Capitol Federal Financial, Inc. (CFFN) FY 2022 MD&A

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition, results of operations, liquidity, and capital resources of the Company. The Bank comprises almost all of the consolidated assets and liabilities of the Company and the Company is dependent primarily upon the performance of the Bank for the results of its operations. Because of this relationship, references to management actions, strategies and results of actions apply to both the Bank and the Company except where the context indicates otherwise.

Executive Summary

The following summary should be read in conjunction with the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section in its entirety.

The Company recognized net income of $84.5 million, or $0.62 per share, for fiscal year 2022 compared to net income of $76.1 million, or $0.56 per share, for the prior fiscal year. The $8.4 million, or 11.0%, increase in net income was due to an increase in net interest income, partially offset by higher income tax expense and a lower negative provision for credit losses. The net interest margin was 1.79% for the current year compared to 1.90% for the prior year. When the leverage strategy discussed below is in place, it reduces the net interest margin due to the amount of earnings from the transaction in comparison to the size of the transaction. Excluding the effects of the leverage strategy, the net interest margin would have been 2.04% in the current year, a 14 basis point increase from the prior year. The increase in net interest margin excluding the effects of the leverage strategy was due mainly to a reduction in the weighted average cost of retail certificates of deposit. During the latter portion of the current year, as market interest rates increased, the Bank's cost of borrowings and deposits began increasing at a faster pace than the yield on assets. Management anticipates this may continue in the near term.

At times, the Bank has utilized a leverage strategy to increase earnings. The leverage strategy during the current year involved borrowing up to $2.60 billion by entering into short-term FHLB advances. The borrowings were repaid prior to each quarter end. The proceeds from the borrowings, net of the required FHLB stock holdings which yielded 6.75% during the current year, were deposited at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City ("FRB of Kansas City"). Net income attributable to the leverage strategy is largely derived from the dividends received on FHLB stock holdings, plus the net interest rate spread between the yield on the cash deposited at the FRB of Kansas City and the rate paid on the related FHLB borrowings, less applicable federal insurance premiums and estimated taxes. Net income attributable to the leverage strategy was $3.1 million during the current year. Management continuously monitors the net interest rate spread and overall profitability of the strategy. It is expected that the strategy will be utilized as long as it remains profitable and/or the borrowing capacity and available capital does not need to be used for other operational purposes.

Total assets were $9.62 billion at September 30, 2022, a decrease of $6.3 million from September 30, 2021. Loans receivable increased $383.1 million, or 5.4%, during the current year to $7.46 billion at September 30, 2022. The loan growth was primarily in the one-to four-family correspondent and commercial loan portfolios. This growth was funded by cash flows from the securities portfolio and FHLB borrowings. The deposit portfolio decreased $402.5 million during the current year, to $6.19 billion at September 30, 2022. The decrease was primarily in the certificate of deposit portfolio, partially offset by increases in the retail checking, savings and money market accounts. During the third quarter of fiscal year 2022, management began increasing offered rates on certificates of deposit, which slowed the runoff in this portfolio. Due to deposit outflows and loan growth, the Bank entered into additional FHLB borrowings during the second half of the current fiscal year. FHLB borrowings increased $549.3 million during the year, to $2.13 billion at September 30, 2022. If deposit outflows continue, the Bank will likely increase FHLB borrowings. If that occurs, the leverage strategy transaction amount may decrease due to borrowing, collateral capacity and capital levels. Stockholder's equity was $1.10 billion at September 30, 2022, a decrease of $145.8 million from September 30, 2021. The decrease was due almost entirely to a reduction in AOCI as a result of changes in the fair value of AFS securities due to an increase in market interest rates during the year. The unrealized losses on AFS securities increased $211.3 million, resulting in a $159.8 million reduction in AOCI, net of tax.

The Bank's asset quality continued to remain strong during the current fiscal year, reflected in low delinquency and charge-off ratios. At September 30, 2022, loans 30 to 89 days delinquent were 0.09% of total loans receivable, net, and loans 90 or more days delinquent or in foreclosure were 0.12% of total loans receivable, net. The ratio of net charge-offs (recoveries) ("NCOs") during the current year to average loans outstanding during the current year was 0.00%.

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At September 30, 2022, the Bank had a one-year gap position of $(1.14) billion, or (11.9)% of total assets, meaning the amount of interest-bearing liabilities exceeds the amount of interest-earning assets maturing or repricing during the same period. See additional discussion in "Part II, Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk."

Management is in the process of implementing a new core processing system ("digital transformation") for the Bank, which is expected to be operational by September 2023. We expect the new platform will allow us to introduce new products and services quickly to drive better efficiencies and provide a more personalized experience for our customers. Our customers will experience a more modern internet banking experience, including both desktop and mobile. Internet banking will deliver real-time alerts and provide our customers the ability to manage their own debit cards. Our customers will also have multiple options for real-time payments, which positions the Bank for faster payment channels in the future. Management anticipates information technology and related expenses will increase in fiscal year 2023 in conjunction with the digital transformation. See additional discussion in the "Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021" section below.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our most critical accounting estimates are the methodologies used to determine the ACL and reserve for off-balance sheet credit exposures and fair value measurements.  These estimates are important to the presentation of our financial condition and results of operations, involve a high degree of complexity, and require management to make difficult and subjective judgments that may require assumptions about highly uncertain matters.  The use of different judgments, assumptions, and estimates could affect reported results materially.  These critical accounting estimates and their application are reviewed at least annually by our audit committee. The following is a description of our critical accounting estimates and an explanation of the methods and assumptions underlying their application.

Allowance for Credit Losses and Reserve for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures. The ACL is a valuation amount that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans and represents management's estimate of lifetime credit losses expected on the Company's loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The reserve for off-balance sheet credit exposures represents expected credit losses on unfunded portions of existing loans and commitments to originate or purchase loans that are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company.

Management estimates the ACL by projecting future loss rates which are dependent upon forecasted economic indices and applying qualitative factors when deemed appropriate by management. The key assumptions used in projecting future loss rates include the economic forecast, the forecast and reversion to mean time periods, and prepayment and curtailment assumptions. The assumptions are used to calculate and aggregate estimated cash flows for the time period that remains in each loan's contractual life. The cash flows are discounted back to the balance sheet date using each loan's effective yield, to arrive at a present value of future cash flows, which is compared to the amortized cost basis of the loan pool to determine the amount of ACL required by the calculation. Management then considers qualitative factors when assessing the overall level of ACL. See "Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans Receivable" and "Reserve for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures" within "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" for additional information.

One of the most significant judgments used in projecting loss rates when estimating the ACL and reserves for off-balance sheet credit exposures is the macro-economic forecast provided by a third party. The economic indices sourced from the macro-economic forecast and used in projecting loss rates are the national unemployment rate, changes in commercial real estate prices, changes in home values, and changes in the United States gross domestic product. The economic index used in the calculation to which the calculation is most sensitive is the national unemployment rate. Each reporting period, several macro-economic forecast scenarios are considered by management. Management selects the macro-economic forecast(s) that is/are most reflective of expectations at that point in time. Changes in the macro-economic forecast, especially for the national unemployment rate, could significantly impact the calculated estimated credit losses between reporting periods.

Other key assumptions in the calculation of the ACL and reserve for off-balance sheet credit exposures estimates include the forecast and reversion to mean time periods and prepayment and curtailment assumptions. The calculation is less sensitive to these assumptions than the macro-economic forecasts. The macro-economic forecast is applied for a reasonable and supportable time period before reverting to long-term historical averages for each economic index. The forecast and reversion to mean time period used for each economic index at September 30, 2022 was four quarters. Prepayment and

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curtailment assumptions are based on the Company's historical experience and are adjusted by management as deemed necessary. The prepayment and curtailment assumptions vary based on loan product type.

The ACL and reserves for off-balance sheet credit exposures may be materially affected by qualitative factors, especially during periods of economic uncertainty, for items not reflected in the economic forecast and/or discounted cash flow model, but which are deemed appropriate by management's current assessment of the risks related to the loan portfolio and/or external factors. Such qualitative factors may include changes in the Bank's loan portfolio composition and credit concentrations, changes in the balances and/or trends in asset quality and/or loan credit performance, changes in lending underwriting standards, the effect of other external factors such as significant unique events or conditions, and actual and/or expected changes in economic conditions, real estate values, and/or other economic developments. The qualitative factors applied by management at September 30, 2022 were (1) economic uncertainty that may not be adequately captured in the third party economic forecast scenarios and (2) other management considerations related to commercial loans to account for credit risks not fully reflected in the discounted cash flow model. The qualitative factors applied at September 30, 2022, and the importance and levels of the qualitative factors applied, may change in future periods depending on the level of changes to items such as the uncertainty of economic conditions and management's assessment of the level of credit risk within the loan portfolio as a result of such changes, compared to the amount of ACL calculated by the model. The evaluation of qualitative factors is inherently imprecise and requires significant management judgment. See "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 4. Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses - Allowance for Credit Losses" for additional information regarding the qualitative factors applied at September 30, 2022.

The ACL and the reserves for off-balance sheet credit exposures was $16.4 million and $4.8 million, respectively at September 30, 2022, compared to $19.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively, at September 30, 2021. The $3.5 million decrease in the ACL and $992 thousand decrease in the reserves for off-balance sheet credit exposures was primarily attributable to a reduction in commercial loan qualitative factors, partially offset by an increase related to (1) growth in the loan portfolio and an increase in the balance of off-balance sheet credit exposures and (2) a less favorable economic forecast compared to the prior year. See "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 4. Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses - Allowance for Credit Losses" for additional information regarding the assumptions used in the Company's September 30, 2022 estimate of ACL.

While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the adequacy of the ACL and reserve for off-balance sheet credit exposures is determined by certain factors outside of the Company's control, such as the performance of our portfolios, changes in the economic environment including economic uncertainty, changes in interest rates, and the view of the regulatory authorities toward classification of assets and the level of ACL and reserves for off-balance sheet credit exposures. Additionally, the level of ACL and reserves for off-balance sheet credit exposures may fluctuate based on the balance and mix of the loan portfolio and off-balance sheet credit exposures. If actual results differ significantly from our assumptions, our ACL and reserve for off-balance sheet credit exposures may not be sufficient to cover inherent losses in our loan portfolio, resulting in additions to our ACL and an increase in the provision for credit losses.

Fair Value Measurements.  The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial instruments and to determine fair value disclosures in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 820 and ASC 825. The Company groups its financial instruments at fair value in three levels based on the markets in which the instruments are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value, with Level 1 (quoted prices for identical assets in an active market) being considered the most reliable, and Level 3 having the most unobservable inputs and therefore being considered the least reliable.  The Company bases its fair values on the price that would be received from the sale of an asset in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The Company maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The Company's AFS securities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.  Changes in the fair value of AFS securities, not related to credit loss, are recorded, net of tax, as AOCI in stockholders' equity.  The Company primarily uses prices obtained from third-party pricing services to determine the fair value of its AFS securities. Various modeling techniques are used to determine pricing for the Company's securities, including option pricing, discounted cash flow models, and similar techniques. The inputs to these models may include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data.  All AFS securities are classified as Level 2.

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The Company's interest rate swaps are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The estimated fair values of the interest rate swaps are obtained from the counterparty and are determined by a discounted cash flow analysis using observable market-based inputs. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are recorded, net of tax, as AOCI in stockholders' equity. The Company did not have any other financial instruments that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2022.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of Recent Accounting Pronouncements, see "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Financial Statements – Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."

Financial Condition

The following table summarizes the Company's financial condition at the dates indicated.

Loans Receivable. Total loans, net at September 30, 2022 was $7.46 billion, an increase of $383.1 million from September 30, 2021. The increase was primarily due to growth in the one- to four-family correspondent loan portfolio and commercial real estate and construction loan portfolio, along with a slow down in one- to four-family prepayment speeds due to higher market interest rates.

Originating and purchasing loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties is the Bank's primary lending business, resulting in a concentration in residential first mortgage loans secured by properties located in Kansas and Missouri. The Bank also originates and participates in commercial loans, and originates consumer loans and construction loans.

The Bank purchases one- to four-family loans, on a loan-by-loan basis, from a select group of correspondent lenders ("correspondent purchased"). Loan purchases enable the Bank to attain geographic diversification in the one- to four-family loan portfolio. We generally pay a premium of 0.50% to 1.0% of the loan balance to purchase these loans, and 1.0% of the loan balance to purchase the servicing of these loans. The premium paid is amortized against the interest earned over the life of the loan, which reduces the loan yield. If a loan pays off before the scheduled maturity date, the remaining premium is recognized as reduction in interest income. During fiscal year 2021, the Bank recognized a significant amount of premium amortization due to prepayment and endorsement activity. Prepayment and endorsement activity slowed significantly during the last half of the current fiscal year due to the increase in market interest rates.

In the past, the Bank has also purchased one- to four-family loans from correspondent and nationwide lenders in bulk loan packages ("bulk purchased"). The majority of the Bank's bulk purchased loans were guaranteed by one seller. The Bank has not experienced any losses with this group of loans since the loan package was purchased in August 2012.

The Bank originates owner-occupied construction-to-permanent loans secured by one- to four-family residential real estate. The majority of these loans are secured by property located within the Bank's Kansas City market area. The Bank's owner-occupied construction-to-permanent loan program combines the construction loan and the permanent loan into one loan,

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allowing the borrower to secure the same interest rate structure throughout the construction period and the permanent loan term.

As of September 30, 2022, there were $178.0 million of adjustable-rate one- to four-family loans in the portfolio for which the repricing index was tied to LIBOR, which is being discontinued and will no longer be available after June 30, 2023. The Bank's one- to four-family loan agreements allow the Bank to choose a new alternative reference rate based upon comparable information if the current index is no longer available. During the June 30, 2019 quarter, the Bank discontinued the use of LIBOR for the origination of adjustable-rate one- to four-family loans and no longer purchases correspondent one- to four-family loans that use LIBOR.

The Bank offers a variety of secured consumer loans, including home equity loans and lines of credit, home improvement loans, vehicle loans, and loans secured by savings deposits. The Bank also originates a very limited amount of unsecured loans. Generally, consumer loans are originated in the Bank's market areas. The majority of our consumer loan portfolio is comprised of home equity lines of credit, which have adjustable interest rates. For a majority of the home equity lines of credit, the Bank has the first mortgage or the Bank is in the first lien position.

The Bank's commercial loan portfolio is composed of commercial real estate loans, commercial construction loans and commercial and industrial loans. Our commercial real estate loans include a variety of property types, including hotels, office and retail buildings, senior housing facilities, and multi-family dwellings located in Kansas, Missouri, and 11 other states. The Bank's commercial and industrial loan portfolio consists largely of loans secured by accounts receivable, inventory and equipment.

Commercial borrowers are generally required to provide financial information annually, including borrower financial statements, subject property rental rates and income, maintenance costs, updated real estate property tax and insurance payments, and personal financial information for the guarantor(s). This allows the Bank to monitor compliance with loan covenants and review the borrower's performance, including cash flows from operations, debt service coverage, and comparison of performance to projections and year-over-year performance trending. Additionally, the Bank monitors and performs site visits, or in the case of participation loans, obtains updates from the lead bank as needed to determine the condition of the collateral securing the loan. Depending on the financial strength of the project and/or the complexity of the borrower's financials, the Bank may also perform a global analysis of cash flows to account for all other properties owned by the borrower or guarantor. If signs of weakness are identified, the Bank may begin performing more frequent financial and/or collateral reviews or will initiate contact with the borrower, or the lead bank will contact the borrower if the loan is a participation loan, to ensure cash flows from operations are maintained at a satisfactory level to meet the debt requirements. Both macro-level and loan-level stress-test scenarios based on existing and forecasted market conditions are part of the on-going portfolio management process for the commercial real estate portfolio. The Bank mitigates the risk of commercial real estate construction lending during the construction period by monitoring inspection reports from an independent third-party, project budget, percentage of completion, on-site inspections and percentage of advanced funds. Commercial and industrial loans are monitored through a review of borrower performance as indicated by borrower financial statements, borrowing base reports, accounts receivable aging reports, and inventory aging reports. These reports are required to be provided by the borrowers monthly, quarterly, or annually depending on the nature of the borrowing relationship. The Bank regularly monitors the level of risk in the entire commercial loan portfolio, including concentrations in such factors as geographic locations, collateral types, tenant brand name, borrowing relationships, and lending relationships in the case of participation loans, among other factors.

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The following table presents the balance and weighted average rate of our loan portfolio as of the dates indicated. Total loans receivable increased $375.6 million, or 5.3%, during the current year. The rate on the portfolio increased 12 basis points during the current year due primarily to upward repricing of existing loans as a result of an increase in market interest rates, as well as originations and purchases at interest rates higher than the overall portfolio rate.

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The following table presents the contractual maturity of our loan portfolio, along with associated weighted average yields, at September 30, 2022. Loans that have adjustable interest rates are shown as maturing in the period during which the contract is due. The table does not reflect the effects of possible prepayments or enforcement of due on sale clauses.

(1)Includes demand loans, loans having no stated maturity, and overdraft loans.

(2)Construction loans are presented based upon the contractual maturity date, which includes the permanent financing period for construction-to-permanent loans.

(3)For home equity loans, including those that do not have a stated maturity date, the maturity date calculated assumes the borrower always makes the required minimum payment. The majority of home equity loans assume a maximum term of 240 months.

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The following table presents, as of September 30, 2022, the amount of loans due after September 30, 2023, and whether these loans have fixed or adjustable interest rates.

Loan Activity - The following table summarizes activity in the loan portfolio, along with weighted average rates where applicable, for the periods indicated, excluding changes in ACL, deferred loan fees/discounts, and premiums/deferred costs. Loans that were paid off as a result of refinances are included in repayments. Loan endorsements are not included in the activity in the following table because a new loan is not generated at the time of the endorsement. The endorsed balance and rate are included in the ending loan portfolio balance and rate. Commercial loan renewals are not included in the activity in the following table unless new funds are disbursed at the time of renewal. The renewal balance and rate are included in the ending loan portfolio balance and rate.

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The following table presents loan origination, refinance, and purchase activity for the periods indicated, excluding endorsement activity, along with associated weighted average rates and percent of total. During the current fiscal year, the Bank endorsed $52.7 million of one- to four-family loans, reducing the average rate on those loans by 75 basis points. Commercial loan renewals are not included in the activity in the following table except to the extent new funds are disbursed at the time of renewal. Loan originations, purchases, and refinances are reported together.

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One- to Four-Family Loans - The following table presents, for our portfolio of one- to four-family loans, the amount, percent of total, weighted average rate, weighted average credit score, weighted average loan-to-value ("LTV") ratio, and average balance per loan as of September 30, 2022. Credit scores are updated at least annually, with the latest update in September 2022, from a nationally recognized consumer rating agency. The LTV ratios were based on the current loan balance and either the lesser of the purchase price or original appraisal, or the most recent Bank appraisal, if available. In most cases, the most recent appraisal was obtained at the time of origination.

The following table presents originated and correspondent purchased activity in our one- to four-family loan portfolio, excluding endorsement activity, along with associated weighted average rates, weighted average LTVs and weighted average credit scores for the current fiscal year.

The following table summarizes our one- to four-family loan origination and refinance commitments and one- to four-family correspondent loan purchase commitments as of September 30, 2022, along with associated weighted average rates. It is expected that some of the loan commitments will expire unfunded, so the amounts reflected in the table below are not necessarily indicative of our future cash needs.

Commercial Loans - During fiscal year 2022, the Bank originated $267.8 million of commercial loans and entered into commercial loan participations totaling $120.4 million. The Bank processed commercial loan disbursements, excluding lines of credit, of approximately $342.7 million at a weighted average rate of 4.26%.

As of September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, the Bank's commercial and industrial gross loan amounts (unpaid principal plus undisbursed amounts) totaled $100.4 million and $90.7 million, respectively, and commitments totaled $458 thousand and $16.9 million, respectively.

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The following table presents the Bank's commercial real estate and commercial construction loans by type of primary collateral as of the dates indicated. As of September 30, 2022, the Bank had 25 commercial real estate and commercial construction loan commitments totaling $98.7 million, at a weighted average rate of 4.78%, which are not included in the table below. Because the commitments to pay out undisbursed funds are not cancellable by the Bank, unless the loan is in default, we generally anticipate fully funding the related projects. Of the total commercial undisbursed amounts and commitments outstanding as of September 30, 2022, management anticipates approximately $90 million will be funded during the December 2022 quarter, $60 million during the March 2023 quarter, $50 million during the June 2023 quarter, and $46 million during the September 2023 quarter.

The following table summarizes the Bank's commercial real estate and commercial construction loans by state as of the dates indicated.

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The following table presents the Bank's commercial loan portfolio and outstanding loan commitments, categorized by gross loan amount (unpaid principal plus undisbursed amounts) or outstanding loan commitment amount, as of September 30, 2022.

Asset Quality

Delinquent and nonaccrual loans and other real estate owned ("OREO"). The following table presents the Company's 30 to 89 day delinquent loans at the dates indicated. The amounts in the table represent the unpaid principal balance of the loans less related charge-offs, if any. Of the loans 30 to 89 days delinquent at September 30, 2022 and 2021, approximately 73% and 61%, respectively, were 59 days or less delinquent.

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The following table presents the Company's nonaccrual loans and OREO at the dates indicated. The amounts in the table represent the unpaid principal balance of the loans less related charge-offs, if any. Nonaccrual loans are loans that are 90 or more days delinquent or in foreclosure and other loans required to be reported as nonaccrual pursuant to accounting and/or regulatory reporting requirements and/or internal policies, even if the loans are current. At all dates presented, there were no loans 90 or more days delinquent that were still accruing interest. Non-performing assets include nonaccrual loans and OREO.

(1)Includes loans required to be reported as nonaccrual pursuant to accounting and/or regulatory reporting requirements and/or internal policies, even if the loans are current.

(2)Real estate-related consumer loans where we also hold the first mortgage are included in the one- to four-family category as the underlying collateral is one- to four-family property.

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The following table presents the states where the properties securing five percent or more of the total amount of our one- to four-family loans are located and the corresponding balance of loans 30 to 89 days delinquent, 90 or more days delinquent or in foreclosure, and weighted average LTV ratios for loans 90 or more days delinquent or in foreclosure at September 30, 2022. The LTV ratios were based on the current loan balance and either the lesser of the purchase price or original appraisal, or the most recent Bank appraisal, if available. At September 30, 2022, potential losses, after taking into consideration anticipated private mortgage insurance proceeds and estimated selling costs, have been charged-off.

Classified Assets. In accordance with the Bank's asset classification policy, management regularly reviews the problem assets in the Bank's portfolio to determine whether any assets require classification. See "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 4. Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses" for asset classification definitions.

The following table presents loans classified as special mention or substandard at the dates presented. The amounts in the table represent the unpaid principal balance of the loans less related charge-offs, if any. The decrease in commercial special mention loans at September 30, 2022 compared to September 30, 2021 was due mainly to three commercial loans moving to the pass classification during the year as the underlying economic conditions being monitored by management improved to levels deemed appropriate by the Company.

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Allowance for Credit Losses. The distribution of our ACL at the dates indicated is summarized below.

The ratio of ACL to loans receivable, by loan type, at the dates indicated is summarized below. The reduction in the ratio of ACL to loans receivable for commercial real estate loans and commercial construction loans from September 30, 2021 to September 30, 2022 was due to a reduction in commercial loan qualitative factors.

See "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 4. Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses” for additional information regarding the Bank's ACL.

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The following tables present ACL activity and related ratios at the dates and for the periods indicated. On October 1, 2020, the Bank adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("CECL"). The current year net recovery was due primarily to recoveries on one- to four-family originated loans and commercial real estate loans. The ratio of NCOs during the current year to average non-performing assets was lower than the prior year due to a net recovery in the current year compared to a net charge-off in the prior year. The ratio of ACL to nonaccrual loans was higher in the current year compared to the prior year due mainly to a lower balance of nonaccrual loans compared to the prior year period, partially offset by lower ACL at September 30, 2022. The ratio of ACL to loans receivable, net was lower in the current year compared to the prior year due primarily to a reduction in ACL.

(1)This ratio is not presented for the time periods noted due to loan recoveries exceeding loan charge-offs during the periods.

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The following table presents NCOs, average loans, and NCOs as a percentage of average loans, by loan type, for the periods indicated.

Securities. The following table presents the distribution of our securities portfolio, at amortized cost, at the dates indicated. Overall, fixed-rate securities comprised 95% of our securities portfolio at September 30, 2022. Weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities are not calculated on a fully tax-equivalent basis. The balance of securities decreased during the current fiscal year as cash flows from the securities portfolio were generally used to fund loan portfolio growth. The increase in the yield during the current year was due to purchases at yields higher than the overall portfolio and upward repricing of the adjustable-rate portion of the portfolio as a result of higher market interest rates. The increase in the WAL in the current year was also due primarily to higher market interest rates which lengthened the life of the securities by decreasing the amount of prepayments.

(1)The weighted average life ("WAL") is the estimated remaining maturity (in years) after three-month historical prepayment speeds and projected call option assumptions have been applied.

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The composition and maturities of the securities portfolio at September 30, 2022 is indicated in the following table by remaining contractual maturity, without consideration of call features or pre-refunding dates, along with associated weighted average yields. The weighted average yields were calculated by multiplying each carrying value by its yield and dividing the sum of these results by the total carrying values. Yields on tax-exempt investments are not calculated on a fully tax equivalent basis.

The following table summarizes the activity in our securities portfolio for the periods presented. The weighted average yields and WALs for purchases are presented as recorded at the time of purchase. The weighted average yields for the beginning and ending balances are as of the first and last days of the periods presented and are generally derived from recent prepayment activity on the securities in the portfolio. The beginning and ending WALs are the estimated remaining principal repayment terms (in years) after three-month historical prepayment speeds and projected call option assumptions have been applied.

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Liabilities. Total liabilities were $8.53 billion at September 30, 2022, compared to $8.39 billion at September 30, 2021. The increase in liabilities between September 30, 2021 and September 30, 2022 was due primarily to an increase in FHLB borrowings to fund deposit outflows and loan growth.

Deposits. The following table presents the amount, weighted average rate and percent of total for the components of our deposit portfolio at the dates presented.

Deposits decreased $402.5 million during the current year. The decrease was primarily in the certificate of deposit portfolio, partially offset by an increase in retail checking, savings and money market accounts. Retail certificates of deposit decreased $268.0 million, with the decrease occurring in the medium-term and long-term categories. Commercial certificates of deposit decreased $153.9 million, which was primarily related to one commercial customer for which the reduction in the current year was anticipated.

During the third quarter of the current year, the Bank began increasing rates offered on retail certificates of deposit and money market accounts. Even with the increase in offered rates, management anticipates continued retail deposit outflows in future periods, primarily in transaction accounts, due to strong consumer spending, along with competition from other financial institutions and/or brokerage firms that may offer alternative higher yielding investment options.

As of September 30, 2022 and 2021, approximately $721.8 million and $866.0 million, respectively, of our deposit portfolio was uninsured. The uninsured amounts are estimates based on the methodologies and assumptions used for the Bank's regulatory reporting requirements.

The following table sets forth the portion of the Bank's time deposits, by account, that are in excess of the FDIC insurance limit, by remaining time until maturity, as of September 30, 2022 (dollars in thousands).

Borrowings. Total borrowings at September 30, 2022 were $2.13 billion, an increase of $549.3 million from September 30, 2021. The $2.13 billion was composed of $1.70 billion in fixed-rate FHLB advances, $365.0 million in variable-rate advances tied to interest rate swaps, and $75.0 million on the FHLB line of credit. The increase in borrowings was a result of deposit outflows, loan growth and a slow-down in loan prepayment speeds due to an increase in market interest rates. If deposit outflows continue, the Bank will likely enter into additional FHLB borrowings.

During the current year, the Bank reimplemented the leverage strategy, as discussed in the "Executive Summary" section above. These borrowings were repaid prior to September 30, 2022. If the Bank enters into additional FHLB borrowings

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during fiscal year 2023 to provide sufficient liquidity for operations, the amount of the leverage strategy transaction may decrease compared to the fiscal year 2022 amount due to borrowing and collateral capacity levels.

The Bank primarily uses long-term fixed-rate borrowings with no embedded options to lengthen the average life of the Bank's liabilities. The fixed-rate characteristics of these borrowings lock-in the cost until maturity and thus decrease the amount of liabilities repricing as interest rates move higher compared to funding with lower-cost short-term borrowings. These borrowings are laddered in order to prevent large amounts of liabilities repricing in any one period.

The following table presents the maturity of non-amortizing term borrowings, which consist entirely of FHLB advances, along with associated weighted average contractual and effective rates as of September 30, 2022. In addition to the borrowings in the table below, there were two straight-line amortizing FHLB advances outstanding at September 30, 2022, including a $47.5 million advance at a rate of 3.50% with quarterly payments of $2.5 million through June 2027 and a $100.0 million advance at a rate of 4.45% with quarterly payments of $4.9 million through October 2027.

(1)The effective rate includes the impact of interest rate swaps and the amortization of deferred prepayment penalties resulting from FHLB advances previously prepaid.

The following table presents borrowing activity for the periods shown. The borrowings presented in the table have original contractual terms of one year or longer or are tied to interest rate swaps with original contractual terms of one year or longer. The effective rate is shown as a weighted average and includes the impact of interest rate swaps and the amortization of deferred prepayment penalties resulting from FHLB advances previously prepaid. The weighted average maturity ("WAM") is the remaining weighted average contractual term in years. The beginning and ending WAMs represent the remaining maturity at each date presented. For new borrowings, the WAMs presented are as of the date of issue.

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Maturities of Interest-Bearing Liabilities. The following table presents the maturity and weighted average repricing rate, which is also the weighted average effective rate, of certificates of deposit, split between retail/commercial and public unit amounts, and non-amortizing term borrowings for the next four quarters as of September 30, 2022.

The following table sets forth the WAM information for our certificates of deposit, in years, as of September 30, 2022.

Stockholders' Equity. Total stockholders' equity at September 30, 2022 was $1.10 billion, a $145.8 million decrease from September 30, 2021. The decrease was almost entirely related to a reduction in AOCI as a result of unrealized losses on AFS securities due to an increase in market interest rates.

During the current year, the Company paid cash dividends totaling $103.1 million. These cash dividends totaled $0.76 per share and consisted of a $0.20 per share True Blue Capitol cash dividend, a $0.22 per share cash true-up dividend related to fiscal year 2021 earnings, and four regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.085 per share, totaling $0.34 per share. In the long run, management considers the Bank's equity to total assets ratio of at least 9% an appropriate level of capital. At September 30, 2022, this ratio was 9.9%. The increase in unrealized losses on AFS securities and the related impact on AOCI reduced the Bank's ratio of equity to total assets by approximately 150 basis points. For additional information, see "Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Note 15. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income."

On October 25, 2022, the Company announced a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.085 per share, or approximately $11.6 million, payable on November 18, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 4, 2022. On October 26, 2022, the Company announced a fiscal year 2022 cash true-up dividend of $0.28 per share, or approximately $38.0 million, related to fiscal year 2022 earnings. The $0.28 per share cash true-up dividend was determined by taking the difference between total earnings for fiscal year 2022 and total regular quarterly cash dividends paid during fiscal year 2022, divided by the number of shares outstanding. The cash true-up dividend is payable on December 2, 2022 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on November 18, 2022, and is the result of the Board of Directors' commitment to distribute to stockholders 100% of the annual earnings of the Company for fiscal year 2022.

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At September 30, 2022, Capitol Federal Financial, Inc., at the holding company level, had $104.0 million in cash on deposit at the Bank. For fiscal year 2023, it is the intention of the Board of Directors to continue the payout of 100% of the Company's earnings to the Company's stockholders. The payout is expected to be in the form of regular quarterly cash dividends of $0.085 per share, totaling $0.34 for the year, and a cash true-up dividend equal to fiscal year 2023 earnings in excess of the amount paid as regular quarterly cash dividends during fiscal year 2023. It is anticipated that the fiscal year 2023 cash true-up dividend will be paid in December 2023. Dividend payments depend upon a number of factors including the Company's financial condition and results of operations, regulatory capital requirements, regulatory limitations on the Bank's ability to make capital distributions to the Company, and the amount of cash at the holding company level.

As of September 30, 2022, there was $44.7 million authorized under an existing stock repurchase plan for purchases of the Company's common stock. This plan has no expiration date; however, the FRB's existing approval for the Company to repurchase shares extends through August 2023. On October 27, 2022, the Company announced its intention to resume repurchasing shares under the existing plan. The amount and timing of the stock repurchases is dependent on the market price of the Company's common stock. Subsequent to September 30, 2022 and through November 17, 2022, the Company repurchased 1,368,805 shares at an average price of $8.09 per share.

The Company works to find multiple ways to provide stockholder value. This has primarily been through the payment of cash dividends and stock repurchases. The Company has maintained a policy of paying out 100% of its earnings to stockholders in the form of quarterly cash dividends and an annual cash true-up dividend in December of each year. In order to provide additional stockholder value, the Company paid a True Blue Capitol cash dividend of $0.25 per share in June for six consecutive years ending in 2019. Given the state of economic uncertainty in 2020, the Company elected to defer the True Blue dividend originally planned for June 2020. In June 2021, the Company paid a True Blue Capitol cash dividend of $0.40 per share. This cash dividend represented a $0.20 per share cash dividend from fiscal year 2020 and a $0.20 per share cash dividend from fiscal year 2021. In June 2022, the Company paid a True Blue Capitol cash dividend of $0.20 per share. The Company has paid the True Blue Capitol dividend primarily due to excess capital levels at the Company and Bank. The Company considers various business strategies and their impact on capital and asset measures on both a current and future basis, as well as regulatory capital levels and requirements, in determining the amount, if any, and timing of the True Blue Capitol dividend.

The following table presents regular quarterly cash dividends and special cash dividends paid in calendar years 2022, 2021, and 2020. The amounts represent cash dividends paid during each period. The 2022 true-up dividend amount presented represents the dividend payable on December 2, 2022 to stockholders of record as of November 18, 2022.

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Rate/Volume Analysis. The table below presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, comparing fiscal years 2022 to 2021. For the comparison of fiscal years 2021 to 2020, see "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. For each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in volume, which are changes in the average balance multiplied by the previous year's average rate, and (2) changes in rate, which are changes in the average rate multiplied by the average balance from the previous year. The net changes attributable to the combined impact of both rate and volume have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate.

(1)The increases attributable to changes in volume related to FHLB stock, cash and cash equivalents, and borrowings were due primarily to the leverage strategy being utilized during the current year and not being utilized during the prior year.

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Average Balance Sheets. The following table presents the average balances of our assets, liabilities, and stockholders' equity, and the related weighted average yields and rates on our interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated. For fiscal year 2020 information, see "Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2021. Weighted average yields are derived by dividing annual income by the average balance of the related assets, and weighted average rates are derived by dividing annual expense by the average balance of the related liabilities, for the periods shown. Average outstanding balances are derived from average daily balances. The weighted average yields and rates include amortization of fees, costs, premiums and discounts, which are considered adjustments to yields/rates. Weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities are not calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis.