outstanding ratio is also considered a key measure for our banking segment as it indicates the performance of our loan portfolio.
In addition, we consider regulatory capital ratios to be key measures that are used by us, as well as banking regulators, investors and analysts, to assess our regulatory capital position and to compare our regulatory capital to that of other financial services companies. We monitor our capital strength in terms of both leverage ratio and risk-based capital ratios based on capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. The risk-based capital ratios are minimum supervisory ratios generally applicable to banking organizations, but banking organizations are widely expected to operate with capital positions well above the minimum ratios. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
How We Generate Revenue
We generate revenue from net interest income and from noninterest income. Net interest income represents the difference between the income earned on our assets, including our loans and investment securities, and our cost of funds, including the interest paid on the deposits and borrowings that are used to support our assets. Net interest income is a significant contributor to our operating results and is primarily earned by our banking segment. Fluctuations in interest rates, as well as the amounts and types of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities we hold, affect net interest income. Net interest income from continuing operations decreased slightly during the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared with the six months ended June 30, 2019, primarily due to decreases within our broker-dealer segment and corporate, partially offset by an increase within our banking segment.
The other component of our revenue is noninterest income, which is primarily comprised of the following:
(i)Income from broker-dealer operations. Through Securities Holdings, we provide investment banking and other related financial services. We generated $126.6 million and $113.1 million in securities commissions and fees and investment and securities advisory fees and commissions, and $74.6 million and $77.1 million in gains from derivative and trading portfolio activities (included within other noninterest income), during the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
(ii)Income from mortgage operations. Through PrimeLending, we generate noninterest income by originating and selling mortgage loans. During the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, we generated $519.7 million and $282.6 million, respectively, in net gains from sale of loans, other mortgage production income (including income associated with retained mortgage servicing rights), and mortgage loan origination fees.
The increase in noninterest income from continuing operations noted in the segment results table previously presented was primarily due to an increase of $237.1 million in net gains from sale of loans, other mortgage production income and mortgage loan origination fees within our mortgage origination segment.
We also incur noninterest expenses in the operation of our businesses. Our businesses engage in labor intensive activities and, consequently, employees’ compensation and benefits represent the majority of our noninterest expenses.
Consolidated Operating Results
Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders during the three months ended June 30, 2020 was $97.7 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, compared with $60.1 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, during the three months ended June 30, 2019. Income from continuing operations applicable to common stockholders during the six months ended June 30, 2020 was $144.2 million, or $1.60 per diluted share, compared with $93.5 million, or $1.00 per diluted share, during the six months ended June 30, 2019.
Including income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, income applicable to common stockholders was $128.5 million, or $1.42 per diluted share, during the three months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $57.8 million, or $0.62 per diluted share, during the three months ended June 30, 2019. Including income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, income applicable to common stockholders was $178.1 million, or $1.97 per diluted share, during the six months ended June 30, 2020, compared to $96.6 million, or $1.03 per diluted share, during the six months ended June 30, 2019. Hilltop’s financial results from continuing operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 reflect both a significant increase in mortgage origination segment net gains from sales of loans and other mortgage production income and a significant build in the allowance for credit losses associated with the deterioration of the