Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021
or
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________
Commission File Number: 000-26481
Financial Institutions, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York
16-0816610
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
220 LIBERTY STREET, WARSAW, New York
14569
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(585) 786-1100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
FISI
Nasdaq Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☑ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
☑
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
The registrant had 15,828,899 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value, outstanding as of May 1, 2021.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC.
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.
Financial Statements
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited) - at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020
3
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) - Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
5
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited) - Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
9
ITEM 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
40
ITEM 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
58
ITEM 4.
Controls and Procedures
59
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
60
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
ITEM 6.
Exhibits
61
Signatures
62
- 2 -
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
March 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks
$
344,790
93,878
Securities available for sale, at fair value
753,489
628,059
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (net of allowance for credit losses of $7 and $7, respectively) (fair value of $264,329 and $282,035, respectively)
256,127
271,966
Loans held for sale
5,685
4,305
Loans (net of allowance for credit losses of $49,828 and $52,420, respectively)
3,604,558
3,542,718
Company owned life insurance
101,564
100,895
Premises and equipment, net
39,820
40,610
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net
74,528
73,789
Other assets
148,495
156,086
Total assets
5,329,056
4,912,306
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing demand
1,099,608
1,018,549
Interest-bearing demand
873,390
731,885
Savings and money market
1,826,621
1,642,340
Time deposits
916,395
885,593
Total deposits
4,716,014
4,278,367
Short-term borrowings
—
5,300
Long-term borrowings, net of issuance costs of $1,321 and $1,377, respectively
73,679
73,623
Other liabilities
73,079
86,653
Total liabilities
4,862,772
4,443,943
Shareholders’ equity:
Series A 3% preferred stock, $100 par value; 1,533 shares authorized;
1,435 shares issued
143
Series B-1 8.48% preferred stock, $100 par value; 200,000 shares authorized;
171,786 and 171,847 shares issued, respectively
17,179
17,185
Total preferred equity
17,322
17,328
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 16,099,556 shares issued
161
Additional paid-in capital
124,891
125,118
Retained earnings
340,923
324,850
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(10,572
)
2,128
Treasury stock, at cost – 270,657 and 57,630 shares, respectively
(6,441
(1,222
Total shareholders’ equity
466,284
468,363
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
- 3 -
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
Three months ended
Interest income:
Interest and fees on loans
37,059
36,860
Interest and dividends on investment securities
4,187
4,582
Other interest income
27
211
Total interest income
41,273
41,653
Interest expense:
Deposits
2,235
7,019
119
892
Long-term borrowings
1,062
618
Total interest expense
3,416
8,529
Net interest income
37,857
33,124
Provision (benefit) for credit losses
(1,981
13,915
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
39,838
19,209
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposits
1,292
1,587
Insurance income
1,396
1,349
Card interchange income
1,958
1,602
Investment advisory
2,772
2,246
657
465
Investments in limited partnerships
855
213
Loan servicing
97
7
Income from derivative instruments, net
1,875
746
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale
1,078
252
Net gain on investment securities
74
221
Net (loss) gain on other assets
(5
64
Loss on tax credit investments
(85
(40
Other
995
1,198
Total noninterest income
12,959
9,910
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits
14,465
15,014
Occupancy and equipment
3,382
3,756
Professional services
1,895
2,152
Computer and data processing
3,121
2,673
Supplies and postage
484
553
FDIC assessments
765
372
Advertising and promotions
324
555
Amortization of intangibles
271
294
2,033
2,301
Total noninterest expense
26,740
27,670
Income before income taxes
26,057
1,449
Income tax expense
5,347
322
Net income
20,710
1,127
Preferred stock dividends
365
Net income available to common shareholders
20,345
762
Earnings per common share (Note 3):
Basic
1.28
0.05
Diluted
1.27
Cash dividends declared per common share
0.27
0.26
- 4 -
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(Dollars in thousands)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Securities available for sale and transferred securities
(14,402
12,106
Hedging derivative instruments
1,564
91
Pension and post-retirement obligations
138
234
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
(12,700
12,431
Comprehensive income
8,010
13,558
- 5 -
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
Three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Preferred
Equity
Common
Stock
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury
Total
Shareholders’
Balance at December 31, 2020
Comprehensive income:
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Common stock issued
298
301
Purchases of common stock for treasury
(5,963
Purchases of 8.48% preferred stock
(6
Share-based compensation plans:
Share-based compensation
216
Restricted stock units released
(446
446
Cash dividends declared:
Series A 3% Preferred-$0.75 per share
(1
Series B-1 8.48% Preferred-$2.12 per
share
(364
Common-$0.27 per share
(4,272
Balance at March 31, 2021
Continued on next page
- 6 -
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited) (Continued)
Balance at December 31, 2019
124,582
313,364
(14,513
(1,975
438,947
Cumulative-effect adjustment
(8,719
Balance at January 1, 2020
304,645
430,228
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
(196
332
(469
469
Common-$0.26 per share
(4,164
Balance at March 31, 2020
124,445
301,243
(2,082
(1,702
439,393
- 7 -
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
1,950
1,973
Net amortization of premiums on securities
1,206
562
(Benefit) provision for credit losses
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
1,658
(276
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale
21,314
9,934
Originations of loans held for sale
(21,616
(9,280
Income on company owned life insurance
(657
(465
(1,078
(252
(74
(221
Net loss (gain) on other assets
(64
Noncash restructuring charges against assets
Decrease (increase) in other assets
12,818
(31,708
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
(14,172
18,745
Net cash provided by operating activities
20,305
4,322
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of available for sale securities
(204,695
(44,812
Purchases of held to maturity securities
(1,265
(1,364
Proceeds from principal payments, maturities and calls on available for sale securities
32,416
30,947
Proceeds from principal payments, maturities and calls on held to maturity securities
16,783
13,827
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale
26,675
3,157
Net loan originations
(60,135
(27,029
Purchases of company owned life insurance, net of proceeds received
(12
(7
Proceeds from sales of other assets
427
Purchases of premises and equipment
(290
(1,196
Cash consideration paid for acquisition, net of cash acquired
(713
Net cash used in investing activities
(191,236
(26,050
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase in deposits
437,647
231,510
Net decrease in short-term borrowings
(5,300
(166,000
Repurchase of preferred stock
Cash dividends paid to common and preferred shareholders
(4,535
(4,365
Net cash provided by financing activities
421,843
60,949
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
250,912
39,221
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
112,947
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
152,168
- 8 -
(1.)
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations
Financial Institutions, Inc. (the “Company”) is a financial holding company organized in 1931 under the laws of New York State (“New York”). The Company provides diversified financial services through its subsidiaries, Five Star Bank, SDN Insurance Agency, LLC (“SDN”), Courier Capital, LLC (“Courier Capital”) and HNP Capital, LLC (“HNP Capital”). The Company offers a broad array of deposit, lending and other financial services to individuals, municipalities and businesses in Western and Central New York through its wholly-owned New York chartered banking subsidiary, Five Star Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank also has indirect lending network relationships with franchised automobile dealers in the Capital District of New York and Northern and Central Pennsylvania. SDN provides a broad range of insurance services to personal and business clients. Courier Capital and HNP Capital provide customized investment management, investment consulting and retirement plan services to individuals, businesses, institutions, foundations and retirement plans.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accounting and reporting policies conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in conformity with GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. However, in the opinion of management, the accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated statements of financial condition, income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the periods indicated and contain adequate disclosure to make the information presented not misleading. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The results of operations for any interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the entire year.
Operational, Accounting and Reporting Impacts Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, including our operating footprint of Western and Central New York. In response to this crisis, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act provided an estimated $2.2 trillion to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulate the economy by supporting individuals and businesses through loans, grants, tax changes, and other types of relief. Some of the provisions applicable to the Company include, but are not limited to:
•
Accounting for Loan Modifications - The CARES Act provided that a financial institution may elect to suspend (1) the application of GAAP for certain loan modifications related to COVID-19 that would otherwise be categorized as a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) and (2) any determination that such loan modifications would be considered a TDR, including the related impairment for accounting purposes.
Paycheck Protection Program - The CARES Act established the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), an expansion of the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) 7(a) loan program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (“EIDL”), administered directly by the SBA. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 provided approximately $284 billion for PPP loans in an additional round of funding under the program and extended the PPP through March 31, 2021. This additional round of PPP loan funding is authorized for first-time borrowers and for second draws by certain borrowers who have previously received PPP loans. On March 30, 2021, the PPP Extension Act of 2021 was signed into law, which extends the program to May 31, 2021.
Mortgage Forbearance - Under the CARES Act, through the earlier of December 31, 2020, or the termination date of the COVID-19 national emergency, a borrower with a federally backed mortgage loan that is experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 may request a forbearance. This relief has been extended by executive order through at least June 30, 2021.
Also, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”), in consultation with the state financial regulators (collectively, the “agencies”) issued a joint interagency statement (issued March 22, 2020; revised statement issued April 7, 2020). Some of the provisions applicable to the Company include, but are not limited to:
Accounting for Loan Modifications - Loan modifications that do not meet the conditions of the CARES Act may still qualify as a modification that does not need to be accounted for as a TDR. The agencies confirmed with FASB staff that short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to any relief are not TDRs. This includes short-term (e.g., six months) modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or insignificant delays in payment.
- 9 -
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)
Past Due Reporting - With regard to loans not otherwise reportable as past due, financial institutions are not expected to designate loans with deferrals granted due to COVID-19 as past due because of the deferral. A loan’s payment date is governed by the due date stipulated in the legal agreement. If a financial institution agrees to a payment deferral, these loans would not be considered past due during the period of the deferral.
Nonaccrual Status and Charge-offs - During short-term COVID-19 modifications, these loans generally should not be reported as nonaccrual or as classified.
Effective March 23, 2020 through July 9, 2020, for consumer customers, the Bank waived early CD penalty fees for withdrawals up to $20,000 (limited to one penalty-free withdrawal per CD account); eliminated all insufficient funds (overdrafts) and returned item fees; eliminated all Pay by Phone fees; waived all late fees; offered the opportunity for monthly mortgage, home equity loan or home equity line payment relief; offered the opportunity to defer unsecured consumer loans or lines of credit and secured consumer loans and lines of credit payments; and offered unsecured personal loans up to $5,000, up to 60 months at 2.95% APR subject to credit approval. ATM access fees were reinitiated on September 19, 2020.
As part of the first round of PPP loans we have helped more than 1,700 customers obtain more than $270 million in loans as of December 31, 2020. Of those loans, we have helped customers complete the forgiveness process for approximately $87 million of loans in the first three months of 2021. Also, during the first three months of 2021, we have helped customers obtain approximately $96 million of new PPP loans under the second round of the PPP. Additionally, approximately 4% of our commercial loan and mortgage customers, 1% of our residential real estate loans and lines customers and less than 1% of our indirect loans customers have active payment deferrals, in accordance with the previously noted loan modifications under the CARES Act or agencies guidelines.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications of previously reported amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications did not impact net income or shareholders’ equity as previously reported.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses, the carrying value of goodwill and deferred tax assets, and assumptions used in the defined benefit pension plan accounting.
Cash Flow Reporting
Supplemental cash flow information is summarized as follows for the three months ended March 31 (in thousands):
Supplemental information:
Cash paid for interest
3,173
8,418
Cash paid for income taxes
1,500
1,000
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Real estate and other assets acquired in settlement of loans
646
Accrued and declared unpaid dividends
4,637
4,259
Common stock issued for acquisition
Assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations:
Fair value of assets acquired
449
- 10 -
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), who is responsible for regulating the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), announced its intention that it would no longer be necessary to persuade or compel its panel banks to submit LIBOR rates after December 31, 2021. On March 5, 2021, the ICE Benchmark Administration (“IBA”), the administrator of LIBOR, released the results of its consultation on the cessation timeline for certain LIBOR tenors. In coordination with the IBA, the FCA also confirmed when certain LIBOR tenors will cease to exist. The results of the consultation indicated that certain LIBOR tenors (overnight, one-month, three-month, six-month, and twelve-month USD LIBOR) will be extended to June 30, 2023 to allow some legacy contracts that cannot be easily amended to mature on their current terms. Notwithstanding the extension of certain LIBOR tenors to 2023, banks may no longer offer new LIBOR-based contracts after December 31, 2021. Given that LIBOR is a widely used pricing index for loan and derivative contracts, a Company-wide initiative was introduced to assess all LIBOR exposures through the Company’s loan, deposit, borrowing and derivative categories, while developing a plan for the ultimate cessation of the index. In developing the transition plan, the Company has followed best practice recommendations from the Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rate Committee, our third-party derivative advisor and the Internal Swaps and Derivatives Association. To date, the Company has identified the portion of loan notes that reference LIBOR, which are primarily representative of commercial relationships. Additionally, the Company has one designated derivative instrument that is utilized to hedge the LIBOR characteristic of a future dated borrowing (i.e. Federal Home Loan Bank Advance). In 2015, the Company issued $40 million in fixed to floating rate subordinated notes that currently bear a fixed rate of interest at 6.00% until April 2025, when the rate converts to a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 3.944%; the indenture under which the notes were issued includes language allowing an alternate index to be applied in the event that LIBOR becomes unavailable at the floating rate determination date. At this time, no other borrowing or deposit relationships have been identified that utilize LIBOR as an index.
In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The ASU provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to GAAP guidance on contract modifications and hedge accounting to ease the financial reporting burdens of the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative rates, such as SOFR. ASU 2020-04 became effective during the first quarter of 2020 and applies to contract modifications and amendments made as of the beginning of the reporting period including the ASU’s issuance date, March 12, 2020, through December 31, 2022. The adoption of this guidance in 2020 resulted in the application of certain practical expedients, which did not have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements
In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope. The ASU clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in ASC 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. The ASU also amends the expedients and exceptions in ASC 848 to capture the incremental consequences of the scope clarification and to tailor the existing guidance to derivative instruments affected by the discounting transition. ASU 2021-01 was effective upon issuance and applies through December 31, 2022. The Company is in the process of determining which optional expedients to elect, if any, as well as the timing and application of those elections. At this time, the Company does not expect any elections to have a significant impact on its financial statements.
(2.)
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
2021 Activity – Landmark Group Acquisition
On February 1, 2021, SDN completed the acquisition of the assets of Landmark Group (“Landmark”), an independent insurance brokerage firm. Consideration for the acquisition included common shares of Company stock and cash. As a result of the acquisition, SDN recorded goodwill of $611 thousand and other intangible assets of $399 thousand. The goodwill and other intangible assets are expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The allocation of acquisition cost to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed and pro forma results of operations for this acquisition have not been presented because the effect of this acquisition was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
2020 Activity – No Activity
- 11 -
(3.)
RESTRUCTURING CHARGES
On July 17, 2020, the Bank announced management’s decision to adapt to a full-service branch model to streamline retail branches to better align with shifting customer needs and preferences. The transformation resulted in six branch closures and a reduction in staffing. The announcement was the result of a nine-month comprehensive assessment of all lines of business and functional areas, conducted in partnership with a leading process improvement organization. The data-driven analysis identified, among other things, overlapping service areas, automation opportunities and streamlining of processes and operations that would enhance customer experiences and facilitate the long-term sustainability of current and future branches. The announced consolidations represented about ten percent of the branch network and impacted approximately six percent of the total Company workforce. Where possible, those impacted were offered alternative roles or the opportunity to apply for open positions in other areas of the Company. Separated associates received a comprehensive severance package based on tenure.
In October 2020, the Company announced the planned closure of one additional branch that closed in January 2021. This location was not included in the branch consolidations announced in July, as alternative options were being considered and consolidation was not possible given its significant distance from other Bank branches.
The Company incurred total pre-tax expense related to the branch closures of approximately $1.7 million, including approximately $0.2 million in employee severance, $0.5 million in lease termination costs and $1.0 million in valuation adjustments on branch facilities. The Company recognized all of these expenses during 2020. The Company expects $0.9 million of total costs will result in future cash expenditures. The Company anticipates annual expense savings of approximately $2.7 million as a result of these branch closures.
The Company incurred no restructuring charges during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
The following table represents the changes in the restructuring reserve (in thousands):
Balance at beginning of period
1,245
Restructuring charges
Cash payments
(77
Charges against assets
Balance at end of period
1,162
In contemplation of the transactions noted above, certain long-lived assets have met the held for sale criteria as of March 31, 2021. The Company reclassified $867 thousand from premises and equipment, net to other assets on the consolidated statement of financial condition as of March 31, 2021. No long-lived assets were reclassified as held for sale as of December 31, 2020.
- 12 -
(4.)
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (“EPS”)
The following table presents a reconciliation of the earnings and shares used in calculating basic and diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share amounts).
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Total shares issued
16,100
Unvested restricted stock awards
(4
Treasury shares
(205
(90
Total basic weighted average common shares outstanding
15,889
16,006
Incremental shares from assumed:
Exercise of stock options
Vesting of restricted stock awards
83
63
Total diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
15,972
16,069
Basic earnings per common share
Diluted earnings per common share
For each of the periods presented, average shares subject to the following instruments were excluded from the computation of diluted EPS because the effect would be antidilutive (in thousands):
Stock options
Restricted stock awards
11
2
- 13 -
(5.)
INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities are summarized below (in thousands):
Amortized
Unrealized
Fair
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
March 31, 2021
Securities available for sale:
U.S. Government agency and government sponsored enterprises
16,244
348
16,533
Mortgage-backed securities:
Federal National Mortgage Association
435,287
8,798
4,432
439,653
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
250,091
1,239
5,760
245,570
Government National Mortgage Association
21,605
495
126
21,974
Collateralized mortgage obligations:
22,361
89
43
22,407
6,943
22
6,921
Privately issued
431
Total mortgage-backed securities
736,287
11,052
10,383
736,956
Total available for sale securities
752,531
11,400
10,442
Securities held to maturity:
State and political subdivisions
139,264
3,767
143,031
10,147
522
10,669
5,521
193
5,714
34,568
1,313
35,881
27,230
920
28,150
32,206
1,242
33,448
7,198
238
7,436
116,870
4,428
121,298
Total held to maturity securities
256,134
8,195
264,329
Allowance for credit losses - securities
Total held to maturity securities, net
December 31, 2020
6,239
396
6,635
350,627
15,549
44
366,132
225,645
3,155
24
228,776
22,107
830
22,937
3,047
3,144
-
435
601,426
20,066
68
621,424
607,665
20,462
- 14 -
INVESTMENT SECURITIES (Continued)
December 31, 2020 (continued)
144,506
4,478
148,984
10,776
703
11,479
5,858
382
6,240
37,084
1,578
38,662
29,988
1,075
31,063
35,897
1,581
37,478
7,864
265
8,129
127,467
5,584
133,051
271,973
10,062
282,035
The Company elected to exclude accrued interest receivable (“AIR”) from the amortized cost basis of debt securities disclosed throughout this footnote. For AFS debt securities, AIR totaled $1.4 million and $1.2 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. For HTM debt securities, AIR totaled $1.3 million and $905 thousand as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. AIR is included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition.
For each of the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, credit loss expense (credit) for HTM investment securities was less than $(1) thousand.
Investment securities with a total fair value of $660.1 million and $567.4 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, were pledged as collateral to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.
Sales of securities available for sale were as follows (in thousands):
Proceeds from sales
Gross realized gains
Gross realized losses
15
The scheduled maturities of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity at March 31, 2021 are shown below (in thousands). Actual expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations.
Debt securities available for sale:
Due in one year or less
4,887
4,946
Due from one to five years
57,462
60,632
Due after five years through ten years
148,739
153,492
Due after ten years
541,443
534,419
Debt securities held to maturity:
46,389
46,684
92,903
96,303
20,252
21,018
96,590
100,324
- 15 -
Unrealized losses on investment securities for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded and the fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows (in thousands):
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
U.S. Government agency and government sponsored
enterprises
9,941
224,499
13
224,512
209,482
5,165
9,665
455,732
455,745
465,673
465,686
Total temporarily impaired securities
U.S. Government agencies and government sponsored
18,155
10,932
29,087
29,095
- 16 -
The total number of securities positions in the investment portfolio in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2021 was 62 compared to eight at December 31, 2020. At March 31, 2021, the Company had a position in one investment security with a fair value of $13 thousand and a total unrealized loss of less than one thousand dollars that has been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. At March 31, 2021, there were a total of 61 securities positions in the Company’s investment portfolio with a fair value of $465.7 million and a total unrealized loss of $10.4 million that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. At December 31, 2020, the Company had a position in one investment security with a fair value of eight thousand dollars and a total unrealized loss of less than one thousand dollars that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 months. At December 31, 2020, there were a total of seven securities positions in the Company’s investment portfolio with a fair value of $29.1 million and a total unrealized loss of $68 thousand that had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. The unrealized loss on investment securities was predominantly caused by changes in market interest rates subsequent to purchase. The fair value of most of the investment securities in the Company’s portfolio fluctuates as market interest rates change.
Securities Available for Sale
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, no allowance for credit losses has been recognized on available for sale securities in an unrealized loss position as management does not believe any of the securities were impaired due to reasons of credit quality. This is based upon our analysis of the underlying risk characteristics, including credit ratings, and other qualitative factors related to our available for sale securities and in consideration of our historical credit loss experience and internal forecasts. The issuers of these securities continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities. Furthermore, management does not have the intent to sell any of the securities classified as available for sale in the table above and believes that it is more likely than not that we will not have to sell any such securities before a recovery of cost. The unrealized losses are due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the underlying securities were purchased. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline.
Securities Held to Maturity
The Company’s HTM investment securities include debt securities that are issued by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. These securities carry the explicit and/or implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, are widely recognized as “risk free,” and have a long history of zero credit loss. In addition, the Company’s HTM investment securities include debt securities that are issued by state and local government agencies, or municipal bonds.
The Company monitors the credit quality of our municipal bonds through the use of a credit rating agency or by ratings that are derived by an internal scoring model. The scoring methodology for the internally derived ratings is based on a series of financial ratios for the municipality being reviewed as compared to typical industry figures. This information is used to determine the financial strengths and weaknesses of the municipality, which is indicated with a numeric rating. This number is then converted into a letter rating to better match the system used by the credit rating agencies. As of March 31, 2021, $131.4 million of our municipal bonds were rated as an equivalent to Standard & Poor’s A/AA/AAA, with $7.6 million internally rated to be the equivalent of Standard & Poor’s A/AA/AAA rating. Additionally, one municipal bond was rated below investment grade, with a BB+ Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating. The below investment grade bond represented exposure of $280 thousand, or 0.20% of the municipal bond portfolio and has been closely monitored for repayment. As of December 31, 2020, $135.7 million of our municipal bonds were rated as an equivalent to Standard & Poor’s A/AA/AAA, with $8.5 million internally rated to be the equivalent of Standard & Poor’s A/AA/AAA rating. Additionally, one municipal bond was rated below investment grade, with a BB+ Standard & Poor’s equivalent rating. The below investment grade bond represented exposure of $279 thousand, or 0.19% of the municipal bond portfolio and has been closely monitored for repayment.
As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company had no past due or nonaccrual held to maturity investment securities.
- 17 -
(6.)
LOANS
The Company’s loan portfolio consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
Principal
Amount
Outstanding
Net Deferred
Loan (Fees)
Costs
Loans,
Net
Commercial business
822,499
(5,563
816,936
Commercial mortgage
1,279,317
(2,476
1,276,841
Residential real estate loans
588,002
13,607
601,609
Residential real estate lines
82,319
3,043
85,362
Consumer indirect
829,362
28,442
857,804
Other consumer
15,695
139
15,834
3,617,194
37,192
3,654,386
Allowance for credit losses - loans
(49,828
Total loans, net
798,409
(4,261
794,148
1,256,525
(2,624
1,253,901
586,537
13,263
599,800
86,708
3,097
89,805
812,816
27,605
840,421
16,913
150
17,063
3,557,908
37,230
3,595,138
(52,420
Loans held for sale (not included above) were comprised entirely of residential real estate mortgages and totaled $5.7 million and $4.3 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
The CARES Act was passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act established the PPP, an expansion of the SBA’s 7(a) loan program and the EIDL, administered directly by the SBA. The Company had $262.1 million and $253.1 million of PPP loans (included in Commercial business above) as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. In addition, the CARES Act provides that a financial institution may elect to suspend (1) the application of GAAP for certain loan modifications related to COVID-19 that would otherwise be categorized as a TDR and (2) any determination that such loan modifications would be considered a TDR, including the related impairment for accounting purposes. Accordingly, the Company had $532.4 million of loans with modifications related to COVID-19 during 2020, with $89.1 million and $113.0 million still on deferral as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
The Company elected to exclude AIR from the amortized cost basis of loans disclosed throughout this footnote. As of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, AIR for loans totaled $13.7 million and $13.6 million, respectively, and is included in other assets on the Company’s consolidated statements of financial condition.
- 18 -
LOANS (Continued)
Past Due Loans Aging
The Company’s recorded investment, by loan class, in current and nonaccrual loans, as well as an analysis of accruing delinquent loans is set forth as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
30-59
Days
Past
Due
60-89
Greater
Than
90 Days
Nonaccrual
Current
Loans
with no
allowance
75
1,742
820,682
1,238
3,402
1,275,891
2,867
168
20
188
2,519
585,295
25
52
256
82,011
1,427
253
1,680
1,482
826,200
98
53
284
15,257
Total loans, gross
1,819
351
2,454
9,404
3,605,336
8,365
264
87
1,975
796,083
1,502
822
26
848
2,906
1,252,771
2,709
984
1,044
2,587
582,906
55
323
86,330
3,966
1,348
5,314
1,495
806,007
133
18
231
16,531
6,209
1,554
7,994
9,286
3,540,628
8,616
There were no loans past due greater than 90 days and still accruing interest as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. There were $284 thousand and $231 thousand in consumer overdrafts which were past due greater than 90 days as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Consumer overdrafts are overdrawn deposit accounts which have been reclassified as loans but by their terms do not accrue interest.
The Company recognized no interest income on nonaccrual loans during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
A modification of a loan constitutes a TDR when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the modification constitutes a concession. Commercial loans modified in a TDR may involve temporary interest-only payments, term extensions, reducing the interest rate for the remaining term of the loan, extending the maturity date at an interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, collateral concessions, forgiveness of principal, forbearance agreements, or substituting or adding a new borrower or guarantor.
There were no loans modified as a TDR during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. There were no loans modified as a TDR within the previous 12 months that defaulted during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. For purposes of this disclosure, a loan modified as a TDR is considered to have defaulted when the borrower becomes 90 days past due.
- 19 -
Collateral Dependent Loans
Management has determined that specific commercial loans on nonaccrual status, all loans that have had their terms restructured in a troubled debt restructuring and other loans deemed appropriate by management where repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral to be collateral dependent loans. Collateral dependent loans at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 included certain criticized COVID-19 bridge loans not otherwise classified as nonaccrual. The following table presents the amortized cost basis of collateral dependent loans by collateral type as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Collateral type
Business assets
Real property
Specific Reserve
804
1,148
1,952
1,346
60,156
12,157
61,304
62,108
13,503
2,379
1,383
36,625
8,187
39,004
9,570
Credit Quality Indicators
The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors such as the fair value of collateral. The Company analyzes commercial business and commercial mortgage loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. Risk ratings are updated any time the situation warrants. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:
Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the Company’s credit position at some future date.
Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.
Loans that do not meet the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the process described above are considered “uncriticized” or pass-rated loans and are included in groups of homogeneous loans with similar risk and loss characteristics.
- 20 -
The following tables set forth the Company’s commercial loan portfolio, categorized by internally assigned asset classification, as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
2019
2018
2017
Prior
Revolving
Cost Basis
Converted
to Term
Commercial Business
Uncriticized
34,725
282,996
106,625
65,350
23,823
24,702
268,143
806,364
Special mention
1
42
566
1,002
2,795
4,406
Substandard
247
225
1,119
153
4,188
6,166
Doubtful
283,243
106,851
66,511
24,542
25,938
275,126
Commercial Mortgage
47,489
332,420
220,441
146,250
159,788
208,781
895
1,116,064
500
14,067
39,480
19,511
27,305
40,518
141,381
331
5,350
1,881
1,761
9,875
198
19,396
47,989
346,818
265,271
167,642
188,854
259,174
1,093
2016
350,992
112,469
82,029
31,990
16,600
179,770
782,045
360
21
709
41
1,025
2,995
5,151
1,183
464
202
309
4,390
6,952
351,185
113,040
83,233
33,163
8,438
17,934
187,155
310,364
227,406
163,839
161,771
74,915
154,399
731
1,093,425
14,299
42,305
19,505
27,530
12,256
28,744
144,682
189
2,521
1,890
1,648
9,344
199
15,794
324,852
272,232
185,234
190,949
87,174
192,487
973
- 21 -
The Company utilizes payment status as a means of identifying and reporting problem and potential problem retail loans. The Company considers nonaccrual loans and loans past due greater than 90 days and still accruing interest to be non-performing. The following tables set forth the Company’s retail loan portfolio, categorized by performance status, as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
Residential Real Estate Loans
Performing
32,920
136,773
97,640
80,962
62,906
187,889
599,090
Nonperforming
661
754
906
97,838
81,623
63,660
188,795
Residential Real Estate Lines
75,606
9,500
85,106
192
75,670
9,692
Consumer Indirect
105,985
278,315
182,163
146,363
94,067
49,429
856,322
394
421
387
195
85
278,709
182,584
146,750
94,262
49,514
Other Consumer
1,311
5,419
2,782
1,439
688
962
3,230
15,831
2,785
137,926
103,923
87,153
66,446
67,473
134,292
597,213
665
233
725
104,122
87,918
67,111
67,706
135,017
79,257
10,225
89,482
65
258
79,322
10,483
295,216
202,187
166,773
111,008
47,793
15,949
838,926
70
652
319
287
132
35
295,286
202,839
167,092
111,295
47,925
15,984
6,774
3,177
1,765
907
369
508
3,563
- 22 -
(6.)LOANS (Continued)
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans
On January 1, 2020, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) – Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 amends guidance on reporting credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost basis and available for sale debt securities. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial assets to present the net amount expected to be collected. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective approach. Results for the periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 326 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The Company recorded a net reduction of retained earnings of $8.7 million upon adoption. The transition adjustment includes an increase in credit-related reserves of $9.6 million, $14 thousand, and $2.1 million for loans, held to maturity investment securities and unfunded commitments, respectively, net of the corresponding increase in deferred tax assets of $3.0 million.
The following table sets forth the changes in the allowance for credit losses - loans for the three-month periods ended as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
Commercial
Business
Mortgage
Residential
Real
Estate
Lines
Consumer
Indirect
Allowance for credit losses - loans:
Beginning balance
13,580
21,763
3,924
674
12,165
314
52,420
Charge-offs
(86
(203
(11
(70
(2,413
(81
(2,864
Recoveries
1,670
1,977
Provision (benefit)
(1,062
1,112
(809
(122
(865
(1,705
Ending balance
12,670
22,672
3,109
482
10,557
338
49,828
March 31, 2020
Beginning balance, prior to adoption of ASC 326
11,358
5,681
1,059
118
11,852
414
30,482
Impact of adopting ASC 326
(246
7,310
3,290
607
(1,234
(133
9,594
Beginning balance, after adoption of ASC 326
11,112
12,991
4,349
10,618
281
40,076
(8,241
(98
(3,424
(269
(12,032
10
1,668
1,889
Provision
7,294
2,163
1,909
171
1,783
103
13,423
10,223
15,154
6,170
899
10,645
43,356
- 23 -
Risk Characteristics
Commercial business loans primarily consist of loans to small to mid-sized businesses in our market area in a diverse range of industries. These loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. Further, the collateral securing the loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value. The credit risk related to commercial loans is largely influenced by general economic conditions, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small to mid-sized business in our market area, and the resulting impact on a borrower’s operations or on the value of underlying collateral, if any.
Commercial mortgage loans generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than residential mortgage loans, potentially resulting in higher potential losses on an individual customer basis. Loan repayment is often dependent on the successful operation and management of the properties, as well as on the collateral securing the loan. Economic events, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ability of the tenants to pay rent at these properties, or conditions in the real estate market could have an adverse impact on the cash flows generated by properties securing the Company’s commercial real estate loans and on the value of such properties.
Residential real estate loans (comprised of conventional mortgages and home equity loans) and residential real estate lines (comprised of home equity lines) are generally made based on the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment and other income but are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable. Credit risk for these types of loans is generally influenced by general economic conditions, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the employment income of these borrowers, the characteristics of individual borrowers, and the nature of the loan collateral.
Consumer indirect and other consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than residential mortgage loans and home equities, particularly in the case of other consumer loans which are unsecured or, in the case of indirect consumer loans, secured by depreciable assets, such as automobiles. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance. In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and thus are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances such as job loss, illness or personal bankruptcy, including the heightened risk that such circumstances may arise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.
- 24 -
(7.)
LEASES
ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”), establishes a right of use model that requires a lessee to record a right of use asset and a lease liability for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. The Company is obligated under a number of non-cancellable operating lease agreements for land, buildings and equipment with terms, including renewal options reasonably certain to be exercised, extending through 2047. One building lease is subleased for terms extending through 2021.
The following table represents the consolidated statements of financial condition classification of the Company’s right of use assets and lease liabilities:
Balance Sheet Location
Operating Lease Right of Use Assets:
Gross carrying amount
24,557
23,697
Accumulated amortization
(4,241
(3,741
Net book value
20,316
19,956
Operating Lease Liabilities:
Right of use lease obligations
21,908
21,507
The weighted average remaining lease term for operating leases was 21.1 years at March 31, 2021 and the weighted-average discount rate used in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was 3.78%. The Company utilizes its incremental borrowing rate at lease inception, on a collateralized basis, over a similar term for the discount rate.
The following table represents lease costs and other lease information:
Lease costs:
Operating lease costs
680
677
Variable lease costs (1)
101
Sublease income
Net lease costs
767
Other information:
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases
648
Right of use assets obtained in exchange for new operating
lease liabilities
864
334
(1)
Variable lease costs primarily represent variable payments such as common area maintenance, insurance, taxes and utilities.
Future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more, are as follows at March 31, 2021 (in thousands):
Twelve months ended March 31,
2022
2,372
2023
1,979
2024
1,514
2025
1,308
2026
1,233
Thereafter
24,858
Total future minimum operating lease payments
33,264
Amounts representing interest
(11,356
Present value of net future minimum operating lease payments
- 25 -
(8.)
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Goodwill
The carrying amount of goodwill totaled $66.7 million and $66.1 million as of both March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. The Company performs a goodwill impairment test on an annual basis as of October 1st or more frequently if events and circumstances warrant.
Banking
All Other (1)
Balance, December 31, 2020
48,536
17,526
66,062
Acquisition
611
Balance, March 31, 2021
18,137
66,673
(1) All Other includes the SDN, Courier Capital and HNP Capital reporting units
Goodwill and other intangible assets added during the period relates to the acquisition of assets of Landmark Group, which was completed on February 1, 2021. See Note 2 – Business Combinations for additional information.
Other Intangible Assets
The Company has other intangible assets that are amortized, consisting of core deposit intangibles and other intangibles (primarily related to customer relationships). Gross carrying amount, accumulated amortization and net book value, were as follows (in thousands):
Other intangibles assets:
16,324
15,925
(8,469
(8,198
7,855
7,727
Amortization expense for total other intangible assets was $271 thousand and $294 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. As of March 31, 2021, the estimated amortization expense of other intangible assets for the remainder of 2021 and each of the next five years is as follows (in thousands):
2021 (remainder of year)
779
960
887
816
745
675
(9.)
OTHER ASSETS
A summary of other assets as of the dates indicated are as follows (in thousands):
Operating lease right of use assets
Tax credit investments
38,632
34,370
Derivative instruments
18,391
20,120
Collateral on derivative instruments
4,270
19,630
66,886
62,010
Total other assets
- 26 -
(10.)
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENT AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives
The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities, and the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments.
Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company uses interest rate caps and interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. During the first three months of 2021 and in 2020, such derivatives were used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with short-term borrowings. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. The Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions over a period of approximately 60 months. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had one outstanding forward starting interest rate derivative with a notional value of $50.0 million that was designated as a cash flow hedge of interest rate risk. The derivative becomes effective in April 2022.
For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s borrowings. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that $0 will be reclassified into interest expense.
Interest Rate Swaps
The Company executes interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. These interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting interest rate swaps that the Company executes with a third party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings.
Credit-risk-related Contingent Features
The Company has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain one or more of the following provisions: (a) if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including a default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations, and (b) if the Company fails to maintain its status as a well-capitalized institution, the counterparty could terminate the derivative positions and the Company would be required to settle its obligations under the agreements.
- 27 -
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENT AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Continued)
Mortgage Banking Derivatives
The Company extends rate lock agreements to borrowers related to the origination of residential mortgage loans. To mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in these rate lock agreements when the Company intends to sell the related loan, once originated, as well as closed residential mortgage loans held for sale, the Company enters into forward commitments to sell individual residential mortgages. Rate lock agreements and forward commitments are considered derivatives and are recorded at fair value.
Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet
The table below presents the notional amounts, respective fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments, as well as their classification on the balance sheet as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
Asset derivatives
Liability derivatives
Gross notional
amount
Balance
Fair value
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
sheet
line item
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Cash flow hedges
50,000
1,677
311
Total derivatives
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
100,000
Interest rate swaps (1)
706,115
631,907
16,176
19,626
15,580
19,837
Credit contracts
115,833
113,434
12
23
39
86
Mortgage banking
28,025
28,225
526
471
849,973
873,566
16,714
15,619
19,924
The Company secured its obligations under these contracts with $4.3 million and $19.6 million in cash at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Income Statement
The table below presents the effect of the Company’s derivative financial instruments on the income statement for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Gain (loss) recognized in income
Line item of gain (loss)
Undesignated derivatives
recognized in income
Interest rate swaps
1,772
724
48
Total undesignated
- 28 -
(11.)
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Common Stock
The changes in shares of common stock were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020:
Issued
Shares at December 31, 2020
16,041,926
57,630
16,099,556
Shares issued for Landmark Group acquisition
12,831
(12,831
18,819
(18,819
Treasury stock purchases
(244,677
244,677
Shares at March 31, 2021
15,828,899
270,657
Shares at December 31, 2019
16,002,899
96,657
22,921
(22,921
(6,436
6,436
Shares at March 31, 2020
16,019,384
80,172
Share Repurchase Program
In November 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to 801,879 shares of common stock. Repurchased shares are recorded in treasury stock, at cost, which includes any applicable transaction costs. 238,439 shares were repurchased at an average price of $24.30 during the three months ended March 31, 2021. No shares were repurchased under this program during the year ended December 31, 2020. As of March 31, 2021, the remaining amount of shares authorized for repurchase under the repurchase program was 563,440.
- 29 -
(12.)
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
The following tables present the components of other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Pre-tax
Tax
Effect
Net-of-tax
Securities available for sale and transferred securities:
Change in unrealized gain/loss during the period
(19,362
(4,961
(14,401
Reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (1)
Total securities available for sale and transferred securities
(19,363
Hedging derivative instruments:
2,103
539
Pension and post-retirement obligations:
Amortization of prior service credit included in income
Amortization of net actuarial loss included in income
186
47
Total pension and post-retirement obligations
185
Other comprehensive loss
(17,075
(4,375
Includes amounts related to the amortization/accretion of unrealized net gains and losses related to the Company’s reclassification of available for sale investment securities to the held to maturity category. The unrealized net gains/losses will be amortized/accreted over the remaining life of the investment securities as an adjustment of yield.
16,451
4,215
12,236
(175
(45
(130
16,276
4,170
123
32
(9
(2
82
241
80
Other comprehensive income
16,713
4,282
- 30 -
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Continued)
Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 was as follows (in thousands):
Hedging
Derivative
Instruments
Securities
Available
for Sale and
Transferred
Pension and
Post-
retirement
Obligations
Income (Loss)
(316
14,743
(12,299
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications
(12,837
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive
income (loss)
137
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
1,248
341
(12,161
(518
873
(14,868
12,327
104
(427
12,979
(14,634
The following table presents the amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 (in thousands):
Details About Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
Amount Reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Affected Line Item in the
Consolidated Statement of Income
Realized gain on sale of investment securities
Amortization of unrealized holding losses
on investment securities transferred from
available for sale to held to maturity
(73
(46
Interest income
175
Total before tax
130
Net of tax
Amortization of pension and post-retirement items:
Prior service credit (1)
Net actuarial losses (1)
(186
(323
(185
(314
Income tax benefit
(138
(234
Total reclassified for the period
(137
(104
These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension expense. See Note 14 – Employee Benefit Plans for additional information.
- 31 -
(13.)
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS
The Company maintains certain share-based compensation plans, approved by the Company’s shareholders, that are administered by the Management Development and Compensation Committee (the “MD&C Committee”) of the Board. The share-based compensation plans were established to allow for the grant of compensation awards to attract, motivate and retain employees, executive officers and non-employee directors who contribute to the long-term growth and profitability of the Company and to give such persons a proprietary interest in the Company, thereby enhancing their personal interest in the Company’s success.
The MD&C Committee approved the grant of restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and performance share units (“PSUs”) shown in the table below to certain members of management during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
Number of
Underlying
Shares
Weighted
Average
Per Share
Grant Date
Fair Value
RSUs
58,924
27.46
PSUs
22,178
27.58
The grant-date fair value for the RSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2021 is equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant reduced by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares.
Fifty percent of the PSUs that ultimately vest is contingent on achieving specified return on average equity (“ROAE”) targets relative to the SNL Small Cap Bank & Thrift Index, a market index the MD&C Committee has selected as a peer group for this purpose. These shares will be earned based on the Company’s achievement of a relative ROAE performance requirement, on a percentile basis, compared to the SNL Small Cap Bank & Thrift Index over a three-year performance period ended December 31, 2023. The shares earned based on the achievement of the ROAE performance requirement, if any, will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date assuming the recipient’s continuous service to the Company. The remaining fifty percent of the PSUs that ultimately vest is contingent upon achievement of an average return on average assets (“ROAA”) performance requirement over a three-year performance period ended December 31, 2023. The shares earned based on the achievement of the ROAA performance requirement, if any, will vest on the third anniversary of the grant date assuming the recipient’s continuous service to the Company.
The grant-date fair values for both the ROAE and the ROAA portions of PSUs granted during the three months ended March 31, 2021 are equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant reduced by the present value of the dividends expected to be paid on the underlying shares.
The Company previously granted restricted stock awards to certain members of management and non-employee directors. There were no restricted stock awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2021. The following is a summary of restricted stock awards and restricted stock units activity for the three months ended March 31, 2021:
Market
Price at
Outstanding at beginning of year
168,513
25.65
Granted
81,102
27.50
Vested
28.38
Forfeited
(18,487
26.67
Outstanding at end of period
212,309
26.03
At March 31, 2021, there was $3.8 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards and restricted stock units that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.40 years.
- 32 -
SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS (Continued)
The Company amortizes the expense related to share-based compensation awards over the vesting period. Share-based compensation expense is recorded as a component of salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statements of income for awards granted to management and as a component of other noninterest expense for awards granted to directors. The share-based compensation expense included in the consolidated statements of income, is as follows (in thousands):
304
Other noninterest expense
28
Total share-based compensation expense
(14.)
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
The components of the Company’s net periodic benefit expense for its pension and post-retirement obligations were as follows (in thousands):
Service cost
1,049
923
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
551
635
Expected return on plan assets
(1,306
(1,284
Amortization of unrecognized prior service credit
Amortization of unrecognized net actuarial loss
Net periodic benefit expense
479
588
The net periodic benefit expense is recorded as a component of salaries and employee benefits in the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute, at a minimum, an actuarially determined amount that will satisfy the minimum funding requirements determined under the appropriate sections of the Internal Revenue Code. The Company has no minimum required contribution for the 2021 fiscal year.
(15.)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
The Company has financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk established in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk extending beyond amounts recognized in the financial statements.
The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved with extending loans to customers. The Company uses the same credit underwriting policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as for on-balance sheet instruments.
Off-balance sheet commitments consist of the following (in thousands):
Commitments to extend credit
993,324
1,012,810
Standby letters of credit
22,970
22,393
- 33 -
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Continued)
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses which may require payment of a fee. Commitments may expire without being drawn upon; therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer’s creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if any, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Standby letters of credit are conditional lending commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These standby letters of credit are primarily issued to support private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.
Unfunded Commitments
At March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the allowance for credit losses for unfunded commitments totaled $2.9 million and $3.1 million, respectively, and was included in other liabilities on the Company's consolidated statements of financial condition. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020, credit loss (credit) expense for unfunded commitments was $(276) thousand and $1.0 million, respectively.
Contingent Liabilities and Litigation
In the ordinary course of business, there are various threatened and pending legal proceedings against the Company. Management believes that the aggregate liability, if any, arising from such litigation, except for the matter described below, would not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
As previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 as filed with the SEC on March 15, 2021 and as disclosed in Part II, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are party to an action filed against us on May 16, 2017 by Matthew L. Chipego, Charlene Mowry, Constance C. Churchill and Joseph W. Ewing in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Plaintiffs seek class certification to represent classes of consumers in New York and Pennsylvania along with statutory damages, interest and declaratory relief. The plaintiffs seek to represent a putative class of consumers who are alleged to have obtained direct or indirect financing from us for the purchase of vehicles that we later repossessed. The plaintiffs specifically claim that the notices the Bank sent to defaulting consumers after their vehicles were repossessed did not comply with the relevant portions of the Uniform Commercial Code in New York and Pennsylvania. We dispute and believe we have meritorious defenses against these claims and plan to vigorously defend ourselves.
In February 2020, we agreed to engage in mediation with the plaintiffs and mediation is expected to commence during May 2021. On October 19, 2020, the Court granted plaintiffs’ motion for judgment on the pleadings dismissing our affirmative defense against one named New York plaintiff that his claim was time-barred under New York law, applying a six-year statute of limitations rather than the three years limitation period we had argued. The issue of class certification has been briefed and the class certification hearing date has been scheduled for June 14, 2021.
If we settle these claims or the action is not resolved in our favor, we may suffer reputational damage and incur legal costs, settlements or judgments that exceed the amounts covered by our existing insurance policies. We can provide no assurances that our insurer will insure the legal costs, settlements or judgments we incur in excess of our deductible. If we are unsuccessful in defending ourselves from these claims or if our insurer does not insure us against legal costs we incur in excess of our deductible, the result may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
(16.)
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Determination of Fair Value – Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis
Valuation Hierarchy
The fair value of an asset or liability is the price that would be received to sell that asset or paid to transfer that liability in an orderly transaction occurring in the principal market (or most advantageous market in the absence of a principal market) for such asset or liability. ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. There have been no changes in the valuation techniques used during the current period. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
Level 2 - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.
- 34 -
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Continued)
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.
Transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recorded as of the end of the reporting period.
In general, fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon internally developed models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and the Company’s creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. The Company’s valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date. Furthermore, the reported fair value amounts have not been comprehensively revalued since the presentation dates, and therefore, estimates of fair value after the balance sheet date may differ significantly from the amounts presented herein. A more detailed description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.
Securities available for sale: Securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things.
Derivative instruments: The fair value of derivative instruments is determined using quoted secondary market prices for similar financial instruments and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Loans held for sale: The fair value of loans held for sale is determined using quoted secondary market prices and investor commitments. Loans held for sale are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Collateral dependent loans: Fair value of collateral dependent loans with specific allocations of the allowance for credit losses – loans is measured based on the value of the collateral securing these loans and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets including equipment, inventory and/or accounts receivable and collateral value is determined based on appraisals performed by qualified licensed appraisers hired by the Company. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Appraised and reported values may be discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and the client’s business. Such discounts are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. Collateral dependent loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly, based on the same factors identified above.
Long-lived assets held for sale: The fair value of the long-lived assets held for sale was based on estimated market prices from independently prepared current appraisals and are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Loan servicing rights: Loan servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable market data. As a result, the Company estimates the fair value of loan servicing rights by using a discounted cash flow model to calculate the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The assumptions used in the discounted cash flow model are those that we believe market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, including estimates of loan prepayment rates, servicing costs, ancillary income, impound account balances, and discount rates. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s loan servicing rights are the constant prepayment rates and weighted average discount rate. Significant increases (decreases) in any of those inputs in isolation could result in a significantly lower (higher) fair value measurement. Although the constant prepayment rate and the discount rate are not directly interrelated, they will generally move in opposite directions. Loan servicing rights are classified as Level 3 measurements due to the use of significant unobservable inputs, as well as significant management judgment and estimation.
Other real estate owned (foreclosed assets): Nonrecurring adjustments to certain commercial and residential real estate properties classified as other real estate owned are measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification. The appraisals are sometimes further discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation, and/or management’s expertise and knowledge of the client and client’s business. Such discounts are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized.
Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit: Commitments to extend credit and fund letters of credit are principally at current interest rates, and, therefore, the carrying amount approximates fair value. The fair value of commitments is not material.
- 35 -
Assets Measured at Fair Value
The following tables present for each of the fair-value hierarchy levels the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
Quoted
Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical
Assets or
Liabilities
(Level 1)
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
Unobservable
(Level 3)
Measured on a recurring basis:
Mortgage-backed securities
Other assets:
Fair value adjusted through comprehensive income
755,166
Derivative instruments - interest rate swaps
Derivative instruments - credit contracts
Derivative instruments - mortgage banking
Other liabilities:
(15,580
(39
Fair value adjusted through net income
1,095
Measured on a nonrecurring basis:
Loans:
Collateral dependent loans
48,605
Long-lived assets held for sale
867
Loan servicing rights
1,392
Other real estate owned
2,966
6,552
52,963
59,515
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2021. There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2021.
- 36 -
(311
627,748
Derivative instruments - cash flow hedges
(19,837
196
29,434
1,320
33,720
38,025
There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2020. There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2020.
The following table presents additional quantitative information about assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis for which the Company has utilized Level 3 inputs to determine fair value as of March 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands).
Asset
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Value or Range
Appraisal of collateral (1)
Appraisal adjustments (2)
28.6% (3) / 0 - 35%
Discounted cash flow
Discount rate
10.3% (3)
Constant prepayment rate
16.7% (3)
27.7% (3) / 20 - 46%
Fair value is generally determined through independent appraisals of the underlying collateral, which generally include various Level 3 inputs which are not identifiable.
(2)
Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses.
(3)
Weighted averages.
- 37 -
Changes in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
There were no assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) as of or during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020.
Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The assumptions used below are expected to approximate those that market participants would use in valuing these financial instruments.
Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on available market information and judgments about the financial instrument, including estimates of timing, amount of expected future cash flows and the credit standing of the issuer. Such estimates do not consider the tax impact of the realization of unrealized gains or losses. In some cases, the fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets. In addition, the disclosed fair value may not be realized in the immediate settlement of the financial instrument. Care should be exercised in deriving conclusions about our business, its value or financial position based on the fair value information of financial instruments presented below.
The estimated fair value approximates carrying value for cash and cash equivalents, Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock, accrued interest receivable, non-maturity deposits, short-term borrowings and accrued interest payable.
The following presents (in thousands) the carrying amount, estimated fair value, and placement in the fair value measurement hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments as of the dates indicated.
Level in
Estimated
Measurement
Carrying
Hierarchy
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Level 1
Securities available for sale
Level 2
Securities held to maturity, net
3,555,953
3,609,735
3,513,284
3,549,770
Loans (1)
Level 3
Accrued interest receivable
16,422
15,635
Derivative instruments – cash flow hedges
Derivative instruments – interest rate products
Derivative instruments – credit contracts
Derivative instruments – mortgage banking
FHLB and FRB stock
8,729
8,619
Financial liabilities:
Non-maturity deposits
3,799,619
3,392,774
916,809
887,113
79,299
83,953
Accrued interest payable
4,624
4,381
Comprised of collateral dependent loans.
- 38 -
(17.)
SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company has one reportable segment, Banking, which includes all of the company’s retail and commercial banking operations. This reportable segment has been identified and organized based on the nature of the underlying products and services applicable to the segment, the type of customers to whom those products and services are offered and the distribution channel through which those products and services are made available.
All other segments that do not meet the quantitative threshold for separate reporting have been grouped as “All Other.” This “All Other” grouping includes the activities of SDN, a full-service insurance agency that provides a broad range of insurance services to both personal and business clients, and Courier Capital and HNP Capital, our investment advisor and wealth management firms that provide customized investment management, investment consulting and retirement plan services to individuals, businesses, institutions, foundations and retirement plans, and Holding Company amounts, which are the primary differences between segment amounts and consolidated totals, along with amounts to eliminate balances and transactions between segments.
The following tables present information regarding our business segments as of and for the periods indicated (in thousands).
All Other
Consolidated
Totals
Other intangible assets, net
7,837
5,291,625
37,431
7,699
4,875,673
36,633
Three months ended March 31, 2021
Net interest income (expense)
38,918
(1,061
(Provision) benefit for credit losses
1,981
Noninterest income
9,275
3,684
Noninterest expense
(22,633
(4,107
(26,740
Income (loss) before income taxes
27,541
(1,484
Income tax (expense) benefit
(6,035
(5,347
Net income (loss)
21,506
(796
Reflects activity from the acquisition of assets of Landmark Group since February 1, 2021 (the date of acquisition).
Three months ended March 31, 2020
33,742
(618
Provision for credit losses
(13,915
6,815
3,095
(23,726
(3,944
(27,670
2,916
(1,467
141
(463
(322
3,057
(1,930
- 39 -
ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the more detailed and comprehensive disclosures included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. In addition, please read this section in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein.
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements and financial analysis contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are based on other than historical data are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and include, among others:
statements with respect to the beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, anticipations, and future financial condition, results of operations and performance of Financial Institutions, Inc. (the “Parent” or “FII”) and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”); and
statements preceded by, followed by or that include the words “may,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “projects” or similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results may differ materially from those presented, either expressed or implied, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 (the “Form 10-K”), including, but not limited to, those presented in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Factors that might cause such material differences include, but are not limited to:
The COVID-19 pandemic, and governmental and individual efforts to contain the pandemic, have had a significant negative impact on the U.S. and global economy which has and will continue to adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations;
If we experience greater credit losses than anticipated, earnings may be adversely impacted;
Geographic concentration may unfavorably impact our operations;
Our commercial business and mortgage loans increase our exposure to credit risks;
Our indirect and consumer lending involves risk elements in addition to normal credit risk;
Lack of seasoning in portions of our loan portfolio could increase risk of credit defaults in the future;
We accept deposits that do not have a fixed term, and which may be withdrawn by the customer at any time for any reason;
We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with our lending activities;
We operate in a highly competitive industry and market area;
Changes to and replacement of the LIBOR Benchmark Interest Rate may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations;
Legal and regulatory proceedings and related matters, such as the action brought by a putative class of consumers against us as described in Part II, Item 1, “Legal Proceedings,” could adversely affect us and the banking industry in general;
Any future FDIC insurance premium increases may adversely affect our earnings;
We are highly regulated, and any adverse regulatory action may result in additional costs, loss of business opportunities, and reputational damage;
The policies of the Federal Reserve have a significant impact on our earnings;
Our insurance brokerage subsidiary is subject to risk related to the insurance industry;
Our investment advisory and wealth management operations are subject to risk related to the regulation of the financial services industry and market volatility;
We make certain assumptions and estimates in preparing our financial statements that may prove to be incorrect, which could significantly impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition, and we are subject to new or changing accounting rules and interpretations, and the failure by us to correctly interpret or apply these evolving rules and interpretations could have a material adverse effect;
The value of our goodwill and other intangible assets may decline in the future;
We may be unable to successfully implement our growth strategies, including the integration and successful management of newly-acquired businesses;
Acquisitions may disrupt our business and dilute shareholder value;
Our tax strategies and the value of our deferred tax assets and liabilities could adversely affect our operating results and regulatory capital ratios;
- 40 -
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Liquidity is essential to our businesses;
We rely on dividends from our subsidiaries for most of our revenue;
If our risk management framework does not effectively identify or mitigate our risks, we could suffer losses;
We face competition in staying current with technological changes and banking alternatives to compete and meet customer demands;
We rely on other companies to provide key components of our business infrastructure;
A breach in security of our or third-party information systems, including the occurrence of a cyber incident or a deficiency in cybersecurity, or a failure by us to comply with New York State cybersecurity regulations, may subject us to liability, result in a loss of customer business or damage our brand image;
We are subject to interest rate risk, and a rising rate environment may reduce our income and result in higher defaults on our loans, whereas a falling rate environment may result in earlier loan prepayments than we expect, which may reduce our income;
The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us;
We may need to raise additional capital in the future and such capital may not be available on acceptable terms or at all;
We may not pay or may reduce the dividends on our common stock;
We may issue debt and equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, any of which may be senior to our common stock as to distributions and in liquidation, which could dilute our current shareholders or negatively affect the value of our common stock;
Our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws, and certain banking laws may have an anti-takeover effect;
The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors;
We may not be able to attract and retain skilled people;
We use financial models for business planning purposes that may not adequately predict future results;
We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about or from customers and counterparties;
Our business may be adversely affected by conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally; and
Severe weather, natural disasters, public health emergencies and pandemics, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events could significantly impact our business.
We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made, and advise readers that various factors, including those described above, could affect our financial performance and could cause our actual results or circumstances for future periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected. See also Item 1A, Risk Factors, in the Form 10-K for further information. Except as required by law, we do not undertake, and specifically disclaim any obligation to publicly release any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
GENERAL
The Parent is a financial holding company headquartered in New York State, providing diversified financial services through its subsidiaries, Five Star Bank (the “Bank”), SDN Insurance Agency, LLC (“SDN”), Courier Capital, LLC (“Courier Capital”) and HNP Capital, LLC (“HNP Capital”). The Company offers a broad array of deposit, lending and other financial services to individuals, municipalities and businesses in Western and Central New York through its wholly-owned New York-chartered banking subsidiary, the Bank. Our indirect lending network includes relationships with franchised automobile dealers in Western and Central New York, the Capital District of New York and Northern and Central Pennsylvania. SDN provides a broad range of insurance services to personal and business clients. Courier Capital and HNP Capital provide customized investment advice, wealth management, investment consulting and retirement plan services to individuals, businesses, institutions, foundations and retirement plans.
Our primary sources of revenue are net interest income (interest earned on our loans and securities, net of interest paid on deposits and other funding sources) and noninterest income, particularly fees and other revenue from insurance, investment advisory and financial services provided to customers or ancillary services tied to loans and deposits. Business volumes and pricing drive revenue potential, and tend to be influenced by overall economic factors, including market interest rates, business spending, consumer confidence, economic growth, and competitive conditions within the marketplace. We are not able to predict market interest rate fluctuations with certainty and our asset/liability management strategy may not prevent interest rate changes from having a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our business strategy has been to maintain a community bank philosophy, which consists of focusing on and understanding the individualized banking and other financial needs of individuals, municipalities and businesses of the local communities surrounding our primary service area. We believe this focus allows us to be more responsive to our customers’ needs and provide a high level of personal service that differentiates us from larger competitors, resulting in long-standing and broad-based banking relationships. Our core customers are primarily small- to medium-sized businesses, individuals and community organizations who prefer to build banking, insurance and wealth management relationships with a community bank that combines high quality, competitively-priced products and services with personalized service. Because of our identity and
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origin as a locally operated bank, we believe that our level of personal service provides a competitive advantage over larger banks, which tend to consolidate decision-making authority outside local communities.
A key aspect of our current business strategy is to foster a community-oriented culture where our customers and employees establish long-standing and mutually beneficial relationships. We believe that we are well-positioned to be a strong competitor within our market area because of our focus on community banking needs and customer service, our comprehensive suite of deposit, loan, insurance and wealth management products typically found at larger banks, our highly experienced management team and our strategically located banking centers. We have evolved to meet changing customer needs by opening what we refer to as financial solution center branches. These financial solution center branches have a smaller footprint than our traditional branches, focus on technology to provide solutions that fit our customer preferences for transacting business with us, and are staffed by certified personal bankers who are trained to meet a broad array of customer needs. In recent years, we have opened four financial solution centers in the Rochester and Buffalo markets. We believe that the foregoing factors all help to grow our core deposits, which supports a central element of our business strategy - the growth of a diversified and high-quality loan portfolio.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
Summary of 2021 First Quarter Results
Net income increased $19.6 million to $20.7 million for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2020. Net income available to common shareholders for the first quarter of 2021 was $20.3 million, or $1.27 per diluted share, compared with $762 thousand, or $0.05 per diluted share, for the first quarter of last year. Return on average common equity was 18.28% and return on average assets was 1.66% for the first quarter of 2021 compared to 0.72% and 0.10%, respectively, for the first quarter of 2020.
Net income for both periods was significantly impacted by the provision for credit losses. In the first quarter of 2020, the provision of $13.9 million was driven by the adoption of the current expected credit loss standard (“CECL”) and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic environment. The designated loss driver for our CECL model is the national unemployment forecast, which spiked in early 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. In the first quarter of 2021, the provision was a benefit of $2.0 million due to continued improvement in national unemployment and positive trends in qualitative factors, resulting in a release of some of our credit loss reserves.
Net interest income totaled $37.9 million in the first quarter of 2021, up from $33.1 million in the first quarter of 2020. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in interest-earning assets and the positive impact of PPP loan forgiveness in the first quarter of 2021. Average loans and average investment securities were up $417.8 million and $134.7 million, respectively, in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter in 2020.
The provision for credit losses - loans was a $1.7 million benefit in the first quarter of 2021 compared to a provision of $13.4 million in the first quarter of 2020. Net charge-offs during the recent quarter were $887 thousand, down from $10.1 million in the first quarter of 2020. Net charge-offs expressed as an annualized percentage of average loans outstanding were 0.10% during the first quarter of 2021 compared with 1.27% in the first quarter of 2020. See the “Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans” and “Non-Performing Assets and Potential Problem Loans” sections of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis for further discussion regarding the change in the provision (benefit) for credit losses - loans and the decrease in net charge-offs.
Noninterest income totaled $13.0 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $9.9 million in the first quarter of 2020. The increase in noninterest income for the first quarter was primarily due to increases in income from derivative instruments, net, net gain on sale of loans held for sale, income from investments in limited partnerships and investment advisory income, partially offset by a decrease in service charges on deposits. Income from derivative instruments, net of $1.9 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to $746 thousand in the first quarter of 2020. Income from derivative instruments, net is based on the number and value of interest rate swap transactions executed combined with the impact of changes in the fair market value of borrower-facing trades, which were positively impacted by the recent increase in longer-term interest rates. Net gain on sale of loans held for sale of $1.1 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2021 due to higher loan volume combined with an increase in transaction margins. Investments in limited partnerships of $855 thousand was recognized in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to $213 thousand in the first quarter of 2020. Investment advisory income of $2.8 million was recognized in the first quarter of 2021 due to increases in assets under management driven by a combination of market gains, new customer accounts and contributions to existing accounts. The Company recognized $1.3 million in service charges on deposits in the first quarter of 2021 as compared to $1.6 million in the first quarter of 2020. Insufficient fund fees, captured in service charges on deposits, remained lower than historic levels after the first quarter of 2020, potentially due to the positive impact of stimulus programs on consumer account balances.
Noninterest expense totaled $26.7 million in the first quarter of 2021, compared to $27.7 million in the first quarter of 2020. The decrease in noninterest expense was primarily the result of decreases in salaries and employee benefits and occupancy and equipment, partially offset by increases in computer and data processing and FDIC assessments. The decrease in salaries and employee benefits reflects a streamlining of retail branches to better align with shifting customer needs and preferences, including the decision in 2020 to close a total of seven branches. Computer and data processing expense increased primarily due to costs related to the Bank’s online and mobile platform, Five Star Bank Digital Banking, launched in the second quarter of 2020. FDIC assessments increased primarily as the result of an increase in total assets combined with the impact of a $70 thousand credit from 2018 that was utilized in the first quarter of 2020.
The regulatory Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio were 10.26%, and 13.58%, respectively, at March 31, 2021. See the “Liquidity and Capital Management” section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis for further discussion regarding regulatory capital and the Basel III capital rules.
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Stock Repurchase Program
On November 4, 2020, the Company announced a stock repurchase program for up to 801,879 shares of common stock, or approximately 5% of the Company’s outstanding common shares. Shares may be repurchased in open market transactions and pursuant to any trading plan adopted in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The timing and number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, market conditions, and other corporate liquidity requirements and priorities. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase any shares and it may be extended, modified or discontinued at any time.
No shares were repurchased in 2020 under this program. Year-to-date, the Company has repurchased 238,439 shares for an average repurchase price of $24.30 per share, inclusive of transaction costs.
Insurance Subsidiary Acquisition
On February 1, 2021, the Company’s insurance subsidiary SDN completed the acquisition of assets of Landmark Group (“Landmark”). A staple of the Rochester community since 1984, Landmark was an independent insurance brokerage firm delivering insurance, surety and risk management solutions across many business sectors including construction, manufacturing, real estate and technology, as well as individual personal insurance. Landmark Founder and Chairman Kelly M. Shea and President Christopher K. Shea remain with SDN to lead Rochester operations and continue their long-term relationship with clients.
Paycheck Protection Program - The CARES Act established the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”), an expansion of the Small Business Administration’s (“SBA”) 7(a) loan program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (“EIDL”), administered directly by the SBA. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 provided approximately $284 billion for PPP loans in an additional round of funding under the program and extended the PPP through March 31, 2021. This additional round of PPP loan funding is authorized for first-time borrowers and for second draws be certain borrowers who have previously received PPP loans. On March 30, 2021, the PPP Extension Act of 2021 was signed into law, which extends the program to May 31, 2021.
Effective March 23, 2020 through July 9, 2020, for consumer customers, the Bank waived early CD penalty fees for withdrawals up to $20,000 (limited to one penalty-free withdrawal per CD account); eliminated all insufficient funds (overdrafts) and returned item fees; eliminated all
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Pay by Phone fees; waived all late fees; offered the opportunity for monthly mortgage, home equity loan or home equity line payment relief; offered the opportunity to defer unsecured consumer loans or lines of credit and secured consumer loans and lines of credit payments; and offered unsecured personal loans up to $5,000, up to 60 months at 2.95% APR subject to credit approval. ATM access fees were reinitiated on September 19, 2020.
As part of the first round of PPP loans we have helped more than 1,700 customers obtain more than $270 million in loans as of December 31, 2020. Of those loans, we have helped customers complete the forgiveness process for approximately $87 million of loans in the first three months of 2021. Also, during the first three months of 2021, we have helped customers obtain approximately $96 million of new PPP loans under the second round of the PPP. Additionally, approximately 4% of our commercial loan and mortgage customers, 1% of our residential real estate loans and lines customers and less than 1% of our indirect loans customers have active payment deferrals in accordance with the previously noted loan modifications under the CARES Act or agencies guidelines.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin
Net interest income is our primary source of revenue, comprising 74% of revenue during the three months ended March 31, 2021. Net interest income is the difference between interest income on interest-earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest expense on interest-bearing deposits and other borrowings used to fund interest-earning and other assets or activities. Net interest income is affected by changes in interest rates and by the amount and composition of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as the sensitivity of the balance sheet to changes in interest rates, including characteristics such as the fixed or variable nature of the financial instruments, contractual maturities and repricing frequencies.
We use interest rate spread and net interest margin to measure and explain changes in net interest income. Interest rate spread is the difference between the yield on earning assets and the rate paid for interest-bearing liabilities that fund those assets. The net interest margin is expressed as the percentage of net interest income to average earning assets. The net interest margin exceeds the interest rate spread because noninterest-bearing sources of funds (“net free funds”), principally noninterest-bearing demand deposits and shareholders’ equity, also support earning assets. To compare tax-exempt asset yields to taxable yields, the yield on tax-exempt investment securities is computed on a taxable equivalent basis. Net interest income, interest rate spread, and net interest margin are discussed on a taxable equivalent basis.
The following table reconciles interest income per the consolidated statements of income to interest income adjusted to a fully taxable equivalent basis (dollars in thousands):
Interest income per consolidated statements of income
Adjustment to fully taxable equivalent basis
184
246
Interest income adjusted to a fully taxable equivalent basis
41,457
41,899
Interest expense per consolidated statements of income
Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis
38,041
33,370
Analysis of Net Interest Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 and 2020
Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis for the three months ended March 31, 2021, was $38.0 million, an increase of approximately $4.7 million versus the comparable quarter last year of $33.4 million. The increase in net interest income was due to deferred fee amortization of $2.9 million on PPP loans, which included accelerated amortization of fees on PPP loans paid-off through the forgiveness process, and increases in average loans and average investment securities of $417.8 million, or 13%, and $134.7 million, or 17%, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2020. Average loans in the first quarter of 2021 included PPP loans net of deferred fees of $248.5 million.
Our net interest margin for the first quarter of 2021 was 3.29%, two-basis points lower than 3.31% for the same period in 2020. This comparable period decrease was a function of a 16-basis point lower contribution from net free funds, partially offset by a 14-basis point increase in the interest rate spread. The higher interest rate spread was a result of a 55-basis point decrease in the yield on average interest-earning assets and a 69-basis point decrease in the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities.
For the first quarter of 2021, the yield on average interest earning assets of 3.60% was 55-basis points lower than the first quarter of 2020 of 4.15%. Loan yields decreased 47-basis points during the first quarter of 2021 to 4.14% from 4.61%. The yield on investment securities decreased 57-basis points during the first quarter of 2021 to 1.91% from 2.48%. Overall, the earning asset rate changes decreased interest income by $5.7 million during the first quarter of 2021 and a favorable volume variance increased interest income by $5.3 million, which collectively drove a $442 thousand decrease in interest income.
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Average interest-earning assets were $4.67 billion for the first quarter of 2021 compared to $4.05 billion for the first quarter of 2020, an increase of $616.3 million, or 15%, from the comparable quarter last year, with average loans up $417.8 million from $3.21 billion to $3.63 billion and average securities up approximately $134.7 million from $780.0 million to $914.6 million. The growth in average loans reflected increases in the commercial loans, residential real estate loans and other consumer loans categories. Commercial loans, in particular, were up $411.6 million from $1.67 billion to $2.08 billion, or 25%, from the first quarter of 2020. The average balance of PPP loans net of deferred fees was $248.5 million in the first quarter of 2021 and the PPP loans are included in Commercial loans. Residential real estate loans were up $24.5 million, partially offset by a decrease of $15.0 million in residential real estate lines. Consumer indirect loans decreased by $3.9 million and other consumer loans increased by $701 thousand. Loans comprised 77.8% of average interest-earning assets during the first quarter of 2021 compared to 79.3% during the first quarter of 2020. Loans generally have significantly higher yields compared to securities and federal funds sold and interest-bearing deposits and, as such, have a more positive effect on the net interest margin. The yield on average loans was 4.14% for the first quarter of 2021, a decrease of 47-basis points compared to 4.61% for the comparable quarter in 2020. An increase in the volume of average loans resulted in a $4.5 million increase in interest income, partially offset by a $4.3 million decrease due to the unfavorable rate variance. Securities represented 19.6% of average interest-earning assets during the first quarter of 2021 compared to 19.2% during the first quarter of 2020. The unfavorable rate variance resulted in a $1.1 million decrease in interest income from investment securities, partially offset by a $674 thousand increase due to an increase in the average volume.
The cost of average interest-bearing liabilities of 0.40% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to 1.09% in the first quarter of 2020, was 69-basis points lower and the cost of average interest-bearing deposits decreased 69-basis points from 0.96% to 0.27%. Average short-term borrowings decreased $168.6 thousand from $169.8 thousand to $1.2 thousand in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of 2020. The decrease in average short-term borrowings was a result of the Company’s decision to utilize brokered deposits as a cost-effective alternative to Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings. The cost of long-term borrowings for the first quarter of 2021 decreased 44-basis points from 6.29% to 5.85% compared to the same quarter of 2020. Overall, interest-bearing liability rate and volume decreases resulted in $5.1 million of lower interest expense.
Average interest-bearing liabilities of $3.45 billion in the first quarter of 2021 were $317.3 million, or 10%, higher than the first quarter of 2020. On average, interest-bearing deposits grew $451.6 million from $2.93 billion to $3.38 billion, and noninterest-bearing demand deposits (a principal component of net free funds) were up $322.8 million from $722.0 million to $1,044.7 million. The increase in average deposits was due to growth in non-public demand and an increase in reciprocal deposit programs. For further discussion of the reciprocal deposit programs, refer to the “Funding Activities - Deposits” section of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis. Overall, interest-bearing deposit rate and volume changes resulted in a $4.8 million decrease in interest expense during the first quarter of 2021. Average borrowings decreased $134.3 million from $209.1 million to $74.8 million compared to the first quarter of 2020. Overall, short and long-term borrowing rate and volume changes resulted in $329 thousand of lower interest expense during the first quarter of 2021.
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The following tables sets forth certain information relating to the consolidated balance sheets and reflects the average yields earned on interest-earning assets, as well as the average rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated (in thousands).
Three months ended March 31,
Interest
Rate
Interest-earning assets:
Federal funds sold and interest-earning deposits
123,042
0.09
%
59,309
1.43
Investment securities (1):
Taxable
772,360
3,496
1.81
589,182
3,657
2.49
Tax-exempt (2)
142,209
875
2.46
190,712
1,171
2.45
Total investment securities
914,569
4,371
1.91
779,894
4,828
2.48
798,866
8,413
4.27
570,886
6,514
4.59
1,284,290
12,245
3.87
1,100,660
13,314
4.87
602,866
5,260
3.49
578,407
5,448
3.77
87,681
3.45
102,680
4.64
842,873
9,988
4.81
846,800
9,919
4.71
16,167
408
10.23
15,466
12.53
Total loans
3,632,743
4.14
3,214,899
4.61
Total interest-earning assets
4,670,354
3.60
4,054,102
4.15
Less: Allowance for credit losses
(53,998
(40,615
Other noninterest-earning assets
428,824
362,638
5,045,180
4,376,125
Interest-bearing liabilities:
790,996
0.13
667,533
344
0.21
1,724,577
890
1,143,628
0.56
863,924
1,089
0.51
1,116,736
5,094
1.83
Total interest-bearing deposits
3,379,497
2,927,897
0.96
1,178
40.97
169,827
2.11
73,636
5.85
39,279
6.29
Total borrowings
74,814
1,181
6.40
209,106
1,510
2.90
Total interest-bearing liabilities
3,454,311
0.40
3,137,003
1.09
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
1,044,733
721,975
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities
77,501
75,931
Shareholders’ equity
468,635
441,216
Net interest income (tax-equivalent)
Interest rate spread
3.20
3.06
Net earning assets
1,216,043
917,099
Net interest margin (tax-equivalent)
3.29
3.31
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average
interest-bearing liabilities
135.20
129.23
Investment securities are shown at amortized cost.
The interest on tax-exempt securities is calculated on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a Federal income tax rate of 21%.
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The following table presents, on a tax-equivalent basis, the relative contribution of changes in volumes and changes in rates to changes in net interest income for the periods indicated. The change in interest income not solely due to changes in volume or rate has been allocated in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each (in thousands):
March 31, 2021 vs. 2020
Increase (decrease) in:
Volume
113
(297
(184
Investment securities:
972
(1,133
(161
Tax-exempt
(298
(296
(1,131
(457
2,433
(534
1,899
2,014
(3,083
(1,069
224
(412
(188
(157
(281
(438
115
69
(95
4,489
(4,290
5,276
(5,718
(442
56
(144
(88
578
(1,269
(691
(954
(3,051
(4,005
(320
(4,464
(4,784
(1,720
947
(773
(56
444
(1,220
891
(329
(1,540
(3,573
(5,113
6,816
(2,145
4,671
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2021 was a benefit of $2.0 million, compared to a provision of $13.9 million for the corresponding period in 2020. The benefit in the first quarter of 2021 was due to continued improvement in the national unemployment forecast, the designated loss driver for our CECL model, and positive trends in qualitative factors, resulting in a release of credit loss reserves. The provision in the first quarter of 2020 was driven by the adoption of CECL and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economic environment. The provision for credit losses - loans varies based primarily on forecasted unemployment rates, loan growth, net charge-offs, collateral values associated with collateral dependent loans and qualitative factors.
See the “Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans” and “Non-Performing Assets and Potential Problem Loans” sections of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
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Noninterest Income
The following table details the major categories of noninterest income for the periods presented (in thousands):
Net gain (loss) on investment securities
Net gain (loss) on other assets
Net loss on tax credit investments
Service charges on deposits decreased $295 thousand, or 19%, to $1.3 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2020. The decrease was primarily due to decreased insufficient fund fees in the first quarter of 2021, potentially due to the positive impact of stimulus programs on consumer account balances.
Card interchange income increased $356 thousand to $2.0 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2020. The increase was primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on customer behavior in the last half of March 2020.
Investment advisory income increased $526 thousand to $2.8 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2020. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in assets under management driven by a combination of market gains, new customer accounts and contributions to existing accounts in 2021.
Income from investments in limited partnerships increased $642 thousand, to $855 thousand for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $213 thousand for the first quarter of 2020. We have investments in limited partnerships, primarily small business investment companies, and account for these investments under the equity method. The income from these equity method investments fluctuates based on the maturity and performance of the underlying investments.
Income from derivative instruments, net increased $1.1 million to $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $746 thousand for the first quarter of 2020. Income from derivative instruments, net is based on the number and value of interest rate swap transactions executed during the quarter combined with the impact of changes in the fair market value of borrower-facing trades, which were positively impacted by the recent increase in longer-term interest rates.
Net gain on sale of loans held for sale was $1.1 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $252 thousand for the first quarter of 2020. The increase was primarily due to increased volume combined with an increase in transaction margins.
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Noninterest Expense
The following table details the major categories of noninterest expense for the periods presented (in thousands):
Salaries and employee benefits expense decreased by $549 thousand, or 4%, to $14.5 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $15.0 million for the first quarter of 2020. The decrease in the first three months of 2021 reflects a streamlining of retail branches to better align with shifting customer needs and preferences, including the closure of seven branches since the first quarter of 2020.
Professional services expense decreased $257 thousand, or 12%, to $1.9 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $2.2 million for the first quarter of 2020. The decrease was primarily due to the timing and level of audit fees and fees for consulting and advisory projects, including our improvement initiatives. Expenses related to improvement initiatives totaled $180 thousand for the first quarter of 2021 and $599 thousand for the first quarter of 2020.
Computer and data processing expense increased $448 thousand, or 17%, to $3.1 million for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $2.7 million for the first quarter of 2020. The increase in computer and data processing expense was primarily due to investments in technology and reflects costs related to the Bank’s new online and mobile platform, Five Star Bank Digital Banking, launched in the second quarter of 2020.
FDIC assessments increased $393 thousand to $765 thousand for the first quarter of 2021, compared to $372 thousand for the first quarter of 2020. The increase as compared to the first quarter of 2020 was the result of an increase in total assets combined with the impact of a $70 thousand credit from 2018 that was utilized in the first quarter of 2020.
Our efficiency ratio for the first quarter of 2021 was 52.51% compared with 64.26% for the first quarter of 2020. The lower efficiency ratio was primarily the result of an increase in net interest income, associated with an increase in average interest-earning assets, and an increase in noninterest income compared to the prior year quarter. The efficiency ratio is calculated by dividing total noninterest expense by net revenue, defined as the sum of tax-equivalent net interest income and noninterest income before net gains on investment securities. An increase in the efficiency ratio indicates that more resources are being utilized to generate the same volume of income, while a decrease indicates a more efficient allocation of resources. The efficiency ratio, a banking industry financial measure, is not required by GAAP. However, the efficiency ratio is used by management in its assessment of financial performance specifically as it relates to noninterest expense control. Management also believes such information is useful to investors in evaluating Company performance.
Income Taxes
For the three months ended March 31, 2021, we recorded income tax expense of $5.3 million, versus $322 thousand for the same period in the prior year. In the first quarter of 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized tax credit investments resulting in a reduction in income tax expense of $244 thousand and $197 thousand, respectively, and a net loss recorded in noninterest income of $85 thousand and $40 thousand, respectively.
Our effective tax rates for the first three months of 2021 and 2020 were 20.5% and 22.2%, respectively. Effective tax rates are typically impacted by items of income and expense that are not subject to federal or state taxation. Our effective tax rates reflect the impact of these items, which include, but are not limited to, interest income from tax-exempt securities, earnings on Company owned life insurance and the impact of tax credit investments. In addition, our effective tax rate for 2021 and 2020 reflects the New York State tax benefit generated by our real estate investment trust.
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ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment Securities
The following table summarizes the composition of our investment securities portfolio as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
Investment Securities Portfolio Composition
U.S. Government agency and government-sponsored enterprise
securities
Agency mortgage-backed securities
736,525
620,989
Non-Agency mortgage-backed securities
1,008,658
1,017,818
879,631
910,094
The available for sale (“AFS”) investment securities portfolio increased $125.4 million from $628.1 million at December 31, 2020 to $753.5 million at March 31, 2021. The increase from year-end 2020 was primarily due to the deployment of excess liquidity into cash flowing agency backed securities. The AFS portfolio had net unrealized gains of $958 thousand and $20.4 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The fair value of most of the investment securities in the AFS portfolio fluctuates as market interest rates change.
Security Yields and Maturities Schedule
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the amortized cost (“Cost”), weighted average yields (“Yield”) and contractual maturities of our debt securities portfolio as of March 31, 2021. Mortgage-backed securities are included in maturity categories based on their stated maturity date. Actual maturities may differ from the contractual maturities presented because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay certain investments. No tax-equivalent adjustments were made to the weighted average yields (dollars in thousands).
Due in one
year or less
Due from one
to five years
Due after five
years through
ten years
Yield
Available for sale debt securities:
U.S. Government agencies and
government-sponsored enterprises
6,244
2.42
10,000
2.23
51,218
2.54
2.07
531,443
1.48
1.68
2.53
Held to maturity debt securities:
2.22
90,591
2,284
1.99
2.01
2,312
2.29
17,968
2.36
2.32
1.92
2.09
2.16
51,276
150,365
2.15
168,991
638,033
1.62
1,008,665
1.80
Impairment Assessment
For AFS securities in an unrealized loss position, we first assess whether (i) we intend to sell, or (ii) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either case is affirmative, any previously recognized allowances are charged-off and the security's amortized cost is written down to fair value through income. If neither case is affirmative, the security is evaluated to determine whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and any adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash
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flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in our income statement as a component of credit loss expense. AFS securities are charged-off against the allowance or, in the absence of any allowance, written down through income when deemed uncollectible by management or when either of the aforementioned criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. For the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020 no allowance for credit losses has been recognized on AFS securities in an unrealized loss position as management does not believe any of the securities are impaired due to reasons of credit quality.
LENDING ACTIVITIES
The following table summarizes the composition of our loan portfolio, excluding loans held for sale and including net unearned income and net deferred fees and costs, as of the dates indicated (in thousands).
Loan Portfolio Composition
% of
22.4
22.1
34.9
Total commercial
2,093,777
57.3
2,048,049
57.0
16.5
16.7
2.3
2.5
23.5
23.4
0.4
Total consumer
1,560,609
42.7
1,547,089
43.0
100.0
Less: Allowance for credit losses – loans
Total loans increased $59.2 million to $3.65 billion at March 31, 2021 from $3.60 billion at December 31, 2020. The increase in loans was primarily attributable to our organic growth initiatives.
Commercial loans increased $45.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and represented 57.3% of total loans as of March 31, 2021. The increase was primarily a result of our continued commercial business development efforts. PPP loans, net of deferred fees were $255.6 million and $248.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and are included in our commercial business loans.
The consumer indirect portfolio totaled $857.8 million and represented 23.5% of total loans as of March 31, 2021. During the first three months of 2021, we originated $98.9 million in indirect auto loans with a mix of approximately 28% new auto and 72% used auto. During the first three months of 2020, we originated $80.3 million in indirect auto loans with a mix of approximately 31% new auto and 69% used auto. Our origination volumes and mix of new and used vehicles financed fluctuate depending on general market conditions.
Loans Held for Sale and Loan Servicing Rights
Loans held for sale (not included in the loan portfolio composition table) were entirely comprised of residential real estate loans and totaled $5.7 million and $4.3 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
We sell certain qualifying newly originated or refinanced residential real estate loans on the secondary market. Residential real estate loans serviced for others, which are not included in the consolidated statements of financial condition, amounted to $246.6 million and $241.7 million as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
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The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for credit losses - loans for the periods indicated (in thousands).
Loan Loss Analysis
Allowance for credit losses - loans, beginning of period, prior to adoption
of ASC 326
Allowance for credit losses - loans, beginning of period, after adoption of
ASC 326
Charge-offs:
8,241
203
2,413
3,424
81
269
Total charge-offs
2,864
12,032
Recoveries:
Total recoveries
Net charge-offs
10,143
Provision (benefit) for credit losses - loans
Allowance for credit losses - loans, end of period
Net loan charge-offs to average loans (annualized)
0.10
Allowance for credit losses - loans to total loans
1.36
1.34
Allowance for credit losses - loans to non-performing loans
514
350
The Company adopted CECL effective January 1, 2020, which resulted in an increase to the allowance for credit losses - loans of $9.6 million and established a reserve for unfunded commitments of $2.1 million, for a total pre-tax cumulative effect adjustment of $11.7 million.
The allowance for credit losses for Pooled Loans estimate is based upon periodic review of the collectability of the loans quantitatively correlating historical loan experience with reasonable and supportable forecasts using forward looking information. Adjustments to the quantitative evaluation may be made for differences in current or expected qualitative risk characteristics such as changes in: underwriting standards, delinquency level, regulatory environment, economic condition, Company management and the status of portfolio administration including the Company’s Loan Review function. The Company establishes a specific reserve for individually evaluated loans which do not share similar risk characteristics with the loans included in the forecasted allowance for credit losses. These individually evaluated loans are removed from the pooling approach discussed above for the forecasted allowance for credit losses, and include nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), and other loans deemed appropriate by management.
Assessing the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses - loans involves substantial uncertainties and is based upon management’s evaluation of the amounts required to meet estimated charge-offs in the loan portfolio after weighing a variety of factors, including the risk profile of our loan products and customers.
The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses - loans is subject to ongoing management review. While management evaluates currently available information in establishing the allowance for credit losses - loans, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluations. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review a financial institution’s allowance for credit losses - loans. Such agencies may require the financial institution to increase the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.
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Net charge-offs of $887 thousand in the first quarter of 2021 represented 0.10% of average loans on an annualized basis compared to $10.1 million, or 1.27%, in the first quarter of 2020. The decrease in net charge-offs in the three months ended March 31, 2021 was primarily due to an $8.2 million partial charge-off of an $11.9 million commercial loan downgraded in the first quarter of 2020. The borrower’s business was related to the hospitality industry and the downgrade and charge-off were precipitated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The allowance for credit losses - loans was $49.8 million at March 31, 2021, compared with $52.4 million at December 31, 2020. The ratio of the allowance for credit losses -loans to total loans was 1.36% and 1.46% at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The ratio of allowance for credit losses - loans to non-performing loans was 514% at March 31, 2021, compared with 551% at December 31, 2020.
Non-Performing Assets and Potential Problem Loans
The table below summarizes our non-performing assets at the dates indicated (in thousands).
Non-Performing Assets
Nonaccrual loans:
Total nonaccrual loans
Accruing loans 90 days or more delinquent
Total non-performing loans
9,688
9,517
Foreclosed assets
Total non-performing assets
12,654
12,483
Non-performing loans to total loans
Non-performing assets to total assets
0.24
0.25
Non-performing assets include non-performing loans and foreclosed assets. Non-performing assets at March 31, 2021 were $12.7 million, an increase of $171 thousand from the $12.5 million balance at December 31, 2020. The primary component of non-performing assets is non-performing loans, which were $9.7 million or 0.27% of total loans at March 31, 2021, compared with $9.5 million or 0.26% of total loans at December 31, 2020.
Approximately $2.6 million, or 27%, of the $9.7 million in non-performing loans as of March 31, 2021 were current with respect to payment of principal and interest but were classified as non-accruing because repayment in full of principal and/or interest was uncertain. Included in nonaccrual loans are TDRs of $0 and $200 thousand at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. There were no TDRs accruing interest as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020.
Foreclosed assets consist of real property formerly pledged as collateral for loans, which we have acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Foreclosed asset holdings represented two properties totaling $3.0 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Foreclosed assets in the three months ended March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 primarily includes one commercial credit that was partially charged off during the first quarter of 2020 and foreclosure occurred in the third quarter of 2020. The borrower’s business was related to the hospitality industry and the downgrade and charge-off were precipitated by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Potential problem loans are loans that are currently performing, but information known about possible credit problems of the borrowers causes us to have concern as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan payment terms and may result in disclosure of such loans as nonperforming at some time in the future. These loans remain in a performing status due to a variety of factors, including payment history, the value of collateral supporting the credits, and/or personal or government guarantees. We consider loans classified as substandard, which continue to accrue interest, to be potential problem loans. We identified $20.4 million and $17.9 million in loans that continued to accrue interest which were classified as substandard as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
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FUNDING ACTIVITIES
The following table summarizes the composition of our deposits at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
Deposit Composition
23.3
23.8
18.5
17.1
38.8
38.4
Time deposits < $250,000
713,884
15.1
684,885
16.0
Time deposits of $250,000 or more
202,511
4.3
200,708
4.7
We offer a variety of deposit products designed to attract and retain customers, with the primary focus on building and expanding long-term relationships. At March 31, 2021, total deposits were $4.72 billion, representing an increase of $437.6 million from December 31, 2020. The increase was driven by a seasonal increase in public deposits combined with growth in the nonpublic deposits and the reciprocal deposits portfolios. Time deposits were approximately 19% and 21% of total deposits at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Nonpublic deposits, the largest component of our funding sources, totaled $2.65 billion and $2.55 billion at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and represented 56% and 60% of total deposits as of the end of each period, respectively. We have managed this segment of funding through a strategy of competitive pricing that minimizes the number of customer relationships that have only a single service high cost deposit account.
As an additional source of funding, we offer a variety of public (municipal) deposit products to the towns, villages, counties and school districts within our market. Public deposits generally range from 20% to 30% of our total deposits. There is a high degree of seasonality in this component of funding, because the level of deposits varies with the seasonal cash flows for these public customers. We maintain the necessary levels of short-term liquid assets to accommodate the seasonality associated with public deposits. Total public deposits were $1.13 billion and $834.9 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and represented 24% and 20% of total deposits as of the end of each period, respectively. The increase in public deposits during 2021 was due largely to seasonality.
We also participate in reciprocal deposit programs, which enable depositors to receive FDIC insurance coverage for deposits otherwise exceeding the maximum insurable amount. Through these programs, deposits in excess of the maximum insurable amount are placed with multiple participating financial institutions. Prior to the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act (“EGRRCPA”) enacted on May 14, 2018, all reciprocal deposits were considered brokered deposits for regulatory reporting purposes. With the enactment of EGRRCPA, reciprocal deposits, subject to certain restrictions, are no longer required to be reported as brokered deposits. Reciprocal deposits totaled $709.4 million at March 31, 2021, compared to $612.3 million at December 31, 2020. Reciprocal deposits represented 15% and 14% of total deposits as of the end of each period, respectively.
Brokered deposits totaled $228.7 million and $279.6 million at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, and represented 5% and 7% of total deposits as of the end of each period, respectively.
Borrowings
The Company classifies borrowings as short-term or long-term in accordance with the original terms of the applicable agreement. Outstanding borrowings consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (in thousands):
Short-term borrowings - FHLB
Long-term borrowings - Subordinated notes, net
78,923
Short-term Borrowings
Short-term Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings have original maturities of less than one year and include overnight borrowings which we typically utilize to address short term funding needs as they arise. We had no short-term FHLB borrowings at March 31, 2021. The maximum amount of short-term FHLB borrowings outstanding at any month-end during the three months ended March 31, 2021 was $1.2 million. Short-term FHLB borrowings at December 31, 2020 consisted of $5.3 million in short-term borrowings. The decline in short-term borrowings at March 31, 2021, was the result of the Company’s decision to utilize brokered deposits as a cost-effective alternative to FHLB borrowings. Short-term borrowings and brokered deposits have historically been utilized to manage the seasonality of public deposits.
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We have credit capacity with the FHLB and can borrow through facilities that include amortizing and term advances or repurchase agreements. We had approximately $267.8 million of immediate credit capacity with the FHLB as of March 31, 2021. We had approximately $558.6 million in secured borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) discount window, none of which was outstanding at March 31, 2021. The FHLB and FRB credit capacity are collateralized by securities from our investment portfolio and certain qualifying loans. We had approximately $130.0 million of credit available under unsecured federal funds purchased lines with various banks as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. Additionally, we had approximately $224.5 million of unencumbered liquid securities available for pledging.
The Parent has a revolving line of credit with a commercial bank allowing borrowings up to $20.0 million in total as an additional source of working capital. At March 31, 2021, no amounts have been drawn on the line of credit.
Long-term Borrowings
On October 7, 2020, we completed a private placement of $35.0 million in aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes to qualified institutional buyers and accredited institutional investors that were subsequently exchanged for subordinated notes with substantially the same terms (the “2020 Notes”) registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The 2020 Notes have a maturity date of October 15, 2030 and bear interest, payable semi-annually, at the rate of 4.375% per annum, until October 15, 2025. Commencing on that date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to an interest rate per annum equal to the then current three-month SOFR plus 4.265%, payable quarterly until maturity. The 2020 Notes are redeemable by us, in whole or in part, on any interest payment date on or after October 15, 2025, and we may redeem the Notes in whole at any time upon certain other specified events. We used the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, organic growth and to support regulatory capital ratios at Five Star Bank.
On April 15, 2015, we issued $40.0 million of subordinated notes (the “2015 Notes”) in a registered public offering. The 2015 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.0% per year, payable semi-annually, for the first 10 years. From April 15, 2025 to the April 15, 2030 maturity date, the interest rate will reset quarterly to an annual interest rate equal to the then-current three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 3.944%, payable quarterly. After the discontinuance of LIBOR, the interest rate will be determined by an alternate method as reasonably selected by the Company. The 2015 Notes are redeemable by us at any quarterly interest payment date beginning on April 15, 2025 to maturity at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Proceeds, net of debt issuance costs of $1.1 million, were $38.9 million. The 2015 Notes qualify as Tier 2 capital for regulatory purposes.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
Liquidity
We continue to actively monitor our liquidity profile and funding concentrations in accordance with our Board approved Liquidity Policy. While funding pressures have not occurred, management is actively monitoring customer activity by way of commercial and consumer line of credit utilization, as well as deposit flows. As of March 31, 2021, all structural liquidity ratios and early warning indicators remain in compliance, with what we believe are ample funding sources available in the event of a stress scenario.
The objective of maintaining adequate liquidity is to assure that we meet our financial obligations. These obligations include the withdrawal of deposits on demand or at their contractual maturity, the repayment of matured borrowings, the ability to fund new and existing loan commitments and the ability to take advantage of new business opportunities. We achieve liquidity by maintaining a strong base of both core customer funds and maturing short-term assets; we also rely on our ability to sell or pledge securities and lines-of-credit and our overall ability to access to the financial and capital markets.
Liquidity for the Bank is managed through the monitoring of anticipated changes in loans, the investment portfolio, deposits and wholesale funds. The strength of the Bank’s liquidity position is a result of its base of core customer deposits. These core deposits are supplemented by wholesale funding sources that include credit lines with other banking institutions, the FHLB, the FRB and brokered deposit relationships. The primary source of our non-deposit short-term borrowings is FHLB advances, of which we had $0 million outstanding at March 31, 2021 due to the excess liquidity position resulting from the seasonal inflow of public deposits. In addition to this amount, we have additional collateralized wholesale borrowing capacity of approximately $956.4 million from various funding sources which include the FHLB, the FRB and commercial banks that we can use to fund lending activities, liquidity needs, and/or to adjust and manage our asset and liability position.
The Parent’s funding requirements consist primarily of dividends to shareholders, debt service, income taxes, operating expenses, funding of non-bank subsidiaries, repurchases of our stock, and acquisitions. The Parent obtains funding to meet obligations from dividends received from the Bank, net taxes collected from subsidiaries included in the federal consolidated tax return, and the issuance of debt and equity securities. In addition, the Parent maintains a revolving line of credit with a commercial bank for an aggregate amount of up to $20.0 million, all of which was available at March 31, 2021. The line of credit has a one-year term and matures in May 2021. Funds drawn would be used for general corporate purposes and backup liquidity.
Cash and cash equivalents were $334.8 million as of March 31, 2021, up $250.9 million from $93.9 million as of December 31, 2020. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $20.3 million and the principal source of operating activity cash flow was net income adjusted for noncash income and expense items. Net cash used in investing activities totaled $191.2 million, which included outflows of $60.1 million for net loan originations, and $130.1 million from net investment securities transactions. Net cash provided by financing activities of $421.8 million was attributed to a $437.6 million increase in deposits, partially offset by a $5.3 million decrease in short-term borrowings and by $4.5 million in dividend payments. The increase in the period end cash balance was due to the seasonal inflow of public deposits, coupled with increases in reciprocal balances, which occurred during the latter half of March.
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Capital Management
We actively manage capital, commensurate with our risk profile, to enhance shareholder value. We also seek to maintain capital levels for the Company and the Bank at amounts in excess of the regulatory “well-capitalized” thresholds. Periodically, we may respond to market conditions by implementing changes to our overall balance sheet positioning to manage our capital position.
Banks and financial holding companies are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material impact on our consolidated financial statements. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations, involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weighting and other factors.
Shareholders’ equity was $466.3 million at March 31, 2021, a decrease of $2.1 million from $468.4 million at December 31, 2020. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2021 increased shareholders’ equity by $20.7 million, offset by common and preferred stock dividends declared of $4.6 million. Accumulated other comprehensive loss included in shareholders’ equity increased $5.2 million during the first three months of 2021 due primarily to lower net unrealized gains on securities available for sale.
The FRB and FDIC have adopted a system using risk-based capital guidelines to evaluate the capital adequacy of banks and bank holding companies. As of March 31, 2021, the Company’s capital levels remained characterized as “well-capitalized” under the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s (“BCBS”) capital guidelines for U.S. banks.
The following table reflects the ratios and their components (dollars in thousands):
Common shareholders’ equity
448,962
451,035
Add: CECL transitional amount
11,344
12,061
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets
71,957
71,235
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities (1)
Net periodic pension and postretirement benefits plan adjustments
Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) Capital
398,921
389,733
Plus: Preferred stock
Less: Other
Tier 1 Capital
416,243
407,061
Plus: Qualifying allowance for credit losses
38,359
40,509
Subordinated Notes
Total regulatory capital
528,281
521,193
Adjusted average total assets (for leverage capital purposes)
4,985,535
4,933,597
Total risk-weighted assets
3,904,748
3,828,713
Regulatory Capital Ratios
Tier 1 Leverage (Tier 1 capital to adjusted average assets)
8.35
8.25
CET1 Capital (CET1 capital to total risk-weighted assets)
10.22
10.18
Tier 1 Capital (Tier 1 capital to total risk-weighted assets)
10.66
10.63
Total Risk-Based Capital (Total regulatory capital to total risk-weighted assets)
13.53
13.61
Includes unrealized gains and losses related to the Company’s reclassification of available for sale investment securities to the held to maturity category.
We have elected to apply the 2020 CECL transition provision related to the impact of the CECL accounting standard on regulatory capital, as provided by the US banking agencies’ March 2020 interim final rule. Under the 2020 CECL transition provision, the regulatory capital impact of the Day 1 adjustment to the allowance for credit losses (after-tax) upon the January 1, 2020 CECL adoption date has been deferred, and will phase in to regulatory capital at 25% per year commencing January 1, 2022. For the ongoing impact of CECL, we are allowed to defer the regulatory capital impact of the allowance for credit losses in an amount equal to 25% of the change in the allowance for credit losses (pre-tax) recognized through earnings for each period between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. The cumulative adjustment to the allowance for credit losses between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021, will also phase in to regulatory capital at 25% per year commencing January 1, 2022.
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Basel III Capital Rules
Under the Basel III Capital Rules, the current minimum capital ratios, including an additional capital conservation buffer applicable to the Company and the Bank, are:
7.0% CET1 to risk-weighted assets;
8.5% Tier 1 capital (that is, CET1 plus Additional Tier 1 capital) to risk-weighted assets; and
10.5% Total capital (that is, Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets.
Banking institutions with a capital conservation buffer below the minimum level will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. The Basel III Capital Rules also provide for a “countercyclical capital buffer” that is applicable to only certain covered institutions and does not have any current applicability to the Company or the Bank. Strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments were also implemented under the Basel III Capital Rules.
The following table presents actual and required capital ratios as of March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 for the Company and the Bank under the Basel III Capital Rules. Capital levels required to be considered well capitalized are based upon prompt corrective action regulations, under the Basel III Capital Rules (in thousands):
Required to be
Minimum Capital
Considered Well
Actual
Required – Basel III
Capitalized
Ratio
Tier 1 leverage:
Company
199,421
4.00
249,277
5.00
Bank
456,775
9.18
199,139
248,923
CET1 capital:
273,332
7.00
253,809
6.50
11.72
272,713
253,234
Tier 1 capital:
331,904
8.50
312,380
8.00
331,152
311,672
Total capital:
409,999
10.50
390,475
10.00
495,133
12.71
409,070
389,591
197,344
246,680
441,929
8.97
197,064
246,330
268,010
248,866
11.57
267,387
248,288
325,441
306,297
324,684
305,585
402,015
382,871
482,439
12.63
401,080
381,981
Dividend Restrictions
In the ordinary course of business, the Company is dependent upon dividends from the Bank to provide funds for the payment of dividends to shareholders and to provide for other cash requirements. Banking regulations may limit the amount of dividends that may be paid. Approval by regulatory authorities is required if the effect of dividends declared would cause the regulatory capital of the Bank to fall below specified minimum levels. Approval is also required if dividends declared exceed the net profits for that year combined with the retained net profits for the preceding two years.
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ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk refers to the potential impact on earnings or capital arising from movements in interest rates. The Bank’s market risk management framework has been developed to control both short-term and long-term exposure within Board approved policy limits and is monitored by the Asset-Liability Management Committee and Board of Directors. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk were presented at December 31, 2020 in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 15, 2021. The following is an update of the discussion provided therein.
Portfolio Composition
There was no material change in the composition of assets, deposit liabilities or borrowings from December 31, 2020 to March 31, 2021, aside from asset growth due to an increased liquidity position. The increased liquidity position resulted from continued deposit growth and drove investment security purchases and an excess Federal Reserve interest earning cash balance at quarter end. See the section titled “Analysis of Financial Condition” in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a discussion of asset, deposit and borrowing activity during the period.
Net Interest Income at Risk
A primary tool used to manage interest rate risk is “rate shock” simulation to measure the rate sensitivity. Rate shock simulation is a modeling technique used to estimate the impact of changes in rates on net interest income as well as economic value of equity.
Net interest income at risk is measured by estimating the changes in net interest income resulting from instantaneous and sustained parallel shifts in interest rates of different magnitudes over a period of 12 months. The following table sets forth the estimated changes to net interest income over the 12-month period ending March 31, 2022 assuming instantaneous changes in interest rates for the given rate shock scenarios (dollars in thousands):
Changes in Interest Rate
-100 bp
+100 bp
+200 bp
+300 bp
Estimated change in net interest income
(2,402
4,809
9,356
13,798
% Change
-1.69
3.39
6.60
9.73
In the rising rate scenarios, the model results indicate that net interest income is modeled to increase compared to the flat rate scenario over a one-year timeframe. This is a result of assumed commercial loan products and investment security cash flow repricing at a higher frequency than underlying borrowing and deposit costs. As intermediate and longer-term assets continue to mature and are replaced at higher yields, net interest income improves over longer term timeframes. Model results in the declining rate scenario indicate decreases in net interest income due to assets having the ability to reprice downward, while deposit and borrowing liabilities reach modeled floors.
In addition to the changes in interest rate scenarios listed above, other scenarios are typically modeled to measure interest rate risk. These scenarios vary depending on the economic and interest rate environment.
The simulation referenced above is based on our assumption as to the effect of interest rate changes on assets and liabilities and assumes a parallel shift of the yield curve. It also includes certain assumptions about the future pricing of loans and deposits in response to changes in interest rates. Further, it assumes that delinquency rates would not change as a result of changes in interest rates, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case. While this simulation is a useful measure as to net interest income at risk due to a change in interest rates, it is not a forecast of future results, does not measure the effect of changing interest rates on noninterest income and is based on many assumptions that, if changed, could cause a different outcome.
Economic Value of Equity At Risk
The economic (or “fair”) value of financial instruments on our balance sheet will also vary under the interest rate scenarios previously discussed. This variance is measured by simulating changes in our economic value of equity (“EVE”), which is calculated by subtracting the estimated fair value of liabilities from the estimated fair value of assets. Fair values for financial instruments are estimated by discounting projected cash flows (principal and interest) at current replacement rates for each account type, while fair values of non-financial assets and liabilities are assumed to equal book value and do not vary with interest rate fluctuations. An economic value simulation is a static measure for balance sheet accounts at a given point in time, but this measurement can change substantially over time as the characteristics of our balance sheet evolve and as interest rate and yield curve assumptions are updated.
The amount of change in economic value under different interest rate scenarios depends on the characteristics of each class of financial instrument, including the stated interest rate or spread relative to current market rates or spreads, the likelihood of prepayment, whether the rate is fixed or floating, and the maturity date of the instrument. As a general rule, fixed-rate financial assets become more valuable in declining rate scenarios and less valuable in rising rate scenarios, while fixed-rate financial liabilities gain in value as interest rates rise and lose value as interest rates decline. The longer the duration of the financial instrument, the greater the impact a rate change will have on its value. In our economic value simulations, estimated prepayments are factored in for financial instruments with stated maturity dates, and decay rates for non-maturity deposits are projected based on historical data (back-testing).
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The analysis that follows presents the estimated EVE resulting from market interest rates prevailing at a given quarter-end (“Pre-Shock Scenario”), and under other interest rate scenarios (each a “Rate Shock Scenario”) represented by immediate, permanent, parallel shifts in interest rates from those observed at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands). The analysis additionally presents a measurement of the interest rate sensitivity at March 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020. EVE amounts are computed under each respective Pre-Shock Scenario and Rate Shock Scenario. An increase in the EVE amount is considered favorable, while a decline is considered unfavorable. The following table sets forth the estimated changes to EVE assuming instantaneous changes in interest rates for the given rate shock scenarios (dollars in thousands):
Rate Shock Scenario:
EVE
Change
Percentage
Pre-Shock Scenario
729,995
583,156
- 100 Basis Points
667,398
(62,597
-8.57
574,345
(8,811
-1.51
+100 Basis Points
756,713
26,718
3.66
617,768
34,612
5.94
+ 200 Basis Points
781,359
51,364
7.04
638,224
55,068
9.44
+ 300 Basis Points
798,478
68,483
9.38
651,518
68,362
The increase in the Pre-Shock Scenario EVE at March 31, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020 is the result of growth in investments. The increase in the -100 basis point Rate Shock Scenario to EVE is a result of the growth in deposits over the last quarter, compounded with the growth of fixed rate long-term assets not receiving the full benefit in value appreciation typically observed in down rate scenarios.
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of March 31, 2021, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(b), as adopted by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Disclosure controls and procedures are the controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time we are a party to or otherwise involved in legal proceedings arising out of the normal course of business. Regardless of the outcome, litigation can have an adverse impact on us because of prosecution, defense and settlement costs, unfavorable awards, diversion of management resources and other factors.
We are party to an action filed against us on May 16, 2017 by Matthew L. Chipego, Charlene Mowry, Constance C. Churchill and Joseph W. Ewing in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Plaintiffs seek class certification to represent classes of consumers in New York and Pennsylvania along with statutory damages, interest and declaratory relief. The plaintiffs seek to represent a putative class of consumers who are alleged to have obtained direct or indirect financing from us for the purchase of vehicles that we later repossessed. The plaintiffs specifically claim that the notices the Bank sent to defaulting consumers after their vehicles were repossessed did not comply with the relevant portions of the Uniform Commercial Code in New York and Pennsylvania. We dispute and believe we have meritorious defenses against these claims and plan to vigorously defend ourselves.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
In November 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program for up to 801,879 shares of common stock. The program will expire at the earlier of the completion of all share repurchases or a Board vote to retire the program.
The Company’s repurchases of its common stock during the first quarter of 2021 were as follows:
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)
Average Price Paid Per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 - 31, 2021
160,060
23.98
641,819
February 1 - 28, 2021
78,379
24.95
563,440
March 1 -31, 2021
6,238
27.38
24.37
238,439
This column reflects (i) the deemed surrender to us of 6,238 shares of common stock to satisfy tax withholding obligations in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock units and (ii) the purchase of an aggregate of 238,439 shares of common stock under the 2020 Repurchase Program.
On February 1, 2021, the Company issued 12,831 shares of common stock at a fair value of $23.49 per share to the principals of Landmark in connection with the Company’s acquisition of assets from Landmark. The shares were issued in reliance upon the exemption under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act. See Note 2 – Business Combinations for additional information.
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ITEM 6. Exhibits
(a)
The following is a list of all exhibits filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Report:
Exhibit
Number
Description
Location
10.1+
Separation and Settlement Agreement and Release between Financial Institutions, Inc. and Joseph L. Dugan dated February 12, 2021
Filed Herewith
10.2+
Form of Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement pursuant to the Financial Institutions, Inc. 2015
Long-Term Incentive Plan
31.1
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Principal Executive Officer
31.2
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Principal Financial Officer
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
+ Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
/s/ Martin K. Birmingham
, May 10, 2021
Martin K. Birmingham
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ W. Jack Plants II
W. Jack Plants II
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Sonia M. Dumbleton
Sonia M. Dumbleton
Senior Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
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