Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (LOB)
SIC breadcrumb: Finance, Insurance, And Real Estate > Depository Institutions > SIC 6022 State Commercial Banks
SEC company page: https://www.sec.gov/edgar/browse/?CIK=1462120. Latest filing source: 0001462120-26-000020.
Informational only - descriptive public-record data, not investment advice.
Business
Read LOB's verbatim Item 1 Business section from its latest 10-K: Business.
Risk Factors
Read LOB's verbatim Item 1A Risk Factors from its latest 10-K: Risk Factors.
Selected Fundamentals
| Metric | Value | Unit | FY | Filed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 908,472,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
| Net income | 105,871,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
| Assets | 15,134,778,000 | USD | 2025 | 2026-02-27 |
Financials
Annual standardized facts from SEC companyfacts as of latest extracted filing date 2026-02-27. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001462120.json. Derived margins, ratios, and free cash flow are computed from the extracted annual SEC facts.
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | 57,272,000 | 103,472,000 | 162,643,000 | 227,980,000 | 288,408,000 | 361,213,000 | 444,473,000 | 688,275,000 | 812,372,000 | 908,472,000 |
| Net income | 13,773,000 | 100,499,000 | 51,448,000 | 18,034,000 | 59,543,000 | 166,995,000 | 176,208,000 | 73,898,000 | 77,474,000 | 105,871,000 |
| Diluted EPS | 0.39 | 2.65 | 1.24 | 0.44 | 1.43 | 3.71 | 3.92 | 1.64 | 1.69 | 2.23 |
| Operating cash flow | -221,950,000 | -287,529,000 | 6,294,000 | -482,520,000 | -260,997,000 | -119,717,000 | -300,744,000 | 184,895,000 | 156,780,000 | 158,242,000 |
| Capital expenditures | 10,889,000 | 124,139,000 | 111,322,000 | 37,197,000 | 20,989,000 | 3,082,000 | 43,751,000 | 46,839,000 | 49,307,000 | 14,756,000 |
| Dividends paid | 5,326,000 | 5,405,000 | 5,488,000 | |||||||
| Assets | 1,755,261,000 | 2,758,474,000 | 3,672,937,000 | 4,812,828,000 | 7,872,303,000 | 8,213,393,000 | 9,855,498,000 | 11,271,423,000 | 12,943,380,000 | 15,134,778,000 |
| Liabilities | 1,532,414,000 | 2,321,541,000 | 3,176,889,000 | 4,280,442,000 | 7,304,453,000 | 7,498,260,000 | 9,044,465,000 | 10,368,757,000 | 11,939,884,000 | 13,880,672,000 |
| Stockholders' equity | 222,847,000 | 436,933,000 | 493,560,000 | 532,386,000 | 567,850,000 | 715,133,000 | 811,033,000 | 902,666,000 | 999,030,000 | 1,249,868,000 |
| Free cash flow | -232,839,000 | -411,668,000 | -105,028,000 | -519,717,000 | -281,986,000 | -122,799,000 | -344,495,000 | 138,056,000 | 107,473,000 | 143,486,000 |
Ratios
| Metric | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net margin | 24.05% | 97.13% | 31.63% | 7.91% | 20.65% | 46.23% | 39.64% | 10.74% | 9.54% | 11.65% |
| Return on equity | 6.18% | 23.00% | 10.42% | 3.39% | 10.49% | 23.35% | 21.73% | 8.19% | 7.75% | 8.47% |
| Return on assets | 0.78% | 3.64% | 1.40% | 0.37% | 0.76% | 2.03% | 1.79% | 0.66% | 0.60% | 0.70% |
| Liabilities / equity | 6.88 | 5.31 | 6.44 | 8.04 | 12.86 | 10.49 | 11.15 | 11.49 | 11.95 | 11.11 |
Industry Peer Context
Net margin peer context
ROE peer context
ROA peer context
Financial Bridges
Free cash flow = operating cash flow - capital expenditures
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts FY 2025. Operating cash flow: accession 0001462120-26-000020; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities | Capital expenditures: accession 0001462120-26-000020; concept PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment | Free cash flow: accession 0001462120-26-000020; concept NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities - PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment; source concepts us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities; us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Financial Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001462120-26-000020; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating. Source concepts: us-gaap:InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001462120-26-000020; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001462120-26-000020; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001462120-26-000020; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001462120-26-000020; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001462120-26-000020; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock. Source concepts: us-gaap:PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStock.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001462120-26-000020; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: Assets. Source concepts: us-gaap:Assets.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001462120-26-000020; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: Liabilities. Source concepts: us-gaap:Liabilities.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001462120-26-000020; filed 2026-02-27. Concept: StockholdersEquity. Source concepts: us-gaap:StockholdersEquity.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2025 ended 2025-12-31; accession 0001462120-26-000020; 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 2026-05-05. Source: https://data.sec.gov/api/xbrl/companyfacts/CIK0001462120.json.
| Quarter | End Date | Revenue | Net Income | Diluted EPS | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-Q2 | 2022-06-30 | 2.16 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2022-Q3 | 2022-09-30 | 0.96 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q1 | 2023-03-31 | 0.01 | reported discrete quarter | ||
| 2023-Q2 | 2023-06-30 | 169,712,000 | 17,544,000 | 0.39 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q3 | 2023-09-30 | 180,611,000 | 39,793,000 | 0.88 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2023-Q4 | 2023-12-31 | 186,536,000 | 16,163,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2024-Q1 | 2024-03-31 | 192,420,000 | 27,586,000 | 0.60 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q2 | 2024-06-30 | 198,448,000 | 26,963,000 | 0.59 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q3 | 2024-09-30 | 208,936,000 | 13,025,000 | 0.28 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2024-Q4 | 2024-12-31 | 212,568,000 | 9,900,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2025-Q1 | 2025-03-31 | 213,105,000 | 9,717,000 | 0.21 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q2 | 2025-06-30 | 224,284,000 | 23,428,000 | 0.51 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q3 | 2025-09-30 | 231,428,000 | 26,516,000 | 0.55 | reported discrete quarter |
| 2025-Q4 | 2025-12-31 | 239,655,000 | 46,210,000 | derived Q4 = FY annual - nine-month YTD | |
| 2026-Q1 | 2026-03-31 | 233,864,000 | 30,040,000 | 0.60 | reported discrete quarter |
Quarterly Charts
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001462120-26-000039; filed 2026-05-05. Concept: InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating. Source concepts: us-gaap:InterestAndDividendIncomeOperating.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001462120-26-000039; filed 2026-05-05. Concept: NetIncomeLoss. Source concepts: us-gaap:NetIncomeLoss.
Figure provenance: SEC companyfacts. Latest point: FY 2026 ended 2026-03-31; accession 0001462120-26-000039; filed 2026-05-05. Concept: EarningsPerShareDiluted. Source concepts: us-gaap:EarningsPerShareDiluted.
Macro Cross-References
- CPIAUCSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items in U.S. City Average
- UNRATE - Unemployment Rate
- FEDFUNDS - Federal Funds Effective Rate
- CES0500000003 - Average Hourly Earnings of All Employees, Total Private
- DFEDTARU - Federal Funds Target Range - Upper Limit
- DFEDTARL - Federal Funds Target Range - Lower Limit
- DGS3MO - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 3-Month Constant Maturity
- DGS2 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 2-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS10 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 10-Year Constant Maturity
- DGS30 - Market Yield on U.S. Treasury Securities at 30-Year Constant Maturity
- T10Y2Y - 10-Year Treasury Constant Maturity Minus 2-Year Treasury Constant Maturity
- CPILFESL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: All Items Less Food and Energy
- CPIUFDSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Food
- CPIENGSL - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Energy
- CUSR0000SAH1 - Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Shelter
- PCEPI - Personal Consumption Expenditures: Chain-type Price Index
- PCEPILFE - Personal Consumption Expenditures Excluding Food and Energy: Chain-type Price Index
- PPIACO - Producer Price Index by Commodity: All Commodities
- T10YIE - 10-Year Breakeven Inflation Rate
- U6RATE - Total Unemployed, Plus All Marginally Attached Workers Plus Total Employed Part Time for Economic Reasons
- PAYEMS - All Employees, Total Nonfarm
- CIVPART - Labor Force Participation Rate
- EMRATIO - Employment-Population Ratio
- UNEMPLOY - Unemployed
- CE16OV - Employment Level
- ICSA - Initial Claims
- JTSJOL - Job Openings: Total Nonfarm
- JTSQUR - Quits: Total Nonfarm
- GDPC1 - Real Gross Domestic Product
- A191RL1Q225SBEA - Real Gross Domestic Product: Percent Change from Preceding Period
- INDPRO - Industrial Production: Total Index
- TCU - Capacity Utilization: Total Index
- HOUST - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Started: Total Units
- PERMIT - New Privately-Owned Housing Units Authorized in Permit-Issuing Places: Total Units
- RSAFS - Advance Retail Sales: Retail Trade
- PCE - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- DSPIC96 - Real Disposable Personal Income
- PSAVERT - Personal Saving Rate
- M2SL - M2
- BOPGSTB - U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services: Balance
- MSPUS - Median Sales Price of Houses Sold for the United States
- HSN1F - New One Family Houses Sold: United States
- RHORUSQ156N - Homeownership Rate in the United States
- TTLCONS - Total Construction Spending: Total Construction in the United States
- RRVRUSQ156N - Rental Vacancy Rate in the United States
- TOTALSL - Total Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- REVOLSL - Revolving Consumer Credit Owned and Securitized
- DRCCLACBS - Delinquency Rate on Credit Card Loans, All Commercial Banks
- GDP - Gross Domestic Product
- GPDI - Gross Private Domestic Investment
- GCE - Government Consumption Expenditures and Gross Investment
- PCEC - Personal Consumption Expenditures
- NETEXP - Net Exports of Goods and Services
- GFDEBTN - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt
- GFDEGDQ188S - Federal Debt: Total Public Debt as Percent of Gross Domestic Product
- FYFSD - Federal Surplus or Deficit
- FGRECPT - Federal Government Current Receipts
- FGEXPND - Federal Government: Current Expenditures
- MANEMP - All Employees, Manufacturing
- USCONS - All Employees, Construction
- USTRADE - All Employees, Retail Trade
- USFIRE - All Employees, Financial Activities
- USGOVT - All Employees, Government
- AWHAETP - Average Weekly Hours of All Employees, Total Private
- DGORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Durable Goods
- NEWORDER - Manufacturers' New Orders: Nondefense Capital Goods Excluding Aircraft
- BUSINV - Total Business Inventories
- EXPGS - Exports of Goods and Services
- IMPGS - Imports of Goods and Services
- IR - Import Price Index (End Use): All Commodities
- PPIFIS - Producer Price Index by Commodity: Final Demand
Latest quarter (10-Q)
Latest 10-Q source: 0001462120-26-000039.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following presents management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations of Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (individually, “Bancshares” and collectively with its subsidiaries including Live Oak Banking Company, the “Company”). This discussion should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 (the “2025 Form 10-K”). Results of operations for the periods included in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q are not necessarily indicative of results to be obtained during any future period.
Important Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains statements that management believes are forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These statements generally relate to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business of Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”). They usually can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “believes,” “expects,” or “are expected to,” “plans,” “projects,” “goals,” “estimates,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “continues,” “intends to,” “outlook” or “anticipates,” or variations of these and similar words, or by discussions of strategies that involve risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on these statements, as they are subject to risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to, those described in this Report. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risks and uncertainties, as well as any cautionary statements management may make. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information actually known to the Company at the time. Management undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Forward-looking statements contained in this Report are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about the Company’s business, management’s beliefs and assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of the Company’s future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, without limitation:
•deterioration in the financial condition of borrowers resulting in significant increases in the Company’s provision for credit losses and other adverse impacts to results of operations and financial condition;
•changes in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) rules, regulations and loan products, including specifically the Section 7(a) program, changes in SBA standard operating procedures or changes to the status of Live Oak Banking Company (the “Bank”) as an SBA Preferred Lender;
•changes in rules, regulations or procedures for other government loan programs, including those of the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”);
•changes in interest rates that affect the level and composition of deposits, loan demand and the values of loan collateral, securities, and interest-sensitive assets and liabilities;
•the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for possible credit losses;
•changes in loan underwriting, credit review or loss reserve policies associated with economic conditions, examination conclusions, or regulatory developments;
•adverse developments in the banking industry highlighted by high-profile bank failures and the potential impact of such developments on customer confidence, liquidity, and regulatory responses to these developments;
•the impacts of any pandemic or public health situation on trade (including supply chains and export levels), travel, employee productivity and other economic activities that may have a destabilizing and negative effect on financial markets, economic activity and customer behavior;
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•risks relating to the deployment and use of artificial intelligence by the Company, its customers, and counterparties;
•a reduction in or the termination of the Company’s ability to use the technology-based platform that is critical to the success of the Company’s business model, including a failure in or a breach of the Company’s operational or security systems or those of its third-party service providers;
•risks relating to the material weaknesses we identified in our internal control over financial reporting;
•technological risks and developments, including cyber threats, attacks, or events;
•changes in financial market conditions, either internationally, nationally or locally in areas in which the Company conducts operations, including reductions in rates of business formation and growth, demand for the Company’s products and services, commercial and residential real estate development and prices, premiums paid in the secondary market for the sale of loans, and valuation of servicing rights;
•changes in accounting principles, policies, and guidelines applicable to bank holding companies and banking;
•fluctuations in markets for equity, fixed-income, commercial paper and other securities, which could affect availability, market liquidity levels, and pricing;
•the effects of competition from other commercial banks, non-bank lenders, consumer finance companies, credit unions, securities brokerage firms, insurance companies, money market and mutual funds, and other financial institutions operating in the Company’s market area and elsewhere, including institutions operating regionally, nationally and internationally, together with such competitors offering banking products and services by mail, telephone and the Internet;
•the Company's ability to attract and retain key personnel;
•changes in governmental monetary and fiscal policies as well as other legislative and regulatory changes, including with respect to SBA or USDA lending programs and investment tax credits;
•changes in tariffs and trade barriers, including potential changes in U.S. and international trade policies and the resulting impact on the Company and its customers;
•a deterioration of the credit rating for U.S. long-term sovereign debt, actions that the U.S. government may take to avoid exceeding the debt ceiling, and uncertainties surrounding the debt ceiling and the federal budget;
•changes in political and economic conditions, including any prolonged U.S. government shutdown;
•the impact of heightened regulatory scrutiny of financial products and services;
•the Company's ability to comply with any requirements imposed on it by regulators, and the potential negative consequences that may result;
•operational, compliance and other factors, including conditions in local areas in which the Company conducts business such as inclement weather or a reduction in the availability of services or products for which loan proceeds will be used, that could prevent or delay closing and funding loans before they can be sold in the secondary market;
•the effect of any mergers, acquisitions or other transactions, to which the Company or the Bank may from time to time be a party, including management’s ability to successfully integrate any businesses acquired;
•adverse results, including related fees and expenses, from pending or future lawsuits, government investigations or private actions;
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•other risk factors listed from time to time in reports that the Company files with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, including those described under “Risk Factors” in this Report; and
•the Company’s success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing.
Except as otherwise disclosed, forward-looking statements do not reflect: (i) the effect of any acquisitions, divestitures or similar transactions that have not been previously disclosed; (ii) any changes in laws, regulations or regulatory interpretations; or (iii) any change in current dividend or repurchase strategies, in each case after the date as of which such statements are made. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any statement, to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Amounts in all tables in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) have been presented in thousands, except percentage, time period, stock option, share and per share data or where otherwise indicated.
Nature of Operations
Bancshares is a financial holding company and a bank holding company headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina incorporated under the laws of North Carolina in December 2008. The Company conducts business operations primarily through its commercial bank subsidiary, Live Oak Banking Company (the “Bank”). The Bank was incorporated in February 2008 as a North Carolina-chartered commercial bank. The Bank specializes in providing lending and deposit-related services to small businesses nationwide. A significant portion of the loans originated by the Bank are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) under the 7(a) Loan program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Rural Energy for America Program (“REAP”), Water and Environmental Program (“WEP”), Business & Industry (“B&I”) and Community Facilities loan programs. These loans are to small businesses and professionals with what the Bank believes are lower risk characteristics. Industries, or “verticals,” on which the Bank focuses its lending efforts are carefully selected. The Bank also lends more broadly to select borrowers outside of those verticals.
As of March 31, 2026, the Company’s wholly owned material subsidiaries were the Bank, Government Loan Solutions (“GLS”), Live Oak Grove, LLC (“Grove”) and Live Oak Ventures, Inc. (“Live Oak Ventures”). GLS is a management and technology consulting firm that advises and offers solutions and services to participants in the government guaranteed lending sector. GLS primarily provides services in connection with the settlement, accounting, and securitization processes for government guaranteed loans, including loans originated under the SBA 7(a) loan programs and USDA guaranteed loans. The Grove provides Company employees and business visitors with on-site dining at the Company's Wilmington, North Carolina headquarters. Live Oak Ventures’ purpose is investing in businesses that align with the Company's strategic initiative to be a leader in financial technology. During the fourth quarter of 2024, Live Oak Ventures consolidated its investment in Synply, Inc. (“Synply”) as a result of its controlling interest in that entity. Synply is a cloud-based technology platform designed to simplify the loan syndication process for financial institutions. The non-controlling interest in Synply is disclosed according to the Company’s consolidation policy.
As of March 31, 2026, the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries were Live Oak Number One, Inc., Live Oak Clean Energy Financing LLC (“LOCEF”), Live Oak Private Wealth, LLC (“Live Oak Private Wealth”) and Tiburon Land Holdings, LLC (“TLH”). Live Oak Number One, Inc. holds properties foreclosed on by the Bank. LOCEF provides financing to entities for renewable energy applications. Live Oak Private Wealth provides high-net-worth individual
[Excerpt truncated for page length; source filing is linked above.]
Latest 10-K MD&A
Item 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The following presents management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of the more significant factors that affected the Company's financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2025 as compared to December 31, 2024. For a comparison of 2024 results to 2023 and other 2023 information not included herein, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Part II, Item 7 of the 2024 Form 10-K/A filed with the SEC on November 17, 2025. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Results of operations for the periods included in this review are not necessarily indicative of results to be obtained during any future period.
Dollar amounts in tables are stated in thousands, except for per share amounts.
Nature of Operations
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries including Live Oak Banking Company, the “Company”) is a financial holding company and a bank holding company headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, incorporated under the laws of North Carolina in December 2008. The Company conducts business operations primarily through its commercial bank subsidiary, Live Oak Banking Company (the “Bank”). The Bank was incorporated in February 2008 as a North Carolina-chartered commercial bank. The Bank specializes in providing lending and deposit-related services to small businesses nationwide. A significant portion of the loans originated by the Bank are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) under the 7(a) Loan program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Rural Energy for America Program (“REAP”), Water and Environmental Program (“WEP”), Business & Industry (“B&I”) and Community Facilities loan programs. These loans are to small businesses and professionals with what the Bank believes are lower risk characteristics. Industries, or “verticals,” on which the Bank focuses its lending efforts are carefully selected. The Bank also lends more broadly to select borrowers outside of those verticals.
As of December 31, 2025, the Company’s wholly owned material subsidiaries were the Bank, Government Loan Solutions (“GLS”), Live Oak Grove, LLC (“Grove”) and Live Oak Ventures, Inc. (“Live Oak Ventures”). GLS is a management and technology consulting firm that advises and offers solutions and services to participants in the government guaranteed lending sector. GLS primarily provides services in connection with the settlement, accounting, and securitization processes for government guaranteed loans, including loans originated under the SBA 7(a) loan programs and USDA guaranteed loans. The Grove provides Company employees and business visitors with on-site dining at the Company’s Wilmington, North Carolina headquarters. Live Oak Ventures’ purpose is investing in businesses that align with the Company's strategic initiative to be a leader in financial technology. Canapi Advisors, LLC (“Canapi Advisors”) was a wholly owned subsidiary providing investment advisory services to a series of funds (the “Canapi Funds”) focused on providing venture capital to new and emerging financial technology companies. During the third quarter of 2024, the Canapi Funds were restructured and Canapi Advisors voluntarily withdrew as an investment advisor to the funds. Canapi Advisors was subsequently dissolved in the fourth quarter of 2024. During the fourth quarter of 2024, Live Oak Ventures consolidated its investment in Synply, Inc. as a result of its controlling interest in that entity. Synply is a cloud-based technology platform designed to simplify the loan syndication process for financial institutions. The non-controlling interest in Synply is disclosed according to the Company’s consolidation policy.
As of December 31, 2025, the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries were Live Oak Number One, Inc., Live Oak Clean Energy Financing LLC (“LOCEF”), Live Oak Private Wealth, LLC (“Live Oak Private Wealth”) and Tiburon Land Holdings, LLC (“TLH”). Live Oak Number One, Inc. holds properties foreclosed on by the Bank. LOCEF provides financing to entities for renewable energy applications. Live Oak Private Wealth provides high-net-worth individuals and families with strategic wealth and investment management services. TLH holds land adjacent to the Bank's headquarters consisting of wetlands and other protected property for the use and enjoyment of the Bank's employees and customers.
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The Company generates revenue primarily from net interest income and secondarily through the origination and sale of government guaranteed loans. Income from the retention of loans consists principally of interest income. Income from the sale of loans is comprised of loan servicing revenue and revaluation of related servicing assets along with net gains on sales of loans. Offsetting these revenues are the cost of funding sources, provision for credit losses, any costs related to foreclosed assets and other operating costs such as salaries and employee benefits, travel, professional services, advertising and marketing and tax expense. The Company also has less routinely generated gains and losses arising from its financial technology investments.
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Executive Summary
The table below sets forth selected consolidated financial data as of the dates or for the periods indicated.
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||
| Income Statement Data | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to common shareholders | $ | 102,823 | $ | 77,474 | $ | 73,898 | ||||
| Per Common Share | ||||||||||
| Net income, diluted | $ | 2.23 | $ | 1.69 | $ | 1.64 | ||||
| Dividends declared - common | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.12 | |||||||
| Book value per common share | 25.06 | 22.12 | 20.23 | |||||||
| Tangible book value per common share (1) | 24.97 | 22.05 | 20.15 | |||||||
| Performance Ratios | ||||||||||
| Return on average assets | 0.74 | % | 0.65 | % | 0.69 | % | ||||
| Return on average common equity | 9.47 | 7.94 | 8.66 | |||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.30 | 3.27 | 3.35 | |||||||
| Efficiency ratio (1) | 58.62 | 62.04 | 70.14 | |||||||
| Noninterest income to total revenue | 22.40 | 23.06 | 23.15 | |||||||
| Dividend payout ratio | 5.33 | 6.97 | 7.20 | |||||||
| Selected Loan Metrics | ||||||||||
| Loans and leases originated | $ | 6,209,639 | $ | 5,155,244 | $ | 3,946,873 | ||||
| Outstanding balance of sold loans serviced | 5,599,724 | 4,715,895 | 4,238,328 | |||||||
| Asset Quality Ratios | ||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses to loans and leases held for investment (2) | 1.64 | % | 1.69 | % | 1.53 | % | ||||
| Net charge-offs (2) | $ | 68,774 | $ | 46,692 | $ | 21,373 | ||||
| Net charge-offs to average loans and leases held for investment (2) (3) | 0.63 | % | 0.52 | % | 0.28 | % | ||||
| Nonperforming loans and leases at historical cost (2) | ||||||||||
| Unguaranteed | $ | 101,371 | $ | 81,412 | $ | 39,285 | ||||
| Guaranteed | 399,786 | 222,885 | 95,678 | |||||||
| Total | 501,157 | 304,297 | 134,963 | |||||||
| Unguaranteed nonperforming historical cost loans and leases, to loans and leases held for investment (2) | 0.87 | % | 0.82 | % | 0.48 | % | ||||
| Nonperforming loans at fair value (4) | ||||||||||
| Unguaranteed | $ | 7,715 | $ | 9,115 | $ | 7,230 | ||||
| Guaranteed | 53,887 | 54,873 | 41,244 | |||||||
| Total | 61,602 | 63,988 | 48,474 | |||||||
| Unguaranteed nonperforming fair value loans to loans held for investment (4) | 2.96 | % | 2.77 | % | 1.86 | % | ||||
| Consolidated Capital Ratios | ||||||||||
| Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | 10.53 | % | 11.04 | % | 11.73 | % | ||||
| Tier 1 leverage capital (to average assets) | 8.48 | 8.21 | 8.58 |
(1)See "Non-GAAP Measures" presented at the conclusion of this Item 7 for more information and a reconciliation to the most closely related GAAP measure.
(2)Loans and leases at historical cost only (excludes loans measured at fair value).
(3)Annual net charge-offs as a percentage of annual average loans and leases held for investment, at amortized cost.
(4)Loans accounted for under the fair value option only (excludes loans and leases carried at historical cost).
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The following is a summary of the Company's financial highlights and events for 2025:
•Record year of loan production with total loans and leases held for sale and investment increasing by $1.81 billion, or 17.1%. Total loan originations in 2025 were $6.21 billion compared to $5.16 billion in 2024, an increase of 20.5%. Substantial loan production in 2025 was the primary driver of growth in total assets, which increased to $15.13 billion at December 31, 2025 as compared to $12.94 billion at December 31, 2024, for an increase of $2.19 billion, or 16.9%.
•Supporting loan growth, total deposits increased by $1.93 billion, or 16.4%, to $13.69 billion at the end of 2025 and shareholders’ equity increased $250.6 million, or 25.0%, driven by net income as discussed below and further bolstered by the issuance of depositary shares which resulted in net proceeds of $96.3 million.
•Net income attributable to common shareholders increased $25.3 million, or 32.7%, from $77.5 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, to $102.8 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, largely due to the following items:
◦Net interest income increased by $72.5 million, or 19.3%, largely the result of robust loan growth, which led to an increase in net interest margin to 3.30% for 2025 as compared to 3.27% for 2024.
◦The provision for credit losses of $96.3 million remained relatively flat year over year. Total nonperforming unguaranteed loans and leases as a percentage of total loans and leases held for investment, excluding loans measured at fair value, increased from 0.82% at the end of 2024 to 0.87% at the end of 2025. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average held for investment loans and leases carried at amortized cost, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, were 0.63% and 0.52%, respectively.
◦Increased total noninterest income of $16.8 million, or 14.9%, and increased total noninterest expense of $35.6 million, or 11.7%. A detailed overview of key drivers of year-over-year changes in reported net income is outlined more fully in the opening to the section titled “Results of Operations.”
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Statements included in this management's discussion and analysis include non-GAAP financial measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables, which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. The reconciliation of non-GAAP measures is presented at the conclusion of this Item 7.
Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide additional useful information that allows readers to evaluate the ongoing performance of the Company without regard to certain transactional activities. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as reported under GAAP, and investors should consider the Company's performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. Management’s non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparable to similarly named measures represented by other companies, as they may be calculated differently.
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Results of Operations
The Company reported net income attributable to common shareholders of $102.8 million, or $2.23 per diluted share, for 2025 compared to $77.5 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, for 2024.
The increase in net income was largely due to the following items:
•Increased net interest income of $72.5 million, or 19.3%;
•Increased net gains on sales of loans of $12.7 million, or 25.4%, principally the result of higher loan sale volumes in 2025;
•Increased equity method investments income of $28.3 million, largely comprised of a $24.1 million gain arising from the sale of the Company’s interest in Apiture, Inc.
Key factors partially offsetting the year-over-year increase in net income were comprised of decreases in management fee and other noninterest income of $7.7 million and $20.2 million, respectively, combined with increases in salary and employee benefits, technology expense and income tax expense of $14.7 million, $8.7 million and $25.4 million, respectively.
Net Interest Income and Margin
Net interest income represents the difference between the income that the Company earns on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The Company’s net interest income depends upon the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates that the Company earns or pays on them, respectively. Net interest income is affected by changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as “volume changes.” It is also affected by changes in yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowed funds, referred to as “rate changes.” As a bank without a branch network, the Bank gathers deposits over the Internet and in the community in which it is headquartered. Due to the nature of a branchless bank and the relatively low overhead required for deposit gathering, the rates the Bank offers are generally above the industry average.
For 2025, net interest income increased $72.5 million, or 19.3%, to $448.4 million compared to $375.9 million for 2024. This increase was principally due to the growth in the held for investment loan and lease portfolio outpacing growth in interest-bearing liabilities. Average interest-earning assets increased by $2.10 billion, or 18.2%, to $13.59 billion for 2025, compared to $11.50 billion for 2024, while the yield on average interest-earning assets decreased by 39 basis points to 6.68%. The cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities for 2025 decreased by 39 basis points to 3.72%, and the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased by $1.73 billion, or 16.3%, over 2024.
The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was largely driven by funding for significant loan originations and growth as well as maintenance of the Company's target liquidity profile. As indicated in the rate/volume table below, the overall increase discussed above is reflected in increased interest income of $96.1 million outpacing growth in interest expense of $23.6 million for 2025 compared to 2024. The net interest margin slightly increased from 3.27% for 2024 to 3.30% for 2025.
In January 2026, the Federal Reserve decided to maintain the federal funds upper target rate at 3.75%. The Federal Reserve released its most current federal funds target rate midpoint projections at its previous meeting in December 2025 which implied a decrease of approximately 25 basis points to 3.4% by the end of 2026 and a decrease of approximately 25 basis points to 3.1% by the end of 2027. There can be no assurance that any further decreases or increases in the Federal Funds rate will occur, and if they do, the amount and timing of actual adjustments are subject to change. See “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for information about the Company’s sensitivity to interest rates.
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Average Balances and Yields. The following table presents information regarding average balances for assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets, the total dollar amount of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing the income or expense by the average balances for assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. Loan fees are included in interest income on loans.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning balances in other banks | $ | 703,886 | $ | 30,301 | 4.30 | % | $ | 556,108 | $ | 29,118 | 5.24 | % | $ | 584,691 | $ | 29,487 | 5.04 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | — | — | — | — | — | — | 34,529 | 1,624 | 4.70 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 1,418,580 | 47,591 | 3.35 | 1,283,161 | 38,413 | 2.99 | 1,237,458 | 33,497 | 2.71 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 401,771 | 32,963 | 8.20 | 372,803 | 34,903 | 9.36 | 539,197 | 48,235 | 8.95 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and leases held for investment (1) | 11,068,810 | 797,617 | 7.21 | 9,285,908 | 709,938 | 7.65 | 7,905,875 | 575,432 | 7.28 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | 13,593,047 | 908,472 | 6.68 | 11,497,980 | 812,372 | 7.07 | 10,301,750 | 688,275 | 6.68 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | (179,962) | (138,766) | (110,855) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets | 537,794 | 557,297 | 493,968 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 13,950,879 | $ | 11,916,511 | $ | 10,684,863 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | $ | 370,562 | $ | 16,171 | 4.36 | % | $ | 326,410 | $ | 17,692 | 5.42 | % | $ | 231,413 | $ | 12,718 | 5.50 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Savings | 6,310,054 | 224,458 | 3.56 | 4,934,818 | 198,612 | 4.02 | 4,428,306 | 171,151 | 3.86 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market accounts | 133,566 | 429 | 0.32 | 131,636 | 739 | 0.56 | 125,279 | 721 | 0.58 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 5,431,128 | 212,355 | 3.91 | 5,133,511 | 213,844 | 4.17 | 4,695,161 | 155,617 | 3.31 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total deposits | 12,245,310 | 453,413 | 3.70 | 10,526,375 | 430,887 | 4.09 | 9,480,159 | 340,207 | 3.59 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 108,062 | 6,701 | 6.20 | 94,512 | 5,580 | 5.90 | 61,743 | 2,763 | 4.48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 12,353,372 | 460,114 | 3.72 | 10,620,887 | 436,467 | 4.11 | 9,541,902 | 342,970 | 3.59 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing deposits | 403,508 | 239,078 | 215,327 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities | 64,630 | 80,549 | 74,046 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity | 1,124,974 | 975,215 | 853,588 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | 4,395 | 782 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 13,950,879 | $ | 11,916,511 | $ | 10,684,863 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income and interest rate spread | $ | 448,358 | 2.96 | % | $ | 375,905 | 2.96 | % | $ | 345,305 | 3.09 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.30 | % | 3.27 | % | 3.35 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities | 110.04 | % | 108.26 | % | 107.96 | % |
(1)Average loan and lease balances include non-accruing loans and leases.
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Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior period volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior period rate). The total column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionally based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
| 2025 vs. 2024 | 2024 vs. 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increase (Decrease) Due to | Increase (Decrease) Due to | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate | Volume | Total | Rate | Volume | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning balances in other banks | $ | (5,867) | $ | 7,050 | $ | 1,183 | $ | 1,100 | $ | (1,469) | $ | (369) | ||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | — | — | — | — | (1,624) | (1,624) | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 4,879 | 4,299 | 9,178 | 3,613 | 1,303 | 4,916 | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | (4,484) | 2,544 | (1,940) | 1,900 | (15,232) | (13,332) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans and leases held for investment | (44,713) | 132,392 | 87,679 | 31,529 | 102,977 | 134,506 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total interest income | (50,185) | 146,285 | 96,100 | 38,142 | 85,955 | 124,097 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | (3,681) | 2,160 | (1,521) | (211) | 5,185 | 4,974 | ||||||||||||||||
| Savings | (26,288) | 52,134 | 25,846 | 7,480 | 19,981 | 27,461 | ||||||||||||||||
| Money market accounts | (319) | 9 | (310) | (18) | 36 | 18 | ||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | (13,506) | 12,017 | (1,489) | 41,833 | 16,394 | 58,227 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 301 | 820 | 1,121 | 1,116 | 1,701 | 2,817 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense | (43,493) | 67,140 | 23,647 | 50,200 | 43,297 | 93,497 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | $ | (6,692) | $ | 79,145 | $ | 72,453 | $ | (12,058) | $ | 42,658 | $ | 30,600 |
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses represents the amount necessary to be charged against the current period’s earnings to maintain the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans and leases at a level that the Company believes is appropriate in relation to the estimated losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. Beginning in the second quarter of 2024, the expense related to off-balance sheet credit exposures was also included in the provision for credit losses in response to growth in the amount of loans with applicable off-balance sheet credit risk. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report under the subheading Allowance for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures for additional information.
Losses inherent in loan relationships are mitigated if a portion of the loan is guaranteed by the SBA or USDA. Typical SBA 7(a) and USDA guarantees range from 50% to 90% depending on loan size and type, which serve to reduce the risk profile of these loans. The Company believes that its focus on compliance with regulations and guidance from the SBA and USDA are key factors to managing this risk.
The provision for credit losses was $96.3 million in 2025, relatively flat compared to $96.2 million in 2024, with an increase of $91 thousand.
Loans and leases held for investment at historical cost were $11.71 billion as of December 31, 2025, an increase of $1.81 billion, or 18.3%, compared to December 31, 2024.
Net charge-offs for loans and leases carried at historical cost were $68.8 million, or 0.63% of average loans and leases held for investment at amortized cost, excluding loans measured at fair value, for 2025, compared to net charge-offs of $46.7 million, or 0.52%, for 2024, an increase of $22.1 million, or 47.3%. The increase in net charge-offs for 2025 was largely concentrated to individually evaluated loans with specific reserves recorded in prior periods. Net charge-offs are a key element of historical experience in the Company's estimation of the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases.
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In addition, nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the SBA or USDA, excluding $7.7 million and $9.1 million accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, totaled $101.4 million, which was 0.87% of the held for investment loan and lease portfolio carried at historical cost at December 31, 2025, compared to $81.4 million, or 0.82% of loans and leases held for investment carried at historical cost at December 31, 2024.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income is principally comprised of net gains from the sale of SBA and USDA-guaranteed loans along with servicing revenue and related revaluation of the servicing asset. Revenue from the sale of loans depends upon the volume, maturity structure and rates of underlying loans as well as the pricing and availability of funds in the secondary markets prevailing in the period between completed loan funding and closing of sale. In addition, the loan servicing asset revaluation is significantly impacted by changes in market rates and other underlying assumptions such as prepayment speeds. Net gain (loss) on loans accounted for under the fair value option is also significantly impacted by changes in market rates, prepayment speeds and inherent credit risk. Other less consistent elements of noninterest income include gains and losses on investments.
The following table shows the components of noninterest income and the dollar and percentage changes for the periods presented.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024/2025 Increase(Decrease) | 2023/2024 Increase(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan servicing revenue | $ | 34,902 | $ | 31,535 | $ | 27,399 | $ | 3,367 | 10.7 | % | $ | 4,136 | 15.1 | % | |||||||||||
| Loan servicing asset revaluation | (16,077) | (12,155) | 4,886 | (3,922) | 32.3 | (17,041) | 348.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net gains on sales of loans | 62,420 | 49,770 | 38,812 | 12,650 | 25.4 | 10,958 | 28.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on loans accounted for under the fair value option | 1,216 | 2,403 | (3,539) | (1,187) | 49.4 | 5,942 | (167.9) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method investments (loss) income | 17,387 | (10,921) | (5,994) | 28,308 | 259.2 | (4,927) | 82.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity security investments gains (losses), net | 5,733 | 553 | (969) | 5,180 | (936.7) | 1,522 | (157.1) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease income | 10,051 | 9,756 | 10,007 | 295 | 3.0 | (251) | (2.5) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Management fee income | — | 7,658 | 13,324 | (7,658) | (100.0) | (5,666) | (42.5) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other noninterest income | 13,826 | 34,053 | 20,074 | (20,227) | (59.4) | 13,979 | 69.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 129,458 | $ | 112,652 | $ | 104,000 | $ | 16,806 | 14.9 | % | $ | 8,652 | 8.3 | % |
Years ended December 31, 2025 vs. 2024
For 2025, noninterest income increased by $16.8 million, or 14.9%, compared to 2024. The increase over the prior year is primarily a result of higher servicing revenue of $3.4 million, increased net gains on sales of loans of $12.7 million, $28.3 million in increased equity method investments income, largely associated with the earlier mentioned gain arising from the sale of the Company’s interest in Apiture, Inc. and a $5.2 million increase in equity security investments gains largely driven by a $9.0 million gain arising from the sale of a portfolio investment. Partially offsetting the increase in total noninterest income over the prior year-to-date period was a $3.9 million increase in loss related to the servicing asset revaluation combined with a $7.7 million decrease in management fee income due to the restructuring of the Canapi Funds in the third quarter of 2024 and a $20.2 million decrease in other noninterest income. The decrease in other noninterest income was largely due to fair value losses in equity warrant assets in 2025 of $5.5 million compared to 2024 higher income related to a $2.4 million gain from the sale of a building, a $6.7 million gain arising from an aircraft sale and a $5.7 million fair value gain in equity warrant assets.
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The tables below reflect loan and lease production, sales of guaranteed loans and the aggregate balance in guaranteed loans sold that are being serviced. These components are key drivers of the Company's noninterest income.
| Three months ended December 31, | Three months ended September 30, | Three months ended June 30, | Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount of loans and leases originated | $ | 1,638,113 | $ | 1,421,118 | $ | 1,648,711 | $ | 1,757,856 | $ | 1,526,592 | $ | 1,171,141 | $ | 1,396,223 | $ | 805,129 | ||||||||||||||
| Guaranteed portions of loans sold | 246,529 | 277,546 | 347,750 | 266,307 | 322,317 | 250,466 | 266,275 | 186,654 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold (1) | 3,897,790 | 3,379,477 | 3,856,253 | 3,300,524 | 3,685,981 | 3,177,629 | 3,486,533 | 3,057,641 |
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||
| Amount of loans and leases originated | $ | 6,209,639 | $ | 5,155,244 | $ | 3,946,873 | $ | 4,007,621 | $ | 4,480,725 | ||||
| Guaranteed portions of loans sold | 1,182,871 | 980,973 | 877,551 | 580,889 | 668,462 | |||||||||
| Outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold (1) | 3,897,790 | 3,379,477 | 2,986,959 | 2,668,110 | 2,756,915 |
(1)This represents the outstanding principal balance of guaranteed loans serviced, as of the last day of the applicable period, which have been sold into the secondary market.
Changes in various components of noninterest income are discussed in more detail below.
Loan Servicing Asset Revaluation: The Company revalues its serviced loan portfolio at least quarterly. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as adequate compensation for servicing, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses, with prepayment speed and discount rate being the most sensitive assumptions. For 2025, there was a net loss on loan servicing asset revaluation of $16.1 million compared to a net loss of $12.2 million for 2024, resulting in a negative change of $3.9 million. The negative change in valuation of the servicing asset compared to 2024 was principally the result of principal paydowns or runoff as well as less favorable market conditions in 2025.
Net Gains on Sales of Loans: For 2025, net gains on sales of loans increased $12.7 million, or 25.4%, compared to 2024. The volume of guaranteed loans sold increased $201.9 million, or 20.6%, over 2024 while the average net gain on loan sale premium remained stable at 107% in both 2024 and 2025, respectively. The increase in net gains on sales of loans over 2024 was principally related to a higher loan sale volume.
Net Gain (Loss) on Loans Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option: For 2025, the Company had a net gain on loans accounted for under the fair value option of $1.2 million compared to a net gain of $2.4 million for 2024, a negative change of $1.2 million. The carrying amount of loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $260.6 million (all classified as held for investment) and $328.7 million (all classified as held for investment), respectively, a decrease of $68.1 million, or 20.7%. The reduction in net gain arising from the valuation of loans accounted for under the fair value option was principally the result of credit downgrades in the derivation of fair value for a portion of the underlying loans.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense comprises all operating costs of the Company, such as employee-related costs, travel, professional services, advertising and marketing expenses, exclusive of interest and income tax expense.
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The following table shows the components of noninterest expense and the related dollar and percentage changes for the periods presented.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2024/2025 Increase(Decrease) | 2023/2024 Increase(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and employee benefits | $ | 189,435 | $ | 174,707 | $ | 169,092 | $ | 14,728 | 8.4 | % | $ | 5,615 | 3.3 | % | |||||||||||
| Non-employee expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Travel expense | 7,031 | 7,170 | 7,149 | (139) | (1.9) | 21 | 0.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Professional services expense | 10,752 | 11,023 | 7,737 | (271) | (2.5) | 3,286 | 42.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising and marketing expense | 12,222 | 11,148 | 12,559 | 1,074 | 9.6 | (1,411) | (11.2) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy expense | 9,762 | 10,000 | 8,490 | (238) | (2.4) | 1,510 | 17.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Technology expense | 42,948 | 34,206 | 31,858 | 8,742 | 25.6 | 2,348 | 7.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment expense | 14,427 | 13,826 | 14,997 | 601 | 4.3 | (1,171) | (7.8) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other loan origination and maintenance expense | 18,469 | 17,254 | 14,804 | 1,215 | 7.0 | 2,450 | 16.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Renewable energy tax credit investment impairment | 735 | 530 | 14,644 | 205 | 38.7 | (14,114) | (96.4) | ||||||||||||||||||
| FDIC insurance | 14,672 | 10,835 | 16,670 | 3,837 | 35.4 | (5,835) | (35.0) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense | 18,245 | 12,411 | 17,152 | 5,834 | 47.0 | (4,741) | (27.6) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-employee expenses | 149,263 | 128,403 | 146,060 | 20,860 | 16.2 | (17,657) | (12.1) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 338,698 | $ | 303,110 | $ | 315,152 | $ | 35,588 | 11.7 | % | $ | (12,042) | (3.8) | % |
Total noninterest expense for 2025 increased $35.6 million, or 11.7%, compared to 2024. The increase in noninterest expense was predominately driven by the following items.
Salaries and employee benefits: Total personnel expense for 2025 increased by $14.7 million, or 8.4%, compared to 2024. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was principally related to continued investment in human resources to support strategic and growth initiatives. Total full-time equivalent employees increased from 1,014 at December 31, 2024 to 1,031 at December 31, 2025. Salaries and employee benefits expense included $26.3 million of stock-based compensation for 2025, compared to $26.4 million for 2024. Expenses related to the employee stock purchase program, stock grants, stock option compensation and restricted stock expense are all considered stock-based compensation.
Technology expense: Technology expense increased $8.7 million, or 25.6%, compared to the same period in 2024. This increase was primarily related to enhanced investments in the Company’s technology resources.
FDIC insurance: FDIC insurance assessment expense increased $3.8 million, or 35.4%, compared to 2024. This increase is largely the product of the Company’s continued growth combined with increased FDIC assessment rates.
Other expense: Other expense increased $5.8 million, or 47.0%, compared to 2024. The increase was principally driven by a $1.5 million special charitable donation during the fourth quarter of 2025 made in connection with the earlier discussed Apiture gain combined with a $2.8 million loss arising from the early buyout of the Company's sole bioenergy lease in the second quarter of 2025.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense and related effective tax rate in 2025 was $37.2 million and 26.0% compared to $11.8 million and 13.2% in 2024. The higher level of income tax expense in 2025 as compared to 2024 was largely the result of increased pretax income in 2025 and $10.6 million in tax credits related to the Company's fourth quarter of 2023 renewable energy investment that became eligible for an extra 10% in tax credits in the first quarter of 2024.
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Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
Total assets at December 31, 2025 were $15.13 billion, an increase of $2.19 billion, or 16.9%, compared to total assets of $12.94 billion at December 31, 2024. The growth in total assets was principally driven by growth in total loans and leases held for investment and held for sale of $1.81 billion, or 17.1%, in 2025, from $10.58 billion at December 31, 2024 to $12.39 billion at December 31, 2025. This growth was a result of strong origination activity during 2025 of $6.21 billion.
Total deposits were $13.69 billion at December 31, 2025, an increase of $1.93 billion, or 16.4%, from $11.76 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase in total deposits from the prior period was to support growth in the loan and lease portfolio as well as the Company's targeted liquidity levels. At December 31, 2025, the Bank’s total uninsured deposits were approximately $2.16 billion, or 15.8%, of total deposits.
Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2025 was $1.25 billion as compared to $1.00 billion at December 31, 2024. The book value per share of our common stock was $25.06 at December 31, 2025 compared to $22.12 at December 31, 2024. Average equity to average assets was 8.1% for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to 8.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in shareholders’ equity for 2025 was principally the result of $105.9 million in net income and $96.3 million in net proceeds from the issuance of depository shares.
Loans Held for Sale & Serviced Portfolio
Any loan or portion of a loan that the Company has the intent and ability to sell is classified as held for sale. The average age of the held for sale portfolio as of December 31, 2025 was 7.7 months from origination date. Approximately 2.9% of the current held for sale portfolio is older than two years. The majority of held for sale loans over one year old are composed of construction loans or other loans that have yet to fully fund. Construction loans typically have extended build out periods that inherently result in longer lead times between origination and the ultimate sale date. Approximately 28.8% of the held for sale portfolio is aged between one and two years.
As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the cumulative total outstanding balance of loans sold since May 2007 totaled $5.60 billion and $4.72 billion, respectively. The Company generally continues to service loans after the date of sale. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those serviced for others, was $18.03 billion and $15.32 billion, respectively.
Loan and Lease Maturity
As of December 31, 2025, $15.86 billion, or 88.0%, of the total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those at fair value and those serviced for others, were variable rate loans that adjust at specified dates based on the prime lending rate or other variable indices. As of December 31, 2025, $12.23 billion, or 67.8%, of total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those at fair value and those serviced for others, were variable rate loans that adjust on either a calendar monthly or calendar quarterly basis using the prime lending rate or other variable indices.
At December 31, 2025, 90.9%, or $11.30 billion, of the combined held for sale and held for investment loan and lease portfolio, including those at fair value, were composed of variable rate loans.
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At December 31, 2025, $5.00 billion, or 41.6%, of loans held for investment, including those at fair value, mature in less than five years. Loans and leases maturing in greater than five years total $7.01 billion of the total $12.01 billion. The variable rate portion of the total held for investment loans and leases is 90.8%, which reflects the Company’s strategy to minimize interest rate risk through the use of variable rate products.
| At December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remaining Contractual Maturity of Total Held for Investment Loans and Leases | ||||||||||||||||||
| One Year or Less | After One Year and Through Five Years | After Five Years and Through Fifteen Years | After Fifteen Years | Total (1) | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed rate loans and leases: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 15,897 | $ | 76,891 | $ | 149,463 | $ | 2,660 | $ | 244,911 | ||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 11,897 | 40,682 | 78,572 | 192,161 | 323,312 | |||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | 381 | 285 | 240 | — | 906 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 28,175 | 117,858 | 228,275 | 194,821 | 569,129 | |||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 622 | 400 | 39 | — | 1,061 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 622 | 400 | 39 | — | 1,061 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 11,062 | 56,833 | 20,118 | 117,830 | 205,843 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 1,232 | 55,284 | 5,533 | 2,950 | 64,999 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 12,294 | 112,117 | 25,651 | 120,780 | 270,842 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 27,794 | 149,922 | 71,006 | 13,637 | 262,359 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 27,794 | 149,922 | 71,006 | 13,637 | 262,359 | |||||||||||||
| Total fixed rate loans and leases | 68,885 | 380,297 | 324,971 | 329,238 | 1,103,391 | |||||||||||||
| Variable rate loans and leases: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 23,151 | 488,529 | 1,755,216 | 95,500 | 2,362,396 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 421,486 | 1,703,937 | 210,531 | 335,850 | 2,671,804 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 444,637 | 2,192,466 | 1,965,747 | 431,350 | 5,034,200 | |||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 44,284 | 46,813 | 47,956 | 610,027 | 749,080 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | — | 69,538 | — | — | 69,538 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 44,284 | 116,351 | 47,956 | 610,027 | 818,618 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 30,116 | 273,688 | 403,775 | 2,546,971 | 3,254,550 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 186,467 | 1,105,487 | 12,866 | 57,575 | 1,362,395 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 216,583 | 1,379,175 | 416,641 | 2,604,546 | 4,616,945 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 4,850 | 153,737 | 106,132 | 171,961 | 436,680 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 4,850 | 153,737 | 106,132 | 171,961 | 436,680 | |||||||||||||
| Total variable rate loans and leases | 710,354 | 3,841,729 | 2,536,476 | 3,817,884 | 10,906,443 | |||||||||||||
| Total held for investment loans and leases | $ | 779,239 | $ | 4,222,026 | $ | 2,861,447 | $ | 4,147,122 | $ | 12,009,834 |
(1)Excludes retained loan discount and net deferred costs.
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Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate loans as indicated by the FDIC include loans secured by the following: construction, land development, multifamily property and nonfarm, nonresidential real property. The following table provides information with respect to commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2025.
| Guaranteed | Unguaranteed | Total (1) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Held for Investment Loans: | ||||||||||
| Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 1,379,511 | $ | 1,276,983 | $ | 2,656,494 | ||||
| Commercial Banking | 18,172 | 57,820 | 75,992 | |||||||
| Total | 1,397,683 | 1,334,803 | 2,732,486 | |||||||
| Non-Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 483,896 | 869,883 | 1,353,779 | |||||||
| Commercial Banking | 31,056 | 1,390,421 | 1,421,477 | |||||||
| Total | 514,952 | 2,260,304 | 2,775,256 | |||||||
| Total Held for Investment Commercial Real Estate | $ | 1,912,635 | $ | 3,595,107 | $ | 5,507,742 | ||||
| Held for Sale Loans: | ||||||||||
| Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 71,729 | $ | — | $ | 71,729 | ||||
| Total | 71,729 | — | 71,729 | |||||||
| Non-Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 191,944 | — | 191,944 | |||||||
| Total | 191,944 | — | 191,944 | |||||||
| Total Held for Sale Commercial Real Estate | $ | 263,673 | $ | — | $ | 263,673 | ||||
| Total Commercial Real Estate Loans | $ | 2,176,308 | $ | 3,595,107 | $ | 5,771,415 | ||||
| % of Total Commercial Real Estate Loans | 37.7 | % | 62.3 | % | 100.0 | % |
(1)Excludes retained loan discount and net deferred costs.
Asset Quality
Management considers asset quality to be of primary importance. A formal loan review function, independent of loan origination, is used to identify and monitor problem loans. This function reports directly to the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.
Nonperforming Assets
The Bank places loans and leases on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due as to principal or interest payments, or prior to that if management has determined based upon current information available to them that the timely collection of principal or interest is not probable. When a loan or lease is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest previously accrued as income but not actually collected is reversed and recorded as a reduction of loan or lease interest and fee income. Typically, collections of interest and principal received on a nonaccrual loan or lease are applied to the outstanding principal as determined at the time of collection of the loan or lease.
Total nonperforming assets, including loans measured at fair value, at December 31, 2025 were $572.2 million, which represented a $200.5 million, or 53.9%, increase from December 31, 2024. These nonperforming assets, at December 31, 2025 were comprised of $564.0 million in nonaccrual loans and leases and $8.2 million in foreclosed assets. Of the $572.2 million of nonperforming assets, $460.9 million carried a government guarantee, leaving an unguaranteed exposure of $111.2 million in total nonperforming assets at December 31, 2025. This represents an increase of $19.7 million, or 21.5% from an unguaranteed exposure of $91.6 million at December 31, 2024.
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The following table provides information with respect to nonperforming assets, excluding loans measured at fair value, at the dates indicated.
| 2025 (1) | 2024 (1) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonaccrual loans and leases: | ||||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases (all on nonaccrual) | $ | 501,157 | $ | 304,297 | ||
| Foreclosed assets | 8,208 | 1,944 | ||||
| Total nonperforming assets | $ | 509,365 | $ | 306,241 | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | $ | 192,264 | $ | 167,516 | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases to total loans and leases held for investment | 4.28 | % | 3.07 | % | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases to total assets | 3.37 | % | 2.41 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to loans and leases held for investment | 1.64 | % | 1.69 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to total nonperforming loans and leases | 38.36 | % | 55.05 | % | ||
| Nonaccrual loans and leases guaranteed by U.S. government: | ||||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases guaranteed by the U.S. government (all on nonaccrual) | $ | 399,786 | $ | 222,885 | ||
| Foreclosed assets guaranteed by the U.S. government | 6,798 | 1,753 | ||||
| Total nonperforming assets guaranteed by the U.S. government | $ | 406,584 | $ | 224,638 | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | $ | 192,264 | $ | 167,516 | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total held for investment loans and leases | 0.87 | % | 0.82 | % | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total assets | 0.68 | % | 0.65 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S government | 189.66 | % | 205.76 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
Nonperforming assets, excluding loans measured at fair value, at December 31, 2025 were $509.4 million, which represented a $203.1 million, or 66.3%, increase from December 31, 2024. These nonperforming assets, at December 31, 2025 were comprised of $501.2 million in nonaccrual loans and leases and $8.2 million in foreclosed assets. Of the $509.4 million of nonperforming assets, $406.6 million carried a government guarantee, leaving an unguaranteed exposure of $102.8 million in total nonperforming assets at December 31, 2025. This represents an increase of $21.2 million, or 26.0%, from an unguaranteed exposure of $81.6 million at December 31, 2024.
See the below discussion related to the change in potential problem and impaired loans and leases for management’s overall observations regarding the change in total nonperforming loans and leases.
As a percentage of the Bank’s total capital, nonperforming loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, represented 39.0% at December 31, 2025, compared to 26.7% at December 31, 2024. Adjusting the ratio to include only the unguaranteed portion of nonperforming loans and leases at historical cost to reflect management’s belief that the greater magnitude of risk resides in this portion, the ratio at December 31, 2025 and 2024 was 7.9% and 7.2%, respectively.
As of December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, potential problem (also referred to as criticized) and classified loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, totaled $1.39 billion and $1.04 billion, respectively. The following is a discussion of these loans and leases. Risk Grades 50 through 80 represent the spectrum of criticized and classified loans and leases. For a complete description of the risk grading system, see “Credit Quality Indicators” in Note 3 to the notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report. At December 31, 2025, the portion of criticized and classified loans and leases guaranteed by the SBA or USDA totaled $669.8 million and total portfolio unguaranteed exposure risk was $719.9 million, or 8.6% of total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost. This compares to the December 31, 2024 portion of criticized and classified loans and leases guaranteed by the SBA or USDA which totaled $518.7 million and total portfolio unguaranteed exposure risk was $523.3 million, or 7.8% of total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost.
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As of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, loans and leases carried at historical cost within the following verticals comprise the largest portion of the total potential problem and classified loans and leases:
| As of December 31, 2025 | As of December 31, 2024 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | % of Criticized and Classified Loans and Leases | Vertical | % of Criticized and Classified Loans and Leases | |||
| General Lending | 11.8% | General Lending | 15.1% | |||
| Solar Energy | 7.5 | Bioenergy | 11.1 | |||
| Senior Housing | 6.1 | Senior Housing | 9.9 | |||
| Bioenergy | 6.1 | Healthcare | 6.9 | |||
| Sponsor Finance | 6.1 | Sponsor Finance | 5.5 | |||
| Auto Care + Auto Dealerships | 5.9 | Wine & Craft Beverage | 5.3 | |||
| Healthcare | 5.4 | Search Fund Lending | 5.0 | |||
| Self Storage | 5.4 | Community Facilities | 4.8 | |||
| RV Parks | 4.0 | Self Storage | 4.6 | |||
| % of Total Criticized and Classified Loans | 58.3% | % of Total Criticized and Classified Loans | 68.2% |
Of the above listed verticals, Solar Energy, Bioenergy, Senior Housing, Sponsor Finance and Community Facilities is within the Company’s Commercial Banking division, the remainder of the above listed verticals are within the Small Business Banking division. The total $347.7 million increase in criticized and classified loans and leases in 2025 was comprised of $197.3 million in increased levels of Risk Grade 50 loans and leases, as discussed below, and $150.4 million in classified loans. The increase in classified loans in 2025 was primarily driven by portfolio growth and isolated borrower-specific credit migrations, including movement of several larger individual exposures and isolated industries into classified status based on performance trends identified through ongoing credit reviews. These changes reflect normal portfolio seasoning and idiosyncratic borrower developments, rather than broad-based or systemic credit deterioration. The Company believes that its underwriting and credit quality standards have remained high and continues to consider changing economic conditions as well as the current interest rate environment.
Loans and leases that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls are generally not individually evaluated for the purpose of estimating the allowance for credit losses. The Bank generally considers an “insignificant period of time” from payment delays to be a period of 90 days or less. The Bank would consider a modification for a customer experiencing what is expected to be a short-term event that has temporarily impacted cash flow. This could be due, among other reasons, to illness, weather, impact from a one-time expense, slower than expected start-up, construction issues or other short-term issues. Credit personnel will review the request to determine if the customer is experiencing financial stress and how the event has impacted the ability of the customer to repay the loan or lease long term. At December 31, 2025, the Company had a total of $119.5 million in loans modified in 2025 to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, excluding loans measured at fair value. Of the $119.5 million in loans modified, $116.2 million remained current and of the $119.5 million, $105.3 million were for an other-than-insignificant payment delay or term extension.
Management endeavors to be proactive in its approach to identify and resolve problem loans and leases and is focused on working with the borrowers and guarantors of these loans and leases to provide loan and lease modifications when warranted. Management implements a proactive approach to identifying and classifying loans and leases as special mention (also referred to as criticized), Risk Grade 50. At December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, Risk Grade 50 loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, totaled $727.2 million and $529.9 million, respectively, for a year-over-year increase of $197.3 million. Relative to total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost at December 31, 2024 and 2025, unguaranteed Risk Grade 50 loans and leases increased from $357.9 million, or 5.3%, to $465.7 million, or 5.5%, respectively. The increase in unguaranteed Risk Grade 50 loans and leases was primarily driven by idiosyncratic credit migration of several larger individual exposures into Risk Grade 50, reflecting borrower-specific performance considerations and credit actions, rather than a broad-based deterioration linked to the macroeconomic environment.
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The largest year-over-year changes in Risk Grade 50 loans and leases carried at historical cost were within the following verticals:
| December 31, 2025 vs. 2024 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | $ | % | ||||
| Solar Energy | $ | 88,396 | 44.8 | % | ||
| Sponsor Finance | 33,586 | 17.0 | ||||
| Government Contractors | 22,679 | 11.5 | ||||
| RV Parks | 21,585 | 10.9 | ||||
| Emerging Markets | 16,889 | 8.6 | ||||
| Auto Care | 14,627 | 7.4 | ||||
| Care Services | 10,816 | 5.5 | ||||
| Restoration | 10,441 | 5.3 | ||||
| Quick Service Restaurants | 9,869 | 5.0 | ||||
| Agriculture | 8,118 | 4.1 | ||||
| Veterinary | (14,398) | (7.3) | ||||
| Wine and Craft Beverage | (20,518) | (10.4) | ||||
| Senior Housing | (26,517) | (13.4) | ||||
| Total of largest changes in RG 50 loans and leases | $ | 175,573 | 89.0% |
The change in Risk Grade 50 loans and leases, exclusive of loans measured at fair value, during 2025 was principally confined to 13 verticals, as reflected above. Of the above listed verticals, Solar Energy, Sponsor Finance, Government Contractors, Emerging Markets and Senior Housing are within the Company’s Commercial Banking division and the remainder of the above listed verticals are within the Small Business Banking division.
At December 31, 2025, approximately 99.7% of loans and leases classified as Risk Grade 50 are performing with no relationships having payments past due more than 30 days. While the level of nonperforming assets fluctuates in response to changing economic and market conditions, in light of the relative size and composition of the loan and lease portfolio and management’s degree of success in resolving problem assets, management believes that a proactive approach to early identification and intervention is critical to successfully managing a small business loan portfolio.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Leases
The ACL of $167.5 million at December 31, 2024, increased by $24.7 million, or 14.8%, to $192.3 million at December 31, 2025. The ACL as a percentage of loans and leases held for investment at historical cost amounted to 1.6% and 1.7% at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The increase in the ACL during 2025 was primarily the result of loan growth and charge-off activity amid a challenging macroeconomic environment, where elevated interest rates earlier in the year continued to pressure certain small business and commercial borrowers, despite more recent signs of stabilization in rate conditions. See also the above section captioned “Provision for Credit Losses” in “Results of Operations” for related information.
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Actual past due held for investment loans and leases, inclusive of loans measured at fair value, have increased by $93.8 million since December 31, 2024. Total loans and leases 90 or more days past due increased $146.8 million, or 57.4%, compared to December 31, 2024. This increase was comprised of a $20.4 million increase in unguaranteed exposure combined with a $126.5 million increase in the guaranteed portion of past due loans compared to December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, total held for investment unguaranteed loans and leases past due as a percentage of total held for investment unguaranteed loans and leases, inclusive of loans measured at fair value, was 0.9% and 1.3%, respectively. Total unguaranteed loans and leases past due were comprised of $69.2 million carried at historical cost, a decrease of $8.3 million, and $7.9 million measured at fair value, a decrease of $2.4 million, as of December 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024. Management continues to actively monitor and work to improve asset quality. Management believes the ACL of $192.3 million at December 31, 2025 is appropriate in light of the risk inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. Management’s judgments are based on numerous assumptions about current and expected events that it believes to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be valid. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that management’s ongoing evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio in light of changing economic conditions and other relevant circumstances will not require significant future additions to the ACL, thus adversely affecting the Company’s operating results. Additional information on the ACL is presented in “Note 3. Loans and Leases Held for Investment and Credit Quality” of the notes to consolidated financial statements in this report.
The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases carried at historical cost by category at the dates indicated.
| 2025 | 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allowance | TotalLoansandLeases (1) | % of Total Allowance | % ofTotalLoansandLeases (1) | Allowance | TotalLoansandLeases (1) | % of Total Allowance | % ofTotalLoansandLeases (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 117,500 | $ | 2,519,774 | 61.1 | % | 21.4 | % | $ | 95,341 | $ | 2,324,924 | 56.9 | % | 23.4 | % | |||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 26,688 | 2,954,283 | 13.9 | 25.2 | 33,666 | 2,457,359 | 20.1 | 24.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | — | 906 | — | — | — | 2,361 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 144,188 | 5,474,963 | 75.0 | 46.6 | 129,007 | 4,784,644 | 77.0 | 48.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 6,522 | 750,142 | 3.3 | 6.4 | 4,157 | 518,953 | 2.5 | 5.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 702 | 69,538 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 786 | 85,456 | 0.5 | 0.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 7,224 | 819,680 | 3.8 | 7.0 | 4,943 | 604,409 | 3.0 | 6.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 29,376 | 3,368,516 | 15.3 | 28.7 | 22,196 | 2,873,260 | 13.3 | 28.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 7,986 | 1,411,485 | 4.2 | 12.0 | 7,305 | 1,055,843 | 4.4 | 10.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 37,362 | 4,780,001 | 19.4 | 40.7 | 29,501 | 3,929,103 | 17.6 | 39.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 3,490 | 674,565 | 1.8 | 5.7 | 4,065 | 616,453 | 2.4 | 6.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 3,490 | 674,565 | 1.8 | 5.7 | 4,065 | 616,453 | 2.4 | 6.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 192,264 | $ | 11,749,209 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | $ | 167,516 | $ | 9,934,609 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
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Analysis of Loan and Lease Loss Experience. The following table sets forth an analysis of net charge-offs for loans and leases carried at historical cost to average total loans and leases, carried at historical cost, by category for the years indicated.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetCharge-offs (1) | Average Total Loans & Leases (1)(2) | % of Average TotalLoans & Leases (1)(2) | NetCharge-offs (1) | Average Total Loans & Leases (1)(2) | % of Average TotalLoans & Leases (1)(2) | NetCharge-offs (1) | Average Total Loans & Leases (1)(2) | % of Average TotalLoans & Leases (1)(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 41,407 | $ | 2,461,604 | 1.7 | % | $ | 34,341 | $ | 2,231,976 | 1.5 | % | $ | 13,705 | $ | 2,086,469 | 0.7 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 18,497 | 2,640,950 | 0.7 | 8,703 | 2,138,080 | 0.4 | 7,966 | 1,566,488 | 0.5 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | — | 1,403 | — | — | 3,922 | — | — | 8,283 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 59,904 | 5,103,957 | 1.2 | 43,044 | 4,373,978 | 1.0 | 21,671 | 3,661,240 | 0.6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 958 | 441,632 | 0.2 | 338 | 289,198 | 0.1 | — | 274,777 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | — | 58,747 | — | — | 55,440 | — | — | 48,144 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 958 | 500,379 | 0.2 | 338 | 344,638 | 0.1 | — | 322,921 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 8,414 | 3,275,995 | 0.3 | 3,105 | 2,811,072 | 0.1 | 1,416 | 2,463,238 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | (579) | 1,301,171 | — | 189 | 897,927 | — | (1,714) | 583,917 | (0.3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 7,835 | 4,577,166 | 0.2 | 3,294 | 3,708,999 | 0.1 | (298) | 3,047,155 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 77 | 691,364 | — | 16 | 592,007 | — | — | 505,692 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | — | 515 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 77 | 691,879 | — | 16 | 592,007 | — | — | 505,692 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 68,774 | $ | 10,873,381 | 0.6 | % | $ | 46,692 | $ | 9,019,622 | 0.5 | % | $ | 21,373 | $ | 7,537,008 | 0.3 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
(2)Average loans and leases held for investment, at amortized cost.
Investment Securities
Investment securities totaled $1.43 billion at December 31, 2025, an increase of $179.2 million, or 14.4%, compared to $1.25 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase in the investment portfolio for 2025 was to support earnings through additional yield compared to cash alternatives, continue to provide a contingent funding source and act as a mechanism to manage the Company’s interest rate risk. This also included purchases of $301.0 million in mortgage-backed securities, including $84.3 million for purposes of complying with the Community Reinvestment Act and purchases of $106.2 million in collateralized mortgage obligations to diversify the reinvestment of portfolio cash flows.
The investment securities portfolio consists entirely of available-for-sale securities. The Company purchases securities for the investment securities portfolio to manage interest rate risk, ensure a stable source of liquidity and to provide a steady source of income in excess of cost of funds.
At December 31, 2025, the effective duration of the overall available-for-sale securities portfolio was approximately 3.14 years.
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The following table sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of investment securities at December 31, 2025. Weighted average yields were calculated using amortized cost and coupon rate at the balance sheet date. Yields are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis. Certain mortgage related securities have adjustable interest rates and will reprice annually within the various maturity ranges. These repricing schedules are not reflected in the tables below.
| Total Amortized Cost | Within One Year | After One to Five Years | After Five to Ten Years | After Ten Years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government securities | $ | 13,603 | $ | — | — | % | $ | 3,731 | 2.89 | % | $ | 9,872 | 4.43 | % | $ | — | — | % | |||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 1,469,440 | 27,840 | 2.56 | 220,834 | 3.18 | 188,251 | 2.94 | 1,032,515 | 3.59 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 3,151 | — | — | — | — | 3,056 | 4.50 | 95 | 5.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total securities | $ | 1,486,194 | $ | 27,840 | 2.56 | % | $ | 224,565 | 3.18 | % | $ | 201,179 | 3.04 | % | $ | 1,032,610 | 3.59 | % |
At December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had 98.9% and 98.4% of its total investment securities portfolio in mortgage-backed securities. The Company has continued to purchase mortgage-backed securities with the goal of obtaining a favorable yield versus cash alternatives while still maintaining a low risk profile within the investment portfolio.
Deposits
The following table sets forth the composition of deposits.
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Percent | Total | Percent | Total | Percent | |||||||||||||||
| Period end: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 515,051 | 3.8 | % | $ | 318,890 | 2.7 | % | $ | 259,270 | 2.5 | % | ||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 415,152 | 3.0 | 351,284 | 3.0 | 301,006 | 2.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Money market | 163,989 | 1.2 | 147,533 | 1.3 | 135,551 | 1.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Savings | 6,711,000 | 49.0 | 5,282,812 | 44.9 | 4,497,376 | 43.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 5,883,467 | 43.0 | 5,659,975 | 48.1 | 5,081,816 | 49.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 13,173,608 | 96.2 | 11,441,604 | 97.3 | 10,015,749 | 97.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Total period end deposits | $ | 13,688,659 | 100.0 | % | $ | 11,760,494 | 100.0 | % | $ | 10,275,019 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Total uninsured deposits | $ | 2,164,911 | 15.8 | % | $ | 1,705,780 | 14.5 | % | $ | 1,457,800 | 14.2 | % |
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Percent | Average Rate | Total | Percent | Average Rate | Total | Percent | Average Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 403,508 | 3.2 | % | — | % | $ | 239,078 | 2.2 | % | — | % | $ | 215,327 | 2.2 | % | — | % | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 370,562 | 2.9 | 4.36 | 326,410 | 3.0 | 5.42 | 231,413 | 2.4 | 5.50 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market | 133,566 | 1.1 | 0.32 | 131,636 | 1.2 | 0.56 | 125,279 | 1.3 | 0.58 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings | 6,310,054 | 49.9 | 3.56 | 4,934,818 | 45.8 | 4.02 | 4,428,306 | 45.7 | 3.86 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 5,431,128 | 42.9 | 3.91 | 5,133,511 | 47.7 | 4.17 | 4,695,161 | 48.4 | 3.31 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total average deposits | $ | 12,648,818 | 100.0 | % | 3.70 | % | $ | 10,765,453 | 100.0 | % | 4.09 | % | $ | 9,695,486 | 100.0 | % | 3.59 | % |
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Deposits increased to $13.69 billion at December 31, 2025 from $11.76 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $1.93 billion, or 16.4%. This increase was primarily due to the growth of the Company’s customer base in the savings and time deposit products, enhanced by a nationwide marketing campaign with attractive rates and additional wholesale funding, to support the significant loan growth in 2025. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $196.2 million, or 61.5%, during 2025, and interest-bearing deposits increased $1.73 billion, or 15.1%, during the same period.
The aggregate amount of time deposits in denominations of $250 thousand or more at December 31, 2025 was approximately $653.5 million. Of those deposits, $283.5 million was uninsured and 98.3% of the uninsured time deposit accounts were scheduled to mature within one year. The maturity profile of uninsured time deposits at December 31, 2025 is as follows:
| Maturity Period | Three months or less | More than three months to six months | More than six months to twelve months | More than twelve months | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount of time deposits in uninsured accounts | $ | 98,317 | $ | 60,545 | $ | 119,755 | $ | 4,913 |
Borrowings
Total borrowings decreased $10.4 million at December 31, 2025 from December 31, 2024 as a result of the following:
In March 2024, the Company entered into a 60-month term loan agreement of $100.0 million with a third party correspondent bank. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 5.95% with monthly interest payments until maturity on March 28, 2029, and $33.0 million of principal to be paid in year 4, and $67.0 million of principal to be paid in year 5. The Company paid the lender a non-refundable $600 thousand loan origination fee upon signing of the note that is represented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the loan and will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan.
In March 2021, the Company entered into a 60-month term loan agreement of $50.0 million with a third party correspondent bank. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 2.95% with a monthly payment sufficient to fully amortize the loan, with all remaining unpaid principal and interest due at maturity on March 30, 2026. The Company paid the lender a non-refundable $325 thousand loan origination fee upon signing of the note that is presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the loan and will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan.
In September 2025, the Company modified a $100.0 million revolving line of credit with a third party correspondent bank. The line of credit is unsecured and accrues interest at 30-day SOFR plus 1.25%, with an interest rate cap of 6.75% and an interest rate floor of 2.75%. The line of credit was extended 12 months to a maturity date of October 10, 2028. Payments are interest only with all principal and accrued interest due at maturity. The terms of this loan require the Company to maintain minimum capital and debt service coverage ratios. The Company paid the lender a non-refundable $250 thousand renewal fee in September 2025 that will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024 there was $100.0 million of available credit.
Liquidity Management
Liquidity management refers to the ability to meet day-to-day cash flow requirements based primarily on activity in loan and deposit accounts of the Company’s customers. Liquidity is immediately available from four major sources: (a) cash on hand and on deposit at other banks; (b) the outstanding balance of federal funds sold; (c) the market value of unpledged investment securities; and (d) availability under lines of credit, FHLB advances and the Federal Reserve Discount Window. A primary tool in the Company’s liquidity management process is the utilization of an Outflow Coverage Ratio (“OCR”) model to stress outflows in various scenarios with targeted days of liquidity coverage. The OCR model output is then used by management to ensure adequate liquidity sources are available during those future periods. At December 31, 2025, the total amount of these four liquidity source items was $4.89 billion, or 32.3% of total assets, a decrease of 0.1% of total assets from $4.20 billion, or 32.4% of total assets, at December 31, 2024.
Investments in loans, securities and other assets are funded primarily by customer deposits, brokered deposits and loan sales. The Company maintains an investment securities portfolio that is available for both immediate and secondary contingent liquidity purposes, whether via pledging to the Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Reserve Bank, or through liquidation. Additionally, the Company maintains a guaranteed and unguaranteed loan portfolio that is also a contingent liquidity source, whether via pledging to the Federal Reserve Discount Window or through liquidation.
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At December 31, 2025, $565.8 million of the investment securities portfolio were pledged for unused borrowing capacity, leaving $861.6 million available to be pledged as collateral.
Contractual Obligations
The Company has entered into significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations for future payments. See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for expected timing of payments as of December 31, 2025. These include operating leases (Note 4. Leases), time deposits with stated maturity dates (Note 7. Deposits) and borrowings (Note 8. Borrowings). As of December 31, 2025, the Company also has $401.0 million in brokered deposits with $350.9 million scheduled to mature in less than a year and $50.1 million scheduled to mature within one to three years.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of operations, the Company engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with GAAP, are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. In 2025, the Company entered into airplane purchase agreement commitments. For more information, see “Note 2. Securities” and “Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies” in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Report.
Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Sensitivity
One of the primary objectives of asset/liability management is to maximize the net interest margin while minimizing the earnings risk associated with changes in interest rates. One method used to manage interest rate sensitivity is to measure, over various time periods, the interest rate sensitivity positions, or gaps. This method, however, addresses only the magnitude of timing differences and does not address earnings or market value. Therefore, management uses an earnings simulation model to prepare, on a regular basis, earnings projections based on a range of interest rate scenarios to more accurately measure interest rate risk. For more information, see Item 7A of this Report.
Capital
The maintenance of appropriate levels of capital is a management priority and is monitored on a regular basis. The Company’s principal goals related to the maintenance of capital are to provide adequate capital to support the Company’s risk profile consistent with the risk appetite approved by the Board of Directors; provide financial flexibility to support future growth and client needs; comply with relevant laws, regulations, and supervisory guidance; achieve optimal credit ratings for the Company and its subsidiaries; and provide a competitive return to shareholders. Management regularly monitors the capital position of the Company on both a consolidated and Bank level basis. In this regard, management’s goal is to maintain capital at levels that are in excess of the regulatory “well capitalized” levels. Risk-based capital ratios, which include Tier 1 Capital, Total Capital and Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, are calculated based on regulatory guidance related to the measurement of capital and risk-weighted assets.
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Capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 are presented in the table below.
| Actual | Minimum Capital Requirement | Minimum To BeWell CapitalizedUnder PromptCorrective ActionProvisions (1) | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | |||||||||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,162,337 | 10.53 | % | $ | 496,712 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,397,451 | 12.66 | % | $ | 883,043 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,258,603 | 11.40 | % | $ | 662,282 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 1,258,603 | 8.48 | % | $ | 593,767 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,147,133 | 10.46 | % | $ | 493,607 | 4.50 | % | $ | 712,987 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,285,129 | 11.72 | % | $ | 877,523 | 8.00 | % | $ | 1,096,904 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,147,133 | 10.46 | % | $ | 658,142 | 6.00 | % | $ | 877,523 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 1,147,133 | 7.77 | % | $ | 590,666 | 4.00 | % | $ | 738,333 | 5.00 | % | ||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,049,420 | 11.04 | % | $ | 427,941 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,169,061 | 12.29 | % | $ | 760,784 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,049,420 | 11.04 | % | $ | 570,588 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 1,049,420 | 8.21 | % | $ | 511,293 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,020,820 | 10.96 | % | $ | 418,992 | 4.50 | % | $ | 605,210 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,138,006 | 12.22 | % | $ | 744,874 | 8.00 | % | $ | 931,093 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,020,820 | 10.96 | % | $ | 558,656 | 6.00 | % | $ | 744,874 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 1,020,820 | 8.04 | % | $ | 507,725 | 4.00 | % | $ | 634,657 | 5.00 | % | ||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 960,433 | 11.73 | % | $ | 368,549 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,063,157 | 12.98 | % | $ | 655,198 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 960,433 | 11.73 | % | $ | 491,399 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 960,433 | 8.58 | % | $ | 447,561 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 823,478 | 10.40 | % | $ | 356,426 | 4.50 | % | $ | 514,837 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 922,876 | 11.65 | % | $ | 633,646 | 8.00 | % | $ | 792,057 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 823,478 | 10.40 | % | $ | 475,234 | 6.00 | % | $ | 633,646 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 823,478 | 7.41 | % | $ | 444,480 | 4.00 | % | $ | 555,600 | 5.00 | % |
(1)Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable at the bank holding company level.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company bases estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
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The Company’s accounting policies, including those for the Company’s critical accounting estimates are described in detail in “Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements and are an integral part of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A thorough understanding of these accounting policies is essential when reviewing the Company’s reported results of operations and financial position. The Company’s most critical accounting estimate is listed below. This estimate requires the Company to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.
Allowance for credit losses (ACL)
The Company’s ACL at December 31, 2025 represents the Company’s current estimate of the lifetime credit losses expected from its loan and lease portfolio. Management estimates the ACL by projecting probability of default, loss given default and exposure at default, conditional on economic parameter(s), for the remaining contractual term.
To determine the ACL as of December 31, 2025, the Company utilized an external baseline forecast to generate its quantitatively modeled expected losses and considered alternative economic forecast scenarios to qualitatively adjust the modeled ACL by loan portfolio in order to reflect management’s reasonable expectations of current and future economic conditions. The baseline forecast at December 31, 2025 assumes the Baa Corporate Bond Yield ending the fourth quarter of 2026 at 6.7%.
One of the most significant judgments influencing the ACL is the external macroeconomic forecasts. Changes in the economic forecasts could significantly affect the estimated credit losses which could potentially lead to materially different allowance levels from one reporting period to the next.
To illustrate a hypothetical sensitivity analysis, management calculated a quantitative allowance using a 100% weighting applied to an adverse scenario. In this adverse environment, the U.S. economy faces renewed weakness following late‑2025 softening in labor markets and persistent inflation pressures. Elevated interest rates – declining more slowly than anticipated – continue to suppress credit‑sensitive consumer spending and business investment, while the expanded tariff regime introduced in 2025 further elevates goods prices and weighs on supply chains. Also compiling into an adverse scenario are geopolitical tensions, including continued instability in Eastern Europe and heightened trade frictions with major partners, further disrupt supply chains and contribute to volatility in goods prices. These developments, combined with limited fiscal space and slowing job creation, push the U.S. economy into a mild recession by mid‑2026 under this scenario. Under this scenario, as an example, the Baa Corporate Bond Yield increases from baseline levels and remains elevated for an extended period. The estimated Baa Corporate Bond Yield in this scenario could reach 7.0% at the middle of 2026, approximately 120 basis points higher than the baseline scenario forecast start.
To demonstrate the sensitivity to key economic parameters, management calculated the difference between a 100% baseline weighting and a 100% adverse scenario weighting for quantitative modeled results. This scenario would result in an incremental quantitative impact to the ACL of approximately $10.0 million at December 31, 2025. This resulting difference is not intended to represent an expected increase in ACL levels since (i) the Company may use a weighted approach applied to multiple economic scenarios for its ACL process, (ii) the highly uncertain economic environment, and (iii) the sensitivity analysis does not account for any qualitative adjustments incorporated by the Company as part of its overall ACL framework.
Other Considerations
While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of our ACL is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the performance of our portfolios, the economy, and changes in interest rates. See “Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Note 3. Loans and Leases Held for Investment and Credit Quality” in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by the Company in estimating the necessary level of the ACL.
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Non-GAAP Measures
Some of the financial measures included in our selected historical consolidated financial data and elsewhere in this Report are not measures of financial performance recognized by GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are: “tangible shareholders’ equity;” “tangible assets;” “tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets;” “tangible book value per share;” and “efficiency ratio.” Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance.
•“Tangible shareholders’ equity” is total shareholders’ equity less preferred stock, non-controlling interest, goodwill and other intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible assets” is total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets” is defined as the ratio of shareholders’ equity less preferred stock, non-controlling interest, goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management believes this measure is important because it shows relative changes from period to period in equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible book value per share” is defined as total equity reduced by preferred stock, non-controlling interest, goodwill and other intangible assets divided by total common shares outstanding. Management believes this measure is important because it shows changes from period to period in book value per share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Efficiency ratio” is defined as total noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income. Management believes this measure is important as an indicator of productivity because it shows the amount of noninterest expense that was required to generate a dollar of revenue. While the efficiency ratio is a measure of productivity, its value also reflects the unique attributes of the “high-touch business model” the Company employs.
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The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors that is supplementary to the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP; however, the Company acknowledges that non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations. As such, you should not view these measures as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, and they are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that other companies use. The following table provides a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely related GAAP measure.
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | ||||||
| Total shareholders' equity | $ | 1,254,106 | $ | 1,003,496 | $ | 902,666 | ||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Preferred stock | 96,266 | — | — | |||||
| Non-controlling interest | 4,238 | — | — | |||||
| Total common shareholders' equity | $ | 1,153,602 | $ | 1,003,496 | $ | 902,666 | ||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,797 | 1,797 | 1,797 | |||||
| Other intangible assets | 2,165 | 1,568 | 1,721 | |||||
| Tangible shareholders' equity (a) | $ | 1,149,640 | $ | 1,000,131 | $ | 899,148 | ||
| Shares outstanding (c) | 46,032,402 | 45,359,425 | 44,617,673 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 15,134,778 | $ | 12,943,380 | $ | 11,271,423 | ||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,797 | 1,797 | 1,797 | |||||
| Other intangible assets | 2,165 | 1,568 | 1,721 | |||||
| Tangible assets (b) | $ | 15,130,816 | $ | 12,940,015 | $ | 11,267,905 | ||
| Tangible shareholders' equity to tangible assets (a/b) | 7.60% | 7.73% | 7.98% | |||||
| Tangible book value per share (a/c) | $ | 24.97 | $ | 22.05 | $ | 20.15 | ||
| Efficiency ratio: | ||||||||
| Noninterest expense (d) | $ | 338,698 | $ | 303,110 | $ | 315,152 | ||
| Net interest income | 448,358 | 375,905 | 345,305 | |||||
| Noninterest income | 129,458 | 112,652 | 104,000 | |||||
| Adjusted operating revenue (e) | $ | 577,816 | $ | 488,557 | $ | 449,305 | ||
| Efficiency ratio (d/e) | 58.62% | 62.04% | 70.14% |
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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: 0001462120-25-000018.
Item 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The following presents management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of the more significant factors that affected the Company's financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 as compared to December 31, 2023. For a comparison of 2023 results to 2022 and other 2022 information not included herein, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Part II, Item 7 of the 2023 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 22, 2024. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Results of operations for the periods included in this review are not necessarily indicative of results to be obtained during any future period.
Dollar amounts in tables are stated in thousands, except for per share amounts.
Nature of Operations
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries including Live Oak Banking Company, the “Company”) is a financial holding company and a bank holding company headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, incorporated under the laws of North Carolina in December 2008. The Company conducts business operations primarily through its commercial bank subsidiary, Live Oak Banking Company (the “Bank”). The Bank was incorporated in February 2008 as a North Carolina-chartered commercial bank. The Bank specializes in providing lending and deposit related services to small businesses nationwide. A significant portion of the loans originated by the Bank are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) under the 7(a) Loan program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Rural Energy for America Program (“REAP”), Water and Environmental Program (“WEP”), Business & Industry (“B&I”) and Community Facilities loan programs. These loans are to small businesses and professionals with what the Bank believes are lower risk characteristics. Industries, or “verticals,” on which the Bank focuses its lending efforts are carefully selected. The Bank also lends more broadly to select borrowers outside of those verticals.
As of December 31, 2024, the Company’s wholly owned material subsidiaries were the Bank, Government Loan Solutions (“GLS”), Live Oak Grove, LLC (“Grove”) and Live Oak Ventures, Inc. (“Live Oak Ventures”). GLS is a management and technology consulting firm that advises and offers solutions and services to participants in the government guaranteed lending sector. GLS primarily provides services in connection with the settlement, accounting, and securitization processes for government guaranteed loans, including loans originated under the SBA 7(a) loan programs and USDA guaranteed loans. The Grove provides Company employees and business visitors with on-site dining at the Company’s Wilmington, North Carolina headquarters. Live Oak Ventures’ purpose is investing in businesses that align with the Company's strategic initiative to be a leader in financial technology. Canapi Advisors, LLC (“Canapi Advisors”) was a wholly owned subsidiary providing investment advisory services to a series of funds (the “Canapi Funds”) focused on providing venture capital to new and emerging financial technology companies. During the third quarter of 2024, the Canapi Funds were restructured and Canapi Advisors voluntarily withdrew as an investment advisor to the funds. Canapi Advisors was subsequently dissolved in the fourth quarter of 2024. As of December 31, 2024, Live Oak Ventures consolidated its investment in Synply, Inc. as a result of its controlling interest in that entity. Synply is a cloud-based technology platform designed to simplify the loan syndication process for financial institutions and discloses the non-controlling interest according to the Company’s consolidation policy.
As of December 31, 2024, the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries were Live Oak Number One, Inc., Live Oak Clean Energy Financing LLC (“LOCEF”), Live Oak Private Wealth, LLC (“Live Oak Private Wealth”) and Tiburon Land Holdings, LLC (“TLH”). Live Oak Number One, Inc. holds properties foreclosed on by the Bank. LOCEF provides financing to entities for renewable energy applications. Live Oak Private Wealth provides high-net-worth individuals and families with strategic wealth and investment management services. During the first quarter of 2022, Jolley Asset Management, LLC (“JAM”) was merged into Live Oak Private Wealth. JAM was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Live Oak Private Wealth. TLH holds land adjacent to the Bank's headquarters consisting of wetlands and other protected property for the use and enjoyment of the Bank's employees and customers.
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The Company generates revenue primarily from net interest income and secondarily through the origination and sale of government guaranteed loans. Income from the retention of loans consists principally of interest income. Income from the sale of loans consists of loan servicing revenue and revaluation of related servicing assets along with net gains on sales of loans. Offsetting these revenues are the cost of funding sources, provision for credit losses, any costs related to foreclosed assets and other operating costs such as salaries and employee benefits, travel, professional services, advertising and marketing and tax expense. The Company also has less routinely generated gains and losses arising from its financial technology investments.
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Executive Summary
The table below sets forth selected consolidated financial data as of the dates or for the periods indicated.
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||
| Income Statement Data | ||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. | $ | 77,474 | $ | 73,898 | $ | 176,208 | ||||
| Per Common Share | ||||||||||
| Net income, diluted | $ | 1.69 | $ | 1.64 | $ | 3.92 | ||||
| Dividends declared | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.12 | |||||||
| Book value | 22.12 | 20.23 | 18.41 | |||||||
| Tangible book value (1) | 22.05 | 20.15 | 18.32 | |||||||
| Performance Ratios | ||||||||||
| Return on average assets | 0.65 | % | 0.69 | % | 1.96 | % | ||||
| Return on average equity | 7.94 | 8.66 | 21.92 | |||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.27 | 3.35 | 3.87 | |||||||
| Efficiency ratio (1) | 62.89 | 70.65 | 55.57 | |||||||
| Noninterest income to total revenue | 24.77 | 24.45 | 42.09 | |||||||
| Dividend payout ratio | 6.97 | 7.20 | 2.99 | |||||||
| Selected Loan Metrics | ||||||||||
| Loans and leases originated | $ | 5,155,244 | $ | 3,946,873 | $ | 4,007,621 | ||||
| Outstanding balance of sold loans serviced | 4,715,895 | 4,238,328 | 3,481,885 | |||||||
| Asset Quality Ratios | ||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses to loans and leases held for investment (2) | 1.69 | % | 1.53 | % | 1.41 | % | ||||
| Net charge-offs (2) | $ | 46,692 | $ | 21,373 | $ | 7,961 | ||||
| Net charge-offs to average loans and leases held for investment (2) (3) | 0.52 | % | 0.28 | % | 0.14 | % | ||||
| Nonperforming loans and leases at historical cost (2) | ||||||||||
| Unguaranteed | $ | 81,412 | $ | 39,285 | $ | 18,784 | ||||
| Guaranteed | 222,885 | 95,678 | 54,608 | |||||||
| Total | 304,297 | 134,963 | 73,392 | |||||||
| Unguaranteed nonperforming historical cost loans and leases, to loans and leases held for investment (2) | 0.82 | % | 0.48 | % | 0.27 | % | ||||
| Nonperforming loans at fair value (4) | ||||||||||
| Unguaranteed | $ | 9,115 | $ | 7,230 | $ | 6,678 | ||||
| Guaranteed | 54,873 | 41,244 | 38,212 | |||||||
| Total | 63,988 | 48,474 | 44,890 | |||||||
| Unguaranteed nonperforming fair value loans to loans held for investment (4) | 2.77 | % | 1.86 | % | 1.35 | % | ||||
| Consolidated Capital Ratios | ||||||||||
| Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | 11.04 | % | 11.73 | % | 12.47 | % | ||||
| Tier 1 leverage capital (to average assets) | 8.21 | 8.58 | 9.26 |
(1)See "Non-GAAP Measures" presented at the conclusion of this Item 7 for more information and a reconciliation to the most closely related GAAP measure.
(2)Loans and leases at historical cost only (excludes loans measured at fair value).
(3)Annual net charge-offs as a percentage of annual average loans and leases held for investment, at amortized cost.
(4)Loans accounted for under the fair value option only (excludes loans and leases carried at historical cost).
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The following is a summary of the Company's financial highlights and events for 2024:
•Record year of loan production with total loans and leases held for sale and investment increasing by $1.56 billion, or 17.3%. Total loan originations in 2024 were $5.16 billion compared to $3.95 billion in 2023, an increase of 30.6%. Substantial loan production in 2024 was the primary driver of growth in total assets which increased to $12.94 billion at December 31, 2024 as compared to $11.27 billion at December 31, 2023, for an increase of $1.67 billion, or 14.8%.
•Supporting loan growth, total deposits increased by $1.49 billion, or 14.5%, to $11.76 billion at the end of 2024.
•Net income attributable to Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. increased $3.6 million, or 4.8%, from $73.9 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, to $77.5 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, largely due to the following items.
•Net interest income increased by $30.6 million, or 8.9%, largely the result of robust loan growth, partially offset by higher funding costs which were reflected in a decline in net interest margin to 3.27% for 2024 as compared to 3.35% for 2023.
•The provision for credit losses increased $44.9 million, or 87.5%, driven by record loan growth combined with the impacts of the current macroeconomic environment. Total nonperforming unguaranteed loans and leases as a percentage of total loans and leases held for investment, excluding loans measured at fair value, increased from 0.48% at the end of 2023 to 0.82% at the end of 2024. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average held for investment loans and leases carried at historical cost, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were 0.52% and 0.28%, respectively.
•Increased total noninterest income of $12.0 million, or 10.8%, and decreased total noninterest expense of $8.6 million, or 2.7%. A detailed overview of key drivers of year-over-year changes in reported net income is outlined more fully in the opening to the section titled “Results of Operations.”
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Statements included in this management's discussion and analysis include non-GAAP financial measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables, which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. The reconciliation of non-GAAP measures is presented at the conclusion of this Item 7.
Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide additional useful information that allows readers to evaluate the ongoing performance of the Company without regard to certain transactional activities. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as reported under GAAP, and investors should consider the Company's performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. Management’s non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparable to similarly named measures represented by other companies, as they may be calculated differently.
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Results of Operations
The Company reported net income attributable to Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. of $77.5 million, or $1.69 per diluted share, for 2024 compared to $73.9 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, for 2023.
The increase in net income was largely due to the following items:
•Increased net interest income of $30.6 million, or 8.9%;
•Increased net gains on sales of loans of $14.4 million, or 30.8%, principally the result of higher loan sale volumes combined with improving premiums in 2024;
•Increased other noninterest income of $14.0 million, largely related to the combination of a $2.4 million gain from the sale of a building in the third quarter of 2024, a $6.7 million gain arising from the sale of one of the Company’s aircraft in the second quarter of 2024 and a $5.7 million gain in the first quarter of 2024 arising from the increased fair value of a certain equity warrant asset.
•Decreased impairment charges of $14.1 million, arising from a fourth quarter of 2023 renewable energy tax credit investment.
Key factors partially offsetting the year-over-year increase in net income were a combination of increased provision for credit losses of $44.9 million, increased net loss on the loan servicing asset revaluation of $17.0 million and increased salaries and employee benefits of $8.2 million.
Net Interest Income and Margin
Net interest income represents the difference between the income that the Company earns on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The Company’s net interest income depends upon the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates that the Company earns or pays on them, respectively. Net interest income is affected by changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as “volume changes.” It is also affected by changes in yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowed funds, referred to as “rate changes.” As a bank without a branch network, the Bank gathers deposits over the Internet and in the community in which it is headquartered. Due to the nature of a branchless bank and the relatively low overhead required for deposit gathering, the rates the Bank offers are generally above the industry average.
For 2024, net interest income increased $30.6 million, or 8.9%, to $375.9 million compared to $345.3 million for 2023. This increase was principally due to the growth in the held for investment loan and lease portfolio outpacing growth in interest-bearing liabilities offset by an increase in average cost of funds which exceeded the increase in average yield on interest-earning assets. Average interest-earning assets increased by $1.20 billion, or 11.6%, to $11.50 billion for 2024, compared to $10.30 billion for 2023, while the yield on average interest-earning assets increased 39 basis points to 7.07%. The cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities for 2024 increased 52 basis points to 4.11%, and the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased by $1.08 billion, or 11.3%, over 2023. The increase in cost of funds was largely influenced by repricing of short-term certificates of deposit with the average cost of funds increasing from 3.31% in 2023 to 4.17% for in 2024.
The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was largely driven by funding for significant loan originations and growth as well as maintenance of the Company's target liquidity profile. As indicated in the rate/volume table below, the overall increase discussed above is reflected in increased interest income of $124.1 million outpacing growth in interest expense of $93.5 million for 2024 compared to 2023. The net interest margin decreased from 3.35% for 2023 to 3.27% for 2024.
In January 2025, the Federal Reserve decided to maintain the federal funds upper target rate at 4.5%. The Federal Reserve released its most current federal funds target rate midpoint projections at its previous meeting in December 2024 which implied a decrease of approximately 50 basis points to 3.9% by the end of 2025. There can be no assurance that any further decreases or increases in the Federal Funds rate will occur, and if they do, the amount and timing of actual adjustments are subject to change. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for information about the Company’s sensitivity to interest rates.
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Average Balances and Yields. The following table presents information regarding average balances for assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets, the total dollar amount of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing the income or expense by the average balances for assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. Loan fees are included in interest income on loans.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning balances in other banks | $ | 556,108 | $ | 29,118 | 5.24 | % | $ | 584,691 | $ | 29,487 | 5.04 | % | $ | 228,866 | $ | 3,465 | 1.51 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | — | — | — | 34,529 | 1,624 | 4.70 | 109,473 | 2,796 | 2.55 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 1,283,161 | 38,413 | 2.99 | 1,237,458 | 33,497 | 2.71 | 995,481 | 19,667 | 1.98 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 372,803 | 34,903 | 9.36 | 539,197 | 48,235 | 8.95 | 952,606 | 58,943 | 6.19 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and leases held for investment (1) | 9,285,908 | 709,938 | 7.65 | 7,905,875 | 575,432 | 7.28 | 6,174,763 | 359,602 | 5.82 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | 11,497,980 | 812,372 | 7.07 | 10,301,750 | 688,275 | 6.68 | 8,461,189 | 444,473 | 5.25 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | (138,766) | (110,855) | (67,234) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets | 557,297 | 493,968 | 576,524 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 11,916,511 | $ | 10,684,863 | $ | 8,970,479 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | $ | 326,410 | $ | 17,692 | 5.42 | % | $ | 231,413 | $ | 12,718 | 5.50 | % | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | ||||||||||||||
| Savings | 4,934,818 | 198,612 | 4.02 | 4,428,306 | 171,151 | 3.86 | 3,903,151 | 57,740 | 1.48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market accounts | 131,636 | 739 | 0.56 | 125,279 | 721 | 0.58 | 100,684 | 303 | 0.30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 5,133,511 | 213,844 | 4.17 | 4,695,161 | 155,617 | 3.31 | 3,849,203 | 56,992 | 1.48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total deposits | 10,526,375 | 430,887 | 4.09 | 9,480,159 | 340,207 | 3.59 | 7,853,038 | 115,035 | 1.46 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 94,512 | 5,580 | 5.90 | 61,743 | 2,763 | 4.48 | 122,946 | 1,937 | 1.58 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 10,620,887 | 436,467 | 4.11 | 9,541,902 | 342,970 | 3.59 | 7,975,984 | 116,972 | 1.47 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing deposits | 239,078 | 215,327 | 125,062 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities | 80,549 | 74,046 | 65,619 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity | 975,215 | 853,588 | 803,814 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-controlling interest | 782 | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 11,916,511 | $ | 10,684,863 | $ | 8,970,479 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income and interest rate spread | $ | 375,905 | 2.96 | % | $ | 345,305 | 3.09 | % | $ | 327,501 | 3.78 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.27 | % | 3.35 | % | 3.87 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities | 108.26 | % | 107.96 | % | 106.08 | % |
(1)Average loan and lease balances include non-accruing loans and leases.
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Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior period volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior period rate). The total column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionally based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
| 2024 vs. 2023 | 2023 vs. 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increase (Decrease) Due to | Increase (Decrease) Due to | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate | Volume | Total | Rate | Volume | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning balances in other banks | $ | 1,100 | $ | (1,469) | $ | (369) | $ | 14,356 | $ | 11,666 | $ | 26,022 | ||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | — | (1,624) | (1,624) | 1,547 | (2,719) | (1,172) | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 3,613 | 1,303 | 4,916 | 8,165 | 5,665 | 13,830 | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 1,900 | (15,232) | (13,332) | 20,573 | (31,281) | (10,708) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans and leases held for investment | 31,529 | 102,977 | 134,506 | 102,422 | 113,408 | 215,830 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total interest income | 38,142 | 85,955 | 124,097 | 147,063 | 96,739 | 243,802 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | (211) | 5,185 | 4,974 | — | 12,718 | 12,718 | ||||||||||||||||
| Savings | 7,480 | 19,981 | 27,461 | 99,378 | 14,033 | 113,411 | ||||||||||||||||
| Money market accounts | (18) | 36 | 18 | 310 | 108 | 418 | ||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 41,833 | 16,394 | 58,227 | 78,343 | 20,282 | 98,625 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 1,116 | 1,701 | 2,817 | 2,678 | (1,852) | 826 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense | 50,200 | 43,297 | 93,497 | 180,709 | 45,289 | 225,998 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | $ | (12,058) | $ | 42,658 | $ | 30,600 | $ | (33,646) | $ | 51,450 | $ | 17,804 |
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses represents the amount necessary to be charged against the current period’s earnings to maintain the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans and leases at a level that the Company believes is appropriate in relation to the estimated losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. Beginning in the second quarter of 2024, expense related to off-balance sheet credit exposures was also included in the provision for credit losses in response to growth in the amount of loans with applicable off-balance sheet credit risk. See Note 1 under the subheading Allowance for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures for additional information.
Losses inherent in loan relationships are mitigated if a portion of the loan is guaranteed by the SBA or USDA. Typical SBA 7(a) and USDA guarantees range from 50% to 90% depending on loan size and type, which serve to reduce the risk profile of these loans. The Company believes that its focus on compliance with regulations and guidance from the SBA and USDA are key factors to managing this risk.
For 2024, the provision for credit losses was $96.2 million compared to $51.3 million in 2023, an increase of $44.9 million. The 2024 increase in provision was primarily the result of record loan growth combined with the impacts of the current macroeconomic environment, which adversely affected some borrowers’ performance.
Loans and leases held for investment at historical cost were $9.90 billion as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $1.66 billion, or 20.1%, compared to December 31, 2023.
Net charge-offs for loans and leases carried at historical cost were $46.7 million, or 0.52% of average loans and leases held for investment at amortized cost, excluding loans measured at fair value, for 2024, compared to net charge-offs of $21.4 million, or 0.28%, for 2023, an increase of $25.3 million, or 118.5%. The increase in net charge-offs for 2024 was primarily related to an increase in activity within five verticals, Search Fund Lending, General Lending, Government Contracting, Community Facilities and Wine & Craft Beverage. The increase was largely due to the high interest rate environment and inflationary pressures, which increased financial strain on borrowers. Net charge-offs are a key element of historical experience in the Company's estimation of the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases.
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In addition, nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the SBA or USDA, excluding $9.1 million and $7.2 million accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, totaled $81.4 million, which was 0.82% of the held for investment loan and lease portfolio carried at historical cost at December 31, 2024, compared to $39.3 million, or 0.48% of loans and leases held for investment carried at historical cost at December 31, 2023.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income is principally comprised of net gains from the sale of SBA and USDA-guaranteed loans along with servicing revenue and related revaluation of the servicing asset. Revenue from the sale of loans depends upon the volume, maturity structure and rates of underlying loans as well as the pricing and availability of funds in the secondary markets prevailing in the period between completed loan funding and closing of sale. In addition, the loan servicing asset revaluation is significantly impacted by changes in market rates and other underlying assumptions such as prepayment speeds. Net gain (loss) on loans accounted for under the fair value option is also significantly impacted by changes in market rates, prepayment speeds and inherent credit risk. Other less consistent elements of noninterest income include gains and losses on investments.
The following table shows the components of noninterest income and the dollar and percentage changes for the periods presented.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2023/2024 Increase(Decrease) | 2022/2023 Increase(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan servicing revenue | $ | 31,535 | $ | 27,399 | $ | 25,359 | $ | 4,136 | 15.1 | % | $ | 2,040 | 8.0 | % | |||||||||||
| Loan servicing asset revaluation | (12,155) | 4,886 | (16,577) | (17,041) | (348.8) | 21,463 | 129.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net gains on sales of loans | 60,899 | 46,545 | 43,244 | 14,354 | 30.8 | 3,301 | 7.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on loans accounted for under the fair value option | 2,403 | (3,539) | 1,046 | 5,942 | 167.9 | (4,585) | (438.3) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method investments (loss) income | (10,921) | (5,994) | 144,250 | (4,927) | (82.2) | (150,244) | (104.2) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity security investments gains (losses), net | 553 | (969) | 3,355 | 1,522 | 157.1 | (4,324) | (128.9) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease income | 9,756 | 10,007 | 10,084 | (251) | (2.5) | (77) | (0.8) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Management fee income | 7,658 | 13,324 | 10,090 | (5,666) | (42.5) | 3,234 | 32.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other noninterest income | 34,053 | 20,074 | 17,141 | 13,979 | 69.6 | 2,933 | 17.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 123,781 | $ | 111,733 | $ | 237,992 | $ | 12,048 | 10.8 | % | $ | (126,259) | (53.1) | % |
Years ended December 31, 2024 vs. 2023
For 2024, noninterest income increased by $12.0 million, or 10.8%, compared to 2023. The increase over the prior year is primarily a result of higher servicing revenue of $4.1 million, increased net gains on sales of loans of $14.4 million, a $5.9 million increase in the net gain on loans accounted for under the fair value option and increased other noninterest income of $14.0 million. The increase in other noninterest income was largely related to the previously mentioned $2.4 million gain from the sale of a building in the third quarter of 2024 combined with a $6.7 million gain arising from the sale of one of the Company’s aircraft in the second quarter of 2024 and a $5.7 million gain in the first quarter of 2024 arising from the increased fair value of a certain equity warrant asset. Partially offsetting the increase in total noninterest income over the prior year-to-date period were higher losses of $17.0 million related to the servicing asset revaluation, $4.9 million in higher flow-through losses of equity method investments and a $5.7 million decrease in management fee income due to the restructuring of the Canapi Funds in the third quarter of 2024.
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The tables below reflect loan and lease production, sales of guaranteed loans and the aggregate balance in guaranteed loans sold that are being serviced. These components are key drivers of the Company's noninterest income.
| Three months ended December 31, | Three months ended September 30, | Three months ended June 30, | Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | 2024 | 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount of loans and leases originated | $ | 1,421,118 | $ | 981,703 | $ | 1,757,856 | $ | 1,073,255 | $ | 1,171,141 | $ | 861,033 | $ | 805,129 | $ | 1,030,882 | ||||||||||||||
| Guaranteed portions of loans sold | 277,546 | 239,066 | 266,307 | 225,585 | 250,466 | 245,074 | 186,654 | 167,826 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold (1) | 3,379,477 | 2,986,959 | 3,300,524 | 2,909,343 | 3,177,629 | 2,808,200 | 3,057,641 | 2,695,757 |
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||
| Amount of loans and leases originated | $ | 5,155,244 | $ | 3,946,873 | $ | 4,007,621 | $ | 4,480,725 | $ | 4,450,198 | ||||
| Guaranteed portions of loans sold | 980,973 | 877,551 | 580,889 | 668,462 | 542,596 | |||||||||
| Outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold (1) | 3,379,477 | 2,986,959 | 2,668,110 | 2,756,915 | 2,819,625 |
(1)This represents the outstanding principal balance of guaranteed loans serviced, as of the last day of the applicable period, which have been sold into the secondary market.
Changes in various components of noninterest income are discussed in more detail below.
Loan Servicing Asset Revaluation: The Company revalues its serviced loan portfolio at least quarterly. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as adequate compensation for servicing, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses, with prepayment speed and discount rate being the most sensitive assumptions. For 2024, there was a net loss on loan servicing asset revaluation of $12.2 million compared to a net gain of $4.9 million for 2023, resulting in a negative change of $17.0 million. The negative change in valuation of the servicing asset compared to 2023 was principally the result of the third quarter of 2023 change in valuation techniques used to estimate the fair value of servicing rights.
The fair value of servicing rights is highly sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions. Changes in prepayment speed and discount rate assumptions typically have the most significant impacts on the fair value of servicing rights. Generally, as interest rates rise on variable rate loans, loan prepayments increase due to an increase in refinance activity, which results in a decrease in the fair value of servicing assets, however, weakening economic conditions or significant declines in interest rates can also increase loan prepayment activity. The discount rate used in the estimation process is tied to a benchmark risk-free rate with a risk premium added using a build-up method. Measurement of fair value is limited to the conditions existing and the assumptions used as of a particular point in time, and those assumptions may not be appropriate if they are applied at a different time.
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At December 31, 2024, the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Company’s servicing rights included a weighted average prepayment speed equal to 15.6% and a weighted average discount rate equal to 13.5%. The table below reflects the sensitivity of the current fair value of servicing assets to immediate adverse changes in the above key assumptions with all other assumptions remaining static:
| As of December. 31, 2024 | As of December. 31, 2023 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair value of servicing rights | $55,788 | $48,186 | ||
| Incremental Increase (Decrease) in Value | Incremental Increase (Decrease) in Value | |||
| Prepayment Speed | ||||
| 20% increase | ($3,459) | ($2,815) | ||
| 10% increase | (1,785) | (1,452) | ||
| Discount Rate | ||||
| 200 basis point increase | (2,603) | (2,186) | ||
| 100 basis point increase | (1,331) | (1,117) |
The sensitivity calculations above are hypothetical and should not be considered to be predictive of future performance. As indicated, changes in fair value based on changes in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the servicing rights is calculated without changing any other assumption. Changes in one factor may result in changes in another.
See Note 5. Servicing Assets in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by the Company in estimating the fair value of servicing assets.
Net Gains on Sales of Loans: For 2024, net gains on sales of loans increased $14.4 million, or 30.8%, compared to 2023. The volume of guaranteed loans sold increased $103.4 million, or 11.8%, over 2023 while the average net gain on loan sale premium increased from 105% to 107% in 2023 and 2024, respectively. The increase in net gains on sales of loans over 2023 was principally related to a higher loan sale volume combined with improving premium.
Net Gain (Loss) on Loans Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option: For 2024, the Company had a net gain on loans accounted for under the fair value option of $2.4 million compared to a net loss of $3.5 million for 2023, a positive change of $5.9 million. The carrying amount of loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $328.7 million (all classified as held for investment) and $388.0 million (all classified as held for investment), respectively, a decrease of $59.3 million, or 15.3%. The increased levels of net gains arising from the valuation of loans accounted for under the fair value option was principally due to the third quarter of 2023 change in valuation techniques used to estimate the fair value of loans.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense comprises all operating costs of the Company, such as employee-related costs, travel, professional services, advertising and marketing expenses, exclusive of interest and income tax expense.
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The following table shows the components of noninterest expense and the related dollar and percentage changes for the periods presented.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2023/2024 Increase(Decrease) | 2022/2023 Increase(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and employee benefits | $ | 183,268 | $ | 175,052 | $ | 170,822 | $ | 8,216 | 4.7 | % | $ | 4,230 | 2.5 | % | |||||||||||
| Non-employee expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Travel expense | 9,738 | 8,922 | 8,499 | 816 | 9.1 | 423 | 5.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Professional services expense | 11,023 | 7,737 | 11,737 | 3,286 | 42.5 | (4,000) | (34.1) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising and marketing expense | 11,148 | 12,559 | 10,543 | (1,411) | (11.2) | 2,016 | 19.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy expense | 10,000 | 8,490 | 11,088 | 1,510 | 17.8 | (2,598) | (23.4) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Technology expense | 34,206 | 31,858 | 28,434 | 2,348 | 7.4 | 3,424 | 12.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment expense | 13,826 | 14,997 | 15,120 | (1,171) | (7.8) | (123) | (0.8) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other loan origination and maintenance expense | 17,254 | 14,804 | 13,168 | 2,450 | 16.5 | 1,636 | 12.4 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Renewable energy tax credit investment impairment | 530 | 14,644 | 16,217 | (14,114) | (96.4) | (1,573) | (9.7) | ||||||||||||||||||
| FDIC insurance | 10,835 | 16,670 | 9,756 | (5,835) | (35.0) | 6,914 | 70.9 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions and donations | — | — | 6,462 | — | — | (6,462) | (100.0) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense | 12,411 | 17,152 | 12,380 | (4,741) | (27.6) | 4,772 | 38.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-employee expenses | 130,971 | 147,833 | 143,404 | (16,862) | (11.4) | 4,429 | 3.1 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 314,239 | $ | 322,885 | $ | 314,226 | $ | (8,646) | (2.7) | % | $ | 8,659 | 2.8 | % |
Total noninterest expense for 2024 decreased $8.6 million, or 2.7%, compared to 2023. The decrease in noninterest expense was predominately driven by the following items.
Salaries and employee benefits: Total personnel expense for 2024 increased by $8.2 million, or 4.7%, compared to 2023. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was principally related to continued investment in human resources to support strategic and growth initiatives. Total full-time equivalent employees increased from 952 at December 31, 2023 to 1,014 at December 31, 2024. Salaries and employee benefits expense included $26.4 million of stock-based compensation for 2024, compared to $17.9 million for 2023. Expenses related to the employee stock purchase program, stock grants, stock option compensation and restricted stock expense are all considered stock-based compensation.
Renewable energy tax credit investment impairment: Renewable energy tax credit investment impairment decreased $14.1 million which was the result of a renewable energy tax credit investment in the fourth quarter of 2023 which resulted in $14.6 million in impairment charges during that year. Investments of this type generate a return primarily through the realization of income tax credits and other benefits; accordingly, impairment of the investment amount is recognized in conjunction with the realization of related tax benefits
FDIC insurance: FDIC insurance decreased $5.8 million, or 35.0%, compared to 2023. This decrease is largely the product of favorable changes in the Company’s FDIC assessment rates in 2024.
Other expense: Other expense decreased $4.7 million, or 27.6%, compared to 2023. This decrease was largely related to reserves for unfunded commitments, historically being presented in other expense. Beginning in the second quarter of 2024, this expense was classified in the provision for credit losses.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense and related effective tax rate in 2024 was $11.8 million and 13.2% compared to $8.9 million and 10.8% in 2023. The higher level of income tax expense for 2024 was primarily the result of lower levels of anticipated investment tax credits in 2024 as compared to the prior year.
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Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
Total assets at December 31, 2024 were $12.94 billion, an increase of $1.67 billion, or 14.8%, compared to total assets of $11.27 billion at December 31, 2023. The growth in total assets was principally driven by the growth in total loans and leases held for investment of $1.60 billion, or 18.5%, from $8.63 billion at December 31, 2023, to $10.23 billion at December 31, 2024.
Total deposits were $11.76 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $1.49 billion, or 14.5%, from $10.28 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in total deposits from the prior period was to support growth in the loan and lease portfolio as well as the Company's targeted liquidity levels. At December 31, 2024, the Bank’s total uninsured deposits were approximately $1.71 billion, or 14.5%, of total deposits.
Borrowings increased to $112.8 million at December 31, 2024 from $23.4 million at December 31, 2023. This increase was principally due to entering into a new loan agreement in the first quarter of 2024 to strategically enhance Bank capital levels in order to accommodate future growth expectations. See Note 8. Borrowings in the accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of current sources of available debt capacity.
Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2024 was $1.00 billion as compared to $902.7 million at December 31, 2023. The book value per share was $22.12 at December 31, 2024 compared to $20.23 at December 31, 2023. Average equity to average assets was 8.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to 8.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in shareholders’ equity for 2024 was principally the result of $77.5 million in net income and stock-based compensation expense of $26.4 million.
Regulatory Impact of Asset Growth
General. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company and the Bank each first exceeded $10 billion in total assets. As of December 31, 2024, the Company and the Bank each had total assets of $12.94 billion and $12.86 billion. The Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations impose various additional requirements on bank holding companies and banks with $10 billion or more in total consolidated asset
Consumer Financial Laws. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has near-exclusive supervision authority, including examination authority, to assess compliance with federal consumer financial laws for a bank and its affiliates if the bank has total assets of more than $10 billion. This provision becomes applicable to a bank following the fourth consecutive quarter where the total assets of the bank, as reported in its quarterly Call Report, exceed $10 billion and afterwards remains applicable to the bank unless the bank has reported total assets of $10 billion or less in its quarterly Call Report for four consecutive quarters. This provision became applicable to the Bank in the first quarter of 2024.
Deposit Insurance Assessments. Also under the Dodd-Frank Act, the DIF reserve ratio was increased from 1.15 percent to 1.35 percent and the FDIC is required, in setting deposit insurance assessments, to offset the effect of the increase on institutions with assets of less than $10 billion, which results in institutions with assets greater than $10 billion paying higher assessments. In addition, following the fourth consecutive quarter where the total assets of a bank exceeds $10 billion, as reported in its quarterly Call Report, the FDIC utilizes a different method for determining deposit insurance assessments. This large bank method is based on a bank’s ability to withstand asset- and funding-related stress, its regulatory ratings, and potential losses to the FDIC in the event of the bank’s failure, subject to discretionary adjustments by the FDIC. The Bank became subject to the large bank method for determining its deposit insurance assessments in 2024.
Volcker Rule. Under provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act referred to as the “Volcker Rule,” certain limitations are placed on the ability of insured depository institutions and their affiliates to engage in sponsoring, investing in and transacting with certain investment funds, known as “covered funds” under the rule. There are a number of exclusions from the definition of “covered funds,” including for investments in Small Business Investment Companies, or SBICs, and certain qualifying venture capital funds. The Volcker Rule also places restrictions on proprietary trading, which could impact certain hedging activities.
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Limits on Interchange Fees. The Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act gave the Federal Reserve Board the authority to establish rules regarding interchange fees charged for electronic debit transactions by a payment card issuer that, together with its affiliates, has assets of $10 billion or more, as of December 31 of the preceding calendar year, and to enforce a new statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of a transaction to the issuer. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted rules under this provision that limit the swipe fees that a debit card issuer can charge a merchant for a transaction to the sum of 21 cents and five basis points times the value of the transaction, plus up to one cent for fraud prevention costs. The Bank exceeded $10 billion in assets at December 31, 2023. This triggered a reduction of annual pre-tax income from debit card interchange fees beginning July 1, 2024. Additional information regarding the Durbin Amendment is presented in Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Loans Held for Sale & Serviced Portfolio
Any loan or portion of a loan that the Company has the intent and ability to sell is classified as held for sale. The average age of the held for sale portfolio as of December 31, 2024 was 6.9 months from origination date. Approximately 3.3% of the current held for sale portfolio is older than two years. The majority of held for sale loans over one year old are composed of construction loans or other loans that have yet to fully fund. Construction loans typically have extended build out periods that inherently result in longer lead times between origination and the ultimate sale date. Approximately 27.0% of the held for sale portfolio is aged between one and two years.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the cumulative total outstanding balance of loans sold since May 2007 totaled $4.72 billion and $4.24 billion, respectively. The Company generally continues to service loans after the date of sale. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those serviced for others, was $15.32 billion and $13.28 billion, respectively.
Loan and Lease Maturity
As of December 31, 2024, $13.10 billion, or 85.5%, of the total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those at fair value and those serviced for others, were variable rate loans that adjust at specified dates based on the prime lending rate or other variable indices. As of December 31, 2024, $9.05 billion, or 59.1%, of total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those at fair value and those serviced for others, were variable rate loans that adjust on either a calendar monthly or calendar quarterly basis using the prime lending rate or other variable indices.
At December 31, 2024, 88.1%, or $9.36 billion, of the combined held for sale and held for investment loan and lease portfolio, including those at fair value, were composed of variable rate loans.
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At December 31, 2024, $3.75 billion, or 36.6%, of loans held for investment, including those at fair value, matures in less than five years. Loans and leases maturing in greater than five years total $6.51 billion of the total $10.26 billion. The variable rate portion of the total held for investment loans and leases is 87.9%, which reflects the Company’s strategy to minimize interest rate risk through the use of variable rate products.
| At December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remaining Contractual Maturity of Total Held for Investment Loans and Leases | ||||||||||||||||||
| One Year or Less | After One Year and Through Five Years | After Five Years and Through Fifteen Years | After Fifteen Years | Total (1) | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed rate loans and leases: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 6,499 | $ | 108,594 | $ | 177,111 | $ | 2,852 | $ | 295,056 | ||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 9,130 | 78,156 | 82,485 | 187,154 | 356,925 | |||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | 551 | 1,176 | 635 | — | 2,362 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 16,180 | 187,926 | 260,231 | 190,006 | 654,343 | |||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 5,732 | 6,161 | 431 | 2,132 | 14,456 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 5,732 | 6,161 | 431 | 2,132 | 14,456 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 5,759 | 65,736 | 22,945 | 140,098 | 234,538 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 228 | 33,303 | 3,059 | 5,558 | 42,148 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 5,987 | 99,039 | 26,004 | 145,656 | 276,686 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 14,416 | 181,411 | 80,186 | 17,917 | 293,930 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 14,416 | 181,411 | 80,186 | 17,917 | 293,930 | |||||||||||||
| Total fixed rate loans and leases | 42,315 | 474,537 | 366,852 | 355,711 | 1,239,415 | |||||||||||||
| Variable rate loans and leases: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 28,471 | 293,120 | 1,749,285 | 78,369 | 2,149,245 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 337,615 | 1,245,125 | 210,825 | 356,638 | 2,150,203 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 366,086 | 1,538,245 | 1,960,110 | 435,007 | 4,299,448 | |||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 6,006 | 29,386 | 38,055 | 431,051 | 504,498 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | — | 85,456 | — | — | 85,456 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 6,006 | 114,842 | 38,055 | 431,051 | 589,954 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 53,093 | 148,621 | 397,025 | 2,147,731 | 2,746,470 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 172,821 | 737,398 | 42,314 | 80,187 | 1,032,720 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 225,914 | 886,019 | 439,339 | 2,227,918 | 3,779,190 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 4,636 | 94,885 | 100,911 | 154,915 | 355,347 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 4,636 | 94,885 | 100,911 | 154,915 | 355,347 | |||||||||||||
| Total variable rate loans and leases | 602,642 | 2,633,991 | 2,538,415 | 3,248,891 | 9,023,939 | |||||||||||||
| Total held for investment loans and leases | $ | 644,957 | $ | 3,108,528 | $ | 2,905,267 | $ | 3,604,602 | $ | 10,263,354 |
(1)Excludes retained loan discount and net deferred costs.
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Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate loans as indicated by the FDIC include loans secured by the following: construction, land development, multifamily property and nonfarm, nonresidential real property. The following table provides information with respect to commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2024.
| Guaranteed | Unguaranteed | Total (1) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Held for Investment Loans: | ||||||||||
| Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 1,250,540 | $ | 1,124,834 | $ | 2,375,374 | ||||
| Commercial Banking | 20,698 | 27,084 | 47,782 | |||||||
| Total | 1,271,238 | 1,151,918 | 2,423,156 | |||||||
| Non-Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 388,242 | 595,426 | 983,668 | |||||||
| Commercial Banking | 38,246 | 1,075,267 | 1,113,513 | |||||||
| Total | 426,488 | 1,670,693 | 2,097,181 | |||||||
| Total Held for Investment Commercial Real Estate | $ | 1,697,726 | $ | 2,822,611 | $ | 4,520,337 | ||||
| Held for Sale Loans: | ||||||||||
| Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 47,730 | $ | — | $ | 47,730 | ||||
| Total | 47,730 | — | 47,730 | |||||||
| Non-Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 168,033 | — | 168,033 | |||||||
| Total | 168,033 | — | 168,033 | |||||||
| Total Held for Sale Commercial Real Estate | $ | 215,763 | $ | — | $ | 215,763 | ||||
| Total Commercial Real Estate Loans | $ | 1,913,489 | $ | 2,822,611 | $ | 4,736,100 | ||||
| % of Total Commercial Real Estate Loans | 40.4 | % | 59.6 | % | 100.0 | % |
(1)Excludes retained loan discount and net deferred costs.
Asset Quality
Management considers asset quality to be of primary importance. A formal loan review function, independent of loan origination, is used to identify and monitor problem loans. This function reports directly to the Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.
Nonperforming Assets
The Bank places loans and leases on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due as to principal or interest payments, or prior to that if management has determined based upon current information available to them that the timely collection of principal or interest is not probable. When a loan or lease is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest previously accrued as income but not actually collected is reversed and recorded as a reduction of loan or lease interest and fee income. Typically, collections of interest and principal received on a nonaccrual loan or lease are applied to the outstanding principal as determined at the time of collection of the loan or lease.
Total nonperforming assets, including loans measured at fair value, at December 31, 2024 were $371.7 million, which represented a $179.5 million, or 93.4%, increase from December 31, 2023. These nonperforming assets, at December 31, 2024 were comprised of $369.8 million in nonaccrual loans and leases and $1.9 million in foreclosed assets. Of the $371.7 million of nonperforming assets, $280.1 million carried a government guarantee, leaving an unguaranteed exposure of $91.6 million in total nonperforming assets at December 31, 2024. This represents an increase of $40.4 million, or 78.9%, from an unguaranteed exposure of $51.2 million at December 31, 2023.
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The following table provides information with respect to nonperforming assets, excluding loans measured at fair value, at the dates indicated.
| 2024 (1) | 2023 (1) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonaccrual loans and leases: | ||||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases (all on nonaccrual) | $ | 304,297 | $ | 134,963 | ||
| Foreclosed assets | 1,944 | 6,481 | ||||
| Total nonperforming assets | $ | 306,241 | $ | 141,444 | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | $ | 167,516 | $ | 125,840 | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases to total loans and leases held for investment | 3.07 | % | 1.64 | % | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases to total assets | 2.41 | % | 1.24 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to loans and leases held for investment | 1.69 | % | 1.53 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to total nonperforming loans and leases | 55.05 | % | 93.24 | % | ||
| Nonaccrual loans and leases guaranteed by U.S. government: | ||||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases guaranteed by the U.S. government (all on nonaccrual) | $ | 222,885 | $ | 95,678 | ||
| Foreclosed assets guaranteed by the U.S. government | 1,753 | 3,670 | ||||
| Total nonperforming assets guaranteed by the U.S. government | $ | 224,638 | $ | 99,348 | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | $ | 167,516 | $ | 125,840 | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total held for investment loans and leases | 0.82 | % | 0.48 | % | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total assets | 0.65 | % | 0.36 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S government | 205.76 | % | 320.33 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
Nonperforming assets, excluding loans measured at fair value, at December 31, 2024 were $306.2 million, which represented a $164.8 million, or 116.5%, increase from December 31, 2023. These nonperforming assets, at December 31, 2024 were comprised of $304.3 million in nonaccrual loans and leases and $1.9 million in foreclosed assets. Of the $306.2 million of nonperforming assets, $224.6 million carried a government guarantee, leaving an unguaranteed exposure of $81.6 million in total nonperforming assets at December 31, 2024. This represents an increase of $39.5 million, or 93.8%, from an unguaranteed exposure of $42.1 million at December 31, 2023.
See the below discussion related to the change in potential problem and impaired loans and leases for management’s overall observations regarding the change in total nonperforming loans and leases.
As a percentage of the Bank’s total capital, nonperforming loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, represented 26.7% at December 31, 2024, compared to 14.6% at December 31, 2023. Adjusting the ratio to include only the unguaranteed portion of nonperforming loans and leases at historical cost to reflect management’s belief that the greater magnitude of risk resides in this portion, the ratio at December 31, 2024 and 2023 was 7.2% and 4.3%, respectively.
As of December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, potential problem (also referred to as criticized) and classified loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, totaled $1.04 billion and $785.2 million, respectively. The following is a discussion of these loans and leases. Risk Grades 50 through 80 represent the spectrum of criticized and classified loans and leases. For a complete description of the risk grading system, see “Credit Quality Indicators” in Note 3 to the notes to consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2024, the portion of criticized and classified loans and leases guaranteed by the SBA or USDA totaled $518.7 million and total portfolio unguaranteed exposure risk was $523.3 million, or 7.8% of total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost. This compares to the December 31, 2023 portion of criticized and classified loans and leases guaranteed by the SBA or USDA which totaled $344.8 million and total portfolio unguaranteed exposure risk was $440.3 million, or 8.3% of total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost.
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As of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, loans and leases carried at historical cost within the following verticals comprise the largest portion of the total potential problem and classified loans and leases:
| As of December 31, 2024 | As of December 31, 2023 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | % of Criticized and Classified Loans and Leases | Vertical | % of Criticized and Classified Loans and Leases | |||
| General Lending | 15.1% | Senior Housing | 16.5% | |||
| Bioenergy | 11.1 | Bioenergy | 14.4 | |||
| Senior Housing | 9.9 | General Lending | 12.2 | |||
| Healthcare | 6.9 | Search Fund Lending | 8.6 | |||
| Sponsor Finance | 5.5 | Wine & Craft Beverage | 5.6 | |||
| Wine & Craft Beverage | 5.3 | Healthcare | 3.9 | |||
| Search Fund Lending | 5.0 | Hotels | 3.3 | |||
| Community Facilities | 4.8 | Self Storage | 3.3 | |||
| Self Storage | 4.6 | Senior Care | 3.2 | |||
| % of Total Criticized and Classified Loans | 68.2% | % of Total Criticized and Classified Loans | 71.0% |
Of the above listed verticals, Bioenergy, Senior Housing, Sponsor Finance, Community Facilities and Hotels is within the Company’s Commercial Banking division, the remainder of the above listed verticals are within the Small Business Banking division. Total criticized and classified loans and leases increased $256.8 million in 2024. This increase by loan and lease risk grade categories was comprised of a decrease of $69.3 million for those identified as criticized offset by an increase of $326.1 million for those identified as classified, of which $236.7 million is guaranteed and $89.4 million is unguaranteed. Additionally, the Company believes that its underwriting and credit quality standards have remained high and continues to consider changing economic conditions in a rising interest rate environment.
Loans and leases that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls are generally not individually evaluated for the purpose of estimating the allowance for credit losses. The Bank generally considers an “insignificant period of time” from payment delays to be a period of 90 days or less. The Bank would consider a modification for a customer experiencing what is expected to be a short-term event that has temporarily impacted cash flow. This could be due, among other reasons, to illness, weather, impact from a one-time expense, slower than expected start-up, construction issues or other short-term issues. Credit personnel will review the request to determine if the customer is experiencing financial stress and how the event has impacted the ability of the customer to repay the loan or lease long term. At December 31, 2024, the Company had a total of $26.5 million in loans modified in 2024 to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, excluding loans measured at fair value, all of which remained current and none of which are on principal payment deferral.
Management endeavors to be proactive in its approach to identify and resolve problem loans and leases and is focused on working with the borrowers and guarantors of these loans and leases to provide loan and lease modifications when warranted. Management implements a proactive approach to identifying and classifying loans and leases as special mention (also referred to as criticized), Risk Grade 50. At December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, Risk Grade 50 loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, totaled $529.9 million and $599.2 million, respectively, for a year-over-year decrease of $69.3 million. Relative to total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost at December 31, 2023 and 2024, unguaranteed Risk Grade 50 loans and leases decreased from $364.4 million, or 6.9%, to $357.9 million, or 5.3%, respectively.
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The largest year-over-year changes in Risk Grade 50 loans and leases carried at historical cost were within the following verticals:
| December 31, 2024 vs. 2023 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | $ | % | ||||
| Sponsor Finance | $ | 29,229 | 42.2 | % | ||
| Healthcare | 29,110 | 42.0 | ||||
| Veterinary | 18,413 | 26.6 | ||||
| Self Storage | 13,972 | 20.2 | ||||
| Solar Energy | 13,765 | 19.9 | ||||
| Wine & Craft Beverage | 12,774 | 18.4 | ||||
| RV Parks | 11,920 | 17.2 | ||||
| Venture Banking | (8,741) | (12.6) | ||||
| Asset-Based Lending | (11,715) | (16.9) | ||||
| Fitness Centers | (14,432) | (20.8) | ||||
| Search Fund Lending | (16,328) | (23.6) | ||||
| Senior Housing | (37,515) | (54.2) | ||||
| Bioenergy | (107,125) | (154.6) | ||||
| Total of largest changes in RG 50 loans and leases | $ | (66,673) | (96.2)% |
The decrease in Risk Grade 50 loans and leases, exclusive of loans measured at fair value, during 2024 was principally confined to 13 verticals, as reflected above. The primary driver for the decline in Risk Grade 50 loans and leases was a migration to improvement within the Senior Housing portfolio coupled with two large Bioenergy relationships moving to classified status in the third quarter of 2024. Of the above listed verticals, Sponsor Finance, Solar Energy, Venture Banking, Asset-Based Lending, Senior Housing, and Bioenergy are within the Company’s Commercial Banking division, the remainder of the above listed verticals are within the Small Business Banking division.
At December 31, 2024, approximately 97.4% of loans and leases classified as Risk Grade 50 are performing with no relationships having payments past due more than 30 days. While the level of nonperforming assets fluctuates in response to changing economic and market conditions, in light of the relative size and composition of the loan and lease portfolio and management’s degree of success in resolving problem assets, management believes that a proactive approach to early identification and intervention is critical to successfully managing a small business loan portfolio.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Leases
The ACL of $125.8 million at December 31, 2023, increased by $41.7 million, or 33.1%, to $167.5 million at December 31, 2024. The ACL as a percentage of loans and leases held for investment at historical cost amounted to 1.7% and 1.5% at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The increase in the ACL during 2024 was primarily due to record loan growth combined with the impacts of the current macroeconomic environment, as addressed more fully in the above section captioned “Provision for Credit Losses” in “Results of Operations.”
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Actual past due held for investment loans and leases, inclusive of loans measured at fair value, have increased by $197.4 million since December 31, 2023. Total loans and leases 90 or more days past due increased $131.0 million, or 105.1%, compared to December 31, 2023. This increase was comprised of a $6.4 million increase in unguaranteed exposure combined with a $124.6 million increase in the guaranteed portion of past due loans compared to December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, total held for investment unguaranteed loans and leases past due as a percentage of total held for investment unguaranteed loans and leases, inclusive of loans measured at fair value, was 1.3% and 0.8%, respectively. Total unguaranteed loans and leases past due were comprised of $77.5 million carried at historical cost, an increase of $39.8 million, and $10.3 million measured at fair value, an increase of $447 thousand, as of December 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023. Management continues to actively monitor and work to improve asset quality. Management believes the ACL of $167.5 million at December 31, 2024 is appropriate in light of the risk inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. Management’s judgments are based on numerous assumptions about current and expected events that it believes to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be valid. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that management’s ongoing evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio in light of changing economic conditions and other relevant circumstances will not require significant future additions to the ACL, thus adversely affecting the Company’s operating results. Additional information on the ACL is presented in Note 3. Loans and Leases Held for Investment and Credit Quality of the consolidated financial statements in this report.
The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases carried at historical cost by category at the dates indicated.
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allowance | TotalLoansandLeases (1) | % of Total Allowance | % ofTotalLoansandLeases (1) | Allowance | TotalLoansandLeases (1) | % of Total Allowance | % ofTotalLoansandLeases (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 95,341 | $ | 2,324,924 | 56.9 | % | 23.4 | % | $ | 49,120 | $ | 2,125,163 | 39.0 | % | 25.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 33,666 | 2,457,359 | 20.1 | 24.8 | 38,453 | 1,981,250 | 30.6 | 23.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | — | 2,361 | — | — | 8 | 5,595 | — | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 129,007 | 4,784,644 | 77.0 | 48.2 | 87,581 | 4,112,008 | 69.6 | 49.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 4,157 | 518,953 | 2.5 | 5.2 | 3,320 | 415,094 | 2.7 | 5.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 786 | 85,456 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 1,397 | 54,960 | 1.1 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 4,943 | 604,409 | 3.0 | 6.1 | 4,717 | 470,054 | 3.8 | 5.7 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 22,196 | 2,873,260 | 13.2 | 28.9 | 14,743 | 2,465,576 | 11.7 | 29.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 7,305 | 1,055,843 | 4.4 | 10.6 | 14,121 | 685,429 | 11.2 | 8.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 29,501 | 3,929,103 | 17.6 | 39.5 | 28,864 | 3,151,005 | 22.9 | 38.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 4,065 | 616,453 | 2.4 | 6.2 | 4,678 | 534,762 | 3.7 | 6.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 4,065 | 616,453 | 2.4 | 6.2 | 4,678 | 534,762 | 3.7 | 6.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 167,516 | $ | 9,934,609 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | $ | 125,840 | $ | 8,267,829 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
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Analysis of Loan and Lease Loss Experience. The following table sets forth an analysis of net charge-offs for loans and leases carried at historical cost to average total loans and leases, carried at historical cost, by category for the years indicated.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetCharge-offs (1) | Average Total Loans & Leases (1)(2) | % of Average TotalLoans & Leases (1)(2) | NetCharge-offs (1) | Average Total Loans & Leases (1)(2) | % of Average TotalLoans & Leases (1)(2) | NetCharge-offs (1) | Average Total Loans & Leases (1)(2) | % of Average TotalLoans & Leases (1)(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 34,341 | $ | 2,231,976 | 1.5 | % | $ | 13,705 | $ | 2,086,469 | 0.7 | % | $ | 5,423 | $ | 1,639,650 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 8,703 | 2,138,080 | 0.4 | 7,966 | 1,566,488 | 0.5 | 1,794 | 931,850 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | — | 3,922 | — | — | 8,283 | — | 5 | 81,250 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 43,044 | 4,373,978 | 1.0 | 21,671 | 3,661,240 | 0.6 | 7,222 | 2,652,750 | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 338 | 289,198 | 0.1 | — | 274,777 | — | (3) | 271,596 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | — | 55,440 | — | — | 48,144 | — | — | 85,747 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 338 | 344,638 | 0.1 | — | 322,921 | — | (3) | 357,343 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 3,105 | 2,811,072 | 0.1 | 1,416 | 2,463,238 | 0.1 | 489 | 1,904,876 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Banking | 189 | 897,927 | — | (1,714) | 583,917 | (0.3) | (388) | 335,543 | (0.1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 3,294 | 3,708,999 | 0.1 | (298) | 3,047,155 | — | 101 | 2,240,419 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 16 | 592,007 | — | — | 505,692 | — | 641 | 422,886 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 16 | 592,007 | — | — | 505,692 | — | 641 | 422,886 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 46,692 | $ | 9,019,622 | 0.5 | % | $ | 21,373 | $ | 7,537,008 | 0.3 | % | $ | 7,961 | $ | 5,673,398 | 0.1 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
(2)Average loans and leases held for investment, at amortized cost.
Investment Securities
Investment securities totaled $1.25 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $122.0 million, or 10.8%, compared to $1.13 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in the investment portfolio for 2024 was to support earnings through additional yield compared to cash alternatives, continue to provide a contingent funding source and act as a mechanism to manage the Company’s interest rate risk. This also included purchases of $263.9 million in mortgage-backed securities, including $42.9 million for purposes of complying with the Community Reinvestment Act and purchases of $66.4 million in collateralized mortgage obligations to diversify the reinvestment of portfolio cash flows.
The investment securities portfolio consists entirely of available-for-sale securities. The Company purchases securities for the investment securities portfolio to manage interest rate risk, ensure a stable source of liquidity and to provide a steady source of income in excess of cost of funds.
At December 31, 2024, the effective duration of the overall available-for-sale securities portfolio was approximately 3.72 years.
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The following table sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of investment securities at December 31, 2024. Weighted average yields were calculated using amortized cost and coupon rate at the balance sheet date. Yields are not presented on a tax-equivalent basis. Certain mortgage related securities have adjustable interest rates and will reprice annually within the various maturity ranges. These repricing schedules are not reflected in the tables below.
| Total Amortized Cost | Within One Year | After One to Five Years | After Five to Ten Years | After Ten Years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government securities | $ | 18,196 | $ | 7,000 | 3.38 | % | $ | 4,272 | 2.92 | % | $ | 6,924 | 4.38 | % | $ | — | — | % | |||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 1,335,177 | 18,479 | 3.07 | 198,710 | 2.95 | 223,875 | 2.85 | 894,113 | 3.27 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 3,176 | — | — | — | — | 3,080 | 4.50 | 96 | 5.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total securities | $ | 1,356,549 | $ | 25,479 | 3.16 | % | $ | 202,982 | 2.95 | % | $ | 233,879 | 2.92 | % | $ | 894,209 | 3.27 | % |
At December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company had 98.4% and 98.3% of its total investment securities portfolio in mortgage-backed securities. The Company has continued to purchase mortgage-backed securities in order to obtain a favorable yield versus cash alternatives while still maintaining a low risk profile within the investment portfolio.
Deposits
The following table sets forth the composition of deposits.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Percent | Total | Percent | Total | Percent | |||||||||||||||
| Period end: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 318,890 | 2.7 | % | $ | 259,270 | 2.5 | % | $ | 194,100 | 2.2 | % | ||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 351,284 | 3.0 | 301,006 | 2.9 | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Money market | 147,533 | 1.3 | 135,551 | 1.3 | 128,443 | 1.4 | ||||||||||||||
| Savings | 5,282,812 | 44.9 | 4,497,376 | 43.8 | 4,096,576 | 46.1 | ||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 5,659,975 | 48.1 | 5,081,816 | 49.5 | 4,465,809 | 50.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 11,441,604 | 97.3 | 10,015,749 | 97.5 | 8,690,828 | 97.8 | ||||||||||||||
| Total period end deposits | $ | 11,760,494 | 100.0 | % | $ | 10,275,019 | 100.0 | % | $ | 8,884,928 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Total uninsured deposits | $ | 1,705,780 | 14.5 | % | $ | 1,457,800 | 14.2 | % | $ | 1,563,189 | 17.6 | % |
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Percent | Average Rate | Total | Percent | Average Rate | Total | Percent | Average Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 239,078 | 2.2 | % | — | % | $ | 215,327 | 2.2 | % | — | % | $ | 125,062 | 1.6 | % | — | % | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 326,410 | 3.0 | 5.42 | 231,413 | 2.4 | 5.50 | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market | 131,636 | 1.2 | 0.56 | 125,279 | 1.3 | 0.58 | 100,684 | 1.3 | 0.30 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings | 4,934,818 | 45.8 | 4.02 | 4,428,306 | 45.7 | 3.86 | 3,903,151 | 48.9 | 1.48 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 5,133,511 | 47.7 | 4.17 | 4,695,161 | 48.4 | 3.31 | 3,849,203 | 48.2 | 1.48 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total average deposits | $ | 10,765,453 | 100.0 | % | 4.09 | % | $ | 9,695,486 | 100.0 | % | 3.59 | % | $ | 7,978,100 | 100.0 | % | 1.46 | % |
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Deposits increased to $11.76 billion at December 31, 2024 from $10.28 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $1.49 billion, or 14.5%. This increase was primarily due to the growth of the Company’s customer base in the savings and time deposit products, enhanced by a nationwide marketing campaign with attractive rates and additional wholesale funding, to support the significant loan growth in 2024. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $59.6 million, or 23.0%, during 2024, and interest-bearing deposits increased $1.43 billion, or 14.2%, during the same period.
The aggregate amount of time deposits in denominations of $250 thousand or more at December 31, 2024 was approximately $695.9 million. Of those deposits, $293.1 million was uninsured and 98.6% of the uninsured time deposit accounts were scheduled to mature within one year. The maturity profile of uninsured time deposits at December 31, 2024 is as follows:
| Maturity Period | Three months or less | More than three months to six months | More than six months to twelve months | More than twelve months | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount of time deposits in uninsured accounts | $ | 96,713 | $ | 63,987 | $ | 128,125 | $ | 4,247 |
Borrowings
Total borrowings increased $89.5 million at December 31, 2024 from December 31, 2023 as a result of the following:
In March 2024, the Company entered into a 60-month term loan agreement of $100.0 million with a third party correspondent bank. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 5.95% with monthly interest payments until maturity on March 28, 2029, and $33.0 million of principal to be paid in year 4, and $67.0 million of principal to be paid in year 5. The Company paid the Lender a non-refundable $600 thousand loan origination fee upon signing of the Note that is represented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the loan and will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan.
In March 2021, the Company entered into a 60-month term loan agreement of $50.0 million with a third party correspondent bank. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 2.95% with a monthly payment sufficient to fully amortize the loan, with all remaining unpaid principal and interest due at maturity on March 30, 2026. The Company paid the Lender a non-refundable $325 thousand loan origination fee upon signing of the Note that is presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the loan and will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan.
In September 2024, the Company modified a $100.0 million revolving line of credit with a third party correspondent bank. The line of credit is unsecured and accrues interest at 30-day SOFR plus 1.25%, with an interest rate cap of 6.75% and an interest rate floor of 2.75%. The line of credit was extended 12 months to a maturity date of October 10, 2027. Payments are interest only with all principal and accrued interest due at maturity. The terms of this loan require the Company to maintain minimum capital and debt service coverage ratios. The Company paid the Lender a non-refundable $250 thousand renewal fee in September 2024 that will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023 there was $100.0 million of available credit.
Liquidity Management
Liquidity management refers to the ability to meet day-to-day cash flow requirements based primarily on activity in loan and deposit accounts of the Company’s customers. Liquidity is immediately available from four major sources: (a) cash on hand and on deposit at other banks; (b) the outstanding balance of federal funds sold; (c) the market value of unpledged investment securities; and (d) availability under lines of credit, FHLB advances and the Federal Reserve Discount Window. A primary tool in the Company’s liquidity management process is the utilization of an Outflow Coverage Ratio (“OCR”) model to stress outflows in various scenarios with targeted days of liquidity coverage. The OCR model output is then used by management to ensure adequate liquidity sources are available during those future periods. At December 31, 2024, the total amount of these four liquidity source items was $4.20 billion, or 32.4% of total assets, a decrease of 5.4% of total assets from $4.26 billion, or 37.8% of total assets, at December 31, 2023.
Loans and other assets are funded primarily by customer deposits, brokered deposits and loan sales. The Company maintains an investment securities portfolio that is available for both immediate and secondary contingent liquidity purposes, whether via pledging to the Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Reserve Bank, or through liquidation. Additionally, the Company maintains a guaranteed and unguaranteed loan portfolio that is also a contingent liquidity source, whether via pledging to the Federal Reserve Discount Window or through liquidation.
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At December 31, 2024, $621.4 million of the investment securities portfolio were pledged for unused borrowing capacity, leaving $626.8 million available to be pledged as collateral.
Contractual Obligations
The Company has entered into significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations for future payments. See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for expected timing of payments as of December 31, 2024. These include operating leases (Note 4. Leases), time deposits with stated maturity dates (Note 7. Deposits) and borrowings (Note 8. Borrowings). As of December 31, 2024, the Company also has $351.0 million in brokered deposits with $225.7 million scheduled to mature in less than a year and $125.3 million scheduled to mature within one to three years.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of operations, the Company engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with GAAP, are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. In 2022, the Company entered into airplane purchase agreement commitments and one airplane purchase agreement commitment was outstanding as of December 31, 2023, which was placed in service in 2024. For more information, see Note 2. Securities and Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Sensitivity
One of the primary objectives of asset/liability management is to maximize the net interest margin while minimizing the earnings risk associated with changes in interest rates. One method used to manage interest rate sensitivity is to measure, over various time periods, the interest rate sensitivity positions, or gaps. This method, however, addresses only the magnitude of timing differences and does not address earnings or market value. Therefore, management uses an earnings simulation model to prepare, on a regular basis, earnings projections based on a range of interest rate scenarios to more accurately measure interest rate risk. For more information, see Item 7A of this Report.
Capital
The maintenance of appropriate levels of capital is a management priority and is monitored on a regular basis. The Company’s principal goals related to the maintenance of capital are to provide adequate capital to support the Company’s risk profile consistent with the risk appetite approved by the Board of Directors; provide financial flexibility to support future growth and client needs; comply with relevant laws, regulations, and supervisory guidance; achieve optimal credit ratings for the Company and its subsidiaries; and provide a competitive return to shareholders. Management regularly monitors the capital position of the Company on both a consolidated and Bank level basis. In this regard, management’s goal is to maintain capital at levels that are in excess of the regulatory “well capitalized” levels. Risk-based capital ratios, which include Tier 1 Capital, Total Capital and Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, are calculated based on regulatory guidance related to the measurement of capital and risk-weighted assets.
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Capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022 are presented in the table below.
| Actual | Minimum Capital Requirement | Minimum To BeWell CapitalizedUnder PromptCorrective ActionProvisions (1) | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | |||||||||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,049,420 | 11.04 | % | $ | 427,941 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,169,061 | 12.29 | % | $ | 760,784 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,049,420 | 11.04 | % | $ | 570,588 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 1,049,420 | 8.21 | % | $ | 511,293 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,020,820 | 10.96 | % | $ | 418,992 | 4.50 | % | $ | 605,210 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,138,006 | 12.22 | % | $ | 744,874 | 8.00 | % | $ | 931,093 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,020,820 | 10.96 | % | $ | 558,656 | 6.00 | % | $ | 744,874 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 1,020,820 | 8.04 | % | $ | 507,725 | 4.00 | % | $ | 634,657 | 5.00 | % | ||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 960,433 | 11.73 | % | $ | 368,549 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,063,157 | 12.98 | % | $ | 655,198 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 960,433 | 11.73 | % | $ | 491,399 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 960,433 | 8.58 | % | $ | 447,561 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 823,478 | 10.40 | % | $ | 356,426 | 4.50 | % | $ | 514,837 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 922,876 | 11.65 | % | $ | 633,646 | 8.00 | % | $ | 792,057 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 823,478 | 10.40 | % | $ | 475,234 | 6.00 | % | $ | 633,646 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 823,478 | 7.41 | % | $ | 444,480 | 4.00 | % | $ | 555,600 | 5.00 | % | ||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 888,235 | 12.47 | % | $ | 320,446 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 977,360 | 13.73 | % | $ | 569,681 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 888,235 | 12.47 | % | $ | 427,261 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 888,235 | 9.26 | % | $ | 383,499 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 730,092 | 10.70 | % | $ | 307,179 | 4.50 | % | $ | 443,703 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 815,577 | 11.95 | % | $ | 546,096 | 8.00 | % | $ | 682,620 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 730,092 | 10.70 | % | $ | 409,572 | 6.00 | % | $ | 546,096 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 730,092 | 7.70 | % | $ | 379,396 | 4.00 | % | $ | 474,245 | 5.00 | % |
(1)Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable at the bank holding company level.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company bases estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
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The Company’s accounting policies, including those for the Company’s critical accounting estimates are described in detail in Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements and are an integral part of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A thorough understanding of these accounting policies is essential when reviewing the Company’s reported results of operations and financial position. The Company’s most critical accounting estimate is listed below. This estimate requires the Company to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.
Allowance for credit losses (ACL)
The Company’s ACL at December 31, 2024 represents the Company’s current estimate of the lifetime credit losses expected from its loan and lease portfolio. Management estimates the ACL by projecting probability of default, loss given default and exposure at default, conditional on economic parameter(s), for the remaining contractual term.
To determine the ACL as of December 31, 2024, the Company utilized an external baseline forecast to generate its quantitatively modeled expected losses and considered alternative economic forecast scenarios to qualitatively adjust the modeled ACL by loan portfolio in order to reflect management’s reasonable expectations of current and future economic conditions. The baseline forecast at December 31, 2024 assumes the Federal Reserve Board will cut the policy rate twice in 2025, the CPI rising 2.9% in 2025, GDP ending the fourth quarter of 2025 at 1.7%, and the unemployment rate ending the fourth quarter of 2025 at 4.1%.
One of the most significant judgments influencing the ACL is the external macroeconomic forecasts. Changes in the economic forecasts could significantly affect the estimated credit losses which could potentially lead to materially different allowance levels from one reporting period to the next.
To illustrate a hypothetical sensitivity analysis, management calculated a quantitative allowance using a 100% weighting applied to an adverse scenario. This scenario contemplates elevated interest rates weakening credit-sensitive consumer spending, growing concerns about the impact of potential tariffs, and deepening fiscal disputes in Congress causing further sentiment decline. Increased geopolitical tensions between China and Taiwan briefly impact the supply chain for semiconductors and the threat of a wider conflict causes consumer confidence to fall. Additionally, the Russian invasion of Ukraine lasts longer than in the baseline scenario and concerns increase around the current conflict in the Middle East leading to a broader war in the region. The combination of still elevated interest rates, political tensions, and tightening lending standards cause the economy to fall into a recession in the first quarter of 2025. Despite the recession, rising inflation causes the Federal Reserve to reverse course and raise the federal funds rate further before resuming rate cuts in the third quarter as the recession persists, resulting in a fed funds rate below the baseline forecast. Under this scenario, as an example, the unemployment rate increases from baseline levels and remains elevated for an extended period. The estimated unemployment rate in this scenario reaches 8.2% at the end of 2025, approximately 4.1% higher than the baseline scenario projection.
To demonstrate the sensitivity to key economic parameters, management calculated the difference between a 100% baseline weighting and a 100% adverse scenario weighting for quantitative modeled results. This scenario would result in an incremental quantitative impact to the ACL of approximately $33.5 million at December 31, 2024. This resulting difference is not intended to represent an expected increase in ACL levels since (i) the Company may use a weighted approach applied to multiple economic scenarios for its ACL process, (ii) the highly uncertain economic environment, and (iii) the sensitivity analysis does not account for any qualitative adjustments incorporated by the Company as part of its overall ACL framework.
Other Considerations
While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of our ACL is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the performance of our portfolios, the economy, and changes in interest rates. See Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 3. Loans and Leases Held for Investment and Credit Quality in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by the Company in estimating the necessary level of the ACL.
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Non-GAAP Measures
Some of the financial measures included in our selected historical consolidated financial data and elsewhere in this Report are not measures of financial performance recognized by GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are: “tangible shareholders’ equity;” “tangible assets;” “tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets;” “tangible book value per share;” and “efficiency ratio.” Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance.
•“Tangible shareholders’ equity” is total shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible assets” is total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets” is defined as the ratio of shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management believes this measure is important because it shows relative changes from period to period in equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible book value per share” is defined as total equity reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets divided by total common shares outstanding. Management believes this measure is important because it shows changes from period to period in book value per share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Efficiency ratio” is defined as total noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income. Management believes this measure is important as an indicator of productivity because it shows the amount of noninterest expense that was required to generate a dollar of revenue. While the efficiency ratio is a measure of productivity, its value reflects the unique attributes of the “high-touch business model” the Company employs.
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The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors that is supplementary to the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP; however, the Company acknowledges that non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations. As such, you should not view these measures as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, and they are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that other companies use. The following table provides a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely related GAAP measure.
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | ||||||
| Total shareholders' equity | $ | 1,003,496 | $ | 902,666 | $ | 811,033 | ||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,797 | 1,797 | 1,797 | |||||
| Other intangible assets | 1,568 | 1,721 | 1,873 | |||||
| Tangible shareholders' equity (a) | $ | 1,000,131 | $ | 899,148 | $ | 807,363 | ||
| Shares outstanding (c) | 45,359,425 | 44,617,673 | 44,061,244 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 12,943,380 | $ | 11,271,423 | $ | 9,855,498 | ||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,797 | 1,797 | 1,797 | |||||
| Other intangible assets | 1,568 | 1,721 | 1,873 | |||||
| Tangible assets (b) | $ | 12,940,015 | $ | 11,267,905 | $ | 9,851,828 | ||
| Tangible shareholders' equity to tangible assets (a/b) | 7.73% | 7.98% | 8.20% | |||||
| Tangible book value per share (a/c) | $ | 22.05 | $ | 20.15 | $ | 18.32 | ||
| Efficiency ratio: | ||||||||
| Noninterest expense (d) | $ | 314,239 | $ | 322,885 | $ | 314,226 | ||
| Net interest income | 375,905 | 345,305 | 327,501 | |||||
| Noninterest income | 123,781 | 111,733 | 237,992 | |||||
| Adjusted operating revenue (e) | $ | 499,686 | $ | 457,038 | $ | 565,493 | ||
| Efficiency ratio (d/e) | 62.89% | 70.65% | 55.57% |
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FY 2023 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001462120-24-000014.
Item 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The following presents management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of the more significant factors that affected the Company's financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared to December 31, 2022. For a comparison of 2022 results to 2021 and other 2021 information not included herein, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Part II, Item 7 of the 2022 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 23, 2023. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-K. Results of operations for the periods included in this review are not necessarily indicative of results to be obtained during any future period.
Dollar amounts in tables are stated in thousands, except for per share amounts.
Nature of Operations
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries including Live Oak Banking Company, the “Company”) is a financial holding company and a bank holding company headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, incorporated under the laws of North Carolina in December 2008. The Company conducts business operations primarily through its commercial bank subsidiary, Live Oak Banking Company (the “Bank”). The Bank was incorporated in February 2008 as a North Carolina-chartered commercial bank. The Bank specializes in providing lending and deposit related services to small businesses nationwide. A significant portion of the loans originated by the Bank are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) under the 7(a) Loan program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Rural Energy for America Program (“REAP”), Water and Environmental Program (“WEP”), Business & Industry (“B&I”) and Community Facilities loan programs. These loans are to small businesses and professionals with what the Bank believes are lower risk characteristics. Industries, or “verticals,” on which the Bank focuses its lending efforts are carefully selected. The Bank also lends more broadly to select borrowers outside of those verticals.
As of December 31, 2023, the Company’s wholly owned material subsidiaries were the Bank, Government Loan Solutions (“GLS”), Live Oak Grove, LLC (“Grove”), Live Oak Ventures, Inc. (“Live Oak Ventures”) and Canapi Advisors, LLC (“Canapi Advisors”). GLS is a management and technology consulting firm that advises and offers solutions and services to participants in the government guaranteed lending sector. GLS primarily provides services in connection with the settlement, accounting, and securitization processes for government guaranteed loans, including loans originated under the SBA 7(a) loan programs and USDA guaranteed loans. The Grove provides Company employees and business visitors with on-site dining. Live Oak Ventures’ purpose is investing in businesses that align with the Company's strategic initiative to be a leader in financial technology. Canapi Advisors provides investment advisory services to a series of funds (the “Canapi Funds”) focused on providing venture capital to new and emerging financial technology companies.
As of December 31, 2023, the Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries were Live Oak Number One, Inc., Live Oak Clean Energy Financing LLC (“LOCEF”), Live Oak Private Wealth, LLC (“Live Oak Private Wealth”) and Tiburon Land Holdings, LLC (“TLH”). Live Oak Number One, Inc. holds properties foreclosed on by the Bank. LOCEF provides financing to entities for renewable energy applications. Live Oak Private Wealth provides high-net-worth individuals and families with strategic wealth and investment management services. During the first quarter of 2022, Jolley Asset Management, LLC (“JAM”) was merged into Live Oak Private Wealth. JAM was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Live Oak Private Wealth. TLH holds land adjacent to the Bank's headquarters consisting of wetlands and other protected property for the use and enjoyment of the Bank's employees and customers.
The Company generates revenue primarily from net interest income and secondarily through the origination and sale of government guaranteed loans. Income from the retention of loans is comprised principally of interest income. Income from the sale of loans is comprised of loan servicing revenue and revaluation of related servicing assets along with net gains on sales of loans. Offsetting these revenues are the cost of funding sources, provision for loan and lease credit losses, any costs related to foreclosed assets and other operating costs such as salaries and employee benefits, travel, professional services, advertising and marketing and tax expense. The Company also has less routinely generated gains and losses arising from its financial technology investments predominantly in its fintech segment, as discussed more fully later in this section under the caption “Results of Segment Operations.”
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Executive Summary
The table below sets forth selected consolidated financial data as of the dates or for the periods indicated.
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
| Income Statement Data | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 73,898 | $ | 176,208 | $ | 166,995 | ||||
| Per Common Share | ||||||||||
| Net income, diluted | $ | 1.64 | $ | 3.92 | $ | 3.71 | ||||
| Dividends declared | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.12 | |||||||
| Book value | 20.23 | 18.41 | 16.39 | |||||||
| Tangible book value (1) | 20.15 | 18.32 | 16.31 | |||||||
| Performance Ratios | ||||||||||
| Return on average assets | 0.69 | % | 1.96 | % | 2.03 | % | ||||
| Return on average equity | 8.66 | 21.92 | 25.58 | |||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.35 | 3.87 | 3.86 | |||||||
| Efficiency ratio (1) | 70.65 | 55.57 | 50.55 | |||||||
| Noninterest income to total revenue | 24.45 | 42.09 | 35.06 | |||||||
| Dividend payout ratio | 7.20 | 2.99 | 3.10 | |||||||
| Selected Loan Metrics | ||||||||||
| Loans and leases originated | $ | 3,946,873 | $ | 4,007,621 | $ | 4,480,725 | ||||
| Outstanding balance of sold loans serviced | 4,238,328 | 3,481,885 | 3,298,828 | |||||||
| Asset Quality Ratios | ||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses to loans and leases held for investment (2) | 1.53 | % | 1.41 | % | 1.30 | % | ||||
| Net charge-offs (2) | $ | 21,373 | $ | 7,961 | $ | 3,932 | ||||
| Net charge-offs to average loans and leases held for investment (2) (3) | 0.28 | % | 0.14 | % | 0.08 | % | ||||
| Nonperforming loans and leases at historical cost (2) | ||||||||||
| Unguaranteed | $ | 39,285 | $ | 18,784 | $ | 15,987 | ||||
| Guaranteed | 95,678 | 54,608 | 26,546 | |||||||
| Total | 134,963 | 73,392 | 42,533 | |||||||
| Unguaranteed nonperforming historical cost loans and leases, to loans and leases held for investment (2) | 0.48 | % | 0.27 | % | 0.33 | % | ||||
| Nonperforming loans at fair value (4) | ||||||||||
| Unguaranteed | $ | 7,230 | $ | 6,678 | $ | 4,791 | ||||
| Guaranteed | 41,244 | 38,212 | 33,471 | |||||||
| Total | 48,474 | 44,890 | 38,262 | |||||||
| Unguaranteed nonperforming fair value loans to loans held for investment (4) | 1.86 | % | 1.35 | % | 0.74 | % | ||||
| Consolidated Capital Ratios | ||||||||||
| Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | 11.73 | % | 12.47 | % | 12.38 | % | ||||
| Tier 1 leverage capital (to average assets) | 8.58 | 9.26 | 8.87 |
(1)See "Non-GAAP Measures" presented at the conclusion of this Item 7 for more information and a reconciliation to the most closely related GAAP measure.
(2)Loans and leases at historical cost only (excludes loans measured at fair value).
(3)Annual net charge-offs as a percentage of annual average loans and leases held for investment, at amortized cost.
(4)Loans accounted for under the fair value option only (excludes loans and leases carried at historical cost).
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The following is a summary of the Company's financial highlights and events for 2023:
•Loans and leases held for sale and investment increased by $1.12 billion, or 14.2%. Total loan originations in 2023 were $3.95 billion compared to $4.01 billion in 2022, a decrease of 1.5%. Substantial loan production in 2023 was the primary driver of growth in total assets which increased to $11.27 billion at December 31, 2023 as compared to $9.86 billion at December 31, 2022, for an increase of $1.42 billion, or 14.4%.
•Supporting loan growth, total deposits increased by $1.39 billion, or 15.6%, to $10.28 billion at the end of 2023.
•Net income decreased $102.3 million, or 58.1%, from $176.2 million, or $3.92 per diluted share, to $73.9 million, or $1.64 per diluted share. This decrease was primarily the result of significant one-time gains in 2022 from the sale of two equity method investments. A detailed overview of key drivers of year over year changes in reported net income is outlined more fully in the opening to the section titled “Results of Operations.”
•The banking crisis in the spring of 2023 temporarily drove strategically higher levels of liquidity and affected the Company’s offering of products which provide depositors with FDIC insurance in excess of $250 thousand, and heightened industry attention to uninsured deposit risk. At December 31, 2023 the Company’s uninsured deposits were $1.46 billion, or 14.2%, of total deposits.
•In the second consecutive year of continued Federal Reserve rate increases, net interest margin declined to 3.35% for 2023 as compared to 3.87% for 2022. This decline in net interest margin was outpaced by 2023 loan growth which largely drove an increase in net interest income of $17.8 million, or 5.4%.
•In the third quarter of 2023, the Company changed the valuation techniques used to estimate the fair value of its servicing rights and loans measured at fair value as a result of rising interest rates and their impacts on market conditions. These revisions were made to provide estimates which the Company believes are more representative of fair value. These estimate changes were implemented as of July 1, 2023 and resulted in one-time adjustments on that date to increase the estimated value of the servicing asset by $13.7 million and loans measured at fair value by $1.3 million, or a total impact to noninterest income of $15.0 million.
•The provision for loan and lease credit losses increased $10.4 million, largely the result of significant held for investment loan growth combined with charge-off experience impacts. Total nonperforming unguaranteed loans and leases as a percentage of total loans and leases held for investment, both excluding loans measured at fair value, increased from 0.27% at the end of 2022 to 0.48% at the end of 2023. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average held for investment loans and leases carried at historical cost, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, were 0.28% and 0.14%, respectively.
Business Outlook
Below is a discussion of management’s current expectations regarding Company performance over the near-term based on market conditions, the regulatory environment and business strategies as of the time the Company filed this Report. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. See “Important Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Report for more information on forward-looking statements.
The Company's results for 2023 demonstrated a continuation of solid growth momentum in building predictable long-term core earnings, proactive credit risk management and a resilient business model. Management continues to focus on building recurring revenue streams, promoting change within the financial technology industry, and building out selected existing verticals while adding new verticals to the Company's business model. Management anticipates that the Company's loan and lease portfolios will continue to grow as a result of its proven customer first focus combined with the continued pursuit of expanded small business lending within the SBA and other government programs as well as conventional lending.
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Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Statements included in this management's discussion and analysis include non-GAAP financial measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables, which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. The reconciliation of non-GAAP measures is presented at the conclusion of this Item 7.
Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide additional useful information that allows readers to evaluate the ongoing performance of the Company without regard to certain transactional activities. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as reported under GAAP, and investors should consider the Company's performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. Management’s non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparable to similarly named measures represented by other companies, as they may be calculated differently.
Results of Operations
The Company reported net income of $73.9 million, or $1.64 per diluted share, for 2023 compared to $176.2 million, or $3.92 per diluted share, for 2022.
The decrease in net income was principally due to the decrease in equity method investment income of $150.2 million, primarily a result of the aggregate $149.2 million gains included in equity method investments income in 2022 related to the sales of the Company’s investments in Finxact, Inc. (“Finxact”) and Payrailz, LLC (“Payrailz”). To a lesser extent, the decrease was also influenced by a $10.4 million increase in the provision for loan and lease credit losses, which was primarily the result of loan growth and charge-off related impacts.
Key factors partially offsetting the year-over-year decrease in net income were:
•Increase in net interest income of $17.8 million, or 5.4%, driven by increases in loan volumes, partially mitigated by a decrease in net interest margin arising from an increase in interest-bearing liabilities combined with average cost of funds outpacing the average yield on interest-earning assets;
•Increase in the loan servicing asset revaluation income of $21.5 million, principally due to the third quarter of 2023 change in valuation techniques used to estimate the fair value of servicing rights; and
•A decrease in income tax expense of $25.2 million, or 73.8%, primarily related to decreased pretax income.
Net Interest Income and Margin
Net interest income represents the difference between the income that the Company earns on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The Company’s net interest income depends upon the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates that the Company earns or pays on them, respectively. Net interest income is affected by changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as “volume changes.” It is also affected by changes in yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowed funds, referred to as “rate changes.” As a bank without a branch network, the Bank gathers deposits over the Internet and in the community in which it is headquartered. Due to the nature of a branchless bank and the relatively low overhead required for deposit gathering, the rates the Bank offers are generally competitive with other digital deposit product offerings.
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For 2023, net interest income increased $17.8 million, or 5.4%, to $345.3 million compared to $327.5 million for 2022. This increase was principally due to the significant growth in the held for investment loan and lease portfolio outpacing growth in interest-bearing liabilities offset by an increase in average cost of funds which exceeded the increase in average yield on interest-earning assets. Excluding PPP loan impacts, comprised of amortization of net deferred fees combined with a 1% annualized interest rate less the related interest expense from funding activity, net interest income increased by $24.3 million. Average interest-earning assets increased by $1.84 billion, or 21.8%, to $10.30 billion for 2023, compared to $8.46 billion for 2022, while the yield on average interest-earning assets increased 143 basis points to 6.68%. The cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities for 2023 increased 212 basis points to 3.59%, and the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased by $1.57 billion, or 19.6%, over 2022.
The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was largely driven by funding for significant loan originations and growth as well as maintenance of the Company's target liquidity profile. As indicated in the rate/volume table below, the overall increase discussed above is reflected in increased interest income of $243.8 million outpacing growth in interest expense of $226.0 million for 2023 compared to 2022. The net interest margin decreased from 3.87% for 2022 to 3.35% for 2023.
During 2023, the Federal Reserve increased the federal funds upper target rate by 100 basis points to 5.5%. In December 2023, the Federal Reserve released its most current federal funds target rate midpoint projections which implied a decrease of the median Federal Funds rate to 4.6% by the end of 2024 and a decrease of approximately 100 basis points to 3.6% by the end of 2025. There can be no assurance that any further increases or decreases in the Federal Funds rate will occur, and if they do, the amount and timing of actual adjustments are subject to change.
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Average Balances and Yields. The following table presents information regarding average balances for assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets, the total dollar amount of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing the income or expense by the average balances for assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. Loan fees are included in interest income on loans.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning balances in other banks | $ | 584,691 | $ | 29,487 | 5.04 | % | $ | 228,866 | $ | 3,465 | 1.51 | % | $ | 407,474 | $ | 920 | 0.23 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | 34,529 | 1,624 | 4.70 | 109,473 | 2,796 | 2.55 | 18,714 | 22 | 0.12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 1,237,458 | 33,497 | 2.71 | 995,481 | 19,667 | 1.98 | 797,426 | 12,533 | 1.57 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 539,197 | 48,235 | 8.95 | 952,606 | 58,943 | 6.19 | 1,111,216 | 60,044 | 5.40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and leases held for investment (1) | 7,905,875 | 575,432 | 7.28 | 6,174,763 | 359,602 | 5.82 | 5,350,055 | 287,694 | 5.38 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | 10,301,750 | 688,275 | 6.68 | 8,461,189 | 444,473 | 5.25 | 7,684,885 | 361,213 | 4.70 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | (110,855) | (67,234) | (54,975) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets | 493,968 | 576,524 | 592,237 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 10,684,863 | $ | 8,970,479 | $ | 8,222,147 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | $ | 231,413 | $ | 12,718 | 5.50 | % | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | $ | 76,714 | $ | 442 | 0.58 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Savings | 4,428,306 | 171,151 | 3.86 | 3,903,151 | 57,740 | 1.48 | 3,077,933 | 16,667 | 0.54 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market accounts | 125,279 | 721 | 0.58 | 100,684 | 303 | 0.30 | 103,078 | 300 | 0.29 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 4,695,161 | 155,617 | 3.31 | 3,849,203 | 56,992 | 1.48 | 3,181,591 | 42,331 | 1.33 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total deposits | 9,480,159 | 340,207 | 3.59 | 7,853,038 | 115,035 | 1.46 | 6,439,316 | 59,740 | 0.92 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 61,743 | 2,763 | 4.48 | 122,946 | 1,937 | 1.58 | 1,007,596 | 4,688 | 0.47 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 9,541,902 | 342,970 | 3.59 | 7,975,984 | 116,972 | 1.47 | 7,446,912 | 64,428 | 0.87 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing deposits | 215,327 | 125,062 | 77,104 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities | 74,046 | 65,619 | 45,424 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity | 853,588 | 803,814 | 652,707 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 10,684,863 | $ | 8,970,479 | $ | 8,222,147 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income and interest rate spread | $ | 345,305 | 3.09 | % | $ | 327,501 | 3.78 | % | $ | 296,785 | 3.83 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.35 | % | 3.87 | % | 3.86 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities | 107.96 | % | 106.08 | % | 103.20 | % |
(1)Average loan and lease balances include non-accruing loans and leases.
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Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior period volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior period rate). The total column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionally based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
| 2023 vs. 2022 | 2022 vs. 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increase (Decrease) Due to | Increase (Decrease) Due to | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate | Volume | Total | Rate | Volume | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning balances in other banks | $ | 14,356 | $ | 11,666 | $ | 26,022 | $ | 4,099 | $ | (1,554) | $ | 2,545 | ||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | 1,547 | (2,719) | (1,172) | 1,562 | 1,212 | 2,774 | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 8,165 | 5,665 | 13,830 | 3,621 | 3,513 | 7,134 | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 20,573 | (31,281) | (10,708) | 8,091 | (9,192) | (1,101) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans and leases held for investment | 102,422 | 113,408 | 215,830 | 25,720 | 46,188 | 71,908 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total interest income | 147,063 | 96,739 | 243,802 | 43,093 | 40,167 | 83,260 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | — | 12,718 | 12,718 | — | (442) | (442) | ||||||||||||||||
| Savings | 99,378 | 14,033 | 113,411 | 32,735 | 8,338 | 41,073 | ||||||||||||||||
| Money market accounts | 310 | 108 | 418 | 10 | (7) | 3 | ||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 78,343 | 20,282 | 98,625 | 5,277 | 9,384 | 14,661 | ||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 2,678 | (1,852) | 826 | 6,276 | (9,027) | (2,751) | ||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense | 180,709 | 45,289 | 225,998 | 44,298 | 8,246 | 52,544 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | $ | (33,646) | $ | 51,450 | $ | 17,804 | $ | (1,205) | $ | 31,921 | $ | 30,716 |
Provision for Loan and Lease Credit Losses
The provision for loan and lease credit losses represents the amount necessary to be charged against the current period’s earnings to maintain the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans and leases at a level that the Company believes is appropriate in relation to the estimated losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio.
Losses inherent in loan relationships are mitigated if a portion of the loan is guaranteed by the SBA or USDA. Typical SBA 7(a) and USDA guarantees range from 50% to 90% depending on loan size and type, which serve to reduce the risk profile of these loans. The Company believes that its focus on compliance with regulations and guidance from the SBA and USDA are key factors to managing this risk.
For 2023, the provision for loan and lease credit losses was $51.3 million compared to $40.9 million in 2022, an increase of $10.4 million. The 2023 increase in provision was primarily the result of loan growth and charge-off related impacts.
Loans and leases held for investment at historical cost were $8.25 billion as of December 31, 2023, an increase of $1.40 billion, or 20.4%, compared to December 31, 2022.
Net charge-offs for loans and leases carried at historical cost were $21.4 million, or 0.28% of average loans and leases held for investment at amortized cost, excluding loans measured at fair value, for 2023, compared to net charge-offs of $8.0 million, or 0.14%, for 2022, an increase of $13.4 million, or 168.5%. The increase in net charge-offs for 2023 was primarily isolated to six relationships. Net charge-offs are a key element of historical experience in the Company's estimation of the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases.
In addition, nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the SBA or USDA, excluding $7.2 million and $6.7 million accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, totaled $39.3 million, which was 0.48% of the held for investment loan and lease portfolio carried at historical cost at December 31, 2023, compared to $18.8 million, or 0.27% of loans and leases held for investment carried at historical cost at December 31, 2022.
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Noninterest Income
Noninterest income is principally comprised of net gains from the sale of SBA and USDA-guaranteed loans along with servicing revenue and related revaluation of the servicing asset. Revenue from the sale of loans depends upon the volume, maturity structure and rates of underlying loans as well as the pricing and availability of funds in the secondary markets prevailing in the period between completed loan funding and closing of sale. In addition, the loan servicing asset revaluation is significantly impacted by changes in market rates and other underlying assumptions such as prepayment speeds and default rates. Net (loss) gain on loans accounted for under the fair value option is also significantly impacted by changes in market rates, prepayment speeds and inherent credit risk. Other less consistent elements of noninterest income include gains and losses on investments.
The following table shows the components of noninterest income and the dollar and percentage changes for the periods presented.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2022/2023 Increase(Decrease) | 2021/2022 Increase(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan servicing revenue | $ | 27,399 | $ | 25,359 | $ | 25,219 | $ | 2,040 | 8.0 | % | $ | 140 | 0.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Loan servicing asset revaluation | 4,886 | (16,577) | (11,726) | 21,463 | 129.5 | (4,851) | (41.4) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net gains on sales of loans | 46,545 | 43,244 | 67,280 | 3,301 | 7.6 | (24,036) | (35.7) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) gain on loans accounted for under the fair value option | (3,539) | 1,046 | 4,257 | (4,585) | (438.3) | (3,211) | (75.4) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method investments (loss) income | (5,994) | 144,250 | (1,716) | (150,244) | (104.2) | 145,966 | 8,506.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity security investments (losses) gains, net | (969) | 3,355 | 44,752 | (4,324) | (128.9) | (41,397) | (92.5) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease income | 10,007 | 10,084 | 10,263 | (77) | (0.8) | (179) | (1.7) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Management fee income | 13,324 | 10,090 | 6,378 | 3,234 | 32.1 | 3,712 | 58.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other noninterest income | 20,074 | 17,141 | 15,493 | 2,933 | 17.1 | 1,648 | 10.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 111,733 | $ | 237,992 | $ | 160,200 | $ | (126,259) | (53.1) | % | $ | 77,792 | 48.6 | % |
Years ended December 31, 2023 vs. 2022
For 2023, noninterest income decreased by $126.3 million, or 53.1%, compared to 2022. The decrease over the prior year is primarily a result of the aggregate $149.2 million in Finxact and Payrailz gains included in equity method investments income in 2022. To a lesser extent, the decrease was also influenced by a $4.6 million negative change in net losses on loans accounted for under the fair value option and decreased equity security investments gains of $4.3 million. Partially offsetting the decrease over 2022 was an increased net gain of $21.5 million related to the loan servicing asset revaluation combined with increased net gains on sales of loans of $3.3 million and a $3.2 million increase in management fee income generated by Canapi Advisors. Canapi Advisors is included in the Company's Fintech segment.
The tables below reflect loan and lease production, sales of guaranteed loans and the aggregate balance in guaranteed loans sold that are being serviced. These components are key drivers of the Company's noninterest income.
| Three months ended December 31, | Three months ended September 30, | Three months ended June 30, | Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount of loans and leases originated | $ | 981,703 | $ | 1,177,688 | $ | 1,073,255 | $ | 1,005,235 | $ | 861,033 | $ | 959,635 | $ | 1,030,882 | $ | 865,063 | ||||||||||||||
| Guaranteed portions of loans sold | 239,066 | 144,258 | 225,585 | 148,110 | 245,074 | 68,818 | 167,826 | 219,703 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold (1) | 2,986,959 | 2,668,110 | 2,909,343 | 2,671,705 | 2,808,200 | 2,681,079 | 2,695,757 | 2,786,403 |
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| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Amount of loans and leases originated | $ | 3,946,873 | $ | 4,007,621 | $ | 4,480,725 | $ | 4,450,198 | $ | 2,001,886 | ||||
| Guaranteed portions of loans sold | 877,551 | 580,889 | 668,462 | 542,596 | 340,374 | |||||||||
| Outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold (1) | 2,986,959 | 2,668,110 | 2,756,915 | 2,819,625 | 2,746,480 |
(1)This represents the outstanding principal balance of guaranteed loans serviced, as of the last day of the applicable period, which have been sold into the secondary market.
Changes in various components of noninterest income are discussed in more detail below.
Loan Servicing Asset Revaluation: The Company revalues its serviced loan portfolio at least quarterly. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as adequate compensation for servicing, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses, with the prepayment speed and discount rate being the most sensitive assumptions. For 2023, there was a net gain on loan servicing asset revaluation of $4.9 million compared to a net loss of $16.6 million for 2022, resulting in a positive change of $21.5 million, or 129.5%. The increase in the valuation of the servicing asset compared to 2022 was principally the result of the third quarter of 2023 change in valuation techniques used to estimate the fair value of servicing rights with a one-time positive adjustment of $13.7 million as a result of rising interest rates and their impacts on market conditions.
Net Gains on Sales of Loans: For 2023, net gains on sales of loans increased $3.3 million, or 7.6%, compared to 2022. The volume of guaranteed loans sold increased $296.7 million, or 51.1%, over 2022 while the average net gain on loan sale premium decreased from 108% to 105% in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The increase in net gains on sales of loans over 2022 was principally the result of higher loan sale volume.
Net (Loss) Gain on Loans Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option: For 2023, the Company had a net loss on loans accounted for under the fair value option of $3.5 million compared to a net gain of $1.0 million for 2022, a negative change of $4.6 million. The carrying amount of loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $388.0 million (all classified as held for investment) and $494.5 million (all classified as held for investment), respectively, a decrease of $106.4 million, or 21.5%. The incremental net loss on loans accounted for under the fair value option compared to both prior periods was largely the result of negative market trends between the comparative periods.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense comprises all operating costs of the Company, such as employee-related costs, travel, professional services, advertising and marketing expenses, exclusive of interest and income tax expense.
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The following table shows the components of noninterest expense and the related dollar and percentage changes for the periods presented.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2022/2023 Increase(Decrease) | 2021/2022 Increase(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and employee benefits | $ | 175,052 | $ | 170,822 | $ | 124,932 | $ | 4,230 | 2.5 | % | $ | 45,890 | 36.7 | % | |||||||||||
| Non-employee expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Travel expense | 8,922 | 8,499 | 5,809 | 423 | 5.0 | 2,690 | 46.3 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Professional services expense | 7,737 | 11,737 | 15,135 | (4,000) | (34.1) | (3,398) | (22.5) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising and marketing expense | 12,559 | 10,543 | 5,002 | 2,016 | 19.1 | 5,541 | 110.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy expense | 8,490 | 11,088 | 8,423 | (2,598) | (23.4) | 2,665 | 31.6 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Technology expense | 31,858 | 28,434 | 22,648 | 3,424 | 12.0 | 5,786 | 25.5 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment expense | 14,997 | 15,120 | 14,869 | (123) | (0.8) | 251 | 1.7 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other loan origination and maintenance expense | 14,804 | 13,168 | 13,529 | 1,636 | 12.4 | (361) | (2.7) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Renewable energy tax credit investment impairment | 14,644 | 16,217 | 3,187 | (1,573) | (9.7) | 13,030 | 408.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| FDIC insurance | 16,670 | 9,756 | 7,070 | 6,914 | 70.9 | 2,686 | 38.0 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions and donations | — | 6,462 | 2,331 | (6,462) | (100.0) | 4,131 | 177.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense | 17,152 | 12,380 | 8,052 | 4,772 | 38.5 | 4,328 | 53.8 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-employee expenses | 147,833 | 143,404 | 106,055 | 4,429 | 3.1 | 37,349 | 35.2 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 322,885 | $ | 314,226 | $ | 230,987 | $ | 8,659 | 2.8 | % | $ | 83,239 | 36.0 | % |
Total noninterest expense for 2023 increased $8.7 million, or 2.8%, compared to 2022. The increase in noninterest expense was predominately driven by the following items.
Salaries and employee benefits: Total personnel expense for 2023 increased by $4.2 million, or 2.5%, compared to 2022. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was principally related to continued investment in human resources to support strategic and growth initiatives. Total full-time equivalent employees decreased from 970 at December 31, 2022 to 952 at December 31, 2023, however, average full-time equivalent employees for 2023 was 966 as compared to 887 for 2022. Salaries and employee benefits expense included $17.9 million of stock-based compensation for 2023, compared to $20.3 million for 2022. Expenses related to the employee stock purchase program, stock grants, stock option compensation and restricted stock expense are all considered stock-based compensation.
Professional services expense: Professional services expense decreased $4.0 million, or 34.1%, compared to 2022. This decrease was due to lower levels of legal fees combined with an insurance recovery of $1.3 million in 2023 related to previously expensed legal fees.
Technology expense: Technology expense increased $3.4 million, or 12.0%, compared to 2022. This increase was primarily related to enhanced investments in the Company’s technology resources.
FDIC insurance: FDIC insurance increased $6.9 million, or 70.9%, compared to 2022. This is largely the result of a one-time increase in insurance assessment rates effective in 2023, combined with the ongoing growth in total consolidated assets at the Company.
Contributions and donations: For 2023, contributions and donations expense decreased $6.5 million, or 100.0%, compared to 2022. This decrease is principally related to a special charitable donation during the second quarter of 2022 of $5.0 million made in connection with the earlier discussed Finxact gain.
Other expense: Other expenses increased $4.8 million, or 38.5%, compared to 2022. This increase is largely related to $2.5 million in increased levels of provision for unfunded commitment reserves, principally a product of refinements in estimation assumptions in the first quarter of 2023.
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Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense and related effective tax rate in 2023 was $8.9 million and 10.8% compared to $34.1 million and 16.2% in 2022. The Company's renewable energy investments generated federal investment tax credits of $16.4 million in both 2023 and 2022, which reduced its effective tax rate for both years. The lower effective tax rate of 10.8% for 2023 was principally due lower pretax income in 2023 relative to consistent levels of renewable energy tax credits in both 2023 and 2022.
Results of Segment Operations
The Company’s operations are managed along two primary operating segments: Banking and Fintech. A description of each segment and the methodologies used to measure financial performance is described in Note 15. Segments in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. Net income (loss) by operating segment is presented below:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||
| Banking | $ | 82,796 | $ | 71,937 | $ | 145,662 | ||||
| Fintech | (3,156) | 109,692 | 27,667 | |||||||
| Other | (5,742) | (5,421) | (6,334) | |||||||
| Consolidated net income | $ | 73,898 | $ | 176,208 | $ | 166,995 |
Banking
Net income increased $10.9 million, or 15.1%, compared to 2022. Key factors influencing these changes are discussed below.
For 2023, net interest income increased $16.9 million, or 5.1%, compared to 2022. See above section captioned “Net Interest Income and Margin” as it is principally related to the Banking segment.
The provision for loan and lease credit losses for 2023 increased $10.4 million, or 25.4%, over 2022. See the analysis of provision for loan and lease credit losses included in the above section captioned “Provision for Loan and Lease Credit Losses” as it is entirely related to the Banking segment.
Noninterest income increased $20.5 million, or 25.4%, over 2022. This increase was principally driven by an incremental net gain on the loan servicing asset revaluation. Also contributing to the increase was higher net gains on sales of loans. Partially offsetting the increased noninterest income was incremental net losses on loans accounted for under the fair value option. See the analysis of these categories of noninterest income included in the above section captioned “Noninterest Income” for additional discussion.
Noninterest expense increased $6.8 million, or 2.3%, compared to 2022. See the analysis of these categories of noninterest expense included in the above section captioned “Noninterest Expense” for additional discussion.
Income tax expense increased $9.3 million compared to 2022. This was primarily the result of a higher level of pretax income.
Fintech
Net income decreased by $112.8 million over 2022. The decrease was principally due to equity method investment gains of $28.4 million and $120.8 million from the sale of Payrailz and Finxact, respectively.
Income tax expense decreased $35.0 million, compared to 2022. This decrease is a product of the above discussed decrease in Fintech segment income.
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Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
Total assets at December 31, 2023 were $11.27 billion, an increase of $1.42 billion, or 14.4%, compared to total assets of $9.86 billion at December 31, 2022. The growth in total assets was principally driven by the following:
•Cash and cash equivalents, comprised of cash and due from banks and federal funds sold, combined with investment securities available-for-sale was $1.71 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $277.3 million, or 19.4%, compared to $1.43 billion at December 31, 2022. This increase reflects growing deposit levels combined with maintenance of the Company's targeted liquidity profile.
•Growth in total loans and leases held for investment and held for sale of $1.12 billion resulting from strong origination activity in 2023 of $3.95 billion.
Total deposits were $10.28 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $1.39 billion, or 15.6%, from $8.88 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase in total deposits from the prior period was to support growth in the loan and lease portfolio combined with strong deposit inflows.
Borrowings decreased to $23.4 million at December 31, 2023 from $83.2 million at December 31, 2022. This decrease was principally due to paying off the Company’s Fed Funds line of credit in the first quarter of 2023. See Note 8. Borrowings in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of current sources of available debt capacity.
Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2023 was $902.7 million as compared to $811.0 million at December 31, 2022. The book value per share was $20.23 at December 31, 2023 compared to $18.41 at December 31, 2022. Average equity to average assets was 8.0% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 9.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in shareholders’ equity for 2023 was principally the result of $73.9 million in net income and stock-based compensation expense of $17.9 million and other comprehensive income associated with positive market impacts on the Company’s available-for-sale investment portfolio of $7.6 million.
Regulatory Impact of Asset Growth
General. In the first quarter of 2023, the Company and the Bank each first exceeded $10 billion in total assets. As of December 31, 2023, the Company and the Bank each had total assets of $11.27 billion and $11.21 billion, respectively, ending their first four consecutive quarters of reported assets in excess of $10 billion. The Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations impose various additional requirements on bank holding companies and banks with $10 billion or more in total consolidated assets.
Consumer Financial Laws. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has near-exclusive supervision authority, including examination authority, to assess compliance with federal consumer financial laws for a bank and its affiliates if the bank has total assets of more than $10 billion. This provision becomes applicable to a bank following the fourth consecutive quarter where the total assets of the bank, as reported in its quarterly Call Report, exceed $10 billion and afterwards remains applicable to the bank unless the bank has reported total assets of $10 billion or less in its quarterly Call Report for four consecutive quarters. This provision is expected to be applicable to the Bank in the first quarter of 2024.
Deposit Insurance Assessments. Also under the Dodd-Frank Act, the DIF reserve ratio was increased from 1.15 percent to 1.35 percent and the FDIC is required, in setting deposit insurance assessments, to offset the effect of the increase on institutions with assets of less than $10 billion, which results in institutions with assets greater than $10 billion paying higher assessments. In addition, following the fourth consecutive quarter where the total assets of a bank exceeds $10 billion, as reported in its quarterly Call Report, the FDIC utilizes a different method for determining deposit insurance assessments. This large bank method is based on a bank’s ability to withstand asset- and funding-related stress, its regulatory ratings, and potential losses to the FDIC in the event of the bank’s failure, subject to discretionary adjustments by the FDIC. The Bank expects to become subject to the large bank method for determining its deposit insurance assessments in 2024.
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Volcker Rule. Under provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act referred to as the “Volcker Rule,” certain limitations are placed on the ability of insured depository institutions and their affiliates to engage in sponsoring, investing in and transacting with certain investment funds, known as “covered funds” under the rule. There are a number of exclusions from the definition of “covered funds,” including for investments in Small Business Investment Companies, or SBICs, and certain qualifying venture capital funds. The Volcker Rule also places restrictions on proprietary trading, which could impact certain hedging activities.
Limits on Interchange Fees. The Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act gave the Federal Reserve Board the authority to establish rules regarding interchange fees charged for electronic debit transactions by a payment card issuer that, together with its affiliates, has assets of $10 billion or more, as of December 31 of the preceding calendar year, and to enforce a new statutory requirement that such fees be reasonable and proportional to the actual cost of a transaction to the issuer. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted rules under this provision that limit the swipe fees that a debit card issuer can charge a merchant for a transaction to the sum of 21 cents and five basis points times the value of the transaction, plus up to one cent for fraud prevention costs. The Bank exceeded $10 billion in assets at December 31, 2023. This will trigger a reduction of annual pre-tax income from debit card interchange fees beginning July 1, 2024. Additional information regarding the Durbin Amendment is presented in Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Loans Held for Sale & Serviced Portfolio
Any loan or portion of a loan that the Company has the intent and ability to sell is classified as held for sale. The average age of the held for sale portfolio as of December 31, 2023 was 10.9 months from origination date. Approximately 12.1% of the current held for sale portfolio is older than two years. The majority of held for sale loans over one year old are composed of construction loans or other loans that have yet to fully fund. Construction loans typically have extended build out periods that inherently result in longer lead times between origination and the ultimate sale date. Approximately 19.8% of the held for sale portfolio is aged between one and two years.
As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the cumulative total outstanding balance of loans sold since May 2007 totaled $4.24 billion and $3.48 billion, respectively. The Company generally continues to service loans after the date of sale. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those serviced for others, was $13.28 billion and $11.38 billion, respectively.
Loan and Lease Maturity
As of December 31, 2023, $10.60 billion, or 79.8%, of the total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those at fair value and those serviced for others, were variable rate loans that adjust at specified dates based on the prime lending rate or other variable indices. As of December 31, 2023, $5.97 billion, or 45.0%, of total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those at fair value and those serviced for others, were variable rate loans that adjust on either a calendar monthly or calendar quarterly basis using the prime lending rate or other variable indices.
At December 31, 2023, 81.5%, or $7.38 billion, of the combined held for sale and held for investment loan and lease portfolio, including those at fair value, were composed of variable rate loans.
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At December 31, 2023, $2.70 billion, or 31.2%, of loans held for investment, including those at fair value, matures in less than five years. Loans and leases maturing in greater than five years total $5.96 billion of the total $8.66 billion. The variable rate portion of the total held for investment loans and leases, excluding PPP loans, is 81.4%, which reflects the Company’s strategy to minimize interest rate risk through the use of variable rate products.
| At December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remaining Contractual Maturity of Total Held for Investment Loans and Leases | ||||||||||||||||||
| One Year or Less | After One Year and Through Five Years | After Five Years and Through Fifteen Years | After Fifteen Years | Total (1) | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed rate loans and leases: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 2,213 | $ | 154,221 | $ | 217,652 | $ | 2,925 | $ | 377,011 | ||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 11,377 | 321,002 | 5,213 | 3,783 | 341,375 | |||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 19,057 | 10,249 | 69,164 | 111,982 | 210,452 | |||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | — | 4,853 | 742 | — | 5,595 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 32,647 | 490,325 | 292,771 | 118,690 | 934,433 | |||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 145 | 4,989 | 8 | 10,317 | 15,459 | |||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 5,256 | — | — | 5,256 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 145 | 10,245 | 8 | 10,317 | 20,715 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 6,500 | 70,563 | 30,491 | 141,115 | 248,669 | |||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 83,439 | 1,398 | 5,549 | 90,386 | |||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | — | 14,742 | — | 116 | 14,858 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 6,500 | 168,744 | 31,889 | 146,780 | 353,913 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 9,504 | 186,912 | 75,820 | 35,441 | 307,677 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 9,504 | 186,912 | 75,820 | 35,441 | 307,677 | |||||||||||||
| Total fixed rate loans and leases | 48,796 | 856,226 | 400,488 | 311,228 | 1,616,738 | |||||||||||||
| Variable rate loans and leases: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 8,996 | 148,099 | 1,657,019 | 85,926 | 1,900,040 | |||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 109,294 | 620,555 | 67,536 | 562 | 797,947 | |||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 186,128 | 30,222 | 156,533 | 312,608 | 685,491 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 304,418 | 798,876 | 1,881,088 | 399,096 | 3,383,478 | |||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 6,167 | 11,103 | 23,518 | 358,846 | 399,634 | |||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 42,163 | — | — | 42,163 | |||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | — | 7,541 | — | — | 7,541 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 6,167 | 60,807 | 23,518 | 358,846 | 449,338 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 30,437 | 77,903 | 342,783 | 1,893,143 | 2,344,266 | |||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 88,019 | 340,231 | 5,109 | — | 433,359 | |||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | — | 56,416 | 32,023 | 76,138 | 164,577 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 118,456 | 474,550 | 379,915 | 1,969,281 | 2,942,202 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 4,172 | 27,165 | 99,278 | 133,494 | 264,109 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 4,172 | 27,165 | 99,278 | 133,494 | 264,109 | |||||||||||||
| Total variable rate loans and leases | 433,213 | 1,361,398 | 2,383,799 | 2,860,717 | 7,039,127 | |||||||||||||
| Total held for investment loans and leases | $ | 482,009 | $ | 2,217,624 | $ | 2,784,287 | $ | 3,171,945 | $ | 8,655,865 |
(1)Excludes retained loan discount and net deferred costs.
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Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate loans as indicated by the FDIC include loans secured by the following: construction, land development, multifamily property and nonfarm, nonresidential real property. The following table provides information with respect to commercial real estate loans as of December 31, 2023.
| Guaranteed | Unguaranteed | Total (1) | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Held for Investment Loans: | ||||||||||
| Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 1,145,306 | $ | 989,029 | $ | 2,134,335 | ||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 87,922 | 87,922 | |||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 9,517 | 20,584 | 30,101 | |||||||
| Total | 1,154,823 | 1,097,535 | 2,252,358 | |||||||
| Non-Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 370,304 | 380,028 | 750,332 | |||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 482,146 | 482,146 | |||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 35,416 | 122,899 | 158,315 | |||||||
| Total | 405,720 | 985,073 | 1,390,793 | |||||||
| Total Held for Investment Commercial Real Estate | $ | 1,560,543 | $ | 2,082,608 | $ | 3,643,151 | ||||
| Held for Sale Loans: | ||||||||||
| Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 62,242 | $ | — | $ | 62,242 | ||||
| Total | 62,242 | — | 62,242 | |||||||
| Non-Owner Occupied | ||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 121,399 | — | 121,399 | |||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 891 | — | 891 | |||||||
| Total | 122,290 | — | 122,290 | |||||||
| Total Held for Sale Commercial Real Estate | $ | 184,532 | $ | — | $ | 184,532 | ||||
| Total Commercial Real Estate Loans | $ | 1,745,075 | $ | 2,082,608 | $ | 3,827,683 | ||||
| % of Total Commercial Real Estate Loans | 45.6 | % | 54.4 | % | 100.0 | % |
(1)Excludes retained loan discount and net deferred costs.
Asset Quality
Management considers asset quality to be of primary importance. A formal loan review function, independent of loan origination, is used to identify and monitor problem loans. This function reports directly to the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors.
Nonperforming Assets
The Bank places loans and leases on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due as to principal or interest payments, or prior to that if management has determined based upon current information available to them that the timely collection of principal or interest is not probable. When a loan or lease is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest previously accrued as income but not actually collected is reversed and recorded as a reduction of loan or lease interest and fee income. Typically, collections of interest and principal received on a nonaccrual loan or lease are applied to the outstanding principal as determined at the time of collection of the loan or lease. The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 on January 1, 2023. Accordingly, the prior period discussed below has been adjusted to exclude previously disclosed troubled debt restructurings for comparative purposes. See Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about the adoption of ASU 2022-02.
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Total nonperforming assets, including loans measured at fair value, at December 31, 2023 were $192.2 million, which represented a $71.8 million, or 59.6%, increase from December 31, 2022. These nonperforming assets, at December 31, 2023 were comprised of $185.7 million in nonaccrual loans and leases and $6.5 million in foreclosed assets. Of the $192.2 million of nonperforming assets, $141.0 million carried a government guarantee, leaving an unguaranteed exposure of $51.2 million in total nonperforming assets at December 31, 2023. This represents an increase of $25.1 million, or 96.6%, from an unguaranteed exposure of $26.0 million at December 31, 2022.
The following table provides information with respect to nonperforming assets, excluding loans measured at fair value, at the dates indicated.
| 2023 (1) | 2022 (1) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonaccrual loans and leases: | ||||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases (all on nonaccrual) | $ | 134,963 | $ | 73,392 | ||
| Foreclosed assets | 6,481 | — | ||||
| Total nonperforming assets | $ | 141,444 | $ | 73,392 | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | $ | 125,840 | $ | 96,566 | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases to total loans and leases held for investment | 1.64 | % | 1.07 | % | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases to total assets | 1.24 | % | 0.78 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to loans and leases held for investment | 1.53 | % | 1.41 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to total nonperforming loans and leases | 93.24 | % | 131.58 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
| 2023 (1) | 2022 (1) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonaccrual loans and leases guaranteed by U.S. government: | ||||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases guaranteed by the U.S. government (all on nonaccrual) | $ | 95,678 | $ | 54,608 | ||
| Foreclosed assets guaranteed by the U.S. government | 3,670 | — | ||||
| Total nonperforming assets guaranteed by the U.S. government | $ | 99,348 | $ | 54,608 | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | $ | 125,840 | $ | 96,566 | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total held for investment loans and leases | 0.48 | % | 0.27 | % | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total assets | 0.36 | % | 0.20 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S government | 320.33 | % | 514.09 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
Nonperforming assets, excluding loans measured at fair value, at December 31, 2023 were $141.4 million, which represented a $68.1 million, or 92.7%, increase from December 31, 2022. These nonperforming assets, at December 31, 2023 were comprised of $135.0 million in nonaccrual loans and leases and $6.5 million in foreclosed assets. Of the $141.4 million of nonperforming assets, $99.3 million carried a government guarantee, leaving an unguaranteed exposure of $42.1 million in total nonperforming assets at December 31, 2023. This represents an increase of $23.3 million, or 124.1%, from an unguaranteed exposure of $18.8 million at December 31, 2022.
See the below discussion related to the change in potential problem and impaired loans and leases for management’s overall observations regarding the change in total nonperforming loans and leases.
As a percentage of the Bank’s total capital, nonperforming loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, represented 14.6% at December 31, 2023, compared to 9.0% at December 31, 2022. Adjusting the ratio to include only the unguaranteed portion of nonperforming loans and leases at historical cost to reflect management’s belief that the greater magnitude of risk resides in this portion, the ratio at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 4.3% and 2.3%, respectively.
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As of December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, potential problem (also referred to as criticized) and classified loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, totaled $785.2 million and $424.7 million, respectively. The following is a discussion of these loans and leases. Risk Grades 5 through 8 represent the spectrum of criticized and classified loans and leases. For a complete description of the risk grading system, see “Credit Quality Indicators” in Note 3 to the notes to consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2023, the portion of criticized and classified loans and leases guaranteed by the SBA or USDA totaled $344.8 million and total portfolio unguaranteed exposure risk was $440.3 million, or 8.3% of total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost. This compares to the December 31, 2022 portion of criticized and classified loans and leases guaranteed by the SBA or USDA which totaled $195.8 million and total portfolio unguaranteed exposure risk was $228.9 million, or 5.5% of total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost.
As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, loans and leases carried at historical cost within the following verticals comprise the largest portion of the total potential problem and classified loans and leases:
| As of December 31, 2023 | As of December 31, 2022 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | % of Criticized and Classified Loans and Leases | Vertical | % of Criticized and Classified Loans and Leases | |||
| Senior Housing | 16.5% | Wine & Craft Beverage | 11.5% | |||
| Bioenergy | 14.4% | General Lending | 10.3% | |||
| General Lending | 12.2% | Senior Housing | 10.2% | |||
| Search Fund Lending | 8.6% | Search Fund Lending | 7.8% | |||
| Wine & Craft Beverage | 5.6% | Healthcare | 6.4% | |||
| Healthcare | 3.9% | Hotels | 5.9% | |||
| Hotels | 3.3% | Fitness Centers | 5.1% | |||
| Self Storage | 3.3% | Agriculture | 4.5% | |||
| Senior Care | 3.2% | Senior Care | 4.0% | |||
| % of Total Criticized and Classified Loans | 71.0% | % of Total Criticized and Classified Loans | 65.7% |
Of the above listed verticals, Senior Housing is within the Company’s Specialty Lending division while Hotels and Bioenergy are within the Energy & Infrastructure division, the remainder of the above listed verticals are within the Small Business Banking division. The majority of the $360.5 million increase in potential problem and classified loans and leases in 2023 was comprised of increased levels of Risk Grade 5 loans and leases, as discussed below. The Company believes that its underwriting and credit quality standards have remained high and continues to consider changing economic conditions in a rising interest rate environment.
Loans and leases that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls are generally not individually evaluated for the purpose of estimating the allowance for credit losses. The Bank generally considers an “insignificant period of time” from payment delays to be a period of 90 days or less. The Bank would consider a modification for a customer experiencing what is expected to be a short-term event that has temporarily impacted cash flow. This could be due, among other reasons, to illness, weather, impact from a one-time expense, slower than expected start-up, construction issues or other short-term issues. Credit personnel will review the request to determine if the customer is stressed and how the event has impacted the ability of the customer to repay the loan or lease long term. At December 31, 2023, the Company had a total of $37.2 million in loans modified in 2023 to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, all of which remained current with $14.6 million on principal payment deferral.
Management endeavors to be proactive in its approach to identify and resolve problem loans and leases and is focused on working with the borrowers and guarantors of these loans and leases to provide loan and lease modifications when warranted. Management implements a proactive approach to identifying and classifying loans and leases as special mention (also referred to as criticized), Risk Grade 5. At December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022, Risk Grade 5 loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, totaled $599.2 million and $286.5 million, respectively, for a year-over-year increase of $312.7 million. Relative to total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost at December 31, 2022 and 2023, unguaranteed Risk Grade 5 loans and leases increased from 4.1% to 6.9%, respectively.
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The largest year-over-year changes in Risk Grade 5 loans and leases carried at historical cost were within the following verticals:
| December 31, 2023 vs. 2022 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical | $ | % | ||||
| Bioenergy | $ | 113,065 | 37.9 | % | ||
| Senior Housing | 73,722 | 24.7 | ||||
| General Lending | 25,852 | 8.7 | ||||
| Search Fund Lending | 25,004 | 8.4 | ||||
| Self Storage | 16,045 | 5.4 | ||||
| Government Contracting | 15,301 | 5.1 | ||||
| Asset Based Lending | 14,677 | 4.9 | ||||
| Hotels | 9,709 | 3.3 | ||||
| Senior Care | 9,527 | 3.2 | ||||
| Health Care | 8,153 | 2.7 | ||||
| Broadband | (12,352) | (4.1) | ||||
| Wine Craft Beverage | (11,927) | (4.0) | ||||
| Entertainment Centers | (11,435) | (3.8) | ||||
| Total of largest changes in RG 5 loans and leases | $ | 275,341 | 92.4% |
The increase in Risk Grade 5 loans and leases, exclusive of loans measured at fair value, during 2023 was principally confined to ten verticals, as reflected above. The increase in Risk Grade 5 loans in 2023 was largely a result of softer than expected starts for new projects in certain verticals due to delays in both construction completion and ramp up time, stemming from downstream effects of pandemic-related impacts. Of the above listed verticals, Senior Housing, Asset-Based Lending and Government Contracting are within the Company’s Specialty Lending division while Hotels and Bioenergy are within the Energy & Infrastructure division, the remainder of the above listed verticals are within the Small Business Banking division.
At December 31, 2023, approximately 99.3% of loans and leases classified as Risk Grade 5 are performing with no relationships having payments past due more than 30 days. While the level of nonperforming assets fluctuates in response to changing economic and market conditions, in light of the relative size and composition of the loan and lease portfolio and management’s degree of success in resolving problem assets, management believes that a proactive approach to early identification and intervention is critical to successfully managing a small business loan portfolio. As government payment assistance began to expire toward the end of 2020, borrowers with continuing difficulties arising from the pandemic were provided additional relief through payment deferrals. At December 31, 2023, the Company had $11.0 million in unguaranteed loans on SBA payment assistance.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Leases
The ACL of $96.6 million at December 31, 2022, increased by $29.3 million, or 30.3%, to $125.8 million at December 31, 2023. The ACL as a percentage of loans and leases held for investment at historical cost amounted to 1.5% and 1.4% at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The increase in the ACL during 2023 was primarily due to significant loan growth combined with charge-off related impacts, as addressed more fully in the above section captioned “Provision for Loan and Lease Credit Losses” in “Results of Operations.”
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Actual past due held for investment loans and leases, inclusive of loans measured at fair value, have increased by $65.7 million since December 31, 2022. Total loans and leases 90 or more days past due increased $68.2 million, or 120.6%, compared to December 31, 2022. This increase was comprised of a $24.0 million increase in unguaranteed exposure combined with a $44.2 million increase in the guaranteed portion of past due loans compared to December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, total held for investment unguaranteed loans and leases past due as a percentage of total held for investment unguaranteed loans and leases, inclusive of loans measured at fair value, was 0.8% and 0.7%, respectively. Total unguaranteed loans and leases past due were comprised of $37.6 million carried at historical cost, an increase of $16.4 million, and $9.8 million measured at fair value, an increase of $237 thousand, as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. Management continues to actively monitor and work to improve asset quality. Management believes the ACL of $125.8 million at December 31, 2023 is appropriate in light of the risk inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. Management’s judgments are based on numerous assumptions about current and expected events that it believes to be reasonable, but which may or may not prove to be accurate. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that management’s ongoing evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio in light of changing economic conditions and other relevant circumstances will not require significant future additions to the ACL, thus adversely affecting the Company’s operating results. Additional information on the ACL is presented in Note 3. Loans and Leases Held for Investment and Credit Quality of the consolidated financial statements in this report.
The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases carried at historical cost by category at the dates indicated.
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allowance | TotalLoansandLeases (1) | % of Total Allowance | % ofTotalLoansandLeases (1) | Allowance | TotalLoansandLeases (1) | % of Total Allowance | % ofTotalLoansandLeases (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 49,120 | $ | 2,125,163 | 39.0 | % | 25.7 | % | $ | 41,481 | $ | 2,025,983 | 43.0 | % | 29.6 | % | |||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 25,807 | 1,131,493 | 20.5 | 13.7 | 17,216 | 754,271 | 17.8 | 11.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 12,646 | 849,757 | 10.0 | 10.3 | 6,278 | 423,529 | 6.5 | 6.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | 8 | 5,595 | — | 0.1 | 20 | 13,134 | — | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 87,581 | 4,112,008 | 69.6 | 49.7 | 64,995 | 3,216,917 | 67.3 | 47.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 3,320 | 415,094 | 2.6 | 5.0 | 2,860 | 472,743 | 3.0 | 6.9 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 1,207 | 47,419 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 2,038 | 104,069 | 2.1 | 1.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 190 | 7,541 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 203 | 13,753 | 0.2 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 4,717 | 470,054 | 3.7 | 5.7 | 5,101 | 590,565 | 5.3 | 8.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 14,743 | 2,465,576 | 11.7 | 29.8 | 14,608 | 2,167,515 | 15.1 | 31.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 10,754 | 523,744 | 8.5 | 6.3 | 4,233 | 306,785 | 4.4 | 4.5 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 3,367 | 161,685 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 4,060 | 139,778 | 4.2 | 2.0 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 28,864 | 3,151,005 | 22.9 | 38.1 | 22,901 | 2,614,078 | 23.7 | 38.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 4,678 | 534,762 | 3.7 | 6.5 | 3,569 | 432,594 | 3.7 | 6.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 4,678 | 534,762 | 3.7 | 6.5 | 3,569 | 432,594 | 3.7 | 6.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 125,840 | $ | 8,267,829 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % | $ | 96,566 | $ | 6,854,154 | 100.0 | % | 100.0 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
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Analysis of Loan and Lease Loss Experience. The following table sets forth an analysis of net charge-offs for loans and leases carried at historical cost to average total loans and leases, carried at historical cost, by category for the years indicated.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetCharge-offs (1) | Average Total Loans & Leases (1)(2) | % of Average TotalLoans & Leases (1)(2) | NetCharge-offs (1) | Average Total Loans & Leases (1)(2) | % of Average TotalLoans & Leases (1)(2) | NetCharge-offs (1) | Average Total Loans & Leases (1)(2) | % of Average TotalLoans & Leases (1)(2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 13,705 | $ | 2,086,469 | 0.7 | % | $ | 5,423 | $ | 1,634,074 | 0.3 | % | $ | 2,740 | $ | 1,073,328 | 0.3 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 7,966 | 1,002,418 | 0.8 | 1,383 | 580,940 | 0.2 | — | 247,856 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | — | 564,070 | — | 411 | 350,910 | 0.1 | — | 167,521 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | — | 8,283 | — | 5 | 81,250 | — | — | 939,205 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 21,671 | 3,661,240 | 0.6 | 7,222 | 2,647,174 | 0.3 | 2,740 | 2,427,910 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | — | 274,777 | — | (3) | 271,596 | — | 262 | 169,530 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 41,230 | — | — | 72,996 | — | — | 19,120 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | — | 6,914 | — | — | 12,751 | — | — | 45,639 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | — | 322,921 | — | (3) | 357,343 | — | 262 | 234,289 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 1,416 | 2,463,238 | 0.1 | 489 | 1,904,876 | — | 664 | 1,403,403 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 448,958 | — | — | 214,760 | — | 254 | 92,888 | 0.3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | (1,714) | 134,959 | (1.3) | (388) | 120,783 | (0.3) | — | 127,456 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | (298) | 3,047,155 | — | 101 | 2,240,419 | — | 918 | 1,623,747 | 0.1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | — | 505,692 | — | 641 | 422,886 | 0.2 | 12 | 377,967 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | — | 505,692 | — | 641 | 422,886 | 0.2 | 12 | 377,967 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 21,373 | $ | 7,537,008 | 0.3 | % | $ | 7,961 | $ | 5,667,822 | 0.1 | % | $ | 3,932 | $ | 4,663,913 | 0.1 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
(2)Average loans and leases held for investment, at amortized cost.
Investment Securities
Investment securities totaled $1.13 billion at December 31, 2023, an increase of $111.4 million, or 11.0%, compared to $1.01 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase in the investment portfolio for 2023 was to support earnings through additional yield compared to cash alternatives, continue to provide a contingent funding source and act as a mechanism to manage the Company’s interest rate risk. This also included purchases of $206.9 million in mortgage-backed securities, including $14.7 million for purposes of complying with the Community Reinvestment Act and purchases of $32.1 million in collateralized mortgage obligations to increase yield and duration.
The investment securities portfolio consists entirely of available-for-sale securities. The Company purchases securities for the investment securities portfolio to manage interest rate risk, ensure a stable source of liquidity and to provide a steady source of income in excess of cost of funds.
At December 31, 2023, the modified duration of the overall available-for-sale securities portfolio was approximately 6.45 years.
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The following table sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of investment securities at December 31, 2023. Certain mortgage related securities have adjustable interest rates and will reprice annually within the various maturity ranges. These repricing schedules are not reflected in the tables below.
| Total Amortized Cost | Within One Year | After One to Five Years | After Five to Ten Years | After Ten Years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| U.S. government securities | $ | 17,809 | $ | 3,000 | 3.54 | % | $ | 12,430 | 3.77 | % | $ | 2,379 | 3.11 | % | $ | — | — | % | |||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 1,216,624 | 12,358 | 4.89 | 179,740 | 2.70 | 240,665 | 2.79 | 783,861 | 2.70 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 3,200 | — | — | — | — | 3,103 | 4.50 | 97 | 5.22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other debt securities | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total securities | $ | 1,237,633 | $ | 15,358 | 4.62 | % | $ | 192,170 | 2.67 | % | $ | 246,147 | 2.82 | % | $ | 783,958 | 2.70 | % |
At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company had 98.3% of its total investment securities portfolio in mortgage-backed securities. The Company has continued to purchase mortgage-backed securities in order to obtain a favorable yield versus cash alternatives while still maintaining a low risk profile within the investment portfolio.
Deposits
The following table sets forth the composition of deposits.
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Percent | Total | Percent | Total | Percent | |||||||||||||||
| Period end: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 259,270 | 2.5 | % | $ | 194,100 | 2.2 | % | $ | 89,279 | 1.3 | % | ||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 301,006 | 2.9 | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Money market | 135,551 | 1.3 | 128,443 | 1.4 | 105,628 | 1.5 | ||||||||||||||
| Savings | 4,497,376 | 43.8 | 4,096,576 | 46.1 | 3,507,354 | 49.3 | ||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 5,081,816 | 49.5 | 4,465,809 | 50.3 | 3,409,783 | 47.9 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 10,015,749 | 97.5 | 8,690,828 | 97.8 | 7,022,765 | 98.7 | ||||||||||||||
| Total period end deposits | $ | 10,275,019 | 100.0 | % | $ | 8,884,928 | 100.0 | % | $ | 7,112,044 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
| Total uninsured deposits | $ | 1,457,800 | 14.2 | % | $ | 1,563,189 | 17.6 | % | $ | 1,197,057 | 16.8 | % |
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Percent | Average Rate | Total | Percent | Average Rate | Total | Percent | Average Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 215,327 | 2.2 | % | — | % | $ | 125,062 | 1.6 | % | — | % | $ | 77,104 | 1.2 | % | — | % | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 231,413 | 2.4 | 5.50 | — | — | — | 76,714 | 1.2 | 0.58 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market | 125,279 | 1.3 | 0.58 | 100,684 | 1.3 | 0.30 | 103,078 | 1.6 | 0.29 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings | 4,428,306 | 45.7 | 3.86 | 3,903,151 | 48.9 | 1.48 | 3,077,933 | 47.2 | 0.54 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 4,695,161 | 48.4 | 3.31 | 3,849,203 | 48.2 | 1.48 | $ | 3,181,591 | 100.0 | % | 1.33 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total average deposits | $ | 9,695,486 | 100.0 | % | 3.59 | % | $ | 7,978,100 | 100.0 | % | 1.46 | % | $ | 6,516,420 | 100.0 | % | 0.92 | % |
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Deposits increased to $10.28 billion at December 31, 2023 from $8.88 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $1.39 billion, or 15.6%. This increase was primarily due to the growth of the Company’s customer base in the savings and time deposit products, enhanced by a nationwide marketing campaign with attractive rates and additional wholesale funding, to support the significant loan growth in 2023. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $65.2 million, or 33.6%, during 2023, and interest-bearing deposits increased $1.32 billion, or 15.2%, during the same period.
The aggregate amount of time deposits in denominations of $250 thousand or more at December 31, 2023 was approximately $695.6 million. Of those deposits, $255.8 million was uninsured and 97.6% of the uninsured time deposit accounts were scheduled to mature within one year. The maturity profile of uninsured time deposits at December 31, 2023 is as follows:
| Maturity Period | Three months or less | More than three months to six months | More than six months to twelve months | More than twelve months | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount of time deposits in uninsured accounts | $ | 67,828 | $ | 97,527 | $ | 84,245 | $ | 6,204 |
Borrowings
Total borrowings decreased $59.8 million at December 31, 2023 from December 31, 2022 as a result of the following:
In March 2021, the Company entered into a 60-month term loan agreement of $50.0 million with a third party correspondent bank. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 2.95% with a monthly payment sufficient to fully amortize the loan, with all remaining unpaid principal and interest due at maturity on March 30, 2026. The Company paid the Lender a non-refundable $325 thousand loan origination fee upon signing of the Note that is presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the loan and will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan.
In April 2020, the Company entered into the Federal Reserve Bank's PPPLF. Under the PPPLF, advances must be secured by pledges of loans to small businesses originated by the Company under the U.S. Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program titled the Paycheck Protection Program. The PPPLF accrues interest at thirty-five basis points and matures at various dates equal to the maturity date of the PPPLF collateral pledged to secure the advance, and will be accelerated on and to the extent of any 7(a) loan forgiveness reimbursement by the SBA for any PPPLF collateral or the date of purchase by the SBA from the borrower of any PPPLF collateral. On the maturity date of each advance, the Company repays the advance plus accrued interest. This borrowing was paid in full at September 30, 2022.
In September 2020, the Company renewed a $50.0 million revolving line of credit originally issued in 2017 with a third party correspondent bank. Subsequently on October 20, 2021, the Company renewed and increased the revolving line of credit from $50.0 million to $100.0 million and increased the term from 12 months to 36 months. In September 2023, the Company modified the revolving line of credit and extended the maturity 12 months to a maturity date of October 10, 2026. The line of credit is unsecured and accrues interest at 30-day SOFR plus 1.25%, with an interest rate cap of 6.75% and an interest rate floor of 2.75%. Payments are interest only with all principal and accrued interest due at maturity. The terms of this loan require the Company to maintain minimum capital and debt service coverage ratios. The Company paid the Lender a non-refundable $750 thousand loan origination fee upon signing of the Note and a non-refundable $250 thousand renewal fee in September 2023 that will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan. The Company made an advance of $8.0 million on December 20, 2021 and $12.0 million on March 16, 2022. The Company paid down this balance in full on May 20, 2022 and there is $100.0 million of available credit remaining at December 31, 2023.
On December 30, 2022, the Company made an advance of $50.0 million on an overnight Fed Funds line of credit that was unsecured with an interest rate of 4.65% with $50.0 million of available credit remaining at December 31, 2022. The Company paid down this balance in full on January 3, 2023 and there is $100.0 million of available credit remaining at December 31, 2023.
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Liquidity Management
Liquidity management refers to the ability to meet day-to-day cash flow requirements based primarily on activity in loan and deposit accounts of the Company’s customers. Liquidity is immediately available from four major sources: (a) cash on hand and on deposit at other banks; (b) the outstanding balance of federal funds sold; (c) the market value of unpledged investment securities; and (d) availability under lines of credit, FHLB advances, Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program and the Federal Reserve Discount Window. A primary tool in the Company’s liquidity management process is the utilization of an Outflow Coverage Ratio (“OCR”) model to stress outflows in various scenarios with targeted days of liquidity coverage. The OCR model output is then used by management to ensure adequate liquidity sources are available during those future periods. At December 31, 2023, the total amount of these four liquidity source items was $4.26 billion, or 37.8% of total assets, a decrease of 2.9% of total assets from $4.01 billion, or 40.7% of total assets, at December 31, 2022.
Loans and other assets are funded primarily by loan sales, wholesale deposits and core deposits. To date, an increasing retail deposit base and a stable amount of brokered deposits have been adequate to meet loan obligations, while maintaining the desired level of immediate liquidity. The Company maintains an investment securities portfolio that is available for both immediate and secondary contingent liquidity purposes, whether via pledging to the Federal Home Loan Bank, Federal Reserve Bank Term Funding Program, or through liquidation. Additionally, the Company maintains a guaranteed loan portfolio that is also a contingent liquidity source, whether via pledging to the Federal Reserve Discount Window or through liquidation.
At December 31, 2023, none of the investment securities portfolio was pledged to secure public deposits or pledged to retail repurchase agreements, leaving $1.13 billion available to be pledged as collateral.
Contractual Obligations
The Company has entered into significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations for future payments. See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for expected timing of payments as of December 31, 2023. These include operating leases (Note 4. Leases), time deposits with stated maturity dates (Note 7. Deposits) and borrowings (Note 8. Borrowings). As of December 31, 2023, the Company also has $301.0 million in brokered deposits with $75.2 million scheduled to mature in less than a year and $225.8 million scheduled to mature within one to three years.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of operations, the Company engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with GAAP, are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. In 2022, the Company entered into airplane purchase agreement commitments of which one airplane was placed in service in 2023 and one airplane purchase agreement commitment is outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The Company is also in the process of constructing a new facility to accommodate expansion of its main campus. For more information, see Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Sensitivity
One of the primary objectives of asset/liability management is to maximize the net interest margin while minimizing the earnings risk associated with changes in interest rates. One method used to manage interest rate sensitivity is to measure, over various time periods, the interest rate sensitivity positions, or gaps. This method, however, addresses only the magnitude of timing differences and does not address earnings or market value. Therefore, management uses an earnings simulation model to prepare, on a regular basis, earnings projections based on a range of interest rate scenarios to more accurately measure interest rate risk. For more information, see Item 7A of this Report.
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Capital
The maintenance of appropriate levels of capital is a management priority and is monitored on a regular basis. The Company’s principal goals related to the maintenance of capital are to provide adequate capital to support the Company’s risk profile consistent with the risk appetite approved by the Board of Directors; provide financial flexibility to support future growth and client needs; comply with relevant laws, regulations, and supervisory guidance; achieve optimal credit ratings for the Company and its subsidiaries; and provide a competitive return to shareholders. Management regularly monitors the capital position of the Company on both a consolidated and Bank level basis. In this regard, management’s goal is to maintain capital at levels that are in excess of the regulatory “well capitalized” levels. Risk-based capital ratios, which include Tier 1 Capital, Total Capital and Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, are calculated based on regulatory guidance related to the measurement of capital and risk-weighted assets.
Capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 are presented in the table below.
| Actual | Minimum Capital Requirement | Minimum To BeWell CapitalizedUnder PromptCorrective ActionProvisions (1) | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | |||||||||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 960,433 | 11.73 | % | $ | 368,549 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 1,063,157 | 12.98 | % | $ | 655,198 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 960,433 | 11.73 | % | $ | 491,399 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 960,433 | 8.58 | % | $ | 447,561 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 823,478 | 10.40 | % | $ | 356,426 | 4.50 | % | $ | 514,837 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 922,876 | 11.65 | % | $ | 633,646 | 8.00 | % | $ | 792,057 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 823,478 | 10.40 | % | $ | 475,234 | 6.00 | % | $ | 633,646 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 823,478 | 7.41 | % | $ | 444,480 | 4.00 | % | $ | 555,600 | 5.00 | % | ||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 888,235 | 12.47 | % | $ | 320,446 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 977,360 | 13.73 | % | $ | 569,681 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 888,235 | 12.47 | % | $ | 427,261 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 888,235 | 9.26 | % | $ | 383,499 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 730,092 | 10.70 | % | $ | 307,179 | 4.50 | % | $ | 443,703 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 815,577 | 11.95 | % | $ | 546,096 | 8.00 | % | $ | 682,620 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 730,092 | 10.70 | % | $ | 409,572 | 6.00 | % | $ | 546,096 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 730,092 | 7.70 | % | $ | 379,396 | 4.00 | % | $ | 474,245 | 5.00 | % | ||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 689,367 | 12.38 | % | $ | 250,619 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 753,691 | 13.53 | % | $ | 445,544 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 689,367 | 12.38 | % | $ | 334,158 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 689,367 | 8.87 | % | $ | 310,902 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 640,652 | 12.05 | % | $ | 239,201 | 4.50 | % | $ | 345,512 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 704,976 | 13.26 | % | $ | 425,246 | 8.00 | % | $ | 531,557 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 640,652 | 12.05 | % | $ | 318,934 | 6.00 | % | $ | 425,246 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 640,652 | 8.32 | % | $ | 307,931 | 4.00 | % | $ | 384,914 | 5.00 | % |
(1)Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable at the bank holding company level.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company bases estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The Company’s accounting policies, including those for the Company’s critical accounting estimates are described in detail in Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements and are an integral part of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A thorough understanding of these accounting policies is essential when reviewing the Company’s reported results of operations and financial position. The Company’s most critical accounting estimates are listed below. These estimates require the Company to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.
Allowance for credit losses (ACL)
The Company’s policy is to maintain the ACL at a level to absorb expected credit losses. The loan and lease portfolio is periodically reviewed by management to identify trends and to measure asset quality. Accounting policies related to the ACL on financial instruments including loans and off-balance-sheet credit exposures are considered to be critical as these policies involve considerable subjective judgment and estimation by the Company. The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans and leases to present a net amount expected to be collected over the life of the asset.
The Company’s ACL on loans and leases is estimated using relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, and measured on a pooled basis where loans with similar risk characteristics (such as industry and type of collateral) are collectively evaluated for impairment. The ACL is computed using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology that utilizes inputs and assumptions that require significant judgement. The most significant assumptions used are: 1) economic forecast assumptions, 2) prepayment assumptions, and 3) application of qualitative factors, the most significant of which is related to the loan risk grading process. Sensitivities to these three areas are disclosed below to demonstrate how a change in economic forecast, prepayment assumptions and risk grades may impact the ACL. The below sensitivities only consider each variable individually in isolation as compared to the reported total of the ACL and factor in no correlated impacts to other inputs or factors of the ACL model.
Economic forecast
Probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) rates within the DCF model are adjusted for national unemployment rates during the reasonable and supportable forecast period. The Company has determined that a reasonable and supportable forecast period is four quarters with loss rates reverting back to a historical loss rate over the subsequent four quarters on a straight-line basis.
The ACL is highly sensitive to the unemployment economic forecast used. Due to the high level of uncertainty regarding significant assumptions, the Company often evaluates various economic scenarios from authoritative industry sources to assess variability of economic outlooks. At December 31, 2023, the Company utilized economic assumptions that management believed were the most likely to occur during the duration of the forecast period which had current unemployment levels remaining relatively stable during the one-year forecast period. Selecting a different forecast in the current environment could result in a significantly different ACL. The following table summarizes the impact of more severe unemployment forecast scenarios if they had been selected at December 31, 2023.
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| Approximate increase to ACL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenario | Forecasted Unemployment | $ | % |
| Severe | Current unemployment levels increase to 5.6% in the first quarter of 2024 and increase to 9.2% by the end of a one-year forecast period. At the end of the forecast period adjusted loss rates revert back to a historical rate over a one-year period. | $30.9 million | 24.6 % |
| Moderate | Current unemployment levels increase to 4.6% in the first quarter of 2024 and increase to 7.2% by the end of a one-year forecast period. At the end of the forecast period adjusted loss rates revert back to a historical rate over a one-year period. | 17.6 million | 14.0 |
| Mild | Current unemployment levels decrease to 4.1% in the first quarter of 2024 before increasing to 5.2% by the end of a one-year forecast period. At the end of the forecast period adjusted loss rates revert back to a historical rate over a one-year period. | 6.2 million | 4.9 |
If facts and circumstances supported the Company’s utilization of more severe unemployment scenario other impacts to the model would also be factored in which could result in a materially different estimate than that provided above.
Prepayment assumptions
Expected losses are calculated as the product of PD, LGD, and exposure at default (“EAD”). Expected losses are then discounted using the loan or leases effective interest rate, adjusted for estimated prepayments. Changes to the prepayment assumptions used would result in a different estimated ACL. To illustrate, if the weighted average prepayment assumption were decreased by 25%, the ACL as of December 31, 2023 would increase by approximately $6.0 million or 4.7%.
Loan risk grade - qualitative adjustments
Historical loss information is adjusted for differences in current risk characteristics that are not considered within the quantitative modeling process of the ACL but are relevant in assessing the expected credit losses. These qualitative adjustments include risk grades, delinquency levels, pool age, portfolio mix and growth rates and the status of servicing efforts that may be impacted by natural disasters or health pandemics. As indicated above, the loan risk grading process generally has the most significant impact on the ACL. Accordingly, the Company’s resulting loss estimates are highly dependent on the accuracy for the risk rating assigned to each loan and lease. The inherent imprecision in the risk rating system resulting from inaccuracy in assigning and/or entering risk ratings in the loan accounting system is monitored by the Company’s internal and external asset quality review functions. Changes to internal risk ratings, would result in a different estimated allowance for credit losses. To illustrate, if all loans in the Company’s five largest industry verticals ($2.17 billion or 41.0% of unguaranteed held for investment loans not accounted for under the fair value option) were adjusted down by one risk grade (e.g., RG 4 to RG 5) across all pools, the ACL as of December 31, 2023 would increase by approximately $13.9 million, or 11.0%.
Other Considerations
While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of our ACL is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the performance of our portfolios, the economy, and changes in interest rates. See Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 3. Loans and Leases Held for Investment and Credit Quality in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by the Company in estimating the necessary level of the ACL.
Valuation of loans accounted for under the fair value option
Management estimates the fair value of loans accounted for under the fair value option using a DCF methodology. The estimate incorporates assumptions that market participants would use to estimate the fair value of similar assets such as prepayment speeds, default and severity rates, and a discount rate. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires assumptions that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
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The fair value of loans accounted for under the fair value option is highly sensitive to changes in the discount rate assumption. The discount rate used in the estimation process is tied to a benchmark risk-free rate with an additional spread based on loan maturity, size, rate structure, and credit risk. Generally, the value of the fair value option portfolio is inversely correlated to changes in the risk-free rate.
At December 31, 2023, the weighted average discount rate of loans accounted for under the fair value option was 9.6%. The table below reflects the sensitivity of the Company’s loans measured at fair value to immediate changes in the discount rate assumption with all other assumptions remaining static:
| As of December 31, 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fair value of loans accounted for under the fair value option | $388,036 | |
| Incremental Increase (Decrease) in Value | ||
| Discount Rate | ||
| 200 basis point increase | ($19,469) | |
| 100 basis point increase | (9,917) | |
| 100 basis point decrease | 10,738 | |
| 200 basis point decrease | 21,925 |
All loans accounted for under the fair value option were originated prior to 2021. See Note 10. Fair Value of Financial Instruments in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details.
Valuation of servicing assets
The fair value of servicing assets is based on market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as adequate compensation for servicing, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.
The fair value of servicing rights is highly sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions. Changes in prepayment speed and discount rate assumptions typically have the most significant impacts on the fair value of servicing rights. Generally, as interest rates rise on variable rate loans, loan prepayments increase due to an increase in refinance activity, which results in a decrease in the fair value of servicing assets, however, weakening economic conditions or significant declines in interest rates can also increase loan prepayment activity. The discount rate used in the estimation process is tied to a benchmark risk-free rate with a risk premium added using a build-up method. Measurement of fair value is limited to the conditions existing and the assumptions used as of a particular point in time, and those assumptions may not be appropriate if they are applied at a different time.
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At December 31, 2023, the key assumptions used to determine the fair value of the Company’s servicing rights included a weighted average prepayment speed equal to 15.3% and a weighted average discount rate equal to 14.5%. The table below reflects the sensitivity of the current fair value of servicing assets to immediate changes in the above key assumptions with all other assumptions remaining static:
| As of December 31, 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fair value of servicing rights | $48,186 | |
| Incremental Increase (Decrease) in Value | ||
| Prepayment Speed | ||
| 20% increase | ($2,815) | |
| 10% increase | (1,452) | |
| 10% decrease | 1,549 | |
| 20% decrease | 3,203 | |
| Discount Rate | ||
| 200 basis point increase | ($2,186) | |
| 100 basis point increase | (1,117) | |
| 100 basis point decrease | 1,170 | |
| 200 basis point decrease | 2,396 |
The sensitivity calculations above are hypothetical and should not be considered to be predictive of future performance. As indicated, changes in fair value based on changes in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in this table, the effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the servicing rights is calculated without changing any other assumption. Changes in one factor may result in changes in another.
See Note 5. Servicing Assets in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by the Company in estimating the fair value of servicing assets.
Income taxes
The income tax provision calculation is complex and requires the use of estimates and judgment in its determination. The exercise of significant judgment arises in the interpretation of these tax laws and regulations, in various jurisdictions in which the Company operates and actual liabilities could significantly vary based upon the taxing authority’s interpretation. Specifically, significant estimates in accounting for income taxes relate to the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, evaluations of the Company’s ability to realize deferred tax assets, including income tax credits and net operating loss carryforwards, and the need for a valuation allowance, the calculation of taxable income, the estimation of uncertain tax positions and the determination of temporary differences between book and tax bases. Adjustments to these items may occur due to modifications in tax rates, newly enacted laws, issuance of tax regulations, resolution of items with taxing authorities, alterations to interpretative statutory, judicial, and regulatory guidance that affects the Company’s tax positions, changes in the Company's tax accounting methods or elections, or other facts and circumstances. Management closely monitors tax developments and the potential timing of these changes in order to evaluate the effect they may have on the Company’s overall tax position and the estimates and judgments used in determining the income tax provision and records adjustments as necessary. To the extent the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.
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Non-GAAP Measures
Some of the financial measures included in our selected historical consolidated financial data and elsewhere in this Report are not measures of financial performance recognized by GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are: “tangible shareholders’ equity;” “tangible assets;” “tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets;” “tangible book value per share;” and “efficiency ratio.” Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance.
•“Tangible shareholders’ equity” is total shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible assets” is total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets” is defined as the ratio of shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management believes this measure is important because it shows relative changes from period to period in equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible book value per share” is defined as total equity reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets divided by total common shares outstanding. Management believes this measure is important because it shows changes from period to period in book value per share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Efficiency ratio” is defined as total noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income. Management believes this measure is important as an indicator of productivity because it shows the amount of noninterest expense that was required to generate a dollar of revenue. While the efficiency ratio is a measure of productivity, its value reflects the unique attributes of the “high-touch business model” the Company employs.
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The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors that is supplementary to the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP; however, the Company acknowledges that non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations. As such, you should not view these measures as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, and they are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that other companies use. The following table provides a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely related GAAP measure.
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | ||||||
| Total shareholders' equity | $ | 902,666 | $ | 811,033 | $ | 715,133 | ||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,797 | 1,797 | 1,797 | |||||
| Other intangible assets | 1,721 | 1,873 | 2,026 | |||||
| Tangible shareholders' equity (a) | $ | 899,148 | $ | 807,363 | $ | 711,310 | ||
| Shares outstanding (c) | 44,617,673 | 44,061,244 | 43,619,070 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 11,271,423 | $ | 9,855,498 | $ | 8,213,393 | ||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,797 | 1,797 | 1,797 | |||||
| Other intangible assets | 1,721 | 1,873 | 2,026 | |||||
| Tangible assets (b) | $ | 11,267,905 | $ | 9,851,828 | $ | 8,209,570 | ||
| Tangible shareholders' equity to tangible assets (a/b) | 7.98% | 8.20% | 8.66% | |||||
| Tangible book value per share (a/c) | $ | 20.15 | $ | 18.32 | $ | 16.31 | ||
| Efficiency ratio: | ||||||||
| Noninterest expense (d) | $ | 322,885 | $ | 314,226 | $ | 230,987 | ||
| Net interest income | 345,305 | 327,501 | 296,785 | |||||
| Noninterest income | 111,733 | 237,992 | 160,200 | |||||
| Adjusted operating revenue (e) | $ | 457,038 | $ | 565,493 | $ | 456,985 | ||
| Efficiency ratio (d/e) | 70.65% | 55.57% | 50.55% |
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FY 2022 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001462120-23-000016.
Item 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The following presents management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of the more significant factors that affected the Company's financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to December 31, 2021. For a comparison of 2021 results to 2020 and other 2020 information not included herein, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Part II, Item 7 of the 2021 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-K. Results of operations for the periods included in this review are not necessarily indicative of results to be obtained during any future period.
Dollar amounts in tables are stated in thousands, except for per share amounts.
Nature of Operations
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries including Live Oak Banking Company, the “Company”) is a financial holding company and a bank holding company headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, incorporated under the laws of North Carolina in December 2008. The Company conducts business operations primarily through its commercial bank subsidiary, Live Oak Banking Company (the “Bank”). The Bank was incorporated in February 2008 as a North Carolina-chartered commercial bank. The Bank specializes in providing lending and deposit related services to small businesses nationwide. The Bank identifies and extends lending to credit-worthy borrowers both within specific industries, also called verticals, through expertise within those industries, and more broadly to select borrowers outside of those industries. A significant portion of the loans originated by the Bank are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) under the 7(a) Loan program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Rural Energy for America Program (“REAP”), Water and Environmental Program (“WEP”), Business & Industry (“B&I”) and Community Facilities loan programs.
The Company’s wholly owned material subsidiaries are the Bank, Government Loan Solutions (“GLS”), Live Oak Grove, LLC (“Grove”), Live Oak Ventures, Inc. (“Live Oak Ventures”), and Canapi Advisors, LLC (“Canapi Advisors”). GLS is a management and technology consulting firm that advises and offers solutions and services to participants in the government guaranteed lending sector. GLS primarily provides services in connection with the settlement, accounting, and securitization processes for government guaranteed loans, including loans originated under the SBA 7(a) loan programs and USDA guaranteed loans. The Grove provides Company employees and business visitors an on-site restaurant location. Live Oak Ventures’ purpose is investing in businesses that align with the Company's strategic initiative to be a leader in financial technology. Canapi Advisors provides investment advisory services to a series of funds (the “Canapi Funds”) focused on providing venture capital to new and emerging financial technology companies.
The Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries are Live Oak Number One, Inc., Live Oak Clean Energy Financing LLC (“LOCEF”), Live Oak Private Wealth, LLC (“Live Oak Private Wealth”) and Tiburon Land Holdings, LLC (“TLH”). Live Oak Number One, Inc. holds properties foreclosed on by the Bank. LOCEF provides financing to entities for renewable energy applications. Live Oak Private Wealth provides high-net-worth individuals and families with strategic wealth and investment management services. During the first quarter of 2022, Jolley Asset Management, LLC (“JAM”) was merged into Live Oak Private Wealth. JAM was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Live Oak Private Wealth. TLH was formed in the third quarter of 2022 to hold land adjacent to the Bank's headquarters consisting of wetlands and other protected property for the use and enjoyment of the Bank's employees and customers.
The Company generates revenue primarily from net interest income and secondarily through origination and sale of government guaranteed loans. Income from the retention of loans is comprised principally of interest income. Income from the sale of loans is comprised of loan servicing revenue and revaluation of related servicing assets along with net gains on sales of loans. Offsetting these revenues are the cost of funding sources, provision for loan and lease credit losses, any costs related to foreclosed assets and other operating costs such as salaries and employee benefits, travel, professional services, advertising and marketing and tax expense. The Company also has less routinely generated gains and losses arising from its financial technology investments predominantly in its fintech segment, as discussed more fully later in this section under the caption “Results of Segment Operations.”
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Executive Summary
The table below sets forth selected consolidated financial data as of the dates or for the periods indicated.
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
| Income Statement Data | ||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 176,208 | $ | 166,995 | $ | 59,543 | ||||
| Per Common Share | ||||||||||
| Net income, diluted | $ | 3.92 | $ | 3.71 | $ | 1.43 | ||||
| Dividends declared | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.12 | |||||||
| Book value | 18.41 | 16.39 | 13.38 | |||||||
| Tangible book value (1) | 18.32 | 16.31 | 13.28 | |||||||
| Performance Ratios | ||||||||||
| Return on average assets | 1.96 | % | 2.03 | % | 0.85 | % | ||||
| Return on average equity | 21.92 | 25.58 | 10.49 | |||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.87 | 3.86 | 3.03 | |||||||
| Efficiency ratio (1) | 55.57 | 50.55 | 69.10 | |||||||
| Noninterest income to total revenue | 42.09 | 35.06 | 30.17 | |||||||
| Dividend payout ratio | 2.99 | 3.10 | 8.20 | |||||||
| Selected Loan Metrics | ||||||||||
| Loans and leases originated | $ | 4,007,621 | $ | 4,480,725 | $ | 4,450,198 | ||||
| Outstanding balance of sold loans serviced | 3,481,885 | 3,298,828 | 3,205,623 | |||||||
| Asset Quality Ratios | ||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses to loans and leases held for investment (2) | 1.41 | % | 1.30 | % | 1.21 | % | ||||
| Net charge-offs (2) | $ | 7,961 | $ | 3,932 | $ | 15,265 | ||||
| Net charge-offs to average loans and leases held for investment (2) (3) | 0.14 | % | 0.08 | % | 0.44 | % | ||||
| Nonperforming loans and leases at historical cost (2) (4) | ||||||||||
| Unguaranteed | $ | 18,784 | $ | 15,987 | $ | 20,078 | ||||
| Guaranteed | 54,608 | 26,546 | 26,032 | |||||||
| Total | 73,392 | 42,533 | 46,110 | |||||||
| Unguaranteed nonperforming historical cost loans and leases, to loans and leases held for investment (2) (4) | 0.27 | % | 0.33 | % | 0.46 | % | ||||
| Nonperforming loans at fair value (5) | ||||||||||
| Unguaranteed | $ | 6,678 | $ | 4,791 | $ | 5,387 | ||||
| Guaranteed | 38,212 | 33,471 | 30,112 | |||||||
| Total | 44,890 | 38,262 | 35,499 | |||||||
| Unguaranteed nonperforming fair value loans to loans held for investment (5) | 1.35 | % | 0.74 | % | 0.66 | % | ||||
| Consolidated Capital Ratios | ||||||||||
| Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | 12.47 | % | 12.38 | % | 12.15 | % | ||||
| Tier 1 leverage capital (to average assets) | 9.26 | 8.87 | 8.40 |
(1)See "Non-GAAP Measures" presented at the conclusion of this Item 7 for more information and a reconciliation to the most closely related GAAP measure.
(2)Loans and leases at historical cost only (excludes loans measured at fair value).
(3)Annual net charge-offs as a percentage of annual average loans and leases held for investment.
(4)The year ended December 31, 2020 excludes one $6.1 million hotel loan classified as held for sale.
(5)Loans accounted for under the fair value option only (excludes loans and leases carried at historical cost).
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The following is a summary of the Company's financial highlights and events for 2022:
•Total assets were $9.86 billion at December 31, 2022 and $8.21 billion at December 31, 2021, a 20.0% increase. Asset growth was driven by significant deposit growth combined with gains from the sale of fintech investments, as discussed below, which was bolstered by substantial loan growth, investments and higher cash balances.
•Loans and leases held for sale and investment increased by $1.26 billion, or 19.0%. Excluding PPP loans, total loans and leases increased $1.51 billion, or 23.7%, to $7.89 billion at the end of 2022. Total loan originations in 2022 were $4.01 billion compared to $4.48 billion in 2021. Excluding PPP loans, total 2022 originations increased by $74.4 million, or 1.9%, compared to 2021.
•Total deposits increased by $1.77 billion, or 24.9%, to $8.88 billion at the end of 2022.
•Net income increased $9.2 million, or 5.5%, from $167.0 million, or $3.71 per diluted share, to $176.2 million, or $3.92 per diluted share, with key drivers of higher levels of reported net income outlined more fully in the opening to the section titled “Results of Operations.”
•In a year of significant Federal Reserve rate increases, net interest margin remained resilient at 3.87% for 2022 as compared to 3.86% for 2021, with net interest income increasing by $30.7 million, or 10.3%.
•Income from equity method and equity security investments increased $104.6 million. This increase was driven by equity method investment income of $149.2 million arising from gains related to the 2022 sales of the Company’s investments in Finxact, Inc. (“Finxact”) and Payrailz, LLC (“Payrailz”). Partially offsetting the increase in equity method income was a decrease in equity security investment gains related principally to the 2021 Greenlight Financial Technologies, Inc. (“Greenlight”) gain of $44.1 million.
•Net gains on sales of loans decreased $24.0 million, or 35.7%. This decrease was the result of weaker overall market conditions in 2022 making the sale of loans less profitable than retaining them for a longer period of time. The volume of guaranteed loans sold decreased $87.6 million, or 13.1%, in 2022 as compared to 2021 while the average net gain on loan sale premium decreased from 110% to 105% in the same comparative periods, respectively.
•The provision for loan and lease losses increased $25.7 million, largely the result of significant held for investment loan growth combined with charge-off experience impacts and changes in the macroeconomic outlook. Total nonperforming unguaranteed loans and leases as a percentage of total loans and leases held for investment decreased from 0.33% at the end of 2021 to 0.27% at the end of 2022. Net charge-offs as a percentage of average held for investment loans and leases carried at historical cost, for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, were 0.14% and 0.08%, respectively.
•Salaries and employee benefits increased by $45.9 million, or 36.7%, during 2022. Excluding special bonus accruals for fintech investment gains in 2022 and 2021, as discussed above, the year-over-year increase was $39.4 million, or 32.6%. This increase was principally related to continued investment in human resources to support strategic and long term growth initiatives.
Business Outlook
Below is a discussion of management’s current expectations regarding Company performance over the near-term based on market conditions, the regulatory environment and business strategies as of the time the Company filed this Report. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. See “Important Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Report for more information on forward-looking statements.
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The Company's results for 2022 demonstrated a continuation of solid growth momentum in building predictable long-term earnings, proactive credit risk management and continued investment into growth initiatives. In 2022, the Company recognized $149.2 million in cash gains from fintech investments and $95.9 million in additional capital to support future growth. Management continues to focus on building recurring revenue streams, promoting change within the financial technology industry, and building out selected existing verticals while adding new verticals to the Company's business model. Management anticipates that the Company's held-for-sale and held-for-investment loan portfolios will continue to grow as a result of healthy origination volumes and higher levels of loan retention that are intended to continue to promote long-term recurring revenue and profitability, including the continued pursuit of potential opportunities in conventional lending outside of SBA or other government guarantee programs.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Statements included in this management's discussion and analysis include non-GAAP financial measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables, which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. The reconciliation of non-GAAP measures is presented at the conclusion of this Item 7.
Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide additional useful information that allows readers to evaluate the ongoing performance of the Company without regard to certain transactional activities. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as reported under GAAP, and investors should consider the Company's performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. Management’s non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparable to similar named measures represented by other companies, as they may be calculated differently.
Results of Operations
The Company reported net income of $176.2 million, or $3.92 per diluted share, for 2022 compared to $167.0 million, or $3.71 per diluted share, for 2021.
This increase in net income was primarily attributable to the following items:
•Equity method investments income increased $146.0 million, due to a $120.8 million gain related to the Company’s sale of its investment in Finxact combined with a $28.4 million gain related to the Company’s sale of its investment in Payrailz in the second and third quarters of 2022, respectively;
•Increase in net interest income of $30.7 million, or 10.3%, largely from increases in volume for the held for investment loan and lease portfolio. The growth in net interest income was mitigated by rising average cost of funds outpacing the average yield on interest earning assets combined with growth in interest bearing liabilities.
•A decrease in income tax expense of $9.7 million, or 22.1%, primarily related to a higher level of tax credits in 2022.
Key factors partially offsetting the year-over-year increase in net income were:
•Decreased equity security investment gains of $41.4 million, largely due to the Company’s $44.1 million second quarter of 2021 fair value gain from its investment in Greenlight;
•Provision for loan and lease credit losses increased $25.7 million, or 169.2%, to $40.9 million for 2022, compared to $15.2 million for 2021. The level of provision expense in 2022 was primarily the result of loan growth, charge-off experience impacts, increased levels of loans classified as held for investment and changes in the macroeconomic outlook;
•Decreased net gains on sales of loans of $24.0 million, or 35.7%, principally the result of weaker overall market conditions in 2022;
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•An increase in noninterest expense of $83.2 million, or 36.0%, comprised principally of increased salaries and employee benefits up $45.9 million, or 36.7%, advertising and marketing expense up $5.5 million, or 110.8%, technology expense up $5.8 million, or 25.5%, contributions and donations up $4.1 million, or 177.2%; and increased impairment charges $13.0 million related to renewable energy tax credits.
Net Interest Income and Margin
Net interest income represents the difference between the income that the Company earns on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The Company’s net interest income depends upon the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates that the Company earns or pays on them, respectively. Net interest income is affected by changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as “volume changes.” It is also affected by changes in yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowed funds, referred to as “rate changes.” As a bank without a branch network, the Bank gathers deposits over the Internet and in the community in which it is headquartered. Due to the nature of a branchless bank and the relatively low overhead required for deposit gathering, the rates the Bank offers are generally above the industry average.
For 2022, net interest income increased $30.7 million, or 10.3%, to $327.5 million compared to $296.8 million for 2021. This increase was principally due to the significant growth in the held for investment loan and lease portfolio outpacing moderate growth in interest-bearing liabilities combined with an increase in average cost of funds which exceeded the increase in average yield on interest-earning assets. Excluding PPP loan impacts of $7.0 million, comprised of amortization of net deferred fees combined with a 1% annualized interest rate less the related interest expense from funding activity, net interest income increased by $75.1 million. Average interest-earning assets increased by $776.3 million, or 10.1%, to $8.46 billion for 2022, compared to $7.68 billion for 2021, while the yield on average interest-earning assets increased fifty-five basis points to 5.25%. The cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities for 2022 increased sixty basis points to 1.47%, and the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased by $529.1 million, or 7.1%, over 2021. The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was also largely driven by funding for significant loan originations and growth. This increase was muted by a $884.7 million reduction in average borrowings largely related to Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility, or PPPLF, repayments in 2022. As indicated in the rate/volume table below, the overall increase discussed above is reflected in increased interest income of $83.2 million as compared to an increase in interest expense of $52.5 million for 2022 compared to 2021. For 2021 compared to 2022, net interest margin increased from 3.86% to 3.87%.
During 2022 and through February of 2023, the Federal Reserve increased the federal funds upper target rate by 425 basis points and 25 basis points, respectively, to 4.75%. In the Federal Reserve’s February 2023 press release it stated that it anticipates that ongoing increases to target range will be appropriate. In December 2022, the Federal Reserve released its most current federal funds target rate midpoint projections which implied an increase of the median Federal Funds rate to 5.1% by the end of 2023 and a decrease of approximately 100 basis points to 4.1% by the end of 2024. There can be no assurance that any further increases in the federal funds rate will occur, and if they do, the amount and timing of actual increases are subject to change. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for information about the Company’s sensitivity to interest rates.
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Average Balances and Yields. The following table presents information regarding average balances for assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest income and dividends from average interest-earning assets, the total dollar amount of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing the income or expense by the average balances for assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. Loan fees are included in interest income on loans.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning balances in other banks | $ | 228,866 | $ | 3,465 | 1.51 | % | $ | 407,474 | $ | 920 | 0.23 | % | $ | 453,260 | $ | 2,346 | 0.52 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | 109,473 | 2,796 | 2.55 | 18,714 | 22 | 0.12 | 68,873 | 276 | 0.40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 995,481 | 19,667 | 1.98 | 797,426 | 12,533 | 1.57 | 643,023 | 15,016 | 2.34 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 952,606 | 58,943 | 6.19 | 1,111,216 | 60,044 | 5.40 | 1,064,731 | 58,793 | 5.52 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and leases held for investment(1) | 6,174,763 | 359,602 | 5.82 | 5,350,055 | 287,694 | 5.38 | 4,206,539 | 211,977 | 5.04 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | 8,461,189 | 444,473 | 5.25 | 7,684,885 | 361,213 | 4.70 | 6,436,426 | 288,408 | 4.48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | (67,234) | (54,975) | (37,839) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets | 576,524 | 592,237 | 615,455 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 8,970,479 | $ | 8,222,147 | $ | 7,014,042 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | $ | — | $ | — | — | % | $ | 76,714 | $ | 442 | 0.58 | % | $ | 318,667 | $ | 1,853 | 0.58 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Savings | 3,903,151 | 57,740 | 1.48 | 3,077,933 | 16,667 | 0.54 | 1,531,680 | 16,558 | 1.08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market accounts | 100,684 | 303 | 0.30 | 103,078 | 300 | 0.29 | 87,050 | 345 | 0.40 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 3,849,203 | 56,992 | 1.48 | 3,181,591 | 42,331 | 1.33 | 3,373,012 | 70,970 | 2.10 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total deposits | 7,853,038 | 115,035 | 1.46 | 6,439,316 | 59,740 | 0.92 | 5,310,409 | 89,726 | 1.67 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 122,946 | 1,937 | 1.58 | 1,007,596 | 4,688 | 0.47 | 1,033,744 | 3,959 | 0.38 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 7,975,984 | 116,972 | 1.47 | 7,446,912 | 64,428 | 0.87 | 6,344,153 | 93,685 | 1.48 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing deposits | 125,062 | 77,104 | 47,655 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities | 65,619 | 45,424 | 54,604 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity | 803,814 | 652,707 | 567,630 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 8,970,479 | $ | 8,222,147 | $ | 7,014,042 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income and interest rate spread | $ | 327,501 | 3.78 | % | $ | 296,785 | 3.83 | % | $ | 194,723 | 3.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.87 | % | 3.86 | % | 3.03 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities | 106.08 | % | 103.20 | % | 101.45 | % |
(1)Average loan and lease balances include non-accruing loans and leases.
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Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior period volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior period rate). The total column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionally based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
| 2022 vs. 2021 | 2021 vs. 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increase (Decrease) Due to | Increase (Decrease) Due to | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate | Volume | Total | Rate | Volume | Total | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning balances in other banks | $ | 4,099 | $ | (1,554) | $ | 2,545 | $ | (1,256) | $ | (170) | $ | (1,426) | ||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | 1,562 | 1,212 | 2,774 | (124) | (130) | (254) | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 3,621 | 3,513 | 7,134 | (5,499) | 3,016 | (2,483) | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 8,091 | (9,192) | (1,101) | (1,288) | 2,539 | 1,251 | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans and leases held for investment | 25,720 | 46,188 | 71,908 | 16,159 | 59,558 | 75,717 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total interest income | 43,093 | 40,167 | 83,260 | 7,992 | 64,813 | 72,805 | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | — | (442) | (442) | (11) | (1,400) | (1,411) | ||||||||||||||||
| Savings | 32,735 | 8,338 | 41,073 | (12,435) | 12,544 | 109 | ||||||||||||||||
| Money market accounts | 10 | (7) | 3 | (100) | 55 | (45) | ||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 5,277 | 9,384 | 14,661 | (25,352) | (3,287) | (28,639) | ||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 6,276 | (9,027) | (2,751) | 840 | (111) | 729 | ||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense | 44,298 | 8,246 | 52,544 | (37,058) | 7,801 | (29,257) | ||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | $ | (1,205) | $ | 31,921 | $ | 30,716 | $ | 45,050 | $ | 57,012 | $ | 102,062 |
Provision for Loan and Lease Credit Losses
The provision for loan and lease credit losses represents the amount necessary to be charged against the current period’s earnings to maintain the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans and leases at a level that the Company believes is appropriate in relation to the estimated losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio.
Losses inherent in loan relationships are mitigated if a portion of the loan is guaranteed by the SBA or USDA. Typical SBA 7(a) and USDA guarantees range from 50% to 90% depending on loan size and type, which serve to reduce the risk profile of these loans. The Company believes that its focus on compliance with regulations and guidance from the SBA and USDA are key factors to managing this risk.
For 2022, the provision for loan and lease credit losses was $40.9 million compared to $15.2 million in 2021, an increase of $25.7 million. The 2022 increase in provision was primarily the result of loan growth, charge-off experience impacts, increased levels of loans classified as held for investment and changes in the macroeconomic outlook.
Loans and leases held for investment at historical cost were $6.85 billion as of December 31, 2022, an increase of $1.97 billion, or 40.5%, compared to December 31, 2021. Excluding PPP loans and net unearned fees on those loans, the balance in loans and leases held for investment at historical cost was $6.84 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $2.22 billion, or 48.2%, over December 31, 2021.
Net charge-offs for loans and leases carried at historical cost were $8.0 million, or 0.14% of average loans and leases held for investment, carried at historical cost, for 2022, compared to net charge-offs of $3.9 million, or 0.08%, for 2021, an increase of $4.0 million, or 102.5%. The increase in net charge-offs for 2022 was anticipated following the expiration of government subsidies and the return to expected losses consistent with pre-Covid historical experience. Net charge-offs are a key element of historical experience in the Company's estimation of the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases.
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In addition, nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the SBA or USDA, excluding $6.7 million and $4.8 million accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, totaled $18.8 million, which was 0.27% of the held for investment loan and lease portfolio carried at historical cost at December 31, 2022, compared to $16.0 million, or 0.33% of loans and leases held for investment carried at historical cost at December 31, 2021. Nonperforming loans and leases carried at historical cost which are not guaranteed by the SBA or USDA were 0.27% and 0.35% of the historical cost portion of the held for investment loan and lease portfolio, excluding PPP loans, at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income is principally comprised of net gains from the sale of SBA and USDA-guaranteed loans along with servicing revenue and related revaluation of the servicing asset. Revenue from the sale of loans depends upon the volume, maturity structure and rates of underlying loans as well as the pricing and availability of funds in the secondary markets prevailing in the period between completed loan funding and closing of sale. In addition, the loan servicing revaluation is significantly impacted by changes in market rates and other underlying assumptions such as prepayment speeds and default rates. Net gain (loss) on loans accounted for under the fair value option is also significantly impacted by changes in market rates, prepayment speeds and inherent credit risk. Other less consistent elements of noninterest income include gains and losses on investments.
The following table shows the components of noninterest income and the dollar and percentage changes for the periods presented.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2021/2022 Increase(Decrease) | 2020/2021 Increase(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan servicing revenue | $ | 25,359 | $ | 25,219 | $ | 26,600 | $ | 140 | 0.56 | % | $ | (1,381) | (5.19) | % | |||||||||||
| Loan servicing asset revaluation | (16,577) | (11,726) | (9,958) | (4,851) | (41.37) | (1,768) | (17.75) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net gains on sales of loans | 43,244 | 67,280 | 49,473 | (24,036) | (35.73) | 17,807 | 35.99 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on loans accounted for under the fair value option | 1,046 | 4,257 | (13,083) | (3,211) | (75.43) | 17,340 | 132.54 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method investments income (loss) | 144,250 | (1,716) | (14,691) | 145,966 | 8,506.18 | 12,975 | 88.32 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity security investments gains (losses), net | 3,355 | 44,752 | 14,909 | (41,397) | (92.50) | 29,843 | 200.17 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of investment securities available-for-sale, net | — | — | 1,880 | — | — | (1,880) | (100.00) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Lease income | 10,084 | 10,263 | 10,508 | (179) | (1.74) | (245) | (2.33) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Management fee income | 10,090 | 6,378 | 6,352 | 3,712 | 58.20 | 26 | 0.41 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other noninterest income | 17,141 | 15,493 | 14,010 | 1,648 | 10.64 | 1,483 | 10.59 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 237,992 | $ | 160,200 | $ | 86,000 | $ | 77,792 | 48.56 | % | $ | 74,200 | 86.28 | % |
Years ended December 31, 2022 vs. 2021
For 2022, noninterest income increased by $77.8 million, or 48.6%, compared to 2021. The increase from the prior year is primarily the result of an increase in equity method investment income of $146.0 million, due to a $120.8 million gain related to the Company’s sale of its investment in Finxact combined with a $28.4 million gain related to the Company’s sale of its investment in Payrailz in the second and third quarters of 2022, respectively. Partially offsetting this increase is decreased equity security investment gains, largely due to the Company’s $44.1 million second quarter 2021 fair value gain from its investment in Greenlight combined with decreased net gains on sales of loans of $24.0 million and higher losses on loan servicing asset revaluation of $4.9 million.
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The tables below reflect loan and lease production, sales of guaranteed loans and the aggregate balance in guaranteed loans sold that are being serviced. These components are key drivers of the Company's noninterest income.
| Three months ended December 31, | Three months ended September 30, | Three months ended June 30, | Three months ended March 31, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount of loans and leases originated | $ | 1,177,688 | $ | 1,083,623 | $ | 1,005,235 | $ | 1,063,190 | $ | 959,635 | $ | 1,153,693 | $ | 865,063 | $ | 1,180,219 | ||||||||||||||
| Guaranteed portions of loans sold | 144,258 | 198,954 | 148,110 | 201,903 | 68,818 | 130,858 | 219,703 | 136,747 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold (1) | 2,668,110 | 2,756,915 | 2,671,705 | 2,731,031 | 2,681,079 | 2,694,931 | 2,786,403 | 2,843,963 |
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | ||||||||||||||
| Amount of loans and leases originated | $ | 4,007,621 | $ | 4,480,725 | $ | 4,450,198 | $ | 2,001,886 | $ | 1,765,680 | ||||||||
| Guaranteed portions of loans sold | 580,889 | 668,462 | 542,596 | 340,374 | 945,178 | |||||||||||||
| Outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold (1) | 2,668,110 | 2,756,915 | 2,819,625 | 2,746,480 | 3,045,460 |
(1)This represents the outstanding principal balance of guaranteed loans serviced, as of the last day of the applicable period, which have been sold into the secondary market.
Changes in various components of noninterest income are discussed in more detail below.
Loan Servicing Asset Revaluation: The Company revalues its serviced loan portfolio at least quarterly. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as adequate compensation for servicing, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. For 2022, there was a negative loan servicing revaluation adjustment of $16.6 million compared to $11.7 million for 2021, an increase in expense of $4.9 million, or 41.4%. The decrease in the valuation of the servicing asset was principally due to negative market conditions in 2022.
In consideration of the sensitivity of servicing rights as discussed above and in Note 5 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements, the following table is provided to reflect the effect on fair value as of December 31, 2022 due to hypothetical changes in yield curve rates.
| Change in Yield Curve Assumption | Incremental Increase (Decrease) in Value | |
|---|---|---|
| +300 basis point | ($2,649) | |
| +200 basis point | (1,833) | |
| +100 basis point | (954) | |
| - 100 basis point | 1,038 |
Net Gains on Sales of Loans: For 2022, net gains on sales of loans decreased $24.0 million, or 35.7%, compared to 2021. The volume of guaranteed loans sold decreased $87.6 million, or 13.1%, to $580.9 million from $668.5 million in 2021. The average net gain on loan sale premium decreased from 110% to 105% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in net gains on sales of loans was principally the result of lower loan sales volume combined with negative market conditions beginning to materialize in 2022, as discussed above. Accordingly, these market trends influenced the Company's appetite for loan sales during periods of weaker premiums in the current year.
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Net Gain (Loss) on Loans Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option: For 2022, the net gain on loans accounted for under the fair value option decreased $3.2 million, or 75.4%, compared to 2021. The carrying amount of loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2022 and 2021 was $494.5 million (all classified as held for investment) and $670.5 million ($25.3 million classified as held for sale and $645.2 million classified as held for investment), respectively, a decrease of $176.1 million, or 26.3%. The lower net gain on loans accounted for under the fair value option during 2022 was principally the result of the earlier discussed negative market conditions combined with the continued amortization of the underlying loan portfolio.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense comprises all operating costs of the Company, such as employee-related costs, travel, professional services, advertising and marketing expenses, exclusive of interest and income tax expense.
The following table shows the components of noninterest expense and the related dollar and percentage changes for the periods presented.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2021/2022 Increase(Decrease) | 2020/2021 Increase(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and employee benefits | $ | 170,822 | $ | 124,932 | $ | 112,525 | $ | 45,890 | 36.73 | % | $ | 12,407 | 11.03 | % | |||||||||||
| Non-employee expenses: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Travel expense | 8,499 | 5,809 | 3,451 | 2,690 | 46.31 | 2,358 | 68.33 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Professional services expense | 11,737 | 15,135 | 6,359 | (3,398) | (22.45) | 8,776 | 138.01 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising and marketing expense | 10,543 | 5,002 | 3,510 | 5,541 | 110.78 | 1,492 | 42.51 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy expense | 11,088 | 8,423 | 8,757 | 2,665 | 31.64 | (334) | (3.81) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Technology expense | 28,434 | 22,648 | 15,681 | 5,786 | 25.55 | 6,967 | 44.43 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment expense | 15,120 | 14,869 | 15,394 | 251 | 1.69 | (525) | (3.41) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other loan origination and maintenance expense | 13,168 | 13,529 | 10,790 | (361) | (2.67) | 2,739 | 25.38 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Renewable energy tax credit investment impairment | 16,217 | 3,187 | — | 13,030 | 408.85 | 3,187 | 100.00 | ||||||||||||||||||
| FDIC insurance | 9,756 | 7,070 | 7,473 | 2,686 | 37.99 | (403) | (5.39) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Contributions and donations | 6,462 | 2,331 | 1,238 | 4,131 | 177.22 | 1,093 | 88.29 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense | 12,380 | 8,052 | 7,498 | 4,328 | 53.75 | 554 | 7.39 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-employee expenses | 143,404 | 106,055 | 80,151 | 37,349 | 35.22 | 25,904 | 32.32 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 314,226 | $ | 230,987 | $ | 192,676 | $ | 83,239 | 36.04 | % | $ | 38,311 | 19.88 | % |
Total noninterest expense for 2022 increased $83.2 million, or 36.0%, compared to 2021. The increase in noninterest expense was predominately driven by the following items.
Salaries and employee benefits: Total personnel expense for 2022 increased by $45.9 million, or 36.7%, compared to 2021. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was principally related to continued investment in human resources to support strategic and growth initiatives. Additional bonus accruals of $7.5 million and $3.0 million were included in both the second and third quarters of 2022 related to the earlier discussed Finxact and Payrailz gains, respectively, while the second quarter of 2021 included an additional $4.0 million bonus accrual, related to the earlier mentioned Greenlight gain. Total full-time equivalent employees increased from 794 at December 31, 2021 to 970 at December 31, 2022. Salaries and employee benefits expense included $20.3 million of stock-based compensation for 2022, compared to $16.9 million for 2021. Expenses related to the employee stock purchase program, stock grants, stock option compensation and restricted stock expense are all considered stock-based compensation.
Travel expense: Travel expense increased $2.7 million, or 46.3%. Travel expenses increased primarily to support the growth in loan origination volume and customer base as travel restrictions have eased combined with inflationary impacts on travel related costs.
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Professional services expense: Professional services expense decreased $3.4 million, or 22.5%, compared to 2021. The decrease compared to the prior period was largely driven by lower legal fees.
Advertising and marketing expense: Advertising and marketing expense increased $5.5 million, or 110.8%, compared to 2021. Increases were largely driven by as a continued investment in the Company’s lending and deposit market growth.
Technology expense: Technology expense increased $5.8 million, or 25.5%, compared to 2021. This increase was primarily related to enhanced investments in the Company’s technology resources.
Renewable energy tax credit investment impairment: The Company recognized $16.1 million in impairment charges related to new renewable energy tax credit investment transactions in 2022 as compared to $3.1 million in 2021. Investments of this type generate a return primarily through the realization of income tax credits and other benefits; accordingly, impairment of the investment amount is generally recognized in conjunction with the realization of related tax benefits. These investments generated federal investment tax credits in 2022 and 2021 of $16.4 million and $3.4 million, respectively, which are included in the Company’s effective tax rates.
Contributions and donations: For 2022, contributions and donations expense increased $4.1 million, or 177.2%, compared to 2021. This increase was related to a special charitable donation during the second quarter of 2022 of $5.0 million made in connection with the earlier discussed Finxact gain.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense and related effective tax rate in 2022 was $34.1 million and 16.2% compared to $43.8 million and 20.8% in 2021. The lower effective tax rate of 16.2% for 2022 was principally due to higher levels of tax credits related to renewable energy tax credit transactions, as discussed above.
Results of Segment Operations
The Company’s operations are managed along two primary operating segments: Banking and Fintech. A description of each segment and the methodologies used to measure financial performance is described in Note 16. Segments in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. Net income (loss) by operating segment is presented below:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||
| Banking | $ | 71,937 | $ | 145,662 | $ | 57,462 | ||||
| Fintech | 109,692 | 27,667 | (1,932) | |||||||
| Other | (5,421) | (6,334) | 4,013 | |||||||
| Consolidated net income | $ | 176,208 | $ | 166,995 | $ | 59,543 |
Banking
Net income decreased $73.7 million, or 50.6%, compared to 2021. Key factors influencing this decrease are discussed below.
The provision for loan and lease credit losses for 2022, increased $25.7 million, or 169.2%, over 2021. See the analysis of provision for loan and lease credit losses included in the above section captioned “Provision for Loan and Lease Credit Losses” as it is entirely related to the Banking segment.
Noninterest income decreased $33.8 million, or 29.6%, over 2021. The decrease was principally driven by a decrease in net gains on sales of loans combined with an increase of losses in loan servicing asset revaluation and decrease in net gain arising from loans accounted for under the fair value option. See the analysis of these categories of noninterest income included in the above section captioned “Noninterest Income” for additional discussion.
Noninterest expense increased $81.1 million, or 37.6%, compared to 2021. See the analysis of these categories of noninterest expense included in the above section captioned “Noninterest Expense” for additional discussion.
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Partially offsetting the above elements which reduced income was an increase in net interest income of $31.1 million, or 10.4%, and lower income tax expense of $35.8 million, compared to 2021. See the analysis of net interest income included in the above section captioned “Net Interest Income and Margin,” as it is predominantly related to the Banking segment. The decrease in income tax expense relative to the Bank is primarily the result of a lower level of pretax income combined with higher levels of investment tax credits related to renewable energy investment transactions.
Fintech
Net income increased by $82.0 million over 2021. The increase was principally due to equity method investment gains of $28.4 million and $120.8 million from the sale of Payrailz and Finxact, respectively. This increase was partially offset by decreased equity security investment gains of $41.4 million, largely a result of the 2021 gain of $44.1 million arising from the Company’s investment in Greenlight.
Income tax expense increased $25.7 million, compared to 2021. This increase is a product of the above discussed increase in Fintech segment income.
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
Total assets at December 31, 2022 were $9.86 billion, an increase of $1.64 billion, or 20.0%, compared to total assets of $8.21 billion at December 31, 2021. The growth in total assets was principally driven by the following:
•Cash and cash equivalents, comprised of cash and due from banks and federal funds sold, combined with investment securities available-for-sale was $1.43 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $321.6 million, or 29.0%, compared to $1.11 billion at December 31, 2021. This increase was primarily due to proceeds arising from the Payrailz and Finxact sales combined with growing deposit levels.
•Growth in total loans and leases held for investment and held for sale of $1.26 billion resulting from strong origination activity in 2022 and holding loans available for sale for longer periods of time before sale, as discussed more fully below. Total originations during 2022 were $4.00 billion.
Loans held for sale decreased $561.9 million, or 50.3%, during 2022, from $1.12 billion at December 31, 2021, to $554.6 million at December 31, 2022. This decrease was primarily the result of a $754.7 million transfer of loans, including $696.6 million in guaranteed loans, from held for sale to held for investment in the third quarter of 2022. This transfer was largely due to the impact of market conditions in a rising rate environment influencing management's intent and ability to hold these loans for the foreseeable future. See “Results of Operations” discussion of “Net Gains on Sales of Loans” for additional information influencing managements intent to hold more loans for investment.
Loans and leases held for investment increased $1.82 billion, or 33.0%, during 2022, from $5.52 billion at December 31, 2021, to $7.34 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily the result of the above-mentioned loan originations in 2022 combined with increased levels of loans retained as held for investment. Excluding PPP loans, total loans and leases held for investment increased $2.07 billion, or 39.4%, during 2022. All PPP loans are classified as held for investment and were $12.9 million at December 31, 2022.
Total deposits were $8.88 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $1.77 billion, or 24.9%, from $7.11 billion at December 31, 2021. The increase in deposits was largely driven by significant loan origination efforts.
Borrowings decreased to $83.2 million at December 31, 2022 from $318.3 million at December 31, 2021. This decrease was related principally to net curtailments of borrowings through the PPPLF which was paid off in the third quarter of 2022. These PPPLF borrowings are used to help fund PPP loans.
Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2022 was $811.0 million as compared to $715.1 million at December 31, 2021. The book value per share was $18.41 at December 31, 2022 compared to $16.39 at December 31, 2021. Average equity to average assets was 9.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 7.9% for the year ended December 31, 2021. The increase in shareholders’ equity for 2022 was principally the result of $176.2 million in net income and stock-based compensation expense of $20.3 million, partially offset by other comprehensive loss associated with negative market impacts on the Company’s available-for-sale investment portfolio of $94.2 million.
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Loans Held for Sale & Serviced Portfolio
Any loan or portion of a loan that the Company has the intent and ability to sell is classified as held for sale. The average age of the held for sale portfolio as of December 31, 2022 was 12.1 months from origination date. Approximately 14.8% of the current held for sale portfolio is older than two years. The majority of held for sale loans over one year old are composed of construction loans. Construction loans typically have extended build out periods that inherently result in longer lead times between origination and the ultimate sale date. Approximately 34.7% of the held for sale portfolio is aged between one and two years.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the cumulative total outstanding balance of loans sold since May 2007 totaled $3.48 billion and $3.30 billion, respectively. The Company generally continues to service loans after the date of sale. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those serviced for others, was $11.38 billion and $9.96 billion, respectively.
Loan and Lease Maturity
As of December 31, 2022, $9.06 billion, or 79.6%, of the total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those at fair value and those serviced for others, were variable rate loans that adjust at specified dates based on the prime lending rate or other variable indices. As of December 31, 2022, $4.82 billion, or 42.3%, of total outstanding balance of loans and leases, including those at fair value and those serviced for others, were variable rate loans that adjust on either a calendar monthly or calendar quarterly basis using the prime lending rate or other variable indices.
At December 31, 2022, 81.6%, or $6.44 billion, of the combined held for sale and held for investment loan and lease portfolio, including those at fair value, were composed of variable rate loans.
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At December 31, 2022, $1.87 billion, or 25.5%, of loans held for investment, including those at fair value, matures in less than five years. Loans and leases maturing in greater than five years total $5.48 billion of the total $7.35 billion. The variable rate portion of the total held for investment loans and leases, excluding PPP loans, is 80.4%, which reflects the Company’s strategy to minimize interest rate risk through the use of variable rate products.
| At December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remaining Contractual Maturity of Total Held for Investment Loans and Leases | ||||||||||||||||||
| One Year or Less | After One Year and Through Five Years | After Five Years and Through Fifteen Years | After Fifteen Years | Total(1) | ||||||||||||||
| Fixed rate loans and leases: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 2,762 | $ | 34,113 | $ | 222,948 | $ | 4,920 | $ | 264,743 | ||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 5,031 | 218,806 | 85,434 | — | 309,271 | |||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | — | 529 | 43,030 | 101,504 | 145,063 | |||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | 96 | 12,189 | 849 | — | 13,134 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 7,889 | 265,637 | 352,261 | 106,424 | 732,211 | |||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 3,270 | 5,315 | 18,309 | 21,280 | 48,174 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 3,270 | 5,315 | 18,309 | 21,280 | 48,174 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 6,188 | 61,988 | 42,575 | 137,082 | 247,833 | |||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 9,993 | 58,385 | 1,168 | 5,201 | 74,747 | |||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | — | 15,094 | 11,183 | — | 26,277 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 16,181 | 135,467 | 54,926 | 142,283 | 348,857 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 541 | 174,418 | 73,452 | 74,222 | 322,633 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 541 | 174,418 | 73,452 | 74,222 | 322,633 | |||||||||||||
| Total fixed rate loans and leases | 27,881 | 580,837 | 498,948 | 344,209 | 1,451,875 | |||||||||||||
| Variable rate loans and leases: | ||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 26,811 | 101,362 | 1,447,415 | 98,992 | 1,674,580 | |||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 91,982 | 438,367 | 207,692 | 5,052 | 743,093 | |||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 116,403 | 15,207 | 78,896 | 118,054 | 328,560 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 235,196 | 554,936 | 1,734,003 | 222,098 | 2,746,233 | |||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 8,513 | 8,844 | 20,859 | 386,353 | 424,569 | |||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 104,069 | — | — | 104,069 | |||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 419 | 13,334 | — | — | 13,753 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 8,932 | 126,247 | 20,859 | 386,353 | 542,391 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 37,635 | 50,598 | 306,817 | 1,678,593 | 2,073,643 | |||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 15,391 | 212,413 | 13,871 | 5,046 | 246,721 | |||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 7,646 | 11,778 | 33,293 | 82,907 | 135,624 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 60,672 | 274,789 | 353,981 | 1,766,546 | 2,455,988 | |||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 15 | 2,881 | 53,709 | 95,520 | 152,125 | |||||||||||||
| Total | 15 | 2,881 | 53,709 | 95,520 | 152,125 | |||||||||||||
| Total variable rate loans and leases | 304,815 | 958,853 | 2,162,552 | 2,470,517 | 5,896,737 | |||||||||||||
| Total held for investment loans and leases | $ | 332,696 | $ | 1,539,690 | $ | 2,661,500 | $ | 2,814,726 | $ | 7,348,612 |
(1)Excludes net deferred (fees) costs
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Asset Quality
Management considers asset quality to be of primary importance. A formal loan review function, independent of loan origination, is used to identify and monitor problem loans. This function reports directly to the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.
Nonperforming Assets
The Bank places loans and leases on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due as to principal or interest payments, or prior to that if management has determined based upon current information available to them that the timely collection of principal or interest is not probable. When a loan or lease is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest previously accrued as income but not actually collected is reversed and recorded as a reduction of loan or lease interest and fee income. Typically, collections of interest and principal received on a nonaccrual loan or lease are applied to the outstanding principal as determined at the time of collection of the loan or lease.
Troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) occur when, because of economic or legal reasons pertaining to the debtor’s financial difficulties, debtors are granted concessions that would not otherwise be considered. Such concessions would include, but are not limited to, the transfer of assets or the issuance of equity interests by the debtor to satisfy all or part of the debt, modification of the terms of debt or the substitution or addition of debtor(s).
Nonperforming assets and TDRs, excluding loans measured at fair value, at December 31, 2022 were $134.9 million, which represented a $54.7 million, or 68.2%, increase from December 31, 2021. These nonperforming assets, at December 31, 2022 were comprised of $73.4 million in nonaccrual loans and leases. At December 31, 2022, there were no foreclosed assets. Of the $134.9 million of nonperforming assets and TDRs, $75.1 million carried an SBA guarantee, leaving an unguaranteed exposure of $59.8 million in total nonperforming assets and TDRs at December 31, 2022. This represents an increase of $22.8 million, or 61.7%, from an unguaranteed exposure of $37.0 million at December 31, 2021.
The following table provides information with respect to nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings, excluding loans measured at fair value, at the dates indicated.
| 2022 (1) | 2021 (1) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonaccrual loans and leases: | ||||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases (all on nonaccrual) | $ | 73,392 | $ | 42,533 | ||
| Total accruing loans and leases past due 90 days or more | — | — | ||||
| Foreclosed assets | — | 620 | ||||
| Total troubled debt restructurings | 80,604 | 55,273 | ||||
| Less nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings | (19,054) | (18,210) | ||||
| Total performing troubled debt restructuring | 61,550 | 37,063 | ||||
| Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings | $ | 134,942 | $ | 80,216 | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | $ | 96,566 | $ | 63,584 | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases to total loans and leases held for investment | 1.07 | % | 0.87 | % | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases to total assets | 0.78 | % | 0.56 | % | ||
| Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings to total assets | 1.44 | % | 1.06 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to loans and leases held for investment | 1.41 | % | 1.30 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to total nonperforming loans and leases | 131.58 | % | 149.49 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
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| 2022 (1) | 2021 (1) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonaccrual loans and leases guaranteed by U.S. government: | ||||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases guaranteed by the U.S. government (all on nonaccrual) | $ | 54,608 | $ | 26,546 | ||
| Total accruing loans and leases past due 90 days or more guaranteed by the U.S. government | — | — | ||||
| Foreclosed assets guaranteed by the U.S. government | — | 490 | ||||
| Total troubled debt restructurings guaranteed by the U.S. government | 35,465 | 26,954 | ||||
| Less nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings guaranteed by the U.S. government | (14,944) | (10,770) | ||||
| Total performing troubled debt restructurings guaranteed by U.S. government | 20,521 | 16,184 | ||||
| Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings guaranteed by the U.S. government | $ | 75,129 | $ | 43,220 | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | $ | 96,566 | $ | 63,584 | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total held for investment loans and leases | 0.27 | % | 0.33 | % | ||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total assets | 0.20 | % | 0.21 | % | ||
| Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total assets | 0.64 | % | 0.49 | % | ||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S government | 514.09 | % | 397.73 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings, including loans measured at fair value, at December 31, 2022 were $208.3 million, which represented a $54.8 million, or 35.7%, increase from December 31, 2021. These nonperforming assets, at December 31, 2022 were comprised of $120.4 million in nonaccrual loans and leases. Of the $208.3 million of nonperforming assets and TDRs, $134.1 million carried an SBA guarantee, leaving an unguaranteed exposure of $74.2 million in total nonperforming assets and TDRs at December 31, 2022. This represents an increase of $21.7 million, or 41.4%, from an unguaranteed exposure of $52.5 million at December 31, 2021.
See the below discussion related to the change in potential problem and impaired loans and leases for management’s overall observations regarding the change in total nonperforming loans and leases.
As a percentage of the Bank’s total capital, nonperforming loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, represented 9.0% at December 31, 2022, compared to 6.0% at December 31, 2021. Adjusting the ratio to include only the unguaranteed portion of nonperforming loans and leases at historical cost to reflect management’s belief that the greater magnitude of risk resides in this portion, the ratio at both December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021 was 2.3%.
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As of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, potential problem (also referred to as criticized) and classified loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, totaled $424.7 million and $372.7 million, respectively. The following is a discussion of these loans and leases. Risk Grades 5 through 8 represent the spectrum of criticized and classified loans and leases. For a complete description of the risk grading system, see “Credit Quality Indicators” in Note 3 to the notes to consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2022, the portion of criticized and classified loans and leases guaranteed by the SBA or USDA totaled $195.8 million and total portfolio unguaranteed exposure risk was $228.9 million, or 5.5% of total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost. This compares to the December 31, 2021 portion of criticized and classified loans and leases guaranteed by the SBA or USDA which totaled $197.2 million and total portfolio unguaranteed exposure risk was $175.5 million, or 6.3% of total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost. As of December 31, 2022, loans and leases carried at historical cost within the following verticals comprise the largest portion of the total potential problem and classified loans and leases: Wine and Craft Beverage at 11.5%, General Lending at 10.3%, Senior Housing at 10.2%, Sponsor Finance at 7.8%, Healthcare at 6.4%, Hotels at 5.9%, Fitness Centers at 5.1%, Agriculture at 4.5% and Senior Care at 4.0%. As of December 31, 2021, loans and leases carried at historical cost within the following verticals comprise the largest portion of the total potential problem and classified loans and leases: Educational Services at 16.1%, Wine and Craft Beverage at 13.7%, Hotels at 11.8%, Entertainment Centers at 10.4%, Healthcare at 9.0%, Fitness Centers at 5.3%, Self-Storage at 4.8%, Agriculture at 4.5% and Veterinary at 4.4%. Of the above listed verticals, Senior Housing and Sponsor Finance is within the Company’s Specialty Lending division while Hotels are within the Energy & Infrastructure division, the remainder of the above listed verticals are within the Small Business Banking division. The majority of the $52.0 million increase in potential problem and classified loans and leases in 2022 was comprised of several relationships that did not have a government guarantee, largely related to some of the more recently matured verticals. The Company believes that its underwriting and credit quality standards have remained high and continues to consider changing economic conditions in a rising interest rate environment.
Loans and leases that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls are generally not individually evaluated for the purpose of estimating the allowance for credit losses. The Bank generally considers an “insignificant period of time” from payment delays to be a period of 90 days or less. The Bank would consider a modification for a customer experiencing what is expected to be a short-term event that has temporarily impacted cash flow. This could be due, among other reasons, to illness, weather, impact from a one-time expense, slower than expected start-up, construction issues or other short-term issues. Credit personnel will review the request to determine if the customer is stressed and how the event has impacted the ability of the customer to repay the loan or lease long term. At December 31, 2022, the Company had a total of $10.2 million in modified unguaranteed loans and leases on payment deferral with $346 thousand in accrued interest.
Management endeavors to be proactive in its approach to identify and resolve problem loans and leases and is focused on working with the borrowers and guarantors of these loans and leases to provide loan and lease modifications when warranted. Management implements a proactive approach to identifying and classifying loans and leases as special mention (also referred to as criticized), Risk Grade 5. At December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, Risk Grade 5 loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, totaled $286.5 million and $267.4 million, respectively. The increase in Risk Grade 5 loans and leases, exclusive of loans measured at fair value, during 2022 was principally confined to five verticals: Senior Housing ($43.4 million or 227.2%), General Lending ($20.5 million or 107.1%), Sponsor Finance ($13.8 million or 72.3%), Broadband ($12.4 million or 64.7%) and Community Facilities ($8.9 million or 46.8%). Partially offsetting the above increases were decreases in Risk Grade 5 loans principally concentrated in four verticals: Educational Services ($46.9 million or 245.5%), Hotels ($16.4 million or 85.9%), Entertainment Centers ($14.6 million or 76.5%) and Bioenergy ($9.4 million or 49.4%). The increase in criticized loans in 2022 was related to a small number of loans within mature verticals. Of the above listed verticals, Senior Housing and Sponsor Finance is within the Company’s Specialty Lending division while Community Facilities, Hotels and Bioenergy are within the Energy & Infrastructure division, the remainder of the above listed verticals are within the Small Business Banking division.
At December 31, 2022, approximately 91.4% of loans and leases classified as Risk Grade 5 are performing with no relationships having payments past due more than 30 days. While the level of nonperforming assets fluctuates in response to changing economic and market conditions, in light of the relative size and composition of the loan and lease portfolio and management’s degree of success in resolving problem assets, management believes that a proactive approach to early identification and intervention is critical to successfully managing a small business loan portfolio. As government payment assistance began to expire toward the end of 2020, borrowers with continuing difficulties arising from the pandemic were provided additional relief through payment deferrals. At December 31, 2022, the Company had $14.8 million in unguaranteed loans on SBA payment assistance. Management monitors these borrowers closely and has observed financial conditions continuing to improve.
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Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Leases
The ACL of $63.6 million at December 31, 2021, increased by $33.0 million, or 51.9%, to $96.6 million at December 31, 2022. The ACL as a percentage of loans and leases held for investment at historical cost amounted to 1.4% and 1.3% at December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in the ACL during 2022 was primarily due to significant loan growth, charge-off experience impacts, increased levels of loans classified as held for investment and changes in the macroeconomic outlook, as addressed more fully in the above section captioned “Provision for Loan and Lease Credit Losses” in “Results of Operations.”
Actual past due held for investment loans and leases, inclusive of loans measured at fair value, have increased by $24.2 million since December 31, 2021. Total loans and leases 90 or more days past due increased $7.3 million, or 14.8%, compared to December 31, 2021. This increase was comprised of a $4.2 million decrease in unguaranteed exposure combined with an offsetting $11.5 million increase in the guaranteed portion of past due loans compared to December 31, 2021. At December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, total held for investment unguaranteed loans and leases past due as a percentage of total held for investment unguaranteed loans and leases, inclusive of loans measured at fair value, was 0.7% and 0.6%, respectively. Total unguaranteed loans and leases past due were comprised of $21.2 million carried at historical cost, an increase of $4.6 million, and $9.6 million measured at fair value, an increase of $4.5 million, as of December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021. The 2022 increase in past dues was largely related to sixteen loans spread across seven mature verticals. Management continues to actively monitor and work to improve asset quality. Management believes the ACL of $96.6 million at December 31, 2022 is appropriate in light of the risk inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. Management’s judgments are based on numerous assumptions about current and expected events that it believes to be reasonable, but which may or may not be valid. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that management’s ongoing evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio in light of changing economic conditions and other relevant circumstances will not require significant future additions to the ACL, thus adversely affecting the Company’s operating results. Additional information on the ACL is presented in Note 5. Loans and Leases Held for Investment and Credit Quality of the condensed consolidated financial statements in this Report.
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The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases carried at historical cost by category at the dates indicated.
| 2022 | 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allowance | TotalLoansandLeases(1) | % of Total Allowance | % ofTotalLoansandLeases(1) | Allowance | TotalLoansandLeases(1) | % of Total Allowance | % ofTotalLoansandLeases(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 29,768 | $ | 1,756,975 | 30.83 | % | 25.63 | % | $ | 23,807 | $ | 1,124,406 | 37.44 | % | 23.03 | % | |||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 26,261 | 1,023,279 | 27.19 | 14.93 | 8,310 | 642,444 | 13.07 | 13.16 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 5,934 | 423,529 | 6.15 | 6.18 | 3,250 | 232,923 | 5.11 | 4.77 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | 20 | 13,134 | 0.02 | 0.19 | 2,403 | 268,375 | 3.78 | 5.50 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 61,983 | 3,216,917 | 64.19 | 46.93 | 37,770 | 2,268,148 | 59.40 | 46.46 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 3,003 | 472,743 | 3.11 | 6.90 | 2,437 | 277,152 | 3.83 | 5.68 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 2,038 | 104,069 | 2.11 | 1.52 | 379 | 40,805 | 0.60 | 0.84 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 202 | 13,753 | 0.21 | 0.20 | 619 | 41,209 | 0.97 | 0.84 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 5,243 | 590,565 | 5.43 | 8.62 | 3,435 | 359,166 | 5.40 | 7.36 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 15,422 | 2,154,881 | 15.97 | 31.44 | 13,074 | 1,594,328 | 20.56 | 32.66 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 5,938 | 319,419 | 6.15 | 4.66 | 1,436 | 153,716 | 2.26 | 3.15 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 4,404 | 139,778 | 4.56 | 2.04 | 4,558 | 133,972 | 7.17 | 2.74 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 25,764 | 2,614,078 | 26.68 | 38.14 | 19,068 | 1,882,016 | 29.99 | 38.55 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 3,576 | 432,594 | 3.70 | 6.31 | 3,311 | 372,335 | 5.21 | 7.63 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 3,576 | 432,594 | 3.70 | 6.31 | 3,311 | 372,335 | 5.21 | 7.63 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 96,566 | $ | 6,854,154 | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | $ | 63,584 | $ | 4,881,665 | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
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Analysis of Loan and Lease Loss Experience. The following table sets forth an analysis of net charge-offs for loans and leases carried at historical cost to average total loans and leases, carried at historical cost, by category for the years indicated.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetCharge-offs(1) | Average Total Loans &Leases(1) | % ofTotalLoans(1) | NetCharge-offs(1) | Average Total Loans &Leases(1) | % ofTotalLoans(1) | NetCharge-offs(1) | Average Total Loans &Leases(1) | % ofTotalLoans(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 5,157 | $ | 1,387,283 | 0.37 | % | $ | 2,740 | $ | 895,195 | 0.31 | % | $ | 2,669 | $ | 463,811 | 0.58 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 1,649 | 827,731 | 0.20 | — | 425,989 | — | 1,648 | 165,004 | 1.00 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | 411 | 350,910 | 0.12 | — | 167,521 | — | — | 61,361 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | 5 | 81,250 | 0.01 | — | 939,205 | — | — | 1,271,106 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 7,222 | 2,647,174 | 0.27 | 2,740 | 2,427,910 | 0.11 | 4,317 | 1,961,282 | 0.22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | (3) | 271,596 | — | 262 | 169,530 | 0.15 | — | 112,864 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 72,996 | — | — | 19,120 | — | — | 14,446 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | — | 12,751 | — | — | 45,639 | — | — | 43,205 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | (3) | 357,343 | — | 262 | 234,289 | 0.11 | — | 170,515 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 489 | 1,889,803 | 0.03 | 664 | 1,392,846 | 0.05 | 164 | 821,241 | 0.02 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 229,833 | — | 254 | 103,445 | 0.25 | — | 49,924 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Energy & Infrastructure | (388) | 120,783 | (0.32) | — | 127,456 | — | 10,155 | 127,850 | 7.94 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 101 | 2,240,419 | — | 918 | 1,623,747 | 0.06 | 10,319 | 999,015 | 1.03 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 641 | 422,886 | 0.15 | 12 | 377,967 | — | 629 | 316,691 | 0.20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 641 | 422,886 | 0.15 | 12 | 377,967 | — | 629 | 316,691 | 0.20 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 7,961 | $ | 5,667,822 | 0.14 | % | $ | 3,932 | $ | 4,663,913 | 0.08 | % | $ | 15,265 | $ | 3,447,503 | 0.44 | % |
(1)Excludes loans measured at fair value.
Investment Securities
Investment securities totaled $1.01 billion at December 31, 2022, an increase of $108.7 million, or 12.0%, compared to $906.1 million at December 31, 2021. The increase in the investment portfolio for 2022 was to support earnings through additional yield compared to cash alternatives, continue to provide a contingent funding source, and act as a mechanism to manage the Company’s interest rate risk. This also included purchases of $367.5 million in mortgage-backed securities, including $49.0 million for purposes of complying with the Community Reinvestment Act, and purchases of $23.2 million in collateralized mortgage obligations to increase yield and duration.
The investment securities portfolio consists entirely of available-for-sale securities. The Company purchases securities for the investment securities portfolio to manage interest rate risk, ensure a stable source of liquidity and to provide a steady source of income in excess of cost of funds.
At December 31, 2022, the modified duration of the overall available-for-sale securities portfolio was approximately 6.8 years.
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The following table sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of investment securities at December 31, 2022. Certain mortgage related securities have adjustable interest rates and will reprice annually within the various maturity ranges. These repricing schedules are not reflected in the tables below.
| Total Amortized Cost | Within One Year | After One to Five Years | After Five to Ten Years | After Ten Years | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| US government securities | $ | 16,080 | $ | — | — | % | $ | 12,948 | 3.30 | % | $ | 3,132 | 3.11 | % | $ | — | — | % | |||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 1,116,387 | — | — | 113,726 | 2.73 | 254,975 | 2.49 | 747,686 | 2.52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 3,223 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 3,223 | 4.52 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other debt securities | 500 | 500 | 5.00 | — | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total securities | $ | 1,136,190 | $ | 500 | 5.00 | % | $ | 126,674 | 2.79 | % | $ | 258,107 | 2.50 | % | $ | 750,909 | 2.53 | % |
At December 31, 2022, the Company had 98.3% of its total investment securities portfolio in mortgage-backed securities, compared with 98.2% at December 31, 2021. The Company has continued to purchase mortgage-backed securities in order to obtain a favorable yield versus cash alternatives while still maintaining a low risk profile within the investment portfolio.
Deposits
The following table sets forth the composition of deposits.
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Percent | Total | Percent | Total | Percent | |||||||||||||||
| Period end: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 194,100 | 2.18 | % | $ | 89,279 | 1.26 | % | $ | 75,287 | 1.32 | % | ||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | — | — | — | — | 250,060 | 4.38 | ||||||||||||||
| Money market | 128,443 | 1.45 | 105,628 | 1.48 | 117,010 | 2.05 | ||||||||||||||
| Savings | 4,096,576 | 46.11 | 3,507,354 | 49.32 | 2,081,561 | 36.43 | ||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 4,465,809 | 50.26 | 3,409,783 | 47.94 | 3,188,910 | 55.82 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 8,690,828 | 97.82 | 7,022,765 | 98.74 | 5,637,541 | 98.68 | ||||||||||||||
| Total period end deposits | $ | 8,884,928 | 100.00 | % | $ | 7,112,044 | 100.00 | % | $ | 5,712,828 | 100.00 | % | ||||||||
| Total uninsured deposits | $ | 1,563,189 | 17.59 | % | $ | 1,197,057 | 16.83 | % | $ | 580,912 | 10.17 | % |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Percent | Average Rate | Total | Percent | Average Rate | Total | Percent | Average Rate | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 125,062 | 1.57 | % | — | % | $ | 77,104 | 1.18 | % | — | % | $ | 47,655 | 0.89 | % | — | % | |||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | — | — | — | 76,714 | 1.18 | 0.58 | 318,667 | 5.95 | 0.58 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market | 100,684 | 1.26 | 0.30 | 103,078 | 1.58 | 0.29 | 87,050 | 1.62 | 0.40 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings | 3,903,151 | 48.92 | 1.48 | 3,077,933 | 47.23 | 0.54 | 1,531,680 | 28.59 | 1.08 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 3,849,203 | 48.25 | 1.48 | 3,181,591 | 48.83 | 1.33 | 3,373,012 | 62.95 | 2.10 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Total average deposits | $ | 7,978,100 | 100.00 | % | 1.46 | % | $ | 6,516,420 | 100.00 | % | 0.92 | % | $ | 5,358,064 | 100.00 | % | 1.67 | % |
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Deposits increased to $8.88 billion at December 31, 2022 from $7.11 billion at December 31, 2021, an increase of $1.77 billion, or 24.9%. This increase was primarily due to the growth of the Company’s customer base in the savings and time deposit products, enhanced by a nationwide marketing campaign with attractive rates and additional wholesale funding, to support the significant loan growth in 2022. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $104.8 million, or 117.4%, during 2022, and interest-bearing deposits increased $1.67 billion, or 23.8%, during the same period.
At December 31, 2022, the aggregate balance of uninsured time deposit accounts totaled $39.1 million. At December 31, 2022, 81.8% of uninsured time deposit accounts were scheduled to mature within one year. The maturity profile of uninsured time deposits at December 31, 2022 is as follows:
| Maturity Period | Three months or less | More than three months to six months | More than six months to twelve months | More than twelve months | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount of time deposits in uninsured accounts | $ | 17,510 | $ | 5,062 | $ | 9,391 | $ | 7,120 |
Borrowings
Total borrowings decreased $235.1 million at December 31, 2022 from December 31, 2021 as a result of the following:
In March 2021, the Company entered into a 60-month term loan agreement of $50.0 million with a third party correspondent bank. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 2.95% with a monthly payment sufficient to fully amortize the loan, with all remaining unpaid principal and interest due at maturity on March 30, 2026. The Company paid the Lender a non-refundable $325 thousand loan origination fee upon signing of the Note that is presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the loan and will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan.
In April 2020, the Company entered into the Federal Reserve Bank's PPPLF. Under the PPPLF, advances must be secured by pledges of loans to small businesses originated by the Company under the U.S. Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program titled the Paycheck Protection Program. The PPPLF accrues interest at thirty-five basis points and matures at various dates equal to the maturity date of the PPPLF collateral pledged to secure the advance, and will be accelerated on and to the extent of any 7(a) loan forgiveness reimbursement by the SBA for any PPPLF collateral or the date of purchase by the SBA from the borrower of any PPPLF collateral. On the maturity date of each advance, the Company repays the advance plus accrued interest. This borrowing was paid in full at September 30, 2022.
In September 2020, the Company renewed a $50.0 million revolving line of credit originally issued in 2017 with a third party correspondent bank. Subsequently on October 20, 2021, the Company renewed and increased the revolving line of credit from $50.0 million to $100.0 million and increased the term from 12 months to 36 months. The line of credit is unsecured and accrues interest at 30-day SOFR plus 1.25%, with an interest rate cap of 4.25% and an interest rate floor of 2.75%. Payments are interest only with all principal and accrued interest due at maturity on October 10, 2025. The terms of this loan require the Company to maintain minimum capital and debt service coverage ratios. The Company paid the Lender a non-refundable $750 thousand loan origination fee upon signing of the Note that will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan. The Company made an advance of $8.0 million on December 20, 2021 and $12.0 million on March 16, 2022. The Company paid down this balance in full on May 20, 2022 and there is $100.0 million of available credit remaining at December 31, 2022.
On December 30, 2022, the Company made an advance of $50.0 million on an overnight Fed Funds line of credit that is unsecured with an interest rate of 4.65% with $50.0 million of available credit remaining at December 31, 2022.
Liquidity Management
Liquidity management refers to the ability to meet day-to-day cash flow requirements based primarily on activity in loan and deposit accounts of the Company’s customers. Liquidity is immediately available from four major sources: (a) cash on hand and on deposit at other banks; (b) the outstanding balance of federal funds sold; (c) the market value of unpledged investment securities; and (d) availability under lines of credit, FHLB advances, and the Federal Reserve Discount Window. A primary tool in the Company’s liquidity management process is the utilization of a Volatile Liability Coverage Ratio (“VLCR”) model to stress outflows in various scenarios with targeted days of liquidity coverage. The VLCR model output is then used by management to ensure adequate liquidity sources are available during those future periods. At December 31, 2022, the total amount of these four liquidity source items was $4.01 billion, or 40.7% of total assets, a decrease of 0.9% of total assets from $3.42 billion, or 41.6% of total assets, at December 31, 2021.
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Loans and other assets are funded primarily by loan sales, wholesale deposits and core deposits. To date, an increasing retail deposit base and a stable amount of brokered deposits have been adequate to meet loan obligations, while maintaining the desired level of immediate liquidity. The Company maintains an investment securities portfolio that is available for both immediate and secondary contingent liquidity purposes, whether via pledging to the Federal Home Loan Bank or through liquidation. Additionally, the Company maintains a guaranteed loan portfolio that is also a contingent liquidity source, whether via pledging to the Federal Reserve Discount Window or through liquidation.
At December 31, 2022, none of the investment securities portfolio was pledged to secure public deposits or pledged to retail repurchase agreements, leaving $1.01 billion available to be pledged as collateral.
Contractual Obligations
The Company has entered into significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations for future payments. See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for expected timing of payments as of December 31, 2022. These include operating leases (Note 4. Leases), time deposits with stated maturity dates (Note 7. Deposits) and borrowings (Note 8. Borrowings).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of operations, the Company engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with GAAP, are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. In 2022, the Company also entered into airplane purchase agreement commitments. For more information, see Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Sensitivity
One of the primary objectives of asset/liability management is to maximize the net interest margin while minimizing the earnings risk associated with changes in interest rates. One method used to manage interest rate sensitivity is to measure, over various time periods, the interest rate sensitivity positions, or gaps. This method, however, addresses only the magnitude of timing differences and does not address earnings or market value. Therefore, management uses an earnings simulation model to prepare, on a regular basis, earnings projections based on a range of interest rate scenarios to more accurately measure interest rate risk. For more information, see Item 7A of this Report.
Capital
The maintenance of appropriate levels of capital is a management priority and is monitored on a regular basis. The Company’s principal goals related to the maintenance of capital are to provide adequate capital to support the Company’s risk profile consistent with the risk appetite approved by the Board of Directors; provide financial flexibility to support future growth and client needs; comply with relevant laws, regulations, and supervisory guidance; achieve optimal credit ratings for the Company and its subsidiaries; and provide a competitive return to shareholders. Management regularly monitors the capital position of the Company on both a consolidated and Bank level basis. In this regard, management’s goal is to maintain capital at levels that are in excess of the regulatory “well capitalized” levels. Risk-based capital ratios, which include Tier 1 Capital, Total Capital and Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, are calculated based on regulatory guidance related to the measurement of capital and risk-weighted assets.
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Capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 are presented in the table below.
| Actual | Minimum Capital Requirement | Minimum To BeWell CapitalizedUnder PromptCorrective ActionProvisions(1) | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | |||||||||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 888,235 | 12.47 | % | $ | 320,446 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 977,360 | 13.73 | % | $ | 569,681 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 888,235 | 12.47 | % | $ | 427,261 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 888,235 | 9.26 | % | $ | 383,499 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 730,092 | 10.70 | % | $ | 307,179 | 4.50 | % | $ | 443,703 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 815,577 | 11.95 | % | $ | 546,096 | 8.00 | % | $ | 682,620 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 730,092 | 10.70 | % | $ | 409,572 | 6.00 | % | $ | 546,096 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 730,092 | 7.70 | % | $ | 379,396 | 4.00 | % | $ | 474,245 | 5.00 | % | ||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 689,367 | 12.38 | % | $ | 250,619 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 753,691 | 13.53 | % | $ | 445,544 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 689,367 | 12.38 | % | $ | 334,158 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 689,367 | 8.87 | % | $ | 310,902 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 640,652 | 12.05 | % | $ | 239,201 | 4.50 | % | $ | 345,512 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 704,976 | 13.26 | % | $ | 425,246 | 8.00 | % | $ | 531,557 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 640,652 | 12.05 | % | $ | 318,934 | 6.00 | % | $ | 425,246 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 640,652 | 8.32 | % | $ | 307,931 | 4.00 | % | $ | 384,914 | 5.00 | % | ||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 521,568 | 12.15 | % | $ | 193,172 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 574,621 | 13.39 | % | $ | 343,417 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 521,568 | 12.15 | % | $ | 257,563 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 521,568 | 8.40 | % | $ | 248,417 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 470,069 | 11.25 | % | $ | 188,012 | 4.50 | % | $ | 271,573 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 522,305 | 12.50 | % | $ | 334,243 | 8.00 | % | $ | 417,804 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 470,069 | 11.25 | % | $ | 250,683 | 6.00 | % | $ | 334,243 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 470,069 | 7.60 | % | $ | 247,288 | 4.00 | % | $ | 309,110 | 5.00 | % |
(1)Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable at the bank holding company level.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company bases estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
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The Company’s accounting policies, including those for the Company’s critical accounting estimates are described in detail in Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the consolidated financial statements and are an integral part of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A thorough understanding of these accounting policies is essential when reviewing the Company’s reported results of operations and financial position. The Company’s most critical accounting estimates are listed below. These estimates require the Company to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.
Allowance for credit losses (ACL)
The Company’s policy is to maintain the ACL at a level to absorb expected credit losses. The loan and lease portfolio is periodically reviewed by management to identify trends and to measure asset quality. Accounting policies related to the ACL on financial instruments including loans and off-balance-sheet credit exposures are considered to be critical as these policies involve considerable subjective judgment and estimation by the Company. The ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans and leases to present a net amount expected to be collected over the life of the asset.
The Company’s ACL on loans and leases is estimated using relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, and measured on a pooled basis where loans with similar risk characteristics (such as industry and type of collateral) are collectively evaluated for impairment. The ACL is computed using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology that utilizes inputs and assumptions that require significant judgement. The most significant assumptions used are: 1) economic forecast assumptions, 2) prepayment assumptions, and 3) application of qualitative factors, the most significant of which is related to the loan risk grading process. Sensitivities to these three areas are disclosed below to demonstrate how a change in economic forecast, prepayment assumptions and risk grades may impact the ACL. The below sensitivities only consider each variable individually in isolation as compared to the reported total of the ACL and factor in no correlated impacts to other inputs or factors of the ACL model.
Economic forecast
Probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) rates within the DCF model are adjusted for national unemployment rates during the reasonable and supportable forecast period. The Company has determined that a reasonable and supportable forecast period is four quarters with loss rates reverting back to a historical loss rate over the subsequent four quarters on a straight-line basis.
The ACL is highly sensitive to the unemployment economic forecast used. Due to the high level of uncertainty regarding significant assumptions, the Company often evaluates various economic scenarios from authoritative industry sources to assess variability of economic outlooks. At December 31, 2022, the Company utilized economic assumptions that management believed were the most likely to occur during the duration of the forecast period which had current unemployment levels remaining relatively stable during the one-year forecast period. Selecting a different forecast in the current environment could result in a significantly different ACL. The following table summarizes the impact of more severe unemployment forecast scenarios if they had been selected at December 31, 2022.
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| Approximate increase to ACL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenario | Forecasted Unemployment | $ | % |
| Severe | Current unemployment levels increase to 5.6% in the first quarter of 2023 and increase to 9.2% by the end of a one-year forecast period. At the end of the forecast period adjusted loss rates revert back to a historical rate over a one-year period. | $26.7 million | 27.6 % |
| Moderate | Current unemployment levels increase to 4.6% in the first quarter of 2023 and increase to 7.2% by the end of a one-year forecast period. At the end of the forecast period adjusted loss rates revert back to a historical rate over a one-year period. | $11.5 million | 11.9 % |
| Mild | Current unemployment levels decrease to 4.1% in the first quarter of 2023 before increasing to 5.2% by the end of a one-year forecast period. At the end of the forecast period adjusted loss rates revert back to a historical rate over a one-year period. | $2.6 million | 2.7 % |
If facts and circumstances supported the Company’s utilization of more severe unemployment scenario other impacts to the model would also be factored in which could result in a materially different estimate than that provided above.
Prepayment assumptions
Expected losses are calculated as the product of PD, LGD, and exposure at default (“EAD”). Expected losses are then discounted using the loan or leases effective interest rate, adjusted for estimated prepayments. Changes to the prepayment assumptions used would result in a different estimated ACL. To illustrate, if the weighted average prepayment assumption were decreased by 25%, the ACL as of December 31, 2022 would increase by approximately $5.4 million or 5.6%.
Loan risk grade - qualitative adjustments
Historical loss information is adjusted for differences in current risk characteristics that are not considered within the quantitative modeling process of the ACL but are relevant in assessing the expected credit losses. These qualitative adjustments include risk grades, delinquency levels, pool age, portfolio mix & growth rates and the status of servicing efforts that may be impacted by natural disasters or health pandemics. As indicated above, the loan risk grading process generally has the most significant impact on the ACL. Accordingly, the Company’s internal risk rating system and resulting loss estimates are highly dependent on the accuracy for the risk rating assigned to each loan and lease. The inherent imprecision in the risk rating system resulting from inaccuracy in assigning and/or entering risk ratings in the loan accounting system is monitored by the Company’s internal and external asset quality review functions. Changes to internal risk ratings, would result in a different estimated allowance for credit losses. To illustrate, if all loans in the Company’s five largest industry verticals ($1.7 billion or 40.9% of unguaranteed held for investment loans not accounted for under the fair value option) were adjusted down by one risk grade (e.g., RG 4 to RG 5) across all pools, the ACL as of December 31, 2022 would increase by approximately $10.0 million, or 10.4%.
Other Considerations
While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of our ACL is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the performance of our portfolios, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward classification of assets. See Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 3. Loans and Leases Held for Investment and Credit Quality in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by the Company in estimating the necessary level of the ACL.
Valuation of loans accounted for under the fair value option
Loans accounted for under the fair value option involve estimation for credit risk, market liquidity, and economic condition impacts using factors that are beyond management’s control.
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Credit risk
The credit element of the loan fair value mark is estimated using the same DCF model discussed above relative to ACL calculations with key inputs requiring significant judgement and assumptions being: 1) selection of economic forecast, 2) prepayment assumptions, and 3) application of qualitative factors, the most significant of which is related to the loan risk grading process.
Economic forecast
To illustrate, absent any other changes in the model, if the Company selected the severe, moderate, or mild scenarios as described above, the credit mark for fair value loans at December 31, 2022 would have increased by approximately $2.3 million or 17.1%, $1.1 million or 8.3%, and $409 thousand or 3.0%, respectively. If facts and circumstances supported the Company’s utilization of more severe unemployment scenario other impacts to the model would also be factored in which could result in a materially different estimated than that provided above.
Prepayment assumptions
Expected losses are calculated as the product of PD, LGD, and exposure at default (“EAD”). Expected losses are then discounted using the loan or leases effective interest rate, adjusted for estimated prepayments. Changes to the prepayment assumptions used would result in a different estimated fair value mark. To illustrate, if the weighted average prepayment assumption were decreased by 25%, the fair value mark as of December 31, 2022 would increase by approximately $829 thousand, or 6.0%.
Loan risk grade - qualitative adjustments
To illustrate, if all loans in the Company’s five largest industry verticals ($103.0 million or 23.1% of unguaranteed held for investment loans accounted for under the fair value option) were adjusted down by one risk grade (e.g., RG 4 to RG 5) across all pools, the fair value mark as of December 31, 2022 would increase by $602 thousand, or 4.4%.
Market risk
Market liquidity and economic condition adjustments are estimated using the sale prices of similar loans based on yield, term and asset size. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
Other Considerations
See Note 10. Fair Value of Financial Instruments in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by management in estimating the fair value of loans. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company chose not to elect the fair value for all retained participating interests arising from new government guaranteed loan sales.
Valuation of servicing assets
The fair value of servicing assets is based on market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as adequate compensation for servicing, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses, with the prepayment speed being one of the most sensitive assumptions. Changes to these assumptions can have a material impact on the valuation of the servicing assets.
Yield curve rates are considered a significant assumption in the valuation of servicing rights and an analysis of sensitivity is reflected in the section captioned “Noninterest Income” elsewhere in this discussion. See also Note 5. Servicing Assets in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by the Company in estimating the fair value servicing assets.
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Non-GAAP Measures
Some of the financial measures included in our selected historical consolidated financial data and elsewhere in this Report are not measures of financial performance recognized by GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are: “tangible shareholders’ equity;” “tangible assets;” “tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets;” “tangible book value per share;” and “efficiency ratio.” Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance.
•“Tangible shareholders’ equity” is total shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible assets” is total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets” is defined as the ratio of shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management believes this measure is important because it shows relative changes from period to period in equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Tangible book value per share” is defined as total equity reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets divided by total common shares outstanding. Management believes this measure is important because it shows changes from period to period in book value per share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation.
•“Efficiency ratio” is defined as total noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income. Management believes this measure is important as an indicator of productivity because it shows the amount of noninterest expense that was required to generate a dollar of revenue. While the efficiency ratio is a measure of productivity, its value reflects the unique attributes of the “high-touch business model” the Company employs.
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The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors that is supplementary to the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP; however, the Company acknowledges that non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations. As such, you should not view these measures as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, and they are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that other companies use. The following table provides a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely related GAAP measure.
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||
| Total shareholders' equity | $ | 811,033 | $ | 715,133 | $ | 567,850 | ||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,797 | 1,797 | 1,797 | |||||
| Other intangible assets | 1,873 | 2,026 | 2,179 | |||||
| Tangible shareholders' equity (a) | $ | 807,363 | $ | 711,310 | $ | 563,874 | ||
| Shares outstanding (c) | 44,061,244 | 43,619,070 | 42,452,446 | |||||
| Total assets | $ | 9,855,498 | $ | 8,213,393 | $ | 7,872,303 | ||
| Less: | ||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,797 | 1,797 | 1,797 | |||||
| Other intangible assets | 1,873 | 2,026 | 2,179 | |||||
| Tangible assets (b) | $ | 9,851,828 | $ | 8,209,570 | $ | 7,868,327 | ||
| Tangible shareholders' equity to tangible assets (a/b) | 8.20% | 8.66% | 7.17% | |||||
| Tangible book value per share (a/c) | $ | 18.32 | $ | 16.31 | $ | 13.28 | ||
| Efficiency ratio: | ||||||||
| Noninterest expense (d) | $ | 314,226 | $ | 230,987 | $ | 192,676 | ||
| Net interest income | 327,501 | 296,785 | 194,723 | |||||
| Noninterest income | 237,992 | 160,200 | 86,000 | |||||
| Adjusted operating revenue (e) | $ | 565,493 | $ | 456,985 | $ | 280,723 | ||
| Efficiency ratio (d/e) | 55.57% | 50.55% | 68.64% |
68
Table of Contents
FY 2021 10-K MD&A
SEC filing source: 0001564590-22-006729.
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
The following presents management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) of the more significant factors that affected the Company's financial condition and results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 as compared to December 31, 2020. For a comparison of 2020 results to 2019 and other 2019 information not included herein, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” under Part II, Item 7 of our 2020 Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2021. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Results of operations for the periods included in this review are not necessarily indicative of results to be obtained during any future period.
Dollar amounts in tables are stated in thousands, except for per share amounts.
Nature of Operations
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc. (collectively with its subsidiaries including Live Oak Banking Company, the “Company”) is a financial holding company and a bank holding company headquartered in Wilmington, North Carolina, incorporated under the laws of North Carolina in December 2008. The Company conducts business operations primarily through its commercial bank subsidiary, Live Oak Banking Company (the “Bank”). The Bank was incorporated in February 2008 as a North Carolina-chartered commercial bank. The Bank specializes in providing lending and deposit related services to small businesses nationwide. The Bank identifies and extends lending to credit-worthy borrowers both within specific industries, also called verticals, through expertise within those industries, and more broadly to select borrowers outside of those industries. A significant portion of the loans originated by the Bank are guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) under the 7(a) Loan program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) Rural Energy for America Program (“REAP”), Water and Environmental Program (“WEP”) and Business & Industry (“B&I”) loan programs.
The Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries are the Bank, Government Loan Solutions (“GLS”), Live Oak Grove, LLC (“Grove”), Live Oak Ventures, Inc. (“Live Oak Ventures”), and Canapi Advisors, LLC (“Canapi Advisors”). 504 Fund Advisors, LLC (“504FA”) was a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company until 2019, when 504FA exited as the advisor to The 504 Fund, and the Company dissolved this legal entity.
The Bank’s wholly owned subsidiaries are Live Oak Number One, Inc., Live Oak Clean Energy Financing LLC (“LOCEF”), and Live Oak Private Wealth, LLC. Live Oak Number One, Inc. holds properties foreclosed on by the Bank. LOCEF provides financing to entities for renewable energy applications and became a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank during the first quarter of 2019. Live Oak Private Wealth, LLC and its wholly owned subsidiary, Jolley Asset Management, LLC (“JAM”), provide high-net-worth individuals and families with strategic wealth and investment management services.
GLS is a management and technology consulting firm that advises and offers solutions and services to participants in the government guaranteed lending sector. GLS primarily provides services in connection with the settlement, accounting, and securitization processes for government guaranteed loans, including loans originated under the SBA 7(a) loan programs and USDA guaranteed loans. The Grove provides Company employees and business visitors an on-site restaurant location. Live Oak Ventures’ purpose is investing in businesses that align with the Company's strategic initiative to be a leader in financial technology. Canapi Advisors provides investment advisory services to a series of funds (the “Canapi Funds”) focused on providing venture capital to new and emerging financial technology companies.
The Company generates revenue primarily from net interest income and secondarily through origination and sale of government guaranteed loans. Income from the retention of loans is comprised principally of interest income. The Company had historically elected to account for certain loans under the fair value option with interest reported in interest income and changes in fair value reported in the net gain (loss) on loans accounted for under the fair value option line item of the consolidated statements of income. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company chose not to elect fair value for all retained participating interests arising from new government guaranteed loan sales. Income from the sale of loans is comprised of loan servicing revenue and revaluation of related servicing assets along with net gains on sales of loans. Offsetting these revenues are the cost of funding sources, provision for loan and lease credit losses, any costs related to foreclosed assets and other operating costs such as salaries and employee benefits, travel, professional services, advertising and marketing and tax expense. The Company also has less routinely generated gains and losses arising from its financial technology investments in its fintech segment, as discussed more fully later in this section under the caption “Results of Segment Operations.”
38
Recent Developments
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused complex and significant adverse impacts on certain areas of the economy, the banking industry and the Company, all of which continue to be subject to a high degree of uncertainty. This uncertainty is magnified with the continued risk of a resurgence of the virus and new variants, which have recently caused cases to increase in the United States. Despite ongoing uncertainty, the economy continued to generally improve in 2021, resulting in positive impacts on the Company’s allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans and leases, loans carried at fair value, and net gains on sales of loans, as discussed below in MD&A.
Relative to Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans, the Company ended 2021 with a total outstanding balance net of deferred fees and costs of $261.9 million compared to $1.50 billion at December 31, 2020. During 2021, the Company recognized a $15.5 million increase in interest income arising from PPP loan amortization of net deferred fees combined with the 1% annualized interest rate leaving $6.5 million in net deferred fees remaining to be recognized into future interest income. The Company’s corresponding Paycheck Protection Program Liquidity Facility (“PPPLF”) used to help provide financing for the origination of PPP loans decreased from $1.53 billion at December 31, 2020 to $267.6 million at December 31, 2021. Borrowings under the PPPLF bear interest at a rate of 0.35%, and there are no fees paid by the Company.
Credit
In accordance with guidance from banking regulators, the Company has and continues to work with COVID-19 affected borrowers to help defer their payments, interest, and fees. At December 31, 2021 the Company had $1.1 million in unguaranteed loans and leases on payment deferral for borrowers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with $67 thousand in accrued interest receivable. In addition, the Company had $76.9 million in unguaranteed loans on SBA payment assistance at December 31, 2021. To date, almost all loans after expiration of assistance have returned to making regular payments.
In previous quarters of 2021, the Company has disclosed certain industries that have heightened levels of exposure as a result of COVID-19. Specifically, management identified six verticals that were considered to be “at-risk” of significant COVID-19 impacts. These verticals are hotels, educational services, wine and craft beverage, quick service restaurants, entertainment centers and fitness centers. Businesses within these six verticals have shown notable improvements throughout 2021. As of December 31, 2021, these verticals contained two loans with an aggregate balance of $2.7 million, $676 thousand of which was unguaranteed, still on payment deferral and 28 loans that continue to receive SBA payment subsidies with an aggregate balance of $37.6 million, $9.4 million of which was unguaranteed. While 2021 reflected positive signs of emerging from at-risk status, management continues to closely monitor these vulnerable verticals for signs of weakness.
The Company continues to work with customers directly affected by COVID-19 and is prepared to offer short-term assistance in accordance with regulatory guidelines. As a result of the uncertain economic environment caused by COVID-19, the Company continues to engage in more frequent communication with borrowers in an effort to better understand their situation and the challenges faced as circumstances evolve, which the Company anticipates will enable it to respond proactively as needs and issues arise.
39
Executive Summary
The table below sets forth selected consolidated financial data as of the dates or for the periods indicated.
| As of and for the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Income Statement Data | ||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 166,995 | $ | 59,543 | $ | 18,034 | ||||||
| Per Common Share | ||||||||||||
| Net income, diluted | $ | 3.71 | $ | 1.43 | $ | 0.44 | ||||||
| Dividends declared | 0.12 | 0.12 | 0.12 | |||||||||
| Book value | 16.39 | 13.38 | 13.20 | |||||||||
| Tangible book value (1) | 16.31 | 13.28 | 13.20 | |||||||||
| Performance Ratios | ||||||||||||
| Return on average assets | 2.03 | % | 0.85 | % | 0.42 | % | ||||||
| Return on average equity | 25.58 | 10.49 | 3.46 | |||||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.86 | 3.03 | 3.67 | |||||||||
| Efficiency ratio (1) | 50.55 | 69.10 | 81.25 | |||||||||
| Noninterest income to total revenue | 35.06 | 30.17 | 30.99 | |||||||||
| Dividend payout ratio | 3.10 | 8.20 | 26.67 | |||||||||
| Selected Loan Metrics | ||||||||||||
| Loans and leases originated | $ | 4,480,725 | $ | 4,450,198 | $ | 2,001,886 | ||||||
| Outstanding balance of sold loans serviced: | 3,298,828 | 3,205,623 | 2,970,607 | |||||||||
| Asset Quality Ratios | ||||||||||||
| Allowance for credit losses to loans and leases held for investment (2) | 1.30 | % | 1.21 | % | 1.57 | % | ||||||
| Net charge-offs (2) | $ | 3,932 | $ | 15,265 | $ | 1,410 | ||||||
| Net charge-offs to average loans and leases held for investment (2) (3) | 0.08 | % | 0.44 | % | 0.10 | % | ||||||
| Nonperforming loans and leases at historical cost (2) (4) | ||||||||||||
| Unguaranteed | $ | 15,987 | $ | 20,078 | $ | 7,224 | ||||||
| Guaranteed | 26,546 | 26,032 | 14,713 | |||||||||
| Total | 42,533 | 46,110 | 21,937 | |||||||||
| Unguaranteed nonperforming historical cost loans and leases, to loans and leases held for investment (2) (4) | 0.33 | % | 0.46 | % | 0.40 | % | ||||||
| Nonperforming loans at fair value (5) | ||||||||||||
| Unguaranteed | $ | 4,791 | $ | 5,387 | $ | 6,700 | ||||||
| Guaranteed | 33,471 | 30,112 | 43,039 | |||||||||
| Total | 38,262 | 35,499 | 49,739 | |||||||||
| Unguaranteed nonperforming fair value loans to loans held for investment (5) | 0.74 | % | 0.66 | % | 0.81 | % | ||||||
| Consolidated Capital Ratios | ||||||||||||
| Common equity tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets) | 12.38 | % | 12.15 | % | 14.90 | % | ||||||
| Tier 1 leverage capital (to average assets) | 8.87 | 8.40 | 10.65 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | See "Non-GAAP Measures" presented at the conclusion of this Item 7 for more information and a reconciliation to the most closely related GAAP measure. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (2) | Loans and leases at historical cost only (excludes loans measured at fair value). |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (3) | Annual net charge-offs as a percentage of annual average loans and leases held for investment. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (4) | The year ended December 31, 2020 excludes one $6.1 million hotel loan classified as held for sale. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (5) | Loans accounted for under the fair value option only (excludes loans and leases carried at historical cost). |
40
The following is a summary of the Company's financial highlights and events for 2021:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Diluted earnings per share increased $2.28 or 159.9%, from $1.43 to $3.71, with key drivers of higher levels of reported net income outlined more fully in the opening to the section titled “Results of Operations.” |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Total revenue, comprised of net interest income and total noninterest income, increased by $176.3 million, or 62.8%, to $457.0 million in 2021, with $102.1 million related to higher levels of net interest income and $44.1 million related to a gain arising from the Company’s investment in Greenlight Financial Technologies, Inc. (“Greenlight”). |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Income tax expense increased $55.9 million, resulting in total income tax expense of $43.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. This increase was largely the result of $163.4 million more in income before taxes in 2021 considered against higher levels of tax benefits in 2020 arising from both the vesting of restricted stock unit awards with market price conditions and a tax benefit due to the enactment of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) in 2020. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Loan originations of $4.48 billion compared to $4.45 billion in 2020. Excluding PPP loans, total 2021 originations were $3.93 billion, an increase of $1.25 billion, or 46.3%, compared to 2020. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Loans and leases held for sale and investment increased by $317.4 million. Excluding PPP loans, total loans and leases increased $1.55 billion, or 32.2%, to $6.38 billion at the end of 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Total nonperforming unguaranteed loans and leases as a percentage of total loans and leases held for investment decreased from 0.46% at the end of 2020 to 0.33% at the end of 2021. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Net charge-offs as a percentage of average held for investment loans and leases carried at historical cost, for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, were 0.08% and 0.44%, respectively. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Provision for loan and lease credit losses decreased $25.4 million, or 62.6%, largely due to continued improvements in economic forecasts. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Total deposits rose by 24.5% to $7.11 billion at the end of 2021 driven by funding needs for significant loan origination efforts during the year. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Borrowings under PPPLF, decreased from $1.54 billion to $267.6 million. |
Business Outlook
Below is a discussion of management’s current expectations regarding Company performance over the near-term based on market conditions, the regulatory environment and business strategies as of the time the Company filed this Report. Actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. See “Important Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this Report for more information on forward-looking statements.
The Company's results for 2021 demonstrated a continuation of strong underlying financial performance and solid growth momentum. Management continues to focus on building recurring revenue streams, promoting change within the financial technology industry, and building out selected existing verticals while adding new verticals to the Company's business model. Management anticipates that the Company's held-for-sale and held-for-investment loan portfolios will continue to grow as a result of healthy origination volumes and higher levels of loan retention that are intended to promote long-term recurring revenue and profitability, including the continued pursuit of potential opportunities in conventional lending outside of SBA or other government guarantee programs.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Statements included in this management's discussion and analysis include non-GAAP financial measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables, which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. The reconciliation of non-GAAP measures is presented at the conclusion of this Item 7.
41
Management believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide additional useful information that allows readers to evaluate the ongoing performance of the Company without regard to certain transactional activities. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as reported under GAAP, and investors should consider the Company's performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company's results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. Management’s non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparable to similar named measures represented by other companies, as they may be calculated differently.
Results of Operations
The Company reported net income of$167.0 million, or $3.71 per diluted share, for 2021 compared to $59.5 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, for 2020.
This increase in net income was primarily attributable to the following items:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Increase in net interest income of $102.1 million, or 52.4%, predominately driven by significant growth in total loan and lease portfolios, which was accentuated by the origination of PPP loans; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Equity security investments gains increased $29.8 million, or 200.2%, largely due to a $44.1 million gain related the Company’s investment in Greenlight arising from an increase in the observable fair market value of the Company’s investment through an arm’s length sale of a portion of its shares in the investee. The Company’s total gains in equity security investments in 2020 was principally comprised of a $14.6 million gain, also arising from increased fair value of Greenlight investments; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | A decrease in the provision for loan and lease credit losses of $25.4 million, or 62.6%; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Net gains on sales of loans increased $17.8 million, or 36.0%; |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | The net gain on the valuation adjustment for loans accounted for under the fair value option of $4.3 million, increasing by $17.3 million, or 132.5%, from a net loss of $13.1 million in 2020; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | A lower loss on equity method investments of $13.0 million, or 88.3%. |
Other key factors partially offsetting the year-over-year increase in net income were composed of the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | An increase in noninterest expense of $38.3 million, or 19.9%, comprised principally of increased salaries and employee benefits of $12.4 million, professional services of $8.8 million, data processing of $5.8 million, renewable energy tax credit investment impairment of $3.2 million, loan related expenses of $2.7 million and travel related expenses of $2.4 million; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | An increase in income tax expense of $55.9 million. This increase was primarily due to the above discussed increase in net income and a to a lesser degree the lower level of tax benefits arising from restricted stock unit award vesting in 2021 as compared to 2020. |
42
Net Interest Income and Margin
Net interest income represents the difference between the income that the Company earns on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. The Company’s net interest income depends upon the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the interest rates that the Company earns or pays on them, respectively. Net interest income is affected by changes in the amount and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, referred to as “volume changes.” It is also affected by changes in yields earned on interest-earning assets and rates paid on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowed funds, referred to as “rate changes.” As a bank without a branch network, the Bank gathers deposits over the Internet and in the community in which it is headquartered. Due to the nature of a branchless bank and the relatively low overhead required for deposit gathering, the rates the Bank offers are generally above the industry average.
For 2021, net interest income increased $102.1 million, or 52.4%, to $296.8 million compared to $194.7 million for 2020. This increase was principally due to the significant growth in the held for investment loan and lease portfolios reflecting the Company's ongoing initiative to grow recurring revenue sources combined with lower costs of interest-bearing liabilities. This increase over the prior year was further enhanced by the aforementioned revenue arising from PPP loans with a $15.5 million increase in interest income arising from amortization of net deferred fees combined with a 1% annualized interest rate. Accordingly, average interest-earning assets increased by $1.24 billion, or 19.4%, to $7.68 billion for 2021, compared to $6.44 billion for 2020, while the yield on average interest-earning assets increased 22 basis points to 4.70%. The cost of funds on interest-bearing liabilities for 2021 decreased 61 basis points to 0.87%, and the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased by $1.10 billion, or 17.4%, over 2020. The increase in average interest-bearing liabilities was largely driven by funding for significant loan originations and growth. As indicated in the rate/volume table below, increased interest-earning asset volume and yields and greater levels of cost declines of interest-bearing liabilities outpaced the higher volume of interest-bearing liabilities, resulting in increases to interest income of $72.8 million and decreases to interest expense of $29.3 million for 2021 compared to 2020. For 2020 compared to 2021, the net interest margin increased from 3.03% to 3.86%, respectively, due primarily to significant loan portfolio growth and the maturity of longer term deposits which are repricing at lower rates combined with recognition of PPP related income, which is being accelerated with forgiveness efforts. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had $261.9 million in PPP loan balances on its books which includes $6.5 million in net deferred fees remaining to be recognized into future interest income. The Company expects to recognize most of the remaining net deferred fees for PPP loans in 2022.
In December 2021, the Federal Reserve released projections where the midpoint of the projected target range for the federal funds rate would rise to 0.9% by the end of 2022, to 1.6% by the end of 2023 and to 2.1% by the end of 2024. These projections imply approximately three 25 basis point increases in the federal funds rate in 2022, followed by three in 2023 and two in 2024. There can be no assurance that any increases in the federal funds rate will occur, and if they do, the amount and timing of actual increases are subject to change. See Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk for information about the Company’s sensitivity to interest rates.
43
Average Balances and Yields. The following table presents information regarding average balances for assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest income and dividends from average interest-earning assets, the total dollar amount of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing the income or expense by the average balances for assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. Loan fees are included in interest income on loans.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | Average Balance | Interest | Average Yield/Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning assets: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning balances in other banks | $ | 407,474 | $ | 920 | 0.23 | % | $ | 453,260 | $ | 2,346 | 0.52 | % | $ | 168,295 | $ | 3,734 | 2.22 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Federal funds sold | 18,714 | 22 | 0.12 | 68,873 | 276 | 0.40 | 49,036 | 1,065 | 2.17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Investment securities | 797,426 | 12,533 | 1.57 | 643,023 | 15,016 | 2.34 | 533,364 | 15,345 | 2.88 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | 1,111,216 | 60,044 | 5.40 | 1,064,731 | 58,793 | 5.52 | 864,442 | 58,018 | 6.71 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loans and leases held for investment(1) | 5,350,055 | 287,694 | 5.38 | 4,206,539 | 211,977 | 5.04 | 2,203,251 | 149,818 | 6.80 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-earning assets | 7,684,885 | 361,213 | 4.70 | 6,436,426 | 288,408 | 4.48 | 3,818,388 | 227,980 | 5.97 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | (54,975 | ) | (37,839 | ) | (20,952 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-earning assets | 592,237 | 615,455 | 492,963 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 8,222,147 | $ | 7,014,042 | $ | 4,290,399 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing liabilities: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | $ | 76,714 | $ | 442 | 0.58 | % | $ | 318,667 | $ | 1,853 | 0.58 | % | $ | 42 | $ | 0 | 1.07 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Savings | 3,077,933 | 16,667 | 0.54 | 1,531,680 | 16,558 | 1.08 | 1,013,177 | 20,598 | 2.03 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market accounts | 103,078 | 300 | 0.29 | 87,050 | 345 | 0.40 | 86,175 | 561 | 0.65 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | 3,181,591 | 42,331 | 1.33 | 3,373,012 | 70,970 | 2.10 | 2,585,367 | 66,738 | 2.58 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total deposits | 6,439,316 | 59,740 | 0.92 | 5,310,409 | 89,726 | 1.67 | 3,684,761 | 87,897 | 2.35 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 1,007,596 | 4,688 | 0.47 | 1,033,744 | 3,959 | 0.38 | 1,195 | 1 | 0.08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest-bearing liabilities | 7,446,912 | 64,428 | 0.87 | 6,344,153 | 93,685 | 1.48 | 3,685,956 | 87,898 | 2.38 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing deposits | 77,104 | 47,655 | 49,510 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities | 45,424 | 54,604 | 33,481 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shareholders' equity | 652,707 | 567,630 | 521,452 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $ | 8,222,147 | $ | 7,014,042 | $ | 4,290,399 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest income and interest rate spread | $ | 296,785 | 3.83 | % | $ | 194,723 | 3.00 | % | $ | 140,082 | 3.59 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net interest margin | 3.86 | % | 3.03 | % | 3.67 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities | 103.20 | % | 101.45 | % | 103.59 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | Average loan and lease balances include non-accruing loans and leases. |
44
Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by current period volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior period rate). The total column represents the sum of the prior columns. For purposes of this table, changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume that cannot be segregated have been allocated proportionally based on the changes due to rate and the changes due to volume.
| 2021 vs. 2020 | 2020 vs. 2019 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increase (Decrease) Due to | Increase (Decrease) Due to | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rate | Volume | Total | Rate | Volume | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-earning balances in other banks | $ | (1,256 | ) | $ | (170 | ) | $ | (1,426 | ) | $ | (5,287 | ) | $ | 3,899 | $ | (1,388 | ) | |||||||
| Federal funds sold | (124 | ) | (130 | ) | (254 | ) | (1,044 | ) | 255 | (789 | ) | |||||||||||||
| Investment securities | (5,499 | ) | 3,016 | (2,483 | ) | (3,187 | ) | 2,858 | (329 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Loans held for sale | (1,288 | ) | 2,539 | 1,251 | (11,476 | ) | 12,251 | 775 | ||||||||||||||||
| Loans and leases held for investment | 16,159 | 59,558 | 75,717 | (56,427 | ) | 118,586 | 62,159 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest income | 7,992 | 64,813 | 72,805 | (77,421 | ) | 137,849 | 60,428 | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | (11 | ) | (1,400 | ) | (1,411 | ) | (1 | ) | 1,854 | 1,853 | ||||||||||||||
| Savings | (12,435 | ) | 12,544 | 109 | (12,113 | ) | 8,073 | (4,040 | ) | |||||||||||||||
| Money market accounts | (100 | ) | 55 | (45 | ) | (221 | ) | 5 | (216 | ) | ||||||||||||||
| Certificates of deposit | (25,352 | ) | (3,287 | ) | (28,639 | ) | (14,220 | ) | 18,452 | 4,232 | ||||||||||||||
| Other borrowings | 840 | (111 | ) | 729 | 4 | 3,954 | 3,958 | |||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense | (37,058 | ) | 7,801 | (29,257 | ) | (26,551 | ) | 32,338 | 5,787 | |||||||||||||||
| Net interest income | $ | 45,050 | $ | 57,012 | $ | 102,062 | $ | (50,870 | ) | $ | 105,511 | $ | 54,641 |
Provision for Loan and Lease Credit Losses
The provision for loan and lease credit losses represents the amount necessary to be charged against the current period’s earnings to maintain the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) on loans and leases at a level that is appropriate in relation to the estimated losses inherent in the loan and lease portfolio.
Losses inherent in loan relationships are mitigated if a portion of the loan is guaranteed by the SBA or USDA. A typical SBA 7(a) loan carries a 75% guarantee while USDA guarantees range from 50% to 90% depending on loan size, which serve to reduce the risk profile of these loans. The Company believes that its focus on compliance with regulations and guidance from the SBA and USDA are key factors to managing this risk.
For 2021, the provision for loan and lease credit losses was $15.2 million compared to $40.7 million in 2020, a decrease of $25.4 million. The decrease in provision was primarily the result of continued improvement in forecasts related to employment and default expectations combined with the effects of the below discussed performance metrics, partially offset by the impact of growth in the Company’s loan and lease portfolios.
Loans and leases held for investment at historical cost were $4.88 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $546.5 million, or 12.6%, compared to December 31, 2020. Excluding PPP loans and net unearned fees on those loans, the balance in loans and leases held for investment at historical cost was $4.61 billion at December 31, 2021, an increase of $1.78 billion, or 63.0%, over December 31, 2020.
Net charge-offs for loans and leases carried at historical cost were $3.9 million, or 0.08% of average loans and leases held for investment, carried at historical cost, for 2021, compared to net charge-offs of $15.3 million, or 0.44%, for 2020. The decrease in net charge-offs for 2021 as compared to 2020 was principally the result of a third quarter of 2020 reclassification of fifteen hotel loans from held for investment to held for sale totaling $81.2 million in net investment. This third quarter of 2020 reclassification resulted in a write down reflected in charge-offs of $9.8 million. Net charge-offs are a key element of historical experience in the Company's estimation of the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases.
45
In addition, nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the SBA or USDA, excluding $4.8 million and $5.4 million accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, totaled $16.0 million, which was 0.33% of the held for investment loan and lease portfolio carried at historical cost at December, 31 2021, compared to $20.1 million, or 0.46% of loans and leases held for investment carried at historical cost at December 31, 2020. Nonperforming loans and leases carried at historical cost which are not guaranteed by the SBA or USDA were 0.35% and 0.71% of the historical cost portion of the held for investment loan and lease portfolio, excluding PPP loans, at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Noninterest Income
Noninterest income is principally comprised of net gains from the sale of SBA and USDA-guaranteed loans along with servicing revenue and related revaluation of the servicing asset. Revenue from the sale of loans depends upon the volume, maturity structure and rates of underlying loans as well as the pricing and availability of funds in the secondary markets prevailing in the period between completed loan funding and closing of sale. In addition, the loan servicing revaluation is significantly impacted by changes in market rates and other underlying assumptions such as prepayment speeds and default rates. Net gain (loss) on loans accounted for under the fair value option is also significantly impacted by changes in market rates, prepayment speeds and inherent credit risk. Other less common elements of noninterest income include less consistent gains and losses on investments.
The following table shows the components of noninterest income and the dollar and percentage changes for the periods presented.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2020/2021 Increase (Decrease) | 2019/2020 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest income | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loan servicing revenue | $ | 25,219 | $ | 26,600 | $ | 28,034 | $ | (1,381 | ) | (5.19 | )% | $ | (1,434 | ) | (5.12 | )% | ||||||||||||
| Loan servicing asset revaluation | (11,726 | ) | (9,958 | ) | (16,581 | ) | (1,768 | ) | (17.75 | ) | 6,623 | 39.94 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net gains on sales of loans | 67,280 | 49,473 | 29,002 | 17,807 | 35.99 | 20,471 | 70.58 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Net gain (loss) on loans accounted for under the fair value option | 4,257 | (13,083 | ) | 7,408 | 17,340 | 132.54 | (20,491 | ) | (276.61 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Equity method investments income (loss) | (1,716 | ) | (14,691 | ) | (7,889 | ) | 12,975 | 88.32 | (6,802 | ) | (86.22 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
| Equity security investments gains (losses), net | 44,752 | 14,909 | 3,532 | 29,843 | 200.17 | 11,377 | 322.11 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Gain on sale of investment securities available-for-sale, net | — | 1,880 | 620 | (1,880 | ) | (100.00 | ) | 1,260 | 203.23 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Lease income | 10,263 | 10,508 | 9,655 | (245 | ) | (2.33 | ) | 853 | 8.83 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Management fee income | 6,378 | 6,352 | 1,742 | 26 | 0.41 | 4,610 | 264.64 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other noninterest income | 15,493 | 14,010 | 7,996 | 1,483 | 10.59 | 6,014 | 75.21 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest income | $ | 160,200 | $ | 86,000 | $ | 63,519 | $ | 74,200 | 86.28 | % | $ | 22,481 | 35.39 | % |
Years ended December 31, 2021 vs. 2020
For 2021, noninterest income increased by $74.2 million, or 86.3%, compared to 2020. The increase from the prior year is primarily the result of an increase in equity security gains of $29.8 million, principally the result of a second quarter 2021 gain of $44.1 million associated with the Company’s investment in Greenlight as discussed above, a $17.8 million increase in net gains on sales of loans, an increased net gain on loans accounted for under the fair value option of $17.3 million and a lower loss on equity method investments of $13.0 million, or 88.3%. The lower loss on equity method investments was largely a product of the Company’s pro rata portion of income tax expense amounting to $7.8 million recorded in 2020 arising from an investee’s conversion from a partnership to a corporation combined with heightened levels of financial performance in 2021 from the Company’s investments in fintech oriented investment funds.
46
The tables below reflect loan and lease production, sales of guaranteed loans and the aggregate balance in guaranteed loans sold that are being serviced. These components are key drivers of the Company's noninterest income.
| Three months ended December 31, | Three months ended September 30, | Three months ended June 30, | Three months ended March 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amount of loans and leases originated | $ | 1,083,623 | $ | 808,010 | $ | 1,063,190 | $ | 966,499 | $ | 1,153,693 | $ | 2,175,055 | $ | 1,180,219 | $ | 500,634 | |||||||||||||||
| Guaranteed portions of loans sold | 198,954 | 110,588 | 201,903 | 114,731 | 130,858 | 154,980 | 136,747 | 162,297 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold (1) | 2,756,915 | 2,819,625 | 2,731,031 | 2,878,664 | 2,694,931 | 2,840,429 | 2,843,963 | 2,761,015 |
| Years ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |||||||||||||||
| Amount of loans and leases originated | $ | 4,480,725 | $ | 4,450,198 | $ | 2,001,886 | $ | 1,765,680 | $ | 1,934,238 | |||||||||
| Guaranteed portions of loans sold | 668,462 | 542,596 | 340,374 | 945,178 | 787,926 | ||||||||||||||
| Outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold (1) | 2,756,915 | 2,819,625 | 2,746,480 | 3,045,460 | 2,680,641 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | This represents the outstanding principal balance of guaranteed loans serviced, as of the last day of the applicable period, which have been sold into the secondary market. |
Changes in various components of noninterest income are discussed in more detail below.
Loan Servicing Revenue: While portions of the loans that the Bank originates are sold and generate gain on sale revenue, servicing rights for those sold portions are retained by the Bank. In exchange for continuing to service sold loans, the Bank receives fee income represented in loan servicing revenue equivalent to 1.0% of the outstanding balance of SBA loans sold and 0.40% of the outstanding balance of USDA loans sold. In addition, the standard cost (adequate compensation) for servicing sold loans is approximately 0.40% of the balance of the loans sold, which is included in the loan servicing revaluation computations. Unrecognized servicing revenue above (or below) the standard cost to service is reflected in a net servicing asset (or liability) recorded on the consolidated balance sheets. Revenues associated with the servicing of loans are recognized over the expected life of the loan through the income statement, and the servicing asset is reduced as this revenue is recognized. For 2021, loan servicing revenue decreased $1.4 million, or 5.2%, to $25.2 million as compared to 2020 as a result of the declining balance of the serviced portfolio. At December 31, 2021, the outstanding balance of guaranteed loans sold in the secondary market was $2.76 billion compared to $2.82 billion at December 31, 2020.
Loan Servicing Revaluation: The Company revalues its serviced loan portfolio at least quarterly. The revaluation considers the amortization of the portfolio, current market conditions for loan sale premiums, and current prepayment speeds. For 2021, there was a negative loan servicing revaluation adjustment of $11.7 million compared to a negative adjustment of $10.0 million for 2020. The increase in the negative revaluation from 2020 to 2021 was primarily a result of amortization of the guaranteed serviced loan portfolio combined with increased inventory levels in the market.
In consideration of the sensitivity of servicing rights as discussed above and in Note 5 to the accompanying audited consolidated financial statements, the following table is provided to reflect the effect on fair value as of December 31, 2021 due to hypothetical changes in yield curve rates.
| Change in Yield Curve Assumption | Incremental Increase (Decrease) in Value | |
|---|---|---|
| +300 basis point | ($3,987) | |
| +200 basis point | (2,777) | |
| +100 basis point | (1,454) | |
| - 100 basis point | 1,606 |
47
Net Gains on Sales of Loans: For 2021, net gains on sales of loans increased $17.8 million, or 36.0%, compared to 2020. The volume of guaranteed loans sold increased $125.9 million, or 23.2%, in 2021 to $668.5 million from $542.6 million in 2020. The average net gain on guaranteed loan sales increased from $85.1 thousand to $96.5 thousand, per million sold, in 2020 and 2021, respectively. With higher loan sale volume and higher premium levels in the secondary market in 2021 compared to 2020, the average net gain on guaranteed loan sales increased, largely as a result of improvement in market premium levels which were magnified by stimulus associated with the SBA program which removed the ongoing guarantee fee, typically paid by the purchaser, on loans originated under the Economic Aid Act. The magnitude of the increase in net gains on sale of loans was muted somewhat due the Company’s choice to not elect fair value for all retained participating interests arising from new government guaranteed loan sales beginning in the first quarter of 2021. Not electing fair value generally results in a larger discount, which will reduce the amount of gain recognized at the date of sale. This larger discount is subsequently accreted into interest income over the underlying loan’s remaining term using the effective interest method. Management made this change of election in alignment with its ongoing effort to reduce volatility and drive more predictable revenue. In accordance with accounting standards, any loans for which fair value was previously elected continue to be measured as such.
Net Gain (Loss) on Loans Accounted for Under the Fair Value Option: For 2021, the net gain on loans accounted for under the fair value option increased $17.3 million, or 132.5%, compared to 2020. The carrying amount of loans accounted for under the fair value option at December 31, 2021 and 2020 was $670.5 million ($25.3 million classified as held for sale and $645.2 million classified as held for investment) and $851.5 million ($36.1 million classified as held for sale and $815.4 million classified as held for investment), respectively, a decrease of $181.0 million, or 21.3%. The net gain on loans accounted for under the fair value option during 2021 was largely due to improving market conditions compared to COVID-19 pandemic economic impacts in the prior year.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense comprises all operating costs of the Company, such as employee related costs, travel, professional services, advertising and marketing expenses, exclusive of interest and income tax expense.
The following table shows the components of noninterest expense and the related dollar and percentage changes for the periods presented.
| Years Ended December 31, | 2020/2021 Increase (Decrease) | 2019/2020 Increase (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | Amount | Percent | Amount | Percent | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Salaries and employee benefits | $ | 124,932 | $ | 112,525 | $ | 90,634 | $ | 12,407 | 11.03 | % | $ | 21,891 | 24.15 | % | ||||||||||||||
| Non-staff expenses: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Travel expense | 5,809 | 3,451 | 6,921 | 2,358 | 68.33 | (3,470 | ) | (50.14 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Professional services expense | 15,135 | 6,359 | 6,859 | 8,776 | 138.01 | (500 | ) | (7.29 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Advertising and marketing expense | 5,002 | 3,510 | 5,936 | 1,492 | 42.51 | (2,426 | ) | (40.87 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy expense | 8,423 | 8,757 | 8,116 | (334 | ) | (3.81 | ) | 641 | 7.90 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Data processing expense | 18,181 | 12,344 | 9,265 | 5,837 | 47.29 | 3,079 | 33.23 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Equipment expense | 17,950 | 17,603 | 16,327 | 347 | 1.97 | 1,276 | 7.82 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Other loan origination and maintenance expense | 13,529 | 10,790 | 9,272 | 2,739 | 25.38 | 1,518 | 16.37 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Renewable energy tax credit investment impairment | 3,187 | — | 602 | 3,187 | 100.00 | (602 | ) | (100.00 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||
| FDIC insurance | 7,070 | 7,473 | 3,447 | (403 | ) | (5.39 | ) | 4,026 | 116.80 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other expense | 11,769 | 9,864 | 7,545 | 1,905 | 19.31 | 2,319 | 30.74 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total non-staff expenses | 106,055 | 80,151 | 74,290 | 25,904 | 32.32 | 5,861 | 7.89 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total noninterest expense | $ | 230,987 | $ | 192,676 | $ | 164,924 | $ | 38,311 | 19.88 | % | $ | 27,752 | 16.83 | % |
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Total noninterest expense for 2021 increased $38.3 million, or 19.9%, compared to 2020. The increase in noninterest expense was predominately driven by the following items.
Salaries and employee benefits: Total personnel expense for 2021 increased by $12.4 million, or 11.0%, compared to 2020. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was principally related to continued investment in human resources to support strategic and growth initiatives. Total full-time equivalent employees increased from 630 at December 31, 2020 to 794 at December 31, 2021. Salaries and employee benefits expense included $16.9 million of stock-based compensation for 2021, compared to $14.7 million for 2020. Expenses related to the employee stock purchase program, stock grants, stock option compensation and restricted stock expense are all considered stock-based compensation.
Travel expense: Travel expense increased $2.4 million, or 68.3%. Travel expenses increased primarily to support the growth in loan origination volume and customer base as travel restrictions began to ease in 2021.
Professional services expense: Professional services expense increased $8.8 million, or 138.0%, compared to 2020. The increase was largely driven by an increase in legal fees related to the previously disclosed letter the Company received in December 2020 and the resulting putative class action filed against the Company in March 2021. See Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies for additional information.
Data processing expense: Total data processing expense for 2021 increased $5.8 million, or 47.3%, compared to 2020. The increase over 2020 was predominantly driven by enhanced investments in the Company’s internal software technology resources.
Loan related expenses: Total loan related expenses for 2021 increased $2.7 million, or 25.4%, compared to 2020. This increase was principally due to heightened levels of SBA guaranty fees arising from the Company retaining more guaranteed loans.
Renewable energy tax credit investment impairment: The Company recognized $3.1 million in impairment charges related to a $3.9 million renewable energy tax credit investment that was fully funded during the first quarter of 2021. Investments of this type generate a return primarily through the realization of income tax credits and other benefits; accordingly, impairment of the investment amount is recognized in conjunction with the realization of related tax benefits. This investment generated a federal investment tax credit of $3.4 million which is included in the Company’s estimated annual effective tax rate.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense and related effective tax rate in 2021 was $43.8 million and 20.8% compared to an income tax benefit in 2020 of $12.2 million and (25.6%), respectively. The effective tax rate of 20.8% for 2021 was principally due to the impact of a renewable energy tax credit investment and vesting of approximately 576 thousand restricted stock unit awards with market price conditions, as the fair value of these awards exceeded the total compensation cost recognized by the Company for book purposes.
The income tax benefit in 2020 was principally the product of vesting of restricted stock unit awards with market price conditions during the fourth quarter combined with the tax impact of enactment of the CARES Act on March 27, 2020. Upon vesting, the fair value of these awards exceeded the total compensation cost recognized by the Company for book purposes, which resulted in the recognition of a tax benefit of $22.1 million.
Results of Segment Operations
The Company’s operations are managed along two primary operating segments Banking and Fintech. A description of each segment and the methodologies used to measure financial performance is described in Note 16. Segments in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. Net income (loss) by operating segment is presented below:
| Years ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Banking | $ | 145,662 | $ | 57,462 | $ | 29,661 | ||||||
| Fintech | 27,667 | (1,932 | ) | (8,266 | ) | |||||||
| Other | (6,334 | ) | 4,013 | (3,361 | ) | |||||||
| Consolidated net income | $ | 166,995 | $ | 59,543 | $ | 18,034 |
49
Banking
Net income increased $88.2 million, or 153.5%, compared to 2020. The increase was primarily the result of increased net interest income and noninterest income.
Net interest income increased $102.9 million, or 52.8%, compared to 2020. See the analysis of net interest income included in the above section captioned “Net Interest Income and Margin” as it is predominantly related to the Banking segment.
See the analysis of provision for loan and lease credit losses included in the above section captioned “Provision for Loan and Lease Credit Losses” as it is entirely related to the Banking segment.
Noninterest income increased $36.9 million, or 47.5%, compared to 2020. This increase was largely comprised of net gains on sales of loans increasing $17.8 million, or 36.0% combined with net gains on loans accounted for under the fair value option increasing by $17.3 million, or 132.5%. See the analysis of these categories of noninterest income included in the above section captioned “Noninterest Income” for additional discussion.
Noninterest expense increased $34.3 million, or 18.9% compared to 2020. See the analysis of these categories of noninterest expense included in the above section captioned “Noninterest Expense” for additional discussion.
Income tax expense increased $42.7 million compared to 2020. See the above section captioned “Income Tax Expense.”
Fintech
Net income increased by $29.6 million, from a net loss of $1.9 million in 2020 to net income of $27.7 million in 2021. The increase was principally the result of noninterest income increasing $36.6 million, a result of the aforementioned $44.1 million Greenlight gain recognized in the second quarter of 2021.
Income tax expense increased $7.3 million, or 243.9%, compared to 2020, principally driven by the significant changes in net income before taxes arising from the above discussed gains arising from the Company’s investment in Greenlight
See Note 9. Income Taxes for more information.
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
Total assets at December 31, 2021 were $8.21 billion, an increase of $341.1 million, or 4.3%, compared to total assets of $7.87 billion at December 31, 2020. The growth in total assets was principally driven by the following:
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Loans and leases held for sale and held for investment increased $317.4 million resulting from strong origination activity in 2021. Total originations during 2021 were $4.48 billion, of which $3.93 billion were exclusive of PPP loans; and |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | Total investment securities increased by $156.0 million. The Company increased its investment securities position during 2021 largely as a part of its annual investment asset-liability planning. At December 31, 2021, the investment portfolio was comprised of U.S. government agencies, U.S. government-sponsored entity mortgage-backed securities, municipal bonds and other debt securities. |
Cash and cash equivalents, comprised of cash and due from banks and federal funds sold, was $203.8 million at December 31, 2021, a decrease of $114.6 million, or 36.0%, compared to $318.3 million at December 31, 2020. This decrease largely reflects funding for significant loan growth efforts during the year balanced with lower levels of planned liquidity at the end of 2021.
Loans and leases held for sale decreased $59.0 million, or 5.0%, during 2021, from $1.18 billion at December 31, 2020, to $1.12 billion at December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily the result of strong loan sales in 2021 combined with higher levels of loans being retained as held for investment.
Loans and leases held for investment increased $376.3 million, or 7.3%, during 2021, from $5.14 billion at December 31, 2020, to $5.52 billion at December 31, 2021. The increase was primarily the result of the above-mentioned loan originations in 2021 combined with increased levels of loans retained as held for investment. All PPP loans are classified as held for investment.
50
Total deposits were $7.11 billion at December 31, 2021, an increase of $1.40 billion, or 24.5%, from $5.71 billion at December 31, 2020. The increase in deposits was largely driven by significant loan origination efforts during 2021.
Borrowings decreased to $318.3 million at December 31, 2021 from $1.54 billion at December 31, 2020. This decrease was related principally to net curtailments of borrowings through the PPPLF in 2021 from PPP loan forgiveness. These PPPLF borrowings are used to help fund PPP loans.
Shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2021 was $715.1 million as compared to $567.9 million at December 31, 2020. The book value per share was $16.39 at December 31, 2021 compared to $13.38 at December 31, 2020. Average equity to average assets was 7.9% for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 8.1% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The increase in shareholders’ equity for 2021 was principally the result of net income of $167.0 million and stock-based compensation expense of $17.0 million, partially offset by other comprehensive loss of $19.6 million and $19.2 million in cash paid in lieu of stock for employee tax obligations in settlement of vested stock grants.
Loans Held for Sale & Serviced Portfolio
Any loan or portion of a loan that the Company has the intent and ability to sell is classified as held for sale. The average age of the held for sale portfolio as of December 31, 2021 was 10.1 months from origination date. Approximately 11% of the current held for sale portfolio is older than two years. The majority of held for sale loans over one year old are composed of construction loans. Construction loans typically have extended build out periods that inherently result in longer lead times between origination and the ultimate sale date. Approximately 25.0% of the held for sale portfolio is aged between one and two years.
As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the cumulative total outstanding principal balance of loans sold since May 2007 totaled $3.30 billion and $3.20 billion, respectively. The Company generally continues to service loans after the date of sale. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the total outstanding principal of loans and leases, including those serviced for others, was $9.96 billion and $9.57 billion, respectively.
Loan and Lease Maturity
As of December 31, 2021, $7.72 billion, or 77.5%, of the total outstanding principal of loans and leases, including those serviced for others, were variable rate loans that adjust at specified dates based on the prime lending rate or other variable indices. As of December 31, 2021, $4.54 billion, or 45.6%, of total outstanding principal of loans and leases, including those serviced for others, were variable rate loans that adjust on either a calendar monthly or calendar quarterly basis using the prime lending rate or other variable indices.
At December 31, 2021, 78.2%, or $5.21 billion, of the combined held for sale and held for investment loan and lease portfolio was composed of variable rate loans.
51
At December 31, 2021, $1.33 billion, or 24.0%, of the held for investment balance matures in less than five years. Loans and leases maturing in greater than five years total $4.20 billion of the total $5.53 billion. The variable rate portion of the total held for investment loans and leases, excluding PPP loans, is 79.1%, which reflects the Company’s strategy to minimize interest rate risk through the use of variable rate products.
| At December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remaining Contractual Maturity of Total Held for Investment Loans and Leases | |||||||||||||||||||
| One Year or Less | After One Year and Through Five Years | After Five Years and Through Fifteen Years | After Fifteen Years | Total(1) | |||||||||||||||
| Fixed rate loans and leases: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | |||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 1,949 | $ | 36,232 | $ | 171,306 | $ | 10,228 | $ | 219,715 | |||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 53,633 | 72,105 | 135,774 | 39,960 | 301,472 | ||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | 59,805 | 208,570 | — | — | 268,375 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 115,387 | 316,907 | 307,080 | 50,188 | 789,562 | ||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | |||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 8,028 | 12,223 | 39,343 | 5,062 | 64,656 | ||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 19,133 | 7,907 | 213 | — | 27,253 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 27,161 | 20,130 | 39,556 | 5,062 | 91,909 | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | |||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 5,478 | 28,884 | 25,760 | 108,296 | 168,418 | ||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 10,302 | 11,337 | 958 | 2,419 | 25,016 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 15,780 | 40,221 | 26,718 | 110,715 | 193,434 | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | |||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 2,217 | 96,508 | 60,729 | 131,504 | 290,958 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,217 | 96,508 | 60,729 | 131,504 | 290,958 | ||||||||||||||
| Total fixed rate loans and leases | 160,545 | 473,766 | 434,083 | 297,469 | 1,365,863 | ||||||||||||||
| Variable rate loans and leases: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | |||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 23,489 | 68,682 | 959,220 | 102,106 | 1,153,497 | ||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 57,886 | 274,352 | 233,981 | 72,201 | 638,420 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 81,375 | 343,034 | 1,193,201 | 174,307 | 1,791,917 | ||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | |||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 15,845 | 5,487 | 11,935 | 179,229 | 212,496 | ||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 3,086 | 44,082 | 3,907 | 3,686 | 54,761 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 18,931 | 49,569 | 15,842 | 182,915 | 267,257 | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | |||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 12,881 | 38,665 | 206,318 | 1,418,902 | 1,676,766 | ||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 8,722 | 138,685 | 47,768 | 86,978 | 282,153 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | 21,603 | 177,350 | 254,086 | 1,505,880 | 1,958,919 | ||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | |||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | — | 220 | 30,230 | 112,460 | 142,910 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | — | 220 | 30,230 | 112,460 | 142,910 | ||||||||||||||
| Total variable rate loans and leases | 121,909 | 570,173 | 1,493,359 | 1,975,562 | 4,161,003 | ||||||||||||||
| Total held for investment loans and leases | $ | 282,454 | $ | 1,043,939 | $ | 1,927,442 | $ | 2,273,031 | $ | 5,526,866 |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | Excludes net deferred (fees) costs |
Asset Quality
Management considers asset quality to be of primary importance. A formal loan review function, independent of loan origination, is used to identify and monitor problem loans. This function reports directly to the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.
Nonperforming Assets
The Bank places loans and leases on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due as to principal or interest payments, or prior to that if management has determined based upon current information available to them that the timely collection of principal or interest is not probable. When a loan or lease is placed on nonaccrual status, any interest previously accrued as income but not actually collected is reversed and recorded as a reduction of loan or lease interest and fee income. Typically, collections of interest and principal received on a nonaccrual loan or lease are applied to the outstanding principal as determined at the time of collection of the loan or lease.
52
Troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) occur when, because of economic or legal reasons pertaining to the debtor’s financial difficulties, debtors are granted concessions that would not otherwise be considered. Such concessions would include, but are not limited to, the transfer of assets or the issuance of equity interests by the debtor to satisfy all or part of the debt, modification of the terms of debt or the substitution or addition of debtor(s).
Nonperforming assets and TDRs, excluding loans measured at fair value, at December 31, 2021 were $80.2 million, which represented a $2.3 million, or 2.7%, decrease from December 31, 2020. These nonperforming assets, at December 31, 2021 were comprised of $42.5 million in nonaccrual loans and leases and $620 thousand in foreclosed assets. Of the $80.2 million of nonperforming assets and TDRs, $43.2 million carried an SBA guarantee, leaving an unguaranteed exposure of $37.0 million in total nonperforming assets and TDRs at December 31, 2021. This represents a decrease of $2.3 million, or 5.9%, from an unguaranteed exposure of $39.3 million at December 31, 2020.
The following table provides information with respect to nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings, excluding loans measured at fair value, at the dates indicated.
| 2021 (1) | 2020 (1) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonaccrual loans and leases: | ||||||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases (all on nonaccrual) (2) | $ | 42,533 | $ | 46,110 | ||||
| Total accruing loans and leases past due 90 days or more | — | — | ||||||
| Foreclosed assets | 620 | 4,155 | ||||||
| Total troubled debt restructurings (3) | 55,273 | 39,803 | ||||||
| Less nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings | (18,210 | ) | (7,592 | ) | ||||
| Total performing troubled debt restructurings (3) | 37,063 | 32,211 | ||||||
| Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings (2) (3) | $ | 80,216 | $ | 82,476 | ||||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | $ | 63,584 | $ | 52,306 | ||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases to total loans and leases held for investment (2) | 0.87 | % | 1.06 | % | ||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases to total assets (2) | 0.56 | % | 0.66 | % | ||||
| Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings to total assets (2) (3) | 1.06 | % | 1.17 | % | ||||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to loans and leases held for investment | 1.30 | % | 1.21 | % | ||||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to total nonperforming loans and leases (2) | 149.49 | % | 113.44 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | Excludes loans measured at fair value. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (2) | The year ended December 31, 2020 excludes one $6.1 million nonaccrual loan classified as held for sale. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (3) | The year ended December 31, 2020 excludes one $5.1 million troubled debt restructuring loan classified as held for sale. |
53
| 2021 (1) | 2020 (1) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonaccrual loans and leases guaranteed by U.S. government: | ||||||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases guaranteed by the U.S. government (all on nonaccrual) | $ | 26,546 | $ | 26,032 | ||||
| Total accruing loans and leases past due 90 days or more guaranteed by the U.S. government | — | — | ||||||
| Foreclosed assets guaranteed by the U.S. government | 490 | 3,220 | ||||||
| Total troubled debt restructurings guaranteed by the U.S. government | 26,954 | 18,160 | ||||||
| Less nonaccrual troubled debt restructurings guaranteed by the U.S. government | (10,770 | ) | (4,271 | ) | ||||
| Total performing troubled debt restructurings guaranteed by U.S. government | 16,184 | 13,889 | ||||||
| Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings guaranteed by the U.S. government | $ | 43,220 | $ | 43,141 | ||||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases | $ | 63,584 | $ | 52,306 | ||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total held for investment loans and leases | 0.33 | % | 0.46 | % | ||||
| Total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total assets | 0.21 | % | 0.29 | % | ||||
| Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings not guaranteed by the U.S. government to total assets | 0.49 | % | 0.56 | % | ||||
| Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases to total nonperforming loans and leases not guaranteed by the U.S government | 397.73 | % | 260.51 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | Excludes loans measured at fair value. |
Total nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructurings, including loans measured at fair value, at December 31, 2021 were $153.6 million, which represented a $363 thousand, or 0.2%, increase from December 31, 2020. These nonperforming assets, at December 31, 2021 were comprised of $85.4 million in nonaccrual loans and leases and $620 thousand in foreclosed assets. Of the $153.6 million of nonperforming assets and TDRs, $101.1 million carried an SBA guarantee, leaving an unguaranteed exposure of $52.5 million in total nonperforming assets and TDRs at December 31, 2021. This represents a decrease of $3.0 million, or 5.4%, from an unguaranteed exposure of $55.5 million at December 31, 2020.
See the below discussion related to the change in potential problem and impaired loans and leases for management’s overall observations regarding the change in total nonperforming loans and leases.
As a percentage of the Bank’s total capital, nonperforming loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, represented 6.0% at December 31, 2021, compared to 8.8% at December 31, 2020. Adjusting the ratio to include only the unguaranteed portion of nonperforming loans and leases at historical cost to reflect management’s belief that the greater magnitude of risk resides in this portion, the ratios at December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 were 2.3% and 3.8%, respectively.
54
As of December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, potential problem (also referred to as criticized) and classified loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, totaled $372.7 million and $311.4 million, respectively. The following is a discussion of these loans and leases. Risk Grades 5 through 8 represent the spectrum of criticized and classified loans and leases. For a complete description of the risk grading system used by the Company, see “Credit Quality Indicators” in Note 3 to the notes to consolidated financial statements. At December 31, 2021, the portion of criticized and classified loans and leases guaranteed by the SBA or USDA totaled $197.2 million resulting in unguaranteed exposure risk of $175.5 million, or 6.3% of total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost. This compares to the December 31, 2020 portion of criticized and classified loans and leases guaranteed by the SBA or USDA which totaled $168.9 million resulting in unguaranteed exposure risk of $142.5 million, or 8.2% of total held for investment unguaranteed exposure carried at historical cost. As of December 31, 2021, loans and leases carried at historical cost within the following verticals comprise the largest portion of the total potential problem and classified loans and leases: Educational Services at 16.1%, Wine and Craft Beverage at 13.7%, Hotels at 11.8%, Entertainment Centers at 10.4%, Healthcare at 9.0%, Fitness Centers at 5.3%, Self Storage at 4.8%, Agriculture at 4.5% and Veterinary at 4.4%. As of December 31, 2020, loans and leases carried at historical cost within the following verticals comprise the largest portion of the total potential problem and classified loans and leases: Educational Services at 15.3%, Wine and Craft Beverage at 14.3%, Hotels at 13.6%, Entertainment Centers at 12.5%, Healthcare at 10.3%, Fitness Centers at 7.2%, Self Storage at 6.4% and Veterinary at 4.5%. Other than Hotels which are a part of the Company’s Specialty Lending division, all of the above listed verticals are within the Company’s Small Business Banking division. The majority of the 2021 increase in potential problem and classified loans and leases amounting to $61.3 million was comprised of a relatively small number of borrowers largely concentrated in the Company’s more mature verticals. Furthermore, the Company believes that its underwriting and credit quality standards have remained high with an emphasis on new production in pandemic resilient verticals and has continued the practice of monitoring existing loans in pandemic susceptible verticals.
Loans and leases that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls are generally not individually evaluated for the purpose of estimating the allowance for credit losses. The Bank generally considers an “insignificant period of time” from payment delays to be a period of 90 days or less, unless the borrower was not past due at the time of a modification as a part of a COVID-19 assistance program. The Bank would consider a modification for a customer experiencing what is expected to be a short-term event that has temporarily impacted cash flow. This could be due, among other reasons, to illness, weather, impact from a one-time expense, slower than expected start-up, construction issues or other short-term issues. Credit personnel will review the request to determine if the customer is stressed and how the event has impacted the ability of the customer to repay the loan or lease long term. At December 31, 2021, the Company had $1.1 million in modified unguaranteed loans and leases for borrowers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These modifications were short-term payment deferrals generally no more than six-months in duration and accordingly are not considered troubled debt restructurings.
Management endeavors to be proactive in its approach to identify and resolve problem loans and leases and is focused on working with the borrowers and guarantors of these loans and leases to provide loan and lease modifications when warranted. Management implements a proactive approach to identifying and classifying loans and leases as special mention (also referred to as criticized), Risk Grade 5. At December 31, 2021, and December 31, 2020, Risk Grade 5 loans and leases, excluding loans measured at fair value, totaled $267.4 million and $237.5 million, respectively. The increase in Risk Grade 5 loans and leases, exclusive of loans measured at fair value, during 2021 was principally confined to eight verticals: Educational Services ($11.3 million or 56.1%), Agriculture ($7.0 million or 34.8%), Hotels ($5.0 million or 24.9%), Healthcare ($4.2 million or 20.8%), General ($3.0 million or 14.8%), Independent Pharmacies ($2.8 million or 14.0%), Sponsor Finance ($2.7 million or 13.3%) and Venture Banking ($2.6 million or 12.8%). Partially offsetting the above increases were declines in Risk Grade 5 loans principally concentrated in four verticals: Senior Care ($7.9 million or 39.2%), Wine and Craft Beverage ($5.2 million or 26.0%), Fitness Centers ($5.2 million or 25.6%) and Entertainment Centers ($4.6 million or 22.9%). Other than Hotels, Sponsor Finance and Venture Banking, which are a part of the Company’s Specialty Lending division, all of the above listed verticals are within the Company’s Small Business Banking division.
At December 31 2021, approximately 99.1% of loans and leases classified as Risk Grade 5 are performing with only one relationship having payments past due more than 30 days. While the level of nonperforming assets fluctuates in response to changing economic and market conditions, in light of the relative size and composition of the loan and lease portfolio and management’s degree of success in resolving problem assets, management believes that a proactive approach to early identification and intervention is critical to successfully managing a small business loan portfolio. In conjunction with this, management believes that volumes of delinquencies may not be an accurate depiction of the borrower’s repayment abilities under the recent pandemic induced circumstances due to payments being made by the SBA on behalf of borrowers with loans under its programs. As government payment assistance began to expire toward the end of 2020, borrowers with continuing difficulties arising from the pandemic were provided additional relief through payment deferrals. Management monitors these borrowers closely and has observed financial conditions continuing to improve. Management has also noted that most loans with expired government assistance have been able to resume making regular payments.
55
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Leases
See Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report for a description of the methodologies used to estimate the ACL prior to and after the adoption of ASC 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, on January 1, 2020.
The ACL of $52.3 million at December 31, 2020, increased by $11.3 million, or 21.6%, to $63.6 million at December 31, 2021. The ACL as a percentage of loans and leases held for investment at historical cost amounted to 1.3% and 1.2% at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Excluding PPP loans and related reserves, the ACL as a percentage of loans and leases held for investment at historical cost amounted to 1.3% and 1.8% at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in the ACL during 2021 was primarily due to impact of growth in loan and lease originations somewhat mitigated by the effects of improved forecasts related to employment and default expectations as the economic outlook has continued to improve, as addressed more fully in the above section captioned “Provision for Loan and Lease Credit Losses” in “Results of Operations.”
Actual past due held for investment loans and leases, inclusive of loans measured at fair value, have decreased by $1.6 million since December 31, 2020. Total loans and leases 90 or more days past due decreased $12.7 million, or 20.5%, compared to December 31, 2020. The decrease was comprised of a $13.2 million decrease in unguaranteed exposure combined partially offset with a $509 thousand increase in the guaranteed portion of past due loans compared to December 31, 2020. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, total held for investment unguaranteed loans and leases past due as a percentage of total held for investment unguaranteed loans and leases, inclusive of loans measured at fair value, was 0.6% and 1.1%, respectively. Total unguaranteed loans and leases past due were comprised of $16.6 million carried at historical cost, a decrease of $6.5 million, and $5.1 million measured at fair value, a decrease of $1.2 million, as of December 30, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020. Management continues to actively monitor and work to improve asset quality. Management believes the ACL of $63.6 million at December 31, 2021 is appropriate in light of the risk inherent in the loan and lease portfolio. Management’s judgments are based on numerous assumptions about current and expected events that it believes to be reasonable, but which may or may not be valid, including but not limited to factors related to the above mentioned SBA delinquency effect and pandemic-susceptible borrowers. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that management’s ongoing evaluation of the loan and lease portfolio in light of changing economic conditions and other relevant circumstances will not require significant future additions to the ACL, thus adversely affecting the Company’s operating results. Additional information on the ACL is presented in Note 3. Loans and Leases Held for Investment and Credit Quality of the consolidated financial statements in this report.
56
The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for credit losses on loans and leases carried at historical cost by category at the dates indicated.
| 2021 | 2020 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allowance | Total Loans and Leases(1) | % of Total Allowance | % of Total Loans and Leases(1) | Allowance | Total Loans and Leases(1) | % of Total Allowance | % of Total Loans and Leases(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 23,807 | $ | 1,124,406 | 37.44 | % | 23.03 | % | $ | 2,297 | $ | 716,196 | 4.39 | % | 16.47 | % | ||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 11,560 | 875,367 | 18.18 | 17.93 | 19,417 | 342,289 | 37.12 | 7.87 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | 2,403 | 268,375 | 3.78 | 5.50 | 5,259 | 1,528,180 | 10.06 | 35.13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 37,770 | 2,268,148 | 59.40 | 46.46 | 26,973 | 2,586,665 | 51.57 | 59.47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 2,437 | 277,152 | 3.83 | 5.68 | 1,907 | 183,087 | 3.65 | 4.21 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 998 | 82,014 | 1.57 | 1.68 | 3,756 | 92,613 | 7.18 | 2.13 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 3,435 | 359,166 | 5.40 | 7.36 | 5,663 | 275,700 | 10.83 | 6.34 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 13,074 | 1,594,328 | 20.56 | 32.66 | 11,226 | 999,697 | 21.46 | 22.99 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 5,994 | 287,688 | 9.43 | 5.89 | 6,922 | 155,331 | 13.23 | 3.57 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 19,068 | 1,882,016 | 29.99 | 38.55 | 18,148 | 1,155,028 | 34.69 | 26.56 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 3,311 | 372,335 | 5.21 | 7.63 | 1,522 | 331,881 | 2.91 | 7.63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 3,311 | 372,335 | 5.21 | 7.63 | 1,522 | 331,881 | 2.91 | 7.63 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 63,584 | $ | 4,881,665 | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % | $ | 52,306 | $ | 4,349,274 | 100.00 | % | 100.00 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | Excludes loans measured at fair value. |
Analysis of Loan and Lease Loss Experience. The following table sets forth an analysis of net charge-offs for loans and leases carried at historical cost to average total loans and leases, carried at historical cost, by category for the years indicated.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net Charge-offs(1) | Average Total Loans & Leases(1) | % of Total Loans(1) | Net Charge-offs(1) | Average Total Loans & Leases(1) | % of Total Loans(1) | Net Charge-offs(1) | Average Total Loans & Leases(1) | % of Total Loans(1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial & Industrial | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | $ | 2,740 | $ | 895,195 | 0.31 | % | $ | 2,669 | $ | 463,811 | 0.58 | % | $ | 641 | $ | 271,756 | 0.24 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 593,510 | — | 1,648 | 226,365 | 0.73 | — | 125,091 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Paycheck Protection Program | — | 939,205 | — | — | 1,271,106 | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 2,740 | 2,427,910 | 0.11 | 4,317 | 1,961,282 | 0.22 | 641 | 396,847 | 0.16 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Construction & Development | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 262 | 169,530 | 0.15 | — | 112,864 | — | — | 208,155 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | — | 64,759 | — | — | 57,651 | — | — | 27,774 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 262 | 234,289 | 0.11 | — | 170,515 | — | — | 235,929 | — | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Real Estate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 664 | 1,392,846 | 0.05 | 164 | 821,241 | 0.02 | (18 | ) | 410,054 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Specialty Lending | 254 | 230,901 | 0.11 | 10,155 | 177,774 | 5.71 | 615 | 125,482 | 0.49 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 918 | 1,623,747 | 0.06 | 10,319 | 999,015 | 1.03 | 597 | 535,536 | 0.11 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commercial Land | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Small Business Banking | 12 | 377,967 | — | 629 | 316,691 | 0.20 | 172 | 192,845 | 0.09 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 12 | 377,967 | — | 629 | 316,691 | 0.20 | 172 | 192,845 | 0.09 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 3,932 | $ | 4,663,913 | 0.08 | % | $ | 15,265 | $ | 3,447,503 | 0.44 | % | $ | 1,410 | $ | 1,361,157 | 0.10 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | Excludes loans measured at fair value. |
57
Investment Securities
Investment securities totaled $906.1 million at December 31, 2021, an increase of $156.0 million, or 20.8%, compared to $750.1 million at December 31, 2020. The increase in the investment portfolio for 2021 was to support earnings through additional yield, compared to cash alternatives, while the Company continued to deploy the excess liquidity on the balance sheet that arose from 2020’s efforts to safeguard liquidity, in the early stages of the global pandemic, as well as from the pledging of the PPP loans to the Federal Reserve PPPLF. This also included purchases of $348.1 million in mortgage-backed securities, including $43.2 million for purposes of complying with the Community Reinvestment Act, and purchases of $70.7 million in collateralized mortgage obligations to increase yield and duration.
The investment securities portfolio consists entirely of available-for-sale securities. The Company purchases securities for the investment securities portfolio to manage interest rate risk, ensure a stable source of liquidity and to provide a steady source of income in excess of cost of funds.
At December 31, 2021, the duration of the overall available-for-sale securities portfolio was approximately 5.22 years.
The following table sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of investment securities at December 31, 2021. Certain mortgage related securities have adjustable interest rates and will reprice annually within the various maturity ranges. These repricing schedules are not reflected in the tables below.
| Total | Within One Year | After One to Five Years | After Five to Ten Years | After Ten Years | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amortized Cost | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | Amortized Cost | Average Yield | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| US government securities | $ | 10,444 | $ | 7,507 | 2.17 | % | $ | — | 0.00 | % | $ | 2,937 | 2.84 | % | $ | — | 0.00 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Mortgage-backed securities | 887,302 | 202 | 2.00 | % | 20,316 | 2.60 | % | 298,860 | 2.38 | % | 567,924 | 2.12 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Municipal bonds | 3,246 | — | 0.00 | % | — | 0.00 | % | — | 0.00 | % | 3,246 | 4.52 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other debt securities | 2,500 | 500 | 5.00 | % | 2,000 | 6.00 | % | — | 0.00 | % | — | 0.00 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total securities | $ | 903,492 | $ | 8,209 | 2.34 | % | $ | 22,316 | 2.91 | % | $ | 301,797 | 2.38 | % | $ | 571,170 | 2.14 | % |
At December 31, 2021, the Company had 98.2% of its total investment securities portfolio in mortgage-backed securities, compared with 97.4% at December 31, 2020. The Company has continued to purchase mortgage-backed securities in order to obtain a favorable yield versus cash alternatives while still maintaining a low risk profile within the investment portfolio.
Deposits
The following table sets forth the composition of deposits.
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Percent | Total | Percent | Total | Percent | |||||||||||||||||||
| Period end: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 89,279 | 1.26 | % | $ | 75,287 | 1.32 | % | $ | 51,965 | 1.23 | % | ||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | — | — | 250,060 | 4.38 | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||
| Money market | 105,628 | 1.48 | 117,010 | 2.05 | 86,754 | 2.05 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Savings | 3,507,354 | 49.32 | 2,081,561 | 36.43 | 1,101,065 | 26.05 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 3,409,783 | 47.94 | 3,188,910 | 55.82 | 2,987,196 | 70.67 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 7,022,765 | 98.74 | % | 5,637,541 | 98.68 | % | 4,175,015 | 98.77 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Total period end deposits | $ | 7,112,044 | 100.00 | % | $ | 5,712,828 | 100.00 | % | $ | 4,226,980 | 100.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total uninsured deposits | $ | 1,197,057 | 16.83 | % | $ | 580,912 | 10.17 | % | $ | 357,917 | 8.47 | % |
58
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | Percent | Average Rate | Total | Percent | Average Rate | Total | Percent | Average Rate | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Average: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Noninterest-bearing demand deposits | $ | 77,104 | 1.18 | % | — | % | $ | 47,655 | 0.89 | % | — | % | $ | 49,510 | 1.33 | % | — | % | ||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing deposits: | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest-bearing checking | 76,714 | 1.18 | 0.58 | 318,667 | 5.95 | 0.58 | 42 | 0.00 | 1.07 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Money market | 103,078 | 1.58 | 0.29 | 87,050 | 1.62 | 0.40 | 86,175 | 2.31 | 0.65 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Savings | 3,077,933 | 47.23 | 0.54 | 1,531,680 | 28.59 | 1.08 | 1,013,177 | 27.13 | 2.03 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Time deposits | 3,181,591 | 48.83 | 1.33 | 3,373,012 | 62.95 | 2.10 | 2,585,367 | 69.23 | 2.58 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total average deposits | $ | 6,516,420 | 100.00 | % | 0.92 | % | $ | 5,358,064 | 100.00 | % | 1.67 | % | $ | 3,734,271 | 100.00 | % | 2.35 | % |
Deposits increased to $7.11 billion at December 31, 2021 from $5.71 billion at December 31, 2020, an increase of $1.40 billion, or 24.5%. This increase was primarily due to the growth of the Company’s customer base in the savings and time deposit products, enhanced by a nationwide marketing campaign with attractive rates and additional wholesale funding, to support the significant loan growth in 2021. Noninterest-bearing deposits increased $14.0 million, or 18.6%, during 2021, and interest-bearing deposits increased $1.39 billion, or 24.6%, during the same period.
At December 31, 2021, the aggregate balance of uninsured time deposit accounts totaled $58.0 million. At December 31, 2021, 81.5% of uninsured time deposit accounts were scheduled to mature within one year. The maturity profile of uninsured time deposits at December 31, 2021 is as follows:
| Maturity Period | Three months or less | More than three months to six months | More than six months to twelve months | More than twelve months | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount of time deposits in uninsured accounts | $ | 11,978 | $ | 13,451 | $ | 21,860 | $ | 10,759 |
Borrowings
Total borrowings decreased $1.22 billion at December 31, 2021 from December 31, 2020 as a result of the following:
In March 2021, the Company entered into a 60-month term loan agreement of $50.0 million with a third party correspondent bank. The loan accrues interest at a fixed rate of 2.95% with a monthly payment sufficient to fully amortize the loan, with all remaining unpaid principal and interest due at maturity on March 30, 2026. The Company paid the Lender a non-refundable $325 thousand loan origination fee upon signing of the Note that is presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the loan and will be amortized into interest expense over the life of the loan.
In April 2020, the Company entered into the Federal Reserve Bank's PPPLF. Under the PPPLF, advances must be secured by pledges of loans to small businesses originated by the Company under the U.S. Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program titled the Paycheck Protection Program. The PPPLF accrues interest at thirty-five basis points and matures at various dates equal to the maturity date of the PPPLF collateral pledged to secure the advance, ranging from April 6, 2022 to May 5, 2026, and will be accelerated on and to the extent of any 7(a) loan forgiveness reimbursement by the SBA for any PPPLF collateral or the date of purchase by the SBA from the borrower of any PPPLF collateral. On the maturity date of each advance, the Company repays the advance plus accrued interest. This $267.6 million borrowing was fully advanced at December 31, 2021, compared to $1.53 billion at December 31, 2020.
In September 2020, the Company renewed a $50.0 million revolving line of credit originally issued in 2017 with a third party correspondent bank. There was $14.5 million outstanding and $35.5 million of available credit remaining at December 31, 2020. The Company made a principal paydown of $14.5 million on March 31, 2021 with $50.0 million of available credit remaining. On October 20, 2021, the Company renewed and increased the revolving line of credit from $50.0 million to $100.0 million. The line of credit is unsecured and accrues interest at 30-day SOFR plus 1.25% for a term of 36 months, with an interest rate cap of 4.25% and an interest rate floor of 2.75%. Payments are interest only with all principal and accrued interest due at maturity on October 10, 2024. The terms of this loan require the Company to maintain minimum capital and debt service coverage ratios. The company drew $8.0 million on December 20, 2021 and there is $92.0 million of available credit remaining at December 31, 2021.
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Liquidity Management
Liquidity management refers to the ability to meet day-to-day cash flow requirements based primarily on activity in loan and deposit accounts of the Company’s customers. Liquidity is immediately available from four major sources: (a) cash on hand and on deposit at other banks; (b) the outstanding balance of federal funds sold; (c) the market value of unpledged investment securities; and (d) availability under lines of credit, FHLB advances, and the Federal Reserve Discount Window. A primary tool in the Company’s liquidity management process is the utilization of a Volatile Liability Coverage Ratio (“VLCR”) model to stress outflows in various scenarios with targeted days of liquidity coverage. The VLCR model output is then used by management to ensure adequate liquidity sources are available during those future periods. At December 31, 2021, the total amount of these four liquidity source items was $3.42 billion, or 41.6% of total assets, an increase of 2.8% of total assets from $3.06 billion, or 38.8% of total assets, at December 31, 2020.
Loans and other assets are funded primarily by loan sales, wholesale deposits and core deposits. To date, an increasing retail deposit base and a stable amount of brokered deposits have been adequate to meet loan obligations, while maintaining the desired level of immediate liquidity. The Company maintains an investment securities portfolio that is available for both immediate and secondary contingent liquidity purposes, whether via pledging to the Federal Home Loan Bank or through liquidation. Additionally, the Company maintains a guaranteed loan portfolio that is also a contingent liquidity source, whether via pledging to the Federal Reserve Discount Window or through liquidation.
At December 31, 2021, none of the investment securities portfolio was pledged to secure public deposits or pledged to retail repurchase agreements, leaving $903.6 million available to be pledged as collateral.
Contractual Obligations
The Company has entered into significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations for future payments. See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for expected timing of payments as of December 31, 2021. These include operating and finance leases (Note 4. Leases), time deposits with stated maturity dates (Note 7. Deposits) and borrowings (Note 8. Borrowings).
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of operations, the Company engages in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with GAAP, are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. For more information, see Note 11. Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Sensitivity
One of the primary objectives of asset/liability management is to maximize the net interest margin while minimizing the earnings risk associated with changes in interest rates. One method used to manage interest rate sensitivity is to measure, over various time periods, the interest rate sensitivity positions, or gaps. This method, however, addresses only the magnitude of timing differences and does not address earnings or market value. Therefore, management uses an earnings simulation model to prepare, on a regular basis, earnings projections based on a range of interest rate scenarios to more accurately measure interest rate risk. For more information, see Item 7A of this Report.
The Company's balance sheet, overall, is asset-sensitive with a total cumulative gap position of 4.55% at December 31, 2021. The Company’s near-term asset-sensitive position was eroded throughout 2020 and 2021 as fixed rate investment and lending additions increased the Bank’s asset duration, while its retail deposits growth was primarily in savings and short-term certificates of deposits. An overall total cumulative gap asset-sensitive position means that net interest income will generally move in the same direction as interest rates. For instance, if interest rates increase, net interest income can be expected to increase, and if interest rates decrease, net interest income can be expected to decrease. For more information on the various measures that the Company utilizes to evaluate near-term and long-term interest rate risk, see Item 7A if this Report. The Company attempts to mitigate interest rate risk through match-funding, meaning that variable rate loans are funded with variable rate deposits and fixed rate loans or investments are funded with term deposits.
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Capital
The maintenance of appropriate levels of capital is a management priority and is monitored on a regular basis. The Company’s principal goals related to the maintenance of capital are to provide adequate capital to support the Company’s risk profile consistent with the risk appetite approved by the Board of Directors; provide financial flexibility to support future growth and client needs; comply with relevant laws, regulations, and supervisory guidance; achieve optimal credit ratings for the Company and its subsidiaries; and provide a competitive return to shareholders. Management regularly monitors the capital position of the Company on both a consolidated and Bank level basis. In this regard, management’s goal is to maintain capital at levels that are in excess of the regulatory “well capitalized” levels. Risk-based capital ratios, which include Tier 1 Capital, Total Capital and Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, are calculated based on regulatory guidance related to the measurement of capital and risk-weighted assets.
Capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019 are presented in the table below.
| Actual | Minimum Capital Requirement | Minimum To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | Amount | Ratio | |||||||||||||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 689,367 | 12.38 | % | $ | 250,619 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 753,691 | 13.53 | % | $ | 445,544 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 689,367 | 12.38 | % | $ | 334,158 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 689,367 | 8.87 | % | $ | 310,902 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 640,652 | 12.05 | % | $ | 239,201 | 4.50 | % | $ | 345,512 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 704,976 | 13.26 | % | $ | 425,246 | 8.00 | % | $ | 531,557 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 640,652 | 12.05 | % | $ | 318,934 | 6.00 | % | $ | 425,246 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 640,652 | 8.32 | % | $ | 307,931 | 4.00 | % | $ | 384,914 | 5.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 521,568 | 12.15 | % | $ | 193,172 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 574,621 | 13.39 | % | $ | 343,417 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 521,568 | 12.15 | % | $ | 257,563 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 521,568 | 8.40 | % | $ | 248,417 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2020 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 470,069 | 11.25 | % | $ | 188,012 | 4.50 | % | $ | 271,573 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 522,305 | 12.50 | % | $ | 334,243 | 8.00 | % | $ | 417,804 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 470,069 | 11.25 | % | $ | 250,683 | 6.00 | % | $ | 334,243 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 470,069 | 7.60 | % | $ | 247,288 | 4.00 | % | $ | 309,110 | 5.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| Consolidated - December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 499,513 | 14.90 | % | $ | 150,927 | 4.50 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 527,747 | 15.74 | % | $ | 268,315 | 8.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 499,513 | 14.90 | % | $ | 201,236 | 6.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 499,513 | 10.65 | % | $ | 187,582 | 4.00 | % | N/A | N/A | ||||||||||||||
| Bank - December 31, 2019 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 451,807 | 13.66 | % | $ | 148,950 | 4.50 | % | $ | 215,150 | 6.50 | % | ||||||||||||
| Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 480,040 | 14.51 | % | $ | 264,800 | 8.00 | % | $ | 331,000 | 10.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) | $ | 451,807 | 13.66 | % | $ | 198,600 | 6.00 | % | $ | 264,800 | 8.00 | % | ||||||||||||
| Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) | $ | 451,807 | 9.68 | % | $ | 186,627 | 4.00 | % | $ | 233,283 | 5.00 | % |
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
|---|---|
| (1) | Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable at the bank holding company level. |
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The Company bases estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under current circumstances, results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The Company’s accounting policies, including those for the Company’s critical accounting estimates are described in detail in Note 1. Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the consolidated financial statements and are an integral part of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. A thorough understanding of these accounting policies is essential when reviewing the Company’s reported results of operations and financial position. The Company’s most critical accounting estimates are listed below. These estimates require the Company to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.
Allowance for credit losses (ACL)
Accounting policies related to the ACL on financial instruments including loans and off-balance-sheet credit exposures are considered to be critical as these policies involve considerable subjective judgment and estimation by the Company. In accordance with ASC 326, the ACL is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans and leases to present a net amount expected to be collected over the life of the asset.
The Company’s ACL on loans and leases is estimated using relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts, and measured on a pooled basis where loans with similar risk characteristics (such as industry and type of collateral) are collectively evaluated for impairment. The ACL is computed using a discounted cash flow (“DCF”) methodology that utilizes inputs and assumptions that require significant judgement. The most significant assumptions used are: 1) economic forecast assumptions, 2) prepayment assumptions, and 3). application of qualitative factors, the most significant of which is related to the loan risk grading process. Sensitivities to these three areas are disclosed below to demonstrate how a change in economic forecast, prepayment assumptions and risk grades may impact the ACL. The below sensitivities only consider each variable individually in isolation as compared to the reported total of the ACL and factor in no correlated impacts to other inputs or factors of the ACL model.
Economic forecast
Probability of default (“PD”) and loss given default (“LGD”) rates within the DCF model are adjusted for national unemployment rates during the reasonable and supportable forecast period. The Company has determined that a reasonable and supportable forecast period is four quarters with loss rates reverting back to a historical loss rate over the subsequent four quarters on a straight-line basis.
The ACL is highly sensitive to the unemployment economic forecast used. Due to the high level of uncertainty regarding significant assumptions, the Company often evaluates various economic scenarios from authoritative industry sources to assess variability of economic outlooks. At December 31, 2021, the Company utilized economic assumptions that management believed were the most likely to occur during the duration of the forecast period which had current unemployment levels remaining relatively stable during the one-year forecast period. Selecting a different forecast in the current environment could result in a significantly different ACL. The following table summarizes the impact of more severe unemployment forecast scenarios if they had been selected at December 31, 2021.
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| Approximate increase to ACL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Scenario | Forecasted Unemployment | $ | % |
| Severe | Current unemployment levels increase to 7% in the first quarter of 2022 and increase to 9% by the end of a one-year forecast period. At the end of the forecast period adjusted loss rates revert back to a historical rate over a one-year period. | $21.5 million | 34% |
| Moderate | Current unemployment levels increase to 5% in the first quarter of 2022 and increase to 7% by the end of a one-year forecast period. At the end of the forecast period adjusted loss rates revert back to a historical rate over a one-year period. | $10.5 million | 16% |
| Mild | Current unemployment levels decrease to 3% in the first quarter of 2022 before increasing to 5% by the end of a one-year forecast period. At the end of the forecast period adjusted loss rates revert back to a historical rate over a one-year period. | $2.1 million | 3% |
If facts and circumstances supported the Company’s utilization of more severe unemployment scenario other impacts to the model would also be factored in which could result in a materially different estimate than that provided above.
Prepayment assumptions
Expected losses are calculated as the product of PD, LGD, and exposure at default (“EAD”). Expected losses are then discounted using the loan or leases effective interest rate, adjusted for estimated prepayments. Changes to the prepayment assumptions used would result in a different estimated ACL. To illustrate, if the weighted average prepayment assumption were decreased by 25%, the ACL as of December 31, 2021 would increase by approximately $2.8 million or 4%.
Loan risk grade - qualitative adjustments
Historical loss information is adjusted for differences in current risk characteristics that are not considered within the quantitative modeling process of the ACL but are relevant in assessing the expected credit losses. These qualitative adjustments include risk grades, delinquency levels, pool age, portfolio mix & growth rates and the status of servicing efforts that may be impacted by natural disasters or health pandemics. As indicated above, the loan risk grading process generally has the most significant impact on the ACL. Accordingly, the Company’s internal risk rating system and resulting loss estimates are highly dependent on the accuracy for the risk rating assigned to each loan and lease. The inherent imprecision in the risk rating system resulting from inaccuracy in assigning and/or entering risk ratings in the loan accounting system is monitored by the Company’s internal and external asset quality review functions. Changes to internal risk ratings, would result in a different estimated allowance for credit losses. To illustrate, if all loans in the Company’s five largest industry verticals ($1.2 billion or 44% of unguaranteed held for investment loans not accounted for under the fair value option) were adjusted down by one risk grade (e.g., RG 4 to RG 5) across all pools, the ACL as of December 31, 2021 would increase by approximately $7.1 million or 11%.
Other Considerations
While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of our ACL is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond our control, including the performance of our portfolios, the economy, changes in interest rates and the view of the regulatory authorities toward classification of assets. See Note 3. Loans and Leases Held for Investment and Credit Quality in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by the Company in estimating the necessary level of the ACL.
Valuation of loans accounted for under the fair value option
Loans accounted for under the fair value option involve estimation for credit risk, market liquidity, and economic condition impacts using factors that are beyond management’s control.
Credit risk
The credit element of the loan fair value mark is estimated using the same DCF model discussed above relative to ACL calculations with key inputs requiring significant judgement and assumptions being: 1) selection of economic forecast, 2) prepayment assumptions, and 3). application of qualitative factors, the most significant of which is related to the loan risk grading process.
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Economic forecast
To illustrate, absent any other changes in the model, if the Company selected the severe, moderate, or mild scenarios as described above, the credit mark for fair value loans at December 31, 2021 would have increased by approximately $3.4 million or 15%, $1.7 million or 8%, and $439 thousand or 2%, respectively. If facts and circumstances supported the Company’s utilization of more severe unemployment scenario other impacts to the model would also be factored in which could result in a materially different estimated than that provided above.
Prepayment assumptions
Expected losses are calculated as the product of PD, LGD, and exposure at default (“EAD”). Expected losses are then discounted using the loan or leases effective interest rate, adjusted for estimated prepayments. Changes to the prepayment assumptions used would result in a different estimated fair value mark. To illustrate, if the weighted average prepayment assumption were decreased by 25%, the fair value mark as of December 31, 2021 would increase by approximately $893 thousand or 4%.
Loan risk grade - qualitative adjustments
To illustrate, if all loans in the Company’s five largest industry verticals ($185.4 million or 32% of unguaranteed held for investment loans accounted for under the fair value option) were adjusted down by one risk grade (e.g., RG 4 to RG 5) across all pools, the fair value mark as of December 31, 2021 would increase by $888 thousand or 4%.
Market risk
Market liquidity and economic condition adjustments are estimated using the sale prices of similar loans based on yield, term and asset size. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
Other Considerations
See Note 10. Fair Value of Financial Instruments in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by management in estimating the fair value of loans. In the first quarter of 2021, the Company chose not to elect the fair value for all retained participating interests arising from new government guaranteed loan sales.
Valuation of servicing assets
The fair value of servicing assets is based on market prices for comparable servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as adequate compensation for servicing, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses, with the prepayment speed being one of the most sensitive assumptions. Changes to these assumptions can have a material impact on the valuation of the servicing assets.
Yield curve rates are considered a significant assumption in the valuation of servicing rights and an analysis of sensitivity is reflected in the section captioned “Noninterest Income” elsewhere in this discussion. See also Note 5. Servicing Assets in the notes to consolidated financial statements for further details of the factors considered by the Company in estimating the fair value servicing assets.
Non-GAAP Measures
Some of the financial measures included in our selected historical consolidated financial data and elsewhere in this Annual Report are not measures of financial performance recognized by GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures are: “tangible shareholders’ equity;” “tangible assets;” “tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets;” “tangible book value per share;” “efficiency ratio;” “non-GAAP net income;” “noninterest income, non-GAAP;” “noninterest expense, non-GAAP;” “income before taxes, non-GAAP;” and “income tax (benefit) expense, non-GAAP.” Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance.
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | “Tangible shareholders’ equity” is total shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation. |
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| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | “Tangible assets” is total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | “Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets” is defined as the ratio of shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, divided by total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets. Management believes this measure is important because it shows relative changes from period to period in equity and total assets, each exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | “Tangible book value per share” is defined as total equity reduced by goodwill and other intangible assets divided by total common shares outstanding. Management believes this measure is important because it shows changes from period to period in book value per share exclusive of changes in intangible assets. Management has not considered loan servicing rights as an intangible asset for purposes of this calculation. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | “Efficiency ratio” is defined as total noninterest expense divided by the sum of net interest income and noninterest income less gain on sale of investment securities available-for-sale, net. Management believes this measure is important as an indicator of productivity because it shows the amount of noninterest expense that was required to generate a dollar of revenue. While the efficiency ratio is a measure of productivity, its value reflects the unique attributes of the “high-touch business model” the Company employs. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | “Non-GAAP net income” is defined as net income adjusted to exclude significant non-routine sources of income and uses of expenses and an estimated corporate income tax expense across all periods being compared. Management believes these measures are important as they allow for an evaluation of the core profitability of the Company's business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | “Noninterest income, non-GAAP” is defined as noninterest income adjusted to exclude significant non-routine sources of income, including gain on sale of aircraft. Management believes these measures are important as they allow for an evaluation of the core profitability of the Company's business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | “Noninterest expense, non-GAAP” is defined as noninterest expense adjusted to exclude significant non-routine uses of expenses, including loss on sale of aircraft and impairment on aircraft held for sale. Management believes these measures are important as they allow for an evaluation of the core profitability of the Company's business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | “Income before taxes, non-GAAP” is defined as income before taxes adjusted to exclude significant non-routine sources of income and uses of expenses as discussed above. Management believes these measures are important as they allow for an evaluation of the core profitability of the Company's business. |
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 |
|---|---|---|
| • | “Income tax expense (benefit), non-GAAP” is defined as income tax expense adjusted to exclude significant non-routine sources of income or uses of expenses discussed above. Management believes these measures are important as they allow for an evaluation of the core profitability of the Company's business. |
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The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide useful information to management and investors that is supplementary to the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows computed in accordance with GAAP; however, the Company acknowledges that non-GAAP financial measures have a number of limitations. As such, you should not view these measures as a substitute for results determined in accordance with GAAP, and they are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that other companies use. The following table provides a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most closely related GAAP measure.
| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Total shareholders' equity | $ | 715,133 | $ | 567,850 | $ | 532,386 | ||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,797 | 1,797 | — | |||||||||
| Other intangible assets | 2,026 | 2,179 | — | |||||||||
| Tangible shareholders' equity (a) | $ | 711,310 | $ | 563,874 | $ | 532,386 | ||||||
| Shares outstanding (c) | 43,619,070 | 42,452,446 | 40,316,974 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 8,213,393 | $ | 7,872,303 | $ | 4,812,828 | ||||||
| Less: | ||||||||||||
| Goodwill | 1,797 | 1,797 | — | |||||||||
| Other intangible assets | 2,026 | 2,179 | — | |||||||||
| Tangible assets (b) | $ | 8,209,570 | $ | 7,868,327 | $ | 4,812,828 | ||||||
| Tangible shareholders' equity to tangible assets (a/b) | 8.66 | % | 7.17 | % | 11.06 | % | ||||||
| Tangible book value per share (a/c) | $ | 16.31 | $ | 13.28 | $ | 13.20 | ||||||
| Efficiency ratio: | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest expense (d) | $ | 230,987 | $ | 192,676 | $ | 164,924 | ||||||
| Net interest income | 296,785 | 194,723 | 140,082 | |||||||||
| Noninterest income | 160,200 | 86,000 | 63,519 | |||||||||
| Less: gain on sale of investment securities available-for-sale, net | — | 1,880 | 620 | |||||||||
| Adjusted operating revenue (e) | $ | 456,985 | $ | 278,843 | $ | 202,981 | ||||||
| Efficiency ratio (d/e) | 50.55 | % | 69.10 | % | 81.25 | % |
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| Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | ||||||||||
| Reconciliation of net income to non-GAAP net income: | ||||||||||||
| Net income | $ | 166,995 | $ | 59,543 | $ | 18,034 | ||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of aircraft | (114 | ) | 6 | (357 | ) | |||||||
| Impairment on aircraft held for sale | — | 1,263 | — | |||||||||
| Income tax effects and adjustments for non-GAAP items* | 27 | (305 | ) | 86 | ||||||||
| Non-GAAP net income | $ | 166,908 | $ | 60,507 | $ | 17,763 | ||||||
| * Estimated at 24.0% | ||||||||||||
| Non-GAAP earnings per share: | ||||||||||||
| Basic | $ | 3.87 | $ | 1.49 | $ | 0.44 | ||||||
| Diluted | $ | 3.70 | $ | 1.45 | $ | 0.43 | ||||||
| Weighted-average shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||
| Basic | 43,169,935 | 40,677,496 | 40,222,758 | |||||||||
| Diluted | 45,071,304 | 41,771,250 | 41,053,514 | |||||||||
| Reconciliation of financial statement line items as reported to non-GAAP: | ||||||||||||
| Noninterest income, as reported | $ | 160,200 | $ | 86,000 | $ | 63,519 | ||||||
| Gain on sale of aircraft | (114 | ) | — | (357 | ) | |||||||
| Noninterest income, non-GAAP | 160,086 | 86,000 | 63,162 | |||||||||
| Noninterest expense, as reported | 230,987 | 192,676 | 164,924 | |||||||||
| Loss on sale of aircraft | — | (6 | ) | — | ||||||||
| Impairment on aircraft held for sale | — | (1,263 | ) | — | ||||||||
| Noninterest expense, non-GAAP | 230,987 | 191,407 | 164,924 | |||||||||
| Income before taxes, as reported | 210,788 | 47,389 | 23,465 | |||||||||
| (Gain) loss on sale of aircraft | (114 | ) | 6 | (357 | ) | |||||||
| Impairment on aircraft held for sale | — | 1,263 | — | |||||||||
| Income before taxes, non-GAAP | 210,674 | 48,658 | 23,108 | |||||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit), as reported | 43,793 | (12,154 | ) | 5,431 | ||||||||
| Income tax effects and adjustment for non-GAAP items | (27 | ) | 305 | (86 | ) | |||||||
| Income tax expense (benefit), non-GAAP | $ | 43,766 | $ | (11,849 | ) | $ | 5,345 |
67