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 in different degrees to changes in market interest rates, and other economic and market factors, including market perceptions. Interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities fluctuate in advance of changes in general market rates, while interest rates on other types of assets and liabilities 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”) which 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 or economic stress, which may differ across industries and economic sectors. ALCO reviews each of the above interest rate sensitivity analyses along with several different interest rate scenarios in seeking satisfactory, consistent levels of profitability within the framework of the Company’s established liquidity, loan, investment, borrowing, and capital policies.
The Company may also use derivative financial instruments to improve the balance between interest-sensitive assets and interest-sensitive liabilities, and as a tool to manage interest rate sensitivity while continuing to meet the credit and deposit needs of our customers. From time to time, the Company may enter into interest rate swaps to facilitate customer transactions and meet their financing needs. These interest rate swaps qualify as derivatives, but are not designated as hedging instruments. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had no derivative contracts designated as part of a hedging relationship to assist in managing its interest rate sensitivity.
Liquidity Risk Management
Liquidity is the Company’s ability to convert assets into cash equivalents in order to meet daily cash flow requirements, primarily for deposit withdrawals, loan demand and maturing obligations. Without proper management of its liquidity, the Company could experience higher costs of obtaining funds due to insufficient liquidity, while excessive liquidity can lead to a decline in earnings due to the cost of foregoing alternative higher-yielding investment opportunities.
Liquidity is managed at two levels. The first is the liquidity of the Company. The second is the liquidity of the Bank. The management of liquidity at both levels is essential, because the Company and the Bank are separate and distinct legal entities with different funding needs and sources, and each are subject to regulatory guidelines and requirements. The Company depends upon dividends from the Bank for liquidity to pay its operating expenses, debt obligations and dividends. The Bank’s payment of dividends depends on its earnings, liquidity, capital and the absence of any regulatory restrictions.
The primary source of funding and liquidity for the Company has been dividends received from the Bank. If needed, the Company could also issue common stock or other securities. Primary uses of funds by the Company include dividends paid to stockholders, stock repurchases, and interest payments on junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company in connection with trust preferred securities.
Primary sources of funding for the Bank include customer deposits, other borrowings, repayment and maturity of securities, sales of securities, and the sale and repayment of loans. The Bank has access to federal funds lines from various banks and borrowings from the Federal Reserve discount window. In addition to these sources, the Bank may participate in the FHLB’s advance program to obtain funding for its growth. Advances include both fixed and variable terms and may be taken out with varying maturities. At March 31, 2019, the Bank had a remaining available line of credit with the FHLB of $239.5 million. At March 31, 2019, the Bank also had $41.0 million of available federal funds lines with none outstanding. Primary uses of funds include repayment of maturing obligations and growing the loan portfolio.
Management believes that the Company and the Bank have adequate sources of liquidity to meet all their respective known contractual obligations and unfunded commitments, including loan commitments and reasonable borrower, depositor, and creditor requirements over the next twelve months.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements, Commitments, Contingencies and Contractual Obligations
At March 31, 2019, the Bank had outstanding standby letters of credit of $5.9 million and unfunded loan commitments outstanding of $63.2 million. Because these commitments generally have fixed expiration dates and many will expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment level does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. If needed to fund these outstanding commitments, the Bank could liquidate federal funds sold or a portion of securitiesavailable-for-sale, or draw on its available credit facilities.
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