UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
☒ Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023
☐ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from _________ to _________
Commission file number: 0-25923
Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland | 52-2061461 | ||||
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (301) 986-1800
Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: | ||||||||
Title of Each Class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | ||||||
Common Stock, $0.01 par value | EGBN | The Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Section 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant; (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports; and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☒ Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☐ Smaller Reporting Company ☐
Emerging Growth Company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatement that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to § 240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☒
The aggregate market value of the outstanding Common Stock held by nonaffiliates as of June 30, 2023 was approximately $616.3 million.
As of February 9, 2024, the number of outstanding shares of the Common Stock, $0.01 par value, of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. was 29,928,977.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Company’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on
May 16, 2024 are incorporated by reference in Part III hereof.
EAGLE BANCORP, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||||
Part I | ||||||||
Item 1. | Business | |||||||
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | |||||||
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | |||||||
Item 1C. | Cybersecurity | |||||||
Item 2. | Properties | |||||||
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings | |||||||
Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | |||||||
Part II | ||||||||
Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | |||||||
Item 6. | [Reserved] | |||||||
Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation | |||||||
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | |||||||
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data | |||||||
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | |||||||
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures | |||||||
Item 9B. | Other Information | |||||||
Item 9C. | Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections | |||||||
Part III | ||||||||
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | |||||||
Item 11. | Executive Compensation | |||||||
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | |||||||
Item 13. | Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence | |||||||
Item 14. | Principal Accounting Fees and Services | |||||||
Part IV | ||||||||
Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules | |||||||
SIGNATURES |
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
In this report, unless otherwise expressly stated or the context otherwise requires, the terms “we,” “us,” the “Company,” “Eagle” and “our” refer to Eagle Bancorp, Inc. and our subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, except in the description of any of our securities, in which case these terms refer solely to Eagle Bancorp, Inc. and not to any of our subsidiaries. References to “EagleBank” or “Bank” refer to EagleBank, which is our principal operating subsidiary. This report contains additional trade names and trademarks of other companies. We do not intend our use or display of other companies' trade names or trademarks to imply an endorsement or sponsorship of us by such companies or any relationship with any of these companies.
Eagle Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company"), headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, was incorporated under the laws of the State of Maryland on October 28, 1997, to serve as the bank holding company for EagleBank (the "Bank"). The Company was formed by a group of local businessmen and professionals with significant prior experience in community banking in the Company’s market area, together with an experienced community bank senior management team.
The Bank, a Maryland chartered commercial bank, which is a member of the Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve Board," "Federal Reserve" or "FRB"), is the Company’s principal operating subsidiary. It commenced banking operations on July 20, 1998. The Bank currently operates thirteen branch offices: six in Suburban Maryland; four located in the District of Columbia; and three in Northern Virginia. The Bank also has four lending centers and utilizes various digital capabilities, including remote deposit services and mobile banking services. The Bank maintains its physical presence via branches and lending centers consistent with its strategic plan.
The Bank has three active direct subsidiaries: Bethesda Leasing, LLC, Eagle Insurance Services, LLC and Landroval Municipal Finance, Inc. Bethesda Leasing, LLC holds title to and operates real estate owned and acquired through foreclosure. Eagle Insurance Services, LLC, which previously offered access to insurance products and services through a referral program with a third party insurance broker, continues to receive fee income in connection with such program. Landroval Municipal Finance, Inc. focuses on lending to municipalities by buying debt on the public market as well as direct purchase issuance.
The Bank operates as a community bank alternative to the super-regional financial institutions, which dominate its primary market area. The cornerstone of the Bank’s philosophy is to provide superior, personalized service to its clients. The Bank focuses on relationship banking, providing each client with a number of services, familiarizing itself with, and addressing itself to, client needs in a proactive, personalized fashion. Management believes that the Bank’s target market segments, small and medium-sized for profit and non-profit businesses and the consumer base working or living in and near the Bank’s market area, demand the convenience and personal service that an independent locally based financial institution such as the Bank can offer. These themes of convenience and proactive personal service form the basis for the Bank’s business development strategies.
Over its twenty-five year history, the Company has grown primarily through organic growth, but also has completed two whole bank acquisitions. On August 31, 2008, the Company acquired Fidelity & Trust Financial Corporation ("Fidelity") and on October 31, 2014 acquired Virginia Heritage Bank ("Virginia Heritage"). Refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional disclosure regarding intangible assets established related to mergers and acquisitions.
Description of Services. The Bank offers a broad range of commercial banking services to its business and professional clients, as well as consumer banking services to individuals living and/or working primarily in the Bank’s market area. These services include (i) commercial loans for a variety of business purposes such as for working capital, equipment purchases, real estate lines of credit and government contract financing; (ii) asset based lending and accounts receivable financing (on a limited basis); (iii) construction and commercial real estate loans; (iv) business equipment financing; (v) consumer home equity lines of credit, personal lines of credit and term loans; (vi) consumer installment loans such as auto and personal loans; and (vii) personal credit cards offered through an outside vendor.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company ceased originating residential real estate mortgage loans and completed residual origination and sales activities on its residential real estate mortgage lending business. The Company made the decision to cease originating residential real estate mortgage loans given the challenged nature of the business and the uncertainty of maintaining or increasing the volume or percentage of revenue or net income that has previously been produced by the residential mortgage business.
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The Bank emphasizes providing commercial banking services to sole proprietors, small and medium-sized businesses, partnerships, corporations, non-profit organizations and associations and investors living and working in and near the Bank’s primary service area. A full range of retail banking services are offered to accommodate the individual needs of both corporate customers as well as the community the Bank serves. The Bank also offers online banking, mobile banking and a remote deposit service, which allows clients to facilitate and expedite deposit transactions through the use of electronic devices. A suite of Treasury Management services is also offered to business clients. The Bank’s deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") to the fullest extent provided by law.
The Bank’s loan portfolio consists primarily of traditional business and real estate secured loans. Commercial and industrial loans are made, with a substantial portion having variable and adjustable rates, where the cash flow of the borrower's operating business is the principal source of debt service with a secondary emphasis on collateral. Real estate loans are made generally for commercial purposes and are structured using both variable and fixed rates and renegotiable rates which adjust in three to five years, with maturities of generally five to ten years. Commercial real estate loans, which comprise the largest portion of the loan portfolio, are secured by both owner occupied and non-owner occupied real property and include a component of acquisition, development and construction ("ADC") lending.
The Bank’s consumer loan portfolio is a smaller portion of the loan portfolio and has historically been comprised generally of two loan types: (i) home equity loans and lines of credit that are structured with an interest only draw period followed either by a balloon maturity or a fully amortized repayment schedule; and, historically, (ii) first lien residential mortgage loans with the intent to sell conforming first trust loans on a servicing released basis to third party investors. The Company completed the cessation and residual origination and sales activities of first lien residential mortgage origination for secondary sale during the year ended December 31, 2023.
The Bank is also a preferred lender under the Small Business Administration's ("SBA") Preferred Lender Program. As a preferred lender, the Bank can originate certain SBA loans in-house without prior SBA approval. SBA loans are made through programs designed by the federal government to assist the small business community in obtaining financing from financial institutions that are given government guarantees as an incentive to make the loans. Under certain circumstances, the Bank attempts to further mitigate commercial term loan losses by using loan guarantee programs offered by the SBA. SBA lending is subject to federal legislation that can affect the availability and funding of the program. From time to time, this dependence on legislative funding causes limitations and uncertainties with regard to the continued funding of such programs, which could potentially have an adverse financial impact on our business.
The Company originates multifamily Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") loans through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Multifamily Accelerated Program. The Company securitizes these loans through the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae") MBS I program and sells the resulting securities in the open market to authorized dealers in the normal course of business and periodically bundles and sells the servicing rights.
The Bank's lending activities carry the risk that the borrowers will be unable to perform on their obligations. As such, interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve and general economic conditions, nationally and in the Bank’s primary market area, could have a significant impact on the Bank’s and the Company’s results of operations. To the extent that economic conditions deteriorate, business and individual borrowers may be less able to meet their obligations to the Bank in full, in a timely manner, resulting in decreased earnings or losses to the Bank. Economic conditions may also adversely affect the value of property pledged as security for loans.
The Bank’s goal is to mitigate risks in the event of unforeseen threats to the loan portfolio as a result of economic downturn or other negative influences. Plans for mitigating inherent risks in managing loan assets include: designing and enforcing loan policies and procedures to mitigate those risks, evaluating each borrower’s business plan during the underwriting process, identifying and monitoring primary and alternative sources for loan repayment and obtaining collateral to mitigate economic loss in the event of liquidation. Specific loan reserves may be established based upon credit and/or collateral risks on an individual loan basis. A risk rating system is employed to proactively estimate loss exposure and provide a measuring system for setting general and specific reserve allocations.
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The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio is heavily weighted toward commercial real estate, both owner occupied and income producing. At December 31, 2023, owner occupied commercial real estate and construction – commercial and industrial ("C&I") (owner occupied) represented approximately 17% of the loan portfolio while non-owner occupied commercial real estate and real estate construction represented approximately 63% of the loan portfolio. The combined owner and non-owner occupied and commercial real estate loans represented approximately 81% of the loan portfolio. Real estate also serves as collateral for loans made for other purposes, resulting in 82% of all loans being secured or partially secured by real estate. These loans are underwritten to mitigate lending risks typical of this type of loan such as declines in real estate values, changes in borrower cash flow and general economic conditions. The Bank typically requires a maximum loan-to-value ("LTV") ratios of 80% and minimum debt service coverage ratios ("DSCRs") of 1.0 to 1.15. Personal guarantees may be required but may be limited. In making real estate commercial mortgage loans, the Bank generally requires that interest rates adjust not less frequently than five years.
The Company is also an active traditional commercial lender providing loans for a variety of purposes, including working capital, equipment and accounts receivable financing. The Company's underwriting standards address collateral and debt service cash flow. Personal guarantees are generally required, but may be limited. In originating SBA loans, the Company assumes the risk of non-payment on the unguaranteed portion of the credit. The Company generally sells the guaranteed portion of the loan generating noninterest income from the gains on sale, as well as servicing income on the portion participated. SBA loans other than Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans are subject to the same cash flow analyses as other commercial loans. SBA loans are subject to a maximum loan size established by the SBA as well as internal loan size guidelines. Refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding loan origination and risk management.
Our lending activities are subject to a variety of borrower lending limits imposed by state and federal law. These limits will increase or decrease in response to increases or decreases in the Bank’s level of capital. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had a legal lending limit of $212.0 million. At December 31, 2023, the average loan size outstanding for Commercial Real Estate ("CRE") and C&I loans was $7.9 million and $976 thousand, respectively. In accordance with internal lending policies, the Bank may sell participations in its loans to other banks, which allows the Bank to manage risk involved in these loans and to meet the lending needs of its clients. The risk of nonpayment (or deferred payment) of loans is inherent in all lending. The Bank’s marketing focus on small to medium-sized businesses may result in the assumption by the Bank of certain lending risks that are different from those associated with loans to larger companies. Management and/or committees of the Bank carefully evaluate loan applications and attempt to minimize credit risk exposure by use of loan application data, due diligence and approval and monitoring procedures; however, there can be no assurance that such procedures can significantly reduce such lending risks.
Loans are secured primarily by duly recorded first deeds of trust or mortgages. In some cases, the Bank may accept a recorded junior trust position. In general, borrowers will have a proven ability to build, lease, manage and/or sell a commercial or residential project and demonstrate satisfactory financial condition. Additionally, an equity contribution toward the project is generally required whether associated with acquisition or construction of a property.
The general terms and underwriting standards for each type of commercial real estate and construction loan are incorporated into the Bank’s lending policies. These policies are analyzed periodically by management, and the policies are reviewed and re-approved periodically by either the Board of Directors (the "Board") or a designated committee thereof. The Bank’s loan policies and practices described in this report are subject to periodic change, and each guideline or standard is subject to waiver or exception in the case of any particular loan, by the appropriate officer or committee, in accordance with the Bank’s loan policies. Loan policy standards are often stated in mandatory terms, such as "shall" or "must," but these provisions are subject to exceptions. Policy requires that loan value not exceed a percentage of "market value" or "fair value" based upon appraisals or evaluations obtained in the ordinary course of the Bank’s underwriting practices.
Construction loans require that the financial condition and experience of the general contractor and major subcontractors be satisfactory to the Bank. Guaranteed, fixed price contracts are required whenever appropriate, along with payment and performance bonds or completion bonds for larger scale projects.
Loans intended for residential land acquisition, lot development and construction are made on the premise that the land: (1) is or will be developed for building sites for residential structures; and (2) will ultimately be utilized for construction or improvement of residential zoned real properties, including the creation of housing. Residential development and construction loans will finance projects such as single family subdivisions, planned unit developments, townhouses and condominiums. Residential land ADC loans generally are underwritten with a maximum term of 36 months, including extensions approved at origination.
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Commercial land acquisition and construction loans are secured by real property where loan funds will be used to acquire land and to construct or improve appropriately zoned real property for the creation of income producing or owner-user commercial properties. Borrowers are generally required to put equity into each project at levels determined by the appropriate loan committee. Commercial land acquisition and construction loans generally are underwritten with a maximum term of 24 months.
LTV ratios, with few exceptions, are maintained consistent with or below supervisory guidelines.
Substantially all construction draw requests must be presented in writing on American Institute of Architects documents and certified either by the contractor, the borrower and/or the borrower’s architect. The Company's policies also provide that each draw request shall also include the borrower’s soft cost breakdown certified by the borrower or their Chief Financial Officer. Prior to an advance, to justify the draw requisition, the Bank or its contractor inspects the project to determine that the work has been completed.
Commercial permanent loans are generally secured by improved real property, which is generating income in the normal course of operation. Debt service coverage, assuming stabilized occupancy, must be satisfactory to support a permanent loan. The DSCR is ordinarily at least 1.0 to 1.15. As part of the underwriting process, DSCRs are stress tested assuming a 200 basis point increase in interest rates from their current levels.
Commercial permanent loans generally are underwritten with a term not greater than 10 years or the remaining useful life of the property, whichever is lower. The preferred term is between 5 to 7 years, with amortization to a maximum of 25 years.
Personal guarantees are generally received from the principals on commercial real estate loans, and only in instances where the LTV is sufficiently low and the debt service coverage is sufficiently high is consideration given to either limiting or not requiring personal recourse.
Updated appraisals for real estate secured loans are obtained based on factors relating to borrower financial condition, project status, loan terms and market conditions.
The Company’s loan portfolio includes ADC real estate loans including both investment and owner occupied projects. ADC loans amounted to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2023. A portion of the ADC portfolio, both speculative and non-speculative, includes loan funded interest reserves at origination. ADC loans that provide for the use of interest reserves represented approximately 57.6% of the outstanding ADC loan portfolio at December 31, 2023. The decision to establish a loan-funded interest reserve is made upon origination of the ADC loan and is based upon a number of factors considered during underwriting of the credit including: (1) the feasibility of the project; (2) the experience of the sponsor; (3) the creditworthiness of the borrower and guarantors; (4) borrower equity contribution; and (5) the level of collateral protection. When appropriate, an interest reserve provides an effective means of addressing the cash flow characteristics of a properly underwritten ADC loan. although as with all lending activities the Company remains exposed to credit risk. The Company does not significantly utilize interest reserves in other loan products. The Company recognizes that one of the risks inherent in the use of interest reserves is the potential masking of underlying problems with the project and/or the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. In order to mitigate this inherent risk, the Company employs a series of reporting and monitoring mechanisms on all ADC loans, whether or not an interest reserve is provided, including: (1) construction and development timelines which are monitored on an ongoing basis which track the progress of a given project to the timeline projected at origination; (2) a construction loan administration department independent of the lending function; (3) third party independent construction loan inspection reports; (4) monthly interest reserve monitoring reports detailing the balance of the interest reserves approved at origination and the days of interest carry represented by the reserve balances as compared to the then current anticipated time to completion and/or sale of speculative projects; and (5) quarterly commercial real estate construction meetings among senior Company management, which includes monitoring of current and projected real estate market conditions. If a project has not performed as expected, it is not the customary practice of the Company to increase loan funded interest reserves.
As part of its overall risk assessments, management reviews the Bank’s loan portfolio and general economic and market conditions on a regular basis and will continue to adjust both quantitative and qualitative reserve factors as necessary.
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Deposit services include business and personal checking accounts, Negotiable Order of Withdrawal ("NOW") accounts, tiered savings and money market accounts and time deposits with varying maturity structures and customer options. A complete individual retirement account program is available. The Bank also participates in the IntraFi Network, LLC ("IntraFi") Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS") and its Insured Cash Sweep ("ICS") program, both of which function to provide greater FDIC insurance coverage for participating Bank customers. The Bank also utilizes brokered deposit funds in its overall asset/liability management program.
The Bank historically has offered a full range of online banking services for both personal and business accounts and has a Mobile Banking application. In early 2024, the Bank launched a new online and mobile banking platform as the Bank seeks to further modernize its deposit offerings to its customers. Other deposit services include cash management services, business sweep accounts, lockbox, remote deposit capture, account reconciliation services, merchant card services, safe deposit boxes and Automated Clearing House origination. After-hours depositories and automated teller machine ("ATM") service are also available.
The Company and Bank maintain portfolios of short term investments and investment securities consisting primarily of U.S. agency bonds and government sponsored enterprise mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and corporate bonds. The Bank also owns equity investments related to membership in the Federal Reserve and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB"). The Company’s securities also include equity investments in the form of common stock of two local banking companies. These equity investments are categorized as Other Assets and not accounted for in the Fixed Income Securities tables. The investment securities portfolio provides the following objectives: capital preservation, liquidity management, additional income to the Company and Bank in the form of interest, collateral to facilitate borrowing arrangements and assistance with meeting interest rate risk management objectives. The current Investment Policy primarily limits the Bank to investments of high quality U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. agency securities, government sponsored enterprise MBS and high grade municipal and corporate securities, with certain exceptions for the purchase of BBB- or non-rated subordinated debentures of U.S. regulated banks following an analysis of credit worthiness. High risk investments, including private label collateralized mortgage obligations rated AA and below or municipal or corporate bonds rated BBB and below, and non-traditional investments are prohibited. Investment maturities are generally limited to ten to fifteen years, except as specifically approved by the Asset Liability Committee ("ALCO") and mortgage-backed pass-through securities, which may have final stated maturities of 30 years, with average lives generally not to exceed eight years.
The Company and Bank have formalized an asset and liability management process and have a standing ALCO consisting of senior management overseen by the Board. The ALCO operates under established policies and practices and a Committee Charter, which practices are updated and re-approved annually. A typical ALCO meeting includes discussion of current economic conditions and balance sheet and other strategies, including interest rate trends and, the current balance sheet and earnings position, comparisons to budget, cash flow estimates, liquidity positions, liquidity stress tests (monthly), and funding alternatives as necessary, interest rate risk position (monthly), including derivative positions, capital positions of the Company and Bank, reviews (including independent reviews) of the investment portfolio of the Bank and Company and the approval of investment transactions. Additionally, ALCO meetings may include reports and analysis of outside firms to enhance the Committee’s knowledge and understanding of various financial matters. Various other bank employees attend monthly committee meetings to build their understanding of all financial matters. A weekly conference call is scheduled to bring added attention primarily to shorter term cash flow estimates and interest rate matters.
The development of the Company’s customer base has benefited from building full relationships that include deposit balances, loan balances and noninterest revenue sources. The Bank has placed enhanced reliance on proactively designed officer calling programs and lender teams, active participation in business organizations, and enhanced referral programs.
Internet Access to Company Documents. The Company provides access to its Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings through its web site at www.eaglebankcorp.com. After accessing the web site, the filings are available upon selecting “Investor Relations/SEC Filings/Documents.” Reports available include the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. Further, the SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.
MARKET AREA
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Listed below are statistics on the primary geographic areas in which the Company operates as published by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Federal Reserve Economic Data. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes the Economic Census every five years and uses the Economic Census data to benchmark annual, quarterly, and monthly estimates. The 2022 Economic Census ("Economic Census") for all geographic areas was published in January 2024.
The primary market area of the Bank is the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. With a population of 6.4 million and projected annualized growth rate of 0.01% through 2029, the region is the 6th largest metropolitan area in the U.S. (U.S. Census Bureau 2022). Total employment in the region is approximately 3.4 million per the 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics ("BLS") report. The unemployment rate has decreased since 2022. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the region had a 2.5% and 3.10% unemployment rate, respectively. The Washington D.C. metropolitan area contains a substantial federal workforce, as well as a variety of support industries that employ professionals such as attorneys, lobbyists, government contractors, real estate developers and investors, non-profit organizations and consultants. The Gross Regional Product ("GRP") for the metropolitan area in 2022 was reported at $660.6 billion, per the Federal Reserve Economic Data. This figure can be heavily attributed to the federal government, but other significant sectors include professional and business services, education, healthcare, leisure and hospitality. The region also has a very active non-profit sector including trade associations, colleges, universities and major hospitals. Transportation congestion and federal government spending levels remain threats to future economic development and quality of life in the area.
Montgomery County, Maryland, with an estimated total population of 1,059,329 as of 2024 and occupying an area of about 500 square miles, borders Washington, D.C. to the north and is roughly 30 miles southwest of Baltimore. Montgomery County represents a diverse and healthy segment of Maryland’s economy. Montgomery County is a thriving business center and is Maryland’s most populous jurisdiction. Population in the county is expected to grow at an annualized rate of 0.31% through 2029. The State of Maryland boasts an attractive demographic profile, and the economy in and around Montgomery County is among the best in Maryland. The number of jobs in Montgomery County has been relatively stable in the recent past. The unemployment rate in Montgomery County was 1.5% in November of 2023, based on BLS data. A highly educated population has contributed to a favorable estimated median household income of $120,728 in 2024, placing it 25th in the nation based on median household income of counties with populations over 100,000. The estimated number of households totaled 385,170 in 2024. The U.S. Economic Census anticipates 60.0% of the County’s residents in 2024 hold college or advanced degrees, placing the population of Montgomery County among the most educated in the nation. Major areas of employment include a substantial technology sector, biotechnology, software development, a housing construction and renovation sector and legal, financial services, health care and professional services sectors. Major private employers include Adventist Healthcare, Lockheed Martin, Giant Food and Marriott International. The county is also an incubator for firms engaged in biotechnology and the area has traditionally attracted significant amounts of venture capital. Montgomery County is home to many major federal and private sector research and development and regulatory agencies, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the National Institutes of Health, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Naval Research and Development Center, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Food and Drug Administration and the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.
Prince George’s County, Maryland, covers just under 500 square miles, with an estimated total population of 951,786 as of 2024 and is located just east of Washington, D.C. In 2024, the county has approximately 337,030 households with an estimated median income of $96,672. The unemployment rate in the county was 1.9% in November of 2023 according to BLS. Prince George’s County continues to promote a business friendly environment and is home to major employers such as the University of Maryland, Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington, U.S. Internal Revenue Service and United Parcel Service.
The District of Columbia, in addition to being the seat of the federal government, is a vibrant city with a well-educated, diverse population. According to survey data from the latest U.S. Economic Census, the 2024 estimated population of the District of Columbia is 679,947, down from 717,189 in 2020. The estimated median household income in 2024 is $98,916, above the national median of $75,874. The growth of residents in the city is due partially to improvements in the city’s services and to the many housing options available, ranging from grand old apartment buildings to Federal era town homes to the most modern condominiums. The number of households is expected to grow to an estimated 310,328 units in 2024. The federal government and its employees are a major factor in the economy and support a dynamic business community. These include law and accounting firms, trade and professional associations, information technology companies, international financial institutions, health and education organizations and research and management companies. Unemployment was 4.8% at November 2023 according to BLS. The District of Columbia has a well-educated and highly paid work force. Large employers include the federal government, many local universities and hospitals. Another significant factor in the economy is the Leisure and Hospitality industry, as Washington, D.C. remains a popular tourist destination for both national and international travelers.
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Fairfax County and Fairfax City, Virginia, are just across the Potomac River and west from Washington, D.C. and are a large, affluent jurisdiction with an estimated population of 1,166,795 as of 2024. Fairfax County covers about 395 square miles. Fairfax County and Fairfax City are one of the leading technology centers in the US, and are a thriving residential as well as business center with approximately 415,918 households. The county and city are among the most affluent in the country with an estimated median annual household income of $282,714 in 2024, placing them 4th in the nation for counties with a population over 100,000. Unemployment was 2.5% in November of 2023 according to BLS. The population is highly educated, with an expected 63.9% of residents over 25 years of age holding at least a bachelor’s degree as of 2024. Major companies headquartered in the county, which are also major employers, include Capital One Financial, DXC Technology, Gannett, General Dynamics, Hilton Hotels, Leidos, Sallie Mae and Inova Health Systems. The county is also home to several federal entities including the Central Intelligence Agency, Fort Belvoir and a major facility of the Smithsonian Institution.
Arlington County, Virginia, has an estimated population of 239,054 as of 2024. The county is made up of 26 square miles and is situated just west of Washington, D.C., directly across the Potomac River. There are approximately 109,463 households with an estimated median household income of $134,727 for 2024, placing it 7th in the nation for counties with a population over 100,000. Significant private sector employers include Amazon, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, Virginia Hospital Center and Marriott International, Inc. The unemployment rate was just 2.2% in November of 2023. This is one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state of Virginia and compares very favorably to the U.S. rate of 3.5%. The population is highly educated, with an expected 76.3% of residents over 25 years of age holding at least a bachelor’s degree in 2024.
Alexandria, Virginia is a city with an estimated population of 157,427 as of 2024. The city is made up of just over 15 square miles and sits on the west bank of the Potomac River just south of Arlington, Virginia. There are approximately 74,047 households with an estimated median household income of $109,357 as of 2024. The unemployment rate was 2.4% at November of 2023 according to BLS. The population is highly educated, with an expected 65.2% of residents over 25 years of age holding at least a bachelor’s degree as of 2024.
Loudoun County, Virginia covers about 520 square miles of land 25 miles northwest of Washington, D.C. and boasts an estimated population of 442,613 as of 2024. The estimated median household income in 2024, according to Economic Census data, is $165,244, which is more than twice the national median household income of $75,874 and highest of any county in the nation (regardless of population). There are approximately 143,652 households in Loudoun County. The unemployment rate was 2.6% at November of 2023 according to BLS. The population is highly educated, with an expected 64.3% of residents over 25 years of age holding at least a bachelor’s degree as of 2024. The major private employers in the county include United Airlines, Inc., Raytheon Company, Loudoun Hospital Center and Swissport U.S.A., Inc. The county is also home to public sector employees such as the Loudoun County Schools, County of Loudoun, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Postal Service.
Effective July 1, 2015, the Bank entered into a multi-faceted support agreement with George Mason University ("George Mason"), the Commonwealth of Virginia’s largest public research university. The agreement provides for significant educational support, and a strategic alliance including the Bank obtaining the naming rights to a multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue formerly known as the Patriot Center, now known as "EagleBank Arena" in Fairfax, Virginia for up to a 20-year term. Under the agreement, the Bank pays George Mason an annual fee to be used for scholarships, internships, overall educational and athletic support and beautification efforts.
COMPETITION
The Bank faces significant competition in originating and retaining loans and attracting deposits as the Washington, D.C. market area has a high concentration of large and regional banks based outside the area, one large locally based bank that operates nationwide, numerous community banks and several large credit unions. Although some consolidation has occurred in the market in the past few years, the Bank continues to compete with other community banks, savings and loan associations, credit unions and finance companies, as well as other kinds of financial institutions and enterprises, such as securities firms, insurance companies, savings associations, private lenders and nontraditional competitors such as fintech companies and internet-based lenders, depositories and payment systems.
The Bank’s most direct competition for deposits comes from large and regional banks based outside the Washington D.C. market area, all of which have substantially greater financial resources than the Bank. Among the advantages that many of these large institutions have over the Bank are their ability to finance extensive advertising campaigns, maintain extensive branch networks, make larger technology investments and to directly offer certain services, such as international banking and trust services, which are not offered directly by the Bank. In addition, following the banking sector stress of March 2023, some large banks had advantages in sourcing deposits due to the perceived stability of larger banks.
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The Bank faces direct competition for loans from each of these institutions described above as well as from on-line lenders and other loan origination firms. Further, the greater capitalization of the larger institutions headquartered out-of-state allows for higher lending limits than the Bank, although we believe the Bank’s current lending limit is sufficient for our business and able to accommodate the credit needs of most businesses in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area, which distinguishes it from most community banks in the market area. Some of these competitors have other advantages, such as tax exemption in the case of credit unions and, to some extent, lesser regulation in the case of finance companies and many nontraditional competitors.
As a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), enacted in July 2010, regulation of all financial firms was heightened, although new legislation in 2018 did amend some of the prior law, prompting some de novo activity but mostly driving further consolidation. Under current law, unlimited interstate de novo branching is available to all state and federally chartered banks. As a result, institutions, which previously were ineligible to establish de novo branches in the Bank’s market area, may elect to do so.
HUMAN CAPITAL RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT
Human Capital:
At EagleBank, our culture is defined by our Relationships F.I.R.S.T. corporate values: Flexible, Involved, Responsive, Strong, and Trusted. We value our employees by investing in a healthy work-life balance, competitive compensation and benefit packages and a vibrant, team-oriented environment centered on professional service and open communication amongst employees. We strive to build and maintain a high-performing culture and be an “employer of choice” by creating a work environment that attracts and retains outstanding, engaged employees who embody our company mantra of “Relationships FIRST.”
The Board oversees the strategic management of our human capital resources. The Human Resources Department’s day-to-day responsibility is managing our human capital resources.
Talent Acquisition and Retention:
As of December 31, 2023, we employed 452 full and part time employees across our 17 locations, which includes our branch offices, corporate offices and lending and other operating facilities. During 2023, we hired 89 employees and also implemented a reduction-in-force early in the third quarter of 2023 as part of its expense-saving initiatives. Our voluntary turnover rate was 12%, 17% and 16%, respectively in 2023, 2022 and 2021. None of our employees are represented by a union or subject to a collective bargaining agreement.
Diversity and Inclusion:
We strive toward a powerful and diverse team of employees, knowing we are better together with our combined wisdom and intellect. With a commitment to equality, inclusion and workplace diversity, we focus on understanding, accepting and valuing the differences among people. To accomplish this, we have established a Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council made up of 18 employee representatives.
Women represented 57% of EagleBank’s employees and racial and ethnic minorities represented 65% of EagleBank’s employees as of December 31, 2023. In 2023, 81% of our hires were from diverse groups, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, veterans and people with disabilities.
Compensation and Benefits:
We provide a competitive compensation and benefits program to help meet the needs of our employees. In addition to salaries, these programs include annual bonuses, stock awards, a 401(k) Plan with an employer matching contribution, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts, vacation and sick leave, family leave and an employee assistance program.
We provide pay levels and pay opportunities that are designed to be internally fair, externally competitive and cost-effective. To determine competitive market compensation levels, we use market surveys that report salary data of companies with similar positions, asset size and geographical location. To further align base pay with experience and individual performance, we annually review our salary structure and ranges to keep pace with changes in the marketplace. With the support of independent third-party experts in this field, we review the compensation of employees and conduct a pay equity analysis as part of our efforts to ensure consistent pay practices.
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Employee Engagement:
We regularly collect feedback to better understand and improve the employee experience and identify opportunities to continually strengthen our culture. In our last employee survey, conducted in 2023, nearly 72% of employees participated. We host periodic all-employee conference calls to disseminate information and to respond to employee questions.
Learning and Development:
We invest in the growth and development of our employees by providing a multi-dimensional approach to learning that is designed to empower, intellectually grow and professionally develop our colleagues. Our employees receive continuing education courses that are relevant to the banking industry and their job function. We also offer leadership and customer service training. These resources help to provide employees with the skills they need to achieve their career goals, build management skills and become leaders within our Company. Employees have access to more than 5,000 on-demand learning solutions to help them learn new skills and advance in their career as well as certificate programs built around specific job roles. We also provide tuition reimbursement to help employees develop their skills and enhance their performance.
REGULATION
Our business and operations are subject to extensive federal and state governmental regulation and supervision. The following is a brief summary of certain statutes and rules and regulations that affect or may affect us. This summary is not intended to be an exhaustive description of the statutes or regulations applicable to our business. Supervision, regulation, and examination of the Company by the regulatory agencies are intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the Deposit Insurance Fund ("DIF"), rather than our shareholders or other investors.
The Company. The Company is a bank holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended ("BHC Act") and is subject to regulation and supervision by the FRB. The BHC Act and other federal laws subject bank holding companies to restrictions on the types of activities in which they may engage, and to a range of supervisory requirements and actions, including regulatory enforcement actions for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe and unsound banking practices. As a bank holding company, the Company is required to file with the FRB an annual report and such other additional information as the FRB may require pursuant to the BHC Act. The FRB may also examine the Company and each of its subsidiaries. The Company is subject to risk-based capital requirements adopted by the FRB, which are substantially identical to those applicable to the Bank, and which are described below.
The BHC Act requires approval of the FRB for, among other things, a bank holding company’s direct or indirect acquisition of control of more than five percent (5%) of the voting shares, or substantially all the assets, of any bank or the merger or consolidation by a bank holding company with another bank holding company. The BHC Act also generally permits the acquisition by a bank holding company of control, or substantially all of the assets, of any bank located in a state other than the home state of the bank holding company, except where the bank has not been in existence for the minimum period of time required by state law; but if the bank is at least 5 years old, the FRB may approve the acquisition.
With certain limited exceptions, a bank holding company is prohibited from acquiring control of any voting shares of any company which is not a bank or bank holding company and from engaging directly or indirectly in any activity other than banking or managing or controlling banks or furnishing services to or performing service for its authorized subsidiaries. A bank holding company may, however, engage in, or acquire an interest in a company that engages in, activities which the FRB has determined by order or regulation to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be properly incident thereto. In making such a determination, the FRB is required to consider whether the performance of such activities can reasonably be expected to produce benefits to the public, such as convenience, increased competition or gains in efficiency, which outweigh possible adverse effects, such as undue concentration of resources, decreased or unfair competition, conflicts of interest or unsound banking practices. Some of the activities that the FRB has determined by regulation to be closely related to banking include making or servicing loans, performing certain data processing services, acting as a fiduciary or investment or financial advisor and making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare. The FRB may order a bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any of these activities or to terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary when it has reasonable cause to believe that the bank holding company’s continued ownership, activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of it or any of its bank subsidiaries.
The Gramm Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 ("GLB Act") allows a bank holding company satisfying criteria related to its and its bank subsidiaries' status as well capitalized and well managed and the bank's under the Community Reinvestment Act to certify its status as a financial holding company, which would allow such company to engage in activities that are financial in nature, that are incidental to such activities or are complementary to such activities. The GLB Act enumerates certain activities
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that are deemed financial in nature, such as underwriting insurance or acting as an insurance principal, agent or broker, underwriting, dealing in or making markets in securities and engaging in merchant banking under certain restrictions. It also authorizes the FRB to determine by regulation what other activities are financial in nature or incidental or complementary thereto. The Company has not elected financial holding company status.
Federal Reserve policy and regulation and the Federal Deposit Insurance Act ("FDIA") require a bank holding company to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its bank subsidiaries. As a result of a bank holding company's source of strength obligation, a bank holding company may be required to provide funds to a bank subsidiary in the form of subordinated capital or other instruments which qualify as capital under bank regulatory rules, including at times that the bank holding company might otherwise determine not to provide support. Any loans from the holding company to such subsidiary banks likely would be unsecured and subordinated to such bank’s depositors and perhaps to other creditors of the Bank. If a bank holding company commits to a U.S. federal banking agency that it will maintain the capital of its bank subsidiary, whether in response to the source-of-strength authority or other regulatory measures, that commitment will be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee for the bank holding company if it commences bankruptcy proceedings, and the bank will be entitled to priority payment in respect of that commitment, ahead of other creditors of the bank holding company. In addition, where a bank holding company has more than one FDIC-insured bank or thrift subsidiary, each of the bank holding company's subsidiary FDIC-insured depository institutions is responsible for losses to the FDIC as a result of an affiliated depository institution's failure.
Share Repurchases. A bank holding company is generally required to give the FRB prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its own then outstanding common stock 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 FRB 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, FRB order or directive or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the FRB. The FRB has adopted an exception to this approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain conditions. In addition, in certain circumstances a bank holding company’s repurchases of its common stock are subject to prior notice or supervisory non-objection under policies or supervisory expectations of the FRB. Redemptions of equity in the form of preferred stock are generally subject to a prior approval requirement, and the capital conservation buffer requirement can also restrict the Company’s ability to engage in repurchases of its regulatory capital instruments as described below under “Capital Adequacy.”
As a Maryland corporation, the Company is subject to additional requirements, limitations and restrictions. For example, state law restrictions include limitations and restrictions relating to indemnification of directors, distributions to shareholders, transactions involving directors, officers or interested shareholders, maintenance of books, records, minutes, borrowing and the observance of corporate formalities.
The Bank. The Bank is a Maryland chartered commercial bank and a member of the Federal Reserve and a state member bank, whose accounts are insured by the Deposit Insurance Fund ("DIF") of the FDIC up to the maximum legal limits of the FDIC. The Bank is subject to regulation, supervision and regular examination by the State of Maryland Office of Financial Regulation and the FRB. The regulations of these various agencies govern most aspects of the Bank’s business, including required reserves against deposits, loans, investments, mergers and acquisitions, borrowing, dividends and location and number of branch offices. The laws and regulations governing the Bank generally have been promulgated to protect depositors and the DIF and not for the purpose of protecting shareholders or other investors.
Commercial banks, savings and loan associations and credit unions are generally able to engage in interstate banking or acquisition activities. As a result, banks in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area can, subject to limited restrictions, acquire or merge with a bank in another jurisdiction and can branch de novo in any jurisdiction.
Subsidiary banks of a bank holding company are subject to certain restrictions imposed by the Federal Reserve Act on any extensions of credit to the bank holding company or any of its subsidiaries or investments in the stock or other securities thereof, and on the taking of such stock or securities as collateral for loans to any borrower. Further, a bank holding company and any subsidiary bank are prohibited from engaging in certain tie in arrangements in connection with the extension of credit. A subsidiary bank may not extend credit, lease or sell property or furnish any services or fix or vary the consideration for any of the foregoing on the condition that: (i) the customer obtain or provide some additional credit, property or services from or to such bank other than a loan, discount, deposit or trust service; (ii) the customer obtain or provide some additional credit, property or service from or to the Company or any other subsidiary of the Company; or (iii) the customer not obtain some other credit, property or service from competitors, except for reasonable requirements to assure the soundness of credit extended.
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Branching and Interstate Banking. The federal banking agencies are authorized to approve interstate bank merger transactions without regard to whether such transaction is prohibited by the law of any state, unless the home state of one of the banks has opted out of the interstate bank merger provisions of the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 ("Riegle-Neal Act") by adopting a law after the date of enactment of the Riegle-Neal Act and prior to June 1, 1997, which applies equally to all out-of-state banks and expressly prohibits merger transactions involving out-of-state banks. Interstate acquisitions of branches are permitted only if the law of the state in which the branch is located permits such acquisitions. Such interstate bank mergers and branch acquisitions are also subject to the nationwide and statewide insured deposit concentration limitations described in the Riegle-Neal Act. Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia have each enacted laws that permit interstate acquisitions of banks and bank branches. The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes national and state banks to establish de novo branches in other states to the same extent as a bank chartered by that state would be permitted to branch.
The GLB Act made substantial changes in the historic restrictions on non-bank activities of bank holding companies and allows affiliations between types of companies that were previously prohibited. The GLB Act also allows banks to engage in a wider array of nonbanking activities through “financial subsidiaries”.
Brokered Deposits. A "brokered deposit" is any deposit that is obtained from or through the mediation or assistance of a deposit broker. Deposit brokers may attract deposits from individuals and companies throughout the United States and internationally whose deposit decisions are based primarily on obtaining the highest interest rates. Certain reciprocal deposits of up to the lesser of $5 billion or 20% of an institution’s deposits are excluded from the definition of brokered deposits, where the institution is "well-capitalized" and has a composite rating of 1 or 2. As of December 31, 2023, brokered deposits represented approximately 29% of our total deposits. In addition, banks that become less than "well-capitalized" under applicable regulatory capital requirements may be restricted in their ability to accept or renew, or prohibited from accepting or renewing, brokered deposits, and less than "well capitalized" banks also are subject to the interest rate restrictions on deposits.
Bank Secrecy Act. Under the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act, commonly referred to as the "USA Patriot Act," financial institutions are subject to prohibitions against specified financial transactions and account relationships, as well as enhanced due diligence standards intended to detect and prevent the use of the United States financial system for money laundering and terrorist financing activities. The Bank Secrecy Act requires financial institutions, including banks, to establish anti-money laundering programs, including employee training and independent audit requirements, meet minimum standards specified by the act, follow minimum standards for customer identification and maintenance of customer identification records and regularly compare customer lists against lists of suspected terrorists, terrorist organizations and money launderers. The costs or other effects of the compliance burdens imposed by the Bank Secrecy Act or future anti-terrorist, homeland security or anti-money laundering legislation or regulation cannot be predicted with certainty.
Office of Foreign Assets Control. The United States has imposed economic sanctions that affect transactions with designated foreign countries, foreign nationals and others, which are administered by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"). The OFAC-administered sanctions targeting countries take many different forms. Generally, however, they contain one or more of the following elements: (i) restrictions on trade with or investment in a sanctioned country, including prohibitions against direct or indirect imports from and exports to a sanctioned country and prohibitions on a “U.S. person” engaging in financial transactions relating to making investments in, or providing investment-related advice or assistance to, a sanctioned country; and (ii) a blocking of assets in which the government or specially designated nationals of a sanctioned country have an interest by prohibiting transfers of property subject to U.S. jurisdiction (including property in the possession or control of U.S. persons). Blocked assets (e.g. property and bank deposits) cannot be paid out, withdrawn, set off or transferred in any manner without a license from OFAC. Failure to comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences.
Capital Adequacy. The FRB and the other federal banking agencies have adopted risk-based and leverage capital adequacy requirements, pursuant to which they assess the adequacy of capital in examining and supervising banks and bank holding companies and in analyzing bank regulatory applications. Risk-based capital requirements assign different capital requirements to various classes of assets and off-balance sheet items based on standardized supervisory measures of risk. The Dodd-Frank Act additionally requires capital requirements to be countercyclical so that the required amount of capital increases in times of economic expansion and decreases in times of economic contraction, consistent with safety and soundness.
The federal banking agencies have adopted rules, referred to as the Basel III Rules, to implement the framework for strengthening international capital and liquidity regulation adopted by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, or Basel III. The Basel III framework, among other things, (i) introduced the concept of common equity tier one capital ("CET1"); (ii) required that most adjustments to regulatory capital measures be made to CET1 and not to the other components of capital; (iii)
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expanded the scope of the adjustments to capital that may be made as compared to prior regulations; and (iv) specified that Tier 1 capital consists of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting specified requirements. Under the Basel III Rules, repurchase or redemption of Additional Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital instruments requires prior approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, which in our case is the FRB for both the Company and the Bank. Prior approval to repurchase or redeem CET1 instruments is only required under the Basel III Rules to the extent that a separate legal or regulatory requirement for prior approval applies, such as the restrictions described under “Share Repurchases” above.
The Basel III Rules require institutions to maintain: (i) a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% plus a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% for an overall effective requirement of 7.0%; (ii) a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0% plus the capital conservation buffer for an overall effective requirement of 8.5%; (iii) a minimum ratio of Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital to risk-weighted assets of 8.0% plus the capital conservation buffer for an overall effective requirement of 10.5%; and (iv) a minimum leverage ratio of 4%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to balance sheet exposures plus certain off-balance sheet exposures (computed as the average of the month-end ratios each month during a calendar quarter).
Banking institutions with a risk-based ratio above the minimum but below the capital conservation buffer face constraints on their ability to pay dividends, effect equity repurchases and pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers, which constraints vary based on the amount of the shortfall, and the institution's "eligible retained income" (that is, the greater of (i) net income for the preceding four quarters, net of distributions and associated tax effects not reflected in net income, and (ii) average net income over the preceding four quarters).
The Basel III Rules provide for the manner of calculating risk-weighted assets, including the recognition of credit risk mitigation, such as financial collateral and a range of eligible guarantors. As discussed below, the Basel III Rules also integrate the capital requirements into the prompt corrective action provisions under Section 38 of the FDIA.
The capital ratios described above are the minimum levels that the federal banking agencies expect. Our state and federal regulators have the discretion to require us to maintain higher capital levels based upon our concentrations of loans, the risk of our lending or other activities, the performance of our loan and investment portfolios and other factors. Failure to maintain such higher capital in accordance with supervisory expectations could result in a lower composite regulatory rating, which would impact our deposit insurance premiums and could affect our ability to borrow and costs of borrowing and could result in additional or more severe enforcement actions. In respect of institutions with high concentrations of loans in areas deemed to be higher risk, or during periods of significant economic stress, regulators may require an institution to maintain a higher level of capital and/or to maintain more stringent risk management measures than those required by these regulations.
In December 2017, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision published the last version of the Basel III accord, generally referred to as "Basel III Endgame." On July 27, 2023, the federal banking regulators proposed revisions to the Basel III Rules to implement the Basel Committee’s 2017 standards and make other changes to the Basel III Rules. The proposal introduces revised credit risk, equity risk, operational risk, credit valuation adjustment risk and market risk requirements, among other changes. However, the revised capital requirements of the proposed rule would not apply to the Company or the Bank because they have less than $100 billion in total consolidated assets and trading assets and liabilities below the threshold for market risk requirements.
In 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued the current expected credit losses model ("CECL"), which became applicable to us on January 1, 2020. CECL required financial institutions to estimate and establish a provision for expected credit losses over the lifetime of the asset, at the origination or the date of acquisition of the asset, as opposed to reserving for incurred or probable losses through the balance sheet date. Upon implementation, an institution recognized a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to the allowance for credit losses ("ACL"). The federal banking regulators have adopted a rule providing for an optional three-year phase-in period for the day-one adverse regulatory capital effects upon adopting CECL. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal banking regulators issued a final rule in March 2020 that provided banking organizations with an alternative option to temporarily delay for two years the estimated impact of the adoption of the CECL methodology on regulatory capital, followed by the three-year phase-in period. The cumulative amount that is not recognized in regulatory capital will be phased in at 25% per year beginning January 1, 2022. We have elected to adopt the option provided in the March 2020 interim final rule.
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Prompt Corrective Action. Under Section 38 of the FDIA, each federal banking agency is required to implement a system of prompt corrective action for institutions that it regulates. The federal banking agencies have promulgated substantially similar regulations for this purpose. The following capital requirements currently apply to the Bank for purposes of Section 38.
Capital Category | Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio | Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio | Common Equity Tier 1 Capital Ratio | Leverage Ratio | Tangible Equity to Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Well Capitalized | 10% or greater | 8% or greater | 6.5% or greater | 5% or greater | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adequately Capitalized | 8% or greater | 6% or greater | 4.5% or greater | 4% or greater | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Undercapitalized | Less than 8% | Less than 6% | Less than 4.5% | Less than 4% | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Significantly Undercapitalized | Less than 6% | Less than 4% | Less than 3% | Less than 3% | n/a | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Critically Undercapitalized | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | Less than 2% |
An institution generally must file a written capital restoration plan which meets specified requirements with the appropriate federal banking agency within 45 days of the date the institution receives notice or is deemed to have notice that it is undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized. The appropriate federal banking agency must provide the institution with written notice of approval or disapproval within 60 days after receiving a capital restoration plan, subject to extensions by the applicable agency.
An institution that is required to submit a capital restoration plan must concurrently submit a performance guaranty by each company that controls the institution. Such guaranty shall be limited to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5.0% of the institution’s total assets at the time the institution was notified or deemed to have notice that it was undercapitalized or (ii) the amount necessary at such time to restore the relevant capital measures of the institution to the levels required for the institution to be classified as adequately capitalized. Such a guaranty shall expire after the appropriate federal banking agency notifies the institution that it has remained adequately capitalized for four consecutive calendar quarters. An institution that fails to submit a written capital restoration plan within the requisite period, including any required performance guaranty, or fails in any material respect to implement a capital restoration plan, shall be subject to the restrictions in Section 38 of the FDIA that are applicable to significantly undercapitalized institutions.
A “critically undercapitalized institution” is required to be placed in conservatorship or receivership within 90 days, unless the FDIC formally determines that forbearance from such action would better protect the DIF. Unless the FDIC or other appropriate federal banking agency makes specific further findings and certifies that the institution is viable and is not expected to fail, an institution that remains critically undercapitalized during the fourth calendar quarter after the date it became critically undercapitalized must be placed in receivership. The general rule is that the FDIC will be appointed as receiver within 90 days after an institution becomes critically undercapitalized unless good cause is shown and an extension is agreed to by the federal regulators. In general, good cause requires that adequate capital has been raised and is imminently available for infusion into the institution, except for certain technical requirements, which may delay the infusion for a period of time beyond the 90 day time period.
Immediately upon becoming undercapitalized, an institution shall become subject to the provisions of Section 38 of the FDIA, which (i) restrict payment of capital distributions and management fees; (ii) require that the appropriate federal banking agency monitor the condition of the institution and its efforts to restore its capital; (iii) require submission of a capital restoration plan; (iv) restrict the growth of the institution’s assets; and (v) require prior approval of certain expansion proposals. The appropriate federal banking agency for an undercapitalized institution also may take any number of discretionary supervisory actions if the agency determines that any of these actions is necessary to resolve the problems of the institution at the least possible long-term cost to the DIF, subject in certain cases to specified procedures. These discretionary supervisory actions include: requiring the institution to raise additional capital; restricting transactions with affiliates; requiring divestiture of the institution or the sale of the institution to a willing purchaser; and any other supervisory action that the agency deems appropriate. These and additional mandatory and permissive supervisory actions may be taken with respect to significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized institutions.
Additionally, under Section 11(c)(5) of the FDIA, a conservator or receiver may be appointed for an institution where: (i) an institution’s obligations exceed its assets; (ii) there is substantial dissipation of the institution’s assets or earnings as a result of any violation of law or any unsafe or unsound practice; (iii) the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition; (iv)
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there is a willful violation of a cease-and-desist order; (v) the institution is unable to pay its obligations in the ordinary course of business; (vi) losses or threatened losses deplete all or substantially all of an institution’s capital, and there is no reasonable prospect of becoming “adequately capitalized” without assistance; (vii) there is any violation of law or unsafe or unsound practice or condition that is likely to cause insolvency or substantial dissipation of assets or earnings, weaken the institution’s condition or otherwise seriously prejudice the interests of depositors or the insurance fund; (viii) an institution ceases to be insured; (ix) the institution is undercapitalized and has no reasonable prospect that it will become adequately capitalized, fails to become adequately capitalized when required to do so or fails to submit or materially implement a capital restoration plan; or (x) the institution is critically undercapitalized or otherwise has substantially insufficient capital.
Regulatory Enforcement Authority. Federal banking law grants substantial enforcement powers to the federal banking agencies. This enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, to issue cease-and-desist or removal orders and to initiate injunctive actions against banking organizations and institution-affiliated parties. In general, these enforcement actions may be initiated for violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound practices. Other actions or inactions may provide the basis for enforcement action, including misleading or untimely reports filed with regulatory authorities.
The Dodd-Frank Act. The Dodd-Frank Act made significant changes to the U.S. bank regulatory structure, affecting the lending, deposit, investment, trading and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act required a number of federal agencies to adopt a broad range of rules and regulations. The following provisions are considered to be of greatest significance to the Company:
•Expanded the authority of the FRB to examine bank holding companies and their subsidiaries, including insured depository institutions.
•Required a bank holding company to be well capitalized and well managed to receive approval of an interstate bank acquisition.
•Provided mortgage reform provisions regarding a customer’s ability to pay and making more loans subject to provisions for higher-cost loans and new disclosures.
•Created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), which has rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and has broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws.
•Created the Financial Stability Oversight Council with authority to identify institutions and practices that might pose a systemic risk.
•Introduced additional corporate governance and executive compensation requirements on companies subject to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act").
•Permitted FDIC-insured banks to pay interest on business demand deposits.
•Adopted Section 13 of the BHC Act, commonly referred to as the Volcker Rule, which restricts the ability of institutions and their holding companies and affiliates to make proprietary investments in securities, to invest in certain covered nonpublic investment vehicles and to extend credit to such vehicles.
•Codified the requirement that holding companies and other companies that directly or indirectly control an insured depository institution serve as a source of financial strength.
•Made permanent the $250 thousand limit for federal deposit insurance.
•Permitted national and state banks to establish interstate branches to the same extent as the branch host state allows establishment of in-state branches.
The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act ("2018 Act") includes provisions revising Dodd-Frank Act provisions, that among other things: (i) exempt banks with less than $10 billion in assets from the ability-to-repay requirements for certain qualified residential mortgage loans; (ii) exempt certain transactions valued at less than $400,000 in rural areas from appraisal requirements; (iii) exempt banks and credit unions that originate fewer than 500 open-end and 500 closed-end mortgages from the expanded data disclosures required under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act ("HMDA"); (iv) amend the SAFE Mortgage Licensing Act by providing registered mortgage loan originators in good standing with 120 days of transitional authority to originate loans when moving from a federal depository institution to a non-depository institution or across state lines; (v) require the CFPB to clarify how TILA-RESPA Integrated Disclosure applies to mortgage assumption transactions and construction-to-permanent home loans as well as outline certain liabilities related to model disclosure use; (vi) revise treatment of high volatility CRE ("HVCRE") exposures; and (vii) create the simplified Community Bank Leverage Capital Ratio. The 2018 Act also exempts community banks from the Volcker Rule if they have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets. The 2018 Act also adds certain protections for consumers, including veterans and active duty military personnel, expands credit freezes and calls for the creation of an identity theft protection database.
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In addition, other new proposals for legislation continue to be introduced in the Congress that could further substantially increase regulation of the bank and non-bank financial services industries and impose restrictions on the operations and general ability of firms within the industry to conduct business consistent with historical practices. Federal and state regulatory agencies also frequently adopt changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied. Certain aspects of current or proposed regulatory or legislative changes to laws applicable to the financial industry, if enacted or adopted, may impact the profitability of our business activities, require more oversight or change certain of our business practices, including the ability to offer new products, obtain financing, attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory interest spreads and could expose the Company to additional costs, including increased compliance costs. These changes also may require significant management attention and resources to make any necessary changes to operations to comply and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB, an independent federal agency with broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal consumer financial protection laws, including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, Truth in Lending Act, Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, Fair Credit Reporting Act, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the consumer financial privacy provisions of the GLB Act and certain other statutes. The CFPB has examination and primary enforcement authority with respect to depository institutions with over $10 billion in assets. The CFPB also has authority to prevent unfair, deceptive or abusive practices in connection with the offering of consumer financial products. The Dodd-Frank Act permits states to adopt consumer protection laws and standards that are more stringent than those adopted at the federal level and, in certain circumstances, permits state attorneys general to enforce compliance with both the state and federal laws and regulations.
As an institution with over $10 billion in total consolidated assets, the Bank became subject to increased regulation and supervision by the FRB and the FDIC in 2022. As of December 31, 2023, our total assets were $11.7 billion. Therefore, the Bank is subject to ongoing (rather than periodic) supervision, targeted examinations, more frequent loan portfolio reviews and other enhanced supervision. In particular, the FRB and the FDIC focus on the soundness of the Bank’s risk management framework and capabilities, given the greater complexity and impact of the Bank’s risks as a larger institution. The Bank is also required to provide information to the CFPB on a quarterly basis, and is subject to periodic examinations by the CFPB focused on compliance with consumer laws and regulations, as a banking organization over $10 billion in total assets. The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act and CFPB rule making and enforcement policies may impact the profitability of our business activities, limit our ability to make, or the desirability of making, certain types of loans, including non-qualified mortgage loans, require us to change our business practices, impose upon us more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage ratio requirements or otherwise adversely affect our business or profitability. The changes may also require us to dedicate significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make necessary changes to comply with the new statutory and regulatory requirements.
The CFPB has engaged in a number of rulemakings related to residential mortgage transactions. The CFPB has issued rules related to a borrower’s ability to repay and qualified mortgage standards, mortgage servicing standards, loan originator compensation standards, requirements for high-cost mortgages, appraisal and escrow standards and requirements for higher-priced mortgages. The CFPB has also issued rules establishing integrated disclosure requirements for lenders and settlement agents in connection with most closed end, real estate secured consumer loans and rules which, among other things, expand the scope of information lenders must report in connection with mortgage and other housing-related loan applications under HMDA. These rules include significant regulatory and compliance changes and are expected to have a broad impact on the financial services industry. Because the Company ceased originating residential real estate mortgage loans and completed residual origination and sales activities during the year ended December 31, 2023, these rules generally do not have a significant effect on the Company’s operations.
On October 19, 2023, the CFPB proposed a new rule that would require a provider of payment accounts or products, such as a bank, to make data available to consumers upon request regarding the products or services they obtain from the provider. Any such data provider would also have to make such data available to third parties, with the consumer’s express authorization and through an interface that satisfies formatting, performance and security standards, for the purpose of such third parties providing the consumer with financial products or services requested by the consumer. Data that would be required to be made available under the rule would include transaction information, account balance, account and routing numbers, terms and conditions, upcoming bill information, and certain account verification data. The proposed rule is intended to give consumers control over their financial data, including with whom it is shared, and encourage competition in the provision of consumer financial products or services. For banks with at least $850 million and less than $50 billion in total assets, compliance with the proposed rule’s requirements would be required approximately two and a half years after adoption of the final rule.
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On January 17, 2024, the CFPB proposed significant reforms to the regulatory framework governing overdraft practices applicable to banks such as the Bank that have more than $10 billion in assets. The proposed rule would modify or eliminate several long-standing exclusions from requirements generally applicable to consumer credit that previously exempted certain overdraft practices. The proposal would also generally require banks to restructure many overdraft fees, overdraft lines of credit, and other overdraft practices as separate consumer credit accounts that would be subject to those requirements. These changes to the regulatory framework could result in the Bank, among other things, facing higher compliance costs in charging overdraft fees, experiencing a decreased ability to recover amounts extended as overdraft protection, reducing the availability of overdraft protection, and/or charging lower overdraft fees.
Fair and Responsible Banking. Banks and other financial institutions are subject to numerous laws and regulations intended to promote fair and responsible banking and prohibit unlawful discrimination and unfair, deceptive or abusive practices in banking. These laws include, among others, the Dodd-Frank Act, Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Fair Housing Act. Many states and local jurisdictions have consumer protection laws analogous, and in addition, to those listed above. These federal, state and local laws regulate the manner in which financial institutions deal with customers taking deposits, making loans or conducting other types of transactions. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could give rise to regulatory sanctions and actions by the U.S. Department of Justice and state attorneys general.
Financial Privacy and Cybersecurity. Under the Federal Right to Privacy Act of 1978, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records, financial institutions are required to disclose their policies for collecting and protecting confidential information. Consumers generally may prevent financial institutions from sharing personal financial information with nonaffiliated third parties except for third parties that market the institutions’ own products and services. Additionally, financial institutions generally may not disclose consumer account numbers to any nonaffiliated third party for use in telemarketing, direct mail marketing or other marketing through electronic mail to consumers.
The federal banking regulators regularly issue guidance regarding cybersecurity intended to enhance cyber risk management standards among financial institutions. A financial institution is expected to establish multiple lines of defense and to ensure their risk management processes address the risk posed by potential threats to the institution. A financial institution’s management is expected to maintain sufficient processes to effectively respond and recover the institution’s operations after a cyberattack. A financial institution is also expected to develop appropriate processes to enable recovery of data and business operations if a critical service provider of the institution falls victim to this type of cyberattack. The Bank has adopted an information security program that has been approved by the Board and reviewed by its regulators.
In November 2021, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule regarding notification requirements for banking organizations related to significant computer security incidents. Under the final rule, a bank holding company, such as the Company, and a state member bank, such as the Bank, would be required to notify the Federal Reserve within 36 hours of any incident that has materially disrupted or degraded, or is reasonably likely to materially disrupt or degrade, the banking organization’s ability to deliver services to a material portion of its customer base, jeopardize the viability of key operations of the banking organization, or pose a threat to the financial stability of the United States.
In July 2023, the SEC issued a final rule that requires registrants, such as the Company, to (i) report material cybersecurity incidents on Form 8-K within four business days of their being deemed material, (ii) disclose cybersecurity policies and procedures and governance practices, including at the board and management levels, in Form 10-K and (iii) present the disclosures in inline XBRL.
Community Reinvestment Act. The Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) requires that, in connection with examinations of insured depository institutions within their respective jurisdictions, the federal banking agencies evaluate the record of each financial institution in meeting the needs of its local community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The Bank’s record of performance under the CRA is publicly available. A bank’s CRA performance is also considered in evaluating applications seeking approval for mergers, acquisitions and new offices or facilities. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could result in additional requirements and limitations being imposed on the Bank. Additionally, we must publicly disclose the terms of certain CRA-related agreements. In October 2023, the OCC, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC jointly issued a final rule to modernize the federal bank regulators’ regulations implementing the CRA. The final rule introduces new tests under which the performance of banks with over $2 billion in assets will be assessed. The new rule also includes data collection and reporting requirements, some of which are applicable only to banks with over $10 billion in assets, such as the Bank. Most provisions of the final rule will become effective on January 1, 2026, and the data reporting requirements will become effective on January 1, 2027.
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Concentration and Risk Guidance. The federal banking regulatory agencies promulgated joint interagency guidance regarding material direct and indirect asset and funding concentrations. The guidance defines a concentration as any of the following: (i) asset concentrations of 25% or more of Total Capital (loan related) or Tier 1 Capital (non-loan related) by individual borrower, small interrelated group of individuals, single repayment source or individual project; (ii) asset concentrations of 100% or more of Total Capital (loan related) or Tier 1 Capital (non-loan related) by industry, product line, type of collateral or short-term obligations of one financial institution or affiliated group; (iii) funding concentrations from a single source representing 10% or more of Total Assets; or (iv) potentially volatile funding sources that when combined represent 25% or more of Total Assets (these sources may include brokered, large, high-rate, uninsured, internet-listing-service deposits, Federal funds purchased or other potentially volatile deposits or borrowings). If a concentration is present, management must employ heightened risk management practices including board and management oversight and strategic planning, development of underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing, third party review and increasing capital requirements.
Additionally, the federal bank regulatory agencies have issued guidance governing financial institutions with concentrations in commercial real estate lending. The guidance provides that institutions that have (i) total reported loans for construction, land development and other land which represent 100% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital; or (ii) total reported commercial real estate loans, excluding loans secured by owner-occupied commercial real estate, representing 300% or more of the institution’s total risk-based capital and the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months, are identified as having potential commercial real estate concentration risk. As of December 31, 2023, non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans (including construction, land and land development loans) represented 350.4% of consolidated risk based capital; however, growth in that segment over the past 36 months at 7.0% did not exceed the 50% threshold laid out in the regulatory guidance. Construction, land and land development loans represented 77.52% of consolidated risk based capital as of December 31, 2023. Institutions, which are deemed to have concentrations in commercial real estate lending are expected to employ heightened levels of risk management with respect to their commercial real estate portfolios, and may be required to hold higher levels of capital.
FDIC Insurance Premiums. Deposits at the Bank are insured up to applicable limits by the DIF of the FDIC and the Bank is subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the DIF. Deposit insurance assessments are based on average total assets minus average tangible equity. For larger institutions, such as the Bank, the FDIC uses a performance score and a loss-severity score to calculate an initial assessment rate. In calculating these scores, the FDIC uses a bank’s capital level and supervisory ratings and certain financial measures to assess an institution’s ability to withstand asset-related stress and funding-related stress. The FDIC has the ability to make discretionary adjustments to the total score based upon significant risk factors that are not adequately captured in the calculations.
Under the FDIA, the FDIC may terminate deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe and 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. In addition, the FDIC is authorized to conduct examinations of and require reporting by FDIC-insured institutions.
The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increased the maximum deposit insurance amount for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250 thousand per depositor. The Dodd-Frank Act also broadened the base for calculating FDIC insurance assessments. Assessments are now based on a financial institution’s average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital. The Dodd-Frank Act required the FDIC to increase the reserve ratio of the DIF to 1.35% of insured deposits and eliminated the requirement that the FDIC pay dividends to insured depository institutions when the reserve ratio exceeds certain thresholds.
On November 16, 2023, the FDIC finalized a rule that imposes special assessments to recover the losses to the deposit insurance fund (“DIF”) resulting from the FDIC’s use, in March 2023, of the systemic risk exception to the least-cost resolution test under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act in connection with the receiverships of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. The FDIC estimated in approving the rule that those assessed losses total approximately $16.3 billion. The rule provides that this loss estimate will be periodically adjusted, which will affect the amount of the special assessment. Under the rule, the assessment base is the estimated uninsured deposits that an insured depository institution reported in its December 31, 2022 Call Report, excluding the first $5 billion in estimated uninsured deposits. Because the Bank had $4.4 billion in estimated uninsured deposits at December 31, 2022, the special assessment will not affect the Bank.
Increased Focus on Lending to Members of the Military. The federal banking agencies and the Department of Justice have recently increased their focus on financial institution compliance with the Service members Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”). The SCRA requires a bank to cap the interest rate at 6% for any loan to a member of the military who goes on active duty after taking out the loan. It also limits the actions the bank can take when a service member is in foreclosure. The Bank fully complies with this rule.
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Affiliate Transactions. The Company and Bank are separate and distinct legal entities, and the Company is an affiliate of the Bank. Federal laws strictly limit the ability of banks to engage in certain transactions with their affiliates. Transactions deemed to be a “covered transaction” under Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act between a bank and an affiliate are limited to 10% of the bank's capital and surplus and, with respect to all affiliates, to an aggregate of 20% of the bank's capital and surplus. Further, covered transactions that are loans and extensions of credit generally are required to be secured by eligible collateral in specified amounts. Federal law also requires that covered transactions and certain other transactions listed in Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act between a bank and its affiliates be on terms as favorable to the bank as transactions with non-affiliates.
Incentive Compensation. The Federal Reserve reviews, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as the Company, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews are tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization’s activities and the prevalence of incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives are included in reports of examination. Deficiencies are incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.
Under Federal Reserve guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that appropriately balance risk and financial results in a manner that does not encourage employees to expose their organizations to imprudent risk, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors.
In 2016, the U.S. financial regulators, including the FRB and the SEC, proposed revised rules on incentive-based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities having at least $1 billion in total assets (including the Company and the Bank), but these proposed rules have not been finalized.
In October 2022, the SEC adopted a final rule directing national securities exchanges and associations, including NASDAQ, to require policies mandating the recovery or “clawback” of excess incentive-based compensation earned by a current or former executive officer during the three fiscal years preceding a required accounting restatement, including to correct an error that would result in a material misstatement if the error were corrected in the current period or left uncorrected in the current period. The excess compensation would be based on the amount the executive officer would have received had the incentive-based compensation been determined using the restated financials. NASDAQ’s listing standards pursuant to the SEC’s rule became effective October 2, 2023. The Company’s clawback policy adopted in accordance with these listing standards is included as Exhibit 97.1.
Climate-Related and ESG Developments. In recent years, federal, state and international lawmakers and regulators have increased their focus on financial institutions’ and other companies’ risk oversight, disclosures and practices in connection with climate change and other environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters. For example, on March 21, 2022, the SEC issued a proposed rule on the enhancement and standardization of climate-related disclosures for investors. The proposed rule would require public issuers, including the Company, to significantly expand the scope of climate-related disclosures in their SEC filings. The SEC has also announced plans to propose rules to require enhanced disclosure regarding human capital management and board diversity for public issuers.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
An investment in our securities involves risks. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully read and consider the risk factors described below as well as the other information included in this report and other documents we file with the SEC, as the same may be updated from time to time. Any of these risks, if they actually occur, could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect us. In any such case, you could lose all or a portion of your original investment.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
Our business and results of operations may be adversely affected by the financial markets, fiscal, monetary, and regulatory policies and economic conditions. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, net interest margin, financial condition, rate of growth, liquidity levels, and stock price.
General economic, political, social and health conditions affect financial markets, and therefore, our business. Fiscal and monetary policies have a direct and indirect impact on the level and volatility of interest rates, liquidity of financial markets, the availability and cost of capital, and market conditions of financing. As the economy has experienced higher levels of inflation, interest rates have increased due to central banks’ efforts to manage inflation through monetary policy.
Financial markets and the banking industry are affected by economic growth and its sustainability. Changes in economic growth may result in unexpected changes in gross domestic product ("GDP"), fluctuations or other significant changes in both debt and equity capital markets and currencies, liquidity of financial markets and the availability and cost of capital and credit. Potential federal government shutdowns, and developments related to the U.S. federal debt ceiling may also have an economic impact. Increased market volatility and changes in financial or capital market conditions may be further impacted by energy prices, commercial property values, residential property values, consumer spending, bankruptcies, employment levels, labor shortages, wage inflation, and supply chain disruptions.
A significant portion of our loan portfolio consists of loans secured by commercial properties, the adverse performance of which could impact the credit quality of the loan portfolio and result in a negative impact to our financial condition or results of operations.
Economic weaknesses, sustained elevated inflation, challenging business conditions, the implementation of hybrid work arrangements and other changes in business operating practices, market disruptions, adverse economic or market events, rising interest or capitalization rates, declining asset prices, greater volatility in areas where we have concentrated credit risk or deterioration in real estate values or household incomes may cause us to experience a decrease in cash flow and higher credit losses in our portfolios or cause us to write down the value of certain assets. Certain adverse consequences of the pandemic, including lower office occupancy rates, continue to materially affect the businesses of certain segments of our customer base and of their customers, which impacts their creditworthiness, their ability to pay amounts owed to us and our ability to collect those amounts.
We may also experience continued and long-term negative impacts to our commercial credit exposure and an increase in credit losses within those industries, such as commercial real estate, that may be impacted by changes in consumer preferences or office occupancy rates. A large portion of our loan portfolio is related to real estate, with 80% consisting of commercial real estate and real estate construction secured by commercial real estate. As a result of actual or expected credit losses, we may downgrade loans, increase our allowance for loan losses and write down or charge off credit relationships, any of which would negatively impact our results of operations. In addition, market upheavals are likely to affect the value of real estate and commercial assets. As a result, in the event of foreclosure, it is possible that we will be unable to sell the foreclosed property at a price that will allow us to recoup a significant portion of the delinquent loan.
A significant number of our commercial real estate loans are secured by office properties. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in working arrangements that have impacted and could continue to impact the performance of some of the office properties within our commercial real estate portfolio. Hybrid work arrangements, flexible work schedules, open workplaces and teleconferencing have become increasingly common. These practices enable businesses to reduce their office space requirements. A continuation of the movement towards these practices over time could continue to erode the overall demand for office space and, in turn, place downward pressure on occupancy, rental rates and property valuations, each of which could have an adverse effect on our borrowers, the office properties securing their loans, and our ability to collect the amounts owed to us.
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Our calculation of our ACL relies on estimates and assumptions, resulting in the risk that our calculated ACL may not cover actual future credit losses, which could result in an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We use a credit reserving methodology known as the CECL methodology. The provision for credit losses represents management’s estimate of expected credit losses on our portfolio and is recorded in the ACL on our loan portfolio. Management utilizes a variety of inputs in the calculation of its estimate, including historical losses based on internal and peer data, economic conditions and trends, the value and adequacy of collateral, volume and mix of the portfolio, performance of the portfolio, and our internal loan processes. Our use of third-party service provider provided historical loss data in the calculation of our CECL provision may not approximate our own historical loss data.
Our ability to accurately forecast future losses under this methodology may be impaired by significant uncertainties:
•Uncertainties surrounding rapid increases in inflation and interest rates, which have disrupted financial markets and adversely affected commercial real estate and other sectors in the economy.
•Uncertainties related to the identification of the appropriate economic indicators.
•Uncertainties related to the data utilized to build models and draw assumptions.
•Uncertainties and limitations related to the different sources of data: internal data, peer data, market data, macroeconomic data, geopolitical data, etc.
•Uncertainties related to the need to make difficult and complex judgments that are often interrelated.
Additionally, the condition of our loan portfolio’s credit quality is factored into the calculation of our CECL estimate. Our ability to accurately forecast and react to future losses may be impaired by significant uncertainties which could result in loan losses and other exposures which could exceed our allowance. Furthermore, if the models, estimates and assumptions we use to establish reserves or the judgments we make in extending credit to our borrowers prove inaccurate in predicting future events, the result may also be losses in excess of our CECL provision. As economic conditions change, we may have to increase our allowance, which could adversely affect our results of operations, earnings, and financial condition.
We are subject to operational risks in connection with our employees and our technology that may adversely impact our business.
Risk to our operations is inherent in our business. We rely on business processes and branch activity that largely depend on people and technology, including access to information technology systems as well as information, applications, payment systems and other services provided by third parties. Operational risks that may have an adverse effect on our operations, include (i) risks related to our work productivity; (ii) increased spending on our business continuity efforts; (iii) increased strain on certain risk management practices, including, but not limited to, the effectiveness and accuracy of our models, given the potential lack of data inputs and comparable precedent; (iv) risks related to the effectiveness of our anti-money laundering and other compliance programs; (v) increased cybersecurity risk due to the current hybrid work model in which certain employees split time between working at the office and working remotely, as a result of the technology in the employees’ homes which may not be as robust as in our offices and could cause the networks, information systems, applications, and other tools available to employees to be more limited or less reliable than in our offices; and (vi) risks related to our efforts to provide banking services through digital channels. Increased cyber risks in this context may include greater phishing, malware, and other cybersecurity attacks, vulnerability to disruptions of our information technology infrastructure and telecommunications systems for remote operations, increased risk of unauthorized dissemination of confidential information, limited ability to restore the systems in the event of a systems failure or interruption, greater risk of a security breach resulting in destruction or misuse of sensitive, confidential, personal or proprietary information and potential impairment of our ability to perform critical functions, including wiring funds, all of which could expose us to risks of data or financial loss, litigation and liability and could seriously disrupt our operations and the operations of any impacted customers. The Company may also experience an increase in attempts at fraudulent activity, such as check fraud, as nefarious individuals try to exploit the weaknesses under the current hybrid working environment.
Our reliance on external service providers exposes us to operational risk in connection with labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and other factors that could adversely impact our business.
We rely on many outside service providers that support our day-to-day operations including data processing and electronic communications, real estate appraisal, loan servicers and local and federal government agencies, offices and courthouses. In light of labor shortages and supply chain disruptions, many of these entities may limit the availability and access of their services, which may impact our business. For example, a loan origination could be delayed due to the limited availability of real estate appraisers to evaluate the collateral. Loan closings could be delayed related to reductions in available staff in recording offices or the closing of courthouses, which slows the process for title work and mortgage and UCC filings. If the third-party service providers continue to have limited capacities for a prolonged period or if additional limitations or potential disruptions in these services materialize, it may negatively affect our operations.
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Our inability to generate liquidity in a timely manner may adversely impact our ability to satisfy obligations associated with our financing, our operations and other components of our business.
Timely access to liquidity is essential to our business, and being able to meet obligations as they come due and pay deposits when they are withdrawn is critical to ongoing operations. If we are unable to meet our payment obligations on a daily basis, we may be subject to being placed into receivership, regardless of our capital levels. Our primary sources of liquidity consist of cash and cash balances due from correspondent banks, excess reserves at the Federal Reserve, loan repayments, federal funds sold and other short-term investments, maturities and monetization of investment securities, cash provided by operating activities and new core deposits into the Bank. Our ability to obtain or liquidate these primary sources of liquidity may be impacted by adverse economic conditions resulting from dynamic, complex, and other foreseen and unforeseen inter-related factors and events in the economic environment. If we were to rely on sales proceeds from the sale of investment securities within our portfolio in order to satisfy our obligations, we may be adversely impacted by our ability to transact and settle such sales. Sales of investment securities in an unrealized loss position would negatively affect our earnings and regulatory capital. In addition, in order to monetize our “held-to-maturity” securities, we expect to rely on pledging those securities for secured funding, and our liquidity may be impaired if we are unable to timely pledge those or any other securities due to a lack of available funding, operational impediments or otherwise. Our industry is susceptible to the negative impact of limited access to short-term and/or long-term sources of funds, which could result in a liquidity shortfall and/or impact our liquidity coverage ratio and could have an adverse effect on our operations, financial condition and earnings.
Our inability to access sources of financing at terms that are favorable to us may result in an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our liquidity could be adversely affected by any inability to access the debt or equity capital markets, liquidity or volatility in those capital markets, the decrease in value of eligible collateral or increased collateral requirements (including as a result of credit concerns for short-term borrowing), changes to our relationships with our funding providers based on real or perceived changes in our risk profile, prolonged federal government shutdowns or changes in regulations. Additionally, our liquidity may be negatively impacted by the unwillingness or inability of the Federal Reserve to act as lender of last resort.
Our ability to raise additional financing depends on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, including investor perceptions regarding the banking industry, market conditions and governmental activities and on our financial condition and performance. Accordingly, we may be unable to raise additional financing if needed or on acceptable terms.
We face competition in the deposit markets and have experienced, and in the future may experience, a significant outflow in our customer deposit accounts, the impact of which required us, and may in the future require us, to find alternative sources of financing, including brokered deposits and other borrowings, in order to fund our financing commitments and operating activities.
We compete with banks and other financial services companies for deposits. If our competitors raise the rates they pay on deposits our funding costs may increase, either because we raise our rates to avoid losing deposits or because we lose deposits, and must rely on more expensive sources of funding. Checking and savings account balances and other forms of customer deposits may decrease when customers perceive other investment opportunities, such as stocks, bonds, or money market mutual funds, as providing a better risk/return tradeoff. When customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments, we may lose a relatively low-cost source of funds, increasing our funding costs and negatively affecting our business, liquidity, funding mix, results of operations or financial condition.Adverse changes in the real estate market in our market area could also have an adverse effect on our cost of funds and net interest margin, as we have a significant amount of noninterest bearing deposits related to real estate sales and development.
During 2023, total deposits increased by $94.9 million. The increase was primarily attributable to $1.4 billion in time deposits, which was partially offset by a $871.7 million reduction in demand deposit accounts, a $140.8 million reduction in interest bearing accounts, and a $326.7 million reduction in savings and money market accounts as a result of an increase of disintermediation driven primarily by an increase in interest rates. The growth in interest bearing deposits was driven by the increased utilization of brokered deposits, particularly brokered time deposits, during the year ended December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2023, brokered time deposits increased by approximately $998.0 million, while other interest-bearing brokered deposits decreased by approximately $977.6 million.
The impact of the reduction in noninterest bearing deposits and increase in interest-bearing deposits during 2023 increased our interest expense and had a negative impact on our results of operations. Such activity, if it were to occur again in the future, may have a further negative impact on our financial condition and our results of operations. Brokered deposits or other sources of financing, such as FHLB borrowings and repurchase agreements have historically been, and may in the future be, available only at higher financing costs. Generally, these alternative sources of financing may not be as stable as other types
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of deposits, or may be associated with higher levels of risk. An inability to maintain or replace customer and brokered deposits as they mature could negatively affect our liquidity, which could significantly reduce our future growth or materially adversely affect our business and our results of operations. If brokered deposits become more difficult to access, we may have to seek alternative funding sources, including accessing borrowings or selling loans or investment securities, in order to continue to fund our growth. There can be no assurance that brokered deposits will be available, or if available, sufficient to support our growth. The migration from one financing source to another financing source may negatively impact our ability to execute investment transactions. The lack of availability of sufficient brokered deposits may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our outstanding deposits with balances in excess of maximum FDIC insurance coverage limits may be more likely to be withdrawn or transferred to other financing sources with a higher costs to us, which could adversely impact our business, our financial condition, our results of operations, our liquidity and our funding mix.
At December 31, 2023, we had approximately $2.8 billion of deposits, or 31% of our total deposits, in excess of the maximum FDIC insurance coverage limits. Deposits make up a significant source of financing for our investment strategy and funding for our operations. Customers who have uninsured deposits with us could present a heightened risk of withdrawal. Additionally, clients could elect to use other non-deposit funding products, such as repurchase agreements, that may require us to pay higher interest and to provide securities as collateral for our repurchase obligation. If a significant portion of our deposits were withdrawn, as happened in 2023 and could happen again, we may need to rely more heavily on more expensive borrowings and other sources of funding to fund our business and meet withdrawal demands, adversely affecting our net interest margin. The occurrence of any of these events could materially and adversely affect our business, liquidity, funding mix, results of operations or financial condition.
If we are unable to continue funding our assets through customer deposits or access capital markets on favorable terms or if we suffer an increase in our borrowing costs or otherwise fail to manage our liquidity effectively, our liquidity, net interest margin, financial results and condition may be materially adversely affected. In order to maintain appropriate levels of liquidity, we may need to, or be required to raise additional capital through the issuance of common stock, which could dilute the ownership of existing stockholders, or reduce or even eliminate our common stock dividend to preserve capital or to raise additional capital.
The 2023 failures of Silicon Valley Bank ("SVB"), Signature Bank and First Republic have resulted and may continue to result in increased regulatory and supervisory focus on liquidity risk management, including with respect to uninsured deposits. Meeting supervisory expectations or any new regulatory requirements relating to liquidity risk management generally or uninsured deposits in particular could require us to seek to change our funding sources or the size and composition of our balance sheet, to incur higher expenses or to make other changes that adversely affect our net interest income and net interest margin.
Our inability to comply with capital and other regulatory requirements would have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
The banking industry is highly regulated and supervised under federal and state laws and regulations that are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, customers, the public, the banking industry as a whole, or the FDIC deposit insurance fund (“DIF”). The Company and Bank are subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC, as well as our state regulator. We are subject to U.S. regulatory capital rules, and banking regulators have broad authority to determine whether we are operating in safe and sound manner, including with respect to liquidity risk management and asset quality. We may need to raise additional financing in the future to provide sufficient funding to meet our commitments and business needs. In conjunction with any changes to our capital, we must meet certain regulatory capital requirements and maintain sufficient liquidity, including the requirement that we maintain our status as a well-capitalized institution. Additionally, regulatory capital requirements could increase from current levels, which could require us to raise additional capital or change the size or composition of our balance sheet. If we fail to maintain capital to meet regulatory requirements, our regulators may place restrictions on our activities or impose penalties, which would adversely affect our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, a variety of adverse consequences could result if the Federal Reserve determines that we have not met supervisory expectations regarding capital planning and liquidity risk management. Such consequences could include ratings downgrades, ongoing heightened supervisory scrutiny, expenses associated with remediation activities, and potentially an enforcement action.
If we are unable to maintain sufficient regulatory capital levels, we may be unable to achieve desired performance, which may result in an inability to provide returns to our shareholders.
Our ability to fund our operations, to continue growing and to return capital to our shareholders depends in part on our ability to maintain regulatory capital levels above minimum requirements plus buffers. If earnings do not meet our current estimates, if we incur unanticipated losses or expenses, if we grow faster than expected or if our capital position and capital planning do not meet supervisory expectations, we may need to obtain additional capital sooner than expected or we may be
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required to reduce our level of assets or reduce or suspend dividends or stock repurchases (if restarted) or refrain from pursuing growth opportunities we may otherwise consider attractive. Under those circumstances net income and our growth prospects may be adversely affected.
Our investment securities are subject to market risk and credit risk that may have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our investment securities portfolio is classified as either “available-for-sale” securities, which are marked to market on a recurring basis and recorded at fair value with unrealized gains or losses reported in accumulated other comprehensive income, or “held-to-maturity” securities, which are recorded at amortized cost less any associated ACL. In pricing the investment securities available-for-sale portfolio, a variety of factors beyond our control may significantly influence the fair values of these securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, market conditions, instability in the credit markets, rating agency downgrades of the securities, lack of market pricing of the securities, defaults of the issuers of the securities and issuer impairments. Conditions within the market or with the security may result in unrealized losses that may have a negative impact on our financial condition. If such losses were realized in a sales transaction, that may have a negative impact on our results of operations and our regulatory capital ratios.
Our investment securities portfolio as a whole is exposed to credit risk associated with rating agency downgrades and defaults or impairments of the issuers of those securities. We measure expected credit losses on our investment securities portfolio through our CECL estimate. Increases to the provision for credit losses would have a negative impact on our results of operations and regulatory capital ratios. Additionally, an insufficient CECL provision may result in additional losses that would also have an adverse impact on our results of operations. The investment securities portfolio’s performance, including the existence of unrealized and unrecognized losses in the portfolio, also may create reputational risk for us, particularly in conjunction with the conditions of the banking industry generally, that could result in deposit outflows or reduced access to funding, or negatively impact our ability to attract and retain prospective customers.
Damage to our reputation, including as a result of actual or alleged conduct or public opinion of the financial services industry generally could harm our operations, including our liquidity, competitive position and business prospects.
Reputation risk, or the risk to our business, liquidity, funding mix, earnings and financial capital from negative public opinion, adverse publicity or negative information is inherent in our business and has increased substantially due to the interconnected global network which facilitates instant access and instantaneous transmission and communication of information, which may include misinformation, of actual or alleged conduct related to any number of activities or circumstances by the Bank, our directors, our officers, our employees and/or third parties. Our reputation may be harmed by our actual or perceived practices and disclosures and those of our customers and third parties. The speed and pervasiveness with which information can be disseminated through digital channels, in particular social media, could magnify risks relating to negative publicity.
Risks related to our reputation and the banking industry’s reputation have also increased due to increased volatility in the business environment and challenging economic conditions, as a result of fiscal and monetary policies, banking industry stresses, and sudden events whether within our control or not. In March 2023, SVB and Signature Bank, which had elevated concentrations of uninsured deposits, experienced large deposit outflows, resulting in the institutions being placed into FDIC receiverships. The collapse of these banking institutions sparked a panic which resulted in many banks, including us, experiencing deposit outflows and changes in deposit composition. In addition, the rapid dissemination of negative information through social media, in part, is believed to have led to the collapse of SVB. SVB suffered a level of deposit withdrawals within a time period not previously experienced by a bank. We could also be subject to rapid deposit withdrawals or other outflows as a result of negative social media posts or other negative publicity.
Our ability to attract and retain customers is highly dependent upon the perceptions of current and prospective borrowers and deposit holders and other external perceptions of our products, services, trustworthiness, business practices, workplace culture, compliance practices or our financial health. Negative and adverse perceptions regarding our reputation and the banking industry’s reputation could lead to difficulties in generating and maintaining customers as well as in financing their needs, and difficulties maintaining appropriate liquidity levels and funding requirements.
Negative public opinion or damage to our brand could also result from actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities or circumstances, including lending practices, regulatory compliance (including compliance with anti-money laundering statutes and regulations), security breaches or other cybersecurity incidents (including the use and protection of customer data), corporate governance, resolution of conflicts of interest and ethical issues, sales and marketing, and from actions taken by regulators or other persons in response to such conduct. Such conduct could fall short of our customers' and the public's heightened expectations of financial institutions with rigorous privacy, data protection, data security and compliance practices, and could further harm our reputation.
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Negative perceptions regarding our ability to maintain the security of our technology systems and protect customer data or our compliance programs, could lead to decreases in the levels of deposits that customers and potential customers choose to maintain with us or significantly increase the costs of attracting and retaining customers. We also face an increased risk of litigation, governmental and regulatory scrutiny, and/or actions governmental authorities may take in response to those conditions.
If we do not respond appropriately to the current economic environment, or if customers or other stakeholders do not perceive our response to be adequate, we could suffer damage to our reputation and our brand, which could materially adversely affect our business. All these factors may erode consumer and investor confidence levels, and/or increased volatility of financial markets, could impact and/or adversely affect our reputation and the banking industry’s reputation which could harm our operations, including our liquidity, competitive position and business prospects.
We may not be able to grow or manage competition.
We have grown in the past several years through organic growth. We intend to seek further growth in the level of our loans and deposits within our existing footprint in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. We cannot provide any assurance that we will be able to grow at acceptable risk levels and upon acceptable terms, or at all. Our ability to generate loan portfolio growth has been and may continue to be negatively impacted based on the adverse economic effects due to the increase in interest rates, rate of inflation, banking industry stresses and the heightened competition in the Bank’s market area. Even if economic conditions continue to improve in future quarters, there can be no assurance that we will be able to increase our total net loans in the short-term or long-term.
We may not be able to achieve meaningful growth in asset levels, loans or earnings in future years. Moreover, as our asset size, loan portfolio and earnings increase, it may become more difficult to maintain the levels and performance achieved and continue to grow in the future. Additionally, it may become more difficult to maintain or achieve improvements in our expense levels and efficiency ratio. We may not be able to maintain the relatively low levels of nonperforming assets that we have experienced to date. The inability to maintain or achieve growth of income or assets or deposits and increases in improvements of operating expenses or nonperforming assets may have an adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition and the value of the common stock.
Failure to maintain effective systems of internal and disclosure controls could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and stock price.
Effective internal and disclosure controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud and to operate successfully as a public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our reputation, operating results or stock price could be adversely impacted.
Any failure to maintain effective controls, to timely implement any necessary improvement to our internal and disclosure controls or to effect remediation of any material weakness or significant deficiency could, among other things, result in losses from fraud or error, harm our reputation or cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or stock price.
Management reviews and updates our systems of internal control and disclosure controls and procedures, as well as corporate governance policies and procedures, from time to time. Any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may face risks with respect to future expansion or acquisition activity.
We are subject to comprehensive regulation under federal and state banking laws. These laws and regulations significantly affect and have the potential to restrict the scope of our existing businesses and limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, including the products and services we offer. We may seek to selectively expand our banking operations through limited de novo branching or opportunistic acquisition activities. We cannot be certain that any expansion activity, through de novo branching, acquisition of branches of another financial institution or a whole institution or the establishment or acquisition of nonbanking financial services companies, will prove profitable or will increase shareholder value.
The FRB's prior approval is required to acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any bank or savings association, to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of any class of voting securities of any bank or savings association or to merge or consolidate with any other bank holding company or savings and loan holding company. The BHC Act and other federal law enumerates the factors the FRB must consider when reviewing the merger of bank holding companies, the acquisition of banks or the acquisition of voting securities of a bank or bank holding company. These factors include the competitive effects of the proposal in the relevant geographic markets; the financial and managerial resources and
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future prospects of the companies and banks involved in the transaction; the effect of the transaction on the financial stability of the United States; the organizations' compliance with anti-money laundering laws and regulations; the convenience and needs of the communities to be served; and the records of performance under the CRA of the insured depository institutions involved in the transaction. Such regulatory approvals may not be granted on terms that are acceptable to us, or at all. We may also be required to sell branches as a condition to receiving regulatory approval, a condition which may not be acceptable to us or, if acceptable to us, may reduce the benefit of any acquisition.
The success of any acquisition will depend, in part, on our ability to realize the estimated cost savings and revenue enhancements from combining the businesses of the Company and the target company. Our ability to realize increases in revenue will depend, in part, on our ability to retain customers and employees and to capitalize on existing relationships for the provision of additional products and services. If our estimates for such activities turn out to be incorrect or we are not able to successfully combine companies, the anticipated cost savings and increased revenues may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected. It is possible that the integration process could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of each company’s ongoing business or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with clients and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the merger. As with any combination of banking institutions, there also may be disruptions that cause us to lose customers or cause customers to withdraw their deposits from our bank. Customers may not readily accept changes to their banking arrangements that we make as part of or following an acquisition. Additionally, the value of an acquisition to the Company is dependent on our ability to successfully identify and estimate the magnitude of any asset quality issues of acquired companies.
Our concentrations of loans may create a greater risk of loan defaults and losses.
A substantial portion of our loans are secured by commercial real estate in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and substantially all of our loans are to borrowers in that area. We also have a significant amount of real estate construction loans and land related loans for commercial developments. At December 31, 2023, 82% of our loans were secured or partially secured by real estate, primarily commercial real estate. Of these loans, $1.1 billion, or 14% of portfolio loans, were land, land development and construction loans. An additional $1.5 billion, or 18% of portfolio loans, were commercial and industrial loans, which are generally not secured by real estate. At December 31, 2023, $949.0 million, or 12% of the total loan portfolio, comprised commercial real estate loans collateralized by office properties. The performance and repayment of these loans often depends on the successful operation of a business or the sale or development of the underlying property and, as a result, is more likely to be adversely affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy in general. While we believe that our loan portfolio is well diversified in terms of borrowers and industries, these concentrations expose us to the risk that adverse developments in the real estate market or in the general economic conditions in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and in particular the area’s office property market, could increase the levels of nonperforming loans, which could have an adverse impact on our provision for credit losses, loan charge-offs and overall loan demand. In that event, we would likely experience higher losses or lower earnings. Additionally, if, for any reason, economic conditions in our market area deteriorate, commercial real estate values, in particular for offices, decline further, or there is significant volatility or weakness in the economy or any significant sector of the area’s economy, our ability to develop our business relationships may be diminished, the quality and collectability of our loans may be adversely affected, the value of collateral may decline and loan demand may be reduced.
The loan portfolio contains a significant number of commercial and commercial real estate and construction loans with relatively large balances. The deterioration of one or a few of these loans may cause a significant increase in nonperforming assets. An increase in nonperforming loans could result in: a loss of earnings from these loans, an increase in the provision for loan losses, an increase in loan charge-offs, and/or an increase in operating expenses which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our concentration of large depositors may increase our liquidity risk and have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
While no single depositor represented more than 10% of total deposits at December 31, 2023, our ten largest depositors not associated with brokered pass-through relationships represented approximately 22% of total deposits. This high concentration of depositors presents a risk to our liquidity if one or more of these depositors decides to change its relationship with us and to withdraw all or a significant portion of its deposits. If such an event occurs, we may need to seek out alternative sources of funding that may not be on the same terms as the deposits being replaced, including at potentially higher rates, which could negatively impact our net interest margin and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. If we are unable to source alternative sources of funding at attractive rates or at all, we could be required to sell or otherwise monetize securities from our investment securities portfolio, which could have similar adverse consequences.
Our financial condition, earnings and asset quality could be adversely affected if our consumer facing operations do not operate in compliance with applicable regulations.
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While all aspects of our operations are subject to detailed and complex compliance regimes, those portions of our lending operations which most directly deal with consumers pose particular risks given the potential financial, reputational and regulatory consequences of failing to satisfy consumer compliance requirements. As a result, despite the education, compliance training, supervision and oversight we exercise in these areas, these compliance efforts could be unsuccessful or individual employees could engage in misconduct, potentially resulting in the Bank being strictly liable for restitution or damages to individual borrowers and subject to regulatory enforcement activity or damage to its reputation.
Changes in interest rates and other factors beyond our control could have an adverse impact on our financial performance and results.
Our liquidity, funding mix, competitive position, business, results of operations and financial condition depend to a great extent on our net interest margin, i.e., the difference between the interest yields we receive on loans, securities and other interest bearing assets and the interest rates we pay on interest bearing deposits and other liabilities. Net interest margin is affected by changes in market interest rates, because different types of assets and liabilities may react differently, and at different times, to market interest rate changes. When interest bearing liabilities mature or re-price more quickly than interest earning assets in a period, an increase in market rates of interest could reduce net interest income, possibly materially. Similarly, when interest earning assets mature or re-price more quickly than interest bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could reduce net interest income, possibly materially. Fluctuations in interest rates have a direct impact on our credit spreads and the cost of our funding. Changes in our credit spreads and funding costs are market driven and may be influenced by market perceptions of our creditworthiness, including changes in our credit ratings or changes in broader financial market and macroeconomic conditions. Changes to interest rates, our credit spreads and funding costs occur continuously and may be unpredictable and highly volatile. Developments affecting other banking institutions or the banking sector generally can also have a significant effect on our funding costs. We may also experience net interest margin compression as a result of offering higher than expected deposit rates in order to attract and maintain deposits.
These rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control, including competition, general economic conditions and monetary and fiscal policies of various governmental and regulatory authorities, including the FRB. We attempt to manage our risk from changes in market interest rates by adjusting the rates, maturity, re-pricing, and balances of the different types of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, but interest rate risk management techniques are not exact. As a result, a rapid increase or decrease in interest rates could have an adverse effect on our net interest margin and results of operations.
The Company employs an earnings simulation model (immediate parallel shifts along the yield curve) on a quarterly basis to monitor its interest rate sensitivity and risk and to model its balance sheet cash flows and the related income statement effects in different interest rate scenarios. As such, the Company's analysis, assuming a static balance sheet, decreases of approximately (0.4)% and (0.9)%, respectively, in projected net interest income and net income over a twelve month period resulting from an instantaneous 100 basis point increase in rates across the yield curve. Conversely, assuming a static balance sheet, we expect decreases of approximately 3.0% and 8.4%, respectively, in projected net interest income and net income over a twelve month period resulting from an instantaneous 100 basis point decrease in rates across the yield curve. In addition, if interest rates continue to rise or stay elevated, we may continue to experience deposit outflows. The results of our interest rate sensitivity simulation model depend upon a number of assumptions, which may not prove to be accurate. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully manage our interest rate risk.
Fluctuations in inflation rates may also have a number of adverse effects on the Bank and the Company. For example, material increases in inflation rates would likely result in an increase in personnel and other operational costs and an increase in salary and wage expenses, which comprise the Bank’s most significant non-interest expense category. Long periods of high inflation also result in higher interest rates, which will increase the Bank’s deposit costs and overall cost of funds. Higher interest rates will also reduce the value of the Bank’s investment portfolio holdings, and if such reductions are significant, they may materially limit our ability to meet future liquidity shortfalls by selling investments without realizing substantial losses. Higher interest rates can also adversely affect the creditworthiness of the Bank’s borrowers, and the commercial real estate loan portfolio is particularly sensitive to a higher interest rate environment. These and other indirect impacts of inflation on the Bank and the Company could significantly adversely affect the Bank's and the Company's earnings and capital in both the short term and long term.
We may not be able to successfully compete with others for business.
We compete in a highly-competitive market for loans and deposit dollars with numerous regional and national banks, online divisions of out-of-market banks and other community banking institutions, as well as other kinds of financial institutions and enterprises, such as securities firms, insurance companies, savings associations, credit unions, mortgage brokers, private lenders and nontraditional competitors such as fintech companies and internet-based lenders, depositories and payment systems. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to successfully compete with traditional and new financial services providers, some of which maintain a physical presence in our market areas and others of which maintain only
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a virtual presence. Many competitors have substantially greater resources than us, and some operate under less stringent regulatory environments. The differences in resources and regulations may make it harder for us to compete profitably, reduce the rates that we can earn on loans and investments, increase the rates we must offer on deposits and other funds and adversely affect our overall financial condition and earnings.
The Bank has developed and aims to continue to develop new customer relationships. Going forward, should competitive pressures increase, we are subject to the risk that we may not be able to retain the loans and deposits produced by these new relationships. There can be no assurance that our relationship banking model will enable us to keep a significant percentage of new relationships or continue to develop new relationships, that we would be able to maintain appropriate levels in the pricing, margins and asset quality or that we will be able to continue to grow.
Our customers and businesses in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in general may be adversely impacted as a result of changes in government spending or a government shutdown.
The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is characterized by a significant number of businesses that are federal government contractors or subcontractors, or which depend on such businesses for a significant portion of their revenues. While the Company does not have a significant level of loans to federal government contractors or their subcontractors, which as of December 31, 2023 was $267.4 million, or 3.4% of our loan portfolio, the impact of a shutdown of federal government operations, a decline in federal government spending, a reallocation of government spending to different industries or different areas of the country or a delay in payments to such contractors, whether as a result of a government shutdown or otherwise, could have a ripple effect and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, including asset quality, financial capital and liquidity levels.
Temporary layoffs, staffing freezes, salary reductions or furloughs of government employees or government contractors and other impacts from declining government spending, lapses in appropriations, or changes in fiscal appropriations could have adverse impacts on other businesses in the Company’s market and the general economy of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and may indirectly lead to a loss of revenues by the Company’s customers, including vendors and lessors to the federal government and government contractors or to their employees, as well as a wide variety of commercial and retail businesses. Accordingly, such potential federal government actions could lead to increases in past due loans, nonperforming loans, credit loss reserves and charge-offs and a decline in liquidity.
We rely upon independent appraisals to determine the value of the real estate that secures a significant portion of our loans, and the values indicated by such appraisals may not be realizable if we are forced to foreclose upon such loans.
A significant portion of our loan portfolio consists of loans secured by real estate. We rely upon independent appraisers at the time of origination to estimate the value of such real estate. Appraisals are only estimates of value, and the soundness of those estimates may be affected by volatility in the real estate market or other changes in market conditions. In addition, the independent appraisers may make mistakes of fact or judgment, which adversely affect the reliability of their appraisals. In addition, events occurring after the initial appraisal may cause the value of the real estate to increase or decrease. For example, since 2020 and in light of the prevalence of hybrid work arrangements and associated lower occupancy rates, the value of commercial real estate secured by office properties has generally declined. As a result of any of these factors, the real estate securing some of our loans may be more or less valuable than anticipated at the time the loans were made. If a default occurs on a loan secured by real estate that is less valuable than originally estimated, we may not be able to recover the outstanding balance of the loan and will suffer a loss.
We are exposed to risk of environmental liabilities with respect to properties to which we take title.
In the course of our business we lend against, and from time to time foreclose and take title to, real estate, potentially becoming subject to environmental liabilities associated with the properties. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and cleanup costs or we may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances or chemical releases at a property. Costs associated with investigation or remediation activities can be substantial. If the Bank is the lender to, or owner or former owner of, a contaminated site, it may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. These costs and claims could adversely affect our business.
Climate change or government action and societal responses to climate change could adversely affect our results of operations.
Climate change can increase the likelihood of the occurrence and severity of natural disasters and can also result in longer-term shifts in climate patterns such as extreme heat, sea level rise, more frequent and prolonged drought, stronger and more frequent storms and other instances of extreme weather. Such significant climate change effects may negatively impact the Company’s geographic markets, disrupting the operations of the Company, our customers or third parties on which we rely. Damages to real estate underlying mortgage loans or real estate collateral and declines in economic conditions in geographic
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markets in which the Company’s customers operate may impact our customers’ ability to repay loans or maintain deposits due to climate change effects, which could increase our delinquency rates and average credit loss.
Moreover, as the effects of climate change continue to create a level of concern for the state of the global environment, companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, regulators, investors and other stakeholders related to their environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices and disclosure. New government regulations could result in more stringent forms of ESG oversight and reporting and diligence and disclosure requirements. Increased ESG related compliance costs, in turn, could result in increases to our overall operational costs. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards, including with respect to the Company’s involvement in certain industries or projects associated with causing or exacerbating climate change, may negatively affect the Company’s reputation and commercial relationships, which could adversely affect our business.
Difficulty recruiting or retaining successful bankers, as well as the loss of any of our executive officers or other key personnel, could negatively impact the implementation of our business strategy, impair relationships with our customers and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
In light of macroeconomic factors, human capital management risks are an important component of the Company’s assessment of risk and its enterprise risk management system. Our ability to retain and grow loans, deposits and fee income depends upon the business generation capabilities, reputation and relationship management skills of our bankers. If we were to experience difficulty recruiting successful bankers, or lose the services of any of our bankers to a new or existing competitor or otherwise, we may be unable to establish and retain valuable relationships and some of our customers or potential customers could choose to use the services of a competitor instead.
Moreover, the Company relies significantly on the expertise and experience of our executive officers and senior management, whose skills, years of industry experience and relationships with customers may be difficult for the Company to replace. The loss of service of one or more of these key personnel could reduce the Company’s ability to successfully implement its long-term business strategy, our business could suffer and the value of the Company’s common stock could be materially adversely affected. Leadership changes may occur from time to time and the Company cannot predict whether significant resignations will occur or whether the Company will be able to recruit additional qualified personnel. There can be no assurance that the Company can adequately prepare for these risks prior to their occurrence or that they will not have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
RISKS RELATED TO INVESTING IN OUR STOCK
Our ability to make distributions in respect of our securities may be limited.
Our ability to pay a cash dividend on our common stock, to repurchase shares of our common stock or to pay interest on our subordinated debt will depend largely upon the ability of the Bank, the Company’s principal operating business, to declare and pay dividends to the Company. Payment of distributions on our securities will also depend upon the Bank’s earnings, financial condition and need for funds, as well as laws, regulations and governmental policies applicable to the Company and the Bank, which limit the amount of distributions that may be made. In addition to the minimum CET1, Tier 1, leverage ratio and total capital ratios, the Company and the Bank each must maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional CET1 capital greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above the required minimum risk-based capital levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends and repurchasing shares. The payment of dividends in any period and the adoption or implementation of a share repurchase program do not mean that the Company will continue to pay dividends at the current level, or at all, or that it will repurchase any shares of common stock. Refer to “Regulation” under Item 1 and to “Market for Common Stock” under Item 5 for additional information.
We may issue additional equity securities or engage in other transactions that could affect the priority of our common stock, which may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
In accordance with our Amended Articles of Incorporation, our Board may determine from time to time that we need to raise additional capital by issuing additional shares of our common stock or other securities. We are not restricted from issuing additional shares of common stock, including securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for, or that represent the right to receive, common stock. Because our decision to issue securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of any future offerings or the prices at which such offerings may be effected. Such offerings could be dilutive to common shareholders. Pursuant to our Amended Articles of Incorporation, the Company’s Board is authorized to issue up to one million shares of preferred stock, on such terms and with such powers, preferences, rights and provisions as it may determine and to divide the preferred stock into one or more classes or series. New investors, and particularly investors in any preferred stock the Company may issue from time to time, will therefore have rights, preferences and privileges that are senior to, and that adversely affect, our then current common shareholders. Additionally, if we raise additional capital by making additional offerings of debt or preferred equity securities, upon liquidation of the Company, holders of our debt securities and shares of preferred stock and
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lenders with respect to other borrowings will receive distributions of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. Also, additional equity offerings may dilute the holdings of our existing shareholders or reduce the market price of our common stock, or both. Holders of our common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights or other protections against dilution.
Substantial regulatory limitations on changes of control and anti-takeover provisions of Maryland law may make it more difficult for shareholders to receive a change in control premium.
With certain limited exceptions, federal regulations prohibit a person or company or a group of persons deemed to be “acting in concert” from, directly or indirectly, acquiring more than 10% (5% if the acquirer is a bank holding company) of any class of the Company’s voting stock or obtaining the ability to control in any manner the election of a majority of its directors or otherwise direct the management or policies of the Company without prior notice or application to and the approval of the Federal Reserve. There are comparable prior approval requirements for changes in control under Maryland law. Also, the Maryland General Corporation Law, as amended, contains several provisions that may make it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of the Company without the approval of its Board and may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire a majority of its outstanding common stock.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR LEGAL AND REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
Our concentrations of loans may require us to maintain higher levels of capital.
Under guidance adopted by the federal banking agencies, banks that have concentrations in construction, land development or commercial real estate loans (other than loans for majority owner occupied properties) are expected to maintain higher levels of risk management policies and processes and, potentially, higher levels of capital. We may be required to maintain higher levels of capital than we would otherwise be expected to maintain as a result of our levels of construction, development and commercial real estate loans.
Litigation and regulatory actions, possibly including enforcement actions, could subject us to significant fines, penalties, judgments or other requirements resulting in increased expenses or restrictions on our business activities.
In the normal course of our business, we are named as a defendant in various legal actions arising in connection with our current and/or prior business activities or public disclosures. Legal actions could include claims for substantial compensatory or punitive damages or claims for indeterminate amounts of damages. Further, we may be subject to regulatory enforcement actions. We are also, from time to time, the subject of subpoenas, requests for information, reviews, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by various agencies and other bodies regarding our current and/or prior business activities. Additionally, we also from time to time receive demand letters from shareholders, and such letters may lead to these shareholders filing claims or derivative suits against us if our engagement with such shareholders ends in a failure to successfully negotiate a settlement. Any such legal or regulatory actions may subject us to substantial compensatory or punitive damages, significant fines, penalties, obligations to change our business practices, required changes in our senior officers or other requirements resulting in increased expenses, diminished income and damage to our business. Our involvement in any such matters, whether tangential or otherwise, and even if the matters are ultimately determined in our favor, could also cause significant harm to our reputation and divert management attention from the operation of our business. Further, any settlement, regulatory order or agreement, informal enforcement action or adverse judgment in connection with any formal or informal proceeding or investigation by government agencies may result in adverse audit findings or additional litigation, investigations or proceedings as other parties, including other litigants and/or government agencies begin independent reviews of the same activities. As a result, the outcome of legal and regulatory actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and stock price, including in any particular reporting period.
Further, in litigation and regulatory matters, it is inherently difficult to determine whether any loss is probable or whether it is possible to estimate the amount of any reasonably possible loss. We cannot predict with certainty if, how or when such proceedings will be resolved or what the eventual fine, penalty or other relief, conditions or restrictions, if any, may be, particularly for actions that are in their early stages of investigation. We may be required to pay fines or civil money penalties or make other payments in connection with certain of these issues. This uncertainty makes it difficult to estimate probable losses, which, in turn, can lead to substantial disparities between the reserves we may establish for such proceedings and the eventual settlements, fines or penalties. While the Company and Bank carry insurance to protect us from material outlays (excluding regulatory fees and penalties), such insurance may not always fully or even substantially cover such outlays. The Company maintains director and officer insurance policies (“D&O Insurance Policies”) that provide coverage for the legal defense costs. When the D&O Insurance Policies are exhausted, the Company is responsible for paying the defense costs associated with those investigations and litigations (to include unpaid receivables from the insurance carriers) for itself and on behalf of any current and former officers and directors entitled to indemnification from the Company. The Company has incurred and may incur in the future in connection with current ongoing and any potential future investigations and legal proceedings, as they are dependent on various factors, many of which are outside of the Company’s control. In the event such costs are significant, they could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and stock price.
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Our operation in our regulatory environment, both current or updated as a result of new or updated laws or rules, may have an adverse impact on our business, our financial condition and our results of operations.
The banking industry is highly regulated and supervised under federal and state laws and regulations that are intended primarily for the protection of depositors, customers, the public, the banking system as a whole or the FDIC DIF. The Company and Bank are subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve and the FDIC, as well as our state regulator. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be difficult and costly, and we may incur significant expenses to meet supervisory expenses or remediate supervisory findings. In addition, changes to laws and regulations can impose additional compliance costs. The laws and regulations applicable to the Company and Bank govern a variety of matters, including permissible types, amounts and terms of loans and investments they may make, the maximum interest rate that may be charged, the types of deposits that may be accepted and the rates that may be paid on such deposits, maintenance of adequate capital and liquidity, changes in control of the Company and Bank, transactions between the Bank and its affiliates, handling of nonpublic information, restrictions on distributions to shareholders through dividends or share repurchases, dividends and establishment of new offices. The Company’s and the Bank’s regulators have also provided guidance on supervisory expectations relating to risk management and numerous other aspects of our activities. We must obtain approval from our regulators before engaging in certain activities, and there is risk that such approvals may not be granted, either in a timely manner or at all. These requirements may constrain our operations, and the adoption of new laws and changes to or repeal of existing laws may have a further impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Also, the burden imposed by those laws and regulations may place banks in general, including the Bank in particular, at a competitive disadvantage compared to our non-bank competitors. Our failure to comply with any applicable laws or regulations or regulatory policies and interpretations of such laws and regulations, or our failure to meet supervisory expectations, could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties or damage to our reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Applicable federal and state laws, regulations, regulatory guidance, interpretations, enforcement policies and accounting principles have been subject to significant changes in recent years and may be subject to significant future changes. Future changes may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Federal regulatory agencies may adopt changes to their regulations, change the manner in which existing regulations are applied or develop more stringent expectations for the banks they supervise. We cannot predict the substance or effect of future legislation or regulation or the application of laws and regulations to us. Compliance with current and potential regulation, as well as regulatory scrutiny, may significantly increase our costs, impede the efficiency of our internal business processes, require us to increase regulatory capital, to change the size or composition of our funding, loan portfolio or investment securities portfolio, or to limit our ability to pursue business opportunities.
In addition, regulators may elect to alter standards or the interpretation of the standards used to measure regulatory compliance or to determine the adequacy of liquidity, risk management or other operational practices for financial service companies in a manner that impacts our ability to implement our strategy and could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Furthermore, the regulatory agencies have extremely broad discretion in their interpretation of laws and regulations and their assessment of the quality of our loan portfolio, securities portfolio and other assets. If any regulatory agency’s assessment of the quality of our assets, operations, lending practices, investment practices, capital structure or other aspects of our business differs from our assessment, we may be required to take additional charges or undertake, or refrain from taking, actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Increases in FDIC insurance premiums could adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.
The deposits of our bank are insured by the FDIC up to legal limits and, accordingly, subject it to the payment of FDIC deposit insurance assessments, determined in accordance with a defined calculation. The FDIC has imposed a special assessment to recover the losses to the DIF resulting from the FDIC’s use, in March 2023, of the systemic risk exception to the least-cost resolution test under the Federal Deposit Insurance Act in connection with the receiverships of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Increases in assessment rates or further special assessments may occur in the future, especially if there are significant additional financial institution failures. Any future special assessments, increases in assessment rates or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums could reduce our profitability or limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to laws regarding the privacy, information security and protection of personal information, and any violation of these laws or another incident involving personal, confidential or proprietary information of individuals could damage our reputation and otherwise adversely affect our business.
Our business requires the collection and retention of large volumes of customer data, including personally identifiable information ("PII") in various information systems that we maintain and in those maintained by third party service providers. We also maintain important internal company data such as PII about our employees and information relating to our operations.
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We are subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations governing the privacy and protection of PII of individuals (including customers, employees and other third parties), as well as planning for responding to data security breaches. Various federal and state banking regulators and states have also enacted data breach notification requirements with varying levels of individual, consumer, regulatory or law enforcement notification in the event of a security breach. We have incurred and expect to continue to incur costs in connection with our policies and procedures designed to ensure that our collection, use, transfer, storage and disposal of PII complies with all applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, customers and other third parties may not have appropriate controls in place to protect the confidentiality of the information that they exchange with us, particularly where such information is transmitted by electronic means, which can expose us to risks and potential costs and liabilities. If personal, confidential or proprietary information of customers or others were to be mishandled or misused (in situations where, for example, such information was erroneously provided to parties who are not permitted to have the information or where such information was intercepted or otherwise compromised by third parties), we could be exposed to litigation or regulatory sanctions under privacy and data protection laws and regulations. Concerns regarding the effectiveness of our measures to safeguard PII, or even the perception that such measures are inadequate, could cause us to lose customers or potential customers and thereby reduce our revenues. Accordingly, any failure, or perceived failure, to comply with applicable privacy or data protection laws and regulations may subject us to inquiries, examinations and investigations that could result in requirements to modify or cease certain operations or practices or in significant liabilities, fines or penalties and could damage our reputation and otherwise adversely affect our operations, financial condition and results of operations.
RISKS RELATED TO ACCOUNTING AND TAXATION
Changes in the value of goodwill and intangible assets could reduce our earnings.
The Company accounts for goodwill and other intangible assets in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), which, in general, requires that goodwill not be amortized, but rather that it be tested for impairment at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event at the reporting unit level. Testing for impairment of goodwill involves the identification of the reporting unit and the estimation of fair value. The estimation of fair values involves a high degree of judgment and subjectivity in the assumptions used. Changes in the local and national economy, the federal and state legislative and regulatory environments for financial institutions, the stock market, interest rates and other external factors (such as natural disasters or significant world events) may occur from time to time, often with great unpredictability, and may materially impact the fair value of publicly traded financial institutions and could result in an impairment charge at a future date. In addition, our stock has been trading below book value since this first quarter of 2023, which increases the risk of an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test and potential for a related impairment charge. Refer to “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Goodwill” under Item 7 for additional information.
Changes in tax laws could have an adverse effect on us, the banking industry, our customers, the value of collateral securing our loans and demand for loans.
We are subject to the effect of changes in tax laws which could increase the effective tax rate payable by us to federal, state and municipal governments, reduce the value of our beneficial tax attributes or otherwise adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition. Additionally, changes in tax laws could have a negative impact on the banking industry, borrowers, the market for single family residential or commercial real estate or business borrowing. To the extent that changes in law discourage borrowing, ownership of real property or business investment, such changes may have an adverse effect on the demand for our loans. Further, the value of the properties securing loans in our portfolio may be adversely impacted as a result of the changing economics of real estate ownership and borrowing, which could require an increase in our ACL, which would reduce our profitability and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, certain borrowers could become less able to service their debts as a result of changes in taxation. Any such changes could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in accounting standards could impact our financial condition and results of operations.
From time to time there are changes in the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes can be operationally complex to implement and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some instances, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, resulting in the restatement of prior period financial statements. Any such changes could adversely affect the Company’s and Bank’s capital, regulatory capital ratios, ability to make larger loans, earnings and performance metrics.
RISKS RELATED TO THE USE OF TECHNOLOGY
Our operations, including our transactions with customers, are increasingly conducted via electronic means, and this has increased risks related to cybersecurity.
We are exposed to the risk of cyber-attacks in the normal course of business. In addition, we are exposed to cyber-attacks on vendors and merchants that affect us and our customers. In general, cyber incidents can result from deliberate attacks
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or unintentional events. We have observed an increased level of attention in the industry focused on cyber-attacks that include, but are not limited to, gaining unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. Despite our efforts to develop and implement policies and procedures to identify, protect, detect, respond and recover from the possible security breach of our information systems and cyber-fraud, we may not be able to anticipate, detect or implement effective protective measures against all cyber-attacks, including because the techniques used are increasingly sophisticated, change frequently and are often not recognized until launched. Cyber-attacks can originate from a variety of sources, including third parties affiliated with or sponsored by foreign governments or involved with organized crime or terrorist organizations. While we maintain insurance coverage that may, subject to policy terms and conditions including significant self-insured deductibles, cover certain aspects of cyber risks, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses. While we have not incurred any material losses related to cyber-attacks, we may incur substantial costs and suffer other negative consequences if we fall victim to successful cyber-attacks. Such negative consequences could include remediation costs that may include liability for stolen assets or information and repairing system damage that may have been caused; deploying additional personnel and protection technologies, training employees and engaging third-party experts and consultants; lost revenues resulting from unauthorized use of proprietary information or the failure to retain or attract customers following an attack; disruption or failures of physical infrastructure, operating systems or networks that support our business and customers resulting in the loss of customers and business opportunities; additional regulatory scrutiny and possible regulatory penalties; litigation; and reputational damage adversely affecting customer or investor confidence.
A breach or interruption of information security or cyber-related threats could negatively affect our business, financial condition or earnings.
We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. Although we maintain insurance coverage that may, subject to policy terms and conditions including significant self-insured deductibles, cover certain aspects of cyber risks, such insurance coverage may be insufficient to cover all losses. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of our information systems could damage our reputation, adversely affect customer or investor confidence, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible regulatory penalties or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to keep up with the rapid technological changes in the financial services industry could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position and profitability.
The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes, with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to implement new technology-driven products and services effectively or be successful in marketing these products and services to customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could harm our ability to compete effectively and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. As these technologies are improved in the future, we may be required to make significant capital expenditures in order to remain competitive, which may increase our overall expenses and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We depend on the use of data and modeling in both management’s decision-making, generally, and in meeting regulatory expectations, in particular.
The use of statistical and quantitative models and other quantitatively-based analyses is endemic to bank decision-making and regulatory compliance processes and the employment of such analyses is becoming increasingly widespread in our operations. Liquidity stress testing, interest rate sensitivity analysis, allowance for credit loss measurement, portfolio stress testing, assessing capital adequacy and the identification of possible violations of anti-money laundering regulations are examples of areas in which we are dependent on models and the data that underlies them. We anticipate that model-derived insights will be used more widely in decision-making in the future. While these quantitative techniques and approaches are intended to improve our decision-making, they also create the possibility that faulty data, flawed quantitative approaches or poorly designed or implemented models could yield adverse or faulty outcomes and decisions, and could result in regulatory scrutiny. Secondarily, because of the complexity inherent in these approaches, misunderstanding or misuse of their outputs could similarly result in suboptimal decision-making, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and share price.
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GENERAL RISKS
The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, which may make it difficult for investors to resell shares of common stock at a time or price they find attractive.
Our stock price may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, many of which are beyond our control. In addition to those described in “Caution About Forward Looking Statements,” these factors include:
•Actual or anticipated quarterly fluctuations in our operating results and financial condition;
•Changes in financial estimates or publication of research reports and recommendations by financial analysts or actions taken by rating agencies with respect to us or other financial institutions;
•Reports in the press, internet or investment community generally or relating to our reputation or the financial services industry, whether or not those reports are based on accurate, complete or transparent information;
•Uncertainties related to our regulatory relationships or status;
•Strategic actions by us or our competitors, such as acquisitions, restructurings, dispositions or financings;
•Fluctuations in the stock price and operating results of our competitors, or the financial services industry;
•Future sales of our equity or equity-related securities;
•Proposed or adopted regulatory changes or developments;
•Domestic and international economic and political factors unrelated to our performance;
•Actions of one or more investors in selling our common stock short; and
•General market conditions and, in particular, developments related to market conditions for the financial services industry, inclusive of the potential adverse impact from:
▪Terrorism, and current or anticipated military conflicts and other geopolitical events;
▪Catastrophic events, including natural disasters, and public health crises.
In addition, the stock market in general has experienced price and volume fluctuations. This volatility has had a significant effect on the market price of securities issued by many companies, including for reasons unrelated to their operating performance. These broad market fluctuations may adversely affect our stock price, notwithstanding our operating results. We expect that the market price of our common stock will continue to fluctuate and there can be no assurances about the levels of the market prices for our common stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None
ITEM 1C. CYBERSECURITY
As a publicly-traded financial institution, we are subject to various cybersecurity risks that could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation, including, but not limited to, cyber-attacks against us or our service providers focused on gaining unauthorized access to digital systems for purposes of misappropriating assets or sensitive information, corrupting data or causing operational disruption. As described below, we have risk management and governance practices and processes designed to address these risks.
The Company has established an enterprise risk management framework that outlines the processes and procedures the Company uses to identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor the risks faced by the Company, including cybersecurity risk.
Within the overarching enterprise risk management framework, we have an information security program designed to preserve the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information or data on our systems and those of our service providers, as documented in our information security policy.
Our information security program takes a risk-based approach to identifying and assessing the cybersecurity risks that exist within our business and information technology systems. The program addresses the roles and responsibilities of the Board, its committees and management.
The Board is responsible for the oversight of cybersecurity risk management, as well as the selection of a Chief Information Security Officer (“CISO”), the management official responsible for administering and executing the information security program. The Board’s Technology Oversight Committee (“TOC”) assists the Board in its oversight of the information security program. The TOC reviews information security metrics, oversees significant instances of non-compliance with the
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information security policy and monitors remediation of those instances, and reviews the appointment of the CISO for recommendation to the Board.
At the management level, the Enterprise Risk Management Committee (“ERMC”) is primarily responsible for cybersecurity risk management. As it pertains to the information security program, the ERMC assesses and monitors information security risks and approves the information security policy on at least an annual basis. Certain instances of non-compliance with the information security policy are escalated to the EMRC, which may further escalate to the TOC as appropriate. Once escalated to a committee, the committee is responsible for overseeing related remediation.
Our CISO is responsible for the overall administration and execution of the information security program and reports to our Chief Risk Officer (“CRO”). Our CISO has over thirty years of experience working in information security for a variety of companies and organizations, including multiple financial institutions. The CISO monitors the security of, among other things, systems, applications, tools, databases, computers, websites, cloud infrastructure, vendor tools, and user access systems. The CISO performs an annual information security risk assessment, which, among other things, documents inherent risk levels and controls in place to manage those risks. The information security risk assessment is presented to the Board annually.
We strive to minimize the occurrence of cybersecurity incidents and the risks resulting from such incidents. However, when a cybersecurity incident does occur, the Company has in place an incident response program to guide our assessment of and response to the incident. The CISO coordinates the Company’s response to a cybersecurity incident, including investigating, recording and evaluating any potential, suspected or confirmed incidents involving non-public customer information or Company confidential information.
On a regular basis, the CISO reports to the CRO information security risk issues, risk mitigation progress and developments, and information security enhancement initiatives. The CISO also reports the status of information security-related key risk indicators to the CRO. The CISO reports to the TOC monthly on information security developments and emerging risks, both in the industry and specific to the Company. The CISO and CRO report on the information security program to the TOC and the ERMC and review and propose updates to the information security policy to the ERMC.
The Company employs third parties in certain aspects of its information security and cybersecurity risk management. For example, we engage third parties to assess the information security risks related to new products, and we utilize third parties to conduct certain security operations and maintain certain information security infrastructure. We have adopted a Contract and Vendor Management Policy, which addresses the identification, measurement, monitoring, and management of our third-party service provider relationships, including those related to information security. The CISO assesses and monitors information risks posed by third parties and any non-compliance with the controls created to address such risks. With respect to cybersecurity incidents affecting our third party service providers, the CISO works with our service providers to understand and document any incidents, along with managing the impact to us and reporting such incidents to the CRO, ERMC, TOC, and, if applicable, the Board.
To date, we have not incurred any material losses related to cybersecurity incidents. However, the risk management and governance processes described above may not be sufficient to prevent cybersecurity incidents, and we could incur substantial costs and suffer other negative consequences from cybersecurity incidents. See “Part 1, Item IA. – Risk Factors” for more information on the cybersecurity risks facing the Company.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our principal office is located in Bethesda, Maryland. All properties out of which the Company operates are leased properties. As of December 31, 2023, the Company and its subsidiaries operated out of 17 different locations (some of which have multiple leases); which include our principal corporate office, branch offices, lending centers and an operations center in Washington, D.C., Suburban Maryland and Northern Virginia metropolitan areas. Additional information with respect to premises and equipment is presented in Notes 5 and 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
As disclosed in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings incidental to their business in the ordinary course, and the disclosure set forth in Note 20 relating to certain legal matters is incorporated herein by reference.
Based on information currently available, the Company does not believe that the liabilities (if any) resulting from such legal proceedings will have a material effect on the financial position of the Company. However, in light of the inherent
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uncertainties involved in such matters, ongoing legal expenses or an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could materially and adversely affect the Company’s financial condition and results of operations or cash flows in any particular reporting period, as well as its reputation.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF COMMON EQUITY
Market for Common Stock. The Company’s common stock is listed for trading on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “EGBN.” Over the year ended December 31, 2023, the average daily trading volume amounted to approximately 302,118 shares, an increase from approximately 167,619 shares over the year ended December 31, 2022. No assurance can be given that a more active trading market will develop or can be maintained. As of February 9, 2024, there were 29,928,977 shares of common stock outstanding, held by approximately 493 shareholders of record. Based on the most recent analysis, the Company believes beneficial shareholders number approximately 18,405. As of February 9, 2024, our directors and executive officers own approximately 3% of our outstanding shares of common stock.
Dividends. The Company pays a regular quarterly cash dividend. In 2023, the Company declared four cash dividends with an aggregate value of $1.80 per share, or $54.3 million.
The payment of a cash dividend on common stock will depend largely upon the ability of the Bank, the Company’s principal operating business, to declare and pay dividends to the Company. Payment of dividends on the common stock will also depend upon the Bank’s earnings, financial condition, and need for funds, as well as governmental policies and regulations applicable to the Company and the Bank. The payment of dividends in any period does not mean that the Company will continue to pay dividends at the current level, or at any other level.
Regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve Board" or "Federal Reserve") and Maryland law place limits on the amount of dividends the Bank may pay to the Company without prior approval. Prior regulatory approval is required to pay dividends which exceed the Bank’s net profits for the current year plus its retained net profits for the preceding two calendar years, less required transfers to surplus. Under Maryland law, dividends may only be paid out of retained earnings. State and federal bank regulatory agencies also have authority to prohibit a bank from paying dividends if such payment is deemed to be an unsafe or unsound practice, and the Federal Reserve Board has the same authority over bank holding companies. At December 31, 2023 the Bank could pay dividends to the Company to the extent of its earnings so long as it maintained required capital ratios.
The FRB has established requirements with respect to the maintenance of appropriate levels of capital by registered bank holding companies. Compliance with such standards, as presently in effect, or as they may be amended from time to time, could possibly limit the amount of dividends that the Company may pay in the future. The FRB has issued guidance regarding the situations in which a bank holding company should consider eliminating, reducing, or deferring its dividends, including if the net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends; the prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with capital needs and the bank holding company’s overall current and prospective financial condition; or the bank holding company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, its minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. As a depository institution, the deposits of which are insured by the FDIC, the Bank may not pay dividends or distribute any of its capital assets while it remains in default on any assessment due the FDIC. The Bank currently is not in default under any of its obligations to the FDIC.
Issuer Repurchase of Common Stock. The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the fourth quarter of 2023. On December 13, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program (the "2023 Repurchase Program") that took effect starting January 2, 2023 and authorized the repurchase of 1,600,000 shares of common stock, or approximately 5% of the Company's outstanding shares of common stock. The Company fully utilized the 2023 Repurchase Program as of the second quarter of 2023.
See Item 12 - Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters for “Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans.”
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Stock Price Performance. The following table compares the cumulative total return on a hypothetical investment of $100 in the Company’s common stock from December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2023, with the hypothetical cumulative total return on the Nasdaq Stock Market Index (U.S. Companies), S&P 500 Index and the KBW Regional Banking Index for the comparable period, including reinvestment of dividends. The KBW Regional Banking Index seeks to reflect the performance of publicly traded companies that do business as regional banks or thrifts listed on all U.S. stock markets.
Eagle Bancorp, Inc. |
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eagle Bancorp, Inc. | 100.00 | 100.76 | 87.87 | 126.98 | 99.16 | 72.41 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nasdaq Composite Index | 100.00 | 136.69 | 198.10 | 242.03 | 163.28 | 236.17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
S&P 500 Index | 100.00 | 131.49 | 155.68 | 200.37 | 164.08 | 207.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
KBW Nasdaq Regional Banking Index | 100.00 | 123.81 | 113.03 | 154.45 | 143.75 | 143.17 |
ITEM 6. [RESERVED]
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion provides information about the results of operations, financial condition, liquidity, and capital resources of the Company. The Company’s primary subsidiary is the Bank, and the Company’s other direct and indirect active subsidiaries are Bethesda Leasing, LLC, Eagle Insurance Services, LLC and Landroval Municipal Finance, Inc.
This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, appearing elsewhere in this report.
We have omitted discussion of the earliest of the three years covered by our consolidated financial statements presented in this report as that disclosure is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on February 9, 2023. You can reference the discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” within that report.
Caution About Forward Looking Statements. This report contains forward looking statements. These forward looking statements represent plans, estimates, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, intentions, projections and statements of our beliefs concerning future events, business plans, objectives, expected operating results and the assumptions upon which those statements are based. Forward looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate or imply future results, performance or achievements and are typically identified with words such as “may,” “will,” “can,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” "outlook," “estimates,” “potential,” “assume," "probable," "possible," "continue,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “strive," "seeks,” "deem," "projections," "forecast," "consider," "indicative," "uncertainty," "likely," "unlikely," ""likelihood," "unknown," "attributable," "depends," "intends," "generally," "feel," "typically," "judgment," "subjective" and similar words or phrases. These forward looking statements are based largely on our expectations and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors which are, in many instances, beyond our control. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward looking statements.
The following factors, among others, could cause our financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in such forward looking statements:
•Changes in the general economic, political, social and health conditions, including the macroeconomic and other challenges and uncertainties resulting from the effects of pandemics and natural disasters;
•The timely development of competitive new products and services and the acceptance of these products and services by new and existing customers;
•The willingness of customers to substitute competitors’ products and services for our products and services;
•Our management of liquidity risks in our operations, including, but not limited to, risks related to customer deposits, deposits in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") insurance coverage limits, access to capital markets and securities and market values;
•The effect of acquisitions we may make, including, without limitation, the failure to achieve the expected revenue growth and/or expense savings from such acquisitions;
•Our management of risks inherent in our real estate loan portfolio, and the risk of a prolonged downturn in the real estate market, which could impair the value of, and our ability to sell, properties which stand as collateral for loans we make;
•Our decision to cease originating residential mortgages;
•The growth and profitability of noninterest or fee income being less than expected;
•Changes in the level of our nonperforming assets and charge-offs;
•Changes in consumer spending and savings habits;
•The impact of climate change or government action and societal responses to climate change;
•Difficulty recruiting or retaining successful bankers, executive officers or other key personnel;
•Changing bank regulatory conditions, policies or programs, whether arising as new legislation or regulatory initiatives, that could lead to restrictions on activities of banks generally, or our subsidiary bank in particular, more restrictive regulatory capital requirements, increased costs, including deposit insurance premiums, regulation or prohibition of certain income producing activities or changes in the secondary market for loans and other products;
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•The impact of changes in financial services policies, laws and regulations, including laws, regulations and policies concerning taxes, banking, securities and insurance and the application thereof by regulatory bodies;
•The effects of, and changes in, trade, monetary and fiscal policies and laws, including interest rate policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve Board," "Federal Reserve" or "FRB"), inflation, interest rate, market and monetary fluctuations;
•Results of examinations of us by our regulators, including the possibility that our regulators may, among other things, require us to increase our allowance for credit losses, to write-down assets, to hold more capital or to incur costs to remediate supervisory findings;
•The effects or impact of any litigation, regulatory proceeding, including enforcement proceedings and any possibly resulting fines, judgments, expenses or restrictions on our business activities;
•Unanticipated regulatory or judicial proceedings;
•The effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted from time-to-time by bank regulatory agencies, the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB") or the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB");
•Cybersecurity breaches, threats, and cyber-fraud that cause the Bank to sustain financial losses;
•Technological and social media changes;
•Our management of risks inherent in the use of statistical and quantitative data and modeling;
•The strength of the United States economy, in general, and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations;
•Geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the United States or other governments in response to acts or threats of terrorism and/or military conflicts, which could impact business and economic conditions in the United States and abroad; and
•The factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in this report.
If one or more of the factors affecting our forward looking information and statements proves incorrect, then our actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward looking information and statements contained in this report. You should not place undue reliance on our forward looking information and statements. We will not update the forward looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward looking statements.
GENERAL
The Company is a one-bank holding company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, which is currently celebrating twenty-five years of successful operations. The Company provides general commercial and consumer banking services through the Bank, its wholly owned banking subsidiary, a Maryland chartered bank which is a member of the Federal Reserve. The Company was organized in October 1997 and to be the holding company for the Bank. The Bank was organized in 1998 as an independent, community oriented, full service banking alternative to the super regional financial institutions, which dominate the Company’s primary market area. The Company’s philosophy is to provide superior, personalized service to its customers. The Company focuses on relationship banking, providing each customer with a number of services and becoming familiar with and addressing customer needs in a proactive, personalized fashion. The Bank currently has a total of thirteen branch offices (six in Suburban Maryland, four in Washington, D.C. and three in Northern Virginia), a principal corporate office, four lending centers (two are co-located with branches and one co-located in the principal corporate office) and one operations center. Refer to the Business Section above, which describes in detail the various banking services offered.
General economic, political, social and health conditions affect financial markets, and therefore, our business. As the economy has experienced higher levels of inflation, interest rates have increased due to current monetary policies. Fiscal and monetary policies have a direct and indirect impact on the level and volatility of interest rates, liquidity of financial markets, the availability and cost of capital, and market conditions of financing. In 2022, the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee ("FOMC"), began a series of rate increases thereby discontinuing the generally accommodative monetary policy it had pursued when the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. In late 2022, the Federal Reserve begun tapering purchases of securities and is no longer expanding its balance sheet as aggressively. Actual real U.S. GDP growth for 2023 was 3.3%, in contrast to 2.1% growth in 2022 as the economy grew despite continuing to experience the effects of inflationary pressures and rising interest rates that also existed in 2022. The employment climbed throughout 2023 as the U.S. unemployment rate ended the year at 3.7%, up from 3.4% at the end of 2022.
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Longer-term U.S. interest rates increased in 2023, with the ten year U.S. Treasury rate averaging 3.96% in 2023 as compared to 2.95% in 2022. The yield curve in 2023 was inverted as rates increased sharply on the short end of the curve and remained anchored on the longer end versus a more normal shape in 2022.
We believe the Company’s primary market, the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, continues to exhibit a certain degree of resilience relative to other parts of the country despite the volatility in the current economic environment. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area maintains a diverse economy which includes a stable public sector, a large healthcare component, substantial business services and a highly educated work force. The private sector, in particular, the Leisure and Hospitality sector has seen some recovery in recent years following the adverse effects of the pandemic. The multi-family commercial real estate leasing sector, notwithstanding increased supply of units in the Bank’s market area, has held up relatively well, particularly for well-located close-in projects. While commercial real estate office properties continue to experience challenges, the Company has remained focused on monitoring this sector and working with borrowers in order to mitigate credit losses within our loan portfolio. Overall, we believe commercial real estate values have generally decreased moderately, but we continue to be cautious of the cap rates at which some assets are trading, and therefore, we are being careful with valuations.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had total assets of approximately $11.7 billion, total loans of $8.0 billion, total deposits of $8.8 billion and thirteen branches in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The loan portfolio continued to grow in the year ended December 31, 2023, due primarily to our income producing commercial real estate ("CRE") loan originations and fundings, along with increases in our owner occupied CRE loans, and to a lesser extent, construction - commercial and residential loans and construction C&I (owner occupied) loans. Amidst this growth, we have remained cognizant of the volatility in our industry, capital markets and interest rate markets. While we remain cautious with regard to CRE market conditions, principally office, the strength of the Washington D.C. metro area in certain sectors, particularly multi-family commercial real estate and the housing market, continue to drive premiums for well-located properties.
The Company has the financial resources to meet, and remains committed to meeting, the credit needs of its community. Loan balances increased in 2022 and 2023 as rising rates led to deposit disintermediation reducing our liquidity levels and earning assets. The yield on earning assets continued to increase in 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the yield on earning assets increased by 171 basis points (from 3.74% to 5.45%) while cost of funds increased 229 basis points (from 0.88% to 3.17%) which resulted in a decrease of 40 basis points in the net interest margin.
The Company’s capital position remained strong in 2023 as a result of continued earnings, improved economic conditions and strong asset quality. As a result of the Company’s strong capital position and earnings, we were able to continue our quarterly dividend in 2023. Additionally, the Company was active in share repurchase activity as we repurchased 1,600,000 shares at an average price of $29.74 per share during 2023.
The Company believes its strategy of remaining growth-oriented, retaining talented staff and maintaining focus on seeking quality lending and deposit relationships has proven successful. Additionally, the Company believes this strategy of relationship building has fostered future growth opportunities, as the Company’s reputation in the marketplace remains strong.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and follow general practices within the banking industry. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the Consolidated Financial Statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions and judgments. Certain policies, including those identified below for the year ended December 31, 2023, inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions and judgments and, as such, have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported. Estimates, assumptions and judgments are necessary when assets and liabilities are required to be recorded at fair value, when a decline in the value of an asset not carried on the financial statements at fair value warrants an impairment write-down or a valuation reserve to be established or when an asset or liability needs to be recorded contingent upon a future event. Carrying assets and liabilities at fair value inherently results in more financial statement volatility.
Allowance for Credit Losses and Provision for Unfunded Commitments
A consequence of lending activities is that we may incur credit losses, so we record an allowance for credit losses ("ACL") with respect to loan receivables and a reserve for unfunded commitments (“RUC”) as estimates of those losses. The amount of such losses will vary depending upon the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio as affected by economic conditions
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such as changes in interest rates, the financial performance of borrowers and regional unemployment rates, which management estimates by using a national forecast and estimating a regional adjustment based on historical differences between the two.
On January 1, 2020, when the Company adopted FASB's Accounting Standard Codification ("ASC") 326, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and its related amendments, our methodology for estimating these credit losses changed significantly from years prior to 2020. The standard replaced the “incurred loss” approach with a “current expected credit loss” approach known as CECL, which requires an estimate of the credit losses expected over the life of an exposure (or pool of exposures). CECL removes the incurred loss approach’s threshold that delayed the recognition of a credit loss until it was “probable” a loss event was “incurred.”
The Provision for Unfunded Commitments represents the expected credit losses on off-balance sheet commitments such as unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. The RUC is determined by estimating future draws and applying the expected loss rates on those draws.
Management has significant discretion in making the judgments inherent in the determination of the provisions for credit loss, ACL and the RUC. Our determination of these amounts requires significant reliance on estimates and significant judgment as to the amount and timing of expected future cash flows on loans, significant reliance on historical loss rates on homogenous portfolios, consideration of our quantitative and qualitative evaluation of economic factors and the reliance on our reasonable and supportable forecasts.
The ACL represents the expected credit losses arising from the Company's loan and available-for-sale ("AFS") securities portfolios. The ACL is determined as follows:
The Company uses a loan-level probability of default ("PD")/ loss given default ("LGD") cash flow method with an exposure at default ("EAD") model to estimate expected credit losses for the commercial, income producing – commercial real estate, owner occupied – commercial real estate, real estate mortgage - residential, construction – commercial and residential, construction – C&I (owner occupied), home equity and other consumer loan pools. For each of these loan segments, the Company generates cash flow projections at the instrument level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speed, probability of default and loss given default. The modeling of expected prepayment speeds is based on historical internal data.
The Company uses regression analysis of historical internal and peer data (as Company loss data is insufficient) to determine suitable loss drivers to utilize when modeling lifetime PD and LGD. This analysis also determines how expected PD will react to forecasted levels of the loss drivers. For our cash flow model, management utilizes and forecasts regional unemployment by using a national forecast and estimating a regional adjustment based on historical differences between the two as a loss driver over our reasonable and supportable period of 18 months, and reverts back to a historical loss rate over the following twelve months on a straight-line basis. Management leverages economic projections from reputable and independent third parties to inform its loss driver forecasts over the forecast period.
The ACL also includes an amount for inherent risks not reflected in the historical analyses. Relevant factors include, but are not limited to, concentrations of credit risk, changes in underwriting standards, experience and depth of lending staff and trends in delinquencies. While our methodology in establishing the reserve for credit losses attributes portions of the ACL and RUC to the commercial and consumer portfolio segments, the entire ACL and RUC is available to absorb credit losses expected in the total loan portfolio and total amount of unfunded credit commitments, respectively.
Going forward, the impact of utilizing the CECL approach to calculate the reserve for credit losses will be significantly
influenced by the composition, characteristics and quality of our loan portfolio, as well as the prevailing economic conditions and forecasts utilized. Material changes to these and other relevant factors may result in greater volatility to the reserve for credit losses, and therefore, greater volatility to our reported earnings. For example, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related hybrid or fully remote working environment has negatively impacted the performance outlook in the central business district office commercial real estate segment of our loan portfolio, which informed our CECL economic forecast and continued to adversely impact our loss reserve as of December 31, 2023. See Notes 1, 3 and 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the “Provision for Credit Losses” section in Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the risk factors related to our business and economic conditions in Item 1A for more information on the provision for credit losses.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Goodwill is subject to impairment testing, which must be conducted at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event. Various
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factors, such as the Company’s results of operations, the trading price of the Company’s common stock relative to the book value per share, macroeconomic conditions and conditions in the banking sector, inform whether a triggering event for an interim goodwill impairment test has occurred. Goodwill is recorded and evaluated for impairment at its reporting unit, the Company. The Company's policy is to test goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31, or on an interim basis if an event triggering an impairment assessment is determined to have occurred.
Testing of goodwill impairment comprises a two-step process. First, the Company performs a qualitative assessment to evaluate relevant events or circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred, it proceeds to the quantitative impairment test, whereby it calculates the fair value of the reporting unit and compares it with its carrying amount, including goodwill. In its performance of impairment testing, the Company has the unconditional option to proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test, bypassing the qualitative assessment. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value, up to the carrying value of goodwill, is recorded through earnings as an impairment charge. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is not more likely than not that an impairment has occurred, or if the quantitative impairment test results in a fair value of the reporting unit that is greater than the carrying amount, then no impairment charge is recorded.
During the second quarter of 2023, Management determined that a triggering event had occurred as a result of a sustained decrease in the Company's stock price and a revision in the earnings outlook in comparison to budget for the remainder of 2023 due primarily to the economic uncertainty and market volatility resulting from the rising interest rate environment and the stress in the banking sector in the first and second quarters of 2023. The Company performed a qualitative assessment and quantitative impairment test on its only reporting unit as of May 31, 2023. The Company engaged a third-party service provider to assist Management with the determination of the fair value of the Company in the second quarter of 2023. In accordance with its regular schedule for impairment testing, the Company performed a second qualitative assessment and quantitative impairment test on its only reporting unit as of December 31, 2023. The resulting calculations indicated that the fair value exceeded the carrying amount of the Company's only reporting unit by approximately 17% and 21% as of May 31, 2023 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which resulted in a determination of no impairment loss on the Company's only reporting unit.
The method employed was a combination of a risk-weighted income valuation methodology, comprising a discounted cash flow analysis, and a market valuation methodology, comprising the guideline public company method.
Significant judgment is necessary in the determination of the fair value of a reporting unit. The income valuation methodology requires an estimation of future cash flows, considering the after-tax results of operations, the extent and timing of credit losses, and appropriate discount and growth rates. Actual future cash flows may differ from forecasted results based on the assumptions used.
In performing the discounted cash flow analysis, the Company utilized multi-year cash projections that rely on internal forecasts of loan and deposit growth, bond mix, financing composition, market pricing of securities, credit performance, forward interest rates, future returns driven by net interest margin, fee generation and expense incurrence, industry and economic trends, and other relevant considerations. The long-term growth rate used in the calculation of fair value was derived from published projections of the inflation rate and GDP, along with Management estimates.
The discount rate was calculated as the cost of equity capital using the modified capital asset pricing model, which includes variables including the risk-free interest rate, beta, equity risk premium, size premium, and company-specific risk premium.
The market approach considers a combination of price to tangible book value and price to earnings, adjusted based on companies similar to the reporting unit and adjusted for selected multiples, along with a control premium based on a review of transactions in the banking industry in order to calculate the indicated value of the Company's equity on a control, marketable basis.
Future events could cause the Company to conclude that the Company’s goodwill has become impaired, which would result in recording an impairment loss. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, however, it would not impact our regulatory capital ratios, tangible common equity ratio, nor our liquidity position. Management has evaluated and will continue to evaluate economic conditions in interim periods for triggering events.
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SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The following discussion is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2023. The information contained in this section should be read together with the December 31, 2023 audited Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes included in Item 8 Financial Statements And Supplementary Data of this Form 10-K.
This section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2023 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2023 and 2022. Discussions of 2021 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2022 and 2021 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
(dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities - available for sale | $ | 1,506,388 | $ | 1,598,666 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Securities - held to maturity | 1,015,737 | 1,093,374 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans held for sale | — | 6,734 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans | 7,968,695 | 7,635,632 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses | (85,940) | (74,444) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill and intangible assets, net | 104,925 | 104,233 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | 11,664,538 | 11,150,854 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deposits | 8,808,039 | 8,713,182 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings | 1,369,918 | 1,044,795 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 10,390,255 | 9,922,533 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total shareholders’ equity | 1,274,283 | 1,228,321 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tangible common equity (1) | 1,169,358 | 1,124,088 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated Statements of Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest income | $ | 625,327 | $ | 424,613 | $ | 364,496 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 334,781 | 91,746 | 39,982 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 31,536 | 266 | (20,821) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest income | 21,536 | 23,654 | 40,385 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest expense | 153,293 | 165,098 | 149,165 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income before taxes | 127,520�� | 189,680 | 237,674 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax expense | 26,986 | 48,750 | 60,983 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 100,534 | 140,930 | 176,691 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared | 54,293 | 55,776 | 44,691 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Total revenue (2) | 312,082 | 356,521 | 364,899 |
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Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Per Common Share Data: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income, basic | $ | 3.31 | $ | 4.40 | $ | 5.53 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income, diluted | 3.31 | 4.39 | 5.52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Dividends declared | 1.80 | 1.75 | 1.40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Book value | 42.58 | 39.18 | 42.28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Tangible book value (3) | 39.08 | 35.86 | 38.97 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shares outstanding | 29,925,612 | 31,346,903 | 31,950,092 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic | 30,345,504 | 32,004,251 | 31,935,824 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted | 30,393,100 | 32,078,070 | 32,003,090 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratios: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest margin | 2.53 | % | 2.93 | % | 2.81 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Efficiency ratio (4) | 49.12 | % | 46.31 | % | 40.88 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Return on average assets | 0.84 | % | 1.20 | % | 1.49 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Return on average common equity | 8.11 | % | 10.99 | % | 13.54 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Return on average tangible common equity (1) | 8.85 | % | 11.97 | % | 14.73 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
CET1 capital (to risk weighted assets) | 13.90 | % | 14.03 | % | 14.63 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total capital (to risk weighted assets) | 14.79 | % | 14.94 | % | 15.74 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets) | 13.90 | % | 14.03 | % | 14.63 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tier 1 capital (to average assets) | 10.73 | % | 11.63 | % | 10.19 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Tangible common equity ratio | 10.12 | % | 10.18 | % | 10.60 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Dividend payout ratio | 54.00 | % | 39.58 | % | 25.29 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset Quality: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Nonperforming assets and loans 90+ past due | $ | 66,632 | $ | 8,430 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Nonperforming assets and loans 90+ past due to total assets | 0.57 | % | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Nonperforming loans to total loans | 0.82 | % | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses to loans | 1.08 | % | 0.97 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans | 131.16 | % | 1,150.96 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Asset Quality Activity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net charge-offs | $ | 18,850 | $ | 624 | $ | 13,339 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net charge-offs to average loans | 0.24 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.18 | % |
(1)Tangible common equity and return on average tangible common equity are non-GAAP financial measures. Tangible common equity is defined as total common shareholders’ equity reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets.
(2)Total revenue calculated as net interest income plus noninterest income.
(3)Tangible book value per common share, a non-GAAP financial measure, is defined as tangible common shareholders’ equity divided by total common shares outstanding.
(4)Computed by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income.
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Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The information set forth below contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are “tangible common equity,” “tangible book value per common share,” “efficiency ratio” and “return on average tangible common equity.” The Company considers these non-GAAP measurements useful for investors, regulators, management and others to evaluate capital adequacy and to compare against other financial institutions. Management uses these non-GAAP measures in its analysis of our performance because it believes these measures are used as a measure of our performance by investors.
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (the "tangible common equity ratio"), tangible book value per common share, the annualized return on average tangible common equity ("ROATCE"), and the efficiency ratio are non-GAAP financial measures derived from GAAP-based amounts.
The Company calculates the tangible common equity ratio by excluding the balance of intangible assets from common shareholders' equity and dividing by tangible assets. The Company calculates tangible book value per common share by dividing tangible common equity by common shares outstanding, as compared to book value per common share, which the Company calculates by dividing common shareholders' equity by common shares outstanding. The Company calculates the ROATCE by dividing net income available to common shareholders by average tangible common equity which is calculated by excluding the average balance of intangible assets from the average common shareholders' equity. The Company considers this information important to shareholders as tangible equity is a measure that is consistent with the calculation of capital for bank regulatory purposes, which excludes intangible assets from the calculation of risk based ratios, and as such is useful for investors, regulators, management and others to evaluate capital adequacy and to compare against other financial institutions.
The Company calculates the efficiency ratio by dividing noninterest expense by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income. The efficiency ratio measures a bank's overhead as a percentage of its revenue. The Company believes that reporting the non-GAAP efficiency ratio more closely measures its effectiveness of controlling operational activities.
These disclosures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures which may be presented by other bank holding companies. Management compensates for these limitations by providing detailed reconciliations between GAAP information and the non-GAAP financial measures.
The following tables reconcile the GAAP financial measures to the associated non-GAAP financial measures:
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(dollars in thousands except per share data) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common shareholders’ equity | $ | 1,274,283 | $ | 1,228,321 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Intangible assets | (104,925) | (104,233) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tangible common equity | $ | 1,169,358 | $ | 1,124,088 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Book value per common share | $ | 42.58 | $ | 39.18 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Intangible book value per common share | (3.50) | (3.32) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tangible book value per common share | $ | 39.08 | $ | 35.86 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 11,664,538 | $ | 11,150,854 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Intangible assets | (104,925) | (104,233) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tangible assets | $ | 11,559,613 | $ | 11,046,621 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Tangible common equity ratio | 10.12 | % | 10.18 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Average common shareholders’ equity | $ | 1,240,118 | $ | 1,281,921 | $ | 1,304,902 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Average intangible assets | (104,534) | (104,248) | (104,265) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Average tangible common equity | $ | 1,135,584 | $ | 1,177,673 | $ | 1,200,637 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 100,534 | $ | 140,930 | $ | 176,691 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Average tangible common equity | $ | 1,135,584 | $ | 1,177,673 | $ | 1,200,637 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Return on average tangible common equity | 8.85 | % | 11.97 | % | 14.72 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest expense | $ | 153,293 | $ | 165,098 | $ | 149,165 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest income | $ | 290,546 | $ | 332,867 | $ | 324,514 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest income | 21,536 | 23,654 | 40,385 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating revenue | $ | 312,082 | $ | 356,521 | $ | 364,899 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Efficiency ratio | 49.12 | % | 46.31 | % | 40.88 | % |
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022
Overview
Net income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $100.5 million and $140.9 million, respectively. Net income per basic and diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $3.31 and $3.31, respectively, compared to $4.40 and $4.39 per basic and diluted common share, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022, a 25% decrease.
Net income decreased in 2023 relative to 2022 primarily due to a decrease in net interest income of $42.3 million and an increase in provision for credit losses of $31.3 million. These were offset by a decrease in the provision for unfunded commitments of $1.7 million, a decrease in noninterest expenses of $11.8 million, and a reduction of income tax expense of $21.8 million.
The most significant portion of revenue (i.e., net interest income plus noninterest income) is net interest income, which decreased to $290.5 million for 2023 compared to $332.9 million for 2022. Net interest income decreased primarily due to increased interest expense due to higher rates on deposits and borrowings, which was partially offset by an increase in interest income on loans.
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The net interest margin, which measures the difference between interest income and interest expense (i.e., net interest income) as a percentage of earning assets, was 2.53% for 2023 and 2.93% for 2022, a decrease of 40 basis points. The drivers of the change are detailed in the "Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin" section below.
The provision for credit losses in 2023 was $31.5 million as compared to $266 thousand in 2022. For information on the components and drivers of these changes see "Provision for Credit Losses" section below.
Total noninterest income in 2023 was $21.5 million, as compared to $23.7 million in 2022, a 9% decrease. The primary drivers for the decrease in noninterest income was a reduction in gain on the sales of residential mortgage loans and fees associated with residential mortgage loans in connection with the cessation of that business during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Noninterest expenses in 2023 totaled $153.3 million, as compared to $165.1 million in 2022, a 7% decrease. The decrease in noninterest expense was primarily attributable to the second quarter of 2022 accrual of settlement expenses in connection with the agreements with the SEC and FRB associated with previously disclosed government investigations, totaling $22.9 million. This was partially offset by increases in salaries and benefits of $2.0 million, legal and professional fees of $2.2 million and $6.9 million in FDIC insurance assessments. Additional details on the accrual for the agreements and other noninterest expenses are provided in "Noninterest Expense" section below.
The efficiency ratio, which measures the ratio of noninterest expense to total revenue, was 49.12% for 2023 as compared to 46.31% for 2022. The adverse change in the efficiency ratio was primarily driven by the decrease in net interest income as a result of the increase in interest rates on deposits and borrowings which was partially offset by the decrease in noninterest expense in connection with the second quarter of 2022 accrual of settlement expenses in connection with the agreements with the SEC and FRB associated with previously disclosed government investigations, totaling $22.9 million. Refer to the "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" section for additional detail and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.
At December 31, 2023, total loan balances were 4% higher than they were at December 31, 2022, and average loans were 8% higher in 2023 as compared to 2022, driven by originations and advances which outpaced payoffs and paydowns.
Total deposits at December 31, 2023 increased by $94.9 million as compared to December 31, 2022. The increase consists of $966.5 million in interest bearing deposits which was partially offset by a decrease of $871.7 million in noninterest bearing deposits. This was primarily driven by a significant increase in short term interest rates and the related deposit disintermediation and migration to interest-bearing deposit accounts.
In terms of the average asset composition or mix, loans, which generally have higher yields than securities and other earning assets, represented 68% and 63% of average earning assets for 2023 and 2022, respectively. For 2023, as compared to 2022, average loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased by $609.7 million, or 8%, driven by originations and advances that outpaced payoffs and paydowns.
Average investment securities for 2023 were 23% of average earning assets compared to 25% for 2022. The combination of federal funds sold, interest bearing deposits with other banks and loans held for sale represented 9% and 11% of average earning assets for 2023 and 2022, respectively, as lower levels of on-balance sheet liquidity existed throughout 2023. The decrease was driven by the decline in deposits due to a significant increase in short term interest rates.
The ratio of common equity to total assets decreased to 10.92% at December 31, 2023 from 11.02% at December 31, 2022, due primarily to an increase in total assets, in connection with increases in loans and interest-bearing deposits with banks and other short-term investments, and partially offset by an increase in common equity due to a reduction in accumulated other comprehensive losses.
For 2023, the return on average assets (“ROAA”) was 0.84%, as compared to 1.20% for 2022. Total shareholders’ equity was $1.27 billion at December 31, 2023 as compared to $1.23 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of 4%. The return on average common equity (“ROACE”) for 2023 was 8.11% as compared to 10.99% for 2022. The ROATCE for 2023, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 8.85% as compared to 11.97% for 2022. Refer to the “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional detail and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures.
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Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Net interest income is the difference between interest income on earning assets and the cost of funds supporting those assets. Earning assets are composed primarily of loans, investment securities and interest bearing deposits with other banks and other short term investments. The cost of funds represents interest expense on deposits, customer repurchase agreements and other borrowings, which consist primarily of federal funds purchased, advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB") and Bank Term Funding Program ("BTFP") and subordinated notes. Noninterest bearing deposits and capital are other components representing funding sources. Changes in the volume and mix of assets and funding sources, along with the changes in yields earned and rates paid, determine changes in net interest income.
Net interest income represented 93% of the Company’s revenue for both years ended December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Net interest income in 2023 was $290.5 million compared to $332.9 million in 2022. The 13% decrease for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022 was primarily due to increases in average deposit rates (4.02% compared to 1.33%, respectively) and other borrowings (4.78% compared to 3.35%, respectively), which were partially offset by higher average loan balances and yields (6.63% compared to 4.97%, respectively).
Net interest margin decreased by 40 basis points to 2.53% in 2023 from 2.93% in 2022. The decrease reflects the increase in the cost of funds on deposits, primarily in connection with an increase in rates, and borrowings, in connection with both an increase in volume and rates, offset by an increase in the yield on loans. The cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities increased 229 basis points from 0.88% in 2022 to 3.17% in 2023, while the yield on interest-earning assets increased by 171 basis points from 3.74% in 2022 to 5.45% in 2023.
Average borrowings increased from $242.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2022 to $1.6 billion in the year ended December 31, 2023. Average interest-bearing deposits increased from $6.2 billion in the year ended December 31, 2022 to $6.4 billion in the year ended December 31, 2023.
Average loans (excluding loans held for sale) were $7.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $7.2 billion for the same period in 2022. Average investment securities were $2.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $2.9 billion for the same period in 2022. Average interest-bearing deposits with other banks and other short term investments were $1.0 billion for 2023 compared to $1.2 billion for 2022. As a result of FRB actions related to Fed Funds interest rate increases, overall yields and rates increased in 2023 as compared to 2022, as variable rate loans adjusted upwards and an increased number of loans moved off their rate floors.
During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company incurred interest expense on brokered deposits, excluding the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS") and Insured Cash Sweep ("ICS") two-way accounts, of $111.9 million and $44.3 million, respectively.
Loans, the largest component of interest income on earning assets, had a yield of 6.63% in 2023, compared to 4.97% in 2022, an increase of 166 basis points.
The table below presents the average balances and rates of the major categories of the Company's assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Included in the table are measurements of interest rate spread and margin. Interest rate spread is the difference (expressed as a percentage) between the interest rate earned on earning assets less the interest rate paid on interest bearing liabilities. While the interest rate spread provides a quick comparison of earnings rates versus cost of funds, management believes that margin, together with net interest income, provides a better measurement of performance. The net interest margin (as compared to net interest spread) includes the effect of noninterest bearing sources in its calculation. Net interest margin is net interest income expressed as a percentage of average earning assets.
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Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
Consolidated Average Balances, Interest Yields And Rates (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield / Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield / Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield / Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest earning assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest bearing deposits with other banks and other short-term investments | $ | 1,015,199 | $ | 52,300 | 5.15 | % | $ | 1,235,768 | $ | 13,304 | 1.08 | % | $ | 2,499,377 | $ | 3,511 | 0.14 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans held for sale | 1,212 | 73 | 6.02 | % | 15,356 | 650 | 4.23 | % | 71,043 | 2,278 | 3.21 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans (1) (2) | 7,815,832 | 518,007 | 6.63 | % | 7,206,158 | 358,317 | 4.97 | % | 7,260,886 | 335,471 | 4.62 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale (2) | 1,584,239 | 32,074 | 2.02 | % | 2,003,475 | 33,641 | 1.68 | % | 1,653,522 | 23,205 | 1.40 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity | 1,057,445 | 22,586 | 2.14 | % | 857,584 | 17,840 | 2.08 | % | — | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Federal funds sold | 9,120 | 287 | 3.15 | % | 48,402 | 861 | 1.78 | % | 31,667 | 31 | 0.10 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total interest earning assets | 11,483,047 | 625,327 | 5.45 | % | 11,366,743 | 424,613 | 3.74 | % | 11,516,495 | 364,496 | 3.16 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest earning assets | 501,722 | 475,563 | 416,492 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: allowance for credit losses | 79,218 | 74,726 | 96,252 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total noninterest earning assets | 422,504 | 400,837 | 320,240 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 11,905,551 | $ | 11,767,580 | $ | 11,836,735 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest bearing transaction | $ | 1,459,795 | $ | 46,140 | 3.16 | % | $ | 893,137 | $ | 6,721 | 0.75 | % | $ | 814,999 | $ | 1,609 | 0.20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Savings and money market | 3,176,203 | 132,374 | 4.17 | % | 4,683,850 | 65,777 | 1.40 | % | 4,947,198 | 15,000 | 0.30 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Time deposits | 1,774,184 | 79,030 | 4.45 | % | 669,824 | 10,763 | 1.61 | % | 803,718 | 11,163 | 1.39 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total interest bearing deposits | 6,410,182 | 257,544 | 4.02 | % | 6,246,811 | 83,261 | 1.33 | % | 6,565,915 | 27,772 | 0.42 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased | 36,663 | 1,218 | 3.32 | % | 30,745 | 356 | 1.16 | % | 24,884 | 51 | 0.20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings | 1,591,021 | 76,019 | 4.78 | % | 242,454 | 8,129 | 3.35 | % | 464,973 | 12,159 | 2.61 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total interest bearing liabilities | 8,037,866 | 334,781 | 4.17 | % | 6,520,010 | 91,746 | 1.41 | % | 7,055,772 | 39,982 | 0.57 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest bearing liabilities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest bearing demand | 2,508,687 | 3,871,773 | 3,374,662 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 118,880 | 93,876 | 101,399 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total noninterest bearing liabilities | 2,627,567 | 3,965,649 | 3,476,061 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders’ equity | 1,240,118 | 1,281,921 | 1,304,902 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 11,905,551 | $ | 11,767,580 | $ | 11,836,735 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest income | $ | 290,546 | $ | 332,867 | $ | 324,514 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest spread | 1.28 | % | 2.33 | % | 2.59 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest margin | 2.53 | % | 2.93 | % | 2.81 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of funds (3) | 3.17 | % | 0.88 | % | 0.38 | % |
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(1)Loans placed on nonaccrual status are included in average balances. Net loan fees and late charges included in interest income on loans totaled $16.7 million, $15.3 million and $30.6 million, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
(2)Interest and fees on loans and investments exclude tax equivalent adjustments.
(3)The Company revised its cost of funds methodology to use a daily average calculation where interest expense on interest bearing liabilities is divided by average interest bearing liabilities and average noninterest bearing deposits. Previously, the Company calculated the cost of funds as the difference between yield on earning assets and net interest margin. The cost of funds for the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 have been recalculated using the current methodology.
The rate/volume table below presents the composition of the change in net interest income for the periods indicated, as allocated between the change in net interest income due to changes in the volume of average earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and the changes in net interest income due to changes in interest rates. As the table shows, the decrease in net interest income in 2023 as compared to 2022 was due to an increase in rate on interest bearing liabilities, which was partially offset by an increase in rate on interest bearing assets.
Year Ended December 31, 2023 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2022 | Year Ended December 31, 2022 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Change Due to Volume | Change Due to Rate | Total Increase (Decrease) | Change Due to Volume | Change Due to Rate | Total Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest earned on: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans | $ | 30,315 | $ | 129,375 | $ | 159,690 | $ | (2,529) | $ | 25,375 | $ | 22,846 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans held for sale | (599) | 22 | (577) | (1,786) | 158 | (1,628) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for sale | (7,040) | 5,473 | (1,567) | 4,911 | 5,525 | 10,436 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity | 4,158 | 588 | 4,746 | 12,035 | 5,805 | 17,840 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest bearing bank deposits | (2,375) | 41,371 | 38,996 | (1,775) | 11,568 | 9,793 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Federal funds sold | (699) | 125 | (574) | 16 | 814 | 830 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total interest income | 23,760 | 176,954 | 200,714 | 10,872 | 49,245 | 60,117 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest paid on: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest bearing transaction | 4,264 | 35,155 | 39,419 | 154 | 4,958 | 5,112 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Savings and money market | (21,172) | 87,769 | 66,597 | (798) | 51,575 | 50,777 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Time deposits | 17,745 | 50,522 | 68,267 | (1,860) | 1,460 | (400) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements | 69 | 793 | 862 | 12 | 293 | 305 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other borrowings | 45,216 | 22,674 | 67,890 | (6,712) | 2,682 | (4,030) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total interest expense | 46,122 | 196,913 | 243,035 | (9,204) | 60,968 | 51,764 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net interest income | $ | (22,362) | $ | (19,959) | $ | (42,321) | $ | 20,076 | $ | (11,723) | $ | 8,353 |
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses represents the amount of expense charged to current earnings to record the ACL on loans and the ACL on AFS investment securities and HTM investment securities. The amount of the ACL on loans is based on management's assessment of current expected credit losses in the portfolio. Those factors include historical losses based on internal and peer data, economic conditions and trends, the value and adequacy of collateral, volume and mix of the portfolio, performance of the portfolio, and internal loan processes of the Company.
Please refer to the discussion under “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” above and in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for an overview of the methodology management employs on a quarterly basis to assess the adequacy of the allowance and the provisions charged to expense. Also, refer to the table in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section which reflects activity in the ACL.
The total provision for credit losses was $31.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $266 thousand during the year ended December 31, 2022. The provision included $30.3 million and $103 thousand on the loan portfolio during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The provision for loan credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2023 was driven by adjustments to the qualitative components of the CECL model combined with smaller increases in the quantitative components. The changes in qualitative components were due to perceived weakness in the
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commercial real estate market, in addition to the high inflationary environment offset by a reduction in the quantitative reserves based on a decline in individually evaluated loans. The changes in quantitative components were related to changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, changes in delinquencies and loss experience. In 2022, the provisions were primarily driven by adjustments to the qualitative components of the CECL model owing to the high inflationary environment and the related uncertainty and impacts on the broader economy, offset by improvements in asset quality.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, a provision for credit losses on securities of $1.2 million was recorded, primarily on its corporate bonds classified as held-to-maturity, while a net provision for credit losses of $163 thousand was recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022.
The provision for unfunded commitments is presented separately on the Statement of Income. This provision considers the probability that unfunded commitments will fund. There was a reversal of $267 thousand in 2023, as compared to a provision of $1.5 million in 2022.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income includes service charges on deposits, gain on sale of loans, gain on sale of investment securities, income from bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”) and other income. The following table summarizes the comparative noninterest income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Service charges on deposits | $ | 6,455 | $ | 5,399 | $ | 1,056 | 20 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of loans | 418 | 3,702 | (3,284) | (89) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss on sale of investment securities | (11) | (169) | 158 | (93) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Increase in the cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance | 2,659 | 2,547 | 112 | 4 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other income | 12,015 | 12,175 | (160) | (1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 21,536 | $ | 23,654 | $ | (2,118) | (9) | % |
Total noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2023 was $21.5 million as compared to $23.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The 9% decrease was primarily due to a reduction on gains on sale of residential mortgage loans of $3.3 million. The Company ceased originations of first lien residential mortgages for secondary sale in the first quarter of 2023, and completed residual origination and sales activities in the second quarter of 2023. This decrease was partially offset by an increase on service charges on deposits of $1.1 million to $6.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 from $5.4 million for the same period in 2022.
Other income totaled $12.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to $12.2 million for 2022, a decrease of 1%. The decrease in other income was primarily attributable to the reductions in Mastercard income of $1.8 million, servicing fees of $1.0 million, and other loan income of $548 thousand. This activity was partially offset by increases of $2.5 million of income from an investment in an SBIC fund, income on swap fees of $617 thousand, and gain on the sale of Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") multifamily-backed Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae") securities of $479 thousand.
Noninterest Expense
Total noninterest expense includes salaries and employee benefits, premises and equipment expenses, marketing and advertising, data processing, legal, accounting and professional fees, FDIC insurance premiums and other expenses. The following table summarizes the comparative noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
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Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | Dollar Change | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Salaries and employee benefits | $ | 86,096 | $ | 84,053 | $ | 2,043 | 2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Premises and equipment expenses | 12,606 | 13,218 | (612) | (5) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Marketing and advertising | 3,359 | 4,721 | (1,362) | (29) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Data processing | 13,083 | 12,171 | 912 | 7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Legal, accounting and professional fees | 10,787 | 8,583 | 2,204 | 26 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
FDIC insurance | 11,853 | 4,969 | 6,884 | 139 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
SEC/FRB penalties | — | 22,977 | (22,977) | (100) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Other expenses | 15,509 | 14,406 | 1,103 | 8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 153,293 | $ | 165,098 | $ | (11,805) | (7) | % |
Total noninterest expense totaled $153.3 million for 2023, as compared to $165.1 million for 2022, a 7% decrease. For 2023, the efficiency ratio (ratio of noninterest expenses to total revenue) was 49.12% as compared to 46.31% for 2022. Refer to the “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” section for additional detail and a reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures. The decrease in 2023 as compared to 2022 was primarily associated with the $22.9 million of settlement expenses during the year ended December 31, 2022, which were partially offset by increases in FDIC insurance expenses of $6.9 million, legal, accounting and professional fees of $2.2 million and salaries and employee benefits of $2.0 million over the comparative year.
Salaries and employee benefits were $86.1 million for 2023, as compared to $84.1 million for 2022, an increase of 2%. The primary reason for the increase in 2023 from 2022 was the reversal of a $5.0 million accrual related to stock-based compensation awards and deferred compensation for our former CEO and Chairman in the first quarter of 2022. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s full time equivalent staff numbered 452 and 496, respectively.
Premises and equipment expenses were $12.6 million for 2023 as compared to $13.2 million for 2022, a decrease of 5%. The decrease was due to the reduction in rent expense from the closure of three locations in 2023, and one additional location in the fourth quarter of 2022. The reduction was partially offset by normal lease increases and acceleration of leasehold amortization.
Legal, accounting and professional fees and expenses were $10.8 million for 2023 as compared to $8.6 million for 2022, a 26% increase. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in legal expenses, which, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, were $3.7 million and $1.0 million, respectively.
FDIC insurance expense was $11.9 million for 2023 as compared to $5.0 million for 2022, an increase of 139%. The increases in 2023 compared to 2022 were due to increases in FDIC deposit insurance assessments.
In 2022, the Company incurred a penalty of $22.9 million in connection with the settlements with the SEC and FRB. The amount of penalty fees was reported as noninterest expense for 2022. No such penalty fees were incurred in 2023.
The major components of other expenses include broker fees, franchise tax, insurance expenses and director compensation. Other expenses were $15.5 million for 2023 as compared to $14.4 million for 2022, an increase of 8%. The increase in 2023, as compared to 2022, was primarily due to increases in expenses incurred in connection with OREO properties.
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BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS
Overview
Total assets at December 31, 2023 were $11.7 billion as compared to $11.2 billion at December 31, 2022, a 5% increase. The increase in total assets in 2023 was primarily due to increases in total interest-bearing deposits with banks and other short-term investments, and an increase in total loans. The largest component of assets, total loans (excluding loans held for sale), were approximately $8.0 billion at December 31, 2023, as compared to $7.6 billion at December 31, 2022 a 4% increase.
The increase in loans in 2023, was driven by growth from CRE and construction loans. There were no loans held for sale at December 31, 2023, compared to $6.7 million at December 31, 2022, as a result of the cessation in origination of residential mortgages as previously announced.
Investment securities, at amortized cost net of the allowance for credit losses, were $2.7 billion at December 31, 2023 as compared to $2.9 billion at December 31, 2022, a $213.2 million decrease, or 7%, primarily driven by the pay down of principal on mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") and sales and calls of securities.
In terms of funding, total deposits at December 31, 2023 were $8.8 billion as compared to $8.7 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of 1%. Total borrowed funds (excluding customer repurchase agreements) were $1.4 billion and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in borrowings was primarily to meet funding needs, including to fund loan growth.
Total shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2023 was $1.3 billion as compared to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2022, a 4% increase. The increase in shareholders’ equity in 2023 was primarily from a reduction of accumulated other comprehensive loss and net income partially offset by cash dividends.
The Company's capital ratios remain substantially in excess of regulatory minimum and buffer requirements. Regulatory ratios based on risk-weighted assets slightly declined in 2023 due to an increase in risk-weighted assets, which was partially offset by an increase in risk-based capital.
The total risk based capital ratio was 14.79% at December 31, 2023, as compared to 14.94% at December 31, 2022. In addition, the tangible common equity ratio was 10.12% at December 31, 2023, compared to 10.18% at December 31, 2022. The ratio of common equity to total assets was 10.92% at December 31, 2023 as compared to 11.02% at December 31, 2022. The common equity tier one capital ("CET1") risk based capital ratio was 13.90% at December 31, 2023, as compared to 14.03% at December 31, 2022. The tier 1 leverage ratio was 10.73% at December 31, 2023, as compared to 11.63% at December 31, 2022.
Investment Securities and Short-Term Investments
The tables below and Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements provide additional information regarding the Company’s investment securities categorized as “available-for-sale” or AFS and as "held-to-maturity" or HTM. The Company classifies its investment securities as either AFS or HTM. The AFS classification requires that investment securities be recorded at fair value with any difference between the fair value and amortized cost (the purchase price adjusted by any discount accretion or premium amortization) reported as a component of shareholders’ equity (accumulated other comprehensive income), net of deferred income taxes, while securities classified as HTM are recorded and presented at their amortized cost. At December 31, 2023, the Company had a net unrealized loss in AFS securities of $161.9 million with a deferred tax asset of $39.8 million, as compared to a net unrealized loss in AFS securities of $205.2 million with a deferred tax asset of $50.4 million at December 31, 2022.
The AFS portfolio comprises U.S. treasury bonds (3.2% of AFS securities), U.S. agency securities (44.6% of AFS securities) with an average duration of 3.1 years, seasoned MBS that are 100% agency issued (48.3% of AFS securities for residential mortgage-backed and 3.3% for commercial mortgage-backed), which have an average duration of 3.4 years with contractual maturities of the underlying mortgages of up to thirty years, municipal bonds (0.6% of AFS securities), which have an average duration of 6.8 years, and corporate bonds (0.1% of AFS securities), which have an average duration of 6.1 years.
The HTM portfolio comprises seasoned MBS that are 100% agency issued (65.8% of HTM securities for residential mortgage-backed and 8.9% for commercial mortgage-backed), which have an average duration of 4.7 years with contractual
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maturities of the underlying mortgages of up to thirty years, municipal bonds (12.3% of HTM securities), which have an average duration of 6.1 years, and corporate bonds (13.0% of HTM securities), which have an average duration of 5.3 years.
At December 31, 2023, the AFS investment portfolio was $1.5 billion as compared to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2022, a decrease of 6%. At December 31, 2023, the HTM investment portfolio was $1.0 billion as compared to $1.1 billion at December 31, 2022, a decrease of 7%. The investment portfolio is managed to achieve goals related to liquidity, income, interest rate risk management and to provide collateral for customer repurchase agreements and other borrowing relationships.
During the first quarter of 2022, we evaluated our securities portfolio and determined that certain securities will be maintained for the life of the instrument and made a decision to transfer $1.1 billion of securities designated as AFS to HTM, including $237.0 million of securities acquired in the first quarter of 2022 for which the intention to hold to maturity was finalized. The transferred securities had unrealized losses of $66.2 million, and, as of December 31, 2023, $51.7 million remains in accumulated other comprehensive loss and will be amortized ratably over the remaining lives of the securities through accumulated other comprehensive loss. The securities transferred were generally municipal bonds, corporate bonds, bonds that qualify for Community Reinvestment Act credit and MBS with longer final maturity dates.
The following table provides information regarding the composition of the investment securities portfolio at the dates indicated. AFS securities are reported at estimated fair value and HTM securities are reported at amortized cost. At December 31, 2023, the investment portfolio balances at fair value decreased and amortized cost increased as compared to December 31, 2022, and the composition of portfolio changed, as follows:
December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Fair Value | Percent of Total | Fair Value | Percent of Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury bonds | $ | 47,901 | 3 | % | $ | 46,327 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
U.S. agency securities | 671,397 | 45 | % | 669,728 | 42 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 727,353 | 48 | % | 820,503 | 51 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 49,564 | 3 | % | 50,213 | 3 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 8,490 | 1 | % | 10,087 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 1,683 | — | % | 1,808 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,506,388 | 100 | % | $ | 1,598,666 | 100 | % |
December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Percent of Total | Amortized Cost | Percent of Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | $ | 670,043 | 66 | % | $ | 741,057 | 68 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 90,227 | 9 | % | 92,557 | 8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 125,114 | 12 | % | 128,273 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 132,309 | 13 | % | 132,253 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,017,693 | 100 | % | 1,094,140 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses | (1,956) | (766) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total held-to-maturity securities, net of ACL | $ | 1,015,737 | $ | 1,093,374 |
At December 31, 2023, there were no issuers, other than the U.S. Government, U.S. agencies and U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises, whose securities owned by the Company had a book or fair value exceeding 10% of the Company’s shareholders’ equity.
The following tables provides information, on an amortized cost basis, for AFS and HTM portfolios regarding the expected maturity and weighted-average yield of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2023. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Yields on tax exempt securities have not been calculated on a tax equivalent basis.
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One Year or Less | After One Year Through Five Years | After Five Years Through Ten Years | After Ten Years | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury bonds | $ | 24,952 | 0.97 | % | $ | 24,942 | 0.69 | % | $ | — | — | % | $ | — | — | $ | 49,894 | 0.83 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. agency securities | 569,749 | 1.45 | % | 105,230 | 1.34 | % | 42,244 | 2.90 | % | 11,867 | 1.25 | % | 729,090 | 1.51 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 5 | 4.55 | % | 5,362 | 1.79 | % | 175,811 | 1.44 | % | 642,814 | 1.91 | % | 823,992 | 1.81 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | — | — | % | 29,284 | 2.30 | % | 15,063 | 2.27 | % | 10,210 | 3.81 | % | 54,557 | 2.57 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | — | — | % | — | — | % | 8,783 | 2.67 | % | — | — | % | 8,783 | 2.67 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | — | — | % | 2,000 | 5.50 | % | — | — | % | — | — | 2,000 | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 594,706 | 1.43 | % | $ | 166,818 | 1.48 | % | $ | 241,901 | 1.79 | % | $ | 664,891 | 1.93 | % | $ | 1,668,316 | 1.69 | % |
One Year or Less | After One Year Through Five Years | After Five Years Through Ten Years | After Ten Years | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Weighted Average Yield | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | $ | — | — | % | $ | 1,168 | 2.72 | % | $ | 21,489 | 2.32 | % | $ | 647,386 | 2.65 | % | $ | 670,043 | 2.64 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | — | — | % | 1,728 | 2.63 | % | 35,737 | 2.63 | % | 52,762 | 2.54 | % | 90,227 | 2.58 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 11,832 | 2.69 | % | 29,150 | 3.24 | % | 71,981 | 3.16 | % | 12,151 | 3.85 | % | 125,114 | 3.20 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 28,041 | 3.64 | % | 92,695 | 4.01 | % | 11,573 | 4.46 | % | — | — | % | 132,309 | 3.97 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 39,873 | 3.36 | % | $ | 124,741 | 3.80 | % | $ | 140,780 | 3.00 | % | $ | 712,299 | 2.66 | % | 1,017,693 | 2.88 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses | (1,956) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total held-to-maturity securities, net of ACL | $ | 1,015,737 |
Federal funds sold were $3.7 million at December 31, 2023, as compared to $33.9 million at December 31, 2022. These funds represent excess daily liquidity which is invested on an unsecured basis with well capitalized banks, in amounts generally limited both in the aggregate and to any one bank.
Interest bearing deposits with banks and other short-term investments represent liquid funds held at the Federal Reserve to meet general liquidity needs of the Company, such as future loan demand and future increases in investment securities, among others. Interest bearing deposits with banks and other short-term investments were $709.9 million at December 31, 2023, as compared to $265.3 million at December 31, 2022, an increase of $444.6 million, or 168%. In 2023, as rising rates led to deposit disintermediation reducing our liquidity levels, and loan balances increased, the Company reduced these short-term investments to rebalance the earning assets mix.
The Bank did not hold any time deposits at December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022.
Loan Portfolio
In its lending activities, the Company seeks to develop and expand relationships with clients whose businesses and individual banking needs will grow with the Bank. We believe superior customer service, local decision making and accelerated turnaround time from application to closing have been significant factors in growing the loan portfolio and meeting the lending needs in the markets served, while maintaining sound asset quality.
Loans increased over the past year as loans outstanding were $7.97 billion at December 31, 2023, as compared to $7.64 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $333.1 million or 4.4% .
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The loan portfolio continued to grow in 2023, due primarily to our income producing CRE loan originations and fundings, along with increases in our owner occupied CRE loans, and to a lesser extent, construction - commercial and residential loans and construction C&I (owner occupied) loans. Amidst this growth, we have remained cognizant of the volatility in our industry, capital markets and interest rate markets. Market rates on our new loan originations have risen in connection with rate increases implemented by the Federal Reserve. We continue to see opportunities for growth in the commercial real estate market in our focused sectors; our processes for evaluating these opportunities are designed to subject them to reasonable underwriting standards, including appropriate collateral and cash flow necessary to support debt service. Following origination, we continue to monitor our borrowers' business plans and identify primary and alternative sources for loan repayment and, if necessary, obtain collateral to mitigate credit loss in the event of default.
"Owner occupied-commercial real estate" and "construction–C&I (owner occupied)" loans represent 17% of the loan portfolio. The Bank has a large portion of its loan portfolio related to real estate, with 80% consisting of commercial real estate and real estate construction loans. Other than "owner occupied commercial real estate" and "construction–C&I (owner occupied)", the percentage of remaining total loans represented by commercial real estate is 63%. Real estate also serves as collateral for loans made for other purposes, resulting in 82% of loans being secured or partially secured by real estate.
The following table shows the trends in the composition of the loan portfolio over the past two years.
December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 1,473,766 | 18 | % | $ | 1,487,349 | 19 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PPP loans | 528 | — | % | 3,256 | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | 4,094,614 | 51 | % | 3,919,941 | 51 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | 1,172,239 | 15 | % | 1,110,325 | 15 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential | 73,396 | 1 | % | 73,001 | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 969,766 | 12 | % | 877,755 | 12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - C&I (owner occupied) | 132,021 | 2 | % | 110,479 | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | 51,964 | 1 | % | 51,782 | 1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | 401 | — | % | 1,744 | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total loans | 7,968,695 | 100 | % | 7,635,632 | 100 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: allowance for credit losses | (85,940) | (74,444) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans, net | $ | 7,882,755 | $ | 7,561,188 |
As noted above, a significant portion of the loan portfolio consists of commercial, construction and commercial real estate loans, primarily made in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and is secured by real estate or other collateral in that market. Although these loans are made to a diversified pool of unrelated borrowers across numerous businesses, adverse developments in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan real estate market could have an adverse impact on this portfolio of loans and the Company’s income and financial position. Management believes that the commercial real estate concentration risk is mitigated by diversification among the types and characteristics of real estate collateral properties, sound underwriting practices and ongoing portfolio monitoring and market analysis. While our basic market area is the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the Bank has made loans outside that market area where the applicant is an existing customer and the nature and quality of such loans was consistent with the Bank’s lending policies.
The Company's concentration in the Washington, D.C. metro area, includes "Washington's Maryland Suburbs," which comprise Frederick, Prince George's and Montgomery counties and "Northern Virginia," which comprises Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties. At December 31, 2023, 31.5%, 26.4%, 25.1%, 5.5%, and 11.5% of the loan portfolio, as a percentage of total amortized cost, was concentrated in Washington D.C., Washington's Maryland Suburbs, Northern Virginia, other counties in Maryland and other locations in the United States, respectively. At December 31, 2022, 33.2%, 25.8%, 23.7%, 5.8% and 11.5% of the loan portfolio, as a percentage of total amortized cost, was concentrated in Washington D.C., Washington's Maryland Suburbs, Northern Virginia, other counties in Maryland and other locations in the United States, respectively. While we remain cautious with regard to CRE market conditions, principally office, the strength of the Washington D.C. metro area in certain sectors, particularly multi-family commercial real estate and the housing market, continue to drive premiums for well-located properties.
As part of its lending strategy, the Company maintains a substantial portfolio of CRE loans, with $6.1 billion and $5.8 billion, or 77.0% and 76.2% of total loans, outstanding at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
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Management meets regularly in order to monitor its existing CRE loan portfolio and to evaluate the pipeline for CRE loan investment. The Company has remained focused on monitoring sectors that have been impacted by the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly income producing CRE loans collateralized by office properties, which comprised approximately $949.0 million and $937.2 million, or 11.9% and 12.3% of total loans, at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Office loans within Washington D.C., Washington's Maryland Suburbs and Northern Virginia were $879.0 million and $851.9 million, or 11.0% and 11.2% of total loans, at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. As a percentage of total income producing - CRE office loans, 35.4%, 32.7%, and 24.4% were located in Washington's Maryland Suburbs, Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. at December 31, 2023.
The following table summarizes the Company's income producing - commercial real estate loans, at principal, by collateral location and type:
(dollars in thousands) | Hotel & Motel | Industrial | Mixed Use | Multifamily | Office | Retail | Single / 1-4 Family & Res. Condo | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Washington D.C. | $ | 138,943 | $ | 4,987 | $ | 271,689 | $ | 353,805 | $ | 231,963 | $ | 82,436 | $ | 80,264 | $ | 184,790 | $ | 1,348,877 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Maryland: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Washington Suburbs | 85,704 | 78,765 | 47,629 | 235,594 | 336,290 | 95,716 | 2,812 | 182,287 | 1,064,797 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 83,566 | 34,013 | 11,534 | 2,410 | 4,376 | 67,806 | 2,563 | 29,030 | 235,298 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Virginia: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Northern Virginia | 66,982 | 19,436 | 11,527 | 76,839 | 310,773 | 79,979 | 14,957 | 504,507 | 1,085,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | — | 3,268 | 25,828 | 55,555 | 65,557 | 101,018 | 6,585 | 9,403 | 267,214 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other | 23,769 | — | 5,382 | 40,708 | 50 | 1,949 | 4,092 | 28,671 | 104,621 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 398,964 | $ | 140,469 | $ | 373,589 | $ | 764,911 | $ | 949,009 | $ | 428,904 | $ | 111,273 | $ | 938,688 | $ | 4,105,807 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, $240.7 million and $4.3 million, respectively, of principal of loans collateralized by office properties were criticized or classified.
The federal banking regulators have issued guidance for those institutions which are deemed to have concentrations in commercial real estate lending. Pursuant to the supervisory criteria contained in the guidance for identifying institutions with a potential commercial real estate concentration risk, institutions which have (1) total reported loans for construction, land development and other land acquisitions which represent 100% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital; or (2) total commercial real estate loans representing 300% or more of the institution’s total risk-based capital and the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months are identified as having potential commercial real estate concentration risk. Institutions which are deemed to have concentrations in commercial real estate lending are expected to employ heightened levels of risk management with respect to their commercial real estate portfolios and may be required to hold higher levels of capital. The Company, like many community banks, has a concentration in commercial real estate loans, and the Company has experienced growth in its commercial real estate portfolio in recent years. As of December 31, 2023, non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans (including construction, land and land development loans) represented 350.4% of consolidated risk based capital. Although growth in that segment over the past 36 months at 7% did not exceed the 50% threshold laid out in the regulatory guidance, we expect the heightened supervisory expectations to continue to apply to us given the federal banking regulators' general focus on commercial real estate exposures at banks. Construction, land and land development loans represented 111% of consolidated risk based capital. Management has extensive experience in commercial real estate lending and has implemented and continues to maintain risk management procedures and underwriting criteria with respect to its commercial real estate portfolio designed to address the risks inherent in that asset class. Loan monitoring practices include but are not limited to periodic stress testing analysis to evaluate changes to cash flows, owing to interest rate increases and declines in net operating income. Nevertheless, we may be required to maintain higher levels of capital as a result of our commercial real estate concentrations, which could require us to raise additional capital, increasing our funding costs or diluting our shareholders, or take other action to retain capital, adversely affecting shareholder returns. The Company seeks to manage the risks relating to commercial real estate and its capital adequacy through the development and implementation of its Capital Policy and Capital Plan, the preparation of pro-forma projections including stress testing and the development of internal minimum targets for regulatory capital ratios that are subject to approval by the the Board of Directors (the "Board") and in excess of well capitalized ratio requirements.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had no concentrations of loans with any one borrower in any one industry exceeding 10% of its total loan portfolio. An industry for this purpose is defined as a group of businesses that are engaged in similar activities and have similar economic characteristics that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations to be similarly affected by changes in economic or other conditions.
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Certain directors and executive officers have had loan transactions with the Company. Such loans were made in the ordinary course of the Company’s lending business; were made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable loans with third parties; and, in the opinion of management, did not involve more than the normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features. Refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail regarding related party loans.
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Loan Maturity
The following table sets forth the time to contractual maturity of the loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023.
Due In | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Total | One Year or Less | Over One to Five Years | Over Five to Fifteen Years | Over Fifteen Years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 1,473,766 | $ | 431,362 | $ | 868,535 | $ | 170,283 | $ | 3,586 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
PPP loans | 528 | — | 528 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate (1) | 4,094,614 | 1,581,533 | 2,128,038 | 385,043 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | 1,172,239 | 193,757 | 409,730 | 351,184 | 217,568 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential | 73,396 | 17,021 | 44,354 | 501 | 11,520 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 969,766 | 215,207 | 711,288 | 12,182 | 31,089 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - C&I (owner occupied) | 132,021 | 769 | 37,988 | 34,319 | 58,945 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | 51,964 | 2,257 | 2,201 | 1,540 | 45,966 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | 401 | 212 | 46 | — | 143 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 7,968,695 | $ | 2,442,118 | $ | 4,202,708 | $ | 955,052 | $ | 368,817 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans with: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Predetermined fixed interest rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 403,955 | $ | 47,290 | $ | 246,822 | $ | 109,843 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
PPP loans | 528 | — | 528 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | 1,849,347 | 662,143 | 1,014,799 | 172,405 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | 615,019 | 172,237 | 216,481 | 163,735 | 62,566 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential | 67,877 | 13,186 | 44,354 | 153 | 10,184 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 67,891 | 16,597 | 51,294 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - C&I (owner occupied) | 42,699 | 769 | 4,588 | 11,633 | 25,709 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | 579 | 36 | 180 | 363 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | 54 | 5 | 46 | — | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,047,949 | $ | 912,263 | $ | 1,579,092 | $ | 458,132 | $ | 98,462 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Floating or adjustable interest rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 1,069,811 | $ | 384,072 | $ | 621,713 | $ | 60,440 | $ | 3,586 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | 2,245,267 | 919,390 | 1,113,239 | 212,638 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | 557,220 | 21,520 | 193,249 | 187,449 | 155,002 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential | 5,519 | 3,835 | — | 348 | 1,336 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 901,875 | 198,610 | 659,994 | 12,182 | 31,089 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - C&I (owner occupied) | 89,322 | — | 33,400 | 22,686 | 33,236 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | 51,385 | 2,221 | 2,021 | 1,177 | 45,966 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | 347 | 207 | — | — | 140 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4,920,746 | $ | 1,529,855 | $ | 2,623,616 | $ | 496,920 | $ | 270,355 |
(1)Income producing CRE office loans, which had total principal of $949.0 million at December 31, 2023 and are included within income producing - commercial real estate, had principal of $325.3 million, $587.8 million, $35.7 million and $150 thousand aggregated with one year or less, over one year to five years, over five years to fifteen years, and over fifteen
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years remaining until contractual maturity, respectively. Approximately $107.0 million and $393.7 million of income producing CRE office loans as of December 31, 2023 were due to mature within three months and 18 months, respectively.
Loans are shown in the period based on final contractual maturity. Demand loans, having no contractual maturity, and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The ACL is an estimate based on many factors which reflect management’s assessment of the risk in the loan portfolio. Those factors include economic conditions and trends, the value and adequacy of collateral, volume and mix of the portfolio, performance of the portfolio and internal loan processes of the Company and Bank.
The ACL for loans at December 31, 2023, or $85.9 million, reflected a $11.5 million increase from December 31, 2022, or $74.4 million, reflecting a provision for credit losses of $30.3 million and $18.9 million in net charge-offs during the year ended December 31, 2023. Net charge-offs of $18.9 million during 2023 represented 0.24% of average loans, excluding loans held for sale, an increase from net charge-offs of $624 thousand during 2022, which represented 0.01% of average loans, excluding loans held for sale. Net charge-offs included $17.1 million of charge-offs on four loans, three of which were income producing - commercial real estate loans and one of which was a construction - commercial residential loan. The ACL represented 1.08% of total loans at December 31, 2023 as compared to 0.97% at December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023, the allowance represented 131% of nonperforming loans as compared to 1,151% at December 31, 2022.
A full discussion of the accounting for ACL is contained in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and activity in the ACL is contained in Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Also, please refer to the discussion under the caption “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation for further discussion of the methodology which management employs to maintain an adequate ACL, as well as the discussion under the caption “Provision for Credit Losses” for a discussion of the Companys calculation of the provision for credit losses during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
As part of its comprehensive loan review process, the Bank’s Risk Committee evaluates loans which are past due 30 days or more. The Committee makes an assessment of the conditions and circumstances surrounding delinquent and potential problem loans. The Bank’s loan policy requires that loans be placed on nonaccrual if they are 90 days past due or if their collection is deemed to be doubtful, unless they are well secured and in the process of collection. The Credit Administration department analyzes the status of development and construction projects, including sales activities and utilization of interest reserves in order to c assess potential increased levels of risk which may require additional reserves.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had $65.5 million and $6.5 million, respectively, of loans classified as nonperforming. Please refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption “Loans” for a discussion of the Company’s policy regarding individual evaluation of loans to record a provision for expected credit losses. Please refer to the “Nonperforming Assets” section for a discussion of problem and potential problem assets.
The Company believes it has taken a conservative posture with respect to risk rating its loan portfolio. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, loans rated special mention were $207.1 million and $113.6 million, respectively, and loans rated substandard were $335.8 million and $88.7 million, respectively. The increases in special mention and substandard loans were primarily attributable to a continued focus on the evaluation of the Company's income producing - commercial real estate and owner occupied - commercial real estate loans. Based upon their status as potential problem loans, loans risk rated special mention or substandard receive heightened scrutiny and ongoing intensive risk management. Additionally, the Company's loan loss allowance methodology incorporates increased reserve factors for certain loans considered potential problem loans as compared to the general portfolio.
As the loan portfolio and ACL review processes continue to evolve there may be changes to elements of the allowance and this may have an effect on the overall level of the allowance maintained. Management did conduct sensitivity analysis on the CECL model, which, in part, was conducted by shocking the unemployment forecast up by 2% across the forecast period.
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Management, being aware of the loan growth experienced by the Bank and the risks facing commercial real estate, is intent on maintaining strong portfolio management and a strong risk rating process. The Bank provides analysis of credit requests and the management of problem credits. The Bank has developed and implemented analytical procedures for evaluating credit requests, has refined the Company’s risk rating system and has adopted enhanced monitoring of the loan portfolio and the adequacy of the ACL, in particular on its commercial real estate and construction loans (including those collateralized by office properties). These analyses include stress testing Additionally, fair value assessments of loans acquired are included in our analytical procedures. The loan portfolio analysis process is ongoing and proactive to support the Company's objective of maintaining a portfolio of quality credits and quickly identifying weaknesses before they become more severe.
The following table sets forth activity in the allowance for credit losses:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 74,444 | $ | 74,965 | $ | 109,579 | ||||||||||||||
Charge-offs: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | (2,020) | (1,561) | (8,788) | |||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | (11,817) | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | — | (1,355) | (5,445) | |||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | (5,636) | — | (206) | |||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | (50) | (79) | (1) | |||||||||||||||||
Total charge-offs | (19,523) | (2,995) | (14,440) | |||||||||||||||||
Recoveries: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | 576 | 713 | 486 | |||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | 55 | 25 | 97 | |||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 36 | 1,627 | 499 | |||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | 6 | 6 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||
Total recoveries | 673 | 2,371 | 1,100 | |||||||||||||||||
Net charge-offs | (18,850) | (624) | (13,340) | |||||||||||||||||
Provision for credit losses - loans | 30,346 | 103 | (21,274) | |||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | $ | 85,940 | $ | 74,444 | $ | 74,965 | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of allowance for credit losses to total loans outstanding at year end | 1.08 | % | 0.97 | % | 1.06 | % | ||||||||||||||
Ratio of net charge-offs during the year to average loans outstanding during the year | 0.24 | % | 0.01 | % | 0.18 | % |
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The following table presents the allocation of the ACL by loan category and the percentage of allowance in each category. The allocation of the allowance at December 31, 2023 includes allowance for credit losses of $641 thousand against individually assessed loans of $66.1 million, as compared to allowance for credit losses of $5.2 million against individually assessed loans of $30.7 million at December 31, 2022. The allocation of the allowance to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses or charge-offs and does not restrict the usage of the allowance for any specific loan or category.
December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Amount | % of Total ACL | % of Total Loans | Amount | % of Total ACL | % of Total Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 17,824 | 21 | % | 18 | % | $ | 15,655 | 21 | % | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | 40,050 | 47 | % | 51 | % | 35,688 | 48 | % | 51 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | 14,333 | 16 | % | 15 | % | 12,702 | 17 | % | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential | 861 | 1 | % | 1 | % | 969 | 1 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 10,198 | 12 | % | 12 | % | 7,195 | 10 | % | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - C&I (owner occupied) | 1,992 | 2 | % | 2 | % | 1,606 | 2 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | 657 | 1 | % | 1 | % | 555 | 1 | % | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | 25 | — | % | — | % | 74 | — | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 85,940 | 100 | % | 100 | % | $ | 74,444 | 100 | % | 100 | % |
Nonperforming Assets
As shown in the table below, the Company’s level of nonperforming assets, which is comprised of the amortized cost of loans delinquent 90 days or more, and nonaccrual loans, which includes the nonperforming portion of loan restructurings, and the carrying value of other real estate owned ("OREO") totaled $66.6 million at December 31, 2023, representing 0.57% of total assets, as compared to $8.4 million at December 31, 2022, representing 0.08% of total assets. The increase is primarily due to the increase in nonperforming loans discussed below.
The Company had no accruing loans 90 days or more past due at December 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022. Management prioritizes remaining attentive to early signs of deterioration in borrowers’ financial conditions and to taking action to mitigate risk. The Company places loans on nonaccrual status if it deems collection to be doubtful. The Company believes it is diligent in placing loans on nonaccrual status and believes, based on its loan portfolio risk analysis that its ACL at 1.08% of total loans at December 31, 2023, is adequate to absorb expected credit losses within the loan portfolio at that date.
Total nonperforming loans amounted to an amortized cost of $65.5 million at December 31, 2023, representing 0.82% of total loans, compared to $6.5 million at December 31, 2022, representing 0.08% of total loans. The increase was primarily attributable to the movement to nonaccrual of two income producing CRE loans with a total amortized cost of $38.6 million that are collateralized by office properties in Northern Virginia and received charge-offs of $9.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2023; and one owner occupied CRE loan with an amortized cost balance of $19.1 million that is collateralized by an assisted living facility in Maryland.
The CECL standard allows for institutions to evaluate individual loans in the event that the asset does not share similar risk characteristics with its original segmentation. This can occur due to credit deterioration, increased collateral dependency or other factors leading to impairment. In particular, the Company individually evaluates loans on nonaccrual and those identified as loan restructurings to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties, though it may individually evaluate other loans or groups of loans as well if it determines they no longer share similar risk with their assigned segment. Reserves on individually assessed loans are determined by one of two methods: the fair value of collateral or the discounted cash flow. Fair value of collateral is used for loans determined to be collateral dependent, and the fair value represents the net realizable value of the collateral, adjusted for sales costs, commissions, senior liens, etc. Discounted cash flow is used on loans that are not collateral dependent where structural concessions have been made and continuing payments are expected. The continuing payments are discounted over the expected life at the loan’s original contract rate and include adjustments for risk of default.
Nonperforming assets include loans that the Company considers to be individually assessed. Individually assessed loans are defined as those as to which we believe it is probable that we will not collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, as well as those loans whose terms have been modified in a loan restructuring to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties that has not shown a period of performance as required under applicable accounting standards. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. For collateral dependent financial
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assets where the Company has determined that foreclosure of the collateral is probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company expects repayment of the financial asset to be provided substantially through the sale of the collateral, the ACL is measured based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the asset as of the measurement date. When repayment is expected to be from the operation of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the financial asset exceeds the NPV from the operation of the collateral. When repayment is expected to be from the sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the financial asset exceeds the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated cost to sell. The ACL may be zero if the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date exceeds the amortized cost basis of the financial asset. Generally, all appraisals associated with individually assessed loans are updated on a not less than annual basis.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the accounting guidance in ASU No. 2022-02, which eliminates the recognition and measurement of a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR"). Due to the removal of the TDR designation, the Company evaluates loan restructurings according to the accounting guidance for loan modifications to determine if the restructuring results in a new loan or a continuation of the existing loan. Loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that result in a direct change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows include situations where there is principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, term extensions, and combinations of the listed modifications. A loan that is considered a restructured loan may be subject to an individually evaluated loan analysis if the commitment is $1.0 million or greater; otherwise, the restructured loan remains in the appropriate segment in the ACL model and associated reserves are adjusted based on changes in the discounted cash flows resulting from the modification of the restructured loan. Management strives to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify their loan to more affordable terms before their loan reaches nonaccrual status, foreclosure or repossession of the collateral to minimize economic loss to the Company.
Commercial and consumer loans modified in a loan restructuring are closely monitored for delinquency as an early indicator of possible future default. If loans modified in a loan restructuring subsequently default, the Company evaluates the loan for possible further impairment. The allowance may be increased, adjustments may be made in the allocation of the allowance, or partial charge-offs may be taken to further write-down the carrying value of the loan.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Bank modified loans with a total amortized cost of $237.2 million at December 31, 2023 (3.0% of the loan portfolio). These loans received extended loan terms of between approximately one to 36 months. Five loans received a weighted average interest rate reduction of approximately 2.56%.
As of December 31, 2023, four loans that were modified in the preceding twelve months, including one loan with an amortized cost of $4.4 million that was 30 to 89 days past due and three loans with a total amortized cost of $57.7 million that were on nonaccrual status, experienced a subsequent payment default as of December 31, 2023. All other loans are performing under their modified terms.
Alternatively, management, from time-to-time and in the ordinary course of business, implements renewals, modifications, extensions and/or changes in terms of loans to borrowers who have the ability to repay on reasonable market-based terms, as circumstances may warrant, and therefore, such modifications are not considered to be loan restructurings to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty, as the accommodation of a borrower's request does not rise to the level of a concession if the modified transaction is at market rates and terms and/or the borrower is not experiencing financial difficulty. For example: (1) adverse weather conditions may create a short term cash flow issue for an otherwise profitable retail business which suggests a temporary interest only period on an amortizing loan; (2) there may be delays in absorption on a real estate project which reasonably suggests extension of the loan maturity at market terms; or (3) there may be maturing loans to borrowers with demonstrated repayment ability who are not in a position at the time of maturity to obtain alternate long-term financing.
Included in nonperforming assets at December 31, 2023 is OREO of $1.1 million, consisting of 2 foreclosed properties. Included in nonperforming assets at December 31, 2022 was OREO of $2.0 million, consisting of 4 foreclosed properties. OREO properties are carried at the lower of cost or at fair value less estimated costs to sell.
It is the Company's policy to generally obtain third party appraisals prior to foreclosure and to obtain updated third party appraisals on OREO properties generally not less frequently than annually. Generally, the Company would obtain updated appraisals or evaluations where it has reason to believe, based upon market indications (such as comparable sales, legitimate offers below carrying value, broker indications and similar factors), that the current appraisal does not accurately reflect current value. There were two OREO sales in 2023 and one in 2022, generating proceeds of $987 thousand and $241 thousand, respectively.
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The following table shows the amounts and relevant ratios of nonperforming assets, including loans at amortized cost and OREO at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell, at the dates indicated:
(dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
Nonaccrual Loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 2,049 | $ | 2,488 | ||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | 40,926 | 2,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | 19,836 | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential | 1,946 | 1,913 | ||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 525 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | 242 | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | — | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||
Accrual loans-past due 90 days | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Total nonperforming loans (1) | 65,524 | 6,468 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other real estate owned | 1,108 | 1,962 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total nonperforming assets | $ | 66,632 | $ | 8,430 | ||||||||||||||||
Coverage ratio, allowance for credit losses to total nonperforming loans | 131 | % | 1,151 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Ratio of nonperforming loans to total loans | 0.82 | % | 0.08 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets | 0.57 | % | 0.08 | % |
(1)Gross interest income of $4.2 million, and $558 thousand would have been recorded for 2023, and 2022, respectively, if nonaccrual loans shown above had been current and in accordance with their original terms, while interest actually recorded on such loans were $1.5 million, and $17 thousand at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Company’s policy for placing loans on nonaccrual status.
Significant variation in the amount of nonperforming loans may occur from period to period because the amount of nonperforming loans depends largely on the condition of a relatively small number of individual credits and borrowers relative to the total loan portfolio.
At December 31, 2023, there were $335.8 million of Substandard loans. Substandard loans are considered potential or actual problem loans due to known information about possible or actual credit problems which causes management to be uncertain as to the ability of the borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms, which may in the future result in the reclassification to the past due, nonaccrual or restructured loan categories, as appropriate. Based upon their status as potential or actual problem loans, these loans receive heightened scrutiny and ongoing intensive risk management.
Other Earning Assets
The Company ceased originations of first lien residential mortgage loans for secondary sale during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and completed residual origination and sales activities as of June 30, 2023. There were no residential mortgage loans held for sale at December 31, 2023, as compared to $6.7 million at December 31, 2022. The Company’s general practice was to originate and sell such loans only on a “servicing released” basis in order to enhance noninterest income.
Bank owned life insurance at December 31, 2023 amounted to $112.9 million, as compared to $111.0 million at December 31, 2022. Refer to Note 18 to Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail.
Intangible Assets
The Company recognizes a servicing asset for the computed value of servicing fees on the sales of multifamily FHA loans, the guaranteed portion of Small Business Administration ("SBA") loans and other loans sold with retained servicing
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which is in excess of the normal servicing fees. Assumptions related to loan term and amortization are made to arrive at the initial recorded value, which is included in intangible assets, net, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
For 2023, no excess servicing fees were recorded and $28 thousand was amortized as a reduction of actual service fees collected, which is a component of other income. At December 31, 2023, the balance of excess servicing fees was $37 thousand. For 2022, excess servicing fees of $67 thousand were recorded and $89 thousand was amortized as a reduction of actual service fees collected, which is a component of other income. At December 31, 2022, the balance of excess servicing fees was $65 thousand.
In 2008, the Company recorded an unidentified intangible asset (goodwill) incident to the acquisition of Fidelity of $2.2 million. In 2014, the Company recorded an initial amount of unidentified intangible (goodwill) incident to the acquisition of Virginia Heritage of approximately $102 million. Refer to Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the initial and current carrying values as well as additions and amortization.
During the second quarter of 2023, Management determined that the goodwill needed to be tested for impairment. The determination was due to a triggering event which had occurred as a result of a sustained decrease in the Company's stock price and a revision in the earnings outlook in comparison to budget for the remainder of 2023 due primarily to the economic uncertainty and market volatility resulting from the rising interest rate environment and the recent events in the banking sector. The Company performed a qualitative assessment and quantitative impairment test on its only reporting unit as of May 31, 2023. The Company engaged a third-party service provider to assist Management with the determination of the fair value of the Company in the second quarter of 2023. In accordance with its regular schedule for impairment testing, the Company performed a second qualitative assessment and quantitative impairment test that rolled forward its second quarter of 2023 testing on its only reporting unit as of December 31, 2023. The resulting calculations indicated that the fair value exceeded the carrying amount of the Company's only reporting unit by approximately 17% and 21% as of May 31, 2023 and December 31, 2023, respectively, which resulted in a determination of no impairment loss on the Company's only reporting unit.
The method employed for the impairment testing was a combination of a risk-weighted income valuation methodology, comprising a discounted cash flow analysis, and a market valuation methodology, comprising the guideline public company method, was employed.
Significant judgment is necessary in the determination of the fair value of a reporting unit. The income valuation methodology requires an estimation of future cash flows, considering the after-tax results of operations, the extent and timing of credit losses, and appropriate discount and growth rates. Actual future cash flows may differ from forecasted results based on the assumptions used.
In performing the discounted cash flow analysis, the Company utilized multi-year cash projections that rely on internal forecasts of loan and deposit growth, bond mix, financing composition, market pricing of securities, credit performance, forward interest rates, future returns driven by net interest margin, fee generation and expense incurrence, industry and economic trends, and other relevant considerations. The long-term growth rate used in the calculation of fair value was derived from published projections of the inflation rate and GDP, along with Management estimates.
The market approach considers a combination of price to tangible book value and price to earnings, adjusted based on companies similar to the reporting unit and adjusted for selected multiples, along with a control premium based on a review of transactions in the banking industry in order to calculate the indicated value of the Company's equity on a control, marketable basis.
Management continues to monitor economic conditions, as future events could result in new determinations of triggering events which would require additional impairment tests of the Company's only reporting unit. Future events could cause the Company to conclude that goodwill or other intangibles have become impaired, which would result in recording an impairment loss. Any resulting impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Deposits and Other Borrowings
The principal sources of funds for the Bank are core deposits, consisting of demand deposits, money market accounts, Negotiable Order of Withdrawal ("NOW") accounts, savings accounts, and certificates of deposits. The deposit base includes transaction accounts, time and savings accounts and accounts which customers use for cash management and which provide the Bank with a source of fee income and cross-marketing opportunities, as well as an attractive source of lower cost funds. To meet funding needs during periods of high loan demand and seasonal variations in core deposits, the Bank regularly utilizes
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alternative funding sources such as secured borrowings from the FHLB, federal funds purchased lines of credit from correspondent banks and brokered deposits from regional and national brokerage firms. Additionally, the Bank has participated in the BTFP established by Federal Reserve Bank in March 2023. The Federal Reserve announced in January 2024 that the BTFP will stop originating new loans on March 11, 2024, as scheduled. The Federal Reserve also modified the terms of the program so that the interest rate for new loans will be no lower than the interest rate on reserve balances in effect on the day the loan is made. In January 2024, prior to these announcements by the Federal Reserve, the Company borrowed an additional $500.0 million through the BTFP and refinanced $500.0 million under the program, each at an interest rate of 4.76% and a maturity date in January 2025.
For the year ended December 31, 2023, deposits were $8.8 billion as compared to $8.7 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of 1%. The increase was primarily attributable to a $1.4 billion increase in interest bearing time deposits, offset by a $871.7 million reduction in noninterest bearing deposits and a $326.7 million reduction in savings and money market accounts as a result of an increase of disintermediation driven primarily by an increase in interest rates. The growth in interest bearing deposits was driven by the increased utilization of brokered deposits, particularly brokered time deposits, during the year ended December 31, 2023. During the year ended December 31, 2023, brokered time deposits increased by approximately $998.0 million, while other interest bearing brokered deposits decreased by approximately $977.6 million.
Noninterest bearing deposits decreased $871.7 million or 28% to $2.3 billion at December 31, 2023 as compared to $3.2 billion at December 31, 2022, while interest bearing deposits decreased by $140.8 million, or 12%. Within interest bearing deposits, money market and savings accounts collectively amounted to $3.3 billion at December 31, 2023, or 38% of total deposits, as compared to $3.6 billion, or 42% of total deposits, at December 31, 2022, a decrease of $326.7 million, or 9%.
No single depositor represented more than 10% of total deposits as of December 31, 2023. The ten largest depositors not associated with brokered pass-through relationships represented approximately 22% of total deposits in the aggregate as of December 31, 2023. The Company maintains a significant deposit relationship with a third-party payments processor, whose business results in deposit inflows and outflows on an ongoing basis, which contributes to variations in period end compared to average deposit balances.
Average total deposits for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $8.9 billion, as compared to $10.1 billion for the same period in 2022, a 12% decrease.
Time deposits were $2.2 billion at December 31, 2023, which was 25% of deposits. This was an increase from $783.5 million at December 31, 2022, which was 9% of deposits. The increase in time deposits was driven by an increased utilization of brokered time deposits.
The following table summarizes time deposits in excess of $250 thousand by maturity:
(dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Three months or less | $ | 119,880 | $ | 87,959 | ||||||||||
More than three months through six months | 318,353 | 51,746 | ||||||||||||
More than three months through twelve months | 368,103 | 108,877 | ||||||||||||
Over twelve months | 726,758 | 269,200 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,533,094 | $ | 517,782 |
Maturities of time deposits with balances of $250 thousand or more represented 17% and 6% of total deposits as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the maturities of time deposits and the Average Balances Table in the “Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin” section for the average rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. Time deposits of $250 thousand or more can be more volatile and more expensive than time deposits of less than $250 thousand. However, because the Bank focuses on relationship banking, and its marketplace demographics are favorable, its historical experience has been that large time deposits have not been more volatile or significantly more expensive than smaller denomination certificates.
From time to time, when appropriate in order to fund strong loan demand or account for increased deposit outflow, the Bank accepts brokered time deposits, generally in denominations of less than $250 thousand, from a regional brokerage firm and other national brokerage networks, including IntraFi Network, LLC ("IntraFi"). Additionally, the Bank participates in the CDARS and the ICS products, which provide for reciprocal (“two-way”) transactions among banks facilitated by IntraFi for the purpose of maximizing FDIC insurance. The total of reciprocal deposits at December 31, 2023 was $1.7 billion (19% of total
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deposits) as compared to $782.2 million (9% of total deposits) at December 31, 2022. These sources are believed by the Company to represent a reliable and cost efficient alternative funding source for the Bank, but there can be no assurance that they will continue to be adequate or appropriate to meet our liquidity needs. The Bank also is able to obtain one way CDARS deposits and participates in IntraFi’s Insured Network Deposit, (“IND”). The Bank had $786.5 million and $1.1 billion of IND brokered deposits as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. However, to the extent that the condition or reputation of the Company or Bank deteriorates, or to the extent that there are significant changes in market interest rates which the Company and Bank do not elect to match, or if aggregate funding available to banks change due to changes in the marketplace, we may experience an outflow of brokered deposits or difficulty with obtaining them in the future. In that event we would be required to obtain alternate sources for funding, which may increase our cost of funds and negatively impact our net interest margin.
We have used brokered deposits and intend to continue to use brokered deposits as one of our funding sources to support future growth. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, total deposits included $2.5 billion and $2.5 billion of brokered deposits (excluding the CDARS and ICS two-way accounts), which represented 28.8% and 28.8% of total deposits, respectively. Brokered deposits comprised time deposits of $1.5 billion and $465.5 million, savings and money market accounts of $961.5 million and $1.3 billion, and interest-bearing transaction accounts of $108.2 million and $590.1 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, total deposits included estimated totals of $2.8 billion and $4.4 billion of uninsured deposits, which represented 31% and 51% of total deposits, respectively. The decrease in the percentage of the Bank's deposits that are uninsured was in part due to customers' increased use of the products facilitated by IntraFi that enable customers to maximize FDIC deposit insurance coverage for their deposits.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had $2.3 billion in noninterest bearing demand deposits, representing 26% of total deposits compared to $3.2 billion of noninterest bearing demand deposits at December 31, 2022, or 36% of total deposits. The decrease was primarily attributable to outflows from noninterest bearing deposits, money market and savings accounts which was partially offset by the increase in time deposits. Average noninterest bearing deposits over total deposits for years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 were 28% and 38%, respectively. The Bank also offers business NOW accounts and business savings accounts to accommodate those customers who may have excess short term cash to deploy in interest earning assets.
As an enhancement to the basic noninterest bearing demand deposit account, the Company offers a sweep account, or “customer repurchase agreement,” allowing qualifying businesses to earn interest on short-term excess funds, which are not suited for either a certificate of deposit or a money market account. The balances in these accounts were $30.6 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $35.1 million at December 31, 2022. Customer repurchase agreements are not deposits and are not insured by the FDIC, but are collateralized by U.S. agency securities and/or U.S. agency backed MBS. These accounts are particularly suitable to businesses with significant fluctuation in the levels of cash flows. Attorney and title company escrow accounts are examples of accounts which can benefit from this product, as are customers who may require collateral for deposits in excess of FDIC insurance limits but do not qualify for other pledging arrangements. This program requires the Company to maintain a sufficient investment securities level to accommodate the fluctuations in balances which may occur in these accounts.
At December 31, 2023 the Company had $2.2 billion in time deposits, an increase of $1.4 billion from year end December 31, 2022. The Bank raises and renews time deposits through its branch network, for its public funds customers, and through brokered certificates of deposits ("CDs") to meet the needs of its community of savers and as part of its interest rate risk management and liquidity planning. Throughout the year, the Bank raised rates in most of its time deposit accounts in response to the increased disintermediation of deposits, and the current rate environment with continued rate increases.
The following tables summarize the Company's borrowings at December 31, 2023 and 2022 and activities on borrowings for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022:
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(dollars in thousands) | Borrowings - Principal | Unamortized Deferred Issuance Costs | Net Borrowings Outstanding | Interest Rates (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements | $ | 30,587 | $ | — | $ | 30,587 | 3.42 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
FRB BTFP secured borrowings | 1,300,000 | — | 1,300,000 | 4.53 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Subordinated notes, 5.75% | 70,000 | (82) | 69,918 | 5.75 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,400,587 | $ | (82) | $ | 1,400,505 | ||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements | $ | 35,100 | $ | — | $ | 35,100 | 2.94 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
FHLB secured borrowings | 975,001 | — | 975,001 | 4.57 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Subordinated notes, 5.75% | 70,000 | (206) | 69,794 | 5.75 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,080,101 | $ | (206) | $ | 1,079,895 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Average Daily Balance (2) | Maximum Month-End Balance (2) | Average Daily Balance (2) | Maximum Month-End Balance (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements and federal funds purchased | $ | 36,663 | $ | 54,851 | $ | 30,745 | $ | 47,946 | ||||||||||||||||||
FHLB secured borrowings | $ | 549,522 | $ | 1,770,156 | $ | 172,408 | $ | 975,001 | ||||||||||||||||||
FRB BTFP secured borrowings | $ | 971,507 | $ | 1,300,001 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Subordinated notes, 5.75% | $ | 70,000 | $ | 70,000 | $ | 70,000 | $ | 70,000 |
(1)Represent the weighted average interest rate on customer repurchase agreements, borrowings outstanding and the coupon interest rate on the subordinated notes, which approximates the effective interest rate.
(2)The average daily balance and maximum month-end balance are calculated on the principal balance on the borrowings.
The Company had no outstanding balances under its federal funds lines of credit provided by correspondent banks (which are unsecured) at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had no outstanding balances and $975.0 million, respectively, of FHLB advances borrowed as part of the overall asset liability strategy. Outstanding FHLB advances are secured by collateral consisting of a blanket lien on qualifying loans in the Bank’s commercial mortgage, residential mortgage and home equity loan portfolios. Additionally, at December 31, 2023, the Company had a $1.3 billion one year fixed rate advance from the BTFP as part of the overall asset liability strategy and to support loan growth. In January 2024, the Company borrowed an additional $500.0 million of BTFP financing and refinanced approximately $500.0 million at 4.76%, which mature in January 2025. The remaining approximately $800.0 million matures in March 2024. Outstanding BTFP advances are secured by collateral consisting of specifically pledged qualifying investment securities.
The subordinated notes outstanding at December 31, 2023 and 2022 consisted of the Company’s August 5, 2014 issuance of $70.0 million of subordinated notes, due September 1, 2024. The Company is considering various options to finance the upcoming maturity of the subordinated debt, and the Company may seek to issue new subordinated notes or other debt securities to replace those that are maturing, or fund the maturity through other means. Given prevailing interest rates, any new debt securities to refinance the subordinated notes are expected to have a higher interest rate than the subordinated notes. For additional information on the Company’s subordinated notes, please refer to Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, as well as the “Capital Resources and Adequacy” section below.
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CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The Company has various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments that may require future cash payments except for its loan commitments, as shown in Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table shows details on these fixed and determinable obligations as of December 31, 2023, in the time period indicated.
(dollars in thousands) | Within One Year | One to Three Years | Three to Five Years | Over Five Years | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deposits without a stated maturity (1) | $ | 6,590,572 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 6,590,572 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Time deposits (1) | 1,445,395 | 756,763 | 15,309 | — | 2,217,467 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowed funds (2) | 1,400,505 | — | — | — | 1,400,505 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations | 6,564 | 8,593 | 4,525 | 3,556 | 23,238 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outside data processing (3) | 5,450 | 11,568 | 13,382 | — | 30,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
George Mason sponsorship (4) | 675 | 1,388 | 1,400 | 4,675 | 8,138 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LIHTC investments (5) | 16,292 | 6,340 | 518 | 735 | 23,885 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 9,465,453 | $ | 784,652 | $ | 35,134 | $ | 8,966 | $ | 10,294,205 |
(1)Excludes accrued interest payable at December 31, 2023.
(2)Borrowed funds include customer repurchase agreements and other borrowings.
(3)The Bank has outstanding obligations under its current core data processing contract that expire in June 2029 and one other vendor arrangement that relates to network infrastructure and data center services that expires in December 2024.
(4)The Bank has the option of terminating the George Mason University ("George Mason") agreement at the end of contract years 10 and 15 (that is, effective June 30, 2025 or June 30, 2030). Should the Bank elect to exercise its right to terminate the George Mason contract, contractual obligations would decrease $3.5 million and $3.6 million for the first option period (years 11-15) and the second option period (16-20), respectively.
(5)Low Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”) expected payments for unfunded affordable housing commitments.
The Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. They involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk in excess of the amount recognized in the balance sheets. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments.
Various commitments to extend credit are made in the normal course of banking business. Letters of credit are also issued for the benefit of customers. These commitments are subject to loan underwriting standards and geographic boundaries consistent with the Company’s loans outstanding.
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
Loan commitments outstanding and lines and letters of credit at December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Unfunded loan commitments | $ | 1,981,334 | $ | 2,335,735 | ||||||||||
Unfunded lines of credit | 98,614 | 107,919 | ||||||||||||
Letters of credit | 87,146 | 100,196 | ||||||||||||
Interest rate lock commitments | — | 6,963 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,167,094 | $ | 2,550,813 |
The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet
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instruments. See Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary list of loan commitments at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
Loan commitments represent agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract and which have been accepted in writing by the borrower. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since some of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral obtained varies and may include certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, residential and commercial real estate.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company which guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. Collateral held varies as specified above and is required in instances which the Company deems necessary. At December 31, 2023, approximately 71% of the dollar amount of standby letters of credit was collateralized.
In connection with deposit guarantees, the Bank collateralizes certain public funds using qualified investment securities.
With the exception of these off-balance sheet arrangements, the Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, capital expenditures or capital resources, that is material to investors.
LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT
Liquidity is a measure of the Company’s and Bank’s ability to meet loan demand and to satisfy depositor withdrawal requirements in an orderly manner. The Bank’s primary sources of liquidity consist of cash and cash balances due from correspondent banks, excess reserves at the Federal Reserve, loan repayments, federal funds sold and other short-term investments, maturities and sales of investment securities, income from operations and new core deposits into the Bank. Approximately 60% of the Company's investment portfolio of debt securities is held in an available-for-sale status which allows for flexibility, subject to holdings held as collateral for customer repurchase agreements and public funds, to generate cash from sales as needed to meet ongoing loan demand. As of December 31, 2023, the unrealized losses recorded on the available-for-sale securities were acting as a deterrent to any sale of those securities to raise liquidity. However, these securities are utilized as pledged assets that provide secondary liquidity through the form of additional available borrowings. Investment securities that are classified as held-to-maturity can also be used as collateral to pledge against additional borrowings. These sources of liquidity are considered primary and are supplemented by the ability of the Company and Bank to borrow funds or issue brokered deposits, which are termed secondary sources of liquidity and which are substantial.
The following table summarizes the Company's secondary sources of liquidity in use and available at December 31, 2023:
(dollars in thousands) | Secondary Sources of Liquidity in Use | Secondary Sources of Liquidity Available | ||||||||||||
Unsecured brokered deposits (1) | $ | 977,915 | $ | 1,950,803 | ||||||||||
FHLB secured borrowings | — | 1,271,846 | ||||||||||||
FRB: | ||||||||||||||
BTFP secured borrowings | 1,300,000 | 598,870 | ||||||||||||
Discount window secured borrowings | — | 601,504 | ||||||||||||
Federal funds lines | — | 155,000 | ||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements | 30,587 | — | ||||||||||||
Raymond James repurchase agreement | — | 17,993 | ||||||||||||
Unpledged assets: (2) | ||||||||||||||
Interest-bearing deposits with banks | N/A | 36,215 | ||||||||||||
Investment securities | N/A | 292,258 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,308,502 | $ | 4,924,489 |
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(1)The available liquidity from the unsecured brokered deposits represents unsecured funds under one-way CDARS and ICS brokered deposits that would require then current market rates and be dependent on the availability of funds in those networks.
(2)Comprise unencumbered assets that could be liquidated or used as collateral to obtain additional liquidity through debt financing.
The funding mix has continued to change throughout the year ended December 31, 2023. Deposits at year end were $8.8 billion and $8.7 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to a $1.4 billion increase in interest bearing time deposits, offset by a $871.7 million reduction in noninterest bearing deposits and a $326.7 million reduction in savings and money market accounts as a result of an increase of disintermediation driven primarily by an increase in interest rates. The growth in interest bearing deposits was driven by the increased utilization of brokered deposits, particularly brokered time deposits, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as discussed in "Deposits and Other Borrowings" above. Borrowings were $1.4 billion and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The increase in borrowings was due to the utilization of BTFP borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2023.
Additionally, the Bank can purchase up to $155.0 million in federal funds on an unsecured basis from its correspondents, against which there were no amounts outstanding at December 31, 2023 and can borrow unsecured funds under one-way CDARS and ICS brokered deposits in the amount of $1.7 billion, against which there was $94 million outstanding at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, the Bank also has custodial agreements with various broker-dealers through IntraFi's IND program which provided $786.5 million of brokered deposits.
At December 31, 2023, the Bank was also eligible to make advances from the FHLB up to $1.3 billion based on assets pledged as collateral to the FHLB, against which there was no outstanding amount as of December 31, 2023. The Bank had FHLB borrowings of $975.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2022, which were repaid during the year ended December 31, 2023. The Bank posted additional collateral to the FHLB during the year ended December 31, 2023 to increase its eligibility for advances to meet its ongoing liquidity needs and expects to continue utilizing this source of funding in the future.
In March 2023, the Federal Reserve Board announced that it would make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions through the creation of the BTFP. The BTFP provides eligible depository institutions, including the Bank, an additional source of liquidity. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had eligible collateral and borrowing capacity with the BTFP of $1.9 billion on assets that have been pledged, of which $1.3 billion was outstanding. This alternative source of liquidity is being utilized for balance sheet optimization. The Federal Reserve announced in January 2024 that the BTFP will stop originating new loans on March 11, 2024, as scheduled. The Federal Reserve also modified the terms of the program so that the interest rate for new loans will be no lower than the interest rate on reserve balances in effect on the day the loan is made. In January 2024, prior to these announcements by the Federal Reserve, the Company borrowed an additional $500.0 million through the BTFP and refinanced $500.0 million under the program at an interest rate of 4.76% and a maturity in January 2025. The remaining $800.0 million matures in March 2024. Once the BTFP program terminates and in light of the changes to the BTFP's terms, we may be required to rely on other, potentially more expensive, sources of liquidity.
The Bank's aggregate borrowing capacity at December 31, 2023 was $2.2 billion, which consists of $1.9 billion of additional aggregate capacity to borrow from the FHLB and BTFP on assets that have been pledged. The Bank also has unencumbered securities totaling approximately $292.3 million available for pledging to the FHLB or the BTFP for additional borrowing capacity.
The Bank may enter into repurchase agreements as well as obtain additional borrowing capabilities from the FHLB provided adequate collateral exists to secure these lending relationships. The Bank also has a back-up borrowing facility through the Discount Window at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond (“Federal Reserve Bank”). This facility, which amounts to approximately $601.5 million, is collateralized with specific loan assets identified to the Federal Reserve Bank. It is anticipated that, except for periodic testing, this facility would be utilized for contingency funding only. There can be no assurance, however, that these alternative sources of liquidity will continue to be available or will be sufficient to meet our ongoing liquidity needs.
The loss of deposits, through disintermediation, is one of the greater risks to liquidity. Disintermediation occurs most commonly when rates rise and depositors withdraw deposits seeking higher rates in alternative savings and investment sources than the Bank may offer. The Bank makes competitive deposit interest rate comparisons weekly and makes adjustments from time to time to ensure its interest rate offerings are competitive.
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There is, however, a risk that the cost of funds will increase significantly as the Bank competes for deposits or that some deposits would be lost if rates were to increase and the Bank elected not to remain competitive with its deposit rates. Under those conditions, the Bank believes that it is well positioned to use other sources of funds such as FHLB borrowings, brokered deposits, repurchase agreements and correspondent banks’ lines of credit to offset a decline in deposits in the short run, but the use of such sources may negatively impact our net interest margin and our earnings. The mix of sources used in the year ended December 31, 2023 negatively impacted our net interest margin and earnings, as expected in an economic environment with rising interest rates. There can be no assurance that the mix of sources of funds available to us at any particular time in the future will be adequate to meet our future liquidity needs. However, the market for customer and brokered deposits is highly competitive and the risk of disintermediation is high, particularly in a high interest rate environment. The potential outflow of such deposits is a risk unless we pay a more competitive rate of interest on them, which could significantly and negatively impact the Bank’s interest expense and net interest margin, as the transfer of some noninterest-bearing deposits to interest-bearing deposits did in 2023. Over the long-term, an adjustment in assets and change in business emphasis could compensate for a potential loss of deposits. The Bank also maintains a marketable investment portfolio to provide flexibility in the event of significant liquidity needs. The Asset Liability Committee ("ALCO") has adopted policy guidelines, which emphasize the importance of core deposits, adequate asset liquidity and a contingency funding plan.
The Company believes it maintains sufficient primary and secondary sources of liquidity to fund its operations. During the year ended December 31, 2023, average short term liquidity was $2.6 billion, which is above the Bank's average needs. Secondary sources of liquidity at December 31, 2023 were $4.9 billion, which include the FHLB, BTFP, other insured brokered deposit sweep programs, unpledged securities, Fed funds lines, and the FRB Discount Window. At December 31, 2023, the Company held total securities available to be pledged with a par balance of $292.3 million. At December 31, 2023, under the Bank’s liquidity formula, it had $5.9 billion of primary and secondary liquidity sources. Management believes the amount is adequate to meet current and projected funding needs.
CAPITAL RESOURCES AND ADEQUACY
The assessment of capital adequacy depends on a number of factors such as asset quality and mix, liquidity, earnings performance, changing competitive conditions and economic forces, stress testing, regulatory measures and policy, as well as the overall level of growth and complexity of the balance sheet. The adequacy of the Company’s current and future capital needs is monitored by management on an ongoing basis. Management seeks to maintain a capital structure that will assure an adequate level of capital to support anticipated asset growth and to absorb potential losses.
The federal banking regulators have issued guidance for those institutions, which are deemed to have concentrations in commercial real estate lending. Pursuant to the supervisory criteria contained in the guidance for identifying institutions with a potential commercial real estate concentration risk, institutions which have (1) total reported loans for construction, land development and other land acquisitions which represent 100% or more of an institution’s total risk-based capital; or (2) total commercial real estate loans representing 300% or more of the institution’s total risk-based capital and the institution’s commercial real estate loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months are identified as having potential commercial real estate concentration risk. Institutions which are deemed to have concentrations in commercial real estate lending are expected to employ heightened levels of risk management with respect to their commercial real estate portfolios and may be required to hold higher levels of capital. The Company, like many community banks, has in commercial real estate loans, and the Company has experienced growth in its commercial real estate portfolio in recent years. Although growth in that segment over the past 36 months at 7% did not exceed the 50% threshold laid out in the regulatory guidance, we expect the heightened supervisory expectations to continue to apply to us given the federal banking regulators’ general focus on commercial real estate exposures at banks.
At December 31, 2023, we did exceed the construction, land development, and other land acquisitions regulatory concentration threshold, and we continue to monitor our concentration in commercial real estate lending and remain in compliance with the guidance issued by the federal banking regulators. Construction, land and land development loans represent 111% of total risk based capital. Management has extensive experience in commercial real estate lending, and has implemented and continues to maintain heightened risk management procedures and strong underwriting criteria with respect to its commercial real estate portfolio.
Loan monitoring practices include but are not limited to periodic stress testing analysis to evaluate changes to cash flows, owing to interest rate increases and declines in net operating income. Nevertheless, as our commercial real estate concentration fluctuates each quarter, we may be required to maintain higher levels of capital as a result of our commercial real estate concentrations, which could require us to obtain additional capital and may adversely affect shareholder returns. The Company seeks to manage the risks relating to commercial real estate and its capital adequacy through the development and implementation of its Capital Policy and Capital Plan, the preparation of pro-forma projections including stress testing and the development of internal minimum targets for regulatory capital ratios that are subject to approval by the Board and in excess of well capitalized ratios (as defined in the section “Regulation” above).
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The Company and the Bank are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors and the regulators can lower classifications in certain cases. Failure to meet various capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the financial statements.
The prompt corrective action regulations provide five categories, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If a bank is only adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to, among other things, accept, renew or roll-over brokered deposits. If a bank is undercapitalized, capital distributions and growth and expansion are limited, and plans for capital restoration are required.
At December 31, 2023, the capital position of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, the Bank, continue to exceed regulatory requirements and well-capitalized guidelines. The primary indicators relied on by bank regulators in measuring the capital position are four ratios as follows: Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, Total risk-based capital ratio, the Leverage ratio and the CET1 ratio. Tier 1 capital consists of common and qualifying preferred shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangibles. Total risk-based capital consists of Tier 1 capital, plus qualifying subordinated debt and the qualifying portion of the ACL. Risk-based capital ratios are calculated with reference to risk-weighted assets, which are prescribed by regulation. The measure of Tier 1 capital to average assets for the prior quarter is often referred to as the leverage ratio. The CET1 ratio is the Tier 1 capital ratio but excluding preferred stock.
The FRB and the FDIC have adopted the Basel III Rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision's capital guidelines for U.S. banks. Under the Basel III Rules, the Company and Bank are required to maintain a CET1 ratio of 4.5% and a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, effectively resulting in a minimum CET1 ratio of 7.0%; a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.0%, or 8.5% with the fully phased in capital conservation buffer; a minimum total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio of 10.5% with the fully phased-in capital conservation buffer; and a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%. The Basel III Rules also increased risk weights for certain assets and off-balance-sheet exposures. See the “Regulation” section for additional information regarding regulatory capital requirements.
The Company’s capital position remained strong for the year ended December 31, 2023 as a result of continued earnings, continued improvements in economic conditions and strong asset quality. As a result of the Company’s strong capital position and earnings, we were able to continue with our quarterly dividend. The Company announced a regular quarterly cash dividend on December 19, 2023 of $0.45 per share to shareholders of record on January 11, 2024 and it was paid on January 31, 2024.
The Company’s capital ratios were all well in excess of guidelines established by the Federal Reserve Board and the Bank’s capital ratios were in excess of those required to be classified as a “well capitalized” institution under the prompt corrective action provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act. The Company’s and Bank’s capital ratios at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are shown in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
The ability of the Company to continue to grow is dependent on its earnings and those of the Bank, the ability to obtain additional funds for contribution to the Bank’s capital, through additional borrowings, through the sale of additional common stock or preferred stock or through the issuance of additional qualifying capital instruments, such as subordinated debt. The capital levels required to be maintained by the Company and Bank may be impacted as a result of the Bank’s concentrations in commercial real estate loans. See further detail at the “Regulation” and “Risk Factors” sections.
IMPACT OF INFLATION AND CHANGING PRICES
The Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto have been prepared in accordance with GAAP in the United States of America, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of operations. Unlike most industrial companies, nearly all of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a greater impact on our performance than do the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the price of goods or services.
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NEW AUTHORITATIVE ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE
Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for New Authoritative Accounting Guidance and their expected impact on the Company’s Financial Statements.
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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Asset/Liability Management of Interest Rate Risk
A fundamental risk in banking is exposure to market risk, or interest rate risk, since a bank’s net income is largely dependent on net interest income. The Bank’s ALCO formulates and monitors the management of interest rate risk through policies and guidelines established by it and overseen by the Audit Committee and the full Board and through review of detailed reports discussed quarterly. In its consideration of risk limits, the ALCO considers the impact on earnings and capital, the level and direction of interest rates, liquidity, local economic conditions, outside threats and other factors. Banking is generally a business of managing the maturity and repricing mismatch inherent in its asset and liability cash flows to provide net interest income growth consistent with the Company’s profit objectives.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company was able to produce a net interest margin of 2.53% as compared to 2.93% during the same period in 2022 and continues to manage its overall interest rate risk position.
The Company, through its ALCO and ongoing financial management practices, monitors the interest rate environment in which it operates and adjusts the rates and maturities of its assets and liabilities to remain competitive and to achieve its overall financial objectives subject to established risk limits.
During 2023, average market interest rates were increased across the yield curve as compared to the 2022 year end. As compared to the year 2022, the average two year U.S. Treasury rate in 2023 increased by 159 basis points from 2.99% to 4.58%. The average five year U.S. Treasury rate increased by 106 basis points from 3.00% to 4.06% while the average ten year U.S. Treasury rate increased by 101 basis points from 2.95% to 3.96%. The Company’s cost of interest bearing deposits increased by 96 basis points across its interest-bearing deposits, which comprise 74% of its total deposits, at December 31, 2023. In that environment, the Company's result for net interest spread in 2023 was 1.28% compared to 2.33% for the year of 2022.
The decline in the net interest spread was due primarily to an increase in the rate on funding costs, of which lower average liquidity was a factor in ultimately reducing the net interest spread. The Company believes that the change in the net interest spread for the full year 2023 has been consistent with its risk analysis at December 31, 2022 when accounting for balance sheet volume and mix changes. On an annual basis, the Company back-tests the actual change in its net interest spread against expected change and actual market interest rate movements and other factors impacting actual as compared to projected results.
Although the Company has experienced net interest margin compression during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company's interest rate risk modeling shows net interest margin expansion in an increasing rate environment. The model's prediction is the result of increases in both interest income on variable and adjustable rate loans and interest expense on its deposit liabilities, based on our funding needs, market conditions and certain contractual obligations but with no changes in the mix of assets or liabilities or the spreads we are able to earn. The model also assumes a stable interest rate environment after the programmed rate change, allowing assets and liabilities to reprice at their schedule in a stable environment, which may be quite different than real world conditions. Interest rate floors on certain of the Company's variable and adjustable rate loans may provide asset yield protection in a low-interest rate environment; however, they are also expected to delay the impact of increases to market rates on interest income until such floors have been exceeded, although this is not relevant for the current rate environment with most variable rate loans well above their floor rate. The weighted average rate of the Company's variable rate loans increased by approximately 85 basis points from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023 in connection with the increase in 100 basis points for the same period in Fed Funds rate hikes caused by actions taken by the Federal Reserve Bank. At December 31, 2023, the Company had a portfolio of $3.0 billion of variable and adjustable rate loans that were subject to interest rate floors with a weighted average rate of 7.99%. At December 31, 2023, only $183.9 million of loans held by the Company were earning interest at their floor rate, as compared to $241.0 million at December 31, 2022. The majority of those loans are expected to reset at rates higher than their floor at their next rate reset date.
The loan portfolio increased throughout 2023. The re-pricing duration on the loan portfolio was 12 months at December 31, 2023 and 13 months at December 31, 2022, with fixed-rate loans amounting to 38% of total loans at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Variable and adjustable rate loans comprised 62% of total loans at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Variable rate loans are generally indexed to either the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) (prior to the June 30, 2023 LIBOR cessation date), with fallback language to reference the Secured Overnight Funding Rate ("SOFR"), or the Wall Street Journal prime interest rate, while adjustable rate loans are indexed primarily to the five year U.S. Treasury interest rate. The few remaining loans that were still tied to LIBOR based rates on June 30, 2023 were transitioned to their appropriate fallback rate on July 3, 2023.
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In the current and expected future interest rate environment, the Company has been maintaining its investment portfolio with the goal of managing the balance between yield and risk in its portfolio of MBS. Further, the Company has been principally collecting cash flows from the investment portfolio to provide liquidity. Additionally, the Company has limited call risk in its U.S. agency investment portfolio. At December 31, 2023, the amortized cost less allowance of the investment portfolio decreased by $213.2 million, or 7.4%, as compared to the balance at December 31, 2022.
The percentage mix of municipal securities was 5% of total investments at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The portion of the portfolio invested in MBS was 61% and 63% at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The portion of the portfolio invested in U.S. agency investments was 27% at December 31, 2023 and 25% at December 31, 2022. Corporate bonds made up 5% of total investments at December 31, 2023 and 2022. U.S. treasury bonds were 2% of total investments at December 31, 2023 and 2022. The duration of the investment portfolio decreased to 4.4 years at December 31, 2023 from 4.8 years at December 31, 2022.
At December 31, 2023, $79.3 million of corporate bonds were subordinated debt from other financial institutions. Corporate bonds generally, and subordinated debt in particular, pose credit risk such that if any of these issuers were to enter bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings, we could experience losses that may be material to operating results and our financial condition. We may also experience increases in provisions for credit losses, adversely affecting our net income, if the creditworthiness of the issuers declines, whether due to idiosyncratic factors, economic conditions generally or otherwise.
The Company has credit Risk Participation Agreements ("RPAs") with institutional counterparties, under which the Company assumes its pro-rata share of the credit exposure associated with a borrower’s performance related to interest rate derivative contracts. The fair value of RPAs is calculated by determining the total expected asset or liability exposure of the derivatives to the borrowers and applying the borrowers’ credit spread to that exposure. Total expected exposure incorporates both the current and potential future exposure of the derivatives, derived from using observable inputs, such as yield curves and volatilities. These derivatives are not designated as hedges, are not speculative and have an asset position with a notional value of $49.5 million as of December 31, 2023. The changes in fair value for these contracts are recognized directly in earnings.
The duration of the deposit portfolio decreased to 28 months at December 31, 2023 from 29 months at December 31, 2022. The Company experienced a total deposit increase of $94.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to a total loan increase of $333.1 million for the same period. The shortfall was funded by increased borrowings, primarily with BTFP borrowings during the year ended December 31, 2023. The funding mix has continued to change throughout the year ended December 31, 2023. Deposits at year end were $8.8 billion and $8.7 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase was primarily attributable to a $1.4 billion increase in interest bearing time deposits, offset by a $871.7 million reduction in noninterest bearing deposits and a $326.7 million reduction in savings and money market accounts as a result of an increase of disintermediation driven primarily by an increase in interest rates. The growth in interest bearing deposits was driven by the increased utilization of brokered deposits, particularly brokered time deposits, during the year ended December 31, 2023, as discussed in "Deposits and Other Borrowings" above. Additionally, the Company’s cost of interest increased by 269 basis points across its interest-bearing deposits, which comprise 74.12% of its total deposits, at December 31, 2022.
The net unrealized loss before income tax on the investment securities available-for-sale portfolio was $162.0 million and $205.3 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2023, the net unrealized loss position represented 9.72% of the investment portfolio's book value.
Management relies on the use of models in order to measure the expected future impact on interest income of various interest rate environments, as described above. Through its modeling, the Company makes certain estimates that may vary from actual results. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully achieve its optimal asset liability mix, given competitive pressures, customer preferences and the inability to forecast future interest rates and movements with complete accuracy.
The Company employs an earnings simulation model (immediate parallel shifts along the yield curve) on a quarterly basis to monitor its interest rate sensitivity and risk and to model its balance sheet cash flows and the related income statement effects in different interest rate scenarios. The model utilizes current balance sheet data and attributes and is adjusted for assumptions as to investment maturities (including prepayments), loan prepayments, interest rates, deposit decay rates, and the level of noninterest income and noninterest expense. Further discussion of the limitations of this analysis are listed below and in Item 1A. Risk Factors. The data is then subjected to a “shock test” which assumes a simultaneous change in interest rates up 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points or down 100, 200 and 300 basis points, along the entire yield curve, but not below zero. The results are analyzed as to the impact on net interest income, net income and the market equity over the next twelve and twenty-four month periods from December 31, 2023. In addition to analysis of simultaneous changes in interest rates along the yield curve, an analysis of changes based on interest rate “ramps” is also performed. Such analysis represents the impact of a more gradual change in interest rates, as well as yield curve shape changes.
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For the analysis presented below, at December 31, 2023, the simulation assumes a 100 basis point change in interest rates on interest bearing deposits for each 100 basis point change in market interest rates in a decreasing interest rate shock scenario with a floor of 10 basis points and assumes a 100 basis point change in interest rates on interest bearing deposits for each 100 basis point change in market interest rates in an increasing interest rate shock scenario. The Bank does have deposits with contractual terms which means these deposits will change 100 basis points for every 100 basis points change in market rates. Thus, the overall measure of the correlation between deposit costs and market rate changes is modeled at 100%. At December 31, 2022, the Company assumed a 70 basis point change in interest rates on interest bearing deposits for each 100 basis point change in market interest rates, with a floor of 10 basis points and 0 basis points on decreasing and increasing rate shock scenarios, respectively.
Because competitive market behavior does not necessarily track the trend of interest rates but at times moves ahead of financial market influences, the change in the cost of liabilities may be different than anticipated by the interest rate risk model. If this were to occur, the effects of a rising or declining interest rate environment may not be in accordance with management’s expectations.
As quantified in the table below, the Company’s analysis at December 31, 2023 shows a moderate effect on net interest income over the next 12 months, as well as a moderate effect on the economic value of equity when interest rates are shocked down 100, 200 and 300 basis points and up 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points. This moderate impact is due substantially to the significant level of variable rate and repriceable assets and liabilities and related shorter relative durations. The repricing duration of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2023 is 4.4 years, the loan portfolio 1.0 years, the interest bearing deposit portfolio 1.2 years, and the borrowed funds portfolio 0.3 years.
The following table reflects the result of the simulation analysis on the December 31, 2023 asset and liability balances:
Change in interest rates (basis points) | Percentage change in net interest income | Percentage change in net income | Percentage change in market value of portfolio equity | |||||||||||||||||
+400 | (1.1)% | (2.7)% | (6.1)% | |||||||||||||||||
+300 | (0.7)% | (1.7)% | (4.1)% | |||||||||||||||||
+200 | (0.6)% | (1.4)% | (2.5)% | |||||||||||||||||
+100 | (0.4)% | (0.9)% | (1.0)% | |||||||||||||||||
— | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
(100) | 3.0% | 8.4% | 0.3% | |||||||||||||||||
(200) | 6.9% | 19.1% | (1.0)% | |||||||||||||||||
(300) | 11.0% | 30.5% | (4.7)% |
The results of the simulation are within the relevant policy limits adopted by the Company for percentage change in net interest income. For net interest income, the Company has adopted a policy limit of -10% for a 100 basis point change, -12% for a 200 basis point change, -18% for a 300 basis point change and -24% for a 400 basis point change. For the market value of equity, the Company has adopted a policy limit of -12% for a 100 basis point change, -15% for a 200 basis point change, -25% for a 300 basis point change and -30% for a 400 basis point change. The impact of (0.4)% in net interest income and (0.9)% in net income given a 100 basis point increase in market interest rates at December 31, 2023 compares to 9.9% in net interest income and 16.4% in net income for the same period in 2022 and reflects in large measure the beta factor discussion above. At the end of 2023 compared in the end of 2022, increasing rates do not lead to increased income because we model that rate increases pass through to our borrowers basis point for basis point as opposed to the prior year where our model suggested rising rates would not be fully passed on to depositors. The changes in net interest income, net income and the economic value of equity in higher interest rate shock scenarios at December 31, 2023 are not believed to be excessive.
Certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing table. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or repricing periods, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features that limit changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the loan. Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the tables. Finally, the ability of many borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of a significant interest rate increase.
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While an instantaneous parallel shift in interest rates was used in this analysis to provide an estimate of exposure under these scenarios, we believe that a non-immediate parallel shifts in interest rates would have a more modest impact. Further, the earnings simulation model does not take into account factors such as future balance sheet growth, changes in product mix, changes in yield curve relationships, the various rate indexes do not move in parallel (e.g. SOFR, Fed Funds), hedging activities we might take and changing product spreads that could mitigate any potential beneficial or adverse impact of changes in interest rates.
Another key factor to consider is the behavior of our deposit portfolio in the baseline forecast and in alternate interest rate scenarios set out in the table above is a key assumption in our projected estimates of net interest income. The projected impact on net interest income in the table above assumes no change in deposit portfolio size or mix from the baseline forecast in alternative rate environments. In higher rate scenarios, any customer activity resulting in the replacement of low-cost or noninterest-bearing deposits with higher-yielding deposits or market-based funding would reduce the assumed benefit of those deposits. The projected impact on net interest income in the table above also assumes a "through-the-cycle" non-maturity deposit beta which may not be an accurate predictor of actual deposit rate changes realized in scenarios of smaller and/or non-parallel interest rate movements.
Each of the above analyses may not, on its own, be an accurate indicator of how our net interest income will be affected by changes in interest rates. Income associated with interest-earning assets and costs associated with interest-bearing liabilities may not be affected uniformly by changes in interest rates. In addition, the magnitude and duration of changes in interest rates may have a significant impact on net interest income. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react to different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities fluctuate in advance of changes in general market rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in general market rates. In addition, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features (generally referred to as interest rate caps and floors) that limit changes in interest rates. Prepayment and early withdrawal levels also could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the maturity of certain instruments. The ability of many borrowers to service their debts also may decrease during periods of rising interest rates. ALCO reviews each of the above interest rate sensitivity analyses along with several different interest rate scenarios as part of its responsibility to provide a satisfactory, consistent level of profitability within the framework of established liquidity, loan, investment, borrowing and capital policies.
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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
1.Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 173)
Shareholders and the Board of Directors of Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
Bethesda, Maryland
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
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, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 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, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the financial statements 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Allowance and Provision for Credit Losses on Loans
The allowance for credit losses (the “ACL”) is an accounting estimate of the expected credit losses in the loans held for investment portfolio over the life of an exposure (or pool of exposures). Expected credit losses are measured on a collective (pooled) basis for financial assets with similar risk characteristics. The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans as described in Notes 1 and 4 of the consolidated financial statements. The measurement of expected credit losses is based on information about past events, including historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amount.
The Company estimates expected credit losses for loans using a methodology based on a loan-level probability of default (“PD”) and Loss Given Default (“LGD”) cash flow method that is applied using an exposure at default model. Cash flow projections are at the loan level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speeds, PD rates, and LGD rates. The expected prepayment speeds are based on historical internal data. These historical loss rates are then modified to incorporate a reasonable and supportable forecast of future losses at the portfolio segment level.
The ACL estimation process for loans applies economic forecast scenarios over a reasonable and supportable period of 18 months and reverts back to a historical loss rate over twelve months on a straight-line basis over the loan's remaining maturity. These historical loss rates are then modified to incorporate a reasonable and supportable forecast of future losses at the portfolio segment level, as well as any necessary qualitative adjustments.
We determined that auditing the allowance for credit losses on loans was a critical audit matter because of the extent of auditor judgment applied and significant audit effort to evaluate the significant subjective and complex judgments made by management throughout the application processes, including the need to involve our valuation services specialists.
The principal considerations resulting in our determination included the following:
• Significant auditor judgment in evaluating the selection and application of the reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic variables and reasonableness of other model assumptions.
• Significant auditor judgment and effort in evaluating the reasonableness of the qualitative adjustments used in the model computation.
• Significant audit effort related to the completeness and accuracy of the high volume of data used to develop assumptions and in the model computation.
Our audit procedures to address the critical audit matter included:
Testing of internal controls over:
• The Company’s significant model assumptions and judgments, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and information systems.
• The Company’s preparation and review of the allowance for credit losses calculation, including the relevance and reliability of data used as the basis for adjustments related to the qualitative factors, the development and reasonableness of qualitative adjustments, and the mathematical accuracy and appropriateness of the overall calculation.
• The completeness and accuracy of historical inputs, loan data used in the development of the PD and LGD assumptions, and the use of third-party data in the computation.
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Substantively testing management’s estimate, which included:
• Assessing the reasonableness of assumptions and judgments related to the PD and LGD rates, with the assistance of our valuation specialists, by comparing the resulting historical loss experience to a group of the Company’s peers.
• Evaluating the reasonableness of management’s judgments in the selection and application of reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic variables.
• Evaluating management’s process for developing the qualitative factors, including evaluating management’s judgments and assumptions for reasonableness.
• Assessing the relevance and reliability of data used to develop qualitative factors.
• Evaluating the mathematical accuracy of the PD and LGD rates on a pooled loan level with the assistance of valuation specialists, including the completeness and accuracy of loan data used in the model.
Goodwill Impairment Analysis
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. As described in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated goodwill balance was $104,168,000 as of December 31, 2023, which is allocated to the Company's single reporting unit.
Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually or on an interim basis if an event triggering an impairment assessment is determined to have occurred. In the second quarter of 2023, management determined that a triggering event had occurred as a result of a sustained decrease in the Company's stock price and as a result of a revision in the earnings outlook in comparison to budget for the remainder of 2023 due primarily to the economic uncertainty and market volatility resulting from the rising interest rate environment and the recent events in the banking sector. The Company performed a qualitative assessment and quantitative impairment test on its only reporting unit as of May 31, 2023, and determined that there was no impairment. The Company performed a second qualitative assessment and quantitative impairment test on its only reporting unit as of December 31, 2023, which resulted in a determination of no impairment.
The quantitative goodwill impairment tests performed on the interim and annual basis involved a high degree of management judgment and the use of subjective assumptions in the determination of the fair value of a reporting unit. The Company used a combination of a risk-weighted income valuation methodology, comprising a discounted cash flow analysis, and a market valuation methodology, to determine the fair value of the reporting unit. The discounted cash flow analysis included the use of assumptions such as multi-year cash projections that rely on internal forecasts and discount rate. The market approach considers a combination of price to tangible book value and price to earnings, adjusted based on peer data for companies similar to the reporting unit.
We determined that auditing the interim and annual quantitative goodwill impairment tests was a critical audit matter because of the extent of auditor judgment applied and audit effort to evaluate the significant judgment and assumptions made by management in the determination of the fair value of the reporting unit, including the need to use the firm valuation specialists. The principal considerations resulting in our determination included the significant auditor judgment and audit effort in evaluating the following:
•The reasonableness of assumptions utilized in the discounted cash flow analysis including the discount rate and multi-year cash projections.
•The reasonableness of assumptions utilized in the market approach including the selected peer data, and price to tangible book value and price to earnings assumptions.
Our audit procedures to address the critical audit matter included:
Testing of internal controls over:
•Management’s review for completeness and accuracy of internal data, and evaluation of the relevance and reliability of external data used in the quantitative goodwill impairment tests.
•Management’s evaluation of the reasonableness of the valuation methodologies, and significant assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analysis including the discount rate and multi-year cash projections.
•Management’s selection and review of selected peer market data, and price to tangible book value and price to earnings assumptions.
Substantively testing management’s estimate, which included:
•Testing the completeness and accuracy of key financial internal data, and evaluation of the relevance and reliability of external data.
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•With the assistance of firm valuation specialists, evaluating the appropriateness of valuation methodologies, and testing significant assumptions used in the discounted cash flow analysis including the discount rate and multi-year cash projections.
•Testing the reasonableness of the peer group selected, and assumptions related to price to tangible book value and price to earnings assumptions.
/s/ Crowe LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.
Washington, D.C.
February 29, 2024
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EAGLE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||
Cash and due from banks | $ | 9,047 | $ | 12,655 | ||||||||||
Federal funds sold | 3,740 | 33,927 | ||||||||||||
Interest-bearing deposits with banks and other short-term investments | 709,897 | 265,272 | ||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale (amortized cost of $1,668,316 and $1,803,898, respectively, and allowance for credit losses of $17 and $17, respectively) | 1,506,388 | 1,598,666 | ||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity, net of allowance for credit losses of $1,956 and $766, respectively (fair value of $901,582 and $968,707, respectively) | 1,015,737 | 1,093,374 | ||||||||||||
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock | 25,748 | 65,067 | ||||||||||||
Loans held for sale | — | 6,734 | ||||||||||||
Loans | 7,968,695 | 7,635,632 | ||||||||||||
Less allowance for credit losses | (85,940) | (74,444) | ||||||||||||
Loans, net | 7,882,755 | 7,561,188 | ||||||||||||
Premises and equipment, net | 10,189 | 13,475 | ||||||||||||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 19,129 | 24,544 | ||||||||||||
Deferred income taxes | 86,620 | 96,567 | ||||||||||||
Bank-owned life insurance | 112,921 | 110,998 | ||||||||||||
Goodwill and intangible assets, net | 104,925 | 104,233 | ||||||||||||
Other real estate owned | 1,108 | 1,962 | ||||||||||||
Other assets | 176,334 | 162,192 | ||||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 11,664,538 | $ | 11,150,854 | ||||||||||
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
Deposits: | ||||||||||||||
Noninterest-bearing demand | $ | 2,279,081 | $ | 3,150,751 | ||||||||||
Interest-bearing transaction | 997,448 | 1,138,235 | ||||||||||||
Savings and money market | 3,314,043 | 3,640,697 | ||||||||||||
Time deposits | 2,217,467 | 783,499 | ||||||||||||
Total deposits | 8,808,039 | 8,713,182 | ||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements | 30,587 | 35,100 | ||||||||||||
Borrowings | 1,369,918 | 1,044,795 | ||||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities | 23,238 | 29,267 | ||||||||||||
Reserve for unfunded commitments | 5,590 | 5,857 | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities | 152,883 | 94,332 | ||||||||||||
Total Liabilities | 10,390,255 | 9,922,533 | ||||||||||||
Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; shares authorized 100,000,000, shares issued and outstanding 29,925,612 and 31,346,903, respectively | 296 | 310 | ||||||||||||
Additional paid-in capital | 374,888 | 412,303 | ||||||||||||
Retained earnings | 1,061,456 | 1,015,215 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (162,357) | (199,507) | ||||||||||||
Total Shareholders’ Equity | 1,274,283 | 1,228,321 | ||||||||||||
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 11,664,538 | $ | 11,150,854 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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EAGLE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Income
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Interest Income | |||||||||||||||||
Interest and fees on loans | $ | 518,080 | $ | 358,967 | $ | 337,749 | |||||||||||
Interest and dividends on investment securities | 54,660 | 51,481 | 23,205 | ||||||||||||||
Interest on balances with other banks and short-term investments | 52,300 | 13,304 | 3,511 | ||||||||||||||
Interest on federal funds sold | 287 | 861 | 31 | ||||||||||||||
Total interest income | 625,327 | 424,613 | 364,496 | ||||||||||||||
Interest Expense | |||||||||||||||||
Interest on deposits | 257,544 | 83,261 | 27,772 | ||||||||||||||
Interest on customer repurchase agreements | 1,218 | 356 | 51 | ||||||||||||||
Interest on borrowings | 76,019 | 8,129 | 12,159 | ||||||||||||||
Total interest expense | 334,781 | 91,746 | 39,982 | ||||||||||||||
Net Interest Income | 290,546 | 332,867 | 324,514 | ||||||||||||||
Provision for (Reversal of) Credit Losses | 31,536 | 266 | (20,821) | ||||||||||||||
(Reversal of) Provision for Unfunded Commitments | (267) | 1,477 | (1,119) | ||||||||||||||
Net Interest Income After Provision for (Reversal of) Credit Losses | 259,277 | 331,124 | 346,454 | ||||||||||||||
Noninterest Income | |||||||||||||||||
Service charges on deposits | 6,455 | 5,399 | 4,562 | ||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of loans | 418 | 3,702 | 14,045 | ||||||||||||||
Net (loss) gain on sale of investment securities | (11) | (169) | 2,964 | ||||||||||||||
Increase in the cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance | 2,659 | 2,547 | 2,059 | ||||||||||||||
Other income | 12,015 | 12,175 | 16,755 | ||||||||||||||
Total noninterest income | 21,536 | 23,654 | 40,385 | ||||||||||||||
Noninterest Expense | |||||||||||||||||
Salaries and employee benefits | 86,096 | 84,053 | 88,398 | ||||||||||||||
Premises and equipment expenses | 12,606 | 13,218 | 14,876 | ||||||||||||||
Marketing and advertising | 3,359 | 4,721 | 4,165 | ||||||||||||||
Data processing | 13,083 | 12,171 | 11,709 | ||||||||||||||
Legal, accounting and professional fees | 10,787 | 8,583 | 11,510 | ||||||||||||||
FDIC insurance | 11,853 | 4,969 | 5,897 | ||||||||||||||
SEC/FRB penalties | — | 22,977 | — | ||||||||||||||
Other expenses | 15,509 | 14,406 | 12,610 | ||||||||||||||
Total noninterest expense | 153,293 | 165,098 | 149,165 | ||||||||||||||
Income Before Income Tax Expense | 127,520 | 189,680 | 237,674 | ||||||||||||||
Income Tax Expense | 26,986 | 48,750 | 60,983 | ||||||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 100,534 | $ | 140,930 | $ | 176,691 | |||||||||||
Earnings Per Common Share | |||||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 3.31 | $ | 4.40 | $ | 5.53 | |||||||||||
Diluted | $ | 3.31 | $ | 4.39 | $ | 5.52 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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EAGLE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 100,534 | $ | 140,930 | $ | 176,691 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | |||||||||||||||||
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale | 32,519 | (140,926) | (27,923) | ||||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income | 8 | 111 | (2,203) | ||||||||||||||
Total unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities | 32,527 | (140,815) | (30,126) | ||||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity | — | (49,095) | — | ||||||||||||||
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity | 4,805 | 4,361 | — | ||||||||||||||
Total unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities held-to-maturity | 4,805 | (44,734) | — | ||||||||||||||
Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives | (182) | 284 | — | ||||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustment for loss included in net income | — | — | 384 | ||||||||||||||
Total unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives | (182) | 284 | 384 | ||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | 37,150 | (185,265) | (29,742) | ||||||||||||||
Comprehensive Income (Loss) | $ | 137,684 | $ | (44,335) | $ | 146,949 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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EAGLE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
Common | Additional Paid-in Capital | Retained Earnings | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Shareholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, 2021 | 31,779,663 | $ | 315 | $ | 427,016 | $ | 798,061 | $ | 15,500 | $ | 1,240,892 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income | — | — | — | 176,691 | — | 176,691 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | — | — | (29,742) | (29,742) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 7,811 | — | — | 7,811 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vesting of time based stock awards issued at date of grant, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes | (24,429) | 1 | (1) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vesting of performance based stock awards, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes | 15,686 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Time based stock awards granted | 179,624 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock related to employee stock purchase plan | 12,723 | — | 496 | — | — | 496 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared ( $1.40 per share) | — | — | — | (44,691) | — | (44,691) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock repurchased | (13,175) | — | (682) | — | — | (682) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2021 | 31,950,092 | 316 | 434,640 | 930,061 | (14,242) | 1,350,775 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income | — | — | — | 140,930 | — | 140,930 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | — | — | (185,265) | (185,265) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 9,899 | — | — | 9,899 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock related to options exercised, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes | 3,289 | — | 97 | — | — | 97 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vesting of time based stock awards issued at date of grant, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes | (70,286) | 2 | (2) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vesting of performance based stock awards, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes | 21,026 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Time based stock awards granted | 166,471 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock related to employee stock purchase plan | 14,611 | — | 748 | — | — | 748 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared ($1.75 per share) | — | — | — | (55,776) | — | (55,776) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock repurchased | (738,300) | (8) | (33,079) | — | — | (33,087) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2022 | 31,346,903 | 310 | 412,303 | 1,015,215 | (199,507) | 1,228,321 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income | — | — | — | 100,534 | — | 100,534 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | 37,150 | 37,150 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | — | — | 10,018 | — | — | 10,018 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vesting of time based stock awards issued at date of grant, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes | (59,992) | 1 | (1) | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vesting of performance based stock awards, net of shares withheld for payroll taxes | 27,296 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Time based stock awards granted | 190,256 | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock related to employee stock purchase plan | 21,149 | — | 586 | — | — | 586 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared ($1.80 per share) | — | — | — | (54,293) | — | (54,293) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock repurchased | (1,600,000) | (15) | (48,018) | — | — | (48,033) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | 29,925,612 | $ | 296 | $ | 374,888 | $ | 1,061,456 | $ | (162,357) | $ | 1,274,283 |
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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EAGLE BANCORP, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities: | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 100,534 | $ | 140,930 | $ | 176,691 | |||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||||||||
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 31,536 | 266 | (20,821) | ||||||||||||||
(Reversal of) provision for unfunded commitments | (267) | 1,477 | (1,119) | ||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 3,480 | 3,319 | 5,874 | ||||||||||||||
Gains on sale of loans | (418) | (3,702) | (14,045) | ||||||||||||||
Loss (gain) on mortgage servicing rights | 142 | (837) | (679) | ||||||||||||||
Securities premium amortization, net | 6,189 | 9,011 | 4,031 | ||||||||||||||
Origination of loans held for sale | (29,690) | (299,317) | (1,156,281) | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale | 36,842 | 343,503 | 1,211,313 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense | (3,377) | 6,560 | 5,770 | ||||||||||||||
Net gain on sale of other real estate owned | (134) | (248) | (1,266) | ||||||||||||||
Net increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance | (2,659) | (2,547) | (2,059) | ||||||||||||||
Net loss (gain) on sale of investment securities | 11 | 169 | (2,964) | ||||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 10,018 | 9,899 | 7,811 | ||||||||||||||
(Increase) decrease in other assets | (14,976) | (26,162) | 1,358 | ||||||||||||||
Increase in other liabilities | 58,395 | 12,581 | 24,823 | ||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 195,626 | 194,902 | 238,437 | ||||||||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: | |||||||||||||||||
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities | — | (425,263) | (2,029,434) | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale investment securities | 123,782 | 261,999 | 313,921 | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale/call of available-for-sale investment securities | 8,303 | 6,225 | 201,034 | ||||||||||||||
Purchase of held-to-maturity investment securities | — | (290,740) | — | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from maturities from held-to-maturity investment securities | 78,251 | 115,777 | — | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from call of held-to-maturity investment securities | 2,906 | 8,350 | — | ||||||||||||||
Purchases of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock | (299) | (30,914) | (218) | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock | 39,618 | — | 6,169 | ||||||||||||||
Net change in loans | (351,913) | (570,977) | 511,120 | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of SBA PPP loans | — | — | 170,154 | ||||||||||||||
Redemption (purchase) of bank-owned life insurance | 736 | 338 | (30,000) | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned | 987 | 241 | 4,618 | ||||||||||||||
Purchases of premises and equipment | (70) | (2,113) | (5,286) | ||||||||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities | (97,699) | (927,077) | (857,922) | ||||||||||||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: | |||||||||||||||||
(Decrease) increase in deposits | 94,857 | (1,268,358) | 792,337 | ||||||||||||||
(Decrease) Increase in customer repurchase agreements | (4,513) | 11,182 | (2,808) | ||||||||||||||
Increase (decrease) in borrowings | 324,999 | 675,001 | (200,000) | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of equity compensation plans | — | 97 | — | ||||||||||||||
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan | 586 | 748 | 496 | ||||||||||||||
Common stock repurchased | (48,033) | (33,087) | (682) | ||||||||||||||
Cash dividends paid | (54,993) | (55,776) | (44,691) | ||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | 312,903 | (670,193) | 544,652 | ||||||||||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents | 410,830 | (1,402,368) | (74,833) | ||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period | 311,854 | 1,714,222 | 1,789,055 | ||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period | $ | 722,684 | $ | 311,854 | $ | 1,714,222 | |||||||||||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information: | |||||||||||||||||
Interest paid | $ | 376,841 | $ | 90,590 | $ | 30,989 | |||||||||||
Income taxes paid | $ | 21,540 | $ | 23,453 | $ | 54,363 | |||||||||||
Non-Cash Operating Activities | |||||||||||||||||
Initial recognition of operating lease right-of-use assets | $ | 418 | $ | — | $ | 9,146 | |||||||||||
Non-Cash Investing Activities | |||||||||||||||||
Transfers of investment securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity | $ | — | $ | 922,975 | $ | — | |||||||||||
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned | $ | — | $ | 475 | $ | 149 | |||||||||||
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Eagle Bancorp, Inc. (the "Parent") and its subsidiaries (together with the Parent, the “Company”) with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. EagleBank (the “Bank”), a Maryland chartered commercial bank, is the Company’s principal subsidiary. The investment in subsidiaries is recorded on the Company’s books (Parent Only) on the basis of its equity in the net assets of the subsidiary (see Note 24 "Parent Company Financial Information" for further detail). The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and to general practices in the banking industry. The following is a summary of the significant accounting policies.
Nature of Operations
The Company, through the Bank, conducts a full service community banking business, primarily in Northern Virginia, Suburban Maryland and Washington, D.C. The primary financial services offered by the Bank include real estate, commercial and consumer lending, as well as traditional deposit and repurchase agreement products.
The Bank was previously active in the origination and sale of residential mortgage loans, the origination of small business loans and the origination, securitization and sale of multifamily Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") loans. The Company no longer originates residential mortgages for sale as the Company ceased originations of first lien residential mortgage loans for secondary sale during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and completed residual origination and sales activities as of June 30, 2023. The guaranteed portion of small business loans, guaranteed by the Small Business Administration ("SBA"), is typically sold to third party investors in a transaction apart from the loan’s origination.
As of December 31, 2023, the Bank offers its products and services through thirteen banking offices, four lending centers and various electronic capabilities, including remote deposit services and mobile banking services. Eagle Insurance Services, LLC, which had been offering access to insurance products and services through a referral program with a third party insurance broker, continues to receive fee income in connection with such program. Landroval Municipal Finance, Inc., a subsidiary of the Bank, focuses on lending to municipalities by buying debt on the public market as well as direct purchase issuance.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates and such differences could be material to the financial statements.
Cash Flows
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and interest bearing deposits with other banks that have an original maturity of three months or less. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions, federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements and other borrowings.
Interest Bearing Deposits in Other Financial Institutions
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions mature within one year and are carried at cost.
Loans Held for Sale
The Company regularly engaged in sale of residential mortgage loans held for sale in 2022 and engages in the sale of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans originated by the Bank. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company ceased originations of first lien residential mortgage loans for secondary sale and completed residual origination and sales activities in the second quarter of 2023.
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The Company carried loans held for sale at fair value. Fair value is derived from secondary market quotations for similar instruments. Gains and losses on sales of these loans are recorded as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company entered into commitments to originate residential mortgage loans whereby the interest rate on the loan was determined prior to funding (i.e. interest rate lock commitments). Such interest rate lock commitments on mortgage loans to be sold in the secondary market were considered to be derivatives. To protect against the price risk inherent in residential mortgage loan commitments, the Company utilized either or both “best efforts” and “mandatory delivery” forward loan sale commitments to mitigate the risk of potential decreases in the values of loans that would result from the exercise of the derivative loan commitments. Under a “best efforts” contract, the Company committed to deliver an individual mortgage loan of a specified principal amount and quality to an investor with the intent that the buyer/investor had assumed the interest rate risk, rather than the Company. Under a “mandatory delivery” contract, the Company committed to deliver a certain principal amount of mortgage loans to an investor at a specified price on or before a specified date. If the Company failed to deliver the amount of mortgages necessary to fulfill the commitment by the specified date, it was obligated to pay the investor a “pair-off” fee, based on then-current market prices, to compensate the investor for the shortfall. The Company managed the interest rate risk on interest rate lock commitments by entering into forward sale contracts of mortgage-backed securities ("MBS"), whereby the Company obtained the right to deliver securities to investors in the future at a specified price. Such contracts were accounted for as derivatives and were recorded at fair value in derivative assets or liabilities, carried on the Consolidated Balance Sheet within other assets or other liabilities, with changes in fair value recorded in other income within the Consolidated Statements of Income. The gross gains on loan sales were recognized based on new loan commitments with adjustments for price and pair-off activity. Commission expenses on loans held for sale were recognized based on loans closed.
In circumstances where the Company did not deliver the whole loan to an investor, but rather elected to retain the loan in its portfolio, the loan was transferred from held for sale to loans at fair value at the date of transfer.
The sale of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans on a servicing retained basis gives rise to an excess servicing asset, which is computed on a loan by loan basis with the unamortized amount being included in intangible assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. This excess servicing asset is being amortized on a straight-line basis (with adjustment for prepayments) as an offset to servicing fees collected and is included in other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company originates multifamily FHA loans through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Multifamily Accelerated Program. The Company securitizes these loans through the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae") MBS I program and sells the resulting securities in the open market to authorized dealers in the normal course of business and periodically bundles and sells the servicing rights. When servicing is retained on multifamily FHA loans securitized and sold, the Company computes an excess servicing asset on a loan by loan basis. Unamortized multifamily FHA mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs") totaled $2.3 million as of December 31, 2023 and $2.4 million as of December 31, 2022.
Noninterest Income includes gains from the sale of the Ginnie Mae securities and net revenues earned on the servicing of multifamily FHA loans underlying the Ginnie Mae securities. Revenue from servicing commercial multifamily FHA mortgages is recognized as earned based on the specific contractual terms of the underlying servicing agreements, along with amortization of and changes in impairment of MSRs.
Investment Securities
The Company recognizes acquired securities on the trade date. Investment securities comprise debt securities, which are classified depending on the Company's intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Debt securities are classified as available-for-sale when management may have the intent to sell them prior to maturity. 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.
Securities available-for-sale are acquired as part of the Company’s asset/liability management strategy and may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, current market conditions, loan demand, changes in prepayment risk and other factors. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains or losses, other than impairment losses, being reported as accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss), a separate component of shareholders’ equity, net of deferred income tax. Realized gains and losses, using the specific identification method, are included as a separate component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Premiums and discounts on investment securities are amortized/accreted to the earlier of call or maturity based on expected lives, which lives are adjusted based on prepayment assumptions and call optionality. Declines in the fair value of
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individual available-for-sale securities below their cost that are other-than-temporary in nature result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. Factors affecting the determination of whether other-than-temporary impairment has occurred include a downgrading of the security by a rating agency or a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer. Management systematically evaluates investment securities for other-than-temporary declines in fair value on a quarterly basis. This analysis requires management to consider various factors, which include the: (1) magnitude of the decline in value; (2) financial condition of the issuer or issuers; and (3) structure of the security.
Premiums and discounts on investment securities held-to-maturity, like available-for-sale securities, are amortized or accreted to the earlier of call or maturity based on expected lives, which include prepayment adjustments and call optionality. Interest income included amortization of $10.9 million, which was partially offset by accretion of $4.7 million for the period ended December 31, 2023.
Transfers of Investment Securities from Available-for-Sale to Held-to-Maturity
Transfers of debt securities into the held-to-maturity category from the available-for-sale category are made at amortized cost, net of unrealized gain or loss reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) at the date of transfer. The unrealized holding gain or loss at the date of transfer is retained in other comprehensive income and in the carrying value of the held-to-maturity securities. Such amounts are amortized over the remaining life of the security.
The Company does not intend to sell the held-to-maturity investments, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the securities before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity.
For the impairment of investment securities please see "Allowance for Credit Losses - Available-for-Sale Debt Securities" and "Allowance for Credit Losses - Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities" below.
Loans
Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, net of unamortized deferred costs and fees. Interest income on loans is accrued at the contractual rate on the principal amount outstanding. It is the Company’s policy to discontinue the accrual of interest when circumstances indicate that collection is doubtful. Deferred fees and costs are being amortized on the interest method over the term of the loan.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The following table presents a breakdown of the current provision for credit losses included in our Consolidated Statements of Income for the applicable periods:
For the Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses- loans | $ | 30,346 | $ | 103 | $ | (21,275) | ||||||||||||||
Provision for credit losses - HTM debt securities | 1,190 | 766 | — | |||||||||||||||||
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses - AFS debt securities | — | (603) | 454 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 31,536 | $ | 266 | $ | (20,821) |
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans
The allowance for credit losses ("ACL") - Loans is an estimate of the expected credit losses in the loans held for investment portfolio. The Company's ACL on its loan portfolio is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans, or portions thereof, are charged off against the allowance when they are deemed uncollectible. Expected recoveries are recorded to the extent they do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off.
Reserves on loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Nonaccrual loans are specifically reviewed for loss potential and when deemed appropriate are assigned a reserve based on an individual evaluation. The remainder of the portfolio, representing all loans not evaluated individually for impairment, is segregated by call report codes and a loan-level probability of default (“PD”) / Loss Given Default (“LGD”) cash flow method is applied using an exposure at default (“EAD”) model. These historical loss rates are then modified to incorporate our reasonable and supportable forecast of future losses at the portfolio segment level, as well as any necessary qualitative adjustments.
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The Company uses regression analysis of historical internal and peer data (as Company loss data is insufficient) to determine suitable credit loss drivers to utilize when modeling lifetime PD and LGD. This analysis also determines how expected PD will be impacted by different forecasted levels of the loss drivers.
A similar process is employed to calculate a reserve assigned to off-balance sheet commitments, specifically unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit, and any needed reserve is recorded in reserve for unfunded commitments (“RUC”) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For periods beyond which we are able to develop reasonable and supportable forecasts, we revert to the historical loss rate on a straight-line basis over a twelve-month period.
The Company uses a loan-level PD/LGD cash flow method with an EAD model to estimate expected credit losses. In accordance with ASC 326, expected credit losses are measured on a collective (pooled) basis for financial assets with similar risk characteristics. The bank groups collectively assessed loans using a call report code. Some unique loan types, such as Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP") loans, are grouped separately due to their specific risk characteristics.
For each of these loan segments, the Company generates cash flow projections at the instrument level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speeds, PD rates and LGD rates. The modeling of expected prepayment speeds is based on historical internal data. EAD is based on each instrument's underlying amortization schedule in order to estimate the bank's expected credit loss exposure at the time of the borrower's potential default.
For our cash flow model, management utilizes and forecasts regional unemployment by using a national forecast and estimating a regional adjustment based on historical differences between the two as the loss driver over our reasonable and supportable period of 18 months and reverts back to a historical loss rate over twelve months on a straight-line basis over the loan's remaining maturity. In 2023, the improvement in economic conditions, which impacted the unemployment projections, which inform our current expected credit losses ("CECL") economic forecast, along with improvements in credit quality, offset by an increase in charge offs, resulted in minor fluctuations in the levels of our ACL during 2023. Management leverages economic projections from reputable and independent third parties to inform its loss driver forecasts over the forecast period.
The ACL also includes an amount for inherent risks not reflected in the historical analyses. Relevant factors include, but are not limited to, concentrations of credit risk, changes in underwriting standards, experience and depth of lending staff and trends in delinquencies.
While our methodology in establishing the ACL attributes portions of the ACL and RUC to the separate loan pools or segments, the entire ACL and RUC is available to absorb credit losses expected in the total loan portfolio and total amount of unfunded credit commitments, respectively. Portfolio segments are used to pool loans with similar risk characteristics and align with our methodology for measuring expected credit losses.
A summary of our primary portfolio segments is as follows:
Commercial. The commercial loan portfolio comprises lines of credit and term loans for working capital, equipment and other business assets across a variety of industries. These loans are used for general corporate purposes including financing working capital, internal growth and acquisitions; and are generally secured by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and other assets of our clients’ businesses.
Income producing – commercial real estate. Income producing commercial real estate loans comprise permanent and bridge financing provided to professional real estate owners/managers of commercial and residential real estate projects and properties who have a demonstrated a record of past success with similar properties. Collateral properties include apartment buildings, office buildings, hotels, mixed-use buildings, retail, data centers, warehouse and shopping centers. The primary source of repayment on these loans is generally expected to come from lease or operation of the real property collateral. Income producing commercial real estate loans are impacted by fluctuation in collateral values, as well as rental demand and rates.
Owner occupied – commercial real estate. The owner occupied commercial real estate portfolio comprises permanent financing provided to operating companies and their related entities for the purchase or refinance of real property wherein their business operates. Collateral properties include industrial property, office buildings, religious facilities, mixed-use property, health care and educational facilities.
Real Estate Mortgage – Residential. Real estate mortgage residential loans comprise consumer mortgages for the purpose of purchasing or refinancing first lien real estate loans secured by primary-residence, second-home and rental residential real property.
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Construction – commercial and residential. The construction commercial and residential loan portfolio comprises loans made to builders and developers of commercial and residential property, for renovation, new construction and development projects. Collateral properties include apartment buildings, mixed use property, residential condominiums, single and 1-4 residential property and office buildings. The primary source of repayment on these loans is expected to come from the sale, permanent financing or lease of the real property collateral. Construction loans are impacted by fluctuations in collateral values and the ability of the borrower or ultimate purchaser to obtain permanent financing.
Construction – commercial and industrial ("C&I") (owner occupied). The construction C&I (owner occupied) portfolio comprises loans to operating companies and their related entities for new construction or renovation of the real or leased property in which they operate. Generally these loans contain provisions for conversion to an owner occupied commercial real estate loan or to a commercial loan after completion of construction. Collateral properties include industrial, healthcare, religious facilities, restaurants and office buildings.
Home Equity. The home equity portfolio comprises consumer lines of credit and loans secured by subordinate liens on residential real property.
Other Consumer. The other consumer portfolio comprises consumer loans not secured by real property, including personal lines of credit and loans, overdraft lines and vehicle loans. This category also includes other loan items such as overdrawn deposit accounts as well as loans and loan payments in process.
We have several pass credit grades that are assigned to loans based on varying levels of risk, ranging from credits that are secured by cash or marketable securities, to watch credits which have all the characteristics of an acceptable credit risk but warrant more than the normal level of monitoring. Special mention loans are those that are currently protected by the sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower, but that are potentially weak and constitute an additional credit risk. These loans have the potential to deteriorate to a substandard grade due to the existence of financial or administrative deficiencies. Substandard loans have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardizes the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Some substandard loans are inadequately protected by the sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower and of the collateral pledged and may be considered impaired. Substandard loans can be accruing or can be on nonaccrual depending on the circumstances of the individual loans.
Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in substandard loans with the added characteristics that the weaknesses make collection in full highly questionable and improbable. The possibility of loss is extremely high. All doubtful loans are on nonaccrual.
Classified loans represent the sum of loans graded substandard and doubtful.
The methodology used in the estimation of the allowance, which is performed at least quarterly, is designed to be dynamic and responsive to changes in portfolio credit quality and forecasted economic conditions. Changes are reflected in the pool-basis allowance and in specific reserves assigned on an individual basis as the collectability of classified loans is evaluated with new information. As our portfolio has matured, historical loss ratios have been closely monitored. The review of the appropriateness of the allowance is performed by executive management and presented to the Risk Committee. The committees' reports to the Board of Directors (the "Board") are part of the Board's review on a quarterly basis of our consolidated financial statements.
When management determines that foreclosure is probable, and for certain collateral-dependent loans where foreclosure is not considered probable, expected credit losses are based on the estimated fair value of the collateral adjusted for selling costs, when appropriate. A loan is considered collateral-dependent when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral.
Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loans, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals and modifications unless management has a reasonable expectation that a borrower will result in financial difficulty.
We do not measure an ACL on accrued interest receivable balances because these balances are written off in a timely manner as a reduction to interest income when loans are placed on nonaccrual status.
Collateral Dependent Financial Assets
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Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. For collateral dependent financial assets where the Company has determined that foreclosure of the collateral is probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company expects repayment of the financial asset to be provided substantially through the sale of the collateral, the ACL is measured based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the asset as of the measurement date. When repayment is expected to be from the operation of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the financial asset exceeds the NPV from the operation of the collateral. When repayment is expected to be from the sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the financial asset exceeds the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated cost to sell. The ACL may be zero if the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date exceeds the amortized cost basis of the financial asset.
Loan Modifications to Borrowers in Financial Difficulty
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the accounting guidance in ASU No. 2022-02, which eliminated the recognition and measurement of troubled debt restructurings ("TDR"). Due to the removal of the TDR designation, the Company evaluates loan restructurings to determine if we have a loan modification and whether it results in a new loan or the continuation of the existing loan. Loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that result in a direct change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows include situations where there are principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, term extensions, and combinations of the listed modifications.
A loan that is considered a modified loan may be subject to an individually-evaluated loan analysis if the commitment is $1.0 million or greater; otherwise, the restructured loan remains in the appropriate segment in the ACL model and associated provisions are adjusted based on changes in the discounted cash flows resulting from the modification of the restructured loan.
Management strives to identify borrowers in financial difficulty early and work with them to modify their loan to more affordable terms before their loan reaches nonaccrual status, foreclosure or repossession of the collateral to minimize economic loss to the Company.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Available-for-Sale Debt Securities
Although ASC 326 replaced the legacy other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) model with a credit loss model, it retained the fundamental nature of the legacy OTTI model. One notable change from the legacy OTTI model is when evaluating whether credit loss exists, an entity may no longer consider the length of time fair value has been less than amortized cost. For AFS 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 be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either criterion is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For AFS debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security is compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an ACL is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount by which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income, as a non-credit-related impairment.
The entire amount of an impairment loss is recognized in earnings only when: (1) the Company intends to sell the security; or (2) it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; or (3) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. In all other situations, only the portion of the impairment loss representing the credit loss must be recognized in earnings, with the remaining portion being recognized in other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes.
Changes in the ACL are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit losses. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of an AFS security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
We have made a policy election to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of available-for-sale debt securities and report accrued interest separately in accrued interest and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Available-for-sale debt securities are placed on nonaccrual status when we no longer expect to receive all contractual amounts
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due, which is generally at 90 days past due. Accrued interest receivable is reversed against interest income when a security is placed on nonaccrual status. Accordingly, we do not recognize an allowance for credit loss against accrued interest receivable.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Held-to-Maturity Debt Securities
The Company separately evaluates its HTM investment securities for any credit losses. The Company pools like securities and calculates expected credit losses through an estimate based on a security's credit rating, which is recognized as part of the allowance for credit losses for held-to-maturity securities and included in the balance of investment securities held-to-maturity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. If the Company determines that a security indicates evidence of deteriorated credit quality, the security is individually-evaluated and a discounted cash flow analysis is performed and compared to the amortized cost basis.
Loan Commitments and Allowance for Credit Losses on Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures
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 Company's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for off-balance sheet loan commitments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
The Company records a reserve for unfunded commitments (“RUC”) on off-balance sheet credit exposures through a charge to provision for credit loss expense in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income. The RUC on off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated by loan segment at each balance sheet date under the current expected credit loss model using the same methodologies as portfolio loans, taking into consideration the likelihood that funding will occur and is included in the RUC on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization computed using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes. Premises and equipment are depreciated over the useful lives of the assets, which generally range from three to seven years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, three to five years for computer software and hardware and five to twenty years for leasehold improvements. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the terms of the respective leases, which may include renewal options where management has the positive intent to exercise such options or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. The costs of major renewals and betterments are capitalized, while the costs of ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. These costs are included as a component of premises and equipment expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Other Real Estate Owned (OREO)
Assets acquired through loan foreclosure are held for sale and are recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. The new basis is supported by appraisals that are generally no more than twelve months old. Costs after acquisition are generally expensed. If the fair value of the asset declines, a write-down is recorded through noninterest expense. The valuation of foreclosed assets is subjective in nature and may be adjusted in the future because of changes in market conditions or appraised values.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired, including other intangible assets. Other intangible assets include purchased assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights. Intangible assets that have finite lives, such as core deposit intangibles, are amortized over their estimated useful lives. All intangible assets are subject to periodic impairment testing. Intangible assets (other than goodwill) are amortized to expense using accelerated or straight-line methods over their respective estimated useful lives.
Goodwill is subject to impairment testing at the reporting unit level, which must be conducted either at least annually, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the assets might be impaired and/or upon the occurrence of a triggering event. Various factors, such as the Company’s results of operations, the trading price of the Company’s common stock relative to the book value per share, macroeconomic conditions and conditions in the banking sector, inform whether a triggering event for an interim goodwill impairment test has occurred. Goodwill is recorded and evaluated for impairment at its reporting unit,
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the Company. The Company's policy is to test goodwill for impairment annually as of December 31, or on an interim basis if an event triggering an impairment assessment is determined to have occurred.
The Company has determined that it has a single reporting unit. If the fair values of the reporting unit exceed the book value, no write-down of recorded goodwill is required. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than book value, an expense may be required to write-down the related goodwill to the proper carrying value. Any impairment would be recorded through a reduction of goodwill or other intangible asset and an offsetting charge to noninterest expense.
Testing of goodwill impairment comprises a two-step process. First, the Company performs a qualitative assessment to evaluate relevant events or circumstances to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it is more likely than not that an impairment has occurred, it proceeds to the quantitative impairment test, whereby it calculates the fair value of the reporting unit and compares it with its carrying amount, including goodwill. In its performance of impairment testing, the Company has the unconditional option to proceed directly to the quantitative impairment test, bypassing the qualitative assessment. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value, up to the carrying value of goodwill, is recorded through earnings as an impairment charge. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is not more likely than not that an impairment has occurred, or if the quantitative impairment test results in a fair value of the reporting unit that is greater than the carrying amount, then no impairment charge is recorded.
In the second quarter of 2023, Management determined that a triggering event had occurred as a result of a sustained decrease in the Company's stock price and as a result of a revision in the earnings outlook in comparison to budget for the remainder of 2023 due primarily to the economic uncertainty and market volatility resulting from the rising interest rate environment and the recent events in the banking sector. The Company performed a qualitative assessment and quantitative impairment test on its only reporting unit as of May 31, 2023 and determined that there was no impairment as the fair value exceeded the carrying amount of the Company. In accordance with its regular schedule for impairment testing, the Company performed a second qualitative assessment and quantitative impairment test that rolled forward its second quarter of 2023 testing on its only reporting unit as of December 31, 2023, which resulted in a determination of no impairment. However, future events could cause the Company to conclude that goodwill or other intangibles have become impaired, which would result in recording an impairment loss. Management continues to evaluate economic conditions for evidence of new triggering events.
Interest Rate Swap Derivatives
As required by ASC Topic 815, "Derivatives and Hedging", the Company records all derivatives on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.
Revenue Recognition
The majority of our revenue-generating transactions are not subject to ASC 606 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers", including revenue generated from financial instruments, such as loans, letters of credit, derivatives and investment securities, as well as revenue related to our mortgage servicing activities, as these activities are subject to other GAAP discussed elsewhere within our disclosures. Substantially all of the Company’s revenue is generated from contracts with customers. Descriptions of our revenue-generating activities that are within the scope of ASC 606, which are presented in our income statements as components of noninterest income are as follows:
•Service charges on deposit accounts (i.e. automated teller machine ("ATM") fees) - These represent general service fees for monthly account maintenance and activity- or transaction-based fees and consist of transaction-based revenue, time-based revenue (service period), item-based revenue or some other individual attribute-based revenue. Revenue is recognized when our performance obligation is completed which is generally monthly for account maintenance
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services or when a transaction has been completed (such as a wire transfer). Payment for such performance obligations is generally received at the time the performance obligations are satisfied.
•Other Fees (i.e. insurance commissions, investment advisory fees, credit card fees, interchange fees) – Generally, the Company receives compensation when a customer that it refers opens an account with certain third-parties.
•Sale of OREO – The Company assesses whether it is “probable” that it will collect the consideration to which it will be entitled in exchange for transferring the asset to the customer.
Customer Repurchase Agreements
The Company enters into agreements under which it sells securities subject to an obligation to repurchase the same securities. Under these arrangements, the Company may transfer legal control over the assets but still retain effective control through an agreement that both entitles and obligates the Company to repurchase the assets. As a result, securities sold under agreements to repurchase are accounted for as collateralized financing arrangements and not as a sale and subsequent repurchase of securities. The agreements are entered into primarily as accommodations for large commercial deposit customers. The obligation to repurchase the securities is reflected as a liability in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets, while the securities underlying the securities sold under agreements to repurchase remain in the respective asset accounts and are delivered to and held as collateral by third party trustees.
Marketing and Advertising
Marketing and advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred.
Income Taxes
The Company employs the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes as required by ASC 740, “Income Taxes.” Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities (i.e. temporary differences) and are measured at the enacted rates that will be in effect when these differences reverse. The Company utilizes statutory requirements for its income tax accounting and limits risks associated with potentially problematic tax positions that may incur challenge upon audit, where an adverse outcome is more likely than not. Therefore, no provisions are necessary for either uncertain tax positions nor accompanying potential tax penalties and interest for underpayments of income taxes in the Company’s tax valuation allowance. In accordance with ASC 740, the Company may establish a reserve against deferred tax assets in those cases where realization is less than certain.
The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties on income taxes in other noninterest expenses. The Company remains subject to examination of income tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service, as well as all of the states where it conducts business, for the years ending after December 31, 2020. There are currently no examinations in process as of December 31, 2023.
Transfer 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. In certain cases, the recourse to the Bank to repurchase assets may exist but is deemed immaterial based on the specific facts and circumstances.
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Stock-Based Compensation
In accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation,” the Company records as salaries and employee benefits expense on its Consolidated Statements of Income an amount equal to the amortization (over the remaining service period) of the fair value of option and restricted stock awards computed at the date of grant. Salary and employee benefits expense on variable stock grants (i.e., performance based grants) is recorded based on the probability of achievement of the goals underlying the performance grant. Refer to Note 16 - "Stock-Based Compensation" for a description of stock-based compensation awards, activity and expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The Company records the discount from the fair market value of shares issued under its Employee Share Purchase Plan as a component of Salaries and employee benefits expense in its Consolidated Statement of Income.
Earnings per Common Share
Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period measured. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period including the potential dilutive effects of common stock equivalents.
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on debt securities available for sale, debt securities transferred to HTM from AFS, and derivatives, net of taxes. Other comprehensive income (loss) is recognized as a separate component of equity.
Loss Contingencies
Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe such matters exist that will have a material effect on the financial statements.
Segment Reporting
While the chief operating decision-maker monitors the revenue streams of the various products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Operating results are not reviewed by senior management to make resource allocation or performance decisions. Accordingly, all of the financial services operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.
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New Authoritative Accounting Guidance
Accounting Standards Pending Adoption
ASU No. 2023-06, "Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative" ("ASU 2023-06") incorporates into the Accounting Standards Codification (ASC or Codification) several U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") disclosure requirements under Regulations S-K and S-X. The amendments in the ASU are intended to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of Codification Topics, allow users to more easily compare entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosures with those entities that were not previously subject to the requirements, and align the requirements in the Codification with the SEC’s regulations. These requirements are similar to, but require additional information than, generally accepted accounting principles. They modify the disclosure or presentation requirements of a variety of Topics in the Codification. Entities should apply the amendments in ASU 2023-06 prospectively. For entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosure requirements and for entities that have to file or provide financial statements with or to the SEC for the purpose of selling or issuing securities that do not have contractual limits on transfer, the effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC removes that related disclosure from its rules. As a result, the effective date will be different for each individual disclosure based on the effective date of the SEC’s deletion of the related disclosure. Early adoption is prohibited. For all other entities, the effective date will be two years later. Early adoption is permitted for these entities, but not before the provisions of the ASU become effective for entities subject to SEC’s regulation. The effective dates of the amendments are predicated on the SEC removing its related disclosure requirements from its regulations. However, if by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the related disclosure from its regulations, the amendments will be removed from the Codification and not become effective for any entity. We are currently in the process of evaluating this guidance.
ASU No. 2023-07,“Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” ("ASU 2023-07) requires filers to disclose significant segment expenses, an amount and description for other segment items, the title and position of the entity’s chief operating decision maker ("CODM") and an explanation of how the CODM uses the reported measures of profit or loss to assess segment performance, and, on an interim basis, certain segment related disclosures that previously were required only on an annual basis. ASU 2023-07 also clarifies that entities with a single reportable segment are subject to both new and existing segment reporting requirements and that an entity is permitted to disclose multiple measures of segment profit or loss, provided that certain criteria are met. ASU 2023-07 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, with early adoption permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating this guidance.
ASU No. 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures" ("ASU 2023-09"). The ASU requires additional income tax disclosures around effective tax rates and cash income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact of ASU 2023-09 should be applied prospectively. We are currently in the process of evaluating this guidance.
Accounting Standards Adopted in 2023
ASU No. 2022-02, "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures" ("ASU 2022-02") eliminates the accounting guidance for TDRs while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty that assess whether a modification has created a new loan. Additionally, ASU 2022-02 requires that an entity disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases. Effective January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the guidance prescribed under ASU 2022-02. Refer to the "Loan Modifications" subsection above and Note 4 for additional disclosure.
Note 2 – Cash and Due from Banks
In 2023 and 2022, the Bank maintained average daily balances at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond ("Federal Reserve Bank") of $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, on which interest is paid.
Additionally, the Bank maintains interest-bearing balances with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta ("FHLB") and noninterest-bearing balances with domestic correspondent banks to cover associated costs for services they provide to the Bank.
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Note 3 – Investment Securities
The following tables summarize the Company's investment securities available-for-sale and held-to-maturity by major security type:
(dollars in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Allowance for Credit Losses | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury bonds | $ | 49,894 | $ | — | $ | (1,993) | $ | — | $ | 47,901 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. agency securities | 729,090 | — | (57,693) | — | 671,397 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 823,992 | 45 | (96,684) | — | 727,353 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 54,557 | — | (4,993) | — | 49,564 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 8,783 | — | (293) | — | 8,490 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 2,000 | — | (300) | (17) | 1,683 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,668,316 | $ | 45 | $ | (161,956) | $ | (17) | $ | 1,506,388 |
(dollars in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrecognized Gains | Gross Unrecognized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | $ | 670,043 | $ | — | $ | (79,980) | $ | 590,063 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 90,227 | — | (12,867) | 77,360 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 125,114 | 5 | (8,540) | 116,579 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 132,309 | — | (14,729) | 117,580 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,017,693 | $ | 5 | $ | (116,116) | $ | 901,582 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: allowance for credit losses | (1,956) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses | $ | 1,015,737 |
(dollars in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrealized Gains | Gross Unrealized Losses | Allowance for Credit Losses | Estimated Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury bonds | $ | 49,793 | $ | — | $ | (3,466) | $ | — | $ | 46,327 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. agency securities | 747,777 | — | (78,049) | — | 669,728 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 937,557 | 18 | (117,072) | — | 820,503 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 56,071 | — | (5,858) | — | 50,213 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 10,700 | 45 | (658) | — | 10,087 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 2,000 | — | (175) | (17) | 1,808 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,803,898 | $ | 63 | $ | (205,278) | $ | (17) | $ | 1,598,666 |
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(dollars in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Gross Unrecognized Gains | Gross Unrecognized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | $ | 741,057 | $ | — | $ | (88,390) | $ | 652,667 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 92,557 | — | (11,993) | 80,564 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 128,273 | — | (12,092) | 116,181 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 132,253 | — | (12,958) | 119,295 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,094,140 | $ | — | $ | (125,433) | $ | 968,707 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: allowance for credit losses | (766) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total amortized cost, net of allowance for credit losses | $ | 1,093,374 |
In addition, at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company held $25.7 million and $65.1 million in non marketable equity securities, respectively, in a combination of Federal Reserve System ("Federal Reserve Board," "Federal Reserve" or "FRB") and FHLB stocks, which are required to be held for regulatory purposes. The securities are carried at cost, classified as restricted securities, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value.
The Company reassessed classification of certain investments in the first quarter of 2022 and, effective March 31, 2022, it transferred a total of $1.1 billion of MBS, municipal bonds and corporate bonds from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity securities, including $237.0 million of securities acquired in the first quarter of 2022 for which its intention to hold to maturity was finalized. At the time of transfer, the Company reversed the allowance for credit losses associated with the available-for-sale securities through the provision for credit losses. The securities were transferred at their amortized cost basis, net of any remaining unrealized gain or loss reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. The related unrealized loss of $66.2 million was included in other comprehensive loss at the time of transfer and, as of December 31, 2023, $51.7 million remains in accumulated other comprehensive loss, to be amortized out through interest income as a yield adjustment over the remaining term of the securities. No gain or loss was recorded at the time of transfer. Subsequent to transfer, the allowance for credit losses on these securities was evaluated under the accounting policy for held-to-maturity securities.
Accrued interest receivable on investment securities totaled $7.6 million and $7.8 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The accrued interest on investment securities is excluded from the amortized cost of the securities and is reported in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following tables summarize, by length of time, the Company's investment securities available-for-sale that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position and investment securities held-to-maturity that have been in a continuous unrecognized loss position:
Less than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Number of Securities | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury bonds | 2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 47,901 | $ | (1,993) | $ | 47,901 | $ | (1,993) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. agency securities | 78 | 3,084 | (4) | 668,313 | (57,689) | 671,397 | (57,693) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 149 | — | — | 718,042 | (96,684) | 718,042 | (96,684) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 13 | — | — | 49,564 | (4,993) | 49,564 | (4,993) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 1 | — | — | 8,490 | (293) | 8,490 | (293) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 1 | — | — | 1,683 | (300) | 1,683 | (300) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 244 | $ | 3,084 | $ | (4) | $ | 1,493,993 | $ | (161,952) | $ | 1,497,077 | $ | (161,956) |
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Less than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Number of Securities | Estimated Fair Value | Unrecognized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Unrecognized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Unrecognized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 142 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 590,063 | $ | (79,980) | $ | 590,063 | $ | (79,980) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 16 | — | — | 77,360 | (12,867) | 77,360 | (12,867) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 40 | — | — | 113,031 | (8,540) | 113,031 | (8,540) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 30 | — | — | 105,523 | (14,729) | 105,523 | (14,729) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 228 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 885,977 | $ | (116,116) | $ | 885,977 | $ | (116,116) |
Less than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Number of Securities | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Unrealized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury bonds | 2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 46,327 | $ | (3,466) | $ | 46,327 | $ | (3,466) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. agency securities | 85 | 490,699 | (58,437) | 179,029 | (19,612) | 669,728 | (78,049) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 157 | 3,994 | — | 808,697 | (117,072) | 812,691 | (117,072) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 14 | 471 | (2) | 49,742 | (5,856) | 50,213 | (5,858) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 1 | — | — | 8,299 | (658) | 8,299 | (658) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 1 | — | — | 1,825 | (175) | 1,825 | (175) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 260 | $ | 495,164 | $ | (58,439) | $ | 1,093,919 | $ | (146,839) | $ | 1,589,083 | $ | (205,278) |
Less than 12 Months | 12 Months or Greater | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Number of Securities | Estimated Fair Value | Unrecognized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Unrecognized Losses | Estimated Fair Value | Unrecognized Losses | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 143 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 652,667 | $ | (88,390) | $ | 652,667 | $ | (88,390) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 16 | — | — | 80,564 | (11,993) | 80,564 | (11,993) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | 43 | 3,110 | (45) | 113,071 | (12,047) | 116,181 | (12,092) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | 30 | 20,771 | (3,183) | 86,451 | (9,775) | 107,222 | (12,958) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 232 | $ | 23,881 | $ | (3,228) | $ | 932,753 | $ | (122,205) | $ | 956,634 | $ | (125,433) |
Unrealized losses at December 31, 2023 were generally attributable to changes in market interest rates and interest spread relationships subsequent to the dates the investment securities were originally purchased, and not due to credit quality concerns on the investment securities. The Company measures its available-for-sale and held-to-maturity security portfolios for current expected credit losses as part of its allowance for credit losses analysis. There was no provision for credit losses recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023 and a reversal of credit losses of $603 thousand was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 on the available-for-sale securities portfolio. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $1.2 million and $766 thousand, respectively, on its investment securities held-to-maturity. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had an allowance for credit losses outstanding of $17 thousand and $17 thousand, respectively, on its AFS securities and $2.0 million and $766 thousand, respectively, on its HTM securities.
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The following table summarizes the Company's investment securities available-for-sale and investment securities held-to-maturity by contractual maturity. Expected maturities for MBS will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Amortized Cost | Estimated Fair Value | ||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||
Within one year | $ | 141,266 | $ | 137,159 | ||||||||||
One to five years | 491,268 | 454,697 | ||||||||||||
Five to ten years | 136,583 | 119,582 | ||||||||||||
Beyond ten years | 20,650 | 18,050 | ||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | 823,992 | 727,353 | ||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 54,557 | 49,564 | ||||||||||||
Less: allowance for credit losses | — | (17) | ||||||||||||
Total investment securities available-for-sale | 1,668,316 | 1,506,388 | ||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity: | ||||||||||||||
Within one year | 4,307 | 4,258 | ||||||||||||
One to five years | 56,444 | 54,589 | ||||||||||||
Five to ten years | 121,107 | 105,719 | ||||||||||||
Beyond ten years | 75,565 | 69,593 | ||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities: | 670,043 | 590,063 | ||||||||||||
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | 90,227 | 77,360 | ||||||||||||
Less: allowance for credit losses | (1,956) | — | ||||||||||||
Total investment securities held-to-maturity | 1,015,737 | 901,582 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,684,053 | $ | 2,407,970 |
During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, proceeds from the sale or call of investment securities were $11.2 million, $14.6 million and $201.0 million, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2023, gross realized gains on sales and calls of investment securities were $129 thousand and gross realized losses on sales of investment securities were $140 thousand. During the year ended December 31, 2022, gross realized gains on sales of investment securities were $18 thousand and gross realized losses on sales of investment securities were $187 thousand. During the year ended December 31, 2021, gross realized gains on sales of investment securities were $3.2 million and gross realized losses on sales of investment securities were $187 thousand.
At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the book value of securities pledged as collateral for certain government deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase and certain lines of credit with correspondent banks was $2.1 billion and $220.1 million, respectively, which were well in excess of required amounts in order to operationally provide significant reserve amounts for new business. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and U.S. agency securities, which exceeded ten percent of shareholders’ equity.
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Note 4 – Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses
The Bank makes loans to customers primarily in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and surrounding communities. A substantial portion of the Bank’s loan portfolio consists of loans to businesses secured by real estate and other business assets.
Loans, net of unamortized net deferred fees, at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are summarized by portfolio segment as follows:
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Amount | % | Amount | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 1,473,766 | 18 | % | $ | 1,487,349 | 19 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
PPP loans | 528 | — | % | 3,256 | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | 4,094,614 | 51 | % | 3,919,941 | 51 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | 1,172,239 | 15 | % | 1,110,325 | 15 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential | 73,396 | 1 | % | 73,001 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 969,766 | 12 | % | 877,755 | 12 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - C&I (owner occupied) | 132,021 | 2 | % | 110,479 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | 51,964 | 1 | % | 51,782 | 1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | 401 | — | 1,744 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total loans | 7,968,695 | 100 | % | 7,635,632 | 100 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Less: allowance for credit losses | (85,940) | (74,444) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loans (1) | $ | 7,882,755 | $ | 7,561,188 |
(1)Excludes accrued interest receivable of $45.3 million and $43.5 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which were recorded in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Unamortized net deferred fees and costs were $27.0 million and $29.2 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Bank serviced $328.0 million and $361.5 million, respectively, of multifamily FHA loans, SBA loans and other loan participations, which are not reflected as loan balances on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Real estate loans are secured primarily by duly recorded first deeds of trust or mortgages. In some cases, the Bank may accept a recorded junior trust position. In general, borrowers will have a proven ability to build, lease, manage and/or sell a commercial or residential project and demonstrate satisfactory financial condition. Additionally, an equity contribution toward the project is customarily required.
Construction loans require that the financial condition and experience of the general contractor and major subcontractors be satisfactory to the Bank. Guaranteed, fixed price contracts are required whenever appropriate, along with payment and performance bonds or completion bonds for larger scale projects.
Loans intended for residential land acquisition, lot development and construction are made on the premise that the land: 1) is or will be developed for building sites for residential structures; and 2) will ultimately be utilized for construction or improvement of residential zoned real properties, including the creation of housing. Residential development and construction loans will finance projects such as single family subdivisions, planned unit developments, townhouses and condominiums. Residential land acquisition, development and construction ("ADC") loans generally are underwritten with a maximum term of 36 months, including extensions approved at origination.
Commercial land acquisition and construction loans are secured by real property where loan funds will be used to acquire land and to construct or improve appropriately zoned real property for the creation of income producing or owner user commercial properties. Borrowers are generally required to put equity into each project at levels determined by the appropriate Loan Committee. Commercial land acquisition and construction loans generally are underwritten with a maximum term of 24 months.
Substantially all construction draw requests must be presented in writing on American Institute of Architects documents and certified either by the contractor, the borrower and/or the borrower’s architect. Each draw request shall also include the borrower’s soft cost breakdown certified by the borrower or their Chief Financial Officer. Prior to an advance, the Bank or its
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contractor inspects the project to determine that the work has been completed, to justify the draw requisition.
Commercial permanent loans are generally secured by improved real property which is generating income in the normal course of operation. Debt service coverage, assuming stabilized occupancy, must be satisfactory to support a permanent loan. The debt service coverage ratio ("DSCR") is ordinarily at least 1.15 to 1.0. As part of the underwriting process, DSCRs are stress tested assuming a 200 basis point increase in interest rates from their current levels.
Commercial permanent loans generally are underwritten with a term not greater than 10 years or the remaining useful life of the property, whichever is lower. The preferred term is between five to seven years, with amortization to a maximum of 25 years.
The Company’s loan portfolio includes ADC real estate loans including both investment and owner occupied projects. ADC loans amounted to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2023. A portion of the ADC portfolio, both speculative and non-speculative, includes loan funded interest reserves at origination. ADC loans that provide for the use of interest reserves represent approximately 58% of the outstanding ADC loan portfolio at December 31, 2023. The decision to establish a loan-funded interest reserve is made upon origination of the ADC loan and is based upon a number of factors considered during underwriting of the credit including: (1) the feasibility of the project; (2) the experience of the sponsor; (3) the creditworthiness of the borrower and guarantors; (4) borrower equity contribution; and (5) the level of collateral protection. When appropriate, an interest reserve provides an effective means of addressing the cash flow characteristics of a properly underwritten ADC loan. The Company does not significantly utilize interest reserves in other loan products. The Company recognizes that one of the risks inherent in the use of interest reserves is the potential masking of underlying problems with the project and/or the borrower’s ability to repay the loan. In order to mitigate this inherent risk, the Company employs a series of reporting and monitoring mechanisms on all ADC loans, whether or not an interest reserve is provided, including: (1) construction and development timelines which are monitored on an ongoing basis which track the progress of a given project to the timeline projected at origination; (2) a construction loan administration department independent of the lending function; (3) third party independent construction loan inspection reports; (4) monthly interest reserve monitoring reports detailing the balance of the interest reserves approved at origination and the days of interest carry represented by the reserve balances as compared to the then current anticipated time to completion and/or sale of speculative projects; and (5) quarterly commercial real estate construction meetings among senior Company management, which includes monitoring of current and projected real estate market conditions. If a project has not performed as expected, it is not the customary practice of the Company to increase loan funded interest reserves.
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The following table details activity in the ACL by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.
(dollars in thousands) | Commercial | Income Producing - Commercial Real Estate | Owner Occupied - Commercial Real Estate | Real Estate Mortgage - Residential | Construction -Commercial and Residential | Construction - C&I (Owner Occupied) | Home Equity | Other Consumer | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 15,655 | $ | 35,688 | $ | 12,702 | $ | 969 | $ | 7,195 | $ | 1,606 | $ | 555 | $ | 74 | $ | 74,444 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans charged-off | (2,020) | (11,817) | — | — | (5,636) | — | — | (50) | (19,523) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off | 576 | — | 55 | — | 36 | — | — | 6 | 673 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loans (charged-off) and recovered | (1,444) | (11,817) | 55 | — | (5,600) | — | — | (44) | (18,850) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 3,613 | 16,179 | 1,576 | (108) | 8,603 | 386 | 102 | (5) | 30,346 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance | $ | 17,824 | $ | 40,050 | $ | 14,333 | $ | 861 | $ | 10,198 | $ | 1,992 | $ | 657 | $ | 25 | $ | 85,940 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 14,475 | $ | 38,287 | $ | 12,146 | $ | 449 | $ | 7,094 | $ | 2,005 | $ | 474 | $ | 35 | $ | 74,965 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans charged-off | (1,561) | (1,355) | — | — | — | — | — | (79) | (2,995) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off | 713 | 25 | — | — | 1,627 | — | — | 6 | 2,371 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loans (charged-off) and recovered | (848) | (1,330) | — | — | 1,627 | — | — | (73) | (624) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses | 2,028 | (1,269) | 556 | 520 | (1,526) | (399) | 81 | 112 | 103 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance | $ | 15,655 | $ | 35,688 | $ | 12,702 | $ | 969 | $ | 7,195 | $ | 1,606 | $ | 555 | $ | 74 | $ | 74,444 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 26,569 | $ | 55,385 | $ | 14,000 | $ | 1,020 | $ | 9,092 | $ | 2,437 | $ | 1,039 | $ | 37 | $ | 109,579 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans charged-off | (8,788) | — | (5,444) | — | (206) | — | — | (1) | (14,439) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off | 486 | — | 97 | — | 499 | — | — | 18 | 1,100 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loans (charged-off) and recovered | (8,302) | — | (5,347) | — | 293 | — | — | 17 | (13,339) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(Reversal of) provision for credit losses | (3,792) | (17,098) | 3,493 | (571) | (2,291) | (432) | (565) | (19) | (21,275) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance | $ | 14,475 | $ | 38,287 | $ | 12,146 | $ | 449 | $ | 7,094 | $ | 2,005 | $ | 474 | $ | 35 | $ | 74,965 |
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of collateral-dependent loans by portfolio segment as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Business/Other Assets | Real Estate | Business/Other Assets | Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 1,674 | $ | 1,240 | $ | 1,563 | $ | 1,871 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income-producing-commercial real estate | 1,754 | 39,172 | 2,000 | 4,328 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | — | 19,836 | — | 19,187 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage- residential | — | 1,692 | — | 1,698 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | — | 525 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | — | 242 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | — | — | 50 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 3,428 | $ | 62,707 | $ | 3,613 | $ | 27,084 |
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Credit Quality Indicators
The Company uses several credit quality indicators to manage credit risk in an ongoing manner. The Company’s primary credit quality indicator is an internal credit risk rating system that categorizes loans into pass, special mention or classified categories. Credit risk ratings are applied individually to those classes of loans that have significant or unique credit characteristics that benefit from a case-by-case evaluation. These are typically loans to businesses or individuals in the classes which comprise the commercial portfolio segment. Groups of loans that are underwritten and structured using standardized criteria and characteristics, such as statistical models (e.g., credit scoring or payment performance), are typically risk rated and monitored collectively. These are typically loans to individuals in the classes which comprise the consumer portfolio segment.
The following are the definitions of the Company’s credit quality indicators:
Pass: | Loans in all classes that comprise the commercial and consumer portfolio segments that are not adversely rated, are contractually current as to principal and interest and are otherwise in compliance with the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Management believes that there is a low likelihood of loss related to those loans that are considered pass. | ||||
Special Mention: | Loans in the classes that comprise the commercial portfolio segment that have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If not addressed, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan. The special mention credit quality indicator is not used for classes of loans that comprise the consumer portfolio segment. Management believes that there is a moderate likelihood of some loss related to those loans that are considered special mention. | ||||
Classified: | Classified (a) Substandard – Loans inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loss potential, while existing in the aggregate amount of substandard loans, does not have to exist in individual loans classified substandard. | ||||
Classified (b) Doubtful – Loans that have all the weaknesses inherent in a loan classified substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors, which may work to the advantage and strengthening of the assets, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. |
The Company’s credit quality indicators are updated on an ongoing basis along with our credits rated watch or below reviews. The following table presents by class and by credit quality indicator, the recorded investment in the Company’s loans and leases as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The data is further defined by year of loan origination.
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(dollars in thousands) | Prior | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | Revolving Loans Amort. Cost Basis | Revolving Loans Convert. to Term | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | $ | 157,563 | $ | 48,524 | $ | 39,133 | $ | 194,555 | $ | 149,320 | $ | 191,889 | $ | 623,684 | $ | 5,207 | $ | 1,409,875 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Mention | 1,415 | — | — | — | — | — | 2,259 | — | 3,674 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | 13,797 | 58 | 10,337 | 1,509 | 222 | — | 33,670 | 624 | 60,217 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 172,775 | 48,582 | 49,470 | 196,064 | 149,542 | 191,889 | 659,613 | 5,831 | 1,473,766 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YTD gross charge-offs | (885) | — | — | — | — | — | — | (1,135) | (2,020) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PPP loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | — | — | — | 528 | — | — | — | — | 528 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 1,257,937 | 326,999 | 328,743 | 517,957 | 732,291 | 327,126 | 263,317 | 1,845 | 3,756,215 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Mention | 84,585 | 44,424 | 6,740 | — | — | — | — | — | 135,749 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | 139,961 | 62,689 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 202,650 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,482,483 | 434,112 | 335,483 | 517,957 | 732,291 | 327,126 | 263,317 | 1,845 | 4,094,614 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YTD gross charge-offs | (11,817) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (11,817) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 534,525 | 103,034 | 35,385 | 202,776 | 41,907 | 125,934 | 673 | 55 | 1,044,289 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Mention | 54,288 | 13,348 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 67,636 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | 37,167 | — | 1,274 | — | — | — | — | 21,873 | 60,314 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 625,980 | 116,382 | 36,659 | 202,776 | 41,907 | 125,934 | 673 | 21,928 | 1,172,239 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 22,877 | 7,545 | 2,186 | 15,967 | 14,756 | 5,895 | — | — | 69,226 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | 4,170 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 4,170 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 27,047 | 7,545 | 2,186 | 15,967 | 14,756 | 5,895 | — | — | 73,396 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 30,619 | 3,440 | 45,739 | 251,038 | 419,393 | 87,400 | 124,013 | — | 961,642 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | 8,124 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 8,124 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 38,743 | 3,440 | 45,739 | 251,038 | 419,393 | 87,400 | 124,013 | — | 969,766 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YTD gross charge-offs | (136) | (5,500) | — | — | — | — | — | — | (5,636) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - C&I (owner occupied): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 18,551 | 4,265 | 56,361 | 618 | 33,237 | 12,619 | 6,370 | — | 132,021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 1,590 | — | 87 | 151 | 118 | — | 49,035 | 643 | 51,624 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | — | 36 | — | — | — | — | 62 | 242 | 340 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,590 | 36 | 87 | 151 | 118 | — | 49,097 | 885 | 51,964 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 1 | — | — | — | 46 | — | 354 | — | 401 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YTD gross charge-offs | (50) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (50) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Recorded Investment | $ | 2,367,170 | $ | 614,362 | $ | 525,985 | $ | 1,185,099 | $ | 1,391,290 | $ | 750,863 | $ | 1,103,437 | $ | 30,489 | $ | 7,968,695 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total YTD gross charge-offs | $ | (12,888) | $ | (5,500) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (1,135) | $ | (19,523) |
109
(dollars in thousands) | Prior | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Revolving Loans Amort. Cost Basis | Revolving Loans Convert. to Term | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | $ | 183,329 | $ | 47,393 | $ | 56,261 | $ | 64,163 | $ | 237,146 | $ | 144,390 | $ | 736,090 | $ | 8,570 | $ | 1,477,342 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Mention | — | — | — | — | — | 82 | 5,475 | — | 5,557 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | 1,332 | 351 | 276 | — | — | — | 1,344 | 1,147 | 4,450 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 184,661 | 47,744 | 56,537 | 64,163 | 237,146 | 144,472 | 742,909 | 9,717 | 1,487,349 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YTD gross charge-offs | (569) | (645) | — | — | — | — | (247) | (100) | (1,561) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PPP loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | — | — | — | 2,479 | 777 | — | — | — | 3,256 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 1,016,529 | 439,221 | 480,474 | 334,165 | 542,143 | 744,328 | 192,089 | 358 | 3,749,307 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Special Mention | 44,195 | 5,206 | 4,209 | 6,735 | — | — | 47,676 | — | 108,021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | 60,613 | 2,000 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 62,613 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,121,337 | 446,427 | 484,683 | 340,900 | 542,143 | 744,328 | 239,765 | 358 | 3,919,941 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YTD gross charge-offs | (1,355) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (1,355) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 461,029 | 191,646 | 111,497 | 40,562 | 206,595 | 41,765 | 24,240 | 13,238 | 1,090,572 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | 19,753 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 19,753 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 480,782 | 191,646 | 111,497 | 40,562 | 206,595 | 41,765 | 24,240 | 13,238 | 1,110,325 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 16,968 | 12,438 | 8,219 | 2,640 | 16,307 | 14,731 | — | — | 71,303 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | 1,698 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1,698 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 18,666 | 12,438 | 8,219 | 2,640 | 16,307 | 14,731 | — | — | 73,001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 84,522 | 71,841 | 90,560 | 189,023 | 191,127 | 159,771 | 90,911 | — | 877,755 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 84,522 | 71,841 | 90,560 | 189,023 | 191,127 | 159,771 | 90,911 | — | 877,755 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - C&I (owner occupied): | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 14,816 | 8,160 | 11,810 | 33,854 | 653 | 34,679 | 6,507 | — | 110,479 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 1,747 | — | — | 98 | 551 | — | 48,378 | 906 | 51,680 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | — | — | 41 | — | — | — | 61 | — | 102 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 1,747 | — | 41 | 98 | 551 | — | 48,439 | 906 | 51,782 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pass | 4 | — | — | — | — | 126 | 1,561 | 3 | 1,694 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Substandard | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 50 | 50 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | 4 | — | — | — | — | 126 | 1,561 | 53 | 1,744 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
YTD gross charge-offs | (36) | — | — | — | — | — | — | (43) | (79) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Recorded Investment | $ | 1,906,535 | $ | 778,256 | $ | 763,347 | $ | 673,719 | $ | 1,195,299 | $ | 1,139,872 | $ | 1,154,332 | $ | 24,272 | $ | 7,635,632 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total YTD gross charge-offs | $ | (1,960) | $ | (645) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (247) | $ | (143) | $ | (2,995) |
Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans
Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on nonaccrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
The following table presents, by portfolio segment, information related to nonaccrual loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
110
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Nonaccrual with No Allowance for Credit Loss | Nonaccrual with an Allowance for Credit Losses | Total Nonaccrual Loans | Nonaccrual with No Allowance for Credit Loss | Nonaccrual with an Allowance for Credit Losses | Total Nonaccrual Loans | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 1,002 | $ | 1,047 | $ | 2,049 | $ | 101 | $ | 2,387 | $ | 2,488 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | 40,926 | — | 40,926 | — | 2,000 | 2,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | 19,836 | — | 19,836 | 17 | — | 17 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential | — | 1,946 | 1,946 | — | 1,913 | 1,913 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction- commercial and residential | — | 525 | 525 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | 242 | — | 242 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | — | — | — | — | 50 | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total (1) | $ | 62,006 | $ | 3,518 | $ | 65,524 | $ | 118 | $ | 6,350 | $ | 6,468 |
(1)Gross coupon interest income of $4.2 million, $558 thousand and $1.7 million would have been recorded for years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, if nonaccrual loans shown above had been current and in accordance with their original terms, while interest actually recorded on such loans were $1.5 million, $17 thousand and $101 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the Company’s policy for placing loans on nonaccrual status.
The following table presents, by portfolio segment, an aging analysis and the recorded investments in loans past due as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
(dollars in thousands) | Loans 30-59 Days Past Due | Loans 60-89 Days Past Due | Loans 90 Days or More Past Due | Total Past Due Loans | Current Loans | Nonaccrual Loans | Total Recorded Investment in Loans | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 985 | $ | 7,048 | $ | — | $ | 8,033 | $ | 1,463,684 | $ | 2,049 | $ | 1,473,766 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PPP loans | — | — | — | — | 528 | — | 528 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | — | — | — | — | 4,053,688 | 40,926 | 4,094,614 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | 1,274 | — | — | 1,274 | 1,151,129 | 19,836 | 1,172,239 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage – residential | 2,089 | — | — | 2,089 | 69,361 | 1,946 | 73,396 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 2,056 | — | — | 2,056 | 967,185 | 525 | 969,766 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - C&I (owner occupied) | — | — | — | — | 132,021 | — | 132,021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | 197 | — | — | 197 | 51,525 | 242 | 51,964 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | — | — | — | — | 401 | — | 401 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 6,601 | $ | 7,048 | $ | — | $ | 13,649 | $ | 7,889,522 | $ | 65,524 | $ | 7,968,695 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 697 | $ | 643 | $ | — | $ | 1,340 | $ | 1,483,521 | $ | 2,488 | $ | 1,487,349 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PPP loans | — | — | — | — | 3,256 | — | 3,256 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | — | — | — | — | 3,917,941 | 2,000 | 3,919,941 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | — | 279 | — | 279 | 1,110,029 | 17 | 1,110,325 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage – residential | — | — | — | — | 71,088 | 1,913 | 73,001 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 531 | — | — | 531 | 877,224 | — | 877,755 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - C&I (owner occupied) | — | — | — | — | 110,479 | — | 110,479 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | — | 52 | — | 52 | 51,730 | — | 51,782 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | — | 1 | — | 1 | 1,693 | 50 | 1,744 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,228 | $ | 975 | $ | — | $ | 2,203 | $ | 7,626,961 | $ | 6,468 | $ | 7,635,632 |
111
Modifications with Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted the accounting guidance in ASU No. 2022-02, effective as of January 1, 2023, which eliminates the recognition and measurement of a TDR. Due to the removal of the TDR designation, the Company evaluates all loan restructurings according to the accounting guidance for loan modifications to determine if the restructuring results in a new loan or a continuation of the existing loan. Loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that result in a direct change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows include situations where there is principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, term extensions, and combinations of the listed modifications. Therefore, the disclosures related to loan restructurings are for modifications which have a direct impact on cash flows.
The Company may offer various types of modifications when restructuring a loan. Commercial and industrial loans modified in a loan restructuring often involve temporary interest-only payments, term extensions, and converting revolving credit lines to term loans. Additional collateral, a co-borrower, or a guarantor is often requested.
Commercial mortgage and construction loans modified in a loan restructuring often involve reducing the interest rate for the remaining term of the loan, extending the maturity date at an interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, or substituting or adding a new borrower or guarantor. Construction loans modified in a loan restructuring may also involve extending the interest-only payment period.
Loans modified in a loan restructuring for the Company may have the financial effect of increasing the specific allowance associated with the loan. An allowance for consumer and commercial loans that have been modified in a loan restructuring is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable market price, or the estimated fair value of the collateral, less any selling costs, if the loan is collateral dependent. Management exercises significant judgment in developing these estimates.
Commercial and consumer loans modified in a loan restructuring are closely monitored for delinquency as an early indicator of possible future default. If loans modified in a loan restructuring subsequently default, the Company evaluates the loan for possible further loss. The allowance may be increased, adjustments may be made in the allocation of the allowance, or partial charge-offs may be taken to further write-down the carrying value of the loan.
The following table presents the amortized cost basis as of December 31, 2023 and the financial effect of loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the year ended December 31, 2023:
(dollars in thousands) | Term Extension | Combination - Term Extension and Principal Payment Delay | Combination - Term Extension, Principal Payment Delay and Interest Rate Reduction | Total | Percentage of Total Loan Type | Weighted Average Term and Principal Payment Extension (1) | Weighted Average Interest Rate Reduction (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 14,182 | $ | 21,003 | $ | — | $ | 35,185 | 2.4 | % | 11 months | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate (3) | 7,191 | 62,356 | 106,256 | 175,803 | 4.3 | % | 16 months | 2.56 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | — | 19,127 | — | 19,127 | 1.6 | % | 9 months | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 7,095 | — | — | 7,095 | 0.7 | % | 12 months | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 28,468 | $ | 102,486 | $ | 106,256 | $ | 237,210 |
(1)For loans that received multiple modifications during the year ended December 31, 2023, weighted average term and principal payment extensions were calculated based on the aggregated impact of the extensions received during the period.
(2)The weighted average is calculated based on the total amortized cost at December 31, 2023 of loans that received interest rate reduction modifications during the year ended December 31, 2023.
(3)Includes one loan modified as a combination - principal payment delay, term extension and interest rate reduction most recently in the fourth quarter of 2023 that was moved to nonaccrual status and incurred a $6.1 million charge off during the year ended December 31, 2023 in connection with the receipt of an updated appraisal in January 2024.
112
The following table presents the performance of loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the year ended December 31, 2023:
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payment Status (Amortized Cost Basis) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Current | 30-89 Days Past Due | 90 Days or More Past Due | Nonaccrual | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 30,790 | $ | 4,395 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | 137,252 | — | — | 38,551 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | — | — | — | 19,127 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | 7,095 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 175,137 | $ | 4,395 | $ | — | $ | 57,678 | ||||||||||||||||||
The Company monitors loan payments on performing and nonperforming loans on an on-going basis to determine if a loan is considered to have a payment default. To determine the existence of a payment default, the Company analyzes the economic conditions that exist for each borrower and their ability to generate positive cash flow during a given loan's term.
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans that were experiencing payment default at December 31, 2023 and were modified in the twelve months prior to that default to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty:
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amortized Cost Basis | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Term Extension | Combination - Term Extension and Principal Payment Delay | Combination - Term Extension, Principal Payment Delay and Interest Rate Reduction | |||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | 4,395 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | — | — | 38,551 | |||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | — | 19,127 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 4,395 | $ | 19,127 | $ | 38,551 |
The Company individually evaluates nonaccrual loans when performing its CECL estimate to calculate the ACL. Additionally, the Company utilizes historical internal and third-party service provider sourced loss data in the determination of its PD/LGD rates applied in the calculation of its CECL estimate. Upon determination that a modified loan (or a portion of a loan) has subsequently been deemed uncollectible, the loan (or a portion of the loan) is charged off. Therefore, the amortized cost basis of the loan is reduced by the uncollectible amount and the ACL is adjusted by the same amount.
Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs")
Historically, a modification of a loan constituted a TDR when a borrower was experiencing financial difficulty and the modification constituted a concession. The Company offered various types of concessions when modifying a loan. Commercial and industrial loans modified in a TDR often involved temporary interest-only payments, term extensions and converting revolving credit lines to term loans. Additional collateral, a co-borrower or a guarantor were often requested.
Commercial mortgage and construction loans modified in a TDR often involved reducing the interest rate for the remaining term of the loan, extending the maturity date at an interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk or substituting or adding a new borrower or guarantor. Construction loans modified in a TDR may have involved extending the interest-only payment period. As of December 31, 2022, all performing TDRs were categorized as interest-only modifications.
Loans modified in a TDR for the Company may have had the financial effect of increasing the specific allowance associated with the loan. An allowance for consumer and commercial loans that had been modified in a TDR was measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s observable market price or the estimated fair value of the collateral, less any selling costs, if the loan was collateral dependent. Management exercised significant judgment in developing these estimates.
The following table presents the recorded investment of loans modified in TDRs held by the Company as of December 31, 2022:
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(dollars in thousands) | Number of Contracts | Commercial | Income Producing - Commercial Real Estate | Owner Occupied - Commercial Real Estate | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Troubled debt restructurings: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructured accruing | 5 | $ | 946 | $ | 4,328 | $ | 19,170 | $ | 24,444 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Specific allowance | $ | 87 | $ | 2,140 | $ | — | $ | 2,227 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructured and subsequently defaulted | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — |
During the year ended December 31, 2022, there was one loan totaling $19.2 million that was modified in a TDR and no TDRs defaulted on their modified terms that were reclassified to nonperforming loans. As of December 31, 2022, all five TDR loans, totaling $24.4 million, were performing under their modified terms. During the year ended December 31, 2022, three restructured loans, two of which were nonperforming, totaling approximately $11.1 million had their collateral property sold to a third party and a charge off of $1.4 million was recognized on the sale.
Related Party Loans
Certain directors and executive officers of the Company and the Bank and certain affiliated entities of such directors and executive officers have had loan transactions with the Company. All of such loans are either fully repaid or performing and none of such loans are nonaccrual, past due, restructured, or rated substandard or worse (not on nonaccrual).
Amounts in “additions due to changes in related party status” or "removals due to changes in related party status" reflect loans that transitioned to being related party loans or out of being related party loans during the years presented as a result of changes in related party status with respect to certain of the Company’s directors who are affiliated with the related borrowers.
The following table summarizes the activity of loans outstanding to borrowers with relationships to related parties in 2023 and 2022:
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Balance at January 1, | $ | 119,198 | $ | 150,822 | ||||||||||
Additions | 283 | 173 | ||||||||||||
Repayments | (44,645) | (33,220) | ||||||||||||
Additions due to changes in related party status | — | 1,423 | ||||||||||||
Removals due to changes in related party status | (74,000) | — | ||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, | $ | 836 | $ | 119,198 |
Note 5 – Premises and Equipment
Premises and equipment include the following at December 31:
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Leasehold improvements | $ | 29,042 | $ | 32,126 | ||||||||||
Furniture, fixtures and equipment | 19,600 | 34,424 | ||||||||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization | (38,453) | (53,075) | ||||||||||||
Total premises and equipment, net | $ | 10,189 | $ | 13,475 |
Total depreciation and amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was $3.4 million, $3.2 million and $4.3 million, respectively.
Note 6 – Leases
A lease is defined as a contract that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant or equipment for a period of time in exchange for consideration. Substantially all of the leases in which the Company is the lessee are comprised of real estate property for branch offices, ATM locations and corporate office space. All of our leases are classified as operating
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leases and are included in operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets and operating lease liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet.
ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of the lease payments, we use the implicit lease rate if available. If the implicit lease rate is not available, we use the incremental borrowing rate at commencement date. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term in an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had $19.1 million of operating lease ROU assets and $23.2 million of operating lease liabilities compared to $24.5 million of operating lease ROU assets and $29.3 million of operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2022 on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company has elected not to recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities arising from short-term leases, leases with initial terms of twelve months or less or equipment leases (deemed immaterial) on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Our leases contain terms and conditions of options to extend or terminate the lease which are recognized as part of the ROU assets and lease liabilities when an economic benefit to exercise the option exists and there is a 90% probability that the Company will exercise the option. If these criteria are not met, the options are not included in our ROU assets and lease liabilities.
As of December 31, 2023, our leases do not contain material residual value guarantees or impose restrictions or covenants related to dividends or the Company’s ability to incur additional financial obligations. In 2023, the Company did not enter into any new leases, or extend any leases; it renewed one lease, and it had three leases expire (three branches were closed).
The following table presents lease costs and other lease information.
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Lease cost | |||||||||||||||||
Operating lease cost (cost resulting from lease payments) | $ | 6,590 | $ | 7,145 | |||||||||||||
Variable lease cost (cost excluded from lease payments) | 1,000 | 1,008 | |||||||||||||||
Sublease income | (119) | (241) | |||||||||||||||
Net lease cost | $ | 7,471 | $ | 7,912 | |||||||||||||
Operating lease - operating cash flows (fixed payments) | $ | 7,198 | $ | 7,368 | |||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Right-of-use assets - operating leases | $ | 19,129 | $ | 24,544 | |||||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities | $ | 23,238 | $ | 29,267 | |||||||||||||
Weighted average lease term - operating leases | 4.93 | yrs | 5.50 | yrs | |||||||||||||
Weighted average discount rate - operating leases | 2.78 | % | 2.91 | % |
Future minimum payments for operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more as of December 31, 2023 were as follows:
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(dollars in thousands) | ||||||||
Twelve months ended: | ||||||||
December 31, 2024 | $ | 6,925 | ||||||
December 31, 2025 | 6,078 | |||||||
December 31, 2026 | 2,988 | |||||||
December 31, 2027 | 2,599 | |||||||
December 31, 2028 | 2,176 | |||||||
Thereafter | 3,751 | |||||||
Total future minimum lease payments | 24,517 | |||||||
Amounts representing interest | (1,279) | |||||||
Present value of net future minimum lease payments | $ | 23,238 |
Note 7 – Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a separate line item, net of accumulated amortization and consist of the following items:
(dollars in thousands) | Gross Intangible Assets | Additions | Accumulated Amortization | FHA MSR Sales | Net Intangible Assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill | $ | 104,168 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 104,168 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Excess servicing (1) | 65 | — | (28) | — | 37 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-compete agreements | — | 1,234 | (514) | — | 720 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 104,233 | $ | 1,234 | $ | (542) | $ | — | $ | 104,925 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill | $ | 104,168 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 104,168 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Excess servicing (1) | 87 | 67 | (89) | — | 65 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Non-compete agreements | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 104,255 | $ | 67 | $ | (89) | $ | — | $ | 104,233 |
(1)The Company recognizes a servicing asset for the computed value of servicing fees on the sale of multifamily FHA loans and the sale of the guaranteed portion of SBA loans. Assumptions related to loan terms and amortization are made to arrive at the initial recorded values, which are included in other assets.
The aggregate amortization expense was $542 thousand, $89 thousand and $132 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The future estimated annual amortization expense is presented below:
Years Ending December 31: | ||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Amount | |||||||
2024 | $ | 725 | ||||||
2025 | 5 | |||||||
2026 | 5 | |||||||
2027 | 5 | |||||||
2028 | 5 | |||||||
Thereafter | 12 | |||||||
Total annual amortization | $ | 757 |
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Note 8 – Other Real Estate Owned
The activity within OREO for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 is presented in the table below. There were no properties in the process of foreclosure as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were two and one sales of OREO, respectively.
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Beginning Balance | $ | 1,962 | $ | 1,635 | ||||||||||
Real estate acquired from borrowers | — | 475 | ||||||||||||
Properties sold | (854) | (148) | ||||||||||||
Ending Balance | $ | 1,108 | $ | 1,962 |
Note 9 – Derivatives and Hedging Activities
The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk primarily by managing the amount, sources and duration of its assets and liabilities and the use of derivative financial instruments.
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
The Company uses interest rate swaptions to assist in its interest rate risk management. The Company’s objective in using interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is to protect itself against adverse fluctuations in interest rates by reducing its exposure to variability in cash flows related to interest payments on a forecasted issuance of debt. To accomplish this objective, the Company has entered into swaptions to hedge the risk of changes in its cash flows, i.e. interest payments, attributable to changes in the designated benchmark interest rate being hedged, above the purchased swaption fixed rate, for the period from hedge inception to the Borrowings issuance window.
For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, changes in the fair value of the derivative are initially reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss (outside of earnings), net of tax, and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The Company assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged transactions. Gains and losses on the derivative representing hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized over the life of the hedge on a systematic and rational basis, as documented at hedge inception in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy election.
Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss related to designated cash flow hedge derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense. During the next 12 months, the Company estimates that an additional $616 thousand will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.
The Company did not have any designated cash flow hedge interest rate swap transaction outstanding at December 31, 2022 or 2021.
Interest Rate Products not Designated as Hedges
Interest rate derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Company provides to certain customers. The Company executes interest rate caps and swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting derivatives that the Company executes with a third party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As the interest rate derivatives associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer derivatives and the offsetting derivatives are recognized directly in earnings.
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The Company entered into credit risk participation agreements (“RPAs”) with institutional counterparties, under which the Company assumes its pro-rata share of the credit exposure associated with a borrower’s performance related to interest rate derivative contracts in exchange for a fee. The fair value of RPAs is calculated by determining the total expected asset or liability exposure of the derivatives to the borrowers and applying the borrowers’ credit spread to that exposure. Total expected exposure incorporates both the current and potential future exposure of the derivatives, derived from using observable inputs, such as yield curves and volatilities.
Credit Risk Related Contingent Features
The Company has agreements with each of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.
The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by the interest rate swap counterparty. The Company minimizes this risk by entering into derivative contracts with only large, stable financial institutions, and the Company has not experienced, and does not expect, any losses from counterparty nonperformance on the interest rate derivatives. The Company monitors counterparty risk in accordance with the provisions of ASC 815, "Derivatives and Hedging." In addition, the interest rate derivative agreements contain language outlining collateral-pledging requirements for each counterparty.
The designated interest rate derivative agreements detail: 1) that collateral be posted when the market value exceeds certain threshold limits associated with the secured party's exposure; 2) if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness (including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender), then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations; and 3) if the Company fails to maintain its status as a well-capitalized institution then the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and the Company would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.
Mortgage Banking Derivatives
The Company completed the cessation of first lien residential mortgage origination and sales activities during the year ended December 31, 2023. As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no outstanding mortgage banking derivatives.
Historically, as part of its mortgage banking activities, the Bank entered into interest rate lock commitments, which were commitments to originate loans where the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding and the customers have locked into that interest rate. The Bank then locked in the loan and interest rate with an investor and commits to deliver the loan if settlement occurs ("best efforts") or committed to deliver the locked loan in a binding ("mandatory") delivery program with an investor. Certain loans that were under interest rate lock commitments were covered under forward sales contracts of MBS. Forward sales contracts of MBS were recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in noninterest income. Interest rate lock commitments and commitments to deliver loans to investors were considered derivatives. The market value of interest rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts were not readily ascertainable with precision because they were not actively traded in stand-alone markets. The Bank determined the fair value of interest rate lock commitments and delivery contracts by measuring the fair value of the underlying asset, which was impacted by current interest rates, taking into consideration the probability that the interest rate lock commitments will close or will be funded.
Certain additional risks arose from these forward delivery contracts in that the counterparties to the contracts may not have been able to meet the terms of the contracts. The Bank did not expect any counterparty to any MBS to fail to meet its obligation. Additional risks inherent in mandatory delivery programs included the risk that, if the Bank did not close the loans subject to interest rate risk lock commitments, it would still be obligated to deliver MBS to the counterparty under the forward sales agreement. Should this have been required, the Bank could have incurred significant costs in acquiring replacement loans or MBS and such costs could have an adverse effect on mortgage banking operations.
The fair value of the mortgage banking derivatives was recorded as a freestanding asset or liability with the change in value being recognized in current earnings during the period of change.
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The table below identifies the balance sheet category and fair value of the Company’s designated cash flow hedge derivative instruments and non-designated hedges as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Notional Amount | Fair Value | Balance Sheet Category | Notional Amount | Fair Value | Balance Sheet Category | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in an asset position: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | $ | 300,000 | $ | 374 | Other Assets | $ | — | $ | — | Other Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | 651,429 | 30,288 | Other Assets | 396,024 | 31,039 | Other Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit risk participation agreements | 49,480 | 3 | Other Liabilities | — | — | Other Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage banking derivatives | — | — | Other Assets | 6,963 | 93 | Other Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
700,909 | 30,291 | 402,987 | 31,132 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total derivatives in an asset position | $ | 1,000,909 | $ | 30,665 | $ | 402,987 | $ | 31,132 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in a liability position: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | $ | 654,757 | $ | 30,555 | Other Liabilities | $ | 396,024 | $ | 30,065 | Other Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit risk participation agreements | — | — | Other Liabilities | 25,902 | 2 | Other Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
$ | 654,757 | 30,555 | $ | 421,926 | 30,067 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross amounts not offset in the consolidated balance sheets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and other collateral (1) | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net derivatives in a liability position | $ | 30,555 | $ | 30,067 |
(1)Collateral represents the amount that cannot be used to offset our derivative assets and liabilities from a gross basis to a net basis in accordance with the applicable accounting guidance. The other collateral consist of securities and is exchanged under bilateral collateral and master netting agreements that allow us to offset the net derivative position with the related collateral. The application of the collateral cannot reduce the net derivative position below zero. Therefore, excess other collateral, if any, is not reflected above.
The table below presents the pre-tax net gains (losses) of the Company’s designated cash flow hedges for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
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The Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCI | Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income into Income | Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Total | Included Component | Excluded Component | Total | Included Component | Excluded Component | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2023: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate products | $ | (256) | $ | — | $ | (256) | Interest expense | $ | (14) | $ | — | $ | (14) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2022: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate products | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | Interest expense | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year ended December 31, 2021: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate products | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | Interest expense | $ | (516) | $ | (516) | $ | — |
The tables below present the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
The Effect of Cash Flow Hedge Accounting on the Consolidated Statements of Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Interest Expense | Interest Expense | Interest Expense | |||||||||||||||||
Total amounts of expense line items presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income in which the effects of cash flow hedges are recorded | $ | (14) | $ | — | $ | (516) | ||||||||||||||
The effect of cash flow hedging: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Gain (loss) on cash flow hedging relationships: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate products: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income | $ | (14) | $ | — | $ | (516) | ||||||||||||||
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income - included component | $ | — | $ | — | $ | (516) | ||||||||||||||
Amount of gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income - excluded component | $ | (14) | $ | — | $ | — |
Effect of Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments on the Statements of Income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative | Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under ASC 815-20: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate products | Other income / (expense) | $ | 2,712 | $ | 3,057 | $ | 2,797 | |||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage banking derivatives | Other income | — | 671 | 636 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,712 | $ | 3,728 | $ | 3,433 |
Balance Sheet Offsetting: Our interest rate swap derivatives are eligible for offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheet and are subject to master netting arrangements. Our derivative transactions with counterparties are generally executed under
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International Swaps and Derivative Association (“ISDA”) master agreements which include “right of set-off” provisions. In such cases there is generally a legally enforceable right to offset recognized amounts and there may be an intention to settle such amounts on a net basis. The Company generally presents such financial instruments gross for financial reporting purposes.
Note 10 – Deposits
The following table provides information regarding the Bank’s deposit composition at December 31, 2023 and 2022 as well as the average rate being paid on interest bearing deposits for the month of December 2023 and 2022.
December 31, | |||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Noninterest-bearing demand | $ | 2,279,081 | $ | 3,150,751 | |||||||||||||
Interest-bearing transaction | 997,448 | 1,138,235 | |||||||||||||||
Savings and money market | 3,314,043 | 3,640,697 | |||||||||||||||
Time deposits | 2,217,467 | 783,499 | |||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 8,808,039 | $ | 8,713,182 |
The remaining maturity of time deposits at December 31, 2023 and 2022 were as follows:
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
2023 | $ | — | $ | 463,393 | ||||||||||
2024 | 1,445,395 | 152,898 | ||||||||||||
2025 | 576,379 | 157,320 | ||||||||||||
2026 | 180,384 | 2,628 | ||||||||||||
2027 | 5,482 | 4,130 | ||||||||||||
2028 | 9,827 | 3,130 | ||||||||||||
Thereafter | — | — | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,217,467 | $ | 783,499 |
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Three months or less | $ | 342,552 | $ | 159,820 | ||||||||||
More than three months through six months | 544,230 | 99,044 | ||||||||||||
More than six months through twelve months | 558,613 | 204,529 | ||||||||||||
Over twelve months | 772,072 | 320,106 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,217,467 | $ | 783,499 |
Interest expense on deposits for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was as follows:
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Interest-bearing transaction | $ | 46,140 | $ | 6,721 | $ | 1,609 | ||||||||||||||
Savings and money market | 132,374 | 65,777 | 15,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Time deposits | 79,030 | 10,763 | 11,163 | |||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 257,544 | $ | 83,261 | $ | 27,772 |
Related Party deposits totaled $33.1 million and $31.8 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, time deposit accounts in excess of $250 thousand were as follows:
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Three months or less | $ | 119,880 | $ | 87,959 | ||||||||||
More than three months through six months | 318,353 | 51,746 | ||||||||||||
More than six months through twelve months | 368,103 | 108,877 | ||||||||||||
Over twelve months | 726,758 | 269,200 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 1,533,094 | $ | 517,782 |
At December 31, 2023, total deposits included $2.5 billion of brokered deposits (excluding the CDARS and ICS two-way accounts), which represented 29% of total deposits. At December 31, 2022, total brokered deposits (excluding the CDARS and ICS two-way accounts) were $2.5 billion, or 29% of total deposits.
Note 11 – Affordable Housing Projects Tax Credit Partnerships
Included in Other Assets, the Company makes equity investments in various limited partnerships that sponsor affordable housing projects utilizing the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (“LIHTC”) pursuant to Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code. The purpose of these investments is to achieve a satisfactory return on capital, to facilitate the sale of affordable housing products offerings and to assist in achieving goals associated with the Community Reinvestment Act. The primary activities of the limited partnerships include the identification, development and operation of multi-family housing that is leased to qualifying residential tenants. Generally, these types of investments are funded through a combination of debt and equity.
The Company is a limited partner in each LIHTC limited partnership. Each limited partnership is managed by an unrelated third party general partner who exercises significant control over the affairs of the limited partnership. The general partner has all the rights, powers and authority granted or permitted to be granted to a general partner of a limited partnership. Duties entrusted to the general partner of each limited partnership include, but are not limited to: investment in operating companies, company expenditures, investment of excess funds, borrowing funds, employment of agents, disposition of fund property, prepayment and refinancing of liabilities, votes and consents, contract authority, disbursement of funds, accounting methods, tax elections, bank accounts, insurance, litigation, cash reserve and use of working capital reserve funds. Except for limited rights granted to the limited partner(s) relating to the approval of certain transactions, the limited partner(s) may not participate in the operation, management or control of the limited partnership’s business, transact any business in the limited partnership’s name or have any power to sign documents for or otherwise bind the limited partnership. In addition, the general partner may only be removed by the limited partner(s) in the event the general partner fails to comply with the terms of the agreement or is negligent in performing its duties.
The general partner of each limited partnership has both the power to direct the activities which most significantly affect the performance of each partnership and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could be significant to the entities. Therefore, the Company has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of any LIHTC partnership. The Company accounts for its affordable housing tax credit investments using the proportional amortization method. The Company’s net affordable housing tax credit investments were $48.2 million and related unfunded commitments were $23.9 million as of December 31, 2023 and are included in Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For tax purposes, the Company recognized low income housing tax credits of $5.6 million, $5.0 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively, and low income housing investment expense of $4.3 million, $3.7 million and $3.1 million, respectively. The Company recognizes low income housing investment expenses as a component of income tax expense.
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As of December 31, 2023, the expected payments for unfunded affordable housing commitments were as follows:
(dollars in thousands) | Amount | |||||||
Years Ended December 31: | ||||||||
2024 | $ | 16,292 | ||||||
2025 | 5,900 | |||||||
2026 | 440 | |||||||
2027 | 159 | |||||||
2028 | 359 | |||||||
Thereafter | 735 | |||||||
Total unfunded commitments | $ | 23,885 |
Note 12 – Borrowings
The following table summarizes the Company’s borrowings, which include repurchase agreements with the Company’s customers and borrowings at December 31, 2023 and 2022:
(dollars in thousands) | Borrowings - Principal | Unamortized Deferred Issuance Costs | Net Borrowings Outstanding | Available Capacity (1)(2) | Maturity Dates | Interest Rates (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements | $ | 30,587 | $ | — | $ | 30,587 | $ | — | N/A | 3.42 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FHLB secured borrowings | — | — | — | 1,271,846 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FRB: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BTFP secured borrowings (4) | 1,300,000 | — | 1,300,000 | 598,870 | March 22, 2024 | 4.53 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Discount window secured borrowings | — | — | — | 601,504 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Raymond James repurchase agreement | — | — | — | 17,993 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subordinated notes, 5.75% | 70,000 | (82) | 69,918 | — | September 1, 2024 | 5.75 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total borrowings | $ | 1,400,587 | $ | (82) | $ | 1,400,505 | $ | 2,490,213 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements | $ | 35,100 | $ | — | $ | 35,100 | $ | — | N/A | 2.94 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FHLB secured borrowings | 975,001 | — | 975,001 | 145,104 | December 1, 2023 | 4.57 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FRB discount window secured borrowings | — | — | — | 607,405 | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Subordinated notes, 5.75% | 70,000 | (206) | 69,794 | — | September 1, 2024 | 5.75 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total borrowings | $ | 1,080,101 | $ | (206) | $ | 1,079,895 | $ | 752,509 |
(1)Available capacity on the Company's borrowings arrangements with the FHLB, the FRB's BTFP program and the Raymond James repurchase line comprise pledged collateral that has not been borrowed against. At December 31, 2023, the Company had total additional undrawn borrowing capacity of approximately $2.2 billion, comprising unencumbered securities available to be pledged of approximately $292.3 million and undrawn financing on pledged assets of $1.9 billion, including $1.3 billion with the FHLB, $598.9 million with the BTFP and $18.0 million with Raymond James.
(2)As part of the Company's agreement governing its participation in the BTFP program and the Raymond James repurchase agreement, the borrowing capacity is determined based on the principal balance of the pledged assets.
(3)Represent the weighted average interest rate on customer repurchase agreements, borrowings outstanding and the coupon interest rate on the subordinated notes, which approximates the effective interest rate.
(4)In January 2024, the Company borrowed an additional $500.0 million through the BTFP and refinanced $500.0 million under the program at an interest rate of 4.76% and a maturity date in January 2025. The remaining $800.0 million matures in March 2024.
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The Company offers its business customers a repurchase agreement sweep account in which it collateralizes these funds with U.S. agency and MBS segregated in its investment portfolio for this purpose. The Company’s repurchase agreements operate on a rolling basis and do not contain contractual maturity dates. By entering into the agreement, the customer agrees to have the Bank repurchase the designated securities on the business day following the initial transaction in consideration of the payment of interest at the rate prevailing on the day of the transaction.
The Bank can purchase up to $155 million in federal funds on an unsecured basis from its correspondents, against which there were no amounts outstanding at December 31, 2023 and can place brokered funds under one-way CDARS and ICS deposits in the amount of $1.7 billion, against which there was $94.0 million outstanding at December 31, 2023. The Bank also has a commitment at December 31, 2023 from IntraFi Network, LLC ("IntraFi") to place up to $786.5 million of brokered deposits from its Insured Network Deposits (“IND”) program in amounts requested by the Bank, as compared to an actual balance of $786.5 million at December 31, 2023.
At December 31, 2023, the Bank was also eligible to take advances from the FHLB up to $1.3 billion based on collateral at the FHLB, of which there was none outstanding at December 31, 2023. The Bank may enter into repurchase agreements as well as obtain additional borrowing capabilities from the FHLB provided adequate collateral exists to secure these lending relationships. The Bank also has a back-up borrowing facility through the Discount Window at the Federal Reserve Bank. This facility, which amounts to approximately $601.5 million, is collateralized with specific loan assets pledged to the Federal Reserve Bank. It is anticipated that, except for periodic testing, this facility would be utilized for contingency funding only. The contractual maturity dates on FHLB secured borrowings represent the maturity dates of current advances and are not evidence of a termination date on the line.
There are no prepayment penalties nor unused commitment fees on any of the Company’s borrowing arrangements.
Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”)
On March 12, 2023, the FRB, Department of Treasury and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") issued a joint statement outlining actions they had taken to protect the U.S. economy by strengthening public confidence in the banking system as a result of and in response to recently announced bank closures. Among other actions, the Federal Reserve announced that it would make available additional funding to eligible depository institutions through the creation of a new BTFP. The BTFP provides eligible depository institutions, including the Company's subsidiary bank, EagleBank, an additional source of liquidity.
Borrowings are funded based on a percentage of the principal of eligible collateral posted, as defined within the terms of the program. Interest is payable at a fixed rate over the term of the borrowing and there are no prepayment penalties. The Federal Reserve announced in January 2024 that the BTFP will stop originating new loans on March 11, 2024, as scheduled. The Federal Reserve also modified the terms of the program so that the interest rate for new loans will be no lower than the interest rate on reserve balances in effect on the day the loan is made.
Subordinated Notes
Subordinated notes outstanding were $69.9 million at December 31, 2023 and $69.8 million at December 31, 2022.
On August 5, 2014, the Company completed the sale of $70 million of its 5.75% subordinated notes, due September 1, 2024 (the “2024 Notes”). The Notes were offered to the public at par. The 2024 Notes qualified as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes to the fullest extent permitted under the Basel III Rule capital requirements, and were fully phased out of regulatory capital as of December 31, 2023 as they approached maturity. The net proceeds were approximately $68.8 million, which included $1.2 million in deferred financing costs which are being amortized over the life of the 2024 Notes.
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Note 13 – Income Taxes
Federal and state income tax expense consists of the following for the years ended December 31:
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Current federal income tax expense | $ | 25,291 | $ | 37,182 | $ | 39,865 | ||||||||||||||
Current state income tax expense | 5,072 | 5,008 | 15,348 | |||||||||||||||||
Total current tax expense | 30,363 | 42,190 | 55,213 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred federal income tax (benefit) expense | (2,966) | 3,532 | 5,185 | |||||||||||||||||
Deferred state income tax (benefit) expense | (411) | 3,028 | 585 | |||||||||||||||||
Total deferred tax (benefit) expense | (3,377) | 6,560 | 5,770 | |||||||||||||||||
Total income tax expense | $ | 26,986 | $ | 48,750 | $ | 60,983 |
The Company had net deferred tax assets (deferred tax assets in excess of deferred tax liabilities) of $86.6 million and $96.6 million for the years ended at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which related primarily to our unrealized loss on securities, allowance for credit losses and loan origination fees. Management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized with the exception of certain state net operating losses.
Temporary timing differences between the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the tax bases of assets and liabilities result in deferred taxes. The table below summarizes significant components of our deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax assets | ||||||||||||||
Allowance for credit losses | $ | 21,281 | $ | 18,490 | ||||||||||
Deferred loan fees and costs | 6,372 | 6,736 | ||||||||||||
Leases | 5,713 | 7,195 | ||||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 2,003 | 1,796 | ||||||||||||
Net operating loss | 7,964 | 7,736 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale | 39,671 | 50,442 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on securities held-to-maturity | 11,725 | 14,366 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized loss on interest rate swap derivatives | 59 | — | ||||||||||||
Supplemental executive retirement and death benefit agreements | 2,066 | 2,495 | ||||||||||||
Other assets | 2,669 | 1,344 | ||||||||||||
Valuation allowances | (7,428) | (7,008) | ||||||||||||
Total deferred tax assets | 92,095 | 103,592 | ||||||||||||
Deferred tax liabilities | ||||||||||||||
Excess servicing | (561) | (589) | ||||||||||||
Premises and equipment | (211) | (205) | ||||||||||||
Leases | (4,703) | (6,034) | ||||||||||||
Other liabilities | — | (197) | ||||||||||||
Total deferred tax liabilities | (5,475) | (7,025) | ||||||||||||
Net deferred income tax assets | $ | 86,620 | $ | 96,567 |
As of December 31, 2023. the Company has $2.9 million of federal net operating loss carryforward in conjunction with the Fidelity & Trust Financial Corporation acquisition, that is subject to annual limits under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and expires in 2027. The Company has concluded, based on the weight of available positive and negative
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evidence, a portion of its state net operating loss deferred tax asset is not more likely than not to be realized and accordingly, a valuation allowance of $7.4 million and $7.0 million is carried as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the Company’s effective income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 follows:
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Statutory federal income tax rate | 21.00 | % | 21.00 | % | 21.00 | % | |||||||||||
Increase (decrease) due to: | |||||||||||||||||
State income taxes | 2.75 | % | 3.28 | % | 5.45 | % | |||||||||||
Non-deductible fines and penalties | — | % | 2.54 | % | — | % | |||||||||||
Tax-exempt interest and dividend income | (3.11) | % | (1.57) | % | (0.91) | % | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation expense | 0.40 | % | 0.19 | % | 0.44 | % | |||||||||||
Other | 0.12 | % | 0.26 | % | (0.32) | % | |||||||||||
Effective tax rate | 21.16 | % | 25.70 | % | 25.66 | % |
The Company remains subject to examination by taxing authorities for the years ending after December 31, 2019. Management has identified no uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2023.
Note 14 – Net Income per Common Share
The calculation of net income per common share for the years ended December 31 was as follows:
(dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Basic: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 100,534 | $ | 140,930 | $ | 176,691 | ||||||||||||||
Average common shares outstanding | 30,346 | 32,004 | 31,936 | |||||||||||||||||
Basic net income per common share | $ | 3.31 | $ | 4.40 | $ | 5.53 | ||||||||||||||
Diluted: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | $ | 100,534 | $ | 140,930 | $ | 176,691 | ||||||||||||||
Average common shares outstanding | 30,346 | 32,004 | 31,936 | |||||||||||||||||
Adjustment for common share equivalents | 47 | 74 | 67 | |||||||||||||||||
Average common shares outstanding-diluted | 30,393 | 32,078 | 32,003 | |||||||||||||||||
Diluted net income per common share | $ | 3.31 | $ | 4.39 | $ | 5.52 | ||||||||||||||
Anti-dilutive shares | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Note 15 – Related Party Transactions
The EagleBank Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, seeks to improve the well-being of our community by providing financial support to local charitable organizations that help foster and strengthen vibrant, healthy, cultural and sustainable communities. The Company paid $143 thousand, $113 thousand and $134 thousand to the EagleBank Foundation for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which were recorded in other expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Certain directors and executive officers of the Company and the Bank and certain affiliated entities of such directors and executive officers have had loan transactions with the Company. Such loans were made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with outsiders. Please see further detail regarding Related Party Loans in Note 4 "Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses" and Related Party Deposits in Note 10 "Deposits."
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Note 16 – Stock-Based Compensation
The Company maintains the 2021 Stock Plan ("2021 Plan"), the 2016 Stock Plan (“2016 Plan”), the 2006 Stock Plan (“2006 Plan”), the 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("2021 ESPP") and the 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“2011 ESPP”).
In connection with the acquisition of Virginia Heritage Bank ("Virginia Heritage"), the Company assumed the Virginia Heritage 2006 Stock Option Plan and the 2010 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Virginia Heritage Plans”).
No additional options may be granted under the 2016 Plan, 2006 Plan or the Virginia Heritage Plans.
The Company adopted the 2021 Plan upon approval by the shareholders at the 2021 Annual Meeting held on May 20, 2021. The 2021 Plan provides directors and selected employees of the Bank, the Company and their affiliates with the opportunity to acquire shares of stock, through awards of options, time vested restricted stock, performance-based restricted stock and stock appreciation rights. Under the 2021 Plan, 1,300,000 shares of common stock were initially reserved for issuance.
For awards that are service based, compensation expense is being recognized over the service (vesting) period based on fair value, which for stock option grants is computed using the Black-Scholes model. For restricted stock awards granted under the 2021 Plan, fair value is based on the Company’s closing price on the date of grant. For awards that are performance-based, compensation expense is initially recorded based on the probability of achievement of the goals underlying the grant at target.
In February 2023, the Company awarded 168,994 shares of time vested restricted stock to senior officers, directors and certain employees. The shares vest in three substantially equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
In February 2023, the Company awarded senior officers a targeted number of 59,816 performance vested restricted stock units (“PRSUs”). The vesting of PRSUs is 100% after three years with payouts based on threshold, target or maximum average performance targets over a three year period. There are two performance metrics: 1) total shareholder's return; and 2) return on average assets. In February 2023, the 2020 performance award vested and 11,187 incremental shares were awarded.
In March 2023, the Company awarded 2,540 shares of time vested restricted stock to two employees. The shares vest in three substantially equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
In May 2023, the Company awarded 984 shares of time vested restricted stock to two employees. The shares vest in three substantially equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
In June 2023, the Company awarded 1,024 shares of time vested restricted stock to two employees. The shares vest in three substantially equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
In July 2023, the Company awarded 462 shares of time vested restricted stock to an employee. The shares vest in three substantially equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
In September 2023, the Company awarded 13,818 shares of time vested restricted stock to an employee. The shares vest in three substantially equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
In October 2023, the Company awarded 2,434 shares of time vested restricted stock to an employee. The shares vest in three substantially equal installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.
The Company has unvested restricted stock awards and PRSU grants of 437,207 shares at December 31, 2023. Unrecognized stock based compensation expense related to restricted stock awards and PRSU grants totaled $10.1 million at December 31, 2023. At such date, the weighted-average period over which this unrecognized expense was expected to be recognized was 1.87 years.
The following table summarizes the unvested restricted stock awards for performance for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
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Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance Awards | Shares | Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value | Shares | Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value | Shares | Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unvested at beginning | 129,855 | $ | 45.15 | 118,568 | $ | 44.71 | 90,642 | $ | 49.11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issued | 71,003 | 40.50 | 37,775 | 53.97 | 51,564 | 42.97 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited | (44,084) | 40.29 | (1,966) | 55.76 | (580) | 60.45 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vested | (33,559) | 44.60 | (24,522) | 55.76 | (23,058) | 60.45 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unvested at end | 123,215 | $ | 44.74 | 129,855 | $ | 45.15 | 118,568 | $ | 44.71 |
The following table summarizes the unvested time vesting restricted stock awards for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Time Vested Awards | Shares | Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value | Shares | Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value | Shares | Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unvested at beginning | 302,148 | $ | 53.75 | 300,792 | $ | 46.24 | 218,031 | $ | 45.89 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issued | 190,256 | 44.16 | 166,471 | 59.72 | 179,624 | 47.63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited | (27,558) | 51.57 | (12,064) | 53.10 | (8,489) | 47.38 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Vested | (150,854) | 51.76 | (153,051) | 45.54 | (88,374) | 48.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Unvested at end | 313,992 | $ | 49.08 | 302,148 | $ | 53.75 | 300,792 | $ | 46.24 |
Below is a summary of stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. The information excludes restricted stock units and awards.
Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | Shares | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | Shares | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance | 2,500 | $ | 47.95 | 5,789 | $ | 36.96 | 5,789 | $ | 36.96 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issued | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercised | — | — | (3,289) | 28.60 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Forfeited | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ending balance | 2,500 | $ | 47.95 | 2,500 | $ | 47.95 | 5,789 | $ | 36.96 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercisable end of year | 2,500 | $ | 47.95 | 1,666 | $ | 47.95 | 4,122 | $ | 32.51 |
There were no grants of stock options during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Grants of stock options have expected lives based on the "simplified" method allowed by ASC 718 "Compensation," whereby the expected term is equal to the midpoint between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term of the award.
There was no intrinsic value of outstanding stock options for both December 31, 2023 and 2022. The total fair value of stock options vested was $18 thousand for all three years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. At December 31, 2023, there is no unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options.
Cash proceeds, tax benefits and intrinsic value related to total stock options exercised is as follows:
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Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from stock options exercised | $ | — | $ | 97 | $ | — | ||||||||||||||
Tax benefits realized from stock compensation | — | 3 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised | — | 98 | — |
Approved by shareholders in May 2021, the 2021 ESPP reserved 200,000 shares of common stock for issuance to employees. Whole shares are sold to participants in the plan at 85% of the lower of the stock price at the beginning or end of each quarterly offering period. The 2021 ESPP is available to all eligible employees who have completed at least one year of continuous employment, work at least 20 hours per week and at least five months a year. Participants may contribute a minimum of $10 per pay period to a maximum of $25,000 annually (not to exceed more than 10% of compensation per pay period). At December 31, 2023, the 2021 ESPP had 157,524 shares reserved for issuance.
Included in salaries and employee benefits in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income, the Company recognized $10.0 million, $6.0 million and $7.8 million in stock-based compensation expense for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards.
Note 17 – Employee Benefit Plans
The Company has a qualified 401(k) Plan which covers all employees who have reached the age of 18 years and have completed at least 1 month of service as defined by the Plan. The Company makes contributions to the Plan based on a matching formula, which is reviewed annually. For the years 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $1.7 million, $1.8 million and $1.8 million in expense associated with this benefit, respectively. These amounts are included in salaries and employee benefits in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.
Note 18 – Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
The Bank has entered into Supplemental Executive Retirement and Death Benefit Agreements (the “SERP Agreements”) with certain of the Bank’s executive officers, which upon the executive’s retirement, will provide for a stated monthly payment for such executive’s lifetime subject to certain death benefits described below. The retirement benefit is computed as a percentage of each executive’s projected average base salary over the five years preceding retirement, assuming retirement at age 67. The SERP Agreements provide that (a) the benefits vest ratably over six years of service to the Bank, with the executive receiving credit for years of service prior to entering into the SERP Agreement, (b) death, disability and change-in-control shall result in immediate vesting and (c) the monthly amount will be reduced if retirement occurs earlier than age 67 for any reason other than death, disability or change-in-control. The SERP Agreements further provide for a death benefit in the event the retired executive dies prior to receiving 180 monthly installments, paid either in a lump sum payment or continued monthly installment payments, such that the executive’s beneficiary has received payment(s) sufficient to equate to a cumulative 180 monthly installments.
The SERP Agreements are unfunded arrangements maintained primarily to provide supplemental retirement benefits and comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The Bank financed the retirement benefits by purchasing fixed annuity contracts with four insurance carriers in 2013 totaling $11.4 million and two insurance carriers in 2019 totaling $2.6 million. These annuity contracts have been designed to provide a future source of funds for the lifetime retirement benefits of the SERP Agreements. The primary impetus for utilizing fixed annuities is a substantial savings in compensation expenses for the Bank as opposed to a traditional SERP Agreement. The cash surrender value of the annuity contracts was $13.1 million and $13.9 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 the Company recorded benefit expense accruals of $584 thousand, $513 thousand and $338 thousand, respectively, for this post retirement benefit.
Upon death of a named executive, the annuity contract related to such executive terminates. The Bank has purchased additional bank owned life insurance contracts, which would effectively finance payments (up to a 15 year certain amount) to the executives’ named beneficiaries.
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Note 19 – Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
Various commitments to extend credit are made in the normal course of banking business. Letters of credit are also issued for the benefit of customers. These commitments are subject to loan underwriting standards and geographic boundaries consistent with the Company’s loans outstanding.
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.
Loan commitments outstanding and lines and letters of credit at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||
Unfunded loan commitments | $ | 1,981,334 | $ | 2,335,735 | ||||||||||
Unfunded lines of credit | 98,614 | 107,919 | ||||||||||||
Letters of credit | 87,146 | 100,196 | ||||||||||||
Interest rate lock commitments | — | 6,963 | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 2,167,094 | $ | 2,550,813 |
As of December 31, 2023, the total reserve for unfunded commitments was $5.6 million as compared to $5.9 million at December 31, 2022 and is accounted for as a liability on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. See Note 1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information on the accounting policy for the allowance for unfunded commitments.
The Bank maintains a reserve for the potential repurchase of residential mortgage loans, which was $0 at December 31, 2023 and $25 thousand at December 31, 2022. These amounts are included in other liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company commenced the cessation of first lien residential mortgage origination for secondary sale during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and subsequently, completed residual origination and sales activities as of June 30, 2023. Additions to the reserve are a component of other expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income. The reserve is available to absorb losses on the repurchase of loans sold related to document and other fraud, early payment default and early payoff. Through December 31, 2023, no reserve charges have occurred related to fraud.
Note 20 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
The Company has various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments that may require future cash payments. Except for its loan commitments, as shown in Note 20 "Financial Instruments With Off Balance Sheet Risk" the following table shows details on these fixed and determinable obligations as of December 31, 2023 in the time period indicated.
(dollars in thousands) | Within One Year | One to Three Years | Three to Five Years | Over Five Years | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deposits without a stated maturity (1) | $ | 6,590,572 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 6,590,572 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Time deposits (1) | 1,445,395 | 756,763 | 15,309 | — | 2,217,467 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowed funds (2) | 1,400,505 | — | — | — | 1,400,505 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations | 6,564 | 8,593 | 4,525 | 3,556 | 23,238 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Outside data processing (3) | 5,450 | 11,568 | 13,382 | — | 30,400 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
George Mason sponsorship (4) | 675 | 1,388 | 1,400 | 4,675 | 8,138 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LIHTC investments (5) | 16,292 | 6,340 | 518 | 735 | 23,885 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | 9,465,453 | $ | 784,652 | $ | 35,134 | $ | 8,966 | $ | 10,294,205 |
(1)Excludes accrued interest payable at December 31, 2023.
(2)Borrowed funds include customer repurchase agreements and other borrowings.
(3)The Bank has outstanding obligations under its current core data processing contract that expire in June 2029 and one other vendor arrangement that relates to network infrastructure and data center services that expires in December 2024.
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(4)The Bank has the option of terminating the George Mason University ("George Mason") agreement at the end of contract years 10 and 15 (that is, effective June 30, 2025 or June 30, 2030). Should the Bank elect to exercise its right to terminate the George Mason contract, contractual obligations would decrease $3.5 million and $3.6 million for the first option period (years 11-15) and the second option period (years 16-20), respectively.
(5)LIHTC expected payments for unfunded affordable housing commitments.
An accrual is recorded when it is both (a) probable that a loss has occurred and (b) the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We evaluate, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal proceedings with respect to accruals, as well as the estimated range of possible losses.
From time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various legal proceedings incidental to their business in the ordinary course, including matters in which damages in various amounts are claimed. Based on information currently available, the Company does not believe that the liabilities (if any) resulting from such legal proceedings will have a material effect on the financial position or liquidity of the Company. However, in light of the inherent uncertainties involved in such matters, ongoing legal expenses or an adverse outcome in one or more of these matters could materially and adversely affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows in any particular reporting period, as well as its reputation. Certain legal proceedings involving us are described below.
As previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, on February 10, 2022, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York (the "SDNY") approved the settlement agreement of a putative class action lawsuit filed against the Company, its current and former President and Chief Executive Officer and its current and former Chief Financial Officer. The settlement included a total payment covered by the Company's insurance carrier of $7.5 million in exchange for the release of all of the defendants from all alleged claims in the class action suit, without any admission or concession of wrongdoing by the Company or the other defendants.
On June 1, 2022, the Company reached an agreement in principle with the SEC staff to resolve the SEC's investigation with respect to the Company's identification, classification and disclosure of related party transactions; the retirement of certain former officers and directors; and the relationship of the Company and certain of its former officers and directors with a local public official, among other things. On August 16, 2022, the SEC approved the settlement, pursuant to which the Company consented, without admitting or denying the SEC's allegations, to the entry of an administrative cease-and-desist order for violations of Sections 17(a)(2) and (3) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Sections 13(a), 13(b)(2)(A), 13(b)(2)(B) and 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rules 13a-1, 14a-9 and 12b-20 thereunder; and therefore, recorded and paid a civil money penalty of $10.0 million and $2.6 million in disgorgement, plus prejudgment interest. On October 6, 2022, the SEC staff informed our Chief Financial Officer that it had concluded its related investigation as to him and does not intend to recommend an enforcement action against him. No additional liabilities were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023 in connection with the SEC's approval and public announcement of the settlement.
On August 2, 2022, the Bank reached an agreement in principle with the staff of the Federal Reserve to resolve the FRB's investigation with respect to the Bank. As previously disclosed, the investigation relates to the Company's identification, classification and disclosure of related party transactions; and the relationship of the Company and certain of its former officers and directors with a local public official, among other things. On August 16, 2022, the FRB approved the settlement, pursuant to which the Company consented, without admitting or denying the FRB's allegations, to the entry of a consent order for violations of Regulation O, 12 C.F.R. §§ 215 et seq. and unsafe and unsound banking practices, due to internal control deficiencies relating to loans involving its former Chief Executive Officer and an inadequate third-party risk management program, in each case from 2015 to 2018, and therefore, recorded and paid a civil money penalty of approximately $9.5 million. No additional liabilities were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023 in connection with the FRB's approval and public announcement of the settlement.
As previously disclosed, the Company maintains director and officer insurance policies ("D&O Insurance Policies") that provide coverage for certain legal defense costs. When claims are covered by D&O Insurance Policies, the Company records a corresponding receivable against the incurred legal defense cost expense when the claim is paid. When D&O Insurance Policies are exhausted, the Company is responsible for paying the defense cost associated with any investigations and litigations for itself and on behalf of any current and former Officers and Directors entitled to indemnification from the Company. The Company cannot predict with any certainty the amount of defense costs that the Company may incur in the future in connection with currently ongoing and any future investigations and legal proceedings, as they are dependent on various factors, many of which are outside of the Company's control.
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Note 21 – Regulatory Matters
The Company and Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the 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 Company and 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 weighting, and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Bank to maintain amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Total capital, Tier 1 capital and common equity tier one capital ("CET1") (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined), referred to as the Leverage Ratio. Management believes, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, that the Company and Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
The actual capital amounts and ratios for the Company and Bank as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are presented in the table below:
Company | Bank | Minimum Required For Capital Adequacy Purposes (1) | To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Regulations (2) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Actual Amount | Ratio | Actual Amount | Ratio | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CET1 capital (to risk weighted assets) | $ | 1,335,967 | 13.90 | % | $ | 1,330,001 | 13.92 | % | 7.00 | % | 6.50 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total capital (to risk weighted assets) | 1,421,347 | 14.79 | % | 1,415,381 | 14.81 | % | 10.50 | % | 10.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets) | 1,335,967 | 13.90 | % | 1,330,001 | 13.92 | % | 8.50 | % | 8.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tier 1 capital (to average assets) | 1,335,967 | 10.73 | % | 1,330,001 | 10.72 | % | 4.00 | % | 5.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
As of December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CET1 capital (to risk weighted assets) | $ | 1,329,971 | 14.03 | % | $ | 1,341,347 | 14.23 | % | 7.00 | % | 6.50 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total capital (to risk weighted assets) | 1,415,854 | 14.94 | % | 1,412,904 | 14.99 | % | 10.50 | % | 10.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tier 1 capital (to risk weighted assets) | 1,329,971 | 14.03 | % | 1,341,347 | 14.23 | % | 8.50 | % | 8.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Tier 1 capital (to average assets) | 1,329,971 | 11.63 | % | 1,341,347 | 11.78 | % | 4.00 | % | 5.00 | % |
(1)The risk-based ratios reflect the minimum requirement plus the capital conservation buffer of 2.500%.
(2)Applies to Bank only
Federal bank and holding company regulations, as well as Maryland law, impose certain restrictions on capital distributions, including dividend payments and share repurchases by the Bank, as well as restricting extensions of credit and transfers of assets between the Bank and the Company. At December 31, 2023, the Bank could pay dividends to the parent to the extent of its earnings so long as it maintained capital ratios above the required minimums and the capital conservation buffer. As a result the Company may be restricted in paying dividends.
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Note 22 – Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The following table presents the components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
(dollars in thousands) | Before Tax | Tax Effect | Net of Tax | |||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale | $ | 43,293 | $ | (10,774) | $ | 32,519 | ||||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustment for net loss included in net income | 11 | (3) | 8 | |||||||||||||||||
Total unrealized gain (loss) | 43,304 | (10,777) | 32,527 | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity | 7,412 | (2,607) | 4,805 | |||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized loss on derivatives | (182) | — | (182) | |||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 50,534 | $ | (13,384) | $ | 37,150 | ||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized (loss) gain on securities available-for-sale | $ | (186,439) | $ | 45,513 | $ | (140,926) | ||||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustment for net loss included in net income | 169 | (58) | 111 | |||||||||||||||||
Total unrealized (loss) gain | (186,270) | 45,455 | (140,815) | |||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized (loss) gain on securities transferred to held-to-maturity | (66,193) | 17,098 | (49,095) | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity | 7,093 | (2,732) | 4,361 | |||||||||||||||||
Total unrealized (loss) gain | (59,100) | 14,366 | (44,734) | |||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized gain on derivatives | 284 | — | 284 | |||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income | $ | (245,086) | $ | 59,821 | $ | (185,265) | ||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale | $ | (37,669) | $ | 9,746 | $ | (27,923) | ||||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustment for net (gain) loss included in net income | (2,964) | 761 | (2,203) | |||||||||||||||||
Total unrealized (loss) gain | (40,633) | 10,507 | (30,126) | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassification adjustment for loss on derivatives included in net income | 516 | (132) | 384 | |||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income | $ | (40,117) | $ | 10,375 | $ | (29,742) |
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The following table presents the changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
(dollars in thousands) | Securities Available For Sale | Held-to-Maturity Securities | Derivatives | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | (154,773) | $ | (44,734) | $ | — | $ | (199,507) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 32,519 | — | (182) | 32,337 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity | — | 4,805 | — | 4,805 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 8 | — | — | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during period | 32,527 | 4,805 | (182) | 37,150 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | $ | (122,246) | $ | (39,929) | $ | (182) | $ | (162,357) | ||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | (13,958) | $ | — | $ | (284) | $ | (14,242) | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications | (140,926) | — | 284 | (140,642) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Transfer of securities from AFS to HTM | — | (49,095) | — | (49,095) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of unrealized loss on securities transferred to held-to-maturity | — | 4,361 | — | 4,361 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss | 111 | — | — | 111 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during period | (140,815) | (44,734) | 284 | (185,265) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | $ | (154,773) | $ | (44,734) | $ | — | $ | (199,507) | ||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at beginning of year | $ | 16,168 | $ | — | $ | (668) | $ | 15,500 | ||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications | (27,923) | — | — | (27,923) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) | (2,203) | — | 384 | (1,819) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Net other comprehensive income (loss) during period | (30,126) | — | 384 | (29,742) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at end of year | $ | (13,958) | $ | — | $ | (284) | $ | (14,242) |
The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income is Presented | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Realized (loss) gain on sale of investment securities | $ | (11) | $ | (169) | $ | 2,964 | Net (loss) gain on sale of investment securities | |||||||||||||||||||
Loss on derivatives | — | — | (516) | Interest on deposits | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Income tax benefit (expense) | 3 | 58 | (629) | Income tax expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total | $ | (8) | $ | (111) | $ | 1,819 | Net Income |
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Note 23 – Fair Value Measurements
The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell that asset or paid to transfer that liability in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. In estimating fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that are consistent with the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach. Such valuation techniques are consistently applied. Inputs to valuation techniques include the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 Quoted prices in active exchange markets for identical assets or liabilities; also includes certain U.S. treasury and other U.S. Government and agency securities actively traded in over-the-counter markets.
Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in less active markets or other observable inputs that can be corroborated by observable market data; also includes derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with observable market inputs or inputs that can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes certain U.S. Government and agency securities, corporate debt securities, derivative instruments and residential mortgage loans held for sale.
Level 3 Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity for financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation; also includes observable inputs for single dealer nonbinding quotes not corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes certain private equity investments, retained interests from securitizations and certain collateralized debt obligations.
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Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The table below presents the recorded amount of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
(dollars in thousands) | Quoted Prices (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total (Fair Value) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury bonds | $ | — | $ | 47,901 | $ | — | $ | 47,901 | ||||||||||||||||||
U.S. agency securities | — | 671,397 | — | 671,397 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | 727,353 | — | 727,353 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate mortgage-backed securities | — | 49,564 | — | 49,564 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | — | 8,490 | — | 8,490 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | — | 1,683 | — | 1,683 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | — | 30,662 | — | 30,662 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit risk participation agreements | — | 3 | — | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 | $ | — | $ | 1,537,053 | $ | — | $ | 1,537,053 | ||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | $ | — | $ | 30,555 | $ | — | $ | 30,555 | ||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 | $ | — | $ | 30,555 | $ | — | $ | 30,555 | ||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
U.S. treasury bonds | $ | — | $ | 46,327 | $ | — | $ | 46,327 | ||||||||||||||||||
U.S. agency securities | — | 669,728 | — | 669,728 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential mortgage-backed securities | — | 820,503 | — | 820,503 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate mortgage-backed securities | — | 50,213 | — | 50,213 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Municipal bonds | — | 10,087 | — | 10,087 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate bonds | — | 1,808 | — | 1,808 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans held for sale | — | 6,734 | — | 6,734 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | — | 31,039 | — | 31,039 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage banking derivatives | — | — | 93 | 93 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022 | $ | — | $ | 1,636,439 | $ | 93 | $ | 1,636,532 | ||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit risk participation agreements | $ | — | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | — | 30,065 | — | 30,065 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2022 | $ | — | $ | 30,067 | $ | — | $ | 30,067 |
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Investment securities available-for-sale: Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair value is measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. Level 1 securities include certain U.S. treasury bonds, U.S. Government and agency securities that actively traded in over-the-counter markets. Level 2 securities includes certain U.S. treasury bonds, U.S. agency debt securities, MBS issued by Government Sponsored Entities and municipal bonds. Securities classified as Level 3 include securities in less liquid markets, for which the carrying amounts approximate the fair value.
Loans held for sale: The Company has elected to carry loans held for sale at fair value. This election reduces certain timing differences in the Consolidated Statement of Income and better aligns with the management of the portfolio from a business perspective. Gains and losses on sales of residential mortgage loans are recorded as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Gains and losses on sales of multifamily FHA securities are recorded as a component of noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Fair value is derived from secondary market quotations for similar instruments. As such, the Company classifies loans subjected to fair value adjustments as Level 2 valuation.
The following table summarizes the difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate unpaid principal balance for loans held for sale measured at fair value as of 2022.
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Fair Value | Aggregate Unpaid Principal Balance | Difference | |||||||||||||||||
Loans held for sale | $ | 6,734 | $ | 6,775 | $ | (41) |
There were no residential mortgage loans held for sale that were 90 or more days past due or on nonaccrual status as of December 31, 2022. While the Company had loans held for sale outstanding in 2023, the Company does not have any loans held for sale as of December 31, 2023.
Credit risk participation agreements: The Company enters into RPAs with institutional counterparties, under which the Company assumes its pro-rata share of the credit exposure associated with a borrower’s performance related to interest rate derivative contracts. The fair value of RPAs is calculated by determining the total expected asset or liability exposure of the derivatives to the borrowers and applying the borrowers’ credit spread to that exposure. Total expected exposure incorporates both the current and potential future exposure of the derivatives, derived from using observable inputs, such as yield curves and volatilities. Accordingly, RPAs fall within Level 2.
Interest rate derivatives: The Company entered into an interest rate derivative with an institutional counterparty, under which the Company will receive cash if and when market rates exceed the derivatives' strike rate. The fair value of the derivative is calculated by determining the total expected asset or liability exposure of the derivatives. Total expected exposure incorporates both the current and potential future exposure of the derivative, derived from using observable inputs, such as yield curves and volatilities. Accordingly, the derivative falls within Level 2.
The following is a reconciliation of activity for assets and liabilities measured at fair value based on Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3):
(dollars in thousands) | Investment Securities | Mortgage Banking Derivatives | Total | |||||||||||||||||
Assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||
Beginning balance at January 1, 2022 | $ | 10,000 | $ | 636 | $ | 10,636 | ||||||||||||||
Realized loss included in earnings | — | (543) | (543) | |||||||||||||||||
Reclassified to investment securities held-to-maturity | (10,000) | — | (10,000) | |||||||||||||||||
Principal redemption | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
Ending balance at December 31, 2022 | $ | — | $ | 93 | $ | 93 | ||||||||||||||
Mortgage banking derivatives for loans settled on a mandatory basis: The Company commenced the cessation of first lien residential mortgage origination for secondary sale in the first quarter of 2023. The Company completed origination and
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sales activities as of the end of the second quarter of 2023. While the Company had mortgage banking derivatives in 2023, the Company does not have any of these derivatives as of December 31, 2023.
Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
The Company measures certain assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and the following is a general description of the methods used to value such assets.
Loans: The fair value of individually assessed loans is estimated using one of several methods, including the collateral value, market value of similar debt, enterprise value, liquidation value and discounted cash flows. Those individually assessed loans not requiring a specific allowance represent loans for which the fair value of expected repayments or collateral exceed the recorded investment in such loans. At December 31, 2023, substantially all of the Company’s individually assessed loans were evaluated based upon the fair value of the collateral. In accordance with ASC Topic 820, individually evaluated loans where an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral, i.e. those that are collateral dependent, require classification in the fair value hierarchy. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, the Company records the loan as nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price, the Company records the loan as nonrecurring Level 3.
Other real estate owned ("OREO"): OREO is initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs. Fair value is based upon independent market prices, appraised values of the collateral or management’s estimation of the value of the collateral, which the Company classifies as a Level 3 valuation.
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis are included in the table below: There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and 2022.
(dollars in thousands) | Quoted Prices (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total (Fair Value) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Individually assessed loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2,475 | $ | 2,475 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | — | — | 41,038 | 41,038 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | — | — | 19,880 | 19,880 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential | — | — | 1,638 | 1,638 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Construction - commercial and residential | — | — | 396 | 396 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Home equity | — | — | 242 | 242 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other real estate owned | — | — | 1,108 | 1,108 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2023 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 66,777 | $ | 66,777 |
138
(dollars in thousands) | Quoted Prices (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | Total (Fair Value) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Individually assessed loans: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Commercial | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,790 | $ | 1,790 | ||||||||||||||||||
Income producing - commercial real estate | — | — | 3,131 | 3,131 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Owner occupied - commercial real estate | — | — | 19,187 | 19,187 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Real estate mortgage - residential | — | — | 1,404 | 1,404 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other consumer | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other real estate owned | — | — | 1,962 | 1,962 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2022 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 27,477 | $ | 27,477 |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The Company discloses fair value information about financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate the value, whether or not such financial instruments are recognized on the balance sheet. Fair value is the amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced sale or liquidation, and is best evidenced by quoted market price, if one exists.
Quoted market prices, if available, are shown as estimates of fair value. Because no quoted market prices exist for a portion of the Company’s financial instruments, the fair value of such instruments has been derived based on management’s assumptions with respect to future economic conditions, the amount and timing of future cash flows and estimated discount rates. Different assumptions could significantly affect these estimates. Accordingly, the net realizable value could be materially different from the estimates presented below. In addition, the estimates are only indicative of individual financial instrument values, including in certain cases, the Company's estimation of exit pricing, and should not be considered an indication of the fair value of the Company taken as a whole.
139
Estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:
Fair Value Measurements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Carrying Value | Fair Value | Quoted Prices (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and due from banks | $ | 9,047 | $ | 9,047 | $ | 9,047 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Federal funds sold | 3,740 | 3,740 | — | 3,740 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest bearing deposits with other banks | 709,897 | 709,897 | — | 709,897 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale | 1,506,388 | 1,506,388 | — | 1,506,388 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity | 1,015,737 | 901,582 | — | 901,582 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock | 25,748 | N/A | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans | 7,968,695 | 7,720,241 | — | — | 7,720,241 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bank owned life insurance | 112,921 | 112,921 | — | 112,921 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annuity investment | 13,112 | 13,112 | — | 13,112 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit risk participation agreements | 3 | 3 | — | 3 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | 30,662 | 30,662 | — | 30,662 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued interest receivable | 53,337 | 53,337 | 53,337 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest bearing deposits | 2,279,081 | 2,279,081 | — | 2,279,081 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest bearing deposits | 4,311,491 | 4,311,491 | — | 4,311,491 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Time deposits | 2,217,467 | 2,217,795 | — | 2,217,795 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements | 30,587 | 30,587 | — | 30,587 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings | 1,369,918 | 1,368,621 | — | 1,368,621 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | 30,555 | 30,555 | — | 30,555 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued interest payable | 57,395 | 57,395 | 57,395 | — | — |
140
Fair Value Measurements | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | Carrying Value | Fair Value | Quoted Prices (Level 1) | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Significant Other Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and due from banks | $ | 12,655 | $ | 12,655 | $ | 12,655 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Federal funds sold | 33,927 | 33,927 | — | 33,927 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest bearing deposits with other banks | 265,272 | 265,272 | — | 265,272 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities available-for-sale | 1,598,666 | 1,598,666 | — | 1,598,666 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity | 1,093,374 | 968,707 | — | 968,707 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock | 65,067 | N/A | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans held for sale | 6,734 | 6,734 | — | 6,734 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans | 7,635,632 | 7,501,484 | — | 7,501,484 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bank owned life insurance | 110,998 | 110,998 | — | 110,998 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annuity investment | 13,869 | 13,869 | — | 13,869 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mortgage banking derivatives | 93 | 93 | — | 93 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | 31,039 | 31,039 | — | 31,039 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued interest receivable | 51,390 | 51,390 | 51,390 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noninterest bearing deposits | 3,150,751 | 3,150,751 | — | 3,150,751 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest bearing deposits | 4,778,932 | 4,778,932 | — | 4,778,932 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Time deposits | 783,499 | 790,418 | — | 790,418 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Customer repurchase agreements | 35,100 | 35,100 | — | 35,100 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Borrowings | 1,044,795 | 1,049,459 | — | 1,049,459 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Credit risk participation agreements, | 2 | 2 | — | 2 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest rate product | 30,065 | 30,065 | — | 30,065 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued interest payable | 4,881 | 4,881 | 4,881 | — | — |
141
Note 24 – Parent Company Financial Information
Condensed financial information for Eagle Bancorp, Inc. (the "Parent Company") is as follows:
Parent Company Condensed Balance Sheets as of | ||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Assets | ||||||||||||||
Cash and due from banks | $ | 38,396 | $ | 21,540 | ||||||||||
Investment securities held-to-maturity, net allowance for credit losses of $1,449 and $326 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively | 43,633 | 44,673 | ||||||||||||
Investment in subsidiary | 1,269,022 | 1,240,473 | ||||||||||||
Other assets | 10,366 | 9,065 | ||||||||||||
Total Assets | $ | 1,361,417 | $ | 1,315,751 | ||||||||||
Liabilities | ||||||||||||||
Other liabilities | $ | 17,216 | $ | 17,636 | ||||||||||
Borrowings | 69,918 | 69,794 | ||||||||||||
Total liabilities | 87,134 | 87,430 | ||||||||||||
Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||||||||||
Common stock | 296 | 310 | ||||||||||||
Additional paid in capital | 374,888 | 412,303 | ||||||||||||
Retained earnings | 1,061,456 | 1,015,215 | ||||||||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (162,357) | (199,507) | ||||||||||||
Total Shareholders’ Equity | 1,274,283 | 1,228,321 | ||||||||||||
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | $ | 1,361,417 | $ | 1,315,751 |
142
Parent Company Condensed Statements of Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Income | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other interest and dividends | $ | 126,264 | $ | 87,781 | $ | 170,741 | ||||||||||||||
Gain on sale of investment securities | — | — | 93 | |||||||||||||||||
Other income (loss) | 43 | (24) | (46) | |||||||||||||||||
Total Income | 126,307 | 87,757 | 170,788 | |||||||||||||||||
Expenses | ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense | 4,149 | 4,149 | 9,993 | |||||||||||||||||
Legal and professional | 1,695 | 894 | 2,617 | |||||||||||||||||
Directors compensation | 597 | 643 | 589 | |||||||||||||||||
Provision for credit losses | 1,124 | 326 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Other | 879 | 14,746 | 1,250 | |||||||||||||||||
Total Expenses | 8,444 | 20,758 | 14,449 | |||||||||||||||||
Income Before Income Tax Benefit and Equity in Undistributed Income of Subsidiaries | 117,863 | 66,999 | 156,339 | |||||||||||||||||
Income Tax Benefit | (1,220) | (1,183) | (2,903) | |||||||||||||||||
Income Before Equity in Undistributed Income of Subsidiaries | 119,083 | 68,182 | 159,242 | |||||||||||||||||
Equity in Undistributed Income of Subsidiaries | (18,549) | 72,748 | 17,449 | |||||||||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 100,534 | $ | 140,930 | $ | 176,691 |
143
Parent Company Condensed Statements of Cash Flows | ||||||||||||||||||||
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
(dollars in thousands) | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income | $ | 100,534 | $ | 140,930 | $ | 176,691 | ||||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: Equity in undistributed income of subsidiary | 18,549 | (72,748) | (17,449) | |||||||||||||||||
Net tax benefits from stock based compensation expense | 10,018 | 9,899 | 7,811 | |||||||||||||||||
Securities premium amortization, net | 6 | (54) | 5 | |||||||||||||||||
Provision for credit losses for investment securities held-to-maturity | 1,124 | 326 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 124 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||
(Increase) decrease in other assets | (10,397) | (12,909) | 66,598 | |||||||||||||||||
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities | (1,064) | 4,593 | (681) | |||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | 118,894 | 70,037 | 232,975 | |||||||||||||||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Purchases of available-for-sale investment securities | — | — | (40,000) | |||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from maturities of available-for-sale securities | — | — | 13,031 | |||||||||||||||||
Purchases of held-to-maturities investment securities | — | (3,976) | — | |||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from maturities of held-to-maturities securities | — | 1,500 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in by investing activities | — | (2,476) | (26,969) | |||||||||||||||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Repayment of long term debt | — | — | (148,407) | |||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | — | 97 | — | |||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan | 586 | 748 | 496 | |||||||||||||||||
Common stock repurchased | (47,631) | (33,087) | (682) | |||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends paid | (54,993) | (55,776) | (44,691) | |||||||||||||||||
Net cash used in financing activities | (102,038) | (88,018) | (193,284) | |||||||||||||||||
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash | 16,856 | (20,457) | 12,722 | |||||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year | 21,540 | 41,997 | 29,275 | |||||||||||||||||
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year | $ | 38,396 | $ | 21,540 | $ | 41,997 | ||||||||||||||
Non-Cash Investing Activities | ||||||||||||||||||||
Transfers of investment securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity | $ | — | $ | 42,467 | $ | — |
144
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated, as of the last day of the period covered by this report, the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2023 were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported as and when required and that it is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Chief Executive Officer, Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The Company’s management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair presentation of the financial statements included in this Annual Report. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reflect management’s judgments and estimates concerning the effects of events and transactions that are accounted for or disclosed.
Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act). The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to the Company’s ability to record, process, summarize and report reliable financial data. The internal control system contains monitoring mechanisms and appropriate actions taken to correct identified deficiencies. Management believes that internal control over financial reporting, which is subject to scrutiny by management and the Company’s internal auditors, supports the integrity and reliability of the financial statements. Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control system, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of internal controls. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. In addition, because of changes in conditions and circumstances, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time. The Audit Committee is comprised entirely of outside directors who are independent pursuant to stock exchange and SEC rules. The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment and compensation of the independent auditors and makes decisions regarding the appointment or removal of members of the internal audit function. The Audit Committee meets periodically with management, the independent auditors, and the internal auditors to ensure that they are carrying out their responsibilities. The Audit Committee is also responsible for performing an oversight role by reviewing and monitoring the financial, accounting and auditing procedures of the Company in addition to reviewing the Company’s financial reports. The independent auditors and the internal auditors have full and unlimited access to the Audit Committee, with or without the presence of management, to discuss the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting and any other matters which they believe should be brought to the attention of the Audit Committee.
The 2023 financial statements have been audited by the independent registered public accounting firm of Crowe LLP (“Crowe”). Crowe has also issued a report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. That report has also been made a part of this Annual Report.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management has conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, utilizing framework established in “Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)” issued by COSO. Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 is effective. Additionally, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) during the quarter ended December 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
145
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
Agreements with the Paul Saltzman, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer
On February 21, 2024, the Bank and Paul Saltzman, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of the Bank and the Company, entered into an amended and restated employment agreement (the “Amended Employment Agreement”) and an amended and restated non-compete agreement (the “Amended Non-Compete”), each of which superseded and replaced his prior agreements.
Under the Amended Employment Agreement, Mr. Saltzman is entitled to an annual base salary of $419,247, which can be increased but not decreased without the consent of Mr. Saltzman other than as part of a salary reduction applicable to all senior executives of the Bank. In addition, Mr. Saltzman is eligible to participate in benefit plans generally available to similarly situated officers and employees of the Bank. The Amended Employment Agreement also includes an annual car allowance of $9,000 payable in equal installments in accordance with the Bank’s regular payroll practices and a housing allowance of up to $2,246.83 per month for a maximum of 24 months from the effective date of the Amended Employment Agreement. In addition, if Mr. Saltzman obtains a life insurance policy with a benefit of up to $750,000, then during the term of the Amended Employment Agreement, the Bank will reimburse Mr. Saltzman the cost of the premiums on the life insurance policy.
If Mr. Saltzman’s employment is terminated by the Bank without cause (as defined in the agreement), he is entitled to a lump sum cash payment equal to 12 times his total monthly premium (i.e., his portion and the Bank’s portion) of his health, dental and vision insurance premiums, payable within 60 days following his date of termination, provided that he timely executes, and does not revoke, a general release of claims.
In the event that Mr. Saltzman’s employment is terminated by the Bank without cause within 120 days immediately prior to and in conjunction with a change in control (as defined in the Amended Employment Agreement) or within 12 months following the consummation of a change in control, or if, within 12 months following the consummation of a change in control, Mr. Saltzman terminates his employment following (i) a material reduction in his title, duties, and/or position, (ii) a material reduction in in his compensation, benefits, contractual terms, or responsibilities, or (iii) a relocation of his primary worksite or more than 25 miles (items (i) through (iii) are referred to as a “good reason”), the Amended Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Saltzman would be entitled to a lump sum cash payment equal to (i) 0.99 times the sum of (a) his annual salary at the highest rate in effect during the 12-month period immediately preceding his termination date, plus (b) his annual incentive cash bonuses paid in the most recent 12-month period, and (ii) 36 times the total monthly premium (i.e., his portion and the Bank’s portion) of his health, dental and vision insurance premiums. The lump sum cash payment will be payable within 60 days following the later of Mr. Saltzman’s date of termination of employment or the effective date of the change in control, subject to Mr. Saltzman executing, and not revoking, a general release of claims. The payment will be reduced by an amount necessary to avoid any excise tax or penalties under Sections 280G and 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), only if such reduction results in a greater after-tax benefit to Mr. Saltzman.
The Amended Employment Agreement contains non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions that apply during the term and for one year following Mr. Saltzman’s termination of employment. The Amended Employment Agreement also contains confidentiality, cooperation, and non-disparagement provisions.
The Amended Non-Compete provides that if the Bank terminates Mr. Saltzman’s employment without cause (as defined in the Amended Employment Agreement), or within 12 months following the consummation of a change in control, Mr. Saltzman terminates his employment for good reason (as set forth above), the Bank will continue to pay Mr. Saltzman the sum of (i) one-twelfth of his annual salary at the highest rate in effect during the 12-month period immediately preceding his termination date, plus (ii) one-twelfth his annual incentive cash bonuses paid in the most recent 12-month period, payable in equal monthly installments for one year contingent on and following the date on which the general release of claims is executed and delivered to the Bank. The payments are also contingent on Mr. Saltzman’s compliance with the conditions and requirements set forth in the Amended Non-Compete. The Amended Non-Compete requires that for a period of one year after termination of employment, Mr. Saltzman will not, directly or indirectly, in any capacity (whether as a proprietor, owner, agent, officer, director, shareholder, organizer, partner, principal, manager, member, employee, contractor, consultant or otherwise) engage in employment or provide services to any financial services enterprise (including but not limited to a savings and loan association, bank, credit union or insurance company) engaged in the business of offering retail customer and commercial deposit accounts and/or loan products.
Retirement Announcement of Lindsey Rheaume, Executive Vice President & Chief Lending Officer – Commercial and Industrial
146
On February 23, 2024, Lindsey Rheaume, currently Executive Vice President & Chief Lending Officer – Commercial and Industrial, announced his retirement from the Company and the Bank effective July 15, 2024, and entered into a Transition Agreement with General Release of Claims (the “Transition Agreement”) with the Company and the Bank as of the same date. The Transition Agreement , which memorializes a negotiated severance arrangement, provides for Mr. Rheaume’s continued employment with the Company in his current capacity until July 15, 2024 (the “Termination Date”). In exchange for Mr. Rheaume’s continued services through the Termination Date, the Company will treat Mr. Rheaume as eligible for Normal Retirement Benefits for purposes of his Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and reimburse Mr. Rheaume for his COBRA payments for 12 months following the Termination Date. In addition, the Transition Agreement provides that, in connection with his retirement, Mr. Rheaume will forfeit his outstanding performance-based restricted stock awards and continue to vest in his time-based retirement stock awards. The Transition Agreement supersedes Mr. Rheaume’s existing Employment Agreement and Non-Compete Agreement except with respect for certain surviving non-financial provisions, including restrictive covenant obligations.
The foregoing summary of Mr. Rheaume’s Transition Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Transition Agreement, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 10.32 and incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Resignation Announcement of Jay Namputhiripad, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of EagleBank
On February 27, 2024, Jay Namputhiripad, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of EagleBank resigned effective immediately. Jay Namputhiripad was not an executive officer of the Company. Chief Risk Officer responsibilities will be temporarily assumed by Eric Newell, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company until a replacement Chief Risk Officer is appointed. The Bank is actively recruiting for a new Chief Risk Officer.
Replacement of Clawback Policy
In October 2023, the Board of Directors adopted the Eagle Bancorp, Inc. Clawback Policy, replacing our former Clawback Policy.
The Clawback Policy is consistent with the SEC's adoption of new rules to implement Section 954 of the Dodd-Frank Act and corresponding Nasdaq listing standards and generally provides for the recoupment of erroneously awarded incentive-based compensation received by current and former executive officers (as defined in Rule 10D-1 of the Exchange Act), including our NEOs, during the three completed fiscal years immediately preceding the date that the Company is required to prepare an accounting restatement.
(b) Director and Officer Trading Arrangements:
During the three months ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) under the Exchange Act) of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the material appearing under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors,” “Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports” and “2023 Meetings, Committees and Procedures of the Board of Directors” in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 16, 2024 (the “Proxy Statement”). The Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer which is available on our website at https://ir.eaglebankcorp.com/. This reference to our website is an inactive textual reference only and is not a hyperlink. The information on our website is not incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, and you should not consider it a part of this Form 10-K. A copy of the code of ethics will also be provided to any person, without charge, upon written request directed to Jane Cornett, Corporate Secretary, Eagle Bancorp, Inc., 7830 Old Georgetown Road, Third Floor, Bethesda, Maryland 20814. There have been no material changes in the procedures previously disclosed by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
147
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the material appearing under the captions “Election of Directors – Director Compensation,” “2023 Meetings, Committees and Procedures of the Board of Directors,” “Compensation Committee Report” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” in the Proxy Statement, except as to information required pursuant to Item 402(v) of SEC Regulation S-K relating to pay versus performance.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the material appearing under the caption “Voting Securities and Principal Shareholders” in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the material appearing under the captions “Election of Directors,” "Corporate Governance" and “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” in the Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to the material appearing under the caption “Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Fees Paid to Independent Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement.
The Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for the financial statements as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, and for the three years then ended was Crowe LLP (PCAOB Firm ID No. 173) located in Chicago, Illinois.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following financial statements are included in this report
Reports of Crowe LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
All financial statement schedules have been omitted as the required information is either inapplicable or included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or related notes.
Exhibit No. | Description of Exhibit | |||||||||||||
3.1 | ||||||||||||||
3.2 | ||||||||||||||
4.1 | ||||||||||||||
4.2 | ||||||||||||||
4.3 | ||||||||||||||
4.4 |
148
4.5 | ||||||||||||||
4.6 | ||||||||||||||
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10.24 + | ||||||||||||||
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10.26 | ||||||||||||||
10.27 + | ||||||||||||||
10.28 + | ||||||||||||||
10.29 + | ||||||||||||||
10.30 + | ||||||||||||||
10.31 + | ||||||||||||||
10.32 + | ||||||||||||||
21 |
149
23.1 | ||||||||||||||
31.1 | ||||||||||||||
31.2 | ||||||||||||||
31.3 | ||||||||||||||
32.1 | ||||||||||||||
32.2 | ||||||||||||||
32.3 | ||||||||||||||
97.1 | ||||||||||||||
101 | Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: | |||||||||||||
(i) | Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022 | |||||||||||||
(ii) | Consolidated Statement of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | |||||||||||||
(iii) | Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | |||||||||||||
(iv) | Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | |||||||||||||
(v) | Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 | |||||||||||||
(vi) | Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements | |||||||||||||
104 | The cover page of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, formatted in Inline XBRL |
(+) | Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement | ||||
(1) | Incorporated by reference to the Exhibit of the same number to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 17, 2016. | ||||
(2) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2017. | ||||
(3) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2014. | ||||
(4) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2014. | ||||
(5) | Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 22, 2016 | ||||
(6) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-187713) | ||||
(7) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-211857) | ||||
(8) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2020. | ||||
(9) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2020. | ||||
(10) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 14, 2020. | ||||
(11) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2020. | ||||
(12) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2020. | ||||
(13) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2020. | ||||
(14) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2020. |
150
(15) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 14, 2020. | ||||
(16) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2020. | ||||
(17) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2020. | ||||
(18) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Year ended December 31, 2013. | ||||
(19) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2019. | ||||
(20) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-199875) | ||||
(21) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-199875) | ||||
(22) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2020. | ||||
(23) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 26, 2019. | ||||
(24) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2020. | ||||
(25) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2020. | ||||
(26) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2020. | ||||
(27) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2020. | ||||
(28) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 2020. | ||||
(29) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 7, 2020. | ||||
(30) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2023. | ||||
(31) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2023. | ||||
(32) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2023. | ||||
(33) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2023. | ||||
(34) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2023. | ||||
(35) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2023. | ||||
(36) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2023. | ||||
(37) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2023. | ||||
(38) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 21, 2023. | ||||
(39) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 26, 2021. | ||||
(40) | Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 26, 2021. |
151
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
EAGLE BANCORP, INC. | |||||||||||
February 29, 2024 | by: | /s/ Susan G. Riel | |||||||||
Susan G. Riel, President and CEO |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Name | Position | Date | ||||||||||||
/s/ Matthew D. Brockwell | Director | February 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Matthew D. Brockwell | ||||||||||||||
/s/ Steven Freidkin | Director | February 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Steven Freidkin | ||||||||||||||
/s/ Theresa G. LaPlaca | Director | February 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Theresa G. LaPlaca | ||||||||||||||
/s/ Leslie Ludwig | Director | February 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Leslie Ludwig | ||||||||||||||
/s/ Eric R. Newell | Executive Vice President | February 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Eric R. Newell | and Chief Financial Officer of the Company (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | |||||||||||||
/s/ Norman R. Pozez | Executive Chairman of the Company | February 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Norman R. Pozez | ||||||||||||||
/s/ Kathy A. Raffa | Director | February 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Kathy A. Raffa | ||||||||||||||
/s/ Susan G. Riel | President and Chief | February 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Susan G. Riel | Executive Officer of the Company (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||||||||
/s/ James A. Soltesz, P.E. | Director | February 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||
James A. Soltesz | ||||||||||||||
/s/ Benjamin M. Soto, Esquire | Director | February 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||
Benjamin M. Soto | ||||||||||||||
152