Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 001-36461
FIRST FOUNDATION INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
20-8639702
(State or other jurisdictionof incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. EmployerIdentification Number)
200 Crescent Court, Suite 1400 Dallas, Texas
75201
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (469) 638-9636
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
FFWM
NASDAQ Global Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports); and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of May 1, 2023, the registrant had 56,424,276 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1.
Financial Statements
1
Item 2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
28
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
46
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
47
Part II. Other Information
Item 1A
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
48
Item 6
Exhibits
49
SIGNATURES
S-1
(i)
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
March 31,
December 31,
2023
2022
(unaudited)
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,317,129
656,494
Securities available-for-sale ("AFS")
223,612
237,597
Securities held-to-maturity ("HTM")
847,036
862,544
Allowance for credit losses - investments
(12,288)
(11,439)
Net securities
1,058,360
1,088,702
Loans held for investment
10,669,803
10,726,193
Allowance for credit losses - loans
(31,095)
(33,731)
Net loans
10,638,708
10,692,462
Investment in FHLB stock
58,716
25,358
Deferred taxes
22,763
24,198
Premises and equipment, net
37,530
36,140
Real estate owned ("REO")
6,210
Goodwill and intangibles
221,401
221,835
Other assets
255,367
262,780
Total Assets
13,616,184
13,014,179
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities:
Deposits
10,051,706
10,362,612
Borrowings
2,294,600
1,369,936
Accounts payable and other liabilities
136,140
147,253
Total Liabilities
12,482,446
11,879,801
Shareholders’ Equity
56
Additional paid-in-capital
719,261
719,606
Retained earnings
428,956
426,659
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
(14,535)
(11,943)
Total Shareholders’ Equity
1,133,738
1,134,378
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
(See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements)
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED
Three Months Ended
Interest income:
Loans
120,643
72,027
Securities
6,891
6,360
FHLB Stock, fed funds sold and interest-bearing deposits
9,466
757
Total interest income
137,000
79,144
Interest expense:
62,140
3,358
16,105
1,292
Total interest expense
78,245
4,650
Net interest income
58,755
74,494
Provision for credit losses
417
(792)
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
58,338
75,286
Noninterest income:
Asset management, consulting and other fees
8,796
10,197
Other income
2,902
5,230
Total noninterest income
11,698
15,427
Noninterest expense:
Compensation and benefits
25,286
29,821
Occupancy and depreciation
8,897
8,567
Professional services and marketing costs
4,295
3,417
Customer service costs
16,715
1,788
Other expenses
4,147
4,025
Total noninterest expense
59,340
47,618
Income before taxes on income
10,696
43,095
Taxes on income
2,200
12,259
Net income
8,496
30,836
Net income per share:
Basic
0.15
0.55
Diluted
Shares used in computation:
56,376,669
56,465,855
56,410,416
56,565,845
2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES
IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY - UNAUDITED
(In thousands, except share amounts)
Additional
Accumulated Other
Number
Paid-in
Retained
Comprehensive
of Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Income (Loss)
Total
Balance: December 31, 2021
56,432,070
720,744
340,976
2,275
1,064,051
—
Other comprehensive loss
(6,207)
Stock based compensation
1,204
Cash dividend
(6,208)
Issuance of common stock:
Exercise of options
2,000
18
Stock grants – vesting of restricted stock units
122,700
Repurchase of shares from restricted shares vesting
(42,602)
(1,120)
Balance: March 31, 2022
56,514,168
57
720,846
365,604
(3,932)
1,082,575
Balance: December 31, 2022
56,325,242
(2,592)
32
(6,199)
19,500
157
114,592
(35,058)
(534)
Balance: March 31, 2023
56,424,276
3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31,
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities arising during the period
(4,535)
(7,731)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income
1,943
1,524
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Total comprehensive income
5,904
24,629
4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - UNAUDITED
For the Three Months Ended
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Reversal of provision for credit losses - loans
(432)
(1,136)
Provision for credit losses - securities AFS
849
344
Stock–based compensation expense
Depreciation and amortization
1,104
974
Deferred tax expense
2,761
3,431
Amortization of premium (discount) on securities
(173)
(351)
Amortization of core deposit intangible
434
509
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights - net
599
549
Amortization of OCI - securities transfer to HTM
616
Valuation allowance on mortgage servicing rights - net
(672)
(201)
Decrease in other assets
7,657
5,318
Decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities
(11,792)
(1,138)
Net cash provided by operating activities
9,479
40,339
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net (increase) decrease in loans
54,387
(490,869)
Purchase of premises and equipment
(2,494)
(1,222)
Disposals of premises and equipment
3,375
Recovery of allowance for credit losses
306
134
Purchases of securities AFS
(400)
Purchases of securities HTM
(83,008)
Maturities of securities AFS
9,184
7,965
Maturities of securities HTM
15,948
79,660
Sale (purchase) of FHLB and FRB stock, net
(33,358)
999
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
43,973
(483,366)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Increase (decrease) in deposits
(310,906)
145,558
Net increase in FHLB & other advances
995,000
Line of credit net change – borrowings, net
(18,500)
Net increase in subordinated debt
15
147,592
Net decrease in repurchase agreements
(70,351)
(13,250)
Gain on sale leaseback
(1,111)
Dividends paid
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
158
19
Repurchase of stock
Net cash provided by financing activities
607,183
252,980
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
660,635
(190,047)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
1,121,757
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
931,710
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes
Interest
65,720
3,893
Noncash transactions:
Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity
916,777
Goodwill acquisition adjustment
1,623
Right of use lease assets and liabilities recognized
172
Chargeoffs against allowance for credit losses
2,003
145
5
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED
NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation
First Foundation Inc. (“FFI”) is a financial services holding company whose operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiaries: First Foundation Advisors (“FFA”) and First Foundation Bank (“FFB” or the “Bank”) and the wholly owned subsidiaries of FFB, First Foundation Public Finance (“FFPF”), First Foundation Insurance Services (“FFIS”) and Blue Moon Management, LLC (collectively the “Company”). FFI also has two inactive wholly owned subsidiaries, First Foundation Consulting and First Foundation Advisors, LLC. In addition, FFA has set up a limited liability company, which is not included in these consolidated financial statements, as a private investment fund to provide an investment vehicle for its clients. FFI is incorporated in the state of Delaware. The corporate headquarters for FFI is located in Dallas, Texas. The Company provides a comprehensive platform of financial services to individuals, businesses and other organizations and has offices in California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and prevailing practices within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, and include all information and footnotes required for interim financial reporting presentation. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results for the 2023 interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year. These financial statements assume that readers have read the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC which contains the latest available audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Significant Accounting Policies
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are based upon GAAP and conform to predominant practices within the banking industry. We have not made any changes in our significant accounting policies from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
New Accounting Pronouncements
On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) and Vintage Disclosures”. ASU 2022-02 eliminates the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors and provides amendments to ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses on Financial Instruments by enhancing existing disclosure requirements and introduces new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. These disclosures are presented within Note 4: “Loans” in the accompanying unaudited financial statements. ASU 2022-02 also requires that entities disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. This information is presented as part of the disclosure for risk categories of loans based on year of origination within Note 5: ‘Allowance for Credit Losses’ in the accompanying unaudited financial statements.
In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”. ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate
6
reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this ASU apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company has permanently ceased originating any new loans or entering into any transaction that would increase its LIBOR-based exposure. For all new variable-rate loans and transactions, the Company primarily offers Prime and SOFR as the variable-rate index. For all LIBOR-based loans and transactions that mature after December 31, 2022, the Company has implemented procedures to identify and amend such loans and transactions to convert the base rate of the contract to a Prime or SOFR-based rate. The Company will also continue to assess impacts to its operations, financial models, data and technology as part of its transition plan. The Company does not expect the impact of this transition to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 2: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Current accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2: Significant other 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.
Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
7
The following tables show the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of:
Fair Value Measurement Level
(dollars in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
March 31, 2023:
Investment securities available for sale:
Collateralized mortgage obligations
8,511
Agency mortgage-backed securities
7,157
Municipal bonds
47,520
SBA securities
16,819
Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization
6,830
Corporate bonds
123,243
U.S. Treasury
1,244
Investment in equity securities
9,758
Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis
221,082
203,250
16,588
December 31, 2022:
8,615
7,576
46,790
18,955
7,981
135,013
1,228
9,767
235,925
216,949
17,748
The decrease in Level 3 assets from December 31, 2022 was primarily due to $0.3 million in securitization paydowns and $0.8 million in provisions for credit losses in the first three months of 2023.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
From time to time, we may be required to measure other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
Loans. Loans measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include collateral dependent loans held for investment. The specific reserves for these loans are based on collateral value, net of estimated disposition costs and other identified quantitative inputs. Collateral value is determined based on independent third-party appraisals or internally-developed discounted cash flow analyses. Internal discounted cash flow analyses are also utilized to estimate the fair value of these loans, which considers internally-developed, unobservable inputs such as discount rates, default rates, and loss severity. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, we measure the impaired loan at nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available, or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price or a discounted cash flow has been used to determine the fair value, we measure the impaired loan at nonrecurring Level 3. The total collateral dependent impaired Level 3 loans were $37.5 million and $47.2 million at March 31, 2023 and
8
December 31, 2022, respectively. There were no specific reserves related to these loans at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
Real Estate Owned. The fair value of real estate owned is based on external appraised values that include adjustments for estimated selling costs and assumptions of market conditions that are not directly observable, resulting in a Level 3 classification.
Mortgage Servicing Rights. When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income, resulting in a Level 3 classification. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Significant assumptions in the valuation of these Level 3 mortgage servicing rights as of March 31, 2023 included prepayment rates ranging from 20% to 30% and a discount rate of 10%.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
FASB ASC 825-10, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” requires disclosure of the fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate such value. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis are discussed above. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by management using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies and are based on the exit price notion set forth by ASU 2016-01. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other market value techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. The aggregate fair value amounts presented below do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
Fair value estimates are made at a discrete point in time based on relevant market information and other information about the financial instruments. Because no active market exists for a significant portion of our financial instruments, fair value estimates are based in large part on judgments we make primarily regarding current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, prepayment rates, and future expected loss experience. These estimates are subjective in nature and invariably involve some inherent uncertainties. Additionally, unexpected changes in events or circumstances can occur that could require us to make changes to our assumptions and which, in turn, could significantly affect and require us to make changes to our previous estimates of fair value.
In addition, the fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of existing and anticipated future customer relationships and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments, such as premises and equipment and other real estate owned.
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments:
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates its carrying value.
Interest-Bearing Deposits with Financial Institutions. The fair values of interest-bearing deposits maturing within ninety days approximate their carrying values.
Investment Securities Available for Sale. Investment securities available for sale are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair
9
values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. When a market is illiquid or there is a lack of transparency around the inputs to valuation, the securities are classified as Level 3 and reliance is placed upon external third party models, and management judgment and evaluation for valuation. Level 1 investment securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 investment securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Investment securities classified as Level 3 include beneficial interests in FHLMC securitizations. Significant assumptions in the valuation of these Level 3 securities as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 included prepayment rates ranging from 35% to 34% and discount rates ranging from 8.92% to 10.0%.
Investment in Equity Securities. The fair value on investment in equity securities is the carrying amount and is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis.
Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”). As a member, we are required to own stock of the FHLB, the amount of which is based primarily on the level of our borrowings from this institution. The fair value of the stock is equal to the carrying amount, is classified as restricted securities and is periodically evaluated for impairment based on our assessment of the ultimate recoverability of our investments in that stock. Any cash or stock dividends paid to us on such stock are reported as income.
Loans Held for Investment. The fair value for loans with variable interest rates is the carrying amount. The fair value of fixed rate loans is derived by calculating the discounted value of future cash flows expected to be received by the various homogeneous categories of loans or by reference to secondary market pricing. All loans have been adjusted to reflect changes in credit risk.
Deposits. The fair value of demand deposits, savings deposits, and money market deposits is defined as the amounts payable on demand. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit is estimated based on the discounted value of the future cash flows expected to be paid on the deposits.
Borrowings. The fair value of borrowings is the carrying value of overnight FHLB advances and federal funds purchased that approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments, resulting in a Level 1 classification. The fair value of term borrowings is derived by calculating the discounted value of future cash flows expected to be paid out by the Company resulting in a Level 3 classification.
10
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows as of:
Carrying
Value
Assets:
Securities AFS, net
211,324
Securities HTM
766,907
Loans, net
10,302,070
7,625,291
2,409,187
10,034,478
2,020,000
153,121
2,173,121
226,158
773,061
10,354,052
8,483,770
1,865,502
10,349,272
1,176,601
1,329,722
11
NOTE 3: SECURITIES
The following table provides a summary of the Company’s securities AFS portfolio as of:
Amortized
Gross Unrealized
Allowance for
Estimated
Cost
Gains
Losses
Credit Losses
Fair Value
9,585
(1,074)
7,627
(470)
50,093
(2,574)
16,947
(130)
19,113
110
(105)
(11,315)
7,803
138,972
(15,729)
(973)
122,270
1,298
(57)
243,635
116
(20,139)
9,865
(1,250)
8,161
(585)
50,232
(3,442)
19,090
(138)
19,415
108
(103)
145,024
(10,011)
(71)
253,085
112
(15,600)
As of March 31, 2023, U.S. Treasury securities of $1.2 million included in the table above are pledged as collateral to the States of California and Florida to meet regulatory requirements related to the Bank’s trust operations, $231.9 million of agency mortgage-backed securities are pledged as collateral as support for the Bank’s obligations under loan sales and securitizations agreements entered into from 2018 and 2021. A total of $184.2 million in securities consisting of SBA securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, agency mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds are pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements. A total of $841.6 million in agency mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, and loans are pledged as collateral to the Federal Reserve’s discount window from which the Bank may borrow.
The following table provides a summary of the Company’s securities HTM portfolio as of:
Gross Unrecognized
(80,129)
(89,483)
In 2022, the Company transferred $917 million in securities AFS to securities HTM. The securities were transferred at their amortized cost basis, net of any remaining unrealized gain or loss reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. The related unrealized gain (or loss) of $0.6 million included in other comprehensive income remained in other comprehensive income to be amortized, with an offsetting entry to interest income as a yield adjustment
12
through earnings over the remaining term of the securities. Subsequent to transfer, the ACL on these securities was evaluated under the accounting policy for securities HTM. The securities HTM portfolio consists solely of agency-backed MBS securities in which the Company has reason to believe the credit loss exposure is remote, as these securities are guaranteed by a U.S. government sponsored entity (“GSE”). As such, the ACL related to the securities HTM portfolio was zero at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
We monitor the credit quality of the securities in the investment portfolios by evaluating various quantitative attributes. The credit quality indicators the Company monitors include, but are not limited to, credit ratings of individual securities and the credit rating of government sponsored enterprises that guarantee the securities. Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a security. Securities rated investment grade, that is, those with ratings similar to BBB-/Baa3 or above, as defined by NRSROs, are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk. As of March 31, 2023, all of the Company’s securities were either investment grade or were issued by a U.S. government agency or a U.S. government sponsored enterprise with an investment grade rating.
The tables below indicate the gross unrealized losses and fair values of our securities AFS portfolio, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.
Securities with Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2023
Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Fair
Unrealized
Loss
1,407
(50)
5,750
(420)
1,796
(15)
42,108
(2,559)
43,904
14,823
(122)
912
(8)
15,735
4,224
52,772
(1,228)
70,472
(14,501)
123,244
841
Total temporarily impaired securities
75,022
(1,520)
128,594
(18,619)
203,616
Securities with Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2022
8,613
6,882
(525)
696
(60)
7,578
44,971
(3,244)
1,819
(198)
17,237
(137)
121
(1)
17,358
4,217
108,056
(6,476)
26,957
(3,535)
376
(23)
451
(48)
827
181,741
(10,508)
38,657
(5,092)
220,398
Unrealized losses in agency mortgage backed securities, beneficial interests in FHLMC securitizations, and other securities have not been recognized into income because the issuer bonds are of high credit quality, management does not intend to sell, it is not more likely than not that management would be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in discount rates and assumptions regarding future interest rates. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach maturity.
13
The tables below indicate the gross unrecognized losses and fair values of our securities HTM portfolio, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrecognized loss position.
Securities with Unrecognized Loss at March 31, 2023
Unrecognized
76,301
(6,768)
690,606
(73,361)
Securities with Unrecognized Loss at December 31, 2022
394,619
(37,418)
378,442
(52,065)
The following is a rollforward of the Bank’s allowance for credit losses related to investments for the following periods:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023:
Beginning balance
11,439
12,288
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022:
10,399
10,743
Provision for credit losses of $0.8 million and $0.3 million were recorded on the consolidated income statements for the three month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The ACL on investment securities is determined for both held-to-maturity and available-for-sale classifications of the investment portfolio in accordance with ASC 326, and is evaluated on a quarterly basis. The ACL for held-to-maturity investment securities is determined on a collective basis, based on shared risk characteristics, and is determined at the individual security level when the Company deems a security to no longer possess shared risk characteristics. Under ASC 326-20, for investment securities where the Company has reason to believe the credit loss exposure is remote, such as those guaranteed by the U.S. government or government sponsored entities, a zero loss expectation is applied and a company is not required to estimate and recognize an ACL.
For securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, the Company first evaluates whether it intends to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. If neither criteria is met, the Company is required to assess whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or noncredit-related factors. In determining whether a security’s decline in fair value is credit related, the Company considers a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) downgrades
14
in credit ratings; (iv) payment structure of the security, and (v) the ability of the issuer of the security to make scheduled principal and interest payments. If, after considering these factors, the present value of expected cash flows to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists, and an allowance for credit loss is recorded through income as a component of provision for credit loss expense. If the assessment indicates that a credit loss does not exist, the Company records the decline in fair value through other comprehensive income, net of related income tax effects. The Company has made the election to exclude accrued interest receivable on securities from the estimate of credit losses and report accrued interest separately on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. In March 2023, the Company engaged with an independent third party to perform an analysis of expected credit losses for its municipal and corporate bond securities in order to supplement our own internal review. The analysis concluded and the Company concurred that seven corporate bond securities were impacted by credit loss totaling $973 thousand, which was recorded against the allowance.
The scheduled maturities of securities AFS and the related weighted average yields were as follows for the periods indicated:
Less than
1 Through
5 Through
After
1 Year
5 years
10 Years
March 31, 2023
Amortized Cost:
569
9,016
5,969
1,658
300
9,280
35,064
5,449
1,101
1,108
14,733
9,537
9,576
28,985
104,456
5,531
305
56,170
141,197
45,963
Weighted average yield
0.29
%
4.11
3.43
4.17
3.72
Estimated Fair Value:
521
7,990
5,665
1,492
8,944
33,682
4,594
1,094
1,103
14,617
9,581
19,118
27,970
90,758
4,515
54,454
126,064
42,789
December 31, 2022
686
9,179
4,384
2,107
1,670
301
8,002
34,501
7,428
1,402
1,278
16,396
9,860
9,555
6,006
28,993
104,494
6,321
53,939
143,066
49,759
4.36
3.96
3.38
1.91
3.24
623
7,992
4,133
1,960
1,483
299
7,565
32,690
6,236
1,395
1,272
16,274
9,560
19,420
6,001
28,022
96,734
4,256
6,314
52,203
133,279
45,801
The scheduled maturities of securities HTM and the related weighted average yields were as follows for the periods indicated:
574
18,925
827,537
0.60
1.22
2.47
2.44
537
17,451
748,919
208
17,689
844,647
0.36
1.12
2.31
2.28
192
16,148
756,721
16
NOTE 4: LOANS
The following is a summary of our loans as of:
Outstanding principal balance:
Loans secured by real estate:
Residential properties:
Multifamily
5,332,815
5,341,596
Single family
1,008,657
1,016,498
Total real estate loans secured by residential properties
6,341,472
6,358,094
Commercial properties
1,155,624
1,203,292
Land and construction
166,166
158,565
Total real estate loans
7,663,262
7,719,951
Commercial and industrial loans
2,985,984
2,984,748
Consumer loans
3,862
4,481
Total loans
10,653,108
10,709,180
Premiums, discounts and deferred fees and expenses
16,695
17,013
The following table summarizes our delinquent and nonaccrual loans as of:
Past Due and Still Accruing
Total Past
90 Days
Due and
30–59 Days
60-89 Days
or More
Nonaccrual
Current
Real estate loans:
Residential properties
20,272
2,518
22,790
6,338,021
6,360,811
5,561
217
3,969
9,747
1,144,772
1,154,519
6,835
7,356
157,860
165,216
1,200
233
2,227
4,694
8,354
2,977,013
2,985,367
3,880
3,890
27,564
7,068
2,444
11,181
48,257
10,621,546
Percentage of total loans
0.26
0.07
0.02
0.10
0.45
511
2,556
3,124
6,374,100
6,377,224
15,000
946
1,213
4,547
21,706
1,180,357
1,202,063
157,630
385
1,495
982
3,228
6,090
2,978,668
2,984,758
167
4,351
4,518
15,896
2,665
2,195
10,331
31,087
10,695,106
17
The following table summarizes our nonaccrual loans as of:
with Allowance
with no Allowance
for Credit Losses
3,672
1,022
7,509
2,016
1,212
8,315
The Company adopted ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures on January 1, 2023. The amendments in this ASU eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The amendments in this ASU were applied prospectively, and therefore, loan modification and charge off information is provided for only those items occurring after the January 1, 2023 adoption date.
Based on the guidance in ASU 2022-02, a loan modification or refinancing results in a new loan if the terms of the new loan are at least as favorable to the lender as the terms with customers with similar collection risks that are not refinancing or restructuring their loans and the modification to the terms of the loan are more than minor. If a loan modification or refinancing does not result in a new loan, it is classified as a loan modification.
There are additional disclosures for modification of loans with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that result in a direct change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows. The disclosures are applicable to situations where there is interest rate reduction, term extensions, principal forgiveness, other-than-insignificant payment delays, or a combination of any of these items. The Company had no loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties in the first quarter of 2023 and there were no modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties that were outstanding at March 31, 2023.
FASB has provided transition guidance to assist with the implementation of ASU 2022-02. Per this guidance, FASB expects that for comparative periods presented before adoption, current TDR disclosures should continue to be provided. As such, the following table presents the loans classified as TDRs by accrual and nonaccrual status as of the comparative period ended December 31, 2022:
Accrual
Residential loans
Commercial real estate loans
929
1,066
1,995
166
1,412
1,578
1,095
2,478
3,573
NOTE 5: ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The following is a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses related to loans for the following periods:
Provision for
Beginning
(Reduction of)
Ending
Balance
Charge-offs
Recoveries
8,306
(43)
8,263
8,714
(2,732)
(249)
5,733
164
152
316
16,521
1,685
(1,752)
16,760
26
(2)
23
33,731
(939)
(2,003)
31,095
2,637
561
3,198
17,049
(1,413)
15,636
(227)
1,768
11,992
149
(145)
12,130
103
(13)
90
33,776
(943)
32,822
Year Ended December 31, 2022:
5,674
(5)
(8,335)
(1,831)
4,804
(711)
436
(73)
(4)
239
(720)
The following table presents the balance in the allowance for credit losses and the recorded investment in loans by impairment method as of:
Allowance for Credit Losses
Loans Evaluated
Individually
Collectively
Allowance for credit losses:
62
8,201
1,044
4,689
1,144
15,616
2,250
28,845
Loans:
3,428
6,357,383
28,197
1,126,322
5,875
2,979,492
37,500
10,632,303
87
8,219
1,834
6,880
3,122
13,399
5,043
28,688
3,479
6,373,745
34,278
1,167,785
9,397
2,975,361
47,154
10,679,039
The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, collateral adequacy, credit documentation, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis typically includes larger, non-homogeneous loans such as loans secured
20
by multifamily or commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. This analysis is performed on an ongoing basis as new information is obtained. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:
Pass: Loans classified as pass are strong credits with no existing or known potential weaknesses deserving of management’s close attention.
Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.
Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
A loan is considered impaired, when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Additionally, all loans classified as TDRs are considered impaired. Purchased credit deteriorated loans are not considered impaired loans for these purposes.
Loans listed as pass include larger non-homogeneous loans not meeting the risk rating definitions above and smaller, homogeneous loans not assessed on an individual basis.
21
The following tables present risk categories of loans based on year of origination, as of the periods shown. In accordance with the adoption of ASU 2022-02 in January 2023, gross charge-off information is disclosed by vintage year (year of origination) on a prospective basis beginning in 2023:
Revolving
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Residential
Pass
16,080
2,398,706
1,547,733
793,127
297,324
278,675
5,331,645
Special mention
5,637
11,248
16,885
Substandard
302,961
289,923
5,348,530
Gross charge-offs
9,505
269,712
274,013
95,026
39,831
253,304
67,462
1,008,853
3,398
30
256,702
67,492
1,012,281
Commercial real estate
13,589
221,479
157,009
134,635
85,223
477,039
1,088,974
2,324
7,040
19,138
28,502
5,864
9,418
698
10,558
10,505
37,043
227,343
166,427
137,657
102,821
506,682
249
4,205
41,435
62,677
48,764
842
7,293
Commercial
52,358
1,171,201
317,465
148,594
39,128
31,893
1,182,534
2,943,173
20,671
4,739
4,824
30,426
365
1,900
1,423
1,023
7,057
11,768
338,501
155,233
40,743
32,916
1,194,415
375
193
86
51
1,047
1,752
Consumer
1,069
332
173
2,299
95,747
4,102,540
2,359,966
1,220,146
462,680
1,048,377
1,252,295
10,541,751
7,063
12,869
30,386
75,813
9,783
2,598
11,981
14,926
7,087
52,239
4,108,404
2,390,420
1,229,807
487,530
1,093,689
1,264,206
1,049
22
2018
2,399,360
1,552,311
795,263
301,025
145,675
146,622
5,340,256
5,666
1,545
16,978
306,691
155,442
148,167
5,357,234
270,589
276,244
96,183
40,010
49,676
215,209
68,575
1,016,486
25
3,434
45
218,643
68,645
1,019,990
223,503
158,363
144,105
93,960
171,460
325,048
1,116,439
13,425
2,340
7,088
11,734
7,905
42,492
5,919
14,376
742
10,661
11,434
43,132
229,422
186,164
147,187
111,709
183,194
344,387
43,846
58,268
47,212
854
5,044
2,406
1,176,851
369,775
182,889
62,767
16,306
17,558
1,133,998
2,960,144
542
383
5,573
7,710
380
2,125
1,810
2,736
9,853
16,904
370,697
186,226
64,960
20,294
1,149,424
456
1,092
471
133
69
2,297
4,114,605
2,416,053
1,265,652
499,087
388,294
706,912
1,204,870
10,595,473
13,967
3,552
13,137
21,501
9,450
5,598
67,205
14,756
2,867
12,471
17,604
9,898
63,515
4,120,524
2,444,776
1,272,071
524,695
409,795
733,966
1,220,366
A loan is considered collateral dependent when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment of the loan is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. Collateral dependent loans are evaluated individually to determine expected credit losses and any allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) allocation is determined based upon the amount by which amortized costs exceed the estimated fair value of the collateral, adjusted
for estimated selling costs (if applicable). The following table presents the amortized cost basis of collateral dependent loans and the related ACL allocated to these loans as of the dates indicated:
Equipment/
ACL
Real Estate
Cash
Receivables
Allocation
2,415
Commercial loans
250
5,052
5,302
2,435
3,171
638
888
630
5,606
6,494
NOTE 6: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES
Goodwill is recorded upon completion of a business combination as the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired. Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite useful life and as such is not subject to amortization and instead is tested for impairment annually unless a triggering event occurs thereby requiring an updated assessment. Our regular annual impairment assessment occurs in the fourth quarter. Impairment exists when the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its fair value. An impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess as a charge to noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. The goodwill recorded by the Company was recognized from prior acquisitions and was not considered impaired as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Goodwill totaled $215.2 million at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Other intangible assets are deemed to have definite useful lives and as such are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from whole bank acquisitions and are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 7 to 10 years. At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, core deposit intangible assets totaled $6.2 million and $6.6 million, respectively, and we recognized $0.4 million and $0.5 million in core deposit intangible amortization expense for the three month periods ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively.
NOTE 7: LOAN SALES AND MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS
The Company retained servicing rights for the majority of the loans sold and recognized mortgage servicing rights in connection with multifamily loan sale transactions that occurred in 2021 and prior. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, mortgage servicing rights were $5.9 million respectively, net of valuation allowances of $0.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The amount of loans serviced for others totaled $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Servicing fees collected for the first three months of 2023 and 2022 were $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
24
NOTE 8: DEPOSITS
The following table summarizes the outstanding balance of deposits and average rates paid thereon as of:
Weighted
Average Rate
Demand deposits:
Noninterest-bearing
2,263,412
2,736,691
Interest-bearing
2,364,213
3.380
2,568,850
3.109
Money market and savings
2,997,666
3.098
3,178,230
2.373
Certificates of deposit
2,426,415
4.170
1,878,841
3.741
2.726
2.177
At March 31, 2023, of the $461 million of certificates of deposits of $250,000 or more, $442 million mature within one year and $19 million mature after one year. Of the $2.0 billion of certificates of deposit of less than $250,000, $1.5 billion mature within one year and $480 million mature after one year. At December 31, 2022, of the $436 million of certificates of deposits of $250,000 or more, $409 million mature within one year and $27 million mature after one year. Of the $1.4 billion of certificates of deposit of less than $250,000, $1.1 billion mature within one year and $345 million mature after one year.
NOTE 9: BORROWINGS
At March 31, 2023, our borrowings consisted of $1.0 billion in overnight and $1.0 billion in short-term FHLB advances at the Bank, $174 million in subordinated notes at FFI, $101 million in repurchase agreements at the Bank, and $20 million of borrowings under a holding company line of credit. At December 31, 2022 our borrowings consisted of $805 million in overnight FHLB advances at the Bank, $200 million in federal funds purchased at the Bank, $174 million in subordinated notes at FFI, $171 million in repurchase agreements at the Bank, and $20 million of borrowings under a holding company line of credit.
The overnight FHLB advance outstanding at March 31, 2023 was paid in full in early April and bore an interest rate of 5.11%. The short-term FHLB advance outstanding at March 31, 2023 was paid in full in early April and bore an interest rate of 5.08%. FHLB advances are collateralized primarily by loans secured by single family, multifamily, and commercial real estate properties with a carrying value of $5.4 billion as of March 31, 2023. The Bank’s total borrowing capacity from the FHLB as of March 31, 2023 was $930 million. The Bank had in place $315 million of letters of credit from the FHLB as of March 31, 2023, which are used to meet collateral requirements for borrowings from the State of California and local agencies.
The $174 million in subordinated notes consist of $150 million of fixed-to-floating rate notes that mature in February 2032. The notes initially bear a rate of 3.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing on August 1, 2022, until February 1, 2027. From and including February 1, 2027 to, but excluding February 1, 2032, or the date of earlier redemption, the notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or “SOFR”), each as defined in and subject to the provisions of the indenture under which the notes were issued, plus 204 basis points (2.04%), payable quarterly in arrears on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2027. The remaining $24 million in subordinated notes mature in June 2030 and bear a fixed interest rate of 6.0%, until June 30, 2025, at which time they will convert to a floating rate based on three-month SOFR, plus 590 basis points (5.90%), until maturity.
During 2017, FFI entered into a loan agreement with an unaffiliated lender that provides for a revolving line of credit for up to $20 million maturing in February 2024. The loan bears an interest rate of Prime rate, plus 50 basis points (0.50%). FFI’s obligations under the loan agreement are secured by, among other things, a pledge of all of its equity in the Bank. We are required to meet certain financial covenants during the term of the loan, including minimum capital levels and limits on classified assets. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, FFI was in compliance with the covenants contained in the loan agreement. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the balance outstanding under this line of credit agreement was $20 million. The weighted average interest rate paid on borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022 was 8.05% and 8.0%, respectively.
The Bank has a secured line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco under which the Bank pledges collateral in the form of qualifying loans and securities. As of March 31, 2023, the Bank had secured borrowing capacity of $841.6 million under this agreement. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no balances outstanding.
The Bank has a total of $245 million in borrowing capacity through unsecured federal funds lines, ranging in size from $20 million to $100 million, with five other financial institutions. At March 31, 2023, there were no balances outstanding under these arrangements. At December 31, 2022, the Bank had outstanding borrowings with one of the five institutions under these arrangements totaling $100 million and an additional $100 million outstanding separate from these agreements with the same financial institution. The total $200 million outstanding at December 31, 2022 were in the form of federal funds purchased and were paid in full in early March, 2023.
The repurchase agreements are treated as overnight borrowings with the obligations to repurchase securities sold reflected as a liability. The investment securities underlying these agreements remain in the Company’s securities AFS portfolio. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the repurchase agreements are collateralized by investment securities with a fair value of approximately $184.2 million and $186.3 million, respectively.
NOTE 10: EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock that would then share in earnings. The following table sets forth the Company’s unaudited earnings per share calculations for the three months ended March 31:
March 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Basic common shares outstanding
Effect of options, restricted stock and contingent shares issuable
33,747
99,990
Diluted common shares outstanding
Earnings per share
NOTE 11: SEGMENT REPORTING
For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had two reportable business segments: Banking (FFB) and Wealth Management (FFA). The results of FFI and any elimination entries are included in the column labeled Other. The reportable segments are determined by products and services offered and the corporate structure. Business segment earnings before taxes are the primary measure of the segment’s performance as evaluated by management. Business segment earnings before taxes include direct revenue and expenses of the segment as well as corporate and inter-company cost allocations. Allocations of corporate expenses, such as finance and accounting, data processing and human resources are calculated based on estimated activity or usage levels. The management accounting process measures the performance of the operating segments based on the Company’s management structure and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for other financial services companies. If the management structures and/or the allocation process changes, allocations, transfers, and assignments may change. The following tables show key operating results for each of our business segments used to arrive at our consolidated totals for the following periods:
Wealth
Banking
Management
Other
Interest income
Interest expense
76,449
60,551
(1,796)
Noninterest income
4,801
7,291
(394)
Noninterest expense
51,645
6,065
1,630
Income (loss) before taxes on income
13,290
1,226
(3,820)
2,947
364
Net income (loss)
10,343
862
(2,709)
3,413
1,237
75,731
(1,237)
7,531
8,345
(449)
40,101
6,644
873
43,953
1,701
12,715
493
(949)
31,238
1,208
(1,610)
NOTE 12: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Cash Dividend
On April 27, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per common share to be paid on May 19, 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 8, 2023.
27
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends in our businesses that accounted for the changes in our results of operations in the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to our results of operations in the three months ended March 31, 2022; and our financial condition at March 31, 2023 as compared to our financial condition at December 31, 2022. This discussion and analysis is based on and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report and our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the notes thereto, which are set forth in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K (as amended “2022 10-K”) which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2023 and amended on May 1, 2023.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this report that are not historical facts or that discuss our expectations, beliefs or views regarding our future financial performance or future financial condition, or financial or other trends in our business or in the markets in which we operate, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Often, they include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” Such forward-looking statements are based on current information that is available to us, and on assumptions that we make, about future events or economic or financial conditions or trends over which we do not have control. In addition, our businesses and the markets in which we operate are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. As a result of those risks and uncertainties, our actual financial results in the future could differ, possibly materially, from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this report and could cause us to make changes to our future plans.
The principal risks and uncertainties to which our businesses are subject are discussed in this Item 2 and under the heading “Risk Factors” in our 2022 10-K and Item 1A of Part II of this report. Therefore, you are urged to read not only the information contained in this Item 2, but also the risk factors and other cautionary information contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in our 2022 10-K and in Item 1A of Part II of this report, which qualify the forward-looking statements contained in this report.
Also, our actual results in the future may differ from those currently expected due to additional risks and uncertainties of which we are not currently aware or which we do not currently view as, but in the future may become, material to our business or operating results. Due to these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this report and not to make predictions about our future financial performance based solely on our historical financial performance. We also disclaim any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this report or in our 2022 10-K, except as may otherwise be required by applicable law or government regulations.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and accounting practices in the banking industry. Certain of those accounting policies are considered critical accounting policies, because they require us to make estimates and assumptions regarding circumstances or trends that could materially affect the value of those assets, such as economic conditions or trends that could impact our ability to fully collect our loans or ultimately realize the carrying value of certain of our other assets. Those estimates and assumptions are made based on current information available to us regarding those economic conditions or trends or other circumstances. If changes were to occur in the events, trends or other circumstances on which our estimates or assumptions were based, or other unanticipated events were to occur that might affect our operations, we may be required under GAAP to adjust our earlier estimates and to reduce the carrying values of the affected assets on our
balance sheet, generally by means of charges against income, which could also affect our results of operations in the fiscal periods when those charges are recognized. Management has identified our most critical accounting policies and accounting estimates as: allowance for credit losses – investment securities, allowance for credit losses – loans, deferred income taxes, and business combinations.
Allowance for Credit Losses – Investment Securities – The ACL on investment securities is determined for both held-to-maturity and available-for-sale classifications of the investment portfolio in accordance with ASC 326, and is evaluated on a quarterly basis. The ACL for held-to-maturity investment securities is determined on a collective basis, based on shared risk characteristics, and is determined at the individual security level when the Company deems a security to no longer possess shared risk characteristics. Under ASC 326-20, for investment securities where the Company has reason to believe the credit loss exposure is remote, such as those guaranteed by the U.S. government or government sponsored entities, a zero loss expectation is applied and a company is not required to estimate and recognize an ACL.
For securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, the Company first evaluates whether it intends to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. If neither criteria is met, the Company is required to assess whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or noncredit-related factors. In determining whether a security’s decline in fair value is credit related, the Company considers a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) downgrades in credit ratings; (iv) payment structure of the security; and (v) the ability of the issuer of the security to make scheduled principal and interest payments. If, after considering these factors, the present value of expected cash flows to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists, and an allowance for credit loss is recorded through income as a component of provision for credit loss expense. If the assessment indicates that a credit loss does not exist, the Company records the decline in fair value through other comprehensive income, net of related income tax effects. The Company has made the election to exclude accrued interest receivable on securities from the estimate of credit losses and report accrued interest separately on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. See Note 3, Securities, for additional information related to the Company’s allowance for credit losses on securities AFS.
Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans. Our ACL for loans and investments is established through a provision for credit losses charged to expense and may be reduced by a recapture of previously established loss reserves, which are also reflected in the statement of income. Loans and investments are charged against the ACL when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely. The ACL for loans is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb estimated losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible based on an evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior loan loss experience. This evaluation also takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, current economic conditions and certain other subjective factors that may affect the borrower’s ability to pay. While we use the best information available to make this evaluation, future adjustments to our ACL may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic or other conditions that can affect the collectability in full of loans and investments in our loan or investment portfolios.
Deferred Income Taxes. We record as a “deferred tax asset” on our balance sheet an amount equal to the tax credit and tax loss carryforwards and tax deductions (collectively “tax benefits”) that we believe will be available to us to offset or reduce income taxes in future periods. Under applicable federal and state income tax laws and regulations, tax benefits related to tax loss carryforwards will expire if they cannot be used within specified periods of time. Accordingly, the ability to fully use our deferred tax asset related to tax loss carryforwards to reduce income taxes in the future depends on the amount of taxable income that we generate during those time periods. At least once each year, or more frequently, if warranted, we make estimates of future taxable income that we believe we are likely to generate during those future periods. If we conclude, on the basis of those estimates and the amount of the tax benefits available to us, that it is more likely than not that we will be able to fully utilize those tax benefits prior to their expiration, we recognize the deferred tax asset in full on our balance sheet. On the other hand, if we conclude on the basis of those estimates and the amount of the tax benefits available to us that it has become more likely than not that we will be unable to utilize those tax benefits in full
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prior to their expiration, then we would establish a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax asset on our balance sheet to the amount with respect to which we believe it is still more likely than not that we will be able to use to offset or reduce taxes in the future. The establishment of such a valuation allowance, or any increase in an existing valuation allowance, would be effectuated through a charge to the provision for income taxes or a reduction in any income tax credit for the period in which such valuation allowance is established or increased.
Business Combinations. We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations. The acquired assets, assumed liabilities and identifiable intangible assets are recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values. Goodwill is recorded based on the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets and other identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from business combinations are not subject to amortization and instead are tested for impairment annually, unless a triggering event occurs, which would require an updated assessment. Certain costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred.
We have two business segments, “Banking” and “Investment Management and Wealth Planning” (“Wealth Management”). Banking includes the operations of FFB, FFIS, FFPF, and Blue Moon Management LLC and Wealth Management includes the operations of FFA. The financial position and operating results of the stand-alone holding company, FFI, are included under the caption “Other” in certain of the tables that follow, along with any consolidation elimination entries.
Overview and Recent Developments
At March 31, 2023, the Company had total assets of $13.6 billion, including $10.6 billion of total loans, net of deferred fees and allowance for credit losses, $1.3 billion of cash and cash equivalents, $0.8 billion in investment securities held-to-maturity, and $0.2 billion in investment securities available-for-sale. This compares to total assets of $13.0 billion, including $10.7 billion of total loans, net of deferred fees and allowance for credit losses, $0.7 billion of cash and cash equivalents, $0.9 billion in investment securities held-to-maturity, and $0.2 billion in investment securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2022. Cash and cash equivalents, representing approximately 10% of total assets at March 31, 2023, largely accounted for the overall increase in total assets as the Company further increased its on-balance sheet liquidity.
At March 31, 2023, the Company had total liabilities of $12.5 billion, including $10.1 billion in deposits and $2.3 billion in borrowings. This compares to total liabilities of $11.9 billion, including $10.4 billion in deposits and $1.4 billion in borrowings at December 31, 2022. The $0.6 billion increase in total liabilities is due to a $0.9 billion increase in borrowings offset by a $0.3 billion decrease in deposits. The increase in borrowings was primarily due to the addition of $1.2 billion in FHLB advances offset by a $200 million paydown of fed funds balances outstanding. Funds were utilized to increase on-balance sheet liquidity. The decrease in deposits was the result of deposit outflows largely occurring after the announced closures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March, 2023. Deposit inflows and outflows normalized at the end of March, 2023, and the Bank is back to a normalized deposit pattern.
At March 31, 2023, the Company had total shareholders’ equity of $1.1 billion, unchanged from the amount at December 31, 2022. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, shareholder’s equity activity included $8.5 million in net income offset by $6.2 million in fourth quarter 2022 dividends paid to shareholders, and $2.6 million decrease in other comprehensive income (loss) due to net unrealized losses on investment securities arising during the period.
On April 27, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per common share to be paid on May 19, 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 8, 2023.
Results of Operations
The primary sources of revenue for Banking are net interest income, fees from its deposits and trust services, gains on sales of loans, certain loan fees, and consulting fees. The primary sources of revenue for Wealth Management are asset management fees assessed on the balance of assets under management (“AUM”). The largest component of noninterest expense is compensation and benefit costs, which accounted for 43% of the total combined noninterest expense for Banking and Wealth Management in the three months ended March 31, 2023.
The following table shows key operating results for each of our business segments for the quarter ended March 31:
2023:
2022:
First Quarter of 2023 Compared to First Quarter of 2022
Combined net income for the first quarter of 2023 was $8.5 million, compared to $30.8 million for the first quarter of 2022. Combined net income before taxes for the first quarter of 2023 was $10.7 million, compared to $43.1 million for the first quarter of 2022. The $32.4 million decrease in combined net income before taxes from the year-ago quarter was primarily due to a decrease in net income before taxes in the Banking segment of $30.7 million, resulting primarily from a decrease in net interest income of $15.2 million, a decrease in noninterest income of $2.7 million, and an increase in noninterest expense of $11.5 million. Net interest income, noninterest income, and noninterest expense are discussed in more detail in the tables that follow. The decrease in Wealth Management net income before taxes of $0.5 million was due to a $1.1 million decrease in asset management fee income, classified as part of noninterest income, offset by a $0.6 million decrease in noninterest expense.
Provision for credit losses. The provision for credit losses represents our estimate of the amount necessary to be charged against the current period’s earnings to maintain the ACL for loans and investments at a level that we consider adequate in relation to the estimated losses inherent in the loan and investment portfolios. The provision for credit losses for loans is impacted by changes in loan balances as well as changes in estimated loss assumptions and charge-offs and recoveries. The amount of the provision for loans also takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, current economic conditions and certain other subjective factors that may affect the ability of borrowers to meet their repayment obligations to us. For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, we recorded provision for credit losses of $0.4 million, compared to a reversal of provision for credit losses in the amount of $0.8 million for the year-ago quarter. The provision for credit losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, was due to a net increase in investment portfolio credit losses which were offset by decreases in loan portfolio credit losses. The decrease in provision for credit losses in the year-ago quarter was a result of improvement in the economic outlook at that time. For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, we recorded net charge-offs of $1.7 million, compared to $11,000 in the year-ago quarter.
Net Interest Income. The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, information regarding (i) the total dollar amount of interest income from interest-earning assets and the resultant average yields on those assets; (ii) the total
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dollar amount of interest expense and the average rate of interest on our interest-bearing liabilities; (iii) net interest income; (iv) net interest rate spread; and (v) net interest margin:
Three Months Ended March 31:
Average
Balances
Yield /Rate
Interest-earning assets:
10,691,615
4.54
7,529,037
3.84
Securities AFS
247,931
2,307
1,197,859
2.12
852,459
4,584
2.15
Cash, FHLB stock, and fed funds
955,668
4.02
1,212,777
0.25
Total interest-earning assets
12,747,673
4.32
9,939,673
3.19
Noninterest-earning assets:
Nonperforming assets
11,420
10,124
483,452
449,275
Total assets
13,242,545
10,399,072
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Demand deposits
2,572,870
19,386
3.06
2,359,334
1,051
0.18
3,206,690
21,551
2.73
2,611,007
1,872
2,132,298
21,203
4.03
654,279
435
0.27
Total interest-bearing deposits
7,911,858
5,624,620
0.24
1,390,068
4.70
301,236
1.74
Total interest-bearing liabilities
9,301,926
3.41
5,925,856
0.32
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
2,672,409
3,315,139
Other liabilities
133,280
94,484
Total liabilities
12,107,615
9,335,479
Shareholders’ equity
1,134,930
1,063,593
Total liabilities and equity
Net Interest Income
Net Interest Rate Spread
0.91
2.87
Net Interest Margin
1.83
3.00
Net interest income is impacted by the volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), interest rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume) and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Variances attributable to both rate and volume changes, calculated by multiplying the change in rates by the change in average balances, have been allocated to the rate variance. The following table provides a breakdown of the changes in net interest income due to volume and rate changes for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022:
March 31, 2023 vs. 2022
Increase (Decrease) due to
Volume
Rate
Interest earned on:
34,019
14,597
48,616
(4,743)
(2,636)
2,834
333
3,167
(196)
8,904
8,708
31,914
25,941
57,855
Interest paid on:
104
18,231
18,335
523
19,155
19,678
2,892
17,876
20,768
10,070
4,744
14,814
60,006
73,595
18,325
(34,065)
(15,740)
Net interest income was $58.8 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $74.5 million for the first quarter of 2022. Interest income increased to $137 million for the first quarter of 2023 compared to $79.1 million for first quarter of 2022. The increase in interest income was due to increases in both average interest-earning asset balances as well as average yields earned on such balances. Average interest-earning asset balances increased to $12.7 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, compared to $9.9 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Yields on interest-earning assets averaged 4.32% for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 3.19% for the first quarter of 2022. Interest expense was $78.2 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $4.7 million for the first quarter of 2022. The increase in interest expense was due to increases in both average interest-bearing liability balances as well as average rates paid on such balances. Average interest-bearing liability balances, consisting of interest-bearing deposits and borrowings, increased to $9.3 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, compared to $5.9 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Rates on interest-bearing liability balances averaged 3.41% for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 0.32% for the first quarter of 2022.
The 1.13% increase in average yield earned on interest-earning assets was offset by a 3.09% increase in average rate paid on interest-bearing liability balances, resulting in a contraction of net interest margin (“NIM”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. NIM was 1.83% for the first quarter of 2023 compared to 3.0% for the first quarter of 2022. The contraction of NIM is reflective of the interest rate environment over the past year, which has seen the Federal Reserve increase the benchmark federal funds rate by 4.75% in the past year in efforts to cool inflation. This has negatively impacted NIM as short-term interest rate increases more immediately affect the rates we pay on both our interest-bearing deposit accounts and our borrowings. Average borrowings outstanding for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 were $1.4 billion compared to $0.3 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. The additional borrowings were utilized to increase on-balance sheet liquidity, notably in the wake of banking industry events that followed the announced closure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March 2023.
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Noninterest income. Noninterest income for Banking includes fees charged to clients for trust services and deposit services, consulting fees, prepayment and late fees charged on loans, gain on sale of loans, and gains and losses from capital market activities and insurance commissions. The following table provides a breakdown of noninterest income for Banking for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
Trust fees
1,719
2,108
Loan related fees
1,861
2,562
Deposit charges
501
644
1,123
Consulting fees
88
95
632
Noninterest income in Banking was $4.8 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $7.5 million for the first quarter of 2022. The $2.7 million decrease in noninterest income was due primarily to a $1.1 million gain on a sale leaseback transaction recorded in the year-ago quarter, a $0.4 million decrease in trust fees, a $0.8 million decrease in deposit charges and loan related fees, and a $0.4 million decrease in other noninterest income.
Noninterest income for Wealth Management includes fees charged to high net-worth clients for managing their assets and for providing financial planning consulting services. The following table provides the amounts of noninterest income for Wealth Management for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:
Noninterest income for Wealth Management was $7.3 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $8.3 million for the first quarter of 2022. The $1.1 million decrease in noninterest income was due primarily to lower levels of billable AUM in the quarter as total AUM decreased to $5.2 billion at March 31, 2023 from $5.5 billion in the year-ago quarter.
The following table summarizes the activity in our AUM for the periods indicated:
Existing account
Additions/
New
Withdrawals
Accounts
Terminations
Performance
Ending balance
Fixed income
1,699,554
653,734
19,341
(12,558)
202,521
2,562,592
Equities
2,383,268
(575,301)
28,684
(6,483)
51,175
1,881,343
Cash and other
902,455
(173,349)
38,333
(5,895)
23,414
784,958
4,985,277
(94,916)
86,358
(24,936)
277,110
5,228,893
1,303,760
451,841
154,827
(30,428)
(180,446)
3,330,639
(87,881)
108,003
(78,785)
(888,708)
1,046,206
(422,405)
305,747
(58,248)
31,155
5,680,605
(58,445)
568,577
(167,461)
(1,037,999)
The $243.6 million increase in AUM during the first quarter of 2023 was the net result of $86.4 million of new accounts, $277.1 million of portfolio gains, and terminations and net withdrawals of $119.9 million.
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Noninterest Expense. The following table provides a breakdown of noninterest expense for Banking and Wealth Management for the periods indicated:
Wealth Management
20,260
24,276
4,560
5,212
8,403
8,113
494
454
Professional services and marketing
2,664
2,343
804
815
3,603
3,581
207
163
Noninterest expense in Banking was $51.6 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $40.1 million for the first quarter of 2022. The $11.5 million increase in noninterest expense in Banking was largely due to a $14.9 million increase in customer service cost, offset by a $4.0 million decrease in compensation and benefits. The increase in customer service costs was due to higher earnings credits paid on deposit balances earning such credits. The decrease in compensation and benefit costs was primarily due to decreased staffing levels during the first quarter of 2023, compared to levels during the first quarter of 2022. Average quarterly Banking full-time equivalents (“FTEs”) were 601.8 for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 623.6 for the first quarter of 2022. The reduction in staffing occurred in two rounds within the first quarter and largely impacted those employees in the lending and credit areas, as efforts continued to optimize the workforce in the face of slowing loan growth.
Noninterest expense in Wealth Management was $6.1 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $6.6 million for the first quarter of 2022. The $0.5 million decrease in noninterest expense in Wealth Management was largely due to a $0.6 million decrease in compensation and benefits. The decrease in compensation and benefit costs was primarily due to a decrease in commission expense resulting from a fewer number of new accounts compared to the year-ago quarter. Average quarterly Wealth Management FTEs remained relatively constant at 66.4 for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 65.8 for the first quarter of 2022.
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Financial Condition
The following table shows the financial position for each of our business segments, and of FFI and elimination entries used to arrive at our consolidated totals which are included in the column labeled Other and Eliminations, as of:
Other and
Eliminations
1,316,877
15,345
(15,093)
Premises and equipment
37,155
136
20,777
61
1,925
227,706
470
27,191
13,585,910
16,115
14,159
10,079,753
(28,047)
2,101,249
193,351
Intercompany balances
2,356
586
(2,942)
121,598
2,481
12,061
1,280,954
13,048
(160,264)
656,247
16,757
(16,510)
35,788
216
19,671
78
4,449
233,621
428
28,731
12,979,894
17,479
16,806
10,403,205
(40,593)
193,335
1,001
971
(1,972)
125,254
4,392
17,607
1,273,833
12,116
(151,571)
Our consolidated balance sheet is primarily affected by changes occurring in our Banking operations as our Wealth Management operations do not maintain significant levels of assets.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, total assets increased by $602 million primarily due to a $660 million increase in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents represented approximately 10% of total assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, and the increase in such balances is consistent with strategic efforts to increase on-balance sheet liquidity, notably in the wake of banking industry events that followed the announced closure of Silicon
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Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March 2023. Loans, net decreased $54 million, the result of $481 million in loan fundings for the quarter offset by loan payoffs of $535 million in the quarter. Combined investment securities (AFS and HTM) balance of $1.1 billion was unchanged compared to December 31, 2022. Deposits decreased $311 million, the result of outflows experienced after the mid-March 2023 closures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank. Borrowings increased $925 million and consisted primarily of the addition of $1.2 billion in FHLB advances offset by $200 million paydown of fed funds balances outstanding at the end of the previous quarter. The additional borrowings for the quarter-ended March 31, 2023 were utilized to increase on-balance sheet liquidity, as noted previously.
Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents, consist primarily of funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank or at correspondent banks, including fed funds. Changes in cash and cash equivalents are primarily affected by the funding of loans, investments in securities, and changes in our sources of funding: deposits, FHLB advances and FFI borrowings. Cash and cash equivalents increased by $660 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to December 31, 2022 due to strategic efforts to increase on-balance sheet liquidity, notably in the wake of banking industry events that followed the announced closure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March 2023.
Securities available for sale. The following table provides a summary of the Company’s AFS securities portfolio as of:
Beneficial interest in FHLMC securitization
Excluding allowance for credit losses, the decrease in AFS securities in the first three months of 2023 was due primarily to principal payments and increases in the gross unrealized losses on the securities. There were no purchases of investment securities or other additions to the portfolio during the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
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Securities held to maturity. The following table provides a summary of the Company’s HTM securities portfolio as of:
The decrease in HTM securities in the first three months of 2023 was due to principal payments received. There were no purchases of investment securities or other additions to the portfolio during the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
The scheduled maturities of securities AFS, as well as the related weighted average yield, are as follows, as of March 31, 2023:
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The scheduled maturities of securities HTM, and the related weighted average yield is as follows, as of March 31, 2023:
Loans. The following table sets forth our loans, by loan category, as of:
Loans decreased $56 million, the result of $481 million in loan fundings for the quarter offset by loan payoffs of $535 million in the quarter.
Deposits. The following table sets forth information with respect to our deposits and the average rates paid on deposits, as of:
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During the first three months of 2023, our deposit rates have moved in a manner consistent with overall deposit market rates and market rates continue to rise as a result of the actions taken by the Federal Reserve. The weighted average rate of our interest-bearing deposits increased from 2.96% at December 31, 2022, to 3.52% at March 31, 2023 due to rising short-term interest rates during the period, while the weighted average interest rates of total deposits increased from 2.18% at December 31, 2022 to 2.73% at March 31, 2023.
From time to time, the Bank will utilize brokered deposits as a source of funding. As of March 31, 2023, the Bank held $1.9 billion of deposits, consisting of certificates of deposit, which are classified as brokered deposits.
The deposits held by the Bank are insured by the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”), up to applicable limits. The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increased the maximum deposit insurance amount for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor. As of March 31, 2023, approximately 85% of the Bank’s deposit accounts were insured.
The maturities of our certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more were as follows as of March 31, 2023:
3 months or less
741,600
Over 3 months through 6 months
347,861
Over 6 months through 12 months
776,938
Over 12 months
491,956
2,358,355
Borrowings. At March 31, 2023, our borrowings consisted of $1.0 billion in overnight and $1.0 billion in short-term FHLB advances at the Bank, $174 million in subordinated notes at FFI, $101 million in repurchase agreements at the Bank, and $20 million of borrowings under a holding company line of credit. At December 31, 2022 our borrowings consisted of $805 million in overnight FHLB advances at the Bank, $200 million in federal funds purchased at the Bank, $174 million in subordinated notes at FFI, $171 million in repurchase agreements at the Bank, and $20 million of borrowings under a holding company line of credit.
The average balance of borrowings and the weighted average interest rate on such borrowings was $1.39 billion and 4.70%, respectively for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The average balance of borrowings and the weighted average interest rate on such borrowings was $1.54 billion and 3.79%, respectively for the quarter ended December 31, 2022.
Delinquent Loans, Nonperforming Assets and Provision for Credit Losses
Loans are considered past due following the date when either interest or principal is contractually due and unpaid. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal and, generally, when a loan becomes contractually past due for 90 days or more with respect to principal or interest. However, the accrual of interest may be continued on a well-secured loan contractually past due 90 days or more with respect to principal or
40
interest if the loan is in the process of collection or collection of the principal and interest is deemed probable. The following tables provide a summary of past due and nonaccrual loans as of:
Total Past Due
and Nonaccrual
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Allowance for Credit Losses. The following table summarizes the activity in our ACL related to loans for the periods indicated:
Three months ended March 31, 2023:
Three months ended March 31, 2022:
Year ended December 31, 2022:
On January 1, 2020, we adopted a new accounting standard, commonly referred to as “CECL”, which replaces the “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model over the life of the loan, as further described in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. The allowance for credit losses for loans totaled $31.1 million as of March 31, 2023, compared to $32.8 million as of March 31, 2022, and $33.7 million as of December 31, 2022. Our ACL for loans represented 0.29% of total loans outstanding as of March 31, 2023 compared to 0.31% of total loans outstanding as of December 31, 2022. The ACL for loans decreased $2.6 million as of March 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. Activity for the three months ended March 31, 2023 included a reduction in provision for credit losses of $0.9 million, charge-offs of $2.0 million, and recoveries of $0.3 million. The reduction in provision for credit losses was due to a decrease in the aggregate reserve for purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans due to updated valuations.
Under the CECL methodology, for which our ACL for loans is based, estimates of expected credit losses over the life of a loan are determined and utilized considering the effect of various major factors. The major factors considered in evaluating losses are historical chargeoff experience, delinquency rates, local and national economic conditions, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and timing of repayments, and the value of any related collateral. Management’s estimate of fair value of the collateral considers current and anticipated future real estate market conditions, thereby causing these estimates to be particularly susceptible to changes that could result in a material adjustment to results of operations in the future. Provisions to credit losses are charged to operations based on management’s evaluation of estimated losses in its loan portfolio.
In addition, the FDIC and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the adequacy of our ACL. These agencies may require us to make
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additional provisions for credit losses, over and above the provisions that we have already made, the effect of which would be to reduce our income.
The following table presents the balance in the ACL and the recorded investment in loans by impairment method as of:
Liquidity
Liquidity management focuses on our ability to generate, on a timely and cost-effective basis, cash sufficient to meet the funding needs of current loan demand, deposit withdrawals, principal and interest payments with respect to
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outstanding borrowings and to pay operating expenses. Our liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of funds management. Liquid assets are generally invested in marketable securities or held as cash at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco or other financial institutions.
We monitor our liquidity in accordance with guidelines established by our Board of Directors and applicable regulatory requirements. Our need for liquidity is affected by our loan activity, net changes in deposit levels and the maturities of our borrowings. The principal sources of our liquidity consist of deposits, loan interest and principal payments and prepayments, investment management and consulting fees, FHLB advances, federal funds purchased, and proceeds from borrowings and sales of FFI common stock. The remaining balances of the Company’s lines of credit available to draw down totaled $2.0 billion at March 31, 2023.
Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities. During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, operating activities provided net cash of $9.4 million, primarily due to net income of $8.5 million. During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, operating activities provided net cash of $40.3 million, primarily due to net income of $31 million and a net decrease of $5 million in other assets.
Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities. During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, investing activities provided net cash of $44 million, primarily due to a $54 million net decrease in loans, $25 million in cash received in principal collection and maturities of securities, offset by $33 million in purchases of FHLB stock. During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, investing activities used net cash of $483 million, primarily due to a $491 million net increase in loans, and $83 million in purchases of securities AFS, offset partially by $88 million in cash received in principal collection and maturities of securities.
Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities. During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, financing activities provided net cash of $607 million, consisting primarily of a net increase of $995 million in FHLB and other advances offset by a decrease of $311 million in deposits, a $70 million net decrease in repurchase agreements, and $6 million in dividends paid. During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, financing activities provided net cash of $253 million, consisting primarily of a net increase of $146 million in deposits and a $148 million net increase in subordinated debt, offset partially by $19 million net paydowns in our line of credit, $6 million in dividends paid, and a $13 million net decrease in repurchase agreements.
Ratio of Loans to Deposits. The relationship between gross loans and total deposits can provide a useful measure of a bank’s liquidity. Since repayment of loans tends to be less predictable than the maturity of investments and other liquid resources, the higher the loan-to-deposit ratio the less liquid are our assets. On the other hand, since we realize greater yields on loans than we do on other interest-earning assets, a lower loan-to-deposit ratio can adversely affect interest income and earnings. As a result, our goal is to achieve a loan-to-deposit ratio that appropriately balances the requirements of liquidity and the need to generate a fair return on our assets. At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the loan-to-deposit ratios at FFB were 106.1% and 103.5%, respectively. The loan to deposit ratio measured 100.3% for the first quarter 2023 when calculated based on the average balances of loans and deposits for the quarter opposed to measuring such balances as of the last day of the quarter. This is more reflective of the actual management of the portfolios during the entire quarter, particularly in the wake of the banking industry events that followed the announced closure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March, 2023.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The following table provides the off-balance sheet arrangements of the Company as of March 31, 2023:
Commitments to fund new loans
2,140
Commitments to fund under existing loans, lines of credit
1,369,440
Commitments under standby letters of credit
25,321
Some of the commitments to fund existing loans, lines of credit and letters of credit are expected to expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. As of
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March 31, 2023, FFB was obligated on $315 million of letters of credit to the FHLB which were being used as collateral for public fund deposits, including $300 million of deposits from the State of California.
Capital Resources and Dividend Policy
The capital rules applicable to United States based bank holding companies and federally insured depository institutions (“Capital Rules”) require the Company (on a consolidated basis) and FFB (on a stand-alone basis) to meet specific capital adequacy requirements that, for the most part, involve quantitative measures, primarily in terms of the ratios of their capital to their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items, calculated under regulatory accounting practices. In addition, prompt corrective action regulations place a federally insured depository institution, such as FFB, into one of five capital categories on the basis of its capital ratios: (i) well capitalized; (ii) adequately capitalized; (iii) undercapitalized; (iv) significantly undercapitalized; or (v) critically undercapitalized. A depository institution’s primary federal regulatory agency may determine that, based on certain qualitative assessments, the depository institution should be assigned to a lower capital category than the one indicated by its capital ratios. At each successive lower capital category, a depository institution is subject to greater operating restrictions and increased regulatory supervision by its federal bank regulatory agency.
The following table sets forth the capital and capital ratios of FFI (on a consolidated basis) and FFB as of the respective dates indicated below, as compared to the respective regulatory requirements applicable to them:
To Be Well Capitalized
For Capital
Under Prompt Corrective
Actual
Adequacy Purposes
Action Provisions
Ratio
FFI
CET1 capital ratio
933,163
9.31
451,263
4.50
Tier 1 leverage ratio
7.16
521,678
4.00
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio
601,683
6.00
Total risk-based capital ratio
1,146,984
11.44
802,245
8.00
931,125
9.18
456,603
7.44
500,327
608,804
1,145,765
11.29
811,739
FFB
1,080,468
10.82
449,370
649,089
6.50
8.31
520,330
650,413
5.00
599,159
798,879
1,120,938
11.23
998,599
10.00
1,070,648
10.60
454,655
656,724
8.59
498,725
623,400
606,207
808,276
1,111,952
11.01
1,010,345
As of each of the dates set forth in the above table, the Company exceeded the minimum required capital ratios applicable to it and FFB’s capital ratios exceeded the minimums necessary to qualify as a well-capitalized depository institution under the prompt corrective action regulations. The required ratios for capital adequacy set forth in the above table do not include the Capital Rules’ additional capital conservation buffer, though each of the Company and FFB maintained capital ratios necessary to satisfy the capital conservation buffer requirements as of the dates indicated.
As of March 31, 2023, FFI had $31 million of available liquidity as well as a revolving line of credit and, therefore, has the ability and financial resources to contribute additional capital to FFB, if needed.
As of March 31, 2023, the amount of capital at FFB in excess of amounts required to be well capitalized for purposes of the prompt corrective action regulations was $431 million for the CET1 capital ratio, $430 million for the Tier 1 Leverage Ratio, $282 million for the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and $122 million for the Total risk-based capital ratio.
On April 27, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per common share to be paid on May 19, 2023, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 8, 2023. The amount and declaration of future cash dividends are subject to approval by our Board of Directors and certain regulatory restrictions which are discussed in Item 1 “Business—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends and Stock Repurchases” in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Additionally, under the terms of the holding company line of credit agreement, FFI may only declare and pay a dividend if the total amount of dividends and stock repurchases during the current twelve months does not exceed 50% of FFI’s net income for the same twelve month period. We paid $24.8 million in dividends ($0.44 per share) in 2022.
We had no material commitments for capital expenditures as of March 31, 2023. However, we intend to take advantage of opportunities that may arise in the future to grow our businesses, which may include opening additional offices or acquiring complementary businesses that we believe will provide us with attractive risk-adjusted returns. As a result, we may seek to obtain additional borrowings and to sell additional shares of our common stock to raise funds which we might need for these purposes. There is no assurance, however, that, if required, we will succeed in obtaining additional borrowings or selling additional shares of our common stock on terms that are acceptable to us, if at all, as this will depend on market conditions and other factors outside of our control, as well as our future results of operations.
ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to certain financial risks, which are discussed in detail in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the section titled Asset and Liability Management: Interest Rate Risk in our Annual Report on Form 10-K which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2023 and amended on May 1, 2023. There have been no material changes to our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk since December 31, 2022.
ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
In accordance with SEC rules, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness, as of March 31, 2023, of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2023, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS
We disclosed certain risks and uncertainties that we face under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which we filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023 and amended on May 1, 2023. The information presented below provides an update to, and should be read in conjunction with, the risk factors and other information contained in our 2022 Form 10-K.
Adverse developments affecting the banking industry have eroded customer confidence in the banking system and could have a material effect on our operations and/or stock price.
The recent high-profile failures of several depository institutions have generated significant market volatility among publicly traded bank holding companies. These developments have negatively impacted customer confidence in the safety and soundness of some regional and community banks. As a result, we face the risk that customers may choose to maintain deposits or trust assets with larger financial institutions or invest in short-term fixed income securities instead of bank deposits, any of which could materially and adversely impact our liquidity, cost of funding, capital, and results of operations. Media reports about other depository institutions, the financial services industry generally or us could exacerbate liquidity concerns. In addition, concerns about the banking industry’s operating environment and the public trading prices of bank holding companies are often correlated, particularly during times of financial stress, which could adversely impact the trading price of our stock.
If we are required to sell securities to meet liquidity needs, we could realize significant losses.
As a result of increases in interest rates over the last year, the market values of previously issued government and other debt securities have declined significantly, resulting in unrealized losses in our securities portfolio. While we do not expect or intend to sell these securities, if we were required to sell these securities to meet liquidity needs, we may incur significant losses, which could impair our capital and financial condition and adversely affect our results of
operations. Further, while we have taken actions to maximize our sources of liquidity, there is no guarantee that such sources will be available or sufficient in the event of sudden liquidity needs.
ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
On April 26, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $75 million of its common stock. This plan has no stated expiration date. This stock repurchase program replaces and supersedes the stock repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors on October 30, 2018, which had authorized the Company to repurchase up to 2,200,000 shares of its common stock, and which no additional shares were repurchased during the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
ITEM 6.EXHIBITS
Exhibit No.
Description of Exhibit
3.1
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 29, 2015).
3.2
Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 10, 2022.
3.3
Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 29, 2015).
31.1(1)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2(1)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1(1)
Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2(1)
Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
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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.
Dated: May 9, 2023
By:
/s/ AMY DJOU
AMY DJOU
Executive Vice President andInterim Chief Financial Officer