TRICO BANCSHARES / (TCBK) FY 2023 MD&A

ITEM 7.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

The following discussion and analysis is designed to provide a better understanding of the significant changes and trends related to the Company and the Bank’s financial condition, operating results, asset and liability management, liquidity and capital resources and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the related notes at Part II, Item 8 of this report.

In March 2022, the Company closed the acquisition of Valley Republic Bancorp. Historical periods prior to March 25, 2022 reflect results of legacy Trico Bancshares operations. Subsequent to closing, results reflect all post-acquisition activity. For further information, refer to Note 2 “Business Combinations” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Financial Overview

In 2023, the Company reported net income of $117.4 million, an $8.1 million or 6.5% decrease from the prior year. Earnings per share on a diluted basis for the year were $3.52, down 8.1% from the prior year. The current year net income reported was negatively impacted by noninterest expense. In 2023, noninterest expense was reported at $233.1 million, an increase of $16.5 million or 7.6% increase from the prior year.

Net interest income on a fully tax equivalent (FTE) basis, a non-GAAP financial measure, was $358.2, an increase of $10.6 million, or 3.1%, from 2022. The increase in FTE net interest income reflected the benefit of a $69.7 million, or 0.8%, increase in average earning assets in addition to a 8 basis point increase in the FTE net interest margin to 3.96%. Average earning asset growth included an $690.9 million, or 11.7% increase in average loans and leases, offset by a $195.0 million or 7.3% decrease in average securities. The decrease in average securities was driven by the redeployment of liquidity from prepayments and maturities into loans during 2023. The net interest margin expansion was driven by the higher rate environment driving an increase in loan and lease and investment security yields, partially offset by higher cost of funds from both deposits and borrowings. Total average interest-bearing deposits was $5.0 billion and $4.9 billion during 2023 and 2022, respectively, while average other borrowings totaled $430.1 million and $33.4 million, respectively, during the same periods. The increase in net interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities increased by $72.1 million or 758.9% to $81.7 million during 2023 as compared to 2022.

The provision for credit losses increased $5.5 million to $24.0 million, primarily due to elevated qualitative reserves driven by CA unemployment trends and rising Corporate BBB bond yields, and to a lesser extent, organic loan and lease growth. The allowance for credit losses (ACL) was $121.5 million, or 1.79% of total loans and leases, at December 31, 2023, compared to $105.7, or 1.64% of total loans and leases, at December 31, 2022.

Noninterest income was $61.4 million, down $1.6 million, or 2.6%, from the prior year. Noninterest expense was $233.1 million, up $16.5 million, or 7.6%, from the prior year. The year over year changes in noninterest income and noninterest expense were impacted by the VRB acquisition, completed in March 2022, as well as rising technology and regulatory costs in addition to the rising costs of operations associated with levels of high inflation. Noninterest income was additionally negatively impacted by a decline in gain on sale of mortgage loans, as is typically observed during periods of a rising rate environment, totaling $1.1 million, to $1.2 million for the 2023 year.

The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio, a non-GAAP financial measure, was 8.8% at December 31, 2023, up 120 basis points from December 31, 2022, primarily due to an increase in tangible common equity related primarily to the retention of 2023 earnings.

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TRICO BANCSHARES

Financial Summary

(In thousands, except per share amounts; unaudited)

(1)Fully taxable equivalent (FTE)

(2)Tangible equity is calculated by subtracting Goodwill and Other intangible assets from total shareholders’ equity. Management believes that tangible equity is meaningful because it is a measure that the Company and investors commonly use to assess capital adequacy. Tangible book value is calculated by dividing tangible equity by shares outstanding at period end. See tables below for further details.

As TriCo Bancshares has not commenced any business operations independent of the Bank, the following discussion pertains primarily to the Bank. Average balances, including such balances used in calculating certain financial ratios, are generally comprised of average daily balances for the Company. Within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, interest income and net interest income may be presented on a fully tax-equivalent (FTE) basis. The presentation of interest income and net interest income on a FTE basis is a common practice within the banking industry. Interest income and net interest income are shown on a non-FTE basis within Part II, Item 7 and Item 8 of this report, and a reconciliation of the FTE and non-FTE presentations is provided below in the discussion of net interest income.

In addition to results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), this 10-K contains certain non-GAAP financial measures. Management has presented these non-GAAP financial measures because it believes that they provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in the Company's core operations reflected in the periods presented

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and facilitate the comparison of our performance with the performance of our peers. However, these non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP. Where applicable, comparable earnings information using GAAP financial measures is also presented. Because not all companies use the same calculations, our presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as calculated by other companies. For a reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures, see the tables below:

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

In preparing the consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (GAAP), management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.     Our most significant accounting policies and estimates and their related application are discussed below.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company’s method for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses includes specific allowances for individually analyzed loans, formula allowance factors for pools of credits, and qualitative considerations which include, among other things, current and

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forecast economic and environmental factors (e.g., interest rates, growth, economic conditions, etc.). Allowance factors for loan pools were based on historical loss experience by product type and prior risk rating.

Management estimates the ACL balance using relevant information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis when similar risk characteristics exist. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses, which captures loan balances as of a point in time to form a cohort, then tracks the respective losses generated by that cohort of loans over the remaining life. The Company has identified and accumulated loan cohort historical loss data beginning with the fourth quarter of 2008 and through the current period. In situations where the Company's actual loss history was not statistically relevant, the loss history of peers, defined as financial institutions with assets greater than three billion and less than ten billion, were utilized to create a minimum loss rate. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in relevant current loan-specific risk characteristics, such as historical timing of losses relative to the loan origination.

In its current expected credit loss forecasting framework, the Company incorporates forward-looking information through the use of macroeconomic scenarios applied over the forecasted life of the assets. These macroeconomic scenarios incorporate variables that have historically been key drivers of increases and decreases in credit losses. These variables include, but are not limited to, changes in environmental conditions, such as California unemployment rates, household debt levels, and the pace of change in corporate bond yields. The Company also considers macroeconomic forecasts to estimate the ACL.

There is a greater chance that the Company would suffer a loss from a loan that was risk rated less than satisfactory than if the loan was last graded satisfactory. As such, the proper risk grading of loans in the portfolio is important to the determination of the calculation of and determination of adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Utilizing the historical loss data described above, the Company applies reserve rates within any unique pool based on its loss and risk grade migration. Therefore, within any given pool, a larger loss estimation factor is applied to less than satisfactory loans as compared to those that the Company last graded as satisfactory. The resulting allowance for any pool is the sum of the calculated reserves determined in this manner.

Certain loans are not included in pools of loans that are collectively evaluated. The segregation of these loans is based on the results from analysis of individually identified credits that meet management’s criteria for individual evaluation. These loans are first reviewed individually to determine if such loans have a unique risk profile that would warrant individual evaluation. Loans where management has concluded that it is probable that the borrower will be unable to pay all amounts due under the original contractual terms are removed from the pools of loans collectively evaluated. They are then specifically reviewed and evaluated individually by management for loss potential by evaluating sources of repayment, including collateral as applicable, and a specified allowance for credit losses is established where necessary. By definition, any loan that management has placed on non-accrual is required to be individually evaluated, however, not all individually evaluated loans need to be placed on non-accrual.

Because current economic conditions and forecasts can change and future events make it inherently difficult to predict the anticipated amount of estimated credit losses on loans, management's determination of the appropriateness of the ACL, could change significantly. It is difficult to estimate how potential changes in any one economic factor or input might affect the overall allowance because a wide variety of factors and inputs are considered in estimating the allowance and changes in those factors and inputs considered may not occur at the same rate and may not be consistent across all product types. Additionally, changes in factors and inputs may move independently of one another, such that improvement in one or certain factors may offset deterioration in others. Thus, as a result of the significant size of the loan portfolio, the numerous assumptions in the model, and the high degree of potential change in such assumptions, there is a high degree of sensitivity to the reported amounts. Management believes that the ACL was adequate as of December 31, 2023.

Other Accounting Policies and Estimates that are Not Considered Critical

On an on-going basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those that may materially affect the financial statements and are related to investments, mortgage servicing rights, fair value measurements, retirement plans, intangible assets and the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. The Company’s policies related to these estimates can be found in Note 1 in the financial statements at Part II, Item 8 of this report.

Geographical Descriptions

For the purpose of describing the geographical location of the Company’s operations, the Company has defined northern California as that area of California north of, and including, Stockton to the east and San Jose to the west; central California as that area of the state south of Stockton and San Jose, to and including, Bakersfield to the east and San Luis Obispo to the west; and southern California as that area of the state south of Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo.

Results of Operations

Average balances, including balances used in calculating certain financial ratios, are generally comprised of average daily balances for the Company. Within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, certain performance measures including interest income, net interest income, net interest yield, and efficiency ratio are generally presented on a fully tax-equivalent (FTE)

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basis. The Company believes the use of these non-generally accepted accounting principles (non-GAAP) measures provides additional clarity in assessing its results.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is our largest source of revenue and is the difference between the interest earned on interest-earning assets (generally loans, leases and investment securities) and the interest expense incurred in connection with interest-bearing liabilities (generally deposits and borrowed funds). The level of net interest income is primarily a function of the difference between the effective yield on our average interest-earning assets and the effective cost of our interest-bearing liabilities. These factors are influenced by the pricing and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities which, in turn, are impacted by external factors such as local economic conditions, competition for loans and deposits, the monetary policy of the FRB and market interest rates. For further discussion, refer to “—Risk Factors – Risks Related to Interest Rates.” Following is a summary of the Company’s net interest income for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Net interest income (FTE) during the year ended December 31, 2023 increased $10.7 million or 3.1% to $358.2 million compared against $347.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The increased amount of net interest income reflects growth in total average loan balances outstanding and the correlated yields in both loans and investments during 2023. Average loan balances increased by $691 million or 11.7% from December 31, 2022. Meanwhile, the yield on interest earning assets was 4.87% and 3.98% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. This 89 basis point increase in total earning asset yield was primarily attributable to a 58 basis point increase in total loan yields and a 80 basis point increase in yields on total investments. Of the 58 basis point increase in loan yields, 7 basis points was attributable to increased volume in average loans outstanding, and 51 basis points from elevated interest rates. There was no change attributed to the accretion of purchased loan fees. The costs of total interest bearing liabilities increased 129 basis points to 1.48% during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to 0.19% for the year ended December 31, 2022. During the same period, costs associated with interest bearing deposits increased by 100 basis points to 1.10% as compared to 0.10% in the prior year. The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the trailing year, was due to the increased rate environment for both the interest-bearing deposit expense and other borrowings interest expense.

Net interest income (FTE) during the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $74.9 million or 27.5% to $347.5 million compared against $272.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2021. The increased amount of net interest income reflects growth in both total average loan and investment balances outstanding and the correlated yields, during 2022. Average loan balances, inclusive of acquisitions, increased by $1.5 billion or 30.4% from December 31, 2021. The yield on interest earning assets was 3.98% and 3.65% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. This 33 basis point increase in total earning asset yield was primarily attributable to a 11 basis point decrease in total loan yields and a 85 basis point increase in yields on total investments. Of the 11 basis point decrease in yields on loans, a 3 basis point decline was attributable to decreases in market rates, as well as an 8 basis point benefit from the accretion of purchased loans. The costs of total interest bearing liabilities increased 6 basis points to 0.19% during the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to 0.13% for the year ended December 31, 2021. During the same period, costs associated with interest bearing deposits increased by 2 basis points to 0.10% as compared to 0.08% in the prior year. The increase in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the trailing year, was due largely to the increased rate environment for both the interest-bearing deposit expense and other borrowings interest expense.

For more information related to loan interest income, including loan purchase discount accretion, see the Summary of Average Balances, Yields/Rates and Interest Differential and Note 27 to the consolidated financial statements at Part II, Item 8 of this report. The “Yield” and “Volume/Rate” tables shown below are useful in illustrating and quantifying the developments that affected net interest income during 2023 and 2022.

Summary of Average Balances, Yields/Rates and Interest Differential – Yield Tables

The following tables present, for the periods indicated, information regarding the Company’s consolidated average assets, liabilities and

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shareholders’ equity, the amounts of interest income from average earning assets and resulting yields, and the amount of interest expense paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Average loan balances include nonperforming loans. Interest income includes proceeds from loans on nonaccrual loans only to the extent cash payments have been received and applied to interest income. Yields on securities and certain loans have been adjusted upward to reflect the effect of income thereon exempt from federal income taxation at the statutory tax rate applicable during the period presented (dollars in thousands):

(1)The fully-taxable equivalent (FTE) adjustment for interest income of non-taxable investment securities was $1,536, $1,560, and $1,070 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

(2)Net interest spread represents the average yield earned on interest-earning assets less the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

(3)Net interest margin is computed by dividing net interest income by total average earning assets.

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Summary of Changes in Interest Income and Expense due to Changes in Average Asset and Liability Balances and Yields Earned and Rates Paid – Volume/Rate Tables

The following table sets forth a summary of the changes in the Company’s interest income and interest expense from changes in average asset and liability balances (volume) and changes in average interest rates for the periods indicated. Changes applicable to both rate and volume have been included in the rate variance. Amounts are calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis:

Year Over Year Balance Sheet Change

Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses during any period is the sum of the allowance for credit losses required at the end of the period and any net charge-offs during the period, less the allowance for credit losses required at the beginning of the period, and less any recoveries during the period. See the Tables labeled “Allowance for Credit Losses – December 31, 2023 and 2022” at Note 5 in Item 8 of Part II of this report for the components that make up the provision for credit losses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $24.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, versus $18.5 million during the trailing year end. The increase in required provisioning during 2023 was largely attributed to elevated qualitative reserves driven by CA unemployment trends and rising Corporate BBB bond yields, and to a lesser extent, organic loan and lease growth.

The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $18.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2022, versus a reversal of credit losses totaling $6.8 million during the trailing year end. The increase in required provisioning during 2022 was largely attributed to the $10.8 million in day 1 required reserves from loans acquired in connection with the VRB merger in the first quarter of 2022. Additionally, the Company designated certain loans and leases purchased from VRB as PCD, which required $2.0 million in additional credit reserves as of the acquisition date. For PCD loans and leases, the initial estimate of expected credit losses is recognized in the ACL on the date of acquisition using the same methodology as other loans and leases held-for-investment. The remaining increase in the allowance for credit losses was the result of changes in loan volume and changes in credit quality associated with levels of classified, past due and non-performing loans in addition to changes in qualitative factors.

Net charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2023 totaled $6.6 million, as compared to net recoveries of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Total nonperforming loans increased by 13 basis points to 0.46% of total loans at December 31, 2023 from 0.33% of total loans at December 31, 2022. For further details of the change in nonperforming loans during the period ended December 31, 2023 see the Tables, and associated narratives, labeled “Changes in nonperforming assets during the year ended December 31, 2023” and “Changes

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in nonperforming assets during the three months ended December 31, 2023” under the heading “Asset Quality and Non-Performing Assets” below.

The following table summarizes the components of the provision for (benefit to) credit losses during the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

The provision for credit losses is based on management’s evaluation of inherent risks in the loan portfolio and a corresponding analysis of the allowance for credit losses. Additional discussion on loan quality, our procedures to measure loan impairment, and the allowance for credit losses is provided under the heading “Asset Quality and Non-Performing Assets” below.

Non-interest Income

The following table summarizes the Company’s non-interest income for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Non-interest income decreased $1.6 million or 2.6% to $61.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $63.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. During 2023, total service charges and fees increased $0.3 million which is net of approximately $0.9 million in waived or reversed fees related to the network outage that occurred in the first quarter of the year. Mortgage origination related activity has declined year over year due to elevated interest rates, as the income recorded from the sale of loans was down $1.2 million or 50.2%. Changes in interest rates also led to a decline in fair value of mortgage servicing rights during the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, which decreased by $0.8 million or 268.1%, as compared to the trailing twelve month period ended. Other income declined $1.5 million or 63.1%, $0.6 million of which is attributed to fees from the sale of deposits during the fourth quarter of 2022.

Non-interest income decreased by $0.6 million or 1.0% to $63.0 million during the twelve months ended December 31, 2022, compared to $63.6 million during the same period ended December 31, 2021. Generally, the increases in recurring non-interest income service charges and fees reflected during 2022 is the result of the VRB merger closing in March of 2022, and therefore, not reflected in 2021 operating results. As an offset, increases in interest rates during 2022 led to significant declines in mortgage lending related activity, resulting in a decrease of $7.2 million in gain from the sale of loans, as compared to the trailing year then ended.

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Non-interest Expense

The following table summarizes the Company’s other non-interest expense for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Total non-interest expense increased $16.5 million or 7.6% to $233.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $216.6 million for the comparative period in 2022, for reasons primarily associated with the acquisition of Valley Republic Bank in March of 2022 which resulted in expense increases for nearly every identified category. Merger and acquisition expenses associated with this acquisition totaled $6.2 million for the twelve-month period ended 2022. Regulatory assessment charges also increased by approximately $1.2 million during 2023 as a result of increases in assessment rates. Other miscellaneous expenses also increased by $4.1 million in 2023 due to, among other things, changes in regulatory requirements which resulted in an estimated $0.8 million in refunds to customers previously charged non-sufficient funds fees, changes in the valuation of other real estate owned which contributed to $0.9 million in variance from the prior year, and other increases generally associated with increased operational costs.

Non-interest expense increased by $38.3 million or 21.5% to $216.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to $178.2 million for the trailing twelve month period. Generally, the increases in recurring non-interest expenses and FTEs during 2022 is the result of the VRB merger closing in March of 2022, and therefore, not reflected in 2021 operating results.

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The provisions for income taxes applicable to income before taxes for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 differ from amounts computed by applying the statutory Federal income tax rates to income before taxes. The effective tax rate and the statutory federal income tax rate are reconciled as follows:

The effective tax rate on income was 27.0%, 27.9%, and 28.1% in 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively. The effective tax rate was greater than the Federal statutory rates of 21% due to the combination of state tax expenses of 7.9%. The impact of Federal and state tax expenses were partially offset by Federal tax-exempt interest income of $5.6 million, $5.5 million, and $3.1 million, respectively, Federal and State tax-exempt income of $3.1 million, $3.2 million, and $3.5 million, respectively, from increase in cash value and gain on death benefit of life insurance, and low income housing tax credits and losses, net of amortization of $1.5 million, $0.2 million, and $0.6 million, respectively. The low-income housing tax credits and the equity compensation excess tax benefits represent direct reductions in tax expense. The items noted above resulted in an effective combined Federal and State income tax rate that differed from the combined Federal and State statutory income tax rate of approximately 29.6% during the three years ended 2023, 2022 and 2021.

Financial Condition

Restricted Equity Securities

Restricted equity securities were $17.2 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. The entire balance of restricted equity securities at December 31, 2023 and 2022 represents the Bank’s investment in the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (“FHLB”).

FHLB stock is carried at par and does not have a readily determinable fair value. While technically these are considered equity securities, there is no market for the FHLB stock. Therefore, the shares are considered as restricted investment securities. Management periodically evaluates FHLB stock for other-than-temporary impairment. Management’s determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on its assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of any decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FHLB, and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB.

As a member of the FHLB system, the Bank is required to maintain a minimum level of investment in FHLB stock based on specific percentages of its outstanding mortgages, total assets, or FHLB advances. The Bank may request redemption at par value of any stock in excess of the minimum required investment. Stock redemptions are at the discretion of the FHLB.

Loans

The Bank concentrates its lending activities in four principal areas: real estate mortgage loans (residential and commercial loans), consumer loans, commercial loans (including agricultural loans), and real estate construction loans.  The interest rates charged for the loans made by the Bank vary with the degree of risk, the size and maturity of the loans, the borrower’s relationship with the Bank and prevailing money market rates indicative of the Bank’s cost of funds.

The majority of the Bank’s loans are direct loans made to individuals, farmers and local businesses. The Bank relies substantially on local promotional activity and personal contacts by bank officers, directors and employees to compete with other financial institutions. The Bank makes loans to borrowers whose applications include a sound purpose, a viable repayment source and a plan of repayment established at inception and generally backed by a secondary source of repayment.

Loan Portfolio Composition

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The following table shows the Company’s loan balances, including net deferred loan fees, at the dates indicated:

The Company did not purchase any loans during 2023. During the year ended 2022, the Company acquired loans totaling $773.3 million in connection with the merger with VRB in March of 2022, inclusive of approximately $68.5 million in loans with credit deterioration. During 2021, the Company purchased pools of SFR 1-4 1st DT (consumer) loans totaling approximately $101.5 million inclusive of loan premiums. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the total remaining balances outstanding from these purchases equaled approximately $664.1 million and $804.3 million, respectively.

The following table shows the Company’s loan balances, including net deferred loan fees, as a percentage of total loans at the dates indicated:

At December 31, 2023, loans including net deferred loan costs, totaled $6.8 billion which was a 5.3% or $344.0 million increase over the balance at the end of December 31, 2022. At December 31, 2022, loans including net deferred loan costs, totaled $6.5 billion, which was a 31.2% or $1.5 billion increase over the balance at the end of December 31, 2021.

From time to time the Bank may be presented with the opportunity to purchase individual or pools of loans in whole or in part outside of a transaction that would be considered a business combination. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the outstanding carrying value of purchased loans that were not acquired in a business combination totaled $159.1 million and $167.0 million, respectively.

Asset Quality and Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming Assets

The following tables set forth the amount of the Bank’s nonperforming assets as of the dates indicated. “Performing non-accrual loans” are loans that may be current for both principal and interest payments, or are less than 90 days past due, but for which payment in full of both

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principal and interest is not expected, and are not well secured and in the process of collection:

Changes in nonperforming assets during the year ended December 31, 2023

The following table shows the activity in the balance of nonperforming assets for the year ended December 31, 2023:

The table above does not include deposit overdraft charge-offs.

Nonperforming assets increased by $9.8 million (39.7%) to $34.6 million at December 31, 2023 from $24.8 million at December 31, 2022. The increase in nonperforming assets during 2023 was the result of additions totaling $48.7 million, partially offset by net paydowns, sales or upgrades of nonperforming loans to performing status totaling $30.1 million, and net charge-offs of $7.8 million.

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Changes in nonperforming assets during the year ended December 31, 2022

The following table shows the activity in the balance of nonperforming assets for the year ended December 31, 2022:

The table above does not include deposit overdraft charge-offs.

Nonperforming assets decreased by $8.1 million or 24.8% to $24.8 million at December 31, 2022 from $32.9 million at December 31, 2021. The decrease in nonperforming assets during 2022 was the result of net paydowns, sales or upgrades of nonperforming loans to performing status totaling $29.4 million, which was partially offset by $22.9 million of additions to non-performing loans and net charge-offs of $1.1 million.

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Changes in nonperforming assets during the three months ended December 31, 2023

The following table shows the activity in the balance of nonperforming assets for the quarter ended December 31, 2023:

(1) Charge-offs and write-downs exclude deposit overdraft charge-offs.

Nonperforming assets increased during the fourth quarter by $1.9 million or 5.8% to $34.6 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $32.7 million at September 30, 2023. The increase in nonperforming assets during the fourth quarter of 2023 was the result of new nonperforming loans of $6.5 million, that were partially offset by net paydowns, sales or upgrades of nonperforming loans to performing status totaling $3.7 million, and net charge-offs of $0.6 million in non-performing loans.

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Changes in nonperforming assets during the three months ended December 31, 2022

The following table shows the activity in the balance of nonperforming assets for the quarter ended December 31, 2022:

(1) Charge-offs and write-downs exclude deposit overdraft charge-offs.

Nonperforming assets increased during the fourth quarter of 2022 by $3.8 million or 18.4% to $24.7 million at December 31, 2022 compared to $20.9 million at September 30, 2022. The increase in nonperforming assets during the fourth quarter of 2022 was the result of new nonperforming loans of $10.2 million, that were partially offset by net paydowns, sales or upgrades of nonperforming loans to performing status totaling $6.0 million, and net charge-offs of $0.1 million in non-performing loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Investment Securities

The Company evaluates available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. Any impairment that is not credit related is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. Credit-related impairment is recognized as an allowance for credit losses on the balance sheet, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. Both the allowance for credit losses and the adjustment to net income may be reversed if conditions change. However, if the Company intends to sell an impaired available for sale debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell such a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount is recognized in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to the security's amortized cost basis. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, no allowance for credit losses nor impairment recognized in earnings related to available for sale investment securities was recorded.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Held to Maturity Investment Securities

In addition to credit losses associated with the Company's loan portfolio, the CECL standard requires that loss estimates be developed for securities classified as held-to-maturity (HTM). As of December 31, 2023, the Company's HTM investment portfolio had a carrying value of approximately $133.5 million and was comprised of $130.8 million in obligations backed by U.S. government agencies and $2.7 million in obligations of states and political subdivisions. As the 97.9% of the HTM portfolio consisted of investment securities where payment performance has an implicit or explicit guarantee from the U.S. government and where no history of credit losses exist, management believes that indicators for zero loss are present and therefore, no loss reserves were recognized in conjunction with the adoption of the CECL standard. Further, management separately evaluated its HTM investment securities from obligations of state and political subdivisions utilizing the historical loss data represented by similar securities over a period of time spanning nearly 50 years. Based on this evaluation, management determined that the expected credit losses associated with these securities is less than significant for financial reporting purposes. Therefore, during the year ended December 31, 2023 as 2022, no allowance for credit losses related to HTM securities was recorded.

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Allowance for Credit Losses - Unfunded Commitments

The estimated credit losses associated with these unfunded lending commitments is calculated using the same models and methodologies noted above and incorporate utilization assumptions at the estimated time of default. While the provision for credit losses associated with unfunded commitments is included in "provision for (benefit from) credit losses" on the consolidated statement of income, the reserve for unfunded commitments is maintained on the consolidated balance sheet in other liabilities.

The Components of the Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table sets forth the Bank’s allowance for credit losses related to loans as of the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):

Based on the current conditions of the loan portfolio, management believes that the $121.5 million allowance for credit losses at December 31, 2023 is adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the Bank’s loan portfolio. No assurance can be given, however, that adverse economic conditions or other circumstances will not result in increased losses in the portfolio.

The Company utilizes a forecast period of approximately eight quarters and obtains the forecast data from publicly available sources as of the balance sheet date. This forecast data continues to evolve and includes improving shifts in the magnitude of changes for both the unemployment and GDP factors leading up to the balance sheet date. Despite continued declines on a year over year comparative basis, core inflation remains elevated from wage pressures, and higher living costs such as housing, energy and food prices resulting in a rising rate environment for nearly all of 2023. Management notes the rapid intervals of rate increases by the Federal Reserve may create repricing risk for certain borrowers and continued inversion of the yield curve, creates informed expectations of the US potentially entering a recession within 12 months. While projected cuts in interest rates from the Federal Reserve during 2024 may improve this outlook, the uncertainty associated with the extent and timing of these potential reductions has inhibited a material benefit to forecasted reserve levels. As a result, management continues to believe that certain credit weaknesses are likely present in the overall economy and that it is appropriate to cautiously maintain a reserve level that incorporates such risk factors.

The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses between loan types:

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The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses between loan types as a percentage of the total allowance for credit losses:

The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for credit losses between loan types as a percentage of total loans in each of the loan categories listed:

The following tables summarize the net charge-off (recovery) activity in the allowance for credit/loan losses as a percentage of loans for the years indicated (dollars in thousands):

Generally, losses are triggered by non-performance by the borrower and calculated based on any difference between the current loan amount and the current value of the underlying collateral less any estimated costs associated with the disposition of the collateral.

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Foreclosed Assets, Net of Allowance for Losses

The following tables detail the components and summarize the activity in foreclosed assets, net of allowances for losses for the years indicated (dollars in thousands):

Deposit Portfolio Composition

The following table shows the Company’s deposit balances at the dates indicated:

Total uninsured deposits were estimated to be approximately $2.4 billion and $2.7 billion at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Long-Term Debt

See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements at Part II, Item 8 of this report for information about the Company’s other borrowings and long-term debt.

Junior Subordinated Debt

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements at Part II, Item 8 of this report for information about the Company’s junior subordinated debt.

Equity

See Note 16 and Note 26 in the consolidated financial statements at Part II, Item 8 of this report for a discussion of shareholders’ equity and regulatory capital, respectively. Management believes that the Company’s capital is adequate to support anticipated growth, meet the cash dividend requirements of the Company and meet the future risk-based capital requirements of the Bank and the Company.

On February 25, 2021 the Board of Directors approved the authorization to repurchase up to 2,000,000 shares of the Company's common stock (the 2021 Repurchase Plan), which approximated 6.7% of the shares outstanding as of the approval date. In connection with approval of the 2021 Repurchase Plan, the Company’s previous repurchase program adopted on November 12, 2019 (the 2019 Repurchase Plan) was terminated. The following table shows the repurchases made by the Company during 2023 under the 2021 Plan:

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We repurchased no shares of the Company's common stock during the quarter ended December 31, 2023.

Market Risk Management

Overview. The goal for managing the assets and liabilities of the Bank is to maximize shareholder value and earnings while maintaining a high quality balance sheet without exposing the Bank to undue interest rate risk. The Board of Directors has overall responsibility for the Company’s interest rate risk management policies. The Bank has an Asset and Liability Management Committee which establishes and monitors guidelines to control the sensitivity of earnings and the fair value of certain assets and liabilities as may be caused by changes in interest rates. The Company does not hold any financial instruments that are not maintained in US dollars and is not party to any contracts that may be settled or repaid in a denomination other than US dollars.

Asset/Liability Management. Activities involved in asset/liability management include but are not limited to lending, accepting and placing deposits, investing in securities and issuing debt. Interest rate risk is the primary market risk associated with asset/liability management. Sensitivity of earnings to interest rate changes arises when yields on assets change in a different time period or in a different amount from that of interest costs on liabilities. To mitigate interest rate risk, the structure of the balance sheet is managed with the goal that movements of interest rates on assets and liabilities are correlated and contribute to earnings even in periods of volatile interest rates. The asset/liability management policy sets limits on the acceptable amount of variance in net interest margin and market value of equity under changing interest environments. Market value of equity is the net present value of estimated cash flows from the Bank’s assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items. The Bank uses simulation models to forecast net interest margin and market value of equity.

Simulation of net interest margin and market value of equity under various interest rate scenarios is the primary tool used to measure interest rate risk. The Bank estimated the potential impact of changing interest rates on net interest margin and market value of equity using computer-modeling techniques. A balance sheet forecast is prepared using inputs of actual loan, securities and interest-bearing liability (i.e. deposits/borrowings) positions as the beginning base.

In the simulation of net interest income and market value of equity, the forecast balance sheet is processed against various interest rate scenarios. These various interest rate scenarios include a flat rate scenario, which assumes interest rates are unchanged in the future, and rate ramp and or shock scenarios including -300, -200, -100, +100, +200, and +300 basis points around the flat scenario. At December 31, 2023, the overnight Federal funds rate, the rate primarily used in these interest rate shock scenarios, was 5.25%. These scenarios assume that 1) interest rates increase or decrease evenly (in a “ramp” fashion) over a twelve-month period and remain at the new levels beyond twelve months or 2) that interest rates change instantaneously (“shock”). The simulation results shown below assume no changes in the structure of the Company’s balance sheet over the twelve months being measured.

The following table summarizes the estimated effect on net interest income and market value of equity to changing interest rates as measured against a flat rate (no interest rate change) instantaneous shock scenario over a twelve month period utilizing the Company's specific mix of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities as of December 31, 2023.

These simulations indicate that given a “flat” balance sheet size scenario, and if interest-bearing checking, savings and money market interest rates track the general interest rate changes by the rate shock values listed above, the Company’s balance sheet is slightly liability sensitive over a twelve month time horizon for both a rates up and rates down shock scenario. “Asset sensitive” implies that net interest income increases when interest rates rise and decrease when interest rates decrease. “Liability sensitive” implies that net interest income decreases when interest rates rise and increase when interest rates decrease. “Neutral sensitivity” implies that net interest income does not

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change when interest rates change. The asset liability management policy limits aggregate market risk, as measured in this fashion, to an acceptable level within the context of risk-return trade-offs.

The simulation results noted above do not incorporate any management actions that might moderate the negative consequences of interest rate deviations. In addition, the simulation results noted above contain various assumptions such as a flat balance sheet, and the rate that deposit interest rates change instantaneously as general interest rates change. Therefore, they do not reflect likely actual results, but serve as estimates of interest rate risk. More specifically, the Company's pre-existing low cost of funds, and the presumption that depositors will not accept a negative rate environment, does not allow management the ability to meaningfully adjust the cost of deposits below zero. In addition, many of the Company's loans and investment securities are considered fixed rate interest earning assets. Therefore, in an instantaneous upward rate shock scenario, management would expect the cost of interest bearing liabilities to reprice faster than interest earning assets.

As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the preceding tables. For example, although certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or repricing time frames, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. In addition, the interest rates on certain of the Company’s asset and liability categories may precede, or lag behind, changes in market interest rates. Also, the actual rates of prepayments on loans and investments could vary significantly from the assumptions utilized in deriving the results as presented in the preceding tables. Further, a change in U.S. Treasury rates accompanied by a change in the shape of the treasury yield curve could result in different estimations from those presented herein. Accordingly, the results in the preceding tables should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results in the event of changing market interest rates. Additionally, the resulting estimates of changes in market value of equity are not intended to represent, and should not be construed to represent, estimates of changes in the underlying value of the Company.

Interest rate sensitivity is a function of the repricing characteristics of the Company’s portfolio of assets and liabilities. One aspect of these repricing characteristics is the time frame within which the interest-bearing assets and liabilities are subject to change in interest rates either at replacement, repricing or maturity. An analysis of the repricing time frames of interest-bearing assets and liabilities is sometimes called a “gap” analysis because it shows the gap between assets and liabilities repricing or maturing in each of a number of periods. Another aspect of these repricing characteristics is the relative magnitude of the repricing for each category of interest earning asset and interest-bearing liability given various changes in market interest rates. Gap analysis gives no indication of the relative magnitude of repricing given various changes in interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity management focuses on the maturity of assets and liabilities and their repricing during periods of changes in market interest rates. Interest rate sensitivity gaps are measured as the difference between the volumes of assets and liabilities in the Company’s current portfolio that are subject to repricing at various time horizons.

The following interest rate sensitivity table shows the Company’s repricing gaps as of December 31, 2023. In this table transaction deposits, which may be repriced at will by the Company, have been included in the less than 3-month category. The inclusion of all of the transaction deposits in the less than 3-month repricing category causes the Company to appear liability sensitive. Because the Company may reprice its transaction deposits at will, transaction deposits may or may not reprice immediately with changes in interest rates.

Due to the limitations of gap analysis, as described above, the Company does not actively use gap analysis in managing interest rate risk. Instead, the Company relies on the more sophisticated interest rate risk simulation model described above as its primary tool in measuring and managing interest rate risk.

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Liquidity

Liquidity refers to the Company’s ability to provide funds at an acceptable cost to meet loan demand and deposit withdrawals, as well as contingency plans to meet unanticipated funding needs or loss of funding sources. These objectives can be met from either the asset or liability side of the balance sheet. Asset liquidity sources consist of the repayments and maturities of loans, selling of loans, short-term money market investments, maturities of securities and sales of securities from the available-for-sale portfolio. These activities are generally summarized as investing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Net cash from investing activities totaled $28.6 million in 2023. Net increases in loan balances from both originations and purchases used approximately $345.9 million of cash, while proceeds from the maturity and sales of investment securities, net of purchases, provided approximately $385.6 million of cash.

Liquidity may also be impacted from liabilities through changes in deposits and borrowings outstanding. These activities are included under financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. In 2023, financing activities used funds totaling $176.0 million, resulting from a decline of $495.0 million in deposits, $39.9 million in dividend payment outflows, and an additional $9.2 million used toward the repurchase of common stock, partially offset by an increase in cash from short term borrowings totaling $368.0 million. The Company's primary sources of remaining available liquidity from available borrowings and in transit items include the following for the periods indicated:

At December 31, 2023, the Company's primary sources of liquidity represented 50% of total deposits and 166% of estimated total uninsured (excluding collateralized municipal deposits and intercompany balances) deposits, respectively. As secondary sources of liquidity, the Company's held-to-maturity investment securities had a fair value of $125.1 million, including approximately $8.3 million in net unrealized losses. The Company did not utilize any brokered deposits during 2023 or 2022. While these sources are expected to continue to provide significant amounts of funds in the future, their mix, as well as the possible use of other sources, will depend on future economic and market conditions.

Liquidity is also provided or used through the results of operating activities. In 2023, operating activities provided cash of $138.9 million, primarily from net income of $117.4 million. In 2022, operating activities provided cash of $162.9 million, primarily from net income of $125.4 million.

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Loan demand during 2024 will depend in part on economic and competitive conditions. The Company emphasizes the solicitation of non-interest bearing demand deposits and money market checking deposits, which are the least sensitive to interest rates. The outlook for deposit balances during 2024 is also subject to actions from the Federal Reserve, heightened competition, the success of the Company’s sales efforts, as well as the delivery of superior customer service and market conditions. The Federal Reserve's anticipated decrease in interest rates is expected to relieve some pressure on deposit margin expense, however, the competitive landscape for attracting and retaining deposit balances will continue to remain challenging during 2024. Therefore, due to concerns such as uncertainty in the general economic environment, political uncertainty, and loan demand, levels of customer deposits are not certain and forecasted changes in those balances are subject to significant volatility and uncertainty. Depending on economic conditions, interest rate levels, and a variety of other conditions, proceeds from the sale or maturity of investment securities may be used to fund loans, or reduce short-term borrowings. At December 31, 2023, we believe the Company has sufficient liquidity and capital resources to meet its cash flow obligations over the foreseeable future.

The principal cash requirements of the Company are dividends on common stock when declared. The Company is dependent upon the payment of cash dividends by the Bank to service its commitments. Shareholder dividends are expected to continue subject to the Board’s discretion and continuing evaluation of capital levels, earnings, asset quality and other factors. The Company expects that the cash dividends paid by the Bank to the Company will be sufficient to meet this payment schedule. Dividends from the Bank are subject to certain regulatory restrictions.

The maturity distribution of certificates of deposit in denominations of $250,000 or more is set forth in the following table. These deposits are generally more rate sensitive than other deposits and, therefore, are more likely to be withdrawn to obtain higher yields elsewhere if available.

Certificates of Deposit in Denominations of $250,000 or More