Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended December 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: 000-22957
RIVERVIEW BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Washington
91-1838969
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer I.D. Number)
900 Washington St., Ste. 900, Vancouver, Washington
98660
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(360) 693-6650
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, Par Value $0.01 per share
RVSB
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) 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 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 Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: Common Stock, $.01 par value per share, 21,111,043 shares outstanding, as of February 8, 2024.
Form 10-Q
RIVERVIEW BANCORP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
INDEX
Page
Part I.
Financial Information
4
Item 1:
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
6
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9
Item 2:
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
33
Item 3:
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
50
Item 4:
Controls and Procedures
Part II.
Other Information
51
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A:
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5:
Item 6:
Exhibits
52
SIGNATURES
53
Certifications
Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32
Forward-Looking Statements
As used in this Form 10-Q, the terms “we,” “our,” “us,” “Riverview” and “Company” refer to Riverview Bancorp, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including its wholly-owned subsidiary, Riverview Bank (the “Bank”), unless the context indicates otherwise.
“Safe Harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”): When used in this Form 10-Q, the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “potentially,” “probably,” “projects,” “outlook,” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” and “could,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the PSLRA. Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions, future economic performance and projections of financial items. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results anticipated or implied by our forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: potential adverse impacts to economic conditions in our local market areas, other markets where the Company has lending relationships, or other aspects of the Company's business operations or financial markets, including, without limitation, as a result of employment levels, labor shortages and the effects of inflation, a potential recession, or slowed economic growth; changes in the interest rate environment, including the recent past increases in the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) benchmark rate and duration at which such increased interest rate levels are maintained, which could adversely affect our revenues and expenses, the value of assets and obligations and cost of capital and liquidity; the impact of continuing high inflation and the current and future monetary policies of the Federal Reserve in response thereto; the effects of any federal government shutdown; the impact of bank failures or adverse developments at other banks, and any governmental or societal responses thereto; the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs and changes in the Company’s allowance for credit losses and provision for loan losses that may be impacted by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long-term interest rates, deposit interest rates, the Company’s net interest margin and funding sources; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes, land and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in the Company’s market areas; secondary market conditions for loans and the Company’s ability to originate loans for sale and sell loans in the secondary market; results of examinations of the Bank by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks (“WDFI”), and of the Company by the Federal Reserve, or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, require the Company to increase its allowance for credit losses, write-down assets, reclassify its assets, change the Bank’s regulatory capital position or affect the Company’s ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect its liquidity and earnings; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect the Company’s business including changes in banking, securities and tax law, and in regulatory policies and principles, or the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules; the Company’s ability to attract and retain deposits; the unexpected outflow of uninsured deposits that may require us to sell investment securities at a loss; the Company’s ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining fair value of certain of the Company’s assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risks associated with the loans on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect the Company’s workforce and potential associated charges; disruptions, security breaches or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in or attacks on our information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform several of our critical processing functions; the Company’s ability to retain key members of its senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; the Company’s ability to implement its business strategies; the Company's ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel it may acquire into its operations and the Company's ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames; future goodwill impairment due to changes in Riverview’s business, changes in market conditions, or other factors; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; the Company’s ability to pay dividends on its common stock; the quality and composition of our securities portfolio and the impact of and adverse changes in the securities markets, including market liquidity; inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting standards; the effects of climate change, severe weather events, natural disasters, pandemics, epidemics and other public health crises, acts of war or terrorism, and other external events on our business; and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, pricing, products and services, and the other risks described from time to time in our reports filed with and furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
The Company cautions readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Moreover, you should treat these statements as speaking only as of the date they are made and based only on information then actually known to the Company. The Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements included in this report or the reasons why actual results could differ from those contained in such statements, whether as a result of new information or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for fiscal 2024 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect the Company’s consolidated financial condition and consolidated results of operations as well as its stock price performance.
3
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND MARCH 31, 2023
December 31,
March 31,
(In thousands, except share and per share data) (Unaudited)
2023
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents (including interest earning deposits in other banks of $23,717 and $10,397)
$
37,553
22,044
Certificates of deposit held for investment
—
249
Investment securities:
Available for sale, at estimated fair value
196,461
211,499
Held to maturity, at amortized cost (estimated fair value of $200,475 and $210,214)
232,659
243,843
Loans receivable (net of allowance for credit losses of $15,361 and $15,309)
1,002,838
993,547
Prepaid expenses and other assets
14,486
15,950
Accrued interest receivable
5,248
4,790
Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock, at cost
8,026
6,867
Premises and equipment, net
22,270
20,119
Financing lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets
1,221
1,278
Deferred income taxes, net
10,033
10,286
Goodwill
27,076
Core deposit intangible ("CDI"), net
298
379
Bank owned life insurance ("BOLI")
32,454
31,785
TOTAL ASSETS
1,590,623
1,589,712
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
LIABILITIES:
Deposits
1,218,892
1,265,217
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
26,740
15,730
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
299
625
FHLB advances
157,054
123,754
Junior subordinated debentures
26,982
26,918
Finance lease liability
2,184
2,229
Total liabilities
1,432,151
1,434,473
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (See Note 13)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Serial preferred stock, $.01 par value; 250,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: none
Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized
December 31, 2023 – 21,111,043 shares issued and outstanding
211
212
March 31, 2023 – 21,221,960 shares issued and outstanding
Additional paid-in capital
54,982
55,511
Retained earnings
120,734
117,826
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(17,455)
(18,310)
Total shareholders' equity
158,472
155,239
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
Three Months Ended
Nine Months Ended
2022
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:
Interest and fees on loans receivable
11,645
11,531
34,288
33,496
Interest on investment securities – taxable
2,231
2,397
6,826
6,403
Interest on investment securities – nontaxable
65
66
196
197
Other interest and dividends
331
449
954
1,629
Total interest and dividend income
14,272
14,443
42,264
41,725
INTEREST EXPENSE:
Interest on deposits
2,059
289
5,264
897
Interest on borrowings
2,889
454
7,466
1,036
Total interest expense
4,948
743
12,730
1,933
Net interest income
9,324
13,700
29,534
39,792
Provision for credit losses
Net interest income after provision for credit losses
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
Fees and service charges
1,533
1,502
4,871
4,903
Asset management fees
1,266
1,137
3,920
3,459
BOLI
194
669
626
Other, net
46
130
288
235
Total non-interest income, net
3,056
2,963
9,748
9,223
NON-INTEREST EXPENSE:
Salaries and employee benefits
6,091
5,982
17,979
17,819
Occupancy and depreciation
1,698
1,536
4,930
4,600
Data processing
712
705
2,096
Amortization of CDI
27
29
81
87
Advertising and marketing
282
202
950
694
FDIC insurance premium
178
116
530
351
State and local taxes
355
225
814
634
Telecommunications
56
48
161
153
Professional fees
353
343
961
924
Other
799
662
2,116
1,975
Total non-interest expense
10,551
9,848
30,618
29,421
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
1,829
6,815
8,664
19,594
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES
377
1,575
1,897
4,508
NET INCOME
1,452
5,240
6,767
15,086
Earnings per common share:
Basic
0.07
0.24
0.32
0.69
Diluted
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
21,113,464
21,504,903
21,146,888
21,717,959
21,513,617
21,148,679
21,726,552
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands) (Unaudited)
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) from available for sale investment securities arising during the period, net of tax (expense) benefit of ($1,968), ($283), ($270) and $3,666, respectively
6,236
894
855
(11,607)
Total comprehensive income, net
7,688
6,134
7,622
3,479
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accumulated
Additional
Paid-In
Retained
Comprehensive
Common Stock
Capital
Earnings
Loss
Total
Shares
Amount
For the three months ended December 31, 2022
Balance October 1, 2022
21,507,132
214
57,233
112,167
(22,452)
147,162
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.06 per share)
(1,290)
Stock repurchased
(10,797)
(81)
Stock-based compensation expense
100
Other comprehensive income, net
Balance December 31, 2022
21,496,335
57,252
116,117
(21,558)
152,025
For the nine months ended December 31, 2022
Balance April 1, 2022
22,127,396
221
62,048
104,931
(9,951)
157,249
Cash dividends on common stock ($0.18 per share)
(3,900)
Exercise of stock options
1,511
(701,291)
(7)
(4,858)
(4,865)
Restricted stock grants and forfeited, net
68,719
292
Purchase of subsidiary shares from noncontrolling interest
(234)
Other comprehensive loss, net
For the three months ended December 31, 2023
Balance October 1, 2023
21,125,889
54,963
120,556
(23,691)
152,039
(1,274)
(14,846)
Stock-based compensation, net
19
Balance December 31, 2023
21,111,043
For the nine months ended December 31, 2023
Balance April 1, 2023
21,221,960
Adjustment to retained earnings, net of tax; adoption of ASU 2016-13
(53)
(3,806)
12,799
36
(109,162)
(1)
(576)
(577)
(14,554)
11
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2023 AND 2022
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
1,934
2,053
Purchased loans amortization (accretion), net
92
(43)
Increase (decrease) in deferred loan origination fees, net of amortization
326
(30)
Income from BOLI
(669)
(626)
Changes in certain other assets and liabilities:
1,577
(258)
(458)
(1,077)
11,041
(405)
Net cash provided by operating activities
20,621
14,992
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Loan (originations) repayments, net
(2,093)
22,333
Purchases of loans receivable
(7,658)
(48,330)
Principal repayments on investment securities available for sale
13,229
11,907
Purchases of investment securities available for sale
(73,303)
Proceeds from calls of investment securities available for sale
3,016
10
Principal repayments on investment securities held to maturity
10,867
14,033
Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
(8,496)
Purchases of premises and equipment and capitalized software
(3,812)
(4,449)
Redemption of certificates of deposits held for investment
Purchase of FHLB stock, net
(1,159)
Proceeds from sales of real estate owned ("REO") and premises and equipment
63
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
12,639
(87,522)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net decrease in deposits
(46,325)
(167,881)
Dividends paid
(3,814)
(3,827)
Proceeds from borrowings
465,480
38,514
Repayment of borrowings
(432,180)
(6,250)
Net decrease in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance
(326)
(212)
Principal payments on finance lease liability
(45)
(40)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
Repurchase of common stock
Net cash used in financing activities
(17,751)
(144,557)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
15,509
(217,087)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
241,424
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
24,337
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest
12,205
1,696
Income taxes
1,620
3,993
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Dividends declared and accrued in other liabilities
1,267
1,290
Net unrealized holding gains (losses) from available for sale investment securities
1,125
(15,273)
Income tax effect related to other comprehensive (income) loss
(270)
3,666
Adjustment to retained earnings, net of deferred tax; - adoption of ASU 2016-13
(Unaudited)
1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with instructions for Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all disclosures necessary for a complete presentation of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles” or “GAAP”). However, all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have been included. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.
The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Riverview Bancorp, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2023 (“2023 Form 10-K”). The unaudited consolidated results of operations for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results which may be expected for the entire fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation; such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or total shareholders’ equity.
2. PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Riverview Bancorp, Inc.; its wholly-owned subsidiary, Riverview Bank (the “Bank”); and the Bank’s wholly-owned subsidiaries, Riverview Services, Inc. and Riverview Trust Company (the “Trust Company”) (collectively referred to as the “Company”). All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
For the period from April 1, 2017 through December 2019, the Trust Company was a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. In December 2019, the Trust Company issued 1,500 shares of Trust Company stock in conjunction with the exercise of 1,500 Trust Company stock options by the Trust Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. In both October 2020 and May 2021, the Trust Company issued an additional 500 shares of Trust Company stock upon the exercise of options for 500 shares of Trust Company common stock by the Trust Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer. In August 2022, the Trust Company repurchased all the outstanding shares held by its noncontrolling interest owner. Upon repurchase, these shares were retired. This transaction resulted in the Bank’s ownership increasing from 97.3% to 100%. The book value of the noncontrolling interest was $234,000 prior to the share repurchase. These amounts were insignificant and are not presented separately in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.
3. STOCK PLANS AND STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Stock Option Plans - In July 2003, shareholders of the Company approved the adoption of the 2003 Stock Option Plan (“2003 Plan”). The 2003 Plan was effective in July 2003 and expired in July 2013. Accordingly, no further option awards may be granted under the 2003 Plan. Further, no options granted under the 2003 plan remain outstanding as of December 31, 2023, with all such awards having been either previously exercised or forfeited. Each option granted under the 2003 Plan had an exercise price equal to the fair value of the Company’s common stock on the date of the grant, a maximum term of ten years and a vesting period from zero to five years.
In July 2017, the shareholders of the Company approved the Riverview Bancorp, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (“2017 Plan”). The 2017 Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and
restricted stock units. The Company reserved 1,800,000 shares of its common stock for issuance under the 2017 Plan. At December 31, 2023, there were 1,532,003 shares available for grant under the 2017 Plan. The 2003 Plan and the 2017 Plan are collectively referred to as “the Stock Option Plans”.
The fair value of each stock option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes stock option valuation model. The fair value of all awards is amortized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods, which are generally the vesting periods. The expected life of options granted represents the period of time that they are expected to be outstanding. The expected life is determined based on historical experience with similar options, considering the contractual terms and vesting schedules. Expected volatility is estimated at the date of grant based on the historical volatility of the Company's common stock. Expected dividends are based on dividend trends and the market value of the Company's common stock at the time of grant. The risk-free interest rate for periods within the contractual life of the options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. There were no stock options granted under the 2017 Stock Option Plan during the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
As of December 31, 2023, all outstanding stock options were fully vested and there was no remaining unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options granted under the Stock Option Plans. There was no stock-based compensation expense related to stock options for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 under the Stock Option Plans.
The following table presents the activity related to stock options under the Stock Option Plans for the periods shown:
Nine Months Ended December 31,
Weighted
Average
Number of
Exercise
Price
Balance, beginning of period
14,310
2.78
17,332
Options exercised
(12,799)
(1,511)
Options expired
Balance, end of period
There were no stock options outstanding as of December 31, 2023. The following table presents information on stock options outstanding, less estimated forfeitures, as of December 31, 2022:
Stock options fully vested and expected to vest:
Number
Weighted average exercise price
Aggregate intrinsic value (1)
70,000
Weighted average contractual term of options (years)
0.54
Stock options fully vested and currently exercisable:
The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was $28,000 and $7,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, under the Stock Option Plans.
The Company may grant restricted stock pursuant to the 2017 Plan of which vesting can either be time based or performance based. Performance based awards are subject to attaining certain performance metrics and all, or a portion of, the performance based awards can subsequently be cancelled for not attaining the predetermined performance metrics. The fair value of restricted stock awards is equal to the fair value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The related stock-based compensation expense is recorded over the requisite service period. Stock-based compensation related to
restricted stock grants was $19,000 and $100,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, and $11,000 and $292,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decreased amount for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 resulted from restricted stock forfeited during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 totaling ($26,000) and ($238,000), respectively. The unrecognized stock-based compensation related to restricted stock was $267,000 and $539,000 at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The weighted average vesting period for the restricted stock was 1.51 years and 1.33 years at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
A summary of changes in nonvested restricted stock awards for the periods shown:
Time Based
Performance Based
of
Unvested
Grant Date
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2023
Fair Value
29,977
6.14
132,645
6.05
162,622
6.07
Granted
19,926
5.21
84,040
103,966
Forfeited
(19,006)
5.81
(99,514)
5.94
(118,520)
5.92
Vested
(15,118)
5.77
(53,774)
5.38
(68,892)
5.47
15,779
5.72
63,397
5.68
79,176
5.69
Nine Months Ended December 31, 2022
26,855
6.02
121,492
5.70
148,347
5.76
15,571
6.30
56,125
71,696
(2,977)
7.56
(12,449)
(41,995)
5.26
(54,444)
5.45
4. EARNINGS PER SHARE
Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income or loss applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, without considering any dilutive items. Nonvested shares of restricted stock are included in the computation of basic EPS because the holder has voting rights and shares in non-forfeitable dividends during the vesting period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income applicable to common stock by the weighted average number of common shares and common stock equivalents for items that are dilutive, net of shares assumed to be repurchased using the treasury stock method at the average share price for the Company’s common stock during the period. Common stock equivalents arise from the assumed exercise of outstanding stock options. For the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no stock options excluded in computing diluted EPS.
In November 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stock repurchase program (the “November 2022 repurchase program”). Under the November 2022 repurchase program, the Company was authorized to repurchase up to $2.5 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock, in the open market, based on prevailing market prices, or in privately negotiated transactions, over a period beginning on November 28, 2022 and continuing until the earlier of the completion of the authorized level of repurchases or May 28, 2023, depending upon market conditions. The Company completed the November 2022 repurchase program on May 5, 2023, repurchasing a total of 394,334 shares at an average cost of $6.34 per share for a total cost of $2.5 million. All shares repurchased under the November 2022 program were retired as of May 28, 2023.
The following table presents a reconciliation of the components used to compute basic and diluted EPS for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended December 31,
Basic EPS computation:
Numerator-net income
1,452,000
5,240,000
6,767,000
15,086,000
Denominator-weighted average common shares outstanding
Basic EPS
Diluted EPS computation:
Effect of dilutive stock options
8,714
1,791
8,593
Weighted average common shares and common stock equivalents
Diluted EPS
5. INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The amortized cost and approximate fair value of investment securities consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Gross
Estimated
Amortized
Unrealized
Fair
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
December 31, 2023
Available for sale:
Municipal securities
47,719
49
(7,461)
40,307
Agency securities
89,206
(5,214)
83,992
Real estate mortgage investment conduits (1)
32,021
(5,601)
26,420
Residential mortgage-backed securities (1)
14,191
(898)
13,296
Other mortgage-backed securities (2)
36,292
(3,850)
32,446
Total available for sale
219,429
(23,024)
Held to maturity:
10,326
(2,796)
7,530
54,077
(4,293)
49,784
32,538
(5,031)
27,507
115,213
(16,831)
98,382
Other mortgage-backed securities (3)
20,505
(3,233)
17,272
Total held to maturity
(32,184)
200,475
12
March 31, 2023
47,857
16
(7,612)
40,261
91,858
23
(5,974)
85,907
34,247
(5,370)
28,877
16,512
(1,041)
15,471
45,117
(4,138)
40,983
235,591
43
(24,135)
10,344
(2,859)
7,485
53,941
(5,091)
48,850
35,186
(4,769)
30,417
123,773
(17,542)
106,231
20,599
(3,368)
17,231
(33,629)
210,214
The contractual maturities of investment securities as of December 31, 2023 are as follows (in thousands):
Available for Sale
Held to Maturity
Due in one year or less
19,327
19,198
5,950
5,789
Due after one year through five years
81,420
76,498
42,356
39,510
Due after five years through ten years
43,231
37,703
23,380
19,618
Due after ten years
75,451
63,062
160,973
135,558
Expected maturities of investment securities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.
13
The fair value of temporarily impaired investment securities, the amount of unrealized losses and the length of time these unrealized losses existed are as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
448
37,463
(7,460)
37,911
5,819
(17)
78,173
(5,197)
12,872
846
(2)
31,260
(3,848)
32,106
7,113
(20)
186,188
(23,004)
193,301
6,277
(133)
32,797
(7,479)
39,074
43,451
(747)
36,646
(5,227)
80,097
2,693
(97)
26,184
(5,273)
3,449
(147)
12,022
(894)
13,876
(376)
26,619
(3,762)
40,495
69,746
(1,500)
134,268
(22,635)
204,014
8,413
(240)
40,437
(4,851)
2,580
(191)
27,837
(4,578)
2
106,229
10,995
(431)
199,219
(33,198)
Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”) on Available-for-Sale Debt Securities – Each reporting period, the Company assesses each available for sale debt security that is in an unrealized loss position to determine whether the decline in fair value below the amortized cost basis results from a credit loss or other factors. The Company did not record an ACL on available for sale debt securities at December 31, 2023 or upon adoption of ASU 2016-13 on April 1, 2023. As of both dates, the Company considered the unrealized losses across the classes of major security-type to be related to fluctuations in market conditions, primarily interest rates, and not reflective of a deterioration in credit value.
The Company expects the fair value of these securities to recover as the securities approach their maturity dates or sooner if market yields for such securities decline. The Company does not believe that these securities are other than temporarily impaired because of their credit quality or related to any issuer or industry specific event. The Company has the ability and intent to hold the investments until the fair value recovers. Based on management’s evaluation and intent, the unrealized losses related to the investment securities in the above tables are considered temporary.
14
ACL on Held to Maturity Debt Securities – The Company separately evaluates its held to maturity debt securities for any credit losses based on probability of default and loss given default utilizing historical industry data based on investment category. The probability of default and loss given default are incorporated into the present value of expected cash flows and compared against amortized cost. The Company did not record an ACL on held to maturity debt securities as the impact was insignificant.
The Company had no sales and realized no gains or losses on sales of investment securities for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. Investment securities available for sale with an amortized cost of $2.8 million and $3.2 million and an estimated fair value of $2.5 million and $2.9 million at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively, were pledged as collateral for government public funds held by the Bank. Investment securities held to maturity with an amortized cost of $11.4 million and $12.3 million and a fair value of $9.6 million and $10.4 million at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively, were pledged as collateral for government public funds held by the Bank.
6. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES FOR LOANS
Loans receivable are reported net of deferred loan fees and discounts, and inclusive of premiums. Deferred loan fees totaled $4.7 million and $4.4 million at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively. Loans receivable discounts and premiums totaled $1.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023, compared to $1.4 million and $2.1 million, respectively, at March 31, 2023. Loans receivable, excluding loans held for sale, consisted of the following at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Commercial and construction
Commercial business
229,249
232,868
Commercial real estate
573,075
564,496
Land
8,690
6,437
Multi-family
67,017
55,836
Real estate construction
42,167
47,762
Total commercial and construction
920,198
907,399
Consumer
Real estate one-to-four family
96,266
99,673
Other installment
1,735
1,784
Total consumer
98,001
101,457
Total loans
1,018,199
1,008,856
Less: ACL for loans (1)
15,361
15,309
Loans receivable, net
The Company considers its loan portfolio to have very little exposure to sub-prime mortgage loans since the Company has not historically engaged in this type of lending. At December 31, 2023, loans carried at $617.9 million were pledged as collateral to the FHLB of Des Moines and Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”) pursuant to borrowing agreements.
Substantially all the Company’s business activity is with customers located in the states of Washington and Oregon. Loans and extensions of credit outstanding at one time to one borrower are generally limited by federal regulation to 15% of the Bank’s shareholders’ equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, the Bank had no loans to any one borrower in excess of the regulatory limit.
15
Credit quality indicators: The Company monitors credit risk in its loan portfolio using a risk rating system (on a scale of one to nine) for all commercial (non-consumer) loans. The risk rating system is a measure of the credit risk of the borrower based on their historical, current and anticipated future financial characteristics. The Company assigns a risk rating to each commercial loan at origination and subsequently updates these ratings, as necessary, so that the risk rating continues to reflect the appropriate risk characteristics of the loan. Application of appropriate risk ratings is key to management of loan portfolio risk. In determining the appropriate risk rating, the Company considers the following factors: delinquency, payment history, quality of management, liquidity, leverage, earnings trends, alternative funding sources, geographic risk, industry risk, cash flow adequacy, account practices, asset protection and extraordinary risks. Consumer loans, including custom construction loans, are not assigned a risk rating but rather are grouped into homogeneous pools with similar risk characteristics. When a consumer loan is delinquent 90 days, it is placed on non-accrual status and assigned a substandard risk rating. Loss factors are assigned to each risk rating and homogeneous pool based on historical loss experience for similar loans. This historical loss experience is adjusted for qualitative factors that are likely to cause the estimated credit losses to differ from the Company’s historical loss experience. The Company uses these loss factors to estimate the general component of its allowance for credit losses.
Pass – These loans have a risk rating between 1 and 4 and are to borrowers that meet normal credit standards. Any deficiencies in satisfactory asset quality, liquidity, debt servicing capacity and coverage are offset by strengths in other areas. The borrower currently has the capacity to perform according to the loan terms. Any concerns about risk factors such as stability of margins, stability of cash flows, liquidity, dependence on a single product/supplier/customer, depth of management, etc. are offset by strengths in other areas. Typically, these loans are secured by the operating assets of the borrower and/or real estate. The borrower’s management is considered competent. The borrower has the ability to repay the debt in the normal course of business.
Watch – These loans have a risk rating of 5 and are included in the “pass” rating. However, there would typically be some reason for additional management oversight, such as the borrower’s recent financial setbacks and/or deteriorating financial position, industry concerns and failure to perform on other borrowing obligations. Loans with this rating are monitored closely in an effort to correct deficiencies.
Special mention – These loans have a risk rating of 6 and are rated in accordance with regulatory guidelines. These loans have potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or in the credit position at some future date. These loans pose elevated risk but their weakness does not yet justify a “substandard” classification.
Substandard – These loans have a risk rating of 7 and are rated in accordance with regulatory guidelines, for which the accrual of interest may or may not be discontinued. Under regulatory guidelines, a “substandard” loan has defined weaknesses which make payment default or principal exposure likely but not yet certain. Repayment of such loans is likely to be dependent upon collateral liquidation, a secondary source of repayment, or an event outside of the normal course of business.
Doubtful – These loans have a risk rating of 8 and are rated in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Such loans are placed on non-accrual status and repayment may be dependent upon collateral which has value that is difficult to determine or upon some near-term event which lacks certainty.
Loss – These loans have a risk rating of 9 and are rated in accordance with regulatory guidelines. Such loans are charged-off or charged-down when payment is acknowledged to be uncertain or when the timing or value of payments cannot be determined. “Loss” is not intended to imply that the loan or some portion of it will never be paid, nor does it in any way imply that there has been a forgiveness of debt.
The following table sets forth the Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2023 by risk attribute and year of origination as well as current period gross charge-offs:
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Fiscal Year
Revolving
Loans
2024
2021
2020
Prior
Receivable
Risk rating
Pass
10,078
63,586
87,431
30,264
17,299
13,038
3,131
224,827
Special Mention
251
773
552
286
2,497
4,359
Substandard
Total commercial business
63,837
88,204
17,851
13,387
5,628
Current YTD gross write-offs
24,867
60,034
148,293
90,346
53,902
163,891
541,333
3,780
903
26,975
31,658
84
Total commercial real estate
63,814
149,196
190,950
3,501
2,361
98
1,809
110
8,333
357
Total land
2,718
684
17,150
32,221
5,066
8,965
2,834
66,920
35
32
67
30
Total multi-family
9,000
2,896
17
12,805
17,536
11,056
41,397
770
Total real estate construction
13,575
61,048
4,194
4,411
15,145
11,430
96,228
38
Total real estate one-to-four family
15,183
311
612
223
86
34
18
451
Total other installment
Total loans receivable, gross
52,246
161,279
340,370
131,765
84,721
195,380
15,012
980,773
4,388
1,676
587
27,293
37,211
215
53,016
165,667
342,046
85,308
222,888
17,509
Total current YTD gross write-offs
ACL on Loans - The Company adopted the new accounting standard for the ACL, commonly referred to as the current expected credit losses or CECL methodology, as of April 1, 2023. All disclosures as of and for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 are presented in accordance with the new accounting standard. The comparative financial periods prior to the adoption of this new accounting standard are presented and disclosed under previously applicable GAAP’s incurred loss methodology, which is not directly comparable to the recently adopted CECL methodology. For further information regarding the ACL, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. As a result of implementing this new accounting standard, there was a one-time adjustment to the fiscal year 2024 opening ACL balance of $42,000. The Company elected not to measure an ACL for accrued interest receivable on loans and instead elected to reverse interest income on loans or securities that are placed on nonaccrual status, which is generally when the instrument is 90 days past due, or earlier if the Company believes the collection of interest is doubtful. The Company has concluded that this policy results in the timely reversal of uncollectible interest.
The ACL for loans is an estimate of the expected credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. The ACL for loans is evaluated and calculated on a collective basis for those loans which share similar risk characteristics and whether it needs to evaluate the allowance on an individual loan basis. The Company estimates the expected credit losses over the loans’ contractual terms, adjusted for expected prepayments. The ACL for loans is calculated for loan segments utilizing loan level information and relevant information from internal and external sources related to past events and current conditions. In addition, the Company incorporates a reasonable and supportable forecast. The individual component relates to loans that are considered impaired. For loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows or collateral value (less estimated selling costs, if applicable) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.
When available information confirms that specific loans or portions thereof are uncollectible, identified amounts are charged against the allowance for credit losses. The existence of some or all of the following criteria will generally confirm that a loss has been incurred: the loan is significantly delinquent and the borrower has not demonstrated the ability or intent to bring the loan current; the Company has no recourse to the borrower, or if it does, the borrower has insufficient assets to pay the debt; and/or the estimated fair value of the loan collateral is significantly below the current loan balance, and there is little or no near-term prospect for improvement.
Management’s evaluation of the ACL for loans is based on ongoing, quarterly assessments of the known and inherent risks in the loan portfolio. Loss factors are based on the Company’s historical loss experience with additional consideration and adjustments made for changes in economic conditions, changes in the amount and composition of the loan portfolio, delinquency rates, changes in collateral values, seasoning of the loan portfolio, duration of the current business cycle, a detailed analysis of impaired loans and other factors as deemed appropriate. These factors are evaluated on a quarterly basis. Loss rates used by the Company are affected as changes in these factors increase or decrease from quarter to quarter. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Company’s ACL for loans and may require the Company to make additions to the ACL for loans based on their judgment about information available to them at the time of their examinations.
The following tables detail activity in the ACL for loans at or for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 under the CECL methodology, and in the allowance for loan losses under the incurred loss methodology for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022, by loan category (in thousands):
Three months ended
Commercial
Multi-
Real Estate
Business
Family
Construction
Unallocated
Beginning balance
5,339
7,138
112
293
860
1,604
15,346
Provision for (recapture of) credit losses
(74)
141
45
41
(129)
(24)
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Ending balance
5,265
7,279
157
334
731
1,595
Nine months ended
3,123
8,894
93
798
764
1,127
510
Impact of adopting CECL (ASU 2016-13)
1,884
(1,494)
40
(492)
131
483
(510)
42
258
(121)
24
28
(164)
(25)
(13)
December 31, 2022
2,789
8,230
124
856
638
1,225
690
14,552
Provision for (recapture of) loan losses
101
(254)
(26)
(41)
206
(42)
2,890
7,976
815
844
1,189
746
14,558
2,422
9,037
168
845
393
943
715
14,523
468
(1,061)
(70)
31
(16)
20
The following table presents an analysis of loans receivable and the allowance for loan losses, based on impairment methodology as of March 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Allowance for Loan Losses
Recorded Investment in Loans
Individually
Collectively
Evaluated
for
Impairment
79
232,789
564,396
1,121
450
101,007
15,303
629
1,008,227
Non-accrual loans: Loans are reviewed regularly and it is the Company’s general policy that a loan is past due when it is 30 to 89 days delinquent. In general, when a loan is 90 days delinquent or when collection of principal or interest appears doubtful, it is placed on non-accrual status, at which time the accrual of interest ceases and a reserve for unrecoverable accrued interest is established and charged against operations. As a general practice, payments received on non-accrual loans are applied to reduce the outstanding principal balance on a cost recovery method. Also, as a general practice, a loan is not removed from non-accrual status until all delinquent principal, interest and late fees have been brought current and the borrower has demonstrated a history of performance based upon the contractual terms of the note. A history of repayment performance generally would be a minimum of six months. Interest income foregone on non-accrual loans was $8,000 and $10,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
The following tables present an analysis of loans by aging category at the dates indicated (in thousands):
90 Days
Past
and
Due and
30-89 Days
Greater
Non-
Past Due
Non-accrual
accrual
Current
3,896
3,959
225,290
821
85
906
572,169
97,950
4,730
186
4,916
1,013,283
1,967
1,569
97
3,633
229,235
101,360
1,978
283
3,830
1,005,026
21
Included in the 30-89 days past due loans at December 31, 2023 are $1.4 million of fully guaranteed SBA or United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) loans. These government guaranteed loans are classified as pass rated loans and are not considered to be either nonaccrual, classified or impaired loans because based on the guarantee, the Company expects to receive all principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement and there are no well-defined weaknesses or risk of loss. As a result, these loans were omitted from the required calculation of the ACL for loans. Interest income foregone on non-accrual loans was $8,000 and $14,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended March 31, 2023, respectively. For additional information, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023 – Asset Quality, discussed below.
The following table presents an analysis of loans by credit quality indicators as of March 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Special
Mention
Doubtful
231,384
1,367
117
544,426
17,626
2,444
55,694
142
101,371
987,074
19,135
2,647
Impaired loans and Allowance for Loan Losses: Prior to the implementation of Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASU 2016-13) on April 1, 2023, a loan was considered impaired when based on current information and circumstances, the Company determines it was probable that it would be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, including scheduled interest payments. Factors considered in determining impairment included, but were not limited to, the financial condition of the borrower, the value of the underlying collateral and the status of the economy. Prior to the implementation of ASU 2016-13, impaired loans were comprised of troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) loans that were performing under their restructured terms. Two of the impaired loans were on non-accrual status.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had $148,000 of non-accrual loans with no ACL and $38,000 of non-accrual loans with an ACL of $1,000. The amortized cost of collateral dependent loans as of December 31, 2023, were $63,000 and $85,000 for commercial business and commercial real estate, respectively.
The following tables present the total and average recorded investment in impaired loans at the dates and for the periods indicated (in thousands):
Recorded
Investment
with
Related
No Specific
Specific
Unpaid
Valuation
Principal
Allowance
Balance
127
162
95
442
534
22
Recognized
on
Impaired
109
114
471
481
667
687
The cash basis interest income on impaired loans was not materially different than the interest recognized on impaired loans as shown in the above table.
Troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”): On April 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASU 2016-13). The ASU eliminated the accounting guidance for TDR loans for creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors when a borrower experiences financial difficulty. No loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty were modified in the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2022, all TDR loans were paying as agreed. There were no new TDRs for the nine months ended December 31, 2022.
In accordance with the Company’s policy guidelines, unsecured loans are generally charged-off when no payments have been received for three consecutive months unless an alternative action plan is in effect. Consumer installment loans delinquent nine months or more that have not received at least 75% of their required monthly payment in the last 90 days are charged-off. In addition, loans discharged in bankruptcy proceedings are charged-off. Loans under bankruptcy protection with no payments received for four consecutive months are charged-off. The outstanding balance of a secured loan that is in excess of the net realizable value is generally charged-off if no payments are received for four to five consecutive months. However, charge-offs are postponed if alternative proposals to restructure, obtain additional guarantors, obtain additional assets as collateral or a potential sale of the underlying collateral would result in full repayment of the outstanding loan balance. Once any other potential sources of repayment are exhausted, the impaired portion of the loan is charged-off. Regardless of whether a loan is unsecured or collateralized, once an amount is determined to be a confirmed loan loss it is promptly charged off.
7. GOODWILL
Goodwill and certain other intangibles generally arise from business combinations accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. Goodwill and other intangibles deemed to have indefinite lives generated from business combinations are not subject to amortization and are instead tested for impairment not less than annually. The Company has two reporting units, the Bank and the Trust Company, for purposes of evaluating goodwill for impairment. All the Company’s goodwill has been allocated to the Bank reporting unit.
The Company performed an impairment assessment as of October 31, 2023 and determined that no impairment of goodwill exists. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. The first step is a comparison of the reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. If the reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, the Company would be required to progress to the second step. In the second step, the Company calculates the implied fair value of goodwill and compares the implied fair value of goodwill to the carrying amount of goodwill in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. If the carrying amount of the goodwill is greater than the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss must be recognized in an amount equal to that excess. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in the same manner as goodwill recognized in a business combination. The results of the Company’s step one test indicated that the reporting unit’s fair value was greater than its carrying value, and, therefore, a step two analysis was not required; however, no assurance can be given that the Company’s goodwill will not be written down in future periods. The Company completed a qualitative assessment of goodwill as of December 31, 2023, and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Bank (the reporting unit), exceeds its carrying value at that date.
8. FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK ADVANCES
FHLB advances are summarized at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
Weighted average interest rate on FHLB advances (1)
5.37
%
4.88
(1) Computed based on the borrowing activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, respectively.
The Bank has a credit line with the FHLB equal to 45% of total assets, limited by available collateral. At December 31, 2023, based on collateral values, the Bank had additional borrowing capacity of $137.8 million from the FHLB. FHLB advances are collateralized with loans secured by real estate. At December 31, 2023, loans carried at $492.7 million were pledged as collateral to the FHLB.
9. JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBENTURES
The Company has wholly-owned subsidiary grantor trusts that were established for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities and common securities. The trust preferred securities accrue and pay distributions periodically at specified annual rates as provided in each trust agreement. The trusts used the net proceeds from each of the offerings to purchase a like amount of junior subordinated debentures (the “Debentures”) of the Company. The Debentures are the sole assets of the trusts. The Company’s obligations under the Debentures and related documents, taken together, constitute a full and unconditional guarantee by the Company of the obligations of the trusts. The trust preferred securities are mandatorily redeemable upon maturity of the Debentures or upon earlier redemption as provided in the indentures. The Company has the right to redeem the Debentures in whole or in part on or after specific dates, at a redemption price specified in the indentures governing the Debentures plus any accrued but unpaid interest to the redemption date. The Company also has the right to defer the payment of interest on each of the Debentures for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters, provided that the deferral period does not extend beyond the stated maturity. During such deferral period, distributions on the corresponding trust preferred securities will also be deferred and the Company may not pay cash dividends to the holders of shares of the Company’s common stock.
The Debentures issued by the Company to the grantor trusts, which totaled $27.0 million and $26.9 million at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively, are reported as “junior subordinated debentures” in the consolidated balance sheets. The common securities issued by the grantor trusts were purchased by the Company, and the Company’s investment in the common securities of $836,000 at both December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, is included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company records interest expense on the Debentures in the consolidated statements of income.
The following table is a summary of the terms and the amounts outstanding of the Debentures at December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):
Issuance Trust
Issuance Date
Amount Outstanding
Rate Type
Initial Rate
Current Rate
Maturity Date
Riverview Bancorp Statutory Trust I
12/2005
7,217
Variable
5.88
7.01
3/2036
Riverview Bancorp Statutory Trust II
06/2007
15,464
7.03
7.00
9/2037
Merchants Bancorp Statutory Trust I (4)
06/2003
5,155
(3)
4.16
8.72
6/2033
27,836
Fair value adjustment (4)
(854)
Total Debentures
10. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
Fair value is defined under GAAP as 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. GAAP requires that valuation techniques maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. GAAP also establishes a fair value hierarchy which prioritizes the valuation inputs into three broad levels. Based on the underlying inputs, each fair value measurement in its entirety is reported in one of three levels. These levels are:
Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1): Inputs that are quoted unadjusted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. An active market is a market in which transactions for the asset or liability occur with sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Other observable inputs (Level 2): Inputs that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets and inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3): Inputs that reflect the reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.
Financial instruments are presented in the tables that follow by recurring or nonrecurring measurement status. Recurring assets are initially measured at fair value and are required to be remeasured at fair value in the consolidated financial statements at each reporting date. Assets measured on a nonrecurring basis are assets that, as a result of an event or circumstance, were required to be remeasured at fair value after initial recognition in the consolidated financial statements at some time during the reporting period.
The following tables present assets that are measured at estimated fair value on a recurring basis at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Total Estimated
Estimated Fair Value Measurements Using
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Investment securities available for sale:
Real estate mortgage investment conduits
Residential mortgage-backed securities
Other mortgage-backed securities
Total assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
25
There were no transfers of assets into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 for both the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and the year ended March 31, 2023.
The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments above:
Investment securities are included within Level 1 of the hierarchy when quoted prices in an active market for identical assets are available. The Company uses a third-party pricing service to assist the Company in determining the fair value of its Level 2 securities, which incorporates pricing models and/or quoted prices of investment securities with similar characteristics. Investment securities are included within Level 3 of the hierarchy when there are significant unobservable inputs.
For Level 2 securities, the independent pricing service provides pricing information by utilizing evaluated pricing models supported with market data information. Standard inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data from market research publications. The Company’s third-party pricing service has established processes for the Company to submit inquiries regarding the estimated fair value. In such cases, the Company’s third-party pricing service will review the inputs to the evaluation in light of any new market data presented by the Company. The Company’s third-party pricing service may then affirm the original estimated fair value or may update the evaluation on a go-forward basis.
Management reviews the pricing information received from the third-party pricing service through a combination of procedures that include an evaluation of methodologies used by the pricing service, analytical reviews and performance analysis of the prices against statistics and trends. Based on this review, management determines whether the current placement of the security in the fair value hierarchy is appropriate or whether transfers may be warranted. As necessary, management compares prices received from the pricing service to discounted cash flow models or by performing independent valuations of inputs and assumptions similar to those used by the pricing service in order to help ensure prices represent a reasonable estimate of fair value.
The following tables present assets that are measured at estimated fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Estimated Fair Value
Measurements Using
Impaired loans
89
The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 inputs for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2023:
Significant Unobservable
Technique
Inputs
Range
Appraised value
Adjustment for market conditions
N/A (1)
Discounted cash flows
Discount rate
5.375%
For information regarding the Company’s method for estimating the fair value of impaired loans, see “Note 6 – Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses.”
In determining the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral, the Company primarily uses third-party appraisals which may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available and include consideration of variations in location, size, and income production capacity of the property. Additionally, the appraisals are periodically further adjusted by the Company in consideration of charges that may be incurred in the event of foreclosure and are based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in business factors and changes in market conditions.
26
Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated quarterly for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly based on the same factors identified above. Because of the high degree of judgment required in estimating the fair value of collateral underlying impaired loans and because of the relationship between fair value and general economic conditions, the Company considers the fair value of impaired loans to be highly sensitive to changes in market conditions.
The following disclosure of the estimated fair value of financial instruments is made in accordance with GAAP. The Company, using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies, has determined the estimated fair value amounts. However, considerable judgment is necessary to interpret market data in the development of the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could realize in the future. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments is as follows at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Carrying
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Investment securities available for sale
Investment securities held to maturity
940,461
FHLB stock
Liabilities:
Certificates of deposit
170,491
168,101
156,960
18,989
248
931,784
128,833
126,072
123,679
17,698
Fair value estimates were based on existing financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business. The fair value was not estimated for assets and liabilities that were not considered financial instruments.
11. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) as amended by ASU 2018-19, ASU 2019-04 and ASU 2019-05, was originally issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) in June 2016. This ASU replaces the incurred loss methodology that delays recognition until it is probable a loss has been incurred with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as the CECL methodology. The amendments in this ASU require a financial asset that is measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The income statement would then reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets as well as changes to the expected credit losses that have taken place during the reporting period. The measurement of
expected credit losses will be based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that impact the collectability of the reported amount. Available-for-sale securities will bifurcate the fair value mark and establish an ACL for available-for-sale securities through the income statement for the credit portion of that mark. The adoption of CECL had an insignificant impact on the Company’s held to maturity and available for sale securities portfolios. The interest portion will continue to be recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. The change in the ACL recognized as a result of adoption will occur through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the ASU is adopted. This ASU is effective for smaller reporting companies, such as the Company, for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2019-05 issued in April 2019 further provides that entities that have certain financial instruments measured at amortized cost that has credit losses, to irrevocably elect the fair value option in Subtopic 825-10, upon adoption of ASU 2016-13. The fair value option applies to available-for-sale debt securities. This ASU is effective upon adoption of ASU 2016-13, and should be applied on a modified-retrospective basis as a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the statement of financial condition as of the adoption date. On April 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2016-13, which resulted in a net of tax charge of $53,000 to retained earnings, a $42,000 increase to ACL for loans, and a $28,000 increase to ACL for credit losses on unfunded commitments for the cumulative effect of adopting this guidance.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. This ASU eliminates the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. Additionally, the ASU requires public business entities to disclose current-period gross write offs by year of origination for financial receivables and net investments in leases. This ASU is effective upon adoption of ASU 2016-13. On April 1, 2023, the Company adopted this ASU at the same time ASU 2016-13 was adopted. The Company had no loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the nine months ended December 31, 2023. The Company had $13,000 in write offs and $23,000 in recoveries from other installment loans for the nine months ended December 31, 2023.
12. REVENUE FROM CONTRACTS WITH CUSTOMERS
In accordance with ASC Topic 606 “Revenues from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”), revenues are recognized when goods or services are transferred to the customer in exchange for the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive. The largest portion of the Company’s revenue is from interest income, which is not within the scope of ASC 606. All the Company’s revenue from contracts with customers within the scope of ASC 606 is recognized in non-interest income except for gains on sales of REO and premises and equipment, which are included in non-interest expense.
If a contract is determined to be within the scope of ASC 606, the Company recognizes revenue as it satisfies a performance obligation. Payments from customers are generally collected at the time services are rendered, monthly, or quarterly. For contracts with customers within the scope of ASC 606, revenue is either earned at a point in time or revenue is earned over time. Examples of revenue earned at a point in time are automated teller machine (“ATM”) transaction fees, wire transfer fees, overdraft fees and interchange fees. Revenue earned at a point in time is primarily based on the number and type of transactions that are generally derived from transactional information accumulated by the Company’s systems and is recognized immediately as the transactions occur or upon providing the service to complete the customer’s transaction. The Company is generally the principal in these contracts, except for interchange fees, in which case the Company is acting as the agent and records revenue net of expenses paid to the principal. Examples of revenue earned over time, which generally occur monthly, are deposit account maintenance fees, investment advisory fees, merchant revenue, trust and investment management fees and safe deposit box fees. Revenue is generally derived from transactional information accumulated by the Company’s systems or those of third-parties and is recognized as the related transactions occur or services are rendered to the customer. For the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, substantially all the Company’s revenues within the scope of ASC 606 are for performance obligations satisfied at a point in time.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The following table includes the Company’s non-interest income, net disaggregated by type of service for the periods shown (in thousands):
Debit card and ATM fees
808
803
2,500
2,598
Deposit related fees
465
427
1,374
1,304
Loan related fees
99
422
BOLI (1)
FHLMC loan servicing fees (1)
64
55
290
750
759
Revenues recognized within scope of ASC 606
Asset management fees: Asset management fees are variable, since they are based on the underlying portfolio value, which is subject to market conditions and amounts invested by clients through the Trust Company. Asset management fees are recognized over the period that services are provided, and when the portfolio values are known or can be estimated at the end of each quarter.
Debit card and ATM fees: Debit and ATM interchange income represents fees earned when a debit card issued by the Bank is used. The Bank earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions through the MasterCard® payment network. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized daily, concurrently with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are earned when the cost of the transaction is charged to the cardholders’ debit card. Certain expenses directly associated with the debit cards are recorded on a net basis with the interchange income.
Deposit related fees: Fees are earned on the Bank’s deposit accounts for various products offered to or services performed for the Bank’s customers. Fees include business account fees, non-sufficient fund fees, stop payment fees, wire services, safe deposit box and others. These fees are recognized on a daily, monthly or quarterly basis, depending on the type of service.
Loan related fees: Non-interest loan fee income is earned on loans that the Bank services, excluding loans serviced for the FHLMC which are not within the scope of ASC 606. Loan related fees include prepayment fees, late charges, brokered loan fees, maintenance fees and others. These fees are recognized on a daily, monthly, quarterly or annual basis, depending on the type of service.
Other: Fees earned on other services, such as merchant services or occasional non-recurring type services, are recognized at the time of the event or the applicable billing cycle.
Contract Balances
As of December 31, 2023, the Company had no significant contract liabilities where the Company had an obligation to transfer goods or services for which the Company had already received consideration. In addition, the Company had no material unsatisfied performance obligations as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Off-balance sheet arrangements – In the normal course of business, the Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in order to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments generally include
commitments to originate mortgage, commercial and consumer loans, and involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The Company’s maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the borrower is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Commitments to originate loans are conditional and are honored for up to 45 days subject to the Company’s usual terms and conditions. Collateral is not required to support commitments.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third-party. These guarantees are primarily used to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. Collateral held varies and is required in instances where the Company deems it necessary.
Significant off-balance sheet commitments at December 31, 2023 are listed below (in thousands):
Contract or Notional
Commitments to extend credit:
Adjustable-rate
9,837
Fixed-rate
Standby letters of credit
1,600
Undisbursed loan funds and unused lines of credit
161,703
173,192
Other contractual obligations – In connection with certain asset sales, the Company typically makes representations and warranties about the underlying assets conforming to specified guidelines. If the underlying assets do not conform to the specifications, the Company may have an obligation to repurchase the assets or indemnify the purchaser against loss. At December 31, 2023, loans under warranty totaled $32.7 million, which substantially represents the unpaid principal balance of the Company’s loans serviced for the FHLMC. The Company believes that the potential for loss under these arrangements is remote. At December 31, 2023, the Company had an ACL for FHLMC loans of $12,000.
The Bank is a public depository and, accordingly, accepts deposit and other public funds belonging to, or held for the benefit of, Washington and Oregon states, political subdivisions thereof, and municipal corporations. In accordance with applicable state law, in the event of default of a participating bank, all other participating banks in the state collectively assure that no loss of funds are suffered by any public depositor. Generally, in the event of default by a public depository, the assessment attributable to all public depositories is allocated on a pro rata basis in proportion to the maximum liability of each depository as it existed on the date of loss. The Company did not incur any losses related to public depository funds for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
The Bank has entered into employment contracts with certain key employees, which provide for contingent payments subject to future events.
Litigation – The Company is periodically party to litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, some of which involve claims for substantial or uncertain amounts. At least quarterly, we assess liabilities and contingencies in connection with all outstanding or new legal matters, utilizing the most recent information available. For matters where a loss is not probable, or the amount of the loss cannot be estimated, no accrual is established. If we determine that a loss from a matter is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, we will establish an accrual for the loss. Once established, an accrual is adjusted as appropriate to reflect any subsequent developments in the specific legal matter. It is inherently difficult to estimate the amount of loss and there may be matters for which a loss is probable or reasonably possible but not currently estimable. Actual losses may be in excess of any established accrual or the range of reasonably possible loss. Management’s estimate will change from time to time.
The Company is currently involved in a lawsuit for which certain parties participated in a mediation in May 2023 and a stay of proceedings is in place to allow for continued settlement efforts. Based on the most recent information available,
management has concluded that a loss is not probable at this time and the amount of any potential loss cannot be reasonably estimated. Accordingly, no accrual has been established.
Any estimate or determination relating to the future resolution of legal matters is uncertain and involves significant judgment. We usually are unable to determine whether a favorable or unfavorable outcome is remote, reasonably likely, or probable, or to estimate the amount or range of a probable or reasonably likely loss, until relatively late in the process. Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate outcome of a specific legal matter, we believe we have meritorious defenses to the claims asserted against us in the current outstanding legal matter, and we intend to continue to vigorously defend ourselves. It is possible that the ultimate resolution of a matter, if unfavorable, may be material to the Company’s results of operations for any particular period.
14. LEASES
The Company has a finance lease for the shell of the building constructed as the Company’s operations center which expires in November 2039. The Company is also obligated under various noncancelable operating lease agreements for land, buildings and equipment that require future minimum rental payments. For each operating lease with an initial term of more than 12 months, the Company records an operating lease right-of-use (“ROU”) asset (representing the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term) and an operating lease liability (representing the obligation to make lease payments required under the terms of the lease). Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The Company uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate – derived from information available at the lease commencement date – as the discount rate when determining the present value of lease payments. The Company does not have any operating leases with an initial term of 12 months or less. Certain operating leases contain various provisions for increases in rental rates, based either on changes in the published Consumer Price Index or a predetermined escalation schedule. Certain operating leases provide the Company with the option to extend the lease term one or more times following expiration of the initial term. Lease extensions are not reasonably certain and the Company generally does not include payments occurring during option periods in the calculation of its operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities.
The table below presents the ROU assets and lease liabilities recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Classification in the
Leases
consolidated balance sheets
Finance lease ROU assets
Financing lease ROU assets
Finance lease remaining lease term
15.93
years
16.68
Finance lease discount rate
7.16
Operating lease ROU assets
5,788
6,705
Operating lease liabilities
6,105
7,064
Operating lease weighted-average remaining lease term
5.53
6.15
Operating lease weighted-average discount rate
1.75
1.78
The table below presents certain information related to the lease costs for operating leases, which are recorded in occupancy and depreciation in the accompanying consolidated statements of income at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Lease Costs
Finance lease amortization of right-of-use asset
Finance lease interest on lease liability
39
Operating lease costs
Variable lease costs
Total lease cost (1)
395
396
Finance lease amortization of ROU asset
58
119
122
849
1,183
1,186
Supplemental cash flow information - Operating cash flows paid for operating lease amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities was $343,000 and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $338,000 and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022, respectively. During the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not record any operating lease ROU assets that were exchanged for operating lease liabilities.
The following table reconciles the undiscounted cash flows for the periods presented related to the Company’s lease liabilities as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Fiscal Year Ending March 31:
Operating
Finance
Lease
Remainder of Fiscal 2024
345
2025
1,375
222
2026
226
2027
1,116
230
2028
899
232
Thereafter
1,631
2,711
Total minimum lease payments
6,491
3,677
Less: amount of lease payments representing interest
(386)
(1,493)
Lease liabilities
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This report contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). These measures include net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis. Management uses these non-GAAP measures in its analysis of the Company’s performance. The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income and net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis, and accordingly believes that providing these measures may be useful for peer comparison purposes. These disclosures should not be viewed as substitutes for the results determined to be in accordance with GAAP, nor are they necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Critical accounting policies and estimates are discussed in our 2023 Form 10-K under Part II. Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical Accounting Estimates” and Part II. Item 8, “Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.” That discussion highlights estimates that the Company makes that involve uncertainty or potential for substantial change. There have not been any material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates as compared to the disclosures contained in the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K.
Executive Overview
As a progressive, community-oriented financial services business, the Company emphasizes local, personal service to residents of its primary market area. The Company considers Clark, Klickitat and Skamania counties of Washington, and Multnomah, Washington and Marion counties of Oregon as its primary market area. The Company is engaged predominantly in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and using such funds in its primary market area to originate commercial business, commercial real estate, multi-family real estate, land, real estate construction, residential real estate and other consumer loans. Additionally, the Company, from time to time, will purchase commercial business loans as a way to supplement loan originations and diversify the commercial loan portfolio. These loans are originated by a third-party located outside the Company’s primary market area. The Company also purchases the guaranteed portion of Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans to help loan portfolio diversification, supplement loan originations and generate a higher yield than overnight cash investments or short-term investments. These SBA loans are originated through another financial institution located outside the Company’s primary market area and are purchased with servicing retained by the seller. The Company’s loans receivable, net, totaled $1.0 billion at December 31, 2023 compared to $993.5 million at March 31, 2023.
The Bank's subsidiary, Riverview Trust Company (the “Trust Company”), is a trust and financial services company with one office located in downtown Vancouver, Washington and one office in Lake Oswego, Oregon. The Trust Company provides full-service brokerage activities, trust and asset management services. The Bank’s Business and Professional Banking Division, with two lending offices in Vancouver and one in Portland, offers commercial and business banking services.
The Company’s strategic plan includes targeting the commercial banking customer base in its primary market area for loan originations and deposit growth, specifically small and medium size businesses, professionals and wealth building individuals. In pursuit of these goals, the Company will seek to increase the loan portfolio consistent with its strategic plan and asset/liability and regulatory capital objectives, which includes maintaining a significant amount of commercial business and commercial real estate loans in its loan portfolio. Significant portions of recent loan originations are concentrated in commercial business and commercial real estate loans which carry adjustable rates, higher yields and shorter terms and higher credit risk than traditional fixed-rate consumer real estate one-to-four family mortgages.
The strategic plan also stresses increased emphasis on non-interest income, including increased fees for asset management services through the Trust Company and deposit service charges. The strategic plan is designed to enhance earnings, reduce interest rate risk and provide a more complete range of financial services to customers and the local communities the
Company serves. We believe we are well positioned to attract new customers and to increase our market share through our 17 branches, including, among others, ten in Clark County, three in the Portland metropolitan area and three lending centers.
Vancouver is located in Clark County, Washington, which is just north of Portland, Oregon. Many businesses are located in the Vancouver area because of the favorable tax structure and lower energy costs in Washington as compared to Oregon. Companies located in the Vancouver area include: Sharp Microelectronics, Hewlett Packard, Georgia Pacific, Underwriters Laboratory, WaferTech, Nautilus, Barrett Business Services, PeaceHealth and Banfield Pet Hospitals, as well as several support industries. In addition to this industry base, the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area and the Portland metropolitan area are sources of tourism.
Operating Strategy
Fiscal year 2024 marks the 100th anniversary since the Bank began operations in 1923. The primary business strategy of the Company is to provide comprehensive banking and related financial services within its primary market area. Since 1998, the Company has been focusing on the expansion of its commercial and real estate construction loan portfolios. At December 31, 2023, commercial and real estate construction loans represented 90.4% of total loans compared to 89.9% at March 31, 2023. Commercial lending, including commercial real estate loans, typically has higher credit risk, greater interest margins and shorter terms than residential lending which can increase the loan portfolio's profitability.
The Company’s goal is to deliver returns to shareholders by increasing higher-yielding assets (in particular, commercial real estate and commercial business loans), increasing core deposit balances, managing problem assets, reducing expenses, hiring experienced employees with a commercial lending focus and exploring expansion opportunities. The Company seeks to achieve these results by focusing on the following objectives.
Execution of our Business Plan. The Company is focused on increasing its loan portfolio, especially higher yielding commercial and real estate construction loans, and its core deposits by expanding its customer base throughout its primary market areas. By emphasizing total relationship banking, the Company intends to deepen the relationships with its customers and increase individual customer profitability through cross-marketing programs, which allows the Company to better identify lending opportunities and services for customers. To build its core deposit base, the Company will continue to utilize additional product offerings, technology and a focus on customer service in working toward this goal. The Company will also continue to seek to expand its franchise through de novo branches, the selective acquisition of individual branches, loan purchases and whole bank transactions that meet its investment and market objectives.
Maintaining Strong Asset Quality. The Company believes that strong asset quality is a key to long-term financial success. The Company has actively managed delinquent loans and nonperforming assets by aggressively pursuing the collection of consumer debts, marketing saleable properties upon foreclosure or repossession, and through work-outs of classified assets and loan charge-offs. The Company’s approach to credit management uses well defined policies and procedures and disciplined underwriting criteria resulting in our strong asset quality and credit metrics. Although the Company intends to prudently increase the percentage of its assets consisting of higher-yielding commercial real estate, real estate construction and commercial business loans, which offer higher risk-adjusted returns, shorter maturities and more sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations, the Company intends to manage credit exposure using experienced bankers in these areas and a conservative approach to its lending.
Introduction of New Products and Services. The Company continuously reviews new products and services to provide its customers with more financial options. All new technology and services are generally reviewed for business development and cost saving purposes. The Company continues to experience growth in customer use of its online banking services, where the Bank provides a full array of traditional cash management products as well as online banking products including mobile banking, mobile deposit, bill pay, e-statements, and text banking. The products are tailored to meet the needs of small to medium size businesses and households in the markets we serve. The Company intends to selectively add other products to further diversify revenue sources and to capture more of each customer’s banking relationship by cross selling loan and deposit products and additional services, including services provided through the Trust Company to increase its fee income. Assets under management by the Trust Company totaled $942.4 million and $890.6 million at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively.
Attracting Core Deposits and Other Deposit Products. The Company offers personal checking, savings and money-market accounts, which generally are lower-cost sources of funds than certificates of deposit and are less likely to be withdrawn when interest rates fluctuate. To build its core deposit base, the Company has sought to reduce its dependence on traditional higher cost deposits in favor of stable lower cost core deposits to fund loan growth and decrease its reliance on other wholesale funding sources, including FHLB and FRB advances. The Company believes that its continued focus on building customer relationships will help to increase the level of core deposits and locally-based retail certificates of deposit. In addition, the Company intends to increase demand deposits by growing business banking relationships through expanded product lines tailored to meet its target business customers’ needs. The Company maintains technology-based products, such as personal financial management and business remote deposit products, to encourage the growth of lower cost deposits which enable it to meet its customers’ cash management needs and compete effectively with banks of all sizes.
Recruiting and Retaining Highly Competent Personnel with a Focus on Commercial Lending. The Company’s ability to continue to attract and retain banking professionals with strong community relationships and significant knowledge of its markets will be a key to its success. The Company believes that it enhances its market position and adds profitable growth opportunities by focusing on hiring and retaining experienced bankers focused on owner occupied commercial real estate and commercial lending, and the deposit balances that accompany these relationships. The Company emphasizes to its employees the importance of delivering exemplary customer service and seeking opportunities to build further relationships with its customers. The goal is to compete with other financial service providers by relying on the strength of the Company’s customer service and relationship banking approach. The Company believes that one of its strengths is that its employees are also shareholders through the Company’s employee stock ownership (“ESOP”) and 401(k) plans.
Commercial and Construction Loan Composition
The following tables set forth the composition of the Company’s commercial and construction loan portfolios based on loan purpose at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Commercial and
Mortgage
Commercial construction
26,396
Office buildings
115,645
Warehouse/industrial
107,966
Retail/shopping centers/strip malls
90,389
Assisted living facilities
382
Single purpose facilities
258,693
One-to-four family construction
15,771
648,782
29,565
117,045
106,693
82,700
257,662
18,197
626,769
Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023
Cash and cash equivalents, including interest-earning deposits in other banks, totaled $37.6 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $22.0 million at March 31, 2023. The Company’s cash balances typically fluctuate based upon funding needs, deposit activity and investment securities purchases. Based on the Company’s asset/liability management program and liquidity objectives, the Company may deploy excess cash balances to purchase investment securities depending on the rate environment and other considerations. As a part of this strategy, the Company may choose to invest in short-term certificates of deposit held for investment, all of which are fully insured by the FDIC. There were no certificates of deposit held for investment at December 31, 2023 compared to $249,000 at March 31, 2023.
Investment securities totaled $429.1 million and $455.3 million at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively. The decrease was due to normal pay downs, calls and maturities. There were no investment securities purchases during the nine months ended December 31, 2023 compared to $81.8 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2022. The Company’s investment securities primarily consist of a combination of securities backed by government agencies (FHLMC, FNMA, SBA or GNMA). At December 31, 2023, the Company determined that none of its investment securities required an allowance for credit losses (“ACL”). For additional information on the Company’s investment securities, see Note 5 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Loans receivable, net, totaled $1.0 billion at December 31, 2023 compared to $993.5 million at March 31, 2023, an increase of $9.3 million. The increase was primarily attributed to increases in multi-family loans of $11.2 million, commercial real estate loans of $8.6 million and land loans of $2.3 million. These increases were partially offset by decreases in real estate
construction loans of $5.6 million, commercial business loans of $3.6 million, and real estate one-to-four family loans of $3.4 million.
The Company no longer originates one-to-four family mortgage loans; however, will from time to time purchase these loans consistent with its asset/liability objectives. Additionally, the Company will purchase commercial business loans to supplement loan originations and diversify the commercial loan portfolio. These commercial business loans are originated by a third-party located outside the Company’s primary market area. Commercial business loans purchased at December 31, 2023 totaled $28.3 million compared to $26.2 million at March 31, 2023. The Company also purchases the guaranteed portion of SBA loans to help loan portfolio diversification, supplement loan originations and generate a higher yield than overnight cash investments or short-term investments. These SBA loans are originated through another financial institution located outside the Company’s primary market area and are purchased with servicing retained by the seller. At December 31, 2023, the Company’s purchased SBA loan portfolio was $51.8 million compared to $55.5 million at March 31, 2023.
Deposits decreased $46.3 million to $1.22 billion at December 31, 2023 compared to $1.27 billion at March 31, 2023 due to increased competition, pricing and an overall decrease in market liquidity. Regular savings accounts decreased $55.2 million and non-interest bearing accounts decreased $54.2 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $41.7 million in certificates of deposit, $17.5 million in interest checking accounts, and $3.9 million in money market accounts. The Company had no wholesale-brokered deposits at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023. Core branch deposits accounted for 98.4% of total deposits at December 31, 2023 compared to 97.5% at March 31, 2023. The Company plans to continue its focus on core deposits and on building customer relationships as opposed to obtaining deposits through the wholesale markets.
Accrued expenses and other liabilities increased $11.0 million to $26.7 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $15.7 million at March 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to an outstanding balance in Trust sweep funds of $13.3 million at December 31, 2023 that were subsequently disbursed the following business day.
FHLB advances were $157.1 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $123.8 million at March 31, 2023, an increase of $33.3 million. FHLB advances at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023 were comprised of overnight advances totaling $107.1 million and $73.8 million, respectively, and a short-term borrowing of $50.0 million for both periods. FHLB advances were utilized to partially offset the decrease in deposit balances.
Shareholders' equity increased $3.2 million to $158.5 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $155.2 million at March 31, 2023. The increase was mainly attributable to current period net income of $6.8 million and a decrease in the accumulated other comprehensive loss related to the change in unrealized holding losses on securities available for sale, net of tax, of $855,000. Offsetting these changes were the repurchase of 109,162 shares of common stock totaling $577,000 and the payment of cash dividends totaling $3.8 million.
Capital Resources
The Bank is a state-chartered, federally insured institution subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the FDIC and WDFI. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can result in the initiation of certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and tier I capital to risk-weighted assets, core capital to total assets and tangible capital to tangible assets (set forth in the table below).
37
As of December 31, 2023, the Bank was categorized as “well capitalized” under the FDIC’s regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. The Bank’s actual and required minimum capital amounts and ratios were as follows at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
“Well Capitalized”
For Capital
Under Prompt
Actual
Adequacy Purposes
Corrective Action
Ratio
Total Capital:
(To Risk-Weighted Assets)
178,663
16.67
85,742
8.0
107,178
10.0
Tier 1 Capital:
165,237
15.42
64,307
6.0
Common equity tier 1 Capital:
48,230
4.5
69,666
6.5
Tier 1 Capital (Leverage):
(To Average Tangible Assets)
10.53
62,741
4.0
78,426
5.0
180,001
16.94
85,013
106,266
166,688
15.69
63,760
47,820
69,073
10.47
63,679
79,599
In addition to the minimum common equity tier 1 (“CET1”), Tier 1 and total capital ratios, the Bank is required to maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional CET1 capital in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses based on percentages of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions. The capital conservation buffer is required to be an amount greater than 2.5% of risk-weighted assets. As of December 31, 2023, the Bank’s CET1 capital exceeded the required capital conservation buffer at an amount greater than 2.5%.
For a bank holding company, such as the Company, the capital guidelines apply on a bank only basis. The Federal Reserve expects the holding company’s subsidiary banks to be well capitalized under the prompt corrective action regulations. If the Company was subject to regulatory guidelines for bank holding companies at December 31, 2023, the Company would have exceeded all regulatory capital requirements.
At periodic intervals, the Company’s banking regulators routinely examine the Company’s financial condition and risk management processes as part of their legally prescribed oversight. Based on their examinations, these regulators can direct that the Company’s consolidated financial statements be adjusted in accordance with their findings. A future examination could include a review of certain transactions or other amounts reported in the Company’s fiscal 2024 consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity
Liquidity is essential to our business. The objectives of the Bank’s liquidity management are to maintain ample cash flows to meet obligations for depositor withdrawals, to fund the borrowing needs of loan customers, and to fund ongoing operations. Core relationship deposits are the primary source of the Bank’s liquidity. As such, the Bank focuses on deposit relationships with local consumer and business clients who maintain multiple accounts and services at the Bank.
Liquidity management is both a short and long-term responsibility of the Company's management. The Company adjusts its investments in liquid assets based upon management's assessment of (i) expected loan demand, (ii) projected loan sales, (iii) expected deposit flows, (iv) yields available on interest-bearing deposits and (v) its asset/liability management
program objectives. Excess liquidity is invested generally in interest-bearing overnight deposits and other short-term government and agency obligations. If the Company requires funds beyond its ability to generate them internally, it has additional diversified and reliable sources of funds with the FHLB, the FRB and other wholesale facilities. These sources of funds may be used on a long or short-term basis to compensate for a reduction in other sources of funds or on a long-term basis to support lending activities.
The Company's primary sources of funds are customer deposits, proceeds from principal and interest payments on loans, proceeds from the sale of loans, maturing securities, FHLB advances and FRB borrowings. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and prepayment of mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. Management believes that its focus on core relationship deposits coupled with access to borrowings through reliable counterparties provides reasonable and prudent assurance that ample liquidity is available. However, depositor or counterparty behavior could change in response to competition, economic or market situations or other unforeseen circumstances, which could have liquidity implications that may require different strategic or operational actions.
The Company must maintain an adequate level of liquidity to ensure the availability of sufficient funds for loan originations, deposit withdrawals and continuing operations, satisfy other financial commitments and take advantage of investment opportunities. During the nine months ended December 31, 2023, the Bank used its sources of funds primarily to fund deposit withdrawals resulting from increased competition and pricing pressure and to fund loan commitments. At December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents and available for sale investment securities totaled $234.0 million, or 14.7% of total assets. Management believes that the Company’s security portfolio is of high quality and its securities would therefore be marketable. The levels of these assets are dependent on the Company’s operating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period. The Bank generally maintains sufficient cash and short-term investments to meet short-term liquidity needs; however, its primary liquidity management practice is to manage short-term borrowings, consistent with its asset/liability objectives. In addition to these primary sources of funds, the Bank has several secondary borrowing sources available to meet potential funding requirements, including FRB borrowings and FHLB advances. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had no advances from the FRB and maintains a credit facility with the FRB with an available borrowing capacity of $125.2 million, subject to sufficient collateral. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had advances totaling $157.1 million from the FHLB and had an additional borrowing capacity of $137.8 million with the FHLB, subject to sufficient collateral and stock investment. At December 31, 2023, the Bank had sufficient unpledged collateral to allow it to utilize its available borrowing capacity from the FRB and the FHLB. Borrowing capacity may, however, fluctuate based on acceptability and risk rating of loan collateral and counterparties could adjust discount rates applied to such collateral at their discretion.
The Bank Term Funding Program (“BTFP”) was created by the Federal Reserve to support and make additional funding available to eligible depository institutions to help banks meet the needs of their depositors. Riverview has registered and is eligible to utilize the BTFP. Riverview does not intend to utilize the BTFP, but could do so should the need arise.
An additional source of wholesale funding includes brokered certificates of deposit. While the Company has utilized brokered deposits from time to time, historically it has not extensively relied on brokered deposits to fund its operations. At December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, the Bank had no wholesale brokered deposits. The Bank also participates in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services (“CDARS”) and Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) deposit products, which allow the Company to accept deposits in excess of the FDIC insurance limit for depositors while obtaining “pass-through” insurance for total deposits. The Bank’s CDARS and ICS balances were $45.2 million, or 3.71% of total deposits, and $22.8 million, or 1.8% of total deposits, at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively. The combination of all the Bank’s funding sources gives the Bank available liquidity of $682.1 million, or 42.9% of total assets at December 31, 2023.
At December 31, 2023, the Company had total commitments of $173.2 million, which includes commitments to extend credit of $9.9 million, unused lines of credit totaling $101.2 million, undisbursed real estate construction loans totaling $60.5 million, and standby letters of credit totaling $1.6 million. The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet current loan commitments. Certificates of deposit that are scheduled to mature in less than one year from December 31, 2023 totaled $152.6 million. Historically, the Bank has been able to retain a significant amount of its
deposits as they mature. Offsetting these cash outflows are scheduled loan and investment securities maturities of less than one year totaling $31.8 million and $25.1 million, respectively, at December 31, 2023.
The Company incurs capital expenditures on an ongoing basis to expand and improve our product offerings, enhance and modernize our technology infrastructure, and to introduce new technology-based products to compete effectively in our markets. We evaluate capital expenditure projects based on a variety of factors, including expected strategic impacts (such as forecasted impact on revenue growth, productivity, expenses, service levels and customer retention) and our expected return on investment. The amount of capital investment is influenced by, among other things, current and projected demand for our services and products, cash flow generated by operating activities, cash required for other purposes and regulatory considerations. Based on our current capital allocation objectives, during the remainder of fiscal 2024 we expect cash expenditures of approximately $15,000 for capital investment in premises and equipment.
For further information regarding the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements and other contractual obligations, see Notes 13 and 14 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Riverview Bancorp, Inc., as a separate legal entity from the Bank, must provide for its own liquidity. Sources of capital and liquidity for Riverview Bancorp, Inc. include distributions from the Bank and the issuance of debt or equity securities. Dividends and other capital distributions from the Bank are subject to regulatory notice. Management currently expects to continue the Company’s current practice of paying quarterly cash dividends on its common stock subject to the Board of Directors’ discretion to modify or terminate this practice at any time and for any reason without prior notice. The current quarterly common stock dividend rate is $0.06 per share, as approved by the Board of Directors, which management believes is a dividend rate per share which enables the Company to balance our multiple objectives of managing and investing in the Bank, and returning a substantial portion of the Company’s cash to its shareholders. Assuming continued payment during fiscal 2024 at this rate of $0.06 per share, average total dividend paid each quarter would be approximately $1.3 million based on the number of the Company’s outstanding shares as of December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, Riverview Bancorp, Inc. had $8.8 million in cash to meet its liquidity needs.
Asset Quality
Nonperforming assets, consisting solely of nonaccrual loans, were $186,000 or 0.01% of total assets at December 31, 2023, compared to nonperforming assets, consisting of nonaccrual loans and accruing loans 90 days or more past due, of $1.9 million or 0.12% of total assets at March 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, there were no SBA and United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) government guaranteed loans included in nonperforming assets compared to $1.6 million of such loans at March 31, 2023. Nonperforming government guaranteed loans at March 31, 2023, were not considered to be nonaccrual loans and were still accruing interest because the Company expected to receive all principal and interest since the Company purchased the guaranteed portion of these loans which is backed by government guaranteed interest certificates.
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s nonperforming loans, consisting of nonaccrual loans and accruing loans 90 days or more delinquent, at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
1
Subtotal
265
SBA and USDA Government Guaranteed
1,587
1,852
The decrease of $1.7 million in nonperforming assets is mainly attributed to a decrease in nonperforming SBA and USDA government guaranteed loans where payments were delayed due to the servicing transfer of these loans between two third-party servicers.
The ACL for loans was $15.4 million or 1.51% of total loans at December 31, 2023 and $15.3 million or 1.52% of total loans at March 31, 2023. For the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not record a provision for credit losses. The coverage ratio of the ACL for loans to nonperforming loans was 8,259% at December 31, 2023 compared to 827% at March 31, 2023. The Company’s general valuation allowance to non-impaired loans was 1.51% and 1.52% at December 31, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively.
Management considers the ACL for loans and unfunded loan commitments to be adequate at December 31, 2023 based on the assessment of various factors affecting the loan portfolio, and the Company believes it has established its existing ACL in accordance with GAAP. However, a decline in national and local economic conditions (including declines as a result of inflation or recession), results of examinations by the Company’s banking regulators, or other factors could result in a material increase in the ACL for loans and unfunded loan commitments and may adversely affect the Company’s future financial condition and results of operations. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing ACL will be adequate or that substantial increases will not be necessary should the quality of any loans deteriorate or should collateral values decline as a result of the factors discussed elsewhere in this document. For further information regarding the Company’s impaired loans and ACL for loans and unfunded loan commitments, see Note 6 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
The following table sets forth information regarding the Company’s nonperforming assets at the dates indicated (dollars in thousands):
Loans accounted for on a non-accrual basis:
Commercial business (1)
Accruing loans which are contractually past due 90 days or more (2)
Total nonperforming loans
Real estate owned (“REO”)
Total nonperforming assets
Foregone interest on non-accrual loans (3)
The following tables set forth information regarding the Company’s nonperforming assets by loan type and geographical area at the dates indicated (in thousands):
Southwest
At December 31, 2023, loans delinquent 30-89 days were 0.46% of total loans compared to 0.20% at March 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, loans delinquent 30-89 days were comprised of commercial business loans, government guaranteed loans (which are included in commercial business), commercial real estate and consumer loans. At March 31, 2023, loans delinquent 30-89 days were comprised mainly of government guaranteed loans (which are included in commercial business), commercial business and consumer loans. There were no loans 30-89 days delinquent in the commercial real estate (“CRE”) portfolio at March 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, CRE loans represented the largest portion of the loan portfolio at 56.28% of total loans and commercial business represented 22.52% of total loans.
Goodwill Valuation
Goodwill is initially recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is presumed to have an indefinite useful life and is tested, at least annually, for impairment at the reporting unit level. The Company has two reporting units, the Bank and the Trust Company, for purposes of evaluating goodwill for impairment. All the Company’s goodwill has been allocated to the Bank reporting unit. The Company performs an annual review in the third quarter of each fiscal year, or more frequently if indications of potential impairment exist, to determine if the recorded goodwill is impaired. If the fair value exceeds the carrying value, goodwill at the reporting unit level is not considered impaired and no additional analysis is necessary. If the carrying value of the reporting unit is greater than its fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and additional analysis must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. Specifically, the Company would allocate the fair value to all the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that would calculate the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, the Company would record an impairment charge for the difference.
A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in our expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; adverse action
or assessment by a regulator; and unanticipated competition. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
The Company performed its annual goodwill impairment test as of October 31, 2023. The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. Step one of the goodwill impairment test estimates the fair value of the reporting unit utilizing the allocation of corporate value approach, the income approach, the whole bank transaction approach and the market approach in order to derive an enterprise value of the Company. The results of the Company’s step one test indicated that the reporting unit’s fair value was greater than its carrying value and therefore no impairment of goodwill exists.
The Company also completed a qualitative assessment of goodwill as of December 31, 2023 and concluded that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the Bank (the reporting unit), exceeds its carrying value at that date. Even though the Company determined that there was no goodwill impairment, a sustained decline in the value of its stock price as well as values of other financial institutions, declines in revenue for the Company beyond our current forecasts, significant adverse changes in the operating environment for the financial industry or an increase in the value of our assets without an increase in the value of the reporting unit may result in a future impairment charge.
It is also possible that changes in circumstances existing at the measurement date or at other times in the future, or in the numerous estimates associated with management’s judgments, assumptions and estimates made in assessing the fair value of our goodwill, could result in an impairment charge of a portion or all of our goodwill. If the Company recorded an impairment charge, its financial position and results of operations would be adversely affected; however, such an impairment charge would have no impact on our liquidity, operations or regulatory capital.
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended December 31, 2023 and 2022
Net Income. Net income was $1.5 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $5.2 million, or $0.24 per diluted share for the same period in the prior year. Net income for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $6.8 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, and $15.1 million, or $0.69 per diluted share, respectively. The Company’s net income decreased during both the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same periods in the prior year, due to increased funding costs. In addition, net income was also impacted, to a lesser extent, by an increase in non-interest expense of $703,000 and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, partially offset by an increase in non-interest income of $93,000 and $525,000 for the same periods, respectively.
Net Interest Income. The Company’s profitability depends primarily on its net interest income, which is the difference between the income it receives on interest-earning assets and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. When the rate earned on interest-earning assets equals or exceeds the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities, this positive interest rate spread will generate net interest income. The Company’s results of operations are also significantly affected by general economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in market interest rates, government legislation and regulation, and monetary and fiscal policies.
Net interest income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 was $9.3 million and $29.5 million, representing a decrease of $4.4 million and $10.3 million, respectively, compared to the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022. The decrease during both the three and nine month periods was primarily due to increased interest expense on deposits and borrowings. Net interest margin for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 was 2.49% and 2.64%, respectively, compared to 3.48% and 3.30% for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The decrease in the net interest margin was primarily attributable to the increase in interest expense and the decrease in total average interest earning assets.
Interest and Dividend Income. Interest and dividend income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 was $14.3 million and $42.3 million, respectively, compared to $14.4 million and $41.7 million for the same periods in the prior year, respectively. The slight decrease for the three months ended December 31, 2023, was due to a $167,000 decrease in investment securities and a $118,000 decrease in other interest and dividends, reflecting a $274,000 decrease in interest earned on interest-earning deposits in other banks and, a $156,000 increase in interest income earned on other
assets, partially offset by an increase in interest income on loans receivable of $114,000. The increase for the nine months ended December 31, 2023, was due to increases in interest income on loans receivable of $792,000 and investment securities of $422,000, partially offset by a $675,000 decrease in other interest and dividends, reflecting a $1.1 million decrease in interest earned on interest-earning deposits in other banks and a $462,000 increase in interest income earned on other earning assets
Interest and fees earned on net loans increased by $114,000 and $792,000 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year due to an increase in the yield earned on non-mortgage loans as well as, for the nine months ended December 31, 2023, an increase in the average balance of non-mortgage loans. The average yield on loans increased to 4.56% and 4.53% for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 4.50% and 4.42% for the comparable periods in 2022. The average yield on non-mortgage loans increased 30 basis points to 4.52% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 51 basis points to 4.56% for the nine months ended December 31, 2023, while the average yield on mortgage related loans decreased two basis points to 4.57% for the three months ended December 31, 2023 and three basis points to 4.51% for the nine months ended December 31, 2023,compared to the same periods in the prior year. The average balance of net loans remained unchanged at $1.0 billion for both the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The average balance of non-mortgage loans decreased by $1.2 million and increased by $7.5 million and the average balance of mortgage loans decreased by $316,000 and $4.2 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year.
Interest earned on investment securities decreased $167,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023, and increased $422,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decrease in interest income on investment securities for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year, was the result of a decrease in the average balance of investment securities. The increase in interest income on investment securities for the nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year, primarily was the result of an increase in the yield on investment securities. The average yield on investment securities was 2.01% for both the three months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The average yield on investment securities increased to 2.02% for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 compared to 1.89% for the same prior year period. The average balance of investment securities was $458.0 million and $466.7 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $491.2 million and $468.8 million for the same periods in the prior year, respectively.
Interest earned on other earning assets increased $156,000 and $462,000 due to increases in the average balance of $6.6 million and $5.6 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The average yields increased 393 basis points and 505 basis points for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The increase in the average balance of other earning assets was primarily due to the increase in the average balance of FHLB stock due to the required purchase of such stock in connection with increases in FHLB borrowings, resulting in higher dividends received from the FHLB.
Interest earned on interest-earning deposits in other banks decreased $274,000 and $1.1 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The decreases were due to a decrease in the average balance to $11.1 million and $10.9 million during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $52.8 million and $128.4 million for the same periods in the prior year, respectively, partially offset by an increase in the average yield. The decrease in the average balance was primarily due to the decrease in excess cash held at the FRB due to the decrease in deposits, while the increase in the yield on interest earning accounts in other banks was due to the increases in the federal funds target rate by the Federal Reserve that have occurred since March 2022.
Interest Expense. Interest expense totaled $4.9 million and $12.7 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $743,000 and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022, respectively. Interest expense on deposits increased $1.8 million and $4.4 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to the increase in the average rates paid on certificates of deposit and money market accounts, and to a lesser extent, the average balance of certificates of deposit. The average rate paid on certificates of deposits increased 242 basis points and 215 basis points for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods for the prior year. The average balance of
44
certificates of deposit increased $66.9 million and $45.8 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The average rate paid on money market accounts increased 121 basis points and 104 basis points for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits decreased $123.9 million and $145.0 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year.
Interest expense on borrowings increased $2.4 million and $6.4 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year due to an increase in the average balance of FHLB advances and higher rates paid on the outstanding floating rate junior subordinated debentures. The average balance of FHLB advances was $167.9 million and $143.0 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $1.4 million and $485,000 for the same periods in the prior year, respectively. The average rate paid on junior subordinated debentures increased to 8.01% and 7.77% for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to 5.84% and 4.43% for the same periods in the prior year, respectively.
The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities as well as the total dollar amounts of interest income earned on average interest-earning assets and interest expense paid on average interest-bearing liabilities, resultant yields, interest rate spread, ratio of interest-earning assets to interest-bearing liabilities and net interest margin (dollars in thousands):
Dividends
Yield/Cost
Interest-earning assets:
Mortgage loans
765,414
8,801
4.57
765,730
8,855
4.59
Non-mortgage loans
250,327
2,844
4.52
251,484
2,676
4.22
Total net loans (1)
1,015,741
4.56
1,017,214
4.50
Investment securities (2)
458,013
2,317
2.01
491,207
2,484
Interest-earning deposits in other banks
11,121
147
5.27
52,809
421
3.16
Other earning assets
9,466
184
7.74
2,913
3.81
Total interest-earning assets
1,494,341
14,293
1,564,143
14,464
3.67
Non-interest-earning assets:
Office properties and equipment, net
23,837
19,897
Other non-interest-earning assets
57,141
58,932
Total assets
1,575,319
1,642,972
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Regular savings accounts
209,469
0.06
305,577
54
Interest checking accounts
225,537
0.10
290,349
0.03
Money market accounts
236,693
802
1.35
266,554
96
0.14
160,041
1,171
2.91
93,111
0.49
Total interest-bearing deposits
831,740
0.98
955,591
0.12
26,969
543
8.01
26,884
5.84
167,898
2,306
1,448
4.66
Other interest-bearing liabilities
2,210
7.11
2,275
7.15
Total interest-bearing liabilities
1,028,817
1.91
986,198
0.30
Non-interest-bearing liabilities:
Non-interest-bearing deposits
377,784
489,458
Other liabilities
14,817
17,210
1,421,418
1,492,866
Shareholders’ equity
153,901
150,106
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
9,345
13,721
Interest rate spread
1.90
3.37
Net interest margin
2.49
3.48
Ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities
145.25
158.60
Tax equivalent adjustment (3)
Dividend
755,590
25,625
4.51
759,746
26,008
4.54
252,839
8,663
245,358
7,488
4.05
1,008,429
4.53
1,005,104
4.42
466,651
7,084
2.02
468,815
6,662
1.89
10,889
420
5.13
128,373
1,557
1.61
8,474
8.38
2,874
72
3.33
1,494,443
42,326
3.77
1,605,166
41,787
3.46
23,357
18,974
59,519
64,807
1,577,319
1,688,947
225,152
104
318,995
174
235,708
91
0.05
293,233
69
239,357
2,085
1.16
278,800
255
149,104
2,984
2.66
103,295
399
0.51
849,321
0.82
994,323
26,948
1,573
7.77
26,864
4.43
143,041
5,774
485
4.65
2,222
7.14
2,272
7.13
1,021,532
1.66
1,023,944
0.25
385,711
494,081
14,812
16,977
1,422,055
1,535,002
155,264
153,945
29,596
39,854
2.11
3.21
2.64
3.30
146.29
156.76
62
47
The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on net interest income of the Company for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 compared to the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022. Variances that were insignificant have been allocated based upon the percentage relationship of changes in volume and changes in rate to the total net change (in thousands).
2023 vs 2022
Increase (Decrease) Due to
Increase
Volume
Rate
(Decrease)
Interest Income:
(5)
(49)
(54)
(174)
(209)
(383)
181
229
946
1,175
Investment securities (1)
(167)
(31)
453
(452)
(274)
(2,339)
1,202
(1,137)
107
156
260
462
Total interest income
(530)
359
(171)
(2,055)
2,594
539
Interest Expense:
(15)
(22)
(47)
(23)
(6)
(12)
718
706
1,871
1,830
134
921
1,055
247
2,338
2,585
146
673
676
2,285
2,289
5,754
5,757
2,386
1,819
4,205
5,898
4,899
10,797
(2,916)
(1,460)
(4,376)
(7,953)
(2,305)
(10,258)
Provision for Credit Losses. There was no provision for credit losses under the current CECL methodology for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, and no provision for loan losses under the prior incurred loss method for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022. The Company adopted the CECL methodology as of April 1, 2023, which resulted in a one-time upward adjustment to the ACL of $42,000, and an after-tax decrease to opening retained earnings of $53,000. All amounts prior to April 1, 2023 were calculated using the previous incurred loss methodology to compute our allowance for loan losses, which is not directly comparable to the new CECL methodology. The lack of provision for credit losses for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 also reflects assumptions related to our forecast concerning the economic environment as a result of local, national and global events, including recent bank failures. In addition, expected loss estimates consider various factors, including customer-specific information, changes in risk ratings, projected delinquencies, and the impact of economic conditions on borrowers' ability to repay. Net recoveries totaled $15,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $6,000 for the same period in the prior year. Net recoveries totaled $10,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2023 compared to $35,000 for the same period in the prior year. Annualized net recoveries were insignificant for both the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.
While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in our determination of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will not be proven incorrect in the future, or that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. A further decline in national and local economic conditions, as a result of the effects of inflation, and a potential recession or slowed economic growth, among other factors, could result in a material increase in the allowance for credit losses and have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, the determination of the amount of our allowance for credit losses is subject to review by bank regulators as part of the routine examination process, which may result in the adjustment of reserves based upon their judgment of information available
to them at the time of their examination and have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Nonperforming loans were $186,000 at December 31, 2023, compared to $1.9 million at March 31, 2023. The ratio of the ACL for loans to nonperforming loans was 8,259% at December 31, 2023 compared to 827% at March 31, 2023. See “Asset Quality” above for additional information related to asset quality that management considers in determining the appropriate level of the ACL.
Non-Interest Income. Non-interest income increased $93,000 to $3.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $3.0 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in asset management fees of $129,000 related to an increase in assets under management and an increase in fees and service charges of $31,000 related to employee retention credit fees income. Offsetting these increases was a decrease in other non-interest income of $84,000 related to a dividend received from BancTech Ventures during the three months ended December 31, 2022 and not replicated during the same period in 2023. Non-interest income increased $525,000 to $9.7 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $9.2 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase was primarily due to an increase in asset management fees of $461,000 related to an increase in assets under management. Other changes in non-interest income during the nine months ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period in the prior year included a $32,000 decrease in fees and service charges, a $43,000 increase in BOLI income and a $53,000 increase in other non-interest income.
Non-Interest Expense. Non-interest expense increased $703,000 and $1.2 million to $10.6 million and $30.6 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $9.8 million and $29.4 million for the same periods in the prior year, respectively. Occupancy and depreciation increased $162,000 and $330,000 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year due to an increases in depreciation and repair and maintenance expenses as the Company continues to update and modernize certain branch locations. Advertising and marketing expense increased $80,000 and $256,000 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year due to expenses related to implementing a high-performance growth deposit strategy. Additionally, the increase is also attributed to additional sponsorships and events as our local economy began to reopen when compared to the prior year periods. State and local taxes fees increased $130,000 and $180,000 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year due to an increase in apportionment rate. FDIC insurance premium increased $62,000 and $179,000 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the prior year periods due to an increase in FDIC deposit insurance assessments at the beginning of 2023. Salaries and employee benefits increased $109,000 and $160,000 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year due to increases in compensation expense and group insurance, and a decrease in loan origination deferred costs, partially offset by a decrease in bonus expense. Other non-interest expense increased $137,000 and $141,000 for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, respectively, compared to the same periods in the prior year primarily due to fraud and deposit losses. Offsetting these increases were a decrease in data processing expense of $88,000 for the nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period in the prior year due to the decreased cost associated with processing our debit card transactions.
Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was $377,000 and $1.9 million for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to $1.6 million and $4.5 million for the same periods in the prior year, respectively. The decrease in the provision for income taxes was due to lower pre-tax income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same periods in the prior year. The Company’s effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023, was 20.6% and 21.9%, compared to 23.1% and 23.0% for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2022, respectively. The lower effective tax rate for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2023 is due to lower pretax income. At December 31, 2023, management deemed that a valuation allowance related to the Company’s deferred tax asset was not necessary. At December 31, 2023, the Company had a net deferred tax asset of $10.0 million compared to $10.3 million at March 31, 2023.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
There has not been any material change in the market risk disclosures contained in the 2023 Form 10-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
An evaluation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13(a) - 15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of December 31, 2023 was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Acting Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer), Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) and several other members of the Company’s senior management. The Company’s Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as in effect on December 31, 2023 were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports it files or submits under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 is (i) accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management (including the Acting Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) in a timely manner, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. In the quarter ended December 31, 2023, the Company did not make any changes in its internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, these controls.
While the Company believes the present design of its disclosure controls and procedures is effective to achieve its goal, future events affecting its business may cause the Company to modify its disclosure controls and procedures. The Company does not expect that its disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and fraud. A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedure are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns in controls or procedures can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any control procedure is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control procedure, misstatements attributable to errors or fraud may occur and not be detected.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
The Company is a party to litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, these actions will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. For additional information on the Company’s litigation, see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors set forth in Part I. Item 1A of the Company’s 2023 Form 10-K.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
Not applicable
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5. Other Information
Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits:
3.1
Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant (1)
3.2
Amended and Restate Bylaws of the Registrant (2)
4.1
Form of Certificate of Common Stock of the Registrant (1)
10.1
Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and the Bank and each of David Lam and Daniel D. Cox (3)
10.2
Form of Change in Control Agreement between the Company and the Bank and each of David Lam and Daniel D. Cox (3)
10.3
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (4)
10.4
2003 Stock Option Plan (5)
10.5
Deferred Compensation Plan (6)
10.6
2017 Equity Incentive Plan (7)
10.7
Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement under the Riverview Bancorp, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (8)
10.8
Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement under the Riverview Bancorp, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (8)
10.9
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the Riverview Bancorp, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (8)
10.10
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement under the Riverview Bancorp, Inc. 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (8)
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act *
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act *
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act*
The following materials from Riverview Bancorp Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) (a) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (b) Consolidated Statements of Income; (c) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (d) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (e) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (f) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements *
The cover page from Riverview Bancorp Inc’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended December 31, 2023, formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101
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.
By:
/S/ Daniel D. Cox
/S/ David Lam
Daniel D. Cox
David Lam
Acting President and Chief Executive Officer (Acting Principal Executive Officer)
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Date:
February 8, 2024