grepcent / static financial knowledge base

ENTERPRISE FINANCIAL SERVICES CORP (EFSC)

CIK: 0001025835. SIC: 6022 State Commercial Banks. Latest 10-K as of: 2026-02-27.

SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > Depository Institutions > SIC 6022 State Commercial Banks

SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1025835. Latest filing source: 0001025835-26-000058.

Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.

Business

Read EFSC's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.

Risk Factors

Read EFSC's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.

Selected Fundamentals

MetricValueUnitFYFiled
Revenue888,410,000USD20252026-02-27
Net income201,374,000USD20252026-02-27
Assets17,300,884,000USD20252026-02-27

Financials

Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-27. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001025835.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.

Download these verified figures (annual + quarterly, with per-value filing provenance): JSON · CSV

Flow metrics use full-year FY periods from 10-K/10-K/A filings; balance-sheet metrics use FY-end instants. Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures. Missing metrics are omitted rather than fabricated.

Metric2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Revenue149,224,000202,539,000237,802,000305,134,000304,779,000383,230,000515,082,000764,919,000851,051,000888,410,000
Net income48,837,00048,190,00089,217,00092,739,00074,384,000133,055,000203,043,000194,059,000185,266,000201,374,000
Diluted EPS2.412.073.833.552.763.865.315.074.835.31
Operating cash flow82,521,00045,791,000108,808,00092,457,000135,514,000160,575,000216,640,000268,238,000247,400,000193,515,000
Capital expenditures2,496,0002,546,0003,035,0006,337,0002,259,0002,500,0001,930,0006,556,0007,475,00011,985,000
Dividends paid8,211,00010,249,00010,845,00016,568,00019,795,00026,153,00033,602,00037,368,00039,550,00045,093,000
Share buybacks4,889,00016,636,00019,387,00015,526,00015,347,00060,589,00032,923,0000.0029,641,00014,145,000
Assets4,081,328,0005,289,225,0005,645,662,0007,333,791,0009,751,571,00013,537,358,00013,054,172,00014,518,590,00015,596,431,00017,300,884,000
Liabilities3,694,230,0004,740,652,0005,041,858,0006,466,606,0008,672,596,00012,008,242,00011,531,909,00012,802,522,00013,772,429,00015,261,498,000
Stockholders' equity387,098,000548,573,000603,804,000867,185,0001,078,975,0001,529,116,0001,522,263,0001,716,068,0001,824,002,0002,039,386,000
Free cash flow80,025,00043,245,000105,773,00086,120,000133,255,000158,075,000214,710,000261,682,000239,925,000181,530,000

Ratios

ROE and ROA use period-end equity/assets. Liabilities / equity uses total liabilities divided by stockholders' equity. Current ratio uses current assets divided by current liabilities when both are reported.

Metric2016201720182019202020212022202320242025
Net margin32.73%23.79%37.52%30.39%24.41%34.72%39.42%25.37%21.77%22.67%
Return on equity12.62%8.78%14.78%10.69%6.89%8.70%13.34%11.31%10.16%9.87%
Return on assets1.20%0.91%1.58%1.26%0.76%0.98%1.56%1.34%1.19%1.16%
Liabilities / equity9.548.648.357.468.047.857.587.467.557.48

Industry Peer Context

Each number-line places EFSC against the min, median, and max of latest reported values among companies in the same SIC industry when at least three peers report that ratio.

Net margin peer context

EFSC Net margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.EFSC Net margin versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.149 SIC peersMin -52.5%Median 21.9%Max 46.5%EFSC 22.7%

ROE peer context

EFSC ROE versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.EFSC ROE versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.149 SIC peersMin -22.0%Median 9.6%Max 17.5%EFSC 9.9%

ROA peer context

EFSC ROA versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.EFSC ROA versus SIC peer range. Source: grepcent computed from latest SEC companyfacts ratios for SIC industry 6022; peer count 149.149 SIC peersMin -2.3%Median 1.1%Max 2.5%EFSC 1.2%

Financial Bridges

Waterfall figures reconcile reported SEC companyfacts components. Missing bridges are omitted when required components are not present for the same fiscal year.

Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures

EFSC FY2025 free cash flow bridge from reported figures.EFSC FY2025 free cash flow bridge from reported figures.EFSC free cash flow bridgeFY2025: operating cash flow less capital expendituresSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Free cash flow bridgeReported amount$0.0B$125.0M$250.0M$193.5MOperating cash flow-$12.0MCapex$181.5MFree cash flow

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001025835-26-000058; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001025835-26-000058; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001025835-26-000058; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment

Financial Charts

EFSC revenue, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC revenue, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC RevenueLatest point: FY2025 = $888.4MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearReported revenue$0.0B$500.0M$1.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating. Source concepts: us-gaap:InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating.

EFSC net income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC net income, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC Net incomeLatest point: FY2025 = $201.4MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearNet income$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.

EFSC diluted eps, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC diluted eps, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC Diluted EPSLatest point: FY2025 = $5.31/shareSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearDiluted EPS (USD/share)$0.00/share$3.00/share$6.00/shareFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.

EFSC operating cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC operating cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC Operating cash flowLatest point: FY2025 = $193.5MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearOperating cash flow$0.0B$250.0M$500.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.

EFSC capital expenditures, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC capital expenditures, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC Capital expendituresLatest point: FY2025 = $12.0MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearCapital expenditures$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.

EFSC dividends paid, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC dividends paid, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC Dividends paidLatest point: FY2025 = $45.1MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearDividends paid$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.

EFSC share buybacks, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC share buybacks, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC Share buybacksLatest point: FY2025 = $14.1MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearShare buybacks$0.0B$125.0M$250.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock.

EFSC assets, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC assets, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC AssetsLatest point: FY2025 = $17.3BSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearAssets$0.0B$10.0B$20.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.

EFSC liabilities, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC liabilities, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC LiabilitiesLatest point: FY2025 = $15.3BSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearLiabilities$0.0B$10.0B$20.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.

EFSC stockholders' equity, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC stockholders' equity, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC Stockholders' equityLatest point: FY2025 = $2.0BSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearStockholders' equity$0.0B$2.0B$4.0BFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.

EFSC free cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC free cash flow, last 5 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts FY2025.EFSC Free cash flowLatest point: FY2025 = $181.5MSource: SEC companyfacts FY2025.Fiscal yearFree cash flow$0.0B$250.0M$500.0MFY2021FY2022FY2023FY2024FY2025

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001025835-26-000058; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.

Quarterly

Quarterly standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-07-31. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001025835.json.

Flow metrics use discrete quarter-length periods from 10-Q/10-Q/A filings. Q4 revenue and net income are derived only when annual FY and nine-month YTD facts exist for the same fiscal year; derived Q4 values are labeled. EPS Q4 is not derived.

QuarterEnd DateRevenueNet IncomeDiluted EPSMethod
2022-Q32022-09-301.32reported discrete quarter
2023-Q12023-03-311.46reported discrete quarter
2023-Q22023-06-301.29reported discrete quarter
2023-Q32023-09-30200,906,00044,665,0001.17reported discrete quarter
2023-Q42023-12-31207,083,00044,529,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2024-Q12024-03-31207,723,00040,401,0001.05reported discrete quarter
2024-Q22024-06-30211,644,00045,446,0001.19reported discrete quarter
2024-Q32024-09-30216,304,00050,585,0001.32reported discrete quarter
2024-Q42024-12-31215,380,00048,834,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2025-Q12025-03-31211,780,00049,961,0001.31reported discrete quarter
2025-Q22025-06-30218,967,00051,384,0001.36reported discrete quarter
2025-Q32025-09-30225,390,00045,235,0001.19reported discrete quarter
2025-Q42025-12-31232,273,00054,794,000derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD
2026-Q12026-03-31225,091,00049,362,0001.30reported discrete quarter
2026-Q22026-06-30229,313,00040,927,0001.09reported discrete quarter

Quarterly Charts

EFSC quarterly revenue, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q2.EFSC quarterly revenue, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q2.EFSC Quarterly RevenueLatest point: 2026-Q2 = $229.3MSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q2.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Revenue$0.0B$125.0M$250.0M2023-Q32023-Q42024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32024-Q42025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32025-Q42026-Q12026-Q2

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-06-30; accession 0001025835-26-000146; filed 2026-07-31. Concept: InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating. Source concepts: us-gaap:InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating.

EFSC quarterly net income, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q2.EFSC quarterly net income, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q2.EFSC Quarterly Net incomeLatest point: 2026-Q2 = $40.9MSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q2.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Net income$0.0B$125.0M$250.0M2023-Q32023-Q42024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32024-Q42025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32025-Q42026-Q12026-Q2

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-06-30; accession 0001025835-26-000146; filed 2026-07-31. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.

EFSC quarterly diluted eps, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q2.EFSC quarterly diluted eps, last 12 periods. Source: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q2.EFSC Quarterly Diluted EPSLatest point: 2026-Q2 = $1.09/shareSource: SEC companyfacts 2026-Q2.Fiscal quarterQuarterly Diluted EPS (USD/share)$0.00/share$1.00/share$2.00/share2022-Q32023-Q12023-Q22023-Q32024-Q12024-Q22024-Q32025-Q12025-Q22025-Q32026-Q12026-Q2

Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-06-30; accession 0001025835-26-000146; filed 2026-07-31. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.

Macro Cross-References

Latest quarter (10-Q)

Latest 10-Q source: 0001025835-26-000146.

Extracted structurally from real Item 2 body heading to real Item 3/4 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-07-31. Report date: 2026-06-30.

ITEM 2: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains information and statements that are considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects on the Company, and include, without limitation, statements about the Company’s plans, strategies, goals, objectives, expectations, or consequences of statements about the future performance, operations, products and services of the Company and its subsidiaries, as well as statements about the Company’s expectations regarding revenue and asset growth, financial performance and profitability, loan and deposit growth, yields and returns, loan diversification and credit management, products and services, stockholder value creation and the impact of acquisitions. Forward-looking statements are typically identified with the use of terms such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “could,” “continue,” “intend,” and the negative and other variations of these terms and similar words and expressions, although some forward-looking statements may be expressed differently. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties and our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. You should be aware that our actual results could differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.

While there is no assurance that any list of risks and uncertainties or risk factors is complete, important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include the following, without limitation: the Company’s ability to efficiently integrate acquisitions into its operations, retain the clients of these businesses and grow the acquired operations, the Company’s ability to collect insurance proceeds from claims made related to tax recapture events, credit risk, changes in the appraised valuation of real estate securing impaired loans, outcomes of litigation and other contingencies, exposure to general and local economic and market conditions, high unemployment rates, higher inflation and its impacts (including U.S. federal government measures to address higher inflation), impacts of trade and tariff policies, U.S. fiscal debt, budget and tax matters (including the effect of a prolonged U.S. federal government shutdown), and any slowdown in global economic growth, risks associated with rapid increases or decreases in prevailing interest rates, our ability to attract and retain deposits and access to other sources of liquidity, consolidation in the banking industry, competition from banks and other financial institutions, the Company’s ability to attract and retain relationship officers and other key personnel, burdens imposed by federal and state regulation, changes in legislative or regulatory requirements, as well as current, pending or future legislation or regulation that could have a negative effect on our revenue and businesses, including rules and regulations relating to bank products and financial services, changes in accounting policies and practices or accounting standards, natural disasters (such as wildfires and earthquakes), terrorist activities, war and geopolitical matters (including in Israel, Iran and Ukraine, and the imposition of additional sanctions and export controls in connection therewith), or pandemics, and their effects on economic and business environments in which we operate, including the related disruption to the financial market and other economic activity; and other risks discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” under Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, and other reports filed with the SEC, all of which could cause the Company’s actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. The Company cautions that the preceding list is not exhaustive of all possible risk factors and other factors could also adversely affect the Company’s results.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s analysis and expectations only as of the date of such statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to publicly revise or update forward-looking statements after the date of this report, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by federal securities law. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all risk factors. Readers should carefully review all disclosures we file from time to time with the SEC which are available on the Company’s website at www.enterprisebank.com under “Investor Relations.”

35

Introduction

The following discussion describes the significant changes to the financial condition of the Company that have occurred during the first six months of 2026 compared to the financial condition as of December 31, 2025. In addition, this discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the results of operations of the Company for the three months ended June 30, 2026, compared to the linked first quarter of 2026 (“linked quarter”) and the results of operations, liquidity and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2026 compared to the same period in 2025 (“prior year-to-date period”). In light of the nature of the Company’s business, the Company’s management believes that the comparison to the linked quarter is the most relevant to understand the financial results from management’s perspective. For purposes of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company is presenting a comparison to the corresponding prior year-to-date period. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report and the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The Company’s critical accounting policies are considered important to the understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. These accounting policies require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Because these estimates and judgments are based on current circumstances, they may change over time or prove to be inaccurate based on actual experience. If different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition and/or results of operations could reasonably be expected.

A full description of our critical accounting policies and the impact and any associated risks related to those policies on our business operations are discussed throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

The Company has prepared all of the consolidated financial information in this report in accordance with GAAP. The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates include the valuation of loans, goodwill, intangible assets, and other long-lived assets, along with assumptions used in the calculation of income taxes, among others. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using loss experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statement in future periods. There can be no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

36

ACL

The Company maintains separate allowances for funded loans, unfunded loans, and held-to-maturity securities, collectively referred to as the ACL. The ACL is a valuation account to adjust the cost basis to the amount expected to be collected, based on management’s experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For purposes of determining the allowance for funded and unfunded loans, the portfolios are segregated into pools that share similar risk characteristics that are then further segregated by credit grades. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are not included in the collective evaluation. The Company estimates the amount of the allowance based on loan loss experience, adjusted for current and forecasted economic conditions, including unemployment, changes in GDP, and commercial and residential real estate prices. The Company’s forecast of economic conditions uses internal and external information and considers a weighted average of a baseline, upside, and downside scenarios. Because economic conditions can change and are difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated loan defaults and losses, and therefore the adequacy of the allowance, could change significantly and have a direct impact on the Company’s credit costs. The Company’s ACL on loans was $139.2 million at June 30, 2026 based on the weighting of the different economic scenarios. As a hypothetical example, if the Company had only used the upside scenario, the allowance would have decreased $26.9 million. Conversely, the allowance would have increased $40.5 million using only the downside scenario.

37

Executive Summary

Below are highlights of the Company’s financial performance for the periods indicated. Comparisons to prior year periods are affected by the acquisition of 12 branches in Arizona and Kansas in the fourth quarter 2025 (the “Branch Acquisition”).

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[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]

Latest 10-K MD&A

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2026-02-27. Report date: 2025-12-31.

ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

The objective of this section is to provide an overview of the results of operations and financial condition of the Company by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year to year. It should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and other financial data presented elsewhere in this report, particularly the information regarding the Company’s business operations described in Item 1. A detailed discussion comparing 2024 and 2023 results is incorporated herein by reference to Item 7 of the Company’s 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2025.

Executive Summary

The Company offers a broad range of business and personal banking services including wealth management. Lending services include C&I, CRE, real estate construction and development, residential real estate, specialty, and consumer loans. A wide variety of deposit products and a complete suite of treasury management and international trade services complement our lending capabilities. The Company’s results of operations are also affected by prevailing economic conditions, competition, government policies and other actions of regulatory agencies.

The Company’s financial condition, operating results and liquidity in 2025 continued to be impacted by monetary policy actions. The Federal Reserve decreased the target federal funds rate 75 basis points in 2025, following a 100 basis point decrease in 2024. This follows the period of 2022 to 2023 when the Federal Reserve increased the target federal funds rate 525 basis points.

31

Financial Performance Highlights

Below are highlights of our financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.

($ in thousands, except per share data)At or for the year ended December 31,
202520242023
EARNINGS
Total interest income$888,410$851,051$764,919
Total interest expense261,672282,955202,327
Net interest income626,738568,096562,592
Provision for credit losses26,33721,50836,605
Net interest income after provision for credit losses600,401546,588525,987
Total noninterest income113,12369,70368,725
Total noninterest expense429,807385,047348,186
Income before income tax expense283,717231,244246,526
Income tax expense82,34345,97852,467
Net income$201,374$185,266$194,059
Preferred dividends3,7503,7503,750
Net income available to common stockholders$197,624$181,516$190,309
Basic earnings per common share$5.34$4.86$5.09
Diluted earnings per common share$5.31$4.83$5.07
Return on average assets1.24%1.25%1.41%
Adjusted return on average assets11.23%1.26%1.41%
Return on average common equity10.58%10.60%12.27%
Adjusted return on average common equity110.45%10.71%12.35%
Return on average tangible common equity113.34%13.58%16.25%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity113.17%13.71%16.35%
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)4.21%4.16%4.43%
Efficiency ratio58.09%60.37%55.15%
Core efficiency ratio159.32%58.42%53.42%
Common dividend payout ratio222.98%21.95%19.72%
Book value per common share$53.22$47.37$43.94
Tangible book value per common share1$41.37$37.27$33.85
Average common equity to average assets11.53%11.54%11.24%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets19.07%9.05%8.96%
ASSET QUALITY
Net charge-offs$24,302$17,450$38,044
Nonperforming loans82,80942,68743,728
Nonaccrual loans81,18042,66743,181
Nonperforming assets164,35346,64249,464
Classified assets410,485193,838185,389
Total assets17,300,88415,596,43114,518,590
Total loans11,800,33811,220,35510,884,118
Classified assets to total assets2.37%1.24%1.28%
Nonperforming loans to total loans0.70%0.38%0.40%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.95%0.30%0.34%
ACL on loans to total loans1.19%1.23%1.24%
Net charge-offs to average loans0.21%0.16%0.37%

1Non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

2Dividends per common share divided by diluted earnings per common share.

32

2025 Financial Highlights

During 2025, we noted the following significant developments:

•The Company had a return on average assets of 1.24%. This drove a 11.0% increase in tangible book value per share in 2025.

•Dividends paid in 2025 of $1.22 per share increased $0.16 per share, or 15%, compared to $1.06 per share in 2024.

•The Company repurchased 258,739 shares of its common stock at a weighted-average share price of $54.60.

•The Bank acquired 12 branches from First Interstate Bank, including certain deposits and loans, and the owned real estate and fixed and other assets associated with the 12 branches. The Company acquired $609 million in deposits, and certain, mostly commercially-oriented loans with outstanding balances of approximately $292 million as of December 31, 2025. The transaction added 10 branches in Arizona and two branches in Kansas City, and expands the Company’s presence in those markets.

•A solar provider from which the Company had purchased $24.1 million of transferrable solar tax credits declared bankruptcy. The bankrupt solar provider indirectly owned, through a complex structure of multiple entities, the solar projects generating the tax credits that the Company purchased. As part of the bankruptcy, the bankrupt solar provider sold and transferred equity interests in certain of those entities. As a result of this transfer, the $24.1 million of solar tax credits purchased by the Company were recaptured. The Company previously purchased an insurance policy to insure against recapture risk and anticipates proceeds from the insurance policy to cover the $24.1 million of recaptured tax credits and approximately $8.0 million of incremental tax liability attributable to the anticipated insurance proceeds from the insured recaptured credits.

•The Company redeemed $63.3 million of subordinated debt that had a floating rate of three-month Term SOFR plus a spread of 5.66%. The redemption was funded through the issuance of a $63.3 million senior note at a rate of one-month Term SOFR plus a spread of 2.50%.

The Company noted the following trends during 2025:

•The Company reported net income of $201.4 million, or $5.31 per diluted share for 2025, compared to $185.3 million, or $4.83 per diluted share for 2024. PPNR1 for 2025 was $274.7 million, compared to $255.2 million in 2024. PPNR ROAA1 for 2025 and 2024 was 1.70% and 1.72%, respectively. The increase in PPNR1 was primarily due to higher net interest income that benefited from an organic increase in average interest-earning asset balances and liquidity provided through the Branch Acquisition, and lower rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. These increases were partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense due to the Branch Acquisition, merit increases, higher headcount and higher deposit costs from growth in the deposit verticals.

•Net interest income was $626.7 million, an increase of $58.6 million over the prior year. NIM increased to 4.21% in 2025, from 4.16% in 2024, primarily due to higher average loan and securities balances, higher yields on the securities portfolio, and lower short-term interest rates that decreased deposit interest expense. Average loans and securities increased $472.6 million and $753.8 million, respectively, compared to 2024. While the decline in market interest rates reduced the yield on loans 28 basis points, the yield on securities increased 51 basis points compared to 2024. The total cost of deposits was 1.77% in 2025 compared to 2.12% in 2024.

1 PPNR, PPNR ROAA, and the core efficiency ratio are non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

33

•Noninterest income was $113.1 million, an increase of $43.4 million from $69.7 million in 2024. Noninterest income in 2025 includes $32.1 million of anticipated insurance proceeds from a pending claim related to a recapture event during the third quarter 2025 with respect to a $24.1 million solar tax credit. There is an offsetting amount of $32.1 million in income tax expense related to the solar tax credit recapture.

•Noninterest expense was $429.8 million in 2025, a 12% increase from $385.0 million in 2024. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily from higher deposit costs due to an increase in average deposit vertical balances, an increase in compensation due an expanded associate base and the onboarding of the associates from the fourth quarter 2025 Branch Acquisition, along with other expenses related to the Branch Acquisition. The increase was partially offset by a $4.9 million decline in core conversion expenses due to the completion of the core implementation in the fourth quarter 2024. The core efficiency ratio1 was 59.3% in 2025, compared to 58.4% in 2024.

2024 Financial Highlights

During 2024, noted the following significant developments:

•The Company had a return on average assets of 1.25%. This drove a 10.1% increase in tangible book value per share in 2024.

•Dividends paid in 2024 of $1.06 per share increased $0.06 per share, or 6%, compared to $1.00 per share in 2023.

•The Company repurchased 626,778 of its common shares at a weighted-average share price of $46.95.

•In the fourth quarter 2024, the Company successfully completed the conversion of its legacy core system into a new core banking platform.

34

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Average Balance Sheet

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, certain information related to our average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as, the corresponding interest rates earned and paid, all on a tax-equivalent basis. Average balances are presented on a daily average basis.

Year ended December 31,
202520242023
($ in thousands)Average BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ RateAverage BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ RateAverage BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ Rate
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans1, 2$11,463,410$755,2226.59%$10,990,774$755,4486.87%$10,324,951$688,4396.67%
Taxable securities2,057,01783,7344.071,512,13253,1673.521,320,66440,9203.10
Non-taxable securities21,209,42443,6233.611,000,55831,9633.19970,88830,2093.11
Total securities3,266,441127,3573.902,512,69085,1303.392,291,55271,1293.10
Interest-earning deposits418,98017,5664.19368,22118,9185.14260,21413,4305.16
Total interest-earning assets15,148,831900,1455.9413,871,685859,4966.2012,876,717772,9986.00
Noninterest-earning assets1,050,172970,005928,519
Total assets$16,199,003$14,841,690$13,805,236
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand accounts$3,311,368$68,9322.08%$3,033,616$76,9322.54%$2,559,238$46,9761.84%
Money market accounts3,730,110113,2863.043,494,497127,6513.653,043,79492,9763.05
Savings accounts535,0217240.14567,1471,2610.22668,3689750.15
Certificates of deposit1,533,60858,1563.791,371,00958,7644.291,198,55142,7963.57
Total interest-bearing deposits9,110,107241,0982.658,466,269264,6083.137,469,951183,7232.46
Subordinated debentures and notes135,8099,5437.03156,26010,4976.72155,7029,7816.28
FHLB advances75,0273,4224.5630,3631,6915.5754,6152,7525.04
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase201,0015,8292.90164,9595,6673.44168,7453,6472.16
Other borrowings56,6101,7803.1437,8334921.3071,7382,4243.38
Total interest-bearing liabilities9,578,554261,6722.738,855,684282,9553.207,920,751202,3272.55
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits4,525,7614,042,3684,131,163
Other liabilities155,194159,463130,201
Total liabilities14,259,50913,057,51512,182,115
Stockholders' equity1,939,4941,784,1751,623,121
Total liabilities & stockholders’ equity$16,199,003$14,841,690$13,805,236
Net interest income$638,473$576,541$570,671
Net interest spread3.21%3.00%3.45%
Net interest margin4.21%4.16%4.43%

1Average balances include nonaccrual loans. Interest income includes loan fees of $7.0 million, $9.6 million, and $13.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 respectively.

2Non-taxable income is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of approximately 25%. The tax-equivalent adjustments were $11.7 million, $8.4 million, and $8.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

35

Rate/Volume

The following table sets forth, on a tax-equivalent basis for the periods indicated, a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in yield/rates and volume.

2025 compared to 20242024 compared to 2023
Increase (decrease) due toIncrease (decrease) due to
($ in thousands)Volume1Rate2NetVolume1Rate2Net
Interest earned on:
Loans$31,919$(32,145)$(226)$45,473$21,536$67,009
Taxable securities21,2609,30730,5676,3475,90012,247
Non-taxable securities37,2044,45611,6609368181,754
Interest-earning deposits2,402(3,754)(1,352)5,549(61)5,488
Total interest-earning assets62,785(22,136)40,64958,30528,19386,498
Interest paid on:
Interest-bearing demand accounts$6,617$(14,617)$(8,000)$9,794$20,162$29,956
Money market accounts8,192(22,557)(14,365)14,92819,74734,675
Savings accounts(68)(469)(537)(165)451286
Certificates of deposit6,562(7,170)(608)6,6749,29415,968
Subordinated debentures and notes(1,421)467(954)35681716
FHLB advances2,086(355)1,731(1,326)265(1,061)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase1,126(964)162(84)2,1042,020
Other borrowed funds3349541,288(839)(1,093)(1,932)
Total interest-bearing liabilities23,428(44,711)(21,283)29,01751,61180,628
Net interest income$39,357$22,575$61,932$29,288$(23,418)$5,870
1Change in volume multiplied by yield/rate of prior period.
2Change in yield/rate multiplied by volume of prior period.
3Nontaxable income is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of approximately 25%.
NOTE: The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to rate and volume changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

Net interest income (on a tax-equivalent basis) was $638.5 million for 2025, compared to $576.5 million for 2024, an increase of $61.9 million. The increase in net interest income in 2025 was primarily due to higher average interest-earning asset balances and a decrease in the average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

Total tax-equivalent interest income of $900.1 million increased $40.6 million in 2025 primarily due to a $42.2 million increase in interest income from investment securities. Higher interest income on investment securities was primarily due to a $753.8 million increase in average securities balances and a 51 basis point increase in yield on investment securities. Average securities represented 22% and 18% of earnings assets for 2025 and 2024, respectively. Average loan balances increased $472.6 million during the year primarily from organic loan growth and the Branch Acquisition, partially offset by a 28 basis point decrease in loan yield resulting in a $0.2 million decrease in loan interest income.

Overall, average interest-earning assets increased $1.3 billion, or 9%, to $15.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025. Excess liquidity provided through the Branch Acquisition was deployed into the securities portfolio and other interest-earning assets. Volume growth of the balance sheet drove an increase in interest income on earning assets of $62.8 million, partially offset by a decrease of $22.1 million in yield on interest-earning assets in 2025 compared to 2024.

36

Total interest expense decreased $21.3 million in 2025 primarily due to decreased rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The decrease in deposit interest expense reflects lower rates paid on deposits, partially offset by successful marketing efforts and acquired deposits in connection with the Branch Acquisition that increased average deposit balances. Total average interest-bearing deposits increased to $9.1 billion, an increase of $643.8 million, or 8%, in 2025 over the average for 2024. Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased $483.4 million, or 12%, in 2025 compared to the average for 2024. Average noninterest-bearing deposits represented 33% of total average deposits in 2025, compared to 32% in 2024. Overall, average interest-bearing liabilities increased $722.9 million, or 8%, for the year ended December 31, 2025 as compared to the prior year end. The increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased interest expense in 2025 by $23.4 million, which was partially offset by the decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities that decreased interest expense $44.7 million in 2025.

The tax-equivalent net interest margin was 4.21% for 2025, compared to 4.16% for 2024. The primary driver of the increase in net interest margin from 2024 to 2025 was lower interest expense on the deposit portfolio. Since September 2024, the Federal Reserve has reduced the federal funds target rate 175 basis points. As of December 31, 2025, variable-rate loans comprised approximately 60% of total loans. The earning-asset yield decreased 26 basis points to 5.94% in 2025, compared to 6.20% in 2024. Comparatively, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities decreased 47 basis points to 2.73%, from 3.20% in 2024.

Noninterest Income

The following table presents a comparative summary of the major components of noninterest income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2025:

Year ended December 31,Change from
($ in thousands)2025202420232025 vs. 20242024 vs. 2023
Deposit service charges$19,376$18,344$16,559$1,032$1,785
Wealth management revenue10,45610,45210,0304422
Card services revenue9,9959,96610,02829(62)
Tax credit income7,6978,9549,196(1,257)(242)
Anticipated insurance recoveries32,11232,112
Other income33,48721,98722,91211,500(925)
Total noninterest income$113,123$69,703$68,725$43,420$978

Noninterest income increased $43.4 million, or 62%, in 2025 compared to 2024. The increase in noninterest income was primarily due to $32.1 million of anticipated insurance proceeds from a third quarter 2025 pending claim related to a recapture event with respect to a solar tax credit that the Company purchased and applied to prior taxable periods. Excluding this item, noninterest income increased primarily due to an $11.5 million increase in other income. Other income increased primarily due to higher BOLI income ($3.7 million), an increase in gains on the sale of SBA loans ($2.8 million), and an increase in net gain on OREO ($3.2 million). Private equity and community development income are not consistent sources of income and fluctuate based on distributions and earnings from the underlying funds. In 2025, the Company sold the guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans of $78.2 million for a gain of $4.2 million, compared to $23.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively, in 2024.

37

Noninterest Expense

The following table presents a comparative summary of the components of noninterest expense:

Year ended December 31,Change from
($ in thousands)2025202420232025 vs. 20242024 vs. 2023
Employee compensation and benefits$198,666$182,713$164,566$15,953$18,147
Deposit costs103,23188,64572,29314,58616,352
Occupancy20,15417,23116,5262,923705
Data processing20,23919,67115,1965684,475
Professional fees9,6056,2575,7193,348538
Other expenses77,91270,53073,8867,382(3,356)
Total noninterest expense$429,807$385,047$348,186$44,760$36,861
Efficiency ratio58.1%60.4%55.2%(2.3)%5.2%
Core efficiency ratio159.3%58.4%53.4%0.9%5.0%
1 A non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Noninterest expense increased $44.8 million, or 12%, in 2025 compared to 2024. The increase was attributed primarily to an increase in compensation and benefits due to annual merit increases, an expanded associate base, the onboarding of the associates from the Branch Acquisition, and the recruitment of new relationship bankers. The total cost of the Branch Acquisition in noninterest expense was $3.7 million in 2025. The increase from 2024 was also primarily due to a $14.6 million increase in deposit costs due to an increase in average deposit vertical balances. For certain deposit accounts in the Company’s deposit verticals, clients receive an earnings credit allowance on average collected balances that may be used to offset expenses associated with the client’s activities for managing the accounts. These costs are reflected in noninterest expense as deposit costs. Average balances in the deposit verticals were approximately $3.8 billion and $3.1 billion, resulting in an average deposit vertical cost of 2.75% and 2.82% for 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Income Taxes

As part of the normal, ongoing review of state tax apportionment, the Company's state statutory tax rate was increased in the fourth quarter. Due to the increase, the Company’s blended federal and state tax rate was approximately 25.1% in 2025, compared to 24.8% in 2024. Included in tax expense during 2025 was $24.1 million in recaptured tax credits as discussed above and approximately $8.0 million of incremental tax liability attributable to the anticipated insurance proceeds from the insured recaptured credits. Excluding the impact of the recaptured tax credits and related insurance proceeds, the adjusted effective tax rate2 for 2025, after adjusting for permanent tax differences such as tax exempt income and tax credits, is approximately 20.0% compared to 19.9% in 2024. See “Item 8. Note 15 – Income Taxes” for additional information.

2 Adjusted effective tax rate is a non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

38

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Summary Balance Sheet

($ in thousands)December 31,% Increase (Decrease)
2025202420232025 vs. 20242024 vs. 2023
Cash and cash equivalents$681,902$764,170$433,029(10.77)%76.47%
Securities3,729,9922,791,2052,368,70733.63%17.84%
Loans11,800,33811,220,35510,884,1185.17%3.09%
Assets17,300,88415,596,43114,518,59010.93%7.42%
Deposits14,609,34213,146,49212,176,37111.13%7.97%
Liabilities15,261,49813,772,42912,802,52210.81%7.58%
Stockholders’ equity2,039,3861,824,0021,716,06811.81%6.29%

The table below represents the summary balance sheet shown as a percentage of account class (total assets, total liabilities or total stockholders’ equity), as applicable:

December 31,
202520242023
Cash and cash equivalents to total assets3.94%4.90%2.98%
Securities to total assets21.56%17.90%16.31%
Loans to total assets68.21%71.94%74.97%
Deposits to total liabilities95.73%95.46%95.11%

Assets

Loans by Type

The Company has a diversified loan portfolio, with no particular concentration of credit in any one economic sector other than those noted in the table of loans by NAICS code below; however, a substantial portion of the portfolio, including the C&I category, is secured by real estate. The ability of the Company’s borrowers to honor their contractual obligations is partially dependent upon the local economy and its effect on the real estate market. Included in total loans at December 31, 2025 are $292.0 million of loans from the Branch Acquisition.

39

The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio by type of loans:

December 31,
($ in thousands)2025(1)2024
C&I$5,231,616$4,716,689
CRE - investor owned2,984,8582,606,964
CRE - owner occupied2,468,9632,367,823
Construction and land development687,584891,059
Residential real estate367,682359,263
Consumer59,635278,557
Total loans$11,800,338$11,220,355
(1)Certain loans were reclassified from Consumer and into other categories in 2025. Prior period amounts were not adjusted.
December 31,
20252024
C&I44.3%42.0%
CRE - investor owned25.3%23.2%
CRE - owner occupied20.9%21.1%
Construction and land development5.9%8.0%
Residential real estate3.1%3.2%
Consumer0.5%2.5%
Total loans100.0%100.0%

C&I loans are made based on the borrower’s ability to generate cash flows for repayment from income sources, general credit strength, experience, and character, even though such loans may also be secured by real estate or other assets. The credit risk related to commercial loans is largely influenced by general economic conditions and the resulting impact on a borrower’s operations.

The Company continues to focus on originating high-quality C&I loan relationships as they allow for cross selling opportunities involving other banking products. Our specialized products, especially sponsor finance, life insurance premium financing, and tax credit lending, consist of primarily C&I loans, and have contributed significantly to the Company’s C&I loan growth. These loans are sourced through relationships developed with wealth and estate planning firms, private equity funds and tax credit specialists and are not bound geographically to our markets. As a result, these specialized loan products offer opportunities to expand and diversify our overall geographic concentration by entering into new markets. C&I also represents loans to state and political subdivisions, loans to nondepository financial institutions, and loans to purchase, or are fully secured by, investment securities.

40

Real estate loans place an emphasis on the estimated cash flows from the operation of the property and/or the underlying collateral value.

•Our CRE loans, including investor-owned and owner-occupied categories, primarily represent commercial property loans on which the primary source of repayment is income from the property for investor-owned and the operating business for owner-occupied. These loans are principally underwritten based on the cash flow coverage of the property, the Company’s loan to value guidelines, and generally require either the limited or full guaranty of principal sponsors of the credit. The Company also maintains standards for amortization and maturity terms. CRE loans also represent owner-occupied C&I loans for which the primary source of repayment is dependent on sources other than the underlying collateral. In an effort to mitigate credit risk, the Company routinely reviews its loan portfolio for various concentrations. Annually, management prepares an assessment of credit risk in the various loan portfolios, with a significant portion of the commercial loan portfolio subject to review. These reviews consider the Company’s collateral position as well as exposure to a given industry sector. The Company performs site visits as part of the underwriting process, in addition to stress tests for vacancy, rental and interest rates on certain property types. The Company believes that the loan portfolio is sufficiently diversified to provide protection from deterioration in any particular industry, geography or devaluation of a specific collateral type.

•Construction and land development loans relating primarily to residential and commercial properties, represent financing secured by real estate under development for eventual sale or undeveloped ground. At December 31, 2025, $378.5 million of these loans include the use of interest reserves and follow standard underwriting guidelines. Construction projects are monitored by the loan officer and a centralized independent loan disbursement function.

•Residential real estate loans include residential mortgages, which are loans that, due to size or other attributes, do not qualify for conventional home mortgages available-for-sale in the secondary market, second mortgages, home equity lines and conventional mortgages that are part of a broad banking relationship with the Company. Residential mortgage loans are usually limited to a maximum of 80% of collateral value at origination.

Consumer loans represent loans to individuals. Credit risk is managed by thoroughly reviewing the creditworthiness of the borrowers prior to origination and thereafter.

41

The following table presents a breakdown of loans by NAICS code at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20252024
($ in thousands)Outstanding Balance%Outstanding Balance%
Accommodation and food services$995,7278%$1,052,1059%
Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services217,8332%207,0032%
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting1106,5351%141,3391%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation143,3151%139,2561%
Construction635,8545%584,4215%
Educational services49,753NM49,942NM
Finance and insurance2,540,45522%2,252,42020%
Health care and social assistance678,1296%612,7675%
Information75,0331%68,8391%
Management of companies and enterprises65,1271%91,8901%
Manufacturing812,0427%750,4807%
Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction15,872NM5,494NM
Other services (except public administration)547,4475%556,3255%
Professional, scientific, and technical services334,8023%311,1603%
Public administration13,156NM11,889NM
Real estate and rental and leasing3,091,49926%2,904,15326%
Retail trade602,4405%561,9325%
Transportation and warehousing254,0492%286,9063%
Utilities27,097NM7,139NM
Wholesale trade524,5254%517,7615%
Other69,6481%107,1341%
Total loans$11,800,338100%$11,220,355100%
1Includes $40.6 million and $54.2 million in animal production at December 31, 2025, and 2024, respectively and $53.4 million and $69.4 million in crop production at December 31, 2025, and 2024, respectively.

At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had an agricultural loan portfolio of $69.3 million and $121.8 million, respectively. The Company continues to wind down this portfolio over time as the loans mature or pay down. The Company does not intend to enter into new agricultural loans.

The following table presents a breakdown of C&I loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20252024
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million2,828$927,862$3282,582$864,511$335
$2-5 million3471,110,8683,2013431,114,9223,251
$5-10 million1731,197,9126,9241451,001,1376,904
$10 million1051,994,97419,000951,736,11918,275
Total3,453$5,231,616$1,5153,165$4,716,689$1,490

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The following table presents a breakdown of CRE loans (investor owned and owner occupied) by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20252024
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million2,925$1,760,971$6022,958$1,792,813$606
$2-5 million4811,478,0573,0734431,363,7973,079
$5-10 million136946,5896,960114765,0596,711
$10 million741,268,20417,138651,053,11816,202
Total3,616$5,453,821$1,5083,580$4,974,787$1,390

The Company had $574.8 million and $513.7 million of investor owned office real estate loans as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company also had $399.0 million and $322.5 million of multifamily CRE loans as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The following table presents a breakdown of construction loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20252024
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million284$124,221$437303$128,236$423
$2-5 million42128,7493,06552162,9363,133
$5-10 million15107,8137,18827201,1087,448
$10 million21326,80115,56225398,77915,951
Total362$687,584$1,899407$891,059$2,189

The following table presents a breakdown of residential loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20252024
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million1,998$283,183$1422,000$275,321$138
$2-5 million1757,8583,4031962,4093,285
$5-10 million426,6416,660321,5337,177
Total2,019$367,682$1822,022$359,263$178

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The following table presents a breakdown of consumer loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
2025(1)2024
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million922$57,134$621,023$92,471$90
$2-5 million12,5012,5012065,0743,254
$5-10 million638,7146,453
$10 million482,29820,574
Total923$59,635$651,053$278,557$265
(1)Certain loans were reclassified from Consumer and into other categories in 2025. Prior period amounts were not adjusted.

The following table presents a breakdown of total loans by geographic region at the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20252024
Midwest$3,372,474$3,201,313
Southwest2,229,0701,784,824
West1,883,2361,855,380
Specialty and Consumer loans4,315,5584,378,838
Total$11,800,338$11,220,355

The following table presents a breakdown of total loans by MSA, excluding specialty and consumer loans, at the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20252024
St. Louis, MO-IL MSA$2,203,659$2,225,856
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA MSA1,318,3971,557,990
Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ MSA1,254,713993,239
Kansas City, MO-KS MSA1,038,226975,457
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA MSA564,038297,359
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX MSA279,196185,242
Albuquerque, NM MSA216,130211,642
Santa Fe, NM MSA169,771151,883
Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA236,047165,485
Tucson-Nogales, AZ MSA69,564
All other MSAs135,03977,364
Specialty and Consumer loans4,315,5584,378,838
Total$11,800,338$11,220,355

Loan guarantees, primarily on SBA 7(a) loans, totaled $960.1 million and $947.7 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

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The following table sets forth additional information on certain categories of loans that are included in total loans above at the periods indicated:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2025December 31, 2024Increase (decrease)
SBA loans$1,262,4561,298,007$(35,551)(3)%
Sponsor finance694,905782,722(87,817)(11)%
Life insurance premium finance1,187,1281,114,29972,8297%
Tax credits802,818760,22942,5896%

The sponsor finance portfolio is primarily comprised of loans in the manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors. It includes mid-market company mergers and acquisitions, targeted private equity firms, principally SBICs, and senior debt financing to portfolio companies.

The life insurance premium finance category specializes in financing whole life insurance premiums utilized in high net worth estate planning, through relationships with boutique estate planners throughout the United States.

The tax credit portfolio includes tax credit-related lending on affordable housing projects funded through the use of

federal and state low income housing tax credits. In addition, we provide leveraged and other loans on projects funded through the CDFI New Markets Tax Credit Program. This portfolio also includes tax credit brokerage through 10-year streams of state tax credits from affordable housing development funds. The tax credits are sold to clients and other individuals for tax planning purposes.

SBA loans are originated under the SBA 7(a) program and are primarily owner-occupied, CRE loans secured by a 1st lien. These loans predominantly have a 75% portion guaranteed by the SBA.

Significant loan concentrations are considered to exist for a financial institution when there are amounts loaned to numerous borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At December 31, 2025, no significant concentrations exceeding 10% of total loans existed in the Company’s loan portfolio, except as described above.

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The following table presents the maturity distribution of loans at December 31, 2025 categorized by fixed or variable interest rates, net of unearned loan fees:

($ in thousands)Due in One Year or Less (1)After One Through Five YearsAfter Five Through Fifteen YearsAfter Fifteen YearsTotalPercent of Total Loans
Fixed rate loans
C&I$114,325$1,036,964$282,917$13,419$1,447,62512%
Real estate:
Commercial589,4631,843,501316,639278,6363,028,23926%
Construction and land development28,11458,563844,99991,7601%
Residential37,29584,95721,42413,160156,8361%
Consumer2,6182,91517,86225,58148,976NM
Total$771,815$3,026,900$638,926$335,795$4,773,43640%
Variable rate loans
C&I$1,409,356$2,062,589$295,494$16,552$3,783,99132%
Real estate:
Commercial243,460680,343409,1491,092,6302,425,58221%
Construction and land development197,167239,263106,01453,380595,8245%
Residential40,35530,70856,46383,320210,8462%
Consumer4,1816,22114111610,659NM
Total$1,894,519$3,019,124$867,261$1,245,998$7,026,90260%
Total loans
C&I$1,523,681$3,099,553$578,411$29,971$5,231,61644%
Real estate:
Commercial832,9232,523,844725,7881,371,2665,453,82147%
Construction and land development225,281297,826106,09858,379687,5846%
Residential77,650115,66577,88796,480367,6823%
Consumer6,7999,13618,00325,69759,635NM
Total$2,666,334$6,046,024$1,506,187$1,581,793$11,800,338100%

(1) Includes loans with no stated maturity and overdraft lines of credit.

The majority of variable rate loans are based on the prime rate or SOFR. At December 31, 2025, $4.8 billion or 68% of variable rate loans were subject to an interest rate floor. Most variable rate loan originations have one-to three-year maturities. Management monitors this mix as part of its interest rate risk management. The Company has also entered into interest rate hedges to reduce the cash flow impact of changes in interest rates on the variable rate loan portfolio. These hedges, which include interest rate swaps and collars, had a notional amount of $400.0 million at both December 31, 2025 and 2024. See “Interest Rate Risk” of this MD&A section for additional information.

Provision and ACL

The following table presents the components of the provision for credit losses for the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20252024
Provision for credit losses on loans$23,076$20,629
Benefit for off-balance sheet commitments(100)(586)
Benefit for held-to-maturity securities(112)(528)
Charge-offs of accrued interest3,4731,993
Provision for credit losses$26,337$21,508

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The provision for credit losses, which includes a provision for losses on unfunded commitments, is a charge to earnings to maintain the ACL on loans at a level consistent with management’s assessment of expected losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The Company also records reversals of interest on nonaccrual loans and interest recoveries directly through the provision of credit losses.

The CECL methodology requires economic forecasts to be factored into determining estimated losses. As a result, CECL is designed to typically require a higher level of provision at the start of an economic downturn. The increase in the provision for credit losses in 2025 was primarily due to loan growth, net charge-offs and the increase in nonperforming loans. The higher provision for credit losses in 2024 was also primarily due to loan growth, net charge-offs and the increase in nonperforming loans.

To the extent the Company does not recognize charge-offs and economic forecasts improve in future periods, the Company could recognize a reversal of provision for credit losses. Conversely, if economic conditions and the Company’s forecast worsens, the Company could recognize elevated levels of provision for credit losses. The provision is also reflective of charge-offs in the period.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the ACL on loans:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20252024
AmountPercent of loans in each category to total loansAmountPercent of loans in each category to total loans
C&I$68,34544.4%$63,23142.1%
Real estate:
Commercial50,78346.2%54,61744.3%
Construction and land development11,0165.8%9,8378.0%
Residential8,0233.1%6,5343.2%
Consumer1,8550.5%3,7312.4%
Total allowance$140,022100.0%$137,950100.0%

The ACL on loans was 1.19% of total loans at December 31, 2025, compared to 1.23%, and 1.24%, at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease in the allowance to total loans ratio in 2025 compared to 2024 was primarily due to an improvement in the economic forecast, a reduction in qualitative reserves, and net loan charge-offs of $24.3 million. The Company adopted a new accounting standard in the current quarter that resulted in the $3.3 million credit mark on the acquired loan portfolio from the Branch Acquisition being added directly to the ACL in purchase accounting and no provision for credit losses was recognized on the acquired loans.

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The following table is a summary of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans for the periods indicated:

December 31,
20252024
($ in thousands)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)Average Loans(1)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)/Average LoansNet Charge-offs (Recoveries)Average Loans(1)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)/Average Loans
C&I$15,371$5,069,6860.30%$10,425$5,602,9570.19%
Real estate:
Commercial5,0305,120,2880.10%3,5103,934,7640.09%
Construction and land development3,240848,9950.38%3,125792,8540.39%
Residential(70)365,429(0.02)%(264)352,754(0.07)%
Consumer73158,2491.25%654306,5830.21%
Total$24,302$11,462,6470.21%$17,450$10,989,9120.16%

(1) Excludes loans held for sale.

See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of this MD&A section for more information on the ACL methodology.

Nonperforming loans and assets

See “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for more information on nonaccrual loans and OREO. The following table presents the categories of nonperforming assets and other ratios, excluding government guaranteed portions, as of the dates indicated.

December 31,
($ in thousands)20252024
Nonaccrual loans$81,180$42,667
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest1,62920
Total nonperforming loans82,80942,687
OREO81,5443,955
Total nonperforming assets$164,353$46,642
Total assets$17,300,884$15,596,431
Total loans11,800,33811,220,355
Total ACL on loans140,022137,950
ACL on loans to nonaccrual loans172%323%
ACL on loans to nonperforming loans169%323%
ACL on loans to total loans1.19%1.23%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.69%0.38%
Nonperforming loans to total loans0.70%0.38%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.95%0.30%

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Nonperforming loans based on loan type were as follows:

December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
($ in thousands)AmountPercentNumber of loansAmountPercentNumber of loans
C&I$27,97934%19$15,82137%23
CRE46,32656%3925,09659%33
Construction and land development155NM11,5033%2
Residential real estate8,34010%52581%1
Consumer9NM49NM4
Total$82,809100%68$42,687100%63

The following table summarizes the changes in nonperforming loans:

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20252024
Nonperforming loans, beginning of period$42,687$43,728
Additions to nonaccrual loans178,02955,747
Charge-offs(34,516)(21,874)
Principal payments(26,845)(29,000)
Moved to OREO(76,546)(5,914)
Nonperforming loans, end of period$82,809$42,687

Nonperforming loans at December 31, 2025 increased $40.1 million, or 94%, when compared to December 31, 2024. The addition to nonperforming loans during 2025 was primarily related to seven real estate loans to special purpose entities (each an “SPE Borrower”) affiliated with two commercial banking relationships in Southern California that share some common ownership. Litigation resulting from a business dispute between the owners of the entities resulted in all of the SPE Borrowers filing bankruptcy in the first quarter 2025, which was subsequently dismissed. In the fourth quarter 2025, the Company foreclosed on six of the seven properties serving as collateral for the loans. The six properties were transferred to OREO at fair market value, less selling costs. Based on each individual property’s fair value, a net charge-off of $4.0 million and a gain on transfer of $6.2 million was recorded. The seventh property with a book value of $4.0 million was foreclosed on in the first quarter of 2026. The following table provides a summary of the six properties foreclosed in 2025 by collateral type:

($ in thousands)Fair market value, less selling costsCarrying value(1)Charge-offGain
CRE - investor owned:
Multifamily$13,240$17,209$3,969$
Mixed use49,76047,6942,066
Total CRE - investor owned$63,000$64,903$3,969$2,066
Residential real estate:
Duplex$3,520$1,953$$1,567
Condominiums6,9604,4132,547
Total residential real estate10,4806,3664,114
Total$73,480$71,269$3,969$6,180
(1) Includes accrued interest.

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Other than these foreclosures, the increase in nonperforming loans during 2025 was driven primarily by net charge-offs of $24.3 million and a relationship with two loans totaling $28.0 million that went on nonaccrual. These loans are well-secured with real estate collateral and the Company expects to collect the full value of the outstanding loans. Subsequent to December 31, 2025, $17.5 million in nonperforming loans were fully paid off in the first quarter of 2026.

OREO

The following table summarizes the changes in OREO:

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20252024
OREO, beginning of period$3,955$5,736
Additions84,9056,559
Changes in valuation allowance(156)
Sales(7,316)(8,184)
OREO, end of period$81,544$3,955

Investment Securities

At December 31, 2025, our portfolio of investment securities was $3.7 billion, or 22% of total assets, compared to $2.8 billion, or 18% of total assets as of December 31, 2024. The portfolio is comprised of both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities.

The table below sets forth the carrying value of investment securities, excluding the ACL:

December 31,
20252024
($ in thousands)Amount%Amount%
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored enterprises$182,5724.9%$276,0409.9%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions1,492,90440.0%1,168,25641.9%
Agency mortgage-backed securities1,753,15047.0%1,075,30638.5%
U.S. Treasury Bills170,9844.6%128,8934.6%
Corporate debt securities130,5273.5%142,9675.1%
Total$3,730,137100.0%$2,791,462100.0%

The ACL on held-to-maturity debt securities was $0.1 million and $0.3 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company had no debt securities classified as trading at December 31, 2025 or December 31, 2024.

The following table summarizes contractual maturity and tax-equivalent yields on the investment portfolio at December 31, 2025:

Within 1 year1 to 5 years5 to 10 yearsOver 10 yearsTotal
($ in thousands)AmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYield
Obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises$115,2041.4%$18,2462.4%$40,5114.2%$8,6112.2%$182,5722.2%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions8,6182.9%31,2663.5%504,1953.4%948,8254.3%1,492,9044.0%
Agency mortgage-backed securities4,4893.1%15,3632.6%89,3234.0%1,643,9754.3%1,753,1504.3%
U.S. Treasury Bills130,4393.7%40,5452.9%%%170,9843.5%
Corporate debt securities%114,5873.4%15,9405.8%%130,5273.7%
Total$258,7502.6%$220,0073.2%$649,9693.6%$2,601,4114.3%$3,730,1373.9%

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Yields on tax-exempt securities are computed on a taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 25.1%. Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities, as borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

The following table details the balance of FHLB capital stock and other investments. Other investments consist primarily of common stock investments related to our trust preferred securities, community development funds, and investments in private equity funds, primarily SBICs. These investments do not have a stated maturity.

December 31,
20252024
($ in thousands)Amount%Amount%
FHLB capital stock$9,35111.6%$8,70412.0%
Other investments71,53388.4%64,08088.0%
Total$80,884100.0%$72,784100.0%

Deposits

The following table shows the breakdown of deposits by type:

December 31,$ Increase (decrease)% Increase (decrease)
($ in thousands)202520242025 vs. 20242025 vs. 2024
Noninterest-bearing demand accounts$4,874,115$4,484,072$390,0438.7%
Interest-bearing demand accounts3,537,3343,175,292362,04211.4%
Money market accounts3,991,1103,564,063427,04712.0%
Savings accounts537,400553,461(16,061)(2.9)%
Certificates of deposit:
Brokered721,977484,588237,38949.0%
Customer947,406885,01662,3907.0%
Total deposits$14,609,342$13,146,492$1,462,85011.1%
Noninterest-bearing deposits / Total deposits33%34%

Total deposits increased $1.5 billion primarily due to organic deposit growth, as well as $609.5 million of deposits from the Branch Acquisition. Brokered certificates of deposit increased $237.4 million, to $722.0 million at December 31, 2025. Brokered certificates of deposit are used for term liquidity purposes in place of FHLB borrowings. The brokered certificates of deposit balance has a weighted average cost of 3.98% and a weighted average remaining term of six months at December 31, 2025. The Company has a deposit vertical portfolio focusing primarily on property management, community associations, and legal industry and escrow services. These deposits totaled $3.8 billion and $3.4 billion at the end of 2025 and 2024, respectively.

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The following table shows the average balance and average rate of the Company’s deposits by type:

Year ended December 31,
202520242023
($ in thousands)Average BalanceAverage Rate PaidAverage BalanceAverage Rate PaidAverage BalanceAverage Rate Paid
Noninterest-bearing demand accounts$4,525,761%$4,042,368%$4,131,163%
Interest-bearing demand accounts3,311,3682.08%3,033,6162.54%2,559,2381.84%
Money market accounts3,730,1103.04%3,494,4973.65%3,043,7943.05%
Savings accounts535,0210.14%567,1470.22%668,3680.15%
Certificates of deposit:
Brokered654,7864.34%519,2794.73%557,7614.44%
Customer878,8223.39%851,7304.01%640,7902.81%
Total interest-bearing deposits$9,110,1072.65%$8,466,2693.13%$7,469,9512.46%
Total average deposits$13,635,8681.77%$12,508,6372.12%$11,601,1141.58%

Average total deposits were $13.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, an increase of $1.1 billion, or 9%, from December 31, 2024. The increase in 2025 was primarily due to acquired deposits related to the Branch Acquisition, and organic growth in noninterest-bearing demand accounts, interest-bearing demand accounts, and money market accounts.

The following table sets forth the maturities of estimated uninsured certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2025. Uninsured deposits are amounts estimated to exceed the FDIC deposit insurance limit and are not subject to any federal or state insurance program.

($ in thousands)Total
Three months or less$147,492
Over three through six months71,333
Over six through twelve months61,779
Over twelve months9,248
Total$289,852

Estimated uninsured deposits totaled $5.1 billion, including $289.9 million of certificates of deposit, as of December 31, 2025, and $4.5 billion as of December 31, 2024. Estimated uninsured deposits include $0.4 billion and $0.5 billion of balances that are collateralized or secured with third party insurance at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Stockholders’ equity

Stockholders’ equity totaled $2.0 billion at December 31, 2025, an increase of $215.4 million, or 12%, from December 31, 2024.

Significant activity during the year ended December 31, 2025 included the following:

•Increase from net income of $201.4 million;

•Net increase in fair value of available-for-sale securities and cash flow hedges of $62.1 million;

•Decrease from dividends paid on common stock of $45.1 million and preferred stock of $3.8 million; and

•Decrease from common stock repurchases of $14.1 million, pursuant to the Company’s publicly-announced stock repurchase program.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure we have the ability to generate sufficient cash or cash equivalents in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet our commitments as they become due. Typical demands on liquidity are changes in deposit levels, maturing time deposits which are not renewed, and fundings under credit commitments to clients. Funds are available from a number of sources, such as the core deposit base and loan and security repayments and maturities.

Liquidity is provided from lines of credit with the FHLB, the Federal Reserve, and correspondent banks; the ability to acquire large and brokered deposits; sales of the securities portfolio; and the ability to sell loan participations to other banks and loans on the secondary market. These alternatives are an important part of our liquidity plan and provide flexibility and efficient execution of the asset-liability management strategy.

The Company’s Asset-Liability Management Committee oversees our liquidity position, the parameters of which are approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors. Our liquidity position is monitored daily. Our liquidity management framework includes measurement of several key elements, such as a loan to deposit ratio, a liquidity ratio, and a dependency ratio. The Company’s liquidity framework also incorporates contingency planning to assess the nature and volatility of funding sources and to determine alternatives to these sources. While core deposits and loan and investment repayments are principal sources of liquidity, funding diversification is another key element of liquidity management and is achieved by strategically varying depositor types, terms, funding markets, and instruments.

Liquidity from assets is available primarily from cash balances and the investment portfolio. Cash and interest-bearing deposits with other banks totaled $681.9 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $764.2 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease in cash balances during 2025 is due to the deployment of liquidity into the investment portfolio. Investment securities are an important tool to the Company’s liquidity objectives. Securities totaled $3.7 billion at December 31, 2025, and included $1.7 billion pledged as collateral for deposits of public institutions, treasury, loan notes, and other requirements. The remaining $2.0 billion could be pledged or sold to enhance liquidity, if necessary.

Available on- and off-balance sheet liquidity sources include the following items:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2025
Federal Reserve borrowing capacity$3,047,606
FHLB borrowing capacity1,603,974
Unpledged securities1,992,864
Federal funds lines (eight correspondent banks)135,000
Cash and interest-bearing deposits681,902
Holding company line of credit25,000
Total$7,486,346

The Company also has a portfolio of SBA guaranteed loans, a portion of which could be sold in the secondary market to generate earnings and liquidity. The guaranteed portion of SBA loans totaling $78.2 million and $23.1 million were sold during 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Liability funding sources are available to increase financial flexibility. In addition to amounts borrowed at December 31, 2025, the Company could borrow an additional $1.6 billion from the FHLB of Des Moines as of December 31, 2025 under blanket loan pledges and has additional real estate loans that could be pledged. The Company also has $3.0 billion available from the Federal Reserve under a pledged loan agreement. The Company also has unsecured federal funds lines with eight correspondent banks totaling $135 million as of December 31, 2025.

53

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into certain forms of off-balance sheet transactions, including unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit. These transactions are managed through the Company’s various risk management processes. Management considers both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet transactions in its evaluation of the Company’s liquidity. The Company has $3.0 billion in unused commitments to extend credit as of December 31, 2025. While this commitment level would exhaust the majority the Company’s current liquidity resources, the nature of these commitments is such that the likelihood of funding them in the aggregate at any one time is low.

At the holding company level, our primary funding sources are dividends and payments from the Bank and proceeds from the issuance of equity (i.e. stock option exercises, stock offerings) and debt instruments. The main use of this liquidity is to provide the funds necessary to pay dividends to stockholders, service debt, invest in subsidiaries as necessary, repurchase common stock and satisfy other operating requirements. In 2025, the holding company maintained a revolving line of credit for an aggregate amount up to $25 million, all of which was available at December 31, 2025. The line of credit has a one-year term that was renewed in February 2026, has an interest rate of one-month Term SOFR plus 185 basis points, and the annual unused commitment fee was 0.40%. The proceeds can be used for general corporate purposes.

Strong capital ratios, credit quality and core earnings are essential to retaining cost-effective access to the wholesale funding markets. Deterioration in any of these factors could have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to access these funding sources and, as a result, these factors are monitored on an ongoing basis as part of the liquidity management process. The Bank is subject to regulations and, among other things, may be limited in its ability to pay dividends or transfer funds to the parent company. Accordingly, consolidated cash flows as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows may not represent cash immediately available for the payment of cash dividends to the Company’s stockholders or for other cash needs.

Through the normal course of operations, the Company has entered into certain contractual obligations and other commitments. Such obligations relate to funding operations through deposits or debt issuances, as well as leases for premises and equipment. As a financial services provider, the Company routinely enters into commitments to extend credit. While contractual obligations represent future cash requirements of the Company, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by the Company. The Company also enters into derivative contracts under which the Company either receives cash from or pays cash to counterparties depending on changes in interest rates. Derivative contracts are carried at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheet with the fair value representing the net present value of expected future cash receipts or payments based on market interest rates as of the balance sheet date. The fair value of these contracts changes daily as market interest rates change. For additional information on the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments, see the following footnotes in Item 8: “Note 6 – Leases,” “Note 7 – Derivative Financial Instruments,” “Note 11 – Debt,” and “Note 16 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.”

Capital Resources

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements and results of operations of the Company. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and its bank affiliate must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The banking affiliate’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

54

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and of tier 1 capital to average assets. To be categorized as “well-capitalized”, banks must maintain minimum capital ratios as noted in the table below. As of December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

The Company and the Bank met the definition of “well-capitalized” at each of December 31, 2025 and 2024. Refer to “Item 8. Note 13 – Regulatory Capital” for a summary of our risk-based capital and leverage ratios. The following table summarizes the Company’s and Bank’s capital ratios:

December 31, 2025December 31, 2024
($ in thousands)EFSCBankEFSCBankTo Be Well-CapitalizedMinimum Ratio with CCB
CET1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets11.6%11.9%11.8%12.4%6.5%7.0%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets12.8%11.9%13.1%12.4%8.0%8.5%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets13.9%13.0%14.6%13.4%10.0%10.5%
Leverage Ratio (Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets)10.5%9.7%11.1%10.5%5.0%N/A
Tangible common equity to tangible assets19.07%9.05%
CET1 capital$1,583,989$1,623,652$1,505,162$1,578,293
Tier 1 capital1,749,6351,623,7111,670,8101,578,353
Total risk-based capital1,891,4441,765,5201,864,3341,708,626
1 Not a required regulatory capital ratio

At December 31, 2024, total regulatory capital included $63.3 million of subordinated debentures that were issued in 2020 at a fixed rate of 5.75%. Beginning June 1, 2025, the subordinated debentures bore interest at a floating rate per annum equal to a benchmark rate of three-month term SOFR (as defined in the Indenture, dated May 21, 2020, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and subsequent First Supplemental Indenture), plus 566 basis points. On September 2, 2025, the Company redeemed the 2030 Notes funded through the issuance of a $63.3 million senior note at a rate of one-month Term SOFR plus a spread of 250 basis points. Prior to being redeemed, the 2030 Notes bore interest at a floating rate then equal to 9.98% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears on March 1, June 1, September 1 and December 1 of each year.

The Company believes the tangible common equity and regulatory capital ratios are important measures of capital strength. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is considered a non-GAAP measure. The tables included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” reconcile these ratios to U.S. GAAP.

Risk Management

Market risk arises from exposure to changes in interest rates and other relevant market rate or price risk. The Company faces market risk in the form of interest rate risk through transactions other than trading activities. Market risk from these activities, in the form of interest rate risk, is measured and managed through a number of methods. The Company uses financial modeling techniques to measure interest rate risk. These techniques measure the sensitivity of future earnings due to changing interest rate environments. Guidelines established by the Bank’s Asset/Liability Management Committee and approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors are used to monitor exposure of earnings at risk. General interest rate movements are used to develop sensitivity as management believes it has no primary exposure to a specific point on the yield curve. These limits are based on the Company’s exposure to immediate and sustained parallel rate movements, either upward or downward. The Company does not have any direct market risk from commodity exposures.

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Interest Rate Risk

Our interest rate risk management practices are aimed at optimizing net interest income, while guarding against deterioration that could be caused by certain interest rate scenarios. Interest rate sensitivity varies with different types of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. We attempt to maintain interest-earning assets, comprised primarily of both loans and investments, and interest-bearing liabilities, comprised primarily of deposits, maturing or repricing in similar time horizons in order to manage any impact from market interest rate changes according to our risk tolerance. The Company uses an earnings simulation model to measure earnings sensitivity to changing rates.

The Company determines the sensitivity of its short-term future earnings to a hypothetical plus or minus 100 to 300 basis point parallel rate shock through the use of simulation modeling. The simulation of earnings includes the modeling of the balance sheet as an ongoing entity. Future business assumptions involving administered rate products, prepayments for future rate-sensitive balances, and the reinvestment of maturing assets and liabilities are included. These items are then modeled to project net interest income based on a hypothetical change in interest rates. The resulting net interest income for the next 12-month period is compared to the net interest income amount calculated using flat rates. This difference represents the Company’s earnings sensitivity to a positive or negative parallel rate shock.

The following table summarizes the projected impact of interest rate shocks on net interest income:

Annual % change in net interest income
At December 31,
Rate Shock20252024
+ 300 bp10.1%7.9%
+ 200 bp6.9%5.4%
+ 100 bp3.6%2.7%
- 100 bp(4.1)%(3.0)%
- 200 bp(7.9)%(6.0)%
- 300 bp(11.0)%(8.5)%

In addition to the rate shocks shown in the table above, the Company models net interest income under various dynamic interest rate scenarios. In general, changes in interest rates are positively correlated with changes in net interest income.

The Company occasionally uses interest rate derivative instruments as an asset/liability management tool to hedge mismatches in interest rate exposure indicated by the net interest income simulation described above. They are used to modify the Company’s exposures to interest rate fluctuations and provide more stable spreads between loan yields and the rate on their funding sources. At December 31, 2025, the Company had derivative contracts to manage interest rate risk, including $400.0 million in notional value on derivatives to hedge the cash flows on floating rate loans and $32.1 million in notional value on derivatives on floating rate debt. Derivative financial instruments are discussed in “Item 8. Note 7 – Derivative Financial Instruments.”

The Company had $7.0 billion in variable rate loans as of December 31, 2025. Of these loans, $4.8 billion have an interest rate floor and nearly all of those loans were at or above the floor. Variable rate loans include $2.7 billion indexed to the prime rate, $3.5 billion are indexed to SOFR, and $0.8 billion indexed to other rates.

Changes in interest rates will also have an effect on noninterest expense. Certain deposit accounts receive an earnings credit that provides a reimbursement for costs clients incur on the accounts. As interest rates increase, the amount available for reimbursement also increases, resulting in an increase to noninterest expense. Conversely, a decrease in interest rates would reduce the amount available for reimbursement and decrease noninterest expense.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The following accounting policies are considered most critical to the understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting policies require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Because these estimates and judgments are based on current circumstances, they may change over time or prove to be inaccurate based on experience. In the event different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition and/or results of operations could reasonably be expected. The impact and any associated risks related to our critical accounting policies on our business operations are described throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

The Company has prepared all of the consolidated financial information in this report in accordance with GAAP. The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using loss experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. There can be no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

ACL

The Company maintains separate allowances for funded loans, unfunded loans, and held-to-maturity securities, collectively referred to as the ACL. The ACL is a valuation account to adjust the cost basis to the amount expected to be collected, based on management’s experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For purposes of determining the allowance for funded and unfunded loans, the portfolios are segregated into pools that share similar risk characteristics that are then further segregated by credit grades. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are not included in the collective evaluation. The Company estimates the amount of the allowance based on loan loss experience, adjusted for current and forecasted economic conditions, including unemployment, changes in GDP, and commercial and residential real estate prices. The Company’s forecast of economic conditions uses internal and external information and considers a weighted average of a baseline, upside, and downside scenarios. Because economic conditions can change and are difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated loan defaults and losses, and therefore the adequacy of the allowance, could change significantly and have a direct impact on the Company’s credit costs. The Company’s ACL on loans was $140.0 million at December 31, 2025 based on the weighting of the different economic scenarios. As a hypothetical example, if the Company had only used the upside scenario, the allowance would have decreased $29.8 million. Conversely, the allowance would have increased $46.9 million using only the downside scenario.

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Income Taxes

Management uses certain assumptions and estimates in determining income taxes payable or refundable for the current year, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and income tax expense. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance may be established. We consider the determination of this valuation allowance to be a critical accounting policy because of the need to exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income. These judgments and estimates are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required in the future if the amounts of taxes recoverable through loss carry backs decline, if we project lower levels of future taxable income, or we project lower levels of tax planning strategies. Such valuation allowance would be established through a charge to income tax expense that would adversely affect our operating results.

Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

See “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for information on recent accounting pronouncements and their impact, if any, on our consolidated financial statements.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company’s accounting and reporting policies conform to U.S. GAAP and the prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, the Company provides other financial measures, such as adjusted return on average assets, adjusted return on average common equity, return on average tangible common equity, adjusted return on average tangible common equity, tangible book value per common share, tangible common equity to tangible assets, pre-provision net revenue, pre-provision net revenue return on average assets, core efficiency ratio, and adjusted effective tax rate, in this report that are considered “non-GAAP financial measures.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that exclude (or include) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

The Company considers its adjusted return on average assets, adjusted return on average common equity, return on average tangible common equity, adjusted return on average tangible common equity, tangible book value per common share, tangible common equity to tangible assets, pre-provision net revenue, pre-provision net revenue return on average assets, core efficiency ratio, and adjusted effective tax rate, collectively “core performance measures,” presented in this report as important measures of financial performance, even though they are non-GAAP measures, as they provide supplemental information by which to evaluate the impact of certain non-comparable items, and the Company’s operating performance on an ongoing basis. Core performance measures exclude certain other income and expense items, such as acquisition costs, core conversion expenses, FDIC special assessment, net gain or loss on OREO, and net gain or loss on the sale of investment securities, that the Company believes to be not indicative of or useful to measure the Company’s operating performance on an ongoing basis. The attached tables contain a reconciliation of these core performance measures to the GAAP measures. The Company believes that tangible common equity to tangible assets provides useful information to investors about the Company’s capital strength even though it is considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure and is not part of the regulatory capital requirements to which the Company is subject.

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The Company believes these non-GAAP measures and ratios, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP measures and ratios, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance and capital strength. The Company’s management uses, and believes investors benefit from referring to, these non-GAAP measures and ratios in assessing the Company’s operating results and related trends and when forecasting future periods. However, these non-GAAP measures and ratios should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or preferable to, ratios prepared in accordance with GAAP. In the following tables, the Company has provided a reconciliation of, where applicable, the most comparable GAAP financial measures and ratios to the non-GAAP financial measures and ratios, or a reconciliation of the non-GAAP calculation of the financial measure for the periods indicated.

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Pre-Provision Net Revenue (PPNR) and Pre-Provision Net Revenue Return on Average Assets (PPNR ROAA)

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202520242023
Net interest income (GAAP)$626,738$568,096$562,592
Noninterest income (GAAP)113,12369,70368,725
FDIC special assessment(652)6252,412
Core conversion expense4,868
Acquisition costs3,675
Less net gain on sale of investment securities49601
Less net gain on OREO6,2553,089187
Less insurance recoveries132,112
Less noninterest expense (GAAP)429,807385,047348,186
PPNR (non-GAAP)$274,661$255,156$284,755
Average assets$16,199,003$14,841,690$13,805,236
PPNR ROAA (non-GAAP)1.70%1.72%2.06%
1 Represents anticipated proceeds from a pending insurance claim related to a third quarter 2025 solar tax credit recapture event.

Tangible Common Equity, Tangible Book Value per Common Share, and Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets

At December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)202520242023
Stockholders' equity (GAAP)$2,039,386$1,824,002$1,716,068
Less preferred stock71,98871,98871,988
Less goodwill416,968365,164365,164
Less intangible assets21,1758,48412,318
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)$1,529,255$1,378,366$1,266,598
Common shares outstanding36,96536,98837,416
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)$41.37$37.27$33.85
Total assets (GAAP)$17,300,884$15,596,431$14,518,590
Less goodwill416,968365,164365,164
Less intangible assets21,1758,48412,318
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)$16,862,741$15,222,783$14,141,108
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)9.07%9.05%8.96%

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Adjusted Return on Average Common Equity, Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (ROATCE) and Adjusted Return on Average Assets (ROAA)

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202520242023
Average stockholder’s equity (GAAP)$1,939,494$1,784,175$1,623,121
Less average preferred stock71,98871,98871,988
Less average goodwill377,690365,164365,164
Less average intangible assets8,23810,32914,531
Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)$1,481,578$1,336,694$1,171,438
Net income (GAAP)$201,374$185,266$194,059
FDIC special assessment (after tax)(488)4701,814
Core conversion expense (after tax)3,661
Acquisition costs (after tax)2,753
Less net gain on sale of investment securities (after tax)37452
Less net gain on OREO (after tax)4,6852,323141
Net income adjusted (non-GAAP)$198,917$187,074$195,280
Less preferred stock dividends3,7503,7503,750
Net income available to common stockholders adjusted (non-GAAP)$195,167$183,324$191,530
Return on average common equity (GAAP)10.58%10.60%12.27%
Adjusted return on average common equity (non-GAAP)10.45%10.71%12.35%
ROATCE (non-GAAP)13.34%13.58%16.25%
Adjusted ROATCE (non-GAAP)13.17%13.71%16.35%
Average assets$16,199,003$14,841,690$13,805,236
Return on average assets (GAAP)1.24%1.25%1.41%
Adjusted return on average assets (non-GAAP)1.23%1.26%1.41%

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Core Efficiency Ratio

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202520242023
Net interest income (GAAP)$626,738$568,096$562,592
Tax-equivalent adjustment11,7358,4458,079
Net interest income - FTE (non-GAAP)638,473576,541570,671
Noninterest income (GAAP)113,12369,70368,725
Less insurance recoveries132,112
Less net gain on sale of investment securities49601
Less net gain on OREO6,2553,089187
Core revenue (non-GAAP)$713,180$643,155$638,608
Noninterest expense (GAAP)$429,807$385,047$348,186
Less amortization on intangibles3,7243,8344,601
Less core conversion expense4,868
Less FDIC special assessment(652)6252,412
Less acquisition costs3,675
Core noninterest expense (non-GAAP)$423,060$375,720$341,173
Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)59.32%58.42%53.42%
1 Represents anticipated proceeds from a pending insurance claim related to a third quarter 2025 solar tax credit recapture event.

Adjusted Effective Tax Rate

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20252024
Income before income tax expense (GAAP)$283,717$231,244
Less insurance recoveries132,112
Adjusted income before income tax expense (non-GAAP)$251,605$231,244
Income tax expense (GAAP)$82,343$45,978
Less tax credit recapture and tax applied to insurance recoveries132,112
Adjusted income tax expense (non-GAAP)$50,231$45,978
Effective tax rate (GAAP)29.0%19.9%
Adjusted effective tax rate (non-GAAP)20.0%19.9%
1Represents $32.1 million of anticipated proceeds from a pending insurance claim related to a third quarter 2025 solar tax credit recapture event included in noninterest income, and $24.1 million of tax liability related to the anticipated recapture plus approximately $8.0 million of estimated tax liability related to the anticipated proceeds from the pending insurance claim included in income tax expense.

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MD&A history

Prior-year 10-K MD&A spans are extracted from SEC filings with the same bounded parser used for the latest filing. The latest 10-K appears above; prior years are below.

FY 2024 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001025835-25-000039.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2025-02-28. Report date: 2024-12-31.

ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

The objective of this section is to provide an overview of the results of operations and financial condition of the Company by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year to year. It should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and other financial data presented elsewhere in this report, particularly the information regarding the Company’s business operations described in Item 1. A detailed discussion comparing 2023 and 2022 results is incorporated herein by reference to Item 7 of the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2024.

Executive Summary

Our Company offers a broad range of business and personal banking services including wealth management. Lending services include commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, real estate construction and development, residential real estate, specialty, and other loans. A wide variety of deposit products and a complete suite of treasury management and international trade services complement our lending capabilities. The Company’s results of operations are also affected by prevailing economic conditions, competition, government policies and other actions of regulatory agencies.

The Company’s financial condition, operating results and liquidity in 2024 continued to be impacted by monetary policy actions. The Federal Reserve decreased the target federal funds rate 100 basis points in the fourth quarter 2024, following a 100 basis point increase in 2023. The Federal Reserve has begun to loosen its monetary policy, but has indicated it will continue to reduce its balance sheet namely through a reduction in bond holdings. These actions represent the Federal Reserve’s response to an environment of high inflation and elevated interest rates following a period of highly expansionary fiscal support from the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.

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Financial Performance Highlights

Below are highlights of our financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

($ in thousands, except per share data)At or for the year ended December 31,
202420232022
EARNINGS
Total interest income$851,051$764,919$515,082
Total interest expense282,955202,32741,179
Net interest income568,096562,592473,903
Provision (benefit) for credit losses21,50836,605(611)
Net interest income after provision (benefit) for credit losses546,588525,987474,514
Total noninterest income69,70368,72559,162
Total noninterest expense385,047348,186274,216
Income before income tax expense231,244246,526259,460
Income tax expense45,97852,46756,417
Net income$185,266$194,059$203,043
Preferred dividends3,7503,7504,041
Net income available to common shareholders$181,516$190,309$199,002
Basic earnings per share$4.86$5.09$5.32
Diluted earnings per share$4.83$5.07$5.31
Return on average assets1.25%1.41%1.52%
Adjusted return on average assets11.26%1.41%1.52%
Return on average common equity10.60%12.27%13.95%
Adjusted return on average common equity110.71%12.35%13.95%
Return on average tangible common equity113.58%16.25%19.10%
Adjusted return on average tangible common equity113.71%16.35%19.10%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)4.16%4.43%3.89%
Efficiency ratio60.37%55.15%51.44%
Core efficiency ratio158.42%53.42%49.77%
Common dividend payout ratio221.95%19.72%16.95%
Book value per common share$47.37$43.94$38.93
Tangible book value per common share1$37.27$33.85$28.67
Average common equity to average assets11.54%11.24%10.71%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets19.05%8.96%8.43%
ASSET QUALITY
Net charge-offs$17,450$38,044$3,899
Nonperforming loans42,68743,7289,981
Nonaccrual loans42,66743,1819,766
Classified assets193,838185,38999,122
Total assets15,596,43114,518,59013,054,172
Total loans11,220,35510,884,1189,737,138
Classified assets to total assets1.24%1.28%0.76%
Nonperforming loans to total loans0.38%0.40%0.10%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.30%0.34%0.08%
ACL on loans to total loans1.23%1.24%1.41%
Net charge-offs to average loans0.16%0.37%0.04%

1Non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

2Common dividends per share divided by diluted earnings per share.

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The Company noted the following trends during 2024:

•The Company reported net income of $185.3 million, or $4.83 per diluted share for 2024, compared to $194.1 million, or $5.07 per diluted share for 2023. PPNR1 for 2024 was $255.2 million, compared to $284.8 million in 2023. PPNR ROAA1 for 2024 and 2023 was 1.72% and 2.06%, respectively. The decrease in PPNR1 and PPNR ROAA1 was primarily due to increases in employee compensation and benefits, deposit costs, and expenses incurred in connection with the core system conversion, partially offset by an increase in operating revenue. Offsetting the decrease in PPNR1 and PPNR ROAA1 was a $15.1 million decrease in the provision for credit losses in 2024 compared to 2023, due to an improvement in overall asset quality.

•NIM decreased to 4.16% in 2024, from 4.43% in 2023, primarily due to the impact of higher interest expense on the deposit portfolio from an increase in deposit rates and average balances. The total cost of deposits was 2.12% in 2024 compared to 1.58% in 2023. Offsetting the decline in NIM was a $995.0 million increase in average interest earning assets, which resulted in total net interest income of $568.1 million, a $5.5 million increase over the prior year.

•Noninterest income was $69.7 million, an increase of $1.0 million from $68.7 million in 2023. Noninterest expense was $385.0 million in 2024, an 11% increase from $348.2 million in 2023. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily from higher customer deposit servicing costs due to higher average balances and an increase in earnings credit rates, an increase in compensation due to the recruitment of new relationship bankers and annual merit increases, and expenses related to the core system conversion. The core efficiency ratio1 was 58.4% in 2024, compared to 53.4% in 2023.

•The Company’s effective tax rate was 19.9% in 2024 compared to 21.3% in 2023.

2024 Financial Highlights

During 2024, we announced the following significant transactions:

•The Company had a return on average assets of 1.25%. This drove a 10.1% increase in tangible book value per share in 2024.

•Dividends paid in 2024 of $1.06 per share increased $0.06 per share, or 6%, compared to $1.00 per share in 2023.

•The Company repurchased 626,778 of its common shares at a weighted-average share price of $46.95.

•In the fourth quarter 2024, the Company successfully completed the conversion of its legacy core system into a new core banking platform.

2023 Financial Highlights

During 2023, we announced the following significant transactions:

•Dividends paid in 2023 of $1.00 per share increased $0.10 per share, or 11%, compared to $0.90 per share in 2022.

•The process of converting to a leading core operating system was initiated.

1 PPNR, PPNR ROAA, and the core efficiency ratio are non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Average Balance Sheet

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, certain information related to our average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as, the corresponding interest rates earned and paid, all on a tax equivalent basis. Average balances are presented on a daily average basis.

Year ended December 31,
202420232022
($ in thousands)Average BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ RateAverage BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ RateAverage BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ Rate
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans1, 2$10,990,774$755,4486.87%$10,324,951$688,4396.67%$9,193,682$456,7034.97%
Taxable securities1,512,13253,1673.521,320,66440,9203.101,228,51429,6382.41
Non-taxable securities21,000,55831,9633.19970,88830,2093.11872,17325,1842.89
Total securities2,512,69085,1303.392,291,55271,1293.102,100,68754,8222.61
Interest-earning deposits368,22118,9185.14260,21413,4305.161,074,16510,5990.99
Total interest-earning assets13,871,685859,4966.2012,876,717772,9986.0012,368,534522,1244.22
Noninterest-earning assets970,005928,519951,090
Total assets$14,841,690$13,805,236$13,319,624
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand accounts$3,033,616$76,9322.54%$2,559,238$46,9761.84%$2,318,363$7,0380.30%
Money market accounts3,494,497127,6513.653,043,79492,9763.052,781,57919,3060.69
Savings accounts567,1471,2610.22668,3689750.15819,0433050.04
Certificates of deposit1,371,00958,7644.291,198,55142,7963.57569,2723,5090.62
Total interest-bearing deposits8,466,269264,6083.137,469,951183,7232.466,488,25730,1580.46
Subordinated debentures and notes156,26010,4976.72155,7029,7816.28155,1609,1665.91
FHLB advances30,3631,6915.5754,6152,7525.0433,4675991.79
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase164,9595,6673.44168,7453,6472.16211,0395060.24
Other borrowings37,8334921.3071,7382,4243.3822,8127503.29
Total interest-bearing liabilities8,855,684282,9553.207,920,751202,3272.556,910,73541,1790.60
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits4,042,3684,131,1634,805,549
Other liabilities159,463130,201104,581
Total liabilities13,057,51512,182,11511,820,865
Shareholders' equity1,784,1751,623,1211,498,759
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity$14,841,690$13,805,236$13,319,624
Net interest income$576,541$570,671$480,945
Net interest spread3.00%3.45%3.62%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)4.16%4.43%3.89%

1Average balances include non-accrual loans. Interest income includes net loan fees of $9.6 million, $13.8 million, and $16.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 respectively. Loan fees in 2022 included Paycheck Protection Program fees of $4.1 million.

2Non-taxable income is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of approximately 25%. The tax-equivalent adjustments were $8.4 million, $8.1 million, and $7.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

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Rate/Volume

The following table sets forth, on a tax-equivalent basis for the periods indicated, a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in yield/rates and volume.

2024 compared to 20232023 compared to 2022
Increase (decrease) due toIncrease (decrease) due to
($ in thousands)Volume1Rate2NetVolume1Rate2Net
Interest earned on:
Loans$45,473$21,536$67,009$61,460$170,276$231,736
Taxable securities6,3475,90012,2472,3558,92711,282
Non-taxable securities39368181,7542,9812,0455,026
Interest-earning deposits5,549(61)5,488(13,192)16,0232,831
Total interest-earning assets58,30528,19386,49853,604197,271250,875
Interest paid on:
Interest-bearing demand accounts$9,794$20,162$29,956$805$39,133$39,938
Money market accounts14,92819,74734,6751,98771,68373,670
Savings(165)451286(66)736670
Certificates of deposit6,6749,29415,9687,36331,92439,287
Subordinated debentures and notes3568171632583615
FHLB advances(1,326)265(1,061)5551,5992,154
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(84)2,1042,020(126)3,2683,142
Other borrowed funds(839)(1,093)(1,932)1,729(56)1,673
Total interest-bearing liabilities29,01751,61180,62812,279148,870161,149
Net interest income$29,288$(23,418)$5,870$41,325$48,401$89,726
1Change in volume multiplied by yield/rate of prior period.
2Change in yield/rate multiplied by volume of prior period.
3Nontaxable income is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of approximately 25%.
NOTE: The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to rate and volume changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

Net interest income (on a tax equivalent basis) was $576.5 million for 2024, compared to $570.7 million for 2023, an increase of $5.9 million. The increase in net interest income in 2024 was primarily due to a higher average yield on interest earning assets and organic loan growth, which was partially offset by an increase in the average cost paid on interest bearing liabilities.

Total tax equivalent interest income increased $86.5 million in 2024 primarily due to a $67.0 million increase in loan interest income. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average loan balances of $665.8 million during the year. In addition, the loan yield increased 20 basis points from 6.67% in 2023 to 6.87% in 2024. Tax equivalent interest income on securities (taxable and non-taxable) in 2024 increased $14.0 million from 2023, primarily due to increases of $7.3 million in interest income on average balances and $6.7 million in yield. Average securities represented 18% of earnings assets in both 2024 and 2023.

Overall, average interest-earning assets increased $995.0 million, or 8%, to $13.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, primarily due to success in growing the deposit portfolio. The loan portfolio expanded and excess liquidity was deployed into the investment portfolio and other interest-earning assets. Volume growth of the balance sheet drove an increase in interest income on earning assets of $58.3 million, while higher loan and securities yields drove interest income on interest-earning assets up by $28.2 million in 2024 compared to 2023.

Total interest expense increased $80.6 million in 2024 primarily due to increased deposit interest expense. The increase in deposit interest expense reflects higher rates paid on deposits, as well as successful marketing efforts that

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increased average deposits. Remixing of the deposit portfolio from noninterest-bearing and lower cost accounts into higher cost accounts contributed to the increase in deposit interest expense in 2024. Total average interest-bearing deposits increased to $8.5 billion, an increase of $996.3 million, or 13%, in 2024 over the average for 2023. Average noninterest-bearing deposits declined $88.8 million, or 2%, in 2024 compared to the average for 2023. Average noninterest-bearing deposits represented 31% of total average deposits in 2024, compared to 36% in 2023. Overall, average interest-bearing liabilities increased $934.9 million, or 12%, for the year ended December 31, 2024. The shift in volume from noninterest-bearing deposit accounts into higher cost deposit accounts increased interest expense in 2024 by $29.0 million, while the increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased interest expense $51.6 million in 2024.

The tax-equivalent net interest margin was 4.16% for 2024, compared to 4.43% for 2023. The primary driver of the decrease in net interest margin from 2023 to 2024 was higher interest expense on the deposit portfolio. In 2023, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates three times for a total of 100 basis points. In the fourth quarter 2024, the Federal Reserve lowered the federal funds target rate by 100 basis points. As of December 31, 2024, variable-rate loans comprised approximately 60% of total loans. The earning-asset yield increased 20 basis points to 6.20% in 2024, compared to 6.00% in 2023. Comparatively, the cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 65 basis points to 3.20%, from 2.55% in 2023.

Noninterest Income

The following table presents a comparative summary of the major components of noninterest income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024:

Year ended December 31,Change from
($ in thousands)2024202320222024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
Service charges on deposit accounts$18,344$16,559$18,326$1,785$(1,767)
Wealth management revenue10,45210,03010,01042220
Card services revenue9,96610,02811,551(62)(1,523)
Tax credit income8,9549,1962,558(242)6,638
Other income21,98722,91216,717(925)6,195
Total noninterest income$69,703$68,725$59,162$978$9,563

Noninterest income increased $1.0 million, or 1%, in 2024 compared to 2023. This increase was primarily due to a $1.8 million increase in service charges on deposit accounts, partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in other income. Other income decreased primarily due to lower private equity and community development income ($3.1 million) and gains on the sale of SBA loans ($0.6 million), offset by an increase in gains on sale of other real estate owned ($2.9 million). Private equity and community development income are not consistent sources of income and fluctuate based on distributions and earnings from the underlying funds. In 2024, the Company sold the guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans of $23.1 million for a gain of $1.4 million, compared to $42.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively, in 2023.

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Noninterest Expense

The following table presents a comparative summary of the components of noninterest expense:

Year ended December 31,Change from
($ in thousands)2024202320222024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
Employee compensation and benefits$182,713$164,566$147,029$18,147$17,537
Deposit costs88,64572,29331,08216,35241,211
Occupancy17,23116,52617,640705(1,114)
Data processing19,67115,19613,5134,4751,683
Professional fees6,2575,7197,079538(1,360)
Other expenses70,53073,88657,873(3,356)16,013
Total noninterest expense$385,047$348,186$274,216$36,861$73,970
Efficiency ratio60.37%55.15%51.44%5.22%3.71%
Core efficiency ratio158.42%53.42%49.77%5.00%3.65%
1 A non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Noninterest expense increased $36.9 million, or 11%, in 2024 compared to 2023. The increase was attributed primarily to an increase in compensation and benefits due to annual merit increases and the recruitment of new relationship bankers, a $16.4 million increase in deposit costs, and a $4.5 million increase in data processing primarily related to the core system conversion. The total cost of the core conversion in noninterest expense was $4.9 million in 2024. For certain deposit accounts in the Company’s deposit verticals, clients receive an earnings credit on average collected balances that may be used to offset expenses associated with the client’s activities for managing the accounts. These costs are reflected in noninterest expense as Deposit costs. The increase in deposit costs in 2024 is due to organic growth in the deposit verticals and an increase in market interest rates that increased the earnings credit rate and related expenses for those accounts. Average balances in the deposit verticals were approximately $3.1 billion and $2.6 billion, resulting in an average deposit vertical cost of 2.82% and 2.75% for 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company’s blended federal and state tax rate was approximately 24.8% in 2024 and 2023. The effective tax rate, which is adjusted for permanent differences, such as tax exempt income and tax credits, was 19.9% in 2024 compared to 21.3% in 2023. The effective tax rate decrease was driven by tax credit opportunities the Company has deployed as part of its tax planning strategy. See “Item 8. Note 16 – Income Taxes” for additional information.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Summary Balance Sheet

($ in thousands)December 31,% Increase (Decrease)
2024202320222024 vs. 20232023 vs. 2022
Cash and cash equivalents$764,170$433,029$291,35976.47%48.62%
Securities2,791,2052,368,7072,245,72217.84%5.48%
Loans11,220,35510,884,1189,737,1383.09%11.78%
Assets15,596,43114,518,59013,054,1727.42%11.22%
Deposits13,146,49212,176,37110,829,1507.97%12.44%
Liabilities13,772,42912,802,52211,531,9097.58%11.02%
Shareholders’ equity1,824,0021,716,0681,522,2636.29%12.73%

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The table below represents the summary balance sheet shown as a percentage of account class (total assets, total liabilities or total shareholders’ equity), as applicable:

December 31,
202420232022
Cash and cash equivalents to total assets4.90%2.98%2.23%
Securities to total assets17.90%16.31%17.20%
Loans to total assets71.94%74.97%74.59%
Deposits to total liabilities95.46%95.11%93.91%

Assets

Loans by Type

The Company has a diversified loan portfolio, with no particular concentration of credit in any one economic sector other than those noted in the table of loans by NAICS code below; however, a substantial portion of the portfolio, including the C&I category, is secured by real estate. The ability of the Company’s borrowers to honor their contractual obligations is partially dependent upon the local economy and its effect on the real estate market.

The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio by type of loans:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20242023
Commercial and industrial$4,716,689$4,672,559
Commercial real estate - investor owned2,606,9642,451,953
Commercial real estate - owner occupied2,367,8232,351,618
Construction and land development891,059760,425
Residential real estate359,263372,188
Other278,557275,375
Total loans$11,220,355$10,884,118
December 31,
20242023
Commercial and industrial42.0%42.9%
Commercial real estate - investor owned23.2%22.5%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied21.1%21.6%
Construction and land development8.0%7.1%
Residential real estate3.2%3.4%
Other2.5%2.5%
Total loans100.0%100.0%

C&I loans are made based on the borrower’s ability to generate cash flows for repayment from income sources, general credit strength, experience, and character, even though such loans may also be secured by real estate or other assets. The credit risk related to commercial loans is largely influenced by general economic conditions and the resulting impact on a borrower’s operations.

The Company continues to focus on originating high-quality C&I loan relationships as they allow for cross selling opportunities involving other banking products. Our specialized products, especially sponsor finance, life insurance premium financing, and tax credit lending, consist of primarily C&I loans, and have contributed significantly to the Company’s C&I loan growth. These loans are sourced through relationships developed with wealth and estate planning firms, private equity funds and tax credit specialists and are not bound geographically to our markets. As a result, these specialized loan products offer opportunities to expand and diversify our overall geographic concentration by entering into new markets.

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Real estate loans place an emphasis on the estimated cash flows from the operation of the property and/or the underlying collateral value.

•Our commercial real estate loans, including investor-owned and owner-occupied categories, primarily represent commercial property loans on which the primary source of repayment is income from the property for investor-owned and the operating business for owner-occupied. These loans are principally underwritten based on the cash flow coverage of the property, the Company’s loan to value guidelines, and generally require either the limited or full guaranty of principal sponsors of the credit. The Company also maintains standards for amortization and maturity terms. Commercial real estate loans also represent owner-occupied C&I loans for which the primary source of repayment is dependent on sources other than the underlying collateral. In an effort to mitigate credit risk, the Company routinely reviews its loan portfolio for various concentrations. Annually, management prepares an assessment of credit risk in the various loan portfolios, with a significant portion of the commercial loan portfolio subject to review. These reviews consider the Company’s collateral position as well as exposure to a given industry sector. The Company performs site visits as part of the underwriting process, in addition to stress tests for vacancy, rental and interest rates on certain property types. The Company believes that the loan portfolio is sufficiently diversified to provide protection from deterioration in any particular industry, geography or devaluation of a specific collateral type.

•Construction and land development loans relating primarily to residential and commercial properties, represent financing secured by real estate under development for eventual sale or undeveloped ground. At December 31, 2024, $334.2 million of these loans include the use of interest reserves and follow standard underwriting guidelines. Construction projects are monitored by the loan officer and a centralized independent loan disbursement function.

•Residential real estate loans include residential mortgages, which are loans that, due to size or other attributes, do not qualify for conventional home mortgages available-for-sale in the secondary market, second mortgages, home equity lines and conventional mortgages that are part of a broad banking relationship with the Company. Residential mortgage loans are usually limited to a maximum of 80% of collateral value at origination.

Other loans represent loans to individuals, loans to state and political subdivisions, loans to nondepository financial institutions, and loans to purchase or are fully secured by investment securities. Credit risk is managed by thoroughly reviewing the creditworthiness of the borrowers prior to origination and thereafter.

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The following table presents a breakdown of loans by NAICS code at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20242023
($ in thousands)Outstanding Balance%Outstanding Balance%
Accommodation and Food Services$1,052,1059%$975,3579%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services207,0032%215,7332%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting1141,3391%229,7192%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation139,2561%125,4871%
Construction584,4215%692,4036%
Educational Services49,942NM54,0441%
Finance and Insurance2,252,42020%2,005,18318%
Health Care and Social Assistance612,7675%551,9795%
Information68,8391%97,0521%
Management of Companies and Enterprises91,8901%88,0791%
Manufacturing750,4807%704,7507%
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction5,494NM32,024NM
Other Services (except Public Administration)556,3255%588,4495%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services311,1603%326,1763%
Public Administration11,889NM13,774NM
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing2,904,15326%2,766,75425%
Retail Trade561,9325%513,7635%
Transportation and Warehousing286,9063%284,7063%
Utilities7,139NM15,853NM
Wholesale Trade517,7615%535,6665%
Other107,1341%67,1671%
Total Loans$11,220,355100%$10,884,118100%
1Includes $54.2 million and $95.0 million in animal production at December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively and $69.4 million and $113.8 million in crop production at December 31, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company had an agricultural loan portfolio of $121.8 million and $229.7 million, respectively. The Company continues to wind down this portfolio over time as the loans mature or pay down. The Company does not intend to enter into new agricultural loans.

The following table presents a breakdown of commercial & industrial loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20242023
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million2,582$864,511$3352,466$850,849$345
$2-5 million3431,114,9223,2513391,114,5223,288
$5-10 million1451,001,1376,904139984,7957,085
$10 million951,736,11918,275971,722,39317,757
Total3,165$4,716,689$1,4903,041$4,672,559$1,537

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The following table presents a breakdown of commercial real estate loans (investor owned and owner occupied) by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20242023
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million2,958$1,792,813$6063,133$1,867,452$596
$2-5 million4431,363,7973,0794131,265,6593,065
$5-10 million114765,0596,711118793,8376,727
$10 million651,053,11816,20257876,62315,379
Total3,580$4,974,787$1,3903,721$4,803,571$1,291

The Company had $513.7 million and $482.0 million of investor owned office real estate loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company also had $322.5 million and $271.8 million of multifamily commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The following table presents a breakdown of construction loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20242023
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million303$128,236$423355$143,461$404
$2-5 million52162,9363,13360190,8573,181
$5-10 million27201,1087,44823160,2286,966
$10 million25398,77915,95117265,87915,640
Total407$891,059$2,189455$760,425$1,671

The following table presents a breakdown of residential loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20242023
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million2,000$275,321$1382,130$284,594$134
$2-5 million1962,4093,2851858,3373,241
$5-10 million321,5337,177429,2577,314
Total2,022$359,263$1782,152$372,188$173

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The following table presents a breakdown of other loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20242023
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million1,023$92,471$901,171$105,759$90
$2-5 million2065,0743,2541860,8013,378
$5-10 million638,7146,453744,5936,370
$10 million482,29820,574464,22216,056
Total1,053$278,557$2651,200$275,375$229

The following table presents a breakdown of total loans by geographic region at the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20242023
Midwest$3,201,313$3,338,308
Southwest1,784,8241,565,852
West1,855,3801,813,239
Specialty and other loans4,378,8384,166,719
Total$11,220,355$10,884,118

The following table presents a breakdown of total loans by MSA, excluding specialty and other loans, at the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20242023
St. Louis, MO-IL MSA$2,225,856$2,382,192
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA MSA1,557,9901,561,720
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ MSA993,239899,768
Kansas City, MO-KS MSA975,457953,557
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA MSA297,359234,808
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX MSA185,242155,459
Albuquerque, NM MSA211,642183,813
Santa Fe, NM MSA151,883167,321
Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA165,48583,737
All other MSAs77,36495,024
Specialty and other loans4,378,8384,166,719
Total$11,220,355$10,884,118

Loan guarantees, primarily on SBA 7(a) loans, totaled $947.7 million and $932.1 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

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The following table sets forth additional information on certain categories of loans that are included in total loans above at the periods indicated:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2024December 31, 2023Increase (decrease)
SBA loans1,298,0071,281,63216,3751%
Sponsor finance782,722872,264(89,542)(10)%
Life insurance premium finance1,114,299956,162158,13717%
Tax credits760,229734,59425,6353%

The sponsor finance portfolio is primarily comprised of loans in the manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors. It includes mid-market company mergers and acquisitions, targeted private equity firms, principally SBICs, and senior debt financing to portfolio companies.

The life insurance premium finance category specializes in financing whole life insurance premiums utilized in high net worth estate planning, through relationships with boutique estate planners throughout the United States.

The tax credit portfolio includes tax credit-related lending on affordable housing projects funded through the use of

federal and state low income housing tax credits. In addition, we provide leveraged and other loans on projects funded through the CDFI New Markets Tax Credit Program. This portfolio also includes tax credit brokerage through 10-year streams of state tax credits from affordable housing development funds. The tax credits are sold to clients and other individuals for tax planning purposes.

SBA loans are originated under the SBA 7(a) program and are primarily owner-occupied, commercial real estate loans secured by a 1st lien. These loans predominantly have a 75% portion guaranteed by the SBA.

Significant loan concentrations are considered to exist for a financial institution when there are amounts loaned to numerous borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At December 31, 2024, no significant concentrations exceeding 10% of total loans existed in the Company’s loan portfolio, except as described above.

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The following table presents the maturity distribution of loans at December 31, 2024 categorized by fixed or variable interest rates, net of unearned loan fees:

($ in thousands)Due in One Year or Less (1)After One Through Five YearsAfter Five Through Fifteen YearsAfter Fifteen YearsTotalPercent of Total Loans
Fixed Rate Loans
Commercial and industrial$107,243$592,690$591,926$12,247$1,304,10612%
Real estate:
Commercial394,1251,823,671343,165180,1832,741,14424%
Construction and land development20,706129,78815,1332,925168,5522%
Residential28,00788,77213,38422,411152,5741%
Other92853,07877,20136,309167,5161%
Total$551,009$2,687,999$1,040,809$254,075$4,533,89240%
Variable Rate Loans
Commercial and industrial$1,258,702$1,935,810$211,279$6,792$3,412,58330%
Real estate:
Commercial229,130419,591386,6341,198,2882,233,64320%
Construction and land development372,803171,87297,92079,912722,5077%
Residential34,29423,04958,28891,058206,6892%
Other52,63213,05445,237118111,0411%
Total$1,947,561$2,563,376$799,358$1,376,168$6,686,46360%
Total Loans
Commercial and industrial$1,365,945$2,528,500$803,205$19,039$4,716,68942%
Real estate:
Commercial623,2552,243,262729,7991,378,4714,974,78744%
Construction and land development393,509301,660113,05382,837891,0599%
Residential62,301111,82171,672113,469359,2633%
Other53,56066,132122,43836,427278,5572%
Total$2,498,570$5,251,375$1,840,167$1,630,243$11,220,355100%

(1) Includes loans with no stated maturity and overdraft lines of credit.

The majority of variable loans are based on the prime rate or SOFR. At December 31, 2024, $4.6 billion or 68% of variable rate loans were subject to an interest rate floor. Most variable rate loan originations have one-to three-year maturities. Management monitors this mix as part of its interest rate risk management. The Company has also entered into interest rate hedges to reduce the cash flow impact of changes in interest rates on the variable rate loan portfolio. These hedges, which include interest rate swaps and collars, had a notional amount of $400.0 million and $350.0 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. See “Interest Rate Risk” of this MD&A section for additional information.

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Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table presents the components of the provision for credit losses for the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20242023
Provision for credit losses on loans$20,629$35,883
Provision for available-for-sale securities4,281
Benefit for off-balance sheet commitments(586)(5,450)
Provision / (Benefit) for held-to-maturity securities(528)50
Charge-offs of accrued interest1,9931,841
Provision for credit losses$21,508$36,605

The provision for credit losses, which includes a provision for losses on unfunded commitments, is a charge to earnings to maintain the ACL at a level consistent with management’s assessment of expected losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The Company also records reversals of interest on nonaccrual loans and interest recoveries directly through the provision of credit losses.

The CECL methodology requires economic forecasts to be factored into determining estimated losses. As a result, CECL is designed to typically require a higher level of provision at the start of an economic downturn. The decrease in the provision for credit losses in 2024 was primarily due to improved credit quality, including a reduction in net charge-offs. The higher provision for credit losses in the prior year was primarily due to loan growth, net charge-offs and the increase in nonperforming loans. The provision for credit losses in 2023 also included the impact of the impairment of an available-for-sale investment security, related to a subordinated debt security in a publicly-traded bank that failed in the first quarter of 2023.

To the extent the Company does not recognize charge-offs and economic forecasts improve in future periods, the Company could recognize a reversal of provision for credit losses. Conversely, if economic conditions and the Company’s forecast worsens, the Company could recognize elevated levels of provision for credit losses. The provision is also reflective of charge-offs in the period.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the ACL on loans:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20242023
Balance at End of Period Applicable to:AmountPercent of loans in each category to total loansAmountPercent of loans in each category to total loans
Commercial and industrial$63,23142.1%$58,88642.9%
Real estate:
Commercial54,61744.3%54,68544.1%
Construction and land development9,8378.0%10,1987.0%
Residential6,5343.2%6,1423.4%
Other3,7312.4%4,8602.6%
Total allowance$137,950100.0%$134,771100.0%

The allowance for credit losses was 1.23% of total loans at December 31, 2024, compared to 1.24%, and 1.41%, at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in the allowance to total loans ratio in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to a shift in the mix of the loan portfolio to categories with lower reserve requirements, improvement in the economic forecast and net loan charge-offs of $17.5 million.

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The following table is a summary of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans for the periods indicated:

December 31,
20242023
($ in thousands)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)Average Loans(1)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)/Average LoansNet Charge-offs (Recoveries)Average Loans(1)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)/Average Loans
Commercial and industrial$10,425$5,602,9570.19%$33,257$4,247,0910.78%
Real estate:
Commercial3,5103,934,7640.09%4,4464,712,0370.09%
Construction and land development3,125792,8540.39%(54)712,578(0.01)%
Residential(264)352,754(0.07)%(323)362,641(0.09)%
Other654306,5830.21%718290,0540.25%
Total$17,450$10,989,9120.16%$38,044$10,324,4010.37%

(1) Excludes loans held for sale.

See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of this MD&A section for more information on the allowance for credit losses methodology.

Nonperforming loans and assets

See “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for more information on nonaccrual loans and other real estate. The following table presents the categories of nonperforming assets and other ratios, excluding government guaranteed portions, as of the dates indicated.

December 31,
($ in thousands)20242023
Non-accrual loans$42,667$43,181
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest20547
Total nonperforming loans42,68743,728
Other real estate3,9555,736
Total nonperforming assets$46,642$49,464
Total assets$15,596,431$14,518,590
Total loans11,220,35510,884,118
Total allowance for credit losses137,950134,771
ACL to nonaccrual loans323%312%
ACL to nonperforming loans323%308%
ACL to total loans1.23%1.24%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.38%0.40%
Nonperforming loans to total loans0.38%0.40%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.30%0.34%

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Nonperforming loans based on loan type were as follows:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2024Number of loansDecember 31, 2023Number of loans
Commercial and industrial$15,82137%23$7,75618%15
Commercial real estate25,09659%3333,73977%27
Construction and land development1,5033%21,2693%3
Residential real estate2581%19592%1
Other9NM45%2
Total$42,687100%63$43,728100%48

The following table summarizes the changes in nonperforming loans:

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20242023
Nonperforming loans, beginning of period$43,728$9,981
Additions to nonaccrual loans55,747109,766
Charge-offs(21,874)(43,215)
Principal payments(29,000)(25,871)
Moved to other real estate(5,914)(6,933)
Nonperforming loans, end of period$42,687$43,728

Nonperforming loans at December 31, 2024 decreased $1.0 million, or 2%, when compared to December 31, 2023. The decrease in nonperforming loans during 2024 was primarily from principal payments of $29.0 million and charge-offs of $21.9 million, partially offset by additions to nonaccrual loans of $55.7 million.

Other real estate

The following table summarizes the changes in other real estate:

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20242023
Other real estate, beginning of period$5,736$269
Additions6,5595,736
Changes in valuation allowance(156)
Sales(8,184)(269)
Other real estate, end of period$3,955$5,736

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Investments

At December 31, 2024, our portfolio of investment securities was $2.8 billion, or 18% of total assets, compared to $2.4 billion, or 16% of total assets as of December 31, 2023. The portfolio is comprised of both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities.

The table below sets forth the carrying value of investment securities, excluding the allowance for credit losses:

December 31,
20242023
($ in thousands)Amount%Amount%
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored enterprises$276,0409.9%$296,44612.5%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions1,168,25641.9%1,007,87042.5%
Agency mortgage-backed securities1,075,30638.5%752,48131.8%
U.S. Treasury Bills128,8934.6%181,7017.7%
Corporate debt securities142,9675.1%130,9945.5%
Total$2,791,462100.0%$2,369,492100.0%

The allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities was $0.3 million and $0.8 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company had no debt securities classified as trading at December 31, 2024, or 2023.

The following table summarizes contractual maturity and tax-equivalent yields on the investment portfolio at December 31, 2024:

Within 1 year1 to 5 years5 to 10 yearsOver 10 yearsTotal
($ in thousands)AmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYield
Obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises$28,0531.0%$207,4311.8%$30,0484.3%$10,5082.1%$276,0402.0%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions1,9003.6%23,9142.5%324,1613.4%818,2813.7%1,168,2563.6%
Agency mortgage-backed securities50,9053.0%24,7192.9%59,9063.6%939,7763.9%1,075,3063.8%
U.S. Treasury Bills80,0604.1%48,8332.9%%%128,8933.6%
Corporate debt securities5,0083.3%114,1633.3%23,7964.9%%142,9673.6%
Total$165,9263.2%$419,0602.4%$437,9113.6%$1,768,5653.8%$2,791,4623.5%

Yields on tax-exempt securities are computed on a taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 24.8%. Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities, as borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

Other investments primarily consist of the FHLB capital stock, common stock investments related to our trust preferred securities, community development funds, and other investments in private equity funds, primarily SBICs. These investments do not have a stated maturity.

December 31,
20242023
($ in thousands)Amount%Amount%
FHLB capital stock$8,70412.0%$7,82411.8%
Other investments64,08088.0%58,37188.2%
Total$72,784100.0%$66,195100.0%

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Deposits

The following table shows the breakdown of deposits by type:

Years ended December 31,$ Increase (decrease)% Increase (decrease)
($ in thousands)202420232024 vs. 20232024 vs. 2023
Noninterest-bearing demand accounts$4,484,072$3,958,743$525,32913.3%
Interest-bearing demand accounts3,175,2922,950,259225,0337.6%
Money market accounts3,564,0633,399,280164,7834.8%
Savings accounts553,461595,175(41,714)(7.0)%
Certificates of deposit:
Brokered484,588482,7591,8290.4%
Customer885,016790,15594,86112.0%
Total deposits$13,146,492$12,176,371$970,1218.0%
Noninterest-bearing deposits / Total deposits34%33%

Total deposits increased $970.1 million, primarily due to client deposit growth. Brokered certificates of deposit increased $1.8 million, to $484.6 million at December 31, 2024. Brokered certificates of deposit are used for term liquidity purposes in place of FHLB borrowings. The brokered certificates of deposit balance has a weighted average cost of 4.50% and a weighted average remaining term of 9 months at December 31, 2024. The Company has a deposit vertical portfolio focusing primarily on property management, community associations, and legal industry and escrow services. These deposits totaled $3.4 billion and $2.8 billion at the end of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

The following table shows the average balance and average rate of the Company’s deposits by type:

Years ended December 31,
202420232022
($ in thousands)Average BalanceAverage Rate PaidAverage BalanceAverage Rate PaidAverage BalanceAverage Rate Paid
Noninterest-bearing deposit accounts$4,042,368%$4,131,163%$4,805,549%
Interest-bearing demand accounts3,033,6162.54%2,559,2381.84%2,318,3630.30%
Money market accounts3,494,4973.65%3,043,7943.05%2,781,5790.69%
Savings accounts567,1470.22%668,3680.15%819,0430.04%
Certificates of deposit:
Brokered519,2794.73%557,7614.44%128,1201.08%
Customer851,7304.01%640,7902.81%441,1520.48%
Total interest-bearing deposits$8,466,2693.13%$7,469,9512.46%$6,488,2570.46%
Total average deposits$12,508,6372.12%$11,601,1141.58%$11,293,8060.27%

Average total deposits were $12.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of $907.5 million, or 8%, from December 31, 2023. The increase in 2024 was primarily due to organic growth in money market and interest-bearing demand accounts.

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The following table sets forth the maturities of estimated uninsured certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2024. Uninsured deposits are amounts estimated to exceed the FDIC deposit insurance limit and are not subject to any federal or state insurance program.

($ in thousands)Total
Three months or less$142,678
Over three through six months52,082
Over six through twelve months51,355
Over twelve months22,102
Total$268,217

As of December 31, 2024, estimated uninsured deposits totaled $4.5 billion, including $268.2 million of certificates of deposit. At December 31, 2023 estimated uninsured deposits totaled $4.3 billion. Estimated uninsured deposits include $0.5 billion of balances that are collateralized or secured with third party insurance at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Shareholders’ equity

Shareholders’ equity totaled $1.8 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $107.9 million, or 6%, from December 31, 2023.

Significant activity during the year ended December 31, 2024 included the following:

•Increase from net income of $185.3 million;

•Net decrease in fair value of available-for-sale securities and cash flow hedges of $15.7 million;

•Decrease from dividends paid on common stock of $39.6 million and preferred stock of $3.8 million

•Decrease from share repurchases of $29.6 million, pursuant to the Company’s publicly-announced stock repurchase program.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure we have the ability to generate sufficient cash or cash equivalents in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet our commitments as they become due. Typical demands on liquidity are changes in deposit levels, maturing time deposits which are not renewed, and fundings under credit commitments to customers. Funds are available from a number of sources, such as the core deposit base and loan and security repayments and maturities.

Liquidity is provided from lines of credit with the FHLB, the Federal Reserve, and correspondent banks; the ability to acquire large and brokered deposits; sales of the securities portfolio; and the ability to sell loan participations to other banks and loans on the secondary market. These alternatives are an important part of our liquidity plan and provide flexibility and efficient execution of the asset-liability management strategy.

The Company’s Asset-Liability Management Committee oversees our liquidity position, the parameters of which are approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors. Our liquidity position is monitored daily. Our liquidity management framework includes measurement of several key elements, such as a loan to deposit ratio, a liquidity ratio, and a dependency ratio. The Company’s liquidity framework also incorporates contingency planning to assess the nature and volatility of funding sources and to determine alternatives to these sources. While core deposits and loan and investment repayments are principal sources of liquidity, funding diversification is another key element of liquidity management and is achieved by strategically varying depositor types, terms, funding markets, and instruments.

Liquidity from assets is available primarily from cash balances and the investment portfolio. Cash and interest-bearing deposits with other banks totaled $764.2 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $433.0 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in cash balances during 2024 is due to deposit growth exceeding loan growth. The

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increase in market interest rates in 2022 - 2023 increased the competitive environment for deposits, as depositors had more alternatives to bank deposit accounts. Successful marketing efforts increased total deposits in 2024. Investment securities are another important tool to the Company’s liquidity objectives. Securities totaled $2.8 billion at December 31, 2024, and included $1.5 billion pledged as collateral for deposits of public institutions, treasury, loan notes, and other requirements. The remaining $1.3 billion could be pledged or sold to enhance liquidity, if necessary.

Available on- and off-balance sheet liquidity sources include the following items:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2024
Federal Reserve Bank borrowing capacity$2,751,533
FHLB borrowing capacity1,304,235
Unpledged securities1,325,619
Federal funds lines (7 correspondent banks)140,000
Cash and interest-bearing deposits764,170
Holding Company line of credit25,000
Total$6,310,557

The Company also has a portfolio of SBA guaranteed loans, a portion of which could be sold in the secondary market to generate earnings and liquidity. The guaranteed portion of SBA loans totaling $23.1 million and $42.1 million were sold during 2024 and 2023.

Liability liquidity funding sources are available to increase financial flexibility. In addition to amounts borrowed at December 31, 2024, the Company could borrow an additional $1.3 billion from the FHLB of Des Moines under blanket loan pledges and has additional real estate loans that could be pledged. The Company also has $2.8 billion available from the Federal Reserve Bank under a pledged loan agreement. The Company also has unsecured federal funds lines with seven correspondent banks totaling $140 million.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into certain forms of off-balance sheet transactions, including unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit. These transactions are managed through the Company’s various risk management processes. Management considers both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet transactions in its evaluation of the Company’s liquidity. The Company has $3.1 billion in unused commitments to extend credit as of December 31, 2024. While this commitment level would exhaust the majority the Company’s current liquidity resources, the nature of these commitments is such that the likelihood of funding them in the aggregate at any one time is low.

At the holding company level, our primary funding sources are dividends and payments from the Bank and proceeds from the issuance of equity (i.e. stock option exercises, stock offerings) and debt instruments. The main use of this liquidity is to provide the funds necessary to pay dividends to shareholders, service debt, invest in subsidiaries as necessary, and satisfy other operating requirements. In 2024, the holding company maintained a revolving line of credit for an aggregate amount up to $25 million, all of which was available at December 31, 2024. The line of credit had a one-year term that matured in February 2025, the interest rate was one-month Term SOFR plus 185 basis points, and an annual unused commitment fee of 0.40% was assessed. The proceeds could be used for general corporate purposes.

Strong capital ratios, credit quality and core earnings are essential to retaining cost-effective access to the wholesale funding markets. Deterioration in any of these factors could have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to access these funding sources and, as a result, these factors are monitored on an ongoing basis as part of the liquidity management process. The Bank is subject to regulations and, among other things, may be limited in its ability to pay dividends or transfer funds to the parent company. Accordingly, consolidated cash flows as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows may not represent cash immediately available for the payment of cash dividends to the Company’s shareholders or for other cash needs.

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Through the normal course of operations, the Company has entered into certain contractual obligations and other commitments. Such obligations relate to funding operations through deposits or debt issuances, as well as leases for premises and equipment. As a financial services provider, the Company routinely enters into commitments to extend credit. While contractual obligations represent future cash requirements of the Company, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by the Company. The Company also enters into derivative contracts under which the Company either receives cash from or pays cash to counterparties depending on changes in interest rates. Derivative contracts are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet with the fair value representing the net present value of expected future cash receipts or payments based on market interest rates as of the balance sheet date. The fair value of these contracts changes daily as market interest rates change. For additional information on the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments see the following footnotes in Item 8: “Note 5 – Leases,” “Note 6 – Derivative Financial Instruments,” “Note 10 – Subordinated Debentures and Notes,” “Note 11 – Federal Home Loan Bank Advances,” “Note 12 – Other Borrowings,” and “Note 17 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.”

Capital Resources

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements and results of operations of the Company. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and its bank affiliate must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The banking affiliate’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and of tier 1 capital to average assets. To be categorized as “well-capitalized”, banks must maintain minimum total risk-based (10%), tier 1 risk-based (8%), common equity tier 1 risk-based (6.5%), and tier 1 leverage ratios (5%). As of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

The Bank met the definition of “well-capitalized” at each of December 31, 2024 and 2023. Refer to “Item 8. Note 14 – Regulatory Capital” for a summary of our risk-based capital and leverage ratios. The following table summarizes the Company’s capital ratios:

December 31, 2024December 31, 2023
($ in thousands)EFSCBankEFSCBankTo Be Well-CapitalizedMinimum Ratio with CCB
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets11.8%12.4%11.3%12.2%6.5%7.0%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets13.1%12.4%12.7%12.2%8.0%8.5%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets14.6%13.4%14.2%13.2%10.0%10.5%
Leverage Ratio (Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets)11.1%10.5%11.0%10.6%5.0%N/A
Tangible common equity to tangible assets19.05%8.96%
Common equity tier 1 capital$1,505,162$1,578,293$1,387,802$1,493,105
Tier 1 capital1,670,8101,578,3531,553,4481,493,163
Total risk-based capital1,864,3341,708,6261,732,5011,608,966
1 Not a required regulatory capital ratio

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Total regulatory capital includes $63.3 million of subordinated debentures that were issued in 2020 at a fixed rate of 5.75%. The interest rate on these debentures resets to a floating rate based on 3 month term SOFR plus a spread of 5.66% in June of 2025. When the interest rate resets, the debentures become callable and the inclusion in regulatory capital begins to phase out over a five year period.

The Company believes the tangible common equity and regulatory capital ratios are important measures of capital strength. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is considered a non-GAAP measure. The tables included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” reconcile these ratios to U.S. GAAP.

Risk Management

Market risk arises from exposure to changes in interest rates and other relevant market rate or price risk. The Company faces market risk in the form of interest rate risk through transactions other than trading activities. Market risk from these activities, in the form of interest rate risk, is measured and managed through a number of methods. The Company uses financial modeling techniques to measure interest rate risk. These techniques measure the sensitivity of future earnings due to changing interest rate environments. Guidelines established by the Bank’s Asset/Liability Management Committee and approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors are used to monitor exposure of earnings at risk. General interest rate movements are used to develop sensitivity as management believes it has no primary exposure to a specific point on the yield curve. These limits are based on the Company’s exposure to immediate and sustained parallel rate movements, either upward or downward. The Company does not have any direct market risk from commodity exposures.

Interest Rate Risk

Our interest rate risk management practices are aimed at optimizing net interest income, while guarding against deterioration that could be caused by certain interest rate scenarios. Interest rate sensitivity varies with different types of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. We attempt to maintain interest-earning assets, comprised primarily of both loans and investments, and interest-bearing liabilities, comprised primarily of deposits, maturing or repricing in similar time horizons in order to manage any impact from market interest rate changes according to our risk tolerance. The Company uses an earnings simulation model to measure earnings sensitivity to changing rates.

The Company determines the sensitivity of its short-term future earnings to a hypothetical plus or minus 100 to 300 basis point parallel rate shock through the use of simulation modeling. The simulation of earnings includes the modeling of the balance sheet as an ongoing entity. Future business assumptions involving administered rate products, prepayments for future rate-sensitive balances, and the reinvestment of maturing assets and liabilities are included. These items are then modeled to project net interest income based on a hypothetical change in interest rates. The resulting net interest income for the next 12-month period is compared to the net interest income amount calculated using flat rates. This difference represents the Company’s earnings sensitivity to a positive or negative parallel rate shock.

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The following table summarizes the projected impact of interest rate shocks on net interest income:

Annual % change in net interest income
At December 31,
Rate Shock20242023
+ 300 bp7.9%9.8%
+ 200 bp5.4%6.6%
+ 100 bp2.7%3.3%
- 100 bp(3.0)%(3.5)%
- 200 bp(6.0)%(7.3)%
- 300 bp(8.5)%(11.2)%

In addition to the rate shocks shown in the table above, the Company models net interest income under various dynamic interest rate scenarios. In general, changes in interest rates are positively correlated with changes in net interest income.

The Company occasionally uses interest rate derivative instruments as an asset/liability management tool to hedge mismatches in interest rate exposure indicated by the net interest income simulation described above. They are used to modify the Company’s exposures to interest rate fluctuations and provide more stable spreads between loan yields and the rate on their funding sources. At December 31, 2024, the Company had derivative contracts to manage interest rate risk, including $400.0 million in notional value on derivatives to hedge the cash flows on floating rate loans and $32.1 million in notional value on derivatives on floating rate debt. Derivative financial instruments are discussed in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 6 – Derivative Financial Instruments.”

The FCA ceased publishing the most common USD LIBOR settings (overnight, 1-month. 3-month, 6-month and 12-month) after September 30, 2024. LIBOR was the most liquid and common interest rate index in the world and was commonly referenced in financial instruments. With the cessation of LIBOR, the Company has selected term SOFR as the replacement index for the majority of its variable rate loans and began providing customer notifications in early 2023. The Company ceased using LIBOR and ICE swap rates in new contracts and began issuing SOFR based loans in December 2021.

The Company had $6.7 billion in variable rate loans as of December 31, 2024. Of these loans, $4.6 billion have an interest rate floor and nearly all of those loans were at or above the floor. Variable rate loans include $2.7 billion indexed to the prime rate, $3.2 billion are indexed to SOFR, and $807.4 million indexed to other rates.

Changes in interest rates will also have an effect on noninterest expense. Certain deposit accounts receive an earnings credit that provides a reimbursement for costs clients incur on the accounts. As interest rates increase, the amount available for reimbursement also increases, resulting in an increase to noninterest expense. Conversely, a decrease in interest rates would reduce the amount available for reimbursement and decrease noninterest expense.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The following accounting policies are considered most critical to the understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting policies require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Because these estimates and judgments are based on current circumstances, they may change over time or prove to be inaccurate based on experience. In the event different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition and/or results of operations could reasonably be expected. The impact and any associated risks related to our critical accounting policies on our business operations are described throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results. For a detailed

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discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

The Company has prepared all of the consolidated financial information in this report in accordance with GAAP. The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using loss experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. There can be no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company maintains separate allowances for funded loans, unfunded loans, and held-to-maturity securities, collectively referred to as the ACL. The ACL is a valuation account to adjust the cost basis to the amount expected to be collected, based on management’s experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For purposes of determining the allowance for funded and unfunded loans, the portfolios are segregated into pools that share similar risk characteristics that are then further segregated by credit grades. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are not included in the collective evaluation. The Company estimates the amount of the allowance based on loan loss experience, adjusted for current and forecasted economic conditions, including unemployment, changes in GDP, and commercial and residential real estate prices. The Company’s forecast of economic conditions uses internal and external information and considers a weighted average of a baseline, upside, and downside scenarios. Because economic conditions can change and are difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated loan defaults and losses, and therefore the adequacy of the allowance, could change significantly and have a direct impact on the Company’s credit costs. The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was $138.0 million at December 31, 2024 based on the weighting of the different economic scenarios. As a hypothetical example, if the Company had only used the upside scenario, the allowance would have decreased $27.7 million. Conversely, the allowance would have increased $47.4 million using only the downside scenario.

Income Taxes

Management uses certain assumptions and estimates in determining income taxes payable or refundable for the current year, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and income tax expense. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance may be established. We consider the determination of this valuation allowance to be a critical accounting policy because of the need to exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income. These judgments and estimates are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required in the future if the amounts of taxes recoverable through loss carry backs decline, if we project lower levels of future taxable income, or we project lower levels of tax planning strategies. Such valuation allowance would be established through a charge to income tax expense that would adversely affect our operating results.

Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

See “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for information on recent accounting pronouncements and their impact, if any, on our consolidated financial statements.

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Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company’s accounting and reporting policies conform to U.S. GAAP and the prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, the Company provides other financial measures, such as core efficiency ratio, tangible common equity ratio, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible book value per common share, in this report that are considered “non-GAAP financial measures.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that exclude (or include) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

The Company considers its core efficiency ratio, tangible common equity ratio, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible book value per common share, collectively “core performance measures,” presented in this earnings release and the included tables as important measures of financial performance, even though they are non-GAAP measures, as they provide supplemental information by which to evaluate the impact of certain non-comparable items, and the Company’s operating performance on an ongoing basis. Core performance measures exclude certain other income and expense items, such as core conversion expenses, FDIC special assessment, merger-related expenses, facilities charges, and the gain or loss on sale of other real estate owned and investment securities, that the Company believes to be not indicative of or useful to measure the Company’s operating performance on an ongoing basis. The attached tables contain a reconciliation of these core performance measures to the GAAP measures. The Company believes that the tangible common equity ratio provides useful information to investors about the Company’s capital strength even though it is considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure and is not part of the regulatory capital requirements to which the Company is subject.

The Company believes these non-GAAP measures and ratios, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP measures and ratios, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance and capital strength. The Company’s management uses, and believes investors benefit from referring to, these non-GAAP measures and ratios in assessing the Company’s operating results and related trends and when forecasting future periods. However, these non-GAAP measures and ratios should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or preferable to, ratios prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided a reconciliation of, where applicable, the most comparable GAAP financial measures and ratios to the non-GAAP financial measures and ratios, or a reconciliation of the non-GAAP calculation of the financial measure for the periods indicated.

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Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Pre-Provision Net Revenue (PPNR) and Pre-Provision Net Revenue Return on Average Assets (PPNR ROAA)

For the years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202420232022
Net interest income$568,096$562,592$473,903
Noninterest income69,70368,72559,162
FDIC special assessment6252,412
Core conversion expense4,868
Less gain on sale of investment securities601
Less gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned3,089187(93)
Less noninterest expense385,047348,186274,216
PPNR (non-GAAP)$255,156$284,755$258,942
Average assets$14,841,690$13,805,236$13,319,624
PPNR ROAA (non-GAAP)1.72%2.06%1.94%

Tangible Common Equity, Tangible Book Value per Share, and Tangible Common Equity Ratio

At December 31,
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)202420232022
Shareholders' equity (GAAP)$1,824,002$1,716,068$1,522,263
Less preferred stock71,98871,98871,988
Less goodwill365,164365,164365,164
Less intangible assets8,48412,31816,919
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)$1,378,366$1,266,598$1,068,192
Common shares outstanding36,98837,41637,253
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)$37.27$33.85$28.67
Total assets (GAAP)$15,596,431$14,518,590$13,054,172
Less goodwill365,164365,164365,164
Less intangible assets8,48412,31816,919
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)$15,222,783$14,141,108$12,672,089
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)9.05%8.96%8.43%

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Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (ROATCE) and Return on Average Assets (ROAA)

At or for the years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202420232022
Average shareholder’s equity (GAAP)$1,784,175$1,623,121$1,498,759
Less average preferred stock71,98871,98871,988
Less average goodwill365,164365,164365,164
Less average intangible assets10,32914,53119,516
Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)$1,336,694$1,171,438$1,042,091
Net income (GAAP)$185,266$194,059$203,043
FDIC special assessment (after tax)4701,814
Core conversion expense (after tax)3,661
Less gain on sale of investment securities (after tax)452
Less net gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned (after tax)2,323141(70)
Net income adjusted (non-GAAP)$187,074$195,280$203,113
Less preferred stock dividends3,7503,7504,041
Net income available to common shareholders adjusted (non-GAAP)$183,324$191,530$199,072
Return on average common equity (non-GAAP)10.60%12.27%13.95%
Adjusted return on average common equity (non-GAAP)10.71%12.35%13.95%
ROATCE (non-GAAP)13.58%16.25%19.10%
Adjusted ROATCE (non-GAAP)13.71%16.35%19.10%
Average assets$14,841,690$13,805,236$13,319,624
Return on average assets (GAAP)1.25%1.41%1.52%
Adjusted return on average assets (non-GAAP)1.26%1.41%1.52%

Core Efficiency Ratio

For the years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202420232022
Net interest income (GAAP)$568,096$562,592$473,903
Tax-equivalent adjustment8,4458,0797,042
Net interest income - FTE (non-GAAP)576,541570,671480,945
Noninterest income (GAAP)69,70368,72559,162
Less gain on sale of investment securities601
Less gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned3,089187(93)
Core revenue (non-GAAP)$643,155$638,608$540,200
Noninterest expense (GAAP)$385,047$348,186$274,216
Less amortization on intangibles3,8344,6015,367
Less core conversion expense4,868
Less FDIC special assessment6252,412
Core noninterest expense (non-GAAP)$375,720$341,173$268,849
Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)58.42%53.42%49.77%

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FY 2023 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001025835-24-000017.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2024-02-26. Report date: 2023-12-31.

ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

The objective of this section is to provide an overview of the results of operations and financial condition of the Company by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year to year. It should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and other financial data presented elsewhere in this report, particularly the information regarding the Company’s business operations described in Item 1. A detailed discussion comparing 2022 and 2021 results is incorporated herein by reference to Item 7 of the Company’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2023.

Executive Summary

Our Company offers a broad range of business and personal banking services including wealth management services. Lending services include commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, real estate construction and development, residential real estate, specialty, and other loans. A wide variety of deposit products and a complete suite of treasury management and international trade services complement our lending capabilities. The Company’s results of operations are also affected by prevailing economic conditions, competition, government policies and other actions of regulatory agencies.

The Company’s financial condition, operating results and liquidity in 2023 continued to be impacted by the monetary policy actions enacted to address rising inflation. The Federal Reserve increased the target federal funds rate 100 basis points in 2023, following a 425 basis point increase in 2022. The Federal Reserve has continued to tighten their monetary policy by reducing Treasuries and agency mortgage-backed securities held on its balance sheet. This follows a period of highly expansionary fiscal support from the federal government during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.

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Financial Performance Highlights

Below are highlights of our financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021.

($ in thousands, except per share data)Year ended December 31,
202320222021
EARNINGS
Total interest income$764,919$515,082$383,230
Total interest expense202,32741,17923,036
Net interest income562,592473,903360,194
Provision (benefit) for credit losses36,605(611)13,385
Net interest income after provision (benefit) for credit losses525,987474,514346,809
Total noninterest income68,72559,16267,743
Total noninterest expense348,186274,216245,919
Income before income tax expense246,526259,460168,633
Income tax expense52,46756,41735,578
Net income$194,059$203,043$133,055
Preferred dividends3,7504,041
Net income available to common shareholders$190,309$199,002$133,055
Basic earnings per share$5.09$5.32$3.86
Diluted earnings per share$5.07$5.31$3.86
Return on average assets11.42%1.52%1.16%
Return on average common equity112.39%13.95%10.49%
Return on average tangible common equity116.40%19.10%14.18%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)4.43%3.89%3.41%
Efficiency ratio55.15%51.44%57.47%
Core efficiency ratio153.42%49.77%49.68%
Common dividend payout ratio19.64%16.89%19.66%
Book value per common share$43.94$38.93$38.53
Tangible book value per common share1$33.85$28.67$28.28
Average common equity to average assets11.76%11.25%11.14%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets18.96%8.43%8.13%
At or for the year ended December 31,
202320222021
ASSET QUALITY
Net charge-offs$38,044$3,899$11,629
Nonperforming loans43,7289,98128,024
Nonaccrual loans43,1819,76623,449
Classified assets185,38999,122100,797
Total assets14,518,59013,054,17213,537,358
Total loans10,884,1189,737,1389,017,642
Classified assets to total assets1.28%0.76%0.74%
Nonperforming loans to total loans0.40%0.10%0.31%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.34%0.08%0.23%
ACL on loans to total loans1.24%1.41%1.61%
Net charge-offs to average loans0.37%0.04%0.14%

1Non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

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The Company noted the following trends during 2023:

•The Company reported net income of $194.1 million, or $5.07 per diluted share for 2023, compared to $203.0 million, or $5.31 per diluted share for 2022. PPNR1 for 2023 was $284.8 million, compared to $258.9 million in 2022. PPNR ROAA1 for 2023 and 2022 was 2.06% and 1.94%, respectively. Organic earning-asset growth and expansion of net interest income due to the increase in market interest rates were the primary contributors to the PPNR increase in 2023. Offsetting the increase in PPNR was a $37.2 million increase in the provision for credit losses in 2023 compared to 2022.

•Net interest income for 2023 totaled $562.6 million, an increase of $88.7 million, or 19%, compared to $473.9 million for 2022. The Company’s asset sensitive balance sheet benefited from the increase in market interest rates during 2023. Net interest margin increased 54 basis points to 4.43% during 2023, compared to 3.89% in 2022. The increase was primarily due to the 6.67% loan yield in 2023, which increased 170 basis points, from 4.97% in 2022.

•Noninterest income was $68.7 million, an increase of 16% from $59.2 million in 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher volumes in tax credit income, private equity and community development income, and gains on the sale of SBA loans. Offsetting these amounts were a decrease in deposit services charges due to higher earnings credit rates, and a decrease in card services income due to the full year impact of the Durbin Amendment.

•Total noninterest expense was $348.2 million in 2023, a 27% increase from $274.2 million in 2022. The increase was primarily from higher customer servicing deposit costs due to higher deposit balances and an increase in earnings credit rates, and an increase in compensation from a larger associate base and annual merit increases. The Company’s core efficiency ratio1 was 53.4% in 2023, compared to 49.8% for the prior year.

•The Company’s effective tax rate was 21.3% in 2023 compared to 21.7% in 2022.

1Non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

2023 Significant Transactions

During 2023, we announced the following significant transactions:

•Dividends paid in 2023 of $1.00 per share increased $0.10 per share, or 11%, compared to $0.90 per share in 2022.

•The Company paid $3.8 million, or $50.00 per share, to preferred shareholders in 2023.

•The process of converting to a leading core operating system was initiated. The conversion is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024.

2022 Significant Transactions

During 2022, we announced the following significant transactions:

•The Company repurchased 700,473 of its common shares at a weighted-average share price of $47.00.

•Dividends paid in 2022 of $0.90 per share increased $0.15 per share, or 20%, compared to $0.75 per share in 2021.

•Retired 1,980,093 shares of treasury stock.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Average Balance Sheet

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, certain information related to our average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as, the corresponding interest rates earned and paid, all on a tax equivalent basis. Average balances are presented on a daily average basis.

Year ended December 31,
202320222021
($ in thousands)Average BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ RateAverage BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ RateAverage BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ Rate
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans1, 2$10,324,951$688,4396.67%$9,193,682$456,7034.97%$8,055,873$349,1124.33%
Taxable securities1,320,66440,9203.101,228,51429,6382.41908,18919,3052.13
Non-taxable securities2970,88830,2093.11872,17325,1842.89659,80418,4682.80
Total securities2,291,55271,1293.102,100,68754,8222.611,567,99337,7732.41
Interest-earning deposits260,21413,4305.161,074,16510,5990.991,084,8531,4960.14
Total interest-earning assets12,876,717772,9986.0012,368,534522,1244.2210,708,719388,3813.63
Noninterest-earning assets928,519951,090758,591
Total assets$13,805,236$13,319,624$11,467,310
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand accounts$2,559,238$46,9761.84%$2,318,363$7,0380.30%$2,122,752$1,6140.08%
Money market accounts3,043,79492,9763.052,781,57919,3060.692,557,8364,6690.18
Savings accounts668,3689750.15819,0433050.04724,7682250.03
Certificates of deposit1,198,55142,7963.57569,2723,5090.62570,4964,1600.73
Total interest-bearing deposits7,469,951183,7232.466,488,25730,1580.465,975,85210,6680.18
Subordinated debentures and notes155,7029,7816.28155,1609,1665.91195,68610,9605.60
FHLB advances54,6152,7525.0433,4675991.7959,9458031.34
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase168,7453,6472.16211,0395060.24225,8942350.10
Other borrowings71,7382,4243.3822,8127503.2926,4283701.40
Total interest-bearing liabilities7,920,751202,3272.556,910,73541,1790.606,483,80523,0360.36
Noninterest bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits4,131,1634,805,5493,597,204
Other liabilities130,201104,581109,148
Total liabilities12,182,11511,820,86510,190,157
Shareholders' equity1,623,1211,498,7591,277,153
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity$13,805,236$13,319,624$11,467,310
Net interest income$570,671$480,945$365,345
Net interest spread3.45%3.62%3.27%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)4.43%3.89%3.41%

1Average balances include non-accrual loans. Interest income includes net loan fees of $13.8 million, $16.7 million, and $28.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 respectively. Loan fees in 2022 and 2021 included PPP fees of $4.1 million and $21.7 million, respectively.

2Non-taxable income is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis using a tax rate of approximately 25%. The tax-equivalent adjustments were $8.1 million, $7.0 million, and $5.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021 respectively.

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Rate/Volume

The following table sets forth, on a tax-equivalent basis for the periods indicated, a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in yield/rates and volume.

2023 compared to 20222022 compared to 2021
Increase (decrease) due toIncrease (decrease) due to
($ in thousands)Volume1Rate2NetVolume1Rate2Net
Interest earned on:
Loans$61,460$170,276$231,736$52,238$55,353$107,591
Taxable securities2,3558,92711,2827,4742,85910,333
Non-taxable securities32,9812,0455,0266,1156016,716
Interest-earning deposits(13,192)16,0232,831(15)9,1189,103
Total interest-earning assets53,604197,271250,87565,81267,931133,743
Interest paid on:
Interest-bearing demand accounts$805$39,133$39,938$162$5,262$5,424
Money market accounts1,98771,68373,67044314,19414,637
Savings(66)736670314980
Certificates of deposit7,36331,92439,287(9)(642)(651)
Subordinated debentures and notes32583615(2,368)574(1,794)
FHLB advances5551,5992,154(423)219(204)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(126)3,2683,142(16)287271
Other borrowed funds1,729(56)1,673(57)437380
Total interest-bearing liabilities12,279148,870161,149(2,237)20,38018,143
Net interest income$41,325$48,401$89,726$68,049$47,551$115,600
1Change in volume multiplied by yield/rate of prior period.
2Change in yield/rate multiplied by volume of prior period.
3Nontaxable income is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of approximately 25%.
NOTE: The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to rate and volume changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

Net interest income (on a tax equivalent basis) was $570.7 million for 2023, compared to $480.9 million for 2022, an increase of $89.8 million, or 19%. The increase in net interest income in 2023 was primarily due to a higher average yield on interest earning assets and organic loan growth. These increases were offset by an increase in the average cost paid on interest bearing liabilities.

Total tax equivalent interest income increased $250.9 million in 2023 primarily due to a $231.7 million increase in loan interest income. The increase was primarily due to the 6.67% loan yield in 2023, which increased 170 basis points, from 4.97% in 2022. In addition, average loan balances in 2023 increased to $10.3 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion over the average for 2022. Tax equivalent interest income on securities (taxable and non-taxable) in 2023 increased $16.3 million from 2022, primarily due to an $11.0 million increase in yield and a $5.3 million increase in average balances. Average securities represented 18% of earnings assets in 2023 and 17% in 2022.

Overall, average interest-earning assets increased $0.5 billion, or 4%, to $12.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase was due to organic growth in average earning assets in the loan portfolio and a deployment of excess liquidity into the investment portfolio. Volume growth of the balance sheet drove an increase in interest income on earning assets of $53.6 million, while the increase in interest rates drove interest income on interest-earnings assets up by $197.3 million in 2023 compared to 2022.

Total interest expense increased $161.1 million in 2023 primarily due to increased deposit interest expense. The increase in deposit interest expense reflects higher rates paid on deposits, as well as successful marketing efforts that

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increased average deposits. Remixing of the deposit portfolio from non-interest bearing and lower cost accounts into higher cost accounts contributed to the increase in deposit interest expense in 2023. Total average interest-bearing deposits increased to $7.5 billion, an increase of $981.7 million, or 15%, in 2023 over the average for 2022. Average noninterest bearing deposits declined $674.4 million, or 14%, in 2023 compared to the average for 2022. Average noninterest bearing deposits represented 36% of total average deposits in 2023, compared to 43% in 2022. Overall, average interest-bearing liabilities increased $1.0 billion, or 15% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The current mix of interest-bearing liabilities increased interest expense in 2023 by $12.3 million, while the increase in the average cost of interest bearing liabilities increased interest expense $148.9 million in 2023.

The tax-equivalent net interest margin was 4.43% for 2023, compared to 3.89% for 2022. The primary driver of the increase in net interest margin from 2022 to 2023 was an increase market interest rates. In 2023, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates three times. The federal funds target rate increased 100 basis points in 2023. The increase in short-term rates increased the yield on the Company’s variable-rate loan portfolio, as well as the yield earned on new loan production. As of December 31, 2023, variable-rate loans comprised approximately 61% of total loans. The increase in market interest rates also increased the cost on interest bearing liabilities. The earning asset yield increased 178 basis points to 6.00% in 2023, compared to 4.22% in 2022. Comparatively, the cost of interest bearing liabilities increased 195 basis points to 2.55%, from 0.60% in 2022.

Noninterest Income

The following table presents a comparative summary of the major components of noninterest income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023:

Year ended December 31,Change from
($ in thousands)2023202220212023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
Service charges on deposit accounts$16,559$18,326$15,428$(1,767)$2,898
Wealth management revenue10,03010,01010,25920(249)
Card services revenue10,02811,55111,880(1,523)(329)
Tax credit income9,1962,5588,0286,638(5,470)
Miscellaneous income22,91216,71722,1486,195(5,431)
Total noninterest income$68,725$59,162$67,743$9,563$(8,581)

Noninterest income increased $9.6 million, or 16%, in 2023 compared to 2022. This increase was primarily due to a $6.6 million increase in tax credit income and a $6.2 million increase in miscellaneous income. Tax credit income increased due to higher activity and a decline in longer term interest rates that positively impacted tax credits carried at fair value. Miscellaneous income increased due to private equity and community development income and gains on the sale of SBA loans. Private equity and community development income are not consistent sources of income and fluctuate based on distributions and earnings from the underlying funds. In 2023, $42.1 million of SBA loans were sold and a gain of $2.0 million was recognized. No SBA loans were sold in 2022.

Card services revenue declined $1.5 million in 2023. Included in this decline was a decrease of $2.3 million in debit card interchange income, partially offset by a $0.6 million increase in credit card fees. The Durbin Amendment limits the amount of interchange income banks can earn on debit card transactions after total assets exceed $10 billion. This limitation went into effect for the Company at the beginning of the third quarter of 2022 and was the primary driver of the reduction in debit card revenue.

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Noninterest Expense

The following table presents a comparative summary of the components of noninterest expense:

Year ended December 31,Change from
($ in thousands)2023202220212023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
Employee compensation and benefits$164,566$147,029$124,904$17,537$22,125
Deposit costs72,29331,08214,21141,21116,871
Occupancy16,52617,64016,286(1,114)1,354
Data processing15,19613,51312,2421,6831,271
Professional fees5,7197,0794,289(1,360)2,790
Branch-closure expenses3,441(3,441)
Merger-related expenses22,082(22,082)
Other expenses73,88657,87348,46416,0139,409
Total noninterest expense$348,186$274,216$245,919$73,970$28,297
Efficiency ratio55.15%51.44%57.47%3.71%(6.03)%
Core efficiency ratio153.42%49.77%49.68%3.65%0.09%
1 A non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Noninterest expense increased $74.0 million, or 27%, in 2023 compared to 2022. The increase was attributed primarily to a $41.2 million increase in deposit costs, a $17.5 million increase in compensation and benefits, and a $16.0 million increase in other expenses. For certain deposit accounts in the Company’s specialized deposit portfolio, clients receive an earnings credit rate on average collected balances that may be used to offset expenses associated with the client’s activities for managing the accounts. These costs are reflected in noninterest expense as Deposit costs. The increase in deposit costs in 2023 is due to organic growth in specialized deposits and an increase in market interest rates that increased the earnings credit rate and related expenses for those accounts. The Company maintained approximately $2.6 billion and $2.0 billion of average specialty deposits, resulting in an average specialty deposit cost of 2.75% and 1.41% for 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The increase in compensation and benefits was due to annual merit increases and an increase in full time equivalent employees, higher share-based compensation from higher award levels, and higher medical costs due to inflationary increases. The Company expects to continue to invest in its associates and other infrastructure that supports growth. In addition, low unemployment, inflationary pressures and a shift in employee work arrangements to a virtual/hybrid model are expected to continue to have an impact on future operating expenses.

The increase in other expense of $16.0 million was attributed primarily to a $6.1 million increase in FDIC assessment and other insurance, a $1.7 million increase in loan, legal and other real estate expenses, and a $1.6 million increase in marketing and public relations expenses. The increase in FDIC assessment and other insurance is primarily due to an FDIC special assessment in the amount of $2.4 million and an increase due to the growth of the balance sheet. In November 2023, the FDIC issued a Final Rule on Special Assessment Pursuant to Systemic Risk Determination, implementing a special assessment to recover the cost associated with protecting uninsured depositors following the closure of FDIC insured banks earlier in 2023. The FDIC will collect the special assessment at an annual rate of approximately 13.4 basis points over eight quarterly assessment periods beginning in January 2024. The Company’s portion of the special assessment is approximately $2.4 million and was expensed in the fourth quarter of 2023.

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Income Taxes

The Company’s blended federal and state tax rate was approximately 24.8% in 2023 and 25.2% in 2022. The effective tax rate, which is adjusted for permanent differences, such as tax exempt income, was 21.3% in 2023 compared to 21.7% in 2022. In conjunction with the completion of the 2022 tax returns in the fourth quarter of 2023, the effective tax rate decreased due to a lower state tax apportionment. See “Item 8. Note 16 – Income Taxes” for additional information.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Summary Balance Sheet

($ in thousands)December 31,% Increase (Decrease)
2023202220212023 vs. 20222022 vs. 2021
Total cash and cash equivalents$433,029$291,359$2,021,68948.62%(85.59)%
Securities2,368,7072,245,7221,795,6875.48%25.06%
Total loans10,884,1189,737,1389,017,64211.78%7.98%
Total assets14,518,59013,054,17213,537,35811.22%(3.57)%
Deposits12,176,37110,829,15011,343,79912.44%(4.54)%
Total liabilities12,802,52211,531,90912,008,24211.02%(3.97)%
Total shareholders’ equity1,716,0681,522,2631,529,11612.73%(0.45)%

The table below represents the summary balance sheet shown as a percentage of account class (total assets, total liabilities or total shareholders’ equity), as applicable:

December 31,
202320222021
Total cash and cash equivalents2.98%2.23%14.93%
Securities16.31%17.20%13.26%
Total loans74.97%74.59%66.61%
Total assets100.00%100.00%100.00%
Deposits95.11%93.91%94.47%
Total liabilities100.00%100.00%100.00%
Total shareholders’ equity100.00%100.00%100.00%

Assets

Loans by Type

The Company has a diversified loan portfolio, with no particular concentration of credit in any one economic sector; however, a substantial portion of the portfolio, including the C&I category, is secured by real estate. The ability of the Company’s borrowers to honor their contractual obligations is partially dependent upon the local economy and its effect on the real estate market.

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The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio by type of loans:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20232022
Commercial and industrial$4,672,559$3,859,882
Commercial real estate - investor owned2,451,9532,357,820
Commercial real estate - owner occupied2,351,6182,270,551
Construction and land development760,425611,565
Residential real estate372,188395,537
Other275,375241,783
Total loans$10,884,118$9,737,138
December 31,
20232022
Commercial and industrial42.9%39.6%
Commercial real estate - investor owned22.5%24.2%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied21.6%23.3%
Construction and land development7.1%6.3%
Residential real estate3.4%4.1%
Other2.5%2.5%
Total loans100.0%100.0%

C&I loans are made based on the borrower’s ability to generate cash flows for repayment from income sources, general credit strength, experience, and character, even though such loans may also be secured by real estate or other assets. The credit risk related to commercial loans is largely influenced by general economic conditions and the resulting impact on a borrower’s operations.

The Company continues to focus on originating high-quality C&I loan relationships as they typically have variable interest rates and allow for cross selling opportunities involving other banking products. C&I loan growth also supports our efforts to maintain the Company’s asset-sensitive interest rate risk position. Additionally, our specialized products, especially sponsor finance, life insurance premium financing, and tax credit lending, consist of primarily C&I loans, and have contributed significantly to the Company’s C&I loan growth. These loans are sourced through relationships developed with wealth and estate planning firms, private equity funds and tax credit specialists and are not bound geographically to our markets. As a result, these specialized loan products offer opportunities to expand and diversify our overall geographic concentration by entering into new markets.

Real estate loans place an emphasis on the estimated cash flows from the operation of the property and/or the underlying collateral value.

•Our commercial real estate loans, including investor-owned and owner-occupied categories, primarily represent commercial property loans on which the primary source of repayment is income from the property. These loans are principally underwritten based on the cash flow coverage of the property, the Company’s loan to value guidelines, and generally require either the limited or full guaranty of principal sponsors of the credit. Commercial real estate loans also represent owner-occupied C&I loans for which the primary source of repayment is dependent on sources other than the underlying collateral.

•Construction and land development loans relating primarily to residential and commercial properties, represent financing secured by real estate under development for eventual sale or undeveloped ground. At December 31, 2023, $447.0 million of these loans include the use of interest reserves and follow standard

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underwriting guidelines. Construction projects are monitored by the loan officer and a centralized independent loan disbursement function.

•Residential real estate loans include residential mortgages, which are loans that, due to size or other attributes, do not qualify for conventional home mortgages available-for-sale in the secondary market, second mortgages, home equity lines and conventional mortgages that are part of a broad banking relationship with the Company. Residential mortgage loans are usually limited to a maximum of 80% of collateral value at origination.

Other loans represent loans to individuals, loans to state and political subdivisions, loans to nondepository financial institutions, and loans to purchase or are fully secured by investment securities. Credit risk is managed by thoroughly reviewing the creditworthiness of the borrowers prior to origination and thereafter.

The following table presents a breakdown of loans by NAICS code at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20232022
($ in thousands)Outstanding Balance%Outstanding Balance%
Accommodation and Food Services$975,3579%$880,8709%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services215,7332%200,5862%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting1229,7192%200,1442%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation125,4871%105,8511%
Construction692,4036%555,3436%
Educational Services54,0441%51,083%
Finance and Insurance2,005,18318%1,622,71217%
Health Care and Social Assistance551,9795%455,8395%
Information97,0521%100,0041%
Management of Companies and Enterprises88,0791%78,5481%
Manufacturing704,7507%694,4837%
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction32,024%8,106%
Other Services (except Public Administration)588,4495%536,1126%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services326,1763%304,0273%
Public Administration13,774%9,111%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing2,766,75425%2,534,27526%
Retail Trade513,7635%517,6595%
Transportation and Warehousing284,7063%257,3843%
Utilities15,853%34,079%
Wholesale Trade535,6665%491,2185%
Other67,1671%99,7041%
Total Loans$10,884,118100%$9,737,138100%
1Includes $95.0 million and $94.0 million in animal production at December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively and $113.8 million and $95.6 million in crop production at December 31, 2023, and 2022, respectively.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had an agricultural loan portfolio of $229.7 million and $200.1 million, respectively. The Company has announced its intent to wind down this portfolio over time as the loans mature or pay down. The Company does not intend to enter into new agricultural loans.

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The following table presents a breakdown of commercial & industrial loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20232022
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million2,466$850,849$3452,116$771,717$365
$2-5 million3391,114,5223,288314991,7483,158
$5-10 million139984,7957,085124862,4276,955
$10 million971,722,39317,757761,233,99016,237
Total3,041$4,672,559$1,5372,630$3,859,882$1,468

The following table presents a breakdown of commercial real estate loans (investor owned and owner occupied) by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20232022
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million3,133$1,867,452$5963,170$1,872,671$591
$2-5 million4131,265,6593,0654161,272,9773,060
$5-10 million118793,8376,727105727,6816,930
$10 million57876,62315,37950755,04215,101
Total3,721$4,803,571$1,2913,741$4,628,371$1,237

The Company had $482.0 million and $443.1 million of investor owned office real estate loans as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The following table presents a breakdown of construction loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20232022
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million355$143,461$404408$181,813$446
$2-5 million60190,8573,18152154,5632,972
$5-10 million23160,2286,9661496,1946,871
$10 million17265,87915,64013178,99513,769
Total455$760,425$1,671487$611,565$1,256

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The following table presents a breakdown of residential loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20232022
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million2,130$284,594$1342,252$293,691$130
$2-5 million1858,3373,2412170,6583,365
$5-10 million429,2577,314431,1887,797
Total2,152$372,188$1732,277$395,537$174

The following table presents a breakdown of other loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20232022
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million1,171$105,759$901,265$125,136$99
$2-5 million1860,8013,3781859,0993,283
$5-10 million744,5936,370318,2556,085
$10 million464,22216,056339,29313,098
Total1,200$275,375$2291,289$241,783$188

The following table presents a breakdown of total loans by geographic region at the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20232022
Midwest$3,338,308$3,214,305
Southwest1,565,8521,242,125
West1,813,2391,654,899
Specialty and other loans4,166,7193,625,809
Total$10,884,118$9,737,138

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The following table presents a breakdown of total loans by MSA, excluding specialty and other loans, at the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20232022
St. Louis, MO-IL MSA$2,382,192$2,328,830
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana, CA MSA1,561,7201,477,084
Kansas City, MO-KS MSA953,557882,499
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, AZ MSA899,768692,788
San Diego-Carlsbad-San Marcos, CA MSA234,808177,815
Albuquerque, NM MSA183,813197,004
Santa Fe, NM MSA167,321180,976
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX MSA155,45942,545
Las Vegas-Paradise, NV MSA83,73739,477
All other MSAs95,02492,311
Specialty and other loans4,166,7193,625,809
Total$10,884,118$9,737,138

Loan guarantees, primarily on SBA 7(a) loans, totaled $932.1 million and $960.3 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The following table provides additional information on select specialty lending detail, at the periods indicated:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2023December 31, 2022Increase (decrease)
C&I$2,186,203$1,904,654$281,54915%
CRE investor owned2,291,6602,176,424115,2365%
CRE owner occupied1,262,2641,174,09488,1708%
SBA loans*1,281,6321,312,378(30,746)(2)%
Sponsor finance*872,264635,061237,20337%
Life insurance premium finance*956,162817,115139,04717%
Tax credits*734,594559,605174,98931%
Residential real estate359,957379,924(19,967)(5)%
Construction and land development670,567534,753135,81425%
Other268,815243,13025,68511%
Total loans$10,884,118$9,737,138$1,146,98012%
*Specialty loan category

The sponsor finance portfolio is primarily comprised of loans in the manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors. It includes mid-market company mergers and acquisitions, targeted private equity firms, principally SBICs, and senior debt financing to portfolio companies.

The life insurance premium finance category specializes in financing whole life insurance premiums utilized in high net worth estate planning, through relationships with boutique estate planners throughout the United States.

The tax credit portfolio includes tax credit-related lending on affordable housing projects funded through the use of

federal and state low income housing tax credits. In addition, we provide leveraged and other loans on projects funded through the CDFI New Markets Tax Credit Program. This portfolio also includes tax credit brokerage

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through 10-year streams of state tax credits from affordable housing development funds. The tax credits are sold to clients and other individuals for tax planning purposes.

SBA loans are originated under the SBA 7(a) program and are primarily owner-occupied, commercial real estate loans secured by a 1st lien. These loans predominantly have a 75% portion guaranteed by the SBA.

Significant loan concentrations are considered to exist for a financial institution when there are amounts loaned to numerous borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At December 31, 2023, no significant concentrations exceeding 10% of total loans existed in the Company’s loan portfolio, except as described above.

The following table presents the maturity distribution of loans at December 31, 2023 categorized by fixed or variable interest rates, net of unearned loan fees:

($ in thousands)Due in One Year or Less (1)After One Through Five YearsAfter Five Through Fifteen YearsAfter Fifteen YearsTotalPercent of Total Loans
Fixed Rate Loans
Commercial and industrial$51,175$607,919$604,659$11,859$1,275,61212%
Real estate:
Commercial302,8111,647,258461,445147,1762,558,69023%
Construction and land development30,13756,7563,1712,17692,2401%
Residential18,21392,59413,95725,011149,7751%
Other2,08426,18186,19255,922170,3792%
Total$404,420$2,430,708$1,169,424$242,144$4,246,69639%
Variable Rate Loans
Commercial and industrial$1,224,975$1,985,579$180,990$5,403$3,396,94731%
Real estate:
Commercial217,526415,253384,1711,227,9312,244,88121%
Construction and land development247,919277,76463,95978,543668,1856%
Residential36,33725,35158,760101,965222,4132%
Other42,90214,71347,261120104,9961%
Total$1,769,659$2,718,660$735,141$1,413,962$6,637,42261%
Total Loans
Commercial and industrial$1,276,150$2,593,498$785,649$17,262$4,672,55943%
Real estate:
Commercial520,3372,062,511845,6161,375,1074,803,57144%
Construction and land development278,056334,52067,13080,719760,4257%
Residential54,550117,94572,717126,976372,1883%
Other44,98640,894133,45356,042275,3753%
Total$2,174,079$5,149,368$1,904,565$1,656,106$10,884,118100.0%

(1) Includes loans with no stated maturity and overdraft lines of credit.

The majority of variable loans are based on the prime rate or SOFR. At December 31, 2023, $4.2 billion or 64% of variable rate loans were subject to an interest rate floor. Most variable rate loan originations have one-to three-year maturities. Management monitors this mix as part of its interest rate risk management. See “Interest Rate Risk” of this MD&A section.

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Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table presents the components of the provision for credit losses for the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20232022
Provision (benefit) for credit losses on loans$35,883$(4,210)
Provision for available-for-sale securities4,281
Provision (benefit) for off-balance sheet commitments(5,450)4,462
Provision for held-to-maturity securities50121
Charge-offs (recoveries) of accrued interest1,841(984)
Provision (benefit) for credit losses$36,605$(611)

The provision for credit losses, which includes a provision for losses on unfunded commitments, is a charge to earnings to maintain the ACL at a level consistent with management’s assessment of expected losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The Company also records reversals of interest on nonaccrual loans and interest recoveries directly through the provision of credit losses.

CECL requires economic forecasts to be factored into determining estimated losses. As a result, CECL is designed to typically require a higher level of provision at the start of an economic downturn. The increase in the provision for credit losses in 2023 was primarily due to loan growth, net charge-offs and the increase in nonperforming loans. The provision for credit losses in 2023 also included the impact of the impairment of an available-for-sale investment security. The available-for-sale investment impairment was related to a subordinated debt security in a publicly-traded bank that failed in the first quarter of 2023. The provision benefit in the prior year-to-date period, was primarily due to an improvement in economic factors and the recovery of accrued interest on nonperforming loans.

To the extent the Company does not recognize charge-offs and economic forecasts improve in future periods, the Company could recognize a reversal of provision for credit losses. Conversely, if economic conditions and the Company’s forecast worsens, the Company could recognize elevated levels of provision for credit losses. The provision is also reflective of charge-offs in the period.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the ACL on loans:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20232022
Balance at End of Period Applicable to:AmountPercent of loans in each category to total loansAmountPercent of loans in each category to total loans
Commercial and industrial$58,88642.9%$53,83539.6%
Real estate:
Commercial54,68544.1%58,94347.5%
Construction and land development10,1987.0%11,4446.3%
Residential6,1423.4%7,9284.1%
Other4,8602.6%4,7822.5%
Total allowance$134,771100.0%$136,932100.0%

The allowance for credit losses was 1.24% of total loans at December 31, 2023, compared to 1.41%, and 1.61%, at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The decline in the allowance to total loans ratio in 2023 compared to 2022 was primarily due to a shift in the mix of the loan portfolio to categories with lower reserve requirements, improvement in the economic forecast and net loan charge-offs of $38.0 million.

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The following table is a summary of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans for the periods indicated:

December 31,
20232022
($ in thousands)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)Average Loans(1)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)/Average LoansNet Charge-offs (Recoveries)Average Loans(1)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)/Average Loans
Commercial and industrial$33,257$4,247,0910.78%$3,869$3,555,4830.11%
Real estate:
Commercial4,4464,712,0370.09%(593)4,323,757(0.01)%
Construction and land development(54)712,578(0.01)%(53)689,048(0.01)%
Residential(323)362,641(0.09)%539382,4850.14%
Other718290,0540.25%137240,8160.06%
Total38,04410,324,4010.37%3,8999,191,5890.04%

(1) Excludes loans held for sale.

To the extent the Company does not recognize charge-offs and economic forecasts improve in future periods, the Company could recognize provision reversals. Conversely, if economic conditions and the Company’s forecast worsens and charge-offs increase, the Company could recognize elevated levels of provision for credit losses. The provision is also reflective of charge-offs (recoveries) in the period.

See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of this MD&A section for more information on the allowance for credit losses methodology.

Nonperforming loans and assets

See “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for more information on nonaccrual loans and other real estate. The following table presents the categories of nonperforming assets and other ratios, excluding government guaranteed portions, as of the dates indicated.

December 31,
($ in thousands)20232022
Non-accrual loans$43,181$9,766
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest547142
Restructured loans73
Total nonperforming loans43,7289,981
Other real estate5,736269
Total nonperforming assets$49,464$10,250
Total assets$14,518,590$13,054,172
Total loans10,884,1189,737,138
Total allowance for credit losses134,771136,932
ACL to nonaccrual loans312%1,402%
ACL to nonperforming loans308%1,372%
ACL to total loans1.24%1.41%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.40%0.10%
Nonperforming loans to total loans0.40%0.10%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.34%0.08%

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Nonperforming loans based on loan type were as follows:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2023Number of loansDecember 31, 2022Number of loans
Commercial and industrial$7,75618%15$4,44344%14
Commercial real estate33,73977%274,20042%10
Construction and land development1,2693%31,19212%2
Residential real estate9592%1731%1
Other5%2731%2
Total$43,728100%48$9,981100%29

The following table summarizes the changes in nonperforming loans:

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20232022
Nonperforming loans, beginning of period$9,981$28,024
Additions to nonaccrual loans109,7668,904
Charge-offs(43,215)(9,393)
Principal payments(25,871)(17,554)
Moved to other real estate and repossessed assets(6,933)
Nonperforming loans, end of period$43,728$9,981

Nonperforming loans at December 31, 2023 increased $33.7 million, or 338%, when compared to December 31, 2022. The increase in nonperforming loans during 2023 was primarily from additions to nonaccrual loans of $109.8 million, offset by principal payments of $25.9 million and charge-offs of $43.2 million. The charge-offs of nonperforming loans were primarily in C&I and commercial real estate (investor owned), representing 84% and 11% of gross charge-offs in 2023, respectively.

Other real estate

The following table summarizes the changes in other real estate:

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20232022
Other real estate, beginning of period$269$3,493
Additions5,736
Writedowns in value(268)
Sales(269)(2,956)
Other real estate, end of period$5,736$269

Investments

At December 31, 2023, our portfolio of investment securities was $2.4 billion, or 16%, of total assets, compared to $2.2 billion, or 17%, of total assets as of December 31, 2022. The portfolio is comprised of both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities.

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The table below sets forth the carrying value of investment securities, excluding the allowance for credit losses:

December 31,
20232022
($ in thousands)Amount%Amount%
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored enterprises$296,44612.5%$237,78510.6%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions1,007,87042.5%946,45642.1%
Agency mortgage-backed securities752,48131.8%716,42231.9%
U.S. Treasury Bills181,7017.7%208,5349.3%
Corporate debt securities130,9945.5%137,2606.1%
Total$2,369,492100.0%$2,246,457100.0%

The allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities was $0.8 million and $0.7 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company had no debt securities classified as trading at December 31, 2023, or 2022.

The following table summarizes contractual maturity and tax-equivalent yields on the investment portfolio at December 31, 2023:

Within 1 year1 to 5 years5 to 10 yearsOver 10 yearsTotal
($ in thousands)AmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYield
Obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises$19,0022.0%$233,6631.8%$32,8214.2%$10,9602.1%$296,4462.1%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions6,3571.4%22,1672.4%214,1153.4%765,2313.2%1,007,8703.3%
Agency mortgage-backed securities1033.5%74,4322.9%67,5213.6%610,4253.1%752,4813.1%
U.S. Treasury Bills116,2254.2%63,0553.0%2,4213.1%%181,7013.7%
Corporate debt securities%72,3773.2%58,6173.5%%130,9943.4%
Total$141,6873.8%$465,6942.4%$375,4953.5%$1,386,6163.2%$2,369,4923.1%

Yields on tax-exempt securities are computed on a taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 24.8%. Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities, as borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

Other investments primarily consist of the FHLB capital stock, common stock investments related to our trust preferred securities, community development funds, and other investments in private equity funds, primarily SBICs. These investments do not have a stated maturity.

December 31,
20232022
($ in thousands)Amount%Amount%
FHLB capital stock$7,82411.8%$14,01522.0%
Other investments58,37188.2%49,77578.0%
Total$66,195100.0%$63,790100.0%

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Deposits

The following table shows the breakdown of deposits by type:

Years ended December 31,$ Increase (decrease)% Increase (decrease)
($ in thousands)202320222023 vs. 20222023 vs. 2022
Noninterest-bearing demand accounts$3,958,743$4,642,732$(683,989)(14.7)%
Interest-bearing demand accounts2,950,2592,256,295693,96430.8%
Money market accounts3,399,2802,655,159744,12128.0%
Savings accounts595,175744,256(149,081)(20.0)%
Certificates of deposit:
Brokered482,759118,968363,791305.8%
Customer790,155411,740378,41591.9%
Total deposits$12,176,371$10,829,150$1,347,22112.4%
Noninterest-bearing deposits / Total deposits33%43%

Brokered certificates of deposit increased $363.8 million, to $482.8 million at December 31, 2023. Brokered certificates of deposit are used for term liquidity purposes in place of FHLB borrowings. The brokered certificates of deposit balance has a weighted average cost of 4.73% and a weighted average remaining term of 7 months at December 31, 2023. The Company has a specialty deposit portfolio focusing primarily on property management, community associations, and escrow companies. These deposits totaled $2.8 billion and $2.1 billion at the end of 2023 and 2022, respectively.

The following table shows the average balance and average rate of the Company’s deposits by type:

Years ended December 31,
202320222021
($ in thousands)Average BalanceAverage Rate PaidAverage BalanceAverage Rate PaidAverage BalanceAverage Rate Paid
Noninterest-bearing deposit accounts$4,131,163%$4,805,549%$3,597,204%
Interest-bearing demand accounts2,559,2381.84%2,318,3630.30%2,122,7520.08%
Money market accounts3,043,7943.05%2,781,5790.69%2,557,8360.18%
Savings accounts668,3680.15%819,0430.04%724,7680.03%
Certificates of deposit:
Brokered557,7614.44%128,1201.08%66,2651.66%
Customer640,7902.81%441,1520.48%504,2310.61%
Total interest-bearing deposits$7,469,9512.46%$6,488,2570.46%$5,975,8520.18%
Total average deposits$11,601,1141.58%$11,293,8060.27%$9,573,0560.11%

Average total deposits were $11.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of $307.3 million, or 3%, from December 31, 2022. The increase in 2023 was primarily due to organic growth in money market and interest-bearing demand accounts.

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The following table sets forth the maturities of estimated uninsured certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2023. Uninsured deposits are amounts estimated to exceed the FDIC deposit insurance limit and are not subject to any federal or state insurance program.

($ in thousands)Total
Three months or less$118,125
Over three through six months48,185
Over six through twelve months48,786
Over twelve months19,507
Total$234,603

As of December 31, 2023, estimated uninsured deposits totaled $4.3 billion, including $234.6 million of certificates of deposit. At December 31, 2022 estimated uninsured deposits totaled $5.9 billion. Estimated uninsured deposits at December 31, 2023 include $0.5 million of balances that are collateralized or secured with third party insurance.

Shareholders’ equity

Shareholders’ equity totaled $1.7 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $193.8 million, or 12.7%, from December 31, 2022.

Significant activity during the year ended December 31, 2023 included the following:

•Increase from net income of $194.1 million;

•Net increase in fair value of available-for-sale securities and cash flow hedges of $29.3 million;

•Decrease from dividends paid on common stock of $37.4 million and preferred stock of $3.8 million, respectively

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure we have the ability to generate sufficient cash or cash equivalents in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet our commitments as they become due. Typical demands on liquidity are changes in deposit levels, maturing time deposits which are not renewed, and fundings under credit commitments to customers. Funds are available from a number of sources, such as the core deposit base and loan and security repayments and maturities.

Additionally, liquidity is provided from lines of credit with the FHLB, the Federal Reserve, and correspondent banks; the ability to acquire large and brokered deposits; sales of the securities portfolio; and the ability to sell loan participations to other banks. These alternatives are an important part of our liquidity plan and provide flexibility and efficient execution of the asset-liability management strategy.

The Company’s Asset-Liability Management Committee oversees our liquidity position, the parameters of which are approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors. Our liquidity position is monitored daily. Our liquidity management framework includes measurement of several key elements, such as a loan to deposit ratio, a liquidity ratio, and a dependency ratio. The Company’s liquidity framework also incorporates contingency planning to assess the nature and volatility of funding sources and to determine alternatives to these sources. While core deposits and loan and investment repayments are principal sources of liquidity, funding diversification is another key element of liquidity management and is achieved by strategically varying depositor types, terms, funding markets, and instruments.

Liquidity from assets is available primarily from cash balances and the investment portfolio. Cash and interest-bearing deposits with other banks totaled $433.0 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $291.4 million at December 31, 2022. The increase in cash balances during 2023 is due to deposit growth exceeding loan growth. The increase in market interest rates in 2022-2023 increased the competitive environment for deposits, as depositors

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have more alternatives to bank deposit accounts. While client deposit balances declined in the first half of 2023, successful marketing efforts increased total deposits in the last half of the year. Investment securities are another important tool to the Company’s liquidity objectives. Securities totaled $2.4 billion at December 31, 2023, and included $1.6 billion pledged as collateral for deposits of public institutions, treasury, loan notes, and other requirements. The remaining $808.7 million could be pledged or sold to enhance liquidity, if necessary.

Available on- and off-balance sheet liquidity sources include the following items:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2023
Federal Reserve Bank borrowing capacity$2,533,405
FHLB borrowing capacity1,029,921
Unpledged securities808,709
Federal funds lines (6 correspondent banks)120,000
Cash and interest-bearing deposits433,029
Holding Company line of credit25,000
Total$4,950,064

The Company also has a portfolio of SBA guaranteed loans, a portion of which could be sold in the secondary market to generate earnings and liquidity. SBA loans totaling $42.1 million were sold during 2023.

Liability liquidity funding sources are available to increase financial flexibility. In addition to amounts borrowed at December 31, 2023, the Company could borrow an additional $1.0 billion from the FHLB of Des Moines under blanket loan pledges and has additional real estate loans that could be pledged. In the first quarter of 2024, the Company pledged an additional $495 million of loans to the FHLB to increase the borrowing capacity. The Company also has $2.5 billion available from the Federal Reserve Bank under a pledged loan agreement. Included in the Federal Reserve Bank borrowing capacity at December 31, 2023 is $215.0 million related to the Bank Term Funding Program. On January 24, 2024, the Federal Reserve announced that the program would cease making new loans on March 11, 2024. The Company also has unsecured federal funds lines with six correspondent banks totaling $120 million.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into certain forms of off-balance sheet transactions, including unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit. These transactions are managed through the Company’s various risk management processes. Management considers both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet transactions in its evaluation of the Company’s liquidity. The Company has $3.0 billion in unused commitments to extend credit as of December 31, 2023. While this commitment level would exhaust the majority the Company’s current liquidity resources, the nature of these commitments is such that the likelihood of funding them in the aggregate at any one time is low.

At the holding company level, our primary funding sources are dividends and payments from the Bank and proceeds from the issuance of equity (i.e. stock option exercises, stock offerings) and debt instruments. The main use of this liquidity is to provide the funds necessary to pay dividends to shareholders, service debt, invest in subsidiaries as necessary, and satisfy other operating requirements. In 2023, the holding company maintained a revolving line of credit for an aggregate amount up to $25 million, all of which was available at December 31, 2023. The line of credit has a one-year term that was renewed in February 2024 for an additional one-year term, and the interest rate was amended to one-month Term SOFR plus 185 basis points and the annual unused commitment fee was increased to 0.40%. The proceeds can be used for general corporate purposes.

The Company has an effective automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 allowing for the issuance of various forms of equity and debt securities. The Company’s ability to offer securities pursuant to the registration statement depends on market conditions and the Company’s continuing eligibility to use the Form S-3 under rules of the SEC.

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Strong capital ratios, credit quality and core earnings are essential to retaining cost-effective access to the wholesale funding markets. Deterioration in any of these factors could have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to access these funding sources and, as a result, these factors are monitored on an ongoing basis as part of the liquidity management process. The Bank is subject to regulations and, among other things, may be limited in its ability to pay dividends or transfer funds to the parent company. Accordingly, consolidated cash flows as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows may not represent cash immediately available for the payment of cash dividends to the Company’s shareholders or for other cash needs.

Through the normal course of operations, the Company has entered into certain contractual obligations and other commitments. Such obligations relate to funding of operations through deposits or debt issuances, as well as leases for premises and equipment. As a financial services provider, the Company routinely enters into commitments to extend credit. While contractual obligations represent future cash requirements of the Company, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by the Company. The Company also enters into derivative contracts under which the Company either receives cash from or pays cash to counterparties depending on changes in interest rates. Derivative contracts are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet with the fair value representing the net present value of expected future cash receipts or payments based on market interest rates as of the balance sheet date. The fair value of these contracts changes daily as market interest rates change. For additional information on the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments see the following footnotes in Item 8: “Note 5 – Leases,” “Note 6 – Derivative Financial Instruments,” “Note 10 – Subordinated Debentures and Notes,” “Note 11 – Federal Home Loan Bank Advances,” “Note 12 – Other Borrowings,” and “Note 17 – Commitments and Contingent Liabilities.”

Capital Resources

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements and results of operations of the Company. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and its bank affiliate must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The banking affiliate’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and of tier 1 capital to average assets. To be categorized as “well-capitalized”, banks must maintain minimum total risk-based (10%), tier 1 risk-based (8%), common equity tier 1 risk-based (6.5%), and tier 1 leverage ratios (5%). As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

The Bank met the definition of “well-capitalized” at each of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Refer to “Item 8. Note 14 – Regulatory Capital” for a summary of our risk-based capital and leverage ratios.

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The following table summarizes the Company’s capital ratios:

December 31, 2023December 31, 2022
($ in thousands)EFSCBankEFSCBankTo Be Well-CapitalizedMinimum Ratio with CCB
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets11.3%12.2%11.1%12.1%6.5%7.0%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets12.7%12.2%12.6%12.1%8.0%8.5%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets14.2%13.2%14.2%13.1%10.0%10.5%
Leverage Ratio (Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets)11.0%10.6%10.9%10.5%5.0%N/A
Tangible common equity to tangible assets18.96%8.43%
Common equity tier 1 capital$1,387,802$1,493,105$1,228,786$1,333,978
Tier 1 capital1,553,4481,493,1631,394,4261,334,030
Total risk-based capital1,732,5011,608,9661,568,3321,444,685
1 Not a required regulatory capital ratio

The Company believes the tangible common equity and regulatory capital ratios are important measures of capital strength. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is considered a non-GAAP measure. The tables included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” reconcile these ratios to U.S. GAAP.

Risk Management

Market risk arises from exposure to changes in interest rates and other relevant market rate or price risk. The Company faces market risk in the form of interest rate risk through transactions other than trading activities. Market risk from these activities, in the form of interest rate risk, is measured and managed through a number of methods. The Company uses financial modeling techniques to measure interest rate risk. These techniques measure the sensitivity of future earnings due to changing interest rate environments. Guidelines established by the Bank’s Asset/Liability Management Committee and approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors are used to monitor exposure of earnings at risk. General interest rate movements are used to develop sensitivity as management believes it has no primary exposure to a specific point on the yield curve. These limits are based on the Company’s exposure to immediate and sustained parallel rate movements, either upward or downward. The Company does not have any direct market risk from commodity exposures.

Interest Rate Risk

Our interest rate risk management practices are aimed at optimizing net interest income, while guarding against deterioration that could be caused by certain interest rate scenarios. Interest rate sensitivity varies with different types of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. We attempt to maintain interest-earning assets, comprised primarily of both loans and investments, and interest-bearing liabilities, comprised primarily of deposits, maturing or repricing in similar time horizons in order to manage any impact from market interest rate changes according to our risk tolerance. The Company uses an earnings simulation model to measure earnings sensitivity to changing rates.

The Company determines the sensitivity of its short-term future earnings to a hypothetical plus or minus 100 to 300 basis point parallel rate shock through the use of simulation modeling. The simulation of earnings includes the modeling of the balance sheet as an ongoing entity. Future business assumptions involving administered rate products, prepayments for future rate-sensitive balances, and the reinvestment of maturing assets and liabilities are included. These items are then modeled to project net interest income based on a hypothetical change in interest rates. The resulting net interest income for the next 12-month period is compared to the net interest income amount calculated using flat rates. This difference represents the Company’s earnings sensitivity to a positive or negative parallel rate shock.

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The following table summarizes the projected impact of interest rate shocks on net interest income:

Rate ShockAnnual % change in net interest income
At December 31,
20232022
+ 300 bp9.8%11.1%
+ 200 bp6.6%7.5%
+ 100 bp3.3%3.8%
- 100 bp(3.5)%(4.1)%
- 200 bp(7.3)%(9.0)%
- 300 bp(11.2)%(15.1)%

In addition to the rate shocks shown in the table above, the Company models net interest income under various dynamic interest rate scenarios. In general, changes in interest rates are positively correlated with changes in net interest income.

The Company occasionally uses interest rate derivative instruments as an asset/liability management tool to hedge mismatches in interest rate exposure indicated by the net interest income simulation described above. They are used to modify the Company’s exposures to interest rate fluctuations and provide more stable spreads between loan yields and the rate on their funding sources. At December 31, 2023, the Company had derivative contracts to manage interest rate risk, including $250.0 million in notional value on derivatives to hedge the cash flows on floating rate loans and $62.0 million in notional value on derivatives on floating rate debt. Derivative financial instruments are discussed in “Item 8. Note 6 – Derivative Financial Instruments.”

The FCA has announced that the most common USD LIBOR settings (overnight, 1-month. 3-month, 6-month and 12-month) will cease publication after September 30, 2024. LIBOR was the most liquid and common interest rate index in the world and was commonly referenced in financial instruments. With the cessation of LIBOR, the Company has selected term SOFR as the replacement index for the majority of its variable rate loans and began providing customer notifications in early 2023. The Company ceased using LIBOR and ICE swap rates in new contracts and began issuing SOFR based loans in December 2021.

The Company had $6.6 billion in variable rate loans as of December 31, 2023. Of these loans, $4.2 billion have an interest rate floor and nearly all of those loans were at or above the floor. Variable rate loans include $2.8 billion indexed to the prime rate, $2.7 billion are indexed to SOFR, $294.8 million indexed to LIBOR, and $813.3 million indexed to other rates.

Changes in interest rates will also have an effect on noninterest expense. Certain deposit accounts receive an earnings credit that provides a reimbursement for costs clients incur on the accounts. As interest rates increase, the amount available for reimbursement also increases, resulting in an increase to noninterest expense. Conversely, a decrease in interest rates would reduce the amount available for reimbursement and decrease noninterest expense.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The following accounting policies are considered most critical to the understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting policies require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Because these estimates and judgments are based on current circumstances, they may change over time or prove to be inaccurate based on experience. In the event different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition and/or results of operations could reasonably be expected. The impact and any associated risks related to our critical accounting policies on our business operations are described throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results. For a detailed

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discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

The Company has prepared all of the consolidated financial information in this report in accordance with GAAP. The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using loss experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. There can be no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company maintains separate allowances for funded loans, unfunded loans, and held-to-maturity securities, collectively referred to the ACL. The ACL is a valuation account to adjust the cost basis to the amount expected to be collected, based on management’s experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For purposes of determining the allowance for funded and unfunded loans, the portfolios are segregated into pools that share similar risk characteristics that are then further segregated by credit grades. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are not included in the collective evaluation. The Company estimates the amount of the allowance based on loan loss experience, adjusted for current and forecasted economic conditions, including unemployment, changes in GDP, and commercial and residential real estate prices. The Company’s forecast of economic conditions uses internal and external information and considers a weighted average of a baseline, upside, and downside scenarios. Because economic conditions can change and are difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated loan defaults and losses, and therefore the adequacy of the allowance, could change significantly and have a direct impact on the Company’s credit costs. The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was $134.8 million at December 31, 2023 based on the weighting of the different economic scenarios. As a hypothetical example, if the Company had only used the upside scenario, the allowance would have decreased $27.5 million. Conversely, the allowance would have increased $43.9 million using only the downside scenario.

Income Taxes

Management uses certain assumptions and estimates in determining income taxes payable or refundable for the current year, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and income tax expense. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance may be established. We consider the determination of this valuation allowance to be a critical accounting policy because of the need to exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income. These judgments and estimates are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required in the future if the amounts of taxes recoverable through loss carry backs decline, if we project lower levels of future taxable income, or we project lower levels of tax planning strategies. Such valuation allowance would be established through a charge to income tax expense that would adversely affect our operating results.

Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

See “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for information on recent accounting pronouncements and their impact, if any, on our consolidated financial statements.

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Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company’s accounting and reporting policies conform to U.S. GAAP and the prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, the Company provides other financial measures, such as core efficiency ratio, tangible common equity ratio, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible book value per common share, in this report that are considered “non-GAAP financial measures.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that exclude (or include) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

The Company considers its core efficiency ratio, tangible common equity ratio, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible book value per common share, collectively “core performance measures,” presented in this earnings release and the included tables as important measures of financial performance, even though they are non-GAAP measures, as they provide supplemental information by which to evaluate the impact of certain non-comparable items, and the Company’s operating performance on an ongoing basis. Core performance measures exclude certain other income and expense items, such as the FDIC special assessment, merger-related expenses, facilities charges, and the gain or loss on sale of investment securities, that the Company believes to be not indicative of or useful to measure the Company’s operating performance on an ongoing basis. The attached tables contain a reconciliation of these core performance measures to the GAAP measures. The Company believes that the tangible common equity ratio provides useful information to investors about the Company’s capital strength even though it is considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure and is not part of the regulatory capital requirements to which the Company is subject.

The Company believes these non-GAAP measures and ratios, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP measures and ratios, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance and capital strength. The Company’s management uses, and believes investors benefit from referring to, these non-GAAP measures and ratios in assessing the Company’s operating results and related trends and when forecasting future periods. However, these non-GAAP measures and ratios should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or preferable to, ratios prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided a reconciliation of, where applicable, the most comparable GAAP financial measures and ratios to the non-GAAP financial measures and ratios, or a reconciliation of the non-GAAP calculation of the financial measure for the periods indicated.

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Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Core Efficiency Ratio

For the Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202320222021
Net interest income (GAAP)$562,592$473,903$360,194
Tax-equivalent adjustment8,0797,0425,151
Net interest income - FTE (non-GAAP)570,671480,945365,345
Noninterest income (GAAP)68,72559,16267,743
Less gain on sale of investment securities601
Less gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned187(93)884
Core revenue (non-GAAP)$638,608$540,200$432,204
Noninterest expense (GAAP)$348,186$274,216$245,919
Less amortization on intangibles4,6015,3675,691
Less branch closure expenses3,441
Less merger-related expenses22,082
Less FDIC special assessment2,412
Core noninterest expense (non-GAAP)$341,173$268,849$214,705
Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)53.42%49.77%49.68%

Tangible Common Equity, Tangible Book Value per Share, and Tangible Common Equity Ratio

Period ended December 31,
($ and shares in thousands, except per share data)202320222021
Shareholders' equity (GAAP)$1,716,068$1,522,263$1,529,116
Less preferred stock71,98871,98871,988
Less goodwill365,164365,164365,164
Less intangible assets12,31816,91922,286
Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)$1,266,598$1,068,192$1,069,678
Common shares outstanding37,41637,25337,820
Tangible book value per share (non-GAAP)$33.85$28.67$28.28
Total assets (GAAP)$14,518,590$13,054,172$13,537,358
Less goodwill365,164365,164365,164
Less intangible assets12,31816,91922,286
Tangible assets (non-GAAP)$14,141,108$12,672,089$13,149,908
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP)8.96%8.43%8.13%

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Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (ROATCE)

For the Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202320222021
Average shareholder’s equity (GAAP)$1,623,121$1,498,759$1,277,153
Less average preferred stock71,98871,9888,903
Less average goodwill365,164365,164307,614
Less average intangible assets14,53119,51622,460
Average tangible common equity (non-GAAP)$1,171,438$1,042,091$938,176
Net income available to common shareholders (GAAP)$190,309$199,002$133,055
FDIC special assessment (after tax)1,814
Net income available to common shareholders adjusted (non-GAAP)$192,123$199,002$133,055
Return on average tangible common equity adjusted for FDIC assessment (non-GAAP)16.40%19.10%14.18%
Return on average common equity (GAAP)12.27%13.95%10.49%
Return on average common equity adjusted for FDIC assessment (non-GAAP)12.39%13.95%10.49%

Pre-Provision Net Revenue (PPNR) and Pre-Provision Net Revenue Return on Average Assets (PPNR ROAA)

For the Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202320222021
Net interest income$562,592$473,903$360,194
Noninterest income68,72559,16267,743
FDIC special assessment2,412
Less gain on sale of investment securities601
Less gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned187(93)884
Less noninterest expense348,186274,216245,919
PPNR (non-GAAP)$284,755$258,942$181,134
Average assets$13,805,236$13,319,624$11,467,310
PPNR ROAA (non-GAAP)2.06%1.94%1.58%

Return on Average Assets (ROAA)

For the Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202320222021
Net income (GAAP)$194,059$203,043$133,055
FDIC special assessment (after tax)1,814
Net income adjusted (non-GAAP)195,873203,043133,055
Average assets$13,805,236$13,319,624$11,467,310
ROAA (GAAP)1.41%1.52%1.16%
ROAA adjusted for FDIC special assessment (non-GAAP)1.42%1.52%1.16%

FY 2022 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001025835-23-000022.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2023-02-24. Report date: 2022-12-31.

ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

The objective of this section is to provide an overview of the results of operations and financial condition of the Company by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year to year. It should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and other financial data presented elsewhere in this report, particularly the information regarding the Company’s business operations described in Item 1. A detailed discussion comparing 2021 and 2020 results is incorporated herein by reference to Item 7 of the Company’s 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2022.

Executive Summary

Our Company offers a broad range of business and personal banking services including wealth management services. Lending services include commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, real estate construction and development, residential real estate, specialty, and other loans. A wide variety of deposit products and a complete suite of treasury management and international trade services complement our lending capabilities. Tax-credit brokerage activities consist of the acquisition of Federal and State tax credits and the sale of these tax credits. The Company’s results of operations are also affected by prevailing economic conditions, competition, government policies and other actions of regulatory agencies.

The Company’s financial condition, operating results and liquidity in 2022 were impacted by the monetary policy actions enacted to address rising inflation. In 2022, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates seven times for a total increase of 425 basis points to the Federal Funds Target Interest Rate during the year, while also changing its accommodative monetary policy through a reduction of Treasuries and agency mortgage-backed securities held on its balance sheet. This follows a period of highly expansionary fiscal support from the federal government during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021.

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Financial Performance Highlights

Below are highlights of our financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020.

($ in thousands, except per share data)Year ended December 31,
202220212020
EARNINGS
Total interest income$515,082$383,230$304,779
Total interest expense41,17923,03634,778
Net interest income473,903360,194270,001
Provision (benefit) for credit losses(611)13,38565,398
Net interest income after provision (benefit) for credit losses474,514346,809204,603
Total noninterest income59,16267,74354,503
Total noninterest expense274,216245,919167,159
Income before income tax expense259,460168,63391,947
Income tax expense56,41735,57817,563
Net income$203,043$133,055$74,384
Preferred dividends4,041
Net income available to common shareholders$199,002$133,055$74,384
Basic earnings per share$5.32$3.86$2.76
Diluted earnings per share$5.31$3.86$2.76
Return on average assets1.52%1.16%0.90%
Return on average common equity13.95%10.49%8.24%
Return on average tangible common equity119.10%14.18%11.23%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)3.89%3.41%3.56%
Efficiency ratio51.44%57.47%51.51%
Core efficiency ratio149.77%49.68%48.70%
Dividend payout ratio16.89%19.66%26.61%
Book value per common share$38.93$38.53$34.57
Tangible book value per common share1$28.67$28.28$25.48
Average common equity to average assets11.25%11.14%10.94%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets18.43%8.13%8.40%
At or for the year ended December 31,
202220212020
ASSET QUALITY
Net charge-offs$3,899$11,629$1,907
Nonperforming loans9,98128,02438,507
Classified assets99,122100,797123,808
Classified assets to total assets0.76%0.74%1.27%
Nonperforming loans to total loans0.10%0.31%0.53%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.08%0.23%0.45%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans1.41%1.61%1.89%
Net charge-offs to average loans0.04%0.14%0.03%

1Non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

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The Company noted the following trends during 2022:

•The Company reported net income of $203.0 million, or $5.31 per diluted share for 2022, compared to $133.1 million, or $3.86 per diluted share for 2021. In addition to organic growth, contributing to the increase in net income was a full year of First Choice operations and an increase in market interest rates. Net income in 2022 also benefited from a reduction in the provision for credit losses of $14.0 million and a $25.5 million reduction in merger-related and branch-closure expenses, compared to 2021. Acquisition related provision for credit losses of $25.4 million were included in the provision for credit losses in 2021. This expense, commonly referred to as the “CECL double-count”, is recognized when a loan portfolio is acquired. Excluding the CECL double-count, the benefit for credit losses decreased in 2022 primarily due to loan growth and the forward-looking CECL methodology and the worsening outlook for forecasted economic factors compared to 2021.

•Preferred stock dividends of $4.0 million were declared and paid on the Series A Preferred Stock.

•Net interest income for 2022 totaled $473.9 million, an increase of $113.7 million, or 32%, compared to $360.2 million for 2021. Organic loan growth, higher average loan balances from the First Choice acquisition, and an increase in market interest rates increased net interest income. These increases were partially offset by a decline in PPP interest and fee income as the program wound down. PPP income totaled $5.0 million and $27.3 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively.

•The net interest margin increased 48 basis points to 3.89% during 2022, compared to 3.41% in 2021. The increase was primarily due to the 4.97% loan yield in 2022, which increased 64 basis points, from 4.33% in 2021.

•Noninterest income decreased $8.5 million, or 13%, to $59.2 million in 2022 compared to $67.7 million in 2021. While the increase in interest rates benefited net interest income, higher interest rates resulted in lower mortgage banking and tax credit income. The Company also became subject to the Durbin Amendment limitation on interchange income in 2022, which reduced card services revenue by approximately $2.0 million.

•Noninterest expenses totaled $274.2 million for 2022, an increase of $28.3 million, or 12%, compared to 2021. A full year of First Choice expenses, higher compensation from merit increases and an expanded associate base, and higher deposit servicing costs were the primary drivers of the increase in noninterest expense. Offsetting these increases were declines in nonrecurring expenses of $22.1 million in merger expenses and $3.4 million in branch-closure expenses recognized in 2021. The Company’s core efficiency ratio1 was stable at 49.8% in 2022, compared to 49.7% for the prior year.

•The Company’s effective tax rate was 21.7% in 2022 compared to 21.1% in 2021.

1Non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

2022 Significant Transactions

During 2022, we announced the following significant transactions:

•The Company repurchased 700,473 of its common shares at a weighted-average share price of $47.00.

•Dividends paid in 2022 of $0.90 per share increased $0.15 per share, or 20%, compared to $0.75 per share in 2021.

•Retired 1,980,093 shares of treasury stock.

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2021 Significant Transactions

During 2021, we announced the following significant transactions:

•On July 21, 2021, the Company announced the completion of its acquisition of First Choice, a commercial bank based in Los Angeles, CA, with $2.3 billion in assets. The overall transaction had a value of $346 million.

•Continued supporting customers through PPP, lending an additional $341 million of PPP loans.

•The Company announced the closing of five branch locations in California and St. Louis. A lease and fixed asset impairment charge of $3.8 million was recognized, including $0.4 million reported in merger-related expenses.

•The Company redeemed $50.0 million of 4.75% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes.

•The Company issued and sold 3,000,000 depositary shares, each representing 1/40th interest in a share of 5% noncumulative, perpetual preferred stock totaling $72.0 million, net of issuance costs.

•The Company repurchased 1,299,527 of its common shares at a weighted-average share price of $46.62.

•Dividends paid in 2021 of $0.75 per share increased $0.03 per share, or 4%, compared to $0.72 per share in 2020.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Average Balance Sheet

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, certain information related to our average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as, the corresponding interest rates earned and paid, all on a tax equivalent basis. Average balances are presented on a daily average basis.

Year ended December 31,
202220212020
($ in thousands)Average BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ RateAverage BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ RateAverage BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ Rate
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans1, 2$9,193,682$456,7034.97%$8,055,873$349,1124.33%$6,071,496$270,6734.46%
Taxable securities1,228,51429,6382.41908,18919,3052.131,016,10025,5242.51
Non-taxable securities2872,17325,1842.89659,80418,4682.80350,50111,1513.18
Total securities2,100,68754,8222.611,567,99337,7732.411,366,60136,6752.68
Interest-earning deposits1,074,16510,5990.991,084,8531,4960.14228,7606200.27
Total interest-earning assets12,368,534522,1244.2210,708,719388,3813.637,666,857307,9684.02
Noninterest-earning assets951,090758,591587,057
Total assets$13,319,624$11,467,310$8,253,914
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand accounts$2,318,363$7,0380.30%$2,122,752$1,6140.08%$1,494,364$2,1010.14%
Money market accounts2,781,57919,3060.692,557,8364,6690.181,977,8267,7540.39
Savings accounts819,0433050.04724,7682250.03589,8322790.05
Certificates of deposit569,2723,5090.62570,4964,1600.73676,88910,9151.61
Total interest-bearing deposits6,488,25730,1580.465,975,85210,6680.184,738,91121,0490.44
Subordinated debentures and notes155,1609,1665.91195,68610,9605.60179,5349,8855.51
FHLB advances33,4675991.7959,9458031.34241,6352,6731.11
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase211,0395060.24225,8942350.10206,3385420.26
Other borrowings22,8127503.2926,4283701.4032,1476291.96
Total interest-bearing liabilities6,910,73541,1790.606,483,80523,0360.365,398,56534,7780.64
Noninterest bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits4,805,5493,597,2041,854,982
Other liabilities104,581109,14897,492
Total liabilities11,820,86510,190,1577,351,039
Shareholders' equity1,498,7591,277,153902,875
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity$13,319,624$11,467,310$8,253,914
Net interest income$480,945$365,345$273,190
Net interest spread3.62%3.27%3.38%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)3.89%3.41%3.56%

1Average balances include non-accrual loans. Interest income includes net loan fees of $16.7 million, $28.4 million, and $18.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021, and 2020 respectively. Loan fees in 2022 and 2021 included PPP fees of $4.1 million and $21.7 million, respectively.

2Non-taxable income is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis using a 25.2% tax rate in each of 2022 and 2021 and a 24.7% tax rate in 2020. The tax-equivalent adjustments were $7.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, and $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.

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Rate/Volume

The following table sets forth, on a tax-equivalent basis for the periods indicated, a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in yield/rates and volume.

2022 compared to 20212021 compared to 2020
Increase (decrease) due toIncrease (decrease) due to
($ in thousands)Volume1Rate2NetVolume1Rate2Net
Interest earned on:
Loans$52,238$55,353$107,591$86,183$(7,744)$78,439
Taxable securities7,4742,85910,333(2,541)(3,678)(6,219)
Non-taxable securities36,1156016,7168,799(1,482)7,317
Interest-earning deposits(15)9,1189,1031,313(437)876
Total interest-earning assets65,81267,931133,74393,754(13,341)80,413
Interest paid on:
Interest-bearing demand accounts$162$5,262$5,424$689$(1,176)$(487)
Money market accounts44314,19414,6371,844(4,929)(3,085)
Savings31498055(109)(54)
Certificates of deposit(9)(642)(651)(1,506)(5,249)(6,755)
Subordinated debentures and notes(2,368)574(1,794)9021731,075
FHLB advances(423)219(204)(2,341)471(1,870)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase(16)28727147(354)(307)
Other borrowed funds(57)437380(100)(159)(259)
Total interest-bearing liabilities(2,237)20,38018,143(410)(11,332)(11,742)
Net interest income$68,049$47,551$115,600$94,164$(2,009)$92,155
1Change in volume multiplied by yield/rate of prior period.
2Change in yield/rate multiplied by volume of prior period.
3Nontaxable income is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 25.2% and 24.7% for 2021 and 2020, respectively.
NOTE: The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to rate and volume changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

Net interest income (on a tax equivalent basis) was $480.9 million for 2022, compared to $365.3 million for 2021, an increase of $115.6 million, or 32%. Total interest income increased $133.7 million and total interest expense increased $18.1 million. The increase in net interest income in 2022 was primarily due to a higher average yield on interest earning assets and higher loan volumes that benefited from the First Choice acquisition. These increases were offset by a decline in PPP loan income and an increase in the average cost paid on interest bearing liabilities.

Loans issued through the PPP bear interest at 1% and have either a two or five year maturity. The Company also received fees for the issuance of PPP loans that varied based on the size of the loan. Interest income and loan fees included in net interest income from the PPP program totaled $5.0 million and $27.3 million in 2022 and 2021, respectively. At December 31, 2022, the Company had $7.3 million in PPP loans and $0.1 million in deferred fees, compared to $272.0 million in loans and $4.2 million in fees at the end of 2021.

The tax-equivalent net interest margin was 3.89% for 2022, compared to 3.41% for 2021. The primary driver of the increase in net interest margin from 2021 to 2022 was an increase market interest rates. In 2022, the Federal Reserve significantly increased interest rates for the first time since 2018. The federal funds target rate increased 425 basis points in 2022. The increase in short-term rates increased the yield on the Company’s variable-rate loan portfolio, as well as the yield earned on new loan production. As of December 31, 2022, variable-rate loans comprised approximately 63% of total loans. The increase in market interest rates also increased the cost on interest bearing liabilities, although at a slower rate than the increase on the earning asset yield. The earning asset yield

34

increased 59 basis points to 4.22% in 2022, compared to 3.63% in 2021. Comparatively, the cost of interest bearing liabilities increased 24 basis points to 0.60%, from 0.36% in 2021.

Average interest-earning assets increased $1.7 billion, or 15%, to $12.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase was due to growth in average earning assets due to the inclusion of a full year of First Choice operations, organic growth in the loan portfolio and a deployment of excess liquidity into the investment portfolio. Average securities represented 17% of earnings assets in 2022 and 15% in 2021. Average interest-earning deposits decreased from 10% to 9% of earning assets, due to the increase in securities. Volume growth of the balance sheet drove an increase in interest income on earning assets of $65.8 million, while the increase in interest rates drove interest income on interest-earnings assets up by $67.9 million in 2022 compared to 2021.

Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $426.9 million, or 7% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase resulted from $512.4 million of growth in interest-bearing deposits, primarily in money market and interest bearing demand deposit accounts due to organic growth and the First Choice acquisition. Average debt and wholesale borrowings declined $85.5 million in 2022 from 2021, due to the redemption of $50.0 million in subordinated debentures at 4.75% in the fourth quarter 2021 and a decreased need for wholesale borrowings due to the growth in average deposits. The total cost of interest-bearing liabilities increased 24 basis points, from 0.36% in 2021 to 0.60% in 2022. The shift in the mix of interest-bearing liabilities reduced interest expense in 2022 by $2.2 million, while the increase in the average cost of interest bearing liabilities increased interest expense $20.4 million in 2022.

Noninterest Income

The following table presents a comparative summary of the major components of noninterest income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022:

Year ended December 31,Change from
($ in thousands)2022202120202022 vs. 20212021 vs. 2020
Service charges on deposit accounts$18,326$15,428$11,717$2,898$3,711
Wealth management revenue10,01010,2599,732(249)527
Card services revenue11,55111,8809,481(329)2,399
Tax credit income2,5588,0286,611(5,470)1,417
Miscellaneous income16,71722,14816,962(5,431)5,186
Total noninterest income$59,162$67,743$54,503$(8,581)$13,240

Noninterest income decreased $8.6 million, or 13%, in 2022 compared to 2021. This decrease was primarily due to a $5.5 million decrease in tax credit income and a $5.4 million decrease in miscellaneous income. Rising interest rates reduced tax credit income due to the impact on tax credit projects carried at fair value. The rise in interest rates increased the discount rate used in the fair value of these projects, resulting in a lower fair value. The $5.4 million decline in miscellaneous income was primarily due to a $2.6 million decrease in mortgage banking income and a $2.6 million decrease in private equity distributions. The rise in market interest rates in 2022 reduced demand for 1-4 family mortgages, which led to the decline in mortgage banking income. Private equity distributions are not a consistent source of income and fluctuates based on distributions from the underlying funds. Included within miscellaneous income was a $1.0 million increase in swap fee income in 2022 from customer hedging transactions, that was offset by a $1.0 million decrease in gains on the sale of other real estate.

Card services revenue declined $0.3 million in 2022. Included in this decrease was a decline of $2.1 million in debit card interchange income, partially offset by a $1.8 million increase in credit card fees. The Durbin Amendment limits the amount of interchange income banks can earn on debit card transactions after total assets exceed $10 billion. This limitation went into effect for the Company at the beginning of the third quarter of 2022 and was the primary driver of the reduction in debit card revenue.

The decreases in noninterest income described above were partially offset by a $2.9 million increase in service charges on deposit accounts. This increase was due to deposit growth and the number of accounts using the Company’s treasury management products and was also partially attributed to a full year of First Choice deposit service revenue.

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Noninterest Expense

The following table presents a comparative summary of the components of noninterest expense:

Year ended December 31,Change from
($ in thousands)2022202120202022 vs. 20212021 vs. 2020
Employee compensation and benefits$147,029$124,904$92,288$22,125$32,616
Occupancy17,64016,28613,4571,3542,829
Data processing13,51312,2429,0501,2713,192
Professional fees7,0794,2893,9402,790349
Branch-closure expenses3,441(3,441)3,441
Merger-related expenses22,0824,174(22,082)17,908
Deposit costs31,08214,2111,24616,87112,965
Other expenses57,87348,46443,0049,4095,460
Total noninterest expense$274,216$245,919$167,159$28,297$78,760
Efficiency ratio51.44%57.47%51.51%(6.03)%5.96%
Core efficiency ratio149.77%49.68%48.70%0.09%0.98%
1 A non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Noninterest expense increased $28.3 million, or 12%, in 2022 compared to 2021. The increase was attributed primarily to a $22.1 million increase in compensation and benefits, a $16.9 million increase in deposit costs and a $9.4 million increase in other expenses. The increase in compensation and benefits was due to annual merit increases and an increase in full time equivalent employees, higher share-based compensation from higher award levels and higher performance based vesting due to the Company’s financial performance, and a full year of First Choice operations. First Choice operations added $11.2 million in additional noninterest expense in 2022 over 2021.

For certain deposit accounts in the Company’s specialized deposit portfolio, clients receive an earnings credit rate on average collected balances that may be used to offset expenses associated with the client’s activities for managing the accounts. These expenses are reflected in noninterest expense. The increase in deposit costs in 2022 is due to organic growth in specialized deposits and an increase in market interest rates that impacts competitive conditions that those clients can garner in the market.

The increase in other expense of $9.4 million was attributed primarily to a $3.1 million increase in business development, a $2.0 million increase in the amortization of tax credit investments, a $1.4 million increase in SBA repair and denial reserves, a $1.0 million increase in credit/debit card transaction processing expenses, and a $1.0 million increase in FDIC assessment insurance. The increase in business development is primarily due to increased activity as the economy has reopened since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The increase in amortization of tax credit investments is primarily due to new investments in new market tax credits that are amortized in noninterest expense, while the tax benefit is recognized in tax expense. The increase in credit/debit card transaction processing is due to higher volumes of activity and the increase in FDIC assessment insurance is due to the increase in the overall balance sheet of the Company.

Partially offsetting the increases described above were decreases of $22.1 million in merger related expenses on the First Choice acquisition and a $3.4 million decrease in branch-closure expenses from a branch rationalization project that was finalized in 2021.

The Company expects to continue to invest in its associates and other infrastructure that supports growth. In addition, low unemployment, inflationary pressures and a shift in employee work arrangements to a virtual/hybrid model are expected to continue to have an impact on future operating expenses.

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Income Taxes

The Company’s blended federal and state tax rate was approximately 25.2% at the end of both 2022 and 2021. The effective tax rate, which is adjusted for permanent differences, such as tax exempt income, was 21.7% in 2022 compared to 21.1% in 2021. The increase was primarily due to higher pretax income in 2022 and an increase in state taxable income due to the Company’s expanded geographic footprint. See “Item 8. Note 16 – Income Taxes” for additional information.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Summary Balance Sheet

($ in thousands)December 31,% Increase (Decrease)
2022202120202022 vs. 20212021 vs. 2020
Total cash and cash equivalents$291,359$2,021,689$537,703(85.59)%275.99%
Securities2,245,7221,795,6871,400,03925.06%28.26%
Total loans9,737,1389,017,6427,224,9357.98%24.81%
Total assets13,054,17213,537,3589,751,571(3.57)%38.82%
Deposits10,829,15011,343,7997,985,389(4.54)%42.06%
Total liabilities11,531,90912,008,2428,672,596(3.97)%38.46%
Total shareholders’ equity1,522,2631,529,1161,078,975(0.45)%41.72%

Assets

Loans by Type

The Company has a diversified loan portfolio, with no particular concentration of credit in any one economic sector; however, a substantial portion of the portfolio, including the C&I category, is secured by real estate. The ability of the Company’s borrowers to honor their contractual obligations is partially dependent upon the local economy and its effect on the real estate market.

The following table sets forth the composition of the loan portfolio by type of loans:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20222021
Commercial and industrial$3,859,882$3,392,375
Commercial real estate - investor owned2,357,8202,141,143
Commercial real estate - owner occupied2,270,5512,035,785
Construction and land development611,565734,073
Residential real estate395,537454,052
Other241,783260,214
Total loans$9,737,138$9,017,642
December 31,
20222021
Commercial and industrial39.6%37.6%
Commercial real estate - investor owned24.2%23.8%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied23.3%22.6%
Construction and land development6.3%8.1%
Residential real estate4.1%5.0%
Other2.5%2.9%
Total loans100.0%100.0%

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C&I loans are made based on the borrower’s ability to generate cash flows for repayment from income sources, general credit strength, experience, and character, even though such loans may also be secured by real estate or other assets. The credit risk related to commercial loans is largely influenced by general economic conditions and the resulting impact on a borrower’s operations. PPP loans of $7.3 million and $272.0 million were included in C&I loans in the tables above at the end of 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The Company continues to focus on originating high-quality C&I relationships as they typically have variable interest rates and allow for cross selling opportunities involving other banking products. C&I loan growth also supports our efforts to maintain the Company’s asset-sensitive interest rate risk position. Additionally, our specialized products, especially sponsor finance, life insurance premium financing, and tax credit lending, consist of primarily C&I loans, and have contributed significantly to the Company’s C&I loan growth. These loans are sourced through relationships developed with wealth and estate planning firms, private equity funds and tax credit specialists and are not bound geographically by our markets. As a result, these specialized loan products offer opportunities to expand and diversify our overall geographic concentration by entering into new markets.

Real estate loans place an emphasis on the estimated cash flows from the operation of the property and/or the underlying collateral value.

•Our commercial real estate loans, including investor-owned and owner-occupied categories, primarily represent commercial property loans on which the primary source of repayment is income from the property. These loans are principally underwritten based on the cash flow coverage of the property, the Company’s loan to value guidelines, and generally require either the limited or full guaranty of principal sponsors of the credit. Commercial real estate loans also represent owner-occupied C&I loans for which the primary source of repayment is dependent on sources other than the underlying collateral.

•Construction and land development loans relating primarily to residential and commercial properties, represent financing secured by real estate under development for eventual sale or undeveloped ground. At December 31, 2022, $351.9 million of these loans include the use of interest reserves and follow standard underwriting guidelines. Construction projects are monitored by the loan officer and a centralized independent loan disbursement function.

•Residential real estate loans include residential mortgages, which are loans that, due to size or other attributes, do not qualify for conventional home mortgages available-for-sale in the secondary market, second mortgages, home equity lines and conventional mortgages that are part of a broad banking relationship with the Company. Residential mortgage loans are usually limited to a maximum of 80% of collateral value at origination.

Other loans represent loans to individuals, loans to state and political subdivisions, loans to nondepository financial institutions, and loans to purchase or are fully secured by investment securities. Credit risk is managed by thoroughly reviewing the creditworthiness of the borrowers prior to origination and thereafter.

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The following table presents a breakdown of loans by NAICS code at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20222021
($ in thousands)Outstanding Balance%Outstanding Balance%
Accommodation and Food Services$880,8709%$785,4859%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services200,5862%176,6012%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting1200,1442%195,3422%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation105,8511%120,8051%
Construction555,3436%580,7316%
Educational Services51,083%52,0341%
Finance and Insurance1,622,71217%1,344,38915%
Health Care and Social Assistance455,8395%372,1094%
Information100,0041%64,6861%
Management of Companies and Enterprises78,5481%84,1101%
Manufacturing694,4837%613,7257%
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction8,106%9,771%
Other Services (except Public Administration)536,1126%593,1497%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services304,0273%329,0094%
Public Administration9,111%11,358%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing2,534,27526%2,462,08827%
Retail Trade517,6595%460,7635%
Transportation and Warehousing257,3843%214,1322%
Utilities34,079%25,393%
Wholesale Trade491,2185%445,7715%
Other99,7041%76,1911%
Total Loans$9,737,138100%$9,017,642100%
1Includes $94.0 million and $95.5 million in animal production at December 31, 2022, and 2021, respectively and $95.6 million and $92.1 million in crop production at December 31, 2022, and 2021, respectively.

The following table presents a breakdown of commercial & industrial loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20222021
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million2,116$771,717$3653,326$921,537$277
$2-5 million314991,7483,158289915,6563,168
$5-10 million124862,4276,95592627,7286,823
$10 million761,233,99016,23760927,45415,458
Total2,630$3,859,882$1,4683,767$3,392,375$901

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The following table presents a breakdown of commercial real estate loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20222021
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million3,170$1,872,671$5913,300$1,840,760$558
$2-5 million4161,272,9773,0603831,184,2923,092
$5-10 million105727,6816,93090626,7336,964
$10 million50755,04215,10134525,14315,445
Total3,741$4,628,371$1,2373,807$4,176,928$1,097

The following table presents a breakdown of construction loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20222021
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million408$181,813$446539$212,129$394
$2-5 million52154,5632,97263200,7753,187
$5-10 million1496,1946,87130206,2626,875
$10 million13178,99513,7698114,90714,363
Total487$611,565$1,256640$734,073$1,147

The following table presents a breakdown of residential loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20222021
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million2,252$293,691$1302,457$304,224$124
$2-5 million2170,6583,3652783,6663,099
$5-10 million431,1887,797854,0196,752
$10 million112,14312,143
Total2,277$395,537$1742,493$454,052$182

The following table presents a breakdown of other loans by size at the periods indicated:

December 31,
20222021
($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage BalanceNumber of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million1,265$125,136$991,415$154,663$109
$2-5 million1859,0993,2831643,3062,707
$5-10 million318,2556,085741,2625,895
$10 million339,29313,098220,98310,491
Total1,289$241,783$1881,440$260,214$181

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The following table presents a breakdown of total loans by geographic region at the periods indicated:

December 31,
(in thousands)20222021
Midwest$3,214,305$2,939,092
Southwest1,242,1251,084,343
West1,654,8991,656,511
Specialty, PPP and Other loans3,625,8093,337,696
Total$9,737,138$9,017,642

Loan guarantees, primarily on SBA 7(a) loans, totaled $960.3 million and $1.2 billion at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

The following table provides additional information on select specialty lending detail, at the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20222021Change% Change
C&I$1,904,654$1,478,689$425,96528.8%
CRE investor owned2,176,4241,955,087221,33711.3%
CRE owner occupied1,174,0941,112,46361,6315.5%
SBA loans1,312,3781,241,44970,9295.7%
Sponsor finance635,061508,469126,59224.9%
Life insurance premium finance817,115653,028164,08725.1%
Tax credits559,605486,88172,72414.9%
SBA PPP loans7,272271,958(264,686)(97.3)%
Residential real estate379,924430,985(51,061)(11.8)%
Construction and land development534,753625,526(90,773)(14.5)%
Other235,858253,107(17,249)(6.8)%
Total Loans$9,737,138$9,017,642$719,4968.0%

The sponsor finance portfolio is primarily comprised of loans in the manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors. It includes mid-market company mergers and acquisitions, targeted private equity firms, principally SBICs, and senior debt financing to portfolio companies.

The life insurance premium finance category specializes in financing whole life insurance premiums utilized in high net worth estate planning, through relationships with boutique estate planners throughout the United States.

The tax credit portfolio includes tax credit-related lending on affordable housing projects funded through the use of

federal and state low income housing tax credits. In addition, we provide leveraged and other loans on projects funded through the CDFI New Markets Tax Credit Program. This portfolio also includes tax credit brokerage through 10-year streams of state tax credits from affordable housing development funds. The tax credits are sold to clients and other individuals for tax planning purposes.

SBA loans are originated under the SBA 7(a) program and are primarily owner-occupied, commercial real estate loans secured by a 1st lien. These loans predominantly have a 75% portion guaranteed by the SBA.

SBA PPP loans originated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are guaranteed by the SBA. The loans may be forgivable by the SBA if certain requirements are met.

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Significant loan concentrations are considered to exist for a financial institution when there are amounts loaned to numerous borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At December 31, 2022, no significant concentrations exceeding 10% of total loans existed in the Company’s loan portfolio, except as described above.

The following table presents the maturity distribution of loans at December 31, 2022 categorized by fixed or variable interest rates, net of unearned loan fees:

($ in thousands)Due in One Year or Less (1)After One Through Five YearsAfter Five Through Fifteen YearsAfter Fifteen YearsTotalPercent of Total Loans
Fixed Rate Loans
Commercial and industrial$60,863$449,944$464,988$11,593$987,38810%
Real estate:
Commercial193,0331,416,693554,37619,9522,184,05422%
Construction and land development41,88473,0814,7033,064122,7321%
Residential8,90187,61417,15929,740143,4142%
Other6,9462,43198,29181,769189,4372%
Total$311,627$2,029,763$1,139,517$146,118$3,627,02537%
Variable Rate Loans
Commercial and industrial$1,093,647$1,584,018$165,260$29,569$2,872,49430%
Real estate:
Commercial155,516487,648412,4471,388,7062,444,31725%
Construction and land development159,160202,87553,16573,633488,8335%
Residential45,67030,63571,506104,312252,1232%
Other7,91416,08928,21912452,3461%
Total$1,461,907$2,321,265$730,597$1,596,344$6,110,11363%
Total Loans
Commercial and industrial$1,154,510$2,033,962$630,248$41,162$3,859,88240%
Real estate:
Commercial348,5491,904,341966,8231,408,6584,628,37147%
Construction and land development201,044275,95657,86876,697611,5656%
Residential54,571118,24988,665134,052395,5374%
Other14,86018,520126,51081,893241,7833%
Total$1,773,534$4,351,028$1,870,114$1,742,462$9,737,138100%

(1) Includes loans with no stated maturity and overdraft lines of credit.

The majority of variable loans are based on the prime rate, LIBOR, or SOFR. At December 31, 2022, $3.7 billion or 60% of variable rate loans were subject to an interest rate floor. Most loan originations have one-to three-year maturities. Management monitors this mix as part of its interest rate risk management. See “Interest Rate Risk” of this MD&A section.

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Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table presents the components of the provision for credit losses for the periods indicated:

December 31,
(in thousands)20222021
Benefit for loan losses$(4,210)$(10,911)
Provision on acquired loans23,904
Provision for off-balance sheet commitments14,4621,911
Provision for held-to-maturity securities121165
Recovery of accrued interest(984)(1,684)
Provision (benefit) for credit losses$(611)$13,385

1 2021 includes $1.5 million as part of the First Choice acquired commitments.

The provision for credit losses, which includes a provision for losses on unfunded commitments, is a charge to earnings to maintain the ACL at a level consistent with management’s assessment of expected losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The Company also records reversals of interest on nonaccrual loans and interest recoveries directly through the provision of credit losses. CECL requires economic forecasts to be factored into determining estimated losses. As a result, CECL is designed to typically require a higher level of provision at the start of an economic downturn. The decrease in the provision for credit losses in 2022 was primarily due to the provision on acquired loans from the First Choice acquisition recognized in 2021, partially offset by a change in economic forecasts that worsened in 2022 and an increase in unfunded commitments. Two of the primary economic loss drivers used in estimating the ACL include the percentage change in GDP and unemployment. At December 31, 2022, the Company’s forecast of the percentage change in GDP included a range of (2.3)% to 3.5% and unemployment included a range of 3.5% to 7.7%. This compares to a range of (2.2)% to 6.7% for the percentage change in GDP and a range of 3.0% to 8.7% for unemployment in 2021. The Company utilizes a one-year reasonable and supportable forecast and a one-year reversion period.

In the acquisition of First Choice in 2021, we recognized an allowance of $7.6 million on PCD loans and an allowance of $23.9 million on non-PCD loans. Pursuant to the CECL accounting methodology, the allowance on PCD loans is recorded as part of the acquired loan portfolio. The allowance on non-PCD loans was established through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the post-combination financial statements. The Company did not recognize an acquisition related provision for credit losses in 2022.

43

To the extent the Company does not recognize charge-offs and economic forecasts improve in future periods, the Company could recognize a reversal of provision for credit losses. Conversely, if economic conditions and the Company’s forecast worsens, the Company could recognize elevated levels of provision for credit losses. The provision is also reflective of charge-offs in the period.

The following table is a summary of the allocation of the allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20222021
Balance at End of Period Applicable to:AmountPercent of loans in each category to total loansAmountPercent of loans in each category to total loans
Commercial and industrial$53,83539.6%$63,82537.6%
Real estate:
Commercial58,94347.5%53,43746.3%
Construction and land development11,4446.3%14,5368.1%
Residential7,9284.1%7,9275.1%
Other4,7822.5%5,3162.9%
Total allowance$136,932100.0%$145,041100.0%

The allowance for credit losses was 1.41% of total loans at December 31, 2022, compared to 1.61%, and 1.89%, at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decline in the allowance to total loans ratio in 2022 compared to 2021 was primarily due to an improvement in credit quality, a shift in the mix of the loan portfolio to categories with lower reserve requirements, and net loan charge-offs of $3.9 million.

The following table is a summary of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans for the periods indicated:

December 31,
20222021
($ in thousands)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)Average Loans(1)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)/Average LoansNet Charge-offs (Recoveries)Average Loans(1)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)/Average Loans
Commercial and industrial$3,869$3,555,4830.11%$10,425$3,195,0170.33%
Real estate:
Commercial(593)4,323,757(0.01)%8103,586,7730.02%
Construction and land development(53)689,048(0.01)%(451)673,646(0.07)%
Residential539382,4850.14%558396,7770.14%
Other137240,8160.06%287197,1720.15%
Total$3,899$9,191,5890.04%$11,629$8,049,3850.14%

(1) Excludes loans held for sale.

See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of this MD&A section for more information on the allowance for credit losses methodology.

Nonperforming loans and assets

See “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for more information on nonaccrual loans and other real estate.

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The following table presents the categories of nonperforming assets, excluding government guaranteed portions:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20222021
Non-accrual loans$9,766$23,449
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest1421,716
Restructured loans732,859
Total nonperforming loans9,98128,024
Other real estate2693,493
Total nonperforming assets$10,250$31,517
Total assets$13,054,172$13,537,358
Total loans9,737,1389,017,642
Total allowance for credit losses136,932145,041
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans1,402%619%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans1,372%518%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans1.41%1.61%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.10%0.26%
Nonperforming loans to total loans0.10%0.31%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.08%0.23%

Nonperforming loans based on loan type were as follows:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2022Number of loansDecember 31, 2021Number of loans
Commercial and industrial$4,44344%14$21,53877%34
Commercial real estate4,20042%104,41416%14
Construction and land development1,19212%2%
Residential real estate731%12,0487%12
Other731%224%4
Total$9,981100%29$28,024100%64

The following table summarizes the changes in nonperforming loans:

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20222021
Nonperforming loans, beginning of period$28,024$38,507
Additions to nonaccrual loans8,90443,350
Charge-offs(9,393)(17,185)
Principal payments(17,554)(36,648)
Nonperforming loans, end of period$9,981$28,024

Nonperforming loans at December 31, 2022 decreased $18.0 million, or 64%, when compared to December 31, 2021. The decrease in nonperforming loans during 2022 was primarily from principal payments of $17.6 million and charge-offs of $9.4 million. The charge-offs off nonperforming loans were primarily in C&I and residential real estate, representing 65% and and 22% of gross charge-offs in 2022, respectively.

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Other real estate

The following table summarizes the changes in other real estate:

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20222021
Other real estate, beginning of period$3,493$5,330
Additions3,175
Writedowns in value(268)(29)
Sales(2,956)(4,983)
Other real estate, end of period$269$3,493

Investments

At December 31, 2022, our portfolio of investment securities was $2.2 billion, or 17%, of total assets, compared to $1.8 billion, or 13%, of total assets as of December 31, 2021. The increase in 2022 was due to a reallocation of excess liquidity into the investment portfolio. The portfolio is comprised of both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities.

The table below sets forth the carrying value of investment securities, excluding the allowance for credit losses:

December 31,
20222021
($ in thousands)Amount%Amount%
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored enterprises$237,78510.6%$173,5119.6%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions946,45642.1%811,46345.2%
Agency mortgage-backed securities716,42231.9%581,96432.4%
U.S. Treasury Bills208,5349.3%91,1705.1%
Corporate debt securities137,2606.1%138,1937.7%
Total$2,246,457100.0%$1,796,301100.0%

The allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities was $0.7 million and $0.6 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Company had no debt securities classified as trading at December 31, 2022, or 2021.

The following table summarizes contractual maturity and tax-equivalent yields on the investment portfolio at December 31, 2022:

Within 1 year1 to 5 years5 to 10 yearsOver 10 yearsTotal
($ in thousands)AmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYield
Obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises$%$204,2171.32%$18,7212.79%$14,8472.10%$237,7851.48%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions2,0193.71%22,3402.29%111,1653.57%810,9323.11%946,4563.15%
Agency mortgage-backed securities6,1412.80%64,6293.00%55,6142.82%590,0382.64%716,4222.69%
U.S. Treasury Bills102,9313.16%100,8252.68%4,7783.07%%208,5342.93%
Corporate debt securities%32,4863.11%104,7743.46%%137,2603.38%
Total$111,0913.15%$424,4972.09%$295,0523.33%$1,415,8172.90%$2,246,4572.82%

Yields on tax-exempt securities are computed on a taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 25.2%. Actual maturities can differ from contractual maturities, as borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

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Other investments primarily consist of the FHLB capital stock, common stock investments related to our trust preferred securities, community development funds, and other investments in private equity funds, primarily SBICs. These investments do not have a stated maturity.

December 31,
20222021
($ in thousands)Amount%Amount%
FHLB capital stock$14,01522.0%$12,07520.2%
Other investments49,77578.0%47,82179.8%
Total$63,790100.0%$59,896100.0%

Deposits

The following table shows the breakdown of deposits by type:

Years ended December 31,% Increase (decrease)
($ in thousands)202220212022 vs. 2021
Noninterest-bearing demand accounts$4,642,732$4,578,4361.4%
Interest-bearing demand accounts2,256,2952,465,884(8.5)%
Money market accounts2,655,1592,890,976(8.2)%
Savings accounts744,256800,210(7.0)%
Certificates of deposit:
Brokered118,968128,970(7.8)%
Other411,740479,323(14.1)%
Total deposits$10,829,150$11,343,799(4.5)%
Noninterest-bearing deposits / Total deposits43%40%

The following table shows the average balance and average rate of deposits by type:

Years ended December 31,
202220212020
($ in thousands)Average BalanceAverage Rate PaidAverage BalanceAverage Rate PaidAverage BalanceAverage Rate Paid
Noninterest-bearing deposit accounts$4,805,549%$3,597,204%$1,854,982%
Interest-bearing demand accounts2,318,3630.30%2,122,7520.08%1,494,3640.14%
Money market accounts2,781,5790.69%2,557,8360.18%1,977,8260.39%
Savings accounts819,0430.04%724,7680.03%589,8320.05%
Certificates of deposit569,2720.62%570,4960.73%676,8891.61%
Total interest-bearing deposits$6,488,2570.46%$5,975,8520.18%$4,738,9110.44%
Total average deposits$11,293,8060.27%$9,573,0560.11%$6,593,8930.32%

Average total deposits were $11.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022, an increase of $1.7 billion, or 18%, from December 31, 2021. The increase in 2022 was primarily due to a full year of balances from the First Choice acquisition and organic growth. The increase in 2021 was primarily due to the First Choice and Seacoast acquisitions and the high level of liquidity in the economy.

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The following table sets forth the maturities of estimated uninsured certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2022. Uninsured deposits are amounts estimated to exceed the FDIC deposit insurance limit and are not subject to any federal or state insurance program.

($ in thousands)Total
Three months or less$27,656
Over three through six months22,492
Over six through twelve months48,721
Over twelve months25,702
Total$124,571

As of December 31, 2022, estimated uninsured deposits totaled $5.9 billion, including $124.6 million of certificates of deposit. Also, at December 31, 2021 estimated uninsured deposits totaled $5.9 billion.

Shareholders’ equity

Shareholders’ equity totaled $1.5 billion at December 31, 2022, a decrease of $6.9 million, or 0.4%, from December 31, 2021.

Significant activity during the year ended December 31, 2022 included the following:

•Increase from net income of $203.0 million;

•Net decrease in fair value of available-for-sale securities and cash flow hedges of $149.1 million;

•Decrease from dividends paid on common stock of $33.6 million and preferred stock of $4.0 million, respectively;

•Decrease from share repurchases of $32.9 million, pursuant to the Company’s publicly-announced stock repurchase program; and

•Retirement of 1,980,093 of treasury stock shares.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure we have the ability to generate sufficient cash or cash equivalents in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet our commitments as they become due. Typical demands on liquidity are changes in deposit levels, maturing time deposits which are not renewed, and fundings under credit commitments to customers. Funds are available from a number of sources, such as the core deposit base and loan and security repayments and maturities.

Additionally, liquidity is provided from lines of credit with the FHLB, the Federal Reserve, and correspondent banks; the ability to acquire large and brokered deposits; sales of the securities portfolio; and the ability to sell loan participations to other banks. These alternatives are an important part of our liquidity plan and provide flexibility and efficient execution of the asset-liability management strategy.

The Company’s Asset-Liability Management Committee oversees our liquidity position, the parameters of which are approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors. Our liquidity position is monitored daily. Our liquidity management framework includes measurement of several key elements, such as a loan to deposit ratio, a liquidity ratio, and a dependency ratio. The Company’s liquidity framework also incorporates contingency planning to assess the nature and volatility of funding sources and to determine alternatives to these sources. While core deposits and loan and investment repayments are principal sources of liquidity, funding diversification is another key element of liquidity management and is achieved by strategically varying depositor types, terms, funding markets, and instruments.

Liquidity from assets is available primarily from cash balances and the investment portfolio. Cash and interest-bearing deposits with other banks totaled $291.4 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $2.0 billion at

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December 31, 2021. The decline in cash balances during 2022 is due to loan growth and a deployment of liquidity into the investment portfolio, coupled with a decline in total deposits. The increase in market interest rates in 2022 increased the competitive environment for deposits, as depositors have more alternatives to bank deposit accounts. This reverses the trend from 2020-2021, when the low interest rate environment, coupled with an uncertain outlook and government stimulus, increased liquidity within the banking industry. Investment securities are another important tool to the Company’s liquidity objectives. Securities totaled $2.2 billion at December 31, 2022, and included $734 million pledged as collateral for deposits of public institutions, treasury, loan notes, and other requirements. The remaining $1.4 billion could be pledged or sold to enhance liquidity, if necessary.

Liability liquidity funding sources are available to increase financial flexibility. In addition to amounts borrowed at December 31, 2022, the Company could borrow an additional $752 million from the FHLB of Des Moines under blanket loan pledges and has additional real estate loans that could be pledged. The Company also has $1.4 billion available from the Federal Reserve Bank under a pledged loan agreement. The Company also has unsecured federal funds lines with six correspondent banks totaling $90 million.

In the normal course of business, the Company enters into certain forms of off-balance sheet transactions, including unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit. These transactions are managed through the Company’s various risk management processes. Management considers both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet transactions in its evaluation of the Company’s liquidity. The Company has $3.2 billion in unused commitments to extend credit as of December 31, 2022. While this commitment level would exhaust the majority the Company’s current liquidity resources, the nature of these commitments is such that the likelihood of funding them in the aggregate at any one time is low.

At the holding company level, our primary funding sources are dividends and payments from the Bank and proceeds from the issuance of equity (i.e. stock option exercises, stock offerings) and debt instruments. The main use of this liquidity is to provide the funds necessary to pay dividends to shareholders, service debt, invest in subsidiaries as necessary, and satisfy other operating requirements. In 2022, the holding company maintained a revolving line of credit for an aggregate amount up to $25 million, all of which was available at December 31, 2022. The line of credit has a one-year term that was renewed in February 2023. The proceeds can be used for general corporate purposes.

The Company has an effective automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 allowing for the issuance of various forms of equity and debt securities. The Company’s ability to offer securities pursuant to the registration statement depends on market conditions and the Company’s continuing eligibility to use the Form S-3 under rules of the SEC.

Strong capital ratios, credit quality and core earnings are essential to retaining cost-effective access to the wholesale funding markets. Deterioration in any of these factors could have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to access these funding sources and, as a result, these factors are monitored on an ongoing basis as part of the liquidity management process. The Bank is subject to regulations and, among other things, may be limited in its ability to pay dividends or transfer funds to the parent company. Accordingly, consolidated cash flows as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows may not represent cash immediately available for the payment of cash dividends to the Company’s shareholders or for other cash needs.

Through the normal course of operations, the Company has entered into certain contractual obligations and other commitments. Such obligations relate to funding of operations through deposits or debt issuances, as well as leases for premises and equipment. As a financial services provider, the Company routinely enters into commitments to extend credit. While contractual obligations represent future cash requirements of the Company, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by the Company. The Company also enters into derivative contracts under which the Company either receives cash from or pays cash to counterparties depending on changes in interest rates. Derivative contracts are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet with the fair value representing the net present value of expected future cash receipts or payments based on

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market interest rates as of the balance sheet date. The fair value of these contracts changes daily as market interest rates change. For additional information on the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments see the following footnotes in Item 8: “Note 5 – Leases,” “Note 6 – Derivative Financial Instruments,” “Note 10 – Subordinated Debentures and Notes,” “Note 11 – Federal Home Loan Bank Advances,” “Note 12 – Other Borrowings,” and “Note 17 – Commitments.”

Capital Resources

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements and results of operations of the Company. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and its bank affiliate must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The banking affiliate’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and of tier 1 capital to average assets. To be categorized as “well-capitalized”, banks must maintain minimum total risk-based (10%), tier 1 risk-based (8%), common equity tier 1 risk-based (6.5%), and tier 1 leverage ratios (5%). As of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

The Bank met the definition of “well-capitalized” at each of December 31, 2022 and 2021. Refer to “Item 8. Note 14 – Regulatory Capital” for a summary of our risk-based capital and leverage ratios.

The following table summarizes the Company’s capital ratios:

December 31, 2022December 31, 2021
($ in thousands)EFSCBankEFSCBankTo Be Well-CapitalizedMinimum Ratio with CCB
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets11.1%12.1%11.3%12.5%6.5%7.0%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets12.6%12.1%13.0%12.5%8.0%8.5%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets14.2%13.1%14.7%13.5%10.0%10.5%
Leverage Ratio (Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets)10.9%10.5%9.7%9.3%5.0%4.0%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets18.4%8.1%
Common equity tier 1 capital$1,228,786$1,333,978$1,091,823$1,201,340
Tier 1 capital1,394,4261,334,0301,257,4621,201,391
Total risk-based capital1,568,3321,444,6851,423,0361,303,715
1 Not a required regulatory capital ratio

The Company believes the tangible common equity and regulatory capital ratios are important measures of capital strength. The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is considered a non-GAAP measure. The tables included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” reconcile these ratios to U.S. GAAP.

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Risk Management

Market risk arises from exposure to changes in interest rates and other relevant market rate or price risk. The Company faces market risk in the form of interest rate risk through transactions other than trading activities. Market risk from these activities, in the form of interest rate risk, is measured and managed through a number of methods. The Company uses financial modeling techniques to measure interest rate risk. These techniques measure the sensitivity of future earnings due to changing interest rate environments. Guidelines established by the Bank’s Asset/Liability Management Committee and approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors are used to monitor exposure of earnings at risk. General interest rate movements are used to develop sensitivity as management believes it has no primary exposure to a specific point on the yield curve. These limits are based on the Company’s exposure to immediate and sustained parallel rate movements, either upward or downward. The Company does not have any direct market risk from commodity exposures.

Interest Rate Risk

Our interest rate risk management practices are aimed at optimizing net interest income, while guarding against deterioration that could be caused by certain interest rate scenarios. Interest rate sensitivity varies with different types of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. We attempt to maintain interest-earning assets, comprised primarily of both loans and investments, and interest-bearing liabilities, comprised primarily of deposits, maturing or repricing in similar time horizons in order to manage any impact from market interest rate changes according to our risk tolerance. The Company uses an earnings simulation model to measure earnings sensitivity to changing rates.

The Company determines the sensitivity of its short-term future earnings to a hypothetical plus or minus 100 to 300 basis point parallel rate shock through the use of simulation modeling. The simulation of earnings includes the modeling of the balance sheet as an ongoing entity. Future business assumptions involving administered rate products, prepayments for future rate-sensitive balances, and the reinvestment of maturing assets and liabilities are included. These items are then modeled to project net interest income based on a hypothetical change in interest rates. The resulting net interest income for the next 12-month period is compared to the net interest income amount calculated using flat rates. This difference represents the Company’s earnings sensitivity to a positive or negative parallel rate shock.

The following table summarizes the projected impact of interest rate shocks on net interest income:

Rate Shock1Annual % change in net interest income
At December 31,
20222021
+ 300 bp11.1%22.9%
+ 200 bp7.5%14.1%
+ 100 bp3.8%5.6%
- 100 bp(4.1)%NA
- 200 bp(9.0)%NA
- 300 bp(15.1)%NA
1 Due to the levels of interest rates in 2021, the downward shock scenarios are not shown.

In addition to the rate shocks shown in the table above, the Company models net interest income under various dynamic interest rate scenarios. In general, changes in interest rates are positively correlated with changes in net interest income.

The Company occasionally uses interest rate derivative instruments as an asset/liability management tool to hedge mismatches in interest rate exposure indicated by the net interest income simulation described above. They are used to modify the Company’s exposures to interest rate fluctuations and provide more stable spreads between loan yields and the rate on their funding sources. At December 31, 2022, the Company had derivative contracts to manage interest rate risk, including $200.0 million in notional value on derivatives to hedge the cash flows on

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floating rate loans and $62.0 million in notional value on derivatives on floating rate debt. Derivative financial instruments are discussed in “Item 8. Note 6 – Derivative Financial Instruments.”

The FCA has announced that the most common USD LIBOR settings (overnight, 1-month. 3-month, 6-month and 12-month) will cease publication after September 30, 2024. LIBOR was the most liquid and common interest rate index in the world and was commonly referenced in financial instruments. With the cessation of LIBOR, the Company has selected term SOFR as the replacement index for the majority of its variable rate loans and has begun providing customer notifications in early 2023. The Company ceased using LIBOR and ICE swap rates in new contracts and began issuing SOFR based loans in December 2021.

We have exposure to LIBOR in various financial contracts. Instruments that may be impacted include loans, debt instruments and derivatives, among other financial contracts indexed to LIBOR and that mature after December 31, 2022. We also have loans that are indirectly linked to LIBOR through reference to the ICE swap rate. We have an internal working group composed of members from legal, credit, finance, operations, risk and audit to monitor developments, develop policies and procedures, assess the impact to the Company from the replacement index for affected contracts that expire after the expected discontinuation of representative LIBOR on June 30, 2023. Amending certain contracts indexed to LIBOR may require consent from the counterparties which could be difficult and costly to obtain in certain circumstances. As of December 31, 2022, the Company’s financial contracts indexed to LIBOR included $1.4 billion in loans (including $497.5 million indirectly linked to LIBOR through reference to an ICE swap rate), $74.8 million in borrowings, and $466.9 million (notional) in derivatives.

The Company had $6.1 billion in variable rate loans as of December 31, 2022. Of these loans, $3.7 billion have an interest rate floor and nearly all of those loans were at or above the floor. $1.4 billion in variable rate loans are indexed to LIBOR, $2.9 billion are indexed to the prime rate, $1.4 billion are indexed to SOFR, and $413.4 million are indexed to other rates.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The following accounting policies are considered most critical to the understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting policies require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Because these estimates and judgments are based on current circumstances, they may change over time or prove to be inaccurate based on experience. In the event different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition and/or results of operations could reasonably be expected. The impact and any associated risks related to our critical accounting policies on our business operations are described throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

The Company has prepared all of the consolidated financial information in this report in accordance with GAAP. The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using loss experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. There can be no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company maintains separate allowances for funded loans, unfunded loans, and held-to-maturity securities, collectively referred to the ACL. The ACL is a valuation account to adjust the cost basis to the amount expected to

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be collected, based on management’s experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For purposes of determining the allowance for funded and unfunded loans, the portfolios are segregated into pools that share similar risk characteristics that are then further segregated by credit grades. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are not included in the collective evaluation. The Company estimates the amount of the allowance based on loan loss experience, adjusted for current and forecasted economic conditions, including unemployment, changes in GDP, and commercial and residential real estate prices. The Company’s forecast of economic conditions uses internal and external information and considers a weighted average of a baseline, upside, and downside scenarios. Because economic conditions can change and are difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated loan defaults and losses, and therefore the adequacy of the allowance, could change significantly and have a direct impact on the Company’s credit costs. The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was $136.9 million at December 31, 2022 based on the weighting of the different economic scenarios. As a hypothetical example, if the Company had only used the upside scenario, the allowance would have decreased $24.1 million. Conversely, the allowance would have increased $40.5 million using only the downside scenario.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions and Business Combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The assets and liabilities of the acquired entities have been recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets.

The purchase price allocation process requires an estimation of the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. When a business combination agreement provides for an adjustment to the cost of the combination contingent on future events, the Company includes an estimate of the acquisition-date fair value as part of the cost of the combination. To determine the fair values, the Company relies on third party valuations, such as appraisals, or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques. The results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the respective date of acquisition. Merger-related costs are costs the Company incurs to effect a business combination. Merger-related expenses include costs directly related to merger or acquisition activity and include legal and professional fees, system consolidation and conversion costs, and compensation costs such as severance and retention incentives for employees impacted by acquisition activity. The Company accounts for merger-related costs as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received.

Income Taxes

Management uses certain assumptions and estimates in determining income taxes payable or refundable for the current year, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and income tax expense. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance may be established. We consider the determination of this valuation allowance to be a critical accounting policy because of the need to exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income. These judgments and estimates are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required in the future if the amounts of taxes recoverable through loss carry backs decline, if we project lower levels of future taxable income, or we project lower levels of tax planning strategies. Such valuation allowance would be established through a charge to income tax expense that would adversely affect our operating results.

Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

See “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for information on recent accounting pronouncements and their impact, if any, on our consolidated financial statements.

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Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company’s accounting and reporting policies conform to U.S. GAAP and the prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, the Company provides other financial measures, such as core efficiency ratio, tangible common equity ratio, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible book value per common share, in this report that are considered “non-GAAP financial measures.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that exclude (or include) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

The Company considers its core efficiency ratio, tangible common equity ratio, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible book value per common share, collectively “core performance measures,” presented in this report, as relevant measures of financial performance, even though they are non-GAAP measures, as they provide supplemental information by which to evaluate the impact of certain non-comparable items, and the Company’s operating performance on an ongoing basis. Core performance measures exclude certain other income and expense items such as merger-related expenses, facilities charges, and the gain or loss on sale of investment securities, which the Company believes to be not indicative of or useful to measure the Company’s operating performance on an ongoing basis. The attached tables contain a reconciliation of these core performance measures to the GAAP measures. The Company believes the tangible common equity ratio provides useful information to investors about the Company’s capital strength even though it is considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure and is not part of the regulatory capital requirements to which the Company is subject.

The Company believes these non-GAAP measures and ratios, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP measures and ratios, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance and capital strength. The Company’s management uses, and believes investors benefit from referring to, these non-GAAP measures and ratios in assessing the Company’s operating results and related trends and when forecasting future periods. However, these non-GAAP measures and ratios should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or preferable to, ratios prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided a reconciliation of, where applicable, the most comparable GAAP financial measures and ratios to the non-GAAP financial measures and ratios, or a reconciliation of the non-GAAP calculation of the financial measure for the periods indicated.

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Core Efficiency Ratio

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For the Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202220212020
Net interest income (GAAP)$473,903$360,194$270,001
Tax-equivalent adjustment7,0425,1513,190
Less incremental accretion income4,083
Noninterest income (GAAP)59,16267,74354,503
Less gain (loss) on sale of other real estate(93)884
Less gain on sale of investment securities421
Less other non-core income265
Core revenue (non-GAAP)$540,200$432,204$322,925
Noninterest expense (GAAP)$274,216$245,919$167,159
Less amortization on intangibles5,3675,6915,673
Less merger-related expenses22,0824,174
Less branch-closure expenses3,441
Less other non-core expenses57
Core noninterest expense (non-GAAP)$268,849$214,705$157,255
Core efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)49.77%49.68%48.70%

Tangible Common Equity, Tangible Book Value per Share, and Tangible Common Equity Ratio

Period ended December 31,
($ in thousands, except per share data)202220212020
Total shareholders' equity$1,522,263$1,529,116$1,078,975
Less preferred stock71,98871,988
Less goodwill365,164365,164260,567
Less intangible assets16,91922,28623,084
Tangible common equity$1,068,192$1,069,678$795,324
Common shares outstanding37,25337,82031,210
Tangible book value per share$28.67$28.28$25.48
Total assets$13,054,172$13,537,358$9,751,571
Less goodwill365,164365,164260,567
Less intangible assets16,91922,28623,084
Tangible assets$12,672,089$13,149,908$9,467,920
Tangible common equity to tangible assets8.43%8.13%8.40%

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Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (ROATCE)

For the Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202220212020
Average shareholder’s equity$1,498,759$1,277,153$902,875
Less average preferred stock71,9888,903
Less average goodwill365,164307,614217,205
Less average intangible assets19,51622,46023,551
Average tangible common equity$1,042,091$938,176$662,119
Net income available to common shareholders (GAAP)$199,002$133,055$74,384
Return on average tangible common equity19.10%14.18%11.23%

FY 2021 10-K MD&A

SEC filing source: 0001025835-22-000011.

Extracted structurally from real Item 7 body heading to real Item 7A/8 boundary. Confidence: high. Filing date: 2022-02-25. Report date: 2021-12-31.

ITEM 7: MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

The objective of this section is to provide an overview of the results of operations and financial condition of the Company by focusing on changes in certain key measures from year to year. It should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes contained in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” and other financial data presented elsewhere in this report, particularly the information regarding the Company’s business operations described in Item 1. A detailed discussion comparing 2020 and 2019 results is incorporated herein by reference to Item 7 of the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2021.

Executive Summary

Our Company offers a broad range of business and personal banking services including wealth management services. Lending services include commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, real estate construction and development, residential real estate, specialty, and other loans. A wide variety of deposit products and a complete suite of treasury management and international trade services complement our lending capabilities. Tax-credit brokerage activities consist of the acquisition of Federal and State tax credits and the sale of these tax credits. The Company’s results of operations are also affected by prevailing economic conditions, competition, government policies and other actions of regulatory agencies.

The Company’s financial condition, operating results and liquidity in 2020 and 2021 were impacted by COVID-19 and the monetary and fiscal policy changes enacted to address the pandemic. Starting in 2020, the Federal Reserve reduced interest rates and reserve requirements, while also increasing quantitative easing through purchases of Treasuries and agency mortgage-backed securities. The federal government’s fiscal support of the economy through the Cares Act, the ARA and other acts have been highly expansionary. Low interest rates, supply chain disruptions and monetary and fiscal policies contributed to higher inflation in 2021, leading the Federal Reserve to begin tapering its quantitative easing in November 2021.

The following table summarizes the significant components of the First Choice and Seacoast transactions at the date of acquisition. See “Item 8. Note 2 – Acquisitions” for more information.

First ChoiceSeacoast
($ in thousands)July 21, 2021November 12, 2020
Loans, net$1,936,137$1,190,441
Securities34,489
Total assets acquired2,248,0621,312,037
Deposits1,840,4291,081,006
Total liabilities assumed2,006,8571,193,595
Consideration paid:
Cash$2,152$1,630
Common stock1343,650167,035
Total consideration paid$345,802$168,665

1Common stock consideration for First Choice was $342,280, net of $1,370 for shares withheld on the settlement of share-based awards of First Choice employees.

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Financial Performance Highlights

Below are highlights of our financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019.

($ in thousands, except per share data)Year ended December 31,
202120202019
EARNINGS
Total interest income$383,230$304,779$305,134
Total interest expense23,03634,77866,417
Net interest income360,194270,001238,717
Provision for credit losses13,38565,3986,372
Net interest income after provision for loan losses346,809204,603232,345
Total noninterest income67,74354,50349,176
Total noninterest expense245,919167,159165,485
Income before income tax expense168,63391,947116,036
Income tax expense35,57817,56323,297
Net income$133,055$74,384$92,739
Basic earnings per share$3.86$2.76$3.56
Diluted earnings per share$3.86$2.76$3.55
Return on average assets1.16%0.90%1.35%
Return on average common equity10.49%8.24%11.66%
Return on average tangible common equity114.18%11.23%16.08%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)3.41%3.56%3.80%
Efficiency ratio57.47%51.51%57.48%
Core efficiency ratio151.61%50.96%52.36%
Dividend payout ratio19.66%26.61%17.87%
Book value per common share$38.53$34.57$32.67
Tangible book value per common share1$28.28$25.48$23.76
Average common equity to average assets11.14%10.94%11.54%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets18.13%8.40%8.89%
At or for the year ended December 31,
202120202019
ASSET QUALITY
Net charge-offs$11,629$1,907$6,410
Nonperforming loans28,02438,50726,425
Classified assets100,797123,80885,897
Nonperforming loans to total loans0.31%0.53%0.50%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.23%0.45%0.45%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans1.61%1.89%0.81%
Net charge-offs to average loans0.14%0.03%0.13%

1Non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

The Company noted the following trends during 2021:

•The Company reported net income of $133.1 million, or $3.86 per diluted share for 2021, compared to $74.4 million, or $2.76 per diluted share for 2020. In addition to organic growth, contributing to the

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increase in net income was a full year of Seacoast operations and a partial year of First Choice operations. Net income also benefited from a reduction in the provision for credit losses of $52.0 million in 2021 compared to 2020, which was partially offset by a $17.9 million increase in merger-related expenses. Acquisition related provision for credit losses of $25.4 million and $8.6 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively, were included in the provision for credit losses. This expense, commonly referred to as the “CECL double-count”, is recognized when a loan portfolio is acquired. Excluding the CECL double-count, the provision for credit losses decreased in 2021 primarily due to strong credit quality, the forward-looking CECL methodology and the improved outlook for forecasted economic factors compared to 2020.

•Net interest income for 2021 totaled $360.2 million, an increase of $90.2 million, or 33%, compared to $270.0 million for 2020. PPP interest and fee income totaled $27.3 million and $19.6 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The First Choice acquisition added $37.9 million and the Company benefited from a full year of Seacoast operations in 2021 compared to a partial year in 2020. Organic growth in the loan portfolio also contributed to the current year increase in net interest income.

•Net interest margin decreased 15 basis points to 3.41% during 2021, compared to 3.56% in 2020. The decrease was primarily due to an increase in liquidity from deposit growth. Average interest-bearing cash accounts of $1.1 billion had a yield of 0.14% in 2021, compared to $228.8 million at a yield of 0.27% in 2020.

•Noninterest income increased $13.2 million, or 24%, to $67.7 million in 2021 compared to $54.5 million in 2020. This improvement was primarily due to organic growth and the acquisitions of Seacoast and First Choice.

•Noninterest expenses totaled $245.9 million for 2021, an increase of $78.8 million , or 47%, compared to 2020. Seacoast and First Choice increased noninterest expense $51.2 million in 2021 compared to 2020, in addition to a $17.9 million increase in merger-related expenses year-over-year. The Company’s efficiency ratio was 57.5% in 2021, compared to 51.5% for the prior year. The increase in 2021 was primarily due to merger-related expenses. The Company’s core efficiency ratio1 was relatively stable at 51.6% in 2021, compared to 51.0% for the prior year.

•The Company’s effective tax rate was 21.1% in 2021 compared to 19.1% in 2020. The higher rate in 2021 primarily resulted from higher pre-tax income and the Company’s expanded geographic footprint and the related state apportionment.

1Non-GAAP measures. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

2021 Significant Transactions

During 2021, we announced the following significant transactions:

•On July 21, 2021, the Company announced the completion of its acquisition of First Choice, a commercial bank based in Los Angeles, CA, with $2.3 billion in assets. The overall transaction had a value of $346 million.

•Continued supporting customers through PPP, lending an additional $341 million of PPP loans.

•The Company announced the closing of five branch locations in California and St. Louis. A lease and fixed asset impairment charge of $3.8 million was recognized, including $0.4 million reported in merger-related expenses. The Company expects to realize annual cost savings of approximately $2.3 million related to these closures.

•The Company redeemed $50.0 million of 4.75% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes.

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•The Company issued and sold 3,000,000 depositary shares, each representing 1/40th interest in a share of 5% noncumulative, perpetual preferred stock totaling $72.0 million, net of issuance costs.

•The Company repurchased 1,299,527 of its common shares at a weighted-average share price of $46.62. At December 31, 2021, there were 700,473 shares remaining to be purchased under the existing share repurchase plan.

•Dividends paid in 2021 of $0.75 per share increased $0.03 per share, or 4%, compared to $0.72 per share in 2020.

2020 Significant Transactions

During 2020, we announced the following significant transactions:

•On November 12, 2020, the Company announced the completion of its acquisition of Seacoast which operated five full-service retail and commercial banking offices in California and Nevada as well as SBA loan production offices and deposit production offices in various states. Aggregate consideration at closing was 5.0 million shares of Company common stock to Seacoast shareholders. The overall transaction had a value of $169 million.

•Assisted new and existing customers with navigating and accessing PPP loans through the approval of approximately 3,900 loans totaling $859 million.

•In May 2020, the Company issued $63.3 million of 5.75% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due in 2030. The notes are callable beginning in 2025 and are included in tier 2 capital.

•The Company repurchased 456,251 of its common shares at a weighted-average share price of $33.64.

•Dividends paid in 2020 of $0.72 per share increased $0.10 per share, or 16%, compared to $0.62 per share in 2019.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Average Balance Sheet

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, certain information related to our average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as, the corresponding interest rates earned and paid, all on a tax equivalent basis. Average balances are presented on a daily average basis.

Year ended December 31,
202120202019
($ in thousands)Average BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ RateAverage BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ RateAverage BalanceInterest Income/ExpenseAverage Yield/ Rate
Assets
Interest-earning assets:
Loans1, 2$8,055,873$349,1124.33%$6,071,496$270,6734.46%$5,018,568$269,8645.38%
Taxable securities908,18919,3052.131,016,10025,5242.511,064,91330,0852.83
Non-taxable securities2659,80418,4682.80350,50111,1513.18131,1614,6683.56
Total securities1,567,99337,7732.411,366,60136,6752.681,196,07434,7532.91
Interest-earning deposits1,084,8531,4960.14228,7606200.27107,4332,1281.98
Total interest-earning assets10,708,719388,3813.637,666,857307,9684.026,322,075306,7454.85
Noninterest-earning assets758,591587,057572,216
Total assets$11,467,310$8,253,914$6,894,291
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand accounts$2,122,752$1,6140.08%$1,494,364$2,1010.14%$1,286,641$7,5920.59%
Money market accounts2,557,8364,6690.181,977,8267,7540.391,608,34926,2671.63
Savings accounts724,7682250.03589,8322790.05489,3108410.17
Certificates of deposit570,4964,1600.73676,88910,9151.61799,07915,1561.90
Total interest-bearing deposits5,975,85210,6680.184,738,91121,0490.444,183,37949,8561.19
Subordinated debentures and notes195,68610,9605.60179,5349,8855.51136,9507,5075.48
FHLB advances59,9458031.34241,6352,6731.11287,4746,6682.32
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase225,8942350.10206,3385420.26169,1791,2460.74
Other borrowings26,4283701.4032,1476291.9632,3921,1403.52
Total interest-bearing liabilities6,483,80523,0360.365,398,56534,7780.644,809,37466,4171.38
Noninterest bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits3,597,2041,854,9821,228,832
Other liabilities109,14897,49260,608
Total liabilities10,190,1577,351,0396,098,814
Shareholders' equity1,277,153902,875795,477
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity$11,467,310$8,253,914$6,894,291
Net interest income$365,345$273,190$240,328
Net interest spread3.27%3.38%3.47%
Net interest margin (tax equivalent)3.413.563.80

1Average balances include non-accrual loans. Interest income includes net loan fees of $28.4 million, $18.4 million, and $4.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020, and 2019 respectively. Loan fees in 2021 and 2020 included PPP fees of $21.7 million and $13.8 million, respectively.

2Non-taxable income is presented on a fully tax-equivalent basis using a 25.2% tax rate in 2021 and a 24.7% tax rate in each of 2020 and 2019. The tax-equivalent adjustments were $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021, $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, and $1.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2019.

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Rate/Volume

The following table sets forth, on a tax-equivalent basis for the periods indicated, a summary of the changes in interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in yield/rates and volume.

2021 compared to 20202020 compared to 2019
Increase (decrease) due toIncrease (decrease) due to
($ in thousands)Volume1Rate2NetVolume1Rate2Net
Interest earned on:
Loans$86,183$(7,744)$78,439$51,290$(50,481)$809
Taxable securities(2,541)(3,678)(6,219)(1,334)(3,227)(4,561)
Non-taxable securities38,799(1,482)7,3177,027(544)6,483
Interest-earning deposits1,313(437)8761,228(2,736)(1,508)
Total interest-earning assets93,754(13,341)80,41358,211(56,988)1,223
Interest paid on:
Interest-bearing demand accounts$689$(1,176)$(487)$1,063$(6,554)$(5,491)
Money market accounts1,844(4,929)(3,085)4,970(23,483)(18,513)
Savings55(109)(54)145(707)(562)
Certificates of deposit(1,506)(5,249)(6,755)(2,142)(2,099)(4,241)
Subordinated debentures and notes9021731,0752,345332,378
FHLB advances(2,341)471(1,870)(933)(3,062)(3,995)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase47(354)(307)229(933)(704)
Other borrowed funds(100)(159)(259)(9)(502)(511)
Total interest-bearing liabilities(410)(11,332)(11,742)5,668(37,307)(31,639)
Net interest income$94,164$(2,009)$92,155$52,543$(19,681)$32,862
1Change in volume multiplied by yield/rate of prior period.
2Change in yield/rate multiplied by volume of prior period.
3Nontaxable income is presented on a fully tax equivalent basis using a tax rate of 25.2% and 24.7% for 2021 and 2020, respectively.
NOTE: The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to rate and volume changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

Net interest income (on a tax equivalent basis) was $365.3 million for 2021, compared to $273.2 million for 2020, an increase of $92.2 million, or 34%. Total interest income increased $80.4 million and total interest expense decreased $11.7 million. The increase in net interest income in 2021 was primarily due to higher loan volumes, which benefited from the Seacoast and First Choice acquisitions, PPP loans, and a decline in the interest rate on interest-bearing liabilities.

Loans issued through the PPP bear interest at 1% and have either a two or five year maturity. As a PPP lender, the Company also receives fees for the issuance of PPP loans that vary based on the size of the loan. Interest income and loan fees included in net interest income from the PPP program totaled $27.3 million and $19.6 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. During 2021, the Company received $14.6 million in PPP loan fees for loans originated in the year. These fees are recognized over the life of the loan, or when the loan is repaid or forgiven. At December 31, 2021, the Company has $272.0 million in PPP loans and $4.2 million in deferred fees, compared to $698.6 million in loans and $11.3 million in fees at the end of 2020.

The tax-equivalent net interest margin was 3.41% for 2021, compared to 3.56% for 2020. The primary driver of the decline in net interest margin from 2020 to 2021 was an increase in liquidity from deposit growth. Average interest-bearing cash balances grew to $1.1 billion, an increase of $856.1 million from 2020. In addition, 2021 was impacted by a full year of low interest rates following the Federal Reserve’s reduction of interest rates in 2020. The federal funds target rate declined 150 basis points in 2020 and one-month LIBOR declined over 160 basis points. The

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decline in short-term rates reduced the yield on the Company’s variable-rate loan portfolio, as well as the yield earned on new loan production. As of December 31, 2021, variable-rate loans comprised approximately 63% of total loans. In response to the decline in interest rates, the Company proactively reduced the cost of certain managed money market and interest-bearing accounts, while also reducing certificates of deposit balances and wholesale borrowings.

Average interest-earning assets increased $3.0 billion, or 40%, to $10.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase was due to growth in average earning assets due to the inclusion of a full year of Seacoast operations, a partial year of First Choice operations and the previously mentioned increase in liquidity from deposit generation. Average securities represented 15% of earnings assets in 2021 and 18% in 2020. The acquisitions of Seacoast and First Choice did not include any significant investment security balances. The Company has taken a measured approach to investing excess liquidity into the investment portfolio, increasing the average balance from $1.4 billion in 2020 to $1.6 billion in 2021. Average interest-earning deposits increased from 3% to 10% of earning assets, primarily due to higher liquidity from deposit growth. Volume growth of the balance sheet drove an increase in interest income on earning assets of $93.8 million. Interest income on interest-earnings assets decreased $13.3 million primarily due the decline in interest rates in 2021 compared to 2020.

Average interest-bearing liabilities increased $1.1 billion, or 20% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase resulted from $1.2 billion of growth in interest-bearing deposits. While average interest-bearing liabilities increased, interest expense declined $11.7 million due to a 26 basis point decline in the cost of deposits, primarily due to the run-off of higher yielding certificates of deposit. The Company issued $63.3 million of subordinated debentures in May 2020 with an interest rate of 5.75% that was included for a full year in 2021. Partially offsetting this additional expense was the redemption of the $50.0 million subordinated debentures at 4.75% in the fourth quarter 2021. The total cost of interest-bearing liabilities declined 28 basis points, from 0.64% in 2021 to 0.36% in 2021. The shift in the mix of interest-bearing liabilities from certificates of deposit and wholesale borrowings to interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposits reduced interest expense in 2021 by $0.4 million. Interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities decreased $11.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 due to lower rates.

Noninterest Income

The following table presents a comparative summary of the major components of noninterest income for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2021:

Year ended December 31,Change from
($ in thousands)2021202020192021 vs. 20202020 vs. 2019
Service charges on deposit accounts$15,428$11,717$12,801$3,711$(1,084)
Wealth management revenue10,2599,7329,932527(200)
Card services revenue11,8809,4819,1542,399327
Tax credit income8,0286,6115,3931,4171,218
Miscellaneous income22,14816,96211,8965,1865,066
Total noninterest income$67,743$54,503$49,176$13,240$5,327

Noninterest income increased $13.2 million, or 24%, in 2021 compared to 2020. This improvement was primarily due to a $5.4 million increase from Seacoast and First Choice, a $3.6 million increase in other income, primarily private equity and community development investments, a $2.4 million increase in card services income, and a $1.4 million increase in tax credit activity.

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Noninterest Expense

The following table presents a comparative summary of the components of noninterest expense:

Year ended December 31,Change from
($ in thousands)2021202020192021 vs. 20202020 vs. 2019
Employee compensation and benefits$124,904$92,288$81,295$32,616$10,993
Occupancy16,28613,45712,4652,829992
Data processing12,2429,0508,2423,192808
Professional fees4,2893,9403,683349257
Branch-closure expenses3,4413,441
Merger-related expenses22,0824,17417,96917,908(13,795)
Other expenses62,67544,25041,83118,4252,419
Total noninterest expense$245,919$167,159$165,485$78,760$1,674
Efficiency ratio57.47%51.51%57.48%5.96%(5.97)%
Core efficiency ratio151.61%50.96%52.36%0.65%(1.40)%
1 A non-GAAP measure. A reconciliation has been included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Noninterest expense increased $78.8 million, or 47%, in 2021 compared to 2020. The acquisitions of Seacoast and First Choice added $57.2 million of operating expenses in 2021, compared to $6.0 million from Seacoast in 2020. Excluding First Choice and Seacoast, employee compensation and benefits increased $7.0 million in 2021 compared to 2020, or 8%. The primary components of the increase in compensation and benefits were $2.7 million in salaries from merit increases and net new positions, $1.3 million in employee benefits, and $1.2 million in equity-based compensation.

The Company announced in the third quarter of 2021 the closure of two branch locations in St. Louis and recognized a lease and fixed asset impairment charge of $3.4 million. The branch closures became effective in January 2022. Merger related expenses of $22.1 million on the First Choice and Seacoast acquisitions, including the cost of closing three California locations, were $17.9 million higher than the $4.2 million recorded in 2020 on the Seacoast acquisition. The Company expects to realize annual cost savings of approximately $2.3 million related to these closures.

The Company did not earn a full year of operating income, or incur a full year of expense, from First Choice in 2021, but will do so in 2022. The Company does not expect to incur any additional merger expenses on First Choice or Seacoast.

The Company expects to continue to invest in its associates and other infrastructure that supports growth. In addition, low unemployment, inflationary pressures and a shift in employee work arrangements to a virtual/hybrid model are expected to impact future operating expenses.

Income Taxes

The Company’s blended federal and state tax rate is approximately 25.2% at the end of 2021, compared to 24.9% at the end of 2020. Permanent differences between pre-tax income and taxable income along with tax planning initiatives reduced the effective income tax rate in 2021 to 21.1% compared to 19.1% in 2020. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2021 was primarily due to higher pretax income in 2021 and an increase in state taxable income due to the Company’s expanded geographic footprint. Additionally, in 2020, the Company was able to carryback a net operating loss to a prior period with a higher tax rate, reducing the effective tax for that year.

37

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Summary Balance Sheet

($ in thousands)December 31,% Increase (Decrease)
2021202020192021 vs. 20202020 vs. 2019
Total cash and cash equivalents$2,021,689$537,703$167,256275.99%221.49%
Securities1,795,6871,400,0391,316,48328.26%6.35%
Total loans9,017,6427,224,9355,314,33724.81%35.95%
Total assets13,537,3589,751,5717,333,79138.82%32.97%
Deposits11,343,7997,985,3895,771,02342.06%38.37%
Total liabilities12,008,2428,672,5966,466,60638.46%34.11%
Total shareholders’ equity1,529,1161,078,975867,18541.72%24.42%

Assets

Loans by Type

The Company has a diversified loan portfolio, with no particular concentration of credit in any one economic sector; however, a substantial portion of the portfolio, including the C&I category, is secured by real estate. The ability of the Company’s borrowers to honor their contractual obligations is partially dependent upon the local economy and its effect on the real estate market.

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio by type of loans:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20212020
Commercial and industrial$3,392,375$3,088,995
Commercial real estate - investor owned2,141,1431,589,419
Commercial real estate - owner occupied2,035,7851,498,408
Construction and land development734,073546,686
Residential real estate454,052319,179
Other260,214182,248
Total loans$9,017,642$7,224,935
December 31,
20212020
Commercial and industrial37.6%42.8%
Commercial real estate - investor owned23.8%22.0%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied22.6%20.7%
Construction and land development8.1%7.6%
Residential real estate5.0%4.4%
Other2.9%2.5%
Total loans100.0%100.0%

C&I loans are made based on the borrower’s ability to generate cash flows for repayment from income sources, general credit strength, experience, and character, even though such loans may also be secured by real estate or other assets. The credit risk related to commercial loans is largely influenced by general economic conditions and the resulting impact on a borrower’s operations. PPP loans of $272.0 million and $698.6 million were included in C&I loans in the tables above at the end of 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The Company continues to focus on originating high-quality C&I relationships as they typically have variable interest rates and allow for cross selling opportunities involving other banking products. C&I loan growth also

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supports our efforts to maintain the Company’s asset-sensitive interest rate risk position. Additionally, our specialized products, especially sponsor finance, life insurance premium financing, and tax credit financing/lending, consist of primarily C&I loans, and have contributed significantly to the Company’s C&I loan growth. These loans are sourced through relationships developed with wealth and estate planning firms and private equity funds and are not bound geographically by our markets. As a result, these specialized loan products offer opportunities to expand and diversify our overall geographic concentration by entering into new markets.

Real estate loans place an emphasis on the estimated cash flows from the operation of the property and/or the underlying collateral value.

•Our commercial real estate loans, including investor-owned and owner-occupied categories, primarily represent multifamily and other commercial property loans on which the primary source of repayment is income from the property. These loans are principally underwritten based on the cash flow coverage of the property, the Company’s loan to value guidelines, and generally require either the limited or full guaranty of principal sponsors of the credit. Commercial real estate loans also represent owner-occupied C&I loans for which the primary source of repayment is dependent on sources other than the underlying collateral.

•Construction and land development loans relating primarily to residential and commercial properties, represent financing secured by real estate under development for eventual sale or undeveloped ground. At December 31, 2021, $289.8 million of these loans include the use of interest reserves and follow standard underwriting guidelines. Construction projects are monitored by the loan officer and a centralized independent loan disbursement function is employed.

•Residential real estate loans include residential mortgages, which are loans that, due to size or other attributes, do not qualify for conventional home mortgages available-for-sale in the secondary market, second mortgages and home equity lines. Residential mortgage loans are usually limited to a maximum of 80% of collateral value at origination.

Other loans represent loans to individuals, loans to state and political subdivisions, loans to nondepository financial institutions, and loans to purchase or are fully secured by investment securities. Credit risk is managed by thoroughly reviewing the creditworthiness of the borrowers prior to origination and thereafter.

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The following table presents a breakdown of loans by NAICS code at December 31, 2021 and 2020:

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
($ in thousands)Outstanding Balance%Outstanding Balance%
Accomodation and Food Services$785,4859%$577,0268%
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services176,6012%167,0232%
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting1195,3422%207,3353%
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation120,8051%110,4222%
Construction580,7316%451,0506%
Educational Services52,0341%53,7081%
Finance and Insurance1,344,38915%1,057,88815%
Health Care and Social Assistance372,1094%320,5564%
Information64,6861%53,6961%
Management of Companies and Enterprises84,1101%54,5631%
Manufacturing613,7257%590,6528%
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction9,771%3,375%
Other Services (except Public Administration)593,1497%509,0067%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services329,0094%304,7014%
Public Administration11,358%13,811%
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing2,462,08827%1,722,63024%
Retail Trade460,7635%398,2516%
Transportation and Warehousing214,1322%151,2732%
Utilities25,393%19,321%
Wholesale Trade445,7715%360,6305%
Other76,1911%98,0181%
Total Loans$9,017,642100%$7,224,935100%
1Includes $95.5 million in animal production and $92.1 million in crop production at December 31, 2021.

The following table presents a breakdown of commercial & industrial loans by size at December 31, 2021.

($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million3,326$921,537$277
$2-5 million289915,6563,168
$5-10 million92627,7286,823
$10 million60927,45415,458
Total3,767$3,392,375$901

The following table presents a breakdown of commercial real estate loans by size at December 31, 2021.

($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million3,300$1,840,760$558
$2-5 million3831,184,2923,092
$5-10 million90626,7336,964
$10 million34525,14315,445
Total3,807$4,176,928$1,097

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The following table presents a breakdown of construction loans by size at December 31, 2021.

($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million539$212,129$394
$2-5 million63200,7753,187
$5-10 million30206,2626,875
$10 million8114,90714,363
Total640$734,073$1,147

The following table presents a breakdown of residential loans by size at December 31, 2021.

($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million2,457$304,224$124
$2-5 million2783,6663,099
$5-10 million854,0196,752
$10 million112,14312,143
Total2,493$454,052$182

The following table presents a breakdown of other loans by size at December 31, 2021.

($ in thousands)Number of LoansOutstanding BalanceAverage Balance
$2 million1,415$154,663$109
$2-5 million1643,3062,707
$5-10 million741,2625,895
$10 million220,98310,491
Total1,440$260,214$181

The following table presents a breakdown of total loans by geographic region at December 31, 2021:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2021
St. Louis$2,153,749
Kansas City785,342
Arizona545,362
New Mexico538,981
California1,715,978
Specialty, PPP and Other loans3,278,230
Total$9,017,642

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The following table illustrates selected specialty lending detail, at December 31, 2021 and 2020:

December 31,First Choice Acquired Loans
($ in thousands)20212020Change% Changeat 12/31/21
C&I$1,538,155$1,103,060$435,09539.4%$298,545
CRE investor owned1,955,0871,420,905534,18237.6%553,986
CRE owner occupied1,112,463825,846286,61734.7%290,876
SBA loans1,241,449895,930345,51938.6%164,094
Sponsor finance508,469396,487111,98228.2%
Life insurance premium financing593,562534,09259,47011.1%
Tax credits486,881382,602104,27927.3%
SBA PPP loans271,958698,645(426,687)(61.1)%149,334
Residential real estate430,985318,091112,89435.5%151,970
Construction and land development625,526474,399151,12731.9%173,969
Other253,107174,87878,22944.7%32,351
Total Loans$9,017,642$7,224,935$1,792,70724.8%$1,815,125

The sponsor finance portfolio is primarily comprised of loans in the manufacturing and wholesale trade sectors. It includes mid-market company mergers and acquisitions, targeted private equity firms, principally SBICs, and senior debt financing to portfolio companies.

The life insurance premium financing category specializes in financing whole life insurance premiums utilized in high net worth estate planning, through relationships with boutique estate planners throughout the United States.

The tax credit portfolio includes tax credit-related lending on affordable housing projects funded through the use of

federal and state low income housing tax credits. In addition, we provide leveraged and other loans on projects funded through the CDFI New Markets Tax Credit Program. This portfolio also includes tax credit brokerage through 10-year streams of Missouri state tax credits from affordable housing development funds. The tax credits are sold to clients and other individuals for tax planning purposes.

SBA 7(a) loans are primarily owner-occupied, commercial real estate loans secured by a 1st lien. These loans predominantly have a 75% portion guaranteed by the SBA.

SBA PPP loans originated in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and are guaranteed by the SBA. The loans may be forgivable by the SBA if certain requirements are met.

Significant loan concentrations are considered to exist for a financial institution when there are amounts loaned to numerous borrowers engaged in similar activities that would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. At December 31, 2021, no significant concentrations exceeding 10% of total loans existed in the Company’s loan portfolio, except as described above.

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The following table presents the maturity distribution of loans at December 31, 2021 categorized by fixed or variable interest rates, net of unearned loan fees:

($ in thousands)Due in One Year or Less (1)After One Through Five YearsAfter Five Through Fifteen YearsAfter Fifteen YearsTotalPercent of Total Loans
Fixed Rate Loans
Commercial and industrial$135,942$549,283$278,445$15,871$979,54111%
Real estate:
Commercial159,9831,240,531374,70824,5321,799,75420%
Construction and land development57,205143,7429,33689210,3722%
Residential24,27275,21413,37731,750144,6132%
Other4,0189,01970,578114,154197,7692%
Total$381,420$2,017,789$746,444$186,396$3,332,04937%
Variable Rate Loans
Commercial and industrial$976,252$1,217,215$206,655$12,712$2,412,83427%
Real estate:
Commercial191,202414,017450,6151,321,3402,377,17426%
Construction and land development164,306171,52895,70392,164523,7016%
Residential32,45836,30276,791163,888309,4393%
Other9,91312,72639,67613062,4451%
Total$1,374,131$1,851,788$869,440$1,590,234$5,685,59363%
Total Loans
Commercial and industrial$1,112,194$1,766,498$485,100$28,583$3,392,37538%
Real estate:
Commercial351,1851,654,548825,3231,345,8724,176,92846%
Construction and land development221,511315,270105,03992,253734,0738%
Residential56,730111,51690,168195,638454,0525%
Other13,93121,745110,254114,284260,2143%
Total$1,755,551$3,869,577$1,615,884$1,776,630$9,017,642100%

(1) Includes loans with no stated maturity and overdraft lines of credit.

The majority of variable loans are based on the prime rate or LIBOR. At December 31, 2021, $3.2 billion or 57% of variable rate loans were subject to an interest rate floor. Most loan originations have one-to three-year maturities. Management monitors this mix as part of its interest rate risk management. See “Interest Rate Risk” of this MD&A section.

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Provision and Allowance for Credit Losses

The adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020 increased the ACL on loans by $28.4 million, or 65%, and the allowance for unfunded commitments by $2.4 million as compared to 2019. These increases were offset in retained earnings and did not impact the consolidated statement of operations.

The provision for credit losses, which includes a provision for losses on unfunded commitments, is a charge to earnings to maintain the ACL at a level consistent with management’s assessment of expected losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The Company also records reversals of interest on nonaccrual loans and interest recoveries directly through the provision of credit losses. CECL requires economic forecasts to be factored into determining estimated losses. As a result, CECL will typically require a higher level of provision at the start of an economic downturn. The decrease in the provision for credit losses in 2021 was primarily due to a change in economic forecasts, which has significantly improved since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Two of the primary economic loss drivers used in estimating the ACL include the percentage change in GDP and unemployment. At December 31, 2021, the Company’s forecast of the percentage change in GDP included a range of (2.2)% to 6.7% and the percentage change in unemployment included a range of 3.0% to 8.7%. At the beginning of the pandemic at March 2020, the forecast of the percentage change in GDP included a range of (9.6)% to 2.1% and the percentage change in unemployment included a range of 6.0% to 13.0%. The Company utilizes a one-year reasonable and supportable forecast and a one-year reversion period.

In the acquisition of First Choice, we recognized an allowance of $7.6 million on PCD loans and an allowance of $23.9 million on non-PCD loans. Similarly, in the acquisition of Seacoast we recognized an allowance of $3.5 million on PCD loans and $8.6 million on non-PCD loans. Pursuant to the CECL accounting methodology, the allowance on PCD loans is recorded as part of the acquired loan portfolio. The allowance on non-PCD loans is established through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the post-combination financial statements.

To the extent the Company does not recognize charge-offs and economic forecasts improve in future periods, the Company could recognize a reversal of provision for credit losses. Conversely, if economic conditions and the Company’s forecast worsens, the Company could recognize elevated levels of provision for credit losses. The provision is also reflective of charge-offs in the period.

The following table presents the components of the provision for credit losses for the periods indicated:

December 31,
(in thousands)20212020
Provision (benefit) for loan losses$(10,911)$54,822
Provision on acquired loans23,9048,557
Provision for off-balance sheet commitments11,9112,877
Provision for held-to-maturity securities165147
Recovery of accrued interest(1,684)(1,005)
Provision for credit losses$13,385$65,398

1 2021 includes $1.5 million as part of the First Choice acquired commitments.

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The following table is a summary of the allocation of the allowance for credit losses for the periods indicated:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20212020
Balance at End of Period Applicable to:AmountPercent of loans in each category to total loansAmountPercent of loans in each category to total loans
Commercial and industrial$63,82537.6%$58,81242.8%
Real estate:
Commercial53,43746.3%49,07442.7%
Construction and land development14,5368.1%21,4137.6%
Residential7,9275.1%4,5854.4%
Other5,3162.9%2,7872.5%
Total allowance$145,041100.0%$136,671100.0%

The allowance for credit losses was 1.61% of total loans at December 31, 2021, compared to 1.89%, and 0.81%, at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decline in the allowance to total loans ratio in 2021 was primarily due to the comparatively lower ACL on the First Choice loan portfolio, net loan charge-offs of $11.6 million, improved credit metrics, and continued improvement in economic forecasts. The increase in the ratio in 2020 compared to 2019 was due to the adoption of CECL and higher provision expense due to the pandemic, partially offset by the acquisition of Seacoast and PPP loans which included $1.3 billion in government-guaranteed loans with no allowance.

The following table is a summary of net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans for the periods indicated:

December 31,
20212020
($ in thousands)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)Average Loans(1)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)/Average LoansNet Charge-offs (Recoveries)Average Loans(1)Net Charge-offs (Recoveries)/Average Loans
Commercial and industrial$10,425$3,195,0170.33%$3,533$2,917,7840.12%
Real estate:
Commercial8103,586,7730.02%(2,607)2,179,246(0.12)%
Construction and land development(451)673,646(0.07)%(136)483,835(0.03)%
Residential558396,7770.14%842337,7590.25%
Other287197,1720.15%275142,3120.19%
Total$11,629$8,049,3850.14%$1,907$6,060,9360.03%

(1) Excludes loans held for sale.

See “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” of this MD&A section for more information on the allowance for credit losses methodology.

Nonperforming loans and assets

See “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for more information on impaired loans and other real estate.

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The following table presents the categories of nonperforming assets, excluding government guaranteed portions:

December 31,
($ in thousands)20212020
Non-accrual loans$23,449$34,818
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest1,716130
Restructured loans2,8593,559
Total nonperforming loans28,02438,507
Other real estate3,4935,330
Total nonperforming assets$31,517$43,837
Total assets$13,537,358$9,751,571
Total loans9,017,6427,224,935
Total allowance for credit losses145,041136,671
Allowance for credit losses to nonaccrual loans619%393%
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans518%355%
Allowance for credit losses to total loans1.61%1.89%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.26%0.48%
Nonperforming loans to total loans0.31%0.53%
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.23%0.45%

Nonperforming loans based on loan type were as follows:

($ in thousands)December 31, 2021Number of loansDecember 31, 2020Number of loans
Commercial and industrial$21,53877%34$21,77057%21
Commercial real estate4,41416%1412,51932%27
Residential real estate2,0487%124,18911%3
Other24%429%33
Total$28,024100%64$38,507100%84

The following table summarizes the changes in nonperforming loans:

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20212020
Nonperforming loans, beginning of period$38,507$26,425
Additions to nonaccrual loans43,35030,424
Charge-offs(17,185)(6,739)
Principal payments(36,648)(18,385)
Nonperforming loans, end of period$28,024$38,507

Nonperforming loans at December 31, 2021 decreased $10.5 million, or 27%, when compared to December 31, 2020. The decrease in nonperforming loans during 2021 was primarily from principal payments of $36.6 million and charge-offs of $17.2 million.

The Company implemented several loan programs to assist its customers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing short-term payment deferrals, primarily for 90 days or less. As of December 31, 2021, substantially all of these loans have returned to a paying status.

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Other real estate

Other real estate at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 was $3.5 million and $5.3 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes the changes in other real estate:

Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)20212020
Other real estate, beginning of period$5,330$6,344
Additions3,175756
Writedowns in value(29)(1,104)
Sales(4,983)(666)
Other real estate, end of period$3,493$5,330

Writedowns in fair value were recorded in loan, legal, and other real estate expense.

Investments

At December 31, 2021, our portfolio of investment securities was $1.8 billion, or 13%, of total assets, compared to $1.4 million, or 14%, of total assets as of December 31, 2020. The portfolio is comprised of both available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities.

The table below sets forth the carrying value of investment securities held by the Company:

December 31,
20212020
($ in thousands)Amount%Amount%
Obligations of U.S. Government sponsored enterprises$173,5119.6%$15,1611.1%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions811,46345.2%592,55642.3%
Agency mortgage-backed securities581,96432.4%639,31445.7%
U.S. Treasury Bills91,1705.1%11,4660.8%
Corporate debt securities138,1937.7%141,99110.1%
Total$1,796,301100.0%$1,400,488100.0%

The allowance for credit losses on held-to-maturity debt securities was $0.6 million and $0.4 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company had no debt securities classified as trading at December 31, 2021, or 2020.

The following table summarizes expected maturity and tax-equivalent yield information on the investment portfolio at December 31, 2021:

Within 1 year1 to 5 years5 to 10 yearsOver 10 yearsTotal
($ in thousands)AmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYieldAmountYield
Obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises$%$142,2921.03%$19,2921.5%$11,9272.36%$173,5111.18%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions1,0484.39%22,8702.35%39,6072.88%747,9382.71%811,4632.71%
Agency mortgage-backed securities22,5412.97%335,2152.83%205,7391.68%18,4691.91%581,9642.40%
U.S. Treasury Bills80,9610.07%10,2092.47%%%91,1700.34%
Corporate debt securities%5,1813.28%133,0123.37%%138,1933.37%
Total$104,5500.74%$515,7672.31%$397,6502.36%$778,3342.69%$1,796,3012.39%

Yields on tax-exempt securities are computed on a taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 25.2%. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities, as borrowers may have the right to call or repay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

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Other investments primarily consist of the FHLB capital stock, common stock investments related to our trust preferred securities, community development funds, and other investments in private equity funds, primarily SBICs.

December 31,
20212020
($ in thousands)Amount%Amount%
FHLB capital stock$12,07520.2%$10,77422.1%
Other investments47,82179.8%37,99177.9%
Total$59,896100.0%$48,765100.0%

The following table summarizes expected maturity and tax-equivalent yield information on other investments at December 31, 2021:

No Stated Maturity
($ in thousands)AmountYield
FHLB capital stock$12,0754.13%
Other investments47,8211.78%
Total$59,8962.25%

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Deposits

The following table shows the breakdown of the Company’s deposits by type:

Years ended December 31,% Increase (decrease)
($ in thousands)202120202021 vs. 2020
Noninterest-bearing demand accounts$4,578,436$2,711,82868.8%
Interest-bearing demand accounts2,465,8841,768,49739.4%
Money market accounts2,890,9762,327,06624.2%
Savings accounts800,210627,90327.4%
Certificates of deposit:
Brokered128,97050,209156.9%
Other479,323499,886(4.1)%
Total deposits$11,343,799$7,985,38942.1%
Noninterest-bearing deposits / Total deposits40%34%

The following table shows the average balance and average rate of the Company’s deposits by type:

Years ended December 31,
202120202019
($ in thousands)Average BalanceAverage Rate PaidAverage BalanceAverage Rate PaidAverage BalanceAverage Rate Paid
Noninterest-bearing deposit accounts$3,597,204%$1,854,982%$1,228,832%
Interest-bearing demand accounts2,122,7520.08%1,494,3640.14%1,286,6410.59%
Money market accounts2,557,8360.181,977,8260.391,608,3491.63
Savings accounts724,7680.03589,8320.05489,3100.17
Certificates of deposit570,4960.73676,8891.61799,0791.90
Total interest-bearing deposits$5,975,8520.18$4,738,9110.44$4,183,3791.19
Total average deposits$9,573,0560.11$6,593,8930.32$5,412,2110.92

Average total deposits were $9.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $3.0 billion, or 45%, from December 31, 2020. The increase in 2021 was primarily due to the First Choice and Seacoast acquisitions and the high level of liquidity in the economy. The increase in 2020 was primarily due to the Seacoast acquisition and PPP loan fundings.

The following table sets forth the maturities of estimated uninsured certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2021:

($ in thousands)Total
Three months or less$15,074
Over three through six months9,098
Over six through twelve months47,855
Over twelve months21,645
Total$93,672

As of December 31, 2021, estimated uninsured deposits totaled $5.9 billion, including $93.7 million of certificates of deposit. At December 31, 2020, estimated uninsured deposits totaled $3.3 billion.

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Shareholders’ equity

Shareholders’ equity totaled $1.5 billion at December 31, 2021, an increase of $450.1 million, or 42%, from December 31, 2020.

Significant activity during the year ended December 31, 2021 included the following:

•increase from the issuance of approximately 7.8 million shares of common stock for the First Choice acquisition reflecting $342.3 million of consideration;

•increase from net income of $133.1 million;

•increase from issuance of preferred stock of $72.0 million, net;

•decrease from share repurchases of $60.6 million, pursuant to the Company’s publicly-announced stock repurchase program;

•decrease from dividends paid on common stock of $26.2 million; and

•net decrease in fair value of available-for-sale securities and cash flow hedges of $18.3 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

The objective of liquidity management is to ensure we have the ability to generate sufficient cash or cash equivalents in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet our commitments as they become due. Typical demands on liquidity are changes in deposit levels, maturing time deposits which are not renewed, and fundings under credit commitments to customers. Funds are available from a number of sources, such as the core deposit base and loan and security repayments and maturities.

Additionally, liquidity is provided from lines of credit with the FHLB, the Federal Reserve, and correspondent banks; the ability to acquire large and brokered deposits; sales of the securities portfolio; and the ability to sell loan participations to other banks. These alternatives are an important part of our liquidity plan and provide flexibility and efficient execution of the asset-liability management strategy.

The Company’s Asset-Liability Management Committee oversees our liquidity position, the parameters of which are approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors. Our liquidity position is monitored daily. Our liquidity management framework includes measurement of several key elements, such as a loan to deposit ratio, a liquidity ratio, and a dependency ratio. The Company’s liquidity framework also incorporates contingency planning to assess the nature and volatility of funding sources and to determine alternatives to these sources. While core deposits and loan and investment repayments are principal sources of liquidity, funding diversification is another key element of liquidity management and is achieved by strategically varying depositor types, terms, funding markets, and instruments.

Liquidity from assets is available primarily from cash balances and the investment portfolio. Cash and interest-bearing deposits with other banks totaled $2.0 billion at December 31, 2021, compared to $537.7 million at December 31, 2020. The low interest rate environment, coupled with an uncertain outlook and government stimulus, such as the PPP, has increased liquidity within the banking industry, including the Company. Investment securities are another important tool to the Company’s liquidity objectives. Securities totaled $1.8 billion at December 31, 2021, and included $753 million pledged as collateral for deposits of public institutions, treasury, loan notes, and other requirements. The remaining $1.0 billion could be pledged or sold to enhance liquidity, if necessary.

Liability liquidity funding sources are available to increase financial flexibility. In addition to amounts borrowed at December 31, 2021, the Company could borrow an additional $709 million from the FHLB of Des Moines under blanket loan pledges and has additional real estate loans of approximately $970.0 million that could be pledged. The Company also has $1.1 billion available from the Federal Reserve Bank under a pledged loan agreement. The Company also has unsecured federal funds lines with six correspondent banks totaling $90 million.

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In the normal course of business, the Company enters into certain forms of off-balance sheet transactions, including unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit. These transactions are managed through the Company’s various risk management processes. Management considers both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet transactions in its evaluation of the Company’s liquidity. The Company has $2.6 billion in unused commitments as of December 31, 2021. While this commitment level would exhaust the majority the Company’s current liquidity resources, the nature of these commitments is such that the likelihood of funding them in the aggregate at any one time is low.

At the holding company level, our primary funding sources are dividends and payments from the Bank and proceeds from the issuance of equity (i.e. stock option exercises, stock offerings) and debt instruments. The main use of this liquidity is to provide the funds necessary to pay dividends to shareholders, service debt, invest in subsidiaries as necessary, and satisfy other operating requirements. In 2021, the holding company maintained a revolving line of credit for an aggregate amount up to $25 million, all of which was available at December 31, 2021. The line of credit has a one-year term that was renewed in February 2022. The proceeds can be used for general corporate purposes.

The Company has an effective automatic shelf registration statement on Form S-3 allowing for the issuance of various forms of equity and debt securities. The Company’s ability to offer securities pursuant to the registration statement depends on market conditions and the Company’s continuing eligibility to use the Form S-3 under rules of the SEC.

Strong capital ratios, credit quality and core earnings are essential to retaining cost-effective access to the wholesale funding markets. Deterioration in any of these factors could have a negative impact on the Company’s ability to access these funding sources and, as a result, these factors are monitored on an ongoing basis as part of the liquidity management process. The Bank is subject to regulations and, among other things, may be limited in its ability to pay dividends or transfer funds to the parent company. Accordingly, consolidated cash flows as presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows may not represent cash immediately available for the payment of cash dividends to the Company’s shareholders or for other cash needs.

Through the normal course of operations, the Company has entered into certain contractual obligations and other commitments. Such obligations relate to funding of operations through deposits or debt issuances, as well as leases for premises and equipment. As a financial services provider, the Company routinely enters into commitments to extend credit. While contractual obligations represent future cash requirements of the Company, a significant portion of commitments to extend credit may expire without being drawn upon. Such commitments are subject to the same credit policies and approval process accorded to loans made by the Company. The Company also enters into derivative contracts under which the Company either receives cash from or pays cash to counterparties depending on changes in interest rates. Derivative contracts are carried at fair value on the consolidated balance sheet with the fair value representing the net present value of expected future cash receipts or payments based on market interest rates as of the balance sheet date. The fair value of these contracts changes daily as market interest rates change. For additional information on the Company’s contractual obligations and commitments see the following footnotes in Item 8: “Note 6 – Leases,” “Note 7 – Derivative Financial Instruments,” “Note 11 – Subordinated Debentures,” “Note 12 – Federal Home Loan Bank Advances,” “Note 13 – Other Borrowings,” and “Note 18 – Commitments.”

Capital Resources

The Company and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possible additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements and results of operations of the Company. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and its bank affiliate must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The banking affiliate’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

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Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the following table) of total and tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and of tier 1 capital to average assets. To be categorized as “well-capitalized”, banks must maintain minimum total risk-based (10%), tier 1 risk-based (8%), common equity tier 1 risk-based (6.5%), and tier 1 leverage ratios (5%). As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

The Bank met the definition of “well-capitalized” at each of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Refer to “Item 8. Note 15 – Regulatory Capital” for a summary of our risk-based capital and leverage ratios.

The following table summarizes the Company’s capital ratios:

December 31, 2021December 31, 2020
($ in thousands)EFSCBankEFSCBankTo Be Well-CapitalizedMinimum Ratio with CCB
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets11.3%12.5%10.9%12.5%6.5%7.0%
Tier 1 Capital to Risk Weighted Assets13.0%12.5%12.1%12.5%8.0%8.5%
Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets14.7%13.5%14.9%13.7%10.0%10.5%
Leverage Ratio (Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets)9.7%9.3%10.0%10.3%5.0%4.0%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets18.1%8.4%
Common equity tier 1 capital$1,091,823$1,201,340$795,873$913,116
Tier 1 capital1,257,4621,201,391889,527913,169
Total risk-based capital1,423,0361,303,7151,094,6011,004,839
1 Not a required regulatory capital ratio

The Company believes the tangible common equity and regulatory capital ratios are important measures of capital strength even though they are considered to be non-GAAP measures. The tables included in this MD&A section under the caption “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” reconcile these ratios to U.S. GAAP.

Risk Management

Market risk arises from exposure to changes in interest rates and other relevant market rate or price risk. The Company faces market risk in the form of interest rate risk through transactions other than trading activities. Market risk from these activities, in the form of interest rate risk, is measured and managed through a number of methods. The Company uses financial modeling techniques to measure interest rate risk. These techniques measure the sensitivity of future earnings due to changing interest rate environments. Guidelines established by the Bank’s Asset/Liability Management Committee and approved by the Bank’s Board of Directors are used to monitor exposure of earnings at risk. General interest rate movements are used to develop sensitivity as management believes it has no primary exposure to a specific point on the yield curve. These limits are based on the Company’s exposure to immediate and sustained parallel rate movements, either upward or downward. The Company does not have any direct market risk from commodity exposures.

Interest Rate Risk

Our interest rate risk management practices are aimed at optimizing net interest income, while guarding against deterioration that could be caused by certain interest rate scenarios. Interest rate sensitivity varies with different types of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. We attempt to maintain interest-earning assets, comprised primarily of both loans and investments, and interest-bearing liabilities, comprised primarily of deposits, maturing or repricing in similar time horizons in order to manage any impact from market interest rate changes according to our risk tolerance. The Company uses an earnings simulation model to measure earnings sensitivity to changing rates.

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The Company determines the sensitivity of its short-term future earnings to a hypothetical plus or minus 100 to 300 basis point parallel rate shock through the use of simulation modeling. The simulation of earnings includes the modeling of the balance sheet as an ongoing entity. Future business assumptions involving administered rate products, prepayments for future rate-sensitive balances, and the reinvestment of maturing assets and liabilities are included. These items are then modeled to project net interest income based on a hypothetical change in interest rates. The resulting net interest income for the next 12-month period is compared to the net interest income amount calculated using flat rates. This difference represents the Company’s earnings sensitivity to a positive or negative parallel rate shock.

The following table summarizes the projected impact of interest rate shocks on net interest income at December 31, 2021:

Rate Shock1Annual % change in net interest income
+ 300 bp22.9%
+ 200 bp14.1%
+ 100 bp5.6%
1 Due to the current levels of interest rates, the downward shock scenarios are not shown.

In addition to the rate shocks shown in the table above, the Company models net interest income under various dynamic interest rate scenarios. In general, changes in interest rates are positively correlated with changes in net interest income.

The Company occasionally uses interest rate derivative instruments as an asset/liability management tool to hedge mismatches in interest rate exposure indicated by the net interest income simulation described above. They are used to modify the Company’s exposures to interest rate fluctuations and provide more stable spreads between loan yields and the rate on their funding sources. At December 31, 2021, the Company had $62.0 million in derivative contracts used to manage interest rate risk. Derivative financial instruments are also discussed in “Item 8. Note 7 – Derivative Financial Instruments.”

The FCA has announced that the most common USD LIBOR settings (overnight, 1-month. 3-month, 6-month and 12-month) will cease publication after June 30, 2023. LIBOR is the most liquid and common interest rate index in the world and is commonly referenced in financial instruments. The Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rates Committee has proposed that SOFR replace LIBOR. The Company expects to select a replacement index and provide customer notification in early 2023, prior to the cessation of the USD LIBOR settings. While a replacement index has not yet been selected, the Company ceased using LIBOR and ICE swap rates in new contracts and began issuing SOFR based loans in December 2021.

We have exposure to LIBOR in various financial contracts. Instruments that may be impacted include loans, securities, debt instruments and derivatives, among other financial contracts indexed to LIBOR and that mature after December 31, 2021. We also have loans that are indirectly linked to LIBOR through reference to the ICE swap rate. We have an internal working group composed of members from legal, credit, finance, operations, risk and audit to monitor developments, develop policies and procedures, assess the impact to the Company, consider relevant options and to determine an appropriate replacement index for affected contracts that expire after the expected discontinuation of LIBOR on June 30, 2023. We are actively working to amend and address impacted contracts to allow for a replacement index. However, amending certain contracts indexed to LIBOR may require consent from the counterparties which could be difficult and costly to obtain in certain circumstances. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s financial contracts indexed to LIBOR included $2.8 billion in loans (including $618.4 million indirectly linked to LIBOR through reference to an ICE swap rate), $125.3 million in borrowings, and $889.0 million (notional) in derivatives.

In addition, LIBOR is used in the Company’s analysis of the fair value of tax credits and may be referenced in other financial contracts not included in the discussion above.

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The Company had $5.7 billion in variable rate loans as of December 31, 2021. Of these loans, $3.2 billion have an interest rate floor and 95% of those loans were at the floor. $2.8 billion in variable rate loans are indexed to LIBOR, $2.4 billion are indexed to the prime rate, and $382.8 million are indexed to other rates.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The following accounting policies are considered most critical to the understanding of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. These critical accounting policies require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain. Because these estimates and judgments are based on current circumstances, they may change over time or prove to be inaccurate based on actual experience. In the event that different assumptions or conditions were to prevail, and depending upon the severity of such changes, the possibility of a materially different financial condition and/or results of operations could reasonably be expected. The impact and any associated risks related to our critical accounting policies on our business operations are discussed throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” where such policies affect our reported and expected financial results. For a detailed discussion on the application of these and other accounting policies, see “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

The Company has prepared all of the consolidated financial information in this report in accordance with GAAP. The Company makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are based on management’s best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using loss experience and other factors, including the current economic environment, which management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. As future events and their effects cannot be determined with precision, actual results could differ significantly from these estimates. Changes in estimates resulting from continuing changes in the economic environment will be reflected in the financial statements in future periods. There can be no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates.

Allowance for Credit Losses

On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update 2016-13 “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” This standard, referred to as CECL, requires an estimate of lifetime expected credit losses on certain financial assets measured at amortized cost.

The Company maintains separate allowances for funded loans, unfunded loans, and held-to-maturity securities, collectively the ACL. The ACL is a valuation account to adjust the cost basis to the amount expected to be collected, based on management’s estimate of experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. For purposes of determining the allowance for funded and unfunded loans, the portfolios are segregated into pools that share similar risk characteristics that are then further segregated by credit grades. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis and are not included in the collective evaluation. The Company estimates the amount of the allowance based on loan loss experience, adjusted for current and forecasted economic conditions, including unemployment, changes in GDP, and commercial and residential real estate prices. The Company’s forecast of economic conditions uses internal and external information and considers a weighted average of a baseline, upside, and downside scenarios. Because economic conditions can change and are difficult to predict, the anticipated amount of estimated loan defaults and losses, and therefore the adequacy of the allowance, could change significantly and have a direct impact on the Company’s credit costs. The Company’s allowance for credit losses on loans was $145.0 million at December 31, 2021 based on the weighting of the different economic scenarios. As a hypothetical example, if the Company had only used the upside scenario, the allowance would have decreased $20.5 million. Conversely, the allowance would have increased $43.9 million using only the downside scenario.

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Acquisitions

Acquisitions and Business Combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. The assets and liabilities of the acquired entities have been recorded at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired, including the amount assigned to identifiable intangible assets.

The purchase price allocation process requires an estimation of the fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. When a business combination agreement provides for an adjustment to the cost of the combination contingent on future events, the Company includes an estimate of the acquisition-date fair value as part of the cost of the combination. To determine the fair values, the Company relies on third party valuations, such as appraisals, or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analyses or other valuation techniques. The results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements from the respective date of acquisition. Merger-related costs are costs the Company incurs to effect a business combination. Merger-related expenses include costs directly related to merger or acquisition activity and include legal and professional fees, system consolidation and conversion costs, and compensation costs such as severance and retention incentives for employees impacted by acquisition activity. The Company accounts for merger-related costs as expenses in the periods in which the costs are incurred and the services are received.

Income Taxes

Management uses certain assumptions and estimates in determining income taxes payable or refundable for the current year, deferred income tax assets and liabilities and income tax expense. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance may be established. We consider the determination of this valuation allowance to be a critical accounting policy because of the need to exercise significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of deferred tax liabilities and assets, including projections of future taxable income. These judgments and estimates are reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets may be required in the future if the amounts of taxes recoverable through loss carry backs decline, if we project lower levels of future taxable income, or we project lower levels of tax planning strategies. Such valuation allowance would be established through a charge to income tax expense that would adversely affect our operating results.

Effects of New Accounting Pronouncements

See “Item 8. Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – Recent Accounting Pronouncements” for information on recent accounting pronouncements and their impact, if any, on our consolidated financial statements.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company’s accounting and reporting policies conform to U.S. GAAP and the prevailing practices in the banking industry. However, the Company provides other financial measures, such as core efficiency ratio, tangible common equity ratio, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible book value per common share, in this report that are considered “non-GAAP financial measures.” Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure is a numerical measure of a company’s financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that exclude (or include) amounts that are included in (or excluded from) the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP.

The Company considers its core efficiency ratio, tangible common equity ratio, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible book value per common share, collectively “core performance measures” presented in this report, as relevant measures of financial performance, even though they are non-GAAP measures, as they provide supplemental information by which to evaluate the impact of certain non-comparable items, and the Company’s operating performance on an ongoing basis. Core performance measures exclude certain other income and expense items such as merger-related expenses, facilities charges, and the gain or loss on sale of investment securities, which

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the Company believes to be not indicative of or useful to measure the Company’s operating performance on an ongoing basis. The attached tables contain a reconciliation of these core performance measures to the GAAP measures. The Company believes that the tangible common equity ratio provides useful information to investors about the Company’s capital strength even though it is considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure and is not part of the regulatory capital requirements to which the Company is subject.

The Company believes these non-GAAP measures and ratios, when taken together with the corresponding GAAP measures and ratios, provide meaningful supplemental information regarding the Company’s performance and capital strength. The Company’s management uses, and believes investors benefit from referring to, these non-GAAP measures and ratios in assessing the Company’s operating results and related trends and when forecasting future periods. However, these non-GAAP measures and ratios should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for or preferable to, ratios prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company has provided a reconciliation of, where applicable, the most comparable GAAP financial measures and ratios to the non-GAAP financial measures and ratios, or a reconciliation of the non-GAAP calculation of the financial measure for the periods indicated.

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Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Core Efficiency Ratio

For the Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202120202019
Net interest income$360,194$270,001$238,717
Less incremental accretion income4,0834,783
Core net interest income360,194265,918233,934
Total noninterest income67,74354,50349,176
Less gain on sale of other real estate884
Less other income from non-core acquired assets1,372
Less gain on sale of investment securities421243
Less other non-core income265266
Core noninterest income66,85953,81747,295
Total core revenue$427,053$319,735$281,229
Total noninterest expense$245,919$167,159$165,485
Less merger-related expenses22,0824,17417,969
Less branch-closure expenses3,441
Less other non-core expenses57257
Core noninterest expense$220,396$162,928$147,259
Core efficiency ratio51.61%50.96%52.36%

Tangible Common Equity and Tangible Common Equity Ratio

For the Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202120202019
Total shareholders' equity$1,529,116$1,078,975$867,185
Less preferred stock71,988
Less goodwill365,164260,567210,344
Less intangible assets22,28623,08426,076
Tangible common equity$1,069,678$795,324$630,765
Total assets$13,537,358$9,751,571$7,333,791
Less goodwill365,164260,567210,344
Less intangible assets22,28623,08426,076
Tangible assets$13,149,908$9,467,920$7,097,371
Tangible common equity to tangible assets8.13%8.40%8.89%

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Return on Average Tangible Common Equity

For the Years ended December 31,
($ in thousands)202120202019
Average shareholder’s equity$1,277,153$902,875$795,477
Less average preferred stock8,903
Less average goodwill307,614217,205193,804
Less average intangible assets22,46023,55124,957
Average tangible common equity$938,176$662,119$576,716
Net Income$133,055$74,384$92,739
Return on average tangible common equity14.18%11.23%16.08%

Tangible Book Value Per Common Share

For the Years ended December 31,
($ and shares in thousands)202120202019
Tangible common equity (calculated above)$1,069,678$795,324$630,765
Period end shares outstanding37,82031,21026,543
Tangible book value per common share$28.28$25.48$23.76