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, 2023
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 No. 001-38258
MERCHANTS BANCORP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Indiana
20-5747400
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification Number)
410 Monon Blvd. Carmel, Indiana
46032
(Address of principal
(Zip Code)
executive office)
(317) 569-7420
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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 ☒
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, without par value
MBIN
NASDAQ
Series A Preferred Stock, without par value
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series B Preferred Stock, without par value
MBINP
MBINO
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series C Preferred Stock, without par value
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series D Preferred Stock, without par value
MBINN
MBINM
As of May 1, 2023, the latest practicable date, 43,233,618 shares of the registrant’s common stock, without par value, were issued and outstanding.
Merchants Bancorp
Index to Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 Interim Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
7
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
40
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
57
Item 4 Controls and Procedures
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
58
Item 1 Legal Proceedings
Item 1A Risk Factors
Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3 Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Item 4 Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5 Other Information
Item 6 Exhibits
59
SIGNATURES
60
2
Part I – Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
March 31, 2023 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2022
(In thousands, except share data)
March 31,
December 31,
2023
2022
Assets
Cash and due from banks
$
19,002
22,170
Interest-earning demand accounts
350,584
203,994
Cash and cash equivalents
369,586
226,164
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
3,438
3,464
Mortgage loans in process of securitization
197,074
154,194
Securities available for sale
679,518
323,337
Securities held to maturity (includes $1,106,582 and $1,118,966 at fair value, respectively)
1,104,835
1,119,078
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock
39,130
Loans held for sale (includes $85,516 and $82,192 at fair value, respectively)
2,855,250
2,910,576
Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses on loans of $51,838 and $44,014, respectively
8,575,210
7,426,858
Premises and equipment, net
35,793
35,438
Servicing rights
143,867
146,248
Interest receivable
64,282
56,262
Goodwill
15,845
Intangible assets, net
1,068
1,186
Other assets and receivables
156,070
157,447
Total assets
14,240,966
12,615,227
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing
313,733
326,875
Interest-bearing
11,031,498
9,744,470
Total deposits
11,345,231
10,071,345
Borrowings
1,233,762
930,392
Deferred and current tax liabilities, net
32,827
19,613
Other liabilities
123,462
134,138
Total liabilities
12,735,282
11,155,488
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock, without par value
Authorized - 75,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - 43,233,618 shares at March 31, 2023 and 43,113,127 shares at December 31, 2022
138,105
137,781
Preferred stock, without par value - 5,000,000 total shares authorized
7% Series A Preferred stock - $25 per share liquidation preference
Authorized - 3,500,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - 2,081,800 shares
50,221
6% Series B Preferred stock - $1,000 per share liquidation preference
Authorized - 125,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - 125,000 shares (equivalent to 5,000,000 depositary shares)
120,844
6% Series C Preferred stock - $1,000 per share liquidation preference
Authorized - 200,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - 196,181 shares (equivalent to 7,847,233 depositary shares)
191,084
8.25% Series D Preferred stock - $1,000 per share liquidation preference
Authorized - 300,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - 142,500 shares (equivalent to 5,700,000 depositary shares)
137,459
Retained earnings
875,700
832,871
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(7,729)
(10,521)
Total shareholders' equity
1,505,684
1,459,739
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
Three Months Ended
Interest Income
Loans
189,450
72,196
1,648
2,245
Investment securities:
Available for sale - taxable
2,266
701
Held to maturity
15,754
—
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
427
269
Other
1,749
601
Total interest income
211,294
76,012
Interest Expense
104,442
8,813
Borrowed funds
6,159
1,474
Total interest expense
110,601
10,287
Net Interest Income
100,693
65,725
Provision for credit losses
6,867
2,451
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses
93,826
63,274
Noninterest Income
Gain on sale of loans
6,733
17,965
Loan servicing fees, net
2,360
9,731
Mortgage warehouse fees
1,028
1,858
Syndication and asset management fees
1,212
614
Other income
2,931
4,429
Total noninterest income
14,264
34,597
Noninterest Expense
Salaries and employee benefits
22,146
21,293
Loan expenses
804
1,211
Occupancy and equipment
2,232
1,814
Professional fees
2,269
1,303
Deposit insurance expense
2,178
759
Technology expense
1,577
1,236
Other expense
3,566
3,417
Total noninterest expense
34,772
31,033
Income Before Income Taxes
73,318
66,838
Provision for income taxes
18,363
16,696
Net Income
54,955
50,142
Dividends on preferred stock
(8,667)
(5,728)
Net Income Allocated to Common Shareholders
46,288
44,414
Basic Earnings Per Share
1.07
1.03
Diluted Earnings Per Share
1.02
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding
Basic
43,179,604
43,190,066
Diluted
43,290,779
43,360,034
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
Net change in unrealized gain/(losses) on investment securities available for sale, net of tax (expense)/benefits of $(934) and $1,650, respectively
2,792
(4,850)
Other comprehensive income (loss) for the period
Comprehensive Income
57,747
45,292
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
Shares
Amount
Common Stock
Balance beginning of period
43,113,127
43,180,079
137,565
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares for stock split
-
(29)
(1)
Distribution to employee stock ownership plan
33,293
810
20,709
653
Shares issued for stock compensation plans, net of taxes withheld to satisfy tax obligations
87,198
(486)
67,017
(335)
Balance end of period
43,233,618
43,267,776
137,882
7% Series A Preferred Stock
Balance at beginning and end of period
2,081,800
6% Series B Preferred Stock
125,000
6% Series C Preferred Stock
196,181
8.25% Series D Preferred Stock
142,500
Retained Earnings
657,149
Net income
Impact from adoption of ASU 2016-13 (Credit Losses)
(3,648)
Impact from adoption of ASU 2016-02 (Leases)
(110)
Dividends on 7% Series A preferred stock, $1.75 per share, annually
(910)
Dividends on 6% Series B preferred stock, $60.00 per share, annually
(1,875)
Dividends on 6% Series C preferred stock, $60.00 per share, annually
(2,943)
Dividends on 8.25% Series D preferred stock, $82.50 per share, annually
(2,939)
Dividends on common stock, $0.32 per share, annually in 2023 and $0.28 per share, annually in 2022
(3,459)
(3,029)
694,776
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
(1,454)
Other comprehensive loss
(6,304)
1,188,503
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
Operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation
686
591
(6,733)
(17,965)
Proceeds from sales of loans
3,356,860
8,214,273
Loans and participations originated and purchased for sale
(3,674,484)
(7,178,991)
Purchases of low-income housing tax credits for sale
(7,932)
(6,651)
Proceeds from sale of low-income housing tax credits
8,670
Change in servicing rights for paydowns and fair value adjustments
4,554
(4,896)
Net change in:
(42,880)
244,959
(8,116)
(15,325)
7,607
8,030
(1,587)
(988)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(301,533)
1,295,630
Investing activities:
Net change in securities purchased under agreements to resell
26
1,090
Purchases of securities available for sale
(353,249)
(20,002)
Purchases of securities held to maturity
(1,540)
Proceeds from calls, maturities and paydowns of securities available for sale
832
9,302
Proceeds from calls, maturities and paydowns of securities held to maturity
15,783
Purchases of loans
(98,791)
(40,672)
Net change in loans receivable
(678,522)
(187,323)
Proceeds from sale of FHLB stock
784
Purchases of premises and equipment
(1,041)
(3,939)
Purchase of servicing rights
(2,057)
Purchase of limited partnership interests
(4,580)
(6,577)
Other investing activities
906
Net cash used in investing activities
(1,120,176)
(247,149)
Financing activities:
Net change in deposits
1,273,886
(1,506,792)
Proceeds from borrowings
22,335,000
626,000
Repayment of borrowings
(22,185,180)
(780,025)
Proceeds from credit linked notes
153,546
Dividends
(12,126)
(8,757)
Other financing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
1,565,131
(1,669,574)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
143,422
(621,093)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
1,032,614
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
411,521
Supplemental Cash Flows Information:
Interest paid
101,381
10,228
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
966
(497)
Transfer of loans from loans held for sale to loans receivable
377,460
(Unaudited)
Note 1: Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Merchants Bancorp, a registered bank holding company (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Merchants Bank of Indiana (“Merchants Bank”), Farmers-Merchants Bank of Illinois (“FMBI”) and Merchants Asset Management, LLC (“MAM”). Merchants Bank’s primary operating subsidiaries include Merchants Capital Corp. (“MCC”), Merchants Capital Servicing, LLC (“MCS”) and Merchants Capital Investments, LLC (“MCI”). All direct and indirectly owned subsidiaries owned by Merchants Bancorp are collectively referred to as the “Company”.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 2022, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of March 31, 2023 and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, were prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X and, therefore, do not include information or footnotes necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Accordingly, these condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022 in its Annual Report on Form 10-K. Reference is made to the accounting policies of the Company described in the Notes to the Financial Statements contained in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which are necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited financial statements have been included to present fairly the financial position as of March 31, 2023 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. All interim amounts have not been audited and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023, herein are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the entire year.
Principles of Consolidation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 include results from the Company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Merchants Bank, FMBI and MAM. Also included are Merchants Bank’s primary operating subsidiaries, MCC, MCS and MCI, as well as all direct and indirectly owned subsidiaries owned by Merchants Bancorp.
In addition, when the Company makes an equity investment in or has a relationship with an entity for which it holds a variable interest, it is evaluated for consolidation requirements under Accounting Standards Update of Topic 810. Accordingly, the entity is assessed for potential consolidation under the variable interest entity (“VIE”) model and would only consolidate those entities for which it is a primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is defined as the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity, and an interest that could be significant to the entity. To determine if an interest could be significant to the entity, both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size and form of the Company’s involvement with the entity are evaluated. Alternatively, under the voting interest model, it would only consolidate those entities for which it has a controlling interest. Because the variable interest investments held by the Company as of March 31, 2023 are not deemed to be primary beneficiaries or controlling interests, the entities are not consolidated and the equity method or proportional method of accounting has been applied. The Company will analyze whether its entities are the primary beneficiary on an ongoing basis. Changes in facts and circumstances occurring since the previous primary beneficiary determination will be considered as part of this ongoing assessment. See Note 5: Variable Interest Entities (VIEs) for additional information about VIEs.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses on loans, servicing rights and fair values of financial instruments.
Significant Accounting Policies
The significant accounting policies followed by the Company for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting policies followed for annual financial reporting.
On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("CECL"). The Company revised certain accounting policies and implemented certain accounting policy elections, related to the adoption of CECL, which are described below. All adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature and are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods reported, have been included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
CECL replaces the previous "allowance for loan and lease losses" model for measuring credit losses, which encompassed allowances for current known and inherent losses within the portfolio, with an "expected loss" model for measuring credit losses, which encompasses allowances for losses expected to be incurred over the life of the included assets. The new CECL model requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures (“OBCEs”) based on historical experiences, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. CECL also requires enhanced disclosures related to the significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization's portfolio. In addition, CECL includes certain changes to the accounting for investment securities available for sale depending on whether management intends to sell the securities or believes that it is more likely than not they will be required to sell.
As of the adoption date on January 1, 2022, the Company recorded a $3.6 million decrease, net of taxes, to retained earnings for the cumulative effect of adopting CECL. The transition adjustment included a $0.3 million increase to retained earnings related to allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACL-Loans”) and a $5.2 million decrease to retained earnings related to allowance for OBCEs (“ACL-OBCEs”). The following table summarizes the impact of the adoption of CECL on the Company’s balance sheet as of January 1, 2022.
ACL-Loans - the ACL-Loans is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on loans over the contractual term. Loans are charged off against the allowance when the uncollectibility of the loan is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged off and expected to be charged off. Adjustments to the ACL-Loans are reported in the income statement as a provision for credit loss. Further information regarding the policies and methodology used to estimate the ACL-Loans is detailed in Note 4: Loans and Allowance for credit losses on loans of these Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
ACL-OBCEs – the ACL–OBCEs is a liability account representing expected credit losses over the contractual period for which the Company is exposed to credit risk resulting from a contractual obligation to extend credit. No allowance is recognized if the Company has the unconditional right to cancel the obligation. OBCEs primarily consist of amounts available under outstanding lines of credit. For the period of exposure, the estimate of expected credit losses considers both the likelihood that funding will occur and the amount expected to be funded over the estimated remaining
9
life of the commitment. The likelihood and expected amount of funding are based on historical utilization rates. The amount of the allowance represents management’s best estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over the contractual life of the commitment. The ACL–OBCEs is adjusted through the income statement as a component of provision for credit loss.
Restricted Cash
Included in cash equivalents is an account restricted as collateral for the potential risk of loss on $158.1 million of senior credit linked notes issued by the Company in March 2023. As of March 31, 2023, there was $20.5 million in restricted cash. Also see Note 11: Borrowings.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications may have been made to the 2022 financial statements to conform to the financial statement presentation as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2023. These reclassifications had no effect on net income.
Note 2: Investment Securities
The amortized cost and approximate fair values, together with gross unrealized gains and losses, of securities available for sale and held to maturity were as follows:
Gross
Amortized
Unrealized
Fair
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
Securities available for sale:
Treasury notes
175,766
52
719
175,099
Federal agencies
299,990
9,659
290,331
Mortgage-backed - Government-sponsored entity (GSE)
214,086
214,088
Total securities available for sale
689,842
10,382
Securities held to maturity:
Mortgage-backed - Non-GSE multi-family
867,072
285
866,787
Mortgage-backed - Non-GSE residential
236,225
2,088
238,313
Mortgage-backed - Government - sponsored entity (GSE)
1,538
56
1,482
Total securities held to maturity
341
1,106,582
December 31, 2022
37,234
1
955
36,280
284,986
13,096
271,890
15,167
337,387
14,058
871,772
12
871,784
247,306
124
247,182
1,118,966
10
At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, GSE mortgage-backed securities included in the tables above are primarily backed by multi-family loans. The tables above for March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 primarily include securities held to maturity that were purchased following the September 2022 loan sale and securitization transactions.
Accrued interest on securities available for sale totaled $1.5 million at March 31, 2023 and $0.5 million at December 31, 2022, respectively, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
Accrued interest on securities held to maturity totaled $4.4 million at March 31, 2023 and $4.3 million at December 31, 2022, respectively, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
The amortized cost and fair value of available for sale securities at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.
Within one year
341,569
336,159
118,984
115,386
After one through five years
134,187
129,271
203,236
192,784
475,756
465,430
322,220
308,170
During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, no securities available for sale were sold.
The following tables show the Company’s gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investment securities with unrealized losses for which an ACL has not been recorded, aggregated by investment class and length of
11
time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
12 Months or
Less than 12 Months
Longer
Total
29,757
588
5,862
131
35,619
14,947
53
275,385
9,606
290,332
74
200
274
44,778
643
281,447
9,739
326,225
868,269
29,560
762
5,798
193
35,358
19,276
724
252,613
12,372
271,889
709
49,545
1,493
258,411
12,565
307,956
Allowance for Credit Losses
For securities available for sale with an unrealized loss position, the Company evaluates the securities to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or non-credit related factors. Any impairment that is not credit-related is recognized in AOCI, net of tax. Credit-related impairment is recognized as an ACL for securities available for sale on the balance sheet, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Both the ACL and the adjustment to net income may be reversed if conditions change. However, if the Company expects, or is required, to sell an impaired available for sale security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount would be recognized in earnings with a
corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis. Because the security’s amortized cost basis is adjusted to fair value, there is no ACL in this situation.
In evaluating securities available for sale in unrealized loss positions for impairment and the criteria regarding its intent or requirement to sell such securities, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuers’ financial condition, among other factors. Unrealized losses on the Company’s investment securities portfolio have not been recognized as an expense because the securities are of high credit quality, and the decline in fair values is attributable to changes in the prevailing interest rate environment since the purchase date. Fair value is expected to recover as securities reach maturity and/or the interest rate environment returns to conditions similar to when these securities were purchased. There were no credit related factors underlying unrealized losses on available for sale debt securities at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Securities held to maturity are comprised of non-GSE mortgage-backed securities secured by multi-family or single-family properties, and GSE mortgage-backed securities secured by multi-family properties. The GSE security is a Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”) mortgage-backed security and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Accordingly, no allowance for credit losses has been recorded for this security. The non-GSE securities were purchased under securitization arrangements where a credit loss component was purchased by third party investors. These securities were evaluated for credit losses over and above the credit loss percentage sold under the arrangements, and the Company does not anticipate any such losses. Additional qualitative factors are evaluated, including the timeliness of principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities. Accordingly, no allowance for credit losses has been recorded for the non-GSE securities
Note 3: Mortgage Loans in Process of Securitization
Mortgage loans in process of securitization are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. These include multi-family rental real estate loan originations to be sold as Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities and Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) participation certificates, all of which are pending settlements with firm investor commitments to purchase the securities, typically occurring within 30 days. The fair value increases recorded in earnings for mortgage loans in process of securitization totaled $4.0 million and $2.8 million at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 4: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at their outstanding principal balances adjusted for unearned income, charge-offs, the ACL-Loans, any unamortized deferred fees or costs on originated loans and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans.
For loans at amortized cost, interest income is accrued based on the unpaid principal balance.
The Company has made a policy election to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of loans and reports accrued interest separately from the related loan balance in the consolidated balance sheets. Accrued interest on loans totaled $42.6 million and $35.0 million at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company also elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-secured and in process of collection. Past-due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.
All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income. The interest collected on these loans is applied to the principal balance until the loan can be returned to
13
an accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
For all loan portfolio segments, the Company promptly charges off loans, or portions thereof, when available information confirms that specific loans are uncollectable based on information that includes, but is not limited to, (1) the deteriorating financial condition of the borrower, (2) declining collateral values, and/or (3) legal action, including bankruptcy, that impairs the borrower’s ability to adequately meet its obligations.
When cash payments for accrued interest are received on nonaccrual loans in each loan class, the Company records a reduction in principle on the balance of the loan. For loan modifications, interest income is recognized on an accrual basis at the renegotiated rate if the loan is in compliance with the modified terms.
The Company offers warehouse loans or credit to fund mortgage loans held for sale from closing until sale to an investor. Under a warehousing arrangement the Company funds a mortgage loan as secured financing. The warehousing arrangement is secured by the underlying mortgages and a combination of deposits, personal guarantees and advance rates. The Company typically holds the collateral until it is sent under a bailee arrangement instructing the investor to send proceeds to the Company. Typical investors are large financial institutions or government agencies. Interest earned from the time of funding to the time of sale is recognized as interest income as accrued. Fees earned agreements are recognized when collected as noninterest income.
Loan Portfolio Summary
Loans receivable at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 include:
Mortgage warehouse lines of credit
604,445
464,785
Residential real estate
1,215,252
1,178,401
Multi-family financing
3,566,530
3,135,535
Healthcare financing
1,941,204
1,604,341
Commercial and commercial real estate(1)(2)
1,194,320
978,661
Agricultural production and real estate
89,516
95,651
Consumer and margin loans
15,781
13,498
8,627,048
7,470,872
Less:
ACL-Loans
51,838
44,014
Loans Receivable
Risk characteristics applicable to each segment of the loan portfolio are described as follows.
Mortgage Warehouse Lines of Credit (MTG WHLOC): Under its warehouse program, the Company provides warehouse financing arrangements to approved mortgage companies for the origination and sale of residential mortgage loans and to a lesser extent multi-family loans. Agency eligible, governmental and jumbo residential mortgage loans that
14
are secured by mortgages placed on existing one-to-four family dwellings may be originated or purchased and placed on each mortgage warehouse line.
As a secured repurchase agreement, collateral pledged to the Company secures each individual mortgage until the lender sells the loan in the secondary market. A traditional secured warehouse line of credit typically carries a base interest rate of the Federal Reserve’s Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), or mortgage note rate and a margin.
Risk is evident if there is a change in the fair value of mortgage loans originated by mortgage bankers in warehouse, the sale of which is the expected source of repayment of the borrowings under a warehouse line of credit. However, the warehouse customers are required to hedge the change in value of these loans to mitigate the risk.
Residential Real Estate Loans (RES RE): Real estate loans are secured by owner-occupied 1-4 family residences. Repayment of residential real estate loans is primarily dependent on the personal income and credit rating of the borrowers. First-lien HELOC mortgages included in this segment typically carry a base rate of 30-day LIBOR or the One-Year Constant Maturity Treasury (“CMT”), plus a margin.
Multi-Family Financing (MF FIN): The Company engages in multi-family financing, including construction loans, specializing in originating and servicing loans for multi-family rental properties. In addition, the Company originates loans secured by an assignment of federal income tax credits by partnerships invested in multi-family real estate projects. Construction and land loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and estimated value of the completed project and include independent appraisal reviews and a financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Sources of repayment of these loans are dependent on the cash flow of the property, and may include permanent loans, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Company until permanent agency-eligible financing is obtained. Credit risk in these loans may be impacted by the creditworthiness of a borrower, property values and the local economy in the Company’s market area. Repayment of these loans depends on the successful operation of a business or property and the borrower’s cash flows. Loans included in this segment typically carry a base rate of the Federal Reserve’s Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) that adjusts on a monthly basis and a margin.
Healthcare Financing (HC FIN): The healthcare financing portfolio includes customized loan products for independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing projects. A variety of loan products are available to accommodate rehabilitation, acquisition, and refinancing of healthcare properties. Credit risk in these loans are primarily driven by local demographics and the expertise of the operators of the facilities. Repayment of these loans may include permanent loans, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Company until permanent agency-eligible financing is obtained, as well as successful operation of a business or property and the borrower’s cash flows. Loans included in this segment typically carry a base rate of SOFR that adjusts on a monthly basis and a margin.
Commercial Lending and Commercial Real Estate Loans (CML & CRE): The commercial lending and commercial real estate portfolio includes loans to commercial customers for use in financing working capital needs, equipment purchases and expansions, as well as loans to commercial customers to finance land and improvements. It also includes loans collateralized by servicing rights and loan sale proceeds of mortgage warehouse customers. The loans in this category are repaid primarily from the cash flow of a borrower’s principal business operation. Credit risk in these loans is driven by creditworthiness of a borrower and the economic conditions that impact the cash flow stability from business operations. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans are included in this category. Less than 1% of total commercial and commercial real estate loans are made up of non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans. The Company strategically focuses on loan classes that are government backed or can be sold in the secondary market.
Agricultural Production and Real Estate Loans (AG & AGRE): Agricultural production loans are generally comprised of seasonal operating lines of credit to grain farmers to plant and harvest corn and soybeans and term loans to fund the purchase of equipment. The Company also offers long term financing to purchase agricultural real estate. Specific underwriting standards have been established for agricultural-related loans including the establishment of projections for each operating year based on industry-developed estimates of farm input costs and expected commodity yields and prices. Operating lines are typically written for one year and secured by the crop and other farm assets as
15
considered necessary. The Company is approved to sell agricultural loans in the secondary market through the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation and uses this relationship to manage interest rate risk within the portfolio. Agricultural real estate loans included in this segment are typically structured with a one-year ARM, 3-year ARM or 5-year ARM CMT and a margin. Agriculture production, livestock, and equipment loans are structured with variable rates that are indexed to prime or fixed for terms not exceeding 5 years.
Consumer and Margin Loans (CON & MAR): Consumer loans are those loans secured by household assets. Margin loans are those loans secured by marketable securities. The term and maximum amount for these loans are determined by considering the purpose of the loan, the margin (advance percentage against value) in all collateral, the primary source of repayment, and the borrower’s other related cash flow.
The Company adopted CECL on January 1, 2022. CECL replaces the previous “Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses” standard for measuring credit losses. Upon adoption of CECL, the difference in the two measurements was recorded in the ACL-Loans and retained earnings.
The ACL-Loans is the Company’s estimate of expected credit losses. Loans receivable is presented net of the allowance to reflect the principal balance expected to be collected over the contractual term of the loans. This life of loan allowance is established through a provision for credit losses charged to net interest income as loans are recorded in the financial statements. The provision for a reporting period also reflects increases or decreases in the allowance related to changes in credit loss expectations. Actual credit losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance, or a portion thereof, is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
The ACL-Loans is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans considering relevant available information from internal and external sources, including historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. The allowance also incorporates reasonable and supportable forecasts. There have been no changes to the credit quality components used to assess risk during the year ended December 31, 2022. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The level of the ACL is believed to be adequate to absorb innate expected future losses in the loan portfolio as of the measurement date.
The ACL-Loans consists of individually evaluated loans and pooled loan components. The Company’s primary portfolio segmentation is by credit risk grade. Loans risk graded substandard and worse are individually evaluated for expected credit losses. For individually evaluated loans that are collateral dependent, an allowance is established when the fair value of the collateral, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, is lower than the carrying value of that loan. A loan is considered to be collateral dependent when repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or the sale of the collateral.
16
To calculate the allowance for expected credit losses on loans risk graded pass through special mention, the portfolio is segmented by loans with similar risk characteristics.
Loan Portfolio Segment
ACL-Loans Methodology
Remaining Life Method
Discounted Cash Flow
Commercial and commercial real estate
Loan characteristics used in determining the segmentation include the underlying collateral, type or purpose of the loan, and expected credit loss patterns. The estimation of expected credit losses for each segment is primarily based on historical credit loss experience. Given the Company’s modest historical credit loss experience, peer and industry data was incorporated into the measurement. Expected life of loan credit losses are quantified using discounted cash flows and remaining life methodologies.
Model results are supplemented by qualitative adjustments for risk factors relevant in assessing the expected credit losses within the portfolio segments. These adjustments may increase or decrease the estimate of expected credit losses based upon the assessed level of risk for each qualitative factor.
The models utilized and the applicable qualitative adjustments require assumptions and management judgment that can be subjective in nature. The above measurement approach is also used to estimate the expected credit losses associated with unfunded loan commitments, which also incorporates expected utilization rates.
The following table presents, by loan portfolio segment, the activity in the ACL-Loans for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
MTG WHLOC
RES RE
MF FIN
HC FIN
CML & CRE
AG & AGRE
CON & MAR
TOTAL
Balance, beginning of period
1,249
7,029
16,781
9,882
8,326
565
182
415
349
3,070
1,871
2,149
(22)
(15)
7,817
Loans charged to the allowance
Recoveries of loans previously charged off
Balance, end of period
1,664
7,378
19,851
11,753
10,482
543
167
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
1,955
4,170
14,084
4,461
5,879
657
138
31,344
Impact of adopting CECL
41
275
520
139
(1,277)
(18)
21
(299)
(55)
102
527
1,018
431
(42)
1,981
(931)
1,941
4,547
15,131
5,618
4,102
597
166
32,102
17
The Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The $6.9 million total provision for credit losses consisted of $7.8 million for the ACL-Loans as shown above and $(0.9) million for the ACL-OBCE’s.
The Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The $2.5 million total provision for credit losses consisted of $2.0 million for the ACL-Loans as shown above and $0.5 million for the ACL-OBCE’s.
The following table presents the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans and impairment method as of December 31, 2022:
(747)
2,588
2,177
5,282
4,216
(74)
31
13,473
(4)
(1,238)
(1,257)
746
753
The below table presents the amortized cost basis and ACL-Loans allocated for collateral dependent loans, which are individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses:
Real Estate
Accounts Receivable / Equipment
ACL-Loans Allocation
231
240
38
36,760
184
21,783
132
4,986
6,479
1,381
147
Total collateral dependent loans
58,921
1,507
65,414
1,736
There have been no significant changes to the types of collateral securing the Company’s collateral dependent loans compared to March 31, 2022.
Internal Risk Categories
In adherence with policy, the Company uses the following internal risk grading categories and definitions for loans:
Pass – Loans that are considered to be of acceptable credit quality, and not classified as Special Mention, Substandard or Doubtful.
Special Mention (Watch) – This is a loan that is sound and collectable but contains potential risk. 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 institution’s credit position at some future date.
18
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 institution 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.
The following tables present the credit risk profile of the Company’s loan portfolio based on internal risk rating category as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
As of March 31, 2023
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Revolving Loans
Pass
3,207
13,097
8,339
24,856
3,475
12,867
1,148,709
1,214,550
Special Mention (Watch)
402
462
Substandard
3,535
13,509
382,298
1,221,448
494,235
156,813
32,201
11,347
1,159,249
3,457,591
32,807
16,379
8,000
14,993
72,179
1,291,015
510,614
164,813
1,174,242
93,837
1,176,484
265,032
79,805
13,682
207,521
1,836,361
22,709
22,437
29,014
8,900
83,060
116,546
1,198,921
315,829
216,421
23,150
130,905
85,065
22,411
22,109
19,553
881,494
1,184,687
473
1,103
116
323
1,081
3,154
496
2,057
586
70
632
2,638
23,167
131,442
87,595
24,100
22,295
20,508
885,213
4,439
11,116
7,163
15,049
5,675
20,352
24,124
87,918
54
344
551
1,451
11,130
7,217
15,511
6,019
21,050
24,150
137
4,570
403
220
62
4,502
5,861
15,755
19
239
4,509
Total Pass
507,068
2,557,620
860,237
299,154
77,204
68,621
4,031,403
8,401,307
Total Special Mention (Watch)
22,726
55,299
45,920
9,584
1,278
25,000
160,327
Total Substandard
37,256
23,840
1,024
Total Loans
529,794
2,650,175
929,997
309,324
77,794
70,923
4,059,041
Total Charge offs
2018
13,344
8,192
24,708
3,498
1,722
11,166
1,114,705
1,177,335
61
668
91
820
172
246
3,559
1,796
12,006
1,114,796
1,212,008
544,823
200,829
32,349
4,416
7,229
1,042,024
3,043,678
32,919
14,178
55,097
1,281,687
208,829
1,056,202
987,676
301,103
78,792
13,770
123,888
1,505,229
52,022
25,307
77,329
1,039,698
348,193
123,757
86,282
23,803
24,730
12,335
8,765
690,114
969,786
43
164
963
119
99
228
1,376
2,992
2,017
72
666
2,537
5,883
123,800
88,463
25,357
24,921
12,434
694,027
12,112
7,485
15,660
5,808
3,137
20,176
29,566
93,944
55
421
163
389
1,560
12,126
7,540
16,122
6,229
3,300
20,712
29,622
4,673
463
307
101
4,589
3,328
13,470
20
22
327
2,353,570
948,348
344,099
80,256
26,199
47,345
3,468,410
7,268,227
84,998
25,526
9,445
262
1,287
15,701
137,820
23,800
991
64,825
2,475,328
997,674
354,135
80,929
26,535
49,623
3,486,648
The Company did not have any material revolving loans converted to term loans at March 31, 2023 or December 31, 2022.
The Company evaluates the loan risk grading system definitions and ACL-Loans methodology on an ongoing basis. No significant changes were made to either during the past year.
Delinquent Loans
The following tables present the Company’s loan portfolio aging analysis of the recorded investment in loans as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
30-59 Days
60-89 Days
Greater Than
Past Due
90 Days
Current
2,573
2,409
918
5,900
1,209,352
12,975
49,735
3,516,795
1,919,421
209
495
3,778
4,482
1,189,838
236
1,242
1,521
87,995
47
15,711
3,065
15,923
64,503
83,491
8,543,557
4,053
152
272
4,477
1,173,924
1,582,558
4,759
8,537
970,124
4,903
90,748
24
13,446
13,721
176
25,855
39,752
7,431,120
Nonperforming Loans
Nonaccrual loans, including modified loans that have not met the six-month minimum performance criterion, are reported as nonperforming loans. For all loan classes, it is the Company’s policy to have any restructured loans which are on nonaccrual status prior to being restructured remain on nonaccrual status until three months of satisfactory borrower performance, at which time management would consider its return to accrual status. A loan is generally classified as nonaccrual when the Company believes that receipt of principal and interest is doubtful under the terms of the loan agreement. Generally, this is at 90 or more days past due. The amount of interest income recognized on nonaccrual financial assets during the year ended March 31, 2023 was immaterial.
The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Total Loans >
90 Days &
Nonaccrual
Accruing
741
245
96
4,357
4,390
63,292
2,000
26,571
112
The Company did not have any nonperforming loans without an estimated ACL at March 31, 2023.
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The Company adopted the prospective approach for this new guidance. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, there was one customer experiencing financial difficulty that was modified from the original contractual terms to a delayed payment schedule. No modified loans defaulted or had a financial impact during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The following table presents the Company’s modified loans during the three months ended March 31, 2023.
Principal Forgiveness
Payment Delay
Term Extension
Interest Rate Reduction
Combination Term Extension and Principal Forgiveness
Combination Term Extension Interest Rate Reduction
Total Class of Financing Receivable
%
There were no residential loans in the process of foreclosure as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Loans Purchased
The Company purchased $98.8 million and $40.7 million of loans during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Note 5: Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)
A VIE is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or any other legal structure used to conduct activities or hold assets generally that either:
The Company has invested in single-family, multi-family, and healthcare debt financing entities, as well as low-income housing syndicated funds that are deemed to be VIEs. The Company has also deemed as a VIE, a real estate mortgage investment conduit (“REMIC”) trust that was established in conjunction with the September 2022 multi-family loan sale and securitization transaction. Accordingly, the entities were assessed for potential consolidation under the VIE model that requires primary beneficiaries to consolidate the entity’s results. A primary beneficiary is defined as the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity, and an interest that could be significant to the entity. To determine if an interest could be significant to the entity, both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size and form of involvement with the entity are evaluated.
At March 31, 2023 the Company determined it was not the primary beneficiary of its VIEs primarily because the Company did not have the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Evaluation and assessment of VIEs for consolidation is performed on an ongoing basis by management. Any changes in facts and circumstances occurring since the previous primary beneficiary determination will be considered as part of this ongoing assessment.
The Company’s maximum exposure to loss associated with its VIEs consists of the capital invested plus any unfunded equity commitments. These investments are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The table below reflects the size of the VIEs as well as the maximum exposure to loss in connection with these investments at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Maximum
Assets ($ in thousands)
Exposure to Loss
Unconsolidated VIEs
60,466
25,207
52,125
25,564
In addition to the table above, the Company also has a VIE in a REMIC trust that was established in September 2022 in conjunction with a loan sale and securitization. Although the trust is not recognized on the balance sheet, the maximum exposure to loss is the carrying value of the security acquired as part of the securitization transaction, which was $867.1 and $871.8 million at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Note 6: Regulatory Matters
The Company, Merchants Bank, and FMBI are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by federal and state banking regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for
23
prompt corrective action, the Company, Merchants Bank, and FMBI must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s, Merchants Bank’s, and FMBI’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s, Merchants Bank’s, and FMBI’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, and other factors. Furthermore, the Company’s, Merchants Bank’s, and FMBI’s regulators could require adjustments to regulatory capital not reflected in these financial statements.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company, Merchants Bank, and FMBI to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below). Management believes, as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, that the Company, Merchants Bank, and FMBI met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject.
As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the most recent notifications from the Federal Reserve categorized the Company as well capitalized and most recent notifications from the FDIC categorized Merchants Bank and FMBI as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Company’s, Merchants Bank’s, or FMBI’s category.
The Company’s, Merchants Bank’s, and FMBI’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following tables.
Minimum
Amount Required
Amount To Be
for Adequately
Well
Actual
Capitalized(1)
Ratio
(Dollars in thousands)
Total capital(1) (to risk-weighted assets)
Company
1,558,187
12.4
1,006,425
8.0
Merchants Bank
1,488,469
12.1
986,980
1,233,725
10.0
FMBI
36,044
11.4
25,309
31,636
Tier I capital(1) (to risk-weighted assets)
1,495,800
11.9
754,818
6.0
1,426,815
11.6
740,235
35,311
11.2
18,981
Common Equity Tier I capital(1) (to risk-weighted assets)
996,192
7.9
566,114
4.5
555,176
801,921
6.5
14,236
20,563
Tier I capital(1) (to average assets)
514,725
4.0
11.3
503,987
629,983
5.0
10.6
13,347
16,684
1,507,968
12.2
992,883
1,427,738
11.7
975,853
1,219,817
34,769
24,703
30,878
1,452,456
744,662
1,372,941
731,890
34,054
11.0
18,527
952,848
7.7
558,497
548,917
792,881
13,895
20,071
497,604
487,511
609,389
10.7
12,702
15,878
Note 7: Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses derivative financial instruments to help manage exposure to interest rate risk and the effects that changes in interest rates may have on net income and the fair value of assets and liabilities.
Forward Sales Commitments, Interest Rate Lock Commitments, and Interest Rate Swaps
The Company enters into forward contracts for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors and enters into interest rate lock commitments with potential borrowers to fund specific mortgage loans that will be sold into the secondary market. The forward contracts are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of changes in interest rates resulting from the Company’s commitment to fund the loans.
Interest rate swaps are also used by the Company to reduce the risk that significant increases in interest rates may have on the value of certain fixed rate loans held for sale and the respective loan payments received from borrowers. All changes in the fair market value of these interest rate swaps and associated loans held for sale have been included in gain on sale of loans. Any difference between the fixed and floating interest rate components of these transactions have been included in interest income.
All of these items are considered derivatives, but are not designated as accounting hedges, and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in noninterest income on the condensed consolidated statements of income. The fair value of derivative instruments with a positive fair value are reported in other assets in the condensed
25
consolidated balance sheets while derivative instruments with a negative fair value are reported in other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The following table presents the notional amount and fair value of interest rate locks, forward contracts, and interest rate swaps utilized by the Company at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. This table excludes the fair market value adjustment on loans associated with these derivatives.
Notional
Fair Value
Balance Sheet Location
Asset
Liability
Interest rate lock commitments
32,018
Other assets/liabilities
218
Forward contracts
29,317
235
Interest rate swaps
57,566
1,694
1,914
8,759
28
46
57,574
3,030
3,104
75
Fair values of these derivative financial instruments were estimated using changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the Company entered into the interest rate lock commitment and the balance sheet date. The following table summarizes the periodic changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
Derivative gain (loss) included in other income:
(882)
Forward contracts (includes pair-off settlements)
(96)
3,150
Net derivative gains (loss)
113
2,268
Gain (loss) included in gain on sale of loans:
Interest rates swaps - change in fair value
(1,336)
Loans held for sale - change in fair value
Net gain (loss)
224
Derivatives on Behalf of Customers
The Company offers derivative contracts to some customers in connection with their risk management needs. These derivatives include back-to-back interest rate swaps. The Company manages the risk associated with these contracts by entering into an equal and offsetting derivative with a third-party dealer. These derivatives generally work together as an economic interest rate hedge, but the Company does not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Consequently,
changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred, typically resulting in no net earnings impact. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities related to derivatives for customers with back-to-back interest rate swaps were recorded in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
77,354
2,461
77,495
3,041
The gross gains and losses on these derivative assets and liabilities were recorded in other noninterest income and other noninterest expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income as follows:
Gross swap gains
580
Gross swap losses
Net swap gains (losses)
The Company pledged $0 in collateral to secure its obligations under swap contracts at both March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Note 8: Disclosures about Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. There is a hierarchy of three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities
Level 3 Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities
27
Recurring Measurements
The following tables present the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities recognized in the accompanying balance sheets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in
Significant
Active Markets
for Identical
Observable
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Loans held for sale
85,516
Derivative assets - interest rate lock commitments
Derivative assets - forward contracts
Derivative assets - interest rate swaps
Derivative assets - interest rate swaps (back-to-back)
Derivative liabilities - interest rate lock commitments
Derivative liabilities - forward contracts
Derivative liabilities - interest rate swaps (back-to-back)
82,192
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies and inputs used for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and the year ended December 31, 2022. For assets classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the process used to develop the reported fair value is described below.
Mortgage Loans in Process of Securitization and Securities Available for Sale
Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities such as U.S. Treasuries are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or independent asset pricing services and pricing models, the inputs of which are market-based or independently sourced market parameters, including, but not limited to, yield curves, interest rates, volatilities, prepayments, defaults, cumulative loss projections and cash flows. Such securities are classified in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy including federal agencies, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities and Federal Housing Administration participation certificates. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.
Loans Held for Sale
Certain loans held for sale at fair value are saleable into the secondary mortgage markets and their fair values are estimated using observable quoted market or contracted prices, or market price equivalents, which would be used by other market participants. These saleable loans are considered Level 2.
Servicing Rights
Servicing rights do not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow models having significant inputs of discount rate, prepayment speed, cost of servicing, interest rates, and default rate. Due to the nature of the valuation inputs, servicing rights are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.
The Chief Financial Officer’s (“CFO”) office contracts with a pricing specialist to generate fair value estimates on a quarterly basis. The CFO’s office challenges the reasonableness of the assumptions used and reviews the methodology to ensure the estimated fair value complies with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company estimates the fair value of interest rate lock commitments based on the value of the underlying mortgage loan, quoted mortgage-backed security prices, estimates of the fair value of the servicing rights, and an estimate of the probability that the mortgage loan will fund within the terms of the interest rate lock commitment, net of expenses. With respect to its interest rate lock commitments, management determined that a Level 3 classification was most appropriate based on the various significant unobservable inputs utilized in estimating the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments. The Company estimates the fair value of forward sales commitments based on market quotes of mortgage-backed security prices for securities similar to the ones used, which are considered Level 2. The fair value of interest rate swaps is based on prices that are obtained from a third-party that uses observable market inputs, thereby supporting a Level 2 classification. Changes in fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments are recognized through noninterest income and/or noninterest expense on its condensed consolidated statement of income.
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Level 3 Reconciliation
The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of recurring fair value measurements recognized in the accompanying balance sheets using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs:
Three Months Ended March 31,
110,348
Additions
Originated servicing
2,173
5,792
Subtractions
Paydowns
(1,698)
(2,749)
Sales of servicing
Changes in fair value due to changes in valuation inputs or assumptions used in the valuation model
(2,856)
7,645
121,036
Derivative Assets - interest rate lock commitments
264
Changes in fair value
190
(152)
Derivative Liabilities - interest rate lock commitments
(19)
730
771
Nonrecurring Measurements
The following table presents the fair value measurement of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Impaired loans (collateral-dependent)
4,465
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies and inputs used for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. For assets classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the process used to develop the reported fair value is described below.
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Collateral Dependent Loans, Net of ACL-Loans
The estimated fair value of collateral dependent loans is based on the appraised fair value of the collateral, less estimated cost to sell. Collateral dependent loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
The Company considers the appraisal or evaluation as the starting point for determining fair value and then considers other factors and events in the environment that may affect the fair value. Appraisals of the collateral underlying collateral-dependent loans are obtained when the loan is determined to be collateral dependent and subsequently as deemed necessary by the Chief Credit Officer’s (“CCO”) office. Appraisals and evaluations are reviewed for accuracy and consistency by the CCO’s office. Appraisers are selected from the list of approved appraisers maintained by management. The appraised values are reduced by discounts to consider lack of marketability and estimated cost to sell if repayment or satisfaction of the loan is dependent on the sale of the collateral. These discounts and estimates are developed by the CCO’s office by comparison to historical results.
Unobservable (Level 3) Inputs:
The following table presents quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in recurring and nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements other than goodwill.
Valuation
Weighted
Technique
Unobservable Inputs
Range
Average
At March 31, 2023:
Servicing rights - Multi-family
109,706
Discounted cash flow
Discount rate
8% - 13%
9%
Constant prepayment rate
0 - 39%
8%
Servicing rights - Single-family
29,078
9% - 10%
7% - 10%
7%
Servicing rights - SBA
5,083
16%
3% - 12%
Loan closing rates
51% - 99%
75%
At December 31, 2022:
Collateral dependent loans
Market comparable properties
Marketability discount
4% - 54%
5%
111,690
29,926
4,632
60% - 87%
77%
Sensitivity of Significant Unobservable Inputs
The following is a discussion of the sensitivity of significant unobservable inputs, the interrelationships between those inputs and other unobservable inputs used in recurring fair value measurement, and of how those inputs might magnify or mitigate the effect of changes in the unobservable inputs on the fair value measurement.
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s servicing rights are discount rates and constant prepayment rates. These two inputs can drive a significant amount of a market participant’s
valuation of servicing rights. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount rate or assumed constant prepayment rates used to value servicing rights would decrease (increase) the value derived.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments not carried at fair value and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Carrying
Financial assets:
Securities held to maturity
239,795
FHLB stock
2,769,734
Loans receivable, net
8,553,015
Financial liabilities:
11,343,744
7,208,222
4,135,522
Short-term subordinated debt
21,000
FHLB advances
859,211
858,957
Other borrowing
200,000
Credit linked notes
153,551
154,520
Interest payable
32,605
2,828,384
7,431,731
10,064,941
7,082,056
2,982,885
859,392
858,984
50,000
23,384
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Note 9: Leases
The Company has operating leases for various locations with terms ranging from one to eleven years. Some operating leases include options to extend. The extensions were included in the right-of-use asset if the likelihood of extension was fairly certain. The Company elected not to separate non-lease components from lease components for its operating leases.
The Company has operating lease right-of-use assets of $10.5 million as of March 31, 2023 and operating lease right-of-use liabilities of $11.6 million as of March 31, 2023.
Balance sheet, income statement and cash flow detail regarding operating leases follows:
Balance Sheet
Operating lease right-of-of use asset (in other assets)
10,483
10,969
Operating lease liability (in other liabilities)
11,644
11,992
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)
6.3
Weighted average discount rate
2.68%
2.65%
Maturities of lease liabilities:
One year or less
1,731
2,181
Year two
2,345
2,321
Year three
1,881
Year four
1,911
Year five
1,853
Thereafter
2,902
Total future minimum lease payments
12,623
13,049
Less: imputed interest
979
1,057
March 31, 2022
Income Statement
Components of lease expense:
Operating lease cost (in occupancy and equipment expense)
583
367
Cash Flow Statement
Supplemental cash flow information:
Operating cash flows from operating leases
426
283
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Note 10: Deposits
Deposits were comprised of the following at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Noninterest-bearing deposits
Demand deposits
Total noninterest-bearing deposits
Interest-bearing deposits
3,843,282
3,720,363
Savings deposits
3,051,207
3,034,818
Certificates of deposit
4,137,009
2,989,289
Total interest-bearing deposits
Maturities for certificates of deposit are as follows:
Due within one year
4,004,937
Due in one year to two years
90,668
Due in two years to three years
39,683
Due in three years to four years
1,114
Due in four years to five years
585
Due in five years to six years
Brokered deposit amounts at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, were as follows:
Brokered certificates of deposit
3,679,084
2,681,198
Brokered savings deposits
51,076
81,532
Brokered deposit on demand accounts
3,730,160
2,762,743
Note 11: Borrowings
Borrowings were comprised of the following at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Federal Reserve discount window borrowings
20,000
American Financial Exchange borrowing
30,000
Total borrowings
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On March 30, 2023, Merchants Bank of Indiana issued and sold $158.1 million senior credit linked notes, due May 26, 2028. The net proceeds of the offering were approximately $153.5 million. The repayment of principal on the notes is linked to an approximately $1.1 billion reference pool of loans originated under the Bank’s healthcare commercial real estate lending program, but the notes are not secured by the loans. The notes provide periodic payments of interest in addition to payment of principal over the life of the note and these values are tied to the performance of the loans. Therefore, the notes effectively transfer credit risk in excess of the first 1% of losses on the reference pool of loans. The reduction in risk weighted assets provides additional balance sheet capacity and benefits capital ratios for additional growth in the existing loan pipeline. The Company will maintain the ACL associated with the loans in the reference pool on the Company’s balance sheet.
The notes accrue interest at a rate equal to SOFR plus 15.50% and interest pays monthly. As of March 31, 2023, the effective interest rate was 21.5%. However, the interest earned on the collateral account maintained by the Company for the transaction had an effective rate of 4.5%, resulting in a net effective rate of 17.0% related to the notes. The principal amount of the notes will be reduced by a portion of the Bank’s loss on such loans if one of the following occurs with respect to a loan: (i) the Bank experiences a realized loss, or (ii) an expected loss is determined for any delinquent loan at the stated maturity date or upon early redemption. However, such reduction will not occur until aggregate realized or expected losses reach more than one percent of the principal balance of the loans. The Bank has the right to redeem the notes in full upon the occurrence of certain regulatory events.
The notes are secured by a restricted collateral account which the Company is required to maintain with a third-party financial institution. The collateral account maintains an amount equal to at least the initial aggregate unpaid principal of the notes. As of March 31, 2023, the account included $20.5 million of restricted cash and $137.6 million of short-term Treasury securities. These are reported as cash equivalents and securities available for sale in the consolidated balance sheets.
Note 12: Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share were computed as follows:
Three Month Periods Ended March 31,
Weighted-
Per
Net
Share
Income
Net income allocated to common shareholders
Basic earnings per share
Effect of dilutive securities-restricted stock awards
111,175
169,968
Diluted earnings per share
Note 13: Share-Based Payment Plans
Equity-based incentive awards for Company officers are currently issued pursuant to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Incentive Plan”). During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, the Company issued 84,335 and 64,962 shares, respectively.
35
During 2018, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a plan for non-executive directors to receive a portion of their annual retainer fees in the form of shares of common stock equal to $10,000, rounded up to the nearest whole share. In January 2021, the Board of Directors amended the plan for nonexecutive directors to receive a portion of their annual fees, issued quarterly, in the form of restricted common stock equal to $50,000 per member, rounded up to the nearest whole share, to be effective after the Company’s annual meeting of shareholders held in May 2021. Accordingly, there were 2,863 and 2,055 shares, issued to non-executive directors during the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively.
The Company established an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) effective as of January 1, 2020 to provide certain benefits for all employees who meet certain requirements. Expense recognized for the contribution to the ESOP totaled $810,000 and $653,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively. The Company contributed 33,293 shares and 20,709 shares to the ESOP for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively.
Note 14: Segment Information
The Company’s business segments are defined as Multi-family Mortgage Banking, Mortgage Warehousing, and Banking. The reportable business segments are consistent with the internal reporting and evaluation of the principal lines of business of the Company. The Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment originates and services government sponsored mortgages for multi-family and healthcare facilities. It is also a fully integrated syndicator of low-income housing tax credit and debt funds. The Mortgage Warehousing segment funds agency eligible residential loans from the date of origination or purchase, until the date of sale in the secondary market, as well as commercial loans to non-depository financial institutions. The Banking segment provides a wide range of financial products and services to consumers and businesses, including retail banking, commercial lending, agricultural lending, retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking, and Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lending. Other includes general and administrative expenses that provide services to all segments; internal funds transfer pricing offsets resulting from allocations to/from the other segments; and certain elimination entries and investments in qualified affordable housing limited partnerships. All operations are domestic.
The tables below present selected business segment financial information for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022.
Multi-family
Mortgage
Banking
Warehousing
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Interest income
1,106
42,318
166,726
1,144
Interest expense
27,794
84,526
(1,719)
Net interest income
14,524
82,200
2,863
1,364
5,503
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
13,160
76,697
Noninterest income
16,597
1,033
(1,189)
(2,177)
Noninterest expense
14,631
2,755
10,170
7,216
Income (loss) before income taxes
3,072
11,438
65,338
(6,530)
Income taxes
2,797
16,031
(1,571)
Net income (loss)
1,966
8,641
49,307
(4,959)
341,487
3,318,491
10,430,293
150,695
36
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
257
20,329
53,725
1,701
2,021
8,517
(251)
18,308
45,208
1,952
(207)
2,658
18,515
42,550
32,186
1,860
2,189
(1,638)
16,531
2,926
6,574
5,002
15,912
17,449
38,165
(4,688)
4,420
4,290
9,401
(1,415)
11,492
13,159
28,764
(3,273)
293,286
2,863,907
6,409,943
83,456
9,650,592
Note 15: Recent Accounting Pronouncements
The Company continually monitors potential accounting pronouncement and SEC release changes. The following pronouncements and releases have been deemed to have the most applicability to the Company’s financial statements:
FASB ASU 2022-02 - Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures
In February 2022, the FASB issued an ASU update to eliminate the recognition and measurement guidance on troubled debt restructurings for creditors that have adopted CECL and require enhanced disclosures about loan modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The new guidance also requires public business entities to present current-period gross write-offs (on a current year-to-date basis for interim-period disclosures) by year of origination in their vintage disclosures. These changes would be applied on a prospective basis. Disclosure would not be required to prior period comparative periods.
The updates in ASU 2022-02 are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. The Company adopted this new guidance as of January 1, 2023, but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
Note 16: Subsequent Events
No material events were noted.
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Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this Form 10-Q, including, but not limited to, statements within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “goal,” “target,” “outlook,” “aim,” “would,” “annualized,” and “outlook,” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.
A number of important factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements, including those factors identified in the “Risk Factors” section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 or “Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-Q or the following:
The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this Form 10-Q. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition at March 31, 2023 and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, is intended to assist in understanding the financial condition and results of operations of the Company. The information contained in this section should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, appearing in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
The words “the Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to Merchants Bancorp and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless we indicate otherwise.
Financial Highlights for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Business Overview
We are a diversified bank holding company headquartered in Carmel, Indiana and registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. We currently operate in multiple business segments, including Multi-family Mortgage Banking that offers multi-family housing and healthcare facility financing and servicing, as well as syndicated low-income housing tax credit and debt funds; Mortgage Warehousing that offers mortgage warehouse financing, commercial loans, and deposit services; and Banking that offers portfolio lending for multi-family and healthcare facility loans, retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking, agricultural lending, Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lending, and traditional community banking.
Our business consists primarily of funding fixed rate, low risk, multi-family, residential and SBA loans meeting underwriting standards of government programs under an originate to sell model, and retaining adjustable rate loans as held for investment to reduce interest rate risk. The gain on sale of these loans and servicing fees contribute to noninterest income. The funding source is primarily from mortgage custodial, municipal, retail, commercial, brokered deposits, and short-term borrowing. We believe that the combination of net interest income and noninterest income from the sale of low risk profile assets results in lower than industry charge offs and a lower expense base, which serves to maximize net income and higher than industry shareholder return.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of our consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. These estimates are based upon historical experience and on various other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the current circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
The estimates and judgments that management believes have the most effect on its reported financial position and results of operations are set forth within “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. There have been no significant changes in critical accounting policies or the assumptions and judgments utilized in applying these policies since those reported for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Financial Condition
As of March 31, 2023, we had approximately $14.2 billion in total assets, $11.3 billion in deposits, and $1.5 billion in total shareholders’ equity. Total assets as of March 31, 2023 included approximately $369.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, $2.9 billion of loans held for sale and $8.6 billion of loans receivable, net of ACL-Loans. Assets also included $197.1 million of mortgage loans in the process of securitization that represent pre-sold multi-family rental real estate loan originations in primarily Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) mortgage-backed securities pending settlements that typically occur within 30 days. There were also $1.1 billion in securities held to maturity and $679.5 million in securities available for sale that are match funded with related custodial deposits. There are restrictions on the types of securities we hold, as these are funded by certain custodial deposits where we set the cost of deposits based on the yield of the related securities. Servicing rights at March 31, 2023 were $143.9 million based on the fair value of the loan servicing, which are primarily GNMA multi-family servicing rights with 10-year call protection.
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022
Total Assets. Total assets increased $1.6 billion, or 13%, to $14.2 billion at March 31, 2023 from $12.6 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase was due primarily to significant growth in the multi-family and healthcare loan portfolios.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents increased $143.4 million, or 63%, to $369.6 million at March 31, 2023 from $226.2 million at December 31, 2022. The 63% increase reflected higher liquidity to fund anticipated loan growth. Included in cash equivalents was $20.5 million in restricted cash associated with the March 2023 issuance of senior credit linked notes described in Note: 10 Borrowings.
Mortgage Loans in Process of Securitization. Mortgage loans in process of securitization increased $42.9 million, or 28%, to $197.1 million at March 31, 2023, from $154.2 million at December 31, 2022. These represent loans that our banking subsidiary, Merchants Bank, has funded and are held pending settlement, primarily as GNMA mortgage-backed securities with a firm investor commitment to purchase the securities. The 28% increase was primarily due to an increase in the volume of loans that had not yet settled with government agencies.
Securities Available for Sale. Securities available for sale increased $356.2 million, or 110%, to $679.5 million at March 31, 2023 from $323.3 million at December 31, 2022. The increase in securities available for sale was primarily due to purchases of $353.2 million, offset by calls, maturities, sales and repayments of securities totaling $0.8 million and a decrease of unrealized loss on securities of $3.7 million during the period.
As of March 31, 2023, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses (“AOCI”) of $7.7 million, related to securities available for sale, decreased $2.8 million, or 27%, compared to losses of $10.5 million at December 31, 2022. The $7.7 million of AOCI losses as of March 31, 2023 represented less than 1% of total equity and 1% of total securities available for sale.
Securities Held to Maturity. Securities held to maturity decreased $14.2 million, or 1%, to $1.1 billion at March 31, 2023 from December 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to purchases of $1.5 million offset by repayments of securities totaling $15.8 million during the period. The majority of these securities were acquired in September 2022 as part of a private securitization of originated loans described in Note 5: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans. The remaining securities were primarily acquired in December 2022 as part of a securitization by an external related party.
Loans Held for Sale. Loans held for sale, comprised primarily of single-family residential real estate loan participations that meet Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”), or Ginnie Mae (“GNMA”) eligibility, decreased $55.3 million, or 2%, to $2.9 billion at March 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. The decrease in loans held for sale was due primarily to a decrease in
42
warehouse participations, as the industry experienced lower volume associated with the recent increase in market interest rates.
Loans Receivable, Net. Loans receivable, net, which are comprised of loans held for investment, increased $1.1 billion, or 15%, to $8.6 billion at March 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. The increase in net loans was comprised primarily of:
The $431.0 million increase in multi-family financing was due to higher origination volume for construction, bridge and other loans generated through our multi-family segment that will remain on our balance sheet until they convert to permanent financing or are otherwise paid off over an average of one to three years.
The $336.9 million increase in healthcare financing was due to transfers of loans previously in loans held for sale, associated with our credit link note transaction.
The $215.7 million increase in commercial and commercial real estate was primarily due to an increase in warehouse revolving lines of credit collateralized primarily by single-family mortgage servicing rights during the period.
As of March 31, 2023, approximately 93% of the total net loans at Merchants Bank reprice within three months, which reduces the risk of market rate increases.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans (“ACL-Loans”). The ACL-Loans of $51.8 million at March 31, 2023 increased $7.8 million, or 18%, compared to December 31, 2022, primarily reflecting increases associated with loan growth and portfolio mix.
Also influencing the overall level of the ACL-Loans is our differentiated strategy to typically hold loans with shorter durations and to maintain strict underwriting standards that enable us to sell the majority of our loans under government programs.
Goodwill. Goodwill of $15.8 million at March 31, 2023 remained unchanged compared to December 31, 2022. At this time, we do not believe there exists any impairment to goodwill or intangible assets.
Servicing Rights. Servicing rights decreased $2.4 million, or 2%, to $143.9 million as of March 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, a fair value decrease of $2.9 million, and paydowns of $1.7 million were partially offset by originated and purchased servicing of $2.2 million. The $2.9 million negative fair market value adjustment reflected $2.2 million for multi-family mortgages and $0.7 million for single-family and SBA mortgages and during the three months ended March 31, 2023. Servicing rights are recognized in connection with sales of loans when we retain servicing of the sold loans, as well as upon purchases of loan servicing portfolios. The servicing rights are recorded and carried at fair value. The fair value decrease recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2022 was driven by lower interest rates that impacted fair market value adjustments. The value
of servicing rights generally increases in rising interest rate environments and declines in falling interest rate environments due to expected prepayments.
Deposits. Deposits increased $1.3 billion, or 13%, to $11.3 billion at March 31, 2023 from $10.1 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to a $1.0 billion increase in brokered certificates of deposit. Total certificates of deposit increased $1.1 billion, demand deposits increased $109.8 million, savings deposits increased $16.4 million. As of March 31, 2023, approximately 74% of the total deposits at Merchants Bank reprice within three months.
Uninsured deposits totaled approximately $2 billion as of March 31, 2023, representing less than 25% of total deposits. Since 2018, the Company has offered its customers an opportunity to insure balances in excess of $250,000 through our Insured Cash Sweep program that extends FDIC protection up to $100 million. The balance of deposits in this program was $1.6 billion as of March 31, 2023.
We have increased our use of brokered deposits by $1.0 billion, or 35%, to $3.7 billion at March 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. Brokered deposits represented 33% of total deposits at March 31, 2023, compared to 27% of total deposits at December 31, 2022. As of March 31, 2023, brokered certificates of deposit had a weighted average remaining duration of 70 days.
Although our brokered deposits are short-term in nature, they may be more rate sensitive compared to other sources of funding. In the future, those depositors may not replace their brokered deposits with us as they mature, or we may have to pay a higher rate of interest to keep those deposits or to replace them with other deposits or other sources of funds. Not being able to maintain or replace those deposits as they mature would adversely affect our liquidity. Additionally, if Merchants Bank does not maintain its well-capitalized position, it may not accept or renew any brokered deposits without a waiver granted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).
Compared to December 31, 2022, interest-bearing deposits increased $1.3 billion, or 13%, to $11.0 billion at March 31, 2023, and noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $13.1 million, or 4%, to $313.7 million at March 31, 2023.
Borrowings. Borrowings totaled $1.2 billion as of March 31, 2023, an increase of $303.4 million, or 33%, from December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $180.0 million increase in the usage of the Federal Reserve’s discount window and the issuance of $158.1 million senior credit linked notes described in Note 11: Borrowings. Depending on rates and timing, borrowing can be a more effective liquidity management alternative than utilizing brokered certificates of deposits. The Company primarily utilizes borrowing facilities from the FHLB, the Federal Reserve’s discount window, and the American Financial Exchange (“AFX”).
The Company continues to have significant borrowing capacity based on available collateral. As of March 31, 2023, unused lines of credit totaled $4.0 billion, compared to $3.1 billion at December 31, 2022.
Total Shareholders’ Equity. Total shareholders’ equity was $1.5 billion as of March 31, 2023. The $45.9 million increase compared to December 31, 2022 resulted primarily from the net income of $55.0 million, which was partially offset by dividends paid on common and preferred shares of $12.1 million during the period.
Asset Quality
Total nonperforming loans (nonaccrual and greater than 90 days late but still accruing) were $65.3 million, or 0.76%, of total loans at March 31, 2023, compared to $26.7 million, or 0.36%, of total loans at December 31, 2022 and
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$4.7 million, or 0.08%, at March 31, 2022. The increase compared to March 31, 2022 was due to the delinquency of one multi-family customer and one healthcare customer.
As a percentage of nonperforming loans, the ACL-Loans was 79% at March 31, 2023 compared to 165% at December 31, 2022 and 683% at March 31, 2022. The changes compared to both periods were primarily due to the changes in the nonperforming loans.
Total loans greater than 30 days past due were $83.5 million at March 31, 2023, $39.8 million at December 31, 2022, and $13.6 million at March 31, 2022. The increase compared to March 31, 2022 was due to the delinquency of one multi-family customer and one healthcare customer.
Special Mention (Watch) loans were $160.3 million at March 31, 2023, compared to $137.8 million at December 31, 2022 and $144.4 million at March 31, 2022.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, there were $0 of charge-offs and $7,000 of recoveries, compared to $931,000 of charge-offs and $7,000 of recoveries for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 and 2022
General. Net income of $55.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased by $4.8 million, or 10%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022, primarily driven by a $35.0 million, or 53%, increase in net interest income that was partially offset by a $11.2 million, or 63%, decrease in gain on sale of loans, a $7.4 million, or 76%, decrease in loan servicing fees, and a $4.4 million, or 180%, increase in provision for credit losses. Results for the first three months of 2023 included a $2.9 million negative fair market value adjustment to servicing rights compared to a $7.6 million positive adjustment in the first three months of 2022.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income increased $35.0 million, or 53%, to $100.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared with the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase reflected higher yields and average balances on loans and loans held for sale, as well as new balances of securities held to maturity, which were partially offset by higher interest rates on deposits and borrowings. The interest rate spread of 2.76% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 increased 21 basis points compared to 2.55% for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Our net interest margin increased 65 basis points, to 3.27%, for the three months ended March 31, 2023 from 2.62% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in net interest margin reflected higher yields and average loan balances that were partially offset by higher rates on higher average deposit balances.
Interest Income. Interest income increased $135.3 million, or 178%, to $211.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared with $76.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The $135.3 million increase in interest income was primarily attributable to a $117.3 million increase from loans and loans held for sale and a $15.8 million increase from securities held to maturity. This increase was primarily due to an increase in both yields and average balances of loans and loans held for sale, as well as new balances in securities held to maturity.
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Interest Expense. Total interest expense increased $100.3 million, or 975%, to $110.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared with $10.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Interest expense on deposits increased $95.6 million, or 1,085%, to $104.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, from $8.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase was primarily due to higher rates for interest-bearing checking, certificates of deposit, and money market accounts, as well as higher average balances of certificates of deposits.
Interest expense on borrowings increased $4.7 million, or 318%, to $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase was due primarily to a 416 basis point increase in the average cost of borrowings to 5.17%, compared to 1.01% for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Also included in borrowings, our warehouse structured financing agreements provide for an additional interest payment for a portion of the earnings generated. As a result, the cost of borrowings increased from a base rate of 4.82% and 0.35%, to an effective rate of 5.17% and 1.01% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2021, respectively.
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, information about (i) average balances, the total dollar amount of interest income from interest-earning assets and the resultant average yields; (ii) average balances, the total dollar amount of interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities and the resultant average rates; (iii) net interest income; (iv) the interest rate spread; and (v) the net interest margin. Yields have been calculated on a pre-tax basis. Nonaccrual loans are included in loans and loans held for sale.
Interest
Income/
Yield/
Balance
Expense
Rate
Assets:
Interest-bearing deposits, and other
184,470
2,176
4.78
1,460,486
870
0.24
Securities available for sale - taxable
445,614
2.06
305,600
0.93
1,115,243
5.73
159,333
4.19
349,027
2.61
Loans and loans held for sale
10,595,669
7.25
8,049,877
3.64
Total interest-earning assets
12,500,329
6.86
10,164,990
3.03
Allowance for credit losses on loans
(45,190)
(31,023)
Noninterest-earning assets
430,596
302,481
12,885,735
10,436,448
Liabilities/Equity:
Interest-bearing checking
4,052,081
40,647
4.07
4,015,709
2,204
0.22
237,289
265
0.45
230,702
0.06
Money market
2,848,500
28,608
2,710,961
5,252
0.79
3,322,991
34,922
4.26
1,080,438
1,324
0.50
10,460,861
4.05
8,037,810
0.44
482,723
5.17
589,597
1.01
Total interest-bearing liabilities
10,943,584
4.10
8,627,407
0.48
304,119
518,140
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
141,422
117,064
11,389,125
9,262,611
Equity
1,496,610
1,173,837
Total liabilities and equity
Interest rate spread
2.76
2.55
Net interest-earning assets
1,556,745
1,537,583
Net interest margin
3.27
2.62
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
114.23
117.82
Increases and decreases in interest income and interest expense result from changes in average balances (volume) of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as changes in weighted average interest rates. The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income during the periods shown. Information is provided with respect to (i) effects on interest income attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate) and (ii) effects on interest income attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). Changes applicable to both volume and rate have been allocated to volume. Yields have been calculated on a pre-tax basis.
The following table summarizes the increases and decreases in interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in average balances (volume) and changes in average interest rates:
compared to March 31, 2022
Increase (Decrease)
Due to
Volume
Interest-bearing deposits and other
(760)
2,066
1,306
321
1,244
1,565
(1,220)
623
(597)
22,832
94,422
117,254
36,927
98,355
135,282
38,423
38,443
232
Money market deposits
266
23,090
23,356
2,748
30,850
33,598
Total Deposits
3,035
92,594
95,629
369
4,316
4,685
3,404
96,910
100,314
33,523
1,445
34,968
Provision for Credit Losses. We recorded a provision for credit losses of $6.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, an increase of $4.4 million, or 180%, over the three months ended March 31, 2022. The $6.9 million provision for credit losses consisted of a $7.8 million increase for the ACL-Loans and a reduction of $0.9 million for the ACL-OBCE’s. The ACL-Loans was $51.8 million, or 0.60% of total loans, at March 31, 2023, compared to $44.0 million, or 0.59% of total loans, at December 31, 2022, and $32.1 million, or 0.53%, at March 31, 2022. The increases in the ACL-Loans compared to both prior periods reflected increases associated with loan growth and portfolio mix. Of the $19.7 million increase in the ACL-Loans since March 31, 2022, $15.9 million, or 81%, was attributable to loan growth during the period. Additional details are provided in the ACL-Loans portion of the Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and in Note 4: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans.
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income decreased $20.3 million, or 59%, to $14.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a $11.2 million, or 63%, decrease in gain on sale of loans resulting from higher interest rates across the industry that have led lower volumes sold in the secondary market. A $7.4 million, or 76%, decrease in loan servicing fees also contributed to the lower noninterest income. Loan servicing fees included a $2.9 million negative fair market value adjustment to servicing rights for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to a $7.6 million positive adjustment to fair value of servicing rights for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
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A summary of the gain on sale of loans for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 is below:
Gain on Sale of Loans
(in thousands)
Loan Type
4,920
14,953
Single-family
277
457
Small Business Association (SBA)
1,536
2,555
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $3.7 million, or 12%, to $34.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase was due primarily to a $1.4 million, or 187%, increase in FDIC deposit insurance expenses reflecting our growth in assets, as well as a $1.0 million, or 74%, increase in professional fees. The efficiency ratio was at 30.3% in the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared with 30.9% in the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Income Taxes. Income tax expense increased $1.7 million, or 10%, to $18.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 from the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase was due primarily to a 10% increase in pretax income period to period. The effective tax rate was 25.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022.
Our Segments
We operate in three primary segments: Multi-family Mortgage Banking, Mortgage Warehousing, and Banking. The reportable segments are consistent with the internal reporting and evaluation of the principal lines of business of the Company. The Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment originates and services government sponsored mortgages for multi-family and healthcare facilities. It is also a fully integrated syndicator of low-income housing tax credit and debt funds. As one of the top ranked agency lenders in the nation, our licenses with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA, coupled with our bank financing products, provide sponsors custom beginning-to-end financing solutions that adapt to an ever-changing market. We are also one of the largest GNMA servicers in the country based on aggregate loan principal value. As of March 31, 2023 the Company’s total servicing portfolio had an unpaid principal balance of $22.5 billion, primarily managed in the Multi-Family Mortgage Banking segment. Included in this amount was an unpaid principal balance of loans serviced for others of $13.2 billion, an unpaid principal balance of loans sub-serviced for others of $2.0 billion, and other servicing balances of $0.7 billion at March 31, 2023. These loans are not included in the accompanying balance sheets. The Company also manages $6.6 billion of loans for customers that have loans on the balance sheet at March 31, 2023. The servicing portfolio is primarily GNMA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac loans and is a significant source of our noninterest income and deposits.
Our Mortgage Warehousing segment funds agency eligible loans for non-depository financial institutions from the date of origination or purchase until the date of sale to an investor, which typically takes less than 30 days and is a significant source of our net interest income, loans, and deposits. Mortgage Warehousing has grown to fund over $111 billion in 2020, $78 billion in 2021, $33.2 billion in 2022, and $5.4 billion in the three months ended March 31, 2023. Mortgage Warehousing also provides commercial loans and collects deposits related to the mortgage escrow accounts of its customers.
The Banking segment includes retail banking, commercial lending, agricultural lending, retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking, and SBA lending. Banking operates primarily in Indiana and Illinois, except for correspondent mortgage banking which, like Multi-family Mortgage Banking and Mortgage Warehousing, is a national
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business. The Banking segment has a well-diversified customer and borrower base and has experienced significant growth over the past three years.
Our segments diversify the net income of Merchants Bank and provide synergies across the segments. The strategic opportunities include that MCC loans are funded by the Merchant Banking segment and the Banking segment provides GNMA custodial services to MCC. The securities available for sale funded by MCC custodial deposits, as well as loans generated by Merchants Bank, are pledged to the FHLB to provide borrowing capacity during periods of high residential loan volume for Mortgage Warehousing. Mortgage Warehousing provides leads to correspondent residential lending in the banking segment. MCC also provides leads to Merchants Bank for core deposit opportunities. Retail and commercial customers provide cross selling opportunities within the banking segment. These and other synergies form a part of our strategic plan.
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, we had total net income of $55.0 million and $50.1 million, respectively. Net income for our three segments for the respective periods was as follows:
For the Three Months Ended
Multi-family Mortgage Banking
Mortgage Warehousing
Multi-family Mortgage Banking. The Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment reported net income of $2.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, a decrease of $9.5 million, or 83%, from net income of $11.5 million reported for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease in net income was primarily due to $12.9 million lower gain on sale of loans associated with higher interest rates. The lower noninterest income was partially offset by lower noninterest expense of $1.9 million from lower salaries and employee benefits, including commissions.
The results included a $2.2 million negative fair market value adjustment to servicing rights for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to a $3.3 million positive adjustment to fair value of servicing rights for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Mortgage Warehousing. The Mortgage Warehousing segment reported net income of $8.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, a decrease of $4.5 million, or 34%, over the three months ended March 31, 2022. The decrease in net income reflected lower net interest income and mortgage warehouse fees as industry volumes declined as market interest rates increased.
There was a 42% decrease in warehouse loan volume of $5.4 billion compared to $9.3 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2022, which was less than the industry volume decreases of 52%, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
Banking. The Banking segment reported net income of $49.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023, an increase of $20.5 million, or 71%, over the three months ended March 31, 2022. The increase in net income was primarily due to $37.0 million higher net interest income from higher yields and average balances that was partially offset by higher provision for income taxes of $6.6 million on higher income.
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The results included a $0.7 million negative fair market value adjustment to servicing rights for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to a $4.3 million positive adjustment to fair value of servicing rights for the three months ended March 31, 2022.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity.
Recent bank failures have had minimal impact to our deposit base or operations. Our liquidity remains strong and has continued to expand organically, without the need to utilize the Federal Reserve’s Bank Term Funding Program. Our strategy to minimize interest rate and credit risks by originating and selling adjustable-rate loans that typically reprice within 30 days, has allowed us to generate profitable growth through many economic cycles.
Our primary sources of funds are business and consumer deposits, escrow and custodial deposits, brokered deposits, borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans, and proceeds from sale of loans. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions, and competition. The Company’s most liquid assets are in cash, short-term investments, including interest-bearing demand deposits, mortgage loans in process of securitization, loans held for sale, and warehouse lines of credit included in loans receivable. Taken together with its unused borrowing capacity of $4.0 billion described below, these totaled $7.8 billion, or 55% of its $14.2 billion total assets at March 31, 2023. The levels of these assets are dependent on our operating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period.
Our liquid assets and borrowing capacity significantly exceeded the $2 billion of uninsured deposits as of December 31, 2022. Uninsured deposits totaled approximately $2 billion as of March 31, 2023, representing less than 25% of total deposits. Since 2018, the Company has offered its customers an opportunity to insure balances in excess of $250,000 through our Insured Cash Sweep program that extends FDIC protection up to $100 million. The balance of deposits in this program was $1.6 billion as of March 31, 2023.
The Company’s investment portfolio has minimal levels of unrealized losses and management does not anticipate a need to sell securities for liquidity purposes at a loss. We are able to maintain minimal levels of investment securities because of our originate to sell model, which provides ongoing liquidity. As of March 31, 2023, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Losses (“AOCI”) of $7.7 million, related to securities available for sale, decreased $2.8 million, or 27%, compared to losses of $10.5 million as of December 31, 2022. The $7.7 million of AOCI as of March 31, 2023 represented less than 1% of total equity and 1% of total securities available for sale.
Our cash flows are comprised of three primary classifications: cash flows from operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities was $(301.5) million and $1.3 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash (used in) investing activities, which consists primarily of net change in loans receivable and purchases, sales and maturities of investment securities and loans, was $(1.1) billion and $(247.1) million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities, which is comprised primarily of net change in borrowings and deposits was $1.6 billion and $(1.7) million for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
At March 31, 2023, we had $3.3 billion in outstanding commitments to extend credit that are subject to credit risk and $4.4 billion outstanding commitments subject to certain performance criteria and cancellation by the Company, including loans pending closing, unfunded construction draws, and unfunded lines of warehouse credit. We anticipate that we will have sufficient funds available to meet our current loan origination commitments.
Certificates of deposit that are scheduled to mature in less than one year from March 31, 2023 totaled $4.0 billion, or 97% of total certificates of deposit. Management expects that a substantial portion of the maturing certificates of deposit will be renewed. However, if a substantial portion of these deposits is not retained, we may decide to utilize
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FHLB advances, the Federal Reserve discount window, brokered deposits, or raise interest rates on deposits to attract new accounts, which may result in higher levels of interest expense.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.
In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in our financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments, lines of credit and standby letters of credit.
Capital Resources.
At March 31, 2023, based on available collateral, we had $4.0 billion in available unused borrowing capacity with the FHLB and the Federal Reserve discount window. While the amounts available fluctuate daily, we also had available capacity in credit lines through our membership in the AFX. This liquidity enhances the ability to effectively manage interest expense and asset levels in the future.
The access to and cost of funding for new business initiatives, the ability to engage in expanded business activities, the ability to pay dividends, the level of deposit insurance costs and the level and nature of regulatory oversight depend, in part, on our capital position. The Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC on August 8, 2022, which was declared effective on August 17, 2022, under which we can issue up to $300 million aggregate offering amount of registered securities to finance our growth objectives. As previously demonstrated, the Company also has the ability to utilize securitization transactions to free up capital as needed.
The assessment of capital adequacy depends on a number of factors, including asset quality, liquidity, earnings performance, changing competitive conditions and economic forces. We seek to maintain a strong capital base to support our growth and expansion activities, to provide stability to our current operations and to promote public confidence in our Company.
Shareholders’ Equity. Shareholders’ equity was $1.5 billion as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. There was a $45.9 million increase that resulted primarily from the net income of $55.0 million, which was partially offset by dividends paid on common and preferred shares of $12.1 million during the period.
7% Series A Preferred Stock. In March 2019 the Company issued 2,000,000 shares of 7.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value, and with a liquidation preference of $25.00 per share (“Series A Preferred Stock”). The Company received net proceeds of $48.3 million after underwriting discounts, commissions and direct offering expenses. In April 2019, the Company issued an additional 81,800 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the underwriters related to their exercise of an option to purchase additional shares under the associated underwriting agreement, resulting in an addition $2.0 million in net proceeds, after underwriting discounts.
In June 2019 the Company issued an additional 874,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock for net proceeds of $21.85 million.
In September 2019 the Company repurchased and subsequently retired 874,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock at an aggregate cost of $21.85 million. There were no brokerage fees in connection with the transaction.
Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Company’s board, are payable quarterly at an annual rate of $1.75 per share through March 31, 2024. After such date, quarterly dividends will accrue and be payable at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 460.5 basis points per year. In the event that three-month LIBOR is less than zero, three-month LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero. The Company may redeem the Series A Preferred Stock at its option, subject to regulatory approval, on or after April 1, 2024, as described in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering filed with the SEC on March 22, 2019. The terms of the Series A
Preferred Stock permit us to replace LIBOR with a substitute index once LIBOR is no longer considered an acceptable market index. However, because the Series A Preferred Stock is still in its fixed rate period, we have not transitioned to a substitute index and likely will not do so until closer to the end of the fixed rate period, allowing additional time for us to determine whether the Federal Reserve’s Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) or another index has become an acceptable market index and is appropriate.
6% Series B Preferred Stock. In August 2019 the Company issued 5,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 6.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value, and with a liquidation preference of $1,000.00 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share)(“Series B Preferred Stock”). After deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and direct offering expenses, the Company received total net proceeds of $120.8 million.
Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Company’s board, are payable quarterly at an annual rate of $60.00 per share (equivalent to $1.50 per depositary share) through September 30, 2024. After such date, quarterly dividends will accrue and be payable at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 456.9 basis points per year. In the event that three-month LIBOR is less than zero, three-month LIBOR shall be deemed to be zero. The Company may redeem the Series B Preferred Stock at its option, subject to regulatory approval, on or after October 1, 2024, as described in the prospectus supplement relating to the offering filed with the SEC on August 13, 2019. The terms of the Series B Preferred Stock permit us to replace LIBOR with a substitute index once LIBOR is no longer considered an acceptable market index. However, because the Series B Preferred Stock is still in its fixed rate period, we have not transitioned to a substitute index and likely will not do so until closer to the end of the fixed rate period, allowing additional time for us to determine whether SOFR or another index has become an acceptable market index and is appropriate.
6% Series C Preferred Stock. On March 23, 2021, the Company issued 6,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 6.00% Fixed Rate Series C Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value (the “Series C Preferred Stock”), and with a liquidation preference of $1,000.00 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share). The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $150.0 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $5.1 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $144.9 million.
On May 6, 2021, our previously issued, 8% preferred shareholders participated in a private offering to replace their redeemed 8% preferred shares with the Company’s 6% Series C preferred stock. Accordingly, 46,181 shares (1,847,233 depositary shares) of the Company’s 6% Series C preferred stock were issued at a price of $25 per depositary share. The total capital raised from the private offering was $46.2 million, net of $23,000 in expenses.
Dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Company’s board, are payable quarterly. The Company may redeem the Series C Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at our option, on any dividend payment date on or after April 1, 2026, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, at the liquidation preference, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends) to, but excluding, the date of redemption.
8.25% Series D Preferred Stock. On September 27, 2022, the Company issued 5,200,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 8.25% Fixed Rate Series D Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value (the “Series D Preferred Stock”), and with a liquidation preference of $1,000.00 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per depositary share). The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $130.0 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $4.6 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $125.4 million. On September 30, 2022, the Company issued an additional 500,000 shares of Series D Preferred Stock to the underwriters related to their exercise of an option to purchase additional shares under the associated underwriting agreement, resulting in an additional $12.1 million in net proceeds, after deducting $0.4 million in underwriting discounts.
Dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Company’s board, are payable quarterly. The Company may redeem the Series D Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at our option, on any dividend payment date on or after October 1, 2027, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, at the liquidation preference, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends) to, but excluding, the date of redemption.
Common Shares/Dividends. As of March 31, 2023, the Company had 43,233,618 common shares issued and outstanding. The Board expects to declare a quarterly dividend of $0.08 per share in each quarter of 2023.
Capital Adequacy.
The following tables present the Company’s capital ratios at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market Risk. Market risk represents the risk of loss due to changes in market values of assets and liabilities. We incur market risk in the normal course of business through exposures to market interest rates, equity prices, and credit spreads. We have identified two primary sources of market risk: interest rate risk and price risk related to market demand.
Interest Rate Risk
Overview. Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings and value arising from changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from timing differences in the repricings and maturities of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities (reprice risk), changes in the expected maturities of assets and liabilities arising from embedded options, such as borrowers’ ability to prepay residential mortgage loans at any time and depositors’ ability to redeem certificates of deposit before maturity (option risk), changes in the shape of the yield curve where interest rates increase or decrease in
a nonparallel fashion (yield curve risk), and changes in spread relationships between different yield curves, such as U.S. Treasuries, LIBOR or SOFR.
Our Asset-Liability Committee, or ALCO, is a management committee that manages our interest rate risk within broad policy limits established by our board of directors. In general, we seek to minimize the impact of changing interest rates on net interest income and the economic values of assets and liabilities. Our ALCO meets quarterly to monitor the level of interest rate risk sensitivity to ensure compliance with the board of directors’ approved risk limits.
Interest rate risk management is an active process that encompasses monitoring loan and deposit flows complemented by investment and funding activities. Effective management of interest rate risk begins with understanding the dynamic characteristics of assets and liabilities and determining the appropriate interest rate risk posture given business forecasts, management objectives, market expectations, and policy constraints.
An asset sensitive position refers to a balance sheet position in which an increase in short-term interest rates is expected to generate higher net interest income, as rates earned on our interest-earning assets would reprice upward more quickly than rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities, thus expanding our net interest margin. Conversely, a liability sensitive position refers to a balance sheet position in which an increase in short-term interest rates is expected to generate lower net interest income, as rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities would reprice upward more quickly than rates earned on our interest-earning assets, thus compressing our net interest margin.
Income Simulation and Economic Value Analysis. Interest rate risk measurement is calculated and reported to the ALCO at least quarterly. The information reported includes period-end results and identifies any policy limits exceeded, along with an assessment of the policy limit breach and the action plan and timeline for resolution, mitigation, or assumption of the risk.
We use two approaches to model interest rate risk: Net Interest Income at Risk (NII at Risk) and Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”). Under NII at Risk, net interest income is modeled utilizing various assumptions for assets, liabilities, and derivatives and excludes non-interest income. EVE measures the period end market value of assets minus the market value of liabilities and the change in this value as rates change. EVE is a period end measurement.
We report NII at Risk to isolate the change in income related solely to interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The NII at Risk results reflect the analysis used quarterly by management. It models gradual -200, -100, +100 and +200 basis point parallel shifts in market interest rates, implied by the forward yield curve over the next one-year period.
The following table presents NII at Risk for Merchants Bank as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Net Interest Income Sensitivity
Twelve Months Forward
- 200
- 100
+ 100
+ 200
March 31, 2023:
Dollar change
(91,174)
(45,625)
35,788
69,900
Percent change
(22.2)
(11.1)
8.7
17.0
December 31, 2022:
(96,861)
(48,581)
37,232
74,094
(23.8)
(11.9)
9.2
18.2
Our interest rate risk management policy limits the change in our net interest income to 20% for a +/-100 basis point move in interest rates, and 30% for a +/-200 basis point move in rates. At March 31, 2023 we estimated that we are within policy limits set by our board of directors for the -200, -100, +100, and +200 basis point scenarios.
The EVE results for Merchants Bank included in the following table reflect the analysis used quarterly by management. It models immediate -200, -100, +100 and +200 basis point parallel shifts in market interest rates.
Economic Value of Equity
Sensitivity (Shock)
Immediate Change in Rates
3,829
1,787
(5,300)
(17,547)
0.3
0.1
(0.4)
(1.2)
22,855
11,640
(10,925)
(26,385)
1.6
0.8
(0.8)
(1.9)
Our interest rate risk management policy limits the change in our EVE to 15% for a +/-100 basis point move in interest rates, and 20% for a +/-200 basis point move in rates. We are within policy limits set by our board of directors for the -200, -100, +100 and +200 basis point scenarios. The EVE reported at March 31, 2023 projects that as interest rates increase (decrease) immediately, the economic value of equity position will be expected to decrease (increase). When interest rates rise, fixed rate assets generally lose economic value; the longer the duration, the greater the value lost. The opposite is true when interest rates fall.
ITEM 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The information required under this item is included as part of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-Q under the headings “Liquidity and Capital Resources” and “Interest Rate Risk.”
ITEM 4 Controls and Procedures
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
Our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of March 31, 2023, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
(b) Changes in internal control.
There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Part II
Other Information
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
None.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the “Risk Factors” section included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. Other Information
ITEM 6. Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
Description
3.1
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Merchants Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K, filed on May 24, 2022).
3.2
Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated September 27, 2022 designating the 8.25% Fixed Rate Reset Series D Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Form 8-A filed on September 27, 2022).
3.3
Second Amended and Restated By-Laws of Merchants Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K, filed on November 20, 2017).
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Written Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer furnished pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS
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
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE
104
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
Cover Page Interactive Data File – The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
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.
Date:
May 10, 2023
By:
/s/ Michael F. Petrie
Michael F. Petrie
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
/s/ John F. Macke
John F. Macke
Chief Financial & Accounting Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)