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
September 30, 2024
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
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series B Preferred Stock, without par value
MBINO
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series C Preferred Stock, without par value
MBINN
Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series D Preferred Stock, without par value
MBINM
As of November 1, 2024, the latest practicable date, 45,764,023 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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
7
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
8
Item 2 Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
51
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
75
Item 4 Controls and Procedures
76
PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
77
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
78
SIGNATURES
79
2
Part I – Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
September 30, 2024 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2023
(In thousands, except share data)
September 30,
December 31,
2024
2023*
Assets
Cash and due from banks
$
12,214
15,592
Interest-earning demand accounts
589,692
568,830
Cash and cash equivalents
601,906
584,422
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
3,279
3,349
Mortgage loans in process of securitization
430,966
110,599
Securities available for sale ($682,975 and $722,497 utilizing fair value option, respectively)
953,063
1,113,687
Securities held to maturity ($1,756,203 and $1,203,535 at fair value, respectively)
1,755,047
1,204,217
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock and other equity securities
184,050
48,578
Loans held for sale (includes $91,084 and $86,663 at fair value, respectively)
3,808,234
3,144,756
Loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses on loans of $84,549 and $71,752, respectively
10,261,890
10,127,801
Premises and equipment, net
53,161
42,342
Servicing rights
177,327
158,457
Interest receivable
86,612
91,346
Goodwill
8,014
15,845
Other assets and receivables
329,427
307,117
Total assets
18,652,976
16,952,516
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing
311,386
520,070
Interest-bearing
12,580,501
13,541,390
Total deposits
12,891,887
14,061,460
Borrowings
3,568,721
964,127
Deferred and current tax liabilities, net
19,530
19,923
Other liabilities
233,731
205,922
Total liabilities
16,713,869
15,251,432
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock, without par value
Authorized - 75,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - 45,764,023 shares at September 30, 2024 and 43,242,928 shares at December 31, 2023
239,448
140,365
Preferred stock, without par value - 5,000,000 total shares authorized
7% Series A Preferred stock - $25 per share liquidation preference
Authorized - no shares at September 30, 2024 and 3,500,000 shares at December 31, 2023
Issued and outstanding - no shares at September 30, 2024 and 2,081,800 shares at December 31, 2023
—
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
1,250,176
1,063,599
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
96
(2,488)
Total shareholders' equity
1,939,107
1,701,084
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
*Derived from audited consolidated financial statements
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
2023
Interest Income
Loans
290,259
266,561
846,678
684,743
4,062
2,583
8,826
7,358
Investment securities:
Available for sale
14,855
6,182
44,027
14,012
Held to maturity
22,081
17,427
62,402
50,492
FHLB stock and other equity securities (dividends)
3,128
572
5,249
1,470
Other
4,543
3,351
14,192
7,964
Total interest income
338,928
296,676
981,374
766,039
Interest Expense
165,675
162,906
516,348
405,149
Borrowed funds
40,432
16,334
77,030
37,144
Total interest expense
206,107
179,240
593,378
442,293
Net Interest Income
132,821
117,436
387,996
323,746
Provision for credit losses
6,898
4,014
21,589
33,484
Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses
125,923
113,422
366,407
290,262
Noninterest Income
Gain on sale of loans
16,731
10,758
37,255
28,841
Loan servicing fees, net
(1,509)
17,384
28,720
28,360
Mortgage warehouse fees
1,620
1,858
4,126
5,751
Loss on sale of investments available for sale (includes $0, $0, $(108) and $0, respectively, related to accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassifications)
(108)
Syndication and asset management fees
1,834
2,368
10,370
7,476
Other income
(1,934)
3,700
8,604
9,786
Total noninterest income
16,742
36,068
88,967
80,214
Noninterest Expense
Salaries and employee benefits
35,218
27,052
93,187
74,922
Loan expense
1,114
1,038
3,063
2,749
Occupancy and equipment
2,231
2,196
6,707
6,884
Professional fees
3,439
2,555
11,094
8,547
Deposit insurance expense
8,981
3,568
19,685
9,552
Technology expense
2,068
1,609
5,781
4,757
Other expense
8,267
4,912
21,093
14,611
Total noninterest expense
61,318
42,930
160,610
122,022
Income Before Income Taxes
81,347
106,560
294,764
248,454
Provision for income taxes (includes $0, $0, $26 and $0, respectively, of income tax benefit related to accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassifications)
20,074
25,056
70,044
46,693
Net Income
61,273
81,504
224,720
201,761
Dividends on preferred stock
(7,757)
(8,668)
(24,181)
(26,003)
Impact of preferred stock redemption
(1,823)
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders
53,516
72,836
198,716
175,758
Basic Earnings Per Share
1.17
1.68
4.46
4.07
Diluted Earnings Per Share
4.45
4.06
Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding
Basic
45,759,667
43,238,724
44,549,432
43,218,125
Diluted
45,910,052
43,351,208
44,696,107
43,317,343
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
Other Comprehensive Income:
Net unrealized gain on investment securities available for sale, net of tax expense of $(191), $(714), $(784) and $(2,050), respectively
606
2,282
2,502
5,767
Add: Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income, net of tax benefit of $0, $0, $26 and $0, respectively
82
Other comprehensive income for the period
2,584
Comprehensive Income
61,879
83,786
227,304
207,528
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
Shares
Amount
Common Stock
Balance beginning of period
45,757,567
238,492
43,237,300
138,853
43,242,928
43,113,127
137,781
Distribution to employee stock ownership plan
-
23,414
997
33,293
810
Issuance of common stock, net of $5.5 million in offering expenses
2,400,000
97,655
Shares issued for stock compensation plans, net of taxes withheld to satisfy tax obligations
6,456
956
2,912
756
97,681
431
93,792
1,018
Balance end of period
45,764,023
43,240,212
139,609
7% Series A Preferred Stock
2,081,800
Redemption of 7% Series A preferred stock
(2,081,800)
(50,221)
6% Series B Preferred Stock
Balance beginning and end of period
125,000
6% Series C Preferred Stock
196,181
8.25% Series D Preferred Stock
142,500
Retained Earnings
1,200,778
928,875
832,871
Net income
Dividends on 7% Series A preferred stock, $1.75 per share, annually
(911)
(910)
(2,732)
Dividends on 6% Series B preferred stock, $60.00 per share, annually
(1,875)
(5,625)
Dividends on 6% Series C preferred stock, $60.00 per share, annually
(2,943)
(8,829)
Dividends on 8.25% Series D preferred stock, $82.50 per share, annually
(2,939)
(8,817)
Dividends on common stock, $0.36 per share, annually in 2024 and $0.32 per share, annually in 2023
(4,118)
(3,459)
(12,139)
(10,377)
Impact of 7% Series A preferred stock redemption
998,252
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(510)
(7,036)
(10,521)
Other comprehensive income
(4,754)
1,632,715
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
Operating activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation
2,254
2,119
Loss on sale of securities
108
(37,255)
(28,841)
Proceeds from sales of loans
20,431,500
15,530,422
Loans and participations originated and purchased for sale
(21,133,175)
(16,455,580)
Proceeds from sale of low-income housing tax credits
53,043
23,081
Purchases of low-income housing tax credits for sale
(56,006)
(44,106)
Change in servicing rights for paydowns and fair value adjustments
(5,573)
(6,729)
Net change in:
(320,367)
(321,853)
(16,512)
(13,383)
7,647
(9,986)
2,726
(3,123)
Net cash used in operating activities
(825,301)
(1,092,734)
Investing activities:
Net change in securities purchased under agreements to resell
70
Purchases of securities available for sale
(501,610)
(631,676)
Purchases of securities held to maturity
(155,268)
(9,786)
Purchases of equity securities
(30,000)
Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale
9,983
1,516
Proceeds from calls, maturities and paydowns of securities available for sale
663,756
339,995
Proceeds from calls, maturities and paydowns of securities held to maturity
139,045
116,062
Purchases of loans
(84,963)
(329,014)
Net change in loans receivable
(646,304)
(1,829,247)
Proceeds from loans held for sale previously classified as loans receivable
70,431
21,960
Purchase of FHLB stock
(105,866)
(9,089)
Proceeds from sale of FHLB stock
394
Purchases of premises and equipment
(12,116)
Purchase of limited partnership interests
(13,009)
(71,001)
Proceeds from sale of limited partnership interests
52,984
Net cash paid on sale of branches
(170,594)
Other investing activities
5,288
1,591
Net cash used in investing activities
(830,763)
(2,349,085)
Financing activities:
Net change in deposits
(939,738)
2,935,993
Proceeds from borrowings
108,976,878
69,132,347
Repayment of borrowings
(106,356,226)
(68,615,360)
Proceeds from notes payable
6,878
60,000
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
Proceeds from credit linked notes
153,546
Payment of credit linked notes
(23,535)
(7,253)
Repurchase of preferred stock
(52,044)
Dividends
(36,320)
(36,380)
Net cash provided by financing activities
1,673,548
3,622,893
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
17,484
181,074
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
226,164
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
407,238
Supplemental Cash Flows Information:
Interest paid
582,091
415,920
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
58,763
50,076
Change in ROU assets due to lease renegotiation
(1,063)
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities
789
Transfer of loans to other real estate owned
90
Liabilities accrued for additions of premises and equipment
2,436
Securities received in securitization of loans sold
534,538
Transfer of loans from loans held for sale to loans receivable
61,500
377,460
Transfer of loans from loans receivable to loans held for sale
604,969
(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”) (whose branches were sold to unaffiliated third parties and its remaining charter collapsed into Merchants Bank on January 26, 2024), 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, 2023, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company as of September 30, 2024 and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, 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 unaudited 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, 2023 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 September 30, 2024 and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. All interim amounts have not been audited and the results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, herein are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for the entire year.
Sale of Farmers-Merchants Bank of Illinois branches
On September 7, 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with Bank of Pontiac to sell its Farmers-Merchants Bank of Illinois branch locations in Paxton, Melvin, and Piper City, Illinois, and into an agreement with CBI Bank & Trust, to sell its Farmers-Merchants Bank of Illinois branch located in Joy, Illinois.
This transaction enhanced the Company’s ability to focus on its core business of single and multi-family mortgage lending and strategically aligned the branches with institutions that share a similar business model and allowed them to provide additional products to their customers.
On January 26, 2024, the transaction was completed after having met customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.
In addition to the branches, Bank of Pontiac acquired approximately $164.8 million in deposits and $19.2 million in loans, and CBI Bank & Trust acquired approximately $65.1 million in deposits and $28.6 million in loans.
Total assets and liabilities of approximately $60.8 million and $230.6 million, respectively, were sold. A net gain of $715,000 was recognized from the transactions, which includes a $10.1 million deposit premium and the extinguishment of $7.8 million in goodwill and $0.5 million in intangibles during the first quarter of 2024.
Principles of Consolidation
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 include results from the Company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Merchants Bank, FMBI (until its branches
were sold and its bank charter merged into Merchants Bank on January 26, 2024), 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.
During 2022, Merchants Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, was incorporated and its results are consolidated with the Company’s consolidated financial statements in all periods presented.
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 (“ASU”) Topic 810. Accordingly, the Company assesses the entities for potential consolidation as a variable interest entity (“VIE”) 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.
In May 2023, the Company acquired a variable interest in an investment for which it is the primary beneficiary of, and its results have been consolidated since the date of acquisition. Additionally, the Company has certain variable interest investments that it was deemed not to be a primary beneficiary of as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. These VIEs are not consolidated and the equity or proportional method of accounting has been applied. The Company will analyze whether the primary beneficiary designation has changed through triggering events on a prospective basis. Changes in facts and circumstances occurring since the previous primary beneficiary determination will be considered as part of this ongoing assessment. See Note 6: 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 and fair values of servicing rights and 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. For additional information regarding significant accounting policies, see the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10–K.
Restricted Cash
Included in cash equivalents is an account restricted as collateral for the potential risk of loss on senior credit linked notes issued by the Company. The balance of the notes as of September 30, 2024 was $100.3 million. As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there was $45.7 million and $36.4 million, respectively, in restricted cash held in a separate account included in the total of interest-earning demand accounts on the Balance Sheet. Also see Note 12: Borrowings.
9
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications may have been made to the 2023 financial statements to conform to the financial statement presentation as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. 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
149,153
160
149,313
Federal agencies
115,000
40
114,967
Mortgage-backed - Government Agency ("Agency") (2) - multi-family
5,808
Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency residential - fair value option (1)
461,514
Mortgage-backed - Agency - residential - fair value option (1)
221,461
Total securities available for sale
952,936
167
Securities held to maturity:
Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - multi-family
660,126
129
659,997
Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - residential
548,488
1,967
87
550,368
Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - healthcare
Mortgage-backed - Agency - multi-family
11,895
595
11,300
Total securities held to maturity
811
1,756,203
FHLB and other equity securities (3)
(3)
The Company reports the carrying value utilizing the measurement alternative election, reflecting any impairments or other adjustments if observable price changes occur for identical or similar investments of the same issuer.
10
December 31, 2023
129,261
45
338
128,968
250,731
2,976
247,755
14,465
14,467
485,500
236,997
1,116,954
50
3,317
719,662
415
719,247
472,539
973
418
473,094
12,016
822
11,194
1,655
1,203,535
(1)
Fair value option securities represent securities which the Company has elected to carry at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized in earnings as they occur.
(2)
Agency includes government sponsored agencies, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae.
Accrued interest on securities available for sale totaled $4.5 million at September 30, 2024 and $6.7 million at December 31, 2023, respectively, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
Accrued interest on securities held to maturity totaled $6.3 million at September 30, 2024 and $5.8 million at December 31, 2023, respectively, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.
The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 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
164,153
164,315
308,474
305,406
After one through five years
100,000
99,965
71,518
71,317
264,153
264,280
379,992
376,723
Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency residential - fair value option
Mortgage-backed - Agency - residential - fair value option
11
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, no securities available for sale were sold. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, the Company received proceeds of $10.0 million and recognized a net loss of $108,000 from sales of securities available for sale. The $108,000 net loss consisted of $10,000 in gains and $118,000 of losses. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, proceeds from sales of securities available for sale were $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and net gain was inconsequential.
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 allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) has not been recorded, aggregated by investment class and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
12 Months or
Less than 12 Months
Longer
Total
74,960
3,052
32,080
332
35,132
60,541
189
167,213
2,787
227,754
364
1
186
550
63,957
196
199,479
3,121
263,436
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 noncredit related factors. Any impairment that is not credit-related is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), 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 security available for sale 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
12
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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Securities held to maturity are primarily comprised of non-agency mortgage-backed senior securities secured by multi-family, single-family or healthcare properties, and agency mortgage-backed securities secured by multi-family properties. The agency securities held to maturity are Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government. Accordingly, no allowance for credit losses has been recorded for these securities. The non-agency securities were purchased under securitization arrangements where a credit loss component was purchased by third party investors. 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-agency 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 Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac participation certificates, all of which are pending settlement under firm investor commitments to purchase the securities, typically occurring within 30 days. The aggregate positive fair value adjustment recorded on mortgage loans in process of securitization was $0.9 million and $0.8 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 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 allowance for credit losses on loans (“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 unaudited condensed balance sheets. Accrued interest on loans totaled $54.6 million and $60.4 million at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, 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. Loans may be 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 an accrual status, which is no less than six months. 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 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.
13
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 mortgage warehouse repurchase agreements to third parties 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, advance rates, and may be cross-collateralized with other loans. 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. Warehouse fees are accrued as noninterest income.
Loan Portfolio Summary
Loans receivable at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 include:
Mortgage warehouse repurchase agreements
1,213,429
752,468
Residential real estate(1)
1,317,234
1,324,305
Multi-family financing
4,456,129
4,006,160
Healthcare financing
1,733,674
2,356,689
Commercial and commercial real estate(2)(3)
1,548,689
1,643,081
Agricultural production and real estate
71,391
103,150
Consumer and margin loans
5,893
13,700
10,346,439
10,199,553
Less:
ACL-Loans
84,549
71,752
Loans Receivable
Risk characteristics applicable to each segment of the loan portfolio are described as follows.
Mortgage Warehouse Repurchase Agreements (MTG WHRA): Under its warehouse program, the Company provides warehouse financing arrangements to approved mortgage companies for their origination and sale of residential mortgage and multi-family loans. Loans secured by mortgages placed on existing one-to-four family dwellings may be originated or purchased and placed through each mortgage warehouse facility.
As a secured repurchase agreement, collateral pledged to the Company secures each individual mortgage until the mortgage company sells the loan in the secondary market. A traditional secured warehouse facility typically carries a base interest rate of the Federal Reserve’s Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), or mortgage note rate, and a margin.
14
Risk is evident if there is a change in the fair value of mortgage loans originated by mortgage companies in warehouse, the sale of which is the expected source of repayment under a warehouse facility. However, the warehouse customers are required to hedge the change in value of these loans to mitigate the risk, typically through forward sales contracts.
Residential Real Estate Loans (RES RE): Real estate loans are secured by owner-occupied one-to-four 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 carried a base rate of One-Year Constant Maturity Treasury (“CMT”), plus a margin.
Multi-Family Financing (MF FIN): The Company specializes in originating multi-family financing that can be market rate or affordable. The portfolio includes loans for construction, acquisition, refinance, or permanent financing. Loans are typically secured by real estate mortgages, assignment of Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”), and/or equity interest in the underlying properties. All loans are assessed and reviewed at a minimum based on borrower strength/experience, historical property performance, market trends, projected financial performance with regards to intended strategy, and source of repayment. Independent third-party reports are used to ensure legal conformity and support valuations of the assets. Exit strategies and sources of repayment are provided through the secondary market via governmental programs, strategic refinances, LIHTC equity installments, and cashflow from the properties. Repayment of these loans depends on the successful operation of a business or property and the borrower’s cash flows. Credit risk in these loans may be impacted by the creditworthiness of a borrower, property values and the local economy in the related market area. These loans are well-collateralized and underwritten to agency guidelines. Loans included in this segment typically carry a base rate of 30-day SOFR that adjusts on a monthly basis, and a margin. The Company focuses on loan classes that are government backed or can be sold in the secondary market.
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. These loans are well-collateralized and underwritten to agency guidelines. Loans included in this segment typically carry a base rate of 30-day SOFR that adjusts on a monthly basis, and a margin. The Company focuses on loan classes that are government backed or can be sold in the secondary market.
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 lines of credit collateralized by mortgage servicing rights that are assessed for fair value quarterly at the Company’s request. 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. Only 1% of total commercial and commercial real estate loans are made up of non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans.
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 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.
15
Agricultural real estate loans included in this segment are typically structured with a one-year adjustable rate mortgage (“ARM”), three-year ARM or five-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 five 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 ACL-Loans is the Company’s estimate of current 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 included in net interest income after provision for credit losses 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 loan balance, or a portion thereof, is uncollectible. 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. 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-Loans is believed to be adequate to absorb 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 loans with similar risk characteristics. Loans risk graded substandard and worse are individually evaluated for expected credit losses. For individually evaluated loans that are collateral dependent, the Company may use the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell, as a practical expedient as of the reporting date to determine the carrying amount of an asset and the allowance for credit losses, as applicable. 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 when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty as of the reporting date.
To calculate the ACL-Loans, the portfolio is segmented by loans with similar risk characteristics.
Loan Portfolio Segment
ACL-Loans Methodology
Remaining Life Method
Residential real estate loans
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 initial estimation of expected credit losses for each segment is based on historical credit loss experience and management’s judgement. 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.
16
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 judgement 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 tables present, by loan portfolio segment, the activity in the ACL-Loans for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
MTG WHRA
RES RE
MF FIN
HC FIN
CML & CRE
AG & AGRE
CON & MAR
TOTAL
Balance, beginning of period
3,616
6,323
34,412
23,522
12,591
489
81,028
(414)
12,745
(7,119)
209
5,574
Loans charged to the allowance
(1,933)
(127)
(2,060)
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off
Balance, end of period
3,202
6,454
45,224
16,403
12,678
502
86
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
3,361
7,413
24,701
16,123
10,695
556
137
62,986
(495)
207
1,121
1,876
1,123
34
3,868
(21)
31
2,866
7,599
25,822
17,999
11,849
590
139
66,864
The Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $6.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The $6.9 million total provision for credit losses consisted of $5.6 million for the ACL-Loans as shown above, $2.1 million for the allowance for off-balance sheet credit exposures (“ACL-OBCE’s”), net of $0.7 million for the release of non-contingent reserves related to a loan securitization.
The Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $4.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The $4.0 million total provision for credit losses consisted of $3.9 million for the ACL-Loans as shown above and $0.1 million for the ACL-OBCE’s.
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
2,070
7,323
26,874
22,454
12,243
619
169
FMBI's ACL for loans sold
(55)
(186)
(92)
(246)
(12)
(593)
1,132
(829)
23,818
(6,049)
1,674
(71)
19,804
(5,282)
(1,155)
(6,437)
23
17
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
1,249
7,029
16,781
9,882
8,326
565
182
44,014
1,617
604
17,441
8,117
4,601
25
(42)
32,363
(34)
(8,400)
(1,118)
(9,553)
The Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $21.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The $21.6 million total provision for credit losses consisted of $19.2 million for the ACL-Loans, net of FMBI’s ACL, as shown above, $3.1 million for the ACL-OBCE’s, net of $0.7 million for the release of non-contingent reserves related to a loan securitization.
The Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $33.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The $33.5 million total provision for credit losses consisted of $32.4 million for the ACL-Loans as shown above and $1.1 million for the ACL-OBCE’s.
The following table presents, by loan portfolio segment, the activity in the ACL-Loans, for the year-ended December 31, 2023:
For the Year Ended December 31, 2023
821
328
18,493
12,572
5,232
54
37,488
(1,356)
(9,791)
41
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 as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Real Estate
Accounts Receivable / Equipment
ACL-Loans Allocation
5,807
32
188,090
693
188,783
12,689
79,907
5,793
8,086
2,422
2,822
13,330
2,163
Total collateral dependent loans
281,890
3,515
287,827
20,677
18
There have been no significant changes to the types of collateral securing the Company’s collateral dependent loans compared to December 31, 2023.
1,557
1,560
21
46,575
521
73,909
6,289
146
3,603
2,684
6,433
147
122,334
2,690
128,627
Internal Risk Categories
The Company evaluates the loan risk grading system definitions and ACL-Loans methodology on an ongoing basis. As of December 31, 2023, the Company created a newly defined special mention risk rating category to be consistent with industry practices. Loans with a Watch classification are now included in the Pass risk rating category as of December 31, 2023. This updated policy was approved by the Company’s Management Committee, to be effective as of December 31, 2023 on a prospective basis.
In adherence with policy, the Company uses the following internal risk grading categories and definitions for loans as of and subsequent to December 31, 2023:
Pass - Loans that are considered to be of acceptable credit quality, and not classified as Special Mention, Substandard or Doubtful. Also included are loans classified as Watch loans, which represent loans that remain sound and collectible but contain elevated risk that requires management’s attention.
Special Mention – Loans classified as Special Mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position at some future date. Special Mention loans are not adversely classified and do not warrant adverse classification. Loans with questions or concerns regarding collateral, adverse market conditions impacting future performance, and declining financial trends would be considered for Special Mention.
Substandard - Loans classified as Substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must 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. When a loan in the form of a line of credit is downgraded to Substandard, it is evaluated for impairment and future draws under the line of credit require the approval of an officer of Senior Credit Officer or above.
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.
19
The following tables present the credit risk profile of the Company’s loan portfolio based on internal risk rating category and origination year as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
2022
2021
2020
Prior
Revolving Loans
Pass
Charge-offs
26,226
33,316
8,292
6,248
20,565
6,729
1,210,051
1,311,427
Special Mention
Substandard
22
216
5,569
8,314
6,945
1,215,620
675,638
656,994
524,597
103,168
6,741
34,887
1,979,565
3,981,590
72,980
105,077
70,917
239
36,544
285,757
38,546
57,621
73,094
2,553
16,968
188,782
787,164
819,692
668,608
105,721
35,126
2,033,077
870
4,412
5,282
380,640
183,140
729,991
54,398
240,701
1,588,870
14,168
6,265
44,463
64,896
14,349
25,600
3,200
28,458
8,301
79,908
409,157
208,740
739,456
82,856
293,465
48,065
46,498
111,338
57,605
17,582
19,800
1,233,717
1,534,605
60
444
250
754
190
8,882
793
104
3,253
46,606
111,588
66,931
18,375
19,904
1,237,220
173
982
1,155
15,653
7,115
4,768
2,579
8,440
14,548
18,288
824
84
4,186
766
Total Pass
1,147,046
927,147
1,379,008
224,009
53,328
80,150
5,896,517
9,707,205
Total Special Mention
87,148
77,242
81,257
351,407
Total Substandard
52,895
83,329
76,506
39,893
320
34,091
Total Doubtful
Total Loans
1,287,089
1,115,553
1,532,756
264,346
54,121
80,709
6,011,865
Total Charge-offs
4,585
6,437
The table above does not include one multi-family loan, rated as Special Mention, totaling $56.5 million and classified as held for sale at September 30, 2024. The Company had two loans rated as Pass totaling $0.5 million convert from revolving to term loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
20
2019
31,011
10,086
6,573
22,725
3,298
9,340
1,239,161
1,322,194
59
492
551
288
1,272
3,357
10,120
1,240,433
1,094,698
762,448
208,343
77,340
29,764
8,455
1,646,445
3,827,493
94,973
3,189
8,400
1,477
24,052
132,091
11,682
6,534
46,576
1,201,353
793,997
223,277
9,932
1,670,497
752,591
996,273
110,197
14,563
351,110
2,224,734
35,869
9,520
12,658
58,047
10,625
28,783
8,900
73,908
814,060
1,016,418
138,980
372,668
51,110
119,386
77,316
21,154
21,088
17,066
1,328,980
1,636,100
292
172
548
1,701
878
62
3,672
6,383
Doubtful
119,456
79,309
22,204
21,150
17,200
1,332,652
496
274
586
1,356
16,850
9,825
6,490
14,267
5,237
16,606
33,728
103,003
16,753
748
4,329
247
115
27
4,339
3,862
13,667
30
130
42
4,342
1,947,008
1,902,347
409,166
135,601
73,977
55,806
5,355,754
9,879,659
130,842
12,709
8,692
187
74
2,053
36,710
191,267
37,282
39,055
37,018
438
13,844
128,577
2,115,132
1,954,111
454,876
136,666
74,113
58,347
5,406,308
8,896
9,791
There were no material revolving loans converted to term loans for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Delinquent Loans
The following tables present the Company’s loan portfolio aging analysis of the recorded investment in loans as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
30-59 Days
60-89 Days
90+ Days
Past Due
Current
2,302
1,941
4,243
1,312,991
27,988
29,444
128,996
186,428
4,269,701
62,359
1,671,315
120
4,132
4,252
1,544,437
170
177
71,214
30,410
29,614
197,435
257,459
10,088,980
The table above does not include one healthcare loan of $30.1 million, 30-59 days past due, three multi-family loans totaling $93.2 million, 60-89 days past due, and one residential real estate loan of $0.1 million, 90+ days past due, classified as held for sale at September 30, 2024.
4,557
2,379
6,936
1,317,369
38,218
11,055
39,609
88,882
3,917,278
47,275
35,999
83,274
2,273,415
393
3,665
4,230
1,638,851
185
102,965
13,678
42,975
58,737
81,817
183,529
10,016,024
The above table does not include one multi-family loan, 30-59 days past due, classified as held for sale at December 31, 2023, totaling $16.5 million.
Nonperforming Loans
Nonaccrual loans, including modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty 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 modified loans which are on nonaccrual status prior to being modified, remain on nonaccrual status until six 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 days or more past due. The amount of interest income recognized on nonaccrual financial assets during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 was $0.1 million and $1.0 million, respectively, which was collected when a loan was paid off, and was immaterial for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The following table presents the Company’s nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Total Loans >
90 Days &
Nonaccrual
Accruing
5,294
1,486
894
39,608
72,472
7,216
4,049
3,820
43
210,811
91
73,847
8,168
The table above does not include one residential real estate loan, classified as held for sale, on nonaccrual at September 30, 2024, totaling $0.1 million.
The Company did not have any nonaccrual loans without an estimated ACL at September 30, 2024 or December 31, 2023. There were $19.2 million in specific reserves associated with nonaccrual loans totaling $97.2 million at September 30, 2024 and there were $5.4 million in specific reserves associated with nonaccrual loans totaling $20.7 million at December 31, 2023, excluding the reserves associated with FMBI, whose branches were sold in January 2024.
In addition to elevated reserves for credit losses on loans, the Company has been making additional efforts to minimize its credit risk through loan sale and securitization activities since 2019. In April 2023 and March 2024, the Company strategically entered into credit protection arrangements through a credit linked note and credit default swap, respectively, for $1.7 billion in loans to reduce our risk of losses with incremental coverage of approximately 14% on those covered loans. The balance of loans in those covered portfolios as of September 30, 2024 was $1.3 billion. For additional information see Note 8: Derivative Financial Instructions and the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10–K and Form 10-Q for March 31, 2024.
Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty
Occasionally, the Company modifies loans to borrowers in financial difficulty by providing principal forgiveness, term extension, an other-than-insignificant payment delay, or interest rate reduction. In some cases, the Company provides multiple types of modifications on one loan. Typically, one type of modification, such as a term extension, is granted initially. If the borrower continues to experience financial difficulty, another modification, such as principal forgiveness, may be granted, but is rare.
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans at September 30, 2024 that were both experiencing financial difficulty and modified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, by class and by type of modification. The percentage of the amortized cost basis of loans that were modified to borrowers in financial distress as
compared to the amortized cost basis of each class of financing receivable is also presented below:
Payment Delay
Term Extension
Total Class of Financing Receivable
% of Total Class of Financing Receivable
4,346
13,400
17,746
N/M
%
38,545
55,853
94,398
10,114
4,235
14,460
27,860
48,659
60,088
108,747
3,778
The following table describes the financial effect of the modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Loans with risk classifications of pass and special mention were part of the pooled loan ACL analysis. Loans classified as substandard or worse were individually evaluated for impairment and specific reserves were established, if applicable. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024, no specific reserves were recorded on troubled loan modifications disclosed herein. The Company has committed to lend no additional amounts to the borrowers included in the table below.
For the Three Months Ended
For the Nine Months Ended
Loan Type
Financial Effect
Added a weighted average 4 months to the life of loans.
Added a weighted average 22 months to the life of loans.
Added a weighted average 12 months to the life of loans.
Forbearance average of 5 months.
Forbearance average of 7 months.
Forbearance average of 6 months.
September 30, 2023
Forbearance average of 12 months.
24
The Company closely monitors the performance of loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table presents the performance of such loans that have been modified in the last twelve months as of September 30, 2024:
30 ‑ 89 Days
63,602
30,796
77,951
Multi-family loans totaling $30.8 million that had prior forbearance modifications defaulted during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Foreclosures
There were $1.9 million and zero in residential loans in process of foreclosure as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Significant Loan Sales
Freddie Mac Q Series Securitization – 2024 Activity
On April 30, 2024, the Company completed a $324.6 million securitization of 13 multi-family mortgage loans through a Freddie Mac-sponsored Q-Series transaction. The transfer of these loans was accounted for as a sale for financial reporting purposes, in accordance with ASC 860, and a $1.4 million gain on sale was recognized. The Company was retained as the mortgage sub-servicer for Freddie Mac on the entire $324.6 million pool of loans. Beyond sub-servicing the loans, the Company’s ongoing involvement in this transaction is limited to customary obligations of loan sales, including any material breach in representation. In connection with this transaction, a mortgage servicing right of $1.3 million was established.
Loan Sale and Securitization – 2024 Activity
On September 26, 2024, the Company completed a private securitization by which a $628.9 million portfolio of healthcare bridge loans were sold into a real estate mortgage investment conduit (“REMIC”) and ultimately sold to investors as securities. The Company purchased the senior security for a total of $534.5 million and classified it as a security held to maturity. An unaffiliated, third-party institutional investor purchased the remaining subordinate interests and maintains the first-loss position on 15.0% of the losses in the loan portfolio. This transaction provided the Company an avenue to enhance capital efficiency and minimize credit risk on the balance sheet.
As part of the securitization transaction, the Company will be both Master Servicer and Special Servicer of the loans. As Master Servicer and Special Servicer, the Company will have obligations to collect and remit payments of principal and interest, manage payments of taxes and insurance, and otherwise administer the underlying loans.
Beyond servicing the loans, the Company’s ongoing involvement in this transaction is limited to customary obligations of loan sales, including any material breach in representation. In connection with the securitization, the Company received proceeds on loans, net of the acquired securities, of $94.0 million. No allowance for credit losses was recognized in connection with purchase of the security, in accordance with ASC 326. However, the $4.4 million allowance for credit losses associated with the loans sold was released through the provision for credit losses.
The transfer of these loans was accounted for as a sale for financial reporting purposes, in accordance with ASC 860, and a $0.6 million net loss on sale was recognized.
Loans Purchased
The Company purchased $85.0 million and $329.0 million of loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Loan Guarantees
The Company holds instruments, in the normal course of business with customers, that are considered financial guarantees. Standby letters of credit guarantees are issued in connection with agreements made by customers to counterparties. Standby letters of credit are contingent upon failure of the customer to perform the terms of the underlying contract. Credit risk associated with the standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that associated with extending loans to customers and is subject to normal credit policies. The term of these standby letters of credit range from less than one to nine years. These commitments are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. The total for these guarantees at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 was $167.7 million and $98.7 million, respectively.
Note 5: Qualified Affordable Housing
The Company invests in low-income housing tax credit (“LIHTC”) limited liability entities. The purpose of these investments is to earn an adequate return of capital through the receipt of low income housing tax credits. These investments are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance sheet, with any unfunded commitments included in other liabilities. The investments are amortized as a component of income tax expense.
Investment
Accounting Method
Unfunded Commitments
LIHTC
Proportional amortization
101,219
75,621
78,718
61,411
LIHTC (1)
Lower of cost or market
35,280
52,675
LIHTC subtotal
136,499
131,393
Joint Venture
Consolidated
11,022
11,000
147,521
142,393
(1) LIHTC projects held for future syndication.
The following table summarizes the amortization expense and tax credits recognized for the Company’s low-income housing investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Amortization expense and tax credits are included in our income tax expense.
Three Month Period Ended
Nine Month Period Ended
Amortization expense
3,406
1,770
8,551
4,413
Tax credits recognized
3,789
1,857
10,032
Note 6: 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:
26
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 also has deemed REMIC trusts as VIEs that were established in conjunction with multi-family and healthcare loan sales and securitization transactions. 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 September 30, 2024 the Company determined it was not the primary beneficiary for most of its VIEs, primarily because the Company did not have control or 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 table below reflects the assets and liabilities of the VIEs as well as the maximum exposure to loss in connection with unconsolidated VIEs at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The Company’s maximum exposure to loss associated with its unconsolidated VIEs consists of the capital invested plus any unfunded equity commitments. These investments are recorded in other assets and other liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet. Also included in the maximum loss exposure are bridge loans to VIEs that are included in loans receivable. Although the REMIC trusts are not recognized on the balance sheet, the maximum exposure to loss is the carrying value of the securities acquired as part of the securitization transactions.
Investments
Bridge loans
Securities
Maximum
in VIEs
to VIEs
of VIEs
Exposure to Loss
for VIEs
Low-income housing tax credit investments
157,976
209,368
367,344
71,457
Debt funds
32,544
78,487
111,031
2,752
Off-balance-sheet REMIC trusts
24,777
1,743,152
1,767,929
Total Unconsolidated VIEs
190,520
312,632
2,246,304
74,209
118,741
232,407
351,148
35,099
33,221
86,416
119,637
1,192,201
151,962
318,823
1,662,986
37,851
Note 7: Regulatory Matters
The Company, Merchants Bank and FMBI (prior to the January 26, 2024 sale of its branches and merger of its remaining charter into Merchants Bank) 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 prompt corrective action, the Company and Merchants Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve
quantitative measures of the Company’s and Merchants Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and Merchants Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, and other factors. Furthermore, the Company’s and Merchants Bank’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 and Merchants Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below). Management believes, as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, that the Company and Merchants Bank met all capital adequacy requirements. For additional information regarding dividend restrictions, see the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10–K.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the most recent notifications from the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) categorized the Company as well capitalized and most recent notifications from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) categorized Merchants Bank 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 or Merchants Bank’s category.
FMBI was subject to these same requirements and guidelines prior to the sale of its branches and the merger of its remaining charter into Merchants Bank in January 2024. As of December 31, 2023, FMBI met all capital adequacy requirements (as set forth in the table below). The FDIC categorized FMBI as well capitalized at that time and there are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes would have changed that category.
The Company’s, Merchants Bank’s, and FMBI’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following tables.
Minimum
Amount to be Well
Minimum Amount
Capitalized with
To Be Well
Actual
Basel III Buffer(1)
Capitalized(1)
Ratio
(Dollars in thousands)
Total capital(1) (to risk-weighted assets)
Company
2,029,408
12.2
1,750,457
10.5
Merchants Bank
1,998,836
12.0
1,749,216
1,665,920
10.0
Tier I capital(1) (to risk-weighted assets)
1,930,145
11.6
1,417,037
8.5
1,897,668
11.4
1,416,032
1,332,736
8.0
Common Equity Tier I capital(1) (to risk-weighted assets)
1,480,759
8.9
1,166,971
7.0
1,166,144
1,082,848
6.5
Tier I capital(1) (to average assets)
915,126
5.0
10.4
912,610
28
1,772,195
1,598,260
1,724,505
11.5
1,577,434
1,502,318
FMBI
40,613
21.1
20,209
19,247
1,686,202
11.1
1,293,830
1,639,171
10.9
1,276,970
1,201,854
39,953
20.8
16,360
15,398
1,186,594
7.8
1,065,507
1,051,623
976,507
13,473
12,511
10.1
832,706
815,191
17,391
Note 8: Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company uses non-hedging designated, 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.
Internal Interest Rate Risk Management
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 also been included in gain on sale.
The Company entered into a contract containing put options and interest rate floors on securities it acquired from a warehouse customer. These provide protection and prevent losses in value of certain securities available for sale. The Company also entered into interest rate floor contracts with two warehouse loan customers to minimize interest rate risk. All changes in the fair market value of these options and floors have been included in other noninterest income.
29
Credit Risk Management
In March 2024, the Company entered into a contract as the buyer of credit protection through the credit derivative market. A credit default swap was purchased to manage credit risk associated with specific multifamily mortgage loans. Under the terms of the contract, the Company will be compensated for certain credit-related losses on a pool of multifamily mortgage loans. The protection seller has posted aggregate collateral of $76.1 million related to their obligations under the contract. The collateral is not included in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets. There was no gain or loss associated with the credit default swap valuation as of September 30, 2024. Any future changes in the fair market value of this instrument will be included in other noninterest expense.
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 expense on the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income. The fair value of derivative instruments with a positive fair value are reported in other assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets while derivative instruments with a negative fair value are reported in other liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets.
The following table presents the notional amount and fair value of interest rate locks, forward contracts, interest rate swaps, put options, interest rate floors, and credit derivatives utilized by the Company at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023. 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
37,586
Other assets/liabilities
141
Forward contracts
46,475
46
143
Interest rate swaps
57,466
1,779
Put options
703,853
Other assets
20,878
Interest rate floors
1,235,788
1,431
Credit derivatives
75,474
24,275
194
16,526
140
25,500
391
57,540
2,610
748,374
25,877
6,576
35,207
395
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 and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Derivative (loss) gain included in gain on sale of loans:
47
(123)
(46)
(102)
Forward contracts (includes pair-off settlements)
(1,161)
(782)
875
Interest rates swaps
(2,082)
2,501
(460)
2,762
Net (loss) gain
(3,196)
2,973
(1,288)
3,535
Derivative loss included in other income:
(16,078)
(4,998)
(7,693)
(5,145)
Net loss
(23,771)
(10,143)
Derivatives on Behalf of Customers
The Company offers derivative contracts to some customers in connection with their risk management needs. These derivatives include interest rate swap, cap, and floor arrangements. The Company manages the risk associated with these contracts by entering into an equal and offsetting back-to-back derivative with a third-party dealer. These derivatives generally work together as an offsetting 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 would be recorded to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred, typically resulting in no material net earnings impact.
The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities related to back-to-back derivatives on behalf of customers were recorded in the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets as follows:
723,966
677
607,169
12,426
The gross gains and losses on these derivative assets and liabilities were recorded in other noninterest income and other noninterest expense in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of income as follows:
Gross swap gains
9,211
2,111
11,749
Gross swap losses
Net swap gains (losses)
The Company pledged $260,000 in collateral to secure its obligations under swap contracts at both September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Note 9: 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
Recurring Measurements
The following tables present the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities recognized in the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated 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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Fair Value Measurements Using
Quoted Prices in
Significant
Active Markets
for Identical
Observable
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Mortgage-backed - Agency
Mortgage-backed - Agency - fair value option
Loans held for sale
91,084
Derivative assets:
Interest rate swaps, caps and floors (back-to-back)
4,881
15,997
Derivative liabilities:
86,663
7,223
18,654
33
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 unaudited condensed consolidated 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 nine months ended September 30, 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2023. For assets classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the process used to develop the reported fair value is described below.
The Company values its assets and liabilities in the principal market where it sells the particular asset or transfers the liability with the greatest volume and level of activity. In the absence of an active market, the value is based on the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
Mortgage Loans in Process of Securitization, Securities Available for Sale, and Securities with a Fair Value Option Election
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 an independent 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
Interest rate lock commitments - 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.
Forward sales 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.
Interest rate swaps, caps, and floors (back-to-back) – The Company estimates the fair value of these derivatives made in relation to specific contracts with customers based on prices that are obtained from a third party that uses observable market inputs, thereby supporting a Level 2 classification.
Interest rate swaps – The Company estimates the fair value of certain interest rate swaps based on prices that are obtained from a third party that uses observable market inputs, thereby supporting a Level 2 classification.
Put options - The fair value of put options are linked to securities available for sale that are accounted for using the fair value option and are classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 on the hierarchy. The put options are classified as Level 2 or Level 3 in the hierarchy, depending upon the magnitude of observable inputs in the valuation of the securities. These valuations are estimated by a third party.
Interest rate floors - The fair value of certain interest rate floors is linked to securities available for sale that are accounted for using the fair value option. Other interest rate floors are linked to loans with warehouse customers. The value of the interest rate floors is based on estimated discounted cash flows that are based on inputs that are not readily observable and, thus, are classified as Level 3 on the hierarchy. These valuations are estimated by a third party.
Credit Default Swap – The fair value of the credit default swap is linked to the value of its underlying mortgage loans. The Company estimates the fair value based on estimated discounted cash flows that are derived from inputs, including credit spreads that are not readily observable and, thus, are classified as Level 3 on the hierarchy. These valuations are estimated by a third party.
35
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 September 30,
Nine Months Ended September 30,
178,776
147,288
146,248
Additions
Originated servicing
7,370
4,867
13,297
9,164
Subtractions
Paydowns
(2,090)
(1,660)
(5,431)
Changes in fair value
11,646
12,302
12,160
162,141
Securities available for sale - Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency residential - fair value option
462,627
(9,773)
(26,643)
8,660
2,657
Derivative assets - put options
24,657
(8,660)
(2,657)
Derivative assets - interest rate floors
9,124
Derivative assets - interest rate lock commitments
94
(29)
(50)
44
Derivative liabilities - interest rate lock commitments
127
68
(76)
73
118
36
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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Active Markets for
Other Observable
Identical Assets
Collateral dependent loans
76,053
Other real estate owned
896
47,026
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 unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets, 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.
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 classified as substandard, 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.
Other Real Estate Owned
The estimated fair value of other real estate owned is usually on the appraised fair value of the collateral or in certain circumstances on sales agreements, and in all cases net of estimated cost to sell. Other real estate owned is 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 other real estate owned are obtained when the loan is in the process of foreclosure 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.
37
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 September 30, 2024:
Discounted cash flow
Market credit spread
3%
Market comparable properties
Marketability discount and costs to sell
0% - 74%
8%
0%
Servicing rights - Multi-family
136,423
Discount rate
8% - 13%
9%
Constant prepayment rate
0% - 62%
7%
Earnings rate on escrows
Servicing rights - Single-family
32,074
10% - 11%
10%
7% - 16%
Servicing rights - Healthcare
4,297
13%
1% - 2%
1%
Servicing rights - SBA
4,533
16%
3% - 22%
Loan closing rates
54% - 99%
78%
Intrinsic option value
0%-7%
At December 31, 2023:
2%
0% - 100%
122,218
0% - 50%
4%
30,959
6% - 16%
5,280
3% - 14%
45% - 99%
6%-7%
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.
38
Securities Available for Sale with a Fair Value Option Election, Loans, and Related Derivative Financial Instruments
The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of certain securities available for sale and their related put options include market credit spreads that can be impacted by market conditions and drive a significant amount of a market participant’s valuation of the security and its related put option. The impact of changes to the unobservable inputs for the securities is mitigated by changes to the unobservable inputs for the put options, which are valued in opposite directions, so as to minimize the financial impact to the Company.
The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of interest rate floor derivatives associated with certain securities available for sale and loans include the discount rate that can have a significant impact on the value of the derivative. Another variable that affects the floor value is the forward interest curve, which is observable, but changes with market conditions as interest rates and future interest rate expectations change.
Collateral Dependent Loans and Other Real Estate Owned
The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company’s collateral dependent loans and other real estate owned is based on liquidation amounts of the underlying collateral using the most recently available appraisals with adjustments made for a marketability discount and costs to sell.
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.
39
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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Carrying
Financial assets:
Securities held to maturity
561,668
1,194,535
FHLB stock and other equity securities
154,050
30,000
3,717,150
Loans receivable, net
10,249,659
Financial liabilities:
12,902,870
8,731,301
4,171,569
Short-term subordinated debt
71,800
FHLB advances
3,372,044
3,371,664
Other borrowing
27,934
Credit linked notes
96,943
96,942
Interest payable
54,709
484,288
FHLB stock
3,058,093
10,088,468
14,062,457
8,894,058
5,168,399
64,922
771,392
771,029
7,934
119,879
119,878
43,423
Note 10: Leases
The Company has operating leases for various locations with terms ranging from one month to seven years. Some operating leases include options to extend. The extensions were included in the right-of-use asset if the likelihood of extension was reasonably 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 $8.3 million and $10.1 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, and operating lease right-of-use liabilities of $9.3 million and $11.3 million as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
Unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet, income statement and cash flow detail regarding operating leases follows:
Balance Sheet
Operating lease right-of-of use asset (in other assets)
8,280
10,060
Operating lease liability (in other liabilities)
9,303
11,251
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)
4.7
6.0
Weighted average discount rate
3.36%
2.89%
Maturities of lease liabilities:
One year or less
2,310
2,441
Year two
2,202
2,064
Year three
2,159
2,100
Year four
2,046
Year five
1,080
1,438
Thereafter
2,128
Total future minimum lease payments
10,064
12,217
Less: imputed interest
761
966
Income Statement
Components of lease expense:
Operating lease cost (in occupancy and equipment expense)
652
591
2,021
1,840
Cash Flow Statement
Supplemental cash flow information:
Operating cash flows from operating leases
1,881
1,506
Note 11: Deposits
Deposits were comprised of the following at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
Noninterest-bearing deposits
Demand deposits
Total noninterest-bearing deposits
Interest-bearing deposits
5,439,543
5,381,067
Savings deposits
2,980,372
2,992,921
Certificates of deposit
4,160,586
5,167,402
Total interest-bearing deposits
Maturities for certificates of deposit are as follows:
Due within one year
4,056,971
Due in one year to two years
89,742
Due in two years to three years
13,873
Due in three years to four years
Due in four years to five years
Due in five years to six years
Brokered deposit amounts at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, were as follows:
Brokered certificates of deposit
2,796,547
4,465,825
Brokered savings deposits
1,352
589
Brokered deposit on demand accounts
1,504,230
2,797,899
5,970,644
Note 12: Borrowings
Borrowings were comprised of the following at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
American Financial Exchange borrowing
20,000
Credit linked notes, net of debt discount
Other borrowings
Total borrowings
On August 26, 2024, the Company entered into a new variable rate debt agreement with the FHLB for an advance that has put and call options attached to it. The balance of the advance was $2.0 billion as of September 30, 2024, and matures on November 25, 2024. The variable interest rate is based on the Federal Funds effective rate, plus 15 basis points, which was 4.98% on September 30, 2024. The FHLB has a put option to cancel the agreement 60 days after the initial execution date and the Company has a call option to cancel the agreement at any time, with one day’s notice.
Note 13: Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share were computed as follows:
Three Month Periods Ended September 30,
Weighted-
Per
Net
Share
Income
Net income available to common shareholders
Basic earnings per share
Effect of dilutive securities-restricted stock awards
150,385
112,484
Diluted earnings per share
Nine Month Periods Ended September 30,
Preferred stock redemption
146,675
99,218
Note 14: Common Stock
Public Offerings of Common Stock:
On May 13, 2024, the Company issued 2,400,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, without par value, at a public offering price of $43.00 per share in an underwritten public offering. The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $103.2 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and offering expenses of $5.5 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $97.7 million.
Note 15: Preferred Stock
Public Offerings of Preferred Stock:
Series A – On March 28, 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 (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $50.0
million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $1.7 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $48.3 million. On April 12, 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 additional $2.0 million in net proceeds, after deducting $41,000 in underwriting discounts.
The Company redeemed all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock on April 1, 2024 at a price equal to the liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, or $52 million, using cash on hand.
Series B – On August 19, 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 (the “Series B 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 $125.0 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $4.2 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $120.8 million.
The Series B Preferred Stock have no voting rights with respect to matters that generally require the approval of common shareholders. Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Company’s board, are payable quarterly. The Company may redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at its option, on any dividend payment date on or after October 1, 2024, 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.
On October 1, 2024, the dividends on the Series B Preferred stock started to accrue at a floating rate of 3-month SOFR plus 4.831% and will reset quarterly. The rate will be 9.42% for the fourth quarter 2024.
Series C – 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-to-Floating 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.
The Series C Preferred Stock have no voting rights with respect to matters that generally require the approval of common shareholders. 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 its 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.
Series D – 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 Reset 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 depositary 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.
The Series D Preferred Stock have no voting rights with respect to matters that generally require the approval of common shareholders. 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 its 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.
Note 16: 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 September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company issued 3,446 and 0 shares, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company issued 88,658 and 84,335 shares, respectively.
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. In November 2023, 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 $70,000 per member, rounded up to the nearest whole share, to be effective as of January 1, 2024. Accordingly, there were 3,010 and 2,912 shares, issued to non-executive directors during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively and there were 9,023 and 9,457 shares, issued to non-executive directors during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, 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. There was no contribution to the ESOP during the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023. Expenses recognized for the contribution to the ESOP totaled $270,000 and $249,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively and totaled $843,000 and $768,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Company contributed 23,414 shares and 33,293 shares to the ESOP for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Note 17: 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 SBA lending. The Other segment includes general and administrative expenses that provide services to all segments; internal funds transfer pricing offsets resulting from allocations to/from the other segments, certain elimination entries and investments in qualified affordable housing limited partnerships or LLCs and certain debt funds. All operations are domestic.
The tables below present selected business segment financial information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.
Multi-family
Mortgage
Banking
Warehousing
Three Months Ended September 30, 2024
Interest income
1,159
103,770
229,586
Interest expense
70,727
136,158
(798)
Net interest income
1,139
33,043
93,428
5,211
(741)
(709)
8,348
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
1,880
33,752
85,080
Noninterest income
35,439
(6,073)
(8,916)
(3,708)
Noninterest expense
25,747
6,591
16,964
Income (loss) before income taxes
11,572
59,200
(10,513)
Income taxes
3,504
5,148
14,217
(2,795)
Net income (loss)
8,068
15,940
44,983
(7,718)
453,281
5,842,489
12,035,581
321,625
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
1,580
85,280
208,307
1,509
57,633
123,594
(2,006)
1,561
27,647
84,713
4,509
28,142
80,204
37,266
1,884
(536)
(2,546)
19,169
10,945
8,802
19,658
26,012
68,723
(7,833)
4,973
6,086
16,278
(2,281)
14,685
19,926
52,445
(5,552)
392,754
4,757,817
11,135,651
209,014
16,495,236
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024
4,040
289,835
676,659
10,840
195,051
400,623
(2,356)
3,980
94,784
276,036
13,196
1,226
21,104
4,721
93,558
254,932
107,889
(1,010)
(7,293)
(10,619)
65,969
16,063
47,527
31,051
46,641
76,485
200,112
(28,474)
12,927
18,085
46,326
(7,294)
33,714
58,400
153,786
(21,180)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
3,934
191,865
566,439
3,801
128,411
319,431
(5,581)
3,902
63,454
247,008
9,382
30,295
60,265
216,713
84,188
5,789
(2,485)
(7,278)
53,762
10,386
33,233
24,641
34,328
55,668
180,995
(22,537)
6,435
8,505
36,593
(4,840)
27,893
47,163
144,402
(17,697)
Note 18: 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 2023-07 - Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures
In November 2023, the FASB issued an ASU update that will require public entities’ disclosures, on an annual and interim basis, to include additional details on reportable segments so financial statement users may better understand an entity’s overall performance and assist in assessing potential future cash flows. The new guidance will require public entities to present information regarding significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (CODM) as well as details regarding segment’s profit and loss.
The updates in ASU 2023-07 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods for years beginning after December 15, 2024. An entity shall apply the ASU retrospectively to financial statements for periods beginning after the effective date. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of adopting
this new guidance but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
FASB ASU 2023-09 - Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
In December 2023, the FASB issued an ASU update that will require public business entity’s disclosures to include a tabular tax rate reconciliation. The update will also require all public entities disclose income tax expense and taxes paid broken down by federal, state, and foreign with a disaggregation for jurisdictions that exceed 5% of income for taxes paid.
The updates in ASU 2023-09 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. An entity shall apply the ASU on a prospective basis to financial statements for annual periods beginning after the effective date. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of adopting this new guidance but does not expect it to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
FASB ASU 2024-03 - Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses
In November 2024, the FASB issued an ASU update which is intended to provide more detailed information about specified categories of expenses (purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation and amortization) included in certain expense captions presented on the face of our consolidated income statements.
The updates in ASU 2024-03 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. An entity shall apply the ASU on a prospective basis to financial statements for annual periods beginning after the effective date. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of adopting this new guidance.
Note 19: Subsequent Events
None.
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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, 2023 or “Item 2 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-Q or the following:
49
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.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s discussion and analysis of the financial condition at September 30, 2024 and results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, 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 September 30, 2024
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, and 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, 2023. 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, 2023.
Financial Condition
As of September 30, 2024, we had approximately $18.7 billion in total assets, $12.9 billion in deposits and $1.9 billion in total shareholders’ equity. Total assets as of September 30, 2024 included approximately $10.3 billion of loans receivable, net of allowance for credit losses on loans (“ACL-Loans”) and $3.8 billion of loans held for sale. There were also $1.8 billion in securities classified as held to maturity, most of which were acquired through loan securitizations. Assets also included $953.1 million in securities available for sale, the majority of which were acquired from a warehouse customer through loan securitizations, and others are match funded or required to collateralize our credit-linked notes. Additionally, we had $601.9 million of cash and cash equivalents, $431.0 million of mortgage loans in process of securitization that represent pre-sold multi-family rental real estate loan originations in primarily Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”), Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) mortgage-backed securities pending settlements that typically occur within 30 days. Other assets at September 30, 2024 totaled $329.4 million, which primarily represents low-income
52
housing tax credits. Servicing rights at September 30, 2024 totaled $177.3 million based on the fair value of the loan servicing, which are primarily Ginnie Mae multi-family servicing rights with 10-year call protection.
Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023
Total Assets. Total assets of $18.7 billion at September 30, 2024 increased $1.7 billion, or 10%, compared to $17.0 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase was due primarily to growth in loans held for sale and in the warehouse and multi-family loan portfolios. There was also an increase in securities held to maturity compared to December 31, 2023, primarily due to the purchase of a security representing healthcare loans sold into a securitization in the third quarter of 2024 that was offset by a decline in loans in the healthcare portfolio that were sold into the securitization.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents of $601.9 million at September 30, 2024 increased $17.5 million, or 3%, compared to $584.4 million at December 31, 2023. Included in cash equivalents was $45.7 million in restricted cash associated with the March 2023 issuance of senior credit linked notes described in Note 1: Basis of Presentation and the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10–K.
Mortgage Loans in Process of Securitization. Mortgage loans in process of securitization of $431.0 million at September 30, 2024 increased $320.4 million, or 290%, compared to $110.6 million at December 31, 2023. These represent loans that our banking subsidiary, Merchants Bank, has funded and are held pending settlement, primarily as Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities with a firm investor commitment to purchase the securities. The 290% increase was primarily due to a higher origination volume of loans pending settlement date.
Securities Available for Sale. Securities available for sale of $953.1 million at September 30, 2024 decreased $160.6 million, or 14%, compared to December 31, 2023. The decrease in securities available for sale was primarily due to $662.2 in calls, maturities, repayments, sales and other adjustments, partially offset by purchases of $501.6 million during the period.
Included in securities available for sale were $683.0 million of investments for which a fair value option was elected. Fair value option securities represent securities which the Company has elected to carry at fair value and are separately identified on the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets with changes in the fair value recognized in earnings as they occur.
As of September 30, 2024, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) of $0.1 million, related to securities available for sale, increased $2.6 million, or 104%, compared to accumulated losses of $2.5 million at December 31, 2023.
Securities Held to Maturity. Securities held to maturity of $1.8 billion at September 30, 2024 increased $550.8 million, or 46%, compared to $1.2 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase was due to purchases of $689.8 million partially offset by remittances of loan payments underlying the securities during the period.
Loans Held for Sale. Loans held for sale of $3.8 billion at September 30, 2024 increased $663.5 million, or 21%, compared to $3.1 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in loans held for sale was due primarily to an increase in warehouse participations, as we experienced higher volume. Loans held for sale are comprised primarily of single-family residential real estate loan participations that meet Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae pool eligibility. It also includes a growing contribution of multi-family loans that are expected to be sold or securitized within the next year.
Loans Receivable, Net. Loans receivable, net of ACL-Loans, of $10.3 billion at September 30, 2024, which are comprised of loans held for investment, increased $134.1 million, or 1%, compared to $10.1 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase in net loans was comprised primarily of:
53
As of September 30, 2024, approximately 94% of the total net loans reprice within three months, which reduces the risk of market rate increases.
Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans. The ACL-Loans of $84.5 million at September 30, 2024 increased $12.8 million, or 18%, compared to December 31, 2023, reflecting an $8.0 million increase in specific reserves, primarily related to two customers, and loan growth in both the warehouse and multi-family loan portfolios. Additional details provided in the ACL-Loans portion of the Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 and in Note 4: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans.
Also influencing the overall level of the ACL-Loans is our differentiated strategy to primarily hold loans with shorter durations while maintaining agency underwriting standards that enable us to sell or refinance the majority of our loans under agency and government programs.
Goodwill. Goodwill of $8.0 million at September 30, 2024 decreased $7.8 million, or 49%, compared to $15.8 million at December 31, 2023. The goodwill associated with FMBI was eliminated upon the sale of their branches to unaffiliated third parties on January 26, 2024.
Servicing Rights. Servicing rights of $177.3 million at September 30, 2024 increased $18.9 million, or 12%, compared to December 31, 2023. During the nine months ended September 30, 2024, originated servicing of $13.3 million and a positive fair market value adjustment of $12.3 million were partially offset by paydowns of $6.7 million. The $12.3 million positive fair market value adjustment reflected a positive fair market value adjustment of $12.6 million for multi-family mortgages and a negative fair market value adjustment of $0.3 million for single-family mortgages and SBA loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2024.
Servicing rights are recognized in connection with sales of loans when we retain servicing of the sold loans. The servicing rights are recorded and carried at fair value. The fair value increase recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 was driven by higher 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 and earnings rates on escrow deposits.
Other Assets and Receivables. Other assets and receivables of $329.4 million at September 30, 2024 increased $22.3 million, or 7%, compared to December 31, 2023. The increase in other assets and receivables was primarily due to receivables associated with low-income housing tax credit investments.
Deposits. Deposits of $12.9 billion at September 30, 2024 decreased $1.2 billion, or 8%, compared to $14.1 billion at December 31, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a $1.0 billion decrease in certificates of deposit, a $150.2 million decrease in demand deposits and a decrease of $12.5 million in savings deposits. As of September 30, 2024, approximately 81% of the total deposits reprice within three months.
Core deposits increased by $2 billion, or 25%, to $10.1 billion at September 30, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023. Core deposits represented 78% of total deposits at September 30, 2024 compared to 58% of total deposits at December 31, 2023.
We have decreased our use of brokered deposits by $3.2 million, or 53%, to $2.8 billion at September 30, 2024 compared to $6.0 billion at December 31, 2023. Brokered deposits represented 22% of total deposits at September 30, 2024 compared to 42% of total deposits at December 31, 2023. The shift away from brokered deposits was primarily due to more cost-effective funding options that utilized our collateralized borrowing capacity. As of September 30, 2024, brokered certificates of deposit had a weighted average remaining duration of 56 days.
Compared to December 31, 2023, interest-bearing deposits decreased $960.9 million, or 7%, to $12.6 billion at September 30, 2024, and noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $208.7 million, or 40%, to $311.4 million at September 30, 2024.
Uninsured deposits represented approximately 20% 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 $1.5 billion as of September 30, 2024 compared to $1.6 billion as of December 30, 2023 and $1.8 billion as of September 30, 2023. The Company’s line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago could fund 120% of uninsured deposits.
Borrowings. Borrowings increased $2.6 billion, or 270%, to $3.6 billion at September 30, 2024, compared to $964.1 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to $2.6 billion in additional FHLB advances. The higher level of collateralized borrowing was primarily due to it being a more cost effective funding option than utilizing brokered deposits. The Company primarily utilizes borrowing facilities from the FHLB, the Federal Reserve’s discount window, and AFX. See Note 12: Borrowings for further information.
The Company continues to have significant borrowing capacity based on available collateral. As of September 30, 2024, unused lines of credit totaled $5.1 billion, compared to $6.0 billion at December 31, 2023.
Total Shareholders’ Equity. Total shareholders’ equity of $1.9 billion at September 30, 2024, increased $238.0 million, or 14%, compared to $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2023. The $238.0 million increase resulted primarily from net income of $224.7 million and net proceeds of $97.7 million from a common stock offering, which was partially offset by redemption of 7% Series A Preferred Stock for $52.0 million and dividends paid on common and preferred shares of $36.3 million during the period.
Asset Quality
Although there has been an increase in adversely classified loans, asset values remain strong overall and loans are well-collateralized. Loans are underwritten to strict agency guidelines. We have continued to strengthen our various levels of credit and risk management.
Total nonperforming loans (nonaccrual and greater than 90 days late but still accruing) were $210.9 million, or 2.04%, of total loans at September 30, 2024, compared to $82.0 million, or 0.80%, of total loans at December 31, 2023 and $60.2 million, or 0.60%, at September 30, 2023. The increase in non-performing loans compared to both periods was driven by multi-family and healthcare customers with delinquent payments on variable rate loans that have required higher payments largely due to elevated interest rates. The increase was also attributable to the financial deterioration of
55
a few sponsors. Credit quality is expected to improve with the recent reduction in interest rates. After six months of consecutive loan performance, the loans are placed back on accrual status.
As a percentage of nonperforming loans, the ACL-Loans was 40% at September 30, 2024 compared to 87% at December 31, 2023 and 111% at September 30, 2023. The decrease in percentage compared to both periods was due to an increase in nonperforming loans, all of which have been individually evaluated for impairment.
Total loans greater than 30 days past due were $257.5 million at September 30, 2024, $183.5 million at December 31, 2023, and $125.4 million at September 30, 2023. The increase in non-performing loans compared to both periods was primarily driven by multi-family customers with delinquent payments on variable rate loans that have required higher payments due to interest rates remaining at elevated levels.
Loans classified as Special Mention totaled $351.4 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $191.3 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the increase in interest rates for our borrowers and the related levels of net operating income on certain properties in the multi-family and healthcare financing loan portfolios.
Loans classified as Substandard totaled $287.8 million at September 30, 2024, compared to $128.6 million at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to the increase in interest rates for our borrowers and the related levels of net operating income on certain properties in the multi-family financing loan portfolio. All substandard loans as of September 30, 2024 have been evaluated for impairment and these loans have specific reserves of $19.2 million.
During the three months ended September 30, 2024 there were $2.1 million of charge-offs and $7,000 of recoveries, compared to $21,000 of charge-offs and $31,000 recoveries for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, there were $6.4 million of charge-offs and $23,000 of recoveries, compared to $9.6 million of charge-offs and $40,000 of recoveries for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The $84.5 million allowance for credit losses on loans as of September 30, 2024, compared to the net charge-offs of $6.7 million over the last twelve months ended September 30, 2024, could absorb 13 years of losses if recent loss levels continued into the future.
In addition to the elevated ACL-loans, the Company has been making efforts to minimize its credit risk through loan sale and securitization activities since 2019. In April 2023 and March 2024, the Company strategically entered into credit protection arrangements through a credit linked note and credit default swap, respectively, for $1.7 billion in loans to reduce our risk of losses with incremental coverage of approximately 14% on those covered loans. The balance of loans in those covered portfolios as of September 30, 2024 was $1.3 billion.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
General. Net income of $61.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased by $20.2 million, or 25%, compared with $81.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease reflected
56
Net Interest Income. Net interest income of $132.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $15.4 million, or 13%, compared with $117.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The 13% increase reflected an increase in average balances on loans and loans held for sale, which were partially offset by higher average balances on borrowings. The interest rate spread of 2.43% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 1 basis points compared to 2.44% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Our net interest margin of 2.99% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 remain unchanged compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The margin was negatively impacted by approximately 6 basis points in the third quarter of 2024 from the net reversal of $2.9 million in accrued interest income associated with the movement of loans into nonaccrual status.
Interest Income. Interest income of $338.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased 14%, compared with $296.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. This increase primarily reflecting an increase in average balances of loans and loans held for sale, as well as increased average yields and balances on securities available for sale.
Interest income of $290.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 for loans and loans held for sale increased $23.7 million, or 9%, compared to $266.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of loans, including loans held for sale, during the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $1.2 billion, or 9%, to $14.6 billion compared to $13.4 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average yield on loans increased 2 basis points, to 7.91% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 7.89% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in average balances of loans and loans held for sale was primarily due to increases in the loans held for sale, warehouse and multi-family loan portfolios.
Interest income of $14.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 on securities available for sale increased $8.7 million, or 140%, compared to $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of securities available for sale of $1.0 billion increased $354.6 million, or 54%, compared to $656.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average yield increased 210 basis points, to 5.84% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 3.74% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in average balances of securities available for sale was primarily associated with the acquisition of certain securities from a warehouse customer in December 2023 that provide protective put options and interest rate floor derivatives to prevent losses in value.
Interest income of $22.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 for securities held to maturity increased $4.7 million, or 27%, compared to $17.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of securities held to maturity, during the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $248.4 million, or 24%, to $1.3 billion compared to $1.0 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average yield on securities held to maturity increased 17 basis points, to 6.82% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 6.65% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in average balance of securities held to maturity was primarily related to securities held to maturity acquired as part of loan securitizations.
Interest income of $7.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 on interest-earning deposits, and other interest or dividends increased $3.7 million, or 96%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of interest-earning deposits and other of $484.7 million increased $225.1 million, or 87%, compared to $259.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average yield increased 31 basis points, to 6.30% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 5.99% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
57
Interest Expense. Total interest expense of $206.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $26.9 million, or 15%, compared to $179.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase reflected higher average balances on borrowings and interest-bearing checking accounts, partially offset by lower average rates on borrowings and lower average balances on certificates of deposit. Also included in borrowings, our warehouse structured financing agreements provided for additional interest payments for a portion of earnings generated.
Interest expense of $40.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 on borrowings increased $24.1 million, or 148%, compared to $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase reflected an increase of $1.8 billion, or 254%, in the average balance of borrowings, to $2.5 billion compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023, partially offset by a decrease of 271 basis points in the average rate of borrowings, to 6.39% compared to 9.10% for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The higher level of collateralized borrowing was primarily due to it being a more cost-effective funding option than utilizing brokered deposits.
Interest expense on deposits increased $2.8 million, or 2%, to $165.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $162.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher average balances on interest-bearing checking accounts partially offset by lower average balances on certificates of deposit.
Interest expense of $62.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 on interest-bearing checking accounts increased $4.0 million, or 7%, compared to $58.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of interest-bearing checking accounts of $5.3 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $415.2 million, or 9%, compared to $4.9 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average yield of interest-bearing checking accounts was 4.70% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, which was a 6 basis point decrease compared to 4.76% for three months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest expense of $69.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 on certificates of deposit decreased $1.5 million, or 2%, compared to $70.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of certificates of deposit of $5.0 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $223.4 million, or 4%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The average rate on certificates of deposit was 5.47% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, which was a 13 basis point increase compared to 5.34% for three months ended September 30, 2023.
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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-earning deposits, and other interest or dividends
484,712
7,671
6.30
259,630
3,923
5.99
Securities available for sale
1,011,146
5.84
656,561
3.74
1,288,466
6.82
1,040,070
6.65
308,362
5.24
208,767
4.91
Loans and loans held for sale
14,603,750
7.91
13,399,854
7.89
Total interest-earning assets
17,696,436
7.62
15,564,882
7.56
Allowance for credit losses on loans
(81,178)
(63,449)
Noninterest-earning assets
696,135
529,582
18,311,393
16,031,015
Liabilities/Equity:
Interest-bearing checking
5,297,908
62,603
4.70
4,882,727
58,642
4.76
145,305
0.05
241,861
340
0.56
Money market deposits
2,816,906
33,858
4.78
2,798,325
33,235
4.71
5,032,159
69,197
5.47
5,255,573
70,689
5.34
13,292,278
4.96
13,178,486
4.90
2,518,405
6.39
711,948
9.10
Total interest-bearing liabilities
15,810,683
5.19
13,890,434
5.12
327,930
333,155
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
231,754
199,647
16,370,367
14,423,236
Equity
1,941,026
1,607,779
Total liabilities and equity
Interest rate spread
2.43
2.44
Net interest-earning assets
1,885,753
1,674,448
Net interest margin
2.99
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
111.93
112.05
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). 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 September 30, 2023
Increase (Decrease)
Due to
Volume
Interest income:
3,401
347
3,748
3,339
5,334
8,673
4,162
4,654
1,232
1,479
23,949
(251)
23,698
36,083
6,169
42,252
Interest expense:
4,986
(1,025)
3,961
(136)
(187)
(323)
221
402
623
(3,005)
1,513
(1,492)
Total Deposits
2,066
703
2,769
41,445
(17,347)
24,098
43,511
(16,644)
26,867
(7,428)
22,813
15,385
Provision for Credit Losses. We recorded a total provision for credit losses of $6.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $2.9 million, or 72%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The 72% increase reflected higher specific reserves on a relatively small number of borrowers.
The provision for the three months ended September 30, 2024 reflected $8.0 million for specific reserves, primarily related to two customers, and $1.9 million related to charge-offs in excess of reserves, partially offset by a reduction of $3.8 million due to lower loan balances associated with the corresponding healthcare loan securitization.
The $6.9 million provision for credit losses consisted of $5.6 million for the ACL-Loans, $2.1 million for the ACL-OBCE’s, net of $0.7 million for the release of non-contingent reserves related to a loan securitization. The ACL-Loans was $84.5 million, or 0.82%, of total loans, at September 30, 2024, compared to $71.8 million, or 0.70%, of total loans, at December 31, 2023, and $66.9 million, or 0.67%, at September 30, 2023.
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income of $16.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $19.3 million, or 54%, compared to $36.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a $18.9 million, or 109%, decrease in net loan servicing fees and a $5.6 million, or 152%, decrease in other income, partially offset by a $6.0 million, or 56%, increase in gain on sale of loans.
Loan servicing fees included a $6.7 million negative fair market value adjustment to servicing rights for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a $11.6 million positive adjustment to fair value of servicing rights for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The value of servicing rights generally increases in rising interest rate environments and declines in falling interest rate environments due to expected prepayments and earning rates on escrow deposits.
Other income included a $7.7 million negative fair market value adjustment to interest rate floor derivatives on loans that didn’t occur in the prior comparative period.
A summary of the gain on sale of loans for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 is below:
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
Multi-family and healthcare
15,302
8,616
Single-family
690
951
SBA
739
1,191
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense of $61.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 increased $18.4 million, or 43%, compared to $42.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits that reflected higher commissions on higher production volume, as well as a $5.4 million, or 152%, increase in deposit insurance expenses. The higher noninterest expense also reflected a $3.4 million increase in other expenses primarily associated with ongoing premium expense for the credit default swap that was executed in March 2024.
The efficiency ratio was at 41.00% for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared with 27.97% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Income Taxes. Income tax expense of $20.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024 decreased $5.0 million, or 20%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a 24% decrease in pretax income period to period. The effective tax rate was 24.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 23.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2024 and 2023
General. Net income of $224.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $23.0 million, or 11%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $64.3 million increase in net interest income, an $11.9 million decrease in the provision for credit losses, and an $8.8 million increase in noninterest income, partially offset by a $38.6 million increase in noninterest expense and a $23.4 million increase in the provision for income taxes.
Net Interest Income. Net interest income of $388.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $64.3 million, or 20%, compared to $323.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase reflected both higher average balances and average yields on loans and loans held for sale, securities available for sale, and securities held to maturity, partially offset by an increase in interest expense from both higher average balances and rates on certificates of deposit accounts, interest-bearing checking, and higher average balances on borrowings. The interest rate spread of 2.48% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 decreased 4 basis points compared to 2.52% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Our net interest margin decreased 3 basis points, to 3.04% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 from 3.07% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The margin was negatively impacted by approximately 4 basis points from the net reversal of $5.7 million in accrued interest income associated with the movement of loans into nonaccrual status.
Interest Income. Interest income of $981.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $215.3 million, or 28%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in average balances and higher yields of loans and loans held for sale, securities available for sale, securities held to maturity, and interest earning deposits and other interest or dividends.
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Interest income of $846.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 on loans and loans held for sale increased $161.9 million, or 24%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of loans, including loans held for sale, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $2.2 billion, or 18%, to $14.2 billion compared to $12.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the average yield on loans increased 36 basis points, to 7.99% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 7.63% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest income of $44.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 on securities available for sale increased $30.0 million, or 214%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of securities available for sale increased $452.6 million, or 76%, to $1.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 compared to $592.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the average yield increased 247 basis points, to 5.63% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 3.16% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest income of $62.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 on securities held to maturity increased $11.9 million, or 24%, compared to $50.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of securities held to maturity, during the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $132.9 million, or 12%, to $1.2 billion compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average yield on securities held to maturity increased 62 basis points, to 6.86% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 ended, compared to 6.24% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest income of $19.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 on interest-earning deposits and other interest or dividends increased $10.0 million, or 106%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of interest-earning deposits and other increased $191.8 million, or 83%, to $423.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, from $231.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and the average yield increased 68 basis points, to 6.13% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to 5.45% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest Expense. Total interest expense of $593.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $151.1 million, or 34%, compared to $442.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The higher interest expense reflected increases in both deposits and borrowings, with a shift towards higher collateralized borrowings that has become a more cost-effective option that utilizing brokered deposits.
Interest expense on deposits increased $111.2 million, or 27%, to $516.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $405.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to higher average balances and higher rates for certificate of deposit accounts and interest-bearing checking accounts, as well as higher rates on money market accounts.
Interest expense of $234.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 for certificates of deposits increased $69.7 million, or 42%, compared to $164.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of certificates of deposit accounts was $5.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $1.3 billion, or 29%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average rate on certificates of deposit accounts was 5.43% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which was a 49 basis point increase compared to 4.94% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest expense of $181.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 for interest-bearing checking accounts increased $33.8 million, or 23%, compared to $147.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of interest-bearing checking accounts of $5.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $684.6 million, or 15%, compared to $4.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average rate on interest-bearing checking accounts was 4.75% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which was a 28 basis point increase compared to 4.47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest expense of $100.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 for money market accounts increased $8.3 million, or 9%, compared to $92.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average balance of money market accounts of $2.8 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $9.0 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The average rate on money market accounts was 4.79% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, which was a 38 basis point increase compared to 4.41% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Interest expense of $77.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 for borrowings increased $39.9 million, or 107%, compared to $37.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $830.0 million, or 139%, increase in average balances, partially offset by a decrease of 112 basis points in the average rate of borrowings, to 7.21% compared to 8.33% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Also included in borrowings, is our warehouse structured financing agreements that provide for additional interest payments for a portion of the earnings generated. As a result, the cost of borrowings increased from a base rate of 6.89% and 8.12%, to an effective rate of 7.21% and 8.33% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
63
423,327
19,441
6.13
231,549
9,434
5.45
1,045,092
5.63
592,460
3.16
1,215,357
6.86
1,082,502
6.24
227,283
216,245
4.55
14,150,287
7.99
11,998,301
7.63
17,061,346
7.68
14,121,057
7.25
(76,410)
(54,417)
657,068
474,883
17,642,004
14,541,523
5,101,859
181,419
4.75
4,417,224
147,585
4.47
164,074
255
0.21
238,404
905
0.51
2,807,575
100,708
4.79
2,798,622
92,364
4.41
5,751,613
233,966
5.43
4,443,014
164,295
4.94
13,825,121
4.99
11,897,264
1,426,146
7.21
596,174
8.33
15,251,267
5.20
12,493,438
4.73
330,440
328,143
222,115
169,746
15,803,822
12,991,327
1,838,182
1,550,196
2.48
2.52
1,810,079
1,627,619
3.04
3.07
111.87
113.03
64
7,814
2,193
10,007
10,705
19,310
30,015
6,197
5,713
11,910
376
1,092
1,468
122,814
39,121
161,935
147,906
67,429
215,335
22,875
10,959
33,834
(282)
(368)
(650)
295
8,049
8,344
48,390
21,281
69,671
71,278
39,921
111,199
51,711
(11,825)
39,886
122,989
28,096
151,085
24,917
39,333
64,250
Provision for Credit Losses. We recorded a provision for credit losses of $21.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of $11.9 million, or 36%, compared to $33.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily due to lower loan charge-offs and fewer relative changes to qualitative factors.
Noninterest Income. Noninterest income of $89.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $8.8 million, or 11%, compared to $80.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to a $8.4 million, or 29%, increase in gain on sale of loans and a $2.9 million, or 39%, increase in syndication and asset management fees compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
A summary of the gain on sale of loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023 is below:
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
32,808
23,897
1,494
1,430
2,953
3,514
The $2.9 million increase in syndication and asset management fees increased as we continue to experience growth in this line of business.
Noninterest income also included a $0.4 million increase in loan servicing fees due to higher positive adjustments to fair value of servicing rights. Included in loan servicing fees was a $12.3 million positive adjustment to the fair value of
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servicing rights for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to a positive adjustment of $12.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense of $160.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $38.6 million, or 32%, compared to $122.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase was primarily due to an $18.3 million, or 24%, increase in salaries and employee benefits reflecting higher commissions associated with loan growth, as well as a $10.1 million, or 106%, increase in deposit insurance. Other expenses increased $6.5 million, or 44%, primarily due to ongoing premium expense on the credit default swap that was executed in March 2024.
The efficiency ratio was at 33.67% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared with 30.21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Income Taxes. Provision for income taxes of $70.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 increased $23.4 million, or 50%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase reflected a 19% higher pre-tax income during the nine months ended September 30, 2024, as well as a $13.0 million tax benefit recorded in the second quarter of 2023 related to tax refunds and changes to state tax apportionment calculations. The effective tax rate was 23.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 18.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
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 through Merchants Capital. Merchants Capital is also a fully integrated syndicator of low-income housing tax credit and debt funds. As one of the top ranked agency affordable lenders in the nation, our licenses with Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA, coupled with our bank financing products, provide sponsors with custom beginning-to-end financing solutions that adapt to an ever-changing market. We are also one of the largest Ginnie Mae servicers in the country based on aggregate loan principal value. As of September 30, 2024 the Company’s total servicing portfolio had an unpaid principal balance of $28.2 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 $17.0 billion, an unpaid principal balance of loans sub-serviced for others of $2.6 billion, and other servicing balances of $0.8 billion at September 30, 2024. These loans are not included in the accompanying balance sheets. The Company also manages $7.8 billion of loans for customers that have loans on the balance sheet at September 30, 2024. The servicing portfolio primarily consists of Ginnie Mae, 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 $33.2 billion in 2022, $33.0 billion in 2023, and $32.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. 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, except for correspondent mortgage banking which, like Multi-family Mortgage Banking and Mortgage Warehousing, is a national business. The Banking segment has a well-diversified customer and borrower base and has experienced significant growth over the past three years.
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Our segments diversify the net income of Merchants Bank and provide synergies across the segments. Strategic opportunities come from MCC and MCS, where loans are funded by the Banking segment and the Banking segment provides Ginnie Mae custodial services to MCC and MCS. Low-income tax credit syndication and debt fund offerings complement the lending activities of new and existing multi-family mortgage customers. The securities available for sale and held to maturity funded by MCC custodial deposits or purchases of securitized loans originated by MCC are pledged to the FHLB to provide advance capacity during periods of high residential loan volume for Mortgage Warehousing. Mortgage Warehousing provides leads to Correspondent Residential Lending in the Banking segment. Retail and commercial customers provide cross selling opportunities within the banking segment. Merchants Mortgage is a risk mitigant to Mortgage Warehousing because it provides us with a ready platform to sell or refinance the underlying collateral to secure repayment. These and other synergies form a part of our strategic plan.
The Other segment presented below, in Note 17: Segment Information, and elsewhere in this report includes general and administrative expenses for provision of services to all segments, internal funds transfer pricing offsets resulting from allocations to or from the other segments, certain elimination entries, and investments in low-income housing tax credit limited partnerships or Limited Liability Companies.
For the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we had total net income of $61.3 million and $81.5 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, we had total net income of $224.7 million and $201.8 million, respectively. Net income and assets for our segments for the respective periods was as follows:
Assets at
Multi-family Mortgage Banking
Mortgage Warehousing
Multi-family Mortgage Banking.
Comparison of results for the three months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
The Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment reported net income of $8.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of $6.6 million, or 45%, compared to $14.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in net income was primarily due to a decrease in loan servicing fees related to negative fair market value adjustments, as well as increased salaries and employee benefits reflecting higher commissions on higher production volume, partially offset by increased gain on sale of loans.
Results included a $5.1 million negative fair market value adjustment to servicing rights for the three months ended September 30, 2024 compared to a $10.4 million positive fair market value adjustment for the three months ended September 30, 2023. Excluding fair market value adjustments to servicing rights, loan servicing fees increased compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023.
The volume of loans originated and acquired for sale in the secondary market increased by $341.5 million, or 81%, to $763.7 million, for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023.
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Comparison of results for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:
The Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment reported net income of $33.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $5.8 million, or 21%, from the $27.9 million of net income reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net income was primarily due to a $13.3 million increase in gain on sale of loans from higher production volume, a $6.0 million increase in loan servicing fees, as well as a $2.8 million increase in syndication and asset management fees as we continue to see growth in our Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (“LIHTC”) syndication of business. These increases to net income were partially offset by a $12.2 million increase in noninterest expenses, primarily due to increased salaries and employee benefits related to higher commissions on higher production volume, and increased income tax expense primarily associated with a tax benefit recorded in the second quarter of 2023 related to tax refunds and changes in state tax apportionment calculations.
Loan servicing fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 included a positive fair market value adjustment of $12.6 million on servicing rights, compared to a positive fair market value adjustment of $10.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
The volume of loans originated and acquired for sale in the secondary market increased by $150.7 million, or 13%, to $1.4 billion, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $1.2 billion. for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Mortgage Warehousing.
The Mortgage Warehousing segment reported net income of $15.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of $4.0 million, or 20%, compared to $19.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease in net income reflected negative fair value adjustments on derivatives that were partially offset by higher net interest income associated with increased volumes.
There was a 22% increase in warehouse loan volume of $13.1 billion compared to $10.8 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2023, which compared to an industry volume increase of 21% according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.
The Mortgage Warehousing segment reported net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 of $58.4 million, an increase of $11.2 million, or 24%, compared to $47.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net income reflected higher net interest income as volumes increased, which was partially offset by a negative fair value adjustment on derivatives.
There was a 30% increase in warehouse loan volume of $32.0 billion compared to $24.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, which compared to an industry volume increase of 17% according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. The increase compared to the industry reflected higher loan volume from increased sales efforts and market exits or reductions of competitors.
Banking.
The Banking segment reported net income of $45.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, a decrease of $7.5 million, or 14%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2023. The decrease was primarily
due to a lower gain on sale of loans and loan servicing fees, as well as an increase in noninterest expense, partially offset by an increase in net interest income.
Noninterest income for the three months ended September 30, 2024 included a negative fair market value adjustment of $1.6 million on servicing rights, compared to a positive fair market value adjustment of $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023.
The Banking segment reported net income of $153.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of $9.4 million, or 6%, compared to $144.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. The increase in net income was primarily due to higher net interest income and lower provision for loan losses, which was partially offset by a higher provision for income taxes and higher noninterest expense that reflected increased deposit insurance premiums and ongoing premium expenses on the credit default swap executed in March 2024. Lower gain on sale of loans also partially offset the increases to net income.
Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 included a negative fair market value adjustment of $0.3 million on servicing rights, compared to a positive fair market value adjustment of $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity.
Our primary sources of funds are business and consumer deposits, escrow and custodial deposits, brokered deposits, borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans, interest on investment securities, 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.
At September 30, 2024, based on collateral, we had $5.1 billion in available unused borrowing capacity with the FHLB and the Federal Reserve discount window. This compared to $6.0 billion at December 31, 2023. While the amounts available fluctuate daily, we also had available capacity lines through our membership in the AFX. This liquidity enhances the ability to effectively manage interest expense and asset levels in the future.
The Company’s most liquid assets are in cash, short-term investments, including interest-earning 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 $5.1 billion described above, these totaled $11.1 billion, or 59%, of its $18.7 billion total assets at September 30, 2024. 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 exceed our uninsured deposits. Uninsured deposits represent approximately 20% of total deposits. Our line of credit with Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, alone, could fund 120% of uninsured 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 $1.5 billion and $1.6 billion as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.
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. As of September 30, 2024, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”) of $0.1 million, related to securities available for sale, increased $2.6 million, or 104%, compared to accumulated losses of $2.5 million as of December 31, 2023.
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Our cash flows are comprised of three primary classifications: cash flows from operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. Net cash used in operating activities was ($825.3) million and $(1.1) billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, 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 $(830.8) million and $(2.3) billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Net cash provided by financing activities, which is comprised primarily of net change in borrowings and deposits was $1.7 billion and $3.6 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
Certificates of deposit that are scheduled to mature in less than one year from September 30, 2024 totaled $4.1 billion, or 98%, 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 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.
At September 30, 2024, we had $4.1 billion in outstanding commitments to extend credit that are subject to credit risk and $3.5 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. Additionally, the Company’s business model is designed to continuously sell a significant portion of its loans, which provides flexibility in managing its liquidity.
Capital Resources.
The access to and cost of funding 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 $500 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 $1.9 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $1.7 billion as of December 31, 2023. The $238.0 million or 14%, increase resulted primarily from net income of $224.7 million and net proceeds of $97.7 million from a common stock offering, which was partially offset by redemption of 7% Series A Preferred Stock for $52.0 million and dividends paid on common and preferred shares of $36.3 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.
The Company redeemed all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock on April 1, 2024 for $52 million at a price equal to the liquidation preference of $25.00 per share, using cash on hand.
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 were to accrue and be payable at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus a spread of 456.9 basis points per year. However, the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock permit us to replace three-month LIBOR if we determine that LIBOR has been discontinued or is no longer viewed as an acceptable benchmark for similar securities. With the cessation of published three-month LIBOR rates as of June 30, 2023, the Company has determined that three-month LIBOR has been discontinued and is no longer an acceptable benchmark. The Company has replaced three-month LIBOR with Federal Reserve’s three month Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The Company believes that three-month SOFR represents the most comparable replacement benchmark, is an industry-accepted substitute, and is consistent with expectations of investors in securities similar to the Series B Preferred Stock. In addition to replacing three-month LIBOR with three-month SOFR, the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock permit us to adjust the spread to ensure that the payable floating rate remains comparable. Therefore, if the Series B Preferred Stock remains outstanding on or after October 1, 2024, in addition to using three-month SOFR as the benchmark, the Company will increase the spread by 26.2 basis points, which is consistent with industry practice and the recommendation of the Federal Reserve’s Alternative Reference Rates Committee, resulting in the Company paying a floating rate of three-month SOFR plus a spread of 483.1 basis points during the floating rate period. The Company may also redeem the Series B Preferred Stock at its option, subject to regulatory approval, on or after October 1, 2024.
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 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.
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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 Reset 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. If the Series D Preferred Stock remains outstanding on October 1, 2027, its dividend rate would reset to the 5-year Treasury rate, plus 4.34% and would remain at that level for an additional 5 years.
Common Shares/Dividends. As of September 30, 2024, the Company had 45,764,023 common shares issued and outstanding. The Board expects to declare a quarterly dividend of $0.09 per share in each quarter of 2024.
On May 13, 2024, the Company issued 2.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock, without par value, at a public offering price of $43.00 per share in an underwritten public offering. The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $103.2 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and offering expenses of $5.5 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $97.7 million.
Capital Adequacy.
The following tables present the Company’s capital ratios at September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023:
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Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Merchants Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table above). Management believes, as of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, that the Company and Merchants Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject. For additional information regarding dividend restrictions, see the Company’s 2023 Annual Report on Form 10–K.
As of September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the most recent notifications from the Federal Reserve categorized the Company as well capitalized and most recent notifications from the FDIC categorized Merchants Bank 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 or Merchants Bank’s category.
FMBI was subject to these measures prior to the sale of its branches and the merger of its remaining charter into Merchants Bank in January 2024. As of December 31, 2023, FMBI met all capital adequacy requirements (as set forth in the table above). The FDIC categorized FMBI as well capitalized at that time and there are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes would have changed that category.
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 or SOFR.
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.
Our Asset-Liability Committee, or ALCO, is a management committee that manages our interest rate risk within 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, at a minimum, to monitor the level of interest rate risk sensitivity to ensure compliance with the board of directors’ approved risk limits. Additionally, the Risk Committee meets quarterly, in conjunction with Board meetings, to assess risks associated with interest rate sensitivity.
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 September 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023.
Net Interest Income Sensitivity
Twelve Months Forward
- 200
- 100
+ 100
+ 200
September 30, 2024:
Dollar change
(104,845)
(53,080)
38,044
75,823
Percent change
(19.6)
(9.9)
7.1
14.2
December 31, 2023:
(73,311)
(36,576)
29,601
57,294
(15.0)
(7.5)
11.7
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 September 30, 2024 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
(9,224)
4,464
(584)
(1,929)
(0.5)
0.2
(0.0)
(0.1)
180,864
92,793
(34,800)
(79,455)
10.8
5.5
(2.1)
(4.7)
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 September 30, 2024 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 September 30, 2024, 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
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, 2023.
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
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
During the three months ended September 30, 2024, Scott A. Evans, a director and the Richmond Market President and Chief Operating Officer of Merchants Bank, adopted a stock trading plan on August 7, 2024 intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c), pursuant to which he may sell up to 25,000 shares of our common stock prior to March 13, 2025.
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.
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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:
November 8, 2024
By:
/s/ Michael F. Petrie
Michael F. Petrie
Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Sean A. Sievers
Sean A. Sievers
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial & Accounting Officer)