not affiliated with the holder and who were members of the board of directors prior to the time of the stockholder’s acquisition (or who were chosen to fill any vacancy of an otherwise unaffiliated director by a majority of the unaffiliated directors). This provision has been included in the articles of incorporation in reliance on Section 2-507(a) of the Maryland General Corporation Law, which entitles stockholders to one vote for each share of stock unless the articles of incorporation provide for a greater or lesser number of votes per share or limit or deny voting rights.
Restrictions on Removing Directors from Office. The articles of incorporation provide that directors may be removed only for cause, and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding common stock of the Company entitled to vote (after giving effect to the limitation on voting rights discussed above in “—Limitation of Voting Rights”).
133
Authorized but Unissued Shares. After the conversion and offering, the Company will have authorized but unissued shares of common and preferred stock. See “Description of Capital Stock of New EWSB Bancorp.” The articles of incorporation authorize 4,000,000 shares of common stock and 1,000,000 shares of serial preferred stock. The Company is authorized to issue preferred stock from time to time in one or more series subject to applicable provisions of law, and the board of directors is authorized to fix the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of the shares of each such series. In addition, the articles of incorporation provide that a majority of the total number of directors that the Company would have if there were no vacancies on the board of directors may, without action by the stockholders, amend the articles of incorporation to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Company has the authority to issue. In the event of a proposed merger, tender offer or other attempt to gain control of the Company that the board of directors does not approve, it may be possible for the board of directors to authorize the issuance of a series of preferred stock with rights and preferences that would impede the completion of the transaction. An effect of the possible issuance of preferred stock therefore may be to deter a future attempt to gain control of the Company. The board of directors has no present plan or understanding to issue any preferred stock.
Amendments to Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Amendments to the articles of incorporation must be approved by the board of directors and by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of common stock, or by the affirmative vote of a majority of the outstanding shares of common stock if at least two-thirds of the members of the whole board of directors approves such amendment; provided, however, that approval by at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock is generally required to amend the following provisions:
| (i) | the limitation on voting rights of persons who directly or indirectly beneficially own more than 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock; |
| (ii) | the division of the board of directors into three staggered classes; |
| (iii) | the ability of the board of directors to fill vacancies on the board; |
| (iv) | the requirement that directors may only be removed for cause and by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the votes eligible to be cast by stockholders; |
| (v) | the ability of the board of directors to amend and repeal the bylaws; |
| (vi) | the ability of the board of directors to evaluate a variety of factors in evaluating offers to purchase or otherwise acquire the Company; |
| (vii) | the authority of the board of directors to provide for the issuance of preferred stock; |
| (viii) | the validity and effectiveness of any action lawfully authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of outstanding shares of common stock; |
| (ix) | the number of stockholders constituting a quorum or required for stockholder consent; |
| (x) | the indemnification of current and former directors and officers, as well as employees and other agents, by the Company; |
| (xi) | the limitation of liability of officers and directors to the Company for money damages; |
134
| (xii) | the inability of stockholders to cumulate their votes in the election of directors; |
| (xiii) | the advance notice requirements for stockholder proposals and nominations; |
| (xiv) | the requirement that the forum for certain actions or disputes will be a state or federal court located within the State of Maryland; and |
| (xv) | the provision of the articles of incorporation requiring approval of at least 80% of the outstanding voting stock to amend the provisions of the articles of incorporation provided in (i) through (xiv) of this list. |
The articles of incorporation also provide that the bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors of the Company or by the stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least 80% of the total votes eligible to be voted at a duly constituted meeting of stockholders. Any amendment of this super-majority requirement for amendment of the bylaws would also require the approval of 80% of the outstanding voting stock.
The provisions requiring the affirmative vote of 80% of the total votes eligible to be cast for certain stockholder actions have been included in the articles of incorporation of the Company in reliance on Section 2-104(b)(4) of the Maryland General Corporation Law, which permits the articles of incorporation to require a greater proportion of votes than the proportion that would otherwise be required for stockholder action under the Maryland General Corporation Law.
Evaluation of Offers. The articles of incorporation of the Company provide that its board of directors, when evaluating a transaction that would or may involve a change in control of the Company (whether by purchases of its securities, merger, consolidation, share exchange, dissolution, liquidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets, proxy solicitation or otherwise), may, in connection with the exercise of its business judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders and in making any recommendation to the stockholders, give due consideration to all relevant factors, including, but not limited to:
| · | the economic effect, both immediate and long-term, upon the stockholders of the Company, including stockholders, if any, who do not participate in the transaction; |
| · | the social and economic effect on the present and future employees, creditors and customers of, and others dealing with, the Company and its subsidiaries and on the communities in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate or are located; |
| · | whether the proposal is acceptable based on the historical, current or projected future operating results or financial condition of the Company; |
| · | whether a more favorable price could be obtained for the stock of the Company or other securities in the future; |
| · | the reputation and business practices of the other entity to be involved in the transaction and its management and affiliates as they would affect the employees of the Company and its subsidiaries; |
| · | the future value of the stock or any other securities of the Company the other entity to be involved in the proposed transaction; |
135
| · | any antitrust or other legal and regulatory issues that are raised by the proposal; |
| · | the business and historical, current or expected future financial condition or operating results of the other entity to be involved in the transaction, including, but not limited to, debt service and other existing financial obligations, financial obligations to be incurred in connection with the proposed transaction, and other likely financial obligations of the other entity to be involved in the proposed transaction; and |
| · | the ability of the Company to fulfill its objectives as a financial institution holding company and the ability of its subsidiary financial institution(s) to fulfill the objectives of a federally insured financial institution under applicable statutes and regulations. |
If the board of directors determines that any proposed transaction should be rejected, it may take any lawful action to defeat such transaction.
Purpose and Anti-Takeover Effects of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Company. Our board of directors believes that the provisions described above are prudent and will reduce our vulnerability to takeover attempts and certain other transactions that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors. These provisions also will assist us in the orderly deployment of the offering proceeds into productive assets during the initial period after the conversion. We believe these provisions are in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. Our board of directors believes that it will be in the best position to determine the true value of the Company and to negotiate more effectively for what may be in the best interests of all our stockholders. Accordingly, our board of directors believes that it is in the best interests of the Company and all of our stockholders to encourage potential acquirers to negotiate directly with the board of directors and that these provisions will encourage such negotiations and discourage hostile takeover attempts. It is also the view of our board of directors that these provisions should not discourage persons from proposing a merger or other transaction at a price reflective of the true value of the Company and that is in the best interests of all our stockholders.
Takeover attempts that have not been negotiated with and approved by our board of directors present the risk of a takeover on terms that may be less favorable than might otherwise be available. A transaction that is negotiated and approved by our board of directors, on the other hand, can be carefully planned and undertaken at an opportune time in order to obtain maximum value for our stockholders, with due consideration given to matters such as the management and business of the acquiring corporation.
Although a tender offer or other takeover attempt may be made at a price substantially above the current market price, such offers are sometimes made for less than all of the outstanding shares of a target company. As a result, stockholders may be presented with the alternative of partially liquidating their investment at a time that may be disadvantageous, or retaining their investment in an enterprise that is under different management and whose objectives may not be similar to those of the remaining stockholders.
Despite our belief as to the benefits to stockholders of these provisions of the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Company, these provisions also may have the effect of discouraging a future takeover attempt that would not be approved by our board of directors, but pursuant to which stockholders may receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. As a result, stockholders who might desire to participate in such a transaction may not have any opportunity to do so. Such provisions will also make it more difficult to remove our board of directors and management. Our board of directors, however, has concluded that the potential benefits outweigh the possible disadvantages.
136
Maryland Corporate Law
Business Combinations with Interested Stockholders. Under Maryland law, “business combinations” between the Company and an interested stockholder or an affiliate of an interested stockholder are prohibited for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder becomes an interested stockholder. These business combinations include a merger, consolidation, statutory share exchange or, in circumstances specified in the statute, certain transfers of assets, certain stock issuances and transfers, liquidation plans and reclassifications involving interested stockholders and their affiliates or issuance or reclassification of equity securities. Maryland law defines an interested stockholder as: (i) any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of the voting stock of the Company after the date on which the Company had 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock; or (ii) an affiliate or associate of the Company at any time after the date on which the Company had 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock who, within the two-year period before the date in question, was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of the then-outstanding voting stock of the Company. A person is not an interested stockholder under the statute if the board of directors approved in advance the transaction by which the person otherwise would have become an interested stockholder. However, in approving a transaction, the board of directors may provide that its approval is subject to compliance, at or after the time of approval, with any terms and conditions determined by the board.
After the five-year prohibition, any business combination between the Company and an interested stockholder generally must be recommended by the board of directors of the Company and approved by the affirmative vote of at least: (i) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the Company, and (ii) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be cast by holders of voting stock of the Company other than shares held by the interested stockholder with whom or with whose affiliate the business combination is to be effected or held by an affiliate or associate of the interested stockholder. These super-majority vote requirements do not apply if the common stockholders of the Company receive a minimum price, as defined under Maryland law, for their shares in the form of cash or other consideration in the same form as previously paid by the interested stockholder for its shares.
Control Share Acquisitions. The Maryland General Corporation Law provides that “control shares” of a Maryland corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights except to the extent approved by a vote of two-thirds of the shares entitled to be voted on the matter, excluding shares of stock owned by the acquiror or by officers or directors who are employees of the corporation. “Control shares” are voting shares of stock which, if aggregated with all other such shares of stock previously acquired by the acquiror, or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the exercise of voting power except solely by virtue of a revocable proxy, would entitle the acquiror to exercise voting power in electing directors within one of the following ranges of voting power:
| (i) | one-tenth or more but less than one-third; |
| (ii) | one-third or more but less than a majority; or |
| (iii) | a majority of all voting power. |
Control shares do not include shares the acquiring person is then entitled to vote as a result of having previously obtained stockholder approval. A “control share acquisition” means the acquisition of control shares, subject to certain exceptions for shares acquired through descent or distribution, in satisfaction of a pledge or in a merger, consolidation or share exchange to which the corporation is a party. The control share acquisition statute applies to any Maryland corporation with 100 or more beneficial owners of its stock other than a close corporation or an investment company.
137
A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses and delivery of an “acquiring person statement”), may compel the corporation’s Board of Directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days of demand to consider the voting rights of the shares. If no request for a meeting is made, the corporation may itself present the question at any stockholders’ meeting. If voting rights are not approved at the meeting or if the acquiring person does not deliver an acquiring person statement within 10 days following a control share acquisition then, subject to certain conditions and limitations, the corporation may redeem any or all of the control shares (except for those which voting rights have previously been approved) for fair value, determined without regard to the absence of voting rights for the control shares, at the date of the last control share acquisition or of any meeting of stockholders at which the voting rights of such shares are considered and not approved. Moreover, if voting rights for control shares are approved at a stockholders’ meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled to exercise or direct the exercise of a majority or more of all voting power, other stockholders may exercise appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares as determined for purposes of such appraisal rights may not be less than the highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control share acquisition. The foregoing provisions may be modified by a Maryland corporation’s charter or bylaws. Although the bylaws of the Company provide that the Maryland Control Share Acquisition law are inapplicable to acquisitions of common stock of the Company, this bylaw provision may be repealed at any time by a majority vote of the whole board of directors, in whole or in part, at any time, whether before or after a control share acquisition and may be applied to any prior or subsequent control share acquisition.
Federal Conversion Regulations
Federal Reserve Board regulations prohibit any person from making an offer, announcing an intent to make an offer or participating in any other arrangement to purchase stock or acquire stock or subscription rights in a converting institution or its holding company from another person before completion of its conversion. Further, without the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve Board, no person may make an offer or announcement of an offer to purchase shares or actually acquire shares of a converted institution or its holding company for a period of three years from the date of the completion of the conversion if, upon the completion of such offer, announcement or acquisition, the person would become the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the outstanding stock of the institution or its holding company. The Federal Reserve Board has defined “person” to include any individual, group acting in concert, corporation, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, unincorporated organization or similar company, a syndicate or any other group formed for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities of an insured institution. However, offers made exclusively to a bank or its holding company, or to an underwriter or member of a selling group acting on the converting institution’s or its holding company’s behalf for resale to the general public, are excepted. The regulation also provides civil penalties for willful violation or assistance in any such violation of the regulation by any person connected with the management of the converting institution or its holding company or who controls more than 10% of the outstanding shares or voting rights of a converted institution or its holding company.
Bank Holding Company Act
Federal law provides that no company may acquire control of a bank directly or indirectly without the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board. Any company that acquires control of a bank becomes a “bank holding company” subject to registration, examination and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board. Pursuant to federal regulations, the term “company” is defined to include banks, corporations, partnerships, associations, and certain trusts and other entities. “Control” of a bank is defined as having ownership, control, or power to vote, directly or indirectly, at least 25% of any class of a bank’s voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the directors of the bank, or the power to exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of the bank. The Federal Reserve Board has created rebuttable presumptions of control which could render a company in control at ownership levels below 25%. In addition, a bank holding company must obtain Federal Reserve Board approval before acquiring ownership or control of 5% or more of any class of voting stock of a bank or another bank holding company. An acquisition of control of a bank that requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act is generally not subject to the notice requirements of the Change in Bank Control Act.
138
Accordingly, the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act would be required: before any bank holding company could acquire 5% or more of the common stock of the Company; and before any other company could acquire 25% or more of the common stock of the Company.
Restrictions applicable to the operations of bank holding companies may also deter companies from seeking to obtain control of the Company. The Federal Reserve Board has created rebuttable presumptions of control which could render a company in control at ownership levels below 25%. See “Regulation and Supervision.”
General
The Company is authorized to issue 4,000,000 shares of common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. The Company currently expects to issue in the offering up to 1,157,188 shares of common stock. The Company will not issue shares of preferred stock in the conversion. Each share of Company common stock will have the same relative rights as, and will be identical in all respects to, each other share of common stock. Upon payment of the subscription price for the common stock, in accordance with the plan of conversion, all of the shares of common stock will be duly authorized, fully paid and non-assessable.
The shares of common stock of the Company will represent nonwithdrawable capital, will not be an account of an insurable type, and will not be insured by the FDIC or any other government agency.
Common Stock
Dividends. The Company may pay dividends to an amount equal to the excess of our capital surplus over payments that would be owed upon dissolution to stockholders whose preferential rights upon dissolution are superior to those receiving the dividend, and to an amount that would not make us insolvent, as and when declared by our board of directors. The payment of dividends by the Company is also subject to limitations that are imposed by law and applicable regulation. The holders of common stock of the Company will be entitled to receive and share equally in dividends as may be declared by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. If the Company issues shares of preferred stock, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock with respect to dividends.
Voting Rights. Upon consummation of the conversion, the holders of common stock of the Company will have exclusive voting rights in the Company. They will elect the Company’s board of directors and act on other matters as are required to be presented to them under Maryland law or as are otherwise presented to them by the board of directors. Generally, each holder of common stock will be entitled to one vote per share and will not have any right to cumulate votes in the election of directors. Any person who beneficially owns more than 10% of the then-outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, however, will not be entitled or permitted to vote any shares of common stock held in excess of the 10% limit. If the Company issues shares of preferred stock, holders of the preferred stock may also possess voting rights. Amendments to the articles of incorporation require a two-thirds stockholder vote in certain circumstances, and certain matters require an 80% stockholder vote.
139
As a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank, corporate powers and control of the Bank are vested in its board of directors, who elect the officers of the Bank and who fill any vacancies on the board of directors. Voting rights of the Bank are vested exclusively in the owners of the shares of capital stock of the Bank, which will be the Company, and voted at the direction of the Company’s board of directors. Consequently, the holders of the common stock of the Company will not have director control of the Bank.
Liquidation. In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Bank, the Company, as the holder of 100% of the Bank’s capital stock, would be entitled to receive all assets of the Bank available for distribution, after payment or provision for payment of all debts and liabilities of the Bank, including all deposit accounts and accrued interest thereon, and after distribution of the balance in the liquidation account to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Company, the holders of its common stock would be entitled to receive, after payment or provision for payment of all its debts and liabilities, all of the assets of the Company available for distribution. If preferred stock is issued, the holders thereof may have a priority over the holders of the common stock in the event of liquidation or dissolution.
Preemptive Rights. Holders of the common stock of the Company will not be entitled to preemptive rights with respect to any shares that may be issued, unless such preemptive rights are approved by the board of directors. The common stock is not subject to redemption.
Preferred Stock
None of the shares of the Company’s authorized preferred stock will be issued as part of the offering or the conversion. Preferred stock may be issued with preferences and designations as our board of directors may from time to time determine. Our board of directors may, without stockholder approval, issue shares of preferred stock with voting, dividend, liquidation and conversion rights that could dilute the voting strength of the holders of the common stock and that could assist management in impeding an unfriendly takeover or attempted change in control.
Forum Selection for Certain Stockholder Lawsuits
The articles of incorporation of the Company provide that, unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Company to the Company or the Company’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine will be conducted in a state or federal court located within the State of Maryland, in all cases subject to the court having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. This exclusive forum provision does not apply to claims arising under the federal securities laws. Under the articles of incorporation, any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the exclusive forum provision of the articles of incorporation. This exclusive forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum it finds favorable for disputes with the Company and its directors, officers, and other employees or may cause a stockholder to incur additional expense by having to bring a claim in a judicial forum that is distant from where the stockholder resides, or both.
140
The transfer agent and registrar for New EWSB Bancorp’s common stock is _____________________.
The consolidated financial statements of the MHC and Subsidiary at and for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 have been included herein and in the registration statement in reliance upon the report of Plante & Moran, PLLC (“Plante Moran”) an independent registered public accounting firm, appearing elsewhere herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. has consented to the publication herein of the summary of its report to the Company setting forth its opinion as to the estimated pro forma market value of the shares of common stock upon completion of the conversion and offering and its letters with respect to subscription rights and the liquidation accounts.
Luse Gorman, PC, Washington, D.C., counsel to the Company and the Bank, has issued to the Company its opinions regarding the legality of the common stock and the federal income tax consequences of the conversion. Luse Gorman, PC has consented to the references in this prospectus to its opinions. Wipfli, LLP has issued to the Company its opinion regarding the Wisconsin income tax consequences of the conversion. Wipfli, LLP has consented to the reference in this prospectus to its opinion. Certain legal matters will be passed upon for Performance Trust by Silver, Freedman, Taff & Tiernan LLP, Washington, D.C.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The Company has filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act with respect to the shares of common stock offered hereby. As permitted by the rules and regulations of the SEC, this prospectus does not contain all the information set forth in the registration statement. Such information, including the appraisal report which is an exhibit to the registration statement, can be examined without charge at the public reference facilities on official business days during the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the SEC located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of such material can be obtained from the SEC at prescribed rates. The SEC telephone number is 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains a web site (www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC, including the Company. The statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement are, of necessity, brief descriptions of the material terms of, and should be read in conjunction with, such contract or document.
The MHC and Old EWSB Bancorp has filed an applications for approval of the conversion with the Department and with the Federal Reserve Board. The Company has also filed a bank holding company application with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. This prospectus omits certain information contained in those applications and notices. The non-confidential portions of the application filed with the Department may be inspected at 4822 Madison Yards Way, North Tower, Madison, Wisconsin 53705. To obtain a copy of the non-confidential sections of the applications filed with the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, you may contact Colette Fried, Applications Manager of the Feral Reserve Board of Chicago, at (312) 322-6846.
141
A copy of the plan of conversion and the Company’s articles of incorporation and bylaws are available without charge from the Bank at its offices.
The appraisal report of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. has been filed as an exhibit to our registration statement, to our application to the Department and the Federal Reserve Board. Portions of the appraisal report were filed electronically with the SEC and are available on its website at www.sec.gov.
In connection with the offering, New EWSB Bancorp will register its common stock under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act and, upon such registration, New EWSB Bancorp and the holders of its common stock will become subject to the proxy solicitation rules, reporting requirements and restrictions on common stock purchases and sales by directors, officers and greater than 10% stockholders, the annual and periodic reporting and certain other requirements of the Exchange Act, subject to subsequent deregistration of such shares under the Exchange Act. Under the plan of conversion, the Company has undertaken that it will not terminate this registration for a period of at least three years following the conversion.
142
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF
Wisconsin Mutual BANCORP, MHC AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Financial Statements
***
Separate financial statements for the Company have not been included in this prospectus because the Company has not engaged in any significant activities, has no significant assets, and has no contingent liabilities, revenue or expenses.
All financial statement schedules have been omitted as the required information either is not applicable or is included in the financial statements or related notes.
F-1
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements. 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 the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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. 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. 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.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for credit losses effective January 1, 2023 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 326: Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASC 326”). The Company adopted the new credit loss standard using the modified retrospective method such that prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC
We have served as the Company’s auditors since 2023.
Cleveland, Ohio
March 11, 2024

F-2
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
| As of December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,608,709 | $ | 3,142,403 | ||||
| Time deposits with other financial institutions | 4,497,669 | 4,696,584 | ||||||
| Debt securities available for sale (amortized cost of $27,880,997 and $38,711,030 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively) | 23,947,775 | 33,880,791 | ||||||
| Debt securities held to maturity (fair value of $39,804,828 and $38,652,167 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively) | 40,050,858 | 38,726,810 | ||||||
| Loans, net of allowance of $1,056,796 and $909,357 as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | 174,315,171 | 172,423,728 | ||||||
| Land held for sale | 435,328 | 553,746 | ||||||
| Office properties and equipment, net | 2,910,169 | 3,003,047 | ||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank stock | 1,084,273 | 1,075,635 | ||||||
| Cash value of life insurance | 7,462,397 | 7,370,768 | ||||||
| Net deferred tax assets | 4,857,846 | 5,020,914 | ||||||
| Accrued interest receivable and other assets | 1,396,766 | 1,296,437 | ||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 262,566,961 | $ | 271,190,863 | ||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
| Deposits: | ||||||||
| Non-interest bearing | $ | 10,250,495 | $ | 11,224,140 | ||||
| Interest bearing | 220,217,134 | 237,983,608 | ||||||
| Total deposits | 230,467,629 | 249,207,748 | ||||||
| Borrowed funds | 19,030,000 | 9,100,000 | ||||||
| Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance | 280,026 | 978,846 | ||||||
| Accrued interest payable and other liabilities | 1,252,482 | 984,828 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 251,030,137 | 260,271,422 | ||||||
| Equity: | ||||||||
| Retained earnings | 19,198,973 | 20,134,213 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (7,662,149 | ) | (9,214,772 | ) | ||||
| Total equity | 11,536,824 | 10,919,441 | ||||||
| TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY | $ | 262,566,961 | $ | 271,190,863 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Interest income: | ||||||||
| Loans, including fees | $ | 7,572,886 | $ | 6,372,697 | ||||
| Securities: | ||||||||
| Taxable | 1,196,626 | 1,453,530 | ||||||
| Tax-exempt | 37,610 | 38,881 | ||||||
| Other | 125,293 | 120,314 | ||||||
| Total interest income | 8,932,415 | 7,985,422 | ||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||
| Deposits | 3,612,941 | 1,622,057 | ||||||
| Borrowed funds | 737,179 | 211,993 | ||||||
| Total interest expense | 4,350,120 | 1,834,050 | ||||||
| Net interest income | 4,582,295 | 6,151,372 | ||||||
| Provision for credit losses | 145,039 | - | ||||||
| Net interest income after provision for credit losses | 4,437,256 | 6,151,372 | ||||||
| Noninterest income: | ||||||||
| Service charges on deposit accounts | 53,291 | 54,290 | ||||||
| Interchange income | 248,471 | 252,280 | ||||||
| Mortgage banking income | 354,509 | 190,904 | ||||||
| Increase in cash value of life insurance | 212,118 | 191,868 | ||||||
| Net gain on sale of office properties and equipment | 207,738 | - | ||||||
| Gain on sale of repossessed assets | 71,012 | - | ||||||
| Other | 302,029 | 187,921 | ||||||
| Total noninterest income | 1,449,168 | 877,263 | ||||||
| Noninterest expense: | ||||||||
| Salaries and related benefits | $ | 3,935,673 | $ | 4,551,399 | ||||
| Occupancy expense, net | 716,476 | 810,902 | ||||||
| Data processing | 961,066 | 917,044 | ||||||
| Advertising | 142,979 | 200,184 | ||||||
| Net loss on sale of securities available for sale | - | 5,103,091 | ||||||
| Net loss on sale of fixed assets | - | 180,350 | ||||||
| FDIC insurance premiums | 298,644 | 106,990 | ||||||
| Other | 1,164,383 | 890,228 | ||||||
| Total noninterest expense | 7,219,221 | 12,760,188 | ||||||
| Income (loss) before provision for (benefit from) income taxes | (1,332,797 | ) | (5,731,553 | ) | ||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | (397,557 | ) | (1,567,479 | ) | ||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (935,240 | ) | $ | (4,164,074 | ) | ||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (935,240 | ) | $ | (4,164,074 | ) | ||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax: | ||||||||
| Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available for sale debt securities | 897,017 | (7,547,701 | ) | |||||
| Reclassification adjustment for losses (gains) included in net income (loss) | - | 5,103,091 | ||||||
| Unrealized holding gain (loss) on debt securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity | - | (8,030,554 | ) | |||||
| Reclassification adjustment for (accretion) amortization of unrealized holding gain (loss) included in accumulated other comprehensive income from the securities transferred from available for sale to held to maturity | 1,216,256 | 318,571 | ||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax | 2,113,273 | (10,156,593 | ) | |||||
| Tax effect of other comprehensive income (loss) items | (560,650 | ) | 2,694,544 | |||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 1,552,623 | (7,462,049 | ) | |||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 617,383 | $ | (11,626,123 | ) | |||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
| Retained Earnings | Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Equity | ||||||||||
| Balance at January 1, 2022 | $ | 24,298,287 | $ | (1,752,723 | ) | $ | 22,545,564 | |||||
| Net income (loss) | (4,164,074 | ) | - | (4,164,074 | ) | |||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | - | (7,462,049 | ) | (7,462,049 | ) | |||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2022 | 20,134,213 | (9,214,772 | ) | 10,919,441 | ||||||||
| Adoption of ASU 2016-13 (CECL) | - | - | - | |||||||||
| Net income (loss) | (935,240 | ) | - | (935,240 | ) | |||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) | - | 1,552,623 | 1,552,623 | |||||||||
| Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | 19,198,973 | $ | (7,662,149 | ) | $ | 11,536,824 | |||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (935,240 | ) | $ | (4,164,074 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows used in operating activities: | ||||||||
| Provision for depreciation | 179,429 | 229,215 | ||||||
| Net amortization/(accretion) of discounts/premiums on securities | (269,412 | ) | (344,920 | ) | ||||
| Provision for credit losses | 145,039 | - | ||||||
| Loss on sale of securities available for sale | - | 5,103,091 | ||||||
| Origination of loans held for sale | (10,578,774 | ) | (2,815,974 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale | 10,766,484 | 2,887,540 | ||||||
| Net gain on sales of loans | (187,710 | ) | (71,566 | ) | ||||
| Provision for (benefit from) deferred taxes | (397,582 | ) | (1,567,504 | ) | ||||
| Net loss (gain) on sale of office properties and equipment | (207,738 | ) | 180,350 | |||||
| Net loss (gain) on sale of repossessed assets | (71,012 | ) | - | |||||
| Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance | (212,118 | ) | (191,868 | ) | ||||
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | - | - | ||||||
| Accrued interest receivable and other assets | 20,160 | (9,812 | ) | |||||
| Accrued interest payable and other liabilities | 267,654 | (255,348 | ) | |||||
| Total adjustments | (545,580 | ) | 3,143,204 | |||||
| Net cash flows used in operating activities | (1,480,820 | ) | (1,020,870 | ) | ||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | ||||||||
| Proceeds from maturities and paydowns of securities available for sale | 10,990,568 | 9,965,587 | ||||||
| Proceeds from maturities of time deposits with other financial institutions | 200,000 | - | ||||||
| Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale | - | 34,624,865 | ||||||
| Purchase of securities available for sale | - | (26,594,321 | ) | |||||
| Purchase of FHLB stock | (8,638 | ) | - | |||||
| Net decrease/(increase) in loans | (2,036,482 | ) | (15,615,458 | ) | ||||
| Purchase of office properties and equipment | (30,386 | ) | (104,702 | ) | ||||
| Proceeds from disposal of office properties and equipment | 151,573 | 354,718 | ||||||
| Proceeds from sale of land held for sale | 118,418 | - | ||||||
| Proceeds from sale of repossessed assets | 71,012 | - | ||||||
| Net cash flows from investing activities | 9,456,065 | 2,630,689 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Continued
| Years Ended December 31 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | ||||||||
| Net change in deposits | $ | (18,740,119 | ) | $ | (7,869,960 | ) | ||
| Proceeds from notes payable | 400,000 | - | ||||||
| Net increase/(decrease) from FHLB advances activity | 9,530,000 | (900,000 | ) | |||||
| Net change in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance | (698,820 | ) | 229,430 | |||||
| Net cash flows used in financing activities | (9,508,939 | ) | (8,540,530 | ) | ||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | (1,533,694 | ) | (6,930,711 | ) | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year | 3,142,403 | 10,073,114 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of year | $ | 1,608,709 | $ | 3,142,403 | ||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | ||||||||
| Cash paid during the year for: | ||||||||
| Interest | $ | 4,061,516 | $ | 1,744,131 | ||||
| Taxes | - | - | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-8
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization
On August 3, 2017, East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the "Bank") converted from a mutual savings bank to a stock savings bank and is now organized in the mutual holding company structure. The Bank issued all of its outstanding stock to a mid-tier holding company, EWSB Bancorp, Inc., which is owned 100% by a mutual holding company, Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, (collectively the "Company"). The Bank provides a variety of financial services to individual and corporate members. The Bank operates as a full-service financial institution with a primary market area including, but not limited to, east central Wisconsin. The Company is subject to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by those regulatory authorities.
| Principles of Consolidation |
The financial statements include the accounts of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and its subsidiaries, EWSB Bancorp, Inc. and East Wisconsin Savings Bank. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Subsequent Events
The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition and disclosure through March 11, 2024, which is the date the financial statements were available to be issued.
| Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements |
The preparation of the accompanying financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The allowance for credit losses, valuation allowance of deferred tax assets, and fair value of securities are particularly subject to change in the near term. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
| Cash and Cash Equivalents |
For purposes of reporting cash flows in the financial statements, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions.
Time Deposits with Other Financial Institutions
Time deposits with other financial institutions are carried at cost with maturities of 90 days or more from the balance sheet date and will mature within five years.
Debt Securities
Debt Securities are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost when management has the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the estimated lives or earliest call date of the debt securities, as applicable. Gains and losses on the sales of debt securities are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific-identification method.
F-9
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Through December 31, 2022, declines in fair value of debt securities that are deemed to be other than temporary, if applicable, are reflected in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses (“OTTI”), management considers the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
Transfers of investments into the held to maturity category from the available for sale category are made at fair value at the date of transfer. The net unrealized gains (losses), net of tax, are retained in other comprehensive income, and the carrying value of the held to maturity securities are amortized over the life of the securities in a manner consistent with the amortization of a premium or discount.
| Loans Held for Sale |
Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to earnings. Realized gains and losses on the sale of loans held for sale are determined using the specific-identification method.
Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights retained. The carrying value of mortgage loans sold is reduced by the amount allocated to the servicing right. Gains and losses on sales of mortgage loans are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.
| Loans |
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid principal balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for credit losses, and any deferred fees or costs on originated loans. Interest on loans is accrued and credited to income based on the unpaid principal balance. Accrued interest receivable totaled $472,368 and $424,362 on December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively and is reported in accrued interest receivable and other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Accrual of interest income on all loans is discontinued and the respective loan is placed on non-accrual status at the time it is 90 days delinquent. Past-due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. Non-accrual loans are individually evaluated for impairment. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in the opinion of management, there is an indication the borrower may be unable to make payments as they become due.
All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Under the cash-basis method, interest income is recorded when the payment is received in cash. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
F-10
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Concentration of Credit Risk
Most of the Company’s business activity is with customers located in Outagamie County and the Fox River Valley located in eastern Wisconsin. Therefore, the Company’s exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy in the Outagamie County and contingent geographic areas.
| Allowance for Credit Losses |
The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) is an estimate of expected credit losses on the loans held for investment, held-to-maturity debt securities, unfunded loan commitments and available for sale debt securities portfolios.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
The ACL is calculated according to GAAP standards and is maintained by management at a level believed adequate to absorb estimated credit losses that are expected to occur within the existing loan portfolio through their contractual terms. The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on loans. Determination of the ACL is inherently subjective in nature since it requires significant estimates and management judgment and includes a level of imprecision given the difficulty of identifying and assessing the factors impacting loan repayment and estimating the timing and amount of losses. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the ACL is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s direct control, including, but not limited to, the performance of the loan portfolio, consideration of current economic trends, changes in interest rates and property values, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans based on an analysis that uses historical loss experience for prior periods that are determined to have like characteristics with the current period such as pre-recessionary, recessionary, or recovery periods, portfolio growth and concentration risk, management and staffing changes, the interpretation of loan risk classifications by regulatory authorities and other credit market factors. While each component of the ACL is determined separately, the entire balance is available for the entire loan portfolio.
The ACL methodology consists of measuring loans on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company has identified three loan portfolios and measures the ACL using the Scaled CECL Allowance for Losses Estimator (“SCALE”) method. The loan portfolios are commercial and commercial real estate; residential real estate; and consumer. The SCALE method uses publicly available data from call reports to derive the initial proxy expected lifetime loss rates. The proxy expected lifetime loss rates are then adjusted for bank-specific facts and circumstances to arrive at the final ACL estimate that adequately reflects the Company’s loss history and credit risk within our portfolio.
The qualitative factors considered for each loan portfolio consist of the impact of other internal and external qualitative and credit market factors as assessed by management through a detailed loan review, ACL analysis and credit discussions. These internal and external qualitative and credit market factors include:
| · | changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collections, charge-offs and recovery practices; |
| · | changes in international, national, regionally and local conditions (specific factors which impact portfolios or discrepancies with national economic factors which are utilized within the economic forecast); |
| · | changes in the experience, depth and ability of lending management; |
| · | changes in the volume and severity of past due loans and other similar loan conditions; |
| · | changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio and terms of loans; |
| · | the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the levels of such concentrations; |
| · | effects of other external factors, such as competition, legal or regulatory factors, on the level of estimated credit losses; |
| · | changes in the quality of our loan review functions; and |
| · | changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans. |
F-11
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
The impact of the above-listed internal and external qualitative and credit market risk factors is assessed within predetermined ranges to adjust the ACL totals calculated.
In addition to the pooled analysis performed for the majority of our loan and commitment balances, we also review those loans that have collateral dependency or nonperforming status which requires a specific review of that loan, per our individually analyzed CECL calculations.
Loans are charged off against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed, while recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited to the ACL. Approved releases from previously established ACL reserves authorized under our ACL methodology also reduce the ACL. Additions to the ACL are established through the provision for credit losses on loans, which is charged to expense.
The Company’s ACL methodology is intended to reflect all loan portfolio risk, but management recognizes the inability to accurately depict all future credit losses in a current ACL estimate, as the impact of various factors cannot be fully known. Accrued interest receivable on loans is excluded from the amortized cost basis of financing receivables for the purpose of determining the allowance for credit losses.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Unfunded Loan Commitments
The Company estimates expected credit losses over the contractual period in which the Company is exposed to credit risk by a contractual obligation to extend credit unless that obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The ACL related to off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated at each balance sheet date under the CECL model. The estimate for ACL on unfunded loan commitments includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Held to Maturity Debt Securities
For held to maturity debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company will evaluate the securities individually to determine whether the decline in fair value below amortized cost basis is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors, such as market interest rate fluctuations.
In evaluating securities held to maturity for potential credit loss, the Company considers many factors, including the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, which for debt securities considers external credit ratings and recent downgrades; and its ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value. The Company also considers the extent to which the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, and any guarantee of issued amounts by those agencies.
Accrued interest receivable on securities held to maturity is excluded from the amortized cost basis of those securities for the purpose of determining the allowance for credit losses.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Securities Available for Sale
For available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the aforementioned criteria exists, the Company will record an ACL related to securities available-for-sale with an offsetting entry to the provision for credit losses on securities on the income statement. If neither of these criteria exist, the Company will evaluate the securities individually to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors, such as market interest rate fluctuations.
F-12
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
In evaluating securities available for sale for potential credit loss, the Company considers many factors, including the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, which for debt securities considers external credit ratings and recent downgrades; and its ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient for a recovery in value. The Company also considers the extent to which the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, and any guarantee of issued amounts by those agencies. The amount of the credit loss related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
Accrued interest receivable on securities available for sale is excluded from the amortized cost basis of those securities for the purpose of determining the allowance for credit losses.
| Allowance for Loan Losses (applicable to periods prior to January 1, 2023) |
The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense as losses are estimated to have occurred. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes that the collectibility of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
Management regularly evaluates the allowance for loan losses using the Company's past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, composition of the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, current economic conditions, and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective since it requires material estimates that may be susceptible to significant change.
The allowance for loan losses includes specific allowances related to loans that have been judged to be impaired under current accounting standards. A loan is impaired when, based on current information, it is probable that the Company will not collect all amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management determines whether a loan is impaired on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the payment status, collateral value, length and reason for any payment delays, the borrower's prior payment record, and any other relevant factors. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage and consumer loans, are collectively evaluated in the allowance for loan losses analysis and are not subject to impairment analysis unless such loans have been subject to a restructuring agreement. Loans for which the terms have been modified resulting in a concession, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") and classified as impaired. Specific allowances for impaired loans are based on discounted cash flows of expected future payments using the loan's initial effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.
TDRs are individually evaluated for impairment and included in the impairment disclosures. TDRs are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's original effective rate. If a TDR is considered to be a collateral-dependent loan, the loan is measured at the fair value of the collateral less applicable estimated selling costs. For TDRs that subsequently default, the Company determines the amount of the allowance on that loan in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses on loans individually identified as impaired.
In addition, various regulatory agencies periodically review the allowance for loan losses. These agencies may require additions to the allowance for loan losses based on their judgments of collectibility.
F-13
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Management considers the following when assessing risk in the Company's loan portfolio:
| · | Commercial lending - This category of loans includes real estate secured loans, including office or retail buildings, warehouses, industrial building, or other real estate secured loans, including gas station/convenience stores, hotels, or restaurants. Financial information is obtained from the borrower including tax returns, personal financial statement, and/or income projections, if applicable. The information received would allow for a financial analysis to be performed, including a debt service coverage ratio. Commercial lending is generally offered through a balloon product, which allows the Company the opportunity to reprice the loan on a regular basis. The loan is reviewed on a periodic basis during the life of the loan. Areas that affect the performance of the loans can be general economic conditions or other conditions specific to the real estate market such as geographic location and/or property type. Loans are underwritten to policy with exceptions documented and presented to the Board of Directors for review. |
| · | Residential real estate lending - This category of loans is typically one- to four-family owner occupied and investment property homes. The values vary depending upon the local housing market, supply and demand, and availability of financing options. Loans in this portfolio are priced to credit score. Loans are underwritten to policy with exceptions documented and presented to the Board of Directors for review. A thorough evaluation of the borrower is performed. This includes, but is not limited to, debt to income ratios, review of credit obligations and credit history, employment/income, assets, and property valuation. |
| · | Consumer lending - This category of lending may be completed in any number of ways. The most common loan type of consumer lending is an installment loan with collateral to secure the loan. Consumer lending is extended to individual(s) for family or household and other personal expenditures. A thorough evaluation of the borrower and their ability to repay is completed at application. This includes, but is not limited to, debt to income ratios, review of credit obligations and credit history, employment/income, assets, and collateral value review. Loans are underwritten to policy with exceptions documented and presented to the Board of Directors for review. |
Servicing Rights
Whan mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in mortgage banking income. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans.
Servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Changes in valuation allowances are reported within mortgage banking income on the income statement. The fair values of servicing rights are subject to significant fluctuations resulting from changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.
F-14
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Servicing fee income, which is reported on the income statement as mortgage banking income, is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal and are recorded as income when earned. Servicing fees totaled $150,572 and $156,857 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material.
Transfers of Financial Assets
Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
| Repossessed Assets |
Assets are initially recorded at market value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. Physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan occurs when legal title is obtained upon completion of foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to satisfy the loan through completion of deed in lieu of foreclosure or through similar legal agreement. These assets are subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or market value less estimated costs to sell. The cost of carrying the assets and any decrease in market value occurring after the transfer date are charged to operating expenses as incurred.
Land Held for Sale
Property owned by the Company for which its intended use has changed from operating purpose to being sold is transferred at the lower of cost or market value less estimated costs to sell. The cost of carrying the property and any decrease in market value after the transfer date are charged to operating expenses as incurred.
| Office Properties and Equipment |
Land is carried at cost. Office properties and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Buildings and components and furniture, fixtures and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over the useful lives of the respective assets. Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred.
| Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") Stock |
FHLB stock is carried at cost which approximates fair value. The Company is required to hold the stock as a member of the FHLB and transfer of the stock is substantially restricted. The stock is pledged as collateral for outstanding FHLB advances. FHLB stock is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis.
| Cash Value of Life Insurance |
The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key employees. The life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value.
Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments
Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
F-15
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Derivatives
At the inception of a derivative contract, the Company designates the derivative as one of three types based on the Company’s intentions and belief as to likely effectiveness as a hedge. These three types are (1) a hedge of the fair value of a recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (“fair value hedge’), (2) a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (“cash flow hedge”), or (3) an instrument with no hedging designation (“stand-alone derivative”). For a fair value hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current earnings as fair values change. For a cash flow hedge, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported in other comprehensive income and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated or that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported currently in earnings, as non-interest income.
Accrued settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Accrued settlements on derivatives not designated or that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest income. Cash flows on hedges are classified in the cash flow statement the same as the cash flows of the items being hedged.
The Company formally documents the relationship between derivatives and hedged items, as well as the risk-management objective and the strategy for undertaking hedge transactions at the inception of the hedging relationship. This documentation includes linking fair value or cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet or to specific firm commitments or forecasted transactions. The company also formally assesses, both at the hedge’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the derivative instruments that are used are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it determines that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the hedged item, the derivative is settled or terminates, a hedged forecasted transaction is no longer probable, a hedged firm commitment is no longer firm, or treatment of the derivative as a hedge is no longer appropriate or intended.
When hedge accounting is discontinued, subsequent changes in fair value of the derivative are recorded as non-interest income. When a fair value hedge is discontinued, the hedged asset or liability is no longer adjusted for changes in fair value and the existing basis adjustment is amortized or accreted over the remaining life of the asset or liability. When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transactions are still expected to occur, gains or losses that were accumulated in the other comprehensive income are amortized into earnings over the same periods in which the hedged transaction will affect earnings.
The Company is exposed to losses if a counterparty fails to make its payments under contract in which the Company is in the net receiving position. The Company anticipates that the counterparties will be able to fully satisfy their obligations under the agreements. The contract to which the Company is a party settles monthly.
| Advertising |
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
| Revenue from Contracts with Customers |
The core revenue recognition principle requires the Company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of services or products to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled to receive in exchange for those services or products recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. The guidance includes a five-step model to apply to revenue recognition, consisting of the following: (1) identify the contract with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligation(s) within the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation(s) within the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the performance obligation(s) are/is satisfied.
F-16
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
The Company generally fully satisfies its performance obligations on its contracts with customers as services are rendered and the transaction prices are typically fixed; charged either on a periodic basis or based on activity. Since performance obligations are satisfied as services are rendered and the transaction prices are fixed, there is little judgment involved in applying revenue recognition that significantly affects the determination of the amount and timing of revenue from contracts with customers.
The following significant revenue-generating transactions are within the scope of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, which are presented in the consolidated statements of income as components of noninterest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts – The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for transaction-based, account maintenance, and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, such as ATM use fees, wires, stop payment charges, statement rendering, and ACH fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time the Company fulfills the customer’s request. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly service charges and maintenance fees, are earned over the course of a month, representing the period over which the Company satisfies the performance obligation. Overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs as this corresponds with the Company’s performance obligation.
Interchange fees – Customers use a bank-issued debit card to purchase goods and services, and the Company earns interchange fees on those transactions, typically a percentage of the sale amount of the transaction. The Company is considered an agent with respect to these transactions. Interchange fee payments received are recognized as income daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder through the payment networks. There are no contingent debit card interchange fees recorded by the Company that could be subject to a claw-back in future periods.
Net gain (loss) on sales of office properties and equipment and repossessed assets – The Company records a gain or loss from the sale of assets when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of an executed deed and transfer of control is completed. When the Company finances the sale to the buyer, the Company assesses whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligations under the contract and whether the Company expects to collect substantially all of the transaction price. Once these criteria are met, the asset is derecognized and the gain or loss on the sale is recognized. In determining the gain or loss on the sale, the Company adjusts the transaction price and related gain (loss) on sale if the financing does not include market terms.
Income Taxes
Deferred taxes are recognized using the asset/liability method. Deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences, operating loss, and tax credit carryforwards; deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the difference between the financial statement amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. 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. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.
F-17
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
The Company may also recognize a liability for unrecognized tax benefits from uncertain tax positions. Unrecognized tax benefits represent the differences between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit recognized and measured in the financial statements. Interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are classified as income taxes.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). The Company's accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is comprised of the unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and held to maturity, net of tax, and is shown as a separate component of equity.
New Accounting Pronouncements
The Company recently adopted the following Accounting Standards Updates ("ASU") issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB").
ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses on Financial Instruments – also known as Current Expected Credit Losses, or CECL. ASU 2016-13 was issued to provide financial statement users with more useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date to enhance the decision-making process. The CECL model utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses on loans, held-to-maturity securities and other receivables at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor in accordance with Topic 842 on leases. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. For available-for-sale securities where fair value is less than cost, credit-related impairment, if any, will be recognized in an allowance for credit losses and adjusted each period for changes in expected credit risk. This model replaces the multiple existing impairment models, which generally require that a loss be incurred before it is recognized.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, as amended, using the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology for financial assets measured at amortized cost. The Company adopted ASC 326 using the modified retrospective method of all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance-sheet (OBS) credit exposures. Results for the periods beginning January 1, 2023, are presented under ASU 2016-13, while prior period amounts are reported in accordance with previously applicable accounting standards. The adoption of the CECL methodology did not result in transition adjustments to the allowance for credit losses or retained earnings.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2022-02 Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures – This Update eliminates the recognition and measurement guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) by creditors in ASC 310-40. This update also enhances disclosure requirements for certain loan restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Specifically, rather than applying the recognition and measurement guidance for TDRs, an entity will apply the loan refinancing and restructuring guidance to determine whether a modification or other form of restructuring results in a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. Additionally, the amendments in this ASU require a public business entity to disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases in the existing vintage disclosures. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s operating results or financial condition.
F-18
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Operating Segments
While the chief decision-makers monitor revenue streams of the various products and services, operations are managed, and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Discrete financial information is not available other than on a Company-wide basis. Accordingly, all financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.
Note 2: Cash and Due from Banks
Effective March 12, 2021, the Federal Reserve's board of directors approved the final rule reducing the required reserve requirement ratios to zero percent, effectively eliminating the requirement to maintain reserve balances in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. This reduction in the required reserves does not have a defined time frame and may be revised by the Federal Reserve's board in the future.
In the normal course of business, the Company maintains cash and due from bank balances with correspondent banks. Balances in these accounts may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's insured limit of $250,000. Management believes these financial institutions have strong credit ratings and that the credit risk related to these deposits is minimal.
Note 3: Debt Securities
Our debt securities portfolio consists of an available for sale (AFS) and a held to maturity (HTM) securities portfolio, both of which represent interest earning debt securities.
Debt Securities AFS
The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale on December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Securities available for sale: | ||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | $ | 10,164,358 | $ | - | $ | 1,123,653 | $ | 9,040,705 | ||||||||
| State and political subdivisions | 14,255,188 | - | 2,172,143 | 12,083,045 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | 3,461,451 | - | 637,426 | 2,824,025 | ||||||||||||
| Total securities available for sale | $ | 27,880,997 | - | $ | 3,933,222 | $ | 23,947,775 | |||||||||
F-19
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
| Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | |||||||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Securities available for sale: | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government sponsored agencies | $ | 8,911,791 | $ | - | $ | 3,201 | $ | 8,908,590 | ||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 11,253,909 | - | 1,250,999 | 10,002,910 | ||||||||||||
| State and political subdivisions | 14,588,651 | - | 2,804,435 | 11,784,216 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | 3,956,679 | - | 771,604 | 3,185,075 | ||||||||||||
| Total securities available for sale | $ | 38,711,030 | - | $ | 4,830,239 | $ | 33,880,791 | |||||||||
The following table summarizes sale activity of AFS debt securities as recorded in line item ‘Net loss on sale of securities available for sale’, a component of noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Sales proceeds | $ | - | $ | 34,624,865 | ||||||||||||
| Net realized gains and losses: | ||||||||||||||||
| Gross realized gains | - | - | ||||||||||||||
| Gross realized losses | - | (5,103,091 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Net realized gains and (losses) | - | $ | (5,103,091 | ) | ||||||||||||
F-20
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
The following tables show the fair value and gross unrealized losses of available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2023 and 2022, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
| Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or More | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Unrealized Loss | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities available for sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 9,040,705 | $ | (1,123,653 | ) | $ | 9,040,705 | $ | (1,123,653 | ) | ||||||||||
| State and political | - | - | 12,083,045 | (2,172,143 | ) | 12,083,045 | (2,172,143 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Subdivisions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | - | - | 2,824,025 | (637,426 | ) | 2,824,025 | (637,426 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Totals | - | - | $ | 23,947,775 | $ | (3,933,222 | ) | $ | 23,947,775 | $ | (3,933,222 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Less Than 12 Months | 12 Months or More | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair Value | Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Unrealized Loss | Fair Value | Unrealized Loss | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities available for sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government | $ | 8,908,590 | $ | 3,201 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 8,908,590 | $ | 3,201 | ||||||||||||
| sponsored agencies | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 7,683,448 | 787,438 | 2,319,462 | 463,561 | 10,002,910 | 1,250,999 | ||||||||||||||||||
| State and political | 2,505,989 | 286,131 | 9,278,227 | 2,518,304 | 11,784,216 | 2,804,435 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Subdivisions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | - | - | 3,185,075 | 771,604 | 3,185,075 | 771,604 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Totals | $ | 19,098,027 | $ | 1,076,770 | $ | 14,782,764 | $ | 3,753,469 | $ | 33,880,791 | $ | 4,830,239 | ||||||||||||
F-21
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
At December 31, 2023, 51 debt securities designated as AFS are in an unrealized loss position. Based on our analysis of these securities, the decline in value is unrelated to credit loss and is related to changes in market interest rates since purchase, and therefore, changes in value for securities are included in other comprehensive income. In analyzing whether unrealized losses on debt securities are not related to credit losses, management takes into consideration, as applicable, whether the securities are issued by a governmental body or agency, whether the rating agency has downgraded the securities, industry analysts' reports, the financial condition and performance of the issuer, and the quality of any underlying assets or credit enhancements. Market valuations and credit loss analysis on assets in the AFS securities portfolio are reviewed and monitored on a quarterly basis. None of the investments in our AFS securities portfolio were past due as of December 31, 2023. Since management has the ability and intent to hold the securities for the foreseeable future, no declines are deemed to be related to credit losses; therefore, no provision for expected credit losses or allowance is carried for the AFS portfolio.
The following is a summary of amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2023. Contractual maturities will differ from expected maturities for mortgage-backed securities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations without penalties.
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Estimated | ||||||||
| Available for sale | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | ||||||
| Due in one year or less | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| Due after one year through five years | 3,329,420 | 3,007,155 | ||||||
| Due after five years through ten years | 13,740,052 | 11,421,196 | ||||||
| Due after ten years | 647,167 | 478,719 | ||||||
| Subtotal | 17,716,639 | 14,907,070 | ||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 10,164,358 | 9,040,705 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 27,880,997 | $ | 23,947,775 | ||||
Debt Securities HTM
During the year ended December 31, 2022, we re-designated certain securities from the classification of AFS to HTM. The securities re-designated consisted of United States sponsored agency and United States Treasury obligations with a total carrying value of approximately $46.4 million. At the time of re-designation the securities included approximately $8.0 million of pretax net unrealized losses in other comprehensive income which are being amortized over the life of the securities in a manner consistent with the amortization of a premium or discount. At December 31, 2023, there is approximately $6.5 million remaining to be amortized and it is expected to be amortized over 13 years. Our decision to re-designate the securities was based on our ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity. Factors used in assessing the ability to hold these securities to maturity were future liquidity needs and sources of funding. HTM securities are carried on the balance sheet at amortized cost and the changes in the value of these securities, other than credit losses, are not reported in the financial statements. There were no redesignations during 2023.
F-22
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
The following table summarizes the amortized cost and fair value of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
| 2023 | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
| Securities held to maturity: | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government sponsored agencies | $ | 28,223,324 | $ | 12,819 | $ | 245,870 | $ | 27,990,273 | ||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | 11,827,534 | 3,234 | 16,213 | 11,814,555 | ||||||||||||
| Total securities held to maturity | $ | 40,050,858 | $ | 16,053 | $ | 262,083 | $ | 39,804,828 | ||||||||
| 2022 | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Fair Value | ||||||||||||
| Securities held to maturity: | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government sponsored agencies | $ | 27,316,910 | $ | 26,221 | $ | 158,989 | $ | 27,184,142 | ||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | 11,409,900 | 64,153 | 6,028 | 11,468,025 | ||||||||||||
| Total securities held to maturity | $ | 38,726,810 | $ | 90,374 | $ | 165,017 | $ | 38,652,167 | ||||||||
Investment securities classified as HTM are recorded at amortized cost subject to measurement of credit losses on financial instruments, also known as Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL). This methodology consists of measuring the value of investments on a collective basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Our investment policy requires securities designated as HTM to carry an explicit or implicit guarantee of the United States Government (i.e., issued by the U.S. Treasury and federal agencies of the United States). An allowance for credit losses (ACL) is not calculated or recorded based on the implied guarantee of these securities.
The following table summarizes the remaining contractual principal maturities of investment securities classified as HTM as of December 31, 2023. For United States agency debentures, the expected maturity is the actual contractual maturity of the notes. Expected remaining maturities for certain United States agency debentures may occur earlier than their contractual maturities because the note issuers have the right to call outstanding amounts ahead of their contractual maturity.
F-23
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
| December 31, 2023 | ||||||||
| Held-to-maturity | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||
| Due in one year or less | $ | 2,203,446 | $ | 2,192,850 | ||||
| Due after one year through five years | 15,083,300 | 15,069,025 | ||||||
| Due after five years through ten years | 18,483,045 | 18,320,486 | ||||||
| Due after ten years | 4,281,067 | 4,222,467 | ||||||
| Total | $ | 40,050,858 | $ | 39,804,828 | ||||
F-24
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Note 4: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses
In conjunction with the adoption of ASC-326, the Company made certain loan portfolio segment and class reclassifications to conform to the new allowance for credit losses methodology. Loans and these related classifications, are summarized as follows at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| December 31, 2023 | Post Adoption January 1, 2023 | The Effect of Adoption | Pre Adoption December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||
| Five or more family residential real estate | $ | - | $ | - | $ | (2,442,858 | ) | $ | 2,442,858 | |||||||
| Commercial installment | - | - | (4,690,747 | ) | 4,690,747 | |||||||||||
| Other commercial real estate | - | - | (4,016,026 | ) | 4,016,026 | |||||||||||
| Residential real estate: | ||||||||||||||||
| One- to four-family residential | - | - | (125,090,255 | ) | 125,090,255 | |||||||||||
| Home equity | - | - | (1,276,436 | ) | 1,276,436 | |||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | - | - | (4,272,812 | ) | 4,272,812 | |||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||
| Installment | - | - | (31,637,183 | ) | 31,637,183 | |||||||||||
| Real estate: | ||||||||||||||||
| One to four family residential | 122,239,967 | 123,751,706 | $ | 123,751,706 | - | |||||||||||
| Home equity | 2,063,651 | 1,276,436 | 1,276,436 | - | ||||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | 4,146,620 | 4,272,812 | 4,272,812 | - | ||||||||||||
| Construction | 3,978,450 | 1,721,968 | 1,721,968 | - | ||||||||||||
| Multi-family | 1,485,002 | 2,442,858 | 2,442,858 | - | ||||||||||||
| Commercial | 2,333,631 | 3,632,607 | 3,632,607 | - | ||||||||||||
| Commercial installment | 4,373,435 | 4,690,747 | 4,690,747 | - | ||||||||||||
| Consumer | ||||||||||||||||
| Marine and recreational | 30,800,279 | 27,183,062 | 27,183,062 | - | ||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 4,038,013 | 4,454,121 | 4,454,121 | - | ||||||||||||
| Subtotal | 175,459,048 | 173,426,317 | - | 173,426,317 | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | (1,056,796 | ) | (909,357 | ) | - | (909,357 | ) | |||||||||
| Unearned loan fees | (87,081 | ) | (93,232 | ) | - | (93,232 | ) | |||||||||
| Loans, net | $ | 174,315,171 | $ | 172,423,728 | - | $ | 172,423,728 | |||||||||
F-25
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Changes in the allowance for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, are as follows:
| Allowance for credit losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning Balance | Impact of Adopting ASC 326 | Provision for Credit Loss | Charge-offs | Recoveries | Ending Balance | |||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| One to four family | $ | 407,598 | $ | 164,130 | $ | 83,026 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 654,754 | ||||||||||||
| Residential | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home equity | 3,406 | 2,478 | 5,161 | - | - | 11,045 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | 13,105 | 6,591 | 2,497 | - | - | 22,193 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 3,715 | 2,455 | 15,123 | - | - | 21,293 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Multi-family | 6,519 | 4,741 | (3,312 | ) | - | - | 7,948 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 10,711 | 31,608 | (15,996 | ) | - | - | 26,323 | |||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Installment | 9,516 | 35,236 | 220 | - | - | 44,972 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marine and Recreational | 402,074 | (218,582 | ) | 58,132 | - | - | 241,624 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 52,713 | (28,657 | ) | 188 | (22,833 | ) | 25,233 | 26,644 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 909,357 | - | $ | 145,039 | $ | (22,833 | ) | $ | 25,233 | $ | 1,056,796 | ||||||||||||
F-26
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
| Allowance for loan losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Beginning Balance | Provision for Losses | Charge-offs | Recoveries | Ending Balance | ||||||||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Five or more family residential real estate | $ | 4,342 | 2,177 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 6,519 | |||||||||||
| Commercial installment | 10,964 | (1,448 | ) | - | - | 9,516 | ||||||||||||||
| Other commercial real estate | 7,400 | 3,310 | - | - | 10,710 | |||||||||||||||
| Residential real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| One- to four-family residential | 381,309 | 30,004 | - | - | 411,313 | |||||||||||||||
| Home equity | 1,712 | 1,694 | - | - | 3,406 | |||||||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | 8,022 | 5,083 | - | - | 13,105 | |||||||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Installment | 572,608 | (40,820 | ) | (78,000 | ) | 1,000 | 454,788 | |||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 986,357 | - | $ | (78,000 | ) | $ | 1,000 | $ | 909,357 | ||||||||||
The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and class on impairment method as of December 31, 2022.
| Allowance for loan losses | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated for Impairment | Collectively Evaluated for Impairment | Ending Balance | ||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||
| Five or more family residential real estate | $ | - | $ | 6,519 | $ | 6,519 | ||||||
| Commercial installment | - | 9,516 | 9,516 | |||||||||
| Other commercial real estate | - | 10,710 | 10,710 | |||||||||
| Residential real estate: | - | |||||||||||
| One- to four-family residential | - | 411,313 | 411,313 | |||||||||
| Home equity | - | 3,406 | 3,406 | |||||||||
| Equity line of credit | - | 13,105 | 13,105 | |||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||
| Installment | - | 454,788 | 454,788 | |||||||||
| Total | - | $ | 909,357 | $ | 909,357 | |||||||
F-27
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
| Recorded investment in loans | ||||||||||||
| Individually Evaluated for Impairment | Collectively Evaluated for Impairment | Ending Balance | ||||||||||
| Commercial: | ||||||||||||
| Five or more family residential real estate | $ | - | $ | 2,442,858 | $ | 2,442,858 | ||||||
| Commercial installment | - | 4,690,747 | 4,690,747 | |||||||||
| Other commercial real estate | - | 4,016,026 | 4,016,026 | |||||||||
| Residential real estate: | - | |||||||||||
| One- to four-family residential | - | 125,090,255 | 125,090,255 | |||||||||
| Home equity | - | 1,276,436 | 1,276,436 | |||||||||
| Equity line of credit | - | 4,272,812 | 4,272,812 | |||||||||
| Consumer: | - | |||||||||||
| Installment | 31,637,183 | 31,637,183 | ||||||||||
| Loans | - | $ | 173,426,317 | $ | 173,426,317 | |||||||
There were no impaired loans as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, there was one collateral dependent totaling $9,889 in the marine and recreational loan segment. This loan is collateralized by a licensed recreational vehicle and has $4,889 in the ACL as of December 31, 2023. There were no other collateral dependent loans as of December 31, 2023.
The Company regularly evaluates various attributes of loans to determine the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses. The credit quality indicators monitored differ depending on the class of loan.
Multi-family, commercial real estate, and commercial installment loans are generally evaluated using the following internally prepared ratings:
| ● | Pass ratings are assigned to loans with adequate collateral and debt service ability such that collectibility of the contractual loan payments is highly probable. |
| ● | Special mention ratings are assigned to loans where management has some concern that the collateral or debt service ability may not be adequate, though the collectibility of the contractual loan payments is still probable. |
| ● | Substandard ratings are assigned to loans that do not have adequate collateral and/or debt service ability such that collectibility of the contractual loan payments is no longer probable. |
F-28
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
| ● | Doubtful ratings are assigned to loans that do not have adequate collateral and/or debt service ability, and collectibility of the contractual loan payments is unlikely. |
One to four family residential, home equity, equity line of credit, construction, marine and recreational, and other consumer loans are generally evaluated based on whether the loan is performing according to the contractual terms of the loan.
| Total Loans by Origination Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Prior | Revolving | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| One to four family residential | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | 9,639,759 | $ | 34,992,254 | 13,184,881 | $ | 64,423,073 | $ | - | $ | 122,239,967 | |||||||||||||
| Non performing | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total one to four family residential | $ | 9,639,759 | $ | 34,992,254 | $ | 13,184,881 | $ | 64,423,073 | - | $ | 122,239,967 | |||||||||||||
| Home equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | 991,616 | $ | 714,749 | $ | 119,200 | $ | 238,086 | $ | - | $ | 2,063,651 | ||||||||||||
| Non performing | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total home equity | $ | 991,616 | $ | 714,749 | $ | 119,200 | $ | 238,086 | - | $ | 2,063,651 | |||||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 4,146,620 | $ | 4,146,620 | ||||||||||||
| Non performing | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total equity line of credit | - | - | - | - | $ | 4,146,620 | $ | 4,146,620 | ||||||||||||||||
| Construction | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | 2,258,809 | $ | 1,194,457 | $ | 295,614 | $ | 229,570 | $ | - | $ | 3,978,450 | ||||||||||||
| Non performing | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total construction | $ | 2,258,809 | $ | 1,194,457 | $ | 295,614 | $ | 229,570 | - | $ | 3,978,450 | |||||||||||||
| Multi-family | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pass | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 218,321 | $ | 1,266,681 | $ | - | $ | 1,485,002 | ||||||||||||
| Special mention | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Substandard | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Doubtful | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total multi-family | - | - | $ | 218,321 | $ | 1,266,681 | - | $ | 1,485,002 | |||||||||||||||
| Commercial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pass | $ | 439,270 | $ | 1,348,841 | $ | 353,171 | $ | 192,349 | $ | - | $ | 2,333,631 | ||||||||||||
| Special mention | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Substandard | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Doubtful | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial | $ | 439,270 | $ | 1,348,841 | $ | 353,171 | $ | 192,349 | - | $ | 2,333,631 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial installment | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pass | $ | 360,575 | $ | 410,038 | $ | 1,379,228 | $ | 2,223,594 | $ | - | $ | 4,373,435 | ||||||||||||
| Special mention | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Substandard | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Doubtful | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total commercial installment | $ | 360,575 | $ | 410,038 | $ | 1,379,228 | $ | 2,223,594 | - | $ | 4,373,435 | |||||||||||||
| Consumer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marine and recreational | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | 9,291,668 | $ | 3,297,641 | $ | 719,234 | $ | 17,491,736 | $ | - | $ | 30,800,279 | ||||||||||||
| Non performing | - | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total marine and recreational | $ | 9,291,668 | $ | 3,297,641 | $ | 719,234 | $ | 17,491,736 | - | $ | 30,800,279 | |||||||||||||
| Other consumer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Performing | $ | 1,433,967 | $ | 1,645,920 | $ | 562,650 | $ | 377,505 | $ | - | $ | 4,020,042 | ||||||||||||
| Non performing | - | 17,971 | - | - | - | 17,971 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total other consumer | $ | 1,433,967 | $ | 1,663,891 | $ | 562,650 | $ | 377,505 | - | $ | 4,038,013 | |||||||||||||
| Total loans | $ | 24,415,665 | $ | 43,621,871 | $ | 16,832,297 | $ | 86,442,595 | $ | 4,146,620 | $ | 175,459,048 | ||||||||||||
F-29
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Current year-to-date net charge-offs are not included in the above table as the amount is considered insignificant.
Information regarding the credit quality indicators most closely monitored for commercial loans by class as of December 31, 2022 follows:
| Pass | Special Mention | Substandard | Doubtful | Totals | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Five or more family and commercial real estate | $ | 2,442,858 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 2,442,858 | ||||||||||
| Commercial installment | 4,690,747 | - | - | - | 4,690,747 | |||||||||||||||
| Other commercial real estate | 3,381,329 | - | 635,297 | - | 4,016,626 | |||||||||||||||
| Totals | $ | 10,514,934 | - | 635,297 | - | $ | 11,150,231 | |||||||||||||
F-30
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Information regarding the credit quality indicators most closely monitored for residential real estate and consumer loans by class as of December 31, 2022, follows:
| Performing | Nonperforming | Totals | ||||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||
| One- to four-family residential | $ | 125,053,426 | $ | 36,829 | $ | 125,090,255 | ||||||
| Home equity | 1,276,436 | - | 1,276,436 | |||||||||
| Equity line of credit | 4,272,812 | - | 4,272,812 | |||||||||
| Installment | 31,637,051 | 132 | 31,637,183 | |||||||||
| Totals | $ | 162,239,725 | $ | 36,961 | $ | 162,276,686 | ||||||
Loan aging information as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, follows:
| Accruing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Loans |
Loans Past Due 30-89 Days |
Loans Past Due 90+ Days |
Nonaccrual | Nonaccrual with an ACL |
Total Loans | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| One to four family residential | $ | 120,678,966 | $ | 1,561,001 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 122,239,967 | ||||||||||||
| Home equity | 2,063,651 | - | - | - | - | 2,063,651 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | 4,086,622 | 59,998 | - | - | - | 4,146,620 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Construction | 3,978,450 | - | - | - | - | 3,978,450 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Multi-family | 1,485,002 | - | - | - | - | 1,485,002 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial | 2,333,631 | - | - | - | - | 2,333,631 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial installment | 4,373,435 | - | - | - | - | 4,373,435 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Consumer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marine and recreational | 30,550,492 | 249,787 | - | - | - | 30,800,279 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 4,020,042 | - | - | 17,971 | - | 4,038,013 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Totals | $ | 173,570,291 | $ | 1,870,786 | - | $ | 17,971 | - | $ | 175,459,048 | ||||||||||||||
F-31
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
| Accruing | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Current Loans | Loans Past Due 30-89 Days | Loans Past Due 90+ Days | Nonaccrual Loans | Total Loans | ||||||||||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Five or more family and commercial real estate | $ | 2,442,858 | $ | - | $ | - | $ | - | $ | 2,442,858 | ||||||||||
| Commercial installment | 4,690,747 | - | - | - | 4,690,747 | |||||||||||||||
| Other commercial real estate | 4,016,026 | - | - | - | 4,016,026 | |||||||||||||||
| One- to four-family residential | 124,870,669 | 182,727 | - | 36,829 | 125,090,255 | |||||||||||||||
| Home equity | 1,276,436 | - | - | - | 1,276,436 | |||||||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | 4,267,818 | 4,994 | - | - | 4,272,812 | |||||||||||||||
| Installment | 31,536,974 | 100,077 | - | 132 | 31,637,183 | |||||||||||||||
| Totals | $ | 173,101,558 | $ | 287,798 | - | $ | 36,961 | $ | 173,426,317 | |||||||||||
Directors and executive officers, including their families and firms in which they are principal owners, are considered to be related parties. All loans to these related parties were made on the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with others and did not involve more than the normal risk of collectibility or present other unfavorable features.
A summary of loans to directors, executive officers, and their affiliates as of December 31 is as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Balance at beginning of year | $ | 42,708 | $ | 284,500 | ||||
| New loans | - | 11,973 | ||||||
| Repayments | (15,704 | ) | (253,765 | ) | ||||
| Balance at end of year | $ | 27,004 | $ | 42,708 | ||||
F-32
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, all loans are in compliance with contractual terms and have not been subject to modifications requiring classification as troubled debt restructurings or modified loans.
Note 5: Office Properties and Equipment
Office properties and equipment consisted of the following at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Land and improvements | $ | 963,991 | $ | 963,991 | ||||
| Buildings and improvements | 4,549,327 | 4,482,759 | ||||||
| Furniture and equipment | 1,455,787 | 1,498,762 | ||||||
| Total cost | 6,969,105 | 6,945,512 | ||||||
| Less - Accumulated depreciation | 4,058,936 | 3,942,465 | ||||||
| Office properties and equipment, net | $ | 2,910,169 | $ | 3,003,047 | ||||
Depreciation expense included in occupancy expense on the consolidated statements of income (loss) totaled $179,429 and $229,215 in 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 6: Mortgage Servicing Rights
Loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balance of mortgage loans serviced for others totaled approximately $61,959,000 and $57,866,000 at December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with serviced loans were approximately $122,927 on December 31, 2023 and $550,062 on December 31, 2022, respectively.
The following is a summary of changes in the balance of mortgage servicing rights for the years ended December 31, 2023, and 2022:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Beginning balance | $ | 309,210 | $ | 347,101 | ||||
| Capitalized mortgage servicing rights | 68,897 | 15,313 | ||||||
| Provision for allowance | (11,496 | ) | 19,630 | |||||
| Amortization | (44,683 | ) | (72,834 | ) | ||||
| Ending balance | $ | 321,928 | $ | 309,210 | ||||
The carrying value of mortgage servicing rights is included within accrued interest receivable and other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment at least annually. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights was $582,981 and $551,109 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Fair value at December 31, 2023 was determined using discount rates ranging from 9.33% to 11.33%, prepayment speeds ranging from 6.0% to 25.1%, depending on the stratification of the specific mortgage servicing rights and an average default rate of 0.25%. Fair value at December 31, 2022 was determined using discount rates ranging from 9.03% to 11.00%, prepayment speeds ranging from 6.1% to 8.7%, depending on the stratification of the specific right and an average default rate of 0.25%.
F-33
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
| Note 7: Deposits |
The composition of deposits at December 31, 2023 and 2022 is as follows:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Non-interest-bearing demand | $ | 10,250,495 | $ | 11,224,140 | ||||
| Interest-bearing demand | 32,900,701 | 36,701,891 | ||||||
| Savings | 32,888,853 | 36,367,522 | ||||||
| Money market | 49,911,872 | 65,933,001 | ||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 104,515,708 | 98,981,194 | ||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 230,467,629 | $ | 249,207,748 | ||||
The aggregate amount of certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was approximately $18,488,000 and $18,013,000, respectively.
The scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit at December 31, 2023 are summarized as follows:
| 2024 | $ | 73,213,339 | ||
| 2025 | 21,822,958 | |||
| 2026 | 3,160,088 | |||
| 2027 | 2,812,862 | |||
| 2028 | 3,506,461 | |||
| Total | $ | 104,515,708 |
Deposits from directors, executive officers, and their affiliates totaled $1,300,864 and $1,664,408 at December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
| Note 8: Borrowed Funds |
Borrowed funds consisted of the following at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Rates | Amount | Rates | Amount | |||||||||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank: | ||||||||||||||||
| Fixed rate, short term advances | 5.43 | % | $ | 12,630,000 | 4.29 | % | $ | 4,100,000 | ||||||||
| Fixed rate, fixed term advances | 3.40 | % | 6,000,000 | 2.83 | % | 5,000,000 | ||||||||||
| Related party subordinated promissory notes | 7.00 | % | 400,000 | - | - | |||||||||||
| Total borrowings | $ | 19,030,000 | $ | 9,100,000 | ||||||||||||
F-34
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
The Company utilizes fixed rate short term advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank as a flexible source of liquidity. Terms of these advances range from 1 – 27 days.
In January 2024, the fixed rate, short term advances were replaced by collateralized borrowings of approximately $17.0 million through the Federal Reserve Bank’s Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”). The borrowings under BTFP have a maturity date of 01/16/2025 and an interest rate of 4.76%.
The following is a summary of scheduled maturities of non-short term borrowed funds as of December 31, 2023:
| Rate | Amount | |||||||
| 2026 | 7.00 | % | $ | 400,000 | ||||
| 2028 | 3.40 | % | 6,000,000 | |||||
| Total | $ | 6,400,000 | ||||||
Actual maturities may differ from the scheduled principal maturities due to call options on the various advances.
The Company has a master contract agreement with the FHLB that provides for borrowing up to a FHLB determined percent of the book value of the Company's qualifying one- to four-family residential real estate loans. The loans pledged as security for FHLB borrowings totaled approximately $65,826,000 and $65,765,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. FHLB advances are also secured by $1,084,273 and $1,075,635 of FHLB stock owned by the Company at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2023, the Company's available and unused portion of this borrowing agreement totaled $1,721,272 based on FHLB stock owned and $46,888,000 based on collateral pledged as of this date.
In 2023, the Company entered into subordinated promissory note agreements with various directors and officers of the Company to support future capital contributions. The notes were issued on February 6, 2023, in an aggregate par value of $400,000 carrying an annual fixed interest rate of 7.0% paid semi-annually. The notes were issued with a 3-year term and are continuously callable by the Company.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company has short-term borrowing availability through the Federal Reserve Bank's discount window of up to $25 million. The Company is required to pledge securities and/or loans in order to borrow at the discount window. The Company had no borrowings through the Federal Reserve discount window and did not pledge securities or loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had an unsecured $6.0 million federal funds line of credit with a correspondent bank.
F-35
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
| Note 9: Income Taxes |
The components of the provision for income taxes are as follows as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Current tax expense (benefit): | ||||||||
| Federal | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| State | 25 | 25 | ||||||
| Total current | $ | 25 | $ | 25 | ||||
| Deferred tax expense (benefit): | ||||||||
| Federal | (278,735 | ) | (1,159,475 | ) | ||||
| State | (118,847 | ) | (408,029 | ) | ||||
| Total deferred | (397,582 | ) | (1,567,504 | ) | ||||
| Total provision for income taxes | $ | (397,557 | ) | $ | (1,567,479 | ) | ||
The primary differences between income taxes at the federal statutory rate and the provision for income taxes includes state taxes and
tax-exempt interest and non-interest income.
Deferred income taxes are provided for the temporary differences between the financial reporting basis and the tax basis of the Company's assets and liabilities. The major components of the net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, are presented below:
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Deferred tax assets: | ||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | $ | 280,368 | $ | 241,253 | ||||
| Deferred compensation | 51,601 | 61,065 | ||||||
| Net operating loss | 1,945,176 | 1,588,666 | ||||||
| Unrealized loss on securities available for sale | 1,043,484 | 1,281,462 | ||||||
| Unrealized loss on securities held to maturity | 1,723,317 | 2,045,989 | ||||||
| Other | 5,429 | 7,782 | ||||||
| Total deferred tax assets | 5,049,375 | 5,226,217 | ||||||
| Deferred tax liabilities: | ||||||||
| Fixed assets | 84,630 | 90,278 | ||||||
| Mortgage servicing rights | 85,407 | 82,034 | ||||||
| Other | 21,492 | 32,991 | ||||||
| Total deferred tax liabilities | 191,529 | 205,309 | ||||||
| Net deferred tax asset | $ | 4,857,846 | $ | 5,020,914 | ||||
The Company has federal net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $7.3 million and $6.0 million for the tax years ending December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Due to tax law changes from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the federal net operating loss carryforwards do not expire.
F-36
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
The Company has Wisconsin net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $5.7 million and $4.4 million for the tax years ending December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Wisconsin net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2042.
The Company has Minnesota net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $673,000 and $554,000 for the tax years ending December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The Minnesota net operating loss carryforwards begin to expire in 2037.
The amount of the deferred tax asset is considered realizable, however, could be adjusted, and an additional valuation allowance recorded, if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is present and additional weight cannot be given to subjective evidence such as our projections for growth. Our projections for growth are based on growth within our deposit and loan portfolios and maintaining an adequate net interest margin.
With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to federal or state examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2019.
| Note 10: Employee Benefit Plan |
The Company sponsors a 401(k) profit sharing plan covering all employees who meet certain service requirements. Employees are allowed to make voluntary contributions to the plan up to 100% of their compensation, not to exceed the applicable annual IRS dollar limit. The Company matches 100% of up to 5% of employee compensation. Prior to 2023, the Company made a fixed 5% employer contribution for eligible participants. The Plan was amended in 2023 changing the employer contribution from mandatory to discretionary. An employer contribution was not made in 2023.
Employee benefit plan expense included within salary and related benefits on the consolidated statements of income (loss) was approximately $126,000 and $271,000, respectively.
| Note 11: Deferred Compensation |
The Company has entered into deferred compensation plans with various executive officers. The plans provide for the payment of specified amounts upon the executive officers' retirement. The liability is being accrued over the anticipated remaining period of employment. The accrued liability for the deferred compensation plans is included within accrued interest payable and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and was $194,501 and $230,172 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Deferred compensation expense included within salary and related benefits on the consolidated statements of income (loss) was $18,481 and $28,500 for 2023 and 2022, respectively. Payments made in accordance with the plans totaled $54,152 and $62,275 during 2023 and 2022, respectively.
| Note 12: Commitments, Contingencies, and Credit Risk |
Credit Risk
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These instruments 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 is represented by the contractual, or notional, amount of these commitments. The Company follows the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon and some of the commitments may not be drawn upon to the total extent of the commitment, the notional amount of these commitments does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
F-37
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
The following commitments were outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
| Notional Amount | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Commitments to extend credit | $ | 19,999,000 | $ | 21,595,000 | ||||
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer at fixed or variable rates, as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The amount of collateral obtained upon extension of credit is based on management's credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable; inventory; property, plant, and equipment; real estate; and stocks and bonds.
Legal Contingencies
Various legal claims arise from time to time in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material impact on the financial statements.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The majority of the Company's loans and commitments have been granted to customers in the Company's market area. The concentrations of credit by type are set forth in Note 4.
Recourse Exposure
The Company sells long-term, fixed rate residential loans to the Federal Home Bank of Chicago pursuant to the Mortgage Partnership Finance Program. Such sales provide a limited amount of recourse. At December 31, 2023, recourse exposure was approximately $308,000.
| Note 13: Equity and Regulatory Matters |
The payment of dividends by the Bank would be restricted if the Bank does not meet the minimum Capital Conservation Buffer as defined by Basel III regulatory capital guidelines and/or if, after payment of the dividend, the Bank would be unable to maintain satisfactory regulatory capital ratios.
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
F-38
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum regulatory capital amounts and ratios (set forth in the table on the next page). It is management's opinion, as of December 31, 2023, that the Bank meets all applicable capital adequacy requirements.
As of December 31, 2023, the Bank is categorized as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum regulatory capital ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.
The Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, are presented in the following tables:
| For Capital Adequacy | To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective | |||||||||||||||
| Actual | Purposes | Action Provisions | ||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in Thousands) | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | ||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Bank | ||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | $ | 16,464 | 11.2 | % | ³ $6,634 | ³ 4.5% | ³ $9,582 | ³ 6.5% | ||||||||
| Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | 16,464 | 11.2 | % | ³ 8,845 | ³ 6.0% | ³ 11,794 | ³ 8.0% | |||||||||
| Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) | 17,521 | 11.9 | % | ³ 11,794 | ³ 8.0% | ³ 14,742 | ³ 10.0% | |||||||||
| Tier 1 capital (to average assets) | 16,464 | 6.3 | % | ³ 10,386 | ³ 4.0% | ³ 12,982 | ³ 5.0% | |||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Bank | ||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | $ | 17,732 | 12.0 | % | ³ $6,666 | ³ 4.5% | ³ $ 9,628 | ³ 6.5% | ||||||||
| Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | 17,732 | 12.0 | % | ³ 8,888 | ³ 6.0% | ³ 11,850 | ³ 8.0% | |||||||||
| Total capital (to risk-weighted assets) | 18,641 | 12.6 | % | ³ 11,850 | ³ 8.0% | ³ 14,813 | ³ 10.0% | |||||||||
| Tier 1 capital (to average assets) | 17,732 | 6.6 | % | ³ 10,756 | ³ 4.0% | ³ 13,445 | ³ 5.0% | |||||||||
In addition to the above minimum regulatory capital measures, the Board of Directors has designated that the Bank will have and maintain its tier one capital as a percentage of average total assets at a minimum of 8.00% and its level of total capital to risk-weighted assets at a minimum of 11.00%.
F-39
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
In addition to the above minimum regulatory capital measures, the State of Wisconsin requires a savings bank to maintain a net worth ratio in an amount not less than 6%. At December 31, 2023, the Bank’s net worth ratio of 4.1% was not in compliance with the minimum requirement.
| Note 14: Fair Value Measurements |
Accounting standards describe three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value (the fair value hierarchy). The level of an asset or liability within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement of that asset or liability.
Following is a brief description of each level of the fair value hierarchy:
Level 1 - Fair value measurement is based on quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active observable markets.
Level 2 - Fair value measurement is based on: (1) quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; (2) quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or (3) valuation models and methodologies for which all significant assumptions are or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 - Fair value measurement is based on valuation models and methodologies that incorporate at least one significant assumption that cannot be corroborated by observable market data. Level 3 measurements reflect the Company's estimates about assumptions market participants would use if measured at fair value on a recurring basis under GAAP.
Some assets and liabilities, such as securities available for sale, are measured at fair value on a recurring basis under GAAP. Other assets and liabilities, such as individually evaluated loans, may be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company did not have any significant assets or liabilities that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
Following is a description of the valuation methodology and significant inputs used for each asset measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the classification of the asset within the fair value hierarchy.
Securities available for sale - Securities available for sale are classified as Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. Level 2 securities include U.S. government sponsored agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, corporate securities, and mortgaged-backed securities. The fair value measurement of a Level 2 security is based on recent sales of similar securities and other observable market data.
Fair value hedge – Fair value hedges are classified as Level 2 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value measurement is based on current observable market interest rates.
F-40
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Information regarding the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, follows:
| Recurring Fair Value Measurements Using | ||||||||||||||||
| Assets Measured at Fair Value | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Instruments | Significant Other Observable Inputs | Significant Unobservable Inputs | |||||||||||||
| (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | ||||||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets: | ||||||||||||||||
| Securities available for sale: | ||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities: residential | $ | 9,040,705 | - | $ | 9,040,705 | - | ||||||||||
| State and political subdivisions | 12,083,045 | - | 12,083,045 | - | ||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | 2,824,025 | - | 2,824,025 | - | ||||||||||||
| Total securities available for sale | $ | 23,947,775 | - | $ | 23,947,775 | - | ||||||||||
| Financial liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||
| Fair value hedge on fixed rate loans | $ | 140,321 | - | $ | 140,321 | - | ||||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
| Securities available for sale: | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government sponsored agencies | $ | 8,908,590 | - | $ | 8,908,590 | - | ||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities: residential | 10,002,910 | - | 10,002,910 | - | ||||||||||||
| State and political subdivisions | 11,784,216 | - | 11,784,216 | - | ||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | 3,185,075 | - | 3,185,075 | - | ||||||||||||
| Total securities available for sale | $ | 33,880,791 | - | $ | 33,880,791 | - | ||||||||||
Note 15: Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments are classified within the fair value hierarchy using the methodologies described in Note 14 – Fair Value Measurements. The following disclosures include financial instruments that are not carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The calculation of estimated fair values is based on market conditions at a specific point in time and may not reflect current or future fair values.
Certain financial instruments generally expose the Company to limited credit risk and have no stated maturities or have short-term maturities and carry interest rates that approximate market. The carrying value of these financial instruments assumes to approximate the fair value of these instruments. These instruments include cash and cash equivalents, non-interest-bearing deposit accounts, time deposits with other financial institutions, FHLB stock, escrow deposits, FHLB advances and accrued interest receivable and payable. The fair market values of loans and interest-bearing deposits are calculated using the discounted cash flow (present value) method.
F-41
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values by fair value hierarchy of certain financial instruments as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, follows:
| Carrying Amount | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| HTM debt securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government sponsored agencies | $ | 28,223,324 | - | $ | 27,990,273 | - | $ | 27,990,273 | ||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | 11,827,534 | 11,814,555 | - | - | 11,814,555 | |||||||||||||||
| Loans, net | $ | 174,315,171 | - | - | $ | 165,086,000 | $ | 165,086,000 | ||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | $ | 220,217,134 | - | $ | 207,001,000 | $ | 207,001,000 | |||||||||||||
| 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Financial assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| HTM debt securities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government sponsored agencies | $ | 27,316,910 | - | $ | 27,184,142 | - | $ | 27,184,142 | ||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | 11,409,900 | 11,468,025 | - | - | 11,468,025 | |||||||||||||||
| Loans, net | $ | 172,423,728 | - | - | $ | 165,089,000 | $ | 165,089,000 | ||||||||||||
| Financial liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | $ | 237,983,608 | - | $ | 217,458,000 | $ | 217,458,000 | |||||||||||||
Note 16: Derivatives
The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest income and expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. The aggregate fair value of the swaps are recorded in other assets or other liabilities with changes in fair value recorded as gains or losses in noninterest income or noninterest expense on the consolidated statements of income (loss).
The Company utilizes interest rate swap agreements as part of its asset liability management strategy to help manage its interest rate risk position. The notional amount of the interest rate swap does not represent amounts exchanged by the parties. The amount exchanged is determined by reference to the notional amount and the other terms of the individual interest rate swap agreements.
Fair Value Hedge: Interest rate swap with a notional amount totaling $25.0 million as of December 31, 2023, was designated as a fair value last of layer hedge for certain fixed rate prepayable loans.
F-42
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Note 17: Parent Company Condensed Financial Information
Condensed Balance Sheets
| As of December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Noninterest bearing deposit with bank subsidiary | $ | 50,000 | $ | 50,000 | ||||
| Investment in subsidiaries | 11,486,824 | 10,869,441 | ||||||
| TOTAL ASSETS | $ | 11,536,824 | $ | 10,919,441 | ||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
| Liabilities | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| Equity: | ||||||||
| Retained earnings | 19,198,973 | 20,134,213 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (7,662,149 | ) | (9,214,772 | ) | ||||
| Total equity | $ | 11,536,824 | $ | 10,919,441 | ||||
Condensed Statements of Income (Loss)
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Operating income | $ | - | $ | - | ||||
| Operating expense | - | - | ||||||
| Income before equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries | - | - | ||||||
| Equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries | (935,240 | ) | (4,164,074 | ) | ||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (935,240 | ) | $ | (4,164,074 | ) | ||
F-43
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
| Twelve Months Ended December 31, | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | ||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (935,240 | ) | $ | (4,164,074 | ) | ||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash flows used in operating activities | ||||||||
| Equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries | 935,240 | 4,164,074 | ||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | - | - | ||||||
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents | - | - | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year | 50,000 | 50,000 | ||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents - end of year | $ | 50,000 | $ | 50,000 | ||||
Note 18: Subsequent Events
On March 4, 2024, the Board of Directors of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC adopted a plan for its conversion to a fully stock holding company structure. According to the plan, EWSB Bancorp, Inc., which is currently the mid-tier stock holding company subsidiary of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and owns all of East Wisconsin Savings Bank’s common stock, will be succeeded by a Maryland corporation, which will also be named EWSB Bancorp, Inc., and which will own all of East Wisconsin Savings Bank’s common stock after the conversion. The plan of conversion is subject to the approval of the Federal Reserve Board, the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions and at least a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by depositors eligible to vote at a special meeting of members of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC.
F-44
You should rely only on the information contained in this document or that to which we have referred you. No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation other than as contained in this prospectus and, if given or made, such other information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized by New EWSB Bancorp or the Bank. This prospectus does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby to any person in any jurisdiction in which such offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so, or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation in such jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any sale hereunder shall under any circumstances create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of New EWSB Bancorp or the Bank since any of the dates as of which information is furnished herein or since the date hereof.
EWSB BANCORP, INC.
(Proposed Holding Company for
East Wisconsin Savings Bank)
Up to 1,006,250 shares of
Common Stock
Par value $0.01 per share
(Subject to increase to up to 1,157,188 shares)
PROSPECTUS

[prospectus date]
These securities are not deposits or accounts and are not federally insured or guaranteed.
Until [expiration date], all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver the prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
| Item 13. | Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution |
| Estimated Amount | ||||
| Registrant’s Legal Fees and Expenses | $ | 475,000 | ||
| Registrant’s Accounting Fees and Expenses | 350,000 | |||
| Marketing Agent’s Fees and Expenses (1) | 360,000 | |||
| Records Management Agent’s Fees and Expenses | 65,000 | |||
| Independent Appraiser’s Fees and Expenses | 40,000 | |||
| Printing, Postage, Mailing and EDGAR Fees and Expenses | 120,000 | |||
| Filing Fees (Blue Sky, FINRA, SEC) | 15,000 | |||
| Transfer Agent’s Fees and Expenses | 25,000 | |||
| Business Plan Consultant’s Fees and Expenses | 50,000 | |||
| Accounting Consultant’s Fees and Expenses | 90,000 | |||
| State Tax Opinion | 25,000 | |||
| Proxy Solicitation Fees and Expenses | 25,000 | |||
| Other | 50,000 | |||
| Total | $ | 1,690,000 | ||
| (1) | Estimated at the adjusted maximum of the offering range, assuming all shares are sold in the subscription offering. |
| Item 14. | Indemnification of Directors and Officers |
Article 10 of the Articles of Incorporation of EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Corporation”) sets forth the circumstances under which directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation may be insured or indemnified against liability which they may incur in their capacities as such:
ARTICLE 10. Indemnification, etc. of Directors and Officers.
A. Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify (1) its current and former directors and officers, whether serving the Corporation or at its request any other entity, to the fullest extent required or permitted by the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) now or hereafter in force, including the advancement of expenses under the procedures and to the fullest extent permitted by law, and (2) other employees and agents to such extent as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors and permitted by law; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section B of this Article 10 with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
B. Procedure. If a claim under Section A of this Article 10 is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty (20) days, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall also be entitled to be reimbursed the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. It shall be a defense to any action for advancement of expenses that the Corporation has not received both (i) an undertaking as required by law to repay such advances in the event it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met and (ii) a written affirmation by the indemnitee of his good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Corporation has been met. In (i) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the MGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the MGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article 10 or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
C. Non-Exclusivity. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article 10 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, these Articles, the Corporation’s Bylaws, any agreement, any vote of stockholders or the Board of Directors, or otherwise.
D. Insurance. The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to insure itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such Person against such expense, liability or loss under the MGCL.
E. Miscellaneous. The Corporation shall not be liable for any payment under this Article 10 in connection with a claim made by any indemnitee to the extent such indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment under any insurance policy, agreement, or otherwise, of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in Sections A and B of this Article 10 shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators.
F. Limitations Imposed by Federal Law. Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Article 10, in no event shall any payments made by the Corporation pursuant to this Article 10 exceed the amount permissible under applicable federal law, including, without limitation, Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Any repeal or modification of this Article 10 shall not in any way diminish any rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses of such director or officer or the obligations of the Corporation arising hereunder with respect to events occurring, or claims made, while this Article 10 is in force.
| Item 15. | Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities |
Not Applicable.
| Item 16. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules |
| (a) | List of Exhibits |
| † | Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement. |
| * | To be filed by amendment. |
| (b) | Financial Statement Schedules |
Financial statement schedules are not filed because the required information is inapplicable or is included in the consolidated financial statements and related notes.
| Item 17. | Undertakings |
The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
| (1) | To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement: |
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424 (§230.424 of this chapter);
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(5) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
(6) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(7) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.
(8) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act, and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Kaukauna, State of Wisconsin, on March 11, 2024.
| EWSB Bancorp, Inc. | ||
| By: | /s/ Charles D. Schmalz | |
| Charles D. Schmalz | ||
| President, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer | ||
| (Duly Authorized Representative) |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
We, the undersigned directors and officers of EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Corporation”) hereby severally constitute and appoint Charles D. Schmalz, as our true and lawful attorney and agent, to do any and all things in our names in the capacities indicated below which said individual may deem necessary or advisable to enable the Corporation to comply with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any rules, regulations and requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, in connection with the registration statement on Form S-1 relating to the offering of the Corporation’s common stock, including specifically, but not limited to, power and authority to sign for us in our names in the capacities indicated below the registration statement and any and all amendments (including post-effective amendments) thereto; and we hereby approve, ratify and confirm all that said individual shall do or cause to be done by virtue thereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
| Signature | Title | Date | ||
| /s/ Charles D. Schmalz | President, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Director (Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officer) |
March 11, 2024 | ||
| Charles D. Schmalz | ||||
| /s/ Kenneth P. Demerath | Director | March 11, 2024 | ||
| Kenneth P. Demerath | ||||
| /s/ Lori Hoersch | Director | March 11, 2024 | ||
| Lori Hoersch | ||||
| /s/ Kay M. Dorow | Director | March 11, 2024 | ||
| Kay M. Dorow | ||||
| /s/ Steve Tyink | Director | March 11, 2024 | ||
| Steve Tyink | ||||
| /s/ Lisa Cruz | Director | March 11, 2024 | ||
| Lisa Cruz | ||||
| /s/ Steve Haen | Director | March 11, 2024 | ||
| Steve Haen |
Exhibit 1.1

September 25, 2023
Charles
D. Schmalz
President & CEO
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
109 West Second Street
Kaukauna, WI 54130
Dear Mr. Schmalz:
We understand that the Boards of Directors of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “MHC”), EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Holding Company”) and East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”) are considering the adoption of a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”) pursuant to which the MHC will be converted from the mutual holding company form of organization to the stock holding company form (the “Conversion”) and in connection therewith a to-be-organized holding company for the Bank (the “New Holding Company”) will offer and sell certain shares of its Common Stock (the "Shares") in a public offering. The MHC, Holding Company, the New Holding Company, and the Bank are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Company” and their respective Boards of Directors are sometimes collectively referred to as the “Boards. Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC (“Performance Trust”) is pleased to assist the Company on a best efforts basis with the Offering (as defined below), and this letter (the “Agreement”) shall confirm the terms and conditions of our engagement as exclusive marketing agent to the Company.
Under the terms of the Plan and applicable regulations, the Shares will be offered first to eligible members of the Bank and the Bank’s tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans (the “Subscription Offering”). Subject to the prior rights of subscribers in the Subscription Offering, the Shares may be offered in a community offering, with a preference given in the community offering to residents of the communities served by the Bank (the “Community Offering,” and together with the Subscription Offering, the “Subscription and Community Offering”). Shares not subscribed for in the Subscription and Community Offering, if any, may be offered to the general public by Performance Trust on a best efforts basis (the “Syndicated Offering” and together with the Subscription and Community Offering, the “Offering”). Performance Trust may, in consultation with the Company, form a syndicate of registered dealers to assist in any Syndicated Offering.
SERVICES
Performance Trust will act as exclusive marketing agent for the Company in the Offering. We will work with the Company and its management, counsel, accountants and other advisors on the Offering and anticipate that our services (the “Services”) will include the following, each as may be necessary and as the Company may reasonably request:
| 1. | Consulting as to the marketing implications of any aspect of the Plan; |
| 2. | Reviewing with the Boards the financial impact of the Offering on the Company, based upon an independent appraiser’s appraisal of the common stock; |
| 3. | Reviewing all offering documents, including the prospectus, stock order forms and related offering materials (it being understood that preparation and filing of such documents will be the responsibility of the Company and its counsel); |
| 4. | Assisting in the design and implementation of a marketing strategy for the Offering; |
| 5. | Assisting Company management in scheduling and preparing for meetings with potential investors and/or other broker-dealers in connection with the Offering; and |
| 6. | Providing such other general advice and assistance as may be reasonably requested to promote the successful completion of the Offering. |


SUBSCRIPTION AND COMMUNITY OFFERING FEES
If the Offering is consummated, the Company agrees to pay Performance Trust a Success Fee equal to the greater of (a) Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) and (b) one percent (1.00%) of the aggregate Actual Purchase Price of the Shares sold in the Subscription and Community Offering, excluding Shares purchased by or on behalf of (i) any employee benefit plan or trust of the Company established for the benefit of its directors, officers and employees, (ii) any charitable foundation established by the Company (or any shares contributed to such a charitable foundation); and (iii) any director, trustee, corporator, officer or employee of the Company (“Insiders”) or members of the Immediate Family of such persons (whether directly or through a personal trust) (the “Selling Agent Fee”). “Immediate Family” includes the spouse, parents, siblings and children of Insiders who live in the same house as the Insiders. For purposes of this letter, the term “Actual Purchase Price” shall mean the price at which the Shares of Common Stock are sold in the Offering.
If (a) Performance Trust’s engagement hereunder is terminated for any of the reasons provided for under the second paragraph of the section of this letter captioned “Definitive Agreement,” or (b) the Offering is terminated by the Company, no fees shall be payable by the Company to Performance Trust hereunder; however, the Company shall reimburse Performance Trust for the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses (including legal fees) incurred by or on behalf of Performance Trust in connection with its engagement hereunder and for any fees and expenses incurred by Performance Trust on behalf of the Company pursuant to the second paragraph under the section captioned “Costs and Expenses” below.
All fees and expense reimbursements payable to Performance Trust hereunder shall be payable in immediately available funds at the time of the closing of the Offering, or upon the termination of Performance Trust’s engagement hereunder or termination of the Offering, as the case may be. In recognition of the long lead times involved in the stock offering process, the Company has agreed to make an advance payment (the “Management Fee”) to Performance Trust in the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000). In the event that the Management Fee exceeds the amount due in payment of fees and reimbursement of expenses hereunder, the excess shall be promptly refunded to the Company. The Management Fee will be credited against any payment hereunder of the Selling Agent Fee.
SYNDICATED OFFERING
If any shares of the Common Stock remain available after the expiration of the Subscription and Community Offering, at the request of the Company and subject to the continued satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the second paragraph under the section captioned “Definitive Agreement” below, Performance Trust will seek to sell such Common Stock in a Syndicated Offering on a best efforts basis, subject to the terms and conditions to be set forth in a selected dealers agreement, and may, in consultation with the Company, form a syndicate of registered dealers to assist in such efforts. With respect to any Shares of Common Stock sold by Performance Trust or any other FINRA member firm under any selected dealers agreements in a Syndicated Offering, the Company agrees to pay a commission of five percent (5.00%) of the aggregate Actual Purchase Price of the Shares of Common Stock sold in such Syndicated Offering. Performance Trust will endeavor to distribute the Common Stock among dealers in a fashion that best meets the distribution objectives of the Company and the requirements of the Plan, which may result in limiting the allocation of stock to certain selected dealers. It is understood that in no event shall Performance Trust or any other member of the syndicate be obligated to take or purchase any shares of the Common Stock in the Offering.

| 2 |

COSTS AND EXPENSES
In addition to any fees that may be payable to Performance Trust hereunder and the expenses to be borne by the Company pursuant to the following paragraph, the Company agrees to reimburse Performance Trust, upon request made from time to time, for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its engagement hereunder, regardless of whether the Offering is consummated, including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses, communications, syndication and travel expenses, up to a maximum of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) for legal fees and expenses, and Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) for all other out-of-pocket expenses, which may be increased to Twenty Thousand Dollars ($20,000) in the aggregate in the event of resolicitation of subscribers; provided, however, that Performance Trust shall document such expenses to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company. The provisions of this paragraph are not intended to apply to or in any way impair the indemnification provisions of this letter.
As is customary, the Company will bear all other expenses incurred in connection with the Offering, including, without limitation, (i) the cost of obtaining all securities and bank regulatory approvals, including any required FINRA filing fees; (ii) the cost of printing and distributing the offering materials; (iii) the costs of blue sky qualification (including fees and expenses of blue sky counsel) of the Shares in the various states; (iv) listing fees; (v) all fees and disbursements of the Company’s counsel, accountants, records management agent, proxy tabulators and solicitors, transfer agent and other advisors; and (vi) the establishment and operational expenses for the Stock Information Center (e.g., postage, telephones, supplies, temporary employees, etc.). In the event Performance Trust incurs any such fees and expenses on behalf of the Company, the Company will reimburse Performance Trust for such fees and expenses whether or not the Offering is consummated, provided, however, that Performance Trust shall not incur any substantial expenses on behalf of the Company without prior approval.
DUE DILIGENCE REVIEW
Performance Trust’s obligation to perform the services contemplated by this letter shall be subject to the satisfactory completion of such investigation and inquiries relating to the Company and its directors, trustees, officers, agents and employees, as Performance Trust and its counsel in their sole discretion may deem appropriate under the circumstances. In this regard, the Company agrees that, at its expense, it will make available to Performance Trust all information that Performance Trust requests, and will allow Performance Trust the opportunity to discuss with the management of the Company the financial condition, business and operations of the Company. The Company acknowledges that Performance Trust will rely upon the accuracy and completeness of all information received from the Company and its directors, trustees, officers, employees, agents, independent accountants and counsel.
BLUE SKY MATTERS
Performance Trust and the Company agree that the Company’s counsel shall serve as counsel with respect to blue sky matters in connection with the Offering. The Company will cause such counsel to prepare a Blue Sky Memorandum related to the Offering, including Performance Trust ’s participation therein, and shall furnish Performance Trust a copy thereof addressed to the Company and Performance Trust.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Except as contemplated in connection with the performance of its services under this agreement, as authorized by the Company or as required by law, regulation, legal process or order of any court or governmental or regulatory authority, Performance Trust agrees that it will treat as confidential all material, non-public information relating to the Company obtained in connection with its engagement hereunder (the “Confidential Information”); provided, however, that Performance Trust may disclose such information to its employees, consultants, agents and advisors who are assisting or advising Performance Trust in performing its services hereunder and who have been directed to observe the terms and conditions of this section or are subject to requirements substantially equivalent thereto. As used in this paragraph, the term “Confidential Information” shall not include information that (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by Performance Trust in breach of the confidentiality obligations contained herein, (b) was available to Performance Trust on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to Performance Trust by the Company, (c) becomes available to Performance Trust on a non-confidential basis from a person other than the Company who is not otherwise known to Performance Trust to be bound not to disclose such information pursuant to a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation owed to the Company, or (d) is independently developed by Performance Trust without use of or reference to the Confidential Information disclosed hereunder.

| 3 |

Upon the written request of the Company, Performance Trust will promptly, but in any event within ten (10) business days after receipt of such request, return, destroy or cause the return or destruction of all Confidential Information in written form or set forth in other tangible media provided to it by or on behalf of the Company (in each case including all copies); provided, however, that nothing herein will be construed to limit Performance Trust’s ability to retain archival or backup copies of Confidential Information as may be required to fulfill its legal and regulatory obligations or its compliance and recordkeeping obligations, policies or procedures. Performance Trust shall promptly confirm to the Company in writing any destruction of materials. Confidential Information not returned or destroyed (including, without limitation, any oral Confidential Information) shall remain subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Agreement. The Company represents that it has all rights necessary to disclose or provide Confidential Information to Performance Trust under the terms hereof and that such Confidential Information will not contain or reflect any material inaccuracies or omissions.
If Performance Trust is requested or required under applicable law or regulation, or by questions, interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or other legally binding process, to disclose any Confidential Information relating to the Company, Performance Trust (if practicable and legally permitted to do so) will provide the Company with prompt notice (written, if practicable) of any such request or requirement and otherwise provide commercially reasonable cooperation to the Company (at the Company’s expense) so that the Company may seek an appropriate protective order or other appropriate remedy or waive, in writing, compliance with the provisions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such notice shall be required in the case of a routine audit or regulatory or administrative exam or review of Performance Trust not specifically related to the Company. In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or to the extent that the Company grants a written waiver hereunder, Performance Trust (A) may furnish that portion (and only that portion) of the Confidential Information that it is legally compelled to disclose and agrees to exercise its commercially reasonable efforts to request that confidential treatment will be accorded to such information by the party compelling such disclosure, and (B) will not oppose action by the Company to obtain an appropriate protective order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded the Confidential Information.
The Company hereby acknowledges and agrees that the financial models and presentations used by Performance Trust in performing its services hereunder have been developed by and are proprietary to Performance Trust and are protected under applicable law, and agrees that it will not reproduce or distribute all or any portion of such models or presentations without the prior written consent of Performance Trust.

| 4 |

INDEMNIFICATION
Each of the Bank, the MHC, the Holding Company and the New Holding Company, jointly and severally, agrees to indemnify and hold Performance Trust and its affiliates and their respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (collectively the “Performance Trust Indemnified Parties” and each such person being an “Performance Trust Indemnified Party”) harmless from and against any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities, joint or several, to which such Performance Trust Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable federal or state law, or otherwise, (i) arising out of or based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained in the offering documents, including documents described or incorporated by reference therein, or in any other written or oral communication provided by or on behalf of the Holding Company, the New Holding Company or the Bank to any actual or prospective purchaser of the Shares or arising out of or based upon the omission or alleged omission to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, (ii) arising out of or based in whole or in part on any inaccuracy in the representations or warranties of the Holding Company, the New Holding Company and/or the Bank contained in any agency agreement, or any failure of the Holding Company, the New Holding Company or the Bank to perform its respective obligations thereunder or (iii) related to or arising out of the Offering or the engagement of Performance Trust pursuant to, or the performance by Performance Trust of the services contemplated by, this letter, and will reimburse any Performance Trust Indemnified Party for all expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) as they are incurred, including expenses incurred in connection with the investigation of, preparation for or defense of any pending or threatened claim or any action or proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not such Indemnified Party is a party; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable to Performance Trust in its capacity as marketing agent (a) to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense arises out of or is based upon any untrue statement of a material fact or the omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make not misleading any statements contained in any final prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto, made in reliance on and in conformity with written information furnished to the Company by Performance Trust expressly for use therein, or (b) under clause (iii) of this paragraph to the extent that it is finally determined by the non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense is primarily attributable to the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of Performance Trust. If the foregoing indemnification is unavailable for any reason other than for the reasons stated in subparagraph (a) or (b) above, the Company agrees to contribute to such losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses in the proportion that its financial interest in the Offering bears to that of Performance Trust; provided, however, in no event shall Performance Trust’s aggregate contribution to the amount paid or payable exceed the aggregate amount of fees actually received by Performance Trust pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement. The Company further agrees that neither Performance Trust nor any of its controlling persons, affiliates, partners, directors, officers, employees or consultants shall have any liability to the Holding Company, the New Holding Company or the Bank or any person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of the Holding Company, the New Holding Company or the Bank for any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arising out of or relating to this agreement or the services to be rendered by Performance Trust hereunder, unless it is finally judicially determined by the non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, that such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses are primarily attributable to the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of Performance Trust.
Each of the Bank, the Holding Company and the New Holding Company agrees to notify Performance Trust promptly of the assertion against it or any other person of any claim or the commencement of any action or proceeding relating to any transaction contemplated by this Agreement. Each of the Bank, the Holding Company and the New Holding Company will not, without Performance Trust’s prior written consent, settle, compromise, consent to the entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any claim, action or proceeding in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, whether or not any Performance Trust Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party thereto, unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination (i) includes an explicit and unconditional release of each Performance Trust Indemnified Party from any liabilities arising out of such claim, action or proceeding and (ii) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Performance Trust Indemnified Party. If the New Holding Company or the Bank enters into any agreement or arrangement with respect to, or effects, any proposed sale, exchange, dividend or other distribution or liquidation of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of transactions, the Bank or the New Holding Company, as the case may be, shall provide for the assumption of its obligations under this section by the purchaser or transferee of such assets or another party reasonably satisfactory to Performance Trust.
In no event shall a Performance Trust Indemnified Party be liable for any consequential, indirect, incidental, or special damages. The defense, indemnity, reimbursement, contribution and other obligations and agreements of Bank, the Holding Company and the New Holding Company set forth herein shall apply to any modifications of this Agreement, and shall be in addition to any liability which Performance Trust may otherwise have. The rights of the indemnified parties under this Agreement shall be in addition to any rights that any Performance Trust Indemnified Party may have at common law, in equity, or otherwise. For the sole purpose of enforcing and otherwise giving effect to the provisions of this Agreement, the Bank, the Holding Company and the New Holding Company hereby consent to personal jurisdiction and service and venue in any court in which any claim which is subject to this Agreement is brought against the Performance Trust Indemnified Parties.

| 5 |

The reimbursement, indemnity and contribution obligations of each of the Bank, the Holding Company and the New Holding Company set forth herein shall apply to any modification of this Agreement and shall remain in full force and effect regardless of any termination of, or the completion of any indemnified person’s services hereunder.
Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Agreement, in no event shall any payments made by the Bank, the MHC, the Holding Company or the New Holding Company pursuant to this Agreement exceed the amount permissible under applicable federal law, including, without limitation, Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
MATTERS RELATING TO ENGAGEMENT
The Company acknowledges and agrees that, except as set forth in the separate engagement letter with the Company dated as of the date hereof, Performance Trust has been engaged solely as an independent contractor to provide the Services set forth herein. In rendering such Services, Performance Trust will be acting solely pursuant to a contractual relationship on an arm’s length basis with respect to such Services (including in connection with determining the terms of each Investment) and not as a fiduciary to the Company or any other person. Additionally, the Company acknowledges that Performance Trust is not advising the Company or any other person as to any legal, tax, investment, accounting or regulatory matters in any jurisdiction. The Company shall consult with its own advisors concerning such matters and Performance Trust shall have no responsibility or liability to the Company with respect thereto. The Company also acknowledges that nothing in this Agreement is intended to create duties to the Company beyond those expressly provided for in this Agreement or to create duties of any kind to the Company’s creditors or security holders, and Performance Trust and the Company specifically disclaim the creation of any fiduciary relationship between, or the imposition of any fiduciary duties on, either party. Finally, the Company agrees that Performance Trust may perform the Services contemplated hereby in conjunction with its affiliates, and that any affiliates of Performance Trust performing Services hereunder shall be entitled to the benefits and be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
The Company acknowledges that Performance Trust is a securities firm engaged in securities, trading and brokerage activities and providing investment banking and financial advisory services. In addition, Performance Trust and its affiliates may from time to time perform various investment banking and financial advisory services for other clients and customers who may have conflicting interests with respect to you. The Company also acknowledges that Performance Trust and its affiliates have no obligation to use in connection with this engagement or to furnish the Company, confidential information obtained from other persons.
It is understood that the provisions herein relating to the payment of fees and expenses and those relating to governing law and submission to jurisdiction, and those contained under the captions “Confidentiality” and “Indemnification” will survive any termination of this Agreement.
REPRESENTATIONS
The Bank represents and warrants that it has all requisite power and authority to enter into and carry out the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement does not breach or conflict with any agreement, document or instrument to which it is a party or bound and this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it.

| 6 |

DEFINITIVE AGREEMENT
Performance Trust and the Company agree that (a) except as set forth in clause (b), the foregoing represents the general intention of the Company and Performance Trust with respect to the Services to be provided by Performance Trust in connection with the Offering, which will serve as a basis for Performance Trust commencing activities, and (b) the only legal and binding obligations of the Company and Performance Trust with respect to the Offering shall be (1) the Company’s obligation to reimburse costs and expenses pursuant to the section captioned “Costs and Expenses,” (2) those set forth under the captions “Confidentiality”, “Representations” and “Indemnification,” and (3) as set forth in a duly negotiated and executed definitive agency agreement (the “Agency Agreement”) to be entered into prior to the commencement of the Offering relating to the services of Performance Trust in connection with the Offering. Such Agency Agreement shall be in form and content satisfactory to Performance Trust and the Company and their respective counsel and shall contain standard indemnification and contribution provisions consistent herewith.
Performance Trust’s execution of such Agency Agreement shall also be subject to (i) Performance Trust’s satisfaction with its investigation of the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations, (ii) preparation of offering materials that are satisfactory to Performance Trust and its counsel, (iii) compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements to the reasonable satisfaction of Performance Trust, (iv) agreement that the price established by the independent appraiser is reasonable, and (v) market conditions at the time of the commencement of the proposed Offering. Performance Trust may terminate this agreement if such Agency Agreement is not entered into prior to September 30, 2024.
This Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof. The Company and Performance Trust irrevocably agree to waive trial by jury in any action, proceeding, claim or counterclaim brought by or on behalf of either party related to or arising out of this Agreement or the performance of services hereunder.
Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that, except as otherwise set forth in this paragraph, any state or federal court sitting in the City of Chicago shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or proceeding and to settle any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement and, for such purposes, irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts. The Company hereby agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by hand delivery or registered mail addressed to the Company, shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court. The Company irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The Company agrees that a final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be enforced in any other court to whose jurisdiction the Company is or may in the future be subject, by suit upon judgment. The Company further agrees that nothing herein shall affect Performance Trust’s right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring a suit, action or proceeding (including a proceeding for enforcement of a judgment) in any other court or jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and can be altered only by written consent signed by the parties.
(Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)

| 7 |

Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth our agreement by signing and returning to Performance Trust the duplicate copy of this letter enclosed herewith.
| Very truly yours, | ||
| PERFORMANCE TRUST CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ R. Lee Burrows | |
| Lee Burrows | ||
| Vice Chairman of Investment Banking | ||
| Accepted and agreed to as of the date first above written: | ||
| Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC | ||
| EWSB Bancorp, Inc. | ||
| East Wisconsin Savings Bank | ||
| By: | /s/ Charles D. Schmalz | |
| Charles D. Schmalz | ||
| President & CEO | ||

| 8 |
Exhibit 1.2

September 25, 2023
Charles
D. Schmalz
President & CEO
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
109 West Second Street
Kaukauna, WI 54130
Dear Mr. Schmalz:
We understand that the Boards of Directors of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “MHC”), EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Holding Company”) and East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”) are considering the adoption of a Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”) pursuant to which the MHC will be converted from the mutual holding company form of organization to the stock holding company form (the “Conversion”) and in connection therewith a to-be-organized holding company for the Bank (the “New Holding Company”) will offer and sell certain shares of its Common Stock (the "Shares") in a public offering. The MHC, the Holding Company, the New Holding Company, and the Bank are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “Company” and their respective Boards of Directors are sometimes collectively referred to as the “Boards.” Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC (“Performance Trust”) is pleased to assist the Company on a best efforts basis with the Offering (as defined below), and this letter (the “Agreement”) shall confirm the terms and conditions of our engagement as records agent and stock information center manager to the Company.
Under the terms of the Plan and applicable regulations, the Shares will be offered first to eligible members of the Bank and the Bank’s tax-qualified employee stock benefit plans (the “Subscription Offering”). Subject to the prior rights of subscribers in the Subscription Offering, the Shares may be offered in a community offering, with a preference given in the community offering to residents of the communities served by the Bank (the “Community Offering,” and together with the Subscription Offering, the “Subscription and Community Offering”). Shares not subscribed for in the Subscription and Community Offering, if any, may be offered to the general public by Performance Trust on a best efforts basis (the “Syndicated Offering” and together with the Subscription and Community Offering, the “Offering”). Performance Trust may, in consultation with the Company, form a syndicate of registered dealers to assist in any Syndicated Offering.
SERVICES AND FEES
In our role as Records Agent and Stock Information Center Manager in relation to the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, we anticipate that our services will include the services outlined below, each as may be necessary and as the Company may reasonably request.
| · | Records Agent services including but not limited to - |
| · | Consolidation of customer accounts for voting and offering purposes; |
| · | Coordination with the Company’s financial printer for labeling and mailing of all proxy and offering materials; |
| · | Provide supporting account information to the Company’s legal counsel for “blue sky” research and applicable registration; |
| · | Assist the Company’s transfer agent with the generation and mailing of statements of ownership, interest and refund checks, and 1099-INT statements as required; |
| · | Coordinate proxy tabulation and solicitation efforts to be provided by third parties; and |
| · | Subscription Services |


| · | Stock Information Center Manager services including but not limited to - |
| · | Coordinating vote solicitation and the special meeting of members (if applicable); |
| · | Design of the stock order forms; |
| · | Organization and supervision of the Stock Information Center; |
| · | Employee training. |
Performance Trust will provide the records agent services contemplated hereby. The parties hereto expressly acknowledge and agree that Performance Trust may, in its discretion as it sees fit, subcontract certain records agent services, including without limitation certain integral data processing functions, to any one or more of its affiliates or any non-affiliate third parties. Performance Trust shall exercise due care in selecting any non-affiliate third parties. For its services hereunder, the Company agrees to pay Performance Trust a fee of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000), with Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000) payable upon the mailing of Offering materials to prospective subscribers and the balance paid on the day of the closing of the Offering. This fee is based upon the requirements of current regulations and the Plan as currently contemplated. Any unusual or additional items or duplication of service required as a result of a material change in the regulations or the Plan, a material delay, required resolicitation of the Offering or other similar events may result in extra charges that will be covered in a separate agreement if and when they occur and shall not exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000). The Company will inform Performance Trust within a reasonable period of any changes in the Plan that require changes in Performance Trust’s services. Fees under this Agreement shall be payable in immediately available funds when invoiced.
It is understood that all expenses associated with the operation of the Stock Information Center will be borne by the Company. The Company also agrees to reimburse Performance Trust, upon request made from time to time, for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its engagement hereunder, regardless of whether the Offering is consummated, including, without limitation, travel, lodging, food, telephone, postage, data processing and data entry services, communications and other similar expenses, up to a maximum of Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000); provided, however, that Performance Trust shall document such expenses to the reasonable satisfaction of the Company. The provisions of this paragraph are not intended to apply to or in any way impair the indemnification provisions of this Agreement.
RELIANCE ON INFORMATION PROVIDED
The Company will provide Performance Trust with such information as Performance Trust may reasonably require to carry out its duties hereunder. The Company recognizes and confirms that Performance Trust (a) will use and rely on such information in performing the services contemplated by this Agreement without having independently verified the same, and (b) does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by the Company.
To help the United States government fight the funding of terrorism and money laundering activities, the federal law of the United States requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person with whom they do business. This means Performance Trust may ask the Company and its significant shareholders or equity holders for certain identifying information and documents, including a government-issued identification number (e.g., a U.S. taxpayer identification number) and copies of documents containing personal identifying information, and such other information or documents that Performance Trust and its counsel consider appropriate to verify the bona fide existence of the Company (e.g., certified articles of incorporation, a government-issued business license, a partnership agreement or a trust instrument) and the identities of its significant shareholders or equity holders.


CONFIDENTIALITY
Except as contemplated in connection with the performance of its services under this agreement, as authorized by the Company or as required by law, regulation, legal process or order of any court or governmental or regulatory authority, Performance Trust agrees that it will treat as confidential all material, non-public information relating to the Company obtained in connection with its engagement hereunder (the “Confidential Information”); provided, however, that Performance Trust may disclose such information to its affiliates, partners, directors, employees, agents and advisors who are assisting or advising Performance Trust in performing its services hereunder and who have been directed to comply with the terms and conditions of this section. As used in this section, the term “Confidential Information” shall not include information which (a) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by Performance Trust in breach of the confidentiality obligations contained herein, (b) was available to Performance Trust on a non-confidential basis prior to its disclosure to Performance Trust by the Company, (c) becomes available to Performance Trust on a non-confidential basis from a person other than the Company who is not otherwise known to Performance Trust to be bound not to disclose such information pursuant to a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation owed to the Company, or (d) is independently developed by Performance Trust without use of or reference to the Confidential Information disclosed hereunder.
Upon the written request of the Company, Performance Trust will promptly, but in any event within ten (10) business days after receipt of such request, return, destroy (to the extent technically practicable) or cause the return or destruction of all Confidential Information in written form or set forth in other tangible media provided to it by or on behalf of the Company (in each case including all copies); provided, however, that nothing herein will be construed to limit Performance Trust’s ability to retain archival copies of Confidential Information as may be required to fulfill its legal and regulatory obligations and its compliance and recordkeeping obligations policies or procedures. Any destruction of materials shall be verified promptly to the Company by Performance Trust in writing. Any Confidential Information that has not been returned or destroyed, including, without limitation, any oral Confidential Information, shall remain subject to the confidentiality obligations set forth in this Agreement.
If Performance Trust is requested or required under applicable law or by oral questions, interrogatories, requests for information or documents, subpoena, civil investigative demand or other legally binding process, to disclose any Confidential Information relating to the Company, it is agreed that Performance Trust (if legally permitted to do so) will provide the Company with prompt notice of any such request or requirement (written, if practical) and otherwise provide reasonable cooperation the Company (at the Company’s expense) in order to enable the Company to seek an appropriate protective order or other appropriate remedy or to waive compliance with the provisions of this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such notice shall be required in the case of a routine audit or regulatory or administrative review of Performance Trust not specifically related to the Company. In the event that such protective order or other remedy is not obtained, or to the extent that the Company grants a written waiver hereunder, Performance Trust may furnish that portion (and only that portion) of the Confidential Information, which it is legally compelled to disclose and with respect to which it agrees to exercise its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to such information by the receiving party compelling such disclosure. In any event, Performance Trust will not oppose action by the Company to obtain an appropriate protective order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded the Confidential Information.
LIMITATIONS
Performance Trust, as Records Agent and Stock Information Center Manager hereunder, (a) shall have no duties or obligations other than those specifically set forth herein; (b) will be regarded as making no representations and having no responsibilities as to the validity, sufficiency, value or genuineness of any order form or any stock certificates or statements of ownership or the shares represented thereby, and will not be required to and will make no representations as to the validity, value or genuineness of the Offering; (c) shall not be liable to any person or entity, including the Company, by reason of any error of judgment or for any act done by it in good faith, or for any mistake of law or fact in connection with this Agreement and the performance hereof; (d) will not be obliged to take any legal action hereunder which might in its judgment involve any expense or liability, unless it shall have been furnished with reasonable indemnity satisfactory to it (as provided for in the Indemnification section below); and (e) may reasonably rely on and shall be protected in acting in reasonable reliance upon any certificate, instrument, opinion, notice, letter, telex, telegram, or other document or security delivered to it and in good faith believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed by the proper party or parties.


Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall Performance Trust be liable for special, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever (including but not limited to lost profits), even if Performance Trust has been advised of the likelihood of such loss or damage and regardless of the form of action.
INDEMNIFICATION
In connection with Performance Trust's engagement to advise and assist the Company as provided herein, each of the Bank, the MHC, the Holding Company and the New Holding Company jointly and severally agrees to indemnify and hold Performance Trust and its affiliates and their respective partners, directors, officers, employees, agents and controlling persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 20 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Performance Trust and each such person being an "Indemnified Party") harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by law, from and against any and all losses, direct or class action claims, damages, costs and liabilities, joint or several, to which such Indemnified Party may become subject under applicable federal or state law, or otherwise, related to or arising out of Performance Trust's role as Records Agent and Stock Information Center Manager or the Offering or the engagement of Performance Trust pursuant to, or the performance by Performance Trust of the services contemplated by, this Agreement, and will reimburse any Indemnified Party for all expenses (including reasonable legal fees and expenses and costs of production or response) as they are incurred, including expenses incurred in connection with the investigation, responding, preparation for or defense of any pending or threatened regulatory inquiry, subpoena or discovery response, claim or any action or other proceeding arising therefrom, whether or not in connection with pending or threatened litigation in which Indemnified Party is a party or inquiry of which Indemnified Party is subject; provided, however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the extent that any such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense is finally judicially determined by the non-appealable decision of a court of competent jurisdiction to be primarily attributable to Performance Trust's gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
If the foregoing indemnification is determined to be unavailable for any reason (other than the applicability of the proviso to the immediately preceding sentence), then, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, the Company agrees to contribute to such losses, claims, damages, costs, liabilities and expenses (a) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits to the Company, on the one hand, and Performance Trust, on the other hand, of the engagement provided for in this Agreement or (b) if the allocation provided for in clause (a) above is not available, in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in such clause (a) but also the relative fault of each of the Company and Performance Trust, as well as any other relevant equitable consideration; provided, however, in no event shall Performance Trust's aggregate contribution to the amount paid or payable exceed the aggregate amount of fees actually received by Performance Trust under this Agreement. For the purposes of this Agreement, the relative benefits to the Company and to Performance Trust of the engagement under this Agreement shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as (a) the total value paid or contemplated to be paid or received or contemplated to be received by the Company or the Company's members or other stakeholders, as the case may be, in the Offering that is the subject of the engagement hereunder, whether or not any such Offering is consummated, bears to (b) the fees paid or to be paid to Performance Trust under this Agreement.
The Company agrees to notify Performance Trust promptly of the assertion against it or any other person of any claim or the commencement of any action or proceeding relating to any transaction contemplated by this Agreement. The Company will not, without Performance Trust's prior written consent, settle, compromise, consent to the entry of any judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate any claim, action or proceeding in respect of which indemnity may be sought hereunder, whether or not any Indemnified Party is an actual or potential party thereto, unless such settlement, compromise, consent or termination (a) includes an explicit and unconditional release of each Indemnified Party from any liabilities arising out of such claim, action or proceeding and (b) does not include a statement as to or an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party.


Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Agreement, in no event shall any payments made by the Bank, the MHC, the Holding Company or the New Holding Company pursuant to this Agreement exceed the amount permissible under applicable federal law, including, without limitation, Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and can be altered only by written consent signed by the parties. This Agreement and any claim, controversy or dispute arising under or related to this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without giving effect to the conflicts of laws principles thereof. The Company and Performance Trust irrevocably agree to waive trial by jury in any action, proceeding, claim or counterclaim brought by or on behalf of either party related to or arising out of this Agreement or the performance of services hereunder.
Each of the parties hereto irrevocably agrees that, except as otherwise set forth in this paragraph, any state or federal court sitting in the City of Chicago shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any suit, action or proceeding and to settle any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement and, for such purposes, irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of such courts. The Company hereby agrees that service of any process, summons, notice or document by hand delivery or registered mail addressed to the Company, shall be effective service of process for any suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court. The Company irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court and any claim that any such suit, action or proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum. The Company agrees that a final judgment in any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court shall be conclusive and binding upon the Company and may be enforced in any other court to whose jurisdiction the Company is or may in the future be subject, by suit upon judgment. The Company further agrees that nothing herein shall affect Performance Trust’s right to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law or to bring a suit, action or proceeding (including a proceeding for enforcement of a judgment) in any other court or jurisdiction in accordance with applicable law. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and can be altered only by written consent signed by the parties.
If the New Holding Company or the Bank enters into any agreement or arrangement with respect to, or effects, any proposed sale, exchange, dividend or other distribution or liquidation of all or substantially all of its assets in one or a series of transactions, the Bank or the New Holding Company shall provide for the assumption of its obligations under this section by the purchaser or transferee of such assets or another party in substance and manner reasonably satisfactory to Performance Trust.
It is understood that the provisions herein relating to the payment of fees and expenses and those relating to governing law and submission to jurisdiction, and those contained under the captions “Reliance on Information Provided”, “Confidentiality”, “Limitations” and “Indemnification,” will survive any termination of this Agreement.
(Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank)


Please confirm that the foregoing correctly sets forth our agreement by signing and returning to Performance Trust the duplicate copy of this Agreement enclosed herewith.
| Very truly yours, | ||
| PERFORMANCE TRUST CAPITAL PARTNERS, LLC | ||
| By: | /s/ R. Lee Burrows | |
| Lee Burrows | ||
| Vice Chairman of Investment Banking | ||
| Accepted and agreed to as of the date first above written: | ||
| Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC | ||
| EWSB Bancorp, Inc. | ||
| East Wisconsin Savings Bank | ||
| By | /s/ Charles D. Schmalz | |
| Charles D. Schmalz | ||
| President & CEO | ||

Exhibit 2
PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION
OF
WISCONSIN MUTUAL BANCORP, MHC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| 1. | INTRODUCTION | 1 |
| 2. | DEFINITIONS | 1 |
| 3. | PROCEDURES FOR CONVERSION | 7 |
| 4. | HOLDING COMPANY APPLICATIONS AND APPROVALS | 9 |
| 5. | SALE OF SUBSCRIPTION SHARES | 10 |
| 6. | PURCHASE PRICE AND NUMBER OF SUBSCRIPTION SHARES | 10 |
| 7. | RETENTION OF CONVERSION PROCEEDS BY THE HOLDING COMPANY | 11 |
| 8. | SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS (FIRST PRIORITY) | 11 |
| 9. | SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEE PLANS (SECOND PRIORITY) | 12 |
| 10. | SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS (THIRD PRIORITY) | 12 |
| 11. | SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF OTHER MEMBERS (FOURTH PRIORITY) | 13 |
| 12. | COMMUNITY OFFERING | 14 |
| 13. | SYNDICATED COMMUNITY OFFERING | 14 |
| 14. | LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASES | 15 |
| 15. | PAYMENT FOR SUBSCRIPTION SHARES | 16 |
| 16. | MANNER OF EXERCISING SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS THROUGH ORDER FORMS | 17 |
| 17. | UNDELIVERED, DEFECTIVE OR LATE ORDER FORM; INSUFFICIENT PAYMENT | 18 |
| 18. | ESTABLISHMENT OF LIQUIDATION ACCOUNTS | 19 |
| 19. | VOTING RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS | 21 |
| 20. | RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE OR SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION OF SUBSCRIPTION SHARES | 21 |
| 21. | REQUIREMENTS FOR STOCK PURCHASES BY DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS FOLLOWING THE CONVERSION | 22 |
| 22. | TRANSFER OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS | 22 |
| 23. | REGISTRATION AND MARKETING | 22 |
| 24. | TAX RULINGS OR OPINIONS | 23 |
| 25. | STOCK BENEFIT PLANS AND EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS | 23 |
| 26. | RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF BANK AND HOLDING COMPANY | 24 |
| 27. | PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND THE REPURCHASE OF STOCK | 25 |
| 28. | ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS | 25 |
| 29. | CONSUMMATION OF CONVERSION AND EFFECTIVE DATE | 25 |
| 30. | EXPENSES OF CONVERSION | 25 |
| 31. | AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN | 26 |
| 32. | CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF CONVERSION | 26 |
| 33. | INTERPRETATION | 26 |
| Exhibit A | Form of Merger Agreement by and between Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and EWSB Bancorp, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation |
| Exhibit B | Form of Merger Agreement by and between EWSB Bancorp, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation and EWSB Bancorp, Inc., a Maryland corporation |
| (i) |
PLAN OF CONVERSION AND REORGANIZATION
OF
WISCONSIN MUTUAL BANCORP, MHC
| 1. | INTRODUCTION |
This Plan of Conversion and Reorganization (the “Plan”) provides for the conversion and reorganization of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, a Wisconsin-chartered mutual holding company (the “Mutual Holding Company”), from the mutual to the capital stock form of organization (the “Conversion”). Currently, the Mutual Holding Company owns 100.0% of the outstanding shares of common stock of EWSB Bancorp, Inc., a Wisconsin-chartered stock corporation (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”), and the Mid-Tier Holding Company owns 100.0% of the outstanding shares of common stock of East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”), a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank. As part of the Conversion, (i) a new stock holding company (the “Holding Company”) will be established to succeed to all of the rights and obligations of the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company, and (ii) the Holding Company will issue shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering. The Subscription Shares will be offered for sale in the Offering upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Plan. The subscription rights granted to Participants in the Subscription Offering are set forth in Sections 8 through 11 of this Plan. All sales of Subscription Shares in the Community Offering or in the Syndicated Community Offering, or in any other manner permitted by the Bank Regulators, will be at the sole discretion of the Boards of Directors of the Bank and the Holding Company. The Conversion will have no impact on depositors, borrowers or other customers of the Bank. After the Conversion, the Bank’s insured deposits will continue to be insured by the FDIC to the extent provided by applicable law. The purpose of the Conversion is to convert the Mutual Holding Company to the capital stock form of organization, which will provide the Bank and the Holding Company with additional capital to grow and respond to changing regulatory and market conditions. The Conversion will also provide the Bank and the Holding Company with greater flexibility to undertake corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions and branch expansions.
This Plan has been unanimously adopted by the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank. This Plan also must be approved by at least (i) a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast by Voting Members at the Members Meeting and (ii) two-thirds of the total votes eligible to be cast by Stockholders at the Stockholder Meeting. Approval of this Plan by the Voting Members and by the Stockholders shall constitute approval of each of the constituent transactions necessary to implement this Plan, including the MHC Merger and the Mid-Tier Merger. The Federal Reserve and the Wisconsin Department must approve this Plan before it is presented to the Voting Members and the Stockholders for their approval.
| 2. | DEFINITIONS |
For the purposes of this Plan, the following terms have the following meanings:
Account Holder – Any Person holding a Deposit Account in the Bank.
Acting in Concert – The term Acting in Concert means: (i) knowing participation in a joint activity or interdependent conscious parallel action towards a common goal whether or not pursuant to an express agreement; or (ii) a combination or pooling of voting or other interests in the securities of an issuer for a common purpose pursuant to any contract, understanding, relationship, agreement or other arrangement, whether written or otherwise. A person or company that acts in concert with another person or company (“other party”) shall also be deemed to be acting in concert with any person or company who is also acting in concert with that other party, except that any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan will not be deemed to be acting in concert with its trustee or a person who serves in a similar capacity solely for the purpose of determining whether stock held by the trustee and stock held by such plan will be aggregated.
Affiliate – Any Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with another Person.
Appraised Value Range – The range of the estimated consolidated pro forma market value of the Holding Company, which shall also be equal to the estimated pro forma market value of the total number of shares of Subscription Shares to be issued in the Conversion, as determined by the Independent Appraiser before the Subscription Offering and as it may be amended from time to time thereafter. The maximum and minimum of the Appraised Value Range may vary as much as 15% above and 15% below, respectively, the midpoint of the Appraised Value Range.
Articles of MHC Merger – The articles of merger, or similar document, filed with the Bank Regulators and/or the Wisconsin Department, as appropriate, in connection with the consummation of any MHC Merger.
Articles of Mid-Tier Merger – The articles of merger, or similar document, filed with the Bank Regulators, the Wisconsin Department and/or the Maryland Department, as appropriate, in connection with the consummation of any Mid-Tier Merger.
Associate – The term Associate when used to indicate a relationship with any Person, means (i) any corporation or organization (other than the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank or a majority-owned subsidiary of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company or the Bank) if the person is a senior officer or partner or beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of any class of equity securities of the corporation or organization, (ii) any trust or other estate, if the person has a substantial beneficial interest in the trust or estate or is a trustee or fiduciary of the trust or estate except that for the purposes of this Plan relating to subscriptions in the Offering and the sale of Subscription Shares following the Conversion, a person who has a substantial beneficial interest in any Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan or any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan, or who is a trustee or fiduciary of such plan, is not an Associate of such plan, and except that, for purposes of aggregating total shares that may be held by Officers and Directors, the term “Associate” does not include any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan, and (iii) any person who is related by blood or marriage to such person and (A) who lives in the same home as such person or (B) who is a Director or Officer of the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company or the Mutual Holding Company or any of their parents or subsidiaries.
2
Bank – East Wisconsin Savings Bank, a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank.
Bank Liquidation Account – The account established by the Bank representing the liquidation interests received by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in connection with the Conversion.
Bank Regulators – The Federal Reserve, DFI and other bank regulatory agencies, if any, responsible for reviewing and approving the Conversion, including the ownership of the Bank by the Holding Company and the MHC Merger and the Mid-Tier Merger.
Code – The Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Community – The Wisconsin counties of Outugamie, Calumet and Winnebago.
Community Offering – The direct offering by the Holding Company of Subscription Shares not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering for sale to certain members of the general public. The Community Offering may occur concurrently with the Subscription Offering, any Syndicated Community Offering, or both, or upon conclusion of the Subscription Offering.
Control – (including the terms “controlling,” “controlled by,” and “under common control with”) means the direct or indirect power to direct or exercise a controlling influence over the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise as described in 12 C.F.R. Part 238.
Conversion – The conversion and reorganization of the Mutual Holding Company to stock form pursuant to this Plan, and all steps incident or necessary thereto including the Offering.
Deposit Account – Any withdrawable account, including, without limitation, savings, time, demand, NOW accounts, money market, certificate and passbook accounts.
Director – A member of the Board of Directors of the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company or the Mutual Holding Company, as appropriate in the context.
Eligible Account Holder – Any Person holding a Qualifying Deposit as of the close of business on the Eligibility Record Date for purposes of determining subscription rights and establishing subaccount balances in the Liquidation Account and the Bank Liquidation Account.
Eligibility Record Date – The date for determining Eligible Account Holders of the Bank, which is December 31, 2022.
Employees – All Persons employed by the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company or the Mutual Holding Company.
Employee Plans – Any one or more Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans of the Bank or its subsidiaries or the Holding Company, including any ESOP and 401(k) Plan.
ESOP – The Bank’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and related trust.
3
FDIC – The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Federal Reserve – The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Holding Company – The corporation formed under the laws of the State of Maryland, or the laws of another state of the United States, for the purpose of acquiring all of the shares of capital stock of the Bank in connection with the Conversion.
Holding Company Common Stock – The common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Holding Company. Shares of Holding Company Common Stock will be issued in the Offering.
Independent Appraiser – The appraiser retained by the Mutual Holding Company, Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank to prepare an appraisal of the pro forma market value of the Holding Company.
Liquidation Account – The account established by the Holding Company representing the liquidation interests received by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in connection with the Conversion in exchange for their interests in the Mutual Holding Company immediately before the Conversion.
Majority Ownership Interest – A fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock owned by the Mutual Holding Company immediately before the completion of the Conversion, and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock issued and outstanding immediately before the completion of the Conversion.
Maryland Department – The Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation.
Member – Any Person who qualifies as a member of the Mutual Holding Company pursuant to its articles of incorporation.
Member Voting Record Date – The date fixed by the Directors for determining eligibility to vote at the Members Meeting.
Members Meeting – The special meeting of Voting Members, and any adjournments thereof, held to consider and vote upon this Plan, if required by the Bank Regulators.
MHC Merger – The merger of the Mutual Holding Company with and into the Mid-Tier Holding Company, with the Mid-Tier Holding Company as the surviving entity. The MHC Merger shall occur immediately before the completion of the Conversion, as set forth in this Plan.
Mid-Tier Holding Company – EWSB Bancorp, Inc., the Wisconsin-chartered corporation that owns 100% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Bank, and any successor thereto.
4
Mid-Tier Merger – The merger of the Mid-Tier Holding Company with the Holding Company, with the Holding Company as the resulting entity. The Mid-Tier Merger shall occur immediately following the MHC Merger and before the completion of the Conversion, as set forth in this Plan.
Mutual Holding Company – Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, the Wisconsin-chartered mutual holding company of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank and that owns 100.0% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company.
Offering – The offering and issuance, pursuant to this Plan, of shares of Holding Company Common Stock in a Subscription Offering, Community Offering and/or Syndicated Community Offering, as the case may be.
Offering Range – The range of the number of Subscription Shares offered for sale in the Offering multiplied by the Subscription Price. The Offering Range shall be equal to the Appraised Value Range multiplied by the Majority Ownership Interest (as adjusted to reflect assets held by the Mutual Holding Company (other than shares of stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company)). The maximum and minimum of the Offering Range may vary as much as 15% above and 15% below, respectively, the midpoint of the Offering Range.
Officer – The term Officer means the president, any vice-president (but not an assistant vice-president, second vice-president, or other vice president having authority similar to an assistant or second vice-president), the secretary, the treasurer, the comptroller, and any other person performing similar functions with respect to any organization whether incorporated or unincorporated. The term Officer also includes the chairman of the Board of Directors if the chairman is authorized by the charter or bylaws of the organization to participate in its operating management or if the chairman in fact participates in such management.
Order Form – Any form (together with any cover letter and acknowledgments) sent to any Participant or Person containing among other things a description of the alternatives available to such Person under this Plan and by which any such Person may make elections regarding subscriptions for Subscription Shares.
Other Member – Any Person holding a Deposit Account at the close of business on the Member Voting Record Date (other than an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder).
Participant – Any Eligible Account Holder, Employee Plan, Supplemental Eligible Account Holder or Other Member.
Person – An individual, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint-stock company, a limited liability company, a trust, an unincorporated organization, or a government or political subdivision of a government.
Plan – This Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of the Mutual Holding Company as it exists on the date hereof and as it may hereafter be amended in accordance with its terms.
Prospectus – The one or more documents used in offering the Subscription Shares.
5
Qualifying Deposit – The aggregate balance of all Deposit Accounts in the Bank of (i) an Eligible Account Holder at the close of business on the Eligibility Record Date, provided such aggregate balance is not less than $50.00, or (ii) a Supplemental Eligible Account Holder at the close of business on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, provided such aggregate balance is not less than $50.00.
Regulations: The rules and regulations of the Bank Regulators, including the Federal Reserve rules and regulations regarding mutual holding companies and any applicable rules and regulations of the DFI and the FDIC.
Resident – Any Person who occupies a dwelling within the Community, has a present intent to remain within the Community for a period of time, and manifests the genuineness of that intent by establishing an ongoing physical presence within the Community together with an indication that such presence within the Community is something other than merely transitory. To the extent the Person is a corporation or other business entity, to be a Resident the principal place of business or headquarters of the corporation or business entity must be in the Community. To the extent a Person is a personal benefit plan, the circumstances of the beneficiary shall apply with respect to this definition. In the case of all other benefit plans, circumstances of the trustee shall be examined for purposes of this definition. The Mutual Holding Company and the Bank may utilize deposit or loan records or such other evidence provided to it to determine whether a Person is a resident. In all cases, however, such a determination shall be in the sole discretion of the Mutual Holding Company and the Bank. A Person must be a “Resident” for purposes of determining whether such person “resides” in the Community, as such term is used in this Plan.
SEC – The United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
Stockholder – Any owner of outstanding common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, including the Mutual Holding Company.
Stockholders Meeting – The special or annual meeting of Stockholders, and any adjournments thereof, held to consider and vote upon this Plan.
Subscription Offering – The offering of shares of Common Stock to the Eligible Account Holders, Tax-Qualified Employee Plans, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members.
Subscription Price – The price per Subscription Share to be paid by Participants and others in the Offering. The Subscription Price will be $10.00, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Directors of the Holding Company, and it will be fixed before the commencement of the Subscription Offering.
Subscription Shares – Shares of Holding Company Common Stock offered for sale in the Offering.
Supplemental Eligible Account Holder – Any Person (other than Directors and Officers of the Mutual Holding Company, the Bank and the Mid-Tier Holding Company and their Associates) holding a Qualifying Deposit at the close of business on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date and who is not an Eligible Account Holder.
6
Supplemental Eligibility Record Date – The date for determining Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, which shall be the last day of the calendar quarter preceding Federal Reserve approval of the application for conversion. The Supplemental Eligibility Record Date will only occur if the Federal Reserve has not approved the Conversion within 15 months after the Eligibility Record Date.
Syndicated Community Offering – The offering, at the sole discretion of the Holding Company, of Subscription Shares not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering and the Community Offering, to members of the general public through a syndicate of broker-dealers. The Syndicated Community Offering may occur concurrently with the Subscription Offering and any Community Offering.
Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan – Any defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan, such as an employee stock ownership plan, stock bonus plan, profit-sharing plan or other plan, which, with its related trust, meets the requirements to be “qualified” under Code Section 401. A “Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan” is any defined benefit plan or defined contribution plan which is not so qualified.
Voting Member – Any Member who at the close of business on the Member Voting Record Date is entitled to vote as a Member.
Wisconsin Department – The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
| 3. | PROCEDURES FOR CONVERSION |
A. After adoption of this Plan by the Boards of Directors of the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company, this Plan, together with all other requisite material, shall be submitted to the Bank Regulators for approval. Notice of the adoption of this Plan by the Boards of Directors of the Bank, the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company will be published in a newspaper having general circulation in each community in which an office of the Bank is located, and copies of this Plan will be made available at each office of the Bank for inspection by Members of the Mutual Holding Company. The Mutual Holding Company will publish a notice of the filing with the Bank Regulators of an application to convert in accordance with the provisions of this Plan as well as notices required in connection with any holding company application, merger application or other application required to complete the Conversion.
B. Promptly following approval by the Bank Regulators, this Plan will be submitted to: (i) a vote of the Voting Members at the Members Meeting and (ii) a vote of the Stockholders at the Stockholders Meeting. The Mutual Holding Company will mail to all Voting Members, at their last known address appearing on the records of the Bank as of the Member Voting Record Date, a proxy statement in either long or summary form describing this Plan, which will be submitted to a vote of Voting Members at the Members Meeting. The Holding Company also will mail to all Participants a Prospectus and Order Form for the purchase of Subscription Shares. In addition, all Participants will receive, or will be given the opportunity to request by either telephone or by letter addressed to the Bank’s Secretary, a copy of this Plan as well as the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Holding Company. This Plan must be approved by at least (i) a majority of the total votes eligible to be cast by Voting Members at the Members Meeting and (ii) two-thirds of the total votes eligible to be cast by Stockholders at the Stockholders Meeting. Upon such approval of this Plan, the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank will take all other necessary steps pursuant to applicable laws and regulations to consummate the Conversion. The Conversion must be completed within twenty-four (24) months of the approval of this Plan by Voting Members.
7
C. The period for the Subscription Offering will be not less than twenty (20) days nor more than forty-five (45) days from the date Participants are first mailed a Prospectus and Order Form, unless extended. Any Subscription Shares for which subscriptions have not been received in the Subscription Offering may be issued in a Community Offering, and/or a Syndicated Community Offering, or in any other manner permitted by the Bank Regulators. All sales of Subscription Shares must be completed within forty-five (45) days after the last day of the Subscription Offering unless the offering period is extended by the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company with the approval of the Bank Regulators.
D. The Conversion will be effected as follows, or in any other manner that is consistent with the purposes of this Plan and applicable laws and regulations. The choice of which method to effect the Conversion will be made by the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank immediately before the closing of the Conversion. Each of the steps set forth below shall be deemed to occur in such order as is necessary to consummate the Conversion pursuant to this Plan, the intent of the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Bank, and applicable federal and state regulations and policy. Approval of this Plan by Voting Members and by Stockholders shall also constitute approval of each of the transactions necessary to implement this Plan.
| (1) | The Holding Company will be organized as a first-tier stock subsidiary of the Mid-Tier Holding Company. |
| (2) | The Mutual Holding Company will merge with the Mid-Tier Holding Company, with the Mid-Tier Holding Company as the surviving entity, pursuant to the Agreement of Merger attached hereto as Exhibit A, whereby the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock held by the Mutual Holding Company will be canceled and Members will constructively receive liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company in exchange for their ownership interests in the Mutual Holding Company. |
| (3) | Immediately after the MHC Merger, the Mid-Tier Holding Company will merge with the Holding Company, with the Holding Company as the surviving entity, pursuant to the Agreement of Merger attached hereto as Exhibit B, whereby the Bank will become the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Holding Company. As part of the Mid-Tier Merger, the liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company constructively received by Members as part of the MHC Merger will automatically, without further action on the part of the holders thereof, be exchanged for interests in the Liquidation Account. |
8
| (4) | Immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger, the Holding Company will offer for sale the Subscription Shares in the Offering. |
| (5) | The Holding Company will contribute at least 50% of the net proceeds of the Offering to the Bank in constructive exchange for additional shares of common stock of the Bank and in exchange for the Bank Liquidation Account. |
E. The Holding Company shall register the Holding Company Common Stock with the SEC and any appropriate state securities authorities.
F. All assets, rights, interests, privileges, powers, franchises and property (real, personal and mixed) of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company shall be automatically transferred to and vested in the Holding Company by virtue of the Conversion without any deed or other document of transfer. The Holding Company, without any order or action on the part of any court or otherwise and without any documents of assumption or assignment, shall hold and enjoy all of the properties, franchises and interests, including appointments, powers, designations, nominations and all other rights and interests as the agent or other fiduciary in the same manner and to the same extent as such rights, franchises, and interests and powers were held or enjoyed by the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company. The Holding Company shall be responsible for all of the liabilities, restrictions and duties of every kind and description of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company immediately before the consummation of the Conversion, including liabilities for all debts, obligations and contracts of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company, matured or unmatured, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether or not reflected or reserved against on balance sheets, books of accounts or records of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company.
G. The home office and branch offices of the Bank shall be unaffected by the Conversion. The executive offices of the Holding Company shall be located at the current executive offices of the Mutual Holding Company and Mid-Tier Holding Company.
| 4. | HOLDING COMPANY APPLICATIONS AND APPROVALS |
The Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank will take all necessary steps to convert the Mutual Holding Company to stock form, form the Holding Company and complete the Offering. The Mutual Holding Company, Mid-Tier Holding Company, Bank and Holding Company shall make timely applications to the Bank Regulators and filings with the SEC for any requisite regulatory approvals to complete the Conversion.
9
| 5. | SALE OF SUBSCRIPTION SHARES |
The Subscription Shares will be offered for sale in the Subscription Offering to the Participants in the respective priorities set forth in this Plan. The Subscription Offering may begin as early as the mailing of the proxy statement for the Members Meeting. The Holding Company Common Stock will not be insured by the FDIC. The Bank will not extend credit to any Person to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock.
Any Subscription Shares for which subscriptions have not been received in the Subscription Offering may be issued in the Community Offering, subject to the terms and conditions of this Plan. The Community Offering, if any, will involve an offering of unsubscribed Subscription Shares directly to the general public with a first preference given to natural persons and trusts of natural persons residing in the Community. The Community Offering may begin concurrently with, or at any time during or after the Subscription Offering. The offer and sale of Subscription Shares before the Members Meeting, however, is subject to the approval of this Plan by the Voting Members and by the Stockholders.
If feasible, any Subscription Shares remaining unsold after the Subscription Offering and any Community Offering may be offered for sale in a Syndicated Community Offering, or in any manner approved by the Bank Regulators that will achieve a widespread distribution of the Subscription Shares. The issuance of Subscription Shares in the Subscription Offering and any Community Offering will be consummated simultaneously on the date the sale of Subscription Shares is consummated in any Syndicated Community Offering, and only if the required minimum number of Subscription Shares will be issued.
| 6. | PURCHASE PRICE AND NUMBER OF SUBSCRIPTION SHARES |
The total number of shares of Subscription Shares to be offered in the Conversion will be determined jointly by the Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company immediately before the commencement of the Subscription Offering, and will be based on the Appraised Value Range and the Subscription Price. The Offering Range will be equal to the Appraised Value Range multiplied by the Majority Ownership Interest (as adjusted to reflect assets held by the Mutual Holding Company (other than shares of stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company)). The estimated pro forma consolidated market value of the Holding Company will be subject to adjustment within the Appraised Value Range if necessitated by market or financial conditions, with the receipt of any required approvals of the Bank Regulators, and the maximum of the Appraised Value Range may be increased by up to 15% after the commencement of the Subscription Offering to reflect changes in market and financial conditions or demand for the shares. The number of shares of Subscription Shares issued in the Conversion will be equal to the estimated pro forma consolidated market value of the Holding Company, as may be amended, divided by the Subscription Price, and the number of Subscription Shares issued in the Offering will be equal to the product of (i) the estimated pro forma consolidated market value of the Holding Company, as may be amended, divided by the Subscription Price, and (ii) the Majority Ownership Interest (as adjusted to reflect assets held by the Mutual Holding Company (other than shares of stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company)).
10
If the product of the Subscription Price multiplied by the number of shares of Subscription Shares to be issued in the Conversion is below the minimum of the Appraised Value Range, or materially above the maximum of the Appraised Value Range, a resolicitation of purchasers may be required, provided that up to a 15% increase above the maximum of the Appraised Value Range will not be deemed material so as to require a resolicitation. Any resolicitation shall be effected in such manner and within such time as the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company shall establish, if all required regulatory approvals are obtained.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, shares of Subscription Shares will not be issued unless, before the consummation of the Conversion, the Independent Appraiser confirms to the Bank, the Mutual Holding Company, the Holding Company, and the Bank Regulators, that, to the best knowledge of the Independent Appraiser, nothing of a material nature has occurred which, taking into account all relevant factors, would cause the Independent Appraiser to conclude that the number of shares of Subscription Shares issued in the Conversion multiplied by the Subscription Price is incompatible with its estimate of the aggregate consolidated pro forma market value of the Holding Company. If such confirmation is not received, the Holding Company may cancel the Offering, extend the Offering and establish a new Subscription Price and/or Appraised Value Range, hold a new Offering after canceling the Offering, or take such other action as the Bank Regulators may permit.
The Holding Company Common Stock to be issued in the Conversion shall be fully paid and nonassessable.
| 7. | RETENTION OF CONVERSION PROCEEDS BY THE HOLDING COMPANY |
The Holding Company may retain up to 50% of the net proceeds of the Offering. The Holding Company believes that the Offering proceeds will provide economic strength to the Holding Company and the Bank for the future in a highly competitive and regulated financial services environment, and would support the growth in the operations of the Holding Company and the Bank through increased lending, acquisitions of financial service organizations, continued diversification into other related businesses and other business and investment activities, including the possible payment of dividends and possible repurchases of the Holding Company Common Stock as permitted by applicable state law and by applicable federal regulations and policy.
| 8. | SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS (FIRST PRIORITY) |
A. Each Eligible Account Holder shall have nontransferable subscription rights to subscribe for in the Subscription Offering up to the greater of $150,000 of Subscription Shares, 0.10% of the total number of Subscription Shares issued in the Offering, or fifteen times the product (rounded down to the next whole number) obtained by multiplying the number of Subscription Shares offered in the Offering by a fraction of which the numerator is the amount of the Eligible Account Holder’s Qualifying Deposit and the denominator is the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Eligible Account Holders, in each case on the Eligibility Record Date, subject to the purchase limitations specified in Section 14.
11
B. If Eligible Account Holders exercise subscription rights for a number of Subscription Shares in excess of the total number of such shares eligible for subscription, the Subscription Shares shall be allocated among the subscribing Eligible Account Holders so as to permit each subscribing Eligible Account Holder to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation of Subscription Shares equal to the lesser of 100 shares or the number of shares for which such Eligible Account Holder has subscribed. Any remaining shares will be allocated among the subscribing Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied in the proportion that the amount of the Qualifying Deposit of each Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unsatisfied bears to the total amount of the Qualifying Deposits of all Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied. If the amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated (one or more times as necessary) among those Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are still not fully satisfied on the same principle until all available shares have been allocated.
C. Subscription rights as Eligible Account Holders received by Directors and Officers and their Associates that are based on deposits made by such persons during the twelve (12) months preceding the Eligibility Record Date shall be subordinated to the subscription rights of all other Eligible Account Holders, except as permitted by the Bank Regulators.
| 9. | SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF EMPLOYEE PLANS (SECOND PRIORITY) |
The Employee Plans shall have subscription rights to purchase in the aggregate up to 10% of the sum of the Subscription Shares issued in the Offering, including any Subscription Shares to be issued as a result of an increase in the maximum of the Offering Range after commencement of the Subscription Offering and before the completion of the Conversion. Consistent with applicable laws and regulations and practices and policies, the Employee Plans may use funds contributed by the Holding Company or the Bank and/or borrowed from an independent financial institution or from the Holding Company to exercise such subscription rights, and the Holding Company and the Bank may make scheduled discretionary contributions thereto, provided that such contributions do not cause the Holding Company or the Bank to fail to meet any applicable regulatory capital requirements. The Employee Plans shall not be deemed to be Associates or Affiliates of or Persons Acting in Concert with any Director or Officer of the Holding Company or the Bank. Alternatively, if permitted by the Bank Regulators, the Employee Plans may purchase all or a portion of such shares in the open market after the completion of the Conversion.
| 10. | SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL ELIGIBLE ACCOUNT HOLDERS (THIRD PRIORITY) |
A. Each Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall have nontransferable subscription rights to subscribe for in the Subscription Offering up to the greater of $150,000 of Subscription Shares, 0.10% of the total number of Subscription Shares issued in the Offering, or fifteen times the product (rounded down to the next whole number) obtained by multiplying the number of Subscription Shares offered in the Offering by a fraction of which the numerator is the amount of the Supplemental Eligible Account Holder’s Qualifying Deposit and the denominator is the total amount of Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, in each case on the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, subject to the availability of sufficient shares after filling in full all subscription orders of Eligible Account Holders and Employee Plans and subject to the purchase limitations specified in Section 14.
12
B. If Supplemental Eligible Account Holders exercise subscription rights for a number of Subscription Shares in excess of the total number of such shares eligible for subscription following subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders and Employee Plans, Subscription Shares shall be allocated among the subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders so as to permit each subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holder, to the extent possible, to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation of Subscription Shares equal to the lesser of one hundred (100) shares or the number of shares for which such Supplemental Eligible Account Holder has subscribed. Any remaining shares will be allocated among the subscribing Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied in the proportion that the amount of the Qualifying Deposit of such Supplemental Eligible Account Holder whose subscription remains unsatisfied bears to the total amount of the Qualifying Deposits of all Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied. If the amount so allocated exceeds the amount subscribed for by any one or more Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, the excess shall be reallocated (one or more times as necessary) among those Supplemental Eligible Account Holders whose subscriptions are still not fully satisfied on the same principle until all available shares have been allocated.
| 11. | SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS OF OTHER MEMBERS (FOURTH PRIORITY) |
A. Each Other Member shall have nontransferable subscription rights to subscribe for in the Subscription Offering up to the greater of $150,000 of Subscription Shares or 0.10% of the total number of shares of Subscription Shares issued in the Offering, subject to the availability of sufficient shares after filling in full all subscription orders of Eligible Account Holders, Employee Plans and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and subject to the purchase limitations specified in Section 14.
B. If Other Members exercise subscription rights for a number of Subscription Shares is in excess of the total number of such shares available for subscription following subscriptions by Eligible Account Holders, Employee Plans and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, Subscription Shares will be allocated among Other Members so as to permit each such subscribing Other Member, to the extent possible, to purchase a number of shares sufficient to make his or her total allocation of Subscription Shares equal to the lesser of one hundred (100) shares or the number of shares for which each such Other Member has subscribed. Any remaining shares will be allocated among the subscribing Other Members whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied in the proportion that the amount of the subscription of each such Other Member bears to the total amount of the subscriptions of all Other Members whose subscriptions remain unsatisfied.
13
| 12. | COMMUNITY OFFERING |
If subscriptions are not received for all Subscription Shares offered for sale in the Subscription Offering, shares for which subscriptions have not been received may be offered for sale in the Community Offering through a direct community marketing program which may use a broker, dealer, consultant or investment banking firm experienced and expert in the sale of savings institutions securities. Such entities may be compensated on a fixed fee basis or on a commission basis, or a combination thereof. If orders for Subscription Shares in the Community Offering exceed the number of shares available for sale, shares shall be allocated (to the extent shares remain available) first to cover orders of natural persons (including trusts of natural persons) residing in the Community and thereafter to cover orders of other members of the general public. If orders for Subscription Shares exceed the number of shares available for sale in a category pursuant to the purchase priorities described above, shares will be allocated within the category so that each member of that category will receive the lesser of one hundred (100) shares or the amount ordered, and thereafter remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order. In connection with the allocation, orders received for Subscription Shares in the Community Offering will first be filled up to a maximum of two percent (2%) of the shares sold in the Offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order. The Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company shall use their best efforts consistent with this Plan to distribute Subscription Shares sold in the Community Offering in such a manner as to promote the widest distribution practicable of such shares. The Holding Company reserves the right to reject any or all orders, in whole or in part, that are received in the Community Offering. Any Person may purchase up to $150,000 of Subscription Shares in the Community Offering, subject to the purchase limitations specified in Section 14.
| 13. | SYNDICATED COMMUNITY OFFERING |
If feasible, the Board of Directors may determine to offer Subscription Shares not sold in the Subscription Offering or the Community Offering, if any, for sale in a Syndicated Community Offering using a broker, dealer, consultant or investment banking firm experienced and expert in the sale of savings institutions securities. Such entities may be compensated on a fixed fee basis or on a commission basis, or a combination thereof. The Syndicated Community Offering shall be subject to such terms, conditions and procedures as may be determined by the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company, in a manner that will achieve the widest distribution of Subscription Shares, subject to the right of the Holding Company to accept or reject in whole or in part any orders received in the Syndicated Community Offering. In the Syndicated Community Offering, any Person may purchase up to $150,000 of Subscription Shares, subject to the purchase limitations specified in Section 14. In addition, unless otherwise approved or permitted by the Federal Reserve, orders received for Subscription Shares in the Syndicated Community Offering will first be filled up to a maximum of two percent (2%) of the shares sold in the Offering, and thereafter any remaining shares will be allocated on an equal number of shares basis per order. Provided that the Subscription Offering has begun, the Holding Company may begin the Syndicated Community Offering at any time. The Holding Company reserves the right to reject any or all orders, in whole or in part, that are received in the Syndicated Community Offering.
14
If, for any reason, a Syndicated Community Offering of Subscription Shares not sold in the Subscription Offering or any Community Offering cannot be effected, or if any insignificant residue of Subscription Shares is not sold in the Subscription Offering, Community Offering, or any Syndicated Community Offering, the Holding Company will use its best efforts to make other arrangements for the disposition of unsubscribed shares aggregating at least the minimum of the Offering Range. Such other purchase arrangements will be subject to receipt of any required approval of the Bank Regulators.
| 14. | LIMITATIONS ON PURCHASES |
The following limitations shall apply to all purchases and issuances of shares of Subscription Shares:
A. The maximum number of Subscription Shares that may be subscribed for or purchased in all categories in the Offering by any Person or Participant, together with any Associate or group of Persons Acting in Concert, shall not exceed $300,000 of Subscription Shares, except that the Employee Plans may subscribe for up to 10% of the sum of the Subscription Shares sold in the Offering (including shares issued in the event of an increase in the maximum of the Offering Range of 15%).
B. The maximum number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock that may be subscribed for or purchased in all categories of the Offering by Officers and Directors and their Associates in the aggregate shall not exceed 30% of the shares of Subscription Shares.
C. The maximum number of Subscription Shares that may be subscribed for or purchased in all categories of the Offering by any Person or Participant together with purchases by any Associate or group of Persons Acting in Concert, together with any Associate or group of Persons Acting in Concert, shall not exceed 9.9% of the shares of Subscription Shares, except that this ownership limitation shall not apply to the Employee Plans.
D. A minimum of twenty-five (25) Subscription Shares must be purchased by each Person or Participant purchasing shares in the Offering to the extent those shares are available; provided, however, that if the product of the minimum number of Subscription Shares purchased multiplied the Subscription Price exceeds $500, then such minimum purchase requirement shall be reduced to such number of shares which when multiplied by the price per share shall not exceed $500, as determined by the Board.
E. If the number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock otherwise allocable pursuant to Sections 8 through 13, inclusive, to any Person or that Person’s Associates would be in excess of the maximum number of shares permitted as set forth above, the number of shares of Holding Company Common Stock allocated to each such person shall be reduced to the lowest limitation applicable to that Person, and then the number of shares allocated to each group consisting of a Person and that Person’s Associates shall be reduced so that the aggregate allocation to that Person and his or her Associates complies with the above limits.
15
Depending upon market or financial conditions, the Boards of Directors of the Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company, with the receipt of any required approvals of the Bank Regulators and without further approval of Voting Members, may decrease or increase the purchase limitations in this Plan, provided that the maximum purchase limitations may not be increased to a percentage in excess of 5% of the shares issued in the Offering except as provided below. If the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company increase the maximum purchase limitations, the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company are only required to resolicit Participants who subscribed for the maximum purchase amount in the Subscription Offering and who indicated a desire to be resolicited on the Order Form and may, in the sole discretion of the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company, resolicit certain other large purchasers. In the event of such a resolicitation, the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company shall have the right, in their sole discretion, to require such persons to supply immediately available funds for the purchase of additional Subscription Shares. Such persons will be prohibited from paying with a personal check, but the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company may allow payment by wire transfer. If the maximum purchase limitation is increased to 5% of the shares issued in the Offering, such limitation may be further increased to 9.99%, provided that orders for Subscription Shares exceeding 5% of the Subscription Shares issued in the Offering shall not exceed in the aggregate 10% of the total Subscription Shares issued in the Offering. Requests to purchase additional Subscription Shares, if the purchase limitation is so increased, will be determined by the Board of Directors of the Holding Company in its sole discretion.
In the event of an increase in the total number of shares offered in the Offering due to an increase in the maximum of the Offering Range of up to 15% (the “Adjusted Maximum”), the additional shares may be used to fill the Employee Plans’ orders before all other orders and then will be allocated in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Plan.
For purposes of this Section 14, (i) Directors, Officers and Employees of the Bank, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company or any of their subsidiaries shall not be deemed to be Associates or a group affiliated with each other or otherwise Acting in Concert solely as a result of their capacities as such, (ii) shares purchased by Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans shall not be attributable to the individual trustees or beneficiaries of any such plan for purposes of determining compliance with the limitations set forth in paragraphs A. and B. of this Section 14, and (iii) shares purchased by a Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan pursuant to instructions of an individual in an account in such plan in which the individual has the right to direct the investment, including any plan of the Bank qualified under Section 401(k) of the Code shall be aggregated and included in that individual’s purchases and not attributed to the Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan.
Each Person purchasing Subscription Shares in the Offering shall be deemed to confirm that such purchase does not conflict with the above purchase limitations contained in this Plan.
| 15. | PAYMENT FOR SUBSCRIPTION SHARES |
All payments for Subscription Shares subscribed for in the Subscription Offering and Community Offering must be delivered in full to the Bank or Holding Company, together with a properly completed and executed Order Form, on or before the expiration date of the Offering; provided, however, that if the Employee Plans subscribe for shares in the Subscription Offering, such plans will not be required to pay for the shares at the time they subscribe but rather may pay for such shares subscribed for by such plans at the Subscription Price upon consummation of the Conversion. Subscription funds will be held in a segregated account at the Bank.
16
Except as set forth in Section 14.E., above, payment for Subscription Shares shall be made by personal check, money order or bank draft. Alternatively, subscribers in the Subscription and Community Offerings may pay for the shares for which they have subscribed by authorizing the Bank on the Order Form to make a withdrawal from the designated types of Deposit Accounts at the Bank in an amount equal to the aggregate Subscription Price of such shares. Such authorized withdrawal shall be without penalty as to premature withdrawal. If the authorized withdrawal is from a certificate account, and the remaining balance does not meet the applicable minimum balance requirement, the certificate shall be canceled at the time of withdrawal, without penalty, and the remaining balance will earn interest at the passbook rate. Funds for which a withdrawal is authorized will remain in the subscriber’s Deposit Account but may not be used by the subscriber during the Offering. Thereafter, the withdrawal will be given effect only to the extent necessary to satisfy the subscription (to the extent it can be filled) at the Subscription Price per share. Interest will continue to be earned on any amounts authorized for withdrawal until such withdrawal is given effect. Interest on funds received by check, draft or money order will be paid by the Bank at not less than the passbook rate. Such interest will be paid from the date payment is processed by the Bank until consummation or termination of the Offering. If for any reason the Offering is not consummated, all payments made by subscribers in the Subscription and Community Offerings will be refunded to them, with interest. In case of amounts authorized for withdrawal from Deposit Accounts, refunds will be made by canceling the authorization for withdrawal. The Bank is prohibited by regulation from knowingly making any loans or granting any lines of credit for the purchase of Subscription Shares in the Offering.
| 16. | MANNER OF EXERCISING SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS THROUGH ORDER FORMS |
As soon as practicable after the registration statement prepared by the Holding Company has been declared effective by the SEC and the stock offering materials have been approved by the Bank Regulators, Order Forms will be distributed to the Eligible Account Holders, Employee Plans, Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Members at their last known addresses appearing on the records of the Bank for the purpose of subscribing for shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Subscription Offering and will be made available for use by those Persons to whom a Prospectus is delivered. Each Order Form will be preceded or accompanied by a Prospectus describing the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company, the Bank, the Holding Company Common Stock and the Offering. Each Order Form will contain, among other things, the following:
A. A specified date by which all Order Forms must be received by the Holding Company, or its agent, which date shall be not less than twenty (20) days, nor more than forty-five (45) days, following the date on which the Order Forms are first mailed to Participants by the Mutual Holding Company or the Holding Company, and which date will constitute the termination of the Subscription Offering unless extended;
B. The Subscription Price for the Subscription Shares to be sold in the Offering;
17
C. A description of the minimum and maximum number of Subscription Shares which may be subscribed for pursuant to the exercise of subscription rights or otherwise purchased in the Subscription and Community Offerings;
D. Instructions as to how the recipient of the Order Form is to indicate thereon the number of Subscription Shares for which such Person elects to subscribe and the available alternative methods of payment therefor;
E. An acknowledgment that the recipient of the Order Form has received a final copy of the Prospectus before the execution of the Order Form;
F. A statement to the effect that all subscription rights are nontransferable, will be void at the end of the Subscription Offering, and can only be exercised by delivering to the Holding Company or its agent within the subscription period such properly completed and executed Order Form, together with payment in the full amount of the aggregate purchase price as specified in the Order Form for the Subscription Shares for which the recipient elects to subscribe in the Subscription Offering (or by authorizing on the Order Form that the Bank withdraw said amount from the subscriber’s Deposit Account(s) at the Bank); and
G. A statement to the effect that the executed Order Form, once received by the Mutual Holding Company or the Holding Company, may not be modified or amended by the subscriber without the consent of the Holding Company.
Notwithstanding the above, the Mutual Holding Company and the Holding Company reserve the right in their sole discretion to accept or reject orders received on photocopied or facsimiled order forms.
| 17. | UNDELIVERED, DEFECTIVE OR LATE ORDER FORM; INSUFFICIENT PAYMENT |
If Order Forms (a) are not delivered or are not timely delivered by the United States Postal Service, (b) are not received by the Holding Company or are received by the Holding Company or its agent after the expiration date specified thereon, (c) are defectively completed or executed, (d) are not accompanied by the full required payment for the Subscription Shares subscribed for (including cases in which deposit accounts from which withdrawals are authorized are insufficient to cover the amount of the required payment), or (e) are not mailed pursuant to a “no mail” order placed in effect by the account holder, the subscription rights of the Participant to whom such rights have been granted will lapse as though such Participant failed to return the completed Order Form within the time period specified thereon; provided, however, that the Holding Company may, but will not be required to, waive any immaterial irregularity on any Order Form or require the submission of corrected Order Forms or the remittance of full payment for subscribed shares by such date as the Holding Company may specify. The interpretation by the Holding Company of terms and conditions of this Plan and of the Order Forms will be final, subject to the authority of the Bank Regulators.
18
| 18. | ESTABLISHMENT OF LIQUIDATION ACCOUNTS |
The Holding Company shall establish a Liquidation Account at the time of the Conversion in an amount equal to the product of (i) the Majority Ownership Interest and (ii) the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s total stockholders’ equity as reflected in the latest statement of financial condition contained in the final Prospectus used in the Conversion, plus the value of the net assets of the Mutual Holding Company as reflected in the latest statement of financial condition of the Mutual Holding Company before the effective date of the Conversion (excluding its ownership of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock). Following the Conversion, the Liquidation Account will be maintained for the benefit of the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain their Deposit Accounts at the Bank. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall, with respect to his Deposit Account, hold a related inchoate interest in a portion of the Liquidation Account balance in relation to his Deposit Account balance at the Eligibility Record Date or Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, respectively, or to such balance as it may be subsequently reduced, as hereinafter provided. The Holding Company also shall cause the Bank to establish and maintain the Bank Liquidation Account for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain their Deposit Accounts at the Bank.
In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of (i) the Bank or (ii) the Bank and the Holding Company (and only in such event) following all liquidation payments to creditors (including those to Account Holders to the extent of their Deposit Accounts), each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall be entitled to receive a liquidating distribution from the Liquidation Account, in the amount of the then adjusted subaccount balance for such Eligible Account Holder’s or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder’s Deposit Account, before any liquidation distribution may be made to any holders of the Holding Company’s capital stock. A merger, consolidation or similar combination with another depository institution or holding company thereof, in which the Holding Company and/or the Bank is not the surviving entity, shall not be deemed to be a complete liquidation for this purpose. In such transactions, the Liquidation Account shall be assumed by the surviving holding company or institution.
In the unlikely event of a complete liquidation of either (i) the Bank or (ii) the Bank and the Holding Company (and only in such event) following all liquidation payments to creditors of the Bank (including those to Account Holders to the extent of their Deposit Accounts), at a time when the Bank has a positive net worth and the Holding Company does not have sufficient assets (other than the stock of the Bank) at the time of liquidation to fund its obligations under the Liquidation Account, the Bank, with respect to the Bank Liquidation Account shall immediately pay directly to each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder an amount necessary to fund the Holding Company’s remaining obligations under the Liquidation Account before any liquidating distribution may be made to any holders of the Bank’s capital stock and without making such amount subject to the Holding Company’s creditors. Each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall be entitled to receive a distribution from the Bank Liquidation Account, in the amount of the then adjusted subaccount balance for his Deposit Account then held before any distribution may be made to any holders of the Holding Company’s or Bank’s capital stock.
19
In the event of a complete liquidation of the Holding Company where the Bank is not also completely liquidating, or in the event of a sale or other disposition of the Holding Company apart from the Bank, each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall be treated as surrendering such Person’s rights to the Liquidation Account and receiving from the Holding Company an equivalent interest in the Bank Liquidation Account. Each such holder’s interest in the Bank Liquidation Account shall be subject to the same rights and terms as if the Bank Liquidation Account were the Liquidation Account (except that the Holding Company shall cease to exist).
The initial subaccount balance for a Deposit Account held by an Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder shall be determined by multiplying the opening balance in the Liquidation Account by a fraction, the numerator of which is the amount of the Qualifying Deposits of such Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder and the denominator of which is the total amount of all Qualifying Deposits of all Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. For Deposit Accounts in existence at both the Eligibility Record Date and the Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, separate initial subaccount balances shall be determined on the basis of the Qualifying Deposits in such Deposit Account on each such record date. Such initial subaccount balance shall not be increased, but shall be subject to downward adjustment as described below.
If, at the close of business on any fiscal year end closing date, commencing on or after the effective date of the Conversion, the deposit balance in the Deposit Account of an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder is less than the lesser of (i) the balance in the Deposit Account at the close of business on any other annual closing date after the Eligibility Record Date or Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, or (ii) the amount of the Qualifying Deposit in such Deposit Account as of the Eligibility Record Date or Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, then the subaccount balance for such Deposit Account shall be adjusted downward by reducing such subaccount balance in an amount proportionate to the reduction in such deposit balance. In the event of a downward adjustment, the subaccount balance shall not be subsequently increased, notwithstanding any subsequent increase in the deposit balance of the related Deposit Account. If any such Deposit Account is closed, the related subaccount shall be reduced to zero.
The creation and maintenance of the Liquidation Account and the Bank Liquidation Account shall not operate to restrict the use or application of any capital of the Holding Company or the Bank, except that neither the Holding Company nor the Bank shall declare or pay a cash dividend on, or repurchase any of, its capital stock if the effect thereof would cause its equity to be reduced below: (i) the amount required for the Liquidation Account or the Bank Liquidation Account, as applicable; or (ii) the regulatory capital requirements of the Holding Company (to the extent applicable) or the Bank. Neither the Holding Company nor the Bank shall be required to set aside funds in connection with its obligations hereunder relating to the Liquidation Account and the Bank Liquidation Account, respectively. Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders do not retain any voting rights in either the Holding Company or the Bank based on their interests in the Liquidation Account or the Bank Liquidation Account.
20
The amount of the Bank Liquidation Account shall equal at all times the amount of the Liquidation Account, and the Bank Liquidation Account shall be reduced by the same amount and upon the same terms as any reduction in the Liquidation Account. In no event will any Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder be entitled to a distribution that exceeds such holder’s subaccount balance in the Liquidation Account.
For the three (3)-year period following the completion of the Conversion, the Holding Company will not without prior Federal Reserve approval (i) sell or liquidate the Holding Company, or (ii) cause the Bank to be sold or liquidated. Upon the written request of the Federal Reserve the Holding Company shall, or upon the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve the Holding Company may, at any time after two years from the completion of the Conversion, transfer the Liquidation Account to the Bank, at which time the Liquidation Account shall be assumed by the Bank and the interests of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will be solely and exclusively established in the Bank Liquidation Account. In the event such transfer occurs, the Holding Company shall be deemed to have transferred the Liquidation Account to the Bank and such Liquidation Account shall be subsumed into the Bank Liquidation Account and shall not be subject in any manner or amount to the claims of the Holding Company’s creditors. Approval of this Plan by the Voting Members and Stockholders shall constitute approval of the transactions described herein.
| 19. | VOTING RIGHTS OF STOCKHOLDERS |
Following consummation of the Conversion, the holders of the voting capital stock of the Holding Company shall have the exclusive voting rights with respect to the Holding Company.
| 20. | RESTRICTIONS ON RESALE OR SUBSEQUENT DISPOSITION OF SUBSCRIPTION SHARES |
A. All Subscription Shares purchased by Directors or Officers of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company or the Bank in the Offering shall be subject to the restriction that, except as provided in this Section 20 or as may be approved by the Bank Regulators, no interest in such shares may be sold or otherwise disposed of for value for a period of one (1) year following the date of purchase in the Offering.
B. The restriction on disposition of Subscription Shares set forth above in this Section shall not apply to the following:
| 1. | Any exchange of such shares in connection with a merger or acquisition involving the Bank or the Holding Company, as the case may be, which has been approved by the federal regulatory agency; and |
| 2. | Any disposition of such shares following the death of the person to whom such shares were initially sold under the terms of this Plan. |
21
C. With respect to all Subscription Shares subject to restrictions on resale or subsequent disposition, each of the following provisions shall apply:
| 1. | Each certificate representing shares restricted by this section shall bear a legend giving notice of the restriction; |
| 2. | Instructions shall be issued to the stock transfer agent for the Holding Company not to recognize or effect any transfer of any certificate or record of ownership of any such shares in violation of the restriction on transfer; and |
| 3. | Any shares of capital stock of the Holding Company issued with respect to a stock dividend, stock split, or otherwise with respect to ownership of outstanding Subscription Shares subject to the restriction on transfer hereunder shall be subject to the same restriction as is applicable to such Subscription Shares. |
| 21. | REQUIREMENTS FOR STOCK PURCHASES BY DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS FOLLOWING THE CONVERSION |
For a period of three (3) years following the Conversion, no Officer, Director or their Associates shall purchase, without the prior written approval of the Bank Regulators, any outstanding shares of Holding Company Common Stock except from a broker-dealer registered with the SEC. This provision shall not apply to negotiated transactions involving more than 1% of the outstanding shares of Holding Company Common Stock, the exercise of any options pursuant to a stock option plan or purchases of Holding Company Common Stock made by or held by any Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan or Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plan of the Bank or the Holding Company (including the Employee Plans) which may be attributable to any Officer or Director. As used herein, the term “negotiated transaction” means a transaction in which the securities are offered and the terms and arrangements relating to any sale are arrived at through direct communications between the seller or any person acting on its behalf and the purchaser or his investment representative. The term “investment representative” shall mean a professional investment advisor acting as agent for the purchaser and independent of the seller and not acting on behalf of the seller in connection with the transaction.
| 22. | TRANSFER OF DEPOSIT ACCOUNTS |
Each person holding a Deposit Account at the Bank at the time of Conversion shall retain an identical Deposit Account at the Bank following Conversion in the same amount and subject to the same terms and conditions (except as to voting and liquidation rights) applicable to such Deposit Account in the Bank immediately before the completion of the Conversion.
| 23. | REGISTRATION AND MARKETING |
For the time period required by applicable laws and regulations, the Holding Company will register the securities issued in connection with the Conversion pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will not deregister such securities for a period of at least three (3) years thereafter, except that the requirement to maintain the registration of such securities for three years may be fulfilled by any successor to the Holding Company. In addition, the Holding Company will use its best efforts to encourage and assist a market-maker to establish and maintain a market for the Holding Company Common Stock and to list those securities on a national or regional securities exchange unless otherwise permitted by the Federal Reserve.
22
| 24. | TAX RULINGS OR OPINIONS |
Consummation of the Conversion is expressly conditioned upon prior receipt by the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank of either a ruling, an opinion of counsel or a letter of advice from their tax advisor regarding the federal and state income tax consequences of the Conversion to the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company, the Bank and the Account Holders and Voting Members receiving subscription rights in the Conversion.
| 25. | STOCK BENEFIT PLANS AND EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS |
A. The Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to adopt Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans in connection with the Conversion, including without limitation, an ESOP. Existing as well as any newly created Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans may purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering, to the extent permitted by the terms of such benefit plans and this Plan.
B. As a result of the Conversion, the Holding Company shall be deemed to have ratified and approved all employee stock benefit plans maintained by the Bank and the Mid-Tier Holding Company and shall have agreed to issue (and reserve for issuance) Holding Company Common Stock in lieu of common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company pursuant to the terms of such benefit plans. Upon consummation of the Conversion, the Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock held by such benefit plans shall be converted into Holding Company Common Stock based upon the Exchange Ratio. Also upon consummation of the Conversion, all rights to purchase, sell or receive Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock and all rights to elect to make payment in Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock under any agreement between the Bank or the Mid-Tier Holding Company and any Director, Officer or Employee thereof or under any plan or program of the Bank or the Mid-Tier Holding Company, shall automatically, by operation of law, be converted into and shall become an identical right to purchase, sell or receive Holding Company Common Stock and an identical right to make payment in Holding Company Common Stock under any such agreement between the Bank or the Mid-Tier Holding Company and any Director, Officer or Employee thereof or under such plan or program of the Bank.
C. The Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to adopt stock option plans, restricted stock award plans and other Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans, provided that such plans conform to any applicable regulations. The Holding Company and the Bank intend to implement a stock option plan and a restricted stock award plan no earlier than six months after completion of the Conversion. Stockholder approval of these plans will be required. If adopted within twelve (12) months following the completion of the Conversion, the stock option plan will reserve a number of shares equal to up to 10% of the shares sold in the Offering and the stock award plan will reserve a number of shares equal to up to 4% of the shares sold in the Offering for awards to employees and directors at no cost to the recipients (unless the Bank’s tangible capital is less than 10% upon completion of the Offering in which case the stock award plan will reserve a number of shares equal to up to 3% of the shares sold in the Offering), subject to adjustment, if any, as may be required by Federal Reserve regulations or policy in effect to reflect stock options or restricted stock granted by the Mid-Tier Holding Company before the completion of the Conversion. (Non-Tax-Qualified Employee Stock Benefit Plans implemented more than one year following the completion of the Conversion are not subject to the restrictions set forth in the preceding sentence.) Shares for such plans may be issued from authorized but unissued shares, treasury shares or repurchased shares.
23
D. The Holding Company and the Bank are authorized to enter into employment agreements and/or change in control agreements with their executive officers.
| 26. | RESTRICTIONS ON ACQUISITION OF BANK AND HOLDING COMPANY |
| A. | (1) | The charter of the Bank may contain a provision stipulating that no person, except the Holding Company, for a period of five (5) years following the closing date of the Conversion, may directly or indirectly acquire or offer to acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of the Bank, without the prior written approval of the Federal Reserve. In addition, the charter of the Bank may also provide that for a period of five (5) years following the closing date of the Conversion, shares beneficially owned in violation of the above-described charter provision shall not be entitled to vote and shall not be voted by any person or counted as voting stock in connection with any matter submitted to stockholders for a vote. In addition, special meetings of the stockholders relating to changes in control or amendment of the charter may only be called by the Board of Directors, and shareholders shall not be permitted to cumulate their votes for the election of Directors. |
| (2) | For a period of three (3) years from the date of consummation of the Conversion, no person, other than the Holding Company, shall directly or indirectly offer to acquire or acquire the beneficial ownership of more than 10% of any class of equity security of the Bank without the prior written consent of the Federal Reserve. Nothing in this Plan shall prohibit the Holding Company from taking actions permitted under 12 C.F.R. 239.63(f). |
B. The Articles of Incorporation of the Holding Company may contain a provision stipulating that in no event shall any record owner of any outstanding shares of Holding Company Common Stock who beneficially owns in excess of 10% of such outstanding shares be entitled or permitted to vote any shares held in excess of 10% of the Holding Company’s outstanding shares. In addition, the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Holding Company may contain provisions that provide for, or prohibit, as the case may be, staggered terms of the directors, qualifications for directors, noncumulative voting for directors, limitations on the calling of special meetings, a fair price provision for certain business combinations and certain notice requirements.
24
C. For the purposes of this section:
| (1) | The term “person” includes an individual, a firm, a corporation or other entity; |
| (2) | The term “offer” includes every offer to buy or acquire, solicitation of an offer to sell, tender offer for, or request or invitation for tenders of, a security or interest in a security for value; |
| (3) | The term “acquire” includes every type of acquisition, whether effected by purchase, exchange, operation of law or otherwise; and |
| (4) | The term “security” includes non-transferable subscription rights issued pursuant to a plan of conversion as well as a “security” as defined in 15 U.S.C. § 77b(a)(1). |
| 27. | PAYMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND THE REPURCHASE OF STOCK |
A. The Holding Company shall comply with applicable regulations in the repurchase of any shares of its capital stock following consummation of the Conversion. The Holding Company shall not declare or pay a cash dividend on, or repurchase any of, its capital stock, if such dividend or repurchase would reduce its capital below the amount then required for the Liquidation Account.
B. The Bank shall not declare or pay a cash dividend on, or repurchase any of, its capital stock if the effect thereof would cause its regulatory capital to be reduced below its applicable regulatory capital requirements.
| 28. | ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BYLAWS |
By voting to approve this Plan, Voting Members and Stockholders will be voting to adopt the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Holding Company.
| 29. | CONSUMMATION OF CONVERSION AND EFFECTIVE DATE |
The Effective Date of the Conversion shall be the date upon which the Articles of Merger shall be filed with the Bank Regulators, the Wisconsin Department and/or the Maryland Department, as appropriate. The Articles of Merger shall be filed after all requisite regulatory approvals and Voting Member and Stockholder approvals have been obtained, all applicable waiting periods have expired, and sufficient subscriptions and orders for Subscription Shares have been received. The closing of the sale of all shares of Holding Company Common Stock sold in the Offering and the Exchange Offering shall occur simultaneously on the effective date of the closing.
| 30. | EXPENSES OF CONVERSION |
The Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Bank and the Holding Company may retain and pay for the services of legal, financial and other advisors to assist in connection with any or all aspects of the Conversion, including the Offering, and such parties shall use their best efforts to assure that such expenses shall be reasonable.
25
| 31. | AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION OF PLAN |
If deemed necessary or desirable, this Plan may be substantively amended as a result of comments from the Bank Regulators or otherwise at any time before the meetings of Voting Members and Stockholders to vote on this Plan by the Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, and at any time thereafter by the Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company with the concurrence of the Bank Regulators. Any amendment to this Plan made after approval by Voting Members and Stockholders with the approval of the Bank Regulators shall not necessitate further approval by Voting Members or Stockholders unless otherwise required by the Bank Regulators. The Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company may terminate this Plan at any time before the Members Meeting and Stockholder Meeting, and at any time thereafter with the concurrence of the Bank Regulators.
By adoption of this Plan, Voting Members authorize the Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company to amend or terminate this Plan under the circumstances set forth in this Section.
| 32. | CONDITIONS TO CONSUMMATION OF CONVERSION |
Consummation of the Conversion pursuant to this Plan is expressly conditioned upon the following:
A. Prior receipt by the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, the Holding Company and the Bank of rulings of the United States Internal Revenue Service and the state taxing authorities, or opinions of counsel or tax advisers as described in Section 24 hereof;
B. The issuance of the Subscription Shares offered in the Conversion; and
C. The completion of the Conversion within the time period specified in Section 3 of this Plan.
| 33. | INTERPRETATION |
All interpretations of this Plan and application of its provisions to particular circumstances by a majority of the Board of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company shall be final, subject to the authority of the Bank Regulators.
Dated: March 4, 2024
26
EXHIBIT A
FORM OF MERGER AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN
WISCONSIN MUTUAL BANCORP, MHC
AND
EWSB BANCORP, INC.
MERGER AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
WISCONSIN MUTUAL BANCORP, MHC
AND
EWSB BANCORP, INC.
THIS MERGER AGREEMENT (the “MHC Merger Agreement”), dated as of ______________, 2024, is made by and between Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “Mutual Holding Company”) and EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”). Capitalized terms have the respective meanings given them in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “Plan”), unless otherwise defined herein.
RECITALS:
1. The Mutual Holding Company is a Wisconsin-chartered mutual holding company that owns 100.0% of the outstanding common stock of the Mid-Tier Holding Company.
2. The Mid-Tier Holding Company is a Wisconsin-chartered corporation that owns 100% of the outstanding common stock of East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”).
3. At least two-thirds of the members of the boards of directors of the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company have approved this MHC Merger Agreement whereby the Mutual Holding Company shall merge with the Mid-Tier Holding Company with the Mid-Tier Holding Company as the surviving or resulting corporation (the “MHC Merger”), and have authorized the execution and delivery thereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereto have agreed as follows:
1. Merger. At and on the Effective Date of the MHC Merger, the Mutual Holding Company will merge with the Mid-Tier Holding Company with the Mid-Tier Holding Company as the resulting entity (“Resulting Corporation”) whereby the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock held by the Mutual Holding Company will be canceled and Members, who are deemed for these purposes to be owners of the Mutual Holding Company, will constructively receive liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company in exchange for their ownership interests in the Mutual Holding Company.
2. Effective Date. The MHC Merger shall not be effective until and unless the Plan is approved by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) and by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (the “Department”) after approval of this MHC Merger Agreement by at least: (i) two-thirds of the total votes eligible to be cast by the Stockholders; and (ii) a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by Voting Members, and the Articles of MHC Merger shall have been filed with respect to the MHC Merger. Approval of the Plan by the Voting Members shall constitute approval of this MHC Merger Agreement by the Voting Members. Approval of the Plan by Stockholders shall constitute approval of this MHC Merger Agreement by the Stockholders.
3. Name. The name of the Resulting Corporation shall be EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
4. Offices. The main office of the Resulting Corporation shall be 109 West Second Street, Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130.
5. Directors and Officers. The directors and officers of the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately before the Effective Date shall be the directors and officers of the Resulting Corporation after the Effective Date.
6. Rights and Duties of the Resulting Corporation. At the Effective Date, the Mutual Holding Company shall be merged with and into the Mid-Tier Holding Company with the Mid-Tier Holding Company as the Resulting Corporation. The business of the Resulting Corporation shall be that of a Wisconsin-chartered corporation as provided in its Certificate of Incorporation. All assets, rights, interests, privileges, powers, franchises and property (real, personal and mixed) of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company shall be transferred automatically to and vested in the Resulting Corporation by virtue of the MHC Merger without any deed or other document of transfer. The Resulting Corporation, without any order or action on the part of any court or otherwise and without any documents of assumption or assignment, shall hold and enjoy all of the properties, franchises and interests, including appointments, powers, designations, nominations and all other rights and interests as the agent or other fiduciary in the same manner and to the same extent as such rights, franchises, and interests and powers were held or enjoyed by the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company. The Resulting Corporation shall be responsible for all of the liabilities, restrictions and duties of every kind and description of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company immediately before the consummation of the MHC Merger, including liabilities for all debts, obligations and contracts of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company, matured or unmatured, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether or not reflected or reserved against on balance sheets, books of accounts or records of the Mid-Tier Holding Company or the Mutual Holding Company. The stockholders of the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall possess all voting rights with respect to the shares of stock of the Resulting Corporation. All rights of creditors and other obligees and all liens on property of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mutual Holding Company shall be preserved and shall not be released or impaired.
7. Rights of Members and Stockholders. At the Effective Date, the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock held by the Mutual Holding Company will be canceled and Members will constructively receive liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company in exchange for their ownership interests in the Mutual Holding Company.
8. Other Terms. All terms used in this MHC Merger Agreement shall, unless defined herein, have the meanings set forth in the Plan. The Plan is incorporated herein by this reference and made a part hereof to the extent necessary or appropriate to effect and consummate the terms of this MHC Merger Agreement and the Conversion.
[Signature page immediately follows]
A-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company have caused this MHC Merger Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.
| ATTEST: | Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC |
| By: | |||
| Kailee Vanderloop | Charles Schmalz | ||
| Secretary | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| ATTEST: | EWSB Bancorp, Inc. |
| By: | |||
| Kailee Vanderloop | Charles Schmalz | ||
| Secretary | President and Chief Executive Officer |
A-3
EXHIBIT B
FORM OF MERGER AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN
EWSB BANCORP, INC., A WISCONSIN CORPORATION
AND
EWSB BANCORP, INC., A MARYLAND CORPORATION
MERGER AGREEMENT
BY AND BETWEEN
EWSB BANCORP, INC., A WISCONSIN CORPORATION
and
EWSB BANCORP, INC., A MARYLAND CORPORATION
THIS MERGER AGREEMENT (the “Mid-Tier Merger Agreement”), dated as of ________, 2024, is made by and between EWSB Bancorp, Inc., a Wisconsin corporation (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”) and EWSB Bancorp, Inc., a Maryland corporation (the “Holding Company”). Capitalized terms have the respective meanings given them in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “Plan”), unless otherwise defined herein.
RECITALS:
1. The Mid-Tier Holding Company is a Wisconsin-chartered corporation that owns 100% of the outstanding common stock of East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”).
2. The Holding Company is a Maryland-chartered corporation that has been organized to succeed to the operations of the Mid-Tier Holding Company.
3. At least two-thirds of the members of the boards of directors of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company have approved this Mid-Tier Merger Agreement whereby the Mid-Tier Holding Company will be merged with the Holding Company with the Holding Company as the resulting corporation (the “Mid-Tier Merger”), and authorized the execution and delivery thereof.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements contained herein, the parties hereto have agreed as follows:
1. Merger. At and on the Effective Date of the Mid-Tier Merger, the Mid-Tier Holding Company will merge with and into the Holding Company with the Holding Company as the resulting corporation (the “Resulting Corporation”), whereby the Bank will become the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Holding Company. As part of the Mid-Tier Merger, the Members who constructively received liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company will exchange the liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company that they constructively received in the MHC Merger for interests in the Liquidation Account.
2. Effective Date. The Mid-Tier Merger shall not be effective until and unless the Plan is approved by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”) any by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (the “Department”) after approval by at least: (i) two-thirds of the votes eligible to be cast by Stockholders; and (ii) a majority of the votes eligible to be cast by Voting Members, and the Articles of Mid-Tier Merger shall have been filed with respect to the Mid-Tier Merger. Approval of the Plan by the Stockholders shall constitute approval of this Mid-Tier Merger Agreement by such stockholders.
3. Name. The name of the Resulting Corporation shall be EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
4. Offices. The main office of the Resulting Corporation shall be 109 West Second Street, Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130.
5. Directors and Officers. The directors and officers of the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately before the Effective Date shall be the directors and officers of the Resulting Corporation after the Effective Date.
6. Rights and Duties of the Resulting Corporation. At the Effective Date, the Mid-Tier Holding Company shall merge with the Holding Company, with the Holding Company as the Resulting Corporation. The business of the Resulting Corporation shall be that of a Maryland corporation as provided in its Articles of Incorporation. All assets, rights, interests, privileges, powers, franchises and property (real, personal and mixed) of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company shall be transferred automatically to and vested in the Resulting Corporation by virtue of the Mid-Tier Merger without any deed or other document of transfer. The Resulting Corporation, without any order or action on the part of any court or otherwise and without any documents of assumption or assignment, shall hold and enjoy all of the properties, franchises and interests, including appointments, powers, designations, nominations and all other rights and interests as the agent or other fiduciary in the same manner and to the same extent as such rights, franchises, and interests and powers were held or enjoyed by the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company. The Resulting Corporation shall be responsible for all of the liabilities, restrictions and duties of every kind and description of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company immediately before the consummation of the Mid-Tier Merger, including liabilities for all debts, obligations and contracts of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company, matured or unmatured, whether accrued, absolute, contingent or otherwise and whether or not reflected or reserved against on balance sheets, books of accounts or records of the Mid-Tier Holding Company or the Holding Company. The stockholders of the Holding Company shall possess all voting rights with respect to the shares of stock of the Resulting Corporation. All rights of creditors and other obligees and all liens on property of the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company shall be preserved and shall not be released or impaired.
7. Rights of Members and Stockholders. At the Effective Date, the Members immediately before the consummation of the Conversion will exchange the liquidation rights in the Mid-Tier Holding Company that they constructively received in the MHC Merger for interests in the Liquidation Account. All shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock held in the treasury and each share of Mid-Tier Holding Company Common Stock owned by the Holding Company, or any direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Holding Company or of the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately before the Effective Date (other than shares held in a fiduciary capacity or in connection with debts previously contracted) shall, at the Effective Date, cease to exist, and the Certificates for such shares shall be canceled as promptly as practicable thereafter, and no payment or distribution shall be made in consideration therefor.
8. Other Terms. All terms used in this Mid-Tier Merger Agreement shall, unless defined herein, have the meanings set forth in the Plan. The Plan is incorporated herein by this reference and made a part hereof to the extent necessary or appropriate to effect and consummate the terms of this Mid-Tier Merger Agreement and the Conversion.
[Signature page immediately follows]
| B-2 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Holding Company have caused this Mid-Tier Merger Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.
| ATTEST: | EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (a Wisconsin Corporation) |
| By: | |||
| Kailee Vanderloop | Charles Schmalz | ||
| Secretary | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| ATTEST: | EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (a Maryland corporation) |
| By: | |||
| Kailee Vanderloop | Charles Schmalz | ||
| Secretary | President and Chief Executive Officer |
| B-3 |
Exhibit 3.1
EWSB BANCORP, INC.
ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
The undersigned, Zachary A. Davis, whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 780, Washington, D.C. 20015, being at least eighteen years of age, acting as incorporator, does hereby form a corporation under the general laws of the State of Maryland, having the following Articles of Incorporation (the “Articles”):
ARTICLE 1. Name. The name of the corporation is EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (herein, the “Corporation”).
ARTICLE 2. Principal Office. The address of the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is c/o CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202.
ARTICLE 3. Purpose. The purpose for which the Corporation is formed is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the general laws of the State of Maryland as now or hereafter in force.
ARTICLE 4. Resident Agent. The name and address of the registered agent of the Corporation in the State of Maryland is CSC-Lawyers Incorporating Service Company, 7 St. Paul Street, Suite 820, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Said resident agent is a Maryland corporation.
ARTICLE 5. Capital Stock
A. Authorized Stock. The total number of shares of capital stock of all classes that the Corporation has authority to issue is five million (5,000,000) shares, consisting of:
1. one million (1,000,000) shares of preferred stock, par value one cent ($0.01) per share (the “Preferred Stock”); and
2. four million (4,000,000) shares of common stock, par value one cent ($0.01) per share (the “Common Stock”).
The aggregate par value of all the authorized shares of capital stock is fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). Except to the extent required by governing law, rule or regulation, the shares of capital stock may be issued from time to time by the Board of Directors without further approval of the stockholders of the Corporation. The Corporation shall have the authority to purchase its capital stock out of funds lawfully available therefor, which funds shall include, without limitation, the Corporation’s unreserved and unrestricted capital surplus. The Board of Directors, pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the Whole Board (rounded up to the nearest whole number), and without action by the stockholders, may amend these Articles to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue. For the purposes of these Articles, the term “Whole Board” shall mean the total number of directors that the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies on the Board of Directors at the time any such resolution is presented to the Board of Directors for adoption.
B. Common Stock. Except as provided under the terms of any series of Preferred Stock and as limited by Section D of this Article 5, the exclusive voting power shall be vested in the Common Stock. Except as otherwise provided in these Articles, each holder of the Common Stock shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock standing in the holder’s name on the books of the Corporation. Subject to any rights and preferences of any series of Preferred Stock, holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to such dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds lawfully available therefor. Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution to its stockholders ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by them, respectively, after: (i) payment or provision for payment of the Corporation’s debts and liabilities; (ii) distributions or provisions for distributions to holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock in the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Corporation and (iii) distributions or provision for distributions in settlement of the Liquidation Account established by the Corporation as described in Section G of this Article 5.
C. Preferred Stock. The Board of Directors is hereby expressly authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by law, to provide for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each such series, and to fix the preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications and terms and conditions of redemption of the shares of each such series. The number of authorized shares of the Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the Common Stock, without a vote of the holders of the Preferred Stock, or of any series thereof, unless a vote of any such holders is required by law or pursuant to the terms of such Preferred Stock. The power of the stockholders to increase or decrease the authorized shares of the Preferred Stock shall not limit any of the powers of the Board of Directors provided under these Articles.
D. Restrictions on Voting Rights of the Corporation’s Equity Securities.
1. Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, in no event shall the record owner (or if more than one record owner, all such record owners taken as a group) of any outstanding Common Stock that is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a Person who, as of any record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote on any matter, beneficially owns in excess of 10% of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock (the “Limit”), be entitled, or permitted to any vote in respect of the shares held in excess of the Limit. The number of votes that may be cast by any particular record owner by virtue of the provisions hereof in respect of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Person owning shares in excess of the Limit (a “Holder in Excess”) shall be a number equal to the total number of votes that a single record owner of all Common Stock owned by such Holder in Excess would be entitled to cast after giving effect to the provisions hereof, multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of such class or series that are both (i) beneficially owned by such Holder in Excess and (ii) owned of record by such particular record owner, and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by such Holder in Excess. The provisions of this Section D of this Article 5 shall not be applicable if, before the Holder in Excess acquired beneficial ownership of such shares in excess of the Limit, such acquisition was approved by a majority of the “Unaffiliated Directors.” For this purpose, the term “Unaffiliated Director” means any member of the Board of Directors who is unaffiliated with the Holder in Excess and was a member of the Board of Directors before the time that the Holder in Excess became such, and any director who is thereafter chosen to fill any vacancy on the Board of Directors and who is elected and who, in either event, is unaffiliated with the Holder in Excess and in connection with his or her initial assumption of office is recommended for appointment or election by a majority of the Unaffiliated Directors then serving on the Board of Directors.
| 2 |
2. The following definitions shall apply to this Section D of this Article 5.
| (a) | An “affiliate” of a specified Person shall mean a Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, the Person specified. |
| (b) | “Beneficial ownership” shall be determined pursuant to Rule 13d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (or any successor rule or statutory provision), or, if said Rule 13d-3 shall be rescinded and there shall be no successor rule or statutory provision thereto, pursuant to said Rule 13d-3 as in effect on December 31, 2023; provided, however, that a Person shall, in any event, also be deemed the “beneficial owner” of any Common Stock: |
| (1) | that such Person or any of its affiliates beneficially owns, directly or indirectly; or |
| (2) | that such Person or any of its affiliates has (i) the right to acquire (whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time), pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding (but shall not be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any voting shares solely by reason of an agreement, contract, or other arrangement with the Corporation to effect any transaction of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) of the first sentence of Article 9 hereof) or upon the exercise of conversion rights, exchange rights, warrants, or options or otherwise, or (ii) sole or shared voting or investment power with respect thereto pursuant to any agreement, arrangement, understanding, relationship or otherwise (but shall not be deemed to be the beneficial owner of any voting shares solely by reason of a revocable proxy granted for a particular meeting of stockholders, pursuant to a public solicitation of proxies for such meeting, with respect to shares of which neither such Person nor any such affiliate is otherwise deemed the beneficial owner); or |
| 3 |
| (3) | that are beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by any other Person with which such first mentioned Person or any of its affiliates acts as a partnership, limited partnership, syndicate or other group pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of any shares of capital stock of the Corporation; and provided further, however, that (i) no director or officer of the Corporation (or any affiliate of any such director or officer) shall, solely by reason of any or all of such directors or officers acting in their capacities as such, be deemed, for any purposes hereof, to beneficially own any Common Stock beneficially owned by any other such director or officer (or any affiliate thereof), and (ii) neither any employee stock ownership or similar plan of the Corporation or any subsidiary of the Corporation nor any trustee with respect thereto (or any affiliate of such trustee) shall, solely by reason of such capacity of such trustee, be deemed, for any purposes hereof, to beneficially own any Common Stock held under any such plan. For purposes of computing the percentage of beneficial ownership of Common Stock of a Person, the outstanding Common Stock shall include shares deemed owned by such Person through application of this subsection but shall not include any other shares of Common Stock that may be issuable by the Corporation pursuant to any agreement, or upon exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise. For all other purposes, the outstanding Common Stock shall include only Common Stock then outstanding and shall not include any Common Stock that may be issuable by the Corporation pursuant to any agreement, or upon the exercise of conversion rights, warrants or options, or otherwise. |
| (c) | A “Person” shall mean any individual, firm, corporation, or other entity. |
| (d) | The Board of Directors shall have the power to construe and apply the provisions of this Section D and to make all determinations necessary or desirable to implement such provisions including, but not limited to, matters with respect to (i) the number of shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by any Person, (ii) whether a Person is an affiliate of another, (iii) whether a Person has an agreement, arrangement, or understanding with another as to the matters referred to in the definition of beneficial ownership, (iv) the application of any other definition or operative provision of this Section D to the given facts, or (v) any other matter relating to the applicability or effect of this Section D. |
3. The Board of Directors shall have the right to demand that any Person reasonably believed by the Board of Directors to be a Holder in Excess (or holder of record of Common Stock beneficially owned by any Holder in Excess) supply the Corporation with complete information as to (i) the record owner(s) of all shares beneficially owned by such Holder in Excess, and (ii) any other factual matter relating to the applicability or effect of this section as may reasonably be requested of such Holder in Excess. The Board of Directors shall further have the right to receive from any Holder in Excess reimbursement for all expenses incurred by the Board of Directors in connection with its investigation of any matters relating to the applicability or effect of this section on such Holder in Excess, to the extent such investigation is deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors as a result of the Holder in Excess refusing to supply the Corporation with the information described in the previous sentence.
| 4 |
4. Any constructions, applications, or determinations made by the Board of Directors pursuant to this Section D in good faith and on the basis of such information and assistance as was then reasonably available for such purpose, shall be conclusive and binding upon the Corporation and its stockholders.
5. If any provision (or portion thereof) of this Section D shall be found to be invalid, prohibited or unenforceable for any reason, the remaining provisions (or portions thereof) of this Section D shall remain in full force and effect, and shall be construed as if such invalid, prohibited or unenforceable provision had been stricken herefrom or otherwise rendered inapplicable, it being the intent of the Corporation and its stockholders that each such remaining provision (or portion thereof) of this Section D remain, to the fullest extent permitted by law, applicable and enforceable as to all stockholders, including Holders in Excess, notwithstanding any such finding.
E. Majority Vote for Certain Actions. With respect to those actions as to which any provision of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) requires stockholder authorization by a greater proportion than a majority of the total number of shares of all classes of capital stock or of the total number of shares of any class of capital stock, any such action shall be valid and effective if authorized by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the total number of shares of all classes outstanding and entitled to vote thereon, except as otherwise provided in these Articles.
F. Quorum. Except as otherwise provided by law or expressly provided in these Articles, the presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of record of shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitling the holders thereof to cast a majority of the votes (after giving effect, if required, to the provisions of Article 5, Section D) entitled to be cast by the holders of shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders, and every reference in these Articles to a majority or other proportion of capital stock (or the holders thereof) for purposes of determining any quorum requirement or any requirement for stockholder consent or approval shall be deemed to refer to such majority or other proportion of the votes (or the holders thereof) then entitled to be cast in respect of such capital stock.
ARTICLE 6. Preemptive Rights and Appraisal Rights.
A. Preemptive Rights. Except for preemptive rights approved by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the directors then in office, no holder of the capital stock of the Corporation or series of stock or of options, warrants or other rights to purchase shares of any class or series of stock or of other securities of the Corporation shall have any preemptive right to purchase or subscribe for any unissued capital stock of any class or series, or any unissued bonds, certificates of indebtedness, debentures or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for capital stock of any class or series or carrying any right to purchase stock of any class or series.
| 5 |
B. Appraisal Rights. Holders of shares of stock shall not be entitled to exercise any rights of an objecting stockholder provided for under Title 3, Subtitle 2 of the MGCL or any successor statute unless the Board of Directors, pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the directors then in office, shall determine that such rights apply with respect to all or any classes or series of stock, to one or more transactions occurring after the date of such determination in connection with which holders of such shares would otherwise be entitled to exercise such rights.
ARTICLE 7. Directors. The following provisions are made a part of these Articles for the management of the business and the conduct of the affairs of the Corporation, and for further definition, limitation and regulation of the powers of the Corporation and of its directors and stockholders:
A. Management of the Corporation. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. All powers of the Corporation may be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors, except as conferred on or as reserved to the stockholders by law or by these Articles or the Bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that any limitations on the Board of Directors’ management or direction of the affairs of the Corporation shall reserve the directors’ full power to discharge their fiduciary duties.
B. Number, Class and Terms of Directors; No Cumulative Voting. The number of directors constituting the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall initially be seven (7), which number may be increased or decreased in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation; provided, however, that such number shall never be less than the minimum number of directors required by the MGCL now or hereafter in force. The directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, shall be divided into three classes, with the term of office of the first class (“Class I”) to expire at the conclusion of the first annual meeting of stockholders, the term of office of the second class (“Class II”) to expire at the conclusion of the annual meeting of stockholders one year thereafter and the term of office of the third class (“Class III”) to expire at the conclusion of the annual meeting of stockholders two years thereafter, with each director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of stockholders, directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election or for such shorter period of time as the Board of Directors may determine, with each director to hold office until his or her term expires and until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
| 6 |
The names of the individuals who will serve as the initial directors of the Corporation until their successors are elected and qualify are as follows:
| Charles Schmalz |
| Kenneth Demerath |
| Lori Hoersch |
| Kay M. Dorow |
| Steve Tyink |
| Lisa Cruz |
| Steve Haen |
The classes, if any, for the terms of office for directors will be as described in the Bylaws of the Corporation.
Stockholders shall not be permitted to cumulate their votes in the election of directors. A plurality of all the votes cast at a meeting at which a quorum is present is sufficient to elect a director.
C. Vacancies. Any vacancies in the Board of Directors may be filled in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.
D. Removal. Subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock then outstanding, any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, but only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (after giving effect to the provisions of Article 5 hereof) voting together as a single class.
E. Stockholder Proposals and Nominations of Directors. Advance notice of stockholder nominations for the election of directors and of business to be brought by stockholders before any meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation shall be given in the manner provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation. Stockholder proposals to be presented in connection with a special meeting of stockholders shall be presented by the Corporation only to the extent required by Section 2-502 of the MGCL and the Bylaws of the Corporation.
ARTICLE 8. Bylaws. The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of the Whole Board. The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. In addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by these Articles, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (after giving effect to the provisions of Article 5 hereof), voting together as a single class, shall be required for the adoption, amendment or repeal of any provisions of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the stockholders.
| 7 |
ARTICLE 9. Evaluation of Certain Offers. The Board of Directors, when evaluating (i) any offer of another Person (as defined below) to (A) make a tender or exchange offer for any equity security of the Corporation, (B) merge or consolidate the Corporation with another corporation or entity, or (C) purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the Corporation or (ii) any other actual or proposed transaction that would or may involve a change in control of the Corporation (whether by purchases of shares of stock or any other securities of the Corporation in the open market or otherwise, tender offer, merger, consolidation, share exchange, dissolution, liquidation, sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Corporation, proxy solicitation or otherwise), may in connection with the exercise of its business judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the Corporation and its stockholders and in making any recommendation to the Corporation’s stockholders, give due consideration to all relevant factors, including, but not limited to: (A) the economic effect, both immediate and long-term, upon the Corporation’s stockholders, including stockholders, if any, who do not participate in the transaction; (B) the social and economic effect on the present and future employees, creditors and customers of, and others dealing with, the Corporation and its subsidiaries and on the communities in which the Corporation and its subsidiaries operate or are located; (C) whether the proposal is acceptable based on the historical, current or projected future operating results or financial condition of the Corporation; (D) whether a more favorable price could be obtained for the Corporation’s stock or other securities in the future; (E) the reputation and business practices of the other entity to be involved in the transaction and its management and affiliates as they would affect the employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries; (F) the future value of the stock or any other securities of the Corporation or the other entity to be involved in the proposed transaction; (G) any antitrust or other legal and regulatory issues that are raised by the proposal; (H) the business and historical, current or expected future financial condition or operating results of the other entity to be involved in the transaction, including, but not limited to, debt service and other existing financial obligations, financial obligations to be incurred in connection with the proposed transaction, and other likely financial obligations of the other entity to be involved in the proposed transaction; and (I) the ability of the Corporation to fulfill its objectives as a financial institution holding company and on the ability of its subsidiary financial institution(s) to fulfill the objectives of a federally insured financial institution under applicable statutes and regulations. If the Board of Directors determines that any proposed transaction of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) of the immediately preceding sentence should be rejected, it may take any lawful action to defeat such transaction, including, but not limited to, any or all of the following: advising stockholders not to accept the proposal; instituting litigation against the party making the proposal; filing complaints with governmental and regulatory authorities; acquiring the stock or any of the securities of the Corporation; selling or otherwise issuing authorized but unissued stock or other securities or granting options or rights with respect thereto; and obtaining a more favorable offer from another individual or entity. This Article 9 sets forth certain factors that may be considered by the Board of Directors, but does not create any implication concerning the factors that must be considered, or any other factors that may or may not be considered, by the Board of Directors regarding any proposed transaction of the type described in clause (i) or (ii) of the first sentence of this Article 9.
For purposes of this Article 9, a “Person” shall include an individual, a group acting in concert, a corporation, a partnership, an association, a joint venture, a pool, a joint stock company, a trust, an unincorporated organization or similar company, a syndicate or any other group or entity formed for the purpose of acquiring, holding or disposing of securities.
| 8 |
ARTICLE 10. Indemnification, etc. of Directors and Officers.
A. Indemnification. The Corporation shall indemnify (1) its current and former directors and officers, whether serving the Corporation or at its request any other entity, to the fullest extent required or permitted by the MGCL now or hereafter in force, including the advancement of expenses under the procedures and to the fullest extent permitted by law, and (2) other employees and agents to such extent as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors and permitted by law; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section B of this Article 10 with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
B. Procedure. If a claim under Section A of this Article 10 is not paid in full by the Corporation within sixty (60) days after a written claim has been received by the Corporation, except in the case of a claim for an advancement of expenses, in which case the applicable period shall be twenty (20) days, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim. If successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking the indemnitee shall also be entitled to be reimbursed the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. It shall be a defense to any action for advancement of expenses that the Corporation has not received both (i) an undertaking as required by law to repay such advances if it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct has not been met and (ii) a written affirmation by the indemnitee of his or her good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification by the Corporation has been met. In (i) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) any suit by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the MGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination before the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the MGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including its Board of Directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article 10 or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
| 9 |
C. Non-Exclusivity. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in this Article 10 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, these Articles, the Corporation’s Bylaws, any agreement, any vote of stockholders or the Board of Directors, or otherwise.
D. Insurance. The Corporation may maintain insurance, at its expense, to insure itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such Person against such expense, liability or loss under the MGCL.
E. Miscellaneous. The Corporation shall not be liable for any payment under this Article 10 in connection with a claim made by any indemnitee to the extent such indemnitee has otherwise actually received payment under any insurance policy, agreement, or otherwise, of the amounts otherwise indemnifiable hereunder. The rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses conferred in Sections A and B of this Article 10 shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitee’s heirs, executors and administrators.
F. Limitations Imposed by Federal Law. Notwithstanding any other provision set forth in this Article 10, in no event shall any payments made by the Corporation pursuant to this Article 10 exceed the amount permissible under applicable federal law, including, without limitation, Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
G. Liquidation Account. Under regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Corporation must establish and maintain a liquidation account (the “Liquidation Account”) for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders, as those terms are defined in the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, as may be amended from time to time (the “Plan of Conversion”). In the event of a complete liquidation involving (i) the Corporation or (ii) East Wisconsin Savings Bank, a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank that will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, the Corporation must comply with the regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the provisions of the Plan of Conversion with respect to the amount and priorities of each Eligible Account Holder’s and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder’s interests in the Liquidation Account. The interest of an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder in the Liquidation Account does not entitle such account holders to voting rights.
Any repeal or modification of this Article 10 shall not in any way diminish any rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses of such director or officer or the obligations of the Corporation arising hereunder with respect to events occurring, or claims made, while this Article 10 is in force.
| 10 |
ARTICLE 11. Limitation of Liability. An officer or director of the Corporation, as such, shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for money damages, except (A) to the extent that it is proved that the Person actually received an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services, for the amount of the benefit or profit in money, property or services actually received; or (B) to the extent that a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the Person is entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the Person’s action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty and was material to the cause of action adjudicated in the proceeding; or (C) to the extent otherwise provided by the MGCL. If the MGCL is amended to further eliminate or limit the personal liability of officers and directors, then the liability of officers and directors of the Corporation shall be eliminated or limited to the fullest extent permitted by the MGCL, as so amended.
Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph by the stockholders of the Corporation shall not adversely affect any right or protection of a director or officer of the Corporation existing at the time of such repeal or modification.
ARTICLE 12: Selection of Forum. Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the MGCL, or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine shall be a state or federal court located within the State of Maryland, in all cases subject to the court’s having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants. The provisions of this Article 12 shall not apply to claims arising under the federal securities laws. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article 12.
ARTICLE 13. Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation. The Corporation reserves the right to amend or repeal any provision contained in these Articles in the manner prescribed by the MGCL, including any amendment altering the terms or contract rights, as expressly set forth in these Articles, of any of the Corporation’s outstanding stock by classification, reclassification or otherwise, and no stockholder approval shall be required if the approval of stockholders is not required for the proposed amendment or repeal by the MGCL, and all rights conferred upon stockholders are granted subject to this reservation.
The Board of Directors, pursuant to a resolution approved by a majority of the Whole Board (rounded up to the nearest whole number), and without action by the stockholders, may amend these Articles to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares of stock or the number of shares of stock of any class or series that the Corporation has authority to issue.
No proposed amendment or repeal of any provision of these Articles shall be submitted to a stockholder vote unless the Board of Directors shall have (1) approved the proposed amendment or repeal, (2) determined that it is advisable, and (3) directed that it be submitted for consideration at either an annual or special meeting of the stockholders pursuant to a resolution approved by the Board of Directors. Any proposed amendment or repeal of any provision of these Articles may be abandoned by the Board of Directors at any time before its effective time upon the adoption of a resolution approved by a majority of the Whole Board (rounded up to the nearest whole number).
| 11 |
The amendment or repeal of any provision of these Articles shall be approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) of all votes entitled to be cast by the holders of shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on the matter (after giving due effect to the provisions of Article 5 of these Articles), except that the proposed amendment or repeal of any provision of these Articles need only be approved by the vote of a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of shares of capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote on the matter (after giving due effect to the provisions of Article 5 of these Articles) if the amendment or repeal of such provision is approved by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution approved by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the Whole Board (rounded up to the nearest whole number).
Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles or any provision of law that might otherwise permit a lesser vote or no vote, but in addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of the stock of the Corporation required by law or by these Articles, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (after giving effect to the provisions of Article 5), voting together as a single class, shall be required to amend or repeal this Article 13, Section C, D, E or F of Article 5, Article 7 (other than the removal of the list of initial directors), Article 8, Article 9, Article 10, Article 11 or Article 12.
ARTICLE 14. Name and Address of Incorporator. The name and mailing address of the sole incorporator are as follows:
Zachary A. Davis
5335 Wisconsin Ave., N.W., Suite 780
Washington, D.C. 20015
[Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank]
| 12 |
I, the undersigned, being the incorporator, for the purpose of forming a corporation under the laws of the State of Maryland, do make, file and record these Articles of Incorporation, do certify that the facts herein stated are true, and, accordingly, have hereto set my hand this 28th day of February, 2024.
| /s/ Zachary A. Davis | |
| Zachary A. Davis | |
| Incorporator |
| 13 |
Exhibit 3.2
EWSB BANCORP, INC.
BYLAWS
ARTICLE I
STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1. Annual Meeting.
EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Corporation”) shall hold an annual meeting of its stockholders to elect directors and to transact any other business within its powers, at such place, on such date and at such time as the Board of Directors (or the “Board”) of the Corporation shall fix. Failure to hold an annual meeting does not invalidate the Corporation’s existence or affect any otherwise valid corporate act.
Section 2. Special Meetings.
Special meetings of stockholders of the Corporation may be called by the President, the Chief Executive Officer, the Chairperson of the Board or by the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the total number of directors that the Corporation would have if there were no vacancies on the Board of Directors (hereinafter the “Whole Board”). Special meetings of the stockholders shall be called by the Secretary at the request of stockholders only on the written request of stockholders entitled to cast at least a majority of all the votes entitled to be cast at the meeting. Such written request shall state the purpose or purposes of the meeting and the matters proposed to be acted upon at the meeting, and shall be delivered at the principal office of the Corporation addressed to the President or the Secretary. The Secretary shall inform the stockholders who make the request of the reasonably estimated cost of preparing and mailing a notice of the meeting and, upon payment of these costs to the Corporation, notify each stockholder entitled to notice of the meeting. The Board of Directors shall have the sole power to fix (i) the record date for determining stockholders entitled to request a special meeting of stockholders and the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the special meeting and (ii) the date, time and place of the special meeting and the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be considered present in person and may vote at the special meeting.
Section 3. Notice of Meetings; Adjournment or Postponement.
Not less than 10 nor more than 90 days before each stockholders’ meeting, the Secretary shall give notice of the meeting in writing or by electronic transmission to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting and to each other stockholder entitled to notice of the meeting. The notice shall state the time and place of the meeting, the means of remote communication, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and may vote at the meeting, and, if the meeting is a special meeting, or notice of the purpose is required by statute, the purpose of the meeting. Notice is given to a stockholder when it is personally delivered to the stockholder, left at the stockholder’s residence or usual place of business, mailed to the stockholder at his or her address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, or transmitted to the stockholder by an electronic transmission to any address or number of the stockholder at which the stockholder receives electronic transmissions. If the Corporation has received a request from a stockholder that notice not be sent by electronic transmission, the Corporation may not provide notice to the stockholder by electronic transmission. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, each person who is entitled to notice waives notice if such person, before or after the meeting, delivers a written waiver or waiver by electronic transmission that is filed with the records of the stockholders’ meetings, or if such person is present at the meeting in person or by proxy.
A meeting of stockholders convened on the date for which it was called may be adjourned from time to time without further notice to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date. A meeting may be adjourned by a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board or by the vote of a majority of the stockholders present at the meeting, whether or not a quorum is present at such meeting. At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the original meeting.
A meeting of stockholders may be postponed to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date. A meeting may be postponed by a resolution adopted by a majority of the Whole Board. Notice of the date, time and place to which the meeting is postponed shall be given not less than ten days prior to such date and otherwise in the manner set forth in this Section 3. At any postponed meeting, any business may be transacted that might have been transacted at the meeting as originally scheduled.
If a meeting shall be adjourned or postponed to a date not more than 120 days after the original record date, a new record date need not be established, and the original record date may be used for the purpose of determining which stockholders are entitled to notice of, and to vote at, the adjourned or postponed meeting. Any writing authorizing another person to act as proxy at a meeting of stockholders shall remain valid for use at any adjournment or postponement of such meeting unless such proxy is revoked or a later dated proxy is provided by such stockholder.
As used in these Bylaws, the term “electronic transmission” shall have the meaning given to such term by Section 1-101 of the Maryland General Corporation Law (the “MGCL”) or any successor provision.
Section 4. Quorum.
Unless the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation provide otherwise, where a separate vote by a class or classes is required, a majority of the shares of such class or classes, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter.
If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, the chairperson of the meeting or the holders of a majority of the shares of stock who are present at the meeting, in person or by proxy, may, in accordance with Section 3 of this Article I, adjourn the meeting to another place, date or time.
| 2 |
Section 5. Organization and Conduct of Business.
The Chairperson of the Board of Directors or the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors, if any, or in their absence, the Chief Executive Officer, or in his or her absence, such other person as may be designated by a majority of the Whole Board, shall call to order any meeting of the stockholders and act as chairperson of the meeting. In the absence of the Secretary, the secretary of the meeting shall be such person as the chairperson of the meeting appoints. The chairperson of any meeting of the stockholders shall determine the order of business and the procedure at the meeting, including such regulation of the manner of voting and the conduct of discussion as seem to him or her to be in order.
Section 6. Advance Notice Provisions for Business to be Transacted at Annual Meetings and Elections of Directors.
(a) At any annual meeting of the stockholders, unless otherwise required by law, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting: (i) as specified in the Corporation’s notice of the meeting; (ii) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; or (iii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (1) is a stockholder of record on the date such stockholder gives the notice provided for in this Section 6(a) and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such annual meeting, and (2) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 6(a). For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder pursuant to clause (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation and such business must otherwise be a proper matter for action by stockholders.
To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered or mailed to and received by the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 100 days prior to the anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to the anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting of stockholders, such written notice shall be timely only if delivered or mailed to and received by the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation no earlier than the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting is first made and not later than the tenth day following the earlier of the day notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders or such public disclosure was made.
With respect to the first annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation following the Corporation becoming the sole stockholder of East Wisconsin Savings Bank, notice by the stockholder shall be timely if delivered or mailed to and received by the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 100th day prior to the date of the annual meeting and (ii) the 10th day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting is first made.
The advance notice periods provided in this paragraph, once established by the initial notice or public disclosure of a date for the annual meeting of stockholders, shall remain in effect regardless of whether a subsequent notice or public disclosure shall provide that the meeting shall have been adjourned or that the date of the meeting shall have been postponed or otherwise changed from the date provided in the initial notice or public disclosure.
| 3 |
A stockholder’s notice to the Secretary must set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (ii) the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on the Corporation’s books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (iii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation that are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder in such business; and (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before the meeting.
Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be brought before or conducted at an annual meeting except in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(a). The chairperson of the meeting shall, if the facts so warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(a) and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and any such business so determined to be not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.
At any special meeting of the stockholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporation’s notice of the meeting.
(b) Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the following procedures shall be eligible for election as directors of the Corporation. Nominations of persons for election to the Board of Directors of the Corporation may be made at a meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected only: (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors; or (ii) by any stockholder of the Corporation who (1) is a stockholder of record on the date such stockholder gives the notice provided for in this Section 6(b) and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting, and (2) complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 6(b), the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. Such nominations, other than those made by or at the direction of the Board of Directors, shall be made by timely notice in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation.
To be timely, a stockholder’s notice must be delivered or mailed to and received by the Secretary at the principal executive office of the Corporation not less than 90 days nor more than 100 days prior to the anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting of stockholders; provided, however, that if the date of the annual meeting is advanced more than 30 days prior to the anniversary of the prior year’s annual meeting of stockholders, such written notice shall be timely only if delivered or mailed to and received by the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive office of the Corporation no earlier than the day on which public disclosure of the date of such annual meeting is first made and not later than the tenth day following the earlier of the day notice of the meeting was mailed to stockholders or such public disclosure was made.
| 4 |
With respect to the first annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation following the Corporation becoming the sole stockholder of East Wisconsin Savings Bank, notice by the stockholder shall be timely if delivered or mailed to and received by the Secretary of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the later of (i) the 100th day prior to the date of the annual meeting and (ii) the 10th day following the day on which public disclosure of the date of the annual meeting is first made.
The advance notice periods provided in this paragraph, once established by the initial notice or public disclosure of a date for the annual meeting of stockholders, shall remain in effect regardless of whether a subsequent notice or public disclosure shall provide that the meeting shall have been adjourned or that the date of the meeting shall have been postponed or otherwise changed from the date provided in the initial notice or public disclosure.
A stockholder’s notice must be in writing and set forth (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election as a director, (i) all information relating to such person that would indicate such person’s qualification to serve on the Board of Directors of the Corporation; (ii) an affidavit that such person would not be disqualified under the provisions of Article II, Section 12 of these Bylaws; (iii) such information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, or any successor rule or regulation; and (iv) a written consent of each proposed nominee to be named as a nominee, including in proxy materials relating to the meeting to nominate the nominee(s), and to serve as a director if elected; and (b) as to the stockholder giving the notice: (i) the name and address of such stockholder as they appear on the Corporation’s books and of the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination is made; (ii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation that are owned beneficially or of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner; (iii) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and each proposed nominee and any other person or persons (including their names) pursuant to which the nomination(s) are to be made by such stockholder; (iv) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the persons named in its notice; (v) whether such stockholder intends to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Corporation’s nominees in accordance with the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; and (vi) any other information relating to such stockholder that would be required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for election of directors pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act or any successor rule or regulation. Upon request by the Corporation, if a stockholder provides notice of their intent to solicit proxies in support of director nominees other than the Corporation’s nominees in accordance with the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, such stockholder shall deliver to the Corporation, no later than five business days prior to the applicable meeting of stockholders, reasonable evidence that it has met the requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder. No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the provisions of this Section 6(b). The chairperson of the meeting shall, if the facts so warrant, determine that a nomination was not made in accordance with such provisions and, if he or she should so determine, he or she shall so declare to the meeting and the defective nomination shall be disregarded. Furthermore, unless otherwise required by law, if any stockholder (i) provides notice pursuant to Rule 14a-19(b) under the Exchange Act and (ii) subsequently fails to comply with any requirements of Rule 14a-19 under the Exchange Act or any other rules or regulations thereunder, then the Corporation shall disregard any proxies or votes solicited for such nominees and such nomination shall be disregarded.
| 5 |
(c) For purposes of subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 6, the term “public disclosure” shall mean disclosure (i) in a press release issued through a nationally recognized news service, (ii) in a document publicly filed or furnished by the Corporation with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or (iii) on a website maintained by the Corporation. The timely notice requirements provided in subsections (a) and (b) of this Section 6 shall apply to all stockholder nominations for election as a director and all stockholder proposals for business to be conducted at an annual meeting regardless of whether such proposal is submitted for inclusion in the Corporation’s proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act or whether such nomination is submitted for inclusion in the Corporation’s proxy materials pursuant to Rule 14a-19 of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act.
Section 7. Proxies and Voting.
Unless the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation provide for a greater or lesser number of votes per share or limits or denies voting rights, each outstanding share of stock, regardless of class, is entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of stockholders; however, a share is not entitled to be voted if any installment payable on it is overdue and unpaid. In all elections for directors, directors shall be determined by a plurality of the votes cast, and except as otherwise required by law or as provided in the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation, all other matters voted on by stockholders shall be determined by a majority of the votes cast on the matter.
A stockholder may vote the stock the stockholder owns of record either in person or by proxy. A stockholder may sign a writing authorizing another person to act as proxy. Signing may be accomplished by the stockholder or the stockholder’s authorized agent signing the writing or causing the stockholder’s signature to be affixed to the writing by any reasonable means, including facsimile signature. A stockholder may authorize another person to act as proxy by transmitting, or authorizing the transmission of, an authorization for the person to act as the proxy to the person authorized to act as proxy or to any other person authorized to receive the proxy authorization on behalf of the person authorized to act as the proxy, including a proxy solicitation firm or proxy support service organization. The authorization may be transmitted by a telegram, cablegram, datagram, electronic mail or any other electronic or telephonic means. Unless a proxy provides otherwise, it is not valid more than 11 months after its date. A proxy is revocable by a stockholder at any time without condition or qualification unless the proxy states that it is irrevocable and the proxy is coupled with an interest. A proxy may be made irrevocable for as long as it is coupled with an interest. The interest with which a proxy may be coupled includes an interest in the stock to be voted under the proxy or another general interest in the Corporation or its assets or liabilities.
6
Section 8. Conduct of Voting
The Board of Directors shall, in advance of any meeting of stockholders, appoint one or more persons as inspectors of election, to act at the meeting or any adjournment thereof and make a written report thereof, in accordance with applicable law. If one or more inspectors are not so elected, the chairperson of the meeting shall make such appointment at the meeting of stockholders. At all meetings of stockholders, the proxies and ballots shall be received, and all questions relating to the qualification of voters and the validity of proxies and the acceptance or rejection of votes shall be decided or determined by the inspector of election. All voting, including on the election of directors, but excepting where otherwise required by law, may be by a voice vote; provided, however, that upon demand therefor by a stockholder entitled to vote or his or her proxy or the chairperson of the meeting, a written vote shall be taken. Every written vote shall be taken by ballot, each of which shall state the name of the stockholder or proxy voting and such other information as may be required under the procedure established for the meeting. No candidate for election as a director at a meeting shall serve as an inspector at such meeting.
Section 9. Control Share Acquisition Act.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation or these Bylaws, Title 3, Subtitle 7 of the MGCL (or any successor statute) shall not apply to any acquisition by any person of shares of stock of the Corporation. This Section 9 may be repealed by a majority of the Whole Board, in whole or in part, at any time, whether before or after an acquisition of Control Shares (as defined in Section 3-701(d) of the MGCL, or any successor provision) and, upon such repeal, may, to the extent provided by any successor bylaw, apply to any prior or subsequent Control Share Acquisition (as defined in Section 3-701(d) of the MGCL, or any successor provision).
ARTICLE II
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1. General Powers, Number and Term of Office.
The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed under the direction of the Board of Directors. The number of directors of the Corporation shall, by virtue of the Corporation’s election made hereby to be governed by Section 3-804(b) of the MGCL, be fixed from time to time exclusively by vote of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that such number shall never be less than the minimum number of directors required by the MGCL now or hereafter in force. The Board of Directors shall annually elect a Chairperson of the Board from among its members and shall designate the Chairperson of the Board or his or her designee to preside at its meetings. The Board of Directors may also annually elect a Vice Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson of the Board, the Vice Chairperson of the Board shall preside at the meetings of the Board of Directors, and in his or her absence such other person as may be designated by a majority of the Whole Board shall preside at the meetings of the Board of Directors.
| 7 |
The directors, other than those who may be elected by the holders of any series of preferred stock of the Corporation, shall be divided into three classes, as nearly equal in number as reasonably possible, with the term of office of the first class to expire at the first annual meeting of stockholders, the term of office of the second class to expire at the annual meeting of stockholders one year thereafter and the term of office of the third class to expire at the annual meeting of stockholders two years thereafter, with each director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
| Term to Expire in 2025 |
| Charles D. Schmalz |
| Kenneth P. Demerath |
| Lori Hoersch |
| Term to Expire in 2026 |
| Kay M. Dorow |
| Steven Haen |
| Term to Expire in 2027 |
| Lisa Cruz |
| Steve Tyink |
At each annual meeting of stockholders, commencing with the first annual meeting, directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election or for such shorter period of time as the Board of Directors may determine, with each director to hold office until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified.
Section 2. Vacancies and Newly Created Directorships.
By virtue of the Corporation’s election made hereby to be subject to Section 3-804(c) of the MGCL, any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from an increase in the size of the Board of Directors or the death, resignation or removal of a director may be filled only by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the remaining directors in office, even if the remaining directors do not constitute a quorum, and any director elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the remainder of the full term of the class of directors in which the vacancy occurred and until a successor is elected and qualifies. No decrease in the number of directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent director.
Section 3. Regular Meetings.
Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such place or places or by means of remote communication, on such date or dates, and at such time or times as shall have been established by the Board of Directors and publicized among all directors. A notice of each regular meeting shall not be required. Any regular meeting of the Board of Directors may adjourn from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and no notice need be given of any such adjourned meeting other than by announcement.
| 8 |
Section 4. Special Meetings.
Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by one-third (1/3) of the directors then in office (rounded up to the nearest whole number), the Chairperson of the Board, the Vice Chairperson of the Board or by the Chief Executive Officer, and shall be held at such place or by means of remote communication, on such date, and at such time as they or he or she shall fix. Notice of the place, date, and time of each such special meeting shall be given to each director who has not waived notice by mailing and post-marking written notice not less than five days before the meeting, or by facsimile or other electronic transmission of the same not less than 24 hours before the meeting. Any director may waive notice of any special meeting, either before or after such meeting, by delivering a written waiver or a waiver by electronic transmission that is filed with the records of the meeting. Attendance of a director at a special meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where the director attends the meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted nor the purpose of any special meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice of such meeting. Any special meeting of the Board of Directors may adjourn from time to time to reconvene at the same or some other place, and no notice need be given of any such adjourned meeting other than by announcement.
Section 5. Quorum.
At any meeting of the Board of Directors, a majority of the Whole Board shall constitute a quorum for all purposes. If a quorum shall fail to attend any meeting, a majority of those present may adjourn the meeting to another place, date, or time, without further notice or waiver thereof.
Section 6. Participation in Meetings By Conference Telephone.
Members of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee by means of a conference telephone or other communications equipment if all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other at the same time. Such participation shall constitute presence in person at such meeting.
Section 7. Conduct of Business.
At any meeting of the Board of Directors, business shall be transacted in such order and manner as the Board may from time to time determine, and all matters shall be determined by the vote of a majority of the directors present, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws or the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation or required by law. Action may be taken by the Board of Directors without a meeting if a unanimous consent that sets forth the action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each member of the Board of Directors and filed in paper or electronic form with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors.
| 9 |
Section 8. Powers.
All powers of the Corporation may be exercised by or under the authority of the Board of Directors except as provided by the Articles of Incorporation of the Corporation. Consistent with the foregoing, the Board of Directors shall have, among other powers, the unqualified power to:
| (i) | Declare dividends from time to time in accordance with law; |
| (ii) | Purchase or otherwise acquire any property, rights or privileges on such terms as it shall determine; |
| (iii) | Authorize the creation, making and issuance, in such form as it may determine, of written obligations of every kind, negotiable or non-negotiable, secured or unsecured, and to do all things necessary in connection therewith; |
| (iv) | Remove any officer of the Corporation with or without cause, and from time to time to devolve the powers and duties of any officer upon any other person for the time being; |
| (v) | Confer upon any officer of the Corporation the power to appoint, remove and suspend subordinate officers, employees and agents; |
| (vi) | Adopt from time to time such stock, option, stock purchase, bonus or other compensation plans for directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine; |
| (vii) | Adopt from time to time such insurance, retirement, and other benefit plans for directors, officers, employees and agents of the Corporation and its subsidiaries as it may determine; and |
| (viii) | Adopt from time to time regulations, not inconsistent with these Bylaws, for the management of the Corporation’s business and affairs. |
Section 9. Compensation of Directors.
Directors, as such, may receive, pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, fixed fees and other compensation for their services as directors, including, without limitation, their services as members of committees of the Board of Directors.
Section 10. Resignation.
Any director may resign at any time by giving written notice of such resignation to the President or the Secretary at the principal office of the Corporation. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation shall take effect upon receipt thereof.
| 10 |
Section 11. Presumption of Assent.
A director of the Corporation who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to such action unless such director announces his or her dissent at the meeting and (a) such director’s dissent is entered in the minutes of the meeting, (b) such director files his or her written dissent to such action with the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof, or (c) such director forwards his or her written dissent within 24 hours after the meeting is adjourned, by certified mail, return receipt requested, bearing a postmark from the United States Postal Service, to the secretary of the meeting or the Secretary of the Corporation. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in favor of such action or failed to make his or her dissent known at the meeting.
Section 12. Director Qualifications
(a) No person shall be eligible for election or appointment to the Board of Directors: (i) if a financial or securities regulatory agency has, within the past ten years, issued a cease and desist, consent or other formal order, other than a civil money penalty, against such person, which order is subject to public disclosure by such agency; (ii) if such person has been convicted of a crime involving dishonesty or breach of trust which is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year under state or federal law; or (iii) if such person is currently charged in any information, indictment, or other complaint with the commission of or participation in such a crime; or (iv) other than the persons appointed as directors in connection with the formation of the Corporation and other than persons who are also or previously have been executive officers of the Corporation or of the Corporation’s banking subsidiary, East Wisconsin Savings Bank, if such person did not, at the time of his or her first election or appointment to the Board of Directors, maintain his or her principal residence (as determined by reference to such person’s most recent tax returns, copies of which shall be provided to the Corporation for the sole purpose of determining compliance with this clause (iv)) within Outagamie, Winnebago or Calumet Counties, Wisconsin, for a period of at least one year prior to the date of his or her purported nomination, election or appointment to the Board of Directors. No person may serve on the Board of Directors if such person is: (w) at the same time, a director, officer, employee or 10% or more stockholder of a bank, savings institution, credit union, mortgage banking company, consumer loan company or similar organization, other than a subsidiary of the Corporation, that engages in financial services related business activities or solicits customers, whether through a physical presence or electronically, in the same market area as the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries; (x) does not agree in writing to comply with all of the Corporation’s policies applicable to directors including but not limited to its confidentiality policy and confirm in writing his or her qualifications hereunder; (y) is a party to any agreement, understanding or arrangement with a party other than the Corporation or a subsidiary that (1) provides him or her with material benefits which are tied to or contingent on the Corporation entering into a merger, sale of control or similar transaction in which it is not the surviving institution, (2) materially limits his or her voting discretion as a member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation, or (3) materially impairs his or her ability to discharge his or her fiduciary duties with respect to the fundamental strategic direction of the Corporation; or (z) has lost more than one election for service as a director of the Corporation. No person may be appointed, re-appointed, elected or re-elected as a director of the Corporation following attaining the age of seventy-five (75).
| 11 |
(b) The Board of Directors shall have the power to construe and apply the provisions of this Section 12 and to make all determinations necessary or desirable to implement such provisions.
Section 13. Attendance at Board Meetings.
The Board of Directors shall have the right to remove any director from the board upon a director’s unexcused absence from (i) three consecutive regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors, or (ii) three regularly scheduled meetings of the Board of Directors in any fiscal year of the Corporation.
ARTICLE III
COMMITTEES
Section 1. Committees of the Board of Directors.
(a) General Provisions. The Board of Directors may appoint from among its members an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and such other committees as the Board of Directors deems necessary or desirable. The Board of Directors may delegate to any committee so appointed any of the powers and authorities of the Board of Directors to the fullest extent permitted by the MGCL and any other applicable law.
(b) Composition. Each committee shall be composed of one or more directors or any other number of members specified in these Bylaws or required by applicable regulations or stock exchange rules. The Nominating Committee shall recommend committees, committee memberships, and committee chairs to the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors shall have the power at any time to appoint the chairperson and the members of any committee, change the membership of any committee, to fill all vacancies on committees, to designate alternate members to replace or act in the place of any absent or disqualified member of a committee, or to dissolve any committee. A member of a committee may resign from that committee at any time by giving written notice of such resignation to the Chairperson of the Board. Unless otherwise specified therein, such resignation from the committee shall take effect upon receipt thereof.
(c) Issuance of Stock. If the Board of Directors has given general authorization for the issuance of stock providing for or establishing a method or procedure for determining the maximum number of shares to be issued, a committee of the Board of Directors, in accordance with that general authorization or any stock option or other plan or program adopted by the Board of Directors, may authorize or fix the terms of stock subject to classification or reclassification and the terms on which any stock may be issued, including all terms and conditions required or permitted to be established or authorized by the Board of Directors. Any committee so designated may exercise the power and authority of the Board of Directors if the resolution that designated the committee or a supplemental resolution of the Board of Directors shall so provide.
| 12 |
Section 2. Conduct of Business.
Each committee may determine the procedural rules for meeting and conducting its business and shall act in accordance therewith, except as otherwise provided herein or required by law. Adequate provision shall be made for notice to members of all meetings; one-third of the members shall constitute a quorum unless the committee shall consist of one or two members, in which event one member shall constitute a quorum; and all matters shall be determined by a majority vote of the members present. Action may be taken by any committee without a meeting if a unanimous consent that sets forth the action is given in writing or by electronic transmission by each member of the committee and filed in paper or electronic form with the minutes of the proceedings of such committee. The members of any committee may conduct any meeting thereof by conference telephone or other communications equipment in accordance with the provisions of Section 6 of Article II.
ARTICLE IV
OFFICERS
Section 1. Generally.
(a) The Board of Directors as soon as may be practicable after the annual meeting of stockholders shall choose a Chairperson of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, one or more Vice Presidents, a Secretary and a Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer and from time to time may choose such other officers as it may deem proper. Any number of offices may be held by the same person, except that no person may concurrently serve as both President and Vice President of the Corporation.
(b) The term of office of all officers shall be until the next annual election of officers and until their respective successors are chosen, but any officer may be removed from office at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the Whole Board.
(c) All officers chosen by the Board of Directors shall each have such powers and duties as generally pertain to their respective offices, subject to the specific provisions of this Article IV. Such officers shall also have such powers and duties as from time to time may be conferred by the Board of Directors or by any committee thereof.
Section 2. Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
The Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall perform all duties and have all powers that are commonly incident to the office of Chairperson of the Board or that are delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors. He or she shall have power to sign all stock certificates, contracts and other instruments of the Corporation that are authorized.
Section 3. Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors.
If appointed, the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Corporation shall perform all duties and have all powers which are commonly incident to the office of Chairperson of the Board, with such duties to be performed and powers to be held in the absence of the Chairperson of the Board, or which are delegated to him or her by the Board of Directors.
| 13 |
Section 4. Chief Executive Officer.
The Chief Executive Officer, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall serve in a general executive capacity and have general power over the management and oversight of the administration and operation of the Corporation’s business and general supervisory power and authority over its policies and affairs. The Chief Executive Officer shall see that all orders and resolutions of the Board of Directors and of any committee thereof are carried into effect.
Section 5. President.
The President shall perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer in the Chief Executive Officer’s absence or during his or her disability to act. In addition, the President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers usually incident to their respective office and/or such other duties and powers as may be properly assigned to the President from time to time by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.
Section 6. Vice President.
The Vice President or Vice Presidents (including Executive Vice Presidents or other levels of Vice President designated by the Board of Directors), if any, shall perform the duties of the Chief Executive Officer in the absence of both the Chief Executive Officer and the President, or during their disability to act. In addition, the Vice Presidents shall perform the duties and exercise the powers usually incident to their respective office and/or such other duties and powers as may be properly assigned to the Vice Presidents from time to time by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.
Section 7. Secretary.
The Secretary or an Assistant Secretary shall issue notices of meetings, shall keep the minutes of meetings, shall have charge of the seal and the corporate books, shall perform such other duties and exercise such other powers as are usually incident to such offices and/or such other duties and powers as are properly assigned thereto by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer.
Section 8. Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer.
The Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer shall have charge of all monies and securities of the Corporation, other than monies and securities of any division of the Corporation that has a treasurer or financial officer appointed by the Board of Directors, and shall keep regular books of account. The funds of the Corporation shall be deposited in the name of the Corporation by the Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer with such banks or trust companies or other entities as the Board of Directors from time to time shall designate. The Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer shall sign or countersign such instruments as require his or her signature, shall perform all such duties and have all such powers as are usually incident to such office and/or such other duties and powers as are properly assigned to him or her by the Board of Directors, the Chairperson of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer, and may be required to give bond for the faithful performance of his or her duties in such sum and with such surety as may be required by the Board of Directors.
| 14 |
Section 9. Other Officers.
The Board of Directors may designate and fill such other offices in its discretion and the persons holding such other offices shall have such powers and shall perform such duties as the Board of Directors or Chief Executive Officer may from time to time assign.
Section 10. Action with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations
Stock of other corporations or associations, registered in the name of the Corporation, may be voted by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, a Vice President, or a proxy appointed by either of them. The Board of Directors, however, may by resolution appoint some other person to vote such shares, in which case such person shall be entitled to vote such shares upon the production of a certified copy of such resolution.
ARTICLE V
STOCK
Section 1. Certificates of Stock.
The Board of Directors may determine to issue certificated or uncertificated shares of capital stock and other securities of the Corporation. For certificated stock, each stockholder is entitled to certificates that represent and certify the shares of stock he or she holds in the Corporation. Each stock certificate shall include on its face the name of the Corporation, the name of the stockholder or other person to whom it is issued, and the class of stock and number of shares it represents. It shall also include on its face or back (a) a statement of any restrictions on transferability and a statement of the designations and any preferences, conversion and other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications, and terms and conditions of redemption of the stock of each class that the Corporation is authorized to issue, of the differences in the relative rights and preferences between the shares of each series of preferred stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue, to the extent they have been set, and of the authority of the Board of Directors to set the relative rights and preferences of subsequent series of preferred stock; or (b) a statement which provides in substance that the Corporation will furnish a full statement of such information to any stockholder on request and without charge. Such request may be made to the Secretary or to the Corporation’s transfer agent. Upon the issuance of uncertificated shares of capital stock, the Corporation shall send the stockholder a written statement of the same information required above with respect to stock certificates. Each stock certificate shall be in such form, not inconsistent with law or with the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, as shall be approved by the Board of Directors or any officer or officers designated for such purpose by resolution of the Board of Directors. Each stock certificate shall be signed by the Chairperson of the Board, the President, or a Vice President, and countersigned by the Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, the Chief Financial Officer, the Treasurer, or an Assistant Treasurer. Each certificate may be sealed with the actual corporate seal or a facsimile of it or in any other form and the signatures may be either manual or facsimile signatures. A certificate is valid and may be issued whether or not an officer who signed it is still an officer when it is issued. A certificate may not be issued until the stock represented by it is fully paid.
| 15 |
Section 2. Transfers of Stock.
Transfers of stock shall be made only upon the transfer books of the Corporation kept at an office of the Corporation or by transfer agents designated to transfer shares of the stock of the Corporation. Except where a certificate is issued in accordance with Section 4 of Article V of these Bylaws or in the case where shares are held in uncertificated form, an outstanding certificate for the number of shares involved shall be surrendered for cancellation before a new certificate is issued therefor.
Section 3. Record Dates or Closing of Transfer Books.
The Board of Directors may, and shall have the power to, set a record date or direct that the stock transfer books be closed for a stated period for the purpose of making any proper determination with respect to stockholders, including which stockholders are entitled to notice of a meeting, vote at a meeting, receive a dividend, or be allotted other rights. The record date may not be prior to the close of business on the day the record date is fixed nor, subject to Section 3 of Article I of these Bylaws, more than 90 days before the date on which the action requiring the determination will be taken; the transfer books may not be closed for a period longer than 20 days; and in the case of a meeting of stockholders, the record date or the closing of the transfer books shall be at least ten days before the date of the meeting. Any shares of the Corporation’s own stock acquired by the Corporation between the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders and the time of the meeting may be voted at the meeting by the holder of record as of the record date and shall be counted in determining the total number of outstanding shares entitled to be voted at the meeting.
Section 4. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.
The Board of Directors of the Corporation may determine the conditions for issuing a new stock certificate in place of one that is alleged to have been lost, stolen, or destroyed, or the Board of Directors may delegate such power to any officer or officers of the Corporation or to the transfer agent designated to transfer shares of the stock of the Corporation. In their discretion, the Board of Directors or such officer or officers may require the owner of the certificate to give a bond, with sufficient surety, to indemnify the Corporation against any loss or claim arising as a result of the issuance of a new certificate. In their discretion, the Board of Directors or such officer or officers may refuse to issue such new certificate without the order of a court having jurisdiction over the matter.
Section 5. Stock Ledger.
The Corporation shall maintain a stock ledger that contains the name and address of each stockholder and the number of shares of stock of each class that the stockholder holds. The stock ledger may be in written form or in any other form that can be converted within a reasonable time into written form for visual inspection. The original or a duplicate of the stock ledger shall be kept at the offices of a transfer agent for the particular class of stock or, if none, at the principal executive office of the Corporation.
| 16 |
Section 6. Regulations.
The issue, transfer, conversion and registration of certificates of stock shall be governed by such other regulations as the Board of Directors may establish.
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 1. Facsimile and Electronic Signatures.
In addition to the provisions for use of facsimile and electronic signatures elsewhere specifically authorized in these Bylaws, facsimile and electronic signatures of any officer or officers of the Corporation may be used whenever and as authorized by the Board of Directors or a committee thereof.
Section 2. Corporate Seal.
The Board of Directors may provide a suitable seal, bearing the name of the Corporation, which shall be in the charge of the Secretary. The Board of Directors may authorize one or more duplicate seals and provide for the custody thereof. If the Corporation is required to place its corporate seal to a document, it is sufficient to meet the requirement of any law, rule, or regulation relating to a corporate seal to place the word “(seal)” adjacent to the signature of the person authorized to sign the document on behalf of the Corporation.
Section 3. Books and Records.
The Corporation shall keep correct and complete books and records of its accounts and transactions and minutes of the proceedings of its stockholders and Board of Directors and of any committee when exercising any of the powers of the Board of Directors. The books and records of the Corporation may be in written form or in any other form that can be converted within a reasonable time into written form for visual inspection. Minutes shall be recorded in written form but may be maintained in the form of a reproduction. The original or a certified copy of these Bylaws shall be kept at the principal office of the Corporation.
Section 4. Reliance upon Books, Reports and Records.
Each director, each member of any committee designated by the Board of Directors, and each officer and agent of the Corporation shall, in the performance of his or her duties, in addition to any protections conferred upon him or her by law, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the books of account or other records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of its officers or employees, or committees of the Board of Directors so designated, or by any other person as to matters that such director, committee member, officer or agent reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.
| 17 |
Section 5. Fiscal Year.
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall commence on the first day of January and end on the last day of December in each year.
Section 6. Time Periods.
In applying any provision of these Bylaws that requires that an act be done or not be done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded and the day of the event shall be included.
Section 7. Checks, Drafts, Etc.
All checks, drafts and orders for the payment of money, notes and other evidences of indebtedness, issued in the name of the Corporation, shall be signed by any officer, employee or agent of the Corporation that is authorized by the Board of Directors.
Section 8. Mail.
Any notice or other document that is required by these Bylaws to be mailed shall be deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid.
Section 9. Contracts and Agreements.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, and except as otherwise prescribed by the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws, the Board of Directors may authorize any officer, employee or agent of the Corporation to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances. A person who holds more than one office in the Corporation may not act in more than one capacity to execute, acknowledge, or verify an instrument required by law to be executed, acknowledged, or verified by more than one officer.
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENTS
The Board of Directors is expressly empowered to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. Any adoption, amendment or repeal of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the Board of Directors shall require the approval of a majority of the Whole Board. The stockholders shall also have power to adopt, amend or repeal the Bylaws of the Corporation. In addition to any vote of the holders of any class or series of stock of the Corporation required by law or by the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation, the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all of the then-outstanding shares of the capital stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (after giving effect to the provisions of Article 5 of the Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation), voting together as a single class, shall be required for the adoption, amendment or repeal of any provisions of the Bylaws of the Corporation by the stockholders.
| 18 |
Exhibit 4

The Board of Directors of EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is authorized by resolution or resolutions, from time to time adopted, to provide for the issuance of more than one class of stock, including preferred stock in series, and to fix and state the voting powers, designations, preferences, limitations and restrictions thereof. The Company will furnish to any stockholder upon request and without charge a full description of each class of stock and any series thereof.
The shares represented by this certificate are subject to a limitation contained in the Articles of Incorporation to the effect that in no event shall any record owner of any outstanding shares of common stock that is beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by a person who beneficially owns in excess of 10% of the outstanding shares of common stock (the “Limit”) be entitled or permitted to any vote in respect of shares held in excess of the Limit.
The shares represented by this certificate may not be cumulatively voted on any matter. The Articles of Incorporation require that, with limited exceptions, no amendment, addition, alteration, change or repeal of the Articles of Incorporation shall be made, unless such is first approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and approved by the stockholders by a majority of the total shares entitled to vote, or in certain circumstances approved by the affirmative vote of up to 80% of the shares entitled to vote.
The following abbreviations when used in the inscription on the face of this certificate shall be construed as though they were written out in full according to applicable laws or regulations.
| TEN COM | - | as tenants in common | UNIF GIFT MIN ACT | - | Custodian | |||
| (Cust) | (Minor) | |||||||
| TEN ENT | - | as tenants by the entireties | ||||||
| Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act | ||||||||
| JT TEN | - | as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants in common | ||||||
| (State) | ||||||||
Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list
For value received, hereby sell, assign and transfer unto
PLEASE INSERT SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR OTHER IDENTIFYING NUMBER
(please print or typewrite name and address including postal zip code of assignee)
_____________________________________________________ Shares of the Common Stock represented by the within Certificate, and do hereby irrevocably constitute and appoint ________________________________________________________________________ Attorney to transfer the said shares on the books of the within named corporation with full power of substitution in the premises.
| Dated, |
| In the presence of | Signature: | |
NOTE: THE SIGNATURE TO THIS ASSIGNMENT MUST CORRESPOND WITH THE NAME OF THE STOCKHOLDER(S) AS WRITTEN UPON THE FACE OF THE CERTIFICATE, IN EVERY PARTICULAR, WITHOUT ALTERATION OR ENLARGEMENT, OR ANY CHANGE WHATSOEVER. THE SIGNATURE SHOULD BE GUARANTEED BY AN ELIGIBLE GUARANTOR INSTITUTION (BANKS, STOCKBROKERS, SAVINGS ASSOCIATIONS, AND CREDIT UNIONS) WITH MEMBERSHIP IN AN APPROVED SIGNATURE GUARANTEE MEDALLION PROGRAM PURSUANT TO SEC RULE 17Ad-15.
Exhibit 5
LUSE GORMAN, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 780
Washington, D.C. 20015
—————
Telephone (202) 274-2000
Facsimile (202) 362-2902
www.luselaw.com
March 11, 2024
The Board of Directors
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
109 W. Second St.
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
| Re: | EWSB Bancorp, Inc. | |
| Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share |
Ladies and Gentlemen:
You have requested the opinion of this firm as to certain matters in connection with the offer and sale of the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), of EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”).
We have reviewed the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Form S-1”), the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “Plan”), as well as applicable statutes and regulations governing the Company and the offer and sale of the Common Stock. The opinion expressed below is limited to the laws of the State of Maryland (which includes applicable provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, the Maryland Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting the Maryland General Corporation Law and the Maryland Constitution).
We are of the opinion that upon the declaration of effectiveness of the Form S-1, the Common Stock, when issued and sold in accordance with the Plan, will be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
We hereby consent to our firm being referenced under the caption “Legal Matters” and to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Form S-1.
| Very truly yours, | |
| /s/ Luse Gorman, PC | |
| Luse Gorman, PC |
Exhibit 8.1
LUSE GORMAN, PC
Attorneys at Law
5335 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W., Suite 780
Washington, D.C. 20015
Telephone (202) 274-2000
Facsimile (202) 362-2902
www.luselaw.com
March 11, 2024
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
109 West Second Street
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
Boards of Directors:
You have requested this firm’s opinion regarding the material federal income tax consequences that will result from the conversion of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, a Wisconsin-chartered mutual holding company (the “Mutual Holding Company”), from the mutual to capital stock form of organization (the “Conversion”), pursuant to the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, adopted March 4, 2024 (the “Plan”), and the integrated transactions described below. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Plan.
In connection with our opinion, we have made such investigations as we have deemed relevant or necessary for the purpose of this opinion. In our examination, we have assumed the authenticity of original documents, the accuracy of copies and the genuineness of signatures. We have further assumed the absence of adverse facts not apparent from the face of the instruments and documents we examined and we have relied upon the accuracy of the factual matters set forth in the Plan, the Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed by EWSB Bancorp, Inc., a Maryland stock corporation (the “Stock Holding Company”), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Letter Application for Conversion filed by the Stock Holding Company and the Application on Form FR Y-3 each filed by the Stock Holding Company with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”), and the Wisconsin application for conversion filed by the Mutual Holding Company with the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, all relating to the Conversion. In addition, we are relying on a letter from RP Financial, LC, to you, dated February 23, 2024, stating its belief as to certain valuation matters described below. Furthermore, we assume that each of the parties to the Conversion will comply with all reporting obligations with respect to the Conversion required under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the regulations thereunder (the “Treasury Regulations”).
LUSE GORMAN, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
March 11, 2024
Page 2
Our opinion is based upon the existing provisions of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and upon current Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) published rulings and existing court decisions, any of which could be changed at any time. Any such changes may be retroactive and could significantly modify the statements and opinions expressed herein. Similarly, any change in the facts and assumptions stated herein, upon which this opinion is based, could modify the conclusions stated herein. This opinion is as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change in any matter considered herein after the date hereof.
We opine only as to the matters we expressly set forth herein, and no opinions should be inferred as to any other matters or as to the tax treatment of the transactions that we do not specifically address. We express no opinion as to other federal laws and regulations, or as to laws and regulations of other jurisdictions, or as to factual or legal matters other than as set forth herein.
For purposes of this opinion, we are relying on the representations as to factual matters provided to us by the Mutual Holding Company, East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”), EWSB Bancorp, Inc., a Massachusetts corporation (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”), and the Stock Holding Company, as set forth in the certificate for each of those aforementioned entities, which is signed by an authorized officer of each of the aforementioned entities and incorporated herein by reference.
Description of Proposed Transactions
Based upon our review of the documents described above, and in reliance upon such documents, we understand that the relevant facts are as follows. The Bank is a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank. The Bank was originally organized in mutual form and subsequently reorganized as a stock bank in the mutual holding company structure. The Bank is currently the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mid-Tier Holding Company, which is the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mutual Holding Company. The Mutual Holding Company is a mutual holding company with no stockholders. The depositors of the Bank are considered the “owners” of the Mutual Holding Company and are entitled upon the complete liquidation of the Mutual Holding Company to any liquidation proceeds after the payment of creditors.
The Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, and the Bank adopted the Plan providing for the Conversion of the Mutual Holding Company from a Wisconsin-chartered mutual holding company to the capital stock form of organization. As part of the Conversion, the Stock Holding Company will succeed to all the rights and obligations of the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company and will offer shares of Stock Holding Company Common Stock to the Bank’s depositors and to members of the general public in the Offering.
LUSE GORMAN, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
March 11, 2024
Page 3
Pursuant to the Plan, the Conversion will be effected as follows and in such order as is necessary to consummate the Conversion:
| (1) | The Stock Holding Company will be organized as a first tier Maryland-chartered stock holding company subsidiary of the Mid-Tier Holding Company. |
| (2) | The Mutual Holding Company will merge with and into the Mid-Tier Holding Company, with the Mid-Tier Holding Company as the surviving entity (the “MHC Merger”), whereby the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock owned by the Mutual Holding Company will be cancelled and the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will constructively receive liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company in exchange for their liquidation interests in the Mutual Holding Company. |
| (3) | Immediately after the MHC Merger, the Mid-Tier Holding Company will merge with and into the Stock Holding Company (the “Mid-Tier Merger”), with the Stock Holding Company as the resulting entity. As part of the Mid-Tier Merger, the liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company constructively received by the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will automatically, without further action on the part of the holders thereof, be exchanged for interests in the Liquidation Account. |
| (4) | Immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger, the Stock Holding Company will offer for sale the Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering. |
| (5) | The Stock Holding Company will contribute at least 50% of the net proceeds of the Offering to the Bank in constructive exchange for additional shares of common stock of the Bank and in exchange for the Bank Liquidation Account. |
Following the Conversion, a Liquidation Account will be maintained by the Stock Holding Company for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain their deposit accounts with the Bank. The initial balances of the Liquidation Account will be equal to the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s total stockholders’ equity as reflected in the latest statement of financial condition contained in the final Prospectus used in the Conversion. The terms of the Liquidation Account and Bank Liquidation Account, which supports the payment of the Liquidation Account in the event the Stock Holding Company lacks sufficient net assets, are set forth in the Plan.
LUSE GORMAN, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
March 11, 2024
Page 4
As a result of the Conversion and the Offering, the Stock Holding Company will be a publicly held corporation, will register the Holding Company Common Stock under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and will become subject to the rules and regulations thereunder and file periodic reports and proxy statements with the SEC. The Bank will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Stock Holding Company and will continue to carry on its business and activities as conducted immediately prior to the Conversion.
The stockholders of the Stock Holding Company will be those persons who purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering. Nontransferable rights to subscribe for the Holding Company Common Stock have been granted, in order of priority, to Eligible Account Holders, the Bank’s tax-qualified employee plans (“Employee Plans”) and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. The Stock Holding Company will also offer shares of Holding Company Common Stock not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering, if any, for sale in a Community Offering to certain members of the general public (with preferences given first to persons residing in the Local Community), and if shares remain after the Subscription and Community Offerings, shares may be offered for sale, at the sole discretion of the Stock Holding Company, to members of the general public in a Syndicated Community Offering.
Opinions
Based on the foregoing description of the Conversion, including the MHC Merger and the Mid-Tier Merger, and subject to the qualifications and limitations set forth in this letter, we are of the opinion that:
1. The MHC Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code. (Section 368(a)(l)(A) of the Code)
2. The constructive exchange of the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders liquidation interests in the Mutual Holding Company for liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company in the MHC Merger will satisfy the continuity of interest requirement of Section 1.368-1(b) of the Income Tax Regulations. (cf. Rev. Rul. 69-3, 1969-1 C.B. 103, and Rev. Rul. 69-646, 1969-2 C.B. 54)
LUSE GORMAN, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
March 11, 2024
Page 5
3. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Mutual Holding Company on the transfer of its assets to the Mid-Tier Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s assumption of its liabilities, if any, in constructive exchange for liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company or on the constructive distribution of such liquidation interests to members of the Mutual Holding Company. (Section 361(a), 361(c) and 357(a) of the Code)
4. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Mid-Tier Holding Company upon the receipt of the assets of the Mutual Holding Company in the MHC Merger in exchange for the constructive transfer of liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company to the members of the Mutual Holding Company. (Section 1032(a) of the Code)
5. Persons who have liquidation interests in the Mutual Holding Company will recognize no gain or loss upon the constructive receipt of a liquidation interest in the Mid-Tier Holding Company in exchange for their liquidation interests in the Mutual Holding Company. (Section 354(a) of the Code)
6. The basis of the assets of the Mutual Holding Company (other than the stock in the Mid-Tier Holding Company) to be received by the Mid-Tier Holding Company will be the same as the basis of such assets in the Mutual Holding Company immediately prior to the transfer. (Section 362(b) of the Code)
7. The holding period of the assets of the Mutual Holding Company transferred to the Mid-Tier Holding Company will include the holding period of those assets in the Mutual Holding Company. (Section 1223(2) of the Code)
8. The Mid-Tier Merger will constitute a mere change in identity, form or place of organization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code and therefore will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code. (Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code)
9. The Mid-Tier Holding Company will not recognize any gain or loss on the transfer of its assets to the Stock Holding Company and the Stock Holding Company’s assumption of its liabilities in exchange for shares of Holding Company Common Stock and the constructive distribution of interests in the Liquidation Account to the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. (Sections 361(a), 361(c) and 357(a) of the Code)
LUSE GORMAN, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
March 11, 2024
Page 6
10. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Stock Holding Company upon the receipt of the assets of Mid-Tier Holding Company in the Mid-Tier Merger. (Section 1032(a) of the Code)
11. The basis of the assets of the Mid-Tier Holding Company to be received by the Stock Holding Company will be the same as the basis of such assets in the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately prior to the transfer. (Section 362(b) of the Code)
12. The holding period of the assets of Mid-Tier Holding Company to be received by the Stock Holding Company will include the holding period of those assets in the Mid-Tier Holding Company immediately prior to the transfer. (Section 1223(2) of the Code)
13. Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will not recognize any gain or loss upon the constructive exchange of their liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company for interests in the Liquidation Account in the Stock Holding Company. (Section 354 of the Code)
14. It is more likely than not that the fair market value of the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase Holding Company Common Stock is zero. Accordingly, it is more likely than not that no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders upon distribution to them of nontransferable subscription rights to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock. (Section 356(a) of the Code.) Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will not realize any taxable income as a result of their exercise of the nontransferable subscription rights. (Rev. Rul. 56-572, 1956-2 C.B. 182)
15. It is more likely than not that the fair market value at the effective date of the Conversion of the benefit to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders provided by an interest in the Bank Liquidation Account which they receive is zero. Pursuant to the Plan, the Bank Liquidation Account supports the payment of the Liquidation Account in the unlikely event that either the Bank (or the Stock Holding Company and the Bank) were to liquidate after the Conversion (including a liquidation of the Bank or the Bank and the Stock Holding Company in a purchase and assumption transaction with a credit union acquiror) when the Stock Holding Company lacks sufficient net assets to pay distributions from the Liquidation Account when due. Accordingly, it is more likely than not that no gain or loss will be recognized by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders upon the distribution to them of such rights in the Bank Liquidation Account as of the effective date of the Conversion. (Section 356(a) of the Code)
LUSE GORMAN, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
March 11, 2024
Page 7
16. It is more likely than not that the basis of the Holding Company Common Stock purchased in the Offering by the exercise of the nontransferable subscription rights will be the purchase price thereof. (Section 1012 of the Code)
17. The holding period of the Holding Company Common Stock purchased pursuant to the exercise of subscriptions rights will commence on the date on which the right to acquire such stock was exercised. (Section 1223(5) of the Code)
18. No gain or loss will be recognized by the Stock Holding Company on the receipt of money in exchange for Holding Company Common Stock sold in the Offering. (Section 1032 of the Code)
Our opinion under paragraph 16 above is predicated on the representation that no person will receive any payment, whether in money or property, in lieu of the issuance of subscription rights. Our opinions under paragraph 14 are based on the position that the subscription rights to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock received by Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and Other Depositors have a fair market value of zero. We understand that the subscription rights will be granted at no cost to the recipients, will be legally nontransferable and of short duration, and will provide the recipient with the right only to purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock at the same price to be paid by members of the general public in any Community Offering or Syndicated Community Offering. We also note that the IRS has not in the past concluded that subscription rights have value. In addition, we are relying on a letter from RP Financial, LC to you stating its belief that subscription rights do not have any economic value at the time of distribution or at the time the rights are exercised in the Subscription Offering. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is more likely than not that the nontransferable subscription rights to purchase Holding Company Common Stock have no value.
If the subscription rights are subsequently found to have an economic value, income may be recognized by various recipients of the subscription rights (in certain cases, whether or not the rights are exercised) and the Stock Holding Company and/or the Bank may be subject to tax on the distribution of the subscription rights.
LUSE GORMAN, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
March 11, 2024
Page 8
Our opinion under paragraph 15 above is based on the premise that the benefit provided by the Bank Liquidation Account supporting the payment of the Liquidation Account in the event the Stock Holding Company lacks sufficient net assets has a fair market value of zero at the time of the Conversion. The Bank Liquidation Account payment obligation arises only if the Stock Holding Company lacks sufficient net assets to fund the Liquidation Account in a solvent liquidation of the Bank and/or the Stock Holding Company or if the Bank (or the Bank and the Stock Holding Company) enters into a transaction to transfer its assets and liabilities to a credit union. We understand that: (i) no holder of an interest in a liquidation account has ever received payment of an interest in a liquidation account attributable to the liquidation of a solvent bank and/or holding company (other than as set forth below); (ii) the interests in the Liquidation Account and Bank Liquidation Account are not transferable by an Eligible Account Holder or Supplemental Eligible Account Holder; (iii) the amounts due under the Liquidation Account with respect to each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder will be reduced as their deposits in the Bank are reduced, as described in the Plan; and (iv) holders of an interest in a Liquidation Account have received payments of their interest in only a limited number of instances (out of hundreds of transactions involving mergers, acquisitions and the purchase of assets and assumptions of liabilities of holding companies and subsidiary banks). These instances have involved the purchase and assumption of a bank’s assets by a credit union. However, not all states permit the sale of a bank’s assets to a credit union, further limiting the opportunity for this type of transaction. We also note that the U.S. Supreme Court in Paulsen v. Commissioner, 469 U.S. 131 (1985) stated the following:
The right to participate in the net proceeds of a solvent liquidation is also not a significant part of the value of the shares. Referring to the possibility of a solvent liquidation of a mutual savings association, this Court observed: “It stretches the imagination very far to attribute any real value to such a remote contingency, and when coupled with the fact that it represents nothing which the depositor can readily transfer, any theoretical value reduces almost to the vanishing point.” Society for Savings v. Bowers, 349 U.S. 143, 150 (1955).
In the present case, we believe that the same analysis as was applied in Paulsen and Society for Savings can be applied to the extremely remote contingency that a depositor will, at some undetermined time in the future, realize value from the sale of the Bank’s assets to a credit union. First, some states prohibit a credit union from acquiring a bank’s assets through a purchase and assumption transaction. Second, although other states do permit credit unions to acquire a bank’s assets, as noted above, there have been only a limited number of instances where a credit union has acquired the assets of a bank where an amount representing the then-value of a liquidation account has been (or will be) paid to the bank’s eligible depositors. These instances all involved former mutual banks that were required to establish liquidation accounts in a conversion to a stock bank and who later engaged in a purchase and assumption transaction with a credit union. Less than a handful of instances out of hundreds of converted former mutual banks since 1816 (the date the first mutual bank was chartered in Massachusetts) have engaged in purchase and assumption transactions with credit unions and have been required to distribute to their depositors the remains of any liquidation accounts. Under these circumstances, we agree with the statement by the Supreme Court in Society for Savings that “any theoretical value reduces almost to the vanishing point.”
LUSE GORMAN, PC
ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
March 11, 2024
Page 9
In addition, we are relying on a letter from RP Financial, LC to you stating its belief that the benefit provided by the Bank Liquidation Account supporting the payment of the Liquidation Account does not have any economic value at the time of the Conversion. Based on the foregoing, we believe it is more likely than not that the rights in the Bank Liquidation Account have no value at the time of the Conversion.
If the IRS were to subsequently find that the Bank Liquidation Account had economic value as of the time of the Conversion, each Eligible Account Holder and Supplemental Eligible Account Holder may need to recognize income in the amount of the fair market value of their interest in the Bank Liquidation Account as of the effective date of the Conversion. However, we are not aware of any situation where rights in a bank liquidation account have been found to have an economic value at the time of a mutual-to-stock conversion of a mutual bank or a second-step conversion of a mutual holding company.
CONSENT
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as an exhibit to the Stock Holding Company’s Letter Application for Conversion filed with the Federal Reserve and to the Stock Holding Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the SEC. We also hereby consent to the references to our firm in the Prospectus contained in the Application for Conversion and Form S-1 under the captions “The Conversion and Plan of Distribution-Material Income Tax Consequences” and “Legal and Tax Matters.”
| Very truly yours, | |
| /s/ Luse Gorman, PC | |
| Luse Gorman, PC |
Exhibit 8.2
![]() | 4890 Owen Ayres Ct. Suite 200 Eau Claire, WI 54701 | 715 832 340 wipfli.com |
STATE TAX OPINION
March 11, 2024
Board of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
109 West Second Street
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 54130
RE: Wisconsin Franchise and Income Tax Opinion Relating to the Mutual Holding Company Reorganization
Dear Directors:
In accordance with your request, set forth below is the opinion of this firm relating to the material Wisconsin franchise and income tax consequences that will result from the conversion of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, a Wisconsin-chartered mutual holding company (the “Mutual Holding Company”), from the mutual to capital stock form of organization (the “Conversion”), pursuant to the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, adopted March 4, 2024 (the “Plan”), and the integrated transactions described below.
For purposes of this opinion, we have reviewed the applicable Wisconsin authority. In forming and issuing our opinion, we have relied on the written opinion regarding the federal tax treatment of the transaction prepared by Luse Gorman, PC (included as Attachment A). We have also examined copies or drafts of such transaction-related documents as we deem appropriate, and assumed that they are correct, accurate and complete in all material respects, and that they will not be substantially modified prior to the consummation of the Conversion. Our opinion assumes that the Conversion includes two back-to-back tax-free reorganizations. The first is the MHC Merger (as defined below) which constitutes a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A). The second is the Mid-Tier Merger (as defined below) which constitutes a mere change in identity, form or place of organization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Facts
East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”) is a Wisconsin-chartered stock savings bank. The Bank was originally organized in mutual form and subsequently reorganized as a stock bank in the mutual holding company structure. The Bank is currently the wholly-owned subsidiary of EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Mid-Tier Holding Company”), which is the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mutual Holding Company. The Mutual Holding Company is a mutual holding company with no stockholders. The depositors of the Bank are considered the “owners” of the Mutual Holding Company and are entitled upon the complete liquidation of the Mutual Holding Company to any liquidation proceeds after the payment of creditors.
The Boards of Directors of the Mutual Holding Company, the Mid-Tier Holding Company, and the Bank adopted the Plan providing for the Conversion of the Mutual Holding Company from a Wisconsin-chartered mutual holding company to the capital stock form of organization. As part of the Conversion, EWSB Bancorp, Inc., a Maryland stock corporation (the “Stock Holding Company”) will succeed to all the rights and obligations of the Mutual Holding Company and the Mid-Tier Holding Company and will offer shares of Stock Holding Company Common Stock to the Bank’s depositors and to members of the general public in the Offering.
Pursuant to the Plan, the Conversion will be effected as follows and in such order as is necessary to consummate the Conversion:
| (1) | The Stock Holding Company will be organized as a first tier Maryland-chartered stock holding company subsidiary of the Mid-Tier Holding Company. |
| (2) | The Mutual Holding Company will merge with and into the Mid-Tier Holding Company, with the Mid-Tier Holding Company as the surviving entity (the “MHC Merger”), whereby the shares of Mid-Tier Holding Company common stock owned by the Mutual Holding Company will be cancelled and the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will constructively receive liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company in exchange for their liquidation interests in the Mutual Holding Company. |
| (3) | Immediately after the MHC Merger, the Mid-Tier Holding Company will merger with and into the Stock Holding Company (the “Mid-Tier” Merger”), with the Stock Holding Company as the resulting entity. As part of the Mid-Tier Merger, the liquidation interests in the Mid-Tier Holding Company constructively received by the Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will automatically, without further action on the part of the holders thereof, be exchanged for interests in the Liquidation Account. |
| (4) | Immediately after the Mid-Tier Merger, the Stock Holding Company will offer for sale the Stock Holding Company Common Stock (the “Holding Company Common Stock”) in the Offering. |
| (5) | The Stock Holding Company will contribute at least 50% of the net proceeds of the Offering to the Bank in constructive exchange for additional shares of common stock of the Bank and in exchange for the Bank Liquidation Account. |
Following the Conversion, a Liquidation Account will be maintained by the Stock Holding Company for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain their deposit accounts with the Bank. The initial balances of the Liquidation Account will be equal to the Mid-Tier Holding Company’s total stockholders’ equity as reflected in the latest statement of financial condition contained in the final Prospectus used in the Conversion. The terms of the Liquidation Account and bank Liquidation Account, which supports the payments of the Liquidation Account in the event the Stock Holding Company lacks sufficient net assets, are set forth in the Plan.
As a result of the Conversion and the Offering, the Stock Holding Company will be a publicly held corporation, will register the Holding Company Common Stock under Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and will become subject to the rules and regulations thereunder and file periodic reports and proxy statements with the SEC. The Bank will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Stock Holding Company and will continue to carry on its business and activities as conducted immediately prior to the Conversion.
The stockholders of the Stock Holding Company will be those persons who purchase shares of Holding Company Common Stock in the Offering. Nontransferable rights to subscribe for the Holding Company Common Stock have been granted, in order of priority, to Eligible Account Holders, the Bank’s tax-qualified employee plans and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders. The Stock Holding Company will also offer shares of Holding Company Common Stock not subscribed for in the Subscription Offering, if any, for sale in a Community Offering to certain members of the general public (with preferences given first to persons residing in the Local Community), and if shares remain after the Subscription and Community Offerings, shares may be offered for sale, at the sole discretion of the Stock Holding Company, to members of the general public in a Syndicated Community Offering.
Discussion of Relevant Wisconsin Income Tax Issues
Wis. Stat. Section 71.26(2)(a) defines "net income" of a corporation as gross income computed under the “Internal Revenue Code” as modified by 71.26(3). Net income is further modified for addbacks of credits and related subtraction items which, based on the facts provided, are not relevant to our analysis.
For tax years beginning after December 31, 2022, pursuant to Wis. Stat. Section 71.22(4)(n)(1), “Internal Revenue Code” is defined as the federal Internal Revenue Code as amended to December 31, 2022, with exceptions specifically enumerated in the statute.
Opinion
Based on the foregoing description of the Conversion, including the MHC Merger and the Mid-Tier Merger, and subject to the qualifications and limitations set forth in this letter, we are of the opinion that:
| 1. | The MHC Merger will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(A) of the Code. |
| 2. | The Mid-Tier Merger will constitute a mere change in identity, form or place of organization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code and therefore will qualify as a tax-free reorganization within the meaning of Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code. (Section 368(a)(1)(F) of the Code) |
Wisconsin does not modify or exclude the provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 368(a)(1)(A) or 368(a)(1)(F). Therefore, provided the transaction constitutes reorganizations within the meaning of Code Section 368(a)(1)(A) and 368(a)(1)(F), Wisconsin will conform to the federal income tax treatment of the transactions.
Scope of Opinion
The scope of this opinion is expressly limited to the Wisconsin franchise and income tax consequences of the proposed transaction in connection with the representations and assumptions stated above.
Our opinion, as stated above, is based upon the analysis of the Wisconsin income tax statutes and administrative code, current administrative rulings, notices and procedures, and court decisions. Such laws, regulations, administrative rulings, notices and procedures and court decisions are subject to change at any time and such change may be retroactively effective. If so, our views as set forth may be affected and may not be relied upon. This opinion is as of the date hereof, and we disclaim any obligation to advise you of any change in any matter considered herein after the date hereof. Further, any variation or differences in facts or representations recited herein, for any reason, could affect our conclusions, possibly in an adverse manner, and make them inapplicable.
This letter represents our views as to interpretation of existing law and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that the Wisconsin Department of Revenue upon audit will agree with the above analysis.
If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact Traci Hollister at 715.858.6638.
Sincerely,

Wipfli LLP
Exhibit 10.1
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made effective as of [*], 2024 (the “Effective Date”), by and between East Wisconsin Savings Bank, a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank (the “Bank”), and Charles D. Schmalz (the “Executive”). The Bank and Executive are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “parties.” Any reference to the “Company” shall mean EWSB Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of the Bank. The Company is a signatory to this Agreement for the purpose of guaranteeing the Bank’s performance hereunder.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank; and
WHEREAS, the Bank desires to assure itself of the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to serve the Bank on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
During the term of this Agreement Executive agrees to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, and will perform all duties and will have all powers that are generally incident to the office of the President and Chief Executive Officer. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Executive will be responsible for the overall management of the Bank, and will be responsible for establishing the business objectives, policies and strategic plans of the Bank in conjunction with the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”). Executive also will be responsible for providing leadership and direction to all departments or divisions of the Bank, and will be the primary contact between the Board and other officers and employees of the Bank. As President and Chief Executive Officer, Executive will report directly to the Board. Executive also agrees to serve, if elected, as an officer and director of any affiliate of the Bank.
2. TERM AND DUTIES.
(a) Three Year Contract; Annual Renewal. The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and continue until December 31, 2024. Commencing on January 1, 2025, the term shall continue thereafter for a period of three (3) years (the “Term”) and on January 1, 2026 and each January 1 thereafter (each, a “Renewal Date”), the Term of this Agreement shall renew for an additional year such that the remaining term of this Agreement is always three (3) years; provided, however, that in order for this Agreement to renew, the disinterested members of the Board must take the following actions within the time frames set forth below prior to each Renewal Date: (i) at least thirty (30) days prior to the Renewal Date, conduct or review a comprehensive performance evaluation of Executive for purposes of determining whether to extend this Agreement; and (ii) affirmatively approve the renewal or non-renewal of this Agreement, which decision shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s meeting. If the decision of such disinterested members of the Board is not to renew this Agreement, then the Board shall provide Executive with a written notice of non-renewal (“Non-Renewal Notice”) prior to any Renewal Date, such that this Agreement shall terminate at the end of twenty-four (24) months following such Renewal Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Company or the Bank has entered into an agreement to effect a transaction which would be considered a Change in Control as defined below, then the term of this Agreement shall be extended and shall terminate thirty-six (36) months following the date on which the Change in Control occurs.
(b) Termination of Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, either Executive or the Bank may terminate Executive’s employment with the Bank at any time during the term of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(c) Continued Employment Following Expiration of Term. Nothing in this Agreement shall mandate or prohibit a continuation of Executive’s employment following the expiration of the term of this Agreement, upon such terms and conditions as the Bank and Executive may mutually agree.
(d) Duties; Membership on Other Boards. During the term of this Agreement, except for periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and reasonable leaves of absence approved by the Board, Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time, attention, skill, and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties hereunder, including activities and services related to the organization, operation and management of the Bank; provided, however, that, Executive may serve, or continue to serve, on the boards of directors of, and hold any other offices or positions in, business companies or business or civic organizations, which, in the Board’s judgment, will not present any conflict of interest with the Bank, or materially affect the performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement. Executive shall provide the Board of Directors annually for its approval a list of organizations for which the Executive acts as a director or officer.
3. COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REIMBURSEMENT.
(a) Base Salary. In consideration of Executive’s performance of the duties set forth in Section 2, the Bank shall provide Executive the compensation specified in this Agreement. The Bank shall pay Executive a salary of $[*] per year (“Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be payable biweekly, or with such other frequency as officers of the Bank are generally paid. During the term of this Agreement, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Board or by a committee designated by the Board, and the Bank may increase, but not decrease (except for a decrease that is generally applicable to all employees) Executive’s Base Salary. Any increase in Base Salary shall become “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement.
(b) Bonus and Incentive Compensation. Executive shall be entitled to equitable participation in incentive compensation and bonuses in any plan or arrangement of the Bank or the Company in which Executive is eligible to participate. Nothing paid to Executive under any such plan or arrangement will be deemed to be in lieu of other compensation to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement.
| 2 |
(c) Employee Benefits. The Bank shall provide Executive with employee benefit plans, arrangements and perquisites substantially equivalent to those in which Executive was participating or from which he was deriving benefit immediately prior to the commencement of the term of this Agreement, and the Bank shall not, without Executive’s prior written consent, make any changes in such plans, arrangements or perquisites that would adversely affect Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, except as to any changes that are applicable to all participating employees. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this Section 3(c), Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive benefits under any employee benefit plans including, but not limited to, retirement plans, supplemental retirement plans, pension plans, profit-sharing plans, health-and-accident insurance plans, medical coverage or any other employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Bank and/or the Company in the future to its senior executives, including any stock benefit plans, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements.
(d) Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation time each year during the term of this Agreement (measured on a fiscal or calendar year basis, in accordance with the Bank’s usual practices), as well as sick leave, holidays and other paid absences in accordance with the Bank’s policies and procedures for senior executives. Any unused paid time off during an annual period shall be treated in accordance with the Bank’s personnel policies as in effect from time to time.
(e) Expense Reimbursements. The Bank shall also pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel, entertainment and other reasonable expenses incurred by Executive during the course of performing his obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations as Executive and the Board shall mutually agree are necessary and appropriate in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, upon presentation to the Bank of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Bank may reasonably require, provided that such payment or reimbursement shall be made as soon as practicable but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the year in which such right to such payment or reimbursement occurred.
4. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON AN EVENT OF TERMINATION.
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination (as herein defined) during the term of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 4 shall apply; provided, however, that in the event such Event of Termination occurs within eighteen (18) months following a Change in Control (as defined in Section 5 hereof), Section 5 shall apply instead. As used in this Agreement, an “Event of Termination’’ shall mean and include any one or more of the following:
(i) the involuntary termination of Executive’s employment hereunder by the Bank for any reason other than termination governed by Section 5 (in connection with or following a Change in Control), Section 6 (due to Disability or death), Section 7 (due to Retirement), or Section 8 (for Cause), provided that such termination constitutes a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”); or
| 3 |
(ii) Executive’s resignation from the Bank’s employ upon any of the following, unless consented to by Executive:
(A) failure to appoint Executive to the position set forth in Section 1, or a material change in Executive’s function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility, importance, or scope from the position and responsibilities described in Section 1, to which Executive has not agreed in writing (and any such material change shall be deemed a continuing breach of this Agreement by the Bank);
(B) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location that is more than twenty-five (25) miles from such office as of the Effective Date hereof (unless the relocated office is closer to the Executive’s then principal residence);
(C) a material reduction in the benefits and perquisites, including Base Salary, to Executive from those being provided as of the Effective Date (except for any reduction that is part of a reduction in pay or benefits that is generally applicable to officers or employees of the Bank);
(D) a liquidation or dissolution of the Bank; or
(E) a material breach of this Agreement by the Bank.
Upon the occurrence of any event described in clause (ii) above, Executive shall have the right to elect to terminate his employment under this Agreement by resignation for “Good Reason” upon not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice given within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed ninety (90) days) after the event giving rise to the right to elect, which termination by Executive shall be an Event of Termination. The Bank shall have thirty (30) days to cure the condition giving rise to the Event of Termination, provided that the Bank may elect to waive said thirty (30) day period.
(b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall pay Executive, or, in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, the Base Salary and bonuses that Executive would be entitled to for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement. For purposes of determining the bonus(es) payable hereunder, the bonus(es) will be deemed to be (i) equal to the highest bonus paid at any time during the prior three years, and (ii) otherwise paid at such time as such bonus would have been paid absent an Event of Termination. Such payments shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under this Section 4 unless and until (i) Executive executes a release of his claims against the Bank, the Company and any affiliate, and their officers, directors, successors and assigns, releasing said persons from any and all claims, rights, demands, causes of action, suits, arbitrations or grievances relating to the employment relationship, including claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, but not including claims for benefits under tax-qualified plans or other benefit plans in which Executive is vested, claims for benefits required by applicable law or claims with respect to obligations set forth in this Agreement that survive the termination of this Agreement (the “Release”), and (ii) the payments and benefits under this Section 4 shall begin on the 30th day following the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, provided that before that date, the Executive has signed (and not revoked) the Release and the Release is irrevocable under the time period set forth under applicable law, provided further, that if the 30-day period spans two (2) calendar years, then, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code, the payments and benefits will be paid, or commence, in the second calendar year.
| 4 |
(c) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall pay Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum cash payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the present value of the contributions that would have been made on the Executive’s behalf under the Bank’s defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) Plan, ESOP, and any other defined contribution plan maintained by the Bank), as if Executive had continued working for the Bank for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement following such Event of Termination, earning the salary that would have been achieved during such period. Such payments shall be paid in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination.
(d) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall provide, at the Bank’s expense, for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement, nontaxable medical and dental coverage and life insurance coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to the Event of Termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if applicable law (including, but not limited to, laws prohibiting discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees), or, if participation by the Executive is not permitted under the terms of the applicable health plans, or if providing such benefits would subject the Bank to penalties, then the Bank shall pay the Executive a cash lump sum payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the value of such non-taxable medical and dental benefits, with such payment to be made by lump sum within) business days of the Date of Termination, or if later, the date on which the Bank determines that such insurance coverage (or the remainder of such insurance coverage) cannot be provided for the foregoing reasons.
(e) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Separation from Service” shall have occurred if the Bank and Executive reasonably anticipate that either no further services will be performed by the Executive after the date of the Event of Termination (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) or the level of further services performed will not exceed 49% of the average level of bona fide services in the 12 months immediately preceding the Event of Termination. For all purposes hereunder, the definition of Separation from Service shall be interpreted consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(ii). If Executive is a Specified Employee, as defined in Code Section 409A and any payment to be made under sub-paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section 4 shall be determined to be subject to Code Section 409A, then if required by Code Section 409A, such payment or a portion of such payment (to the minimum extent possible) shall be delayed and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service.
| 5 |
5. CHANGE IN CONTROL.
(a) Any payments made to Executive pursuant to this Section 5 are in lieu of any payments that may otherwise be owed to Executive pursuant to this Agreement under Section 4, such that Executive shall either receive payments pursuant to Section 4 or pursuant to Section 5, but not pursuant to both Sections.
(b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change in Control” shall mean:
| (1) | Merger: The Company or the Bank merges into or consolidates with another entity, or merges another Bank or corporation into the Bank or the Company, and as a result, less than a majority of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were stockholders of the Company or the Bank immediately before the merger or consolidation; |
| (2) | Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership: A person or persons acting in concert has or have become the beneficial owner of 25% or more of a class of the Company’s or the Bank’s voting securities; provided, however, this clause (2) shall not apply to beneficial ownership of the Company’s or the Bank’s voting shares held in a fiduciary capacity by an entity of which the Company directly or indirectly beneficially owns 50% or more of its outstanding voting securities; |
| (3) | Change in Board Composition: During any period of two consecutive years, individuals who constitute the Company’s or the Bank’s Board of Directors at the beginning of the two-year period cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Company’s or the Bank’s Board of Directors; provided, however, that for purposes of this clause (3), each director who is first elected by the board (or first nominated by the board for election by the stockholders or corporators) by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors who were directors at the beginning of the two-year period shall be deemed to have also been a director at the beginning of such period; or |
| (4) | Sale of Assets: The Company or the Bank sells to a third party all or substantially all of its assets. |
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred in connection with the conversion of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company form of organization and/or the Bank’s reorganization as a subsidiary of the Company and the related stock offering.
| 6 |
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), Executive, shall receive as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, a lump sum cash payment equal to three times the sum of (i) Executive’s highest annual rate of Base Salary paid to Executive at any time under this Agreement, plus (ii) the highest bonus paid to Executive with respect to the three completed fiscal years prior to the Change in Control. Such payment shall be paid in a lump sum within ten (10) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination.
(d) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), the Bank shall pay Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum cash payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the present value of the contributions that would have been made on Executive’s behalf under the Bank’s defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) Plan, ESOP, and any other defined contribution plan maintained by the Bank), as if Executive had continued working for the Bank for thirty-six (36) months after the effective date of such termination of employment, earning the salary that would have been achieved during such period. Such payments shall be paid in a lump sum within ten (10) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination. If Executive is a Specified Employee, as defined in Code Section 409A and any payment to be made under this sub-paragraph (c) or (d) of this Section 5 shall be determined to be subject to Code Section 409A, then if required by Code Section 409A, such payment or a portion of such payment (to the minimum extent possible) shall be delayed and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service.
(e) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), the Bank (or its successor) shall provide at the Bank’s (or its successor’s) expense, nontaxable medical and dental coverage and life insurance coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to his termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees and then the coverage provided to Executive shall be commensurate with such changed coverage. Such coverage shall cease thirty-six (36) months following the termination of Executive’s employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if applicable law (including, but not limited to, laws prohibiting discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees), or, if participation by the Executive is not permitted under the terms of the applicable health plans, or if providing such benefits would subject the Bank to penalties, then the Bank shall pay the Executive a cash lump sum payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the value of such non-taxable medical and dental benefits, with such payment to be made by lump sum within ) business days of the Date of Termination, or if later, the date on which the Bank determines that such insurance coverage (or the remainder of such insurance coverage) cannot be provided for the foregoing reasons.
(f) Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this Section 5, in the event that the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to Executive in the event of a Change in Control would be deemed to include an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code or any successor thereto, then such payments or benefits shall be reduced to an amount, the value of which is one dollar ($1.00) less than an amount equal to three (3) times Executive’s “base amount,” as determined in accordance with Section 280G of the Code. In the event a reduction is necessary, then the cash severance payable by the Bank pursuant to Section 5 shall be reduced by the minimum amount necessary to result in no portion of the payments and benefits payable by the Bank under Section 5 being non-deductible to the Bank pursuant to Section 280G of the Code and subject to excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code.
| 7 |
6. TERMINATION FOR DISABILITY OR DEATH.
(a) Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall be construed to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i) Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; (ii) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company; or (iii) Executive is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. The provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) shall apply upon the termination of the Executive’s employment based on Disability. Upon the determination that Executive has suffered a Disability, disability payments hereunder shall commence within thirty (30) days.
(b) Executive shall be entitled to receive benefits under all short-term or long-term disability plans maintained by the Bank for its executives. To the extent such benefits are less than Executive’s Base Salary, the Bank shall pay Executive an amount equal to the difference between such disability plan benefits, Social Security disability benefits and the amount of Executive’s Base Salary for the longer of one (1) year following the termination of his employment due to Disability or the remaining term of this Agreement, which shall be payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Bank.
(c) The Bank shall cause to be continued non-taxable medical and dental coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to the termination of his employment based on Disability, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees or not available on an individual basis to an employee terminated based on Disability. This coverage shall cease upon the earlier of (i) the date Executive returns to the full-time employment of the Bank; (ii) Executive’s full-time employment by another employer; (iii) expiration of the remaining term of this Agreement; or (iv) Executive’s death.
(d) In the event of Executive’s death during the term of this Agreement, his estate, legal representatives or named beneficiaries (as directed by Executive in writing) shall be paid Executive’s Base Salary at the rate in effect at the time of Executive’s death in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Bank for a period of one (1) year from the date of Executive’s death, and the Bank shall continue to provide non-taxable medical, and dental insurance benefits normally provided for Executive’s family (in accordance with its customary co-pay percentages) for twelve (12) months after Executive’s death. Such payments are in addition to any other life insurance benefits that Executive’s beneficiaries may be entitled to receive under any employee benefit plan maintained by the Bank for the benefit of Executive, including, but not limited to, the Bank’s tax-qualified retirement plans.
| 8 |
7. TERMINATION UPON RETIREMENT.
Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Retirement” shall mean termination of Executive’s employment at any time after Executive reaches age 65 or in accordance with any retirement policy established by the Board with Executive’s consent as it applies to him. Upon termination of Executive based on Retirement, no amounts or benefits shall be due Executive under this Agreement, and Executive shall be entitled to all benefits under any retirement plan of the Bank and other plans to which Executive is a party.
8. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.
(a) The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination other than termination for “Cause,” as defined herein, shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for “Cause.” The term “Cause” as used herein, shall exist when there has been a good faith determination by the Board that there shall have occurred one or more of the following events with respect to the Executive:
| (1) | personal dishonesty in performing Executive’s duties on behalf of the Bank; |
| (2) | incompetence in performing Executive’s duties on behalf of the Bank; |
| (3) | willful misconduct that in the judgment of the Board will likely cause economic damage to the Bank or injury to the business reputation of the Bank; |
| (4) | breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit; |
| (5) | material breach of the Bank’s Code of Ethics; |
| (6) | intentional failure to perform stated duties under this Agreement after written notice thereof from the Board; |
| (7) | willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) that reflect adversely on the reputation of the Bank, any felony conviction, any violation of law involving moral turpitude, or any violation of a final cease-and-desist order; or |
| (8) | material breach by Executive of any provision of this Agreement. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cause shall not be deemed to exist unless there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for the purpose (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was guilty of conduct described above and specifying the particulars thereof. Prior to holding a meeting at which the Board is to make a final determination whether Cause exists, if the Board determines in good faith at a meeting of the Board, by not less than a majority of its entire membership, that there is probable cause for it to find that the Executive was guilty of conduct constituting Cause as described above, the Board may suspend the Executive from his duties hereunder for a reasonable period of time not to exceed fourteen (14) days pending a further meeting at which the Executive shall be given the opportunity to be heard before the Board. Upon a finding of Cause, the Board shall deliver to the Executive a Notice of Termination, as more fully described in Section 10 below.
| 9 |
(b) For purposes of this Section 8, no act or failure to act, on the part of Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Bank. Any act, or failure to act, based upon the direction of the Board or based upon the advice of counsel for the Bank shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Bank.
9. RESIGNATION FROM BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
In the event of Executive’s termination of employment due to an Event of Termination, Executive’s service as a director of the Bank, the Company, and any affiliate of the Bank or the Company shall immediately terminate. This Section 9 shall constitute a resignation notice for such purposes.
10. NOTICE.
(a) Any purported termination by the Bank for Cause shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to Executive. If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination for Cause is given, Executive notifies the Bank that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the parties shall promptly proceed to arbitration, as provided in Section 20. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute, the Bank shall discontinue paying Executive’s compensation until the dispute is finally resolved in accordance with this Agreement. If it is determined that Executive is entitled to compensation and benefits under Section 4 or 5, the payment of such compensation and benefits by the Bank shall commence immediately following the date of resolution by arbitration, with interest due Executive on the cash amount that would have been paid pending arbitration (at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time).
(b) Any other purported termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by a “Notice of Termination” (as defined in Section 10(c)) to the other party. If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination is given, the party receiving such Notice of Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the parties shall promptly proceed to arbitration as provided in Section 20. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute, the Bank shall continue to pay Executive his Base Salary, and other compensation and benefits in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (except as to termination of Executive for Cause); provided, however, that such payments and benefits shall not continue beyond the date that is 36 months from the date the Notice of Termination is given. In the event the voluntary termination by Executive of his employment is disputed by the Bank, and if it is determined in arbitration that Executive is not entitled to termination benefits pursuant to this Agreement, he shall return all cash payments made to him pending resolution by arbitration, with interest thereon at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time, if it is determined in arbitration that Executive’s voluntary termination of employment was not taken in good faith and not in the reasonable belief that grounds existed for his voluntary termination. If it is determined that Executive is entitled to receive severance benefits under this Agreement, then any continuation of Base Salary and other compensation and benefits made to Executive under this Section 10 shall offset the amount of any severance benefits that are due to Executive under this Agreement.
| 10 |
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.
11. POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS.
(a) One Year Non-Solicitation. Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one year following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly:
(i) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended (or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect) to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Bank or the Company, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any business whatsoever that competes with the business of the Bank or the Company, or any of their direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates or has headquarters or offices within twenty-five (25) miles of the locations in which the Bank or the Company has business operations or has filed an application for regulatory approval to establish an office, or
(ii) contact (with a view toward selling any product or service competitive with any product or service sold or proposed to be sold by the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities) any person, firm, association or corporation (A) to which the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities sold any product or service within thirty-six months of the Executive’s termination of employment, (B) which Executive solicited, contacted or otherwise dealt with on behalf of the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities within one year of the Executive’s termination of employment, or (C) which Executive was otherwise aware was a client of the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities at the time of termination of employment. Executive will not directly or indirectly make any such contact, either for his own benefit or for the benefit of any other person, firm, association, or corporation.
(b) Six Month Non-Competition. Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of six months following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly become an officer, employee, consultant, director, independent contractor, agent, sole proprietor, joint venturer, greater than 5% equity owner or stockholder, partner or trustee of any savings association, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, credit union, bank or bank holding company, insurance company or agency, any mortgage or loan broker or any other financial services entity or business that competes with the business of the Bank or its affiliates or has headquarters or offices within thirty (30) miles of Kaukauna, Wisconsin Notwithstanding the foregoing, this non-competition restriction shall not apply if Executive’s employment is terminated following a Change in Control or if the Bank terminates the Executive for a reason other than Cause (as defined in this Agreement).
| 11 |
(c) As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information belonging to the Bank which is of value to the Bank in the course of conducting its business and the disclosure of which could result in a competitive or other disadvantage to the Bank. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, financial information, reports, and forecasts; inventions, improvements and other intellectual property; trade secrets; know-how; designs, processes or formulae; software; market or sales information or plans; customer lists; and business plans, prospects and opportunities (such as possible acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or facilities) which have been discussed or considered by the management of the Bank. Confidential Information includes information developed by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment by the Bank, as well as other information to which the Executive may have access in connection with the Executive’s employment. Confidential Information also includes the confidential information of others with which the Bank has a business relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include information in the public domain. The Executive understands and agrees that the Executive’s employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between the Executive and the Bank with respect to all Confidential Information. At all times, both during the Executive’s employment with the Bank and after its termination, the Executive will keep in confidence and trust all such Confidential Information, and will not use or disclose any such Confidential Information without the written consent of the Bank, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing the Executive’s duties to the Bank.
(d) Executive shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and assistance to the Bank as may reasonably be required by the Bank, in connection with any litigation in which it or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is, or may become, a party; provided, however, that Executive shall not be required to provide information or assistance with respect to any litigation between the Executive and the Bank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
(e) All payments and benefits to Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to Executive’s compliance with this Section 11. The parties hereto, recognizing that irreparable injury will result to the Bank, its business and property in the event of Executive’s breach of this Section 11, agree that, in the event of any such breach by Executive, the Bank will be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain the violation hereof by Executive and all persons acting for or with Executive. Executive represents and admits that Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment in a business engaged in other lines and/or of a different nature than the Bank, and that the enforcement of a remedy by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood. Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the Bank or the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to them for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from Executive.
| 12 |
12. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS.
All payments provided in this Agreement shall be timely paid in cash or check from the general funds of the Bank. The Company may accede to this Agreement but only for the purposed of guaranteeing payment and provision of all amounts and benefits due hereunder to Executive.
13. EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND EXISTING BENEFITS PLANS.
This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior employment agreement between the Bank or any predecessor of the Bank and Executive, except that this Agreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or compensation inuring to Executive of a kind elsewhere provided. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that Executive is subject to receiving fewer benefits than those available to him without reference to this Agreement.
14. NO ATTACHMENT; BINDING ON SUCCESSORS.
(a) Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, or hypothecation, or to execution, attachment, levy, or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void, and of no effect.
(b) This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Executive and the Bank and their respective successors and assigns.
15. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER.
(a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
(b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future as to any act other than that specifically waived.
16. REQUIRED PROVISIONS.
(a) The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the Board other than termination for Cause shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for Cause.
| 13 |
(b) If Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) [12 USC §1818(e)(3)] or 8(g)(1) [12 USC §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Bank’s obligations under this contract shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may in its discretion (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which were suspended.
(c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) [12 USC §1818(e)(4)] or 8(g)(1) [12 USC §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.
(d) If the Bank is in default as defined in Section 3(x)(1) [12 USC §1813(x)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the contracting parties.
(e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation of the contract is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank, (i) by either the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (collectively, the “Regulator”) or his or her designee, at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) [12 USC §1823(c)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or (ii) by the Regulator or his or her designee at the time the Regulator or his or her designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Regulator to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.
(f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to Executive by the Bank or the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k), and the regulations promulgated thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.
17. SEVERABILITY.
If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.
18. HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY.
The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
| 14 |
19. GOVERNING LAW.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin except to the extent superseded by federal law.
20. ARBITRATION.
Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration, as an alternative to civil litigation and without any trial by jury to resolve such claims, conducted by a panel of three arbitrators sitting in a location selected by Executive within fifty (50) miles from the main office of the Bank, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Bank’s National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes (“National Rules”) then in effect. One arbitrator shall be selected by Executive, one arbitrator shall be selected by the Bank and the third arbitrator shall be selected by the arbitrators selected by the parties. If the arbitrators are unable to agree within fifteen (15) days upon a third arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be appointed for them from a panel of arbitrators selected in accordance with the National Rules. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.
21. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Executive shall be provided with coverage under a standard directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, and shall be indemnified for the term of this Agreement and for a period of six years thereafter to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law against all expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved by reason of his having been a director or officer of the Bank or any affiliate (whether or not he continues to be a director or officer at the time of incurring such expenses or liabilities), such expenses and liabilities to include, but not be limited to, judgments, court costs and attorneys’ fees and the cost of reasonable settlements (such settlements must be approved by the Board), provided, however, Executive shall not be indemnified or reimbursed for legal expenses or liabilities incurred in connection with an action, suit or proceeding arising from any illegal or fraudulent act committed by Executive. Any such indemnification shall be made consistent with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and the regulations issued thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.
(b) Any indemnification by the Bank shall be subject to compliance with any applicable regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
15
22. Notice.
For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below:
| To the Bank: |
Chairman of the Board East Wisconsin Savings Bank 109 W. Second St. | |
|
To Executive:
|
_______________ At the address last appearing on the personnel records of the Bank |
16
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives, and Executive has signed this Agreement, on the date first above written.
| EAST WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK | ||
| By: | ||
| Chairman of the Board | ||
| EWSB BANCORP, INC. | ||
| By: | ||
| Chairman of the Board | ||
| EXECUTIVE | ||
17
Exhibit 10.2
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made effective as of [*], 2024 (the “Effective Date”), by and between East Wisconsin Savings Bank, a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank (the “Bank”), and James E. Mangold (the “Executive”). The Bank and Executive are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “parties.” Any reference to the “Company” shall mean EWSB Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of the Bank. The Company is a signatory to this Agreement for the purpose of guaranteeing the Bank’s performance hereunder.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed as Vice President and Head of Lending of the Bank; and
WHEREAS, the Bank desires to assure itself of the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to serve the Bank on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
During the term of this Agreement Executive agrees to serve as Vice President and Head of Lending of the Bank, and will perform such administrative and management services as customarily performed by person in a similar executive capacity and as may be reasonably assigned from time to time by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and/or the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”). Executive also agrees to serve, if elected, as an officer and director of any affiliate of the Bank.
2. TERM AND DUTIES.
(a) Two Year Contract; Annual Renewal. The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and continue until December 31, 2024. Commencing on January 1, 2025, the term shall continue thereafter for a period of two (2) years (the “Term”) and on January 1, 2026 and each January 1 thereafter (each, a “Renewal Date”), the Term of this Agreement shall renew for an additional year such that the remaining term of this Agreement is always two (2) years; provided, however, that in order for this Agreement to renew, the disinterested members of the Board must take the following actions within the time frames set forth below prior to each Renewal Date: (i) at least thirty (30) days prior to the Renewal Date, conduct or review a comprehensive performance evaluation of Executive for purposes of determining whether to extend this Agreement; and (ii) affirmatively approve the renewal or non-renewal of this Agreement, which decision shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s meeting. If the decision of such disinterested members of the Board is not to renew this Agreement, then the Board shall provide Executive with a written notice of non-renewal (“Non-Renewal Notice”) prior to any Renewal Date, such that this Agreement shall terminate at the end of twenty-four (24) months following such Renewal Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Company or the Bank has entered into an agreement to effect a transaction which would be considered a Change in Control as defined below, then the term of this Agreement shall be extended and shall terminate twenty-four (24) months following the date on which the Change in Control occurs.
(b) Termination of Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, either Executive or the Bank may terminate Executive’s employment with the Bank at any time during the term of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(c) Continued Employment Following Expiration of Term. Nothing in this Agreement shall mandate or prohibit a continuation of Executive’s employment following the expiration of the term of this Agreement, upon such terms and conditions as the Bank and Executive may mutually agree.
(d) Duties; Membership on Other Boards. During the term of this Agreement, except for periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and reasonable leaves of absence approved by the Board, Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time, attention, skill, and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties hereunder, including activities and services related to the organization, operation and management of the Bank; provided, however, that, Executive may serve, or continue to serve, on the boards of directors of, and hold any other offices or positions in, business companies or business or civic organizations, which, in the Board’s judgment, will not present any conflict of interest with the Bank, or materially affect the performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement. Executive shall provide the Board of Directors annually for its approval a list of organizations for which the Executive acts as a director or officer.
3. COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REIMBURSEMENT.
(a) Base Salary. In consideration of Executive’s performance of the duties set forth in Section 2, the Bank shall provide Executive the compensation specified in this Agreement. The Bank shall pay Executive a salary of $[*] per year (“Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be payable biweekly, or with such other frequency as officers of the Bank are generally paid. During the term of this Agreement, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Board or by a committee designated by the Board, and the Bank may increase, but not decrease (except for a decrease that is generally applicable to all employees) Executive’s Base Salary. Any increase in Base Salary shall become “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement.
(b) Bonus and Incentive Compensation. Executive shall be entitled to equitable participation in incentive compensation and bonuses in any plan or arrangement of the Bank or the Company in which Executive is eligible to participate. Nothing paid to Executive under any such plan or arrangement will be deemed to be in lieu of other compensation to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement.
2
(c) Employee Benefits. The Bank shall provide Executive with employee benefit plans, arrangements and perquisites substantially equivalent to those in which Executive was participating or from which he was deriving benefit immediately prior to the commencement of the term of this Agreement, and the Bank shall not, without Executive’s prior written consent, make any changes in such plans, arrangements or perquisites that would adversely affect Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, except as to any changes that are applicable to all participating employees. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this Section 3(c), Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive benefits under any employee benefit plans including, but not limited to, retirement plans, supplemental retirement plans, pension plans, profit-sharing plans, health-and-accident insurance plans, medical coverage or any other employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Bank and/or the Company in the future to its senior executives, including any stock benefit plans, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements.
(d) Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation time each year during the term of this Agreement (measured on a fiscal or calendar year basis, in accordance with the Bank’s usual practices), as well as sick leave, holidays and other paid absences in accordance with the Bank’s policies and procedures for senior executives. Any unused paid time off during an annual period shall be treated in accordance with the Bank’s personnel policies as in effect from time to time.
(e) Expense Reimbursements. The Bank shall also pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel, entertainment and other reasonable expenses incurred by Executive during the course of performing his obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations as Executive and the Board shall mutually agree are necessary and appropriate in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, upon presentation to the Bank of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Bank may reasonably require, provided that such payment or reimbursement shall be made as soon as practicable but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the year in which such right to such payment or reimbursement occurred.
4. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON AN EVENT OF TERMINATION.
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination (as herein defined) during the term of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 4 shall apply; provided, however, that in the event such Event of Termination occurs within eighteen (18) months following a Change in Control (as defined in Section 5 hereof), Section 5 shall apply instead. As used in this Agreement, an “Event of Termination’’ shall mean and include any one or more of the following:
(i) the involuntary termination of Executive’s employment hereunder by the Bank for any reason other than termination governed by Section 5 (in connection with or following a Change in Control), Section 6 (due to Disability or death), Section 7 (due to Retirement), or Section 8 (for Cause), provided that such termination constitutes a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); or
3
(ii) Executive’s resignation from the Bank’s employ upon any of the following, unless consented to by Executive:
(A) failure to appoint Executive to the position set forth in Section 1, or a material change in Executive’s function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility, importance, or scope from the position and responsibilities described in Section 1, to which Executive has not agreed in writing (and any such material change shall be deemed a continuing breach of this Agreement by the Bank);
(B) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location that is more than twenty-five (25) miles from such office as of the Effective Date hereof (unless the relocated office is closer to the Executive’s then principal residence);
(C) a material reduction in the benefits and perquisites, including Base Salary, to Executive from those being provided as of the Effective Date (except for any reduction that is part of a reduction in pay or benefits that is generally applicable to officers or employees of the Bank);
(D) a liquidation or dissolution of the Bank; or
(E) a material breach of this Agreement by the Bank.
Upon the occurrence of any event described in clause (ii) above, Executive shall have the right to elect to terminate his employment under this Agreement by resignation for “Good Reason” upon not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice given within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed ninety (90) days) after the event giving rise to the right to elect, which termination by Executive shall be an Event of Termination. The Bank shall have thirty (30) days to cure the condition giving rise to the Event of Termination, provided that the Bank may elect to waive said thirty (30) day period.
(b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall pay Executive, or, in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, the Base Salary and bonuses that Executive would be entitled to for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement. For purposes of determining the bonus(es) payable hereunder, the bonus(es) will be deemed to be (i) equal to the highest bonus paid at any time during the prior two years, and (ii) otherwise paid at such time as such bonus would have been paid absent an Event of Termination. Such payments shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under this Section 4 unless and until (i) Executive executes a release of his claims against the Bank, the Company and any affiliate, and their officers, directors, successors and assigns, releasing said persons from any and all claims, rights, demands, causes of action, suits, arbitrations or grievances relating to the employment relationship, including claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, but not including claims for benefits under tax-qualified plans or other benefit plans in which Executive is vested, claims for benefits required by applicable law or claims with respect to obligations set forth in this Agreement that survive the termination of this Agreement (the “Release”), and (ii) the payments and benefits under this Section 4 shall begin on the 30th day following the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, provided that before that date, the Executive has signed (and not revoked) the Release and the Release is irrevocable under the time period set forth under applicable law, provided further, that if the 30-day period spans two (2) calendar years, then, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code, the payments and benefits will be paid, or commence, in the second calendar year.
4
(c) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall pay Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum cash payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the present value of the contributions that would have been made on the Executive’s behalf under the Bank’s defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) Plan, ESOP, and any other defined contribution plan maintained by the Bank), as if Executive had continued working for the Bank for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement following such Event of Termination, earning the salary that would have been achieved during such period. Such payments shall be paid in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination.
(d) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall provide, at the Bank’s expense, for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement, nontaxable medical and dental coverage and life insurance coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to the Event of Termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if applicable law (including, but not limited to, laws prohibiting discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees), or, if participation by the Executive is not permitted under the terms of the applicable health plans, or if providing such benefits would subject the Bank to penalties, then the Bank shall pay the Executive a cash lump sum payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the value of such non-taxable medical and dental benefits, with such payment to be made by lump sum within) business days of the Date of Termination, or if later, the date on which the Bank determines that such insurance coverage (or the remainder of such insurance coverage) cannot be provided for the foregoing reasons.
(e) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Separation from Service” shall have occurred if the Bank and Executive reasonably anticipate that either no further services will be performed by the Executive after the date of the Event of Termination (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) or the level of further services performed will not exceed 49% of the average level of bona fide services in the 12 months immediately preceding the Event of Termination. For all purposes hereunder, the definition of Separation from Service shall be interpreted consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(ii). If Executive is a Specified Employee, as defined in Code Section 409A and any payment to be made under sub-paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section 4 shall be determined to be subject to Code Section 409A, then if required by Code Section 409A, such payment or a portion of such payment (to the minimum extent possible) shall be delayed and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service.
5
5. CHANGE IN CONTROL.
(a) Any payments made to Executive pursuant to this Section 5 are in lieu of any payments that may otherwise be owed to Executive pursuant to this Agreement under Section 4, such that Executive shall either receive payments pursuant to Section 4 or pursuant to Section 5, but not pursuant to both Sections.
(b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change in Control” shall mean:
| (1) | Merger: The Company or the Bank merges into or consolidates with another entity, or merges another Bank or corporation into the Bank or the Company, and as a result, less than a majority of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were stockholders of the Company or the Bank immediately before the merger or consolidation; |
| (2) | Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership: A person or persons acting in concert has or have become the beneficial owner of 25% or more of a class of the Company’s or the Bank’s voting securities; provided, however, this clause (2) shall not apply to beneficial ownership of the Company’s or the Bank’s voting shares held in a fiduciary capacity by an entity of which the Company directly or indirectly beneficially owns 50% or more of its outstanding voting securities; |
| (3) | Change in Board Composition: During any period of two consecutive years, individuals who constitute the Company’s or the Bank’s Board of Directors at the beginning of the two-year period cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Company’s or the Bank’s Board of Directors; provided, however, that for purposes of this clause (3), each director who is first elected by the board (or first nominated by the board for election by the stockholders or corporators) by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors who were directors at the beginning of the two-year period shall be deemed to have also been a director at the beginning of such period; or |
| (4) | Sale of Assets: The Company or the Bank sells to a third party all or substantially all of its assets. |
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred in connection with the conversion of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company form of organization and/or the Bank’s reorganization as a subsidiary of the Company and the related stock offering.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), Executive, shall receive as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, a lump sum cash payment equal to two times the sum of (i) Executive’s highest annual rate of Base Salary paid to Executive at any time under this Agreement, plus (ii) the highest bonus paid to Executive with respect to the two completed fiscal years prior to the Change in Control. Such payment shall be paid in a lump sum within ten (10) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination.
6
(d) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), the Bank shall pay Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum cash payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the present value of the contributions that would have been made on Executive’s behalf under the Bank’s defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) Plan, ESOP, and any other defined contribution plan maintained by the Bank), as if Executive had continued working for the Bank for twenty-four (24) months after the effective date of such termination of employment, earning the salary that would have been achieved during such period. Such payments shall be paid in a lump sum within ten (10) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination. If Executive is a Specified Employee, as defined in Code Section 409A and any payment to be made under this sub-paragraph (c) or (d) of this Section 5 shall be determined to be subject to Code Section 409A, then if required by Code Section 409A, such payment or a portion of such payment (to the minimum extent possible) shall be delayed and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service.
(e) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), the Bank (or its successor) shall provide at the Bank’s (or its successor’s) expense, nontaxable medical and dental coverage and life insurance coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to his termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees and then the coverage provided to Executive shall be commensurate with such changed coverage. Such coverage shall cease twenty-four (24) months following the termination of Executive’s employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if applicable law (including, but not limited to, laws prohibiting discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees), or, if participation by the Executive is not permitted under the terms of the applicable health plans, or if providing such benefits would subject the Bank to penalties, then the Bank shall pay the Executive a cash lump sum payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the value of such non-taxable medical and dental benefits, with such payment to be made by lump sum within ) business days of the Date of Termination, or if later, the date on which the Bank determines that such insurance coverage (or the remainder of such insurance coverage) cannot be provided for the foregoing reasons.
(f) Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this Section 5, in the event that the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to Executive in the event of a Change in Control would be deemed to include an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code or any successor thereto, then such payments or benefits shall be reduced to an amount, the value of which is one dollar ($1.00) less than an amount equal to three (3) times Executive’s “base amount,” as determined in accordance with Section 280G of the Code. In the event a reduction is necessary, then the cash severance payable by the Bank pursuant to Section 5 shall be reduced by the minimum amount necessary to result in no portion of the payments and benefits payable by the Bank under Section 5 being non-deductible to the Bank pursuant to Section 280G of the Code and subject to excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code.
7
6. TERMINATION FOR DISABILITY OR DEATH.
(a) Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall be construed to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i) Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; (ii) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company; or (iii) Executive is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. The provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) shall apply upon the termination of the Executive’s employment based on Disability. Upon the determination that Executive has suffered a Disability, disability payments hereunder shall commence within thirty (30) days.
(b) Executive shall be entitled to receive benefits under all short-term or long-term disability plans maintained by the Bank for its executives. To the extent such benefits are less than Executive’s Base Salary, the Bank shall pay Executive an amount equal to the difference between such disability plan benefits, Social Security disability benefits and the amount of Executive’s Base Salary for the longer of one (1) year following the termination of his employment due to Disability or the remaining term of this Agreement, which shall be payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Bank.
(c) The Bank shall cause to be continued non-taxable medical and dental coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to the termination of his employment based on Disability, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees or not available on an individual basis to an employee terminated based on Disability. This coverage shall cease upon the earlier of (i) the date Executive returns to the full-time employment of the Bank; (ii) Executive’s full-time employment by another employer; (iii) expiration of the remaining term of this Agreement; or (iv) Executive’s death.
(d) In the event of Executive’s death during the term of this Agreement, his estate, legal representatives or named beneficiaries (as directed by Executive in writing) shall be paid Executive’s Base Salary at the rate in effect at the time of Executive’s death in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Bank for a period of one (1) year from the date of Executive’s death, and the Bank shall continue to provide non-taxable medical, and dental insurance benefits normally provided for Executive’s family (in accordance with its customary co-pay percentages) for twelve (12) months after Executive’s death. Such payments are in addition to any other life insurance benefits that Executive’s beneficiaries may be entitled to receive under any employee benefit plan maintained by the Bank for the benefit of Executive, including, but not limited to, the Bank’s tax-qualified retirement plans.
8
7. TERMINATION UPON RETIREMENT.
Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Retirement” shall mean termination of Executive’s employment at any time after Executive reaches age 65 or in accordance with any retirement policy established by the Board with Executive’s consent as it applies to him. Upon termination of Executive based on Retirement, no amounts or benefits shall be due Executive under this Agreement, and Executive shall be entitled to all benefits under any retirement plan of the Bank and other plans to which Executive is a party.
8. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.
(a) The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination other than termination for “Cause,” as defined herein, shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for “Cause.” The term “Cause” as used herein, shall exist when there has been a good faith determination by the Board that there shall have occurred one or more of the following events with respect to the Executive:
| (1) | personal dishonesty in performing Executive’s duties on behalf of the Bank; |
| (2) | incompetence in performing Executive’s duties on behalf of the Bank; |
| (3) | willful misconduct that in the judgment of the Board will likely cause economic damage to the Bank or injury to the business reputation of the Bank; |
| (4) | breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit; |
| (5) | material breach of the Bank’s Code of Ethics; |
| (6) | intentional failure to perform stated duties under this Agreement after written notice thereof from the Board; |
| (7) | willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) that reflect adversely on the reputation of the Bank, any felony conviction, any violation of law involving moral turpitude, or any violation of a final cease-and-desist order; or |
| (8) | material breach by Executive of any provision of this Agreement. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cause shall not be deemed to exist unless there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for the purpose (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was guilty of conduct described above and specifying the particulars thereof. Prior to holding a meeting at which the Board is to make a final determination whether Cause exists, if the Board determines in good faith at a meeting of the Board, by not less than a majority of its entire membership, that there is probable cause for it to find that the Executive was guilty of conduct constituting Cause as described above, the Board may suspend the Executive from his duties hereunder for a reasonable period of time not to exceed fourteen (14) days pending a further meeting at which the Executive shall be given the opportunity to be heard before the Board. Upon a finding of Cause, the Board shall deliver to the Executive a Notice of Termination, as more fully described in Section 10 below.
9
(b) For purposes of this Section 8, no act or failure to act, on the part of Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Bank. Any act, or failure to act, based upon the direction of the Board or based upon the advice of counsel for the Bank shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Bank.
9. RESIGNATION FROM BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
In the event of Executive’s termination of employment due to an Event of Termination, Executive’s service as a director of the Bank, the Company, and any affiliate of the Bank or the Company shall immediately terminate. This Section 9 shall constitute a resignation notice for such purposes.
10. NOTICE.
(a) Any purported termination by the Bank for Cause shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to Executive. If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination for Cause is given, Executive notifies the Bank that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the parties shall promptly proceed to arbitration, as provided in Section 20. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute, the Bank shall discontinue paying Executive’s compensation until the dispute is finally resolved in accordance with this Agreement. If it is determined that Executive is entitled to compensation and benefits under Section 4 or 5, the payment of such compensation and benefits by the Bank shall commence immediately following the date of resolution by arbitration, with interest due Executive on the cash amount that would have been paid pending arbitration (at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time).
(b) Any other purported termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by a “Notice of Termination” (as defined in Section 10(c)) to the other party. If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination is given, the party receiving such Notice of Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the parties shall promptly proceed to arbitration as provided in Section 20. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute, the Bank shall continue to pay Executive his Base Salary, and other compensation and benefits in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (except as to termination of Executive for Cause); provided, however, that such payments and benefits shall not continue beyond the date that is twenty-four (24) months from the date the Notice of Termination is given. In the event the voluntary termination by Executive of his employment is disputed by the Bank, and if it is determined in arbitration that Executive is not entitled to termination benefits pursuant to this Agreement, he shall return all cash payments made to him pending resolution by arbitration, with interest thereon at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time, if it is determined in arbitration that Executive’s voluntary termination of employment was not taken in good faith and not in the reasonable belief that grounds existed for his voluntary termination. If it is determined that Executive is entitled to receive severance benefits under this Agreement, then any continuation of Base Salary and other compensation and benefits made to Executive under this Section 10 shall offset the amount of any severance benefits that are due to Executive under this Agreement.
10
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.
11. POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS.
(a) One Year Non-Solicitation. Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one year following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly:
(i) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended (or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect) to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Bank or the Company, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any business whatsoever that competes with the business of the Bank or the Company, or any of their direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates or has headquarters or offices within twenty-five (25) miles of the locations in which the Bank or the Company has business operations or has filed an application for regulatory approval to establish an office, or
(ii) contact (with a view toward selling any product or service competitive with any product or service sold or proposed to be sold by the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities) any person, firm, association or corporation (A) to which the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities sold any product or service within thirty-six months of the Executive’s termination of employment, (B) which Executive solicited, contacted or otherwise dealt with on behalf of the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities within one year of the Executive’s termination of employment, or (C) which Executive was otherwise aware was a client of the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities at the time of termination of employment. Executive will not directly or indirectly make any such contact, either for his own benefit or for the benefit of any other person, firm, association, or corporation.
(b) Six Month Non-Competition. Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of six months following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly become an officer, employee, consultant, director, independent contractor, agent, sole proprietor, joint venturer, greater than 5% equity owner or stockholder, partner or trustee of any savings association, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, credit union, bank or bank holding company, insurance company or agency, any mortgage or loan broker or any other financial services entity or business that competes with the business of the Bank or its affiliates or has headquarters or offices within thirty (30) miles of Kaukauna, Wisconsin Notwithstanding the foregoing, this non-competition restriction shall not apply if Executive’s employment is terminated following a Change in Control or if the Bank terminates the Executive for a reason other than Cause (as defined in this Agreement).
11
(c) As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information belonging to the Bank which is of value to the Bank in the course of conducting its business and the disclosure of which could result in a competitive or other disadvantage to the Bank. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, financial information, reports, and forecasts; inventions, improvements and other intellectual property; trade secrets; know-how; designs, processes or formulae; software; market or sales information or plans; customer lists; and business plans, prospects and opportunities (such as possible acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or facilities) which have been discussed or considered by the management of the Bank. Confidential Information includes information developed by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment by the Bank, as well as other information to which the Executive may have access in connection with the Executive’s employment. Confidential Information also includes the confidential information of others with which the Bank has a business relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include information in the public domain. The Executive understands and agrees that the Executive’s employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between the Executive and the Bank with respect to all Confidential Information. At all times, both during the Executive’s employment with the Bank and after its termination, the Executive will keep in confidence and trust all such Confidential Information, and will not use or disclose any such Confidential Information without the written consent of the Bank, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing the Executive’s duties to the Bank.
(d) Executive shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and assistance to the Bank as may reasonably be required by the Bank, in connection with any litigation in which it or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is, or may become, a party; provided, however, that Executive shall not be required to provide information or assistance with respect to any litigation between the Executive and the Bank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
(e) All payments and benefits to Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to Executive’s compliance with this Section 11. The parties hereto, recognizing that irreparable injury will result to the Bank, its business and property in the event of Executive’s breach of this Section 11, agree that, in the event of any such breach by Executive, the Bank will be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain the violation hereof by Executive and all persons acting for or with Executive. Executive represents and admits that Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment in a business engaged in other lines and/or of a different nature than the Bank, and that the enforcement of a remedy by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood. Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the Bank or the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to them for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from Executive.
12. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS.
All payments provided in this Agreement shall be timely paid in cash or check from the general funds of the Bank. The Company may accede to this Agreement but only for the purposed of guaranteeing payment and provision of all amounts and benefits due hereunder to Executive.
12
13. EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND EXISTING BENEFITS PLANS.
This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior employment agreement between the Bank or any predecessor of the Bank and Executive, except that this Agreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or compensation inuring to Executive of a kind elsewhere provided. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that Executive is subject to receiving fewer benefits than those available to him without reference to this Agreement.
14. NO ATTACHMENT; BINDING ON SUCCESSORS.
(a) Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, or hypothecation, or to execution, attachment, levy, or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void, and of no effect.
(b) This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Executive and the Bank and their respective successors and assigns.
15. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER.
(a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
(b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future as to any act other than that specifically waived.
16. REQUIRED PROVISIONS.
(a) The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the Board other than termination for Cause shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for Cause.
(b) If Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) [12 USC §1818(e)(3)] or 8(g)(1) [12 USC §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Bank’s obligations under this contract shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may in its discretion (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which were suspended.
13
(c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) [12 USC §1818(e)(4)] or 8(g)(1) [12 USC §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.
(d) If the Bank is in default as defined in Section 3(x)(1) [12 USC §1813(x)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the contracting parties.
(e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation of the contract is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank, (i) by either the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (collectively, the “Regulator”) or his or her designee, at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) [12 USC §1823(c)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or (ii) by the Regulator or his or her designee at the time the Regulator or his or her designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Regulator to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.
(f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to Executive by the Bank or the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k), and the regulations promulgated thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.
17. SEVERABILITY.
If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.
18. HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY.
The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
19. GOVERNING LAW.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin except to the extent superseded by federal law.
14
20. ARBITRATION.
Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration, as an alternative to civil litigation and without any trial by jury to resolve such claims, conducted by a panel of three arbitrators sitting in a location selected by Executive within fifty (50) miles from the main office of the Bank, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Bank’s National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes (“National Rules”) then in effect. One arbitrator shall be selected by Executive, one arbitrator shall be selected by the Bank and the third arbitrator shall be selected by the arbitrators selected by the parties. If the arbitrators are unable to agree within fifteen (15) days upon a third arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be appointed for them from a panel of arbitrators selected in accordance with the National Rules. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.
21. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Executive shall be provided with coverage under a standard directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, and shall be indemnified for the term of this Agreement and for a period of six years thereafter to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law against all expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved by reason of his having been a director or officer of the Bank or any affiliate (whether or not he continues to be a director or officer at the time of incurring such expenses or liabilities), such expenses and liabilities to include, but not be limited to, judgments, court costs and attorneys’ fees and the cost of reasonable settlements (such settlements must be approved by the Board), provided, however, Executive shall not be indemnified or reimbursed for legal expenses or liabilities incurred in connection with an action, suit or proceeding arising from any illegal or fraudulent act committed by Executive. Any such indemnification shall be made consistent with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and the regulations issued thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.
(b) Any indemnification by the Bank shall be subject to compliance with any applicable regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
15
22. Notice.
For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below:
| To the Bank: |
Chairman of the Board East Wisconsin Savings Bank 109 W. Second St. | |
|
To Executive:
|
_______________ At the address last appearing on the personnel records of the Bank |
16
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives, and Executive has signed this Agreement, on the date first above written.
| EAST WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK | ||
| By: | ||
| Chairman of the Board | ||
| EWSB BANCORP, INC. | ||
| By: | ||
| Chairman of the Board | ||
| EXECUTIVE | ||
17
Exhibit 10.3
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made effective as of [*], 2024 (the “Effective Date”), by and between East Wisconsin Savings Bank, a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank (the “Bank”), and Kory J. Schneider (the “Executive”). The Bank and Executive are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “parties.” Any reference to the “Company” shall mean EWSB Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of the Bank. The Company is a signatory to this Agreement for the purpose of guaranteeing the Bank’s performance hereunder.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed as Vice President, Member Experience of the Bank; and
WHEREAS, the Bank desires to assure itself of the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to serve the Bank on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:
1. POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
During the term of this Agreement Executive agrees to serve as Vice President, Member Experience of the Bank, and will perform such administrative and management services as customarily performed by person in a similar executive capacity and as may be reasonably assigned from time to time by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and/or the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”). Executive also agrees to serve, if elected, as an officer and director of any affiliate of the Bank.
2. TERM AND DUTIES.
(a) Two Year Contract; Annual Renewal. The term of this Agreement shall commence as of the Effective Date and continue until December 31, 2024. Commencing on January 1, 2025, the term shall continue thereafter for a period of two (2) years (the “Term”) and on January 1, 2026 and each January 1 thereafter (each, a “Renewal Date”), the Term of this Agreement shall renew for an additional year such that the remaining term of this Agreement is always two (2) years; provided, however, that in order for this Agreement to renew, the disinterested members of the Board must take the following actions within the time frames set forth below prior to each Renewal Date: (i) at least thirty (30) days prior to the Renewal Date, conduct or review a comprehensive performance evaluation of Executive for purposes of determining whether to extend this Agreement; and (ii) affirmatively approve the renewal or non-renewal of this Agreement, which decision shall be included in the minutes of the Board’s meeting. If the decision of such disinterested members of the Board is not to renew this Agreement, then the Board shall provide Executive with a written notice of non-renewal (“Non-Renewal Notice”) prior to any Renewal Date, such that this Agreement shall terminate at the end of twenty-four (24) months following such Renewal Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Company or the Bank has entered into an agreement to effect a transaction which would be considered a Change in Control as defined below, then the term of this Agreement shall be extended and shall terminate twenty-four (24) months following the date on which the Change in Control occurs.
(b) Termination of Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, either Executive or the Bank may terminate Executive’s employment with the Bank at any time during the term of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(c) Continued Employment Following Expiration of Term. Nothing in this Agreement shall mandate or prohibit a continuation of Executive’s employment following the expiration of the term of this Agreement, upon such terms and conditions as the Bank and Executive may mutually agree.
(d) Duties; Membership on Other Boards. During the term of this Agreement, except for periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and reasonable leaves of absence approved by the Board, Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time, attention, skill, and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties hereunder, including activities and services related to the organization, operation and management of the Bank; provided, however, that, Executive may serve, or continue to serve, on the boards of directors of, and hold any other offices or positions in, business companies or business or civic organizations, which, in the Board’s judgment, will not present any conflict of interest with the Bank, or materially affect the performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement. Executive shall provide the Board of Directors annually for its approval a list of organizations for which the Executive acts as a director or officer.
3. COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REIMBURSEMENT.
(a) Base Salary. In consideration of Executive’s performance of the duties set forth in Section 2, the Bank shall provide Executive the compensation specified in this Agreement. The Bank shall pay Executive a salary of $[*] per year (“Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be payable biweekly, or with such other frequency as officers of the Bank are generally paid. During the term of this Agreement, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Board or by a committee designated by the Board, and the Bank may increase, but not decrease (except for a decrease that is generally applicable to all employees) Executive’s Base Salary. Any increase in Base Salary shall become “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement.
(b) Bonus and Incentive Compensation. Executive shall be entitled to equitable participation in incentive compensation and bonuses in any plan or arrangement of the Bank or the Company in which Executive is eligible to participate. Nothing paid to Executive under any such plan or arrangement will be deemed to be in lieu of other compensation to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement.
2
(c) Employee Benefits. The Bank shall provide Executive with employee benefit plans, arrangements and perquisites substantially equivalent to those in which Executive was participating or from which he was deriving benefit immediately prior to the commencement of the term of this Agreement, and the Bank shall not, without Executive’s prior written consent, make any changes in such plans, arrangements or perquisites that would adversely affect Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, except as to any changes that are applicable to all participating employees. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this Section 3(c), Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive benefits under any employee benefit plans including, but not limited to, retirement plans, supplemental retirement plans, pension plans, profit-sharing plans, health-and-accident insurance plans, medical coverage or any other employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Bank and/or the Company in the future to its senior executives, including any stock benefit plans, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements.
(d) Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation time each year during the term of this Agreement (measured on a fiscal or calendar year basis, in accordance with the Bank’s usual practices), as well as sick leave, holidays and other paid absences in accordance with the Bank’s policies and procedures for senior executives. Any unused paid time off during an annual period shall be treated in accordance with the Bank’s personnel policies as in effect from time to time.
(e) Expense Reimbursements. The Bank shall also pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel, entertainment and other reasonable expenses incurred by Executive during the course of performing his obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations as Executive and the Board shall mutually agree are necessary and appropriate in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, upon presentation to the Bank of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Bank may reasonably require, provided that such payment or reimbursement shall be made as soon as practicable but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the year in which such right to such payment or reimbursement occurred.
4. PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON AN EVENT OF TERMINATION.
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination (as herein defined) during the term of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 4 shall apply; provided, however, that in the event such Event of Termination occurs within eighteen (18) months following a Change in Control (as defined in Section 5 hereof), Section 5 shall apply instead. As used in this Agreement, an “Event of Termination’’ shall mean and include any one or more of the following:
3
(i) the involuntary termination of Executive’s employment hereunder by the Bank for any reason other than termination governed by Section 5 (in connection with or following a Change in Control), Section 6 (due to Disability or death), Section 7 (due to Retirement), or Section 8 (for Cause), provided that such termination constitutes a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”); or
(ii) Executive’s resignation from the Bank’s employ upon any of the following, unless consented to by Executive:
(A) failure to appoint Executive to the position set forth in Section 1, or a material change in Executive’s function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility, importance, or scope from the position and responsibilities described in Section 1, to which Executive has not agreed in writing (and any such material change shall be deemed a continuing breach of this Agreement by the Bank);
(B) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location that is more than twenty-five (25) miles from such office as of the Effective Date hereof (unless the relocated office is closer to the Executive’s then principal residence);
(C) a material reduction in the benefits and perquisites, including Base Salary, to Executive from those being provided as of the Effective Date (except for any reduction that is part of a reduction in pay or benefits that is generally applicable to officers or employees of the Bank);
(D) a liquidation or dissolution of the Bank; or
(E) a material breach of this Agreement by the Bank.
Upon the occurrence of any event described in clause (ii) above, Executive shall have the right to elect to terminate his employment under this Agreement by resignation for “Good Reason” upon not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice given within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed ninety (90) days) after the event giving rise to the right to elect, which termination by Executive shall be an Event of Termination. The Bank shall have thirty (30) days to cure the condition giving rise to the Event of Termination, provided that the Bank may elect to waive said thirty (30) day period.
(b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall pay Executive, or, in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, the Base Salary and bonuses that Executive would be entitled to for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement. For purposes of determining the bonus(es) payable hereunder, the bonus(es) will be deemed to be (i) equal to the highest bonus paid at any time during the prior two years, and (ii) otherwise paid at such time as such bonus would have been paid absent an Event of Termination. Such payments shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under this Section 4 unless and until (i) Executive executes a release of his claims against the Bank, the Company and any affiliate, and their officers, directors, successors and assigns, releasing said persons from any and all claims, rights, demands, causes of action, suits, arbitrations or grievances relating to the employment relationship, including claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, but not including claims for benefits under tax-qualified plans or other benefit plans in which Executive is vested, claims for benefits required by applicable law or claims with respect to obligations set forth in this Agreement that survive the termination of this Agreement (the “Release”), and (ii) the payments and benefits under this Section 4 shall begin on the 30th day following the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, provided that before that date, the Executive has signed (and not revoked) the Release and the Release is irrevocable under the time period set forth under applicable law, provided further, that if the 30-day period spans two (2) calendar years, then, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”), the payments and benefits will be paid, or commence, in the second calendar year.
4
(c) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall pay Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum cash payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the present value of the contributions that would have been made on the Executive’s behalf under the Bank’s defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) Plan, ESOP, and any other defined contribution plan maintained by the Bank), as if Executive had continued working for the Bank for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement following such Event of Termination, earning the salary that would have been achieved during such period. Such payments shall be paid in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination.
(d) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall provide, at the Bank’s expense, for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement, nontaxable medical and dental coverage and life insurance coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to the Event of Termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if applicable law (including, but not limited to, laws prohibiting discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees), or, if participation by the Executive is not permitted under the terms of the applicable health plans, or if providing such benefits would subject the Bank to penalties, then the Bank shall pay the Executive a cash lump sum payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the value of such non-taxable medical and dental benefits, with such payment to be made by lump sum within) business days of the Date of Termination, or if later, the date on which the Bank determines that such insurance coverage (or the remainder of such insurance coverage) cannot be provided for the foregoing reasons.
(e) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Separation from Service” shall have occurred if the Bank and Executive reasonably anticipate that either no further services will be performed by the Executive after the date of the Event of Termination (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) or the level of further services performed will not exceed 49% of the average level of bona fide services in the 12 months immediately preceding the Event of Termination. For all purposes hereunder, the definition of Separation from Service shall be interpreted consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(ii). If Executive is a Specified Employee, as defined in Code Section 409A and any payment to be made under sub-paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section 4 shall be determined to be subject to Code Section 409A, then if required by Code Section 409A, such payment or a portion of such payment (to the minimum extent possible) shall be delayed and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service.
5
5. CHANGE IN CONTROL.
(a) Any payments made to Executive pursuant to this Section 5 are in lieu of any payments that may otherwise be owed to Executive pursuant to this Agreement under Section 4, such that Executive shall either receive payments pursuant to Section 4 or pursuant to Section 5, but not pursuant to both Sections.
(b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change in Control” shall mean:
| (1) | Merger: The Company or the Bank merges into or consolidates with another entity, or merges another Bank or corporation into the Bank or the Company, and as a result, less than a majority of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were stockholders of the Company or the Bank immediately before the merger or consolidation; |
| (2) | Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership: A person or persons acting in concert has or have become the beneficial owner of 25% or more of a class of the Company’s or the Bank’s voting securities; provided, however, this clause (2) shall not apply to beneficial ownership of the Company’s or the Bank’s voting shares held in a fiduciary capacity by an entity of which the Company directly or indirectly beneficially owns 50% or more of its outstanding voting securities; |
| (3) | Change in Board Composition: During any period of two consecutive years, individuals who constitute the Company’s or the Bank’s Board of Directors at the beginning of the two-year period cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Company’s or the Bank’s Board of Directors; provided, however, that for purposes of this clause (3), each director who is first elected by the board (or first nominated by the board for election by the stockholders or corporators) by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors who were directors at the beginning of the two-year period shall be deemed to have also been a director at the beginning of such period; or |
| (4) | Sale of Assets: The Company or the Bank sells to a third party all or substantially all of its assets. |
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred in connection with the conversion of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company form of organization and/or the Bank’s reorganization as a subsidiary of the Company and the related stock offering.
6
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), Executive, shall receive as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, a lump sum cash payment equal to two times the sum of (i) Executive’s highest annual rate of Base Salary paid to Executive at any time under this Agreement, plus (ii) the highest bonus paid to Executive with respect to the two completed fiscal years prior to the Change in Control. Such payment shall be paid in a lump sum within ten (10) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination.
(d) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), the Bank shall pay Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum cash payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the present value of the contributions that would have been made on Executive’s behalf under the Bank’s defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) Plan, ESOP, and any other defined contribution plan maintained by the Bank), as if Executive had continued working for the Bank for twenty-four (24) months after the effective date of such termination of employment, earning the salary that would have been achieved during such period. Such payments shall be paid in a lump sum within ten (10) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination. If Executive is a Specified Employee, as defined in Code Section 409A and any payment to be made under this sub-paragraph (c) or (d) of this Section 5 shall be determined to be subject to Code Section 409A, then if required by Code Section 409A, such payment or a portion of such payment (to the minimum extent possible) shall be delayed and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service.
(e) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), the Bank (or its successor) shall provide at the Bank’s (or its successor’s) expense, nontaxable medical and dental coverage and life insurance coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to his termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees and then the coverage provided to Executive shall be commensurate with such changed coverage. Such coverage shall cease twenty-four (24) months following the termination of Executive’s employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if applicable law (including, but not limited to, laws prohibiting discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees), or, if participation by the Executive is not permitted under the terms of the applicable health plans, or if providing such benefits would subject the Bank to penalties, then the Bank shall pay the Executive a cash lump sum payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the value of such non-taxable medical and dental benefits, with such payment to be made by lump sum within ) business days of the Date of Termination, or if later, the date on which the Bank determines that such insurance coverage (or the remainder of such insurance coverage) cannot be provided for the foregoing reasons.
(f) Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this Section 5, in the event that the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to Executive in the event of a Change in Control would be deemed to include an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code or any successor thereto, then such payments or benefits shall be reduced to an amount, the value of which is one dollar ($1.00) less than an amount equal to three (3) times Executive’s “base amount,” as determined in accordance with Section 280G of the Code. In the event a reduction is necessary, then the cash severance payable by the Bank pursuant to Section 5 shall be reduced by the minimum amount necessary to result in no portion of the payments and benefits payable by the Bank under Section 5 being non-deductible to the Bank pursuant to Section 280G of the Code and subject to excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code.
7
6. TERMINATION FOR DISABILITY OR DEATH.
(a) Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall be construed to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i) Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; (ii) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company; or (iii) Executive is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. The provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) shall apply upon the termination of the Executive’s employment based on Disability. Upon the determination that Executive has suffered a Disability, disability payments hereunder shall commence within thirty (30) days.
(b) Executive shall be entitled to receive benefits under all short-term or long-term disability plans maintained by the Bank for its executives. To the extent such benefits are less than Executive’s Base Salary, the Bank shall pay Executive an amount equal to the difference between such disability plan benefits, Social Security disability benefits and the amount of Executive’s Base Salary for the longer of one (1) year following the termination of his employment due to Disability or the remaining term of this Agreement, which shall be payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Bank.
(c) The Bank shall cause to be continued non-taxable medical and dental coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to the termination of his employment based on Disability, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees or not available on an individual basis to an employee terminated based on Disability. This coverage shall cease upon the earlier of (i) the date Executive returns to the full-time employment of the Bank; (ii) Executive’s full-time employment by another employer; (iii) expiration of the remaining term of this Agreement; or (iv) Executive’s death.
(d) In the event of Executive’s death during the term of this Agreement, his estate, legal representatives or named beneficiaries (as directed by Executive in writing) shall be paid Executive’s Base Salary at the rate in effect at the time of Executive’s death in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Bank for a period of one (1) year from the date of Executive’s death, and the Bank shall continue to provide non-taxable medical, and dental insurance benefits normally provided for Executive’s family (in accordance with its customary co-pay percentages) for twelve (12) months after Executive’s death. Such payments are in addition to any other life insurance benefits that Executive’s beneficiaries may be entitled to receive under any employee benefit plan maintained by the Bank for the benefit of Executive, including, but not limited to, the Bank’s tax-qualified retirement plans.
8
7. TERMINATION UPON RETIREMENT.
Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Retirement” shall mean termination of Executive’s employment at any time after Executive reaches age 65 or in accordance with any retirement policy established by the Board with Executive’s consent as it applies to him. Upon termination of Executive based on Retirement, no amounts or benefits shall be due Executive under this Agreement, and Executive shall be entitled to all benefits under any retirement plan of the Bank and other plans to which Executive is a party.
8. TERMINATION FOR CAUSE.
(a) The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination other than termination for “Cause,” as defined herein, shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for “Cause.” The term “Cause” as used herein, shall exist when there has been a good faith determination by the Board that there shall have occurred one or more of the following events with respect to the Executive:
| (1) | personal dishonesty in performing Executive’s duties on behalf of the Bank; |
| (2) | incompetence in performing Executive’s duties on behalf of the Bank; |
| (3) | willful misconduct that in the judgment of the Board will likely cause economic damage to the Bank or injury to the business reputation of the Bank; |
| (4) | breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit; |
| (5) | material breach of the Bank’s Code of Ethics; |
| (6) | intentional failure to perform stated duties under this Agreement after written notice thereof from the Board; |
| (7) | willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) that reflect adversely on the reputation of the Bank, any felony conviction, any violation of law involving moral turpitude, or any violation of a final cease-and-desist order; or |
| (8) | material breach by Executive of any provision of this Agreement. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cause shall not be deemed to exist unless there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for the purpose (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was guilty of conduct described above and specifying the particulars thereof. Prior to holding a meeting at which the Board is to make a final determination whether Cause exists, if the Board determines in good faith at a meeting of the Board, by not less than a majority of its entire membership, that there is probable cause for it to find that the Executive was guilty of conduct constituting Cause as described above, the Board may suspend the Executive from his duties hereunder for a reasonable period of time not to exceed fourteen (14) days pending a further meeting at which the Executive shall be given the opportunity to be heard before the Board. Upon a finding of Cause, the Board shall deliver to the Executive a Notice of Termination, as more fully described in Section 10 below.
9
(b) For purposes of this Section 8, no act or failure to act, on the part of Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Bank. Any act, or failure to act, based upon the direction of the Board or based upon the advice of counsel for the Bank shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Bank.
9. RESIGNATION FROM BOARDS OF DIRECTORS
In the event of Executive’s termination of employment due to an Event of Termination, Executive’s service as a director of the Bank, the Company, and any affiliate of the Bank or the Company shall immediately terminate. This Section 9 shall constitute a resignation notice for such purposes.
10. NOTICE.
(a) Any purported termination by the Bank for Cause shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to Executive. If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination for Cause is given, Executive notifies the Bank that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the parties shall promptly proceed to arbitration, as provided in Section 20. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute, the Bank shall discontinue paying Executive’s compensation until the dispute is finally resolved in accordance with this Agreement. If it is determined that Executive is entitled to compensation and benefits under Section 4 or 5, the payment of such compensation and benefits by the Bank shall commence immediately following the date of resolution by arbitration, with interest due Executive on the cash amount that would have been paid pending arbitration (at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time).
(b) Any other purported termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by a “Notice of Termination” (as defined in Section 10(c)) to the other party. If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination is given, the party receiving such Notice of Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the parties shall promptly proceed to arbitration as provided in Section 20. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute, the Bank shall continue to pay Executive his Base Salary, and other compensation and benefits in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (except as to termination of Executive for Cause); provided, however, that such payments and benefits shall not continue beyond the date that is twenty-four (24) months from the date the Notice of Termination is given. In the event the voluntary termination by Executive of his employment is disputed by the Bank, and if it is determined in arbitration that Executive is not entitled to termination benefits pursuant to this Agreement, he shall return all cash payments made to him pending resolution by arbitration, with interest thereon at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time, if it is determined in arbitration that Executive’s voluntary termination of employment was not taken in good faith and not in the reasonable belief that grounds existed for his voluntary termination. If it is determined that Executive is entitled to receive severance benefits under this Agreement, then any continuation of Base Salary and other compensation and benefits made to Executive under this Section 10 shall offset the amount of any severance benefits that are due to Executive under this Agreement.
10
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.
11. POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS.
(a) One Year Non-Solicitation. Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one year following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly:
(i) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended (or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect) to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Bank or the Company, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any business whatsoever that competes with the business of the Bank or the Company, or any of their direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates or has headquarters or offices within twenty-five (25) miles of the locations in which the Bank or the Company has business operations or has filed an application for regulatory approval to establish an office, or
(ii) contact (with a view toward selling any product or service competitive with any product or service sold or proposed to be sold by the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities) any person, firm, association or corporation (A) to which the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities sold any product or service within thirty-six months of the Executive’s termination of employment, (B) which Executive solicited, contacted or otherwise dealt with on behalf of the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities within one year of the Executive’s termination of employment, or (C) which Executive was otherwise aware was a client of the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities at the time of termination of employment. Executive will not directly or indirectly make any such contact, either for his own benefit or for the benefit of any other person, firm, association, or corporation.
(b) Six Month Non-Competition. Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of six months following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly become an officer, employee, consultant, director, independent contractor, agent, sole proprietor, joint venturer, greater than 5% equity owner or stockholder, partner or trustee of any savings association, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, credit union, bank or bank holding company, insurance company or agency, any mortgage or loan broker or any other financial services entity or business that competes with the business of the Bank or its affiliates or has headquarters or offices within thirty (30) miles of Kaukauna, Wisconsin Notwithstanding the foregoing, this non-competition restriction shall not apply if Executive’s employment is terminated following a Change in Control or if the Bank terminates the Executive for a reason other than Cause (as defined in this Agreement).
11
(c) As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information belonging to the Bank which is of value to the Bank in the course of conducting its business and the disclosure of which could result in a competitive or other disadvantage to the Bank. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, financial information, reports, and forecasts; inventions, improvements and other intellectual property; trade secrets; know-how; designs, processes or formulae; software; market or sales information or plans; customer lists; and business plans, prospects and opportunities (such as possible acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or facilities) which have been discussed or considered by the management of the Bank. Confidential Information includes information developed by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment by the Bank, as well as other information to which the Executive may have access in connection with the Executive’s employment. Confidential Information also includes the confidential information of others with which the Bank has a business relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include information in the public domain. The Executive understands and agrees that the Executive’s employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between the Executive and the Bank with respect to all Confidential Information. At all times, both during the Executive’s employment with the Bank and after its termination, the Executive will keep in confidence and trust all such Confidential Information, and will not use or disclose any such Confidential Information without the written consent of the Bank, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing the Executive’s duties to the Bank.
(d) Executive shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and assistance to the Bank as may reasonably be required by the Bank, in connection with any litigation in which it or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is, or may become, a party; provided, however, that Executive shall not be required to provide information or assistance with respect to any litigation between the Executive and the Bank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
(e) All payments and benefits to Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to Executive’s compliance with this Section 11. The parties hereto, recognizing that irreparable injury will result to the Bank, its business and property in the event of Executive’s breach of this Section 11, agree that, in the event of any such breach by Executive, the Bank will be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain the violation hereof by Executive and all persons acting for or with Executive. Executive represents and admits that Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment in a business engaged in other lines and/or of a different nature than the Bank, and that the enforcement of a remedy by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood. Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the Bank or the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to them for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from Executive.
12
12. SOURCE OF PAYMENTS.
All payments provided in this Agreement shall be timely paid in cash or check from the general funds of the Bank. The Company may accede to this Agreement but only for the purposed of guaranteeing payment and provision of all amounts and benefits due hereunder to Executive.
13. EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND EXISTING BENEFITS PLANS.
This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior employment agreement between the Bank or any predecessor of the Bank and Executive, except that this Agreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or compensation inuring to Executive of a kind elsewhere provided. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that Executive is subject to receiving fewer benefits than those available to him without reference to this Agreement.
14. NO ATTACHMENT; BINDING ON SUCCESSORS.
(a) Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, or hypothecation, or to execution, attachment, levy, or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void, and of no effect.
(b) This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Executive and the Bank and their respective successors and assigns.
15. MODIFICATION AND WAIVER.
(a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
(b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future as to any act other than that specifically waived.
16. REQUIRED PROVISIONS.
(a) The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the Board other than termination for Cause shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for Cause.
13
(b) If Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) [12 USC §1818(e)(3)] or 8(g)(1) [12 USC §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Bank’s obligations under this contract shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may in its discretion (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which were suspended.
(c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) [12 USC §1818(e)(4)] or 8(g)(1) [12 USC §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.
(d) If the Bank is in default as defined in Section 3(x)(1) [12 USC §1813(x)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the contracting parties.
(e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation of the contract is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank, (i) by either the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (collectively, the “Regulator”) or his or her designee, at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) [12 USC §1823(c)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or (ii) by the Regulator or his or her designee at the time the Regulator or his or her designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Regulator to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.
(f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to Executive by the Bank or the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k), and the regulations promulgated thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.
17. SEVERABILITY.
If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.
18. HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY.
The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
14
19. GOVERNING LAW.
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin except to the extent superseded by federal law.
20. ARBITRATION.
Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration, as an alternative to civil litigation and without any trial by jury to resolve such claims, conducted by a panel of three arbitrators sitting in a location selected by Executive within fifty (50) miles from the main office of the Bank, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Bank’s National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes (“National Rules”) then in effect. One arbitrator shall be selected by Executive, one arbitrator shall be selected by the Bank and the third arbitrator shall be selected by the arbitrators selected by the parties. If the arbitrators are unable to agree within fifteen (15) days upon a third arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be appointed for them from a panel of arbitrators selected in accordance with the National Rules. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.
21. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Executive shall be provided with coverage under a standard directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, and shall be indemnified for the term of this Agreement and for a period of six years thereafter to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law against all expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved by reason of his having been a director or officer of the Bank or any affiliate (whether or not he continues to be a director or officer at the time of incurring such expenses or liabilities), such expenses and liabilities to include, but not be limited to, judgments, court costs and attorneys’ fees and the cost of reasonable settlements (such settlements must be approved by the Board), provided, however, Executive shall not be indemnified or reimbursed for legal expenses or liabilities incurred in connection with an action, suit or proceeding arising from any illegal or fraudulent act committed by Executive. Any such indemnification shall be made consistent with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and the regulations issued thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.
(b) Any indemnification by the Bank shall be subject to compliance with any applicable regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
15
22. Notice.
For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below:
| To the Bank: |
Chairman of the Board East Wisconsin Savings Bank 109 W. Second St. | |
|
To Executive:
|
_______________ At the address last appearing on the personnel records of the Bank |
16
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives, and Executive has signed this Agreement, on the date first above written.
| EAST WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK | ||
| By: | ||
| Chairman of the Board | ||
| EWSB BANCORP, INC. | ||
| By: | ||
| Chairman of the Board | ||
| EXECUTIVE | ||
17
Exhibit 10.4
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
This Employment Agreement (this “Agreement”) is made effective as of [to be dated the date of the conversion and signed on the same date] (the “Effective Date”), by and between East Wisconsin Savings Bank, a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank (the “Bank”), and Holly Francescone (the “Executive”). The Bank and Executive are sometimes collectively referred to herein as the “parties.” Any reference to the “Company” shall mean EWSB Bancorp, Inc., the holding company of the Bank. The Company is a signatory to this Agreement for the purpose of guaranteeing the Bank’s performance hereunder.
WITNESSETH
WHEREAS, Executive is currently employed as Division Leader and Financial Advisor of the Bank; and
WHEREAS, the Bank desires to assure itself of the continued availability of the Executive’s services as provided in this Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to serve the Bank on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained, and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter provided, the parties hereby agree as follows:
| 1. | POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES. |
During the term of this Agreement Executive agrees to serve as Division Leader and Financial Advisor of the Bank, and will perform such administrative and management services as customarily performed by person in a similar executive capacity and as may be reasonably assigned from time to time by the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank and/or the Board of Directors of the Bank (the “Board”). Executive also agrees to serve, if elected, as an officer and director of any affiliate of the Bank.
| 2. | TERM AND DUTIES. |
(a) One Year Contract; Daily Renewal. The term of this Agreement shall be twelve (12) full calendar months from the Effective Date and shall include any extension or renewal made pursuant to this Section 2. Commencing at the end of each day following the Effective Date, the term of this Agreement shall be extended automatically for one additional day so that a constant term of twelve (12) months shall remain in effect hereunder until such time as the Board elects not to extend the term of this Agreement by giving written notice of non-renewal to the Executive in which case the term of this Agreement shall become fixed and shall end on the twelve (12) month anniversary of the date of such written notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the Company or the Bank has entered into an agreement to effect a transaction which would be considered a Change in Control as defined below, then the term of this Agreement shall be extended and shall terminate eighteen (18) months following the date on which the Change in Control occurs.
(b) Termination of Agreement. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, either Executive or the Bank may terminate Executive’s employment with the Bank at any time during the term of this Agreement, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(c) Continued Employment Following Expiration of Term. Nothing in this Agreement shall mandate or prohibit a continuation of Executive’s employment following the expiration of the term of this Agreement, upon such terms and conditions as the Bank and Executive may mutually agree.
(d) Duties; Membership on Other Boards. During the term of this Agreement, except for periods of absence occasioned by illness, reasonable vacation periods, and reasonable leaves of absence approved by the Board, Executive shall devote substantially all of his business time, attention, skill, and efforts to the faithful performance of his duties hereunder, including activities and services related to the organization, operation and management of the Bank; provided, however, that, Executive may serve, or continue to serve, on the boards of directors of, and hold any other offices or positions in, business companies or business or civic organizations, which, in the Board’s judgment, will not present any conflict of interest with the Bank, or materially affect the performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement. Executive shall provide the Board of Directors annually for its approval a list of organizations for which the Executive acts as a director or officer.
| 3. | COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REIMBURSEMENT. |
(a) Base Salary. In consideration of Executive’s performance of the duties set forth in Section 2, the Bank shall provide Executive the compensation specified in this Agreement. The Bank shall pay Executive a salary of $[*] per year (“Base Salary”). The Base Salary shall be payable biweekly, or with such other frequency as officers of the Bank are generally paid. During the term of this Agreement, the Base Salary shall be reviewed at least annually by the Board or by a committee designated by the Board, and the Bank may increase, but not decrease (except for a decrease that is generally applicable to all employees) Executive’s Base Salary. Any increase in Base Salary shall become “Base Salary” for purposes of this Agreement.
(b) Bonus and Incentive Compensation. Executive shall be entitled to equitable participation in incentive compensation and bonuses in any plan or arrangement of the Bank or the Company in which Executive is eligible to participate. Nothing paid to Executive under any such plan or arrangement will be deemed to be in lieu of other compensation to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement.
(c) Employee Benefits. The Bank shall provide Executive with employee benefit plans, arrangements and perquisites substantially equivalent to those in which Executive was participating or from which he was deriving benefit immediately prior to the commencement of the term of this Agreement, and the Bank shall not, without Executive’s prior written consent, make any changes in such plans, arrangements or perquisites that would adversely affect Executive’s rights or benefits thereunder, except as to any changes that are applicable to all participating employees. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing provisions of this Section 3(c), Executive will be entitled to participate in and receive benefits under any employee benefit plans including, but not limited to, retirement plans, supplemental retirement plans, pension plans, profit-sharing plans, health-and-accident insurance plans, medical coverage or any other employee benefit plan or arrangement made available by the Bank and/or the Company in the future to its senior executives, including any stock benefit plans, subject to and on a basis consistent with the terms, conditions and overall administration of such plans and arrangements.
| 2 |
(d) Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to paid vacation time each year during the term of this Agreement (measured on a fiscal or calendar year basis, in accordance with the Bank’s usual practices), as well as sick leave, holidays and other paid absences in accordance with the Bank’s policies and procedures for senior executives. Any unused paid time off during an annual period shall be treated in accordance with the Bank’s personnel policies as in effect from time to time.
(e) Expense Reimbursements. The Bank shall also pay or reimburse Executive for all reasonable travel, entertainment and other reasonable expenses incurred by Executive during the course of performing his obligations under this Agreement, including, without limitation, fees for memberships in such clubs and organizations as Executive and the Board shall mutually agree are necessary and appropriate in connection with the performance of his duties under this Agreement, upon presentation to the Bank of an itemized account of such expenses in such form as the Bank may reasonably require, provided that such payment or reimbursement shall be made as soon as practicable but in no event later than March 15 of the year following the year in which such right to such payment or reimbursement occurred.
| 4. | PAYMENTS TO EXECUTIVE UPON AN EVENT OF TERMINATION. |
(a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination (as herein defined) during the term of this Agreement, the provisions of this Section 4 shall apply; provided, however, that in the event such Event of Termination occurs within eighteen (18) months following a Change in Control (as defined in Section 5 hereof), Section 5 shall apply instead. As used in this Agreement, an “Event of Termination’’ shall mean and include any one or more of the following:
(i) the involuntary termination of Executive’s employment hereunder by the Bank for any reason other than termination governed by Section 5 (in connection with or following a Change in Control), Section 6 (due to Disability or death), Section 7 (due to Retirement), or Section 8 (for Cause), provided that such termination constitutes a “Separation from Service” within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (“Code”); or
(ii) Executive’s resignation from the Bank’s employ upon any of the following, unless consented to by Executive:
(A) failure to appoint Executive to the position set forth in Section 1, or a material change in Executive’s function, duties, or responsibilities, which change would cause Executive’s position to become one of lesser responsibility, importance, or scope from the position and responsibilities described in Section 1, to which Executive has not agreed in writing (and any such material change shall be deemed a continuing breach of this Agreement by the Bank);
| 3 |
(B) a relocation of Executive’s principal place of employment to a location that is more than twenty-five (25) miles from such office as of the Effective Date hereof (unless the relocated office is closer to the Executive’s then principal residence);
(C) a material reduction in the benefits and perquisites, including Base Salary, to Executive from those being provided as of the Effective Date (except for any reduction that is part of a reduction in pay or benefits that is generally applicable to officers or employees of the Bank);
(D) a liquidation or dissolution of the Bank; or
(E) a material breach of this Agreement by the Bank.
Upon the occurrence of any event described in clause (ii) above, Executive shall have the right to elect to terminate his employment under this Agreement by resignation for “Good Reason” upon not less than thirty (30) days prior written notice given within a reasonable period of time (not to exceed ninety (90) days) after the event giving rise to the right to elect, which termination by Executive shall be an Event of Termination. The Bank shall have thirty (30) days to cure the condition giving rise to the Event of Termination, provided that the Bank may elect to waive said thirty (30) day period.
(b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall pay Executive, or, in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, the Base Salary and bonuses that Executive would be entitled to for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement. For purposes of determining the bonus(es) payable hereunder, the bonus(es) will be deemed to be (i) equal to the highest bonus paid during the prior year, and (ii) otherwise paid at such time as such bonus would have been paid absent an Event of Termination. Such payments shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive shall not be entitled to any payments or benefits under this Section 4 unless and until (i) Executive executes a release of his claims against the Bank, the Company and any affiliate, and their officers, directors, successors and assigns, releasing said persons from any and all claims, rights, demands, causes of action, suits, arbitrations or grievances relating to the employment relationship, including claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, but not including claims for benefits under tax-qualified plans or other benefit plans in which Executive is vested, claims for benefits required by applicable law or claims with respect to obligations set forth in this Agreement that survive the termination of this Agreement (the “Release”), and (ii) the payments and benefits under this Section 4 shall begin on the 30th day following the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service, provided that before that date, the Executive has signed (and not revoked) the Release and the Release is irrevocable under the time period set forth under applicable law, provided further, that if the 30-day period spans two (2) calendar years, then, to the extent necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code, the payments and benefits will be paid, or commence, in the second calendar year.
| 4 |
(c) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall pay Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum cash payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the present value of the contributions that would have been made on the Executive’s behalf under the Bank’s defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) Plan, ESOP, and any other defined contribution plan maintained by the Bank), as if Executive had continued working for the Bank for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement following such Event of Termination, earning the salary that would have been achieved during such period. Such payments shall be paid in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination.
(d) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination, the Bank shall provide, at the Bank’s expense, for the remaining unexpired term of the Agreement, nontaxable medical and dental coverage and life insurance coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to the Event of Termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if applicable law (including, but not limited to, laws prohibiting discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees), or, if participation by the Executive is not permitted under the terms of the applicable health plans, or if providing such benefits would subject the Bank to penalties, then the Bank shall pay the Executive a cash lump sum payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the value of such non-taxable medical and dental benefits, with such payment to be made by lump sum within) business days of the Date of Termination, or if later, the date on which the Bank determines that such insurance coverage (or the remainder of such insurance coverage) cannot be provided for the foregoing reasons.
(e) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Separation from Service” shall have occurred if the Bank and Executive reasonably anticipate that either no further services will be performed by the Executive after the date of the Event of Termination (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) or the level of further services performed will not exceed 49% of the average level of bona fide services in the 12 months immediately preceding the Event of Termination. For all purposes hereunder, the definition of Separation from Service shall be interpreted consistent with Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(h)(ii). If Executive is a Specified Employee, as defined in Code Section 409A and any payment to be made under sub-paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section 4 shall be determined to be subject to Code Section 409A, then if required by Code Section 409A, such payment or a portion of such payment (to the minimum extent possible) shall be delayed and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service.
| 5. | CHANGE IN CONTROL. |
(a) Any payments made to Executive pursuant to this Section 5 are in lieu of any payments that may otherwise be owed to Executive pursuant to this Agreement under Section 4, such that Executive shall either receive payments pursuant to Section 4 or pursuant to Section 5, but not pursuant to both Sections.
| 5 |
(b) For purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change in Control” shall mean:
| (1) | Merger: The Company or the Bank merges into or consolidates with another entity, or merges another Bank or corporation into the Bank or the Company, and as a result, less than a majority of the combined voting power of the resulting corporation immediately after the merger or consolidation is held by persons who were stockholders of the Company or the Bank immediately before the merger or consolidation; |
| (2) | Acquisition of Significant Share Ownership: A person or persons acting in concert has or have become the beneficial owner of 25% or more of a class of the Company’s or the Bank’s voting securities; provided, however, this clause (2) shall not apply to beneficial ownership of the Company’s or the Bank’s voting shares held in a fiduciary capacity by an entity of which the Company directly or indirectly beneficially owns 50% or more of its outstanding voting securities; |
| (3) | Change in Board Composition: During any period of two consecutive years, individuals who constitute the Company’s or the Bank’s Board of Directors at the beginning of the two-year period cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Company’s or the Bank’s Board of Directors; provided, however, that for purposes of this clause (3), each director who is first elected by the board (or first nominated by the board for election by the stockholders or corporators) by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the directors who were directors at the beginning of the two-year period shall be deemed to have also been a director at the beginning of such period; or |
| (4) | Sale of Assets: The Company or the Bank sells to a third party all or substantially all of its assets. |
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred in connection with the conversion of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company form of organization and/or the Bank’s reorganization as a subsidiary of the Company and the related stock offering.
(c) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), Executive, shall receive as severance pay or liquidated damages, or both, a lump sum cash payment equal to one times the sum of (i) Executive’s highest annual rate of Base Salary paid to Executive at any time under this Agreement, plus (ii) the highest bonus paid to Executive with respect to the fiscal year prior to the Change in Control. Such payment shall be paid in a lump sum within ten (10) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination.
| 6 |
(d) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), the Bank shall pay Executive, or in the event of his subsequent death, his beneficiary or beneficiaries, or his estate, as the case may be, a lump sum cash payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the present value of the contributions that would have been made on Executive’s behalf under the Bank’s defined contribution plans (e.g., 401(k) Plan, ESOP, and any other defined contribution plan maintained by the Bank), as if Executive had continued working for the Bank for twelve (12) months after the effective date of such termination of employment, earning the salary that would have been achieved during such period. Such payments shall be paid in a lump sum within ten (10) days of the Executive’s Separation from Service and shall not be reduced in the event Executive obtains other employment following the Event of Termination. If Executive is a Specified Employee, as defined in Code Section 409A and any payment to be made under this sub-paragraph (c) or (d) of this Section 5 shall be determined to be subject to Code Section 409A, then if required by Code Section 409A, such payment or a portion of such payment (to the minimum extent possible) shall be delayed and shall be paid on the first day of the seventh month following Executive’s Separation from Service.
(e) Upon the occurrence of a Change in Control followed within eighteen (18) months by an Event of Termination (as defined in Section 4 hereof), the Bank (or its successor) shall provide at the Bank’s (or its successor’s) expense, nontaxable medical and dental coverage and life insurance coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to his termination, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees and then the coverage provided to Executive shall be commensurate with such changed coverage. Such coverage shall cease twelve (12) months following the termination of Executive’s employment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if applicable law (including, but not limited to, laws prohibiting discriminating in favor of highly compensated employees), or, if participation by the Executive is not permitted under the terms of the applicable health plans, or if providing such benefits would subject the Bank to penalties, then the Bank shall pay the Executive a cash lump sum payment reasonably estimated to be equal to the value of such non-taxable medical and dental benefits, with such payment to be made by lump sum within ) business days of the Date of Termination, or if later, the date on which the Bank determines that such insurance coverage (or the remainder of such insurance coverage) cannot be provided for the foregoing reasons.
(f) Notwithstanding the preceding paragraphs of this Section 5, in the event that the aggregate payments or benefits to be made or afforded to Executive in the event of a Change in Control would be deemed to include an “excess parachute payment” under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code or any successor thereto, then such payments or benefits shall be reduced to an amount, the value of which is one dollar ($1.00) less than an amount equal to three (3) times Executive’s “base amount,” as determined in accordance with Section 280G of the Code. In the event a reduction is necessary, then the cash severance payable by the Bank pursuant to Section 5 shall be reduced by the minimum amount necessary to result in no portion of the payments and benefits payable by the Bank under Section 5 being non-deductible to the Bank pursuant to Section 280G of the Code and subject to excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code.
| 7 |
| 6. | TERMINATION FOR DISABILITY OR DEATH. |
(a) Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Disability” shall be construed to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code and shall be deemed to have occurred if: (i) Executive is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months; (ii) by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment that can be expected to result in death, or last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, Executive is receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than three months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Bank or the Company; or (iii) Executive is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration. The provisions of Sections 6(b) and (c) shall apply upon the termination of the Executive’s employment based on Disability. Upon the determination that Executive has suffered a Disability, disability payments hereunder shall commence within thirty (30) days.
(b) Executive shall be entitled to receive benefits under all short-term or long-term disability plans maintained by the Bank for its executives. To the extent such benefits are less than Executive’s Base Salary, the Bank shall pay Executive an amount equal to the difference between such disability plan benefits, Social Security disability benefits and the amount of Executive’s Base Salary for the longer of one (1) year following the termination of his employment due to Disability or the remaining term of this Agreement, which shall be payable in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Bank.
(c) The Bank shall cause to be continued non-taxable medical and dental coverage substantially comparable, as reasonably available, to the coverage maintained by the Bank for Executive prior to the termination of his employment based on Disability, except to the extent such coverage may be changed in its application to all Bank employees or not available on an individual basis to an employee terminated based on Disability. This coverage shall cease upon the earlier of (i) the date Executive returns to the full-time employment of the Bank; (ii) Executive’s full-time employment by another employer; (iii) expiration of the remaining term of this Agreement; or (iv) Executive’s death.
(d) In the event of Executive’s death during the term of this Agreement, his estate, legal representatives or named beneficiaries (as directed by Executive in writing) shall be paid Executive’s Base Salary at the rate in effect at the time of Executive’s death in accordance with the regular payroll practices of the Bank for a period of one (1) year from the date of Executive’s death, and the Bank shall continue to provide non-taxable medical, and dental insurance benefits normally provided for Executive’s family (in accordance with its customary co-pay percentages) for twelve (12) months after Executive’s death. Such payments are in addition to any other life insurance benefits that Executive’s beneficiaries may be entitled to receive under any employee benefit plan maintained by the Bank for the benefit of Executive, including, but not limited to, the Bank’s tax-qualified retirement plans.
| 7. | TERMINATION UPON RETIREMENT. |
Termination of Executive’s employment based on “Retirement” shall mean termination of Executive’s employment at any time after Executive reaches age 65 or in accordance with any retirement policy established by the Board with Executive’s consent as it applies to him. Upon termination of Executive based on Retirement, no amounts or benefits shall be due Executive under this Agreement, and Executive shall be entitled to all benefits under any retirement plan of the Bank and other plans to which Executive is a party.
| 8 |
| 8. | TERMINATION FOR CAUSE. |
(a) The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination other than termination for “Cause,” as defined herein, shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for “Cause.” The term “Cause” as used herein, shall exist when there has been a good faith determination by the Board that there shall have occurred one or more of the following events with respect to the Executive:
| (1) | personal dishonesty in performing Executive’s duties on behalf of the Bank; |
| (2) | incompetence in performing Executive’s duties on behalf of the Bank; |
| (3) | willful misconduct that in the judgment of the Board will likely cause economic damage to the Bank or injury to the business reputation of the Bank; |
| (4) | breach of fiduciary duty involving personal profit; |
| (5) | material breach of the Bank’s Code of Ethics; |
| (6) | intentional failure to perform stated duties under this Agreement after written notice thereof from the Board; |
| (7) | willful violation of any law, rule or regulation (other than traffic violations or similar offenses) that reflect adversely on the reputation of the Bank, any felony conviction, any violation of law involving moral turpitude, or any violation of a final cease-and-desist order; or |
| (8) | material breach by Executive of any provision of this Agreement. |
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cause shall not be deemed to exist unless there shall have been delivered to the Executive a copy of a resolution duly adopted by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the entire membership of the Board at a meeting of the Board called and held for the purpose (after reasonable notice to the Executive and an opportunity for the Executive to be heard before the Board), finding that in the good faith opinion of the Board the Executive was guilty of conduct described above and specifying the particulars thereof. Prior to holding a meeting at which the Board is to make a final determination whether Cause exists, if the Board determines in good faith at a meeting of the Board, by not less than a majority of its entire membership, that there is probable cause for it to find that the Executive was guilty of conduct constituting Cause as described above, the Board may suspend the Executive from his duties hereunder for a reasonable period of time not to exceed fourteen (14) days pending a further meeting at which the Executive shall be given the opportunity to be heard before the Board. Upon a finding of Cause, the Board shall deliver to the Executive a Notice of Termination, as more fully described in Section 10 below.
| 9 |
(b) For purposes of this Section 8, no act or failure to act, on the part of Executive, shall be considered “willful” unless it is done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in bad faith or without reasonable belief that Executive’s action or omission was in the best interests of the Bank. Any act, or failure to act, based upon the direction of the Board or based upon the advice of counsel for the Bank shall be conclusively presumed to be done, or omitted to be done, by Executive in good faith and in the best interests of the Bank.
| 9. | RESIGNATION FROM BOARDS OF DIRECTORS |
In the event of Executive’s termination of employment due to an Event of Termination, Executive’s service as a director of the Bank, the Company, and any affiliate of the Bank or the Company shall immediately terminate. This Section 9 shall constitute a resignation notice for such purposes.
| 10. | NOTICE. |
(a) Any purported termination by the Bank for Cause shall be communicated by Notice of Termination to Executive. If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination for Cause is given, Executive notifies the Bank that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the parties shall promptly proceed to arbitration, as provided in Section 20. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute, the Bank shall discontinue paying Executive’s compensation until the dispute is finally resolved in accordance with this Agreement. If it is determined that Executive is entitled to compensation and benefits under Section 4 or 5, the payment of such compensation and benefits by the Bank shall commence immediately following the date of resolution by arbitration, with interest due Executive on the cash amount that would have been paid pending arbitration (at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time).
(b) Any other purported termination by the Bank or by Executive shall be communicated by a “Notice of Termination” (as defined in Section 10(c)) to the other party. If, within thirty (30) days after any Notice of Termination is given, the party receiving such Notice of Termination notifies the other party that a dispute exists concerning the termination, the parties shall promptly proceed to arbitration as provided in Section 20. Notwithstanding the pendency of any such dispute, the Bank shall continue to pay Executive his Base Salary, and other compensation and benefits in effect when the notice giving rise to the dispute was given (except as to termination of Executive for Cause); provided, however, that such payments and benefits shall not continue beyond the date that is twelve (12) months from the date the Notice of Termination is given. In the event the voluntary termination by Executive of his employment is disputed by the Bank, and if it is determined in arbitration that Executive is not entitled to termination benefits pursuant to this Agreement, he shall return all cash payments made to him pending resolution by arbitration, with interest thereon at the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal from time to time, if it is determined in arbitration that Executive’s voluntary termination of employment was not taken in good faith and not in the reasonable belief that grounds existed for his voluntary termination. If it is determined that Executive is entitled to receive severance benefits under this Agreement, then any continuation of Base Salary and other compensation and benefits made to Executive under this Section 10 shall offset the amount of any severance benefits that are due to Executive under this Agreement.
| 10 |
(c) For purposes of this Agreement, a “Notice of Termination” shall mean a written notice that shall indicate the specific termination provision in this Agreement relied upon and shall set forth in reasonable detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of Executive’s employment under the provision so indicated.
| 11. | POST-TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS. |
(a) One Year Non-Solicitation. Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of one year following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly:
(i) solicit, offer employment to, or take any other action intended (or that a reasonable person acting in like circumstances would expect) to have the effect of causing any officer or employee of the Bank or the Company, or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates, to terminate his or her employment and accept employment or become affiliated with, or provide services for compensation in any capacity whatsoever to, any business whatsoever that competes with the business of the Bank or the Company, or any of their direct or indirect subsidiaries or affiliates or has headquarters or offices within twenty-five (25) miles of the locations in which the Bank or the Company has business operations or has filed an application for regulatory approval to establish an office, or
(ii) contact (with a view toward selling any product or service competitive with any product or service sold or proposed to be sold by the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities) any person, firm, association or corporation (A) to which the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities sold any product or service within thirty-six months of the Executive’s termination of employment, (B) which Executive solicited, contacted or otherwise dealt with on behalf of the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities within one year of the Executive’s termination of employment, or (C) which Executive was otherwise aware was a client of the Company, the Bank, or any subsidiary of such entities at the time of termination of employment. Executive will not directly or indirectly make any such contact, either for his own benefit or for the benefit of any other person, firm, association, or corporation.
(b) Six Month Non-Competition. Executive hereby covenants and agrees that, for a period of six months following his termination of employment with the Bank, he shall not, without the written consent of the Bank, either directly or indirectly become an officer, employee, consultant, director, independent contractor, agent, sole proprietor, joint venturer, greater than 5% equity owner or stockholder, partner or trustee of any savings association, savings and loan association, savings and loan holding company, credit union, bank or bank holding company, insurance company or agency, any mortgage or loan broker or any other financial services entity or business that competes with the business of the Bank or its affiliates or has headquarters or offices within thirty (30) miles of Kaukauna, Wisconsin Notwithstanding the foregoing, this non-competition restriction shall not apply if Executive’s employment is terminated following a Change in Control or if the Bank terminates the Executive for a reason other than Cause (as defined in this Agreement).
| 11 |
(c) As used in this Agreement, “Confidential Information” means information belonging to the Bank which is of value to the Bank in the course of conducting its business and the disclosure of which could result in a competitive or other disadvantage to the Bank. Confidential Information includes, without limitation, financial information, reports, and forecasts; inventions, improvements and other intellectual property; trade secrets; know-how; designs, processes or formulae; software; market or sales information or plans; customer lists; and business plans, prospects and opportunities (such as possible acquisitions or dispositions of businesses or facilities) which have been discussed or considered by the management of the Bank. Confidential Information includes information developed by the Executive in the course of the Executive’s employment by the Bank, as well as other information to which the Executive may have access in connection with the Executive’s employment. Confidential Information also includes the confidential information of others with which the Bank has a business relationship. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Confidential Information does not include information in the public domain. The Executive understands and agrees that the Executive’s employment creates a relationship of confidence and trust between the Executive and the Bank with respect to all Confidential Information. At all times, both during the Executive’s employment with the Bank and after its termination, the Executive will keep in confidence and trust all such Confidential Information, and will not use or disclose any such Confidential Information without the written consent of the Bank, except as may be necessary in the ordinary course of performing the Executive’s duties to the Bank.
(d) Executive shall, upon reasonable notice, furnish such information and assistance to the Bank as may reasonably be required by the Bank, in connection with any litigation in which it or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is, or may become, a party; provided, however, that Executive shall not be required to provide information or assistance with respect to any litigation between the Executive and the Bank or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
(e) All payments and benefits to Executive under this Agreement shall be subject to Executive’s compliance with this Section 11. The parties hereto, recognizing that irreparable injury will result to the Bank, its business and property in the event of Executive’s breach of this Section 11, agree that, in the event of any such breach by Executive, the Bank will be entitled, in addition to any other remedies and damages available, to an injunction to restrain the violation hereof by Executive and all persons acting for or with Executive. Executive represents and admits that Executive’s experience and capabilities are such that Executive can obtain employment in a business engaged in other lines and/or of a different nature than the Bank, and that the enforcement of a remedy by way of injunction will not prevent Executive from earning a livelihood. Nothing herein will be construed as prohibiting the Bank or the Company from pursuing any other remedies available to them for such breach or threatened breach, including the recovery of damages from Executive.
| 12. | SOURCE OF PAYMENTS. |
All payments provided in this Agreement shall be timely paid in cash or check from the general funds of the Bank. The Company may accede to this Agreement but only for the purposed of guaranteeing payment and provision of all amounts and benefits due hereunder to Executive.
| 12 |
| 13. | EFFECT ON PRIOR AGREEMENTS AND EXISTING BENEFITS PLANS. |
This Agreement contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto and supersedes any prior employment agreement between the Bank or any predecessor of the Bank and Executive, except that this Agreement shall not affect or operate to reduce any benefit or compensation inuring to Executive of a kind elsewhere provided. No provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted to mean that Executive is subject to receiving fewer benefits than those available to him without reference to this Agreement.
| 14. | NO ATTACHMENT; BINDING ON SUCCESSORS. |
(a) Except as required by law, no right to receive payments under this Agreement shall be subject to anticipation, commutation, alienation, sale, assignment, encumbrance, charge, pledge, or hypothecation, or to execution, attachment, levy, or similar process or assignment by operation of law, and any attempt, voluntary or involuntary, to effect any such action shall be null, void, and of no effect.
(b) This Agreement shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, Executive and the Bank and their respective successors and assigns.
| 15. | MODIFICATION AND WAIVER. |
(a) This Agreement may not be modified or amended except by an instrument in writing signed by the parties hereto.
(b) No term or condition of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been waived, nor shall there be any estoppel against the enforcement of any provision of this Agreement, except by written instrument of the party charged with such waiver or estoppel. No such written waiver shall be deemed a continuing waiver unless specifically stated therein, and each such waiver shall operate only as to the specific term or condition waived and shall not constitute a waiver of such term or condition for the future as to any act other than that specifically waived.
| 16. | REQUIRED PROVISIONS. |
(a) The Bank may terminate Executive’s employment at any time, but any termination by the Board other than termination for Cause shall not prejudice Executive’s right to compensation or other benefits under this Agreement. Executive shall have no right to receive compensation or other benefits for any period after termination for Cause.
(b) If Executive is suspended from office and/or temporarily prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by a notice served under Section 8(e)(3) [12 USC §1818(e)(3)] or 8(g)(1) [12 USC §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, the Bank’s obligations under this contract shall be suspended as of the date of service, unless stayed by appropriate proceedings. If the charges in the notice are dismissed, the Bank may in its discretion (i) pay Executive all or part of the compensation withheld while its contract obligations were suspended and (ii) reinstate (in whole or in part) any of its obligations which were suspended.
(c) If Executive is removed and/or permanently prohibited from participating in the conduct of the Bank’s affairs by an order issued under Section 8(e)(4) [12 USC §1818(e)(4)] or 8(g)(1) [12 USC §1818(g)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the effective date of the order, but vested rights of the contracting parties shall not be affected.
| 13 |
(d) If the Bank is in default as defined in Section 3(x)(1) [12 USC §1813(x)(1)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, all obligations of the Bank under this Agreement shall terminate as of the date of default, but this paragraph shall not affect any vested rights of the contracting parties.
(e) All obligations under this Agreement shall be terminated, except to the extent determined that continuation of the contract is necessary for the continued operation of the Bank, (i) by either the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency or the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (collectively, the “Regulator”) or his or her designee, at the time the FDIC enters into an agreement to provide assistance to or on behalf of the Bank under the authority contained in Section 13(c) [12 USC §1823(c)] of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act; or (ii) by the Regulator or his or her designee at the time the Regulator or his or her designee approves a supervisory merger to resolve problems related to operation of the Bank or when the Bank is determined by the Regulator to be in an unsafe or unsound condition. Any rights of the parties that have already vested, however, shall not be affected by such action.
(f) Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, any payments to Executive by the Bank or the Company, whether pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, are subject to and conditioned upon their compliance with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. Section 1828(k), and the regulations promulgated thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.
| 17. | SEVERABILITY. |
If, for any reason, any provision of this Agreement, or any part of any provision, is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this Agreement or any part of such provision not held so invalid, and each such other provision and part thereof shall to the full extent consistent with law continue in full force and effect.
| 18. | HEADINGS FOR REFERENCE ONLY. |
The headings of sections and paragraphs herein are included solely for convenience of reference and shall not control the meaning or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement.
| 19. | GOVERNING LAW. |
This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Wisconsin except to the extent superseded by federal law.
| 20. | ARBITRATION. |
Any dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by binding arbitration, as an alternative to civil litigation and without any trial by jury to resolve such claims, conducted by a panel of three arbitrators sitting in a location selected by Executive within fifty (50) miles from the main office of the Bank, in accordance with the rules of the American Arbitration Bank’s National Rules for the Resolution of Employment Disputes (“National Rules”) then in effect. One arbitrator shall be selected by Executive, one arbitrator shall be selected by the Bank and the third arbitrator shall be selected by the arbitrators selected by the parties. If the arbitrators are unable to agree within fifteen (15) days upon a third arbitrator, the arbitrator shall be appointed for them from a panel of arbitrators selected in accordance with the National Rules. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction.
| 14 |
| 21. | INDEMNIFICATION. |
(a) Executive shall be provided with coverage under a standard directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policy, and shall be indemnified for the term of this Agreement and for a period of six years thereafter to the fullest extent permitted under applicable law against all expenses and liabilities reasonably incurred by him in connection with or arising out of any action, suit or proceeding in which he may be involved by reason of his having been a director or officer of the Bank or any affiliate (whether or not he continues to be a director or officer at the time of incurring such expenses or liabilities), such expenses and liabilities to include, but not be limited to, judgments, court costs and attorneys’ fees and the cost of reasonable settlements (such settlements must be approved by the Board), provided, however, Executive shall not be indemnified or reimbursed for legal expenses or liabilities incurred in connection with an action, suit or proceeding arising from any illegal or fraudulent act committed by Executive. Any such indemnification shall be made consistent with Section 18(k) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, 12 U.S.C. §1828(k), and the regulations issued thereunder in 12 C.F.R. Part 359.
(b) Any indemnification by the Bank shall be subject to compliance with any applicable regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
| 22. | Notice. |
For the purposes of this Agreement, notices and all other communications provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the respective addresses set forth below:
| To the Bank: |
Chairman of the Board East Wisconsin Savings Bank 109 W. Second St. | |
|
To Executive:
|
_______________ At the address last appearing on the personnel records of the Bank |
| 15 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank and the Company have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives, and Executive has signed this Agreement, on the date first above written.
| EAST WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK | ||
| By: | ||
| Chairman of the Board | ||
| EWSB BANCORP, INC. | ||
| By: | ||
| Chairman of the Board | ||
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| 16 |
Exhibit 10.5
EAST WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK
SALARY CONTINUATION PLAN
FOR
CHARLES D. SCHMALZ
THIS SALARY CONTINUATION PLAN FOR CHARLES D. SCHMALZ (the “Plan”) is effective as of the Effective Date (as defined in Section 8.3 of this Plan), and is entered into by East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”) and Charles D. Schmalz (the “Executive”). Any reference to the “Company” in this Plan shall mean EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
WHEREAS, the purpose of the Plan is to provide additional retirement benefits to the Executive, who, as a member of senior management, has contributed significantly to the success of the Bank, and whose continued services are vital to the Bank’s continued growth and success; and
WHEREAS, this Plan is intended to be an unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan that complies with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and the regulations thereunder, and is also intended to be a “top hat” pension plan within the meaning of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ERISA”).
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
When used herein, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings below unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
| 1.1 | “Accrued Benefit” means, as of any date, the liability that should be accrued by the Bank under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to reflect the Bank’s obligation to the Executive under the Plan. |
| 1.2 | “Administrator” means the Bank and/or its Board of Directors, provided, however, the Board of Directors can designate the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (“Committee”) as the Administrator. |
| 1.3 | “Bank” means East Wisconsin Savings Bank and any successor to its business and/or assets which assumes and agrees to perform the duties and obligations under this Plan by operation of law or otherwise. |
| 1.4 | “Beneficiary” means the person or persons (and, if applicable, their heirs) designated by the Executive as the beneficiary to whom the Executive’s benefits are payable. The beneficiary designation shall be made on the form acceptable to the Administrator and filed with the Administrator. If no Beneficiary is so designated, then the Executive’s Spouse, if living, will be deemed the Beneficiary. If the Executive’s Spouse is not living at the time of the Executive’s death or dies prior to payment to her of the Survivor’s Benefit, then the Children of the Executive will be deemed the Beneficiaries and will take on a per stirpes basis. If there are no living Children, then the Executive’s estate will be deemed the Beneficiary. For this purpose, the term “Children” means the Executive’s children, or the issue of any deceased Children, then living at the time payments are due the Children under this Plan. The term “Children” shall include both natural and adopted children, as well as stepchildren. Also, for this purpose, the term “Spouse” means the individual to whom the Executive is legally married at the time of the Executive’s death, provided, however, that the term “Spouse” shall not refer to an individual to whom the Executive is legally married at the time of death if the Executive and the individual have entered into a formal separation agreement (provided that the separation agreement does not provide otherwise or state that the individual is entitled to a portion of the benefits hereunder) or initiated divorce proceedings. |
| 1.5 | “Benefit Eligibility Date” shall be the date on which the Executive is entitled to commencement of benefits under the Plan. |
| (a) | In the event benefits become payable on account of the Executive’s Separation from Service on or after the Executive’s Normal Retirement Age, the Benefit Eligibility Date shall be the first business day of the first month following the Executive’s Separation from Service, subject to Section 1.5(e). |
| (b) | In the event the Accrued Benefit becomes payable to the Executive on account of the Executive’s Separation from Service prior to the Executive’s Normal Retirement Age, the Benefit Eligibility Date shall be the first business day of the first month following the Executive’s Separation from Service, subject to Section 1.5(e). |
| (c) | In the event the Survivor’s Benefit becomes payable on account of the Executive’s death, the Benefit Eligibility Date shall be the first business day of the first month following the Executive’s death. |
| (d) | In the event the Accrued Benefit becomes payable pursuant to Section 2.5 on account of the Executive’s Separation from Service (other than for Cause) coincident with or within two (2) years following a Change in Control, the Benefit Eligibility Date shall be the first business day of the first month following Separation from Service, subject to Section 1.5(e). |
| (e) | Notwithstanding anything in this Section 1.5 to the contrary, if the Executive is a Specified Employee of a publicly-traded company and the payment(s) are due to the Executive’s Separation from Service (other than due to death), then the Benefit Eligibility Date shall be the first business day of the seventh month following the Executive’s Separation from Service (if later than the date otherwise specified as the Benefit Eligibility Date). The payments that otherwise would have been received from the date of Separation from Service to the Specified Employee’s Benefit Eligibility Date shall be aggregated and shall be paid, without interest, on the same date as the initial payment (e.g., on the first business day of the seventh month) and all remaining payments shall be made as otherwise scheduled. For purposes of Code Section 409A, the payments due hereunder shall be deemed a single payment. |
| 1.6 | “Board of Directors” shall mean the Board of Directors of the Bank. |
| 1.7 | “Cause” shall be deemed to exist if the Executive: (i) has engaged in any willful act or omission that, in the judgment of the Board of Directors has caused or will likely cause substantial economic damage to the Bank or the Company or substantial injury to the business reputation of the Bank or the Company; or (ii) has engaged in an act or acts of dishonesty or fraud intended to result in enrichment or advantage to the Executive or a third party at the expense of the Bank or through the use of the Bank’s assets (including proprietary or confidential information); or (iii) has engaged in the willful failure (other than due to substantiated physical or mental incapacity) to carry out the Executive’s duties and responsibilities to the Bank, including any reasonable directions from the Board or Directors, within the standards of performance which could reasonably be expected of an executive working for a banking institution or bank holding company in a similar position, if the willful failure continues for ninety (90) days or more after written notice of the failure is provided to the Executive by the Bank; or (iv) has willfully failed or refused (A) to comply with any material term or provision of this Plan, (B) to adhere to the material terms of any employment-related policies or procedures as have been or may be established by the Bank, or (C) to execute and comply with the material terms of any instruments as may reasonably be requested by the Bank consistent with the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), including, without limitation, the Bank’s rules and policies with respect to conduct and ethics; or (v) has been convicted or enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere or enters into a pretrial diversion program or similar program relating to a felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or (vi) is subject to an order of a federal or state regulatory agency or a court of competent jurisdiction requiring the termination of the Executive's employment with the Bank, unless the Executive has appealed that order and the appeal is pending; or (vii) abuses alcohol or any controlled substance in a manner that materially negatively affects the Executive’s performance or abilities at the Bank, whether or not such activity constitutes a crime; or (viii) is prohibited from employment with an FDIC-insured institution under applicable federal law or by order of any bank-regulatory agency. For purposes of this provision, no act or failure to act on the Executive’s part shall be considered “willful” unless done, or omitted to be done, by his/her not in good faith without reasonable belief that his/her action or omission was in the best interest of the Bank. |
| 2 |
| 1.8 | “Change in Control” for purposes of this Agreement, the term “Change in Control” means: (i) a change in the ownership of the Corporation; (ii) a change in the effective control of the Corporation; or (iii) a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of the Corporation as defined in accordance with Code Section 409A, and as set forth below in this Section 1.8. For purposes of this Section 1.8, the term “Corporation” means the Bank, the Company or any of their successors, as applicable. |
| (a) | A change in the ownership of a Corporation occurs on the date that any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(5)(v)(B)), acquires ownership of stock of the Corporation that, together with stock held by such person or group, constitutes more than fifty (50) percent of the total fair market value or total voting power of the stock of the Corporation. |
| (b) | A change in the effective control of the Corporation occurs on the date that either (A) any one person, or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vi)(D)) acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Corporation possessing thirty (30) percent or more of the total voting power of the stock of the Corporation, or (B) a majority of the members of the board of directors is replaced during any twelve (12) month period by directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the board of directors prior to the date of the appointment or election, provided that this subsection “(B)” is inapplicable where a majority stockholder of the Corporation is another corporation. |
| (c) | A change in a substantial portion of the Corporation’s assets occurs on the date that any one person or more than one person acting as a group (as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(5)(vii)(C)) acquires (or has acquired during the twelve (12) month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) assets from the Corporation that have a total gross fair market value equal to or more than forty (40) percent of the total gross fair market value of (A) all of the assets of the Corporation, or (B) the value of the assets being disposed of, either of which is determined without regard to any liabilities associated with such assets. |
For all purposes hereunder, the definition of Change in Control shall be construed to be consistent with the requirements of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-3(i)(5), except to the extent that such regulations are superseded by subsequent guidance.
| 3 |
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, a Change in Control shall not be deemed to have occurred in connection with the offering of shares of common stock by the Company pursuant to the Bank’s Plan of Conversion dated as of [*], 2023.
| 1.9 | “Good Reason” shall mean: (i) a material diminution in the Executive’s base salary; (ii) a material diminution in the Executive’s authority, duties, or responsibilities; or (iii) a material change in the geographic location at which the Executive must perform his duties to the Bank; provided, however, that any such occurrence shall not be deemed a “Good Reason” if the Executive consents thereto. A termination by the Executive shall not constitute Good Reason unless the Executive shall first have delivered to the Bank written notice setting forth with specificity the occurrence deemed to give rise to a right to terminate for Good Reason (which notice must be given no later than 60 days after the initial occurrence of such event), and the Bank has failed within 30 days of such notice to correct the circumstance that would otherwise constitute Good Reason. |
| 1.10 | “Involuntary Separation from Service” is a Separation from Service that is not voluntary, other than a Separation from Service for Cause or due to death, provided, however, that an Involuntary Separation from Service includes a resignation for Good Reason. |
| 1.11 | “Normal Retirement Age” means age 65. |
| 1.12 | “Separation from Service” (or “Separated from Service”) means the Executive’s termination of employment with the Bank within the meaning of Code Section 409A. No Separation from Service shall be deemed to occur due to military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of the leave does not exceed six months or, if longer, so long as the Executive’s right to reemployment is provided by law or contract. If the leave exceeds six months and the Executive’s right to reemployment is not provided by law or by contract, then the Executive shall have a Separation from Service on the first date immediately following such six-month period. |
Whether a Separation from Service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Bank and the Executive reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the Executive would perform after that date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) would permanently decrease to less than 50% of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding 36 months (or the lesser period of time in which the Executive performed services for the Bank). The determination of whether the Executive has had a Separation from Service shall be made by applying the presumptions set forth in the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A.
| 1.13 | “Specified Employee” means an individual who also satisfies the definition of “key employee” as that term is defined in Code Section 416(i) (without regard to paragraph (5) thereof). In the event the Executive is a Specified Employee, no distribution shall be made to the Executive upon Separation from Service (other than due to death or disability) prior to the date which is six (6) months following Separation from Service. |
| 1.14 | “Survivor’s Benefit” means the benefit payable to the Executive’s Beneficiary following his death in accordance with Section 2.3 of the Plan. |
| 4 |
ARTICLE II
BENEFITS
| 2.1 | Benefit on Separation from Service on or after Normal Retirement Age. |
If the Executive has a Separation from Service after reaching his Normal Retirement Age, the Executive shall be entitled to an annual benefit equal to $25,000. The benefit under this Section 2.1 shall commence on the Executive’s Benefit Eligibility Date specified in Section 1.5(a) and shall be payable in monthly installments over a period of 120 months.
| 2.2 | Separation from Service Before Normal Retirement Age. |
If the Executive has a Separation from Service prior to the attainment of his Normal Retirement Age (other than due to Cause or death), the Executive shall be entitled to the Accrued Benefit, payable commencing on the Benefit Eligibility Date specified in Section 1.5(b) and payable in a single lump sum.
| 2.3 | Survivor’s Benefit. |
| (a) | If the Executive dies while in the active service of the Bank and prior to attaining his Normal Retirement Age, the Executive’s Beneficiary shall be entitled to the Accrued Benefit. The Bank shall pay the Executive’s Beneficiary the Accrued Benefit on the Benefit Eligibility Date specified in Section 1.5(c) in a single lump sum. |
| (b) | If the Executive dies following a Separation from Service after reaching his Normal Retirement Age but prior to the commencement of benefit payments to the Executive, the Executive’s Beneficiary shall be entitled to the benefit payments that would have been made to the Executive had the Executive survived as provided in Section 2.1. If the Executive dies following a Separation of Service and after the commencement of benefit payments, the Executive’s Beneficiary shall be entitled to the remaining benefit payments that would have been made to the Executive had the Executive survived as provided in Section 2.1. |
| 2.4 | Termination for Cause. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, if the Executive is terminated for Cause all benefits under this Plan shall be forfeited by the Executive and the Executive’s participation in this Plan shall become null and void. |
| 2.5 | Benefit Payable on Separation from Service within Two Years Following a Change in Control. In the event of the Executive’s Involuntary Separation from Service or resignation for Good Reason within two (2) years following a Change in Control, and prior to Normal Retirement Age, the Executive shall be entitled to an amount equal to the present value of the benefits that would otherwise be due under Section 2.1, determined as if the Executive attained Normal Retirement Age prior to the Executive’s Separation from Service (and not discounted back to the date of Separation from Service), using the discount rate used to determine the Accrued Benefit, unless otherwise determined by the Committee in writing, payable on the Benefit Eligibility Date specified in Section 1.5(d), in a lump sum. |
| 5 |
ARTICLE III
BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION
The Executive shall make an initial designation of primary and secondary Beneficiaries upon initial participation in the Plan by completion of a Beneficiary form acceptable to the Administrator and shall have the right to change the designation, at any subsequent time. Any Beneficiary designation shall become effective only when receipt thereof is acknowledged in writing by the Administrator.
ARTICLE IV
EXECUTIVE’S RIGHT TO ASSETS,
ALIENABILITY AND ASSIGNMENT PROHIBITION
At no time shall the Executive be deemed to have any lien, right, title or interest in or to any specific investment or asset of the Bank. The rights of the Executive, any Beneficiary, or any other person claiming through the Executive under this Plan, shall be solely those of an unsecured general creditor of the Bank. The Executive, the Beneficiary, or any other person claiming through the Executive, shall only have the right to receive from the Bank those payments so specified under this Plan. Neither the Executive nor any Beneficiary under this Plan shall have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, hypothecate, mortgage, commute, modify or otherwise encumber in advance any of the benefits payable hereunder, nor shall any of said benefits be subject to seizure for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by the Executive or his Beneficiary, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of bankruptcy, insolvency or otherwise.
ARTICLE V
ERISA PROVISIONS
| 5.1 | Named Fiduciary and Administrator. The Bank shall be the Named Fiduciary and Administrator of this Plan. As Administrator, the Bank shall be responsible for the management, control and administration of the Plan as established herein. The Administrator may delegate to others certain aspects of the management and operational responsibilities of the Plan, including the employment of advisors and the delegation of ministerial duties to qualified individuals. |
| 5.2 | Claims Procedure and Arbitration. In the event that benefits under this Plan is not paid to the Executive (or to his Beneficiary in the case of the Executive’s death) and the claimant(s) feel he or they are entitled to receive the benefits, then a written claim must be made to the Administrator within sixty (60) days from the date payments are refused. The Administrator shall review the written claim and, if the claim is denied, in whole or in part, it shall provide in writing, within thirty (30) days of receipt of such claim, its specific reasons for such denial, reference to the provisions of this Plan upon which the denial is based, and any additional material or information necessary for such claimants to perfect the claim. The written notice by the Administrator shall further indicate the additional steps which must be undertaken by claimants if an additional review of the claim denial is desired. |
If claimants desire a second review, they shall notify the Administrator in writing within thirty (30) days of the first claim denial. Claimants may review this Plan or any documents relating thereto and submit any issues and comments, in writing, they may feel appropriate. In its sole discretion, the Administrator shall then review the second claim and provide a written decision within thirty (30) days of receipt of such claim. This decision shall state the specific reasons for the decision and shall include reference to specific provisions of this Plan upon which the decision is based.
No claimant shall institute any action or proceeding in any state or federal court of law or equity or before any administrative tribunal or arbitrator for a claim for benefits under the Plan until the claimant has first exhausted the provisions set forth in this Section 5.2.
| 6 |
ARTICLE VI
MISCELLANEOUS
| 6.1 | No Effect on Employment Rights. Nothing contained herein will confer upon the Executive the right to be retained in the service of the Bank nor limit the right of the Bank to discharge or otherwise deal with the Executive without regard to the existence of the Plan. |
| 6.2 | State Law. The Plan is established under, and will be construed according to, the laws of the State of Wisconsin, to the extent such laws are not preempted by ERISA and valid regulations published thereunder or any other federal law. |
| 6.3 | Severability and Interpretation of Provisions. The Bank shall have full power and authority to interpret, construe and administer this Plan and the Bank’s interpretation and construction thereof and actions thereunder shall be binding and conclusive on all persons for all purposes. No employee or representative of the Bank shall be liable to any person for any actions taken or omitted in connection with the interpretation and administration of this Plan unless attributable to his own willful misconduct or lack of good faith. In the event that any of the provisions of this Plan or portion hereof are held to be inoperative or invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, or in the event that any provision is found to violate Code Section 409A and would subject the Executive to additional taxes and interest on the amounts deferred hereunder, or in the event that any legislation adopted by any governmental body having jurisdiction over the Bank would be retroactively applied to invalidate this Plan or any provision hereof or cause the benefits under this Plan to be taxable, then: (1) insofar as is reasonable, effect will be given to the intent manifested in the provisions held invalid or inoperative, and (2) the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions will not be affected thereby. In the event that the intent of any provision shall need to be construed in a manner to avoid taxability, this construction shall be made by the Administrator in a manner that would manifest to the maximum extent possible the original meaning of such provisions. |
| 6.4 | Incapacity of Recipient. If a benefit is payable to a minor, to a person declared incompetent, or to a person incapable of handling the disposition of his property, the Bank may pay such benefit to the guardian, legal representative or person having the care or custody of such minor, incompetent person or incapable person. The Bank may require proof of incompetence, minority or guardianship as it may deem appropriate prior to distribution of the benefit. The distribution shall completely discharge the Bank for all liability with respect to the benefit. |
| 6.5 | Unclaimed Benefit. The Executive shall keep the Bank informed of his or her current address and the current address of his Beneficiaries. If the location of the Executive is not made known to the Bank, the Bank shall delay payment of the Executive’s benefit payment(s) until the location of the Executive is made known to the Bank; however, the Bank shall only be obligated to hold the benefit payment(s) for the Executive until the expiration of three (3) years. Upon expiration of the three (3) year period, the Bank may discharge its obligation by payment to the Executive’s Beneficiary. If the location of the Executive’s Beneficiary is not known to the Bank, the Executive and his Beneficiary(ies) shall thereupon forfeit any rights to the balance, if any, of any benefits provided for such the Executive and/or Beneficiary under this Plan. |
| 6.6 | Limitations on Liability. Notwithstanding any of the preceding provisions of the Plan, no individual acting as an employee or agent of the Bank, or as a member of the Board of Directors shall be personally liable to the Executive or any other person for any claim, loss, liability or expense incurred in connection with the Plan. |
| 7 |
| 6.7 | Gender. Whenever in this Plan words are used in the masculine or neuter gender, they shall be read and construed as in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender, whenever they should so apply. |
| 6.8 | Effect on Other Corporate Benefit Plans. Nothing contained in this Plan shall affect the right of the Executive to participate in or be covered by any qualified or nonqualified pension, profit sharing, group, bonus or other supplemental compensation or fringe benefit agreement constituting a part of the Bank’s existing or future compensation structure. |
| 6.9 | Inurement. This Plan shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Bank, its successors and assigns, and the Executive, his successors, heirs, executors, administrators, and Beneficiaries. |
| 6.10 | Acceleration of Payments. Except as specifically permitted under this Section 6.10 or in other sections of this Plan, no acceleration of the time or schedule of any payment may be made under this Plan. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payments may be accelerated hereunder by the Bank, in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(4) and any subsequent guidance issued by the United States Treasury Department. |
| 6.11 | Headings. Headings and sub-headings in this Plan are inserted for reference and convenience only and shall not be deemed a part of this Plan. |
| 6.12 | 12 U.S.C. §1828(k). Any payments made to the Executive pursuant to this Plan or otherwise are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. § 1828(k) or any regulations promulgated thereunder. |
| 6.13 | Payment of Employment and Code Section 409A Taxes. Any distribution under this Plan shall be reduced by the amount of any taxes required to be withheld from the distribution. This Plan shall permit the acceleration of the time or schedule of a payment to pay employment-related taxes as permitted under Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j) or to pay any taxes that may become due at any time that the arrangement fails to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and the regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder. In the latter case, such payments shall not exceed the amount required to be included in income as the result of the failure to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A. |
| 6.14 | Successors to the Bank. The Bank, as applicable, will require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Bank to assume expressly and agree to perform the duties and obligations under this Plan in the same manner and to the same extent as the Bank would be required to perform it if no such succession had taken place. |
| 6.15 | Legal Fees. In the event the Executive retains legal counsel to enforce any of the terms of the Plan, the Bank will pay his legal fees and related expenses reasonably incurred by him, but only if the Executive prevails in an action seeking legal and/or equitable relief against the Bank. |
ARTICLE VII
AMENDMENT/TERMINATION
| 7.1 | This Plan may be amended or modified at any time, in whole or part, with the mutual written consent of the Executive and the Bank. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Plan may be amended without the Executive’s consent to the extent necessary to comply with existing tax laws or changes to existing tax laws. |
| 8 |
| 7.2 | Termination of Plan. |
A complete termination of the Plan shall not reduce the Executive’s accrued benefits under the Plan and shall occur only under the following circumstances and conditions:
| (i) | The Board of Directors may terminate the Plan within 12 months of a corporate dissolution taxed under Code Section 331, or with approval of a bankruptcy court pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §503(b)(1)(A), provided that the benefit is included in the Executive’s (or his Beneficiary’s) gross income (and paid to the Executive or his Beneficiary) in the latest of (i) the calendar year in which the Plan terminates; (ii) the calendar year in which the amount is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; or (iii) the first calendar year in which the payment is administratively practicable. |
| (ii) | The Board of Directors may terminate the Plan by Board of Directors action taken within the 30 days preceding or 12 months following a Change in Control, provided that the Plan shall only be treated as terminated if all substantially similar arrangements sponsored by the Bank are terminated so that the Executive and all participants under substantially similar arrangements are required to receive all amounts payable under the terminated arrangements within 12 months of the date of the termination of the arrangements. |
| (iii) | The Board of Directors may terminate the Plan at any time provided that (i) the termination does not occur proximate to a downturn in the financial health of the Bank, (ii) all arrangements sponsored by the Bank that would be aggregated with this Plan under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(c) if the Executive was also covered by any of those other arrangements are also terminated; (iii) no payments other than payments that would be payable under the terms of the arrangements if the termination had not occurred are made within 12 months of the termination of the arrangement (e.g., the Executive’s benefit); (iv) all payments are made within 24 months of the termination of the arrangements; and (v) the Bank does not adopt a new arrangement that would be aggregated with any terminated arrangement under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(c) if the Executive participated in both arrangements, at any time within three years following the date of termination of the arrangement. |
ARTICLE VIII
EXECUTION
| 8.1 | This Plan sets forth the entire understanding of the Bank and the Executive with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, and any previous agreements or understandings between them regarding the subject matter hereof are merged into and superseded by this Plan. |
| 8.2 | This Plan shall be executed in duplicate, each copy of which, when so executed and delivered, shall be an original, but both copies shall together constitute one and the same instrument. |
| 8.3 | Effective Date. This Plan shall become effective on the closing date of the conversion of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC from the mutual to capital stock form of organization and the related offering of shares of common stock of EWSB Bancorp, Inc. pursuant to the Plan of Conversion and Reorganization of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, adopted March 4, 2024 (the “Effective Date”). If the Effective Date does not occur for any reason, this Plan shall be void and the Executive shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Plan. |
[signature page follows]
| 9 |
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank has caused this Plan to be executed, effective as of the day and date first above written.
| EAST WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK | ||
| By: | /s/ Kay M. Dorow | |
| Name: | Kay M. Dorow | |
| Title: | Director | |
| EXECUTIVE | ||
| By: | /s/ Charles D. Schmalz | |
| Name: | Charles D. Schmalz | |
| 10 |
Exhibit 10.6
EAST WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK
AMENDED AND RESTATED DIRECTOR DEFERRED FEE PLAN
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Amended and Restated Director Deferred Fee Plan (the “Plan”) is for East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”) to provide current tax planning opportunities as well as supplemental funds for retirement for members of the board of directors of the Bank by means of a non-qualified deferred compensation plan that is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). The Plan shall be effective March 4, 2024.
The Bank previously established the Unfunded Deferred Compensation Plan, originally effective as of May 17, 1983 (the “Prior Plan”), and this Plan amend and restates the Prior Plan in its entirety. This Plan shall not change any deferral elections or payment elections under the Prior Plan, unless requested by a Participant in accordance with the terms of the Plan, and this Plan is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Plan, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Account. “Account” means the account maintained under Section 4.3 of this Plan by the Bank in the Participant’s name.
Account Balance. “Account Balance” means the balance of the Participant’s Account as of the applicable distribution date.
Bank. “Bank” means East Wisconsin Savings Bank, or any successor to the business thereof.
Beneficiary. “Beneficiary” means the person or persons (and their heirs) designated as Beneficiary by the Participant to whom the deceased Participant’s benefits are payable. If no Beneficiary is so designated, then the Participant’s spouse, if living, will be deemed the Beneficiary. If the Participant’s spouse is not living, then the children of the Participant will be deemed the Beneficiaries and will take on a per stirpes basis. If there are no living children, then the estate of the Participant will be deemed the Beneficiary.
Board. “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Bank and the Board of Directors of the Company.
Code. “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Committee. “Committee” means the Committee appointed to administer the Plan pursuant to Section 6.1 below.
Company. “Company” means EWSB Bancorp, Inc., the stock holding company of the Bank, or any successor.
Deferral Contribution. “Deferral Contribution” means the amount of Director Fees a Participant elects to defer under Article IV of the Plan.
Deferral Election(s). The elections made by a Participant to defer Director Fees for the Plan Year.
Director Fees. “Director’s Fees” means all remuneration for service on the Board of the Bank and/or the Company, including retainers, meeting fees and other payments.
Election Form(s). The “Election Forms” shall consist of (i) an Initial Deferral Election Form that must be completed upon initial participation in the Plan, (ii) a Notice of Adjustment of Deferral Amount, and (iii) a Beneficiary Designation Election Form
Interest Rate. The “Interest Rate” shall be at a rate determined by the Board each year at the regular meeting of the Board in January.
Participant. “Participant” means a member of the Board who completes an Election Form.
Plan Year. “Plan Year” means the period from January 1 to December 31.
Separation from Service. “Separation from Service” or “Separates from Service” means the Participant’s retirement or any other termination of service with the Bank within the meaning of Code Section 409A. No Separation from Service shall be deemed to occur due to military leave, sick leave or other bona fide leave of absence if the period of such leave does not exceed six (6) months or, if longer, so long as the Participant’s right to reemployment is provided by law or contract. If the leave exceeds six (6) months and the Participant’s right to reemployment is not provided by law or by contract, then the Participant shall have a Separation from Service on the first date immediately following such six-month period.
Whether a Separation from Service has occurred is determined based on whether the facts and circumstances indicate that the Bank and the Participant reasonably anticipated that no further services would be performed after a certain date or that the level of bona fide services the director would perform after such date (whether as an employee or as an independent contractor) would permanently decrease to an amount less than 50% of the average level of bona fide services performed over the immediately preceding 36 months (or such lesser period of time in which the Participant performed services for the Bank). The determination of whether a Participant has had a Separation from Service shall be made by applying the presumptions set forth in the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A.
Specified Employee. “Specified Employee” means a “key employee” of a publicly traded company within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the final regulations issued thereunder.
2
ARTICLE III
ELIGIBILITY AND VESTING
3.1 Eligibility. The Plan is available to members of the Board. Each director who is eligible to participate in the Plan shall enroll in the Plan by completing the Election Form. A director’s participation in the Plan shall commence as of the date specified in the Election Form.
3.2 Vesting. Each Participant shall be 100% vested in his or her Deferral Contribution.
ARTICLE IV
DEFERRAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACCOUNT
| 4.1 | Deferral Elections. |
(a) Deferral Elections. Each Participant shall have the right to elect to defer a fixed percentage of the Director Fees (up to 100%) to which the Participant would otherwise be entitled, with such Deferral Contribution to be deferred and paid at the times and in the manner herein stated. Each new Participant electing to make a Deferral Contribution shall execute and deliver to the Bank an Initial Election Form. Such election shall be made with respect to the deferral of Director Fees, if at all, within thirty (30) days of the Participant’s initial eligibility in the Plan and shall be applicable only to Director Fees earned for services rendered after the date of such election. If a Participant desires to change his Deferral Contribution, subsequent deferral elections with respect to Director Fees shall be made no later than the December 15th prior to the beginning of a calendar year and will be in effect for the entire calendar year following such election.
4.2 Changes to Deferral Election. Each Participant’s Deferral Contribution shall continue in effect from year to year until revoked, provided, however, that every election to defer Director Fees shall be irrevocable as to Director Fees earned for services performed prior to the date of such revocation. Changes or revocation of the Participant’s Deferral Contribution shall be made in writing in the form of Notice of Adjustment of Deferral Contribution attached hereto as Exhibit A, which shall be effective upon the January 1st of the year stated therein, provided this form is executed and delivered to the Bank by December 15th of the previous calendar year. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, a deferral election shall not be revocable after the commencement of the calendar year to which it applies, except in two limited circumstances.
4.3 Account. The Bank shall maintain for each Participant an Account to which the Participant’s Deferral Contributions shall be credited thereto as of the last day of the month during which the Director Fees would have been paid to the Participant, if not deferred.
4.4 Earnings on Investment. As of the last day of the Plan Year, the Bank shall credit each Participant’s Account with interest equal to the Interest Rate established by the Committee from time to time, compounded annually.
4.5 Unsecured Creditor. The Participant’s interest in his or her Account is limited to the right to receive payments under the Plan, and the Participant’s position is that of a general unsecured creditor of the Bank.
3
ARTICLE V
DISTRIBUTION OF BENEFITS
5.1 Distribution of Account Balance. The Participant’s vested Account Balance shall be distributed to the Participant in accordance with this Article V, and shall commence or be paid within 30 days following the event that triggers distribution, provided, however that if a Participant is a Specified Employee and payment of the Account Balance is triggered due to the Participant’s Separation from Service (other than due to death), then solely to the extent necessary to avoid penalties under Code Section 409A, no payment shall be made during the first six (6) months following the Participant’s Separation from Service. Rather, any payment which would otherwise be paid to the Participant during such period shall be accumulated and paid to the Participant in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh month following such Separation from Service. All subsequent payments of the Participant’s Account Balance shall be paid in the manner specified in the Plan. All distributions under the Plan shall be made in cash.
5.2 Distribution Due to Separation from Service. Subject to Section 5.1, a Participant who has a Separation from Service shall be entitled to his or her Account Balance. The Participant shall elect from among a lump sum distribution over a designated period of years as provided in the election form. In the event the Participant elects a form of distribution over a period of years, the Participant’s Account Balance shall be annuitized over such period (with interest at the Interest Rate) and paid in equal monthly installments over such payout period. If the Participant is a Specified Employee at the time he or she is entitled to a distribution, and as such is not entitled to any payments until the first day of the seventh month after Separation from Service, any payments that otherwise would have been received prior to the first day of the seventh month shall be held and paid on the first day of the seventh month along with interest accrued at the Interest Rate on such unpaid amount. If the Participant fails to designate the manner in which his or her Account Balance will be paid, the Account Balance shall be distributed to the Participant in a lump sum.
5.3 Death. In the event of the Participant’s death, the Participant (or the Participant’s Beneficiary, in the event of the Participant’s death) shall be paid the Participant’s Account Balance in a single lump sum within 60 days after the date of death pursuant to this Section 5.3 rather than pursuant to Section 5.2.
5.4 Code Section 409A. The Plan shall be interpreted to comply with Code Section 409A, and all provisions of the Plan shall be construed in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section 409A.
ARTICLE VI
ADMINISTRATION
6.1 Committee; Duties. This Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which, unless otherwise provided by the Board, shall be the Compensation Committee of the Board. The Committee shall have the authority to make, amend, interpret, and enforce all appropriate rules and regulations for the administration of this Plan and decide or resolve any and all questions, including interpretations of this Plan, as may arise in connection with the Plan. A majority vote of the Committee members shall control any decision.
4
6.2 Agents. The Committee may, from time to time, employ other agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit, and may from time to time consult with counsel who may be counsel to the Bank.
6.3 Binding Effect of Decisions. The decision or action of the Committee with respect to any question arising out of or in connection with the administration, interpretation and application of the Plan and the rules or regulations promulgated hereunder shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all persons having any interest in the Plan.
6.4 Indemnity of Committee. The Bank shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Committee against any and all claims, loss, damage, expense or liability arising from any action or failure to act with respect to this Plan, except in the case of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
ARTICLE VII
CLAIMS PROCEDURE
7.1 Claim. Any person claiming a benefit, requesting an interpretation or ruling under the Plan, or requesting information under the Plan shall present the request in writing to the Committee, which shall respond in writing within 30 days.
7.2 Denial of Claim. If the claim or request is denied, the written notice of denial shall state:
(a) The reasons for denial, with specific reference to the Plan provisions on which the denial is based.
(b) A description of any additional material or information required and an explanation of why it is necessary.
(c) An explanation of the Plan’s claim review procedure.
7.3 Review of Claim. Any person whose claim or request is denied or who has not received a response within 30 days may request review by notice given in writing to the Committee. The claim or request shall be reviewed by the Committee who may, but shall not be required to, grant the claimant a hearing. On review, the claimant may have representation, examine pertinent documents, and submit issues and comments in writing.
7.4 Final Decision. The decision on review shall normally be made within 60 days. If an extension of time is required for a hearing or other special circumstance, the claimant shall be notified and the time limit shall be 120 days. The decision shall be in writing and shall state the reasons and the relevant Plan provisions.
7.5 Arbitration. If a claimant continues to dispute the benefit denial based upon completed performance of this Plan or the meaning and effect of the terms and conditions thereof, then the claimant may submit the dispute to mediation, administered by the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) (or a mediator selected by the parties) in accordance with the AAA’s Commercial Mediation Rules. If mediation is not successful in resolving the dispute, it shall be settled by arbitration administered by the AAA under its Commercial Arbitration Rules, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof.
5
ARTICLE VIII
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF PLAN
8.1 Amendment. Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, the Board reserves the exclusive right to freeze or to amend the Plan at any time, provided that no amendment to the Plan shall be effective to decrease or to restrict the amount accrued prior to the date of such amendment without the express written consent of the Participant whose benefit would be decreased.
8.2 Complete Termination. Subject to the requirements of Code Section 409A, in the event of complete termination of the Plan, the Plan shall cease to operate and the Bank shall pay out to the Participant his or her entire vested Account Balance as of the date of termination of the Plan. Such complete termination of the Plan shall occur only under the following circumstances and conditions:
(a) The Board may terminate the Plan within 12 months of a corporate dissolution taxed under Code Section 331, or with approval of a bankruptcy court pursuant to 11 U.S.C. §503(b)(1)(A), provided that the amounts deferred under the Plan are included in the Participant’s gross income in the latest of: (i) the calendar year in which the Plan terminates; (ii) the calendar year in which the amount is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture; or (iii) the first calendar year in which the payment is administratively practicable.
(b) The Board may terminate the Plan by irrevocable action within the 30 days preceding, or 12 months following, a Change in Control, provided that the Plan shall only be treated as terminated if all substantially similar arrangements sponsored by the Bank are terminated so that the Participant and all participants under substantially similar arrangements are required to receive all amounts of compensation deferred under the terminated arrangements within 12 months of the date of the irrevocable termination of the arrangements. For these purposes, “Change in Control” shall be defined in accordance with the Treasury Regulations under Code Section 409A.
(c) The Board may terminate the Plan provided that: (i) the termination and liquidation does not occur proximate to a downturn in the financial health of the Bank, (ii) all arrangements sponsored by the Bank that would be aggregated with this Plan under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(c) if the Participant covered by this Plan was also covered by any of those other arrangements are also terminated; (iii) no payments are made within 12 months of the termination of the arrangement, except for payments that would have been payable under the terms of the arrangement if the termination had not occurred; (iv) all payments are made within 24 months of the termination of the arrangements; and (v) the Bank does not adopt a new arrangement that would be aggregated with any terminated arrangement under Treasury Regulations Section 1.409A-1(c) if the Participant participated in both arrangements, at any time within three years following the date of termination of the arrangement.
6
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Unfunded Plan. This Plan is intended to be an unfunded plan maintained primarily to provide deferred compensation benefits for members of the Board. This Plan is not intended to create an investment contract, but to provide tax planning opportunities and retirement benefits to eligible individuals who have elected to participate in the Plan. Participants are members of the Board and select members of management who, by virtue of their position, are uniquely informed as to the Bank’s operations and have the ability to materially affect the Bank’s profitability and operations.
9.2 Trust Fund. The Bank shall be responsible for the payment of all benefits provided under the Plan. At its discretion, the Bank may establish one or more rabbi trusts, with such trustees as the Board may approve, for the purpose of providing for the payment of such benefits. Such rabbi trust or trusts may be irrevocable, but the assets thereof shall be subject to the claims of the Bank’s creditors. To the extent any benefits provided under the Plan are actually paid from any such trust, the Bank shall have no further obligation with respect thereto, but to the extent not so paid, such benefits shall remain the obligation of, and shall be paid by, the Bank.
9.3 Payment to Participant, Legal Representative or Beneficiary. Any payment to any Participant or the legal representative, Beneficiary, or to any guardian or committee appointed for such Participant or Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions hereof, shall, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims hereunder against the Bank, which may require the Participant, legal representative, Beneficiary, guardian or committee, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and release thereof in such form as shall be determined by the Bank.
9.4 Nonassignability. Neither a Participant nor any other person shall have any right to commute, sell, assign, transfer, hypothecate or convey in advance of actual receipt the amounts, if any, payable hereunder, or any part thereof, which are, and all rights to which are, expressly declared to be unassignable and nontransferable. No part of the amounts payable shall, prior to actual payment, be subject to seizure or sequestration for the payment of any debts, judgments, alimony or separate maintenance owed by a Participant or any other person, nor be transferable by operation of law in the event of a Participant’s or any other person’s bankruptcy or insolvency.
9.5 Validity. In case any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts hereof, but this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal and invalid provision had never been inserted herein.
9.6 Notice. Any notice or filing required or permitted to be given to the Committee under the Plan shall be sufficient if in writing and hand delivered, or sent by registered or certified mail, to any member of the Committee or the Secretary of the Bank. Such notice shall be deemed given as of the date of delivery or, if delivery is made by mail, as of the date shown on the postmark on the receipt for registration or certification.
7
9.7 Successors. The provisions of this Plan shall bind and inure to the benefit of the Bank and its successors and assigns. The term “successors” as used herein shall include any corporate or other business entity which shall, whether by merger, consolidation, purchase or otherwise acquire all or substantially all of the business and assets of the Bank, and successors of any such corporation or other business entity.
9.8 Payment Code Section 409A Taxes. This Plan shall permit the acceleration of the time or schedule of a payment to pay any taxes that may become due at any time that the arrangement fails to meet the requirements of Code Section 409A and the regulations and other guidance promulgated thereunder. In such case, payments shall not exceed the amount required to be included in income as the result of the failure to comply with the requirements of Code Section 409A.
9.9 Acceleration of Payments. Except as specifically permitted herein or in other sections of this Plan, no acceleration of the time or schedule of any payment may be made hereunder. Notwithstanding the foregoing, payments may be accelerated hereunder by the Bank, in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-3(j)(4) and any subsequent guidance issued by the United States Department of the Treasury. Accordingly, payments may be accelerated, in accordance with requirements and conditions of the Treasury Regulations (or subsequent guidance) in the following circumstances: (i) as a result of certain domestic relations orders; (ii) in compliance with ethics agreements with the federal government; (iii) in compliance with ethics laws or conflicts of interest laws; (iv) in limited cash-outs (but not in excess of the limit under Code Section 402(g)(1)(B)); (v) to apply certain offsets in satisfaction of a debt of the Participant to the Bank; (vi) in satisfaction of certain bona fide disputes between the Participant and the Bank; or (vii) for any other purpose set forth in the Treasury Regulations and subsequent guidance.
9.10 12 U.S.C. § 1828(k). Any payments made to the Participant pursuant to this Plan or otherwise are subject to and conditioned upon compliance with 12 U.S.C. § 1828(k) and 12 C.F.R. Part 359 Golden Parachute and Indemnification Payments or any other rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
9.11 Governing Law. The Plan is established under, and will be construed according to, the laws of the State of Wisconsin, to the extent such laws are not preempted by the ERISA or the Code and regulations published thereunder.
[Signature Page to Follow]
8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Bank, acting through its authorized officer, has adopted this Plan.
| EAST WISCONSIN SAVINGS BANK | |||
| March 4, 2024 | By: | /s/ Charles D. Schmalz | |
| Date | Print Name: | Charles D. Schmalz |
9
Exhibit 21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
The following is a list of the subsidiaries of EWSB Bancorp, Inc.:
| Name | State of Incorporation |
| East Wisconsin Savings Bank | Wisconsin |
Exhibit 23.2
FELDMAN FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC.
8804 Mirador Place
McLean, VA 22102
(202) 467-6862
March 11, 2024
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
221 South Locust Street
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 68801
Members of the Boards of Directors:
We hereby consent to the use of our firm’s name in the Registration Statement on Form S-1, and any amendments thereto, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission by EWSB Bancorp, Inc., and in the Application for Conversion on Form FR MM-AC, and any amendments thereto, to be filed with the Board of Governors of Federal Reserve System. We also hereby consent to the inclusion of, summary of, and references to our Conversion Valuation Appraisal Report and any Conversion Valuation Appraisal Updates and our statements concerning subscription rights and liquidation rights in such filings and amendments, including the prospectus of EWSB Bancorp, Inc. We also consent to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus.
Sincerely,

Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit 23.3
![]() |
![]() |
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We consent to the inclusion in this Registration Statement on Form S-1 of our report dated March 11, 2024, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2022, and 2023, and for the years then ended, and to the reference to us under the heading “Experts” in the Registration Statement.
/s/ Plante & Moran, PLLC
Cleveland, Ohio
March 11, 2024

Exhibit 99.1
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
8804 Mirador Place
McLean, VA 22102
(202) 467-6862
January 18, 2024
Confidential
Board of Directors
East Washington Savings Bank
109 West Second Street
Kaukauna, WI 54130
Members of the Board:
This letter sets forth the agreement ("Agreement") between East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the "Bank"), the wholly owned subsidiary of ESWB Bancorp, Inc. (the mid-tier stock holding company), which in turn is wholly owned by Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the mutual holding company), and Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. ("FFA"), whereby the Bank has engaged FFA to provide an independent appraisal of the estimated aggregate pro forma market value (the "Valuation") of the common stock to be sold in connection with the conversion of the Bank from the mutual holding company form of organization to the fully public stock holding company structure and concurrent offering of all the common stock of the public stock holding company (collectively referred to herein as the "Conversion").
FFA agrees to deliver the Valuation, in a written report satisfying applicable regulatory guidelines for mutual-to-sock conversion appraisals, to the Bank at the address above on or before a mutually agreed upon date. Further, FFA agrees to perform such other services as are necessary or required of the independent appraiser in connection with comments from the Bank's regulatory authorities and subsequent updates of the Valuation as from time to time may be necessary, both after initial approval by the Bank's regulatory authorities and prior to the time the Conversion is completed. FFA will assist the Bank in responding to all regulatory inquiries regarding the Valuation and will also assist the Bank at all meetings with the regulatory authorities concerning the Valuation.
The Bank agrees to pay FFA a professional consulting fee of $35,000 for FFA's appraisal services related to preparation of the initial appraisal report. Any subsequent appraisal updates required in conjunction with the regulatory application and the Conversion will be subject to an additional fee of $5,000 per update. It is anticipated that there will be at least one appraisal update, specifically the appraisal update required upon completion of the stock offering.
The Bank also agrees to reimburse FFA for certain out-of-pocket expenses necessary and incident to the completion of the services described above. These expenses shall not exceed $5,000 without the prior consent of the Bank. Reimbursable expenses for copying, report reproduction, data materials, express mail, and travel shall be paid to FFA as incurred and billed. Payment of the professional consulting fee shall be made according to the following schedule:
· $5,000 upon execution of this Agreement;
· $30,000 upon delivery of the initial appraisal report to the Bank; and,
· $5,000 upon completion of each updated appraisal report.
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Board of Directors
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
January 18, 2024
Page 2
If, during the course of the Conversion, unforeseen events occur so as to materially change the nature of the work content of the appraisal services described above such that FFA must supply services beyond that contemplated at the time this contract was executed, the terms of this Agreement shall be subject to renegotiation by the Bank and FFA. Such unforeseen events shall include, but not be limited to, material changes in regulations governing the Conversion, material changes in mutual-to-stock conversion appraisal guidelines or processing procedures as administered by the relevant regulatory authorities, major changes in the Bank's management or operating policies, and excessive delays or suspension of processing of the Conversion.
In the event the Bank shall for any reason discontinue the Conversion prior to delivery of the completed appraisal report and payment of the progress payment fee totaling $30,000, the Bank agrees to compensate FFA according to FFA's standard billing rates for consulting appraisal services based on accumulated and verifiable time expended, provided that the total of such charges shall not exceed $35,000 plus reimbursable expenses and less credit for payment of the initial retainer fee of $5,000.
In order to induce FFA to render the aforesaid services, the Bank agrees to the following:
| 1. | The Bank agrees to supply FFA such information with respect to the Bank's business and financial condition as FFA may reasonably request in order for FFA to perform the appraisal services. Such information shall include, without limitation: annual financial statements, periodic regulatory filings and material agreements, corporate books and records, and such other documents as are material for the performance by FFA of the appraisal services. |
| 2. | The Bank hereby represents and warrants to FFA (i) that to its best knowledge any information provided to FFA by or on behalf of the Bank, will not, at any relevant time, contain any untrue statement of a material fact or fail to state a material fact necessary to make the information or statements therein not false or misleading, (ii) that the Bank will not use the product of FFA's services in any manner, including in a proxy or offering circular, in connection with any untrue statement of a material fact or in connection with the failure to state a material fact necessary to make other statements not false or misleading, and (iii) that all documents incorporating or relying upon FFA's services or the product of FFA's services will otherwise comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. |
| 3. | Any valuations or opinions issued by FFA may be included in its entirety in any communication by the Bank in any regulatory application, proxy statement, or offering prospectus; provided that, such valuation or opinion may not be disclosed in the prospectus, nor reproduced and distributed, nor may FFA be referred to in the prospectus without FFA's prior written consent. |
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Board of Directors
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
January 18, 2024
Page 3
| 4. | FFA's Valuation will be based upon the Bank's representation that the information contained in the Conversion application and additional information furnished to us by the Bank and its independent auditors is truthful, accurate, and complete in all material respects. FFA will not independently verify the financial statements and other information provided by the Bank and its independent auditors, nor will FFA independently value the assets or liabilities of the Bank. The Valuation will consider the Bank only as a going concern and will not be considered as an indication of the liquidation value of the Bank. |
| 5. | FFA's Valuation is not intended, and must not be represented to be, a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of common stock in the Conversion. Moreover, because the Valuation is necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which are subject to change from time to time, FFA will give no assurance that persons who purchase shares of common stock in the Conversion will thereafter be able to sell such shares at prices related to FFA's Valuation. |
| 6. | The Bank agrees to indemnify FFA and its affiliates and all persons employed by or associated with FFA or its affiliates against all claims, liabilities, and related expenses, as incurred, arising out of this engagement, unless, upon final adjudication, such claims, liabilities, and expenses are found to have resulted primarily from FFA's gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct. Any provision for indemnification of the Bank shall be in accordance with federal banking law and applicable regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (12 CFR Part 359). No termination, completion, or modification hereof shall limit or affect such indemnification obligation. In the event FFA becomes aware of a claim or a possible claim arising out of this Agreement, it shall notify the Bank as soon as possible. The Bank will attempt to resolve the claim. In the event the Bank is not able to resolve the claim, it has the option to retain legal counsel on behalf of FFA to defend the claim. |
| 7. | The Bank and FFA are not affiliated, and neither the Bank nor FFA has an economic interest in, or is held in common with, the other and has not derived a significant portion of its gross revenues, receipts, or net income for any period from transactions with the other. It is understood that FFA is not a seller of securities within the scope of any federal or state securities law, and any report prepared by FFA shall not be used as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, it being understood that the foregoing shall not be construed to prohibit the filing of any such report as part of the Conversion application or Securities and Exchange Commission and blue sky filings or customary references thereto in applications, filings, proxy statements, and prospectuses. |
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Board of Directors
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
January 18, 2024
Page 4
Please acknowledge your concurrence with the foregoing by signing as indicated below and returning to FFA a signed copy of this Agreement and the initial payment in the amount of $5,000.
| Yours very truly, | |
| Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. | |
| /s/ Trent R. Feldman | |
| Trent R. Feldman | |
| President |
| Agreed to and Accepted for: | ||
| Board of Directors of | ||
| East Wisconsin Savings Bank | ||
| By: | /s/ Charles Schmalz | |
| Title: | President, CEO | |
| Date: | Jan 19, 2024 | |
Exhibit 99.2
FELDMAN FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC.
8804 Mirador Place
McLean, VA 22102
(202) 467-6862
March 11, 2024
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
221 South Locust Street
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 68801
Members of the Boards of Directors:
It is the opinion of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc., that the subscription rights to be received by the eligible account holders and other eligible subscribers of East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”) pursuant to the Plan of Conversion (the “Plan”) adopted by the Boards of Directors of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “MHC”), EWSB Bancorp, Inc., and the Bank, do not have any ascertainable market value at the time of distribution or at the time the rights are exercised in the subscription offering.
According to the Plan, the MHC will convert from the mutual holding company form of organization to the stock holding company form of organization. In connection with the conversion, the MHC has organized a new stock holding company, EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (“New EWSB Bancorp”), which will offer shares of its common stock for sale in a subscription offering to eligible account holders and other eligible subscribers. Any shares of common stock that remain unsubscribed for in the subscription offering will be offered by New EWSB Bancorp for sale in the community or syndicated community offerings to certain members of the general public. When the conversion and stock offering are completed, all of the capital stock of the Bank will be owned by New EWSB Bancorp, and all of the common stock of New EWSB Bancorp will be owned by its stockholders.
Our opinion is based on the fact that the subscription rights are acquired by the recipients without cost, are legally non-transferable and of short duration, and afford the recipients the right only to purchase shares of common stock of New EWSB Bancorp at a price equal to its aggregate estimated pro forma market value, which will be the same price at which any unsubscribed shares will be purchased in the community or syndicated community offerings.
Changes in the local and national economy, the legislative and regulatory environment, the stock market, interest rates, and other external factors may occur from time to time, often with great unpredictability, and may materially impact the value of savings institution common stocks as a whole or the value of New EWSB Bancorp alone. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that persons who subscribe to shares of common stock in the subscription offering will thereafter be able to buy or sell such shares at the same price paid in the subscription offering.
Sincerely,

Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit 99.3
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
8804 Mirador Place
McLean, VA 22102
(202) 467-6862
|
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC Kaukauna, Wisconsin
Conversion Valuation Appraisal Report Valued as of February 23, 2024
Prepared By
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. McLean, Virginia |
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
8804 Mirador Place
McLean, VA 22102
(202) 467-6862
February 23, 2024
Board of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
221 South Locust Street
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 68801
Members of the Board of Directors:
At your request, we have completed and hereby provide an independent appraisal (the “Appraisal”) of the estimated pro forma market value of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “Company”) as of February 23, 2024, in conjunction with the Company’s conversion (the “Conversion”) from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company form of organization, issuance of all of its capital stock to a newly formed Maryland corporation known as EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (“New EWSB Bancorp”), and offering for sale of New EWSB Bancorp’s common stock to eligible depositors of East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”) and the Bank’s employee stock ownership plan, and also to certain members of the general public if necessary, in the subscription and community offering (the “Stock Offering”).
The Conversion is being undertaken pursuant to a Plan of Conversion adopted by the Boards of Directors of the Company, the Bank, New EWSB Bancorp, and the mid-tier stock holding company, EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (“Old EWSB Bancorp”). The Appraisal is furnished in conjunction with the filing by the Company of regulatory applications concerning the Conversion and the Stock Offering with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. (“Feldman Financial”) is a financial consulting and advisory firm that specializes in valuations and analyses of business enterprises and securities in the thrift, banking, and mortgage industries. The background of Feldman Financial is presented in Exhibit I. In preparing the Appraisal, we conducted an analysis of the Company that included discussions with the Company’s management, the Company’s legal counsel, Luse Gorman, PC, and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Plante & Moran, PLLC.
In addition, where appropriate, we considered information based on other available published sources that we believe are reliable; however, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such information. We also reviewed, among other factors, the economy in the Company’s primary market area and compared the Company’s financial condition and operating performance with that of selected publicly traded thrift institutions. We reviewed conditions in the securities markets in general and in the market for thrift institution common stocks in particular.
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Board of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
February 23, 2024
Page Two
The Appraisal is based on the Company’s representation that the information in the Conversion regulatory applications and additional evidence furnished to us by the Company and its independent auditor are truthful, accurate, and complete. We did not independently verify the financial statements and other information provided by the Company and its independent accounting firm, nor did we independently value the assets or liabilities of the Company. The Appraisal considers the Company only as a going concern and should not be considered as an indication of the liquidation value of the Company.
Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, the Company will convert from the mutual holding company form of organization to the stock holding company form of organization through the following series of steps. The Company currently owns 100% of the common stock of Old EWSB Bancorp, which in turn owns 100% of the common stock of the Bank. The Company will first merge with and into Old EWSB Bancorp, which will immediately merge with and into New EWSB Bancorp, which in turn will sell shares of common stock in the Stock Offering. When the Conversion and Stock Offering are completed, all of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank will be owned by New EWSB Bancorp, and all of the common stock of New EWSB Bancorp will be owned by shareholders. The Bank will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of New EWSB Bancorp, and the Company and Old EWSB will both cease to exist.
It is our opinion that, as of February 23, 2024, the estimated pro forma market value of the Company was within a range (the “Valuation Range”) of $7,437,500 to $10,062,500 with a midpoint of $8,750,000. Pursuant to applicable appraisal guidelines, the Valuation Range was based upon a 15% decrease from the midpoint value to determine the minimum value and a 15% increase from the midpoint value to establish the maximum value. Assuming an additional 15% increase above the maximum value results in an adjusted maximum of $11,571,880. Based on the Valuation Range and an initial offering price of $10.00 per share, the number of shares to be sold in the Stock Offering is as follows: 743,750 at the minimum, 875,000 at the midpoint, 1,006,250 at the maximum, and 1,157,188 at the adjusted maximum.
Our Appraisal is not intended, and must not be construed, to be a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of common stock in the Stock Offering. Moreover, because the Appraisal is necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which are subject to change from time to time, no assurance can be given that persons who purchase shares of stock in the Stock Offering will thereafter be able to sell such shares at prices related to the foregoing estimate of the Company’s pro forma market value. Feldman Financial is not a seller of securities within the meaning of any federal or state securities laws, and any report prepared by Feldman Financial shall not be used as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any securities.
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Board of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
February 23, 2024
Page Three
The Valuation Range reported herein will be updated as appropriate. These updates will consider, among other factors, any developments or changes in the Company’s operating performance, financial condition, or management policies, and current conditions in the securities markets for thrift institution common stocks. Should any such new developments or changes be material, in our opinion, to the valuation of the Company, appropriate adjustments to the estimated pro forma market value will be made. The reasons for any such adjustments will be explained in detail at that time.
| Respectfully submitted, | |
| Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. | |
![]() | |
| Trent R. Feldman | |
| President | |
| |
| Peter W. L. Williams | |
| Principal |
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| TAB | PAGE |
| INTRODUCTION | 1 |
| I. | Chapter One – Business of the Company |
| General Overview | 4 |
| Financial Condition | 12 |
| Income and Expense Trends | 21 |
| Interest Rate Risk Management | 28 |
| Asset Quality | 32 |
| Market Area | 35 |
| Summary Outlook | 46 |
| II. | Chapter Two – Comparisons with Publicly Traded Companies |
| General Overview | 48 |
| Selection Criteria | 49 |
| Recent Financial Comparisons | 53 |
| III. | Chapter Three – Market Value Adjustments |
| General Overview | 65 |
| Earnings Growth and Viability | 66 |
| Financial Condition | 67 |
| Market Area | 67 |
| Management | 70 |
| Dividend Policy | 70 |
| Liquidity of the Stock Issue | 71 |
| Subscription Interest | 72 |
| Recent Acquisition Activity | 74 |
| Stock Market Conditions | 74 |
| Adjustments Conclusion | 82 |
| Valuation Approach | 83 |
| Valuation Conclusion | 86 |
| IV. | Appendix -- Exhibits |
| I | Background of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. | I-1 | |
| II-1 | Consolidated Balance Sheets | II-1 | |
| II-2 | Consolidated Income Statements | II-2 | |
| II-3 | Loan Portfolio Composition | II-3 | |
| II-4 | Cash and Investments Composition | II-4 | |
| II-5 | Deposit Accounts Composition | II-5 | |
| III | Financial and Market Data for All Public Thrifts | III-1 | |
| IV-1 | Pro Forma Assumptions for the Stock Offering | IV-1 | |
| IV-2 | Pro Forma Conversion Valuation Range | IV-2 | |
| IV-3 | Pro Forma Conversion Analysis at the Midpoint Value | IV-3 | |
| IV-4 | Comparative Valuation Ratio Analysis | IV-4 |
i
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
LIST OF TABLES
| TAB | PAGE |
| I. | Chapter One – Business of the Company |
| Table 1 | Selected Financial Condition Data | 12 | |
| Table 2 | Relative Balance Sheet Concentrations | 13 | |
| Table 3 | Income Statement Summary | 22 | |
| Table 4 | Income Statement Ratios | 25 | |
| Table 5 | Selected Operating Performance and Financial Ratios | 26 | |
| Table 6 | Yield and Cost Summary | 27 | |
| Table 7 | Economic Value of Equity | 30 | |
| Table 8 | Net Interest Income Sensitivity | 31 | |
| Table 9 | Non-performing Asset Summary | 33 | |
| Table 10 | Allowance for Credit Losses | 34 | |
| Table 11 | Total Employment Force by Industry Sector | 37 | |
| Table 12 | Selected Demographic Data | 39 | |
| Table 13 | Branch Office Deposit Data | 42 | |
| Table 14 | Deposit Market Share in Outagamie County, Wisconsin | 44 | |
| Table 15 | Deposit Market Share in the Appleton, MSA-Wisconsin | 45 |
| II. | Chapter Two – Comparisons with Publicly Traded Companies |
| Table 16 | Comparative Group Operating Summary | 52 | |
| Table 17 | Key Financial Comparisons | 54 | |
| Table 18 | General Operating Characteristics | 60 | |
| Table 19 | Summary Financial Performance Ratios | 61 | |
| Table 20 | Income and Expense Analysis | 62 | |
| Table 21 | Balance Sheet Composition | 63 | |
| Table 22 | Growth Rates, Credit Risk, and Loan Composition | 64 |
| III. | Chapter Three – Market Value Adjustments |
| Table 23 | Comparative Market Area Data | 69 | |
| Table 24 | Summary of Wisconsin Bank and Thrift Acquisition Activity | 75 | |
| Table 25 | Comparative One-Year Stock Index Performance | 78 | |
| Table 26 | Comparative Three-Year Stock Index Performance | 79 | |
| Table 27 | Summary of Recent Standard Thrift Conversion Stock Offerings | 80 | |
| Table 28 | Comparative Pro Forma Market Valuation Analysis | 87 |
ii
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
INTRODUCTION
At your request, we have completed and hereby provide an independent appraisal (the “Appraisal”) of the estimated pro forma market value of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “Company”) as of February 23, 2024, in conjunction with the Company’s conversion (the “Conversion”) from a mutual holding company to a stock holding company form of organization, issuance of all of its capital stock to a newly formed Maryland corporation known as EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (“New EWSB Bancorp”), and offering for sale of New EWSB Bancorp’s common stock to eligible depositors of East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”) and the Bank’s employee stock ownership plan (the “ESOP”), and also to certain members of the general public if necessary, in the subscription and community offering (the “Stock Offering”).
The Conversion is being undertaken pursuant to a Plan of Conversion adopted by the Boards of Directors of the Company, the Bank, New EWSB Bancorp, and the mid-tier stock holding company, EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (“Old EWSB Bancorp”). The Appraisal is furnished in conjunction with the filing by the Company of regulatory applications concerning the Conversion and the Stock Offering with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve Board”) and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”).
Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, the Company will convert from the mutual holding company form of organization to the stock holding company form of organization through the following series of steps. The Company currently owns 100% of the common stock of Old EWSB Bancorp, which in turn owns 100% of the common stock of the Bank. The Company will first merge with and into Old EWSB Bancorp, which will immediately merge with and into New EWSB Bancorp, which in turn will sell shares of common stock in the Stock Offering. When the Conversion and Stock Offering are completed, all of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank will be owned by New EWSB Bancorp, and all of the common stock of New EWSB Bancorp will be owned by shareholders. The Bank will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of New EWSB Bancorp, and the Company and Old EWSB will both cease to exist.
1
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. (“Feldman Financial”) is a financial consulting and advisory firm that specializes in valuations and analyses of business enterprises and securities in the thrift, banking, and mortgage industries. The background of Feldman Financial is presented in Exhibit I. In preparing the Appraisal, we conducted an analysis of the Company that included discussions with the Company’s management, the Company’s legal counsel, Luse Gorman, PC, and the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, Plante & Moran, PLLC.
In addition, where appropriate, we considered information based on other available published sources that we believe are reliable; however, we cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such information. We also reviewed, among other factors, the economy in the Company’s primary market area and compared the Company’s financial condition and operating performance with that of selected publicly traded thrift institutions. We reviewed conditions in the securities markets in general and in the market for thrift institution common stocks in particular.
The Appraisal is based on the Company’s representation that the information in the Conversion regulatory applications and additional evidence furnished to us by the Company and its independent auditor are truthful, accurate, and complete. We did not independently verify the financial statements and other information provided by the Company and its independent accounting firm, nor did we independently value the assets or liabilities of the Company. The Appraisal considers the Company only as a going concern and should not be considered as an indication of the liquidation value of the Company.
2
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Our Appraisal is not intended, and must not be construed, to be a recommendation of any kind as to the advisability of purchasing shares of common stock in the Stock Offering. Moreover, because the Appraisal is necessarily based upon estimates and projections of a number of matters, all of which are subject to change from time to time, no assurance can be given that persons who purchase shares of stock in the Stock Offering will thereafter be able to sell such shares at prices related to the foregoing estimate of the Company’s pro forma market value. Feldman Financial is not a seller of securities within the meaning of any federal or state securities laws, and any report prepared by Feldman Financial shall not be used as an offer or solicitation with respect to the purchase or sale of any securities.
The Valuation Range reported herein will be updated as appropriate. These updates will consider, among other factors, any developments or changes in the Company’s operating performance, financial condition, or management policies, and current conditions in the securities markets for thrift institution common stocks. Should any such new developments or changes be material, in our opinion, to the valuation of the Company, appropriate adjustments to the estimated pro forma market value will be made. The reasons for any such adjustments will be explained in detail at that time.
3
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
I. Business of the Company
General Overview
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “Company) is a Wisconsin-chartered mutual holding company that owns all of the common stock of EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (“Old EWSB Bancorp”), a mid-tier stock holding company that owns all of the common stock of East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank is a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank headquartered in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. All references to the Company in this report include the consolidated operations of the Company, Old EWSB Bancorp, and the Bank, unless the context indicates another meaning.
The Bank was organized originally in 1887 under the name East Wisconsin Savings and Loan Association. In 1997, the Bank changed its name to East Wisconsin Savings Bank, S.A., and in 2017, it reorganized into the no-stock mutual holding company form of ownership. The Bank operates through its headquarters in Kaukauna and branches in Appleton, Freedom, Grand Chute, and Kimberly, Wisconsin. The Bank considers its primary lending market area to be Outagamie County, Wisconsin, and its adjoining counties.
The Company’s business consists primarily of taking deposits from the general public and investing those deposits, together with funds generated from operations, primarily in one- to four-family residential real estate loans, as well as marine and recreational vehicle loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and other consumer loans. To a lesser extent, the Company originates commercial and multi-family real estate, residential construction, and commercial business loans. At December 31, 2023, the Company had total assets of $262.6 million, total deposits of $230.5 million, net total loans of $174.3 million, and total equity of $11.5 million (measuring 4.39% of total assets). The Company reported a net loss of -$935,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 and a net loss of -$4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had a tier 1 leverage ratio of 6.34%, a common equity tier 1 risk-based ratio of 11.17%, a tier 1 risk-based ratio of 11.17%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 11.89%.
4
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Bank is subject to regulation, supervision, and examination by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”) under Wisconsin law, and the FDIC as its primary federal regulator and insurer of its deposits. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Chicago. Following the completion of the Conversion, New EWSB Bancorp will be a bank holding company and will be subject to examination by and the enforcement authority of the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”).
The Company’s long operating history has provided it with a familiarity of its local communities and customer base. The Company believes that it has a strong community reputation as a residential mortgage lender, and its management and staff are easily accessible to customers. The Company continues to stress customer service and is community focused through its staff personnel who are knowledgeable of the local customer base and very active in community endeavors. Since 1887, the Company has remained committed to its original mission statement: “To afford our members a safe and profitable investment of their savings and to aid them in acquiring homesteads and other property.”
Over much of the past decade, the Company expanded at a gradual pace and added to its capital base through profitable operating results. To decrease its reliance on long-term residential mortgage loans, the Company also began to diversify its lending activities to include certain consumer and commercial business loans. As of December 31, 2020, the Company had total assets of $270.8 million and total equity capital of $24.4 million (9.00% of total assets). The Company’s total assets expanded to $292.2 million at December 31, 2021, largely due to the banking industrywide trend of increased deposit inflows from stimulus-related funds. In response to the expanded liquidity on its balance sheet, the Company increased its holdings of investment securities, primarily comprising U.S. Government-sponsored agency obligations and municipal bonds. Available-for-sale securities increased from $58.7 million or 21.7% of total assets at December 31, 2020 to $110.2 million or 37.7% of total assets at December 31, 2021.
5
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
However, due to rapidly rising interest rates in 2022, the Company experienced mounting unrealized losses on its available-for-sale securities portfolio that adversely impacted its equity capital. Debt securities classified as available-for-sale are carried at fair value on the balance sheet with unrealized gains or losses reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). During 2022, the Company’s equity capital declined sharply as a result of accumulated other comprehensive losses of $10.5 million (before tax effect), primarily due to negative adjustments to the Company’s investment securities portfolio.
In the third quarter of 2022, the Company sought to limit further erosion to its capital position and bolster liquidity levels by restructuring its securities portfolio. As part of the restructuring, the Company reassessed the classification of certain investment securities and transferred $46.4 million from available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity securities. The securities were transferred at their amortized cost basis, net of any remaining unrealized gains or losses reported in AOCI. The related unrealized loss of $8.1 million was recorded in AOCI to be accreted over the remaining life of the securities, diminishing its impact on the Company’s equity over time as the underlying securities approach their respective maturities. The securities portfolio restructuring resulted in a $5.1 million pre-tax loss on the sale of available-for-sale securities during the year ended December 31, 2022. As a result of the net loss on sale of securities and the large AOCI deficit, the Company’s equity capital declined from $22.5 million (7.72% of total assets) at December 31, 2021 to $10.9 million (4.03% of total assets) at December 31, 2022. The Company reported a net operating loss of -$4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022.
6
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Company’s earnings remained negative in 2023 as it reported a net loss of -$935,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. The operating deficit in 2023 was chiefly attributable to a further narrowing of the Company’s net interest margin and increased non-interest expense related to the Company’s proposed acquisition of another mutual savings institution, which transaction was subsequently terminated. Due to a $1.6 million improvement in the AOCI deficit, the Company’s equity capital increased from $10.9 million (4.03% of total assets) at December 31, 2022 to $11.5 million (4.39% of total assets) at December 31, 2023.
For regulatory capital purposes, the amount of AOCI and certain net deferred tax assets are excluded from the Bank’s calculation of tier 1 and total capital levels. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank’s regulatory capital levels exceeded the levels required to be technically considered “well capitalized” under federal regulatory capital regulations. As noted previously, the Bank had a tier 1 leverage ratio of 6.34%, a common equity tier 1 risk-based ratio of 11.17%, a tier 1 risk-based ratio of 11.17%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 11.89% at December 31, 2023.
In July 2023, the Bank entered into a confidential memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) with the FDIC and the DFI , the Bank’s primary banking regulators. The MOU requires that the Bank address certain practices and conditions identified during regulatory examinations, including, among other things, the level of its capital, earnings, liquidity, investments, and information technology. The MOU also requires enhancements to Board oversight, asset/liability management, and risk management. The MOU also places certain restrictions on the Bank’s operations.
The Bank is in the process of putting into place policies and processes to address each of these noted areas. The failure to adequately address the issues identified in the MOU or comply with its terms could result in additional regulatory or enforcement actions by the FDIC and/or the DFI. The Bank has expended significant resources in connection with the MOU, and its continued efforts to comply with the MOU may restrict its operations or result in the continued expenditure of significant resources, which could have adverse effects on its operations and financial condition.
7
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Company’s current operating goal is to position the organization to succeed in an evolving and competitive financial services landscape and enhance its standing as one of the leading community banking institutions in its market. In recent years, the Company has added financial investment and insurance products and services to its lines of business, which are conducted through an internal division operating as Wisconsin Mutual Investment Group. The Company believes that it can provide long-term value to its customers, employees, future stockholders, and the communities it serves by executing a prudent business strategy that produces a return to profitability. The Company also believes there is a significant opportunity for a community-focused banking institution to continue to compete effectively in its primary market area and that the increased capital it will have after the completion of the Conversion will help to facilitate this objective. Subject to changes necessitated by future market conditions, regulatory restrictions, and other factors, the Company intends to pursue the core business strategies that are outlined in more detail below:
| ● | Increase loan originations. Historically, a significant portion of the Company’s income has been derived from mortgage loan originations, including through the sale of longer-term, fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans that it originates into the secondary market. The Company has taken steps to enhance its lending function to increase residential loan production, particularly as the mortgage market as a whole recovers and loan demand returns to more normalized levels. |
8
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
| ● | Increase the proportion of assets consisting of loans. Although the Company does not project rapid asset growth, it intends to increase the proportion of its assets that consists of loans as its securities pay down. The increased concentration of loans on the balance sheets should potentially have a material impact on the Company’s net interest margin. |
| ● | Control operating expenses. As a result of the competitive, economic, and regulatory challenges of operating in today’s environment, expense levels have risen for most community financial institutions, including the Company. In January 2023, the Company further reduced its current and future overhead costs by closing a branch office that was duplicative to its corporate office. Given its attractive market area, the Company believes it is well-positioned to execute its strategic initiatives to increase loan originations and the proportion of its assets consisting of loans while controlling non-interest expenses and maintaining sufficient capital and liquidity. |
| ● | Continue the historical emphasis on residential mortgage lending. As of December 31, 2023, one- to four-family residential real estate loans totaled $122.2 million, or 69.7% of the Company’s total loan portfolio. The Company intends to continue measured, efficient growth of this type of residential real estate lending while continuing to implement other lending strategies with which it has experience, including cross-selling other products and services to its customers. |
| ● | Improve asset/liability management by implementing enhancements to the Company’s interest rate management framework and investment policies and procedures. During the period of rapidly rising interest rates in 2022, the Company experienced significant negative adjustments to AOCI, primarily due to negative adjustments to the fair value of the Company’s investment securities. In response, the Company restructured its securities portfolio in 2022 by selling a portion of available-for-sale securities, resulting in a $5.1 million loss, and reclassifying $46.4 million of its securities as held-to-maturity, making their market values no longer subject to changing interest rates and reducing the effect on equity of interest rate volatility. Furthermore, in 2023, the Bank adopted a revised asset/liability management policy, enhanced its investment policy with more Board oversight and reporting, and revamped its interest rate risk management processes and procedures to reduce interest rate risk exposure. Through these and other enhancements, the Company believes it has significantly improved its ability to manage interest rate risk and minimize the exposure of its earnings and capital to changes in interest rates. |
| ● | Continue to manage credit risk to maintain a low level of non-performing assets. Historically, the Company has been able to maintain a high level of asset quality and believes that strong asset quality remains a key to its long-term financial success. The Company’s ratio of total non-performing assets to total assets was 0.01% at December 31, 2023. The Company’s strategy for credit risk management continues to focus on having an experienced team of credit professionals, well-defined policies and procedures, appropriate loan underwriting criteria, and active credit monitoring. |
| ● | Maintain its community-oriented focus. As a community banking organization, the Company intends to continue to play an active role in the communities that it serves. The Company seeks to understand the financial needs of its local customers and to offer a broad range of financial products and services specifically designed to meet those needs. |
9
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Company believes it must raise additional capital in order to facilitate its loan growth objectives and provide a greater cushion in response to the risk profile associated with continued expansion and future economic conditions. As a stock organization upon completion of the Conversion, the Company will be organized in the ownership form used by commercial banks, most major businesses, and a large number of thrift institutions. The ability to raise new equity capital through the issuance and sale of capital stock will allow the Company and the flexibility to increase its equity capital position more rapidly than by earnings retention.
The Company also believes that the ability to attract new capital also will help address the needs of the communities it serves and enhance its ability to expand. Finally, the Company expects to benefit from its customers and local community members having stock ownership in its business, since that is viewed as an effective means of promoting customer loyalty and business interest.
In summary, the Company’s primary reasons for implementing the Conversion and undertaking the Stock Offering are to:
| ● | Increase capital to improve the Bank’s regulatory capital position and support future operations and profitability. |
| ● | Transition the Company’s organization to a stock holding company structure, which gives it greater flexibility to access the capital markets compared to its existing mutual holding company structure. |
| ● | Enhance the ability to manage risk. |
| ● | Enhance its community ties by providing customers and members of the local community with the opportunity to acquire an ownership interest in New EWSB Bancorp and the Bank. |
10
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The remainder of Chapter I examines in more detail the trends addressed in this section, including the impact of changes in the Company’s economic and competitive environment, and recent strategic initiatives. The discussion is supplemented by the exhibits in the Appendix. Exhibit II-1 presents the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2022 and 2023. Exhibit II-2 summarizes the Company’s consolidated income statements for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023.
11
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Financial Condition
Table 1 presents selected data concerning the Company’s financial position as of December 31, 2022 and 2023. Table 2 displays relative balance sheet concentrations as of similar dates.
Table 1
Selected Financial Condition Data
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Total assets | $ | 262,567 | $ | 271,191 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 1,609 | 3,142 | ||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions | 4,498 | 4,697 | ||||||
| Investment securities (1) | 63,999 | 72,608 | ||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank stock | 1,084 | 1,076 | ||||||
| Total loans, net | 174,315 | 172,424 | ||||||
| Cash value of life insurance | 7,462 | 7,371 | ||||||
| Office properties and equipment, net | 2,910 | 3,003 | ||||||
| Total deposits | 230,468 | 249,208 | ||||||
| Borrowed funds | 19,030 | 9,100 | ||||||
| Total equity | 11,537 | 10,919 | ||||||
| (1) Includes available-for-sale debt securities and held-to-maturity debt securities. |
| Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, audited financial statements. |
Asset Composition
The Company's total assets amounted to $262.6 million at December 31, 2023, reflecting a $8.6 million or 3.2% decrease from total assets of $271.2 million at December 31, 2022. The recent decrease in total assets was primarily related to a decrease of $8.6 million in investment securities. Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $1.5 million or 48.8% between December 31, 2022 and 2023. Net total loans increased by $1.9 million or 1.1% between December 31, 2022 and 2023, while total deposits decreased by $18.7 million or 7.5%. Borrowed funds increased by $9.9 million from $9.1 million at December 31, 2022 to $19.0 million at December 31, 2023.
12
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 2
Relative Balance Sheet Concentrations
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Percent of Total Assets)
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 0.61 | % | 1.16 | % | ||||
| Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions | 1.71 | 1.73 | ||||||
| Investment securities (1) | 24.37 | 26.77 | ||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank stock | 0.41 | 0.40 | ||||||
| Total loans, net | 66.39 | 63.58 | ||||||
| Cash value of life insurance | 2.84 | 2.72 | ||||||
| Office properties and equipment, net | 1.11 | 1.11 | ||||||
| Other assets | 2.55 | 2.53 | ||||||
| Total assets | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | ||||
| Total deposits | 87.77 | % | 91.89 | % | ||||
| Borrowed funds | 7.25 | 3.36 | ||||||
| Other liabilities | 0.58 | 0.72 | ||||||
| Total liabilities | 95.61 | 95.97 | ||||||
| Total equity | 4.39 | 4.03 | ||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | ||||
| (1) Includes available-for-sale debt securities and held-to-maturity debt securities. |
| Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, audited financial statements. |
The aggregate concentration of cash and investments declined from $81.5 million or 30.1% of total assets at December 31, 2022 to $71.2 million or 27.1% of total assets at December 31, 2023. The decrease was largely due to the maturing of a portion of the U.S. Government agency securities portfolio in 2023. The proceeds from these maturing securities were utilized to support loan growth and manage liquidity. As a result of the recent decrease in the Company’s securities portfolio, the percentage of net total loans increased from 63.6% of total assets at December 31, 2022 to 66.4% of total assets at December 31, 2023.
13
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Company’s loan portfolio consists of various loan types but is still overwhelmingly composed of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, which accounted for $122.2 million or 69.7% of total loans at December 31, 2023 as illustrated in Exhibit II-3. The Company’s loan portfolio also included home equity loans and lines of credit ($6.2 million or 3.5% of total loans), consumer loans ($34.8 million or 19.9% of total loans), commercial business loans ($4.4 million or 2.5% of total loans), construction loans ($4.0 million or 2.3% of total loans), and commercial and multi-family real estate loans ($3.8 million or 2.2% of total loans). Of the total amount of loans due after December 31, 2024, approximately $96.8 million, or approximately 56%, consisted of fixed-rate loans and $76.8 million, or approximately 44%, represented adjustable-rate loans.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had $122.2 million in one- to four-family residential mortgage loans, which represented 69.7% of total loans. The vast majority of the one- to four-family residential real estate loans that the Company originates are secured by properties located in its primary market area. At December 31, 2023, $13.5 million or 10.7% of residential mortgage loans were secured by non-owner occupied properties. The Company’s largest residential mortgage loan had an outstanding balance of $855,000 at December 31, 2023 and was performing according to its original terms. The average principal loan balance of the Company’s one- to four-family residential real estate loans was $94,000 at December 31, 2023. The Company also had $4.0 million of residential construction loans outstanding as of December 31, 2023. At the end of the construction phase, the loan may convert to a permanent mortgage loan or may be paid in full.
The Company’s one- to four-family residential real estate loans are generally underwritten to secondary market guidelines. The Company currently sells a significant majority of the fixed-rate residential real estate loans that it originates on a servicing retained basis, while retaining shorter-term fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and non-conforming residential mortgages in order to manage the duration and time to repricing of its loan portfolio. At December 31, 2023, $59.0 million, or approximately 48%, of the Company’s one- to four-family residential mortgage loans were adjustable-rate loans.
14
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
In addition to one- to four-family residential real estate loans, the Company offers home equity loans and lines of credit that are secured by the borrower’s primary or secondary residence. At December 31, 2023, the Company had $6.2 million or 3.5% of its total loan portfolio in home equity loans and lines of credit. Home equity loans and lines of credit are generally underwritten using the same criteria that the Company uses to underwrite one- to four-family residential mortgage loans with terms of up to 15 years. Home equity loans and lines of credit may be underwritten with a loan-to-value ratio of up to 90% when combined with the principal balance of the existing first mortgage loan.
At December 31, 2023, the Company’s aggregate amount of consumer loans totaled $34.8 million or 19.9% of total loans. Of this total, approximately $30.8 million consisted of marine and recreational loans that are typically made through a broker relationship and primarily secured by boats and motor homes purchased in the upper Midwest region of the United States. These loans typically have a maximum loan term of 15 years and are made at a fixed rate. For each marine or recreational vehicle loan arranged through its broker relationship, the Company generally pays the broker a commission based on the amount of the loan. The Company’s marine and recreational vehicle loans are generally limited to no more than 120% of invoice for new financings and 100% of the National Automobile Dealers Association (“NADA”) Marine Appraisal Guide used price plus taxes and fees. As mitigating risk factors, the Company’s marine and recreational vehicle loan borrowers generally have very high credit scores, substantial down payments, substantial net worth, personal liquidity, and excess cash flow.
15
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Company also originates a limited amount of other consumer loans, which amounted to $4.0 million at December 31, 2023. The other consumer loans originated by the Company generally consist of loans secured by automobile loans, deposits, and miscellaneous other types of installment loans, including a limited amount of unsecured personal loans.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had $3.8 million in commercial real estate and multi-family real estate loans, which represented 2.2% of total loans. The Company’s commercial real estate and multi-family loans are secured primarily by owner-occupied commercial properties, multi-family properties, and retail or mixed-use properties, almost all of which are located in the Outagamie County lending market and the surrounding area. The Company generally originates adjustable-rate multi-family and other commercial real estate loans with maximum terms of up to 30 years. From time to time, the Company will also originate fixed-rate loans in these portfolios. The Company generally limits loan-to-value ratios to 95% of the appraised value or purchase price, whichever is lower. Loans over 80% are required to have mortgage insurance.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had commercial business loans outstanding amounting to $4.4 million, or 2.5% of total loans. The Company’s commercial business loans included both term loans and lines of credit made with either fixed or adjustable interest rates. Almost the entire portfolio of commercial business loans comprises loans originated and serviced by a national broker specializing in the professional and healthcare industries. All loans purchased are fully reviewed by the Company and underwritten pursuant to its policies and procedures.
16
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit II-4 presents a summary of the Company’s portfolio of cash, short-term liquidity, and investment securities as of December 31, 2022 and 2023. The Company’s primary investment objectives are to (1) provide and maintain liquidity within regulatory guidelines; (2) maintain high quality investments to minimize risk; (3) provide collateral for pledging requirements and short-term borrowing needs; (4) serve as a countercyclical balance to earnings; (5) maximize returns; and (6) manage interest rate risk. The Company’s investment policy is adopted by the Board of Directors and reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. All investment decisions are made by the Company’s Asset/Liability Management Committee according to Board-approved policies. The Company’s current investment policy authorizes, with certain limitations, investments in U.S. Treasury securities; securities issued by the U.S. Government and its agencies or Government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”), including mortgage-backed securities; corporate and municipal bonds; federally-insured deposits in other financial institutions; FHLB instruments; federal funds; bankers acceptances; and repurchase agreements.
As shown in Exhibit II-4, the Company’s aggregate cash and investments amounted to $71.2 million or 17.2% of total assets as of December 31, 2023. Cash and cash equivalents amounted to $6.1 million or 8.6% of the Company’s total assets as of December 31, 2023. The Company’s available-for-sale securities portfolio, reported at fair value, totaled $23.9 million or 9.1% of total assets at December 31, 2023 and was composed of $9.0 million of mortgage-backed securities, $12.1 million of municipal bonds, and $2.8 million of corporate securities. The Company’s held-to-maturity securities portfolio, reported at amortized cost, amounted to $40.1 million or 15.3% of total assets and comprised $28.2 million of U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities and $11.8 million of U.S. Treasury securities.
17
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had net unrealized losses of $3.9 million in its available-for-sale securities portfolio and net unrealized losses of $246,000 in its held-to-maturity securities portfolio. The Company also had $6.5 million in remaining unrealized losses related to its securities reclassification adjustment. The available-for-sale securities portfolio had a weighted average yield of 2.66% and the held-to-maturity securities portfolio had a weighted average yield of 1.40% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company also owned $1.1 million of stock in the FHLB of Chicago as of December 31, 2023.
Liability Composition
Deposits are the Company’s primary external source of funds for lending and investment purposes. Exhibit II-5 presents a summary of the Company’s deposit composition as of December 31, 2022 and 2023. Total deposits amounted to $230.5 million or 87.8% of total assets and 91.8% of total liabilities at December 31, 2023. Total deposits decreased by 7.5% or $18.7 million from $249.2 million at December 31, 2022 to $230.5 million at December 31, 2023. Certificates of deposit increased by $5.5 million to $104.5 million at December 31, 2023 from $99.0 million at December 31, 2022, while the Company experienced decreases in all other deposit categories. As a result of recent increases in market interest rates, customers have sought higher-yielding deposits.
Core deposits, defined as total deposits excluding certificate of deposit accounts, decreased by $24.2 million or 16.2% from $150.2 million at December 31, 2022 to $126.0 million at December 31, 2023. The ratio of core deposits to total deposits decreased from 60.3% at December 31, 2022 to 54.7% at December 31, 2023, while the concentration of certificate deposits to total deposits increased from 39.7% to 45.3% over the same time period.
The Company relies on personalized customer service, longstanding relationships with customers, and a favorable reputation in its primary market area to attract and retain local deposits. Deposit account terms vary according to the minimum balance required, the time period that funds must remain on deposit, and the interest rate, among other factors. In determining the rates and terms of its deposit accounts, the Company considers the rates offered by competitors, liquidity needs, growth objectives, current operating strategies, and customer preferences and concerns. As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s weighted average cost of interest-bearing deposits was 1.59% and the overall weighted average cost of total deposits (including non-interest bearing deposits) was 1.52%.
18
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Company has utilized borrowing to supplement deposits as a funding source. FHLB borrowings increased from $9.1 million at December 31, 2022 to $18.6 million at December 31, 2023. The Company has a master contract agreement with the FHLB of Chicago that provides for borrowing up to an FHLB determined percent of the book value of the Company’s qualifying one- to four-family residential real estate loans. The loans pledged as security for FHLB borrowings totaled approximately $97.8 million and $65.8 million at December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively. FHLB advances are also secured by $1.1 million of FHLB stock owned by the Company at both December 31, 2022 and 2023. At December 31, 2023, the Company’s available and unused portion of the FHLB borrowing agreement totaled $1.7 million based on FHLB stock owned. The Company also has short-term borrowing availability through the Federal Reserve Bank’s discount window of up to $25 million. The Company is required to pledge securities and/or loans in order to borrow at the discount window.
The Company also had additional borrowings outstanding of $400,000 as of December 31, 2023. In 2023, the Company entered into subordinated promissory note agreements with various directors and officers of the Company to support future capital contributions. The par value of the notes is $400,000 in aggregate and the annual interest rate on the notes is 7.0%.
19
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Equity Capital
Prior to 2022, the Company had historically maintained solid capital levels. However, due to the adverse effect rising interest rates had on its available-for-sale securities portfolio and the resulting AOCI deficit, the Company’s total equity declined sharply from $22.5 million or 7.72% of total assets at December 31, 2021 to $10.9 million or 4.03% of total assets at December 31, 2022. The Company’s total equity increased moderately to $11.5 million or 4.39% of total assets at December 31, 2023. The Company’s total equity at December 31, 2023 was composed of $19.2 million in retained earnings, which was offset by an AOCI deficit of $7.7 million. The AOCI deficit consists of current unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities and the remaining unaccreted portion of the $8.1 million of unrealized loss that was included in AOCI upon the reclassification in 2023 of $46.4 million in available-for-sale securities to held-to-maturity securities.
Because of the net operating loss incurred in 2022, the Bank’s regulatory capital declined significantly in 2022. The Bank’s tier 1 leverage capital ratio declined from 8.17% at December 31, 2021 to 6.59% at December 31, 2022 and 6.34% at December 31, 2023. The Bank’s regulatory capital ratios of tier 1 leverage capital, common equity tier 1 risk-based capital, tier 1 risk-based capital, and total risk-based capital were 6.34%, 11.17%, 11.17%, and 11.89%, respectively, as of December 31, 2023. In comparison, the minimum regulatory requirements under federal banking agency guidelines were 4.00%, 4.50%, 6.00%, and 8.00%, and the threshold requirements for regulatory well capitalized levels were 5.00%, 6.50%, 8.00%, and 10.00%, respectively.
Additionally, as a Wisconsin-chartered savings bank, the Bank must maintain a net worth ratio of 6.0% (with “net worth ratio” defined as the Bank’s liabilities subtracted from its assets, plus unallocated general loan loss reserves, all divided by the Bank’s total assets). As of December 31, 2023, the Bank had a net worth ratio of 4.50% and, therefore, was not in compliance with the corresponding 6.0% net worth ratio requirement at such date.
20
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Income and Expense Trends
Table 3 displays the main components of the Company’s earnings performance for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023. Table 4 displays the Company’s principal income and expense ratios as a percent of average assets for the corresponding periods. Table 5 presents selected operating performance ratios along with other financial ratios. Table 6 displays the Company’s weighted average yields on interest-earning assets and weighted average costs of interest-bearing liabilities.
General Overview
Historically, the Company has exhibited a trend of steady profitability with low to moderate earnings results. However, over the past two years, the Company’s business model has been challenged by rising interest rates and increased operating expenses that adversely affected its capital and earnings levels. The Company incurred a net loss of -$4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, which was mainly attributable to a $5.1 million loss on sale of available-for-sale securities in connection with its investments portfolio restructuring. The Company reported a net loss of -$935,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to the continued erosion of its net interest margin and increased operating expenses related in part to its aborted acquisition of another savings institution.
During the past two years, the Company’s net interest income did not cover its non-interest expense, which is a fundamental measure of profitability for financial institutions. The Company reported a negative return on average assets (“ROA”) of -1.47% and -0.35% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Company reported a negative return on average equity (“ROE”) of -32.09% and -8.70% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively.
21
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 3
Income Statement Summary
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| Year Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Total interest and dividend income | $ | 8,932 | $ | 7,985 | ||||
| Total interest expense | 4,350 | 1,834 | ||||||
| Net interest income | 4,582 | 6,151 | ||||||
| Provision for loan losses | 145 | - | ||||||
| Net interest income after provision | 4,437 | 6,151 | ||||||
| Service charges on deposit accounts | 53 | 54 | ||||||
| Interchange income | 248 | 252 | ||||||
| Mortgage banking income | 355 | 191 | ||||||
| Increase in cash value of life insurance | 212 | 192 | ||||||
| Net gain on sale of office properties and equipment | 208 | - | ||||||
| Gain on sale of repossessed assets | 71 | - | ||||||
| Other income | 302 | 188 | ||||||
| Total non-interest income | 1,449 | 877 | ||||||
| Salaries and related benefits | 3,936 | 4,551 | ||||||
| Net occupancy expense | 716 | 811 | ||||||
| Data processing | 961 | 917 | ||||||
| Advertising | 143 | 200 | ||||||
| Net loss on sale of available-for-sale securities | - | 5,103 | ||||||
| Net loss on sale of office properties and equipment | - | 180 | ||||||
| Other expense | 1,463 | 997 | ||||||
| Total non-interest expense | 7,219 | 12,760 | ||||||
| Income (loss) before provision for income taxes | (1,333 | ) | (5,731 | ) | ||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | (398 | ) | (1,567 | ) | ||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (935 | ) | $ | (4,164 | ) | ||
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, audited financial statements.
22
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Net interest income decreased $1.6 million or 25.5% to $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as a result of interest expense increasing by a greater amount than interest income. The Company’s net interest rate spread decreased from 2.27% in the year ended December 31, 2022 to 1.79% for the year ended December 31, 2023, and the net interest margin declined from 2.29% in 2022 to 1.82% in 2023 as shown in Table 6. The decreases in the net interest rate spread and the net interest margin were primarily due to an increase in the rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities and an increase in FHLB borrowings, offset partially offset by an increase in the yield on interest-earning assets.
Based on management’s analysis of the adequacy of allowance for credit losses, the Company recorded a $145,000 provision for loan losses in the year ended December 31, 2023. On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) methodology for evaluating the adequacy of its loan loss allowance and added to its reserves as a result. The Company’s non-performing assets declined from $37,000 or 0.01% of total assets at December 31, 2022 to $18,000 or 0.01% of total assets at December 31, 2023. The Company’s allowance for credit losses was equal to $1.1 million or 0.60% of gross total loans at December 31, 2023 as compared to $909,000 or 0.53% of gross total loans at December 31, 2022.
Non-interest income increased by $572,000 or 65.2% to $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $877,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase resulted primarily from an increase of $164,000 in mortgage banking income to $355,000 in 2023 and an increase of $279,000 in gains on sale of other assets. The Company recognized a $208,000 gain on sale of a branch office in the third quarter of 2023. In January 2023, the Company closed its branch office in Little Chute, Wisconsin, due to the proximity to its other office locations and the strategic objective to reduce operating expenses. The Company also recorded a $71,000 gain on other real estate owned in 2023. The ratio of non-interest income to average assets increased from 0.31% in 2022 to 0.54% in 2023.
23
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Non-interest expense decreased $5.5 million or 43.4% to $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $12.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to the $5.1 million net loss on the sale of available-for-sale securities in 2022 with no such loss recorded in 2023. Additionally, salaries and related benefits decreased $616,000 or 13.5% in 2023 from $4.6 million to $3.9 million. The decrease in salary and related benefits resulted primarily from the closing of a branch office in the third quarter of 2023 and additional operational efficiencies that the Company implemented in 2023. Partially offsetting these decreases was an increase of $466,000 in other non-interest expense from $997,000 in 2022 to $1.5 million in 2023. The increase in other non-interest expense was mainly due to professional fees incurred in 2023 related to the attempted acquisition of another savings institution and increased FDIC insurance premiums. The ratio of non-interest expense to average assets declined from 4.52% in 2022 to 2.70% in 2023. Excluding the net loss on sale of securities, the adjusted non-interest expense ratio would have measured 2.71% of average assets in 2022.
Because of the Company’s negative pre-tax earnings, it recognized an income tax benefit of $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 and $398,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Due to prior years’ losses, the Company has a net operating loss carryforward of $1.9 million and net deferred tax assets of $4.9 million as of December 31, 2023. In order to realize the benefit of these tax losses, credits, and deductions, the Company must generate substantial taxable income in future periods.
24
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 4
Income Statement Ratios
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Percent of Average Assets)
| Year Ended | ||||||||
| December | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Total interest and dividend income | 3.35 | % | 2.83 | % | ||||
| Total interest expense | 1.64 | 0.64 | ||||||
| Net interest income | 1.72 | 2.18 | ||||||
| Provision for loan losses | 0.05 | 0.00 | ||||||
| Net interest income after provision | 1.67 | 2.18 | ||||||
| Service charges on deposit accounts | 0.02 | 0.02 | ||||||
| Interchange income | 0.09 | 0.09 | ||||||
| Mortgage banking income | 0.13 | 0.07 | ||||||
| Increase in cash value of life insurance | 0.08 | 0.07 | ||||||
| Net gain on sale of office properties and equipment | 0.08 | 0.00 | ||||||
| Gain on sale of repossessed assets | 0.03 | 0.00 | ||||||
| Other income | 0.11 | 0.07 | ||||||
| Total non-interest income | 0.54 | 0.31 | ||||||
| Salaries and related benefits | 1.48 | 1.61 | ||||||
| Net occupancy expense | 0.27 | 0.29 | ||||||
| Data processing | 0.36 | 0.32 | ||||||
| Advertising | 0.05 | 0.07 | ||||||
| Net loss on sale of available-for-sale securities | 0.00 | 1.81 | ||||||
| Net loss on sale of office properties and equipment | 0.00 | 0.06 | ||||||
| Other expense | 0.55 | 0.35 | ||||||
| Total non-interest expense | 2.71 | 4.52 | ||||||
| Income (loss) before provision for income taxes | (0.50 | ) | (2.04 | ) | ||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | (0.15 | ) | (0.56 | ) | ||||
| Net income (loss) | (0.35 | ) | (1.47 | ) | ||||
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, financial data; Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
25
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 5
Selected Operating Performance and Financial Ratios
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
At or For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| At or For the | ||||||||
| Year Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Performance Ratios | ||||||||
| Return on average assets | -0.35 | % | -1.47 | % | ||||
| Return on average equity | -8.70 | % | -32.09 | % | ||||
| Net interest rate spread (1) | 1.79 | % | 2.27 | % | ||||
| Net interest margin (2) | 1.82 | % | 2.29 | % | ||||
| Non-interest expense to average assets | 2.71 | % | 4.52 | % | ||||
| Efficiency ratio (3) | 123.79 | % | 106.38 | % | ||||
| Regulatory Capital Ratios - Bank Only | ||||||||
| Tier 1 capital to average assets | 6.34 | % | 6.59 | % | ||||
| Tier 1 capital to risk-weighed assets | 11.17 | % | 11.97 | % | ||||
| Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets | 11.17 | % | 11.97 | % | ||||
| Total capital to risk-weighted assets | 11.89 | % | 12.58 | % | ||||
| Asset Quality Ratios | ||||||||
| Non-performing loans to total loans | 0.01 | % | 0.02 | % | ||||
| Non-performing assets to total assets | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | ||||
| Allowance for credit losses to total loans | 0.60 | % | 0.52 | % | ||||
| Allowance for credit losses to non-performing loans | 5872.22 | % | 2456.76 | % | ||||
| Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans | 0.00 | % | -0.04 | % | ||||
| Other Data | ||||||||
| Number of offices | 5 | 6 | ||||||
| Number of full-time equivalent employees | 46 | 50 | ||||||
| (1) | Difference between the weighted average yield on interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost of interest bearing liabilities. |
| (2) | Net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. |
| (3) | Non-interest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and non-interest income. |
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, financial data; Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
26
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 6
Yield and Cost Summary
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2023
| Year Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Weighted Average Yields | ||||||||
| Loans | 4.26 | % | 3.92 | % | ||||
| Securities available for sale | 2.66 | 1.55 | ||||||
| Securities held to maturity | 1.40 | 1.40 | ||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents, and other interest-earning assets | 1.44 | 1.59 | ||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | 3.55 | 2.98 | ||||||
| Weighted Average Costs | ||||||||
| Interest-bearing demand accounts | 0.09 | 0.07 | ||||||
| Savings accounts | 0.06 | 0.05 | ||||||
| Money market accounts | 0.69 | 0.39 | ||||||
| Certificate of deposit accounts | 3.08 | 1.26 | ||||||
| Total interest-bearing deposits | 1.59 | 0.65 | ||||||
| Borrowed funds | 3.60 | 2.41 | ||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 1.76 | 0.71 | ||||||
| Net interest rate spread (1) | 1.79 | 2.27 | ||||||
| Net interest margin (2) | 1.82 | 2.29 | ||||||
| (1) | Weighted average yield on interest-earning assets less the weighted average cost of interest-bearing liabilities. |
| (2) | Net interest income divided by average total interest-earning assets. |
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, financial data.
27
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Interest Rate Risk Management
The Company seeks to reduce its earnings vulnerability and capital risk to changes in market interest rates by managing the mismatch between asset and liability maturities and interest rates. The Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) is responsible for evaluating the interest rate risk inherent in the Company’s assets and liabilities, for determining the level of risk that is appropriate, given its business strategy, operating environment, capital, liquidity, and performance objectives, and for managing this risk consistent with the policy and guidelines approved by its Board of Directors. The Company believes that accepting some level of interest rate risk is necessary in order to achieve realistic profit goals. The ALCO meets at least quarterly, comprises directors, executive officers, and certain senior management, and reports to the full Board on at least a quarterly basis. The Company currently utilizes a third-party modeling program, prepared on a quarterly basis, to evaluate its sensitivity to changing interest rates.
The Company has implemented various strategies to manage its interest rate risk. By enacting these strategies, the Company believes that it is better positioned to react to changes in market interest rates. These strategies include:
| · | Maintaining capital levels that exceed the thresholds for well capitalized status under federal regulations. |
| · | Maintaining a prudent level of liquidity, including a portfolio of cash, short-term investments, or investments with amortizing features. |
| · | Originating shorter-term or adjustable-rate loans for portfolio and selling the majority of its originations of longer-term, fixed-rate residential mortgages. |
| · | Attempting to increase the balances of core deposits, which are less sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. |
| · | Managing the utilization of wholesale funding with FHLB borrowings in a prudent manner. |
| · | Managing the terms of its certificates of deposits. |
| · | Emphasizing asset quality to maximize the level of earning assets. |
28
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Company monitors its interest rate sensitivity management through third-party models that estimate the change in its economic value of equity (“EVE”) over a range of interest rate scenarios. EVE, which is different from book value, is equal to the market value of assets minus the market value of liabilities (representing the difference between incoming and outgoing discounted cash flows of assets and liabilities) with adjustments made for off-balance sheet items. The EVE ratio, under any interest rate scenario, is defined as the EVE in that scenario divided by the market value of assets in the same scenario. Table 7 sets forth the Company’s EVE as of December 31, 2023 and reflects the changes to EVE as a result of immediate and sustained changes in interest rates as indicated.
Table 7 indicates that at December 31, 2023, in the event of an instantaneous parallel 100 basis point increase in interest rates, the Company would experience a 15.8% decrease in EVE. In the event of an instantaneous 100 basis point decrease in interest rates, the Company would experience a 12.2% increase in EVE. In the event of an instantaneous 200 basis point increase in interest rates, the Company would experience a 33.1% decrease in EVE. In the event of an instantaneous 200 basis point decrease in interest rates, the Company would experience a 27.0% increase in EVE. The EVE simulations do not reflect any steps that the Company might take to counter the impact of such interest rate movement.
In addition to modeling changes in EVE, the Company also analyzes potential changes to net interest income for a one-year period under rising and falling interest rate scenarios. The Company estimates its net interest income for a one-year period, and then calculates what the net interest income would be for the same period under the assumption that the U.S. Treasury yield curve increases or decreases gradually by up to 300 basis points.
29
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 7
Economic Value of Equity
As of December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| Basis Point Change in Interest Rates (1) | Estimated EVE (2) ($000s) | Amount Change from Base ($000s) | Percent Change from Base | |||||||||
| + 300 b.p. | $ | 9,581 | $ | (8,168 | ) | (46.0 | )% | |||||
| + 200 b.p. | 11,868 | (5,881 | ) | (33.1 | )% | |||||||
| + 100 b.p. | 14,944 | (2,805 | ) | (15.8 | )% | |||||||
| Base | 17,749 | -- | -- | |||||||||
| - 100 b.p. | 19,914 | 2,165 | 12.2 | % | ||||||||
| - 200 b.p. | 22,548 | 4,799 | 27.0 | % | ||||||||
| - 300 b.p. | 25,192 | 7,443 | 41.9 | % | ||||||||
| (1) | Assumes an immediate uniform change in interest rates at all maturities. |
| (2) | EVE is the discounted present value of expected cash flows from assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet contracts. |
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, financial data.
Table 8 sets forth, as of December 31, 2023, the calculation of the estimated changes in the Company’s net interest income resulting from the designated changes in the U.S. Treasury yield curve. As shown in Table 8, an upward change of 100 basis points in market interest rates would increase net interest income by $66,000 or 1.8%, and a downward change of 100 basis points would increase net interest income by $125,000 or 3.4%. An upward change of 200 basis points in market interest rates would increase net interest income by $23,000 or 0.6%, and a downward change of 200 basis points would increase net interest income by $134,000 or 3.6%.
30
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 8
Net Interest Income Sensitivity
As of December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| Basis Point Change in Interest Rates (1) | Estimated Net Interest Income in Year 1 ($000s) | Change in Net Interest Income ($000s) | Percent Change from Base (%) | |||||||||
| + 300 b.p. | $ | 3,663 | $ | (33 | ) | (0.9 | )% | |||||
| + 200 b.p. | 3,719 | 23 | 0.6 | % | ||||||||
| + 100 b.p. | 3,762 | 66 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||
| Base | 3,696 | -- | -- | |||||||||
| - 100 b.p. | 3,821 | 125 | 3.4 | % | ||||||||
| - 200 b.p. | 3,830 | 134 | 3.6 | % | ||||||||
| - 300 b.p. | 3,832 | 136 | 3.7 | % | ||||||||
| (1) | Assumes an immediate uniform change in interest rates at all maturities. |
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, financial data.
31
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Asset Quality
Table 9 summarizes the Company’s total non-performing assets as of December 31, 2022 and 2023. The Company has a record of reporting satisfactory asset quality in recent years. Non-performing loans decreased from $37,000 at December 31, 2022 to $18,000 at December 31, 2023. The Company’s non-performing loans consisted of $18,000 in home equity loans as of December 31, 2023 and $37,000 of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans at December 31, 2022. Relative to total loans, non-performing loans measured 0.02% and 0.01% as of December 31, 2022 and 2023, respectively. The Company had no foreclosed assets at December 31, 2022 or 2023. The Company’s ratio of non-performing assets to total assets measured 0.01% as of December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023.
Table 10 summarizes the Company’s allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2022 and 2023. The allowance for credit losses increased from $909,000 or 0.53% of gross total loans at December 31, 2022 to $1.1 million or 0.60% of gross total loans at December 31, 2023. The Company’s provision for credit losses amounted to zero in 2022 and $145,000 in 2023. In 2022, the Company experienced net charge-offs of $77,000, which were related to marine and recreational vehicle loans. In 2023, the Company recorded $2,000 in net recoveries. The increased provision for credit losses in 2023 was mainly attributable to the Company’s adoption of the CECL methodology.
32
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 9
Non-performing Assets Summary
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Non-accrual Loans | ||||||||
| One- to four-family residential | $ | - | $ | 37 | ||||
| Home equity loans and lines of credit | 18 | - | ||||||
| Marine and recreational vehicle | - | - | ||||||
| Commercial and multi-family real estate | - | - | ||||||
| Construction | - | - | ||||||
| Commercial business | - | - | ||||||
| Other consumer | - | - | ||||||
| Total non-performing loans | 18 | 37 | ||||||
| Foreclosed assets | - | - | ||||||
| Total non-performing assets | $ | 18 | $ | 37 | ||||
| Total non-performing loans to total loans | 0.01 | % | 0.02 | % | ||||
| Total non-performing assets to total assets | 0.01 | % | 0.01 | % | ||||
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, financial data.
33
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 10
Allowance for Credit Losses
At or For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| At or For the | ||||||||
| Year Ended | ||||||||
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Allowance at beginning of period | $ | 909 | $ | 986 | ||||
| Charge-offs: | ||||||||
| Marine and recreational vehicle | (23 | ) | (78 | ) | ||||
| Total charge-offs | (23 | ) | (78 | ) | ||||
| Recoveries: | ||||||||
| Marine and recreational vehicle | 25 | 1 | ||||||
| Total recoveries | 25 | 1 | ||||||
| Net recoveries (charge-offs) | 2 | (77 | ) | |||||
| Provision for credit losses | 145 | - | ||||||
| Allowance at end of period | $ | 1,057 | $ | 909 | ||||
| Allowance to non-performing loans | 5872.2 | % | 2456.8 | % | ||||
| Allowance to gross total loans | 0.60 | % | 0.52 | % | ||||
| Net (charge-offs) recoveries to average loans | 0.00 | % | -0.04 | % | ||||
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, financial data.
34
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Market Area
Overview of Market Area
The Bank operates from its main office in Kaukauna, Wisconsin, and four additional branch offices in the communities of Appleton, Freedom, Grand Chute, and Kimberly. All of the Bank’s offices are located in Outagamie County, which is part of the Appleton Metropolitan Statistical Area (“MSA”). The Bank’s primary market area includes parts of Outagamie, Calumet, and Winnebago counties. The Appleton MSA consists of Outagamie County and Calumet County, while Winnebago County comprises the Oshkosh-Neenah MSA. Kaukauna is a city in Outagamie and Calumet counties and situated on the Fox River, approximately 100 miles north of Milwaukee. Appleton is a city in Outagamie, Calumet, and Winnebago counties and is also situated on the Fox River, 30 miles southwest of Green Bay and 100 miles north of Milwaukee. The Fox Cities region is generally considered to include Outagamie County, Calumet County, and the northern portion of Winnebago County. A map of the Bank’s branch office network is presented on the next page.
The Fox Cities region of Northeast Wisconsin encompasses the cities, towns, and villages situated along the Fox River as it flows northward from Lake Winnebago into Green Bay. The Fox Cities region (also referred to as the Fox Valley region) is a mixture of rural and urban areas and includes the cities of Appleton, Kaukauna, Menasha, and Neenah, the villages of Combined Locks, Fox Crossing, Harrison, Hortonville, Kimberley, Little Chute, and Sherwood, and the towns of Buchanan, Clayton, Freedom, Grand Chute, Greenville, and Harrison. Appleton is the largest city in the Fox Cities, while Neenah and Menasha anchor the south end and Kaukauna is at the extreme east end. Since the mid-nineteenth century, the paper industry and its allied industries have been the foundation for the region’s economy. The area is known for its stable economy, educational opportunities, affordable cost of living, quality health care, and recreational amenities.
35
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.

● East Wisconsin Savings Bank– full-service banking offices
The manufacturing of various types of paper and paper products has long been the basis of the Fox Cities economy. The Fox River, with its water power and transportation, made the Fox Cities an important manufacturing location. Today, outgrowths of those early manufacturing activities have led to a more diverse economy, which includes light manufacturing, insurance, plastics, retail, health care, education, government, and food processing. Major paper and paper product manufacturing companies in the area include Kimberly-Clark (Neenah), AstenJohnson (Appleton), and Georgia-Pacific (Neenah). Other large employers in the area include ThedaCare (health care system), Ascension (health care system), Thrivent Financial (financial services), Pierce Manufacturing (manufacturing of fire and rescue apparatus), Plexus Corp. (integrated engineering and contract manufacturing), Presto Products Company (plastics), Miller Electric (welding and cutting equipment), and Bemis Manufacturing Company (plastics and molding).
36
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 11 presents the total employment force by industry sectors in the United States, Wisconsin, the Appleton MSA, and the Oshkosh-Neenah MSA. The aggregate labor force in 2023 averaged 137,100 in the Appleton MSA and 102,200 in the Oshkosh-Neenah MSA. As displayed in Table 11, manufacturing accounted for the largest employment concentration in the Appleton MSA and the Oshkosh-Neenah MSA, followed by trade, transportation, and utilities. The financial activities sector also exhibited a significant concertation in the Appleton MSA.
Table 11
Total Employment Force by Industry Sector
Average Employment Data for 2023
| Oshkosh- | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| United | Appleton | Neenah | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| States | Wisconsin | MSA | MSA | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| % | % | % | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Industry | Total | of Total | Total | of Total | Total | of Total | Total | of Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Construction and natural resources | 8,606.9 | 5.5 | 138.8 | 4.6 | 10.5 | 7.7 | 6.3 | 6.2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Manufacturing | 12,978.6 | 8.3 | 482.1 | 16.0 | 25.6 | 18.7 | 21.3 | 20.8 | |||||||||||||||||
| Trade, transportation, and utilities | 28,861.7 | 18.5 | 553.9 | 18.4 | 24.7 | 18.0 | 15.2 | 14.9 | |||||||||||||||||
| Information | 3,064.3 | 2.0 | 44.3 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 1.6 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||
| Financial activities | 9,132.3 | 5.8 | 161.0 | 5.4 | 13.8 | 10.1 | 4.5 | 4.4 | |||||||||||||||||
| Professional and business services | 22,944.1 | 14.7 | 327.3 | 10.9 | 16.1 | 11.7 | 13.3 | 13.0 | |||||||||||||||||
| Private education and health care | 25,384.0 | 16.3 | 470.9 | 15.7 | 14.5 | 10.6 | 11.8 | 11.5 | |||||||||||||||||
| Leisure and hospitality | 16,585.9 | 10.6 | 275.1 | 9.1 | 11.2 | 8.2 | 11.1 | 10.8 | |||||||||||||||||
| Other services | 5,861.6 | 3.8 | 150.3 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.2 | |||||||||||||||||
| Government | 22,722.8 | 14.6 | 403.6 | 13.4 | 12.2 | 8.9 | 11.9 | 11.6 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total Employment | 156,142.2 | 100.0 | 3,007.3 | 100.0 | 137.1 | 100.0 | 102.2 | 100.0 | |||||||||||||||||
Source: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
37
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 12 provides selected demographic data for the United States, the state of Wisconsin, the Appleton MSA, and the Oshkosh-Neenah MSA. The Appleton MSA had an estimated 2024 population of 247,081 and the Oshkosh-Neenah MSA had an estimated population of 171,193. In recent years, the population growth in the Appleton MSA has outpaced both national and state rates. Since 2020, the population in the Appleton MSA expanded by 1.6% as compared to the national and state rates of 1.4%, and 0.4%, respectively. Over the next five years, the population in the Appleton MSA is projected to increase by 2.7% as compared to the national and state rates of 2.4% and 1.6%, respectively. The Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah combined statistical area (“CSA”) with an estimated population of 418,274 is the third most populous CSA in Wisconsin, after the Milwaukee-Racine-Waukesha CSA and the Madison-Janesville-Beloit CSA.
The median age in the Appleton MSA was 40.1 years, below the state median of 41.0 years but above the national median of 39.8 years. The estimated 2024 median household income in the Appleton MSA was $81,942, above the national and state median levels of $75,874 and $74,195, respectively. The median household income in the Oshkosh-Neenah MSA was lower at $68,906. The unemployment rates in Wisconsin and the local market areas have consistently been lower than the national averages. In December 2023, the unemployment rates in the Appleton MSA and the Oshkosh-Neenah MSA were both equal to 2.3%, measuring below the corresponding state unemployment rate of 2.7% and the national unemployment rate of 3.5%.
The city of Appleton is the county seat of Outagamie County. Appleton had an estimated 2024 population of 75,469, ranking it as the sixth most populous city in the state. Appleton serves as the heart of the Fox Valley and is home to Lawrence University, a private liberal arts college and music conservatory. Fox Valley Technical College is a public technical college located in Grand Chute (Outagamie County), Wisconsin.
38
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 12
Selected Demographic Data
| Oshkosh- | |||||||||||||
| United | Appleton | Neenah | |||||||||||
| States | Wisconsin | MSA | MSA | ||||||||||
| Total Population | |||||||||||||
| 2020 - Base | 331,449,281 | 5,893,718 | 243,147 | 171,730 | |||||||||
| 2024 - Current | 336,157,119 | 5,918,565 | 247,081 | 171,193 | |||||||||
| 2029 - Projected | 344,209,992 | 6,011,450 | 253,825 | 172,923 | |||||||||
| % Change 2020-24 | 1.42 | % | 0.42 | % | 1.62 | % | -0.31 | % | |||||
| % Change 2024-29 | 2.40 | % | 1.57 | % | 2.73 | % | 1.01 | % | |||||
| Age Distribution, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| 0 - 14 Age Group | 17.24 | % | 17.05 | % | 18.33 | % | 16.69 | % | |||||
| 15 - 34 Age Group | 26.61 | % | 25.48 | % | 25.00 | % | 26.74 | % | |||||
| 35 - 54 Age Group | 24.92 | % | 24.02 | % | 25.36 | % | 24.57 | % | |||||
| 55 - 69 Age Group | 18.53 | % | 19.97 | % | 19.65 | % | 19.31 | % | |||||
| 70+ Age Group | 12.71 | % | 13.47 | % | 11.66 | % | 12.69 | % | |||||
| Median Age (years) | 39.8 | 41.0 | 40.1 | 40.1 | |||||||||
| Total Households | |||||||||||||
| 2020 - Base | 126,817,580 | 2,428,361 | 96,790 | 71,473 | |||||||||
| 2024 - Current | 129,079,042 | 2,461,915 | 99,106 | 72,003 | |||||||||
| 2029 - Projected | 132,563,817 | 2,515,755 | 102,281 | 73,028 | |||||||||
| % Change 2020-24 | 1.78 | % | 1.38 | % | 2.39 | % | 0.74 | % | |||||
| % Change 2024-29 | 2.70 | % | 2.19 | % | 3.20 | % | 1.42 | % | |||||
| Household Income, 2024 | |||||||||||||
| < $25,000 | 15.66 | % | 14.10 | % | 11.03 | % | 14.03 | % | |||||
| $25,000 - $49,999 | 18.07 | % | 19.05 | % | 17.26 | % | 21.76 | % | |||||
| $50,000 - $99,999 | 28.40 | % | 31.32 | % | 32.61 | % | 33.17 | % | |||||
| $100,000 - $199,999 | 25.82 | % | 26.84 | % | 29.74 | % | 24.45 | % | |||||
| $200,000+ | 12.05 | % | 8.70 | % | 9.36 | % | 6.59 | % | |||||
| Average Household Income | |||||||||||||
| 2024 - Current | $ | 108,671 | $ | 98,010 | $ | 103,884 | $ | 89,266 | |||||
| 2029 - Projected | $ | 118,937 | $ | 108,150 | $ | 115,325 | $ | 97,834 | |||||
| % Change 2024-29 | 9.45 | % | 10.35 | % | 11.01 | % | 9.60 | % | |||||
| Median Household Income | |||||||||||||
| 2024 - Current | $ | 75,874 | $ | 74,195 | $ | 81,942 | $ | 68,906 | |||||
| 2029 - Projected | $ | 83,550 | $ | 81,722 | $ | 89,890 | $ | 74,120 | |||||
| % Change 2024-29 | 10.12 | % | 10.14 | % | 9.70 | % | 7.57 | % | |||||
| Unemployment Rate (not seasonally adjusted) | |||||||||||||
| December 2021 | 3.7 | % | 2.4 | % | 2.0 | % | 2.0 | % | |||||
| December 2022 | 3.3 | % | 2.2 | % | 1.9 | % | 1.9 | % | |||||
| December 2023 | 3.5 | % | 2.7 | % | 2.3 | % | 2.3 | % | |||||
39
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 12 (continued)
Selected Demographic Data
| Oshkosh- | |||||||||||||
| United | Appleton | Neenah | |||||||||||
| States | Wisconsin | MSA | MSA | ||||||||||
| Total Housing Units, 2024 | 143,769,387 | 2,772,507 | 103,096 | 76,865 | |||||||||
| Owner Occupied | 81,634,041 | 1,633,974 | 71,170 | 46,595 | |||||||||
| Renter Occupied | 47,445,001 | 827,941 | 27,936 | 25,408 | |||||||||
| Vacant | 14,690,345 | 310,592 | 3,990 | 4,862 | |||||||||
| Owner Occupied | 56.78 | % | 58.93 | % | 69.03 | % | 60.62 | % | |||||
| Renter Occupied | 33.00 | % | 29.86 | % | 27.10 | % | 33.06 | % | |||||
| Vacant | 10.22 | % | 11.20 | % | 3.87 | % | 6.33 | % | |||||
| Owner Occupied Units | |||||||||||||
| 2024 - Current | 81,634,041 | 1,633,974 | 71,170 | 46,595 | |||||||||
| 2029 - Projected | 83,863,487 | 1,669,696 | 73,339 | 47,237 | |||||||||
| % Change 2020-24 | 1.98 | % | 1.45 | % | 2.24 | % | 0.73 | % | |||||
| % Change 2024-29 | 2.73 | % | 2.19 | % | 3.05 | % | 1.38 | % | |||||
| Renter Occupied Units | |||||||||||||
| 2024 - Current | 47,445,001 | 827,941 | 27,936 | 25,408 | |||||||||
| 2029 - Projected | 48,700,330 | 846,059 | 28,942 | 25,791 | |||||||||
| % Change 2020-24 | 1.45 | % | 1.24 | % | 2.80 | % | 0.77 | % | |||||
| % Change 2024-29 | 2.65 | % | 2.19 | % | 3.60 | % | 1.51 | % | |||||
| Owner-Occupied Housing Unit Rate, 2022 (1) | 65.2 | % | 68.1 | % | 73.9 | % | 64.6 | % | |||||
| Owner-Occupied Housing Units Median Value, 2022 | $ | 320,900 | $ | 252,800 | $ | 252,300 | $ | 207,200 | |||||
| Median Gross Rent, 2022 | $ | 1,300 | $ | 992 | $ | 955 | $ | 863 | |||||
| High School Graduate or Higher, % Age 25 Years-plus, 2022 | 89.6 | % | 93.5 | % | 95.2 | % | 95.3 | % | |||||
| Bachelor's Degree or Higher, % Age 25 Years-plus, 2022 | 35.7 | % | 33.2 | % | 36.0 | % | 28.7 | % | |||||
| In Civilian Labor Force, Total % Age 16 Years-plus, 2022 | 63.5 | % | 65.1 | % | 68.8 | % | 65.4 | % | |||||
(1) As a percentage of total number of households.
Source: Claritas; S&P Global Market Intelligence; U.S. Bureau of the Census; U.S. Department of Labor.
40
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The city of Kaukauna is located within the Appleton MSA and had an estimated 2024 population of 17,768. The city has diverse industrial and manufacturing businesses, including the original Oscar Thilmany Paper Mill, which was constructed in 1883 and currently produces specialty paper products. The paper mill has changed ownership numerous times and is now owned by Ahlstrom. Kaukauna had an estimated 2024 median household income of $79.607. The population of Kaukauna increased by 4.0% between 2020 and 2024 and is projected to increase by 3.2% over the next five years.
The town of Grand Chute is located in Outagamie County and had an estimated 2024 population of 23,831. The main campus of Fox Valley Technical College, a public technical college, is located in Grand Chute. Fox Valley Technical College offers more than 220 associate degree, technical diploma, and certificate programs, and instruction related to 19 apprenticeship trades, in addition to providing services to business and industry. The college serves over 50,000 people annually, more than any other technical college in Wisconsin. The Fox River Mall in Grand Chute anchors a regional shopping, hospitality, and entertainment district.
Located east of Appleton, the village of Kimberly is situated in Outagamie County and had an estimated 2024 population of 7,464. Kimberly features a small-town atmosphere within a large metropolitan area. In addition to the village’s traditional downtown area, significant commercial development has occurred over the past 40 years with the development of a business park and business corridor. Kimberly was named after John Kimberly, one of the co-founders of what is now the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, which opened a paper mill in the community in 1889. The paper mill thrived under numerous names and was a major employment facility for the village until its closing in 2008. The 100-acre property is currently under redevelopment with residential and green space park development and trail system expansion in progress.
41
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Overview of Office Network
Table 13 provides deposit data for the Company’s full-service banking offices as of June 30, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The Company’s deposits decreased by 11.5% over the one-year period from June 30, 2022 to 2023 and decreased by a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 1.4% over the two-year period from June 30, 2021 to 2023. The Company’s largest office based on deposits is the main office in Kaukauna, which had deposits of $118.7 million or 50.4% of the Company’s total deposits at June 30, 2023. A branch office in Appleton was the second largest with total deposits of $46.4 million as of June 30, 2023. As discussed previously, a branch office in Little Chute was closed in January 2023 due to the Company’s strategic objective to reduce operating expenses and also because of its proximity to other nearby branch locations.
Table 13
Branch Office Deposit Data
Data as of June 30, 2021, 2022, and 2023
| Branch Deposits at June 30, | 1-Year | 2-Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Growth | CAGR | ||||||||||||||||||
| Address | City | Locale | St. | ($000) | ($000) | ($000) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||
| Outagamie County | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 109 W. Second St. | Kaukauna | Kaukauna | WI | $ | 118,717 | $ | 100,459 | $ | 94,772 | 18.2 | 11.9 | |||||||||||
| N3947 Columbia Ave. | Kaukauna | Freedom | WI | 31,864 | 31,346 | 30,717 | 1.7 | 1.8 | ||||||||||||||
| 501 E. Wisconsin Ave. | Appleton | Appleton | WI | 46,363 | 50,420 | 48,082 | (8.0 | ) | (1.8 | ) | ||||||||||||
| 1501 N. Casaloma Dr. | Appleton | Grand Chute | WI | 13,360 | 27,789 | 24,334 | (51.9 | ) | (25.9 | ) | ||||||||||||
| 220 W. Kimberly Ave. | Kimberly | Kimberly | WI | 25,053 | 26,631 | 26,224 | (5.9 | ) | (2.3 | ) | ||||||||||||
| 1805 E. Main Street (1) | Little Chute | Little Chute | WI | - | 29,379 | 28,048 | (100.0 | ) | (100.0 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 235,357 | $ | 266,024 | $ | 252,177 | (11.5 | ) | (1.4 | ) | ||||||||||||
(1) Branch office was closed in January 2023.
Source: S&P Global.
42
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Deposit Market Share Analysis
Table 14 displays branch deposit data as of June 30, 2023 for the financial institutions (commercial banks and thrift institutions) in Outagamie County, Wisconsin (with deposit data adjusted for subsequently completed mergers). The Company ranked seventh in Outagamie County out of 18 financial institutions, with total deposits of $235.4 million in five offices as of June 30, 2023 for a market share of 5.9%. The Company ranked as the largest thrift institution with branch offices in Outagamie County. The Company’s deposit market share declined from 6.1% at June 30, 2002. The deposit market share leaders in Outagamie County were BMO Bank with a market share of 17.6% and Associated Bank with a market share of 15.0%. BMO Bank is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and had total assets of $265.7 billion at December 31, 2023. BMO Bank is a subsidiary of the Canadian multi-national bank and financial services company, Bank of Montreal. Associated Bank is headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and had total assets of $41.0 billion at December 31, 2023. The deposit market total in Outagamie County declined by 8.5% from $4.3 billion at June 30, 2022 to $4.0 billion at June 30, 2023.
As shown in Table 15, the Company ranked eighth in the Appleton MSA (consisting of Outagamie and Calumet Counties) out of 23 financial institutions, with total deposits of $235.4 million for a market share of 4.9%. The deposit market share leaders in the Appleton MSA included BMO Bank (18.22% market share), Associated Bank (12.3% market share), JPMorgan Chase Bank (11.3% market share), and Nicolet National Bank (10.4% market share). The deposit market total in the Appleton MSA decreased by 6.6% from $5.2 billion at June 30, 2022 to $4.8 billion at June 30, 2023.
43
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 14
Deposit Market Share in Outagamie County, Wisconsin
Data as of June 30, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| No. of | Market | Market | Market | Market | 1-Year | 5-Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market | Branch | Deposits | Share | Deposits | Share | Deposit | Deposit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rank | Financial | Offices | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | 2022 | Growth | CAGR | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | Institution | 2023 | ($000) | (%) | ($000) | (%) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outagamie County, WI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | BMO Bank, N.A. (IL) | 4 | 697,579 | 17.62 | 667,154 | 15.41 | 4.56 | (0.22 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Associated Bank, N.A. (WI) | 4 | 592,737 | 14.97 | 642,893 | 14.85 | (7.80 | ) | 7.95 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (NY) | 2 | 435,565 | 11.00 | 635,359 | 14.68 | (31.45 | ) | (3.44 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Nicolet National Bank (WI) | 4 | 396,539 | 10.01 | 399,071 | 9.22 | (0.63 | ) | 8.78 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | American Nat'l Bank-Fox Cities (WI) | 1 | 310,502 | 7.84 | 308,266 | 7.12 | 0.73 | 5.05 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | BLC Community Bank (WI) | 1 | 305,839 | 7.72 | 299,919 | 6.93 | 1.97 | 10.55 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7 | East Wisconsin Savings Bank (WI) | 5 | 235,357 | 5.94 | 266,024 | 6.15 | (11.53 | ) | 5.01 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A (CA) | 2 | 221,650 | 5.60 | 244,001 | 5.64 | (9.16 | ) | (0.67 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | Wolf River Community Bank (WI) | 3 | 196,513 | 4.96 | 188,866 | 4.36 | 4.05 | 12.03 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 | U.S. Bank, N.A. (MN) | 3 | 186,741 | 4.72 | 220,663 | 5.10 | (15.37 | ) | 2.57 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 | Bank of Kaukauna (WI) | 1 | 125,790 | 3.18 | 134,806 | 3.11 | (6.69 | ) | 10.66 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 | Bank First, N.A. (WI) | 1 | 75,495 | 1.91 | 133,896 | 3.09 | (43.62 | ) | (4.51 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 13 | Old National Bank (IN) | 1 | 60,693 | 1.53 | 68,530 | 1.58 | (11.44 | ) | 0.50 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 | North Shore Bank (WI) | 1 | 48,057 | 1.21 | 60,955 | 1.41 | (21.16 | ) | 2.65 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 15 | AbbyBank (WI) | 1 | 41,137 | 1.04 | 28,731 | 0.66 | 43.18 | 15.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16 | Johnson Bank (WI) | 1 | 13,915 | 0.35 | 11,880 | 0.27 | 17.13 | 13.49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17 | Premier Community Bank (WI) | 1 | 13,455 | 0.34 | 16,092 | 0.37 | (16.39 | ) | 3.69 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 18 | Thrivent Trust Company (WI) | 1 | 2,000 | 0.05 | 2,000 | 0.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market Total | 37 | 3,959,564 | 100.00 | 4,329,106 | 100.00 | (8.54 | ) | 3.52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: S&P Global.
44
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 15
Deposit
Market Share in the Appleton MSA-Wisconsin
Data as of June 30, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| No. of | Market | Market | Market | Market | 1-Year | 5-Year | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market | Branch | Deposits | Share | Deposits | Share | Deposit | Deposit | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rank | Financial | Offices | 2023 | 2023 | 2022 | 2022 | Growth | CAGR | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | Institution | 2023 | ($000) | (%) | ($000) | (%) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Appleton MSA-WI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 | BMO Bank, N.A. (IL) | 6 | 878,587 | 18.18 | 844,440 | 16.32 | 4.04 | 0.08 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 | Associated Bank, N.A. (WI) | 4 | 592,737 | 12.27 | 642,893 | 12.43 | (7.80 | ) | 6.63 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 | JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (NY) | 3 | 547,961 | 11.34 | 750,259 | 14.50 | (26.96 | ) | (0.12 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 | Nicolet National Bank (WI) | 5 | 500,198 | 10.35 | 496,800 | 9.60 | 0.68 | 7.91 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5 | Stte Bank of Chilton (WI) | 4 | 370,495 | 7.67 | 343,359 | 6.64 | 7.90 | 10.44 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6 | American Nat'l Bank-Fox Cities (WI) | 1 | 310,502 | 6.43 | 308,266 | 5.96 | 0.73 | 5.05 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7 | BLC Community Bank (WI) | 1 | 305,839 | 6.33 | 299,919 | 5.80 | 1.97 | 10.55 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8 | East Wisconsin Savings Bank (WI) | 5 | 235,357 | 4.87 | 266,024 | 5.14 | (11.53 | ) | 5.01 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | Wells Fargo Bank, N.A (CA) | 2 | 221,650 | 4.59 | 244,001 | 4.72 | (9.16 | ) | (0.67 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 | Wolf River Community Bank (WI) | 3 | 196,513 | 4.07 | 188,866 | 3.65 | 4.05 | 12.03 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 | U.S. Bank, N.A. (MN) | 3 | 186,741 | 3.86 | 220,663 | 4.26 | (15.37 | ) | 2.57 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 | Bank of Kaukauna (WI) | 1 | 125,790 | 2.60 | 134,806 | 2.61 | (6.69 | ) | 10.66 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 13 | Bank First, N.A. (WI) | 1 | 75,495 | 1.56 | 133,896 | 2.59 | (43.62 | ) | (4.51 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 14 | Old National Bank (IN) | 1 | 60,693 | 1.26 | 68,530 | 1.32 | (11.44 | ) | 0.50 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 15 | North Shore Bank (WI) | 1 | 48,057 | 0.99 | 60,955 | 1.18 | (21.16 | ) | 2.65 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 16 | AbbyBank (WI) | 1 | 41,137 | 0.85 | 28,731 | 0.56 | 43.18 | 15.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17 | Great Midwest Bank S.S.B. (WI) | 1 | 31,772 | 0.66 | 38,434 | 0.74 | (17.33 | ) | 2.07 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 18 | Horicon Bank (WI) | 1 | 28,661 | 0.59 | 27,652 | 0.53 | 3.65 | 7.89 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19 | National Exchange Bank & Trust (WI) | 1 | 24,737 | 0.51 | 28,873 | 0.56 | (14.32 | ) | 7.43 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 20 | Collins State Bank (WI) | 1 | 19,635 | 0.41 | 16,520 | 0.32 | 18.86 | 23.17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 21 | Johnson Bank (WI) | 1 | 13,915 | 0.29 | 11,880 | 0.23 | 17.13 | 13.49 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 22 | Premier Community Bank (WI) | 1 | 13,455 | 0.28 | 16,092 | 0.31 | (16.39 | ) | 3.69 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 23 | Thrivent Trust Company (WI) | 1 | 2,000 | 0.04 | 2,000 | 0.04 | 0.00 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Market Total | 49 | 4,831,927 | 100.00 | 5,173,859 | 100.00 | (6.61 | ) | 4.18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: S&P Global.
45
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Summary Outlook
Due to the rapid increase in market rates and the correlated impact on its securities portfolio, the Company reported net operating losses over the past two years and also experienced a significant contraction of its equity capital. The Company’s net losses amounted to -$4.2 million in 2022 and -$935,000 in 2023. Due to the net losses and mounting AOCI deficit, the Company’s equity capital declined from $22.5 million at year-end 2021 to $11.5 million at year-end 2023. The path to improved profitability for the Company has been impeded by its comparatively low net interest margin, which is exacerbated by its low level of equity.
The Company’s net interest margin remains under pressure in the current interest rate environment and its efficiency ratio is still well above peer group averages. The large concentrations of residential mortgage loans, along with liquidity and investments, have the effect of restraining the Company’s net interest income. Historically, the Company’s provision for credit losses has amounted to very small amounts. In 2022 and 2023, the Company’s non-interest expense substantially offset its generation of net interest income and resulted in net losses. The Company recently experienced increased levels of non-interest expense due to its attempted acquisition of another savings institution. The Company reported eight consecutive quarters of net losses in 2022 and 2023.
The Company plans to continue its emphasis on residential mortgage lending, while also continuing its diversification efforts in certain consumer and commercial business lending activities with which it is experienced. The Company seeks to improve its earning asset yields and interest rate sensitivity with shorter-maturity loans generated through these types of loans. A return to more normalized mortgage loan production should also enhance the Company’s mortgage banking income, which has been a meaningful contributor to profitability in prior years. A key element of the Company’s operating strategy is to continue to aggressively manage credit risk so as to continue to maintain the Company’s favorable measures of credit quality.
46
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The infusion of additional capital from the Stock Offering will strengthen the Company’s strained capital position and allow more flexibility for the implementation of prudent loan growth strategies. However, the Company’s operating results will continue to be negatively impacted until it is able to increase interest income and non-interest income relative to its expenses. Although the capital raised in the Conversion will support this effort, the Conversion will have an adverse impact on earnings in the near term due to additional expenses incurred in conjunction with the Conversion. These additional expenses include compensation expenses related to various stock-based benefit plans and certain costs associated with becoming a public company. Therefore, the Company does not expect a rapid turnaround in its profitability immediately following the completion of the Conversion. It remains focused on improving its longer-term earnings viability and returning to a positive earnings position in the future.
47
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
II. COMPARISONS WITH PUBLICLY TRADED THRIFTS
General Overview
The comparative market approach provides a sound basis for determining estimates of going-concern valuations where a regular and active market exists for the stocks of peer institutions. The comparative market approach was utilized in determining the estimated pro forma market value of the Company because (1) reliable market and financial data are readily available for comparable institutions; (2) the comparative market method is required by the applicable regulatory guidelines; and (3) other alternative valuation methods (such as income capitalization, liquidation analysis, or discounted cash flow) are unlikely to produce a reliable valuation relevant to the future trading patterns of the related equity interest. The generally employed valuation method in initial public offerings, where possible, is the comparative market approach, which also can be relied upon to determine pro forma market value in a thrift stock conversion.
The comparative market approach derives valuation benchmarks from the trading patterns of selected peer institutions which, due to certain factors such as financial performance and operating strategies, enable the appraiser to estimate the potential value of the subject institution in a stock conversion offering. The pricing levels and trading histories of recent initial public offerings of thrifts are also examined to provide evidence of the “new issue discount” that must be considered. In Chapter II, our valuation analysis focuses on the selection and comparison of the Company with a comparable group of publicly traded thrift institutions (the “Comparative Group”). Chapter III will detail any additional discounts or premiums that we believe are appropriate to the Company’s pro forma market value.
48
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Selection Criteria
Selected market price and financial performance data for all public thrifts listed on major stock exchanges are shown in Exhibit III. The list excludes companies that are subject to being acquired under a pending transaction and companies that have a majority ownership interest controlled by a mutual holding company. Several criteria, discussed below, were used to select the individual members of the Comparative Group from the overall universe of publicly traded thrifts.
| · | Operating characteristics – An institution’s operating characteristics are the most important factors because they affect investors’ expected rates of return on a company’s stock under various business/economic scenarios, and they influence the market’s general perception of the quality and attractiveness of a given company. Operating characteristics, which may vary in importance during the business cycle, include financial variables such as profitability, balance sheet growth, capitalization, asset quality, and other factors such as lines of business and management strategies. |
| · | Degree of marketability and liquidity – The marketability of a stock reflects the relative ease and promptness with which a security may be sold when desired, at a representative current price, without material concession in price merely because of the necessity of sale. Marketability also connotes the existence of buying interest as well as selling interest and is usually indicated by trading volumes and the spread between the bid and asked price for a security. Liquidity of the stock issue refers to the organized market exchange process whereby the security can be converted into cash. We attempted to limit our selection to companies that have access to a regular trading market or price quotations, and therefore only considered companies listed on major stock exchanges. We eliminated from the Comparative Group companies whose market prices were materially influenced by announced acquisitions or other unusual circumstances. However, the expectation of continued industry consolidation is currently embedded in thrift equity valuations. |
| · | Geographic Location – The region of the country where a company operates is also of importance in selecting the comparative group. The operating environment for thrift institutions varies from region to region with respect to business and economic environments, real estate market conditions, speculative takeover activity, and investment climates. Economic and investor climates can also vary greatly within a region, particularly due to takeover activity. |
49
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The operations of the Company fit the general profile of a traditional thrift institution, concentrating on residential mortgage lending in its local market and relying on retail deposits as the primary funding source. In determining the Comparative Group composition, we focused on the Company’s asset size, capitalization, asset quality, and geographic location. Attempting to concentrate on the Company’s performance characteristics and to develop a meaningful number of comparables for valuation purposes, we expanded the criteria to include a statistically significant number of companies. In addition, because of the scarcity of candidates meeting the criteria precisely, we expanded the asset size and geographic criteria to generate a significant number of comparables. As with any composition of a group of comparable companies, the selection criteria were broadened sufficiently to assemble a significant number of members.
We performed an initial screening for publicly traded thrifts headquartered in the Midwest region of the United States with total assets less than $1.2 billion. We then expanded the selection criteria to certain other geographic regions, including the Southwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions, and applied the following selection criteria:
| · | Publicly traded thrift – stock-form thrift whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), NYSE American, or NASDAQ Stock Market. |
| · | Excludes mutual holding companies – company’s corporate structure is not organized in the mutual holding company (“MHC”) form. |
| · | Seasoned trading issue – company has been publicly traded in the fully-converted stock form for at least one year. |
| · | Non-acquisition target – company is not subject to a pending acquisition. |
| · | Asset size – total assets less than $1.2 billion. |
| · | Capital level – tangible common equity to tangible assets greater than 3.0%. |
| · | Market capitalization – aggregate total market value of outstanding common stock is less than $100 million. |
| · | Credit quality – non-performing assets to total assets of less than 1.5%. |
50
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
As a result of applying the criteria, the screening process produced a reliable representation of public thrifts. A general operating summary of the 11 companies included in the Comparative Group is presented in Table 16. All of the selected companies are traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market. The Comparative Group companies ranged in asset size from $256.8 million at NSTS Bancorp to $1.1 billion at HMN Financial. The median asset size of the Comparative Group was $439.9 million. Because of the initial and continuing listing standards of NASDAQ and the NYSE, including public float and round lot holders requirements, as well as the fact that many of the smaller converted thrifts ultimately de-list their shares from NASDAQ and/or are acquired by larger companies, not many small thrifts are listed on major stock exchanges. Accordingly, all but one Comparative Group member had a larger asset size than the Company.
The Comparative Group includes four thrifts based in the Midwest region: 1895 Bancorp (Wisconsin), HMN Financial (Minnesota), IF Bancorp (Illinois), and NSTS Bancorp (Illinois). The Comparative Group’s remaining members are located in the Southwest (three companies), Mid-Atlantic (two companies), and Southeast (two companies). Similar to the Company, 1895 Bancorp operates in Wisconsin with its headquarters in Greenfield, which is situated outside of Milwaukee and located approximately 115 miles south of Kaukauna.
Of the 29 public thrifts based in the Midwest, 19 were excluded because their stock issues are not traded on a major stock exchange and are instead listed on over-the-counter (“OTC”) markets. In addition, several other Midwest thrifts were excluded because of their corporate structure being organized in the MHC form or their asset size exceeded the threshold of $1.2 billion. While some differences inevitably may exist between the Company and the individual companies, we believe that the chosen Comparative Group, on the whole, provides a meaningful basis for financial comparison for valuation purposes.
51
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 16
Comparative Group Operating Summary
As of December 31, 2023
| Initial Public | Total | Total Equity/ | ||||||||||||||||
| No. of | Offering | Assets | Assets | |||||||||||||||
| Company | City | St. | Offices | Date | ($Mil.) | (%) | ||||||||||||
| Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC | Kaukauna | WI | 5 | NA | $ | 262.6 | 4.39 | |||||||||||
| Comparative Group | ||||||||||||||||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. | Greenfield | WI | 6 | 01/08/19 | 557.6 | 13.05 | ||||||||||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | Opelousas | LA | 6 | 10/12/21 | 270.9 | 31.24 | ||||||||||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. | Cullman | AL | 4 | 10/08/09 | 410.6 | 24.77 | ||||||||||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. | Seneca Falls | NY | 10 | 07/10/06 | 424.4 | 8.88 | ||||||||||||
| HMN Financial, Inc. | Rochester | MN | 14 | 06/30/94 | 1,107.1 | 9.73 | ||||||||||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. | Shreveport | LA | 11 | 01/18/05 | 654.2 | 8.04 | ||||||||||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | Watseka | IL | 8 | 07/07/11 | 910.8 | 8.10 | ||||||||||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. | Waukegan | IL | 3 | 01/18/22 | 256.8 | 30.20 | ||||||||||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. | Coatesville | PA | 4 | 07/14/21 | 439.7 | 10.69 | ||||||||||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. | Thomasville | GA | 4 | 07/20/21 | 466.6 | 17.07 | ||||||||||||
| Texas Community Bancshares | Mineola | TX | 7 | 07/14/21 | 452.0 | 11.88 | ||||||||||||
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC; S&P Global.
52
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Recent Financial Comparisons
Table 17 summarizes certain key financial comparisons between the Company and the Comparative Group. Tables 18 through 22 contain detailed financial comparisons of the Company with the individual Comparative Group companies based on measures of profitability, income and expense components, capital levels, balance sheet composition, asset quality, and growth rates. Financial data for the Company, the Comparative Group, and the All Public Thrift aggregate were utilized for the latest available period as of or for the last twelve months (“LTM”) ended December 31, 2023.
The Company’s LTM earnings amounted to -$935,000 for an LTM ROA of -0.35%, reflecting profitability below the Comparative Group median of 0.23% and the All Public Thrift median of 0.56%. The Company’s lower ROA was attributable mainly to a lower level of interest income, which measured 1.72% relative to average assets versus the Comparative Group median of 2.75% and the All Public Thrift median of 2.78%. The Company’s LTM ROE was -8.70% and below the Comparative Group median of 0.71%. The Company’s ROA was below the ROA results of all of the members of the Comparative Group except for 1895 Bancorp, which reported an LTM ROA of -0.83%.
Based on core earnings (as adjusted to exclude securities gains or losses, intangibles amortization expense, and other non-recurring items), the Company’s core profitability was also below the Comparative Group’s levels. The Company’s LTM core earnings measured -0.40% of average assets, lower than the corresponding Comparative Group median of 0.20% and the All Public Thrift median of 0.51%. The Company’s core earnings exclude the impact of a gain on the sale of a branch office and a gain on the sale of a repossessed asset plus non-recurring professional fees related to an attempted acquisition of another savings institution.
53
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 17
Key Financial Comparisons
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and the Comparative Group
As of or For the Latest Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023
| Wisconsin | ||||||||||
| Mutual | Comparative | All Public | ||||||||
| Bancorp | Group | Thrift | ||||||||
| MHC | Median | Median | ||||||||
| Profitability Ratios | ||||||||||
| LTM Return on Average Assets (ROA) | (0.35 | )% | 0.23 | % | 0.56 | % | ||||
| LTM Return on Average Equity (ROE) | (8.70 | ) | 0.71 | 4.80 | ||||||
| Core Return on Avg. Assets (Core ROA) | (0.40 | ) | 0.20 | 0.51 | ||||||
| Core Return on Avg. Equity (Core ROE) | (10.03 | ) | 1.95 | 4.55 | ||||||
| Net Interest Margin | 1.82 | 2.81 | 2.89 | |||||||
| Efficiency Ratio | 123.79 | 88.89 | 73.14 | |||||||
| Income and Expense (% of avg. assets) | ||||||||||
| Total Interest Income | 3.35 | 4.25 | 4.42 | |||||||
| Total Interest Expense | 1.63 | 1.26 | 1.51 | |||||||
| Net Interest Income | 1.72 | 2.75 | 2.78 | |||||||
| Provision for Credit Losses | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.05 | |||||||
| Other Operating Income | 0.44 | 0.47 | 0.31 | |||||||
| Net Securities Gains and Non-rec. Income | 0.10 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||
| General and Administrative Expense | 2.67 | 2.75 | 2.46 | |||||||
| Intangibles Amortization Expense | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||
| Non-recurring Expense | 0.04 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||
| Pre-tax Core Earnings | (0.57 | ) | 0.25 | 0.65 | ||||||
| Equity Capital Ratios | ||||||||||
| Total Equity / Total Assets | 4.39 | 11.88 | 11.90 | |||||||
| Tangible Equity / Tangible Assets | 4.39 | 11.83 5 | 11.71 | |||||||
| Growth Rates | ||||||||||
| Total Assets | (3.18 | ) | 8.25 | 5.26 | ||||||
| Net Total Loans | 1.10 | 9.34 | 7.95 | |||||||
| Total Deposits | (7.52 | ) | 2.02 | 2.29 | ||||||
54
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 16 (continued)
Key Financial Comparisons
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and the Comparative Group
As of or For the Latest Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023
| Wisconsin | ||||||||||||
| Mutual | Comparative | All Public | ||||||||||
| Bancorp | Group | Thrift | ||||||||||
| MHC | Median | Median | ||||||||||
| Balance Sheet Composition (% of total assets) | ||||||||||||
| Cash and Securities | 27.21 | % | 19.58 | % | 16.88 | % | ||||||
| Loans Receivable, net | 66.39 | 76.48 | 76.79 | |||||||||
| Real Estate Owned | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | |||||||||
| Intangible Assets | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.05 | |||||||||
| Other Assets | 6.49 | 5.66 | 4.85 | |||||||||
| Total Deposits | 87.77 | 74.45 | 74.91 | |||||||||
| Borrowed Funds | 7.25 | 7.15 | 8.19 | |||||||||
| Other Liabilities | 0.58 | 1.01 | 1.16 | |||||||||
| Total Liabilities | 95.61 | 88.12 | 88.11 | |||||||||
| Total Equity | 4.39 | 11.88 | 11.90 | |||||||||
| Loan Portfolio Composition (% of total loans) | ||||||||||||
| Residential Real Estate Loans (1) | 73.21 | 40.97 | 32.14 | |||||||||
| Other Real Estate Loans | 4.44 | 37.63 | 51.65 | |||||||||
| Non-Real Estate Loans | 22.35 | 15.59 | 16.21 | |||||||||
| Credit Risk Ratios | ||||||||||||
| Non-performing Loans (2) / Total Loans | 0.02 | 0.32 | 0.38 | |||||||||
| Non-performing Assets (2) /Total Assets | 0.01 | 0.24 | 0.33 | |||||||||
| Reserves / Total Non-performing Loans (2) | 5,872.2 | 340.59 | 231.78 | |||||||||
| Reserves / Total Loans | 0.60 | 1.10 | 1.00 | |||||||||
(1) Includes home equity and second mortgage loans.
(2) Includes accruing troubled debt restructurings.
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC; S&P Global; Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
55
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
As shown in Table 20, the Company’s level of net interest income at 1.72% of average assets was less than the Comparative Group median of 2.75%, owing to the Company’s comparatively higher concentration of cash and securities on its balance sheet and its heavy reliance on residential mortgage lending, which typically are lower yielding than other more diverse types of loans such as commercial real estate loan or commercial business loans. The Company’s total interest income measured 3.35% of average assets for the LTM period, trailing the Comparative Group median of 3.63%. The Company’s interest expense amounted to 1.63% of average assets and was higher than the Comparative Group median of 1.26%. The Company’s interest expense has increased due to rising market rates and its increased dependence on higher costing certificate of deposit accounts and wholesale borrowings as sources of funds.
As reflected by its lower net interest margin of 1.82% versus the Comparative Group median of 2.81%, the earning power of the Company’s balance sheet is restrained by its higher level of liquidity, significant concentration of residential mortgage loans, and lower level of capital funding. The Company’s net interest margin measured lower than each of the Comparative Group members’ net interest margins, with the lowest recorded by IF Bancorp at 2.27%.
The Company’s non-interest operating income totaled 0.44% of average assets, slightly below the Comparative Group median of 0.47%. The Company’s primary sources of non-interest income include service charges on deposit accounts, mortgage banking income, and bank-owned life insurance revenue. The Company also generates moderate streams of revenue from investment and insurance activities conducted by its internal division known as Wisconsin Mutual Investment Group. Most of the Comparative Group companies reported varying levels of non-interest income, ranging from 0.21% of average assets at PB Bankshares to 0.72% at HMN Financial.
The Company’s provision for credit losses amounted to 0.05% of average assets for the recent LTM period and was similar to the Comparative Group median of 0.04% and All Public Thrift median of 0.05%. The Company increased its provision for credit losses from zero in 2022 to $145,000 in 2023 due to the adoption of the CECL methodology. Historically, the Company has experienced very low levels of net loan charge-offs, mainly due to its long-established emphasis on residential mortgage lending.
56
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Company’s non-performing assets measured 0.01% of total assets at December 31, 2023, which was lower than the Comparative Group median of 0.24% and the All Public Thrift median of 0.33%. The Company’s non-performing loans measured 0.01% of total loans at December 31, 2023, which was lower than the Comparative Group and All Public Thrift medians of 0.32% and 0.38%, respectively. The Company’s 0.60% ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans was positioned below the corresponding Comparative Group median of 1.10% and All Public Thrift median of 1.00%. The Company’s lower level of loan loss allowance primarily reflects the large concentration of one- to four-family residential mortgage loans in its loan portfolio with such loans generally considered lower risk than commercial and other consumer loans. The Company’s 5,872.2% ratio of loan loss allowance to non-performing loans was higher than the Comparative Group median of 340.6% and All Public Thrift median of 231.8%.
The Company’s operating expense ratio at 2.67% of average assets was slightly lower than the Comparative Group median of 2.75%. However, the Company’s 123.8% efficiency ratio (defined as non-interest expense less intangibles amortization expense as a percent of the sum of net interest income before provision plus non-interest operating income) compared unfavorably to the Comparative Group median of 88.9%. None of the Comparative Group members exhibited efficiency ratios as high as the Company’s efficiency ratio, which is fundamentally related to the Company’s much lower net interest margin.
57
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
As reflected in Table 21, the overall balance sheet composition of the Company reflected a lower concentration of loans to assets versus that of the overall Comparative Group. The Company’s net total loans amounted to 66.4% of total assets as of December 31, 2023, below the median of 76.5% for the Comparative Group. Among the Comparative Group companies, only NSTS Bancorp at 45.5% and Texas Community Bancshares at 61.9% had a lower ratio of net total loans to total assets than evidenced by the Company. The Company’s ratio of cash and securities to total assets was 27.1% and above the median of 19.6% for the Comparative Group. The Company’s ratio of other assets to total assets measured 6.5%, slightly higher than the Comparative Group median of 5.7% of total assets. The Company’s other assets primarily comprised bank-owned life insurance (2.8% of total assets), deferred tax assets (1.7% of total assets), and office properties and equipment (1.1% of total assets) as of December 31, 2023.
The Company’s ratio of borrowed funds to total assets amounted to 7.3% of total assets at December 31, 2023 and was similar to the Comparative Group median of 7.2%. The Company’s level of deposits at 87.8% of total assets was above the Comparative Group median of 74.5%. The Company’s much higher total liabilities level of 95.6% of total assets versus the Comparative Group median of 88.1% was directly attributable to its lower level of equity capital. As discussed earlier, the Company’s equity capital level has declined due to unrealized holding losses on available-for-sale securities coupled with its balance sheet restructuring in which it incurred losses on sale of securities and the reclassification of certain available-for-sale securities as held-to-maturity securities. The Company’s equity level before the Stock Offering was 4.39% relative to total assets as of December 31, 2023, which was below the Comparative Group median of 11.88%. The Comparative Group includes several companies that completed full conversion or second-step conversion offerings over the past three years and have emerged with very high capital levels that have not been notably leveraged due to the relatively short passage of time.
58
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Company’s level of residential real estate loans (including home equity and second mortgage loans) measured 73.2% of total loans based on financial data as of December 31, 2023, significantly higher than the Comparative Group median of 41.0% The Company’s concentration of non-residential real estate loans (which category includes commercial real estate, multi-family real estate, and construction loans) represented 4.4% of total loans and was substantially lower than the Comparative Group median of 37.6%. The Company exhibited a higher level of non-real estate loans, which accounted for 22.4% of its total loans versus the Comparative Group median of 15.6%. As noted earlier, the Company’s loan diversification efforts have thus far focused primarily on marine and recreational vehicle loans originated through a longstanding broker relationship and commercial business loans generated through a nationwide network.
The Company’s asset growth rate measured -3.2% over the LTM period ended December 31, 2023, compared to the Comparative Group median asset growth rate of 8.3%. Due to its declining capital level, the Company has focused on controlling asset growth to avoid further dilution of its capital ratios. The Company’s net loan growth rate of 1.3% for the one-year period was below the Comparative Group median of 9.3%. The Company’s deposit growth rate of -7.5% was lower than the corresponding Comparative Group median deposit growth rate of 2.0%.
In summary, the Company’s recent earnings performance reflected a net loss that measured below the results exhibited by the Comparative Group and its equity capital ratio was also lower, while its asset quality ratios were more favorable in comparison to the levels represented by the Comparative Group medians. The Company’s profitability was hampered by a significantly lower net interest margin. The Company’s earnings growth outlook will depend largely on its ability to maintain satisfactory loan quality as it continues to grow its loan portfolio, to improve the net interest margin across movements in the interest rate environment, and to control non-interest expense as it seeks to expand its operations and transition to a public company.
59
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 18
General Operating Characteristics
As of December 31, 2023
| Tang. | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Total | Total | Common | ||||||||||||||||
| No. of | IPO | Assets | Deposits | Equity | Equity | ||||||||||||||
| City/State | Ticker | Exchange | Offices | Date | ($000s) | ($000s) | ($000s) | ($000s) | |||||||||||
| Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC | Kaukauna, WI | NA | NA | 5 | NA | 262,567 | 230,468 | 11,537 | 11,537 | ||||||||||
| Comparative Group Average | 534,231 | 413,317 | 71,232 | 70,680 | |||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Median | 439,876 | 344,909 | 73,741 | 73,741 | |||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. (1) | Greenfield, WI | BCOW | NASDAQ | 6 | 01/08/19 | 554,576 | 386,973 | 70,159 | 70,159 | ||||||||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | Opelousas, LA | CLST | NASDAQ | 6 | 10/12/21 | 270,891 | 165,622 | 84,617 | 84,617 | ||||||||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. (1) | Cullman, AL | CULL | NASDAQ | 4 | 10/08/09 | 417,315 | 274,201 | 101,210 | 101,210 | ||||||||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. (1) | Seneca Falls, NY | GBNY | NASDAQ | 10 | 07/10/06 | 408,730 | 344,909 | 34,954 | 34,285 | ||||||||||
| HMN Financial, Inc. | Rochester, MN | HMNF | NASDAQ | 14 | 06/30/94 | 1,107,135 | 976,793 | 107,707 | 106,905 | ||||||||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana | Shreveport, LA | HFBL | NASDAQ | 11 | 01/18/05 | 654,188 | 583,689 | 52,594 | 48,250 | ||||||||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | Watseka, IL | IROQ | NASDAQ | 8 | 07/07/11 | 910,783 | 678,045 | 73,741 | 73,741 | ||||||||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (1) | Waukegan, IL | NSTS | NASDAQ | 3 | 01/18/22 | 251,786 | 165,330 | 77,161 | 77,161 | ||||||||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. (1) | Coatesville, PA | PBBK | NASDAQ | 4 | 07/14/21 | 409,212 | 306,521 | 46,582 | 46,582 | ||||||||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. (1) | Thomasville, GA | TCBC | NASDAQ | 4 | 07/20/21 | 439,876 | 347,168 | 81,143 | 81,143 | ||||||||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | Mineola, TX | TCBS | NASDAQ | 7 | 07/14/21 | 452,044 | 317,241 | 53,689 | 53,424 |
(1) As of September 30, 2023.
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC; S&P Global.
60
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 19
General Financial Performance Ratios
As of or For the Last Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023
| Total | Tang. | Net | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Total | Equity/ | Equity/ | Interest | Effcy. | LTM | LTM | Core | Core | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Deposits | Assets | Assets | Margin | Ratio | ROA | ROE | ROA | ROE | |||||||||||||||||||||
| ($000s) | ($000s) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC | 262,567 | 230,468 | 4.39 | 4.39 | 1.82 | 123.79 | (0.35 | ) | (8.70 | ) | (0.40 | ) | (10.03 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Average | 534,231 | 413,317 | 15.90 | 15.82 | 2.97 | 88.05 | 0.19 | 1.50 | 0.23 | 2.03 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Median | 439,876 | 344,909 | 11.88 | 11.83 | 2.81 | 88.89 | 0.23 | 0.71 | 0.20 | 1.95 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrift Average | 5,669,271 | 4,137,765 | 13.46 | 12.89 | 3.11 | 77.12 | 0.51 | 4.40 | 0.57 | 4.88 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrift Median | 1,670,309 | 1,218,892 | 11.90 | 11.71 | 2.89 | 73.14 | 0.56 | 4.80 | 0.51 | 4.55 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. (1) | 554,576 | 386,973 | 12.65 | 12.65 | 2.51 | 112.58 | (0.83 | ) | (6.14 | ) | (0.64 | ) | (4.73 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | 270,891 | 165,622 | 31.24 | 31.24 | 3.06 | 93.32 | 0.23 | 0.71 | 0.14 | 0.45 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. (1) | 417,315 | 274,201 | 24.25 | 24.25 | 3.91 | 68.98 | 0.97 | 4.04 | 0.98 | 4.05 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. (1) | 408,730 | 344,909 | 8.55 | 8.40 | 2.70 | 99.91 | (0.23 | ) | (2.47 | ) | (0.13 | ) | (1.41 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| HMN Financial, Inc. | 1,107,135 | 976,793 | 9.73 | 9.66 | 2.81 | 76.61 | 0.54 | 5.03 | 0.52 | 4.92 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana | 654,188 | 583,689 | 8.04 | 7.42 | 3.36 | 70.18 | 0.68 | 8.86 | 0.79 | 10.28 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | 910,783 | 678,045 | 8.10 | 8.10 | 2.27 | 87.35 | 0.23 | 2.73 | 0.23 | 2.72 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (1) | 251,786 | 165,330 | 30.65 | 30.65 | 2.67 | 101.60 | (0.06 | ) | (0.19 | ) | (0.06 | ) | (0.19 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. (1) | 409,212 | 306,521 | 11.38 | 11.38 | 3.21 | 72.16 | 0.66 | 5.42 | 0.51 | 4.18 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. (1) | 439,876 | 347,168 | 18.45 | 18.45 | 3.50 | 96.95 | 0.04 | 0.18 | 0.03 | 0.17 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | 452,044 | 317,241 | 11.88 | 11.83 | 2.71 | 88.89 | (0.17 | ) | (1.63 | ) | 0.20 | 1.95 |
(1) As of or for the last twelve months ended September 30, 2023.
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC; S&P Global.
61
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 20
Income and Expense Analysis
For the Last Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023
| As a Percent of Average Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net | Other | Gains & | Prov. | Gen. & | Intang. | Pre-tax | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest | Interest | Interest | Oper. | Non-rec. | Credit | Admin. | Amort. | Non-rec. | Core | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Income | Expense | Income | Income | Income | Losses | Expense | Expense | Expense | Earnings | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC | 3.35 | 1.63 | 1.72 | 0.44 | 0.10 | 0.05 | 2.67 | 0.00 | 0.04 | (0.57 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Average | 4.11 | 1.28 | 2.83 | 0.41 | (0.02 | ) | 0.07 | 2.83 | 0.03 | 0.01 | 0.34 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Median | 4.25 | 1.26 | 2.75 | 0.47 | 0.00 | 0.05 | 2.75 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.26 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrift Average | 4.54 | 1.60 | 2.94 | 0.47 | 0.01 | 0.08 | 2.57 | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.78 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrift Median | 4.42 | 1.51 | 2.78 | 0.31 | 0.00 | 0.05 | 2.46 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.65 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. (1) | 3.65 | 1.25 | 2.40 | 0.47 | (0.24 | ) | 0.04 | 3.23 | 0.00 | 0.00 | (0.40 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | 3.62 | 0.70 | 2.93 | 0.47 | 0.13 | 0.05 | 3.19 | 0.00 | 0.02 | 0.15 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. (1) | 4.58 | 0.86 | 3.72 | 0.42 | (0.00 | ) | 0.05 | 2.85 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.23 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. (1) | 3.93 | 1.49 | 2.44 | 0.48 | 0.09 | 0.17 | 2.92 | 0.22 | 0.00 | (0.17 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| HMN Financial, Inc. | 3.88 | 1.14 | 2.75 | 0.72 | 0.02 | 0.06 | 2.66 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.75 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana | 4.64 | 1.47 | 3.17 | 0.30 | 0.00 | 0.04 | 2.50 | 0.05 | 0.09 | 0.93 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | 4.25 | 2.07 | 2.18 | 0.47 | 0.00 | 0.04 | 2.31 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.29 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (1) | 2.89 | 0.43 | 2.47 | 0.24 | 0.00 | (0.03 | ) | 2.75 | 0.00 | 0.00 | (0.01 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. (1) | 4.70 | 1.57 | 3.13 | 0.21 | 0.19 | 0.28 | 2.41 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.65 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. (1) | 4.59 | 1.26 | 3.34 | 0.29 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 3.55 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.08 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | 4.42 | 1.84 | 2.58 | 0.48 | (0.40 | ) | 0.08 | 2.72 | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.26 | |||||||||||||||||||
(1) For the last twelve months ended September 30, 2023.
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC; S&P Global.
62
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 21
Balance Sheet Composition
As of December 31, 2023
| As a Percent of Total Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cash and | Net | Real Est. | Intang. | Other | Total | Borrowed | Other | Total | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Securities | Loans | Owned | Assets | Assets | Deposits | Funds | Liabs. | Liabs. | Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC | 27.11 | 66.39 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 6.49 | 87.77 | 7.25 | 0.58 | 95.61 | 4.39 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Average | 23.64 | 70.25 | 0.01 | 0.09 | 6.01 | 74.78 | 8.10 | 1.22 | 84.10 | 15.90 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Median | 19.58 | 76.48 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 5.66 | 74.45 | 7.15 | 1.01 | 88.12 | 11.88 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrift Average | 20.23 | 74.00 | 0.03 | 0.65 | 5.09 | 74.24 | 10.91 | 1.35 | 86.74 | 13.46 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrift Median | 16.88 | 76.79 | 0.00 | 0.05 | 4.85 | 74.91 | 8.19 | 1.16 | 88.11 | 11.90 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. (1) | 25.12 | 69.08 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 5.80 | 69.78 | 14.15 | 3.42 | 87.35 | 12.65 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | 38.72 | 52.71 | 0.02 | 0.00 | 8.54 | 61.14 | 7.15 | 0.47 | 68.76 | 31.24 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. (1) | 12.68 | 81.02 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 6.30 | 65.71 | 8.39 | 1.65 | 75.75 | 24.25 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. (1) | 10.17 | 80.41 | 0.05 | 0.16 | 9.21 | 84.39 | 6.02 | 1.04 | 91.45 | 8.55 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| HMN Financial, Inc. | 19.58 | 76.48 | 0.00 | 0.07 | 3.88 | 88.23 | 1.19 | 0.85 | 90.27 | 9.73 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana | 17.96 | 76.98 | 0.00 | 0.66 | 4.39 | 89.22 | 2.43 | 0.30 | 91.96 | 8.04 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | 23.53 | 71.76 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 4.72 | 74.45 | 16.30 | 1.16 | 91.90 | 8.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (1) | 48.66 | 42.49 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 8.85 | 65.66 | 1.99 | 1.71 | 69.35 | 30.65 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. (1) | 16.88 | 79.51 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 3.62 | 74.91 | 12.88 | 0.83 | 88.62 | 11.38 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. (1) | 13.91 | 80.43 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 5.66 | 78.92 | 1.62 | 1.01 | 81.55 | 18.45 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | 32.88 | 61.93 | 0.04 | 0.06 | 5.10 | 70.18 | 17.01 | 0.93 | 88.12 | 11.88 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(1) As of September 30, 2023.
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC; S&P Global.
63
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 22
Growth Rates, Credit Risk, and Loan Composition
As of or For the Last Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2023
| Loan | Loan | Resid. | Other | Non- | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Asset | Loan | Deposit | NPLs(1)/ | NPAs(1)/ | Loss | Loss | Real Est. | Real Est. | Real Est. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Growth | Growth | Growth | Total | Total | Allow./ | Allow./ | Loans(2)/ | Loans/ | Loans/ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate | Rate | Rate | Loans | Assets | NPLs(1) | Loans | Loans | Loans | Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||
| (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC | (3.18 | ) | 1.10 | (7.52 | ) | 0.01 | 0.01 | 5872.22 | 0.60 | 73.21 | 4.44 | 22.35 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Average | 5.81 | 10.82 | 3.32 | 0.42 | 0.32 | 363.75 | 1.13 | 45.64 | 37.17 | 17.19 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Median | 8.28 | 9.34 | 2.02 | 0.32 | 0.24 | 340.59 | 1.10 | 40.97 | 37.63 | 15.59 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrift Average | 7.73 | 10.20 | 5.25 | 0.55 | 0.45 | 260.82 | 1.05 | 34.63 | 44.89 | 20.47 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrift Median | 5.26 | 7.95 | 2.29 | 0.38 | 0.33 | 231.78 | 1.00 | 32.14 | 51.65 | 16.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. (3) | 4.77 | 7.88 | 2.02 | 0.18 | 0.20 | 515.55 | 0.93 | 24.69 | 57.38 | 17.93 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | 2.87 | 8.34 | 0.32 | 1.36 | 0.75 | 107.98 | 1.47 | 57.70 | 26.71 | 15.59 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. (3) | 2.77 | 3.84 | (4.38 | ) | 0.00 | 0.00 | NM | 0.88 | 52.47 | 30.42 | 17.12 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. (3) | 9.40 | 12.69 | 11.87 | 1.21 | 1.03 | 68.87 | 0.83 | 48.40 | 4.70 | 46.90 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| HMN Financial, Inc. | 1.00 | 8.78 | (0.52 | ) | 0.44 | 0.39 | 309.69 | 1.38 | 33.40 | 57.85 | 8.75 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana | 13.47 | 19.50 | 12.64 | 0.43 | 0.34 | 230.59 | 1.00 | 37.00 | 37.63 | 25.36 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | 10.57 | 16.44 | 1.60 | 0.00 | 0.00 | NM | 1.20 | 28.07 | 58.03 | 13.90 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. (3) | (6.11 | ) | 9.34 | (9.88 | ) | 0.13 | 0.06 | 763.31 | 0.98 | 89.49 | 6.20 | 4.31 | ||||||||||||||||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. (3) | 8.62 | 7.95 | 5.83 | 0.25 | 0.20 | 548.89 | 1.35 | 29.04 | 56.52 | 14.44 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. (3) | 8.28 | 12.92 | 9.91 | 0.34 | 0.27 | 388.28 | 1.30 | 40.97 | 39.20 | 19.83 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | 8.31 | 11.38 | 7.15 | 0.32 | 0.24 | 340.59 | 1.10 | 60.84 | 34.24 | 4.92 |
(1) Includes accruing troubled debt restructurings.
(2) Includes home equity and second mortgage loans.
(3) As of or for the last twelve months ended September 30, 2023.
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC; S&P Global.
64
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
III. MARKET VALUE ADJUSTMENTS
General Overview
This concluding chapter of the Appraisal identifies certain additional adjustments to the Company’s estimated pro forma market value relative to the Comparative Group selected in Chapter II. The adjustments discussed in this chapter are made from the viewpoints of potential investors, which would include depositors holding subscription rights and unrelated parties who may purchase stock in a community offering. It is assumed that these potential investors are aware of all relevant and necessary facts as they would pertain to the value of the Company relative to other publicly traded thrift institutions and relative to alternative investments.
Our appraised value is predicated on a continuation of the current operating environment for the Company and thrift institutions in general. Changes in the Company’s operating performance along with changes in the local and national economy, the stock market, interest rates, the regulatory environment, and other external factors may occur from time to time, often with great unpredictability, which could materially impact the pro forma market value of the Company or thrift stocks in general. Therefore, the Valuation Range provided herein is subject to a more current re-evaluation prior to the actual completion of the Conversion and Stock Offering.
In addition to the comparative operating fundamentals discussed in Chapter II, it is important to address additional market value adjustments based on certain financial and other criteria, which include, among other factors:
(1) Earnings Growth and Viability
(2) Financial Condition
(3) Market Area
(4) Management
(5) Dividend Policy
(6) Liquidity of the Stock Issue
(7) Subscription Interest
(8) Recent Acquisition Activity
(9) Stock Market Conditions and New Issue Discount
65
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Earnings Growth and Viability
Earnings prospects are dependent upon the sensitivity of asset yields and liability costs to changes in market rates, the credit quality of assets, the stability of non-interest components of income and expense, and the ability to leverage the balance sheet. Each of the foregoing is an important factor for investors in assessing earnings growth and viability. The Company’s recent ROA measured -0.35% for the LTM period versus the Comparative Group median of 0.23%. On a core earnings basis which excludes certain non-recurring items, the Company’s LTM core ROA of -0.40% trailed the Comparative Group median of 0.20%. The Company’s increased capital position after the Stock Offering will help to improve its net interest margin across changing interest rate and business cycles, provide added interest rate risk protection, and support additional leverage capacity to grow the balance sheet.
In the near term, the Company’s earnings results will continue to be negatively impacted by its comparatively narrow net interest margin until it is able to increase interest income and non-interest income relative to its operating expenses. To improve profitability, the Company has focused on controlling operating expenses and adopted a business plan to grow its earnings base, particularly with growth in the residential mortgage loan portfolio and loan origination volumes. Based on the Company’s basic earnings fundamentals and ongoing challenge to return to a positive earnings position, we believe that the unpredictable timing and execution of its business plan in the current interest rate environment amplifies the uncertain viability of returning to profitability without other extenuating circumstances or disruptions, and therefore warrants a downward adjustment to the Company’s pro forma market value relative to the Comparative Group.
66
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Financial Condition
As discussed and summarized in Chapter I, the Company’s balance sheet composition reflects comparatively large concentrations of residential mortgage loans along with cash and securities. The Company relies mainly on its deposit base as a funding source and utilizes borrowings to supplement deposits. In contrast to the Comparative Group, the Company exhibited a lower level of equity capital and slightly more favorable measures of asset quality. Before the infusion of net capital proceeds, the Company’s total equity ratio at 4.39% of assets was positioned below the 11.88% median of the Comparative Group. The Bank’s regulatory tier 1 leverage capital ratio was slightly higher at 6.34%, mainly because the negative AOCI amount is excluded from the calculation for regulatory capital purposes.
While the completion of the Conversion will provide the Company and the Bank with additional capital and a portion of the negative AOCI continues to be accreted into equity, negative earnings results will continue to place pressure on growing capital. The Comparative Group companies overall exhibit higher capital levels, greater leverage capacity, and therefore more flexibility to respond to changing business or economic circumstances. Therefore, on the whole, we believe that a downward adjustment is warranted for the Company’s financial condition due to its significantly lower capital level relative to the Comparative Group.
Market Area
The members of the Comparative Group are located in the Midwest, Southwest, Southeast, and Mid-Atlantic regions of the country. The Comparative Group companies are characterized by a cross-section of market areas that constitute smaller to larger metropolitan areas with relatively stable economies and moderate population growth prospects. The Company’s primary market area encompasses several counties in the Fox Cities region of Wisconsin, including Outagamie, Calumet, and Winnebago Counties, which collectively make up the Appleton-Oshkosh-Neenah CSA. All of the Company’s offices are located in Outagamie County, including the main office in Kaukauna and branch offices in Appleton, Freedom, Grand Chute, and Kimberly.
67
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
As shown in Table 23, Outagamie County had a median household income of $79,051, an unemployment rate of 2.3% in December 2023, and a projected population growth rate of 2.8% over the next five years. The Appleton MSA, which includes Outagamie and Calumet Counties, had a median household income of $81,942, an unemployment rate of 2.3% in December 2023, and a projected population growth rate of 2.7% over the next five years.
Table 23 also displays corresponding demographic data for the primary market areas of the Comparative Group members. Of the 11 companies in the Comparative Group, eight indicated lower median household income levels, nine displayed lower population growth rates, and nine exhibited higher unemployment rates than the Company’s market areas. The medians for the Comparative Group were $69,307 in household income, -0.8% population growth rate, and 3.5% unemployment rate.
The Fox Cities region is characterized by a relatively large, well-educated workforce and has drawn many residents and industries to the area, including health care, financial services, and manufacturing. The local area is also known for its affordable housing, quality schools, and thriving communities. In recognition of the more favorable demographic factors in the Company’s primary market areas versus that experienced by the Comparative Group, we believe that an upward adjustment is warranted for market area.
68
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 23
Comparative Market Area Data
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC and the Comparative Group
| Wtd. Avg. | Wtd. Avg. | |||||||||||||
| Median | Estimated | Unemployment | ||||||||||||
| Household | Population | Rate (2) | ||||||||||||
| Income | Growth | December | ||||||||||||
| Headquarters | 2024 (1) | 2024-29 (1) | 2023 | |||||||||||
| Company | Location | ($) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||
| Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC | Kaukauna, WI | |||||||||||||
| [Outagamie County, WI] | $ | 79,051 | 2.81 | 2.3 | ||||||||||
| [Appleton MSA-WI] | 81,942 | 2.73 | 2.3 | |||||||||||
| Comparative Group Average | 71,485 | 0.32 | 3.5 | |||||||||||
| Comparative Group Median | 69,307 | (0.77 | ) | 3.5 | ||||||||||
| Comparative Group | ||||||||||||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. | Greenfield, WI | 74,071 | (0.96 | ) | 2.9 | |||||||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | Opelousas, LA | 44,427 | (0.99 | ) | 4.5 | |||||||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. | Cullman, AL | 62,104 | 4.73 | 2.1 | ||||||||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. | Seneca Falls, NY | 69,307 | (2.83 | ) | 4.1 | |||||||||
| HMN Financial, Inc. | Rochester, MN | 83,815 | 0.83 | 2.0 | ||||||||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. | Shreveport, LA | 52,341 | (2.83 | ) | 3.9 | |||||||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | Watseka, IL | 60,521 | (3.45 | ) | 5.4 | |||||||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. | Waukegan, IL | 101,301 | (0.77 | ) | 5.2 | |||||||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. | Coatesville, PA | 104,748 | 2.65 | 2.2 | ||||||||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. | Thomasville, GA | 64,250 | 0.95 | 3.1 | ||||||||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | Mineola, TX | 69,449 | 6.16 | 3.5 | ||||||||||
(1) Weighted average based on pro rata branch deposit totals of each company in its primary MSA (or county) markets.
(2) Based on unemployment rate in company's primary MSA (or county) market as ranked by deposits.
Source: Claritas; S&P Global; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
69
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Management
Management’s principal challenges are to generate profitable results, monitor credit risks, and control operating costs while the Company competes in an increasingly challenging financial services environment. The Company’s operating goals of attempting to generate earnings growth and enhance its competitiveness remain paramount as it attempts to deploy the net capital proceeds from the Stock Offering. Charles Schmalz is the Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company and the Bank. He has been employed by the Bank since 1993 and has served as its President and CEO since 2008. The Company currently has a vacant staff position for the full-time role of Chief Financial Officer. The Company’s management team has ongoing challenges ahead in improving earnings results, growing the banking franchise, and controlling operating expenses as the organization transitions to a public company and seeks to re-invest the incremental capital. Investors will likely rely upon actual financial results as the means of evaluating the future performance of management as the Company pursues its loan expansion and earnings growth objectives. We have taken these factors into account collectively and believe that no adjustment is warranted relative to the Comparative Group for this factor.
Dividend Policy
Following the completion of the Conversion and Stock Offering, the Company’s Board of Directors will have the authority to declare cash dividends on the shares of common stock, subject to statutory and regulatory requirements. The Company has indicated that it does not currently intend to pay cash dividends to stockholders, and no assurances can be given that any such dividends will be paid in the future.
Given the current and anticipated capital levels of the Company and the Bank after the Conversion, the Company is acutely focused on increasing its capital without any reductions related to capital outflows such as cash dividend payments. The payment and amount of any future dividends will depend upon many factors, including (1) the financial condition and operating results of the Company and the Bank; (2) regulatory capital requirements and any applicable regulatory restrictions on dividends; (3) other uses of funds for the long-term value of stockholders; (4) tax considerations; and (5) general economic conditions.
70
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Payment of cash dividends has become commonplace among publicly traded thrifts with solid capital levels. Of the 11 members of the Comparative Group, six currently pay regular cash dividends. The median dividend yields of the Comparative Group and All Public Thrift aggregate were 0.74% and 1.12% as of February 23, 2024, respectively. Because of the Company’s intention to not pay cash dividends and the anticipated capital levels of the Company and the Bank after the Conversion, investors are likely to expect that the Company will not commence paying regular dividends until the Company’s return to profitability is sustainable and its capital cushion is sufficiently larger. Therefore, we have concluded that a moderate downward adjustment is warranted for the unlikely payment of dividends by the Company for a potentially extended period.
Liquidity of the Stock Issue
With the increased number of market makers and institutional investors following thrift stocks, the majority of initial public offerings by thrift institutions are able to develop a public market for their new stock issues. Most publicly traded thrift stocks continue to be traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market. All 11 members of the Comparative Group are listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market. New EWSB Bancorp expects that its common stock will be quoted on the OTCQB Market operated by OTC Markets Group following the conclusion of the Conversion.
Stock liquidity connotes the relative ease and promptness with which a security may be sold when desired, at a representative current price, without material concession in price merely because of the necessity of sale. Empirical evidence demonstrates that investors are willing to pay a premium for this level of liquidity or, conversely, extract a discount relative to actively traded securities or other investment interests that lack this high degree of liquidity. The development and maintenance of a public market, having the desirable characteristics of depth, liquidity, and orderliness, depend on the existence of willing buyers and sellers.
71
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The median market capitalization of the Comparative Group companies was $51.8 million as of February 24, 2024. The median market capitalization of the All Public Thrift aggregate was $136.8 million. Market data indicated an average daily trading volume of approximately 4,400 shares over the LTM period for the Comparative Group. Due to the smaller size of the Stock Offering and the Company’s anticipated listing on the OTCQB Market, it is questionable that an active trading market for the Company’s common shares will develop to the extent experienced by the stock issues of the Comparative Group traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market. Therefore, we have concluded that a moderate downward adjustment to the Bank’s estimated pro forma market value is warranted to address the comparative difference in liquidity of the issue.
Subscription Interest
The Company has retained the services of Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC to assist in the marketing and sale of the Stock Offering. The Company’s ESOP intends to purchase shares in the Stock Offering equal to 7.0% of the total amount sold. The Company expects its directors and executive officers, together with their associates, to purchase 122,500 shares of common stock in the Stock Offering for an aggregate amount of $1.2 million based on a $10.00 offering price per share. The minimum number of shares that may be purchased in the Stock Offering is 25 shares ($250 equivalent of common stock). Excluding the ESOP purchase, the maximum number of shares that may be purchased in the Stock Offering by any individual or individuals acting through a single qualifying account held jointly is 15,000 shares ($150,000 equivalent of common stock). No person together with an associate or group of persons acting in concert may purchase more than 30,000 shares ($300,000 equivalent of common stock).
72
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Recent subscription interest in thrift stock conversion offerings has been varied. Five standard conversion offerings were completed in 2023. Only one of these five offerings was oversubscribed in the subscription phase. NB Bancorp (Needham, Massachusetts) completed its offering in December 2023 with gross proceeds of $410.0 million, representing the adjusted maximum of its offering range and all of which was purchased in the subscription phase after an excess of subscription orders. In October 2023, Central Plains Bancshares (Grand Island, Nebraska) completed its offering in the subscription phase at a level just below the adjusted maximum and raised gross proceeds of $41.3 million. PFS Bancorp (Peru, Illinois) completed its offering in October 2023 and raised gross proceeds at the range maximum of $17.3 million, primarily through the subscription phase with some participation by community offering investors. SR Bancorp (Bound Brook, New Jersey) concluded its offering in the subscription phase in September 2023 at a level between the midpoint and maximum of the offering and raised gross proceeds of $90.6 million. Mercer Bancorp (Celina, Ohio) closed its offering in the subscription phase in July 2023 at a level between the minimum and the midpoint of the offering and raised gross proceeds of $9.7 million after increasing certain purchase limitations in the offering.
Investor interest in past thrift stock offerings has been supported by the sound performance results of the banking industry, stable housing market conditions, after-market pricing trends, and the expectation of continued merger activity. More recently, the downturn in bank and thrift stock prices in 2023 related to the failures of three large financial institutions injected more market anxiety into the financial sector. Notwithstanding increased market volatility in the financials sectors, recent thrift conversion offerings continue to demonstrate active interest from subscribers and investors in purchasing shares of converting savings institutions. We are not aware of any additional market evidence or specific characteristics that may help predict the level of interest in the Company’s subscription offering. Accordingly, absent actual results of the Company’s subscription offering, we believe that subscription interest is currently a neutral factor and, at the present time, requires no further adjustment.
73
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Recent Acquisition Activity
Table 24 summarizes recent acquisitions of banks and thrifts based in Wisconsin that were announced from January 1, 2020 to February 23, 2024. Table 24 displays the 24 transactions that were reported during this period, with most of the transactions involving the acquisitions of smaller, privately-held banks wherein no acquisition pricing data was available. Only three transactions have been announced since the beginning of 2023, compared to 12 in 2022, four in 2021, and five in 2020. Nicolet Bankshares (Green Bay, Wisconsin) was the most active acquirer during this period with three completed acquisitions, including the largest acquisition shown on Table 24, which was the purchase in 2021 of County Bancorp (Manitowoc, Wisconsin), a $1.5 billion-asset commercial bank. Given that there will be significant regulatory restrictions on the ability to acquire control of the Company for a period of three years following the Conversion, we do not believe that speculative acquisition interest and acquisition premiums are a significant factor to consider in analyzing the Company’s pro forma market value. Moreover, the standard of value applied herein does not require an acquisition value determination.
Stock Market Conditions
Robust corporate earnings growth, sustained economic expansion, and generally low interest rates were significant factors propelling the extended stock market rally from 2009 to 2019. However, market volatility was spurred in February 2020 by the outbreak of the coronavirus and concerns about its impact on the U.S. economy, supply chains, and consumer spending. The U.S. equity markets fell sharply, but then rebounded off their lows from March 2020 and continued to appreciate during 2021. The successful rollout of coronavirus vaccines, unprecedented fiscal and monetary stimulus, healthy consumer balance sheets, and tightening labor markets created optimism about U.S. economic growth and helped to advance stock market returns.
74
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 24
Summary of Wisconsin Bank and Thrift Acquisition Activity
Transactions Completed or Announced After January 1, 2020
| Seller’s Prior Financial Data | Offer Value to | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Equity/ | LTM | LTM | Offer | Book | Tang. | LTM | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Assets | ROA | ROE | Date | Date | Value | Value | Book | EPS | Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Buyer | St. | Seller | St. | ($Mil.) | (%) | (%) | (%) | Anncd. | Completed | ($Mil.) | (%) | (%) | (x) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Median | 186.9 | 11.27 | 1.10 | 9.44 | NA | NA | 104.2 | 150.6 | 154.0 | 15.6 | 14.45 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | 411.9 | 11.31 | 0.95 | 8.65 | NA | NA | 94.9 | 144.2 | 149.9 | 21.4 | 13.59 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Empeople Credit Union | IL | TSB Bank | WI | 182.0 | 12.49 | 1.19 | 9.63 | 02/07/24 | Pending | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Multi-Bank Services Ltd. | MI | Florence Bancorp. Inc. | WI | 147.6 | 6.13 | 0.63 | 9.24 | 04/27/23 | Pending | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Mid Bancshares | IL | Blackhawk Bancorp Inc. | WI | 1,321.8 | 5.75 | 1.01 | 16.23 | 03/21/23 | 08/15/23 | 90.3 | 117.6 | 138.1 | 6.6 | 6.84 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Citizens Bancorp Inc. | WI | Community Financial Bank | WI | 48.1 | 11.95 | 0.56 | 5.20 | 11/16/22 | 04/12/23 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FS BancShares Inc. | WI | Farmers & Merchants Bank | WI | 78.6 | 17.18 | 1.96 | 12.02 | 11/02/22 | 03/22/23 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wings Financial CU | MN | Settlers Bank | WI | 350.3 | 11.63 | 1.09 | 9.35 | 11/02/22 | 07/01/23 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bancorp of New Glarus Inc. | WI | First NB at Darlington | WI | 191.1 | 12.62 | 0.71 | 5.31 | 08/02/22 | Pending | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank First Corporation | WI | Hometown Bancorp Ltd. | WI | 644.8 | 12.00 | 1.39 | 11.59 | 07/26/22 | 02/10/23 | 123.9 | 189.9 | 210.9 | 14.3 | 19.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sword Financial Corp. | WI | Community Bancshares | WI | 247.3 | 10.18 | 1.42 | 14.34 | 07/08/22 | 01/01/23 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nicolet Bankshares Inc. | WI | Charter Bankshares Inc. | WI | 1,136.2 | 12.24 | 1.57 | 13.25 | 03/30/22 | 08/26/22 | 158.0 | 166.5 | 169.9 | 11.8 | 14.28 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thompson Kane & Co. LLC | WI | Benton State Bank | WI | 76.6 | 9.28 | 1.47 | 15.78 | 03/23/22 | Pending | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lake Shore III Corp. | WI | Headwaters Bancorp Inc. | WI | 84.0 | 12.34 | 1.12 | 8.45 | 03/22/22 | 06/27/22 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| S.B.C.P. Bancorp Inc. | WI | Monona Bankshares Inc. | WI | 1,198.7 | 10.20 | 1.10 | 10.40 | 03/15/22 | 10/03/22 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Summit Credit Union | WI | Commerce State Bank | WI | 837.1 | 10.22 | 1.47 | 14.20 | 03/03/22 | 10/03/22 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bank First Corporation | WI | Denmark Bancshares Inc. | WI | 687.6 | 9.89 | 0.98 | 9.63 | 01/19/22 | 08/12/22 | 118.0 | 170.5 | 170.5 | 18.1 | 17.16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dupaco Community CU | IA | Home Savings Bank | WI | 182.7 | 10.03 | 0.42 | 4.19 | 09/30/21 | 05/02/22 | 36.2 | 197.5 | 197.5 | 48.0 | 19.81 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TS Contrarian Bancshares Inc. | IA | State Bank of Arcadia | WI | 210.5 | 10.61 | 0.77 | 6.73 | 06/23/21 | 10/01/21 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nicolet Bankshares Inc. | WI | County Bancorp Inc. | WI | 1,491.3 | 11.15 | 0.99 | 8.58 | 06/22/21 | 12/03/21 | 218.1 | 134.7 | 134.7 | 15.6 | 14.62 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Community Capital Bancorp | WI | Collins Bankcorp Inc. | WI | 112.0 | 8.99 | 1.79 | 19.83 | 03/23/21 | 09/16/21 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PSB Holdings Inc. | WI | Waukesha Bankshares Inc. | WI | 141.1 | 11.38 | 0.37 | 3.15 | 12/16/20 | 04/16/21 | 9.6 | 120.1 | 120.1 | NM | 6.78 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FFBW, Inc. | WI | Mitchell Bank | WI | 49.0 | 17.52 | 0.28 | 1.61 | 07/28/20 | 12/31/20 | 4.9 | 57.1 | 57.1 | 35.5 | 10.01 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Security Financial Svcs Corp. | WI | Jackson County Bank | WI | 205.2 | 9.27 | (1.79 | ) | (18.32 | ) | 05/18/20 | 11/16/20 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Waumandee Bancshares Ltd. | WI | Union Bank of Blair | WI | 105.6 | 15.68 | 1.13 | 7.66 | 03/04/20 | 08/08/20 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nicolet Bankshares Inc. | WI | Advantage Comnty. Bancshs. | WI | 155.1 | 12.73 | 1.24 | 9.52 | 03/02/20 | 08/21/20 | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source: S&P Global.
75
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
U.S. equity markets were volatile and declined in the first half of 2022, reversing their exceptional performance in 2021, when the S&P 500 rose by 27%. Every sector of the S&P 500 posted negative returns in the first half of 2022, except for energy stocks, amid geopolitical tensions, higher inflation, and a shift toward less accommodative monetary policy in the United States. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the fallout from related sanctions exacerbated commodity price pressures and amplified geopolitical risks. Supply chain bottlenecks and labor market shortages further constrained supply and increased inflationary pressures. In response, the Federal Reserve Board aggressively increased interest rates, ultimately implementing a series of seven rate hikes in 2022 and four rate hikes in 2023.
Market prices of bank and thrift stocks plummeted beginning in March 2023 due to widespread turmoil in the banking sector related to the sudden failure and liquidation of several high-profile financial institutions. On March 8, 2023, Silvergate Bank (La Jolla, California), announced its decision to voluntarily liquidate its assets and wind down operations. On March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank (Santa Clara, California) was closed by its state regulator. On March 12, 2023, Signature Bank (New York, New York) was closed by its state regulator. Additionally, on May 1, 2023, First Republic Bank (San Francisco, California) was closed by the FDIC and sold to JP Morgan Chase & Co.
These bank failures led to increased volatility and declines in the market for bank and thrift stocks and questions about depositor confidence in depository institutions. Furthermore, these events have led to a greater focus by financial institutions, investors, and regulators on the balance sheet liquidity of and funding sources for financial institutions, the composition of its deposits, including the amount of uninsured deposits, the level of AOCI deficits, capital levels, and interest rate risk management.
76
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 25 displays the one-year performance of the S&P 500 and NASDAQ Bank indexes. The NASDAQ Bank Index decreased by 15.6% over the one-year period ended February 23, 2024, underperforming the broader S&P 500 Index, which was up 26.8% during this period. The divergence in the performance of these two market indexes largely reflected the weakening valuations in the financial sector while the technology sector staged a solid rebound. Over the three-year period, the NASDAQ Bank Index is down 16.4% as compared to the S&P 500 Index advancing 30.3%, as shown in Table 26.
A “new issue” discount that reflects investor concerns and investment risks inherent in all initial public offerings is a factor to be considered for purposes of valuing converting thrifts. Table 27 presents a summary of the standard conversion offerings completed since January 1, 2021. The final pricing of these offerings confirms the presence of the new issue discount in the pro forma market valuations of converting thrifts versus the trading valuations of existing public thrifts.
The distinction of the new issue discount is most apparent with the price-to-book value ratio because the pro forma equity calculation involves combining the net new capital proceeds with the historical equity of the converting company. The median pro forma price-to-book value ratio for standard thrift conversion offerings was 56.5% for the 2021 to 2023 period, and the median pro forma price-to-tangible book ratio was 57.3%.
Historically, newly converted thrifts have gradually traded upward in the after-market to a range near existing thrift stock valuation levels, but found resistance approaching book value until a discernible trend of sustainable earnings growth was evident. Pricing a new offering at a relatively high ratio in relation to pro forma book value, because of the mathematics of the calculation, would require very large increases in valuations that yield insupportably high price-to-earnings ratios and very low returns on equity.
77
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 25
Comparative One-Year Stock Index Performance
For the One-Year Period Ended February 23, 2024

| S&P 500 Stock Index | +26.8% |
| NASDAQ Bank Index | –15.6% |
78
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 26
Comparative Three-Year Stock Index Performance
For the Three-Year Period Ended February 23, 2024

| S&P 500 Stock Index | +30.3% |
| NASDAQ Bank Index | –16.4% |
79
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 27
Summary of Recent Standard Thrift Conversion Offerings
Offerings Completed Since January 1, 2021
| Pro Forma Ratios | After-Market | Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gross | Price/ | Price/ | Price/ | Tang. | Closing | Price Change | Change | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock | Total | Offering | Book | Tang. | LTM | Eqty./ | IPO | Price | One | One | One | Through | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock | Offering | Assets | Proceeds | Value | Book | EPS | Assets | Price | 2/23/24 | Day | Week | Month | 2/23/24 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company | State | Exchange | Date | ($Mil.) | ($Mil.) | (%) | (%) | (x) | (%) | ($) | ($) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | 762.8 | 90.0 | 56.2 | 57.0 | 26.2 | 19.97 | NA | NA | 23.4 | 25.0 | 27.3 | 22.1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Median | 316.5 | 49.0 | 56.5 | 57.3 | 17.5 | 17.83 | NA | NA | 29.0 | 32.4 | 34.1 | 30.4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Standard Conversion Offerings | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NB Bancorp, Inc. | MA | NASDAQ | 12/27/23 | 4,231.8 | 410.0 | 60.1 | 60.2 | 11.9 | 16.21 | 10.00 | 13.81 | 37.7 | 36.1 | 46.7 | 38.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Central Plains Bancshares, Inc. | NE | NASDAQ | 10/19/23 | 450.4 | 41.3 | 56.5 | 56.5 | 19.2 | 15.47 | 10.00 | 10.23 | (9.0 | ) | (9.3 | ) | (0.7 | ) | 2.3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PFS Bancorp, Inc. | IL | OTCQB | 10/17/23 | 184.7 | 17.3 | 50.9 | 50.9 | 17.5 | 17.08 | 10.00 | 9.10 | (10.0 | ) | (11.0 | ) | (11.0 | ) | (9.0 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SR Bancorp, Inc. (1) | NJ | NASDAQ | 09/19/23 | 651.5 | 90.6 | 49.0 | 57.3 | 15.7 | 14.76 | 10.00 | 9.56 | (7.2 | ) | (14.0 | ) | (18.5 | ) | (4.4 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mercer Bancorp, Inc. | OH | OTCQB | 07/26/23 | 149.0 | 9.7 | 47.5 | 47.5 | 6.9 | 11.32 | 10.00 | 13.50 | 30.0 | 42.4 | 37.5 | 35.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ECB Bancorp, Inc. | MA | NASDAQ | 07/27/22 | 688.6 | 89.2 | 59.8 | 59.8 | 25.9 | 20.64 | 10.00 | 13.04 | 40.9 | 41.3 | 40.5 | 30.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| VWF Bancorp, Inc. | OH | OTCPK | 07/13/22 | 137.0 | 19.2 | 50.2 | 50.2 | NA | 24.84 | 10.00 | 16.30 | 29.0 | 45.0 | 49.1 | 63.0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. | IL | NASDAQ | 01/18/22 | 259.9 | 52.9 | 59.7 | 59.7 | NA | 31.81 | 10.00 | 9.75 | 25.9 | 23.0 | 24.9 | (2.5 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | LA | NASDAQ | 10/12/21 | 238.3 | 52.9 | 55.5 | 55.5 | NA | 33.84 | 10.00 | 11.98 | 35.6 | 38.5 | 37.6 | 19.8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. | GA | NASDAQ | 07/20/21 | 363.6 | 49.0 | 59.9 | 59.9 | NA | 20.84 | 10.00 | 13.55 | 21.1 | 20.7 | 29.5 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Foundry Bancorp | NJ | NASDAQ | 07/15/21 | 1,963.6 | 277.7 | 66.1 | 66.1 | NA | 19.90 | 10.00 | 9.18 | 29.0 | 27.0 | 34.1 | (8.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | TX | NASDAQ | 07/14/21 | 316.5 | 32.1 | 53.2 | 56.0 | 86.3 | 17.83 | 10.00 | 14.04 | 50.8 | 53.5 | 54.0 | 40.4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. | PA | NASDAQ | 07/14/21 | 281.1 | 27.8 | 61.7 | 61.7 | NA | 15.10 | 10.00 | 14.75 | 30.8 | 32.4 | 31.5 | 47.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) Conversion transaction involved simultaneous cash acquisition of Regal Bancorp, Inc.
Source: S&P Global.
80
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Accordingly, thrift conversions continue to be priced at discounts to comparable publicly traded companies. This valuation characteristic is due to the relatively high pro forma equity ratios, expected low returns on equity, and the uncertainty regarding the prospects of an institution to leverage the balance sheet prudently and effectively in the current economic environment and against the backdrop of an increasingly competitive banking sector and volatile equities market.
Aggregate net income for the 4,614 FDIC-insured commercial banks and savings institutions totaled $68.4 billion during the quarter ended September 30, 2023, a decline of $2.4 billion or 3.4% from the prior quarter. Lower non-interest income and higher realized losses on securities drove the decline in net income. Year-over-year net income declined by $3.3 billion or 4.6% as higher provision expense, higher realized losses on securities, and lower non-interest income more than offset an increase in net interest income. The industry reported an ROA of 1.17% in the third quarter of 2023, down from 1.21% in the prior quarter and 1.21% in the year-ago quarter.
The net interest margin for the banking industry increased 3 basis points from the previous quarter to 3.30% in the third quarter of 2023. While deposit costs increased faster than loan yields over the past quarter, the cost of non-deposit liabilities was stable, resulting in an increased net interest margin. The banking industry’s net interest margin in the third quarter was 16 basis points higher than the year-ago quarter and above the pre-pandemic average of 3.25%.
The level of loans past due 90-plus days or in non-accrual status increased to 0.82% of total loans, up 7 basis points from the previous quarter. This ratio remains well below the industry’s 1.28% pre-pandemic average non-current loan rate. Higher levels of non-farm, non-residential commercial real estate loan balances drove the increase in the non-current loan rate. Net charge-offs as a ratio to total loans increased 2 basis points from the prior quarter and 25 basis points from a year ago to 0.51%. The industry’s net charge-off rate was 3 basis points above its pre-pandemic average. Higher credit card charge-off balances drove the annual increase.
81
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The banking industry’s equity capital declined by $8.0 billion or 0.4% in the third quarter of 2023, as a decline in AOCI more than offset growth in retained earnings. The tier 1 leverage capital ratio increased 16 basis points from a quarter ago to 9.26%, and the tier 1 risk-based capital ratio increased 18 basis points to 14.02%. The number of institutions with capital ratios that did not meet regulatory requirements for the well capitalized category declined by four from the second quarter of 2023 to five in the third quarter of 2023.
Bank and thrift industry earnings results have continued to be solid in comparison to historical levels, but earnings growth has been challenged recently by increasing credit-related charges and losses on sale of securities. While bank and thrift industry capital levels remain strong and overall asset quality has been relatively stable, there continue to be volatile swings in the market for bank and thrift stocks in response to the economic outlook and the anxiety in the overall market that is contributing to the current fluctuations. Therefore, we believe that with the heightened uncertainty attendant to prevailing stock market conditions in the banking sector, the new issue discount continues to be highly relevant because of the risks and uncertainties associated with a new thrift stock offering in the current market and warrants a downward adjustment.
Adjustments Conclusion
It is our opinion that the Company’s pro forma market value should be discounted relative to the Comparative Group. Our conclusion is based on downward adjustments for earnings growth and viability, financial conditions, dividend policy, relative stock illiquidity, and the new issue discount underlying current stock market conditions, which continue to reflect pressure on bank and thrift stock valuations. We took into account an upward adjustment for market area. Converting thrifts are often valued at meaningful discounts to peer trading companies relative to price-to-book value and price-to-tangible book value ratios. Due to initially restrained levels of post-offering earnings growth without the benefit of sustained leveraging of balance sheets, resulting price-to-earnings ratios may reflect premiums to established trading companies. It is the judgment of the appraiser to balance the relative dynamics of price-to-book and price-to-earnings discounts or premiums.
82
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Valuation Approach
In determining the estimated pro forma market value of the Company, we have employed the comparative company approach and considered the following pricing ratios: price-to-book value per share (“P/B”), price-to-tangible book value per share (“P/TB”), price-to-earnings per share (“P/E”), and price-to-assets (“P/A”). Table 28 presents the trading market valuation ratios of the Comparative Group companies and the related averages and medians of the Comparative Group as of February 23, 2024. As shown in Table 28, the median P/B ratio for the Comparative Group was 77.3%. All of the members of the Comparative Group were valued at levels under their respective book value (P/B ratio less than 100.0%). The median P/TB ratio for the Comparative Group was 77.4%.
Higher equity levels generally have a restraining impact on P/B and P/TB ratios because of the accompanying challenge to generate competitive ROE results on such excess capital. Among the Comparative Group members, Catalyst Bancorp and NSTS Bancorp reported the highest equity capital ratio at 31.24% and 30.65% of total assets and P/B ratios of 67.4% and 68.6%, respectively. The lone Wisconsin thrift in the Comparative Group, 1895 Bancorp, traded at a P/B ratio of 65.5%. The median P/E ratio based on LTM earnings for the Comparative Group was 14.8x as of February 23, 2024. On a core earnings basis, the median core P/E ratio of the Comparative Group was 18.5x. Some companies within the Comparative Group and All Public Thrift aggregate generated P/E ratios that were either negative or distortedly high due to low levels of profitability, and their corresponding P/E ratios are expressed as “NM” or not meaningful.
83
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Investors continue to make decisions to purchase thrift conversion stocks and more seasoned thrift issues based upon consideration of core earnings profitability and P/B comparisons. The P/E ratio remains an important valuation ratio in the current thrift stock market. However, as noted above, the P/E ratio is not useful for companies reporting negative or low earnings. The Company’s earnings for the LTM ended December 31, 2023 were negative and amounted to -$935,000 and its LTM core earnings amounted to -$1.1 million. On a pro forma basis, after making adjustments for re-investment of net offering proceeds and expensing charges related to the implementation of various stock benefit plans, including the ESOP, restricted stock plan (“RSP”), and stock option plan, the Company’s pro forma earnings results are not materially different from historical earnings and remain negative. The pro forma earnings results do not take into account the capacity of the Company to deploy or leverage the capital because of the attendant risks of executing and implementing operating strategies and business expansion initiatives.
Based on our comparative financial and valuation analyses, we concluded that the Company should be discounted relative to the trading valuation ratios of the overall Comparative Group. In consideration of the foregoing factors along with the additional adjustments discussed in this chapter, we have determined pro forma P/B and P/TB ratios of 49.4% at the midpoint for the Company, which reflects an aggregate midpoint of $8.75 million for the Valuation Range based on the assumptions summarized in Exhibit IV.
Employing a range of 15% above and below the midpoint, the resulting minimum value of approximately $7.4 million reflects a 45.0% P/B ratio and the resulting maximum value of approximately $10.1 million reflects a 53.2% P/B ratio. The adjusted maximum value, computed as an additional 15% above the maximum, is positioned at approximately $11.6 million and a P/B ratio of 57.1%. The Company’s pro forma P/B and P/TB ratios are similar since the Company had no intangible assets as of December 31, 2023.
84
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
The Company’s pro forma midpoint P/B and P/TB ratios of 49.4% reflect a discount of 36.2% to the Comparative Group median P/B and P/TB ratios of 77.3% and 77.4%, respectively. The Company’s pro forma maximum P/B and P/TB ratios of 53.2% reflect discounts of 31.2% to the Comparative Group median P/B and P/TB ratios of 77.3% and 77.4%, respectively. At the adjusted maximum, the Company’s pro forma P/B and P/TB ratios of 57.1% are positioned at a discount of 26.2% to the Comparative Group median P/B and P/TB ratios of 77.3 and 77.4%, respectively. Based on the Valuation Range as indicated above, the Company’s pro forma LTM P/E ratios and core P/E ratios were negative values and not subject to comparison with the Comparative Group median P/E ratios.
Based on the price-to-assets valuation metric, the Company’s pro forma midpoint of the Valuation Range at $8.75 million reflects a corresponding P/A ratio of 3.26%, ranging from 2.78% at the minimum value to 3.73% and 4.27% at the maximum and adjusted maximum, respectively. The Company’s pro forma P/A ratios represent significant discounts to the Comparative Group median P/A ratio of 9.89% and are largely reflective of the Company’s lower pro forma total equity-to-assets ratio. On a pro forma consolidated basis, the Company’s total equity-to-assets ratios range from 6.18% at the minimum value and 6.59% at the midpoint value to 7.00% at the maximum value and 7.47% at the adjusted maximum. Thus, upon completion of the Conversion and Stock Offering, the Company’s pro forma equity capital ratio would be positioned below the Comparative Group median total equity-to-assets ratio of 11.88%.
85
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Valuation Conclusion
It is our opinion that, as of February 23, 2024, the estimated pro forma market value of the Company was within a Valuation Range of $7,437,500 to $10,062,500 with a midpoint of $8,750,000. Pursuant to applicable appraisal guidelines, the Valuation Range was based upon a 15% decrease from the midpoint value to determine the minimum value and a 15% increase from the midpoint value to establish the maximum value. Assuming an additional 15% increase above the maximum value would result in an adjusted maximum of $11,571,880. Based on the Valuation Range and an initial offering price of $10.00 per share, the number of shares to be sold in the Stock Offering is as follows: 743,750 at the minimum, 875,000 at the midpoint, 1,006,250 at the maximum, and 1,157,188 at the adjusted maximum. Table 28 compares the Company’s pro forma valuation ratios to the market valuation ratios of the Comparative Group.
Exhibit IV-1 displays the assumptions utilized in calculating the pro forma financial consequences of the Stock Offering. Exhibit IV-2 displays the pro forma financial data at the minimum, midpoint, maximum, and adjusted maximum levels of the Valuation Range. Exhibit IV-3 provides more detailed data and calculations at the pro forma midpoint level of the Valuation Range. Exhibit IV-4 compares the pro forma valuation ratios with the averages and medians reported by the Comparative Group.
86
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Table 28
Comparative Pro Forma Market Valuation Analysis
Computed from Market Price Data as of February 23, 2024
| Current | Total | Price/ | Price/ | Price/ | Price/ | Price/ | Total | Tang. | Current | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock | Market | LTM | Core | Book | Tang. | Total | Equity/ | Equity/ | Dividend | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Price | Value | EPS | EPS | Value | Book | Assets | Assets | Assets | Yield | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company | ($) | ($Mil.) | (x) | (x) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro Forma Minimum | 10.00 | 7.4 | NM | NM | 44.96 | 44.96 | 2.78 | 6.18 | 6.18 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro Forma Midpoint | 10.00 | 8.8 | NM | NM | 49.38 | 49.38 | 3.26 | 6.59 | 6.59 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro Forma Maximum | 10.00 | 10.1 | NM | NM | 53.22 | 53.22 | 3.73 | 7.00 | 7.00 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pro Forma Adj. Maximum | 10.00 | 11.6 | NM | NM | 57.11 | 57.11 | 4.27 | 7.47 | 7.47 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Average | NA | 51.8 | 16.98 | 17.66 | 75.87 | 76.72 | 11.79 | 15.90 | 15.82 | 0.96 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group Median | NA | 51.8 | 14.80 | 18.48 | 77.34 | 77.40 | 9.89 | 11.88 | 11.83 | 0.74 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrift Average(2) | NA | 397.7 | 15.09 | 14.75 | 76.90 | 85.66 | 9.97 | 13.46 | 12.89 | 1.82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrift Median(2) | NA | 136.8 | 11.98 | 12.03 | 75.62 | 78.48 | 8.30 | 11.90 | 11.71 | 1.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Comparative Group | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. | 7.50 | 42.5 | NM | NM | 65.47 | 65.47 | 8.28 | 12.65 | 12.65 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | 11.98 | 57.0 | NM | NM | 67.41 | 67.41 | 21.06 | 31.24 | 31.24 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. | 10.75 | 74.8 | 18.86 | 18.83 | 77.40 | 77.40 | 18.77 | 24.25 | 24.25 | 1.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. | 10.51 | 23.5 | NM | NM | 67.23 | 68.54 | 5.75 | 8.55 | 8.40 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. | 20.27 | 88.2 | 14.80 | 15.15 | 83.90 | 84.53 | 8.16 | 9.73 | 9.66 | 1.58 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | 12.94 | 39.1 | 8.86 | 7.64 | 77.34 | 84.31 | 6.22 | 8.04 | 7.42 | 3.86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Magyar Bancorp, Inc. | 16.85 | 54.1 | 28.08 | 28.21 | 76.65 | 76.65 | 6.21 | 8.10 | 8.10 | 2.37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. | 9.75 | 51.8 | NM | NM | 68.64 | 68.64 | 21.04 | 30.65 | 30.65 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. | 14.75 | 36.8 | 14.32 | 18.48 | 86.92 | 86.92 | 9.89 | 11.38 | 11.38 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. | 13.55 | 56.9 | NM | NM | 77.98 | 77.98 | 14.38 | 18.45 | 18.45 | 0.74 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | 14.04 | 45.1 | NM | NM | 85.60 | 86.08 | 9.97 | 11.88 | 11.83 | 0.85 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Assumes Conversion is completed at an estimated pro forma market value of $7.4 million at the minimum, $8.8 million at the midpoint, $10.1 million at the maximum and $11.6 million at the adjusted maximum. |
| (2) | All public thrifts traded on a major exchange, excluding mutual holding companies and companies being acquired in announced merger transactions. |
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC; S&P Global; Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
87
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit I
Background of Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Overview of Firm
Feldman Financial Advisors provides consulting and advisory services to financial institutions and mortgage companies in the areas of corporate valuations, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning, branch sales and purchases, developing and implementing regulatory business and capital plans, and expert witness testimony and analysis. Our senior staff members have been involved in the stock conversion process since 1982 and have valued more than 350 converting institutions.
Feldman Financial Advisors was incorporated in 1996 by a group of consultants who were previously associated with Credit Suisse First Boston and Kaplan Associates. Each of the principals at Feldman Financial Advisors has more than 35 years of experience in consulting, and all were officers of their prior firm. Our senior staff collectively has worked with more than 1,000 commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions, insurance companies, and mortgage companies nationwide. The firm’s office is located outside of Washington, D.C. in McLean, Virginia.
Background of Senior Professional Staff
Trent Feldman – President. Trent is a nationally recognized expert in providing strategic advice to and valuing financial service companies and advising on mergers and acquisitions. Trent was with Kaplan Associates for 14 years and was one of three founding principals at that firm. Trent also has worked at the Federal Home Loan Bank Board and with the California legislature. Trent holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles.
Peter Williams – Principal. Peter specializes in merger and acquisition analysis, mutual-to-stock conversion valuations, corporate valuations, strategic business plans, and fair value accounting analysis. Peter previously was with Kaplan Associates for 13 years. Peter also worked as a Corporate Planning Analyst with the Wilmington Trust Company in Delaware. Peter holds a BA in Economics from Yale University and an MBA in Finance and Investments from The George Washington University.
I-1
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit II-1
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Assets | ||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 1,609 | $ | 3,142 | ||||
| Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions | 4,498 | 4,697 | ||||||
| Investment securities available for sale | 23,948 | 33,881 | ||||||
| Investment securities held to maturity | 40,051 | 38,727 | ||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank stock | 1,084 | 1,076 | ||||||
| Loans receivable | 175,372 | 173,333 | ||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | (1,057 | ) | (909 | ) | ||||
| Loans, net | 174,315 | 172,424 | ||||||
| Cash value of life insurance | 7,462 | 7,371 | ||||||
| Office properties and equipment, net | 2,910 | 3,003 | ||||||
| Land held for sale | 435 | 554 | ||||||
| Deferred tax assets | 4,858 | 5,021 | ||||||
| Other assets | 1,397 | 1,296 | ||||||
| Total Assets | $ | 262,567 | $ | 271,191 | ||||
| Liabilities and Equity | ||||||||
| Deposits: | ||||||||
| Non-interest bearing deposits | $ | 10,250 | $ | 11,224 | ||||
| Interest-bearing deposits | 220,217 | 237,984 | ||||||
| Total Deposits | 230,468 | 249,208 | ||||||
| Borrowed funds | 19,030 | 9,100 | ||||||
| Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance | 280 | 979 | ||||||
| Other liabilities | 1,252 | 985 | ||||||
| Total Liabilities | 251,030 | 260,271 | ||||||
| Retained earnings | 19,199 | 20,134 | ||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (7,662 | ) | (9,215 | ) | ||||
| Total Equity | 11,537 | 10,919 | ||||||
| Total Liabilities and Equity | $ | 262,567 | $ | 271,191 | ||||
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, audited financial statements.
II-1
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit II-2
Consolidated Income Statements
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
For the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||
| Total interest and dividend income | $ | 8,932 | $ | 7,985 | ||||
| Total interest expense | 4,350 | 1,834 | ||||||
| Net interest income | 4,582 | 6,151 | ||||||
| Provision for loan losses | 145 | - | ||||||
| Net interest income after provision | 4,437 | 6,151 | ||||||
| Service charges on deposit accounts | 53 | 54 | ||||||
| Interchange income | 248 | 252 | ||||||
| Mortgage banking income | 355 | 191 | ||||||
| Increase in cash value of life insurance | 212 | 192 | ||||||
| Net gain on sale of office properties and equipment | 208 | - | ||||||
| Gain on sale of repossessed assets | 71 | - | ||||||
| Other income | 302 | 188 | ||||||
| Total non-interest income | 1,449 | 877 | ||||||
| Salaries and related benefits | 3,936 | 4,551 | ||||||
| Net occupancy expense | 716 | 811 | ||||||
| Data processing | 961 | 917 | ||||||
| Advertising | 143 | 200 | ||||||
| Net loss on sale of available-for-sale securities | - | 5,103 | ||||||
| Net loss on sale of office properties and equipment | - | 180 | ||||||
| Other expense | 1,463 | 997 | ||||||
| Total non-interest expense | 7,219 | 12,760 | ||||||
| Income (loss) before provision for income taxes | (1,333 | ) | (5,731 | ) | ||||
| Provision for (benefit from) income taxes | (398 | ) | (1,567 | ) | ||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | (935 | ) | $ | (4,164 | ) | ||
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, audited financial statements.
II-2
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit II-3
Loan Portfolio Composition
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Loan | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Category | (000s) | (%) | (000s) | (%) | ||||||||||||
| Real estate: | ||||||||||||||||
| One- to four-family | $ | 122,240 | 69.67 | $ | 123,752 | 71.36 | ||||||||||
| Home equity | 2,064 | 1.18 | 1,276 | 0.74 | ||||||||||||
| Equity line of credit | 4,147 | 2.36 | 4,273 | 2.46 | ||||||||||||
| Construction | 3,978 | 2.27 | 1,339 | 0.77 | ||||||||||||
| Multi-family real estate | 1,485 | 0.85 | 2,443 | 1.41 | ||||||||||||
| Commercial real estate | 2,334 | 1.33 | 4,016 | 2.32 | ||||||||||||
| 136,247 | 77.65 | 137,098 | 79.05 | |||||||||||||
| Consumer: | ||||||||||||||||
| Marine and recreational vehicle | 30,800 | 17.55 | 27,183 | 15.67 | ||||||||||||
| Other consumer | 4,038 | 2.30 | 4,454 | 2.57 | ||||||||||||
| 34,838 | 19.86 | 31,637 | 18.24 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial business | 4,373 | 2.49 | 4,691 | 2.70 | ||||||||||||
| Gross total loans | 175,459 | 100.00 | 173,426 | 100.00 | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses | (1,057 | ) | (909 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Unearned loan fees | (87 | ) | (93 | ) | ||||||||||||
| Net total loans | $ | 174,315 | $ | 172,424 | ||||||||||||
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, financial data.
II-3
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit II-4
Cash and Investments Composition
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash and Investment | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Category | (000s) | (%) | (000s) | (%) | ||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents (1) | $ | 6,106 | 8.58 | $ | 7,839 | 9.62 | ||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities, at fair value:: | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government sponsored agencies | 0 | 0.00 | 8,909 | 10.93 | ||||||||||||
| Residential mortgage-backed securities | 9,041 | 12.70 | 10,003 | 12.27 | ||||||||||||
| State and political subdivisions | 12,083 | 16.97 | 11,784 | 14.46 | ||||||||||||
| Corporate securities | 2,824 | 3.97 | 3,185 | 3.91 | ||||||||||||
| Total available-for-sale securities | 23,948 | 33.64 | 33,881 | 41.56 | ||||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity securities, at amortized cost: | ||||||||||||||||
| U.S. Government sponsored agencies | 28,223 | 39.65 | 27,317 | 33.51 | ||||||||||||
| U.S. Treasury securities | 11,828 | 16.61 | 11,410 | 14.00 | ||||||||||||
| Total held-to-maturity securities | 40,051 | 56.26 | 38,727 | 47.50 | ||||||||||||
| Other investments: | ||||||||||||||||
| Federal Home Loan Bank stock | 1,084 | 1.52 | 1,076 | 1.32 | ||||||||||||
| Total cash and investments | $ | 71,189 | 100.00 | $ | 81,522 | 100.00 | ||||||||||
| Percent of total assets (%) | ||||||||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 2.33 | 2.89 | ||||||||||||||
| Available-for-sale securities | 9.12 | 12.49 | ||||||||||||||
| Held-to-maturity securities | 15.25 | 14.28 | ||||||||||||||
| Other investments | 0.41 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||
| Total cash and investments | 27.11 | 30.06 | ||||||||||||||
(1) Includes interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions.
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, audited financial statements.
II-4
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit II-5
Deposit Accounts Composition
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
As of December 31, 2022 and 2023
(Dollars in Thousands)
| December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
| Deposit Account | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||
| Category | (000s) | (%) | (000s) | (%) | ||||||||||||
| Non-interest bearing checking accounts | $ | 10,251 | 4.45 | $ | 11,224 | 4.50 | ||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking accounts | 36,601 | 15.88 | 40,766 | 16.36 | ||||||||||||
| Savings accounts | 29,188 | 12.66 | 32,304 | 12.96 | ||||||||||||
| Money market deposit accounts | 49,912 | 21.66 | 65,933 | 26.46 | ||||||||||||
| Total non-certificate accounts | 125,952 | 54.65 | 150,227 | 60.28 | ||||||||||||
| Certificate of deposit accounts | 104,516 | 45.35 | 98,981 | 39.72 | ||||||||||||
| Total deposits | $ | 230,468 | 100.00 | $ | 249,208 | 100.00 | ||||||||||
Source: Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC, financial data.
II-5
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit III
Financial and Market Data for All Public Thrifts
| Total | Tang. | Closing | Total | Price/ | Price/ | Price/ | Price/ | Price/ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Equity/ | Equity/ | LTM | LTM | Price | Market | LTM | Core | Book | Tang. | Total | Div. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Assets | Assets | ROA | ROE | 2/23/24 | Value | EPS | EPS | Value | Book | Assets | Yield | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company | State | Ticker | ($Mil.) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | ($) | ($Mil.) | (x) | (x) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| All Public Thrifts (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1895 Bancorp of Wisconsin, Inc. | WI | BCOW | 555 | 12.65 | 12.65 | (0.83 | ) | (6.14 | ) | 7.50 | 42.5 | NM | NM | 65.5 | 65.5 | 8.28 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Affinity Bancshares, Inc. | GA | AFBI | 843 | 14.41 | 12.50 | 0.75 | 5.43 | 16.51 | 105.9 | 16.8 | 16.5 | 87.2 | 102.7 | 12.56 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Axos Financial, Inc. | NV | AX | 21,624 | 9.61 | 8.99 | 2.01 | 20.96 | 52.06 | 2,962.1 | 7.7 | 9.0 | 142.5 | 153.4 | 13.70 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Foundry Bancorp | NJ | BLFY | 2,045 | 17.39 | 17.37 | (0.36 | ) | (1.98 | ) | 9.18 | 205.7 | NM | NM | 63.3 | 63.4 | 11.00 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Broadway Financial Corporation | CA | BYFC | 1,231 | 22.53 | 20.72 | 0.39 | 1.68 | 5.90 | 34.9 | 12.3 | 11.8 | 43.0 | 55.2 | 5.06 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BV Financial, Inc. | MD | BVFL | 885 | 22.49 | 21.11 | 1.54 | 9.93 | 12.75 | 145.0 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 72.9 | 79.0 | 16.38 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Capitol Federal Financial, Inc. | KS | CFFN | 9,576 | 10.80 | 10.70 | (1.10 | ) | (10.88 | ) | 5.84 | 763.2 | NM | 15.9 | 75.6 | 76.4 | 8.17 | 5.82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carver Bancorp, Inc. | NY | CARV | 775 | 5.51 | 5.51 | (0.62 | ) | (10.43 | ) | 1.64 | 8.2 | NM | NM | 40.9 | 40.9 | 1.09 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Catalyst Bancorp, Inc. | LA | CLST | 271 | 31.24 | 31.24 | 0.23 | 0.71 | 11.98 | 57.0 | NM | NM | 67.4 | 67.4 | 21.06 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Central Plains Bancshares, Inc. | NE | CPBI | 454 | 17.12 | NA | NA | 9.51 | 10.23 | 42.3 | NA | NA | 54.3 | NA | 9.30 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Cullman Bancorp, Inc. | AL | CULL | 417 | 24.25 | 24.25 | 0.97 | 4.04 | 10.75 | 74.8 | 18.9 | 18.8 | 77.4 | 77.4 | 18.77 | 1.12 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ECB Bancorp, Inc. | MA | ECBK | 1,280 | 12.88 | 12.88 | 0.38 | 2.71 | 13.04 | 121.2 | 25.1 | 25.4 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 9.46 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ESSA Bancorp, Inc. | PA | ESSA | 2,225 | 9.92 | 9.35 | 0.86 | 8.18 | 17.90 | 170.0 | 9.7 | 9.5 | 82.2 | 87.7 | 8.15 | 3.35 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Northwest Bancorp | WA | FNWB | 2,202 | 7.42 | 7.37 | 0.10 | 1.33 | 15.37 | 136.8 | NM | 15.9 | 90.4 | 91.1 | 6.71 | 1.82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| First Seacoast Bancorp, Inc. | NH | FSEA | 557 | 12.07 | 12.03 | (0.48 | ) | (3.93 | ) | 8.65 | 40.7 | NM | NM | 65.3 | 65.6 | 7.88 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| FS Bancorp, Inc. | WA | FSBW | 2,973 | 8.90 | 8.25 | 1.27 | 14.08 | 32.70 | 251.7 | 7.2 | 6.5 | 96.4 | 104.7 | 8.58 | 3.18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Generations Bancorp NY, Inc. | NY | GBNY | 409 | 8.55 | 8.40 | (0.23 | ) | (2.47 | ) | 10.51 | 23.5 | NM | NM | 67.2 | 68.5 | 5.75 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HarborOne Bancorp, Inc. | MA | HONE | 5,668 | 10.30 | 9.33 | 0.29 | 2.68 | 10.29 | 440.4 | 27.8 | 17.9 | 80.0 | 89.3 | 8.24 | 2.92 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hingham Institution for Savings | MA | HIFS | 4,484 | 9.09 | 9.09 | 0.63 | 6.57 | 166.36 | 359.7 | 13.8 | 25.4 | 88.3 | 88.3 | 8.02 | 1.51 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| HMN Financial, Inc. | MN | HMNF | 1,107 | 9.73 | 9.66 | 0.54 | 5.03 | 20.27 | 88.2 | 14.8 | 15.2 | 83.9 | 84.5 | 8.16 | 1.58 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Home Federal Bancorp, Inc. | LA | HFBL | 654 | 8.04 | 7.42 | 0.68 | 8.86 | 12.94 | 39.1 | 8.9 | 7.6 | 77.3 | 84.3 | 6.22 | 3.86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| IF Bancorp, Inc. | IL | IROQ | 911 | 8.10 | 8.10 | 0.23 | 2.73 | 16.85 | 54.1 | 28.1 | 28.2 | 76.7 | 76.7 | 6.21 | 2.37 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Kearny Financial Corp. | NJ | KRNY | 7,898 | 10.74 | NA | 0.23 | 2.13 | 6.51 | 404.8 | 22.4 | 12.3 | 49.5 | 66.6 | 5.31 | 6.76 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Magyar Bancorp, Inc. | NJ | MGYR | 917 | 11.62 | 11.62 | 0.87 | 7.38 | 11.45 | 76.2 | 9.7 | 9.7 | 71.5 | 71.5 | 8.31 | 1.75 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| New York Community Bancorp, Inc. | NY | NYCB | 116,322 | 9.30 | 6.86 | 2.15 | 22.42 | 4.52 | 3,263.7 | 1.4 | 3.2 | 31.6 | 44.9 | 2.82 | 4.42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northeast Community Bancorp, Inc. | NY | NECB | 1,764 | 15.83 | 15.83 | 2.90 | 17.09 | 15.85 | 194.3 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 80.3 | 80.3 | 12.71 | 1.51 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northfield Bancorp, Inc. | NJ | NFBK | 5,598 | 12.49 | 11.85 | 0.68 | 5.45 | 10.03 | 446.6 | 11.7 | 11.6 | 63.8 | 67.8 | 7.98 | 5.18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NSTS Bancorp, Inc. | IL | NSTS | 252 | 30.65 | 30.65 | (0.06 | ) | (0.19 | ) | 9.75 | 51.8 | NM | NM | 68.6 | 68.6 | 21.04 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PB Bankshares, Inc. | PA | PBBK | 409 | 11.38 | 11.38 | 0.66 | 5.42 | 14.75 | 36.8 | 14.3 | 18.5 | 86.9 | 86.9 | 9.89 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ponce Financial Group, Inc. | NY | PDLB | 2,751 | 17.86 | 17.86 | 0.13 | 0.68 | 8.73 | 193.7 | NM | NA | 77.9 | 77.9 | 8.22 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provident Bancorp, Inc. | MA | PVBC | 1,670 | 13.29 | 13.29 | 0.66 | 5.10 | 10.03 | 175.5 | 15.2 | 15.2 | 79.9 | 79.9 | 10.62 | 0.00 |
III-1
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit III (continued)
Financial and Market Data for All Public Thrifts
| Total | Tang. | Closing | Total | Price/ | Price/ | Price/ | Price/ | Price/ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | Equity/ | Equity/ | LTM | LTM | Price | Market | LTM | Core | Book | Tang. | Total | Div. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Assets | Assets | Assets | ROA | ROE | 2/23/24 | Value | EPS | EPS | Value | Book | Assets | Yield | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Company | State | Ticker | ($Mil.) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | ($) | ($Mil.) | (x) | (x) | (%) | (%) | (%) | (%) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provident Financial Holdings, Inc. | CA | PROV | 1,301 | 9.97 | 9.97 | 0.62 | 6.15 | 14.10 | 97.7 | 12.3 | 12.3 | 75.5 | 75.5 | 7.53 | 3.97 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Provident Financial Services, Inc. | NJ | PFS | 14,211 | 11.90 | 8.96 | 0.92 | 7.81 | 15.23 | 1,141.3 | 8.9 | 8.5 | 68.0 | 93.3 | 8.10 | 6.30 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Riverview Bancorp, Inc. | WA | RVSB | 1,591 | 9.96 | 8.39 | 0.62 | 6.28 | 4.83 | 102.0 | 10.5 | 10.4 | 64.3 | 77.8 | 6.41 | 4.97 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SR Bancorp, Inc. | NJ | SRBK | 1,075 | 18.42 | 16.15 | (1.04 | ) | (5.79 | ) | 9.56 | 90.9 | NA | NA | 45.9 | 53.8 | 8.46 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sterling Bancorp, Inc. | MI | SBT | 2,416 | 13.56 | 13.56 | 0.30 | 2.35 | 5.07 | 264.0 | 33.8 | 33.6 | 80.6 | 80.6 | 10.93 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TC Bancshares, Inc. | GA | TCBC | 440 | 18.45 | 18.45 | 0.04 | 0.18 | 13.55 | 56.9 | NM | NM | 78.0 | 78.0 | 14.38 | 0.74 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Territorial Bancorp Inc. | HI | TBNK | 2,237 | 11.23 | 11.23 | 0.23 | 1.99 | 9.28 | 79.5 | 16.3 | 16.3 | 32.6 | 32.6 | 3.66 | 2.16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Texas Community Bancshares, Inc. | TX | TCBS | 452 | 11.88 | 11.83 | (0.17 | ) | (1.63 | ) | 14.04 | 45.1 | NM | NM | 85.6 | 86.1 | NA | 0.85 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Third Coast Bancshares, Inc. | TX | TCBX | 4,396 | 9.37 | 8.98 | 0.86 | 8.41 | 18.99 | 258.4 | 9.6 | 9.7 | 74.7 | 79.1 | 5.97 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Timberland Bancorp, Inc. | WA | TSBK | 1,895 | 12.53 | 11.79 | 1.43 | 11.30 | 26.79 | 217.6 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 91.7 | 98.2 | 11.48 | 3.58 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Triumph Financial, Inc. | TX | TFIN | 5,347 | 16.17 | 11.93 | 0.76 | 4.80 | 74.88 | 1,737.7 | 46.5 | 37.7 | 212.9 | 310.5 | 32.91 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TrustCo Bank Corp NY | NY | TRST | 6,168 | 10.46 | 10.45 | 0.97 | 9.46 | 27.90 | 530.8 | 9.1 | 8.7 | 82.3 | 82.3 | 8.60 | 5.16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Waterstone Financial, Inc. | WI | WSBF | 2,213 | 15.54 | 15.52 | 0.44 | 2.61 | 12.42 | 232.7 | 27.0 | 27.0 | 73.3 | 73.5 | 11.40 | 4.83 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Western New England Bancorp, Inc. | MA | WNEB | 2,565 | 9.26 | 8.75 | 0.59 | 6.47 | 8.19 | 177.5 | 11.7 | 11.5 | 74.7 | 79.5 | 6.92 | 3.42 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| William Penn Bancorporation | PA | WMPN | 826 | 15.61 | 15.07 | 0.11 | 0.59 | 12.08 | 106.5 | NM | NM | 90.3 | 94.1 | 14.09 | 0.99 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| WSFS Financial Corporation | DE | WSFS | 20,595 | 11.99 | NA | 1.33 | 11.72 | 41.98 | 2,541.4 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 102.6 | 205.5 | 12.34 | 1.43 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | 5,669 | 13.46 | 12.89 | 0.51 | 4.40 | NA | 397.7 | 15.1 | 14.7 | 76.9 | 85.7 | 9.97 | 1.82 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Median | 1,670 | 11.90 | 11.71 | 0.56 | 4.80 | NA | 136.8 | 12.0 | 12.0 | 75.6 | 78.5 | 8.30 | 1.12 |
(1) Public thrifts traded on NYSE, NYSE American, and NASDAQ stock markets; excludes companies subject to pending acquisitions or mutual holding company ownership.
Source: S&P Global.
| III-2 |
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit IV-1
Pro Forma Assumptions for the Stock Offering
| 1. | The total amount of the net offering proceeds was fully invested at the beginning of the applicable period. |
| 2. | The net offering proceeds are invested to yield a return of 3.84%, which represented the yield on five-year U.S. Treasury securities at December 31, 2023. The effective income tax rate was assumed to be 21.0%, resulting in a net after-tax yield of 3.03%. |
| 3. | It is assumed that 7.0% of the total shares of common stock to be sold in the Stock Offering) will be acquired by the Company’s employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”). Pro forma adjustments have been made to earnings and equity to reflect the impact of the ESOP. The annual expense is estimated based on a 20-year internal loan to the ESOP from the Company’s newly formed holding company. No re-investment is assumed on proceeds used to fund the ESOP. |
| 4. | It is assumed that the Company’s restricted stock plan (“RSP”) will subsequently purchase in the open market a number of shares equal to 3.0% of the total shares sold in the Stock Offering, subject to shareholder approval. Also, it is assumed that these shares are acquired at the initial public offering price of $10.00 per share. Pro forma adjustments have been made to earnings and equity to reflect the impact of the RSP. The annual expense is estimated based on a five-year vesting period. No re-investment is assumed on proceeds used to fund the RSP. |
| 5. | It is assumed that an additional 10.0% of the total shares sold in the Stock Offering will be subsequently reserved for issuance by the Company’s stock option plan, subject to shareholder approval. The pro forma net income has been adjusted to reflect the expense associated with the granting of options at an assumed value of $4.16 per option. It is further assumed that options for all shares reserved under the plan were granted to plan participants at the beginning of the period and 25.0% were non-qualified options for income tax purposes, the options would vest at a rate of 20.0% per year, and compensation expense will be recognized on a straight-line basis over the five-year vesting period. |
| 6. | The fair value of stock options has been estimated at $4.16 per option using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: a grant-date share price and option exercise price of $10.00; dividend yield of 0.00%; an expected option life of 10 years; a risk-free interest rate of 3.88%; and a volatility rate of 21.29% based a selected bank stock index. |
| 7. | Total offering expenses are estimated at approximately $1.7 million. |
| 8. | No effect has been given to withdrawals from deposit accounts for the purpose of purchasing common stock in the Stock Offering. |
| 9. | No effect has been given in the pro forma equity calculation for the assumed earnings on the net proceeds. |
| IV-1 |
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit IV-2
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
Pro Forma Conversion Valuation Range
Historical Financial Data as of December 31, 2023
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
| MINIMUM | MIDPOINT | MAXIMUM | ADJ. MAX. | |||||||||||||
| Shares sold in the offering | 743,750 | 875,000 | 1,006,250 | 1,157,188 | ||||||||||||
| Offering price | $ | 10.00 | $ | 10.00 | $ | 10.00 | $ | 10.00 | ||||||||
| Gross offering proceeds | $ | 7,438 | $ | 8,750 | $ | 10,063 | $ | 11,572 | ||||||||
| Less: estimated offering expenses | (1,690 | ) | (1,690 | ) | (1,690 | ) | (1,690 | ) | ||||||||
| Net offering proceeds | 5,748 | 7,060 | 8,373 | 9,882 | ||||||||||||
| Less: ESOP purchase | (521 | ) | (613 | ) | (704 | ) | (810 | ) | ||||||||
| Less: RSP purchase | (223 | ) | (263 | ) | (302 | ) | (347 | ) | ||||||||
| Net investable proceeds | $ | 5,004 | $ | 6,184 | $ | 7,367 | $ | 8,725 | ||||||||
| Net income - LTM ended 12/31/23 | $ | (935 | ) | $ | (935 | ) | $ | (935 | ) | $ | (935 | ) | ||||
| Pro forma income on net proceeds | 152 | 188 | 223 | 265 | ||||||||||||
| Pro forma ESOP adjustment | (21 | ) | (24 | ) | (28 | ) | (32 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma RSP adjustment | (35 | ) | (42 | ) | (48 | ) | (55 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma stock option adjustment | (59 | ) | (69 | ) | (79 | ) | (91 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma net income | $ | (898 | ) | $ | (882 | ) | $ | (867 | ) | $ | (848 | ) | ||||
| Pro forma earnings per share | $ | (1.29 | ) | $ | (1.08 | ) | $ | (0.92 | ) | $ | (0.79 | ) | ||||
| Core earnings - LTM ended 12/31/23 | $ | (1,062 | ) | $ | (1,062 | ) | $ | (1,062 | ) | $ | (1,062 | ) | ||||
| Pro forma income on net proceeds | 152 | 188 | 223 | 265 | ||||||||||||
| Pro forma ESOP adjustment | (21 | ) | (24 | ) | (28 | ) | (32 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma RSP adjustment | (35 | ) | (42 | ) | (48 | ) | (55 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma stock option adjustment | (59 | ) | (69 | ) | (79 | ) | (91 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma core earnings | $ | (1,025 | ) | $ | (1,009 | ) | $ | (994 | ) | $ | (975 | ) | ||||
| Pro forma core earnings per share | $ | (1.48 | ) | $ | (1.24 | ) | $ | (1.06 | ) | $ | (0.90 | ) | ||||
| Total equity - 12/31/23 | $ | 11,537 | $ | 11,537 | $ | 11,537 | $ | 11,537 | ||||||||
| Net offering proceeds | 5,748 | 7,060 | 8,373 | 9,882 | ||||||||||||
| Less: ESOP purchase | (521 | ) | (613 | ) | (704 | ) | (810 | ) | ||||||||
| Less: RSP purchase | (223 | ) | (263 | ) | (302 | ) | (347 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma total equity | $ | 16,541 | $ | 17,721 | $ | 18,904 | $ | 20,262 | ||||||||
| Pro forma book value | $ | 22.24 | $ | 20.25 | $ | 18.79 | $ | 17.51 | ||||||||
| Tangible equity - 12/31/23 | $ | 11,537 | $ | 11,537 | $ | 11,537 | $ | 11,537 | ||||||||
| Net offering proceeds | 5,748 | 7,060 | 8,373 | 9,882 | ||||||||||||
| Less: ESOP purchase | (521 | ) | (613 | ) | (704 | ) | (810 | ) | ||||||||
| Less: RSP purchase | (223 | ) | (263 | ) | (302 | ) | (347 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma tangible equity | $ | 16,541 | $ | 17,721 | $ | 18,904 | $ | 20,262 | ||||||||
| Pro forma tangible book value | $ | 22.24 | $ | 20.25 | $ | 18.79 | $ | 17.51 | ||||||||
| Total assets - 12/31/23 | $ | 262,567 | $ | 262,567 | $ | 262,567 | $ | 262,567 | ||||||||
| Net offering proceeds | 5,748 | 7,060 | 8,373 | 9,882 | ||||||||||||
| Less: ESOP purchase | (521 | ) | (613 | ) | (704 | ) | (810 | ) | ||||||||
| Less: RSP purchase | (223 | ) | (263 | ) | (302 | ) | (347 | ) | ||||||||
| Pro forma total assets | $ | 267,571 | $ | 268,751 | $ | 269,934 | $ | 271,292 | ||||||||
| Pro Forma Ratios: | ||||||||||||||||
| Price / Book Value | 44.96 | % | 49.38 | % | 53.22 | % | 57.11 | % | ||||||||
| Price / Tangible Book Value | 44.96 | % | 49.38 | % | 53.22 | % | 57.11 | % | ||||||||
| Price / LTM Earnings Per Share | NM | NM | NM | NM | ||||||||||||
| Price / Core Earnings Per Share | NM | NM | NM | NM | ||||||||||||
| Price / Total Assets | 2.78 | % | 3.26 | % | 3.73 | % | 4.27 | % | ||||||||
| Total Equity / Assets | 6.18 | % | 6.59 | % | 7.00 | % | 7.47 | % | ||||||||
| Tangible Equity / Assets | 6.18 | % | 6.59 | % | 7.00 | % | 7.47 | % | ||||||||
| IV-2 |
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit IV-3
Pro Forma Conversion Analysis at the Midpoint Value
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
Historical Financial Data as of December 31, 2023
| Valuation Parameters | Symbol | Data | ||||||
| Net income -- LTM | Y | $ | (935,000 | ) | ||||
| Core earnings -- LTM | Y | (1,062,008 | ) | |||||
| Net worth | B | 11,537,000 | ||||||
| Tangible net worth | B | 11,537,000 | ||||||
| Total assets | A | 262,567,000 | ||||||
| Expenses in conversion | X | 1,690,000 | ||||||
| Other proceeds not reinvested | O | 876,000 | ||||||
| ESOP purchase | E | 613,000 | ||||||
| ESOP expense (pre-tax) | F | 30,380 | ||||||
| RSP purchase | M | 263,000 | ||||||
| RSP expense (pre-tax) | N | 53,165 | ||||||
| Stock option expense (pre-tax) | Q | 72,800 | ||||||
| Option expense tax-deductible | D | 25.00 | % | |||||
| Re-investment rate (after-tax) | R | 3.03 | % | |||||
| Tax rate | T | 21.00 | % | |||||
| Shares for EPS | S | 93.35 | % | |||||
| Pro Forma Valuation Ratios at Midpoint Value | ||||||||
| Price / LTM EPS | P/E | NM | ||||||
| Price / Core EPS | P/E | NM | ||||||
| Price / Book Value | P/B | 49.4 | % | |||||
| Price / Tangible Book | P/TB | 49.4 | % | |||||
| Price / Assets | P/A | 3.26 | % | |||||
| Pro Forma Calculation at Midpoint Value | Based on | |||
| V = | (P/E / S)*((Y-R*(O+X)-(F+N)*(1-T)-(Q-Q*D*T))) | = | $8,750,000 | [LTM earnings] |
| 1 - (P/E / S) * R | ||||
| V = | (P/E / S)*((Y-R*(O+X)-(F+N)*(1-T)-(Q-Q*D*T)) | = | $8,750,000 | [Core earnings] |
| 1 - (P/E / S) * R | ||||
| V = | P/B * (B - X - E - M ) | = | $8,750,000 | [Book value] |
| 1 - P/B | ||||
| V = | P/TB * (B - X - E - M ) | = | $8,750,000 | [Tangible book] |
| 1 - P/TB | ||||
| V = | P/A * (A - X - E - M ) | = | $8,750,000 | [Total assets] |
| 1 - P/A | ||||
| Pro Forma | Valuation | ||||
| Valuation Range | Range | ||||
| Minimum = | $8,750,000 | x | 0.8500 | = | $7,437,500 |
| Midpoint = | $8,750,000 | x | 1.0000 | = | $8,750,000 |
| Maximum = | $8,750,000 | x | 1.1500 | = | $10,062,500 |
| Adj. Max. = | $10,062,500 | x | 1.1500 | = | $11,571,880 |
| IV-3 |
Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.
Exhibit IV-4
Comparative Valuation Ratio Analysis
Pro Forma Conversion Valuation
Computed from Market Price Data as of February 23, 2024
| Wisconsin | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mutual | Comparative | All Public | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Valuation | Bancorp | Group | Thrifts (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio | Symbol | MHC | Average | Median | Average | Median | ||||||||||||||||||
| Price / LTM EPS | P/E | 16.98 | 14.80 | 15.09 | 11.98 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Minimum | (x) | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | ||||||||||||||||||
| Midpoint | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Maximum | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Maximum | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Price / Core EPS | P/E | 17.66 | 18.48 | 14.75 | 12.03 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Minimum | (x) | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | ||||||||||||||||||
| Midpoint | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Maximum | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Maximum | NM | NM | NM | NM | NM | |||||||||||||||||||
| Price / Book Value | P/B | 75.87 | 77.34 | 76.90 | 75.62 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Minimum | (%) | 44.96 | -40.7 | % | -41.9 | % | -41.5 | % | -40.5 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Midpoint | 49.38 | -34.9 | % | -36.2 | % | -35.8 | % | -34.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Maximum | 53.22 | -29.9 | % | -31.2 | % | -30.8 | % | -29.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Maximum | 57.11 | -24.7 | % | -26.2 | % | -25.7 | % | -24.5 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Price / Tangible Book | P/TB | 76.72 | 77.40 | 85.66 | 78.48 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Minimum | (%) | 44.96 | -41.4 | % | -41.9 | % | -47.5 | % | -42.7 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Midpoint | 49.38 | -35.6 | % | -36.2 | % | -42.3 | % | -37.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Maximum | 53.22 | -30.6 | % | -31.2 | % | -37.9 | % | -32.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Maximum | 57.11 | -25.6 | % | -26.2 | % | -33.3 | % | -27.2 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Price / Total Assets | P/A | 11.79 | 9.89 | 9.97 | 8.30 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Minimum | (%) | 2.78 | -76.4 | % | -71.9 | % | -72.1 | % | -66.5 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Midpoint | 3.26 | -72.4 | % | -67.1 | % | -67.4 | % | -60.8 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Maximum | 3.73 | -68.4 | % | -62.3 | % | -62.6 | % | -55.1 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted Maximum | 4.27 | -63.8 | % | -56.9 | % | -57.2 | % | -48.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
(1) Excludes companies subject to mutual holding company ownership or pending acquisition.
| IV-4 |
Exhibit 99.6
FELDMAN FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC.
8804 Mirador Place
McLean, VA 22102
(202) 467-6862
March 11, 2024
Boards of Directors
Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC
EWSB Bancorp, Inc.
East Wisconsin Savings Bank
221 South Locust Street
Kaukauna, Wisconsin 68801
Members of the Boards of Directors:
At the request of Wisconsin Mutual Bancorp, MHC (the “MHC”), Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc. hereby provides its opinion as to any potential economic value of the rights received by depositors in a liquidation account maintained by the newly formed EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) and the associated liquidation account in East Wisconsin Savings Bank (the “Bank”) as set forth in the Plan of Conversion (the “Plan”) adopted by the Boards of Directors of the MHC, the Company, and the Bank. All capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this letter have the meanings given such terms in the Plan. According to the Plan, the MHC will convert from the mutual holding company form of organization to the stock holding company form of organization. As part of the Plan, the Company will offer shares of its common stock for sale in a Subscription Offering to Eligible Account Holders and Supplement Eligible Account Holders. Any shares of common stock that remain unsubscribed for in the Subscription Offering will be offered by the Company for sale in the Community Offering or Syndicated Community Offering to certain members of the general public. When the Conversion and Offering are completed, all of the capital stock of the Bank will be owned by the Company, all of the common stock of the Company will be owned by its stockholders, and the MHC and the current mid-tier stock holding company, EWSB Bancorp, Inc. (“Old EWSB Bancorp”) will no longer exist.
We understand that in accordance with the Plan, Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders will receive rights in a liquidation account maintained by the Company representing the amount equal to the total equity of Old EWSB Bancorp as of the date of its latest balance sheet contained in the prospectus of the Company. The Company shall continue to hold the liquidation account for the benefit of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders who continue to maintain deposit accounts in the Bank in relation to such persons’ deposit account balance at the Eligibility Record Date or Supplemental Eligibility Record Date, as applicable, or to such balance as may subsequently be reduced. The liquidation account is designed to provide payments to depositors of their liquidation interests in the unlikely event of a solvent liquidation of the Bank, following payment of all claims of creditors, including those of depositors. Payment pursuant to liquidation rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders would be separate and apart from the payment of any insured deposit accounts to such depositor.
In the unlikely event that either the Bank (or the Company and the Bank) were to liquidate after the Conversion (including a liquidation of the Bank following a purchase and assumption transaction with a credit union acquiror), all claims of creditors, including those of depositors, would be paid first, followed by distribution to depositors as of December 31, 2022 and depositors as of March 31, 2024. Also, in a complete liquidation of both entities, or of the Bank, when the Company has insufficient assets (other than the stock of the Bank), or of the Bank following a purchase and assumption transaction with a credit union acquiror, to fund the liquidation account distribution due to Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders and the Bank has positive net worth, the Bank shall immediately make a distribution to fund the Company’s remaining obligations under the liquidation account. The Plan further provides that if the Company is completely liquidated or sold apart from a sale or liquidation of the Bank, then the rights of Eligible Account Holders and Supplemental Eligible Account Holders in the liquidation account maintained by the Company shall be surrendered and treated as a liquidation account in the Bank, the Bank liquidation account and depositors shall have an equivalent interest in such Bank liquidation account, subject to the same rights and terms as the liquidation account.
FELDMAN FINANCIAL ADVISORS, INC.
Boards of Directors
March 11, 2024
Page Two
Based upon our review of the Plan and our observations that the liquidation rights become payable only upon the unlikely event of the liquidation of the Bank (or the Company and the Bank), that liquidation rights in the Company automatically transfer to the Bank in the event the Company is completely liquidated or sold apart from a sale or liquidation of the Bank, and that after two years from the date of Conversion and upon written request of the Federal Reserve Board and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, the Company will transfer the liquidation account and depositors’ interest in such account to the Bank and the liquidation account shall thereupon become the liquidation account of the Bank no longer subject to the Company’s creditors, we are of the belief that: the benefit provided by the Bank liquidation account supporting the payment of the liquidation account in the event the Company lacks sufficient net assets or following a purchase and assumption transaction with a credit union acquiror does not have any economic value at the time of the transactions contemplated in the first and second paragraphs above. We note that we have not undertaken any independent investigation of state or federal law or the position of the Internal Revenue Service with respect to this issue.
Sincerely,

Feldman Financial Advisors, Inc.