decrease in loan origination volume, in commercial and specifically in and lower originations of residential real estate loans, specifically also resulted in declining recognition of new mortgage servicing rights; and deposit account charges and related fees have decreased due to changes adopted in July 2023 as to how fees are assessed on NSF items.
Noninterest expense for the nine-month period ended March 31, 2024, was $72.6 million, an increase of $11.1 million, or 18.0%, as compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase was attributable primarily to increases in compensation and benefits, occupancy expenses, data processing fees, intangible amortization, and deposit insurance premiums, partially offset by a decrease in legal and professional fees. The increase in compensation and benefits as compared to the prior year period was primarily due to increased headcount resulting from the Citizens merger, an increase in legacy employee headcount, as well as annual merit increases and inflation adjustments. Occupancy expenses increased primarily due to facilities added through the Citizens merger, and other equipment purchases. The Company’s increase in data processing costs relates to the growing volume of transaction activity, increased costs of software licensing, and new programs for lending and wealth management. Intangible amortization also increased due to the Citizens merger. Increased deposit insurance premiums were primarily due to the increase in the assessment base following the Citizens merger as well as the FDIC’s increased base assessment rates effective January 2023. Legal and professional fees declined primarily due to inclusion in that category of merger-related expenses in the same period a year ago.
We expect, over time, to continue to grow our assets through the origination and occasional purchase of loans, and purchases of investment securities. The primary funding for this asset growth is expected to come from retail deposits, brokered funding, and short- and long-term FHLB borrowings. We have grown and intend to continue to grow deposits by offering desirable deposit products for our current customers and by attracting new depository relationships. We will also continue to explore strategic expansion opportunities in market areas that we believe will be attractive to our business model.
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2023
The Company experienced balance sheet growth in the first nine months of fiscal 2024, with total assets of $4.6 billion at March 31, 2024, reflecting an increase of $286.8 million, or 6.6%, as compared to June 30, 2023. Growth primarily reflected an increase in net loans receivable, cash and cash equivalents, and available for sale (AFS) securities.
Cash and cash equivalents were a combined $168.8 million at March 31, 2024, an increase of $113.5 million, or 205.6%, as compared to June 30, 2023. The increase was primarily the result of strong deposit generation that outpaced loan growth during the period. AFS securities were $433.7 million at March 31, 2024, up $16.1 million, or 3.9%, as compared to June 30, 2023.
Loans, net of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL"), were $3.7 billion at March 31, 2024, an increase of $148.8 million, or 4.2%, as compared to June 30, 2023. Gross loans increased by $152.3 million, while the ACL attributable to outstanding loan balances increased $3.5 million, or 7.4%, as compared to June 30, 2023. The increase in loan balances was attributable to growth in non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, residential real estate loans, multi-family, and drawn construction loan balances. This was partially offset by pay-offs and paydowns in owner-occupied commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans.
Loans anticipated to fund in the next 90 days totaled $117.2 million at March 31, 2024, as compared to $140.5 million at December 31, 2023, and $164.4 million at March 31, 2023.
The Bank’s concentration in non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans is estimated at 329.3% of Tier 1 capital and ACL on March 31, 2024, as compared to 330.2% as of June 30, 2023, with these loans representing 42.6% of total loans at March 31, 2024. Multi-family residential real estate, hospitality (hotels/restaurants), care facilities, retail stand-alone, and strip centers are the most common collateral types within the non-owner occupied commercial real estate loan portfolio. The multi-family residential real estate loan portfolio commonly includes loans collateralized by properties currently in the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) program or having exited the program. The hospitality and retail stand-alone segments include primarily franchised businesses; care facilities consist mainly of skilled nursing and