Finward Bancorp (FNWD) FY 2022 MD&A

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

General

The Bancorp's earnings are dependent upon the earnings of the Bank. The Bank's earnings are primarily dependent upon net interest margin. The net interest margin is the difference between interest income earned on loans and investments and interest expense paid on deposits and borrowings stated as a percentage of average interest earning assets. The net interest margin is perhaps the clearest indicator of a financial institution's ability to generate core earnings. Fees and service charges, wealth management operations income, gains and losses from the sale of assets, provisions for loan losses, income taxes and operating expenses also affect the Bancorp's profitability.

A summary of the Bancorp’s significant accounting policies are detailed in Note 1 to the Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements included in this report. Preparing financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the disclosures provided. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates associated with the allowance for loan losses are particularly susceptible to material change in the near term.

At December 31, 2022, the Bancorp had total assets of $2.1 billion and total deposits of $1.8 billion. The Bancorp's deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) that is administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), an agency of the federal government. At December 31, 2022, stockholders' equity totaled $136.4 million, with book value per share at $31.73. Net income for 2022 was $15.1 million, or $3.60 diluted earnings per common share. The return on average assets was 0.74%, while the return on average stockholders’ equity was 10.47%.

On January 31, 2022, the Bancorp completed its acquisition of Royal Financial, Inc. (“RYFL”) pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated July 28, 2021 (the “Merger Agreement”) between the Bancorp and RYFL. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, RYFL merged with and into the Bancorp, with the Bancorp as the surviving corporation (the “RYFL Merger”). Simultaneous with the RYFL Merger, Royal Savings Bank, an Illinois state-chartered savings bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of RYFL, merged with and into the Bank, with the Bank as the surviving institution.

Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, RYFL stockholders who owned 101 or more shares of RYFL common stock were permitted to elect to receive either 0.4609 shares of Finward common stock or $20.14 in cash, or a combination of both, for each share of RYFL common stock owned, subject to proration and allocation provisions, such that 65% of the shares of RYFL common stock outstanding immediately prior to the closing of the merger were converted into the right to receive shares of Finward common stock and the remaining 35% of the outstanding RYFL shares were converted into the right to receive cash. Stockholders holding less than 101 shares of RYFL common stock received fixed consideration of $20.14 in cash and no stock consideration for each share of RYFL common stock.

As a result of RYFL stockholder stock and cash elections and the related allocation and proration provisions of the Merger Agreement, Finward issued 795,423 shares of its common stock and paid cash consideration of approximately $18.7 million in the RYFL Merger. Based on the closing price of Finward’s common stock on January 28, 2022, the transaction had an implied valuation of approximately $56.7 million. The acquisition further expanded the Bank’s banking center network in Cook County and DuPage County, Illinois, expanding the Bank’s full-service retail banking network.

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Financial Condition

During the year ended December 31, 2022, total assets increased by $449.6 million (27.7%), to $2.1 billion, with interest-earning assets increasing by $382.4 million (25.1%). At December 31, 2022, interest‑earning assets totaled $1.9 billion and represented 92.1% of total assets. Loans totaled $1.5 billion and represented 79.4% of interest-earning assets, 73.1% of total assets and 85.3% of total deposits. The loan portfolio, which is the Bancorp’s largest asset, is a significant source of both interest and fee income.

The Bancorp is primarily a portfolio lender. Mortgage banking activities historically have been limited to the sale of fixed rate mortgage loans with contractual maturities greater than 15 years. These loans are identified as held for sale when originated and sold, on a loan-by-loan basis, in the secondary market. The Bancorp will also retain fixed rate mortgage loans with a contractual maturity greater than 15 years on a limited basis. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Bancorp originated $44.9 million in new fixed rate mortgage loans for sale, compared to $153.1 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, the Bancorp originated $105.4 million in new mortgage loans retained in its portfolio, compared to $45.1 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. These retained loans are primarily construction loans and adjustable-rate loans with a fixed-rate period of 7 years or less, and the Bank continues to sell longer-duration fixed rate mortgages into the secondary market. Net gains realized from the mortgage loan sales totaled $1.4 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $5.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2022, the Bancorp had $1.5 million in loans that were classified as held for sale, compared to $5.0 million at December 31, 2021.

Non-performing loans include those loans that are 90 days or more past due and accruing and those loans that have been placed on non-accrual status. At December 31, 2022, all non-performing loans are also accounted for on a non-accrual basis, except for two residential real estate loans totaling $166 thousand, and one consumer manufactured loan totaling $82 thousand that remained accruing and more than 90 days past due.

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The Bancorp's nonperforming loans are summarized below:

Substandard loans include non-performing loans and potential problem loans, where information about possible credit issues or other conditions causes management to question the ability of such borrowers to comply with loan covenants or repayment terms. No loans were internally classified as doubtful or loss at December 31, 2022 or December 31, 2021.

The Bancorp's substandard loans are summarized below:

In addition to identifying and monitoring non-performing and other classified loans, management maintains a list of special mention loans. Special mention loans represent loans management is closely monitoring due to one or more factors that may cause the loan to become classified as substandard.

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The Bancorp's special mention loans are summarized below:

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that a borrower will be unable to pay all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Typically, management does not individually classify smaller-balance homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgages or consumer loans, as impaired, unless they are troubled debt restructurings.

Purchased loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on their purchase date. Purchased loans with evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination are considered purchased credit impaired loans. Expected future cash flows at the purchase date in excess of the fair value of loans are recorded as interest income over the life of the loans if the timing and amount of the future cash flows is reasonably estimable (“accretable yield”). The difference between contractually required payments and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition is referred to as the non-accretable difference and represents probable losses in the portfolio. In determining the acquisition date fair value of purchased credit impaired loans, and in subsequent accounting, the Bancorp aggregates these purchased loans into pools of loans by common risk characteristics, such as credit risk rating and loan type. Subsequent to the purchase date, increases in cash flows over those expected at the purchase date are recognized as interest income prospectively. Subsequent decreases to the expected cash flows will generally result in a provision for loan losses.

The Bancorp's impaired loans, including purchased credit impaired loans, are summarized below:

At times, the Bancorp will modify the terms of a loan to forego a portion of interest or principal or reduce the interest rate on the loan to a rate materially less than market rates, or materially extend the maturity date of a loan as part of a troubled debt restructuring. The valuation basis for the Bancorp’s troubled debt restructurings is based on the present value of expected future cash flows; unless consistent cash flows are not present, then the fair value of the collateral securing the loan is the basis for valuation.

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The Bancorp's troubled debt restructured loans are summarized below:

At December 31, 2022, management is of the opinion that there are no loans, except certain of those discussed above, where known information about possible credit problems of borrowers causes management to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which will imminently result in such loans being classified as past due, non-accrual or a troubled debt restructure. Management does not presently anticipate that any of the non-performing loans or classified loans would materially affect future operations, liquidity or capital resources.

The allowance for loan losses (ALL) is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses, increased by the provision for loan losses, and decreased by charge-offs net of recoveries. A loan is charged off against the allowance by management as a loss when deemed uncollectible, although collection efforts continue and future recoveries may occur. The determination of the amounts of the ALL and provisions for loan losses is based on management’s current judgments about the credit quality of the loan portfolio with consideration given to all known relevant internal and external factors that affect loan collectability as of the reporting date. The appropriateness of the current period provision and the overall adequacy of the ALL are determined through a disciplined and consistently applied quarterly process that reviews the Bancorp’s current credit risk within the loan portfolio and identifies the required allowance for loan losses given the current risk estimates.

The Bancorp's provision for loan losses for the twelve months ended are summarized below:

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The Bancorp's charge-off and recovery information is summarized below:

The ALL provisions take into consideration management’s current judgments about the credit quality of the loan portfolio, loan portfolio balances, changes in the portfolio mix and local economic conditions. In determining the provision for loan losses for the current period, management has considered risks associated with the local economy, changes in loan balances and mix, and asset quality.

In addition, management considers reserves that are not part of the ALL that have been established from acquisition activity. The Bancorp acquired loans for which there was evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and it was determined that it was probable that the Bancorp would be unable to collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. At December 31, 2022, total purchased credit impaired loans nonaccretable and accretable discount totaled $1.5 million compared to $1.4 million at December 31, 2021. Additionally, the Bancorp has acquired loans where there was no evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination and has marked these loans to their fair values. As part of the fair value of loans receivable, a net fair value discount was established for loans acquired and has a balance of $5.5 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $1.1 million at December 31, 2021. Details on these fair value marks and the additional reserves created can be found in Note 4, Loans Receivable.

A deferred cost reserve is maintained for the portfolio of manufactured home loans that have been purchased. This reserve is available for use for manufactured home loan nonperformance and costs associated with nonperformance. If the segment performs in line with expectation, the deferred cost reserve is paid as an origination cost to the third party originator of the loan.

The December 31, 2022, balance in the ALL account is considered adequate by management after evaluation of the loan portfolio, past experience and current economic and market conditions. While management may periodically allocate portions of the allowance for specific problem loans, the whole allowance is available for any loan charge offs that occur. The allocation of the ALL reflects performance and growth trends within the various loan categories, as well as consideration of the facts and circumstances that affect the repayment of individual loans, and loans which have been pooled as of the evaluation date, with particular attention given to non-performing loans and loans which have been classified as substandard, doubtful or loss. Management has allocated reserves to both performing and non-performing loans based on current information available.

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During 2022, net sales of foreclosed real estate totaled $93 thousand and net gains from the 2022 sales totaled $16 thousand.

The primary objective of the Bancorp’s investment portfolio is to provide for the liquidity needs of the Bancorp and to contribute to profitability by providing a stable flow of dependable earnings. Funds are generally invested in federal funds, interest bearing balances in other financial institutions, U.S. government securities, U.S. treasury securities, federal agency obligations, obligations of state and local municipalities and corporate securities. The securities portfolio totaled $370.9 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $526.9 million at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $156.0 million or 29.6%. The decrease is attributable to increased unrealized losses within the portfolio and the use of cashflows from the securities portfolio to fund loan growth. At December 31, 2022, the securities portfolio represented 19.5% of interest-earning assets and 17.9% of total assets compared to 34.6% of interest-earning assets and 32.5% of total assets at December 31, 2021.

As of December 31, 2022, the Bancorp’s two investments in trust preferred securities were in “payment in kind” status. Payment in kind status results in a temporary delay in the payment of interest. As a result of a delay in the collection of the interest payments, management placed these securities on non-accrual status. At December 31, 2022, the cost basis of the two trust preferred securities on non-accrual status totaled $2.2 million.

The Bancorp’s end-of-period investment portfolio and other short-term investments and stock balances were as follows:

The net decrease in interest bearing deposits in other financial institutions is primarily the result of the timing of investments in interest earning assets relative to the inflow and outflow of deposits and repurchase agreements.

Deposits are a fundamental and cost-effective source of funds for lending and other investment purposes. The Bancorp offers a variety of products designed to attract and retain customers, with the primary focus on building and expanding relationships.

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The Bancorp’s end-of-period deposit portfolio balances were as follows:

The overall increase in total deposits was primarily a result of the Royal acquisition, the Bancorp’s efforts to maintain and grow core deposits, and customer preferences for the security and liquidity of the Bancorp’s deposit product offerings.

The Bancorp’s borrowed funds are primarily used to fund asset growth not supported by deposit generation. The Bancorp’s end-of-period borrowing balances were as follows:

Repurchase agreements increased as part of normal account fluctuations within that product line. Borrowed funds increased as short-term FHLB advances were taken during the year, due to cyclical inflows and outflows of interest-earnings assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

For the Bancorp, liquidity management refers to the ability to generate sufficient cash to fund current loan demand, meet deposit withdrawals, and pay dividends and operating expenses. Because profit and liquidity are often conflicting objectives, management attempts to maximize the Bank’s net interest margin by making adequate, but not excessive, liquidity provisions. Furthermore, funds are managed so that future profits will not be significantly impacted as funding costs increase.

Changes in the liquidity position result from operating, investing and financing activities. Cash flows from operating activities are generally the cash effects of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income. The primary investing activities include loan originations, loan repayments, investments in interest bearing balances in financial institutions, and the purchase, sale, and maturity of investment securities. Financing activities focus almost entirely on the generation of customer deposits. In addition, the Bancorp utilizes borrowings (i.e., repurchase agreements, FHLB advances and federal funds purchased) as a source of funds.

During 2022, cash and cash equivalents decreased $1.9 million compared to an increase of $13.3 million for 2021. The primary sources of cash and cash equivalents were cash and cash equivalents from acquisition activity, the sale of loans originated for sale, proceeds from the sale of securities, proceeds from the maturity and paydown of securities, and proceeds from FHLB advances. The primary uses of cash and cash equivalents were the purchase of securities, change in deposits, and loan originations. During 2022, net cash from operating activities totaled $17.8 million, compared to $18.8 million for 2021. Cash provided from operating activities was primarily a result of net income and sale of loans originated for sale, offset by loans originated for sale and net change in other assets, accrued expenses, and other liabilities. Net cash outflows from investing activities totaled $1.1 million during 2022, compared to outflows of $127.7 million during 2021. Cash outflows from investing activities were primarily related to the net change in loans receivable and purchase of securities, offset against the cash and cash equivalents from acquisition activity, net, and proceeds from the sales and maturities of securities. Net cash outflows from financing activities totaled $18.5 million in 2022, compared to net cash inflows of $122.1 million in 2021. The net cash outflows from financing activities were primarily a result of net change in deposits and repayment of FHLB advances, offset against the change in proceeds from FHLB advances. During 2022, the Bancorp’s Board of Directors maintained dividends as earnings and capital continued to be sufficient to warrant the current dividend.

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Management strongly believes that safety and soundness is enhanced by maintaining a high level of capital. Stockholders' equity totaled $136.4 million at December 31, 2022, compared to $156.6 million at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $20.2 million (3.2%). The decrease was primarily the result of an increase in net unrealized losses of available for sale securities of $68.6 million and dividends of $5.3 million, offset against issuance of shares for the acquisition of Royal of $38.0 million and net income of $15.1 million. At December 31, 2022, book value per share was $31.73 compared to $45.00 for 2021.

The following table shows that, at December 31, 2022, the Bank’s capital exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. The dollar amounts are in millions.

The Bancorp’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders is entirely dependent upon the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Bancorp. Under Indiana law, the Bank may pay dividends from its undivided profits (generally, earnings less losses, bad debts, taxes and other operating expenses) as is considered expedient by the Bank’s Board of Directors. However, the Bank must obtain the approval of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) if the total of all dividends declared by the Bank during the current year, including the proposed dividend, would exceed the sum of retained net income for the year to date plus its retained net income for the previous two years. For this purpose, “retained net income,” means net income as calculated for call report purposes, less all dividends declared for the applicable period. An exemption from DFI approval would require that the Bank have been assigned a composite uniform financial institutions rating of 1 or 2 as a result of the most recent federal or state examination; the proposed dividend would not result in a Tier 1 leverage ratio below 7.5%; and that the Bank not be subject to any corrective action, supervisory order, supervisory agreement, or board approved operating agreement. The aggregate amount of dividends that may be declared by the Bank in 2022, without the need for qualifying for an exemption or prior DFI approval, is its 2023 net profits. Moreover, the FDIC and the Federal Reserve Board may prohibit the payment of dividends if it determines that the payment of dividends would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice in light of the financial condition of the Bank. On November 29, 2022, the Board of Directors of the Bancorp declared a fourth quarter dividend of $0.31 per share. The Bancorp’s fourth quarter dividend was paid to shareholders on January 6, 2023.

Results of Operations –

Comparison of 2022 to 2021

Net income for 2022 was $15.1 million, compared to $15.0 million for 2021, an increase of $117 thousand (0.8%). The twelve-month earnings increase is primarily related to higher net interest income, offset again higher noninterest expense and lower noninterest income. The earnings represent a return on average assets of 0.74% for 2022, compared to 0.95% for 2021. The return on average equity was 10.47% for 2022, compared to 9.61% for 2021.

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Net interest income for 2022, was $67.1 million, an increase of $18.6 million (38.2%) from $48.6 million for 2021. The increased net interest margin is primarily related to increased loan balances from the acquisition of Royal, organic loan growth, and the ability to manage deposit and borrowing costs to support earning asset growth. The weighted-average yield on interest-earning assets was 3.81% for 2022, compared to 3.44% for 2021. The weighted-average cost of funds was 0.26% for 2022, compared to 0.15% for 2021. The impact of the 3.81% return on interest earning assets and the 0.26% cost of funds resulted in a net interest spread of 3.55% for 2022, compared to a net interest spread of 3.29% for 2021. During 2022, total interest income increased by $21.4 million (42.2%) while total interest expense increased by $2.8 million (134.9%). The net interest margin was 3.56% for 2022, compared to 3.29% for 2021. The Bancorp’s tax equivalent net interest margin for 2022, was 3.74% compared to 3.51% for 2021. Comparing the net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis more accurately compares the returns on tax-exempt loans and securities to those on taxable interest-earning assets.

The increase in interest earning asset income for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, is primarily related to increased reinvestment rates in 2022 for loans, securities, and excess cash balances, as a result of the Federal Reserve rate increases occurring though out 2022. The increase in interest bearing liability expense is primarily the result of the Bancorp adjusting deposit and repurchase agreement pricing to align with the current interest rate cycle, along with increased borrowing costs as a result of the Federal Reserve rate increases.

The following table shows the change in noninterest income for the year ending December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021.

The increase in fees and service charges is primarily the result of the acquisition of Royal and the resulting increase in our customer base. The decrease in wealth management operations is the result of lower fee income year over year due to market conditions. The decrease in gain on sale of loans is the result of significant refinance activity in 2021 due to the economic and low-rate environment, which resulted in more loans originated and sold in 2021 compared to 2022. We expect demand for fixed rate mortgage loans held-for-sale in the secondary market to be lower as borrowing rates on loans increase. The decrease in gains on the sale of securities is a result of current market conditions and actively repositioning the portfolio.

The following table shows the change in noninterest expense for the year ending December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021.

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The increase in compensation and benefits is primarily the result of the Royal acquisition, management’s continued focus on talent management, and wage inflation. The increase in data processing expense is primarily the result of data conversion expenses related to the acquisition of Royal, increased system utilization due to growth of the Bank, and continued investment in technological advancements such as Salesforce and nCino. The increase in occupancy and equipment expense is primarily related to the Royal acquisition and higher operating costs. Marketing expenses have increased to enhance brand recognition in new markets and gain more wallet share. The increase in impairment charge on assets held for sale is the result of impairment on the carrying value of branches held for sale. The increase in federal deposit insurance premiums is primarily the result of growth of the bank’s average assets. The increase in net loss recognized on sale of premises and equipment is the result of the sale of a branch to reduce future fixed costs, allowing for redeployment of a portion of occupancy expenses into building a digital-forward foundation so that Finward can better serve its customers. The increase in other operating expenses is primarily the result of one-time expenses related to the acquisition of Royal, continued investments in strategic initiatives focusing on growth of the organization, and inflationary pressures.

Income tax expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, totaled $1.5 million, compared to income tax expense of $1.4 for the year ended December 31, 2021, an increase of $64 thousand (4.5%). The combined effective federal and state tax rates for the Bancorp was 8.9% for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to 8.6% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The Bancorp’s higher current effective tax rate is a result of higher earnings relative to tax preferred income.

Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are those accounting policies that management believes are most important to the portrayal of the Bancorp’s financial condition and that require management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. The Bancorp’s most critical accounting policies are summarized below. Other accounting policies, including those related to the fair values of financial instruments and the status of contingencies, are summarized in Note 1 to the Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements.

Valuation of Investment Securities – The fair values of securities available for sale are determined on a recurring basis by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges or pricing models utilizing significant observable inputs such as matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. Different judgments and assumptions used in pricing could result in different estimates of value. In certain cases where market data is not readily available because of lack of market activity or little public disclosure, values may be based on unobservable inputs and classified in Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

At the end of each reporting period securities held in the investment portfolio are evaluated on an individual security level for other-than-temporary impairment in accordance with the Investments – Debt and Equity Securities Topic of the Accounting Standards Codification. Significant judgments are required in determining impairment, which include making assumptions regarding the estimated prepayments, loss assumptions and the change in interest rates.

We consider the following factors when determining an other-than-temporary impairment for a security: The length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than amortized cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; the underlying fundamentals of the relevant market and the outlook for such market for the near future; and an assessment of whether the Bancorp has (1) the intent to sell the debt securities or (2) more likely than not will be required to sell the debt securities before its anticipated market recovery. If either of these conditions is met, management will recognize other-than-temporary impairment. If, in management’s judgment, an other-than-temporary impairment exists, the cost basis of the security will be written down for the credit loss, and the unrealized loss will be transferred from accumulated other comprehensive loss as an immediate reduction of current earnings. Management will utilize an independent valuation specialist to value securities semi-annually for other-than-temporary impairment.

Allowance for Loan Losses – The Bancorp maintains an Allowance for Loan Losses (“ALL”) to absorb probable incurred credit losses that arise from the loan portfolio. The ALL is increased by the provision for loan losses, and decreased by charge-offs net of recoveries. The determination of the amounts of the ALL and provisions for loan losses is based upon management’s current judgments about the credit quality of the loan portfolio with consideration given to all known relevant internal and external factors that affect loan collectability. The methodology used to determine the current year provision and the overall adequacy of the ALL includes a disciplined and consistently applied quarterly process that combines a review of the current position with a risk assessment worksheet. Factors that are taken into consideration in the analysis include an assessment of national and local economic trends, a review of current year loan portfolio growth and changes in portfolio mix, and an assessment of trends for loan delinquencies and loan charge-off activity. Particular attention is given to non-accruing loans and accruing loans past due 90 days or more, and loans that have been classified as substandard, doubtful, or loss. Changes in the provision are directionally consistent with changes in observable data.

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Commercial and industrial, and commercial real estate loans that exhibit credit weaknesses and loans that have been classified as impaired are subject to an individual review. Where appropriate, ALL allocations are made to these loans based on management’s assessment of financial position, current cash flows, collateral values, financial strength of guarantors, industry trends, and economic conditions. ALL allocations for homogeneous loans, such as residential mortgage loans and consumer loans, are based on historical charge-off activity and current delinquency trends. Management has allocated general reserves to both performing and non-performing loans based on historical data and current information available.

Risk factors for non-performing and internally classified loans are based on an analysis of either the projected discounted cash flows or the estimated collateral liquidation value for individual loans defined as substandard or doubtful. Estimated collateral liquidation values are based on established loan underwriting standards and adjusted for current mitigating factors on a loan-by-loan basis. Aggregate substandard loan collateral deficiencies are determined for residential, commercial real estate, commercial business, and consumer loan portfolios. These deficiencies are then stated as a percentage of the total substandard balances to determine the appropriate risk factors.

Risk factors for performing and non-classified loans are based on a weighted average of net charge-offs for the most recent three years, which are then stated as a percentage of average loans for the same period. Historical risk factors are calculated for residential, commercial real estate, commercial business, and consumer loans. The three year weighted average historical factors are then adjusted for current subjective risks attributable to: regional and national economic factors; loan growth and changes in loan composition; organizational structure; composition of loan staff; loan concentrations; policy changes and out of market lending activity.

The risk factors are applied to these types of loans to determine the appropriate level for the ALL. Adjustments may be made to these allocations that reflect management’s judgment on current conditions, delinquency trends, and charge-off activity. Based on the above discussion, management believes that the ALL is currently adequate, but not excessive, given the risk inherent in the loan portfolio.

Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

The financial statements and related data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The primary assets and liabilities of the Bancorp are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on the Bancorp’s performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or magnitude as the prices of goods and services.