Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses | Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses The Company’s loan portfolio is its largest class of earning assets and typically provides higher yields than other types of earning assets. Associated with the higher yields is an inherent amount of credit risk which the Company attempts to mitigate through strong underwriting practices. Table 4.1 presents the balance of each major product type within the Company’s portfolio as of the dates indicated. Table 4.1: Loans Outstanding (in thousands) September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Real estate: Commercial $ 2,812,600 $ 2,685,419 Commercial land and development 4,709 15,551 Commercial construction 92,841 62,863 Residential construction 3,452 15,456 Residential 33,415 25,893 Farmland 47,907 51,669 Commercial: Secured 171,855 165,109 Unsecured 25,011 23,850 Consumer and other 270,760 38,166 Subtotal 3,462,550 3,083,976 Net deferred loan fees (1,985) (2,257) Loans held for investment 3,460,565 3,081,719 Allowance for credit losses (37,583) (34,431) Loans held for investment, net of allowance for credit losses $ 3,422,982 $ 3,047,288 Underwriting Commercial loans : Commercial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and prudently expand its business. Underwriting standards are designed to promote relationship banking rather than transactional banking. Once it is determined that the borrower’s management possesses sound ethics and solid business acumen, the Company’s management examines current and projected cash flows to determine the ability of the borrower to repay its obligations as agreed. Commercial loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers. Real estate loans : Real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to those for commercial loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts, and the repayment of these loans is generally largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected than other loans by conditions in the real estate market or in the general economy. The properties securing the Company’s commercial real estate portfolio are diverse in terms of type. This diversity helps reduce the Company’s exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single market or industry. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral, geography, and risk grade criteria. Construction loans : With respect to construction loans that the Company may originate from time to time, the Company generally requires the borrower to have had an existing relationship with the Company and have a proven record of success. Construction loans may be underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis of absorption and lease rates, and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the completed project. These estimates may be inaccurate. Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the ultimate success of the project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans from approved long-term lenders, sales of developed property, or an interim loan commitment from the Company until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored using on-site inspections and are generally considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions, and the availability of long-term financing. Residential real estate loans : Residential real estate loans are underwritten based upon the borrower’s income, credit history, and collateral. To monitor and manage residential loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed. This activity, coupled with relatively small loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. Underwriting standards for home loans are heavily influenced by statutory requirements, which include, but are not limited to, a maximum loan-to-value percentage, collection remedies, the number of such loans a borrower can have at one time, and documentation requirements. Farmland loans : Farmland loans are generally made to producers and processors of crops and livestock. Repayment is primarily from the sale of an agricultural product or service. Farmland loans are secured by real property and are susceptible to changes in market demand for specific commodities. This may be exacerbated by, among other things, industry changes, changes in the individual financial capacity of the business owner, general economic conditions, and changes in business cycles, as well as adverse weather conditions. Consumer loans : The Company purchased consumer loans underwritten utilizing credit scoring analysis to supplement the underwriting process. To monitor and manage consumer loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed. This activity, coupled with relatively small loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. Underwriting standards for home equity loans are heavily influenced by statutory requirements, which include, but are not limited to, a maximum loan-to-value percentage, collection remedies, the number of such loans a borrower can have at one time, and documentation requirements. Credit Quality Indicators The Company has established a loan risk rating system to measure and monitor the quality of the loan portfolio. All loans are assigned a risk rating from the inception of the loan until the loan is paid off. The primary loan grades are as follows: Loans rated pass : These are loans to borrowers with satisfactory financial support, repayment capacity, and credit strength. Borrowers in this category demonstrate fundamentally sound financial positions, repayment capacity, credit history, and management expertise. Loans in this category must have an identifiable and stable source of repayment and meet the Company’s policy regarding debt service coverage ratios. These borrowers are capable of sustaining normal economic, market, or operational setbacks without significant financial impacts and their financial ratios and trends are acceptable. Negative external industry factors are generally not present. The loan may be secured, unsecured, or supported by non-real estate collateral for which the value is more difficult to determine and/or marketability is more uncertain. Loans rated watch : These are loans which have deficient loan quality and potentially significant issues, but losses do not appear to be imminent, and the issues may be temporary in nature. The significant issues are typically: (i) a history of losses or events that threaten the borrower’s viability; (ii) a property with significant depreciation and/or marketability concerns; or (iii) poor or deteriorating credit, occasional late payments, and/or limited reserves but the loan is generally kept current. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Company’s credit position at some future date. Loans rated substandard : These are loans which are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged (if any). Loans so classified exhibit a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company may sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans rated doubtful : These are loans for which the collection or liquidation of the entire debt is highly questionable or improbable. Typically, the possibility of loss is extremely high. The losses on these loans are deferred until all pending factors have been addressed. Table 4.2 presents the amortized cost basis of the Company’s loans by origination year, where origination is defined as the later of origination or renewal date, and credit quality indicator as of the periods indicated. Table 4.2: Loans by Risk Category and Vintage Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year as of September 30, 2024 (in thousands) 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 Prior Revolving Loans Revolving Converted to Term Total Real estate: Commercial Pass $ 323,066 $ 322,516 $ 909,581 $ 638,479 $ 212,289 $ 323,331 $ 3,141 $ — $ 2,732,403 Watch 643 — 36,825 25,597 10,967 338 1,392 — 75,762 Substandard — — — — — 1,786 — — 1,786 Total 323,709 322,516 946,406 664,076 223,256 325,455 4,533 — 2,809,951 Commercial land and development Pass 1,610 1,000 1,247 — 181 676 — — 4,714 Total 1,610 1,000 1,247 — 181 676 — — 4,714 Commercial construction Pass 4,723 55,650 15,068 — 11,231 5,898 — — 92,570 Total 4,723 55,650 15,068 — 11,231 5,898 — — 92,570 Residential construction Pass 3,452 — — — — — — — 3,452 Total 3,452 — — — — — — — 3,452 Residential Pass 5,677 4,800 2,890 9,532 2,221 6,481 1,832 — 33,433 Total 5,677 4,800 2,890 9,532 2,221 6,481 1,832 — 33,433 Farmland Pass 1,111 2,067 7,045 11,572 7,105 17,693 — — 46,593 Watch 502 — 795 — — — — — 1,297 Total 1,613 2,067 7,840 11,572 7,105 17,693 — — 47,890 Commercial: Secured Pass 21,022 22,762 23,239 10,563 9,838 15,982 55,384 — 158,790 Watch — 252 9,546 2,549 97 1,263 — — 13,707 Substandard — — — — — 54 — — 54 Total 21,022 23,014 32,785 13,112 9,935 17,299 55,384 — 172,551 Unsecured Pass 3,226 4,740 2,826 3,761 5,441 1,787 3,246 — 25,027 Total 3,226 4,740 2,826 3,761 5,441 1,787 3,246 — 25,027 Consumer and other Pass 219,870 35,931 8,550 6,379 5 232 — — 270,967 Substandard — — 10 — — — — — 10 Total 219,870 35,931 8,560 6,379 5 232 — — 270,977 Total Pass 583,757 449,466 970,446 680,286 248,311 372,080 63,603 — 3,367,949 Watch 1,145 252 47,166 28,146 11,064 1,601 1,392 — 90,766 Substandard — — 10 — — 1,840 — — 1,850 Total $ 584,902 $ 449,718 $ 1,017,622 $ 708,432 $ 259,375 $ 375,521 $ 64,995 $ — $ 3,460,565 Table 4.2: Loans by Risk Category and Vintage (continued) Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands) 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 Prior Revolving Loans Revolving Converted to Term Total Real estate: Commercial Pass $ 329,876 $ 992,181 $ 714,965 $ 238,655 $ 128,424 $ 247,030 $ 4,685 $ — $ 2,655,816 Watch — 8,534 6,274 4,727 574 4,896 — — 25,005 Substandard — — — — — 1,890 — — 1,890 Total 329,876 1,000,715 721,239 243,382 128,998 253,816 4,685 — 2,682,711 Commercial land and development Pass 11,388 3,229 — 184 — 733 — — 15,534 Total 11,388 3,229 — 184 — 733 — — 15,534 Commercial construction Pass 9,074 32,154 4,189 11,230 — 5,897 — — 62,544 Total 9,074 32,154 4,189 11,230 — 5,897 — — 62,544 Residential construction Pass 2,412 9,128 3,912 — — — — — 15,452 Total 2,412 9,128 3,912 — — — — — 15,452 Residential Pass 4,838 3,964 6,244 2,279 1,182 5,995 1,420 — 25,922 Total 4,838 3,964 6,244 2,279 1,182 5,995 1,420 — 25,922 Farmland Pass 2,311 8,037 12,678 7,860 12,365 8,391 4 — 51,646 Total 2,311 8,037 12,678 7,860 12,365 8,391 4 — 51,646 Commercial: Secured Pass 25,299 28,879 14,304 12,164 9,918 10,363 50,020 — 150,947 Watch 189 8,802 2,705 63 154 941 1,727 — 14,581 Substandard — — — — 45 27 — — 72 Total 25,488 37,681 17,009 12,227 10,117 11,331 51,747 — 165,600 Unsecured Pass 3,891 3,782 4,902 5,963 2,240 7 3,072 — 23,857 Total 3,891 3,782 4,902 5,963 2,240 7 3,072 — 23,857 Consumer and other Pass 18,489 11,359 8,264 6 — 307 — — 38,425 Watch — 16 — — — — — — 16 Substandard — 12 — — — — — — 12 Total 18,489 11,387 8,264 6 — 307 — — 38,453 Total Pass 407,578 1,092,713 769,458 278,341 154,129 278,723 59,201 — 3,040,143 Watch 189 17,352 8,979 4,790 728 5,837 1,727 — 39,602 Substandard — 12 — — 45 1,917 — — 1,974 Total $ 407,767 $ 1,110,077 $ 778,437 $ 283,131 $ 154,902 $ 286,477 $ 60,928 $ — $ 3,081,719 Management regularly reviews the Company’s loans for accuracy of risk grades whenever new information is received. Borrowers are generally required to submit financial information at regular intervals. Typically, commercial borrowers with lines of credit are required to submit financial information with reporting intervals generally ranging from monthly to annually depending on credit size, risk, and complexity. In addition, investor commercial real estate borrowers with loans exceeding a certain dollar threshold are usually required to submit rent rolls or property income statements annually. Management monitors construction loans monthly and reviews consumer loans based on delinquency. Management also reviews loans graded “watch” or worse, regardless of loan type, no less than quarterly. Table 4.3 shows the age analysis of past due loans by class as of the dates shown. Table 4.3: Age Analysis of Past Due Loans by Class (in thousands) Past Due 30-59 Days 60-89 Days Greater Than 90 Days Total Past Due Current Total Loans Receivable September 30, 2024 Real estate: Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,809,951 $ 2,809,951 Commercial land and development — — — — 4,714 4,714 Commercial construction — — — — 92,570 92,570 Residential construction — — — — 3,452 3,452 Residential — — — — 33,433 33,433 Farmland — — — — 47,890 47,890 Commercial: Secured 336 93 — 429 172,122 172,551 Unsecured — — — — 25,027 25,027 Consumer and other 154 11 — 165 270,812 270,977 Total $ 490 $ 104 $ — $ 594 $ 3,459,971 $ 3,460,565 December 31, 2023 Real estate: Commercial $ — $ — $ — $ — $ 2,682,711 $ 2,682,711 Commercial land and development — — — — 15,534 15,534 Commercial construction — — — — 62,544 62,544 Residential construction — — — — 15,452 15,452 Residential — — — — 25,922 25,922 Farmland — — — — 51,646 51,646 Commercial: Secured — — — — 165,600 165,600 Unsecured — — — — 23,857 23,857 Consumer and other 76 — — 76 38,377 38,453 Total $ 76 $ — $ — $ 76 $ 3,081,643 $ 3,081,719 There were no loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest income as of September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023. No collateral dependent loans were in process of foreclosure at September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023. Non-accrual loans, segregated by class, as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are shown in Table 4.4. Table 4.4: Nonaccrual Loans (in thousands) September 30, 2024 December 31, 2023 Real estate: Commercial $ 1,787 $ 1,893 Commercial: Secured 54 72 Total non-accrual loans $ 1,841 $ 1,965 No interest income was recognized on non-accrual loans in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 or September 30, 2023. Non-accrual real estate loans did not have an allowance for credit losses as of September 30, 2024. Interest income can be recognized on non-accrual loans in cases where resolution occurs through a sale or full payment is received on the non-accrual loan. The amount of foregone interest income related to non-accrual loans was $37.8 thousand and $115.2 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, respectively, as compared to $27.1 thousand and $62.3 thousand for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, respectively. Allowance for Credit Losses Table 4.5 discloses activity in the allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated. Table 4.5: Allowance for Credit Losses (in thousands) Beginning Balance Effect of Adoption of ASC 326 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision (Benefit) Ending Balance Three months ended September 30, 2024 Real estate: Commercial $ 24,708 $ — $ — $ — $ 1,509 $ 26,217 Commercial land and development 72 — — — 17 89 Commercial construction 1,097 — — — 659 1,756 Residential construction 100 — — — (53) 47 Residential 195 — — — 89 284 Farmland 402 — — — 179 581 Commercial: Secured 7,386 — (837) 53 (553) 6,049 Unsecured 214 — (5) 34 8 251 Consumer and other 1,232 — (59) 41 1,095 2,309 Total $ 35,406 $ — $ (901) $ 128 $ 2,950 $ 37,583 Table 4.5: Allowance for Credit Losses (continued) (in thousands) Beginning Balance Effect of Adoption of ASC 326 Charge-offs Recoveries Provision (Benefit) Ending Balance Three months ended September 30, 2023 Real estate: Commercial $ 27,553 $ — $ — $ — $ 348 $ 27,901 Commercial land and development 184 — — — 14 198 Commercial construction 1,212 — — — 8 1,220 Residential construction 217 — — — (102) 115 Residential 152 — — — (1) 151 Farmland 236 — — — 157 393 Commercial: Secured 3,751 — (1,245) 219 736 3,461 Unsecured 209 — — — 4 213 Consumer and other 470 — (187) 207 (114) 376 Total $ 33,984 $ — $ (1,432) $ 426 $ 1,050 $ 34,028 Nine months ended September 30, 2024 Real estate: Commercial $ 29,015 $ — $ — $ — $ (2,798) $ 26,217 Commercial land and development 178 — — — (89) 89 Commercial construction 718 — — — 1,038 1,756 Residential construction 89 — — — (42) 47 Residential 151 — — — 133 284 Farmland 399 — — — 182 581 Commercial: Secured 3,314 — (3,075) 292 5,518 6,049 Unsecured 189 — (75) 34 103 251 Consumer and other 378 — (202) 228 1,905 2,309 Total $ 34,431 $ — $ (3,352) $ 554 $ 5,950 $ 37,583 Nine months ended September 30, 2023 Real estate: Commercial $ 19,216 $ 7,606 $ — $ — $ 1,079 $ 27,901 Commercial land and development 54 74 — — 70 198 Commercial construction 645 882 — — (307) 1,220 Residential construction 49 81 — — (15) 115 Residential 175 3 — — (27) 151 Farmland 644 (396) — — 145 393 Commercial: Secured 7,098 (3,060) (2,856) 358 1,921 3,461 Unsecured 116 37 — — 60 213 Consumer and other 347 80 (709) 714 (56) 376 Unallocated 45 (45) — — — — Total $ 28,389 $ 5,262 $ (3,565) $ 1,072 $ 2,870 $ 34,028 Unfunded Loan Commitment Reserves Unfunded loan commitment reserves are included in “Interest payable and other liabilities” in the unaudited consolidated balance sheets. Provisions for unfunded loan commitments are included in “Provision for credit losses” in the unaudited consolidated statements of income. Table 4.6: Unfunded Loan Commitment Reserves Three months ended Nine months ended (in thousands) September 30, 2024 September 30, 2023 September 30, 2024 September 30, 2023 Balance at beginning of period $ 1,147 $ 1,547 $ 1,247 $ 125 Effect of adoption of ASC 326 — — — 1,092 Provision (200) — (300) 330 Balance at end of period $ 947 $ 1,547 $ 947 $ 1,547 Pledged Loans The Company’s FHLB line of credit is secured under terms of a collateral agreement by a pledge of certain qualifying loans with unpaid principal balances of $1.8 billion and $1.7 billion at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. In addition, the Company pledges eligible tenants in common loans, which totaled $1.2 billion at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, to secure its borrowing capacity with the Federal Reserve Discount Window. See Note 6, Long Term Debt and Other Borrowings, for further discussion of these borrowings. |