DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of Registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 25, 2024 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

 

 

GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

 

The acronyms and abbreviations identified in alphabetical order below are used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

 

Acronym or Term		Definition		Acronym or Term		Definition		Acronym or Term		Definition
ACH		Automatic Clearing House		EVP		Executive Vice President		NPV		Net Present Value
AFS		Available for Sale		FASB		Financial Accounting Standards Board		Net Interest Spread		Net Interest Spread (FTE)
APIC		Additional paid-in capital		FDIC		Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation		NM		Not Meaningful
ACL		Allowance for Credit Losses		FFP		Federal Funds Purchased		OAEM		Other Assets Especially Mentioned
AOCI		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		FFS		Federal Funds Sold		OREO		Other Real Estate Owned
ASC		Accounting Standards Codification		FFTR		Federal Funds Target Rate		PPP		SBA Paycheck Protection Program
ASU		Accounting Standards Update		FHA		Federal Housing Authority		PV		Present Value
ATM		Automated Teller Machine		FHC		Financial Holding Company		PCD		Purchased Credit Deteriorated
AUM		Assets Under Management		FHLB		Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati		PD		Probability of Default
Bancorp / the Company		Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.		FHLMC		Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation		Prime		The Wall Street Journal Prime Interest Rate
Bank / SYB		Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company		FICA		Federal Insurance Contributions Act		Provision		Provision for Credit Losses
BOLI		Bank Owned Life Insurance		FNMA		Federal National Mortgage Association		PSU		Performance Stock Unit
BP		Basis Point - 1/100th of one percent		FRB		Federal Reserve Bank		ROA		Return on Average Assets
C&D		Construction and Land Development		FTE		Fully Tax Equivalent		ROE		Return on Average Equity
Captive		SYB Insurance Company, Inc.		GAAP		United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles		RSA		Restricted Stock Award
C&I		Commercial and Industrial		GLB		Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act		RSU		Restricted Stock Unit
CB		Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc. and Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company		GNMA		Government National Mortgage Association		SAB		Staff Accounting Bulletin
CD		Certificate of Deposit		HELOC		Home Equity Line of Credit		SAR		Stock Appreciation Right
CDI		Core Deposit Intangible		HTM		Held to Maturity		SBA		Small Business Administration
CECL		Current Expected Credit Loss (ASC-326)		ITM		Interactive Teller Machine		SEC		Securities and Exchange Commission
CEO		Chief Executive Officer		KB		Kentucky Bancshares, Inc. and Kentucky Bank		SOFR		Secured Overnight Financing Right
CFO		Chief Financial Officer		KSB		King Bancorp, Inc. and King Southern Bank		SSUAR		Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase
CLI		Customer List Intangible		LGD		Loss Given Default		SVP		Senior Vice President
CRA		Community Reinvestment Act		LFA		Landmark Financial Advisors, LLC		TBA		To Be Annouced
CRE		Commercial Real Estate		LIBOR		London Interbank Offered Rate		TBOC		The Bank Oldham County
DCF		Discounted Cash Flow		Loans		Loans and Leases		TCE		Tangible Common Equity
DTA		Deferred Tax Asset		MBS		Mortgage Backed Securities		TDR		Troubled Debt Restructuring
DTL		Deferred Tax Liability		MSA		Metropolitan Statistical Area		TPS		Trust Preferred Securities
Dodd-Frank Act		The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act		MSRs		Mortgage Servicing Rights		VA		U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
EPS		Earnings PerShare		NASDAQ		The NASDAW Stock Market, LLC		WM&T		Wealth Management and Trust
ESG		Environmental, Social and Governance		NCI		Non-controlling Interest
ETR		Effective TaxRate		NIM		Net Interest Margin (FTE)

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1.         Business.         

 

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (“Bancorp” or “the Company”), is a FHC headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and is engaged in the business of banking through its wholly owned subsidiary, Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company (“SYB” or “the Bank”). Bancorp, which was incorporated in 1988 in Kentucky, is registered with, and subject to supervision, regulation and examination by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. As Bancorp has no significant operations of its own, its business and the business of SYB are essentially the same. The operations of SYB are fully reflected in the consolidated financial statements of Bancorp. Accordingly, references to “Bancorp” in this document may encompass both the holding company and the Bank. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

SYB, established in 1904, is a state-chartered non-member financial institution that provides services in Louisville, central, eastern and northern Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan markets through 71 full service banking center locations. The Bank is registered with, and subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the FDIC and the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.

 

As a result of its acquisition of Kentucky Bancshares, Inc. on May 31, 2021, Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of a Nevada-based insurance captive taxed under Section 831(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. On April 10, 2023, the IRS issued a proposed regulation that would potentially classify section 831(b) captive activity as a, “listed transaction,” and possibly disallow the related tax benefits, both prospectively and retroactively, for a period to be determined. While the regulation has not been finalized, it is expected to be finalized in 2024. Bancorp elected not to renew the Captive in August of 2023 and ultimately dissolved the Captive in December of 2023. The Captive’s activity is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and will be included in its 2023 federal income tax return. The Captive’s activity served to reduce Bancorp’s ETR by 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.2% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

As a result of its acquisition of Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc. on March 7, 2022, Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of three unconsolidated Delaware trust subsidiaries: Commonwealth Statutory Trust III, Commonwealth Statutory Trust IV and Commonwealth Statutory Trust V. The sole assets of the trust subsidiaries represent the proceeds of offerings exchanged for subordinated debentures with similar terms to the related TPS.

 

Also as a result of its acquisition of Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc., Bancorp acquired a 60% interest in LFA, a Bowling Green, Kentucky-based wealth management services company. Effective December 31, 2022, Bancorp’s partial interest in LFA was sold, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $870,000 recorded in other non-interest expense on the consolidated income statements for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022. This acquired line of business was not within the Company’s geographic footprint and ultimately did not align with the Company’s long-term strategic model. Net income related to LFA and attributable to Bancorp’s 60% interest, excluding the pre-tax loss on disposition noted above, totaled $483,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

 

General Business Overview

 

As is the case with most banks, our primary revenue sources are net interest income and fee income from various financial services provided to customers. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on loans, investment securities and other interest earning assets less interest expense on deposit accounts and other interest bearing liabilities. Loan volume and interest rates earned on those loans are critical to overall profitability. Similarly, deposit volume is crucial to funding loans and rates paid on deposits directly impact profitability. New business volume is influenced by economic factors including market interest rates, business spending, consumer confidence and competitive conditions within the marketplace, as well as Bancorp’s strong sales focus. Net interest income accounted for 73% of our total revenues, defined as net interest income plus non-interest income, for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 72% for both the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

Fee income, or non-interest income, is a significant component of our business. Non-interest income represented 27% of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 28% for both the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, demonstrating the value of the diversified revenue streams created by our broad product offerings in addition to income provided by the principal banking activities described above. Our non-interest income is driven by WM&T activities, deposit service charges, debit and credit card services, treasury management services, mortgage banking services, brokerage services and other ancillary activities of the Bank. WM&T revenue, which is our largest source of non-interest income, constituted 43%, 41% and 42% of total non-interest income for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The increase in the percentage of non-interest income attributed to WM&T for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year is attributed mainly to large swings in market performance.

 

Bancorp is divided into two reportable segments: Commercial Banking and WM&T:

 

Commercial Banking provides a full range of loan and deposit products to individual consumers and businesses in all its markets through retail lending, mortgage banking, deposit services, online banking, mobile banking, private banking, commercial lending, commercial real estate lending, leasing, treasury management services, merchant services, international banking, correspondent banking and other banking services. The Bank also offers securities brokerage services via its banking center network through an arrangement with a third party broker-dealer in the Commercial Banking segment. 

 

WM&T provides investment management, financial & retirement planning and trust & estate services, as well as retirement plan management for businesses and corporations in all markets in which Bancorp operates. The magnitude of WM&T revenue distinguishes Bancorp from other community banks of similar asset size.

 

For further discussion regarding our business, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

Our Business Strategy

 

Our strategy focuses on building strong relationships with our customers, employees and communities, while maintaining disciplined underwriting standards and a commitment to operational efficiency. By leveraging our comprehensive suite of products and services, we strive to expand our footprint in our home market of Louisville, Kentucky while also cultivating attractive growth opportunities in our other markets of central, eastern and northern Kentucky, Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio, and opportunistically pursuing acquisitions.

 

Key components of our strategy include the following:

 

Continue to focus on customer relationships and our community banking model – We believe that our reputation, expertise and relationship-based approach to banking enables us to establish long-lasting, full-service customer relationships. We work to leverage our relationships with existing customers by offering a wide range of products and services that are tailored to their needs and financial goals. Attracting and retaining high-quality relationship managers and providing them with the tools necessary for success is crucial to maintaining and strengthening the relationships we have with both existing and prospective customers. Our commitment to fostering both new and existing relationships, along with continued investment in the communities we serve, has been essential to our success.

 

 

Continue to grow and pursue diversified revenue streams – WM&T revenue distinguishes us from other community banks of similar asset size and continues to provide us with a strong competitive advantage. We have also experienced significant growth in other non-interest revenue sources in recent years, particularly treasury management services and debit/credit card services. We believe these services, along with our other non-interest revenue sources, such as mortgage banking, brokerage services and other ancillary activities, provide the diversity necessary to weather business cycles and provide the financial solutions our customers and communities desire.

 

Maintain focus on organic growth while capitalizing on strategic acquisitions – Our strategy has been to pursue attractive, organic growth opportunities within our existing markets and enter new markets that align with our business model and strategic plans. We believe we can increase our presence in our existing markets and broaden our footprint in attractive markets adjacent and complementary to our current markets by expansion of our branch network and opportunistically pursuing acquisitions.

 

The acquisition of KB in 2021 expanded our footprint into the central and eastern Kentucky markets, providing broader product offerings, increased lending capabilities and a larger branch delivery system for these customers. Our expansion into these new markets has provided solid growth opportunities and a larger platform for future expansion.

 

The acquisition of CB in 2022 helped build upon our market share in our home market of Louisville, Kentucky, while also expanding our presence in neighboring Shelby County, Kentucky, as well as northern Kentucky, providing a natural geographic connection between Louisville and the central and eastern Kentucky markets noted above. Additionally, the acquisition significantly bolstered our WM&T capabilities and elevated us as the largest bank-owned trust company in the state of Kentucky.

 

Continue to manage costs and improve efficiency – We believe that conservative cost management and focus on operational efficiency is critical to our success. We continuously manage our cost structure and refine our internal processes and technology to create further efficiencies with the goal of enhancing our earnings, while maximizing the overall customer experience.

 

Our efficiency ratio (FTE) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was 55.23%, 59.30% and 59.94%, respectively. The elevated ratios in 2022 and 2021 were attributed to merger-related expenses associated with the CB and KB acquisitions.

 

Additionally, Bancorp also considers an adjusted efficiency ratio. We believe it is important because it provides a comparable ratio after eliminating net gains (losses) on sales, calls, and impairment of investment securities, as well as net gains (losses) on sales of premises and equipment and disposition of any acquired assets, if applicable, and the fluctuation in non-interest expenses related to amortization of investments in tax credit partnerships and non-recurring merger expenses. Bancorp’s adjusted efficiency ratio (FTE) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 was 54.84%, 53.61% and 51.76%. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

 

Human Capital

 

Attracting and retaining talented employees is key to our ability to execute our strategy and compete effectively. Bancorp values the unique combination of talents and experiences each employee contributes towards our success and strives to provide an environment that promotes the personal well-being and career development of our employees. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and enforce those values throughout the organization. We prohibit discrimination in hiring or advancement against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sex, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, mental disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

 

At December 31, 2023, the Bank had 1,075 full-time equivalent employees. Approximately 69% of Bancorp’s employees are located in the home market of Louisville, Kentucky, while 21%, 5% and 5% are located the Central Kentucky, Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio markets, respectively. None of Bancorp’s employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement and Bancorp has never experienced a work stoppage.

 

Management of Bancorp strives to be an employer of choice and considers the relationship with employees to be good. In addition to competitive pay, employees of the Bank have access to a number of employee benefits and career development opportunities, including:

 

●

A defined contribution and stock ownership plan with considerable company match;

●

medical, dental and vision plans, as well as flexible spending and health savings accounts;

●

fully-funded wellness programs that reward employees for healthy behaviors in addition to mental health benefits that allow 24/7 access to counselors for a wide range of needs;

●

bank-paid life insurance in addition to a variety of other voluntary insurance plans;

●

short-term and long-term disability plans;

●

an employee assistance program;

●

merit-based bonus pay;

●

generous paid time-off policies;

●

guidance for wealth management and estate planning;

●

employee recognition and reward programs;

●

a management training program;

●

access to American Institute of Banking training courses;

●

access to Bank Administration Institute learning and development content, as well as access to a professional skills library; and

●

access to the Kentucky Bankers Association’s and other general banking schools.

 

As a testament to the strong culture, inclusive environment and numerous benefits Bancorp is committed to providing its employees, in November of 2023, we were once again recognized by American Banker as one of the “Best Banks to Work For,” which evaluates employee satisfaction, as well as the policies and employee benefits of each institution. We were honored to be one of only 90 institutions in the country to make the list for 2023.

 

Further, we also periodically publish an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Corporate Responsibility report. We believe it provides important information on our operations and insight to management’s priorities. The report identifies ongoing practices and recent accomplishments in the areas of environmental risk and impact management, social responsibility and governance. This report is accessible on Bancorp’s web site at http://www.syb.com.

 

 

Executive Officers

 

Name and Age		Position and Offices with
of Executive Officer		Bancorp and/or the Bank
James A. Hillebrand		Chairman and CEO of Bancorp and SYB
Age 55
Philip S. Poindexter		President of Bancorp and SYB; Director of Bancorp and SYB
Age 57
T. Clay Stinnett		EVP, Treasurer and CFO of Bancorp and SYB
Age 50
Michael J. Croce		EVP and Director of Retail Banking of SYB
Age 54
William M. Dishman III		EVP and Chief Credit Officer of SYB
Age 60
Michael V. Rehm		EVP and Chief Lending Officer of SYB
Age 59
Shannon B. Budnick		EVP and Director of WM&T Division of SYB
Age 52

 

See Part III, Item 10. “Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance” for information regarding Bancorp’s executive officers.

 

Competition

 

The Bank encounters competition in its markets in originating loans, attracting deposits, and selling other banking related financial services. The deregulation of the banking industry, the ability to create financial services holding companies to engage in a wide range of financial services other than banking and the widespread enactment of state laws that permit multi-bank holding companies, as well as the availability of nationwide interstate banking, has created a highly competitive environment for financial institutions. In one or more aspects of the Bank’s business, the Bank competes with local and regional retail and commercial banks, other savings banks, credit unions, finance companies and mortgage companies operating in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. Some of the Bank’s competitors are not subject to the same degree of regulatory review and restrictions that apply to Bancorp and the Bank. Many of the Bank’s primary competitors, some of which are affiliated with large bank holding companies or other larger financial-based institutions, have substantially greater resources, larger established client bases, higher lending limits, more extensive banking center networks, numerous ATMs or ITMs, and greater advertising and marketing budgets. They may also offer services that the Bank does not currently provide. It is anticipated that competition from both bank and non-bank entities will continue to remain strong in the foreseeable future.

 

The Bank believes that an emphasis on highly personalized service tailored to individual client needs, together with the local character of the Bank’s business and its “community bank” management philosophy will continue to enhance the Bank’s ability to compete successfully in its markets.

 

 

Supervision and Regulation

 

Bank holding companies and commercial banks are extensively regulated under both federal and state laws. Changes in applicable laws or regulations may have a material effect on the business of Bancorp.

 

Bancorp, as a registered bank holding company, is subject to the supervision of and regulation by the Federal Reserve Board under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956. In addition, Bancorp is subject to the provisions of Kentucky’s banking laws regulating bank acquisitions and certain activities of controlling bank shareholders.

 

Kentucky and federal banking statutes delineate permissible activities for Kentucky state-chartered banks. Kentucky’s statutes, however, contain a super parity provision for Kentucky chartered banks having one of the top two ratings in its most recent regulatory examination. This provision allows these state banks to engage in any banking activity in which a national bank, a state bank operating in any other state, or a federally chartered thrift could engage. The bank must first obtain a legal opinion specifying the statutory or regulatory provisions that permit the activity.

 

The Bank is subject to the supervision of the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions and the FDIC. The FDIC insures the deposits of the Bank to the current maximum of $250,000 per depositor.

 

The GLB Act allows for affiliations among banks, securities firms and insurance companies by means of FHC. The GLB Act requires that, at the time of establishment of an FHC, all depository institutions within that corporate group must be “well-managed” and “well-capitalized” and must have received a rating of “satisfactory” or better under its most recent CRA examination. Further, non-banking financial firms (for example an insurance company or securities firm) may establish a FHC and acquire a depository institution. While the distinction between banks and non-banking financial firms is blurred, the GLB Act makes it less cumbersome for banks to offer services “financial in nature” but beyond traditional commercial banking activities. Likewise, non-banking financial firms may find it easier to offer services that had, heretofore, been provided primarily by depository institutions. In 2012, management of Bancorp elected to become and became a FHC.

 

The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law in 2010 and generally was effective the day after it was signed into law, but different effective dates apply to specific sections of the law. The extensive and complex legislation contained many provisions affecting the banking industry, including but not limited to:

 

●

Creation of a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection overseeing banks with assets totaling $10 billion or greater while writing and maintaining several regulations that apply to all banks,

●

Determination of debit card interchange rates by the Federal Reserve Board,

●

New regulation over derivative instruments,

●

Phase outs of certain forms of trust preferred debt and hybrid instruments previously included as bank capital, and

●

Increases to FDIC deposit coverage, revised calculations for assessing bank premiums, and numerous other provisions affecting financial institution regulation, oversight of certain non-banking organizations, and improved depositor protection.

 

The CRA requires depository institutions to assist in meeting the credit needs of their market areas consistent with safe and sound banking practice. Under the CRA, each depository institution is required to help meet the credit needs of its market areas by, among other things, providing credit to low and moderate income individuals and communities. Depository institutions are periodically examined for compliance with the CRA, and banking regulators take into account CRA ratings when considering approval of certain applications. An unsatisfactory CRA rating could, among other things, result in the denial or delay of corporate applications filed by Bancorp or the Bank for proposed activities such as branch openings or relocations and applications to acquire, merge or consolidate with another banking institution or holding company.

 

 

The federal banking regulators have adopted rules limiting the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public information about consumers to unaffiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to an unaffiliated third party. These regulations affect how consumer information is conveyed to outside vendors. The Bank is also subject to regulatory guidelines establishing standards for safeguarding customer information. These guidelines describe the federal banking agencies’ expectations for the creation, implementation and maintenance of an information security program, which would include administrative, technical and physical safeguards appropriate to the size and complexity of the institution and the nature and scope of its activities.

 

The Bank is subject to the Bank Secrecy Act and the USA Patriot Act. These statutes and related rules and regulations impose requirements and limitations on specified financial transactions and accounts and other relationships intended to guard against money laundering and terrorism financing. Financial institutions must take certain steps to assist government agencies in detecting and preventing money laundering and report certain types of suspicious transactions. Regulatory authorities routinely examine financial institutions for compliance with these obligations, and failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with relevant laws or regulations, could have serious legal and reputational consequences for the institution, including causing applicable bank regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not required.

 

Bancorp and the Bank are subject to capital regulations in accordance with Basel III, as administered by banking regulators. Basel III is an internationally agreed upon set of measures that were developed by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision that strengthened the regulation, supervision and risk management of banks in response to the financial crisis of 2007-2009. The FRB and FDIC have substantially similar risk-based and leverage ratio guidelines for banking organizations, which are intended to ensure that banking organizations have adequate capital related to the risk levels of assets and off-balance sheet instruments. Under the risk-based guidelines, specific categories of assets are assigned different risk weights based generally on the perceived credit risk of the asset. These risk weights are multiplied by corresponding asset balances to determine a risk-weighted asset base. In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the FRB uses a leverage ratio as a tool to evaluate the capital adequacy of bank holding companies. The leverage ratio is a company’s Tier 1 Capital divided by its average total consolidated assets (less goodwill and certain other intangible assets).

 

The federal banking agencies’ risk-based and leverage ratios represent minimum supervisory ratios generally applicable to banking organizations that meet certain specified criteria, assuming that they have the highest regulatory capital rating. Banking organizations not meeting these criteria are required to operate with capital positions above the minimum ratios. FRB guidelines also provide that banking organizations experiencing internal growth or making acquisitions may be expected to maintain strong capital positions above the minimum supervisory levels, without significant reliance on intangible assets. The FDIC may establish higher minimum capital adequacy requirements if, for example, a bank proposes to make an acquisition requiring regulatory approval, has previously warranted special regulatory attention, has experienced rapid growth that presents supervisory concerns, or, among other factors, has a high susceptibility to interest rate and other types of risk. The Bank is not subject to any such individual minimum regulatory capital requirements.

 

Banking regulators have categorized the Bank as well-capitalized. To meet the definition of well-capitalized for prompt corrective action requirements, a bank must have a minimum 6.5% Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, 8.0% Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, 10.0% Total Risk-Based Capital ratio and 5.0% Tier 1 Leverage ratio.

 

Additionally, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers, Bancorp and the Bank must hold a 2.5% capital conservation buffer composed of Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital above the minimum risk-based capital requirements for the Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio and Total Risk-Based Capital ratio necessary to be considered adequately-capitalized. At December 31, 2023, the adequately-capitalized minimums, including the capital conservation buffer, were a 7.0% Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, 8.5% Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio and 10.5% Total Risk-Based Capital ratio.

 

 

As of December 31, 2023, Bancorp exceeded the requirements to be considered well-capitalized and those required to avoid limitations associated with the capital conservation buffer.

 

Under regulatory guidance applicable to all banking organizations, incentive compensation policies must be consistent with safety and soundness principles. Under this guidance, financial institutions must review their compensation programs to ensure that they: (i) provide employees with incentives that appropriately balance risk and reward and that do not encourage imprudent risk, (ii) are compatible with effective controls and risk management, and (iii) are supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the banking organization’s board of directors. Monitoring methods and processes used by a banking organization should be commensurate with the size and complexity of the organization and its use of incentive compensation.

 

The federal banking agencies and state regulators have been increasingly active in implementing privacy and cybersecurity standards and regulations. In February 2018, the SEC published interpretive guidance to assist public companies in preparing disclosures about cybersecurity risks and incidents. These SEC guidelines, and any other regulatory guidance, are in addition to notification and disclosure requirements under state and federal banking laws and regulations.

 

In November 2021, the federal banking agencies adopted a rule regarding notification requirements for banking organizations related to significant computer security incidents. Under the final rule, a bank holding company and state member bank are required to notify the Federal Reserve within 36 hours of incidents that have materially disrupted or degraded, or are reasonably likely to materially disrupt or degrade, the banking organization’s ability to deliver services to a material portion of its customer base, jeopardize the viability of key operations of the banking organization, or impact the stability of the financial sector. The rule was effective April 1, 2022 and Bancorp was in compliance by the required May 1, 2022 deadline.

 

We expect federal banking agencies and state regulators to continue focusing on information technology and cybersecurity. We are continually monitoring regulatory developments and the impact they may have on Bancorp.

 

Website Access to Reports

 

Bancorp files reports with the SEC including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current event reports on Form 8-K, and proxy statements, as well as any amendments to those reports. The SEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act are also accessible at no cost on Bancorp’s web site at http://www.syb.com after they are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

 

 

Item 1A.         Risk Factors.         

 

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

 

An investment in Bancorp’s common stock is subject to risks inherent in its business. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included in this filing. In addition to the risks and uncertainties described below, other risks and uncertainties not currently known to Bancorp or that Bancorp currently deems to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations in the future. The value or market price of Bancorp’s common stock could decline due to any of these identified or other risks, and an investor could lose all or part of their investment.

 

There are factors, many beyond Bancorp’s control, which may significantly change the results or expectations of Bancorp. Some of these factors are described below, however, many are described in the other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Economic, Market and Credit Risks

 

Fluctuations in interest rates could reduce profitability.

 

Our primary source of income is from net interest spread, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and interest paid on deposits and borrowings. We expect to periodically experience gaps in interest rate sensitivities of assets and liabilities, meaning that either interest-bearing liabilities may be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than interest-earning assets, or vice versa. In either event, if market interest rates should move in a way that constricts net interest spread and NIM, earnings could be negatively affected.

 

Many factors affect fluctuation of market interest rates, including, but not limited to the following:

 

●

the FRB’s actions to change interest rates

●

inflation or deflation

●

recession

●

changes in unemployment

●

changes in the Money Supply

●

local, regional, national or international disorder and instability in financial markets

 

The FRB has taken aggressive interest rate action over the past several years. In March of 2020, the FRB implemented severe, pandemic-driven interest rate decreases that lowered the FFTR to a range of 0% - 0.25% and Prime to 3.25%, sustaining these levels for approximately two years. In an effort to fight resulting inflation that had risen to its highest levels in decades, the FRB increased the FFTR a total of 425 bps in 2022 and an additional 100 bps in 2023, driving the FFTR to a range of 5.25% - 5.50% and Prime to 8.50% as of December 31, 2023.

 

The dramatic rise in interest rates experienced in 2022 provided significant benefit to NIM, as interest earning assets experienced higher yields and elevated levels of liquidity allowed deposit costs to remain near pandemic-era lows. However, as liquidity dissipated in 2023, intense competition for deposits created significant pricing pressure and drove deposit costs up. The resulting shift in Bancorp’s deposit mix, with a large portion of non-interest bearing and lower-rate deposits migrating to higher-yielding alternatives, created significant NIM compression during the year.

 

The current economic outlook remains volatile, regularly changing as new economic data becomes available and the FRB’s efforts to control inflation continue. Recent projections indicate that the FFTR will remain at the current level in the first part of 2024, with probabilities suggesting FFTR decreases as we enter the second half of the year. As a potential economic slowdown looms, Bancorp expects ongoing pricing pressure/competition for both loans and deposits, changing levels of liquidity within the banking system and a severely inverted yield curve will continue to place pressure on NIM in the first part of 2024.

 

 

Deposit rates tend to be tied to the short end of the rate curve, while fixed-rate loans are largely priced based upon longer term rates, typically five-year offerings. A flattened, or inverted, yield curve may increase our funding costs while limiting rates that can be earned on loans and investments, thereby decreasing our net interest income and earnings. Further, migration of deposits out of Bancorp, as customers pursue higher rates, could impact liquidity and earnings, as we compete for deposits. Changes in the mix of deposits could result in increased average rates paid on deposits, and lower earnings. Our asset-liability management strategy, which is designed to mitigate risk from changes in market interest rates, may not be able to prevent changes in interest rates from having a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Financial condition and profitability depend significantly on local and national economic conditions.

 

Our success depends on general economic conditions locally, regionally and nationally. A portion of our customers’ ability to repay their obligations is directly tied to local, regional, national or global economic activity. Deterioration in the quality of the credit portfolio could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and ultimately capital.

 

The economic outlook for 2024 suggests the potential for slowing growth and even for recession. Higher interest rates, cooling but persistent inflation, and compounding geopolitical risks create a number of uncertainties heading into 2024. As such, the severity of any potential recession or economic downturn could have a significant impact on borrowers’ ability to perform.

 

Our allowance for credit losses may not be adequate to cover actual losses, which could negatively impact earnings.

 

The ACL on loans and the liability for unfunded lending commitments reflect management’s estimate of credit losses expected in the loan portfolio, including unfunded lending commitments, as of the balance sheet date. These estimates are the result of our continuing evaluation of specific credit risks and loss experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions, industry concentrations, reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, and other factors that may provide an indication of potential credit losses. The determination of our allowance for credit losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires assumptions to be made by management. If our assumptions prove to be incorrect or economic problems are worse than projected, adjustments may be necessary to allow for changing economic conditions or adverse developments in the loan portfolio. Any material increase to the required level of ACL, or insufficiency of the ACL to cover actual loan losses, could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Federal and state regulators annually review our allowance and may require an adjustment in the ACL on loans. If regulatory agencies require any increase in the allowance for which we had not allocated, it would have a negative effect on our financial results.

 

Our credit metrics are currently at strong levels and this trend could normalize over time.

 

Over the past several years, our asset quality metrics have trended within a narrow range, exceeding benchmarks and reaching historically strong levels. We realize that present asset quality metrics are positive and, recognizing the cyclical nature of the lending business, we anticipate this trend will likely normalize over time.

 

Financial condition and profitability could be negatively impacted by collateral values.

 

We offer a variety of secured loans, including C&I lines of credit, C&I term loans, real estate, C&D, HELOCs, consumer and other loans. In instances where borrowers are unable to repay their loans and there has been deterioration in the value of loan collateral, we could experience higher loan losses, which could have a material adverse effect on financial condition, and results of operations.

 

Significant stock market volatility could negatively affect our financial results.

 

Income from WM&T constitutes approximately 43% of non-interest income. Trust AUM are expressed in terms of market value, and a significant portion of fee income is based upon those values, which generally fluctuate consistent with overall capital markets.

 

 

Capital and credit markets experience volatility and disruption from time to time. These conditions may place downward pressure on credit availability, credit worthiness and customers’ inclinations to borrow. Prolonged volatility or a significant disruption could negatively impact customers’ ability to seek new loans or to repay existing loans. Personal wealth of many borrowers and guarantors has historically added a source of financial strength to certain loans and would be negatively impacted by severe market declines. Sustained reliance on personal assets to make loan payments would result in deterioration of their liquidity, and could result in loan defaults.

 

The value of our investment securities may be negatively affected by factors outside of our control and impairment of these securities could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of our investment securities. These factors include, but are not limited to, changes in market interest rates, rating agency actions, defaults by issuers or with respect to underlying securities, volatility and liquidity within capital markets and changes in local, regional, national or global economic conditions. Impairment to the fair value of these securities can result in realized and/or unrealized losses in future periods and declines in other comprehensive income, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Impairment of goodwill, other intangible assets or deferred tax assets could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

In accordance with GAAP, goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment on at least an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. In the event that we conclude that all or a portion of our goodwill may be impaired, a non-cash charge for the amount of such impairment would be recorded to earnings. Such a charge would have no impact on tangible capital. At December 31, 2023, Bancorp had goodwill of $194 million.

 

Bancorp’s intangible assets primarily relate to core deposits and customer relationships. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated life. Intangible assets, premises and equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. In the event that we conclude that all or a portion of our intangible assets may be impaired, a non-cash charge for the amount of such impairment would be recorded to earnings. Such a charge would have no impact on tangible capital. At December 31, 2023, Bancorp had intangible assets of $20 million.

 

In assessing the potential for realization of DTAs, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the DTAs will not be realized. Assessing the need for, or the sufficiency of, a valuation allowance requires management to evaluate all available evidence, both negative and positive, including whether future taxable income in sufficient amounts and character within the carryback and carryforward periods is available under tax law, including the use of tax planning strategies. We have concluded that, based on the level of positive evidence, it is more likely than not that at December 31, 2023 all DTAs will be realized. At December 31, 2023, Bancorp had DTAs totaling $47 million.

 

The impact of each of these impairment matters could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

The soundness of other financial institutions could adversely affect us.

 

Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services companies are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to different industries and counterparties and through transactions with counterparties in the bank and non-bank financial services industries, including broker-dealers, commercial banks, investment banks and other institutional customers. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more bank or non-bank financial services companies, or bank or non-bank financial services industries in general, could lead to market-wide liquidity problems and could result in losses or defaults by us or other institutions. These losses or defaults could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

The bank failures of early 2023, which included three of the four largest bank failures in U.S. history, created a liquidity crisis within the banking industry and temporarily raised questions amongst depositors regarding the soundness of the banking system generally. While Bancorp was not negatively impacted by these failures, remaining well-capitalized and successfully managing the fluctuations in liquidity created by these events, further bank failures or the failure of financial institutions with whom we have relationships could adversely affect us.

 

Our mortgage banking line of business is highly dependent upon programs administered by the FNMA and FHLMC. Changes in existing U.S. government-sponsored mortgage programs or servicing eligibility standards could materially and adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

Our ability to generate revenue through mortgage loan sales to institutional investors depends to a significant degree on programs administered by the FNMA and FHLMC. These entities play powerful roles in the residential mortgage industry and as a result, we have significant business relationships with them. Our status as an approved seller and servicer with both entities is subject to compliance with their selling and servicing guidelines.

 

Any discontinuation of, or significant reduction or material change in, the operation of the FNMA and FHLMC, or any significant adverse change in the level of activity in the secondary mortgage market or the underwriting criteria of the FNMA or FHLMC would likely prevent us from originating and selling most, if not all, of our mortgage loan originations.

 

Derivatives associated with our mortgage banking line of business subject us to interest rate and counter-party risks, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Mortgage banking derivatives used in the ordinary course of business consist primarily of mandatory forward sales contracts and interest rate lock loan commitments. Mandatory forward contracts represent future loan commitments to deliver loans at a specified price and date and are used to manage interest rate risk on loan commitments and mortgage loans held for sale. Interest rate lock loan commitments represent commitments to fund loans at a specific rate.

 

We are exposed to interest rate risk on loans held for sale and rate lock loan commitments. As market interest rates fluctuate, the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale and rate lock commitments will decline or increase. To offset this interest rate risk, we enter into derivatives, such as mandatory forward contracts to sell loans. The fair value of these mandatory forward contracts will fluctuate as market interest rates fluctuate, and the change in the value of these instruments is expected to largely, though not entirely, offset the change in fair value of loans held for sale and rate lock commitments. While the objective of this activity is to minimize the exposure to losses on rate lock loan commitments and loans held for sale due to market interest rate fluctuations, the net effect of derivatives on earnings depends on risk management activities and a variety of other factors, including: market interest rate volatility; the amount of rate lock commitments that close; the ability to fill the forward contracts before expiration; and the time period required to close and sell loans. The extent to which these derivatives do not offset each other could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Mandatory forward contracts also contain an element of risk in that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of such agreements. In the event the counterparties fail to deliver commitments or are unable to fulfill their obligations, we could potentially incur significant additional costs by replacing the positions at then-current market rates, adversely impacting our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Changing industry trends or regulations related to consumer deposit relationships could have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Competitive and regulatory factors surrounding the developing trend of financial institutions reducing or eliminating certain deposit account fees, particularly overdraft-related fees, presents a significant challenge to maintaining deposit-related non-interest income in the future and potentially threatens a revenue stream that has been in an industry-wide, regulation-driven decline for several years. Strategic decisions surrounding this trend may impact not only deposit-related income, but also deposit relationships in general, particularly for retail customers.

 

Any elimination of, or reduction or material change to, the fees we charge for certain deposit-related services could result in a significant decline of non-interest income. Failure to closely monitor, and appropriately adapt to, changes in industry practices and consumer behavior could have an adverse impact on our performance.

 

 

Strategic Risks

 

Acquisitions could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

An institution that we acquire may have asset quality issues or contingent liabilities that we did not discover or fully recognize in the due diligence process, thereby resulting in unanticipated losses. Acquisitions of other institutions also typically require integration of different corporate cultures, loan and deposit products, pricing strategies, data processing systems and other technologies, accounting, compliance, internal audit and financial reporting systems, operating systems and internal controls, marketing programs and personnel of the acquired institution. The integration process is complicated and time consuming and could divert our attention from other business concerns and may be disruptive to our customers and customers of the acquired institution. Our failure to successfully integrate an acquired institution could result in loss of key customers and employees, and prevent us from achieving expected synergies and cost savings. We may finance acquisitions with borrowed funds, thereby increasing our leverage and reducing liquidity, or with potentially dilutive issuances of equity securities.

 

Competition with other financial institutions could adversely affect profitability.

 

We operate in a highly competitive industry that could become even more so as a result of earnings pressure from peer organizations, legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. We face vigorous competition in price and structure of financial products from banks and other financial institutions. In recent years, credit unions have expanded their lending mix and now compete heavily with banks in the CRE lending market. Non-traditional providers’ high risk tolerance for fixed rate, long-term loans has adversely affected our net loan growth and results of operations. We also compete with other non-traditional providers of financial services, such as brokerage firms and insurance companies. As internet-based financial services continue to grow in acceptance, we must remain relevant as an institution where consumers and businesses value personal service while other institutions offer these services without human interaction. The variety of sources of competition may reduce or limit our margins on banking services, increase operational costs through expanded product offerings, reduce market share and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

We may not be able to attract and retain skilled people.

 

Our performance is dependent on our ability to attract and retain qualified employees. Competition for qualified employees in the industry and markets in which we engage can be intense, and we may not be able to retain or hire the individuals wanted or needed for certain positions. Changes in the labor market and general employment trends, including elevated employee attrition, labor availability and wage inflation, also present challenges to our ability to attract and retain qualified employees.

 

If we are unable to continue to attract and retain qualified employees, or do so at rates necessary to maintain the Company’s competitive position, our performance, including the Company’s competitive position, could suffer, and, in turn, adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

We are subject to liquidity risks.

 

Liquidity is essential to our business. We rely on our ability to generate deposits and effectively manage the repayment and maturity schedules of our loans and investment securities, respectively, to ensure we have adequate liquidity to fund our operations. An inability to raise funds through deposits, FHLB advances and other borrowings, sales of investment securities, sales of loans and other sources could have a significant negative effect on our liquidity.

 

We are dependent on large commercial deposit relationships as a primary funding source. We consider the majority of these deposits to be core funds, as they represent long-standing, full-service relationships and are a testament to our commitment to partner with business customers by providing exemplary service and competitive products. A sudden shift in customer behavior within these deposits resulting in balances being reduced or exiting Bancorp altogether could impact our ability to capitalize on growth opportunities and meet current obligations. We have secondary funding sources to draw upon as needed, but the cost of those funds would be higher than typical deposit accounts, which could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

We have experienced wide fluctuations in liquidity levels over the past several years. After experiencing record levels of liquidity in 2021 stemming largely from government stimulus, liquidity moderated in 2022, and dissipated in 2023 on the heels of strong loan demand, rising interest rates and a lack of liquidity within the banking system generally. As a result of these fluctuations, we have had to shift from attempting to maximize return by investing excess liquidity to prudently managing deposit and borrowing costs to maintain the liquidity necessary to profitably meet loan demand and operational needs. Any failure to manage the challenges associated with changing levels of liquidity could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our investment in tax credit partnerships may not generate expected or anticipated returns, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

We periodically invest in tax credit partnerships that generate federal income tax credits. The tax benefit of these investments is expected to exceed the amortization expense associated with them, resulting in a positive impact on net income. Such credits are subject to recapture by taxing authorities based on compliance requirements that must be met at the project level. Further, changes in applicable tax code or the inability of the projects to be completed or properly managed depend on factors that are out of our control. Should we not be able to realize the tax credits and other benefits associated with such investments, our results of operation and financial condition could be negatively impacted.

 

Operational Risks

 

Our risk management framework could prove ineffective, which could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We have established a risk management framework to identify, assess and manage our risk exposure. Our enterprise-wide framework is designed to analyze the specific risks we are subject to by evaluating type, likelihood of occurrence and potential severity in an effort to determine levels of inherent risk. We then identify and evaluate the related controls, or lack thereof, around each identified risk to determine the levels of residual risk, subsequently deciding if our controls are sufficient or if any action is warranted.

 

Any failure or inability of our risk management framework to identify, assess or manage the risks we may be exposed to could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

 

Our accounting policies and methods are critical to how we report our financial condition and results of operations. They require management to make estimates about matters that are uncertain.

 

Accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. Management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying these accounting policies and methods so they comply with GAAP.

 

We have identified certain accounting policies as being critical because they require management’s judgment to ascertain the valuations of assets, liabilities, commitments and contingencies. A variety of factors could affect the ultimate value that is obtained either when earning income, recognizing an expense, recovering an asset, or reducing a liability. We have established detailed policies and control procedures intended to ensure these critical accounting estimates and judgments are well-controlled and applied consistently.

 

Policies and procedures are intended to ensure that the process for changing methodologies occurs in an appropriate manner. Because of the uncertainty surrounding judgments and estimates pertaining to these matters, there can be no assurances that actual our results will not differ from those estimates. See the section titled “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for more information.

 

 

An extended disruption of vital infrastructure could negatively impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

Our operations depend upon, among other things, infrastructure, including equipment and facilities. Extended disruption of vital infrastructure by fire, power loss, natural disaster, telecommunications failure, information systems breaches, corporate account take-over, terrorist activity or the domestic and foreign response to such activity, or other events outside of our control could have a material adverse impact on the financial services industry, the economy as a whole or on our financial condition and results of operations. Our business continuity plan may not work as intended or may not prevent significant interruption of operations. Occurrence of any failures or interruptions of information systems could damage our reputation, result in loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Security breaches could negatively impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

Our assets, which are at risk for cyber-attacks, include financial assets and non-public information belonging to customers. Cyber security risks include cyber espionage, blackmail, ransom, theft, and corporate account takeovers. We employ many preventive and detective controls to protect our assets, and provide mandatory recurring information security training for all employees. We have invested in multiple preventative tools in an attempt to protect customers from cyber threats and corporate account takeover and regularly provide educational information regarding cyber threats to customers. We utilize multiple third-party vendors who have access to ours assets via electronic media. While we require third parties, many of whom are small companies, to have similar or superior controls in place, a breach of information could still occur. See the section titled “Cybersecurity” for more information related to our cybersecurity risk management practices.

 

Incidences of fraud could negatively impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

 

Fraud is a major, and increasing, operational risk for us and the banking industry generally. The sophistication and methods used to perpetuate fraud continue to evolve as technology changes. Activities of the Bank that subject Bancorp to risk of fraud by customers, employees, vendors, or members of the general public include ACH transactions, wire transactions, ATM/ITM transactions, checking transactions, card transactions and loan originations. While we continually evaluate and update our anti-fraud measures, some level of fraud loss is unavoidable and the risk of loss cannot be eliminated. Repeated incidences of fraud or a single large occurrence could adversely impact our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We are dependent upon outside third parties for processing and handling of the Company’s records and data.

 

We rely on software developed by third-party vendors to process various transactions. In some cases, we have contracted with third parties to run their proprietary software on our behalf. While we perform a review of controls instituted by applicable vendors over these programs in accordance with industry standards and perform testing of user controls, we rely on continued maintenance of controls by these third-party vendors, including safeguards over security of client data. We may incur a temporary disruption in our ability to conduct business or process transactions, or incur reputational damage, if a third-party vendor fails to adequately maintain internal controls or institute necessary changes to systems. Such a disruption or breach of security could have a material adverse effect on our business. Further, if these third-party service providers experience difficulties, or should terminate their services, and we are unable to replace them on a timely basis, our business operations could be interrupted. If an interruption were to continue for a significant period of time, or if we incurred excessive costs involved with replacing third-party service provider, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

 

Our ability to stay current on technological changes in order to compete and meet customer demands is constantly being challenged.

 

The financial services industry is constantly undergoing rapid technological changes, with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. Future success of Bancorp will depend, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by utilizing technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience, as well as to create additional operational efficiencies and greater privacy and security protection for customers and their personal information. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services as quickly as competitors or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. We rely on third party providers for many of our technology-driven banking products and services. Some of these companies may be slow to respond with upgrades or enhancements to their products to keep pace with improvements in technology or the introduction of competing products. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could impair our ability to effectively compete to retain or acquire new business and could have an adverse impact on our business, financial position and results of operations.

 

Changes in customer use of banks could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

 

The rapid evolution of non-bank alternatives for initiation and completion of financial transactions puts us at risk of losing sources of revenue and funding. The ability of customers to pay bills, deposit and transfer funds, and purchase assets without utilizing the banking system could result in loss of fee income, deposits, and loans. If we are unable to continue timely development of competitive new products and services, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Regulatory and Legal Risks

 

We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes to or lack of compliance with federal, state and local laws and regulations.

 

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by federal and state banking authorities. Any change to, or addition of, applicable regulations or federal or state legislation could have a substantial impact on our financial condition and results of operations. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on the ability to pay dividends and the requirement to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including branching and acquisitions.

 

Changes in tax laws and regulations may have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Any change or potential enactment of tax legislation, or changes in the interpretation of existing tax law, including provisions impacting tax rates, apportionment, consolidation or combination, income, expense, credits and exemptions may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Transactions between Bancorp and its former insurance subsidiary, the Captive, may be subject to certain IRS responsibilities and penalties.

 

The Captive, formerly a wholly owned subsidiary of Bancorp, was a Nevada-based captive insurance company that was taxed under Section 831(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. On April 10, 2023, the IRS issued a proposed regulation that would potentially classify section 831(b) captive activity as a, “listed transaction,” and possibly disallow the related tax benefits, both prospectively and retroactively, for a period to be determined. While the regulation has not been finalized, it is expected to be finalized in 2024. Bancorp elected not to renew the Captive in August of 2023 and ultimately dissolved the Captive in December of 2023. The finalization of this proposed regulation and potential disallowance of related tax benefits could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

We are subject to litigation risk and reputational risk pertaining to fiduciary responsibility.

 

From time to time, customers may make claims and take legal action pertaining to our fiduciary responsibilities. Whether customer claims and legal action related to our fiduciary responsibilities are founded or unfounded, if such claims and legal actions are not resolved in a manner favorable to us they may result in significant financial liability and/or adversely affect the market perception of us and our products and services, as well as impact customer demand for those products and services. Any financial liability or reputational damage could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

 

Increasing scrutiny and evolving expectations from regulators, investors and other stakeholders with respect to our ESG practices may impose additional costs on us or expose us to new or additional risks.

 

Companies are facing increasing scrutiny from regulators, investors and other stakeholders related to their ESG practices and disclosure. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, diversity, labor conditions and human rights. Increased ESG-related compliance costs could result in increases to our overall operational costs. New government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence and disclosure. Additionally, concerns over the long-term impacts of climate change have led and will continue to lead to governmental efforts to mitigate those impacts. Failure to adapt or comply with related legislation, regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards could negatively impact our reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Risks Related to Owning Our Common Stock

 

Our common stock price may fluctuate significantly, which could make it difficult for you to resell our common stock at times and/or prices acceptable to an investor.

 

The price of our common stock can fluctuate widely in response to various factors, some of which are beyond our control, and we expect our stock price will continue to fluctuate in the future. Factors impacting the price of our common stock include, but are not limited to:

 

●

actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly results of operations;

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recommendations or research reports about Bancorp, or the financial services industry in general, published by securities analysts;

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the failure of securities analysts to cover, or continue covering, our business;

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news reports relating to trends, concerns and other issues in the financial services industry or markets in general;

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perceptions in the marketplace regarding the Bancorp, or our reputation, competitors or other financial institutions;

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actual or anticipated sales or issuance of our equity or equity-related securities;

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our past and future dividend practices;

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departure of our management team or other key personnel;

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new technology used, or services offered, by competitors;

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significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or involving us or our competitors;

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failure to integrate acquisitions or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions;

●

existing or increased regulatory compliance requirements, changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations, or differing interpretations thereof, affecting our business, or enforcement of laws and regulations; and

●

litigation and governmental investigations.

 

General market fluctuations, industry factors, economic and political conditions and events, inflation and economic slowdowns or recessions, interest rate changes and credit loss trends or fluctuations could also cause our stock price to decrease, regardless of operating results.

 

 

Item 1B.         Unresolved Staff Comments.         

 

None.

 

Item 1C. Cybersecurity.

 

Risk Management and Strategy

 

Bancorp has established an Information Security (IS) program, which is overseen by the Director of Information Security and the Information Security Officer. Both of these roles report to the Chief Risk Officer. The IS program is structured upon and informed by the Center for Internet Security Risk Assessment Method (CIS RAM), which aligns with the National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework (NIST CSF). The primary objectives of the IS program are to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our information assets, comply with applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations and manage significant risks arising from cybersecurity threats. These processes are integrated into the institution’s overall risk management system, ensuring a unified approach to risk mitigation.

 

The IS program includes several key processes and functions such as access control monitoring, threat detection, vulnerability management, understanding the implications of technological changes, managing third-party relationships, and mandating employee awareness and education among other components. These activities aim to prevent avoidable errors, raise awareness, identify potential vulnerabilities, protect systems, detect security incidents and recover from any incidents that occur. These processes are continually updated and enhanced to keep pace with the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

 

To ensure effective risk management, Bancorp adopts the three lines of defense model, which consists of the following elements:

 

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The first line of defense is operational management, which is responsible for implementing and maintaining the IS program, as well as identifying and mitigating cybersecurity risks on a day-to-day basis.

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The second line of defense consists of the risk management and compliance functions, which provide oversight, guidance, and support to the first line of defense, as well as monitoring and reporting on the institution’s cybersecurity posture and performance.

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The third line of defense is the internal audit function, which provides independent assurance of the effectiveness and adequacy of the IS program, as well as compliance with relevant policies, standards and regulations.

 

When necessary, the institution engages external assessors, consultants, and auditors with expertise in cybersecurity to evaluate and enhance its systems, policies and procedures. These external parties provide valuable insights into emerging threats and best practices, enhancing Bancorp’s ability to adapt and respond effectively. Bancorp also undergoes reoccurring regulatory examinations, and any issues that are identified are actively tracked and monitored for remediation.

 

In addition to external entities, Bancorp has internal oversight mechanisms to identify cybersecurity risks, including those associated with its use of third-party service providers and related downstream service providers. This includes thorough due diligence during vendor selection, ongoing monitoring, setting clear contractual obligations to uphold cybersecurity standards and other interventions necessary to address risk such as those addressed in Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors.”

 

In the event of a security incident, Bancorp has developed an Incident Response Plan (IRP) to guide necessary actions. The IRP is a well-established document that is updated at least annually. It provides guidance before, during and after a confirmed or suspected security incident, outlining how to minimize the duration and damage of an incident, identifying a response team and streamlining actions to reduce recovery time.

 

While Bancorp has not experienced any cybersecurity incidents that have materially affected its operations, it acknowledges the potential impact such risks could have on business strategy, financial condition and operational resilience. The institution remains vigilant, continuously evaluating and enhancing its cybersecurity measures to preemptively address any potential risks that could impact its operations or financial condition in the future. This approach aligns with the institution’s commitment to maintaining the trust and security of its stakeholders in an increasingly digital world.

 

 

Governance

 

Bancorp’s Credit and Risk Committee, which includes board of director representation, maintains a robust oversight framework for evaluating and managing risks associated with cybersecurity threats. The committee convened six times during the year ended December 31, 2023 in order carry out its oversight responsibilities, engaging directly in discussions about cybersecurity risks to ensure they are comprehensively addressed within the institution’s risk management framework. This included, but was not limited to, vulnerability trends, identified or potential third-party risks, risks precipitated by technological changes, confirmed or potential security incidents, policy and procedure changes, the organization’s risk appetite, the FFIEC’s Cybersecurity Assessment Tool, conclusions from the risk assessment, audit and regulatory reports, routine quarterly and annual reporting, as well as other notable key risk indicators.

 

The entire board of directors of Bancorp is actively involved in the oversight of the institution’s cybersecurity risks. The Chair of the Credit and Risk Committee regularly reports the committee’s activities to the board of directors. In addition, management reports to the board of directors on an as-needed basis concerning high-priority information security-related topics, such as cybersecurity incidents. This ensures that the board of directors is always informed and can provide strategic direction on significant cybersecurity matters.

 

A dedicated committee, the Information Security Steering Group (ISSG), is specifically responsible for overseeing cybersecurity threats and informing the decisions of the Credit and Risk Committee. The ISSG, comprising individuals with diverse expertise in technology, risk management and cybersecurity, meets monthly. They discuss a range of strategic topics, including vulnerability trends, identified or potential third-party risks, risks precipitated by technological changes, confirmed or potential security incidents and other items related to the institution’s preparedness measures. The ISSG’s purpose is to provide strategic direction for the IS program and to evaluate known risks based on Bancorp’s existing controls and risk appetite.

 

Management also plays a crucial role in assessing and managing Bancorp’s cybersecurity risks. Specific roles, such as the Information Security Officer (ISO) and Director of Information Security (DIS), are tasked with monitoring, evaluating, and mitigating these risks in coordination with the ISSG. Both the ISO and DIS possess relevant expertise and experience in cybersecurity, enabling them to effectively navigate and respond to emerging threats. The ISO, who holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Information Systems Security, along with several relevant industry certifications, has been with Bancorp for three years and has additional experience working in technology outside of the organization. The DIS, who also holds several relevant certifications, has been with Bancorp’s Information Security department for 19 years and brings extensive experience with technology.

 

To keep the ISSG and Credit and Risk Committee informed, management ensures consistent and structured reporting mechanisms are in place. They regularly update these governing bodies on the prevention, detection and mitigation of cybersecurity incidents. This reporting includes detailed insights into the institution’s cybersecurity posture, ongoing initiatives and any necessary adjustments or enhancements to existing measures.

 

The communication between management, the ISSG, and the Credit and Risk Committee facilitates a holistic understanding of cybersecurity risks, ensuring proactive measures are in place to safeguard Bancorp's operations, preserve its financial stability, and maintain the trust of its stakeholders.

 

 

Item 2.         Properties.         

 

The corporate headquarters of Bancorp are located at 1040 East Main Street, Louisville, Kentucky, a complex that also serves as the Bank’s main branch. Bancorp’s operations center is located at a separate location in Louisville. At December 31, 2023, in addition to the main office complex and the operations center, Bancorp owned 45 branches, seven of which are located on leased land. At that date, Bancorp also leased 19 branches. Of the 71 total banking locations, 40 are located in our home market of Louisville, while 19, seven and five are located in our Central Kentucky, Cincinnati and Indianapolis metropolitan markets, respectively.

 

Item 3.         Legal Proceedings.         

 

In the ordinary course of operations, Bancorp and the Bank are defendants in various legal proceedings. There is no proceeding pending or, to the knowledge of management, threatened in which an adverse decision could result in a material adverse change in the business or consolidated financial position of Bancorp or the Bank.

 

Item 4.         Mine Safety Disclosures.         

 

NA

 

 

PART II

 

Item 5.         Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.         ’

 

Bancorp’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbol SYBT. On December 31, 2023, Bancorp had approximately 2,100 shareholders of record, and approximately 13,100 beneficial owners holding shares in nominee or “street” name.

 

The following table shows information relating to the repurchase of shares of common stock by Bancorp during the three months ended December 31, 2023.

 

		Total number of shares purchased (1)				Average price paid per share				Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs				Average price paid per share				Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
October 1 - October 31			616			$	53.55				—			$	—
November 1 - November 30			1,821				43.35				—				—
December 1 - December 31			4,608				50.87				—				—
Total			7,045			$	49.16				—			$	—				741,196

 

(1)

Shares repurchased during the three-month period ended December 31, 2023 represent shares withheld to pay taxes due.

 

Effective May 22, 2019, Bancorp’s Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of 1 million shares, or approximately 4% of Bancorp’s total common shares outstanding at the time. Stock repurchases are expected to be made from time to time on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions, subject to applicable securities laws. The plan, which was extended in May 2023 and will expire in May 2025 unless otherwise extended or completed at an earlier date, does not obligate the Company to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of shares prior to the plan’s expiration. No shares were repurchased in 2022, nor in 2023. Approximately 741,000 shares remain eligible for repurchase.

 

There were no equity securities of the registrant sold without registration during the quarter covered by this report.

 

On February 20, 2024, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per common share.

 

The following performance graphs and data shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed soliciting material or subject to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

The first graph compares performance of Bancorp’s Common Stock to the Russell 2000 Index, the S&P U.S. BMI Banks – Midwest Region Index and the KBW NASDAQ Bank Index for the last five fiscal years. The graph assumes the value of the investment in Bancorp’s Common Stock and in each index was $100 at December 31, 2018 and that all dividends were reinvested.

 

In addition to the five-year period presented, the ten-year period is presented because it provides additional perspective, and Bancorp management believes that longer-term performance is of interest. The ten-year graph assumes the value of the investment in Bancorp’s Common Stock and in each respective index was $100 at December 31, 2013 and that all dividends were reinvested.

 

 

 

 

		Period Ending
Index		12/31/18				12/31/19				12/31/20				12/31/21				12/31/22				12/31/23
Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.		$	100.00			$	128.72			$	130.86			$	210.64			$	218.31			$	177.17
Russell 2000 Index			100.00				125.53				150.58				172.90				137.56				160.85
S&P U.S. BMI Banks - Midwest Region Index			100.00				130.10				111.85				147.78				127.53				130.20
KBW NASDAQ Bank Index			100.00				136.13				122.09				168.88				132.75				131.57

 

 

 

 

		Period Ending
Index		12/31/13				12/31/14				12/31/15				12/31/16				12/31/17				12/31/18				12/31/19				12/31/20				12/31/21				12/31/22				12/31/23
Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.		$	100.00			$	107.54			$	125.21			$	238.74			$	195.86			$	175.16			$	225.47			$	229.23			$	368.96			$	382.39			$	310.33
Russell 2000 Index			100.00				104.89				100.26				121.63				139.44				124.09				155.76				186.85				214.54				170.69				199.59
S&P U.S. BMI Banks - Midwest Region Index			100.00				108.71				110.36				147.46				158.46				135.31				176.04				151.35				199.96				172.57				176.18
KBW NASDAQ Bank Index			100.00				109.37				109.91				141.24				167.50				137.83				187.62				168.28				232.77				182.97				181.34

 

 

Item 6.         [RESERVED]

 

Item 7.         Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.         ’

 

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (“Bancorp” or “the Company”), is a FHC headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky and is engaged in the business of banking through its wholly owned subsidiary, Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company (“SYB” or “the Bank”). Bancorp, which was incorporated in 1988 in Kentucky, is registered with, and subject to supervision, regulation and examination by, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. As Bancorp has no significant operations of its own, its business and the business of SYB are essentially the same. The operations of SYB are fully reflected in the consolidated financial statements of Bancorp. Accordingly, references to “Bancorp” in this document may encompass both the holding company and the Bank. All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

SYB, established in 1904, is a state-chartered non-member financial institution that provides services in Louisville, central, eastern and northern Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio markets through 71 full service banking center locations. The Bank is registered with, and subject to supervision, regulation and examination by the FDIC and the Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions.

 

As a result of its acquisition of Kentucky Bancshares, Inc. on May 31, 2021, Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of a Nevada-based insurance captive taxed under Section 831(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. On April 10, 2023, the IRS issued a proposed regulation that would potentially classify section 831(b) captive activity as a, “listed transaction,” and possibly disallow the related tax benefits, both prospectively and retroactively, for a period to be determined. While the regulation has not been finalized, it is expected to be finalized in 2024. Bancorp elected not to renew the Captive in August of 2023 and ultimately dissolved the Captive in December of 2023. The Captive’s activity is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and will be included in its 2023 federal income tax return. The Captive’s activity served to reduce Bancorp’s ETR by 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.2% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

As a result of its acquisition of Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc. on March 7, 2022, Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of three unconsolidated Delaware trust subsidiaries: Commonwealth Statutory Trust III, Commonwealth Statutory Trust IV and Commonwealth Statutory Trust V. The sole assets of the trust subsidiaries represent the proceeds of offerings exchanged for subordinated debentures with similar terms to the TPS.

 

Also as a result of its acquisition of Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc., Bancorp acquired a 60% interest in LFA, a Bowling Green, Kentucky-based wealth management services company. Effective December 31, 2022, Bancorp’s partial interest in LFA was sold, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $870,000 recorded in other non-interest expense on the consolidated income statements for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022. This acquired line of business was not within the Company’s geographic footprint and ultimately did not align with the Company’s long-term strategic model. Net income related to LFA and attributable to Bancorp’s 60% interest, excluding the pre-tax loss on disposition noted above, totaled $483,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying Footnotes presented in Part II Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This document contains statements relating to future results of Bancorp that are considered “forward-looking” as defined by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The forward-looking statements are principally, but not exclusively, contained in Part II Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors.”

 

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by the statement. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “conclude,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “foresee,” “goal,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “possible,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “will likely,” “would,” or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control.

 

Forward-looking statements detail management’s expectations regarding the future and are based on information known to management only as of the date the statements are made and management undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date forward-looking statements are made, except as required by applicable regulation.

 

There is no assurance that any list of risks and uncertainties or risk factors is complete. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements include, among other things:

 

●

Changes in, or forecasts of, future political and economic conditions, inflation or recession and efforts to control related developments;

●

changes in laws and regulations or the interpretation thereof;

●

accuracy of assumptions and estimates used in establishing the ACL for loans, ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures and other estimates;

●

impairment of investment securities;

●

impairment of goodwill, MSRs, other intangible assets and/or DTAs;

●

ability to effectively navigate an economic slowdown or other economic or market disruptions;

●

changes in fiscal, monetary, and/or regulatory policies;

●

changes in tax polices including but not limited to changes in federal and state statutory rates;

●

behavior of securities and capital markets, including changes in interest rates, market volatility and liquidity;

●

ability to effectively manage capital and liquidity;

●

long-term and short-term interest rate fluctuations, as well as the shape of the U.S. Treasury yield curve;

●

the magnitude and frequency of changes to the FFTR implemented by the Federal Open Market Committee of the FRB;

●

competitive product and pricing pressures;

●

projections of revenue, expenses, capital expenditures, losses, EPS, dividends, capital structure, etc.;

●

integration of acquired financial institutions, businesses or future acquisitions;

●

changes in the credit quality of Bancorp’s customers and counterparties, deteriorating asset quality and charge-off levels;

●

changes in technology instituted by Bancorp, its counterparties or competitors;

●

changes to or the effectiveness of Bancorp’s overall internal control environment;

●

adequacy of Bancorp’s risk management framework, disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting;

●

changes in applicable accounting standards, including the introduction of new accounting standards;

●

changes in investor sentiment or behavior;

●

changes in consumer/business spending or savings behavior;

●

ability to appropriately address social, environmental and sustainability concerns that may arise from business activities;

 

 

●

occurrence of natural or man-made disasters or calamities, including health emergencies, the spread of infectious diseases, pandemics or outbreaks of hostilities, and Bancorp’s ability to deal effectively with disruptions caused by the foregoing;

●

ability to maintain the security of its financial, accounting, technology, data processing and other operational systems and facilities;

●

ability to withstand disruptions that may be caused by any failure of its operational systems or those of third parties;

●

ability to effectively defend itself against cyberattacks or other attempts by unauthorized parties to access information of Bancorp, its vendors or its customers or to disrupt systems; and

●

other risks and uncertainties reported from time-to-time in Bancorp’s filings with the SEC, including Part I Item 1A “Risk Factors.”

 

Acquisition of Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc. and its Subsidiary Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company

 

On March 7, 2022, Bancorp completed its acquisition of Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Commonwealth Bank & Trust Company, collectively defined as “CB,” a Louisville, Kentucky-based commercial bank and trust company, which operated 15 retail branches, including nine in Jefferson County, four in Shelby County, and two in Northern Kentucky. At the time of acquisition and net of purchase accounting adjustments, CB had $1.34 billion in assets, $632 million in loans, $247 million in investment securities and $1.12 billion in deposits in addition to maintaining a WM&T Department with total AUM of approximately $2.65 billion. CB was also the holding company for three unconsolidated Delaware trust subsidiaries and held a 60% interest in LFA. Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of all three trust subsidiaries and also retained the 60% interest in LFA upon acquisition, the latter of which was disposed of effective December 31, 2022. Bancorp acquired all outstanding common stock of CB, Inc. in a combined stock and cash transaction that resulted in total consideration paid to CB shareholders of $168 million.

 

Bancorp recorded initial goodwill of approximately $67 million and incurred merger related expenses totaling $19.5 million during the first quarter of 2022 as a result of the CB acquisition. As a result of Bancorp’s disposition of its partial interest in LFA, which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $870,000 recorded in other non-interest expense on the consolidated income statements for the fourth quarter of 2022, goodwill totaling $8.5 million was written off, bringing total goodwill related to the CB acquisition to $58 million as of December 31, 2022.

 

The acquisition of CB had a significant impact on the ACL and credit loss provisioning in 2022. In total, the CB acquisition served to increase the ACL on loans by $14 million at acquisition date. This increase consisted of $10 million attributed to the acquired PCD loan portfolio, with the corresponding offset recorded to goodwill (as opposed to provision for credit loss expense), and $4.4 million of provision for credit loss expense attributed to the acquired non-PCD portfolio, which represented the acquisition-related credit loss expense.

 

Issued but Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards Updates

 

For disclosure regarding the impact to Bancorp’s financial statements of issued-but-not-yet-effective ASUs, see the Footnote titled “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of Part II Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reported periods.

 

Management continually evaluates its accounting policies and estimates that it uses to prepare the consolidated financial statements. In general, management’s estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience, accounting and regulatory guidance, and information obtained from independent third-party professionals. Actual results may differ from those estimates made by management.

 

Critical accounting policies are those that management believes are the most important to the portrayal of Bancorp’s financial condition and operating results and require management to make estimates that are difficult, subjective and complex. Most accounting policies are not considered by management to be critical accounting policies. Several factors are considered in determining whether or not a policy is critical in the preparation of the financial statements. These factors include, among other things, whether the estimates have a significant impact on the financial statements, the nature of the estimates, the ability to readily validate the estimates with other information including independent third parties or available pricing, sensitivity of the estimates to changes in economic conditions and whether alternative methods of accounting may be utilized under GAAP. Management has discussed each critical accounting policy and the methodology for the identification and determination of critical accounting policies with Bancorp’s Audit Committee. As of December 31, 2023, the significant accounting policy considered the most critical in preparing Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements is the determination of the ACL on loans.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Provision for Credit Losses

 

For purposes of establishing the general reserve of the ACL, Bancorp stratifies the loan portfolio into homogeneous groups of loans that possess similar loss potential characteristics and calculates the net amount expected to be collected over the life of the loans to estimate the credit losses in the loan portfolio. Bancorp’s methodologies for estimating the ACL on loans consider available relevant information about the collectability of cash flows, including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts.

 

The ACL on loans is established through credit loss expense charged to current earnings. The amount maintained in the ACL reflects management’s estimate of the net amount not expected to be collected on the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date over the life of the loan. The ACL is comprised of specific reserves assigned to certain loans that do not share general risk characteristics and general reserves on pools of loans that do share general risk characteristics. Factors contributing to the determination of specific reserves include the creditworthiness of the borrower and more specifically, changes in the expected future receipt of principal and interest payments and/or in the value of pledged collateral. A reserve is recorded when the carrying amount of the loan exceeds the discounted estimated cash flows using the loan’s initial effective interest rate, an expected loss ratio based on historical losses adjusted as appropriate for qualitative factors, or the fair value of the collateral for certain collateral-dependent loans.

 

Provision for credit losses can be subject to volatility as ACL calculations and the resulting expense are significantly impacted by changes in CECL model assumptions such as macroeconomic factors and conditions, credit quality and loan composition. Forecasted economic conditions have been generally volatile since Bancorp’s adoption of CECL, as the pandemic, related government stimulus efforts, the Federal Reserve’s efforts to combat inflation, and recession-based fears have driven constantly changing estimates of the economy over the past several years.

 

 

Business Segment Overview

 

Bancorp is divided into two reportable segments: Commercial Banking and WM&T:

 

Commercial Banking provides a full range of loan and deposit products to individual consumers and businesses in all its markets through retail lending, mortgage banking, deposit services, online banking, mobile banking, private banking, commercial lending, commercial real estate lending, leasing, treasury management services, merchant services, international banking, correspondent banking and other banking services. The Bank also offers securities brokerage services via its banking center network through an arrangement with a third party broker-dealer in the Commercial Banking segment. 

 

WM&T provides investment management, financial & retirement planning and trust & estate services, as well as retirement plan management for businesses and corporations in all markets in which Bancorp operates. The magnitude of WM&T revenue distinguishes Bancorp from other community banks of similar asset size.

 

Overview – Operating Results (FTE)

 

The following table presents an overview Bancorp’s financial performance for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:

 

Years Ended December 31,														Variance
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)		2023				2022				2021				2023 / 2022				2022 / 2021
Net income available to stockholders		$	107,748			$	92,972			$	74,645				16	%			25	%
Diluted earnings per share		$	3.67			$	3.21			$	2.97				14	%			8	%
ROA			1.39	%			1.25	%			1.33	%			14	%			(8	)bps
ROE			13.44	%			12.58	%			13.02	%			86	%			(44	)bps

 

Additional discussion follows under the section titled “Results of Operations.”

 

General highlights for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022:

 

●	In 2023, Bancorp set the following financial records:

o

Net income of $107.7 million, and as a result, diluted EPS of $3.67, besting the previous records of $93.0 million and diluted EPS of $3.21 from 2022.

o

Total revenue, comprising net interest income FTE and non-interest income, of $340.1 million, surpassing the previous record of $323.4 million in 2022.

o

Record loan production, which drove $579 million of loan growth (excluding PPP), leading to record total loans of $5.77 billion at December 31, 2023.

o

WM&T services income of $39.8 million, which was driven by solid net new business growth and strong fourth quarter performance within the equity and fixed income markets.

o

Debit and credit card income of $19.4 million, consistent with organic and acquisition-related growth in transaction volume and customer base in addition to larger processor incentives.

o

Treasury management fee income of $10.0 million, led by strong transaction volume, organic and acquisition-related expansion of the customer base, new product sales and expanded international revenue.

o

Net investment product sales commissions and fee income of $3.2 million stemming from organic growth and the full year impact of acquisition-related activity.

●

Net income totaled $107.7 million for year ended December 31, 2023, resulting in diluted EPS of $3.67, compared to net income of $93.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, which resulted in diluted EPS of $3.21. The year ended December 31, 2022 was significantly impacted by the CB acquisition.

o

Record results for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year were driven by significant organic growth, the full year impact of acquisition-related activity, the benefit to interest income of rising interest rates compared to the prior year and the continued growth of Bancorp’s diversified non-interest revenue streams.

 

 

o

While interest income benefitted from rising interest rates in 2023, an increase in the cost of funds stemming from deposit contraction and pricing pressure, as well as increased borrowing activity, had a substantial impact on results for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year.

o

Bancorp completed its acquisition of CB on March 7, 2022. At the time of acquisition and net of purchase accounting adjustments, CB had approximately $1.34 billion in total assets, $632 million in loans, $247 million in investment securities and $1.12 billion in deposits. The year ended December 31, 2022 represented approximately 10 months of activity associated with the CB acquisition, including $19.5 million in merger expenses and $4.4 million in credit loss expense attributed to the acquired loan portfolio, which weighed heavily on prior year results.

●

NIM increased 4 bps to 3.39% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 3.35% for the prior year consistent with average balance sheet expansion and upward movement in interest rates experienced during the year. Net interest income FTE totaled $247.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, representing an increase of $13.6 million, or 6%, over the prior year.

o

Despite increased net interest income and NIM, net interest spread declined 43 bps to 2.78% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. Rising deposit costs and increased borrowing activity drove a substantial increase in the cost of funds, which increased 157 bps to 1.97% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 0.40% for the prior year.

●	Total loans increased $565 million, or 11%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, with notable growth in CRE and Residential real estate being driven by a year of record loan production.

●	Bancorp’s ACL on loans increased $6 million, or 8%, compared to December 31, 2022. Provision for credit losses on loans totaled $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to $9.7 million for the prior year.

o

In addition to substantial loan growth, a flat unemployment forecast and other factors within the CECL model, Bancorp also recorded net charge offs of $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, driven by the charge off of two isolated and unrelated C&I relationships.

o

Provision for credit losses on loans for the prior year period included $4.4 million of expense related to the acquired loan portfolio, and to a lesser extent, a deteriorating economic forecast.

●

Total deposits increased $279 million, or 4%, at December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. While total deposit growth was experienced compared to the prior year, there was significant shift in the deposit base mix, as customers migrated from non-interest bearing products into higher-yielding alternatives and pricing pressure related to deposits intensified during the year.

o

Interest-bearing deposits increased $681 million, or 15%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, led by a $511 million increase in time deposits associated with Bancorp’s successful promotional product offerings, offsetting a $402 million, or 21%, decline in non-interest bearing deposits.

●

Non-interest income increased $3.1 million, or 3%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. While virtually all traditional non-interest income revenue streams experienced significant increases over the year ended December 31, 2022, the prior year benefitted from non-recurring gains totaling $4.4 million associated with the sale of acquired properties.

●

Non-interest expenses decreased $4.0 million, or 2%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. Non-interest expenses in general remained well-controlled and consistent with expansion, strong performance and continued investment in technology. The prior year included $19.5 million of merger expenses associated with the CB acquisition.

●

Bancorp’s efficiency ratio (FTE) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 55.23% compared to 59.30% for the year ended December 31, 2022. The elevated ratio for the prior year was the result of one-time merger-related expenses recorded in relation to the CB acquisition. Bancorp also considers an adjusted efficiency ratio, which eliminates net gains (losses) on sales and calls of investment securities, as well as net gains (losses) on sales of acquired premises and equipment and disposition of any acquired assets, if applicable, and the fluctuation in non-interest expenses related to amortization of investments in tax credit partnerships and non-recurring merger expenses. Bancorp’s adjusted efficiency ratio for the year ended December 31, 2023 was 54.84% compared to 53.61% for the year ended December 31, 2022. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

Total stockholder’s equity to total assets was 10.50% as of December 31, 2023 compared to 10.14% at December 31, 2022. Total equity increased to $858 million in 2023, driven by net income of $107.7 million and a $23 million positive change in AOCI, offset partially by $35 million of dividends declared. The increase in AOCI from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023 was the result of the changing interest rate environment and its corresponding impact on the valuation of the AFS debt securities portfolio.

 

 

TCE is a measure of a company’s capital, which is useful in evaluating the quality and adequacy of capital. Bancorp’s ratio of TCE to total tangible assets was 8.09% as of December 31, 2023, compared to 7.44% at December 31, 2022, the improvement driven by growth in stockholder’s equity associated with the year’s strong operating results and the positive change in AOCI related to the valuation of the AFS debt securities portfolio. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

General highlights for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021:

 

●	Bancorp completed its acquisition of CB on March 7, 2022. At the time of acquisition and net of purchase accounting adjustments, CB had approximately $1.34 billion in assets, $632 million in loans, $247 million in investment securities and $1.12 billion in deposits.

●	Bancorp completed its acquisition of KB on May 31, 2021. At the time of acquisition and net of purchase accounting adjustments, KB had approximately $1.27 billion in assets, $755 million in loans, $396 million in investments securities and $1.04 billion in deposits.

●	In 2022, Bancorp set the following financial records:

o

Net income of $93.0 million, and as a result, diluted EPS of $3.21, besting the previous records of $74.6 million and diluted EPS of $2.97 from 2021.

o

Total revenue, comprising net interest income FTE and non-interest income, of $323.4 million, surpassing the previous record of $237.4 million in 2021.

o

Record loan production, which drove $529 million of organic loan growth (excluding PPP) and, combined with the acquisition of CB, led to record total loans of $5.21 billion at December 31, 2022.

o

WM&T services income of $36.1 million, which was driven by both organic and acquisition-related growth despite significant market downturns during the year.

o

Debit and credit card income of $18.6 million, supported by organic and acquisition-related growth in transaction volume and customer base.

o

Treasury management fee income of $8.6 million, led by increased transaction volume, new product sales and both organic and acquisition-related expansion of the customer base.

●

NIM increased 13 bps to 3.35% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 3.22% for the prior year consistent with average balance sheet expansion and upward movement in interest rates experienced over the year. Net interest income FTE totaled $234.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, representing an increase of $62.8 million, or 37%, over 2021.

o

The NIM increase was driven by both organic and acquisition-related growth and the aforementioned rise in interest rates, which more than offset the increase in interest-bearing deposit costs and the substantial decline in PPP-related interest income.

●	Total loans increased $1.04 billion, or 25%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared to December 31, 2021, driven by the addition of $632 million in loans from the CB acquisition and strong organic loan portfolio growth.

●	Total provision for credit losses totaled $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to negative provision of $753,000 for the year ended December 31, 2021.

o

Provision for credit loss expense of $4.4 million was recorded in relation to the loan portfolio added through the CB acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2022. In addition, increasing unemployment forecasts and strong organic loan growth served to increase expense for 2022.

o

While provision of $7.4 million was recorded in relation to the loan portfolio added through the KB acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2021, it was offset by a cumulative net benefit of $8.2 million recorded for credit losses on loans and credit losses on off balance sheet exposures, which was driven by stabilizing unemployment forecasts, generally improving CECL model loss factors and line of credit utilization.

●

Total deposits increased $604 million, or 10%, at December 31, 2022 compared to December 31, 2021. Approximately $1.12 billion of deposits were added as a result of the CB acquisition. Excluding acquisition-related activity, period-end deposit balances declined in 2022, as the elevated customer balances experienced toward the end of 2021 moderated, primarily due to contraction in non-interest bearing demand deposits.

●

Non-interest income increased $23.3 million, or 35%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year, as 2022 benefitted from both significant contributions stemming from acquisition-related activity and organic growth. All non-interest income revenue streams experienced significant increases over the prior year, with the exception of mortgage banking, which experienced a significant decline in volume driven by rising rates compared to the historic low rates that benefitted much of 2021. In addition, non-recurring gains totaling $4.4 million were recorded during the year due to the sale of acquired properties.

 

 

●

Non-interest expenses increased $49.5 million, or 35%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. While both years experienced elevated non-interest expense as a result of merger-related expenses, most non-interest expense categories experienced significant increases over the prior year as a result of anticipated acquisition-related expansion. Non-interest expenses in general remained well-controlled and consistent with expansion, strong performance and continued investment in technology.

●

Bancorp’s efficiency ratio (FTE) for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 59.30% compared to 59.92% for the year ended December 31, 2021, the elevated ratios being the result of one-time merger-related expenses recorded in relation to the respective acquisitions in both years. Bancorp also considers an adjusted efficiency ratio, which eliminates net gains (losses) on sales and calls of investment securities, as well as net gains (losses) on sales of acquired premises and equipment and disposition of any acquired assets, if applicable, and the fluctuation in non-interest expenses related to amortization of investments in tax credit partnerships and non-recurring merger expenses. Bancorp’s adjusted efficiency ratio for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 53.61% compared to 51.76% for the year ended December 31, 2021. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

Total stockholder’s equity to total assets was 10.14% as of December 31, 2022 compared to 10.17% at December 31, 2021. Total equity increased to $760 million in 2022, driven by the issuance of $134 million in stock for the acquisition of CB and net income of $93.0 million, which were partially offset by a $108 million negative change in AOCI and $33 million of dividends declared. The large decline in AOCI from December 31, 2021 to December 31, 2022 was the result of the rising interest rate environment and its corresponding impact on the valuation of the AFS debt securities portfolio. TCE is a measure of a company’s capital, which is useful in evaluating the quality and adequacy of capital. Bancorp’s ratio of TCE to total tangible assets was 7.44% as of December 31, 2022, compared to 8.22% at December 31, 2021, the decline driven by both the large interest-rate driven changes in AOCI noted above and acquisition-related growth. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

 

Challenges for 2024:

 

Bancorp has identified the following challenges for fiscal year 2024:

 

●	Pricing pressure and competition for both loans and deposits will continue to present significant challenges in 2024, driven by uncertainty within the current interest rate environment, inversion of the yield curve and changing levels of liquidity within the banking system generally.

o

While the rising rate environment experienced in 2023 led to higher yields within the loan portfolio, continued inversion of the yield curve creates a general pricing mismatch between the rates earned on longer-term loans and the rates paid on shorter-term deposits. To the extent growth in the cost of interest bearing liabilities outpaces growth in the yield produced by interest-earning assets, NIM compression could continue.

o

Significant pressure was placed on NIM in 2023 as a result of a substantial and rapid increase in the cost of funds, as depositors migrated from non-interest bearing deposits to higher-yielding alternatives and borrowing activity increased. Bancorp expects related NIM compression to continue into the first part of 2024, with the percentage of non-interest bearing deposits to total deposits continuing to decline.

o

Successfully funding loan growth will require Bancorp to manage liquidity in a cost-effective manner and could depend largely on Bancorp’s ability to raise and maintain deposits, which will present challenges in the current environment. While other sources of funding are available, they are typically more expensive than in-market deposit relationships and the extent to which they are utilized could increase our overall cost of funding.

●

Continued monetary policy changes (or lack thereof) by the FRB and the corresponding impact on local, national and global economic conditions could present numerous challenges in 2024. The possibility of recession, given an already-inverted yield curve and uncertainty related to future interest rate moves could threaten loan demand, subdue business and consumer spending, and create significant volatility for the markets in general. Further, the severity of a potential recession and its effect on the unemployment forecast, the primary loss driver within Bancorp’s ACL model, could result in substantially higher ACL provisioning.

●

Net loan growth will be a major focus for Bancorp in 2024. This will be impacted by competition, prevailing interest rates, economic conditions, line of credit utilization and loan prepayments. Bancorp believes there is continued opportunity for loan growth in all of its markets. Bancorp’s ability to deliver attractive loan growth over the long-term is linked to Bancorp’s overall success.

●

The continued development of the relationships and opportunities in Bancorp’s newer markets remains a priority for 2024. The Company’s growing footprint has allowed Bancorp to provide broader product offerings, increased lending capabilities and an expanded branch delivery system to existing and prospective customers alike, creating solid growth opportunities and a larger platform for future expansion. Prioritizing the development of the opportunities afforded by recent acquisitions will play a major role in delivering strong operating results in the coming year.

●

Bancorp derives significant non-interest income from WM&T services. Most of these fees are based upon the market value of AUM at respective period ends. Absent fixed income and equity market movements, to grow this revenue stream, Bancorp must attract new customers and retain existing customers. Bancorp believes there is opportunity for growth of the WM&T business in all of its markets. Growth in market values of AUM and fees is dependent upon positive returns in the overall capital markets, which could be threatened should economic conditions worsen. Bancorp has no control over market volatility.

●

Over the past several years, Bancorp’s asset quality metrics have trended within a low range, periodically exceeding benchmarks and reaching historically strong levels. Bancorp realizes that present asset quality metrics are positive and, recognizing the cyclical nature of the lending business and current economic conditions, Bancorp anticipates this trend will likely normalize over time.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

Net Interest Income - Overview

 

As is the case with most banks, Bancorp’s primary revenue sources are net interest income and fee income from various financial services provided to customers. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on loans, investment securities and other interest earning assets less interest expense on deposit accounts and other interest bearing liabilities. Loan volume and interest rates earned on those loans are critical to overall profitability. Similarly, deposit volume is crucial to funding loans and rates paid on deposits directly impact profitability. New business volume is influenced by numerous economic factors including market interest rates, business spending, liquidity, consumer confidence and various competitive conditions within the marketplace. The discussion that follows is based on FTE net interest income data.

 

Comparative information regarding net interest income follows:

 

As of and for the Years Ended December 31,														Variance
(dollars in thousands)		2023				2022				2021				2023 / 2022				2022 / 2021
Net interest income		$	247,332			$	233,383			$	171,074				6	%			36	%
Net interest income (FTE)*			247,869				234,267				171,508				6	%			37	%
Net interest spread (FTE)*			2.78	%			3.21	%			3.16	%			(43	)bps			5	bps
Net interest margin (FTE)*			3.39	%			3.35	%			3.22	%			4	bps			13	bps
Average interest earning assets		$	7,303,763			$	6,987,365			$	5,318,968				5	%			31	%
Average interest bearing liabilities		$	5,052,106			$	4,538,911			$	3,391,709				11	%			34	%
Five year Treasury note rate at year end			3.84	%			3.99	%			1.26	%			(15	)bps			273	bps
Average five year Treasury note rate			4.06	%			3.00	%			0.86	%			106	bps			214	bps
Prime rate at year end			8.50	%			7.50	%			3.25	%			100	bps			425	bps
Average Prime rate			8.20	%			4.85	%			3.25	%			335	bps			160	bps
One month term SOFR at year end			5.35	%			4.36	%			0.06	%			99	bps			430	bps
Average one month term SOFR			5.07	%			1.99	%			0.04	%			308	bps			195	bps

 

*See table titled, "Average Balance Sheets and Interest Rates (FTE)" for detail of Net interest income (FTE).

 

NIM and net interest spread calculations above exclude the sold portion of certain participation loans, which totaled $4 million, $5 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. These sold loans are on Bancorp’s balance sheet as required by GAAP because Bancorp retains some form of effective control; however, Bancorp receives no interest income on the sold portion. These participation loans sold are excluded from NIM and spread analysis, because Bancorp believes it provides a more accurate depiction of loan portfolio performance.

 

At December 31, 2023, Bancorp’s loan portfolio consisted of approximately 72% fixed and 28% variable rate loans. At inception, most of Bancorp’s fixed rate loans are priced in relation to the five year treasury. Bancorp’s variable rate loans are typically indexed to either Prime or SOFR, generally repricing as those rates change. At December 31, 2023, approximately 61% and 39% of Bancorp’s variable rate loan portfolio was indexed to Prime and SOFR, respectively.

 

Prime rate, the five year Treasury note rate, one month term SOFR are included in the table above to provide a general indication of the interest rate environment Bancorp has operated in during the past three years, a period marked by a dramatic rise in interest rates.

 

The FRB has taken aggressive interest rate action over this period, holding the FFTR at the pandemic-driven range of 0.00% - 0.25% for the entirety of 2021 until beginning a rate hike strategy in 2022 aimed at taming inflation that had reached its highest levels in decades. The FFTR was increased a total of 425 bps in 2022, and another 100 bps in 2023, ending at a range of 5.25% - 5.50% as of December 31, 2023. As a result, Prime increased from 3.25% at the beginning of 2021 to 8.50% as of December 31, 2023.

 

Bancorp experienced significant benefit from the rate increases enacted in 2022, as the majority of Bancorp’s variable rate loans rose above their 4.00% floors and deposit rates remained low. However, as interest rates continued to rise in 2023, the positive impact rising rates had on the loan portfolio began to be offset by higher deposit rates stemming from intense pricing pressure and competition, which began to drive NIM compression.

 

 

The current economic outlook remains volatile, regularly changing as new economic data becomes available and the FRB’s efforts to control inflation continue. It is generally anticipated that short-term interest rates will decline at some point in 2024, but there is wide speculation regarding when the FRB will cut the FFTR. Given current economic uncertainty, Bancorp expects ongoing pricing pressure/competition for both loans and deposits, changing levels of liquidity within the banking system generally and an inverted yield curve will continue to place pressure on NIM in the first part of 2024.

 

Discussion of 2023 vs 2022:

 

Net interest spread (FTE) and NIM (FTE) were 2.78% and 3.39%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 3.21% and 3.35% for the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively. NIM during the year ended December 31, 2023 was significantly impacted by the following:

 

●

The rapidly rising interest rate environment that has evolved from the sustained, pandemic-driven lows experienced beginning in 2020. The FFTR was lowered to a range of 0% - 0.25% in March of 2020, which resulted in Prime dropping to 3.25%, where it remained until the FRB’s first hike in mid-March 2022. The FFTR stood at a range of 5.25% - 5.50%, and Prime at 8.50%, as of December 31, 2023, as a result of aggressive interest rate action from the FRB during 2022 and 2023.

●

The positive impact of rising interest rates on interest-earning assets, which drove a substantial increase in interest income across all interest-earning asset categories.

●

A significant increase in the cost of funds, as depositors migrated to higher yielding deposit alternatives, competition for deposits intensified and Bancorp’s borrowing activity increased, which partially offset the growth of yields on interest-earning assets noted above.

●

Balance sheet expansion stemming from both organic growth and the full year impact of acquisition-related activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year.

 

Net interest income (FTE) increased $13.6 million, or 6%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022, attributed largely to significant organic loan growth, the full year impact of acquisition-related activity and the benefits of a rising interest rate environment, which more than offset rising funding costs.

 

Total average interest earning assets increased $316.4 million, or 5%, to $7.30 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to year ended December 31, 2022, with the average rate earned on total interest earning assets increasing 114 bps to 4.75%.

 

●

Average total loan balances increased $604 million, or 13%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year. Average non-PPP loan growth of $648 million, or 14%, was driven by strong organic growth and the full year impact of acquisition-related activity, which was partially offset by a $44 million, or 83%, decline in average PPP loan balances resulting from continued forgiveness activity.

 

●

Average investment securities grew $17 million, or 1%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, attributed to a combination of strategically deploying excess liquidity through further investment and the full year impact of acquisition-related activity, which was partially offset by normal amortization and maturity activity during 2023. Investment security purchases during 2023 were minimal.

 

●

Average FFS and interest bearing due from bank balances decreased $313 million, or 66%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, as loan growth and average total deposit contraction have led to lower levels of liquidity compared to the prior year.

 

Total interest income (FTE) increased $94.7 million, or 37%, to $347.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

●

Interest and fee income (FTE) on loans increased $85.7 million, or 40%, to $302.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year, driven by the rising rate environment and both organic and acquisition-related growth, which more than offset a $4.6 million, or 95%, decline in PPP-related income. The yield on the overall loan portfolio increased 108 bps to 5.58% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to 4.50% for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

 

●

Growth in average investment securities led to a $5.5 million, or 19%, increase in interest income (FTE) on the portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, driving a 30 bps, or 17%, increase in the corresponding yield on the portfolio. The increased yield on the investment securities portfolio was driven by the benefit of investments purchased in the prior year once rates began to rise and the continued amortization and maturity of lower-yielding securities.

 

●

Interest income on FFS and interest bearing due from bank balances increased $2.4 million, or 40%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, as rising short-term interest rates more than offset a $313 million decline in related average balances. The yield on these assets increased 386 bps to 5.12% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022, stemming from the dramatic increase in the FFTR over the past 12 months.

 

Total average interest bearing liabilities increased $513.2 million, or 11%, to $5.05 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with the year ended December 31, 2022, with the total average cost increasing 157 bps to 1.97%.

 

●

Average interest bearing deposits increased $223 million, or 5%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. This increase stems mainly from an increase in time deposits during 2023 attributed to general customer migration to higher-yielding deposit alternatives and Bancorp’s promotional offerings, which has been partially offset by contraction in other interest bearing deposit categories.

 

●

Average FHLB advances totaled $280 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Bancorp utilized overnight borrowings with the FHLB during 2023 based on evolving liquidity needs. Bancorp also utilized rolling term advances in conjunction with three separate interest rate swaps during the year ended December 31, 2023 in an effort to secure longer-term funding at a more favorable rate. The minimal FHLB advance activity that occurred in the prior year was the result of utilizing a one-week cash management advance at year-end for short-term liquidity purposes, which represented the only FHLB advance used during 2022.

 

●

Average subordinated debentures totaled $26.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. These subordinated debentures were added as a result of the CB acquisition during the first quarter of 2022.

 

Total interest expense increased $81.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the year ended December 31, 2022, driven by substantial deposit rate increases and increased borrowing activity, and to a lesser extent, acquisition-related expansion. As a result, the cost of interest bearing liabilities increased 157 bps to 1.97% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year.

 

●

Total interest bearing deposit expense increased $65.2 million, mainly as a result aforementioned deposit rate increases, resulting in a 140 bps increase in the cost of interest bearing deposits for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. Bancorp expects pricing pressure/competition stemming from the rising rate environment to continue in the coming months.

 

●

Interest expense of $12.8 million was recorded in relation to FHLB borrowings for the year ended December 31, 2023, driven by the increased borrowing activity previously noted. Interest expense of $12,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022, which stemmed entirely from a one-week cash management advance utilized at year-end.

 

●

Interest expense totaling $2.2 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023, as a result of the subordinated debentures added through the prior year acquisition, approximately $397,000 of which stems from purchase accounting-related mark-to-market amortization. Interest expense totaling $1.1 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022, $331,000 of which stemmed from the purchase accounting-related mark-to-market amortization.

 

 

Discussion of 2022 vs 2021:

 

Net interest spread (FTE) and NIM (FTE) were 3.21% and 3.35%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 3.16% and 3.22% for the same period in 2021, respectively. NIM during the year ended December 31, 2022 was significantly impacted by the following:

 

●

A rapidly rising interest rate environment evolving from the sustained, pandemic-driven lows experienced over the prior two years. The FFTR was lowered to a range of 0% - 0.25% in March of 2020, which resulted in Prime dropping to 3.25%, where it remained until mid-March 2022. The FFTR stood at a range of 4.25% - 4.50%, and Prime at 7.50%, as of December 31, 2022.

●

Bancorp’s first deposit rate increases in nearly two years, stemming from the aforementioned rising rate environment, which drove a $10.8 million increase in interest expense on deposits for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021.

●

Substantial balance sheet expansion stemming from both acquisition-related activity and organic growth, which resulted in total average earning asset growth of $1.67 billion, or 31%, and average interest-bearing liability growth of $1.15 billion, or 34%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021.

●

Overall excess balance sheet liquidity, which placed pressure on NIM in both periods. Excess liquidity within the banking system in general peaked towards the end of 2021 and moderated through the year ended December 31, 2022.

●

PPP forgiveness activity, and the related recognition of fee income on such loans declined significantly in 2022, as the vast majority of the original portfolio became forgiven. The average balance of the PPP loan portfolio decreased $345 million, or 87%, and related income decreased $17.3 million, or 78%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021.

●

The addition of $26 million of subordinated debt in association with the CB acquisition contributed $1.1 million of interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022, $331,000 of which was attributed to purchase accounting-related mark-to-market amortization. No such activity was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

Net interest income (FTE) increased $62.8 million, or 37%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, largely as a result of acquisition-related activity, but also driven in part by strong organic loan growth, substantial deployment of excess liquidity into the investment securities portfolio and the benefit of a rising interest rate environment. Partially offsetting this increase was the rising cost of interest bearing deposits and the addition of subordinated debt through the CB acquisition.

 

Total average interest earning assets increased $1.67 billion, or 31%, to $6.99 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the same period of 2021, with the average rate earned on total interest earning assets increasing from 3.34% to 3.61%.

 

●

Average total loan balances increased $868 million, or 22%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021. Average non-PPP loan growth of $1.21 billion, or 34%, was driven by acquisition-related expansion and strong organic growth, which was partially offset by a $345 million, or 87%, decline in average PPP loan balances, as a result of forgiveness activity.

 

●

Average investment securities grew $771 million, or 86%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, attributed to a combination of strategically deploying excess liquidity through further investment and acquisition-related activity.

 

●

Average FFS and interest bearing due from bank balances increased $31 million, or 7%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 due to on-going excess balance sheet liquidity. While average balances reflected excess balance sheet liquidity, actual excess balance sheet liquidity gradually declined through December 31, 2022, and reached more moderate levels by year-end.

 

 

Total interest income (FTE) increased $75.0 million, or 42%, to $252.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared to the same period of 2021.

 

●

Interest and fee income (FTE) on loans increased $52.2 million, or 32%, to $216.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, driven by both organic and acquisition-related growth in the non-PPP portfolio and the rising rate environment, which more than offset a $17.3 million, or 78%, decline in PPP-related income. The yield on the overall loan portfolio climbed to 4.50% for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to 4.16% for the same period of 2021.

 

●

Significant growth in average investment securities led to a $17.2 million increase interest income (FTE) on the portfolio for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, driving a 42 bps, or 32%, increase in the corresponding yield on the portfolio. Substantial deployment of excess liquidity benefitted the investment portfolio as the yields earned on recent purchases have improved dramatically in tandem with rising rates.

 

●

Interest income on FFS and interest bearing due from bank balances increased $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, as a result of average balance growth stemming from excess balance sheet liquidity and rising interest rates. The yield on these assets increased 112 bps to 1.26% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, stemming from the dramatic increase in the FFTR over the period.

 

Total average interest bearing liabilities increased $1.15 billion, or 34%, to $4.54 billion for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared with the same period in 2021, with the total average cost increasing 22 bps to 0.40%.

 

●

Average interest bearing deposits increased $1.08 billion, or 33%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, with interest-bearing demand deposits accounting for $585 million of the increase. The significant growth was attributed to both acquisition-related activity and organic growth stemming from the industry-wide trend of customers maintaining higher levels of liquidity, which was experienced for several quarters. However, excluding acquisition-related activity, period-end deposit balances declined in 2022, as the elevated customer balances noted above moderated.

 

●

Consistent with the average interest bearing deposit growth noted above, average SSUAR balances increased $60 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021.

 

●

Average FHLB advances decreased $16 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of the prior year, as all outstanding term FHLB advances either matured or were paid off by the end of 2021. The minimal average balance of FHLB advances for the year ended December 31, 2022 stemmed from a one-week cash management advance that was utilized by Bancorp at year-end for short-term liquidity purposes, which represented the only FHLB advance used during 2022, and matured in early January 2023.

 

●

Subordinated debentures totaling $26 million were added as a result of the CB acquisition during the first quarter of 2022. The corresponding average balance for the year ended December 31, 2022 totaled $22 million.

 

Total interest expense increased $12.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, driven by acquisition-related average balance growth, Bancorp’s first deposit rate increases in almost two years and debt assumed through the CB acquisition. As a result, the cost of interest bearing liabilities increased 22 bps to 0.40% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021.

 

●

Total interest bearing deposit expense increased $10.8 million as a result of acquisition-related activity and the aforementioned deposit rate increases, resulting in a 20 bps increase in the cost of interest bearing deposits.

 

●

Interest expense totaling $1.1 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 as a result of the subordinated debentures assumed through the CB acquisition, approximately $331,000 of which stems from purchase accounting-related mark-to-market amortization. No such activity was recorded for year ended December 31, 2021.

 

●

Interest expense on FHLB advances was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 was a minimal $12,000, as all FHLB advances either matured or paid off by the end of 2021, resulting in a decline of $325,000 compared to the same period of the prior year.

 

 

Average Balance Sheets and Interest Rates (FTE)

 

		2023												2022												2021
		Average								Average				Average								Average				Average								Average
Years ended December 31, (dollars in thousands)		Balance				Interest				Rate				Balance				Interest				Rate				Balance				Interest				Rate
Interest earning assets:
Federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks		$	164,314			$	8,411				5.12	%		$	477,341			$	6,018				1.26	%		$	446,783			$	645				0.14	%
Mortgage loans held for sale			6,822				211				3.09				8,835				190				2.15				11,170				249				2.23
Investment securities:
Taxable			1,602,335				32,706				2.04				1,594,942				27,302				1.71				879,298				11,575				1.32
Tax-exempt			85,304				1,957				2.29				75,382				1,851				2.46				19,636				340				1.73
Total securities			1,687,639				34,663				2.05				1,670,324				29,153				1.75				898,934				11,915				1.33
Federal Home Loan Bank stock			22,123				1,560				7.05				11,741				505				4.30				10,824				262				2.42
SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans			8,877				242				2.73				52,704				4,798				9.10				397,282				22,044				5.55
Non-PPP loans			5,413,988				302,146				5.58				4,766,420				211,872				4.45				3,553,975				142,395				4.01
Total loans			5,422,865				302,388				5.58				4,819,124				216,670				4.50				3,951,257				164,439				4.16
Total interest earning assets			7,303,763				347,233				4.75				6,987,365				252,536				3.61				5,318,968				177,510				3.34
Less allowance for credit losses on loans			78,352												65,672												57,696
Non-interest earning assets:
Cash and due from banks			80,061												90,481												63,477
Premises and equipment, net			102,895												106,631												69,483
Bank owned life insurance			85,746												68,325												44,720
Goodwill			194,074												188,949												84,853
Accrued interest receivable and other			87,387												62,801												103,081
Total assets		$	7,775,574											$	7,438,880											$	5,626,886
Interest bearing liabilities:
Deposits:
Interest bearing demand		$	2,277,001			$	34,262				1.50	%		$	2,218,416			$	9,186				0.41	%		$	1,633,606			$	1,771				0.11	%
Savings			483,245				1,308				0.27				538,971				638				0.12				328,570				93				0.03
Money market			1,115,331				24,077				2.16				1,140,025				5,284				0.46				919,778				589				0.06
Time			732,998				21,938				2.99				487,981				1,304				0.27				420,308				3,174				0.76
Total interest bearing deposits			4,608,575				81,585				1.77				4,385,393				16,412				0.37				3,302,262				5,627				0.17
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase			123,111				2,087				1.70				122,154				567				0.46				62,534				24				0.04
Federal funds purchased			13,794				689				4.99				9,357				154				1.65				10,596				14				0.13
Federal Home Loan Bank advances			280,068				12,768				4.56				274				12				4.38				16,317				337				2.07
Subordinated debentures			26,558				2,235				8.42				21,733				1,124				5.17				—				—				—
Total interest bearing liabilities			5,052,106				99,364				1.97				4,538,911				18,269				0.40				3,391,709				6,002				0.18
Non-interest bearing liabilities:
Non-interest bearing demand deposits			1,763,157												2,053,213												1,578,795
Accrued interest payable and other			158,718												107,958												83,121
Total liabilities			6,973,981												6,700,082												5,053,625
Stockholders’ equity			801,593												738,798												573,261
Total liabilities and stockholder's equity		$	7,775,574											$	7,438,880											$	5,626,886
Net interest income						$	247,869											$	234,267											$	171,508
Net interest spread											2.78	%											3.21	%											3.16	%
Net interest margin											3.39	%											3.35	%											3.22	%

 

 

Supplemental Information - Total Company Average Balance Sheets and Interest Rates (FTE)

 

●

Average loan balances include the principal balance of non-accrual loans, as well as unearned income such as loan premiums, discounts, fees/costs and exclude participation loans accounted for as secured borrowings. Participation loans averaged $4 million, $5 million and $5 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

●

Interest income on a FTE basis includes additional amounts of interest income that would have been earned if investments in certain tax-exempt interest earning assets had been made in assets subject to federal taxes yielding the same after-tax income. Interest income on municipal securities and tax-exempt loans has been calculated on a FTE basis using a federal income tax rate of 21%. Approximate tax equivalent adjustments to interest income were $537,000, $884,000 and $434,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

●

Interest income includes loan fees of $5.2 million ($242,000 associated with the PPP), $10.3 million ($4.2 million associated with the PPP) and $20.5 million ($18.1 million associated with the PPP) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Interest income on loans may be impacted by the level of prepayment fees collected and accretion related to loans purchased. Accretion income/ (amortization expense) related to acquired loans totaled $2.4 million, $2.6 million and ($112,000) for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

●

Net interest income, the most significant component of Bancorp's earnings, represents total interest income less total interest expense. The level of net interest income is determined by mix and volume of interest earning assets, interest bearing deposits and borrowed funds, and changes in interest rates.

 

●

NIM represents net interest income on a FTE basis as a percentage of average interest earning assets.

 

●

Net interest spread (FTE) is the difference between taxable equivalent rates earned on interest earning assets less the cost of interest bearing liabilities.

 

●

The fair market value adjustment on investment securities resulting from ASC 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities is included as a component of other assets.

 

 

The following table illustrates the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities impacted Bancorp’s interest income and interest expense during the periods indicated. Information is provided in each category with respect to (i) changes attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), (ii) changes attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume) and (iii) net change. The changes attributable to the combined impact of volume and rate have been allocated proportionately to the changes due to volume and the changes due to rate. Tax-equivalent adjustments are based on a federal income tax rate of 21%. The change in interest due to both rate and volume has been allocated to the change due to rate and the change due to volume in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

 

Rate/Volume Analysis (FTE)

 

		Year ended December 31, 2023												Year ended December 31, 2022
		Compared to												Compared to
		Year ended December 31, 2022												Year ended December 31, 2021
		Total Net				Increase (Decrease) Due to								Total Net				Increase (Decrease) Due to
(in thousands)		Change				Rate				Volume				Change				Rate				Volume
Interest income:
Federal funds sold and interest bearing due from banks		$	2,393			$	8,471			$	(6,078	)		$	5,373			$	5,326			$	47
Mortgage loans held for sale			21				71				(50	)			(59	)			(9	)			(50	)
Investment securities:
Taxable			5,404				5,277				127				15,727				4,239				11,488
Tax-exempt			106				(127	)			233				1,511				194				1,317
Federal Home Loan Bank stock			1,055				443				612				243				219				24
SBA Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans			(4,556	)			(2,083	)			(2,473	)			(17,246	)			8,919				(26,165	)
Non-PPP Loans			90,274				58,935				31,339				69,477				16,874				52,603
Total interest income			94,697				70,987				23,710				75,026				35,762				39,264
Interest expense:
Deposits:
Interest bearing demand			25,076				24,827				249				7,415				6,580				835
Savings			670				742				(72	)			545				454				91
Money market			18,793				18,910				(117	)			4,695				4,521				174
Time			20,634				19,666				968				(1,870	)			(2,315	)			445
Total interest bearing deposits			65,173				64,145				1,028				10,785				9,240				1,545
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase			1,520				1,516				4				543				500				43
Federal funds purchased			535				434				101				140				142				(2	)
Federal Home Loan Bank advances			12,756				1				12,755				(325	)			(158	)			(167	)
Subordinated debt			1,111				821				290				1,124				—				1,124
Total interest expense			81,095				66,917				14,178				12,267				9,724				2,543
Net interest income		$	13,602			$	4,070			$	9,532			$	62,759			$	26,038			$	36,721

 

 

Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk

 

Managing interest rate risk is fundamental for the financial services industry. The primary objective of interest rate risk management is to neutralize effects of interest rate changes on net income. By considering both on and off-balance sheet financial instruments, management evaluates interest rate sensitivity with the goal of optimizing net interest income within the constraints of prudent capital adequacy, liquidity needs, market opportunities and customer requirements.

 

Interest Rate Simulation Sensitivity Analysis

 

Bancorp uses an earnings simulation model to estimate and evaluate the impact of an immediate change in interest rates on earnings in a one-year forecast. The simulation model is designed to reflect dynamics of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. By estimating effects of interest rate fluctuations, the model can approximate interest rate risk exposure. This simulation model is used by management to gauge approximate results given a specific change in interest rates at a given point in time. The model is therefore a tool to indicate earnings trends in given interest rate scenarios and may not indicate actual or expected results.

 

The results of the interest rate sensitivity analysis performed as of December 31, 2023 were derived from conservative assumptions Bancorp uses in its model, particularly in relation to deposit betas, which measure how responsive management’s deposit repricing may be to changes in market rates based on historical data. Management uses different betas in the rising and falling rate scenarios in an effort to best simulate expected earnings trends. The results presented below reflect an interest rate sensitivity analysis that incorporates a deposit beta of approximately 68% for rising rate scenarios and 37% for falling rate scenarios, respectively. While the betas experienced since rates began to rise in the first quarter of 2022 were significantly below the 68% beta used in the model, the Company anticipates future rising rate scenario betas to return to the historic averages. The 37% beta used in the falling rate scenario is the result of management’s expectations of deposit rate decreases given the current characteristics of the deposit portfolio.

 

Bancorp’s interest rate simulation sensitivity analysis details that increases in interest rates of 100 and 200 bps would have a negative effect on net interest income, as would decreases in interest rates of 100, 200 and 300 bps. These results depict a slightly liability sensitive interest rate risk profile in rising rate scenarios and an asset sensitive position in the falling rate scenarios. The decrease in net interest income in the rising rate scenarios is primarily due to variable rate loans and short-term investments repricing slower than deposits and short-term borrowings. The decrease in net interest income in the falling rate scenarios is the result of the lower beta experienced since rates began to rise in the first quarter of 2022, which was the result of a significant percentage of the Company’s deposit cost being less than 100 bps, and therefore cannot decrease the full 100, 200 or 300 bps simulated in the model.

 

		-200				-100				100				200
		Basis Points				Basis Points				Basis Points				Basis Points
% Change from base net interest income at December 31, 2023			-3.68	%			-1.59	%			-2.11	%			-4.24	%

 

Bancorp’s loan portfolio is currently composed of approximately 72% fixed and 28% variable rate loans, with the fixed rate portion pricing generally based on a spread to the five year treasury curve at the time of origination and the variable portion pricing based on an on-going spread to Prime (approximately 61%) or one month LIBOR/SOFR (approximately 39%).

 

In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”), the authority regulating LIBOR, along with various other regulatory bodies, announced that LIBOR would likely be discontinued at the end of 2021. Subsequent to that announcement, in November 2020, the FCA announced that many tenors of LIBOR would continue to be published through June 2023. Subsequent to this, Bank regulators instructed banks to discontinue new originations referencing LIBOR as soon as possible, but no later than December 2021. Effective December 31, 2021, LIBOR was no longer used to issue new loans in the U.S. It has been replaced primarily by SOFR, which is considered to be a more accurate and secure pricing benchmark. Bancorp did not experience any operational issues associated with reference rate reform.

 

 

On March 15, 2022, the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. This legislation established a uniform benchmark replacement process for financial contracts that matured after the cessation of LIBOR (June 2023) that do not contain clearly defined or practicable fallback provisions. The legislation also established a safe harbor for lenders, providing protection from litigation associated with choosing a replacement rate recommended by the FRB, such as SOFR, and also allows for the continued use of any appropriate benchmark rate for new contracts.

 

The Company did not have any loans or interest rate derivative contracts that referenced LIBOR as of December 31, 2023. The Company has elected to utilize SOFR as the replacement for LIBOR. The Company had $813 million in loans and interest rate derivative contracts (notional amount) that were indexed to SOFR at December 31, 2023.

 

Periodically, Bancorp enters into interest rate swap transactions with borrowers who desire to hedge exposure to rising interest rates, while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate swap, with substantially matching terms, with another approved independent counterparty. These are undesignated derivative instruments and are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value, with changes in fair value recorded in other non-interest income as interest rates fluctuate. Because of matching terms of offsetting contracts, in addition to collateral provisions which mitigate the impact of non-performance risk, changes in fair value subsequent to initial recognition have a minimal effect on earnings, and are therefore not included in the simulation analysis results above. For additional information see the Footnote titled “Assets and Liabilities Measured and Reported at Fair Value.”

 

In addition, Bancorp periodically uses derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management, including interest rate swaps. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges as described in the Footnote titled “Derivative Financial Instruments.” For these derivatives, the effective portion of gains or losses is reported as a component of OCI, and is subsequently reclassified into earnings as an adjustment to interest expense in periods in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.

 

 

Provision for Credit Losses

 

Provision for credit losses on loans at December 31, 2023 represents the amount of expense that, based on Management’s judgment, is required to maintain the ACL for loans at an appropriate level under the CECL model. The determination of the amount of the ACL for loans is complex and involves a high degree of judgment and subjectivity. See the footnote titled “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for detailed discussion regarding Bancorp’s ACL methodology by loan segment.

 

An analysis of the changes in the ACL on loans, including provision, and selected ratios follow:

 

As of and for the years ended December 31, (dollars in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Beginning balance - ACL on loans		$	73,531			$	53,898			$	51,920
Acquired PCD loans (goodwill adjustment)			—				9,950				6,757
Adjusted beginning balance - ACL on loans			73,531				63,848				58,677
Provision for credit losses on loans			12,471				5,253				(6,000	)
Provision for credit losses on loans - acquired loans			—				4,429				7,397
Total provision for credit losses on loans			12,471				9,682				1,397
Total charge-offs			(7,512	)			(2,307	)			(7,681	)
Total recoveries			884				2,308				1,505
Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries			(6,628	)			1				(6,176	)
Ending balance - ACL on loans		$	79,374			$	73,531			$	53,898
Average total loans		$	5,422,865			$	4,819,124			$	3,951,257
Provision for credit losses on loans to average total loans			0.23	%			0.20	%			0.04	%
Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries to average total loans			-0.12	%			0.00	%			-0.16	%
ACL on loans to total loans			1.38	%			1.41	%			1.29	%
ACL on loans to total loans (excluding PPP) (1)			1.38	%			1.42	%			1.34	%
ACL on loans to average total loans			1.46	%			1.53	%			1.36	%

 

(1)	See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

Discussion of 2023 vs 2022:

 

The ACL for loans totaled $79 million as of December 31, 2023 compared to $74 million at December 31, 2022, representing an ACL to total loans ratio of 1.38% and 1.41% for those periods, respectively. Based on the 100% SBA guarantee of the PPP loan portfolio, which totaled $4 million at December 31, 2023 and $19 million at December 31, 2022, Bancorp did not reserve for potential losses for these loans within the ACL. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

Provision expense for credit losses on loans of $12.5 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023. In addition to strong loan growth, a flat unemployment forecast and other factors within the CECL allowance model, provision expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 was driven by net charge offs $6.6 million. Net charge off activity for the year ended December 31, 2023 was attributed mainly to the charge off of two isolated and unrelated C&I relationships, one of which was fully reserved for in a prior period.

 

Provision expense (excluding acquisition-related activity) of $5.3 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022. Significant loan growth, inflation and recession-based increases in the projected unemployment rate forecast, along with qualitative factor updates related to the potential impact of rising rates on the C&I portfolio, were the main drivers of expense within the CECL model for 2022. Further, net charge off/recovery activity for the year ended December 31, 2022 was minimal.

 

 

Credit loss expense recorded for the acquired CB loan portfolio totaled $4.4 million and was recorded in the first quarter of 2022, bringing total provision for credit losses on loans to $9.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Further, the ACL for loans was also increased $10 million as a result of the PCD loan portfolio added through the CB acquisition during the first quarter, with the corresponding offset recorded to goodwill (as opposed to provision for credit loss expense).

 

While separate from the ACL for loans and recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, the ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures also experienced an increase between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023. Provision for credit loss expense for off balance sheet credit exposures of $1.3 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023, driven largely by the addition of new C&D and C&I lines of credit. The ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures totaled $5.9 million as of December 31, 2023.

 

Provision for credit loss expense for off balance sheet credit exposures (excluding acquisition-related activity) of $575,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022. The expense recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 was driven largely by the addition of new lines of credit, and thus increased availability, within the C&D portfolio. The ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures was also increased $500,000 during the first quarter of 2022 as a result of the CB acquisition, with the offset recorded to goodwill (as opposed to provision expense). The ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures totaled $4.5 million as of December 31, 2022.

 

Bancorp’s loan portfolio is well-diversified with no significant concentrations of credit. Geographically, most loans are extended to borrowers in Louisville, central, eastern and northern Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan markets. The adequacy of the ACL is monitored on an ongoing basis and it is the opinion of management that the balance of the ACL at December 31, 2023 is adequate to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the financial statement date.

 

Discussion of 2022 vs 2021:

 

The ACL for loans totaled $74 million as of December 31, 2022 compared to $54 million at December 31, 2021, representing an ACL to total loans ratio of 1.41% and 1.29% for those periods, respectively. The ACL to loans (excluding PPP loans) was 1.42% at December 31, 2022 compared to 1.34% at December 31, 2021. Based on the 100% SBA guarantee of the PPP loan portfolio, which totaled $19 million at December 31, 2022 and $141 million at December 31, 2021, Bancorp did not reserve for potential losses for these loans within the ACL. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

Provision expense for credit losses on loans totaled of $9.7 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022, which included $4.4 million of credit loss expense associated with the acquired CB loan portfolio. The ACL for loans was also increased $10 million as a result of the PCD loan portfolio added through the CB acquisition during the first quarter, with the corresponding offset recorded to goodwill (as opposed to provision for credit loss expense). Net charge off/recovery activity for the year ended December 31, 2022 was minimal.

 

Total provision expense for credit losses on loans of $1.4 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021, as acquisition-related expense competed with a number of improving factors within the CECL model. Expense totaling $7.4 million was recorded in association with the non-PCD loan portfolio added through the KB acquisition during the second quarter of 2021, which was partially offset by a net benefit of $6.0 million recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021, and was driven by a then-improving unemployment forecast, updates to Bancorp’s CECL modeling and strong historic credit metrics. Further, the ACL for loans was also increased $6.8 million as a result of the PCD loan portfolio added through the KB acquisition during the second quarter of 2021, with the corresponding offset recorded to goodwill (as opposed to provision for credit loss expense).

 

The ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures also experienced an increase between December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2022. The CB acquisition resulted in a $500,000 increase to the ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures during the first quarter of 2022, with the corresponding offset recorded to goodwill (as opposed to provision for credit loss expense). Provision for credit loss expense for off balance sheet credit exposures of $575,000 was also recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022, driven mainly by the addition of new lines of credit, and thus increased availability, largely within the C&D portfolio. ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures stood at $4.5 million as of December 31, 2022 compared to $3.5 million as of December 31, 2021.

 

 

While the year ended December 31, 2021 experienced a similar $250,000 increase to the ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures as a result of the KB acquisition, negative provision for credit loss expense for off balance sheet credit exposures totaling $2.2 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021. This large benefit was the result of general declines in reserve loss percentages consistent with then-improving CECL model factors and improvement in line of credit utilization.

 

Non-Interest Income

 

														Variance
(dollars in thousands)														2023 / 2022								2022 / 2021
Years Ended December 31,		2023				2022				2021				$				%				$				%
Wealth management and trust services		$	39,802			$	36,111			$	27,613			$	3,691				10	%		$	8,498				31	%
Deposit service charges			8,866				8,286				5,852				580				7				2,434				42
Debit and credit card income			19,438				18,623				13,456				815				4				5,167				38
Treasury management fees			10,033				8,590				6,912				1,443				17				1,678				24
Mortgage banking income			3,705				3,210				4,724				495				15				(1,514	)			(32	)
Loss on sale of securities AFS			(44	)			—				—				(44	)			NM				—				—
Net investment products sales commissions and fees			3,205				3,063				2,553				142				5				510				20
Bank owned life insurance			2,253				1,597				914				656				41				683				75
Gain (loss) on sale of premises and equipment			(30	)			4,341				(78	)			(4,371	)			NM				4,419				NM
Other			4,992				5,328				3,904				(336	)			(6	)			1,424				36
Total non-interest income		$	92,220			$	89,149			$	65,850			$	3,071				3	%		$	23,299				35	%

 

Discussion of 2023 vs 2022:

 

Total non-interest income increased $3.1 million, or 3%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the same period of 2022. Non-interest income comprised 27% and 28% of total revenue, defined as net interest income and non-interest income, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. WM&T services comprised 43% of total non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 41% for the same period of 2022, respectively. While strong organic growth has been experienced across most non-interest income revenue streams over the past 12 months, the prior year period only included approximately 10 months of activity related to the CB acquisition. In addition, a large gain recorded in the prior year associated with the sale of acquired properties benefitted the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

WM&T Services:

 

The magnitude of WM&T revenue distinguishes Bancorp from other community banks of similar asset size. WM&T revenue increased $3.7 million, or 10%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 as compared with the same period of 2022, consistent with new business development, increased estate fees and strong returns from the fixed income and equity markets.

 

Recurring fees earned for managing accounts are based on a percentage of market value of AUM and are typically assessed on a monthly basis. Recurring fees, which generally comprise the vast majority of WM&T revenue, increased $3.0 million, or 8%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared with the same period of 2022. The increase was driven largely by new business development and positive returns from the fixed income and equity markets. Further, the year ended December 31, 2022 included only 10 months of activity stemming from the CB acquisition, which added AUM of $2.65 billion as of the acquisition date.

 

A portion of WM&T revenue, most notably executor and certain employee benefit plan-related fees, are non-recurring in nature and the timing of these revenues typically correspond with the related administrative activities. For this reason, such fees are subject to greater period over period fluctuation. Total non-recurring fees increased $705,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared with the same period of 2022, driven mainly by higher estate fee revenue.

 

 

AUM, stated at market value, totaled $7.16 billion at December 31, 2023 compared to $6.59 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase in AUM over this period was attributed to net new business growth and fixed income/equity market appreciation experienced during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Contracts between WM&T and their customers do not permit performance-based fees and accordingly, none of the WM&T revenue is performance based. Management believes the WM&T department will continue to factor significantly in Bancorp’s financial results and provide strategic diversity to revenue streams.

 

Detail of WM&T Services Income by Account Type:

 

(in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,		2023				2022				2021
Investment advisory		$	15,639			$	13,697			$	12,003
Personal trust			14,048				13,213				7,569
Personal investment retirement			6,858				6,186				5,168
Company retirement			1,524				1,520				1,798
Foundation and endowment			1,174				1,051				797
Custody and safekeeping			292				310				146
Brokerage and insurance services			11				67				78
Other			256				67				54
Total WM&T services income		$	39,802			$	36,111			$	27,613

 

The preceding table demonstrates that WM&T fee revenue is concentrated within investment advisory and personal trust accounts. WM&T fees are predominantly based on AUM and tailored for individual/company accounts and/or relationships with fee structures customized based on account type and other factors with larger relationships paying a lower percentage of AUM in fees. For example, recurring AUM fee structures are in place for investment management, irrevocable and revocable trusts, personal investment retirement accounts and accounts holding only fixed income securities. WM&T also provides company retirement plan services, which can consist of a one-time conversion fee with recurring AUM fees to follow. While there are also fee structures for estate settlements, income received is typically non-recurring in nature. Fee structures are agreed upon at the time of account opening and any subsequent revisions are communicated in writing to the customer. WM&T fees earned are not performance-based nor are they based on investment strategy or transactions. Bancorp also earns management fees on in-house investments funds acquired from CB.

 

Assets Under Management by Account Type:

 

Total AUM (not included on balance sheet) increased from $6.59 billion at December 31, 2022 to $7.16 billion at December 31, 2023 as follows:

 

		December 31, 2023												December 31, 2022
(in thousands)		Managed				Non-managed (1)				Total				Managed				Non-managed (1)				Total
Investment advisory		$	2,591,561			$	72,028			$	2,663,589			$	2,249,017			$	63,691			$	2,312,708
Personal trust			1,922,294				459,103				2,381,397				1,744,522				474,373				2,218,895
Personal investment retirement			848,800				17,854				866,654				756,126				27,065				783,191
Company retirement			57,486				510,294				567,780				52,891				524,568				577,459
Foundation and endowment			471,609				23,413				495,022				428,018				8,219				436,237
Subtotal		$	5,891,750			$	1,082,692			$	6,974,442			$	5,230,574			$	1,097,916			$	6,328,490
Custody and safekeeping			—				185,638				185,638				—				256,791				256,791
Total AUM		$	5,891,750			$	1,268,330			$	7,160,080			$	5,230,574			$	1,354,707			$	6,585,281

 

(1)	Non-managed assets represent those for which the WM&T department does not hold investment discretion.

 

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, approximately 82% and 79%, respectively, of total AUM were actively managed. Company retirement plan accounts primarily consist of participant-directed assets. The amount of custody and safekeeping accounts are insignificant.

 

Managed Trust AUM by Class of Investment:

 

(in thousands)		December 31, 2023				December 31, 2022
Interest bearing deposits		$	442,820			$	185,080
Treasury and government agency obligations			240,848				176,917
State, county and municipal obligations			297,314				201,038
Money market mutual funds			68,617				108,751
Equity mutual funds			1,225,210				1,125,540
Other mutual funds - fixed, balanced and municipal			551,141				583,713
Other notes and bonds			199,146				209,178
Common and preferred stocks			2,474,186				2,180,390
Common trust funds and collective investment funds			84,996				114,458
Real estate mortgages			373				774
Real estate			40,224				57,297
Other miscellaneous assets (1)			266,875				287,438
Total managed assets		$	5,891,750			$	5,230,574

 

(1)

Includes client directed instruments including rights, warrants, annuities, insurance policies, unit investment trusts, and oil and gas rights.

 

Managed assets are invested in instruments for which market values can be readily determined, the majority of which are sensitive to market fluctuations and consist of approximately 64% in equities and 36% in fixed income securities as of December 31, 2023, compared to 63% and 37% as of December 31, 2022. This composition has been relatively consistent from period to period.

 

Additional Sources of Non-interest income:

 

Deposit service charges, which consist of non-sufficient funds charges and to a lesser extent, other activity based charges, increased $580,000, or 7%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared with the prior year. While both organic growth and the full year impact of acquisition-related activity drove the increase noted above, an industry-wide decline in the volume of fees earned on overdrawn checking accounts has been experienced over the past several years. Prior to the acquisition-related growth experienced in recent years, this trend had been driven by lower check presentment volume, which has in turn led to fewer overdrawn accounts in general. Further, Bancorp anticipates that future organic growth of this revenue stream could be significantly impacted by changing industry practices. Bancorp could be faced with strategic decisions surrounding deposit-related service charges in the future, which could negatively impact the contributions made by this, or similar, revenue streams.

 

Debit and credit card income consists of interchange revenue, ancillary fees and incentives received from card processors. Debit and credit card revenue increased $815,000, or 4%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared with the prior year. The increase stemmed mainly from organic growth and the full year impact of acquisition-related activity, which more than offset interchange rate compression. Total debit card income increased $384,000, or 3%, and total credit card income increased $431,000, or 8%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared the year ended December 31, 2022. While Bancorp generally expects this revenue stream to grow in conjunction with expansion of the customer base, interchange rate compression and any potential fluctuation in business and consumer spend levels could serve as challenges to future growth.

 

Treasury management fees primarily consist of fees earned for cash management services provided to commercial customers. This category continues to stand out as a consistent, growing source of revenue for Bancorp and increased $1.4 million, or 17%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, driven by organic growth and the full year impact of acquisition-related activity, increased transaction volume, growing international services and new product sales. Bancorp anticipates this income category will continue to increase based on continued customer base growth and the expanding suite of services offered within Bancorp’s treasury management platform.

 

 

Mortgage banking income primarily includes gains on sales of mortgage loans and net loan servicing income offset by MSR amortization. Bancorp’s mortgage banking department predominantly originates residential mortgage loans to be sold in the secondary market, primarily to FNMA and FHLMC. Bancorp offers conventional, VA, FHA and GNMA financing for purchases and refinances, as well as programs for first-time homebuyers. Interest rates on mortgage loans directly influence the volume of business transacted by the mortgage-banking department. Mortgage banking revenue increased $495,000, or 15%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared with the same period of 2022, driven largely by higher servicing fee income tied to the mortgage servicing portfolio added through the prior year acquisition.

 

As a result of the dissolution of the Captive during the fourth quarter of 2023, a loss totaling $44,000 on the sale of AFS treasury securities held by the Captive was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023. No such activity was recorded in 2022.

 

Net investment product sales commissions and fees are generated primarily on stock, bond and mutual fund sales, as well as wrap fees earned on brokerage accounts. Wrap fees represent quarterly charges for investment programs that bundle together a suite of services, such as brokerage, advisory, research and management and are based on a percentage of account assets. Bancorp deploys its financial advisors primarily through its branch network via an arrangement with a third party broker-dealer, while larger managed accounts are generally serviced by Bancorp’s WM&T Department. Net investment product sales commissions and fees increased $142,000, or 5%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared with the prior year, attributed to organic growth and the full year impact of acquisition-related activity.

 

BOLI assets represent the cash surrender value of life insurance policies on certain active and non-active employees who have provided consent for Bancorp to be the beneficiary for a portion of such policies. The related change in cash surrender value and any death benefits received under the policies are recorded as non-interest income. This income serves to offset the cost of various employee benefits. During the third quarter of 2022, Bancorp purchased $30 million of additional BOLI assets in an effort to diversify investment of excess liquidity. BOLI assets totaled $87 million as of December 31, 2023. BOLI income increased $656,000, or 41%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, which was attributed mainly to the additional prior year investment noted above in addition to general market appreciation within the policy plans during the year.

 

Gains and losses on the sale of premises and equipment for the year ended December 31, 2023 were driven mainly by the sale of an acquired property from CB during the third quarter and other nominal disposal activity. The large gain recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 stemmed from the sale of certain acquired properties from CB that overlapped with existing locations.

 

Other non-interest income decreased $336,000, or 6%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared with the same period of 2022. The decrease was driven in large part by the disposition of Bancorp’s partial interest in LFA effective December 31, 2022, which contributed $1.3 million of other non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2022. Further, Bancorp elected not to renew the Captive in August and fully dissolved it during the fourth quarter of 2023, resulting in a $132,000 decrease in Captive income compared to the prior year. Partially offsetting these declines were higher interest rate swap fee income, a $487,000 gain on the sale of VISA Class B stock originally acquired through the CB acquisition and stronger returns from insurance policies held outside of Bancorp’s BOLI portfolio compared to the prior year.

 

 

Discussion of 2022 vs 2021:

 

Total non-interest income increased $23.3 million, or 35%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Non-interest income comprised 28% of total revenue for both the year ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. WM&T services comprised 41% of Bancorp’s total non-interest income for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 42% for the same period of 2020.

 

WM&T revenue increased $8.5 million, or 31%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared with the same period of 2021. Significant growth in AUM drove the increase over prior year, consistent with acquisition-related activity and organic new business development, more than offsetting significant declines in both fixed income and equity markets experienced during 2022.

 

Deposit service charges increased $2.4 million, or 42%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared with the same period in 2021, mainly as a result of the contribution associated with acquisition-related activity.

 

Debit and credit card revenue increased $5.2 million, or 38%, for the year ended December 31, 2022, as compared with the same period in 2021, as a result of increased transaction volume and continued expansion of the customer bases, both organically and through acquisition-related activity. Total debit card income increased $3.8 million, or 40%, while total credit card income increased $1.4 million, or 35%.

 

Treasury management fees increased $1.7 million, or 24%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 2021, as a result of increased transaction volume, new product sales and customer base expansion. Both organic and acquisition-related sales efforts led to the expansion of online services, ACH origination, remote deposit and fraud mitigation services during 2022.

 

Mortgage banking revenue decreased $1.5 million, or 32%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared with the same period of 2021, as rising rates and low housing inventory drove lower mortgage volume. Partially offsetting the volume-driven decrease was the benefit the mortgage servicing portfolio added through the CB acquisition.

 

Net investment product sales commissions and fees increased $510,000, or 20%, for the year December 31, 2022, as compared with the same period of 2021, driven by acquisition-related growth and increased customer trading activity associated with general market volatility during 2022.

 

BOLI income increased $683,000, or 75% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the same period of 2021, attributed mainly to the additional BOLI investment made during the third quarter of 2022 and contributions from the BOLI portfolio added as a result of the KB acquisition.

 

During the third and fourth quarters of 2022, Bancorp completed the sale of certain acquired properties that overlapped with existing locations, recording a pre-tax gain of $4.4 million as a result.

 

Other non-interest income increased $1.4 million, or 36%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 as compared with the same period of 2021. The increase was driven largely by the contribution from LFA, a financial advising firm added through the CB acquisition. Bancorp’s partial interest in LFA contributed was sold effective December 31, 2022.

 

 

Non-interest Expenses

 

														Variance
														2023 / 2022								2022 / 2021
Years Ended December 31, (dollars in thousands)		2023				2022				2021				$				%				$				%
Compensation		$	91,876			$	86,640			$	63,034			$	5,236				6	%		$	23,606				37	%
Employee benefits			18,451				16,568				13,479				1,883				11				3,089				23
Net occupancy and equipment			16,384				14,298				9,688				2,086				15				4,610				48
Technology and communication			17,318				14,897				11,145				2,421				16				3,752				34
Debit and credit card processing			6,481				5,909				4,494				572				10				1,415				31
Marketing and business development			5,990				5,005				4,150				985				20				855				21
Postage, printing and supplies			3,604				3,354				2,213				250				7				1,141				52
Legal and professional			3,958				2,943				2,583				1,015				34				360				14
FDIC insurance			3,911				2,758				1,847				1,153				42				911				49
Amortization of investments in tax credit partnerships			1,294				353				367				941				NM				(14	)			(4	)
Capital and deposit based taxes			2,476				2,621				2,090				(145	)			(6	)			531				25
Merger expenses			—				19,500				19,025				(19,500	)			NM				475				2
Federal Home Loan Bank early termination penalty			—				—				474				—				—				(474	)			NM
Intangible amortization			4,686				5,544				770				(858	)			(15	)			4,774				NM
Loss on disposition of LFA			—				870				—				(870	)			NM				870				NM
Other			11,400				10,531				6,921				869				8				3,610				52
Total non-interest expenses		$	187,829			$	191,791			$	142,280			$	(3,962	)			(2	)%		$	49,511				35	%

 

Discussion of 2023 vs 2022:

 

Total non-interest expenses decreased $4.0 million, or 2%, for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to the same period of 2022. While the year ended December 31, 2022 included one-time merger expenses associated with the completion of the CB acquisition, it only included approximately 10 months of normal, recurring expenses associated with the acquisition. Compensation and employee benefits comprised 59% and 54% of total non-interest expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Excluding merger expenses, compensation and employee benefits comprised 60% of total non-interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Compensation, which includes salaries, incentives, bonuses and stock based compensation, increased $5.2 million, or 6%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. The increase was attributed to growth in full time equivalent employees and annual merit-based salary increases. In addition, compensation expense totaling $630,000 related to an executive retirement agreement was also recorded during the year ended December 31, 2023. Net full time equivalent employees totaled 1,075 at December 31, 2023 compared to 1,033 at December 31, 2022.

 

Employee benefits consists of all personnel-related expense not included in compensation, with the most significant items being health insurance, payroll taxes and employee retirement plan contributions. Employee benefits increased $1.9 million, or 11%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, consistent with the overall increase in full time equivalent employees noted previously.

 

Net occupancy and equipment expenses primarily include depreciation, rent, property taxes, utilities and maintenance. Costs of capital asset additions (recorded on the balance sheet) flow through the statement of income over the lives of the assets in the form of depreciation expense. Net occupancy increased $2.1 million, or 15%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. The increase was attributed to relocation of all WM&T employees into a consolidated location as part of finalizing the CB integration plan, the prior year period experiencing only 10 months of acquisition-related activity and the opening of Bancorp’s new operations center in the latter part of 2022. In connection with the CB acquisition, 15 branches were acquired, four of which were closed shortly after acquisition in addition to one existing SYB location, as a result of branch overlap. At December 31, 2023, Bancorp’s branch network consisted of 71 locations throughout Louisville, central, eastern and Northern Kentucky, as well as the MSAs of Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio.

 

 

Technology and communication expenses include computer software usage and licensing, equipment depreciation and expenditures related to investments in technology needed to maintain and improve the quality of customer delivery channels, information security and internal resources. Technology expense increased $2.4 million, or 16%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, consistent with the full year impact of acquisition-related activity, customer expansion and continued investment in technology.

 

Bancorp outsources processing for debit and commercial credit card operations, which generate significant revenue for the Company. These expenses generally fluctuate consistent with transaction volumes. Debit and credit card processing expense increased $572,000, or 10%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, consistent with the increase in transaction volume and customer base expansion resulting from both organic growth and the full year impact of acquisition-related activity.

 

Marketing and business development expenses include all costs associated with promoting Bancorp including community support, retaining customers and acquiring new business. Marketing and business development expenses increased $985,000, or 20%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. The increase corresponds with strategic decisions to advertise in Bancorp’s new markets, increased advertising expense associated with Bancorp’s deposit promotions and the general expansion of Bancorp’s existing and prospective customer base.

 

Postage, printing and supplies expense increased $250,000, or 7%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, consistent with Bancorp’s expansion and promotional mailings.

 

Legal and professional fees increased $1.0 million, or 34%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year. The increase over prior year was driven mainly by various compliance-related consulting engagements associated with preparation for expanded regulatory oversight in conjunction with future growth in total assets. Legal and professional fees associated with merger-related activity are captured in merger expenses.

 

FDIC insurance increased $1.2 million, or 42%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, attributed to Bancorp’s asset growth and the FDIC-mandated increase of the uniform base assessment rate.

 

Tax credit partnerships generate federal income tax credits, and for each of Bancorp’s investments in tax credit partnerships, the tax benefit, net of related expenses, results in a positive effect upon net income. Amounts of credits and corresponding expenses can vary widely depending upon the timing and magnitude of the underlying investments. Amortization expense associated with these investments increased $941,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year stemming from Bancorp’s investment in several larger tax credit projects during 2023.

 

Capital and deposit based taxes, which consist primarily of capital-based local income taxes and franchise taxes, decreased $145,000, or 6%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, driven by fluctuation in revenue growth generated within the state of Ohio, which is the only state Bancorp conducts business in that has a capital-based deposit tax.

 

Merger expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022 represent non-recurring expenses associated with completion of the CB acquisition and consist primarily of investment banker fees, various compensation-related expenses, legal fees, early termination fees relating to various contracts and system conversion expenses. Merger expenses totaling $19.5 million were recorded in relation to the CB acquisition for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Intangible amortization expense consists of amortization associated with the CDI of acquired deposit portfolios, as well as an intangible related to customer list of the WM&T business line added through the CB acquisition. The intangibles are generally amortized on an accelerated basis over a period of approximately ten years. Intangible amortization expense decreased $858,000, or 15%, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease was attributed to both the accelerated depreciation method for which intangible assets are amortized, coupled with the previously mentioned disposal of Bancorp’s partial interest in LFA at the end of 2022, which included writing off the related CLI effective December 31, 2022.

 

As noted previously, Bancorp’s partial interest in LFA was sold effective December 31, 2022. The sale resulted in a pre-tax loss of $870,000, which was recorded as non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

 

Other non-interest expenses increased $869,000, or 8%, for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to the prior year, the most notable drivers being increased card reward expense, higher fraud and theft-related expenses and other ancillary expenses tied to Bancorp’s growth over the past year.

 

Bancorp’s efficiency ratio (FTE) for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was 55.23% and 59.30%, respectively, the latter period reflecting one-time merger-related expenses attributed to the CB acquisition, all of which were recorded in the first quarter of 2022. Bancorp also considers an adjusted efficiency ratio, which eliminates net gains (losses) on sales, calls, and impairment of investment securities, as well as net gains (losses) on sales of premises and equipment and the disposition of any acquired assets, if applicable, and the fluctuation in non-interest expenses related to amortization of investments in tax credit partnerships and merger-related expenses. Bancorp’s adjusted efficiency ratio was 54.84% and 53.61% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

Discussion of 2022 vs 2021:

 

Total non-interest expenses increased $49.5 million, or 35%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year. Compensation and employee benefits comprised 54% of total non-interest expenses for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Excluding merger expenses, compensation and employee benefits comprised 60% of total non-interest expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to 62% for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

Compensation increased $23.6 million, or 37%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year due to growth in full time equivalent employees, annual merit-based salary increases and higher incentive compensation expense. Net full time equivalent employees totaled 1,033 at December 31, 2022 compared to 820 at December 31, 2021.

 

Employee benefits increased $3.1 million, or 23%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year, consistent with the overall increase in full time equivalent employees previously noted.

 

Net occupancy increased $4.6 million, or 48%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year. In connection with the CB acquisition, 15 branches were acquired, four of which were closed shortly after acquisition in addition to one existing SYB location, as a result of branch overlap. The KB acquisition in May of 2021 resulted in the addition of 19 branch locations in addition to operational buildings.

 

Technology expense increased $3.8 million, or 34%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year, consistent with acquisition-related activity, customer expansion and core system upgrades.

 

Debit and credit card processing expense increased $1.4 million, or 31%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year, consistent with the increase in transaction volume and customer base expansion resulting from both organic and acquisition-related growth.

 

Marketing and business development expenses increased $855,000, or 21%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year, corresponding with strategic decisions to advertise and promote in Bancorp’s new markets and a post-pandemic return to in-person client meeting/entertainment.

 

Postage, printing and supplies expense increased $1.1 million, or 52%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year, consistent with Bancorp’s overall expansion.

 

Legal and professional fees increased $360,000, or 14%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year. The increase over prior year was driven by various consulting engagements, collection-related expenses and litigation costs arising through the normal course of business.

 

FDIC insurance increased $911,000, or 49%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year, consistent with organic and acquisition-related balance sheet growth for which the insurance is assessed on.

 

Amortization expense associated with tax credit investments decreased $14,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year.

 

Capital and deposit based taxes increased $531,000, or 25%, for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to the prior year, as a result of both organic and acquisition-related growth.

 

 

Merger expenses of $19.5 million were recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022 and were attributed to the completion of the CB acquisition. By comparison, merger expensed for the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $19.0 million, of which all but $525,000 was associated with the completion of the KB acquisition.

 

An early termination fee of $474,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2021 in relation to the pre-payment of $14 million in FHLB advances prior to contractual maturities.

 

Intangible amortization for the year ended December 31, 2022 totaled $5.5 million compared to $770,000 for the same period of the prior year, the significant increase stemming from the CB acquisition. Bancorp’s partial interest in LFA was sold effective December 31, 2022. Amortization expense associated with the CLI of the LFA business totaled $357,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

As noted previously, Bancorp’s partial interest in LFA was sold effective December 31, 2022. The sale resulted in a pre-tax loss of $870,000, which was recorded as non-interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Other non-interest expenses increased $3.6 million, or 52%, for the year ended December 31, 2022. The most notable drivers of the increase were expenses associated with the addition of the insurance captive as a result of the KB acquisition in May of 2021, increased card reward expense, higher fraud-related expenses and other ancillary expenses tied to Bancorp’s significant growth over the last 12 months.

 

Bancorp’s efficiency ratio (FTE) for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 59.30%, as compared to 59.94% for the same period of 2021. The efficiency ratio (FTE) for both years was significantly impacted by the acquisitions of CB and KB in 2022 and 2021, respectively. Bancorp’s adjusted efficiency ratio for the year ended December 31, 2022 was 53.61%, compared to 51.76% for the year ended December 31, 2021. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

Income Taxes

 

A comparison of income tax expense and ETR follows:

 

Years Ended December 31, (dollars in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Income before income tax expense		$	137,927			$	120,484			$	95,397
Income tax expense			30,179				27,190				20,752
Effective tax rate			21.88	%			22.57	%			21.75	%

 

Discussion of 2023 vs 2022:

 

Fluctuations in the ETR are primarily attributed to the following:

 

●

The stock based compensation component of the ETR fluctuates consistent with the level of SAR exercise activity in addition to the level of PSU and RSA vesting. The ETR was reduced by 0.3% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to a reduction of 1.0% for the prior year, consistent with exercise and vesting activity.

●

The cash surrender value of life insurance policies can vary widely from period to period, driven largely by market changes. The related impact is inversely correlated with the ETR generally, with cash surrender value declines typically serving to increase the ETR and vice versa. Changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies decreased the ETR by 0.7% for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to an increase of 0.2% the same period of the prior year.

●

Bancorp invests in certain partnerships that yield federal income tax credits. Taken as a whole, the tax benefit of these investments exceeds amortization expense, resulting in a positive impact on net income. The timing and magnitude of these transactions may vary widely from period to period. The ETR for the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 was reduced by 0.3% and by 0.1%, respectively, based on tax credit activity.

●

Tax-exempt interest income earned on loans and investment securities reduced the ETR by 0.5% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to a reduction of 0.6% for the same period of the prior year.

 

 

●

Activity related to the Captive, which previously provided tax advantages associated with the tax-deductible/exempt nature of insurance premiums paid to/received by the Captive, reduced the ETR by 0.2% and 0.3% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Bancorp elected not to renew the Captive during the third quarter of 2023 and subsequently dissolved it as of December 31, 2023. As a result, no tax benefit associated with the Captive will be experienced going forward.

●

Non-deductible merger expenses recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022 served to increase the ETR 0.1%.

 

Discussion of 2022 vs 2021:

 

Fluctuations in the ETR were primarily attributed to the following:

 

●

Stock compensation activity reduced the ETR 1.0% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to a reduction of 1.1% for the same period of 2021, consistent with exercise activity.

●

Changes in the cash surrender value of life insurance policies increased the ETR 0.2% for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to a 0.8% decrease for the same period of the prior year.

●

The ETR for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 was reduced by 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively, based on tax credit investment activity.

●

Tax-exempt interest income earned on loans and investment securities reduced the ETR by 0.6% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to a reduction of 0.4% for the same period of the prior year.

●

Non-deductible merger expenses recorded during the year ended December 31, 2022 served to increase the ETR 0.1%, compared to an increase of 0.4% for the same period of 2021.

●

Activity associated with the insurance captive reduced the ETR 0.3% for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to reduction of 0.2% for the same period of 2021.

 

 

Financial Condition – December 31, 2023 Compared to December 31, 2022

 

Overview

 

Total assets increased $674 million, or 9%, to $8.17 billion at December 31, 2023 from $7.50 billion at December 31, 2022. Total loans increased $565 million, or 11%, as the result of record loan production that drove growth in nearly every loan category. Additionally, cash and cash equivalents increased $99 million, or 59%, due to deposit inflows and increased FHLB borrowing activity, while Other assets increased $152 million driven by investment in tax credit partnerships associated with meeting CRA requirements. Partially offsetting this growth was a $147 million, or 9%, decline in total investment securities stemming from scheduled maturity and pay down activity within the total portfolio, which more than offset a $30 million improvement in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio specifically.

 

Total liabilities increased $576 million, or 9%, to $7.31 billion at December 31, 2023 from $6.74 billion at December 31, 2022. The increase was attributed to a $279 million, or 4%, increase in total deposits, a $150 million increase in FHLB borrowings associated with funding loan growth and a $121 million increase in Other liabilities, which related to the accrual of contributions for tax credit partnerships (the offset to the increase in Other assets for tax credit investment noted above).

 

Stockholders’ equity increased $98 million, or 13%, to $858 million at December 31, 2023 from $760 million at December 31, 2022. Net income of $107.7 million and a $23 million increase in AOCI associated with changes in the interest rate environment and the corresponding impact on the valuation of the AFS debt securities portfolio were only partially offset by $35 million of dividends declared during 2023, serving to grow stockholder’s equity for the period.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents increased $99 million, or 59%, ending at $266 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $167 million at December 31, 2022, attributed largely to deposit growth and increased FHLB borrowing activity, which was partially offset by loan funding activity. Bancorp entered into $200 million of term FHLB advances in conjunction with three separate interest rate swaps during 2023 as a way of securing longer-term funding at more attractive rates. For more information on these interest rate swaps, see the footnote titled “Derivative Financial Instruments.”

 

Investment Securities

 

The primary purpose of the investment securities portfolio is to provide another source of interest income, as well as a tool for liquidity management. In managing the composition of the balance sheet, Bancorp seeks a balance between earnings sources, credit and liquidity considerations.

 

Investment securities decreased $147 million, or 9%, to $1.47 billion at December 31, 2023 compared to $1.62 billion at December 31, 2022, driven by scheduled maturity and pay down activity within the total portfolio, more than offsetting a $30 million improvement in the market value of the AFS investment portfolio specifically. Investment in the securities portfolio was minimal during the 2023, as Bancorp elected to maintain higher levels of liquidity amidst substantial loan growth and deposit fluctuations during the year.

 

 

The maturity distribution (based on contractual maturity) and weighted average yields of the AFS and HTM investment security portfolios follow:

 

		AFS
										Due after one but								Due after five but
December 31, 2023		Due within one year								within five years								within ten years								Due after ten years
(dollars in thousands)		Amount				Yield				Amount				Yield				Amount				Yield				Amount				Yield
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations			116,269				0.50	%		$	—				—	%		$	—				—	%		$	—				—	%
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			—				—				8,637				1.32				9,489				2.25				81,721				4.70
MBS - government agencies			4,426				0.73				20,591				2.01				69,524				2.06				593,498				1.96
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			5,104				1.86				26,036				2.00				60,378				2.13				31,972				2.07
Other			986				2.29				—				—				2,548				3.26				—				—
		$	126,785				0.58	%		$	55,264				1.90	%		$	141,939				2.12	%		$	707,191				2.28	%

 

		HTM
										Due after one but								Due after five but
December 31, 2023		Due within one year								within five years								within ten years								Due after ten years
(dollars in thousands)		Amount				Yield				Amount				Yield				Amount				Yield				Amount				Yield
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations			50,031				1.86	%			153,228				2.14	%		$	—				—	%		$	—				—	%
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			—				—				703				2.79				25,671				2.69				544				5.44
MBS - government agencies			5				1.32				27,366				2.00				1,030				2.20				181,259				2.30
		$	50,036				1.86	%		$	181,297				2.12	%		$	26,701				2.67	%		$	181,803				2.31	%

 

Actual maturities for mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities due to prepayments on underlying collateral.

 

Loans

 

Total loans increased $565 million, or 11%, from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023. Excluding the PPP portfolio, loans grew $579 million, or 11%, over the same period. Loan growth (excluding PPP) for the year ended December 31, 2023 was experienced for nearly all loan categories, with CRE and Residential real estate posting the largest increases over the prior year.

 

While total line of credit utilization has improved since hitting pandemic-era lows experienced in early 2021, line of credit usage has remained below pre-pandemic levels, as customers continue to utilize cash in lieu of higher costing lines of credit. Further, the addition of new lines, particularly within the C&D and C&I portfolio segments, has increased availability over the past several quarters, but utilization of the new lines has been relatively slow compared to historical usage rates. Total line of credit utilization was 39.2% as of December 31, 2023, compared to 42.3% at December 31, 2022, with C&I utilization of 28.6% and 33.1% as of the same periods, respectively.

 

Bancorp’s credit exposure is well-diversified between businesses and individuals. No specific industry concentration exceeds 10% of loans outstanding. While Bancorp has a diversified loan portfolio, a customer’s ability to honor contracts is somewhat dependent upon the economic stability and/or industry in which that customer does business. Loans outstanding and related unfunded commitments are concentrated within Bancorp’s current market areas, which encompass the Louisville, Kentucky MSA, central, eastern and northern Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio MSAs.

 

 

CRE represents the largest segment of Bancorp’s loan portfolio, totaling $2.5 billion, or 43%, of total loans as of December 31, 2023. While a combination of higher interest rates and rising central business district vacancies across the country have created credit and collateral concerns within the CRE sector generally, Bancorp believes the quality of its CRE portfolio, and the overall loan portfolio, remains solid. Office building exposure, which is a sub-segment of CRE and perceived to be of particular risk in the current environment, is a smaller component of Bancorp’s loan portfolio, totaling $594 million, or 10%, of total loans as of December 31, 2023. Of this sub-segment total, 55% is owner-occupied and is generally accompanied by a full commercial relationship. Further, approximately $206 million of Bancorp’s office building exposure is medical-related, which presents reduced risk compared other CRE uses. Lastly, this sub-segment is concentrated in Bancorp’s primary markets, with no exposure to large office towers and minimal exposure to central business districts, and continues to perform well with minimal substandard/non-accrual and past due loans as of December 31, 2023.

 

Bancorp occasionally enters into loan participation agreements with other banks to diversify credit risk. For certain participation loans sold, Bancorp has retained effective control of the loans, typically by restricting the participating institutions from pledging or selling their ownership share of the loan without permission from Bancorp. GAAP requires the participated portion of these loans to be recorded as secured borrowings. These participated loans are included in the C&I and CRE loan portfolio segments with a corresponding liability recorded in other liabilities. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the total participated portion of loans of this nature totaled $4 million and $5 million, respectively.

 

 

The following table presents the maturity distribution and rate sensitivity of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2023:

 

		Maturity
December 31, 2023 (in thousands)		Within one year				After one but within five years				After five but within fifteen years				After fifteen years				Total				% of Total
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied
Fixed rate		$	127,455			$	747,464			$	359,931			$	120,406			$	1,355,256				87	%
Variable rate			46,884				78,390				80,717				442				206,433				13	%
Total		$	174,339			$	825,854			$	440,648			$	120,848			$	1,561,689				100	%
Commercial real estate - owner-occupied
Fixed rate		$	40,800			$	411,747			$	305,010			$	52,774			$	810,331				89	%
Variable rate			12,937				14,826				56,598				12,732				97,093				11	%
Total		$	53,737			$	426,573			$	361,608			$	65,506			$	907,424				100	%
Commercial and industrial - term
Fixed rate		$	28,805			$	337,037			$	203,251			$	2,674			$	571,767				66	%
Variable rate			61,896				170,143				58,981				274				291,294				34	%
Total		$	90,701			$	507,180			$	262,232			$	2,948			$	863,061				100	%
Commercial and industrial - term - PPP
Fixed rate		$	-			$	4,319			$	-			$	-			$	4,319				100	%
Variable rate			-				-				-				-				-				0	%
Total		$	-			$	4,319			$	-			$	-			$	4,319				100	%
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit
Fixed rate		$	22,981			$	36,443			$	10,008			$	-			$	69,432				16	%
Variable rate			286,228				77,685				4,560				1,843				370,316				84	%
Total		$	309,209			$	114,128			$	14,568			$	1,843			$	439,748				100	%
Residential real estate - owner occupied
Fixed rate		$	5,307			$	32,536			$	70,636			$	591,055			$	699,534				99	%
Variable rate			473				1,247				1,241				6,398				9,359				1	%
Total		$	5,780			$	33,783			$	71,877			$	597,453			$	708,893				100	%
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied
Fixed rate		$	14,997			$	156,659			$	84,221			$	96,277			$	352,154				98	%
Variable rate			2,046				2,253				2,165				97				6,561				2	%
Total		$	17,043			$	158,912			$	86,386			$	96,374			$	358,715				100	%
Construction and land development
Fixed rate		$	18,192			$	65,433			$	91,678			$	5,698			$	181,001				34	%
Variable rate			137,732				173,182				38,488				921				350,323				66	%
Total		$	155,924			$	238,615			$	130,166			$	6,619			$	531,324				100	%
Home equity lines of credit
Fixed rate		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-				0	%
Variable rate			19,927				43,989				131,982				15,492				211,390				100	%
Total		$	19,927			$	43,989			$	131,982			$	15,492			$	211,390				100	%

 

(continued)

 

 

(continued)		Maturity
December 31, 2023 (in thousands)		Within one year				After one but within five years				After five but within fifteen years				After fifteen years				Total				% of Total
Consumer
Fixed rate		$	4,665			$	40,210			$	23,739			$	574			$	69,188				48	%
Variable rate			55,040				20,775				337				-				76,152				52	%
Total		$	59,705			$	60,985			$	24,076			$	574			$	145,340				100	%
Leases
Fixed rate		$	396			$	12,707			$	2,400			$	-			$	15,503				100	%
Variable rate			-				-				-				-				-				0	%
Total		$	396			$	12,707			$	2,400			$	-			$	15,503				100	%
Credit Cards
Fixed rate		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-				0	%
Variable rate			23,632				-				-				-				23,632				100	%
Total		$	23,632			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	23,632				100	%
Total Loans
Fixed rate		$	263,598			$	1,844,555			$	1,150,874			$	869,458			$	4,128,485				72	%
Variable rate			646,795				582,490				375,069				38,199				1,642,553				28	%
Total		$	910,393			$	2,427,045			$	1,525,943			$	907,657			$	5,771,038				100	%

 

In the event Bancorp structures a loan with a maturity exceeding five years (typically CRE loans), an automatic rate adjustment will typically be set in place at five years from origination date to limit overall interest rate sensitivity.

 

Non-performing Loans and Assets

 

Information summarizing non-performing loans and assets follows:

 

December 31, (dollars in thousands)		2023				2022				2021				2020				2019
Non-accrual loans		$	19,058			$	14,242			$	6,712			$	12,514			$	11,494
Troubled debt restructurings (1)			-				-				12				16				34
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing			110				892				684				649				535
Total non-performing loans			19,168				15,134				7,408				13,179				12,063
Other real estate owned			10				677				7,212				281				493
Total non-performing assets		$	19,178			$	15,811			$	14,620			$	13,460			$	12,556
Non-performing loans to total loans			0.33	%			0.29	%			0.18	%			0.37	%			0.42	%
Non-peforming loans to total loans (excluding PPP) (2)			0.33	%			0.29	%			0.18	%			0.44	%			N/A
Non-performing assets to total assets			0.23	%			0.21	%			0.22	%			0.29	%			0.34	%
ACL for loans to non-performing loans			414	%			486	%			728	%			394	%			222	%

 

(1)	TDR accounting no longer applicable due to adoption of ASU 2002-02. Now considered modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

(2)	See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

Non-performing loans to total loans were 0.33% at December 31, 2023 compared to 0.29% at December 31, 2022, the increase being attributed largely to one C&I relationship that was placed on non-accrual status during the first quarter of 2023 and a CRE relationship that was put on non-accrual status during the fourth quarter of 2023.

 

Non-performing assets totaled $19 million at December 31, 2023 compared to $16 million at December 31, 2022.

 

 

In total, non-performing assets as of December 31, 2023 were comprised of 106 loans ranging in individual amounts up to $6 million and one residential real estate property held as OREO.

 

The following table presents the major classifications of non-accrual loans by primary portfolio:

 

December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	8,649			$	7,707
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			885				2,525
Total commercial real estate			9,534				10,232
Commercial and industrial - term			4,456				1,182
Commercial and industrial - PPP			—				21
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			215				348
Total commercial and industrial			4,671				1,551
Residential real estate - owner occupied			3,667				1,801
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			372				219
Total residential real estate			4,039				2,020
Construction and land development			—				—
Home equity lines of credit			467				205
Consumer			337				234
Leases			—				—
Credit cards			10				—
Total non-accrual loans		$	19,058			$	14,242

 

Loans are placed in a non-accrual income status when prospects for recovering both principal and accrued interest are considered doubtful or when a default of principal or interest has existed for 90 days or more, unless such a loan is well- secured and in the process of collection or renewal. Interest income recorded on non-accrual loans as principal payments was $342,000, $160,000, and $312,000 for 2023, 2022, and 2021. Interest income that would have been recorded if non-accrual loans were on a current basis in accordance with their original terms was $1.5 million, $1.1 million, and $359,000 for 2023, 2022, and 2021.

 

In addition to non-performing loans discussed above, there were loans, which are accruing interest, for which payments were current or less than 90 days past due where borrowers are experiencing elevated financial difficulties. These substandard loans totaled approximately $43 million and $40 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These relationships are monitored closely for possible future inclusion in non-performing loans. Management believes it has adequately reflected credit exposure in these loans in its determination of the allowance.

 

Bancorp adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures,” effective January 1, 2023. The amendments in ASU 2022-02 eliminated the recognition and measure of troubled debt restructurings and enhanced disclosures for loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, there were no modifications made to loans for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and there were no payment defaults of existing modified loans within 12 months following modification. Default is determined at 90 days or more past due, charge off, or foreclosure.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no loans modified as TDRs and there were no payment defaults of existing TDRs within 12 months following modification. At December 31, 2022, Bancorp had one loan classified as a TDR, the balance of which was $850,000. Bancorp had two loans classified as TDR at December 31, 2021, the balances of which were $950,000 and $12,000, respectively, the latter of which was paid off during the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

 

Delinquent Loans

 

Delinquent loans (consisting of all loans 30 days or more past due) totaled $17 million at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Delinquent loans total loans were 0.30% and 0.32% at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans

 

The ACL for loans is a valuation allowance for loans estimated at each balance sheet date in accordance with GAAP. When Bancorp deems all or a portion of a loan to be uncollectible, the appropriate amount is written off and the ACL is reduced by the same amount. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL when received. See the Footnote titled “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for discussion of Bancorp’s ACL methodology on loans. Allocations of the ACL may be made for specific loans, but the entire ACL for loans is available for any loan that, in Bancorp’s judgment, should be charged-off.  

 

Bancorp’s ACL for loans was $79 million as of December 31, 2023 compared to $74 million as of December 31, 2022. Provision expense for credit losses on loans of $12.5 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023, driven by strong loan growth and net charge off activity. Net charge-off activity of $6.6 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was attributed mainly to the charge off of two larger, isolated C&I relationships, one of which was fully reserved for in a prior period.

 

The table below details net charge-offs to average loans outstanding by category of loan for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:

 

		2023												2022												2021
(in thousands) Years ended December 31,		Net (charge offs)/ recoveries				Average loans				Net (charge offs)/ recoveries to average loans				Net (charge offs)/ recoveries				Average loans				Net (charge offs)/ recoveries to average loans				Net (charge offs)/ recoveries				Average loans				Net (charge offs)/ recoveries to average loans
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	91			$	1,465,305				0.01	%		$	-			$	1,342,829				0.00	%		$	(2,896	)		$	1,027,405				-0.28	%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			9				884,555				0.00	%			172				782,185				0.02	%			(1,326	)			592,577				-0.22	%
Total commercial real estate			100				2,349,860				0.00	%			172				2,125,014				0.01	%			(4,222	)			1,619,982				-0.26	%
Commercial and industrial - term			(2,239	)			796,039				-0.28	%			559				692,214				0.08	%			(1,303	)			550,101				-0.24	%
Commercial and industrial - term - PPP			-				8,877				0.00	%			-				52,704				0.00	%			-				397,282				0.00	%
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			(3,476	)			444,244				-0.78	%			(200	)			417,254				-0.05	%			-				290,231				0.00	%
Total commercial and industrial			(5,715	)			1,249,160				-0.46	%			359				1,162,172				0.03	%			(1,303	)			1,237,614				-0.11	%
Residential real estate - owner occupied			2				649,431				0.00	%			34				513,458				0.01	%			(349	)			334,718				-0.10	%
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			2				334,660				0.00	%			(5	)			296,682				0.00	%			5				221,214				0.00	%
Total residential real estate			4				984,091				0.00	%			29				810,140				0.00	%			(344	)			555,932				-0.06	%
Construction and land development			-				458,572				0.00	%			(72	)			374,415				-0.02	%			3				290,705				0.00	%
Home equity lines of credit			(12	)			203,796				-0.01	%			-				182,874				0.00	%			1				121,276				0.00	%
Consumer			(379	)			141,140				-0.27	%			(442	)			130,595				-0.34	%			(311	)			98,093				-0.32	%
Leases			-				13,934				0.00	%			-				13,849				0.00	%			-				13,770				0.00	%
Credit cards			(626	)			22,312				-2.81	%			(45	)			20,065				-0.22	%			-				13,885				0.00	%
Total		$	(6,628	)		$	5,422,865				-0.12	%		$	1			$	4,819,124				0.00	%		$	(6,176	)		$	3,951,257				-0.16	%

 

 

The following table sets forth the ACL by category of loan:

 

		December 31, 2023												December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)		Allocated Allowance				% of Total ACL for loans				ACL for loans to Total Loans (1)				Allocated Allowance				% of Total ACL for loans				ACL for loans to Total Loans (1)
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	22,133				28	%			1.42	%		$	22,641				31	%			1.62	%
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			11,667				15	%			1.29	%			10,827				15	%			1.30	%
Total commercial real estate			33,800				43	%			1.37	%			33,468				46	%			1.50	%
Commercial and industrial - term (1)			14,359				18	%			1.66	%			12,991				17	%			1.70	%
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			6,495				8	%			1.48	%			6,389				9	%			1.37	%
Total commercial and industrial			20,854				26	%			1.60	%			19,380				26	%			1.57	%
Residential real estate - owner occupied			9,316				12	%			1.31	%			6,717				9	%			1.14	%
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			4,282				5	%			1.19	%			3,597				5	%			1.15	%
Total residential real estate			13,598				17	%			1.27	%			10,314				14	%			1.14	%
Construction and land development			7,593				10	%			1.43	%			7,186				10	%			1.61	%
Home equity lines of credit			1,660				2	%			0.79	%			1,613				2	%			0.80	%
Consumer			1,407				2	%			0.97	%			1,158				2	%			0.83	%
Leases			220				0	%			1.42	%			201				0	%			1.51	%
Credit cards			242				0	%			1.02	%			211				0	%			1.03	%
Total		$	79,374				100	%			1.38	%		$	73,531				100	%			1.42	%

 

(1)	Excludes the PPP loan portfolio, which was not reserved for based on the underlying 100% SBA guarantee.

 

The ACL for loans calculation and resulting credit loss expense is significantly impacted by changes in forecasted economic conditions. Should the forecast for economic conditions change, Bancorp could experience further adjustments in its required ACL for loans credit loss expense.

 

Selected ratios relating to the ACL on loans follow:

 

Years Ended December 31,		2023				2022				2021
Provision for credit losses on loans to average total loans			0.23	%			0.20	%			0.04	%
Net (charge offs)/recoveries to average total loans			-0.12	%			0.00	%			-0.16	%
ACL for loans to average loans			1.46	%			1.53	%			1.36	%
ACL for loans to total loans			1.38	%			1.41	%			1.29	%
ACL for loans to total loans (excluding PPP) (1)			1.38	%			1.42	%			1.34	%

 

(1)	See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

While separate from the ACL for loans and recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, the ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures also experienced an increase between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023. Provision for credit loss expense for off balance sheet credit exposures of $1.3 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023, driven largely by the addition of new C&D and C&I lines of credit. The ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures totaled $5.9 million as of December 31, 2023, compared to $4.5 million as of December 31, 2022.

 

 

Premises and Equipment

 

Premises and equipment are presented on the consolidated balance sheets net of related depreciation on the respective assets, as well as fair value adjustments associated with purchase accounting. Premises and equipment experienced minimal fluctuation between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023. Bancorp’s branch network consists of 71 locations throughout Louisville, central, eastern and northern, Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio markets as of December 31, 2023.

 

Premises held for sale totaling $2.5 million was recorded on Bancorp’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023, which consists of three vacant parcels of land, an acquired administrative building and two former branch locations.

 

BOLI

 

Bank-owned life insurance assets increased $2 million, or 3%, to $87 million at December 31, 2023, compared to $85 million at December 31, 2022, the increase being attributed to appreciation within the plan experienced during the year.

 

Goodwill          

 

At December 31, 2023, Bancorp had $194 million in goodwill recorded on its balance sheet. Goodwill totaling $67 million was initially recorded in association with the acquisition of CB in 2022, $8.5 million of which was subsequently written off as a result of the disposition of Bancorp’s partial interest in LFA. Goodwill totaling $123 million was recorded in association with the acquisition of KB in 2021. Additionally, Goodwill totaling $12 million and $682,000 was recorded in relation to the acquisitions of KSB and Austin State Bank in 2019 and 1996, respectively. The acquisition of TBOC in 2013 resulted in a bargain purchase gain.

 

Events that may trigger goodwill impairment include deterioration in economic conditions, a decline in market-dependent multiples or metrics (i.e. stock price declining below tangible book value), negative trends in overall financial performance and regulatory actions. At September 30, 2023, Bancorp elected to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting units exceeded their carrying value, including goodwill. The qualitative assessment indicated that it was not more-likely-than-not that the carrying value of the reporting units exceeded their fair value.

 

Core Deposit and Customer List Intangibles

 

CDIs and CLIs arising from business acquisitions are initially measured at fair value and are then amortized on an accelerated method based on their useful lives. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Bancorp’s CDI assets totaled $12 million and $15 million, respectively. A CDI asset of $13 million was recorded during the first quarter of 2022 as a result of the CB acquisition.

 

As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Bancorp’s CLI assets were $8 million and $10 million, respectively, and are attributed entirely to the WM&T segment acquired from CB. CLI assets totaling $14 million were initially recorded in association with the CB acquisition during the first quarter of 2022. However, as a result of Bancorp’s disposition of its partial interest in LFA effective December 31, 2022, the $2 million CLI associated with that business was written off and included in the loss recorded in relation to the disposition in 2022.

 

As of December 31, 2023, Bancorp did not incur any impairment with respect to its intangible assets or other long-lived assets.

 

Other Assets and Other Liabilities

 

Other assets increased $152 million to $287 million between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023. Other liabilities increased $121 million, or 97%, to $247 million over the same period.

 

The increase in Other assets stemmed mainly from Bancorp’s investment in tax credit partnerships during 2023, which have served as an economical means of fulfilling CRA requirements. As of December 31, 2023, Bancorp did not incur any impairment with respect to its intangible assets or other long-lived assets.

 

 

The increase in Other liabilities was attributed largely to the accrual of future tax credit investment obligations, which outpaced a reduction in various accrued liabilities, such as employee incentive compensation/benefits and tax liabilities.

 

Deposits

 

Total deposits increased $279 million, or 4%, from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023, as time deposit growth associated with successful promotional product offerings and other interest-bearing deposit inflows more than offset a decline in non-interest bearing deposits. Average total deposit balances, which offer a more accurate representation of activity for the year, experienced a $67 million, or 1%, decline compared to the prior year, as a $290 million, or 14% decrease in average non-interest bearing deposits was only partially offset by a $223 million, or 5%, increase in average interest-bearing deposit balances.

 

As a result of intense pricing pressure/competition for deposits, the rates paid by Bancorp on deposits has increased and the deposit base itself has shifted to a heavier interest-bearing mix over the past several quarters. The cost of interest-bearing deposits rose to 1.77% for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to 0.37% for the same period of the prior year, with the cost of total deposits (including non-interest deposits) rising to 1.28% from 0.25% for the same periods, respectively.

 

Average deposit balances and average rates paid on such deposits for the years indicated are summarized as follows:

 

		2023								2022								2021
Years Ended December 31, (dollars in thousands)		Average balance				Average rate				Average balance				Average rate				Average balance				Average rate
Non-interest bearing demand deposits		$	1,763,157				—	%		$	2,053,213				—	%		$	1,578,795				—	%
Interest bearing demand deposits			2,277,001				1.50				2,218,416				0.41				1,633,606				0.11
Savings deposits			483,245				0.27				538,971				0.12				328,570				0.03
Money market deposits			1,115,331				2.16				1,140,025				0.46				919,778				0.06
Time deposits			732,998				2.99				487,981				0.27				420,308				0.76
Total average deposits		$	6,371,732							$	6,438,606							$	4,881,057

 

Maturities of time deposits of $250,000 or more at December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

(in thousands)
Three months or less			$	54,203
Over three through six months				91,973
Over six through 12 months				91,837
Over 12 months				41,461
Total			$	279,474

 

Securities Sold Under Agreement to Repurchase

 

SSUAR represent a funding source of Bancorp and are used by commercial customers in conjunction with collateralized corporate cash management accounts. Such repurchase agreements are considered financing agreements and mature within one business day from the transaction date. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, all of these financing arrangements had overnight maturities and were secured by government sponsored enterprise obligations and government agency mortgage-backed securities that were owned and controlled by Bancorp.

 

SSUARs are collateralized by securities and are treated as financings; accordingly, the securities involved with the agreements are recorded as assets and are held by a safekeeping agent and the obligations to repurchase the securities are reflected as liabilities. All securities underlying the agreements are under the Bancorp’s control.

 

SSUARs increased $20 million, or 15%, between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, largely as a result of some customers experiencing normal cyclical fluctuation in their SSUAR balances.

 

 

Federal Funds Purchased and Other Short-Term Borrowing

 

FFP and other short-term borrowing balances increased $4 million, or 46%, between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2023, FFP related mainly to excess liquidity held by downstream correspondent bank customers of Bancorp.

 

Subordinated debentures

 

As a result of the CB acquisition, Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of the following unconsolidated trust subsidiaries: Commonwealth Statutory Trust III, Commonwealth Statutory Trust IV and Commonwealth Statutory Trust V. The sole assets of the trust subsidiaries represent the proceeds of offerings loaned in exchange for subordinated debentures with similar terms to the TPS. The TPS are treated as part of Tier 1 Capital. The subordinated note and related interest expense are included in Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements. The subordinated notes are currently redeemable at Bancorp’s option on a quarterly basis. As of December 31, 2023, subordinated notes added through the CB acquisition totaled $27 million.

 

FHLB advances

 

FHLB advances outstanding at December 31, 2023 totaled $200 million, consisting entirely of a three-month rolling advance related to three separate interest rate swaps (cash flow hedges) that have been entered into during 2023 in an effort to secure longer-term funding at more attractive rates. For more information related to the interest rate swaps noted above, see the footnote titled, “Derivative Financial Instruments.”

 

Liquidity

 

The role of liquidity management is to ensure funds are available to meet depositors’ withdrawal and borrowers’ credit demands, while at the same time maximizing profitability. This is accomplished by balancing changes in demand for funds with changes in supply of funds. Liquidity is provided by short-term assets that can be converted to cash, AFS debt securities, various lines of credit available to Bancorp, and the ability to attract funds from external sources, principally deposits. Management believes it has the ability to increase deposits at any time by offering rates slightly higher than market rate.

 

Bancorp’s Asset/Liability Committee is comprised of senior management and has direct oversight responsibility for Bancorp’s liquidity position and profile. A combination of reports provided to management details internal liquidity metrics, composition and level of the liquid asset portfolio, timing differences in short-term cash flow obligations, and exposure to contingent draws on Bancorp’s liquidity.

 

Bancorp’s most liquid assets are comprised of cash and due from banks, FFS and AFS debt securities. FFS and interest bearing deposits totaled $171 million and $85 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The increase experienced during 2023 is attributed mainly to deposit growth and the increase in FHLB borrowing activity. FFS normally have overnight maturities while interest-bearing deposits in banks are accessible on demand. These investments are used for general daily liquidity purposes.

 

The fair value of the AFS debt security portfolio was $1.03 billion and $1.14 billion at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The decrease in AFS debt security portfolio for during 2023 is attributed to scheduled maturities and normal pay down activity within the portfolio, which more than offset a market value appreciation during the period. The investment portfolio (HTM and AFS) includes total cash flows on amortizing debt securities of approximately $373 million (based on assumed prepayment speeds as of December 31, 2023) expected over the next 12 months, including $181 million of contractual maturities. Combined with FFS and interest bearing deposits from banks, AFS debt securities offer substantial resources to meet either loan growth or reductions in Bancorp’s deposit funding base. Bancorp pledges portions of its investment securities portfolio to secure public funds, cash balances of certain WM&T accounts and SSUAR. At December 31, 2023, the total carrying value of investment securities pledged for these purposes comprised 67% of the debt securities portfolio, leaving approximately $480 million of unpledged debt securities.

 

 

Bancorp’s deposit base consists mainly of core deposits, which are defined as demand, savings, and money market deposit accounts, time deposits less than or equal to $250,000, and excludes public funds and brokered deposits. At December 31, 2023, such deposits totaled $5.78 billion and represented 87% of Bancorp’s total deposits, as compared with $5.60 billion, or 88% of total deposits at December 31, 2022. Because these core deposits are less volatile and are often tied to other products of Bancorp through long lasting relationships, they normally do not place undue pressure on liquidity. However, given the intense, industry-wide deposit pricing pressure that is currently being experienced, deposits may generally be more sensitive to market rates, with potential decreases possibly straining Bancorp’s liquidity position.

 

As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, Bancorp held brokered deposits totaling $597,000 and $599,000, respectively, the majority of which was added through acquisition-related activity in 2022 and 2021.

 

Included in total deposit balances at December 31, 2023 are $613 million in public funds generally comprised of accounts with local government agencies and public school districts in the markets in which Bancorp operates. At December 31, 2022, public funds deposits totaled $692 million, the decrease experienced during 2023 was attributed to a small number of public fund relationships obtained through acquisition leaving the Bank due to competitor bids at rates exceeding the FFTR.

 

Bancorp is a member of the FHLB of Cincinnati. As a member of the FHLB, Bancorp has access to credit products of the FHLB. Bancorp views these borrowings as a potential low cost alternative to brokered deposits. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, available credit from the FHLB totaled $1.33 billion and $1.36 billion, respectively, the decline during this period being attributed to increased utilization of FHLB borrowings. Bancorp also had unsecured FFP lines with correspondent banks totaling $80 million at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

During the normal course of business, Bancorp enters into certain forms of off-balance sheet transactions, including unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit. These transactions are managed through Bancorp’s various risk management processes. Management considers both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet transactions in its evaluation of Bancorp’s liquidity.

 

Bancorp’s principal source of cash is dividends paid to it as the sole shareholder of the Bank. As discussed in the Footnote titled “Commitments and Contingent Liabilities,” as of January 1st of any year, the Bank may pay dividends in an amount equal to the Bank’s net income of the prior two years less any dividends paid for the same two years. At December 31, 2023, the Bank could pay an amount equal to $145 million in dividends to Bancorp without regulatory approval subject to ongoing capital requirements of the Bank.

 

Sources and Uses of Cash

 

Cash flow is provided primarily through financing activities of Bancorp, which include raising deposits and borrowing funds from institutional sources such as advances from the FHLB and FFP, as well as scheduled loan repayments and cash flows from AFS debt securities. These funds are primarily used to facilitate investment activities of Bancorp, which include making loans and purchasing securities for the investment portfolio. Another important source of cash is net income of the Bank from operating activities.  For further detail regarding the sources and uses of cash, see the “Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” in Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Commitments

 

In the normal course of business, Bancorp is party to activities that contain credit, market and operational risk that are not reflected in whole or in part in Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements. Such activities include traditional off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments, commitments under operating leases and long-term debt.

 

Bancorp provides customers with off-balance sheet credit support through loan commitments and standby letters of credit. Unused loan commitments increased $393 million, or 19%, as of December 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022 consistent with substantial organic growth experienced during the year. However, as previously noted, line of credit utilization has been below historical usage rates despite this growth.

 

 

Most commitments to extend credit are an agreement to lend to a customer as long as collateral is available as agreed upon and there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Bancorp uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional guarantees as for on-balance sheet instruments. Bancorp evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, securities, equipment and real estate. However, should the commitments be drawn upon and should our customers default on their resulting obligation to us, our maximum exposure to credit loss, without consideration of collateral, is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments.

 

Additional detail regarding credit-related financial instruments, including both commitments to extend credit and letters of credit at December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

		Amount of commitment expiration per period
		Less than				One-three				Three-five				Over five
(in thousands)		one year				years				years				years				Total
Unused loan commitments		$	1,126,843			$	446,189			$	339,443			$	510,411			$	2,422,886
Standby letters of credit			31,526				2,248				4				—				33,778

 

The ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures, which is separate from the ACL for loans and recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, was $5.9 million and $4.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Provision expense for off balance sheet credit exposures of $1.3 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023, driven largely by the addition of new C&D and C&I lines of credit. Provision expense for off balance sheet credit exposures of $575,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by Bancorp to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party beneficiary. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support commercial transactions. Standby letters of credit generally have maturities of one to two years.

 

In addition to owned banking facilities, Bancorp has entered into long-term leasing arrangements for certain branch facilities. Bancorp also has required future payments for a non-qualified defined benefit retirement plan, time deposit maturities and other obligations.

 

Required payments under such commitments at December 31, 2023 are as follows:

 

		Payments due by period
		Less than				One-three				Three-five				Over five
(in thousands)		one year				years				years				years				Total
Time deposit maturities		$	862,913			$	108,023			$	12,341			$	-			$	983,277
FHLB advances			200,000				—				—				—				200,000
Tax credit partnership contributions			48,481				96,141				8,096				5,000				157,718
Subordinated debentures			—				—				—				26,000				26,000
Operating leases (1)			2,773				4,421				4,331				10,962				22,487
Defined benefit retirement plan			219				438				438				2,183				3,278
Other (2)			1,123				1,293				1,332				1,024				4,772

 

(1)	Includes assumed lease renewals.

(2)	Consists primarily of contractual requirements relating to community sponsorships.

 

See the footnote titled “Commitments and Contingent Liabilities” for additional detail.

 

 

Capital

 

Information pertaining to Bancorp’s capital balances and select ratios follow:

 

Years ended December 31, (dollars in thousands, except per share data)		2023				2022				2021
Stockholders’ equity		$	858,103			$	760,432			$	675,869
Dividends per share		$	1.18			$	1.14			$	1.10
Dividend payout ratio, based on basic EPS			31.98	%			35.19	%			36.67	%

 

 

At December 31, 2023, stockholders’ equity totaled $858 million, representing an increase of $98 million, or 13%, compared to December 31, 2022. The increase for year ended December 31, 2023 was attributed to recording net income of $107.7 million and a $23 million increase in AOCI, which was only partially offset by $35 million of dividends declared, serving to grow stockholder’s equity for the period. AOCI consists of net unrealized gains or losses on AFS debt securities and cash flow hedging instruments in addition to a minimum pension liability, each net of income taxes. The changes in AOCI from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023 were the result of changes in the interest rate environment and its corresponding impact on the valuation of these components, mainly the AFS debt securities portfolio. See the “Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity” for further detail of changes in equity. 

 

Bancorp’s TCE ratio and tangible book value per share, both non-GAAP disclosures, experienced improvement between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, which stemmed largely from recording net income of $107.7 million and the $23 million positive change in AOCI for the year ended December 31, 2023. TCE was 8.09% at December 31, 2023 compared to 7.44% at December 31, 2022, while tangible book value per share was $21.95 at December 31, 2023 compared to $18.50 at December 31, 2022. See the section titled “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for reconcilement of non-GAAP to GAAP measures.

 

Bancorp increased its cash dividends declared to stockholders during 2023 to an annual dividend of $1.18, from $1.14 per share in 2022 and $1.10 in 2021. This represents a payout ratio of 31.98% based on basic EPS and an annual dividend yield of 2.29% based upon the year-end closing stock price.

 

In May 2023, Bancorp’s Board of Directors extended its share repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to 1 million shares, or approximately 4% of Bancorp’s total common shares outstanding at the time. The plan, which will expire in May 2025 unless otherwise extended or completed at an earlier date, does not obligate Bancorp to repurchase any specific dollar amount or number of shares prior to the plan’s expiration. Based on economic developments over the past year and the increased importance of capital preservation, no shares were repurchased in 2022, nor 2023. Approximately 741,000 shares remain eligible for repurchase under the current repurchase plan.

 

Bank holding companies and their subsidiary banks are required by regulators to meet risk-based capital standards. These standards, or ratios, measure the relationship of capital to a combination of balance sheet and off-balance sheet risks. The value of both balance sheet and off-balance sheet items are adjusted to reflect credit risks. See the footnote titled “Regulatory Matters” for additional detail regarding regulatory capital requirements, as well as capital ratios of Bancorp and the Bank. The Bank exceeds regulatory capital ratios required to be well-capitalized. Regulatory framework does not define well capitalized for holding companies. Management considers the effects of growth on capital ratios as it contemplates plans for expansion.

 

Capital ratios as of December 31, 2023 decreased compared December 31, 2022, as a result of substantial risk-weighted asset growth within the loan portfolio and tax credit investment activity, which was buoyed by strong operating results. Bancorp continues to exceed the regulatory requirements for all calculations. Bancorp and the Bank intend to maintain a capital position that meets or exceeds the “well-capitalized” requirements as defined by the FRB and the FDIC, in addition to the capital conservation buffer.

 

Banking regulators have categorized the Bank as well-capitalized. To meet the definition of well-capitalized for prompt corrective action requirements, a bank must have a minimum 6.5% Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, 8.0% Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, 10.0% Total Risk-Based Capital ratio and 5.0% Tier 1 Leverage ratio.

 

 

Additionally, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers, Bancorp and the Bank must hold a 2.5% capital conservation buffer composed of Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital above the minimum risk-based capital requirements for the Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio and Total Risk-Based Capital ratio necessary to be considered adequately-capitalized. At December 31, 2023, the adequately-capitalized minimums, including the capital conservation buffer, were a 7.0% Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, 8.5% Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio and 10.5% Total Risk-Based Capital ratio. Bancorp met these levels as of December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

As a result of the CB acquisition, Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of the following unconsolidated trust subsidiaries: Commonwealth Statutory Trust III, Commonwealth Statutory Trust IV and Commonwealth Statutory Trust V. The sole assets of the trust subsidiaries represent the proceeds of offerings loaned in exchange for subordinated debentures with similar terms to the TPS. The TPS are treated as part of Tier 1 Capital. The subordinated note and related interest expense are included in Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements. The subordinated notes are currently redeemable at Bancorp’s option on a quarterly basis. As of December 31, 2023, subordinated notes totaled $27 million.

 

As permitted by the interim final rule issued on March 27, 2020 by the federal banking regulatory agencies, Bancorp elected the option to delay the estimated impact on regulatory capital related to the adoption of ASC 326 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses,” or CECL, which was effective January 1, 2020. The initial impact of adoption of ASC 326, as well as 25% of the quarterly increases in the ACL subsequent to adoption of ASC 326 (collectively the “transition adjustments”) were delayed for two years. After two years, the cumulative amount of the transition adjustments became fixed and will be phased out of the regulatory capital calculations evenly over a three-year period, with 75% recognized in year three, 50% recognized in year four and 25% recognized in year five. After five years, the temporary regulatory capital benefits will be fully reversed. 2024 will represent year five of the transition period for Bancorp. Had Bancorp not elected to defer the regulatory capital impact of CECL, the post ASC 326 adoption capital ratios of Bancorp and the Bank would still have exceeded the well-capitalized level.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

Bancorp follows the provisions of authoritative guidance for fair value measurements. This guidance is definitional and disclosure oriented and addresses how companies should approach measuring fair value when required by GAAP. It prescribes various disclosures about financial statement categories and amounts which are measured at fair value, if such disclosures are not already specified elsewhere in GAAP.

 

Authoritative guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between participants at the measurement date. The guidance requires fair value measurements to be classified as Level 1 (quoted prices), Level 2 (based on observable inputs) or Level 3 (based on significant unobservable, internally-derived inputs).

 

Bancorp’s AFS debt securities and interest rate swaps are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Other accounts including mortgage loans held for sale, MSRs, impaired loans and OREO may be recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis, generally in the application of lower of cost or market adjustments or write-downs of specific assets.

 

The AFS debt securities portfolio is comprised of U.S. Treasury and other U.S. government obligations, debt securities of U.S. government-sponsored corporations (including mortgage-backed securities), and obligations of state and political subdivisions. U.S. Treasury securities are priced using quoted prices of identical securities in an active market. These measurements are classified as Level 1 in the hierarchy above. All other securities are priced using standard industry models or matrices with various assumptions such as yield curves, volatility, prepayment speeds, default rates, time value, credit rating and market prices for similar instruments. These assumptions are generally observable in the market place and can be derived from or supported by observable data. These measurements are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy above.

 

Interest rate swaps are valued using primarily Level 2 inputs. Fair value measurements generally based on benchmark forward yield curves and other relevant observable market data. For purposes of potential valuation adjustments to derivative positions, Bancorp evaluates the credit risk of its counterparties as well as its own credit risk. To date, Bancorp has not realized any losses due to a counterparty’s inability to perform and the change in value of derivative assets and liabilities attributable to credit risk was not significant during 2023, 2022 and 2021.

 

 

MSRs, carried in other assets and recorded at fair value upon capitalization, are amortized to correspond with estimated servicing income and are periodically assessed for impairment based on fair value at the reporting date. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated net servicing income. The model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income. These measurements are classified as Level 3. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there was no valuation allowance for MSRs, as fair value exceeded carrying value.

 

Loans considered to be collateral dependent are measured for impairment and, if indicated, a specific allocation is established based on the value of underlying collateral. Collateral dependent loans include non-accrual loans, individually analyzed PCD loans and loans modified for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. For collateral dependent loans, fair value amounts represent only those loans with specific valuation allowances established or adjusted and loans charged down to their carrying value during the period. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the carrying value of collateral dependent loans measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis was $14 million and $21 million, respectively. These measurements are classified as Level 3.

 

OREO, which is carried in other assets at the lower of cost or fair value, is periodically assessed for impairment based on fair value at the reporting date. Fair value is commonly based on recent real estate appraisals or valuations performed by internal or external parties which use judgments and assumptions that are property-specific and sensitive to changes in the overall economic environment. Appraisals may be further discounted based on management’s judgement and/or changes in market conditions from the date of the most recent appraisal. Many of these inputs are not observable and, accordingly, these measurements are classified as Level 3. OREO is equal to the carrying value of only parcels of OREO for which carrying value equals appraised value. If a parcel of OREO has a carrying value below its appraised value, it is not considered to be carried at fair value. The losses represent write-downs which occurred during the period indicated. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the carrying value of OREO was $10,000 and $677,000, respectively, with the decline being attributed to the sale of two properties during 2023.

 

See the Footnote titled “Assets and Liabilities Measured and Reported at Fair Value,” for additional detail regarding fair value measurements.

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of total stockholders’ equity in accordance with GAAP to tangible stockholders’ equity (TCE), a non-GAAP disclosure. Bancorp provides the TCE per share, a non-GAAP measure, in addition to those defined by banking regulators, based on its widespread use by investors as a means to evaluate capital adequacy:

 

December 31, (dollars and shares in thousands, except per share data)		2023				2022
Total stockholders' equity - GAAP (a)		$	858,103			$	760,432
Less: Goodwill			(194,074	)			(194,074	)
Less: Core deposit and other intangibles			(20,304	)			(24,990	)
Tangible common equity - Non-GAAP (c)		$	643,725			$	541,368
Total assets - GAAP (b)		$	8,170,102			$	7,496,261
Less: Goodwill			(194,074	)			(194,074	)
Less: Core deposit and other intangibles			(20,304	)			(24,990	)
Tangible assets - Non-GAAP (d)		$	7,955,724			$	7,277,197
Total stockholders' equity to total assets - GAAP (a/b)			10.50	%			10.14	%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets - Non-GAAP (c/d)			8.09	%			7.44	%
Total shares outstanding (e)			29,329				29,259
Book value per share - GAAP (a/e)		$	29.26			$	25.99
Tangible common equity per share - Non-GAAP (c/e)			21.95				18.50

 

ACL on loans to total non-PPP loans represents the ACL on loans, divided by total loans less PPP loans. Non-performing loans to total non-PPP loans represents non-performing loans, divided by total loans less PPP loans. Delinquent loans to total non-PPP loans represents delinquent loans (consisting of all loans 30 days or more past due), divided by total loans less PPP loans. Bancorp believes these non-GAAP disclosures are important because they provide comparable ratios after eliminating PPP loans, which are fully guaranteed by the SBA and have not been allocated for within the ACL and are not at risk of non-performance.

 

December 31, (dollars in thousands)		2023				2022
Total loans - GAAP (a)		$	5,771,038			$	5,205,918
Less: PPP loans			(4,319	)			(18,593	)
Total non-PPP loans - Non-GAAP (b)		$	5,766,719			$	5,187,325
ACL for loans (c)		$	79,374			$	73,531
Non-performing loans (d)			19,168				15,134
Delinquent loans (e)			17,322				16,863
ACL for loans to total loans - GAAP (c/a)			1.38	%			1.41	%
ACL for loans to total loans - Non-GAAP (c/b)			1.38	%			1.42	%
Non-performing loans to total loans - GAAP (d/a)			0.33	%			0.29	%
Non-performing loans to total loans - Non-GAAP (d/b)			0.33	%			0.29	%
Delinquent loans to total loans - GAAP (e/a)			0.30	%			0.32	%
Delinquent loans to total loans - Non-GAAP (e/b)			0.30	%			0.33	%

 

 

The efficiency ratio, a non-GAAP measure, equals total non-interest expenses divided by the sum of net interest income (FTE) and non-interest income. In addition to the efficiency ratio presented, Bancorp considers an adjusted efficiency ratio. Bancorp believes it is important because it provides a comparable ratio after eliminating net gains (losses) on sales, calls, and impairment of investment securities, as well as net gains (losses) on sales of premises and equipment and disposition of any acquired assets, if applicable, and the fluctuation in non-interest expenses related to amortization of investments in tax credit partnerships and merger-related expenses.

 

Years ended December 31, (dollars in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Total non-interest expenses (a)		$	187,829			$	191,791			$	142,280
Less: Merger expenses			—				(19,500	)			(19,025	)
Less: Loss on disposition of LFA			—				(870	)			—
Less: Amortization of investments in tax credit partnerships			(1,294	)			(353	)			(367	)
Total non-interest expenses - Non-GAAP (c)		$	186,535			$	171,068			$	122,888
Total net interest income, FTE		$	247,869			$	234,267			$	171,508
Total non-interest income			92,220				89,149				65,850
Total revenue - Non-GAAP (b)			340,089				323,416				237,358
Less: (Gain)/loss on sale of premises and equipment			30				(4,341	)			78
Less: Loss on sale of securities			44				—				—
Total adjusted revenue - Non-GAAP (d)		$	340,163			$	319,075			$	237,436
Efficiency ratio - Non-GAAP (a/b)			55.23	%			59.30	%			59.92	%
Adjusted efficiency ratio - Non-GAAP (c/d)			54.84	%			53.61	%			51.76	%

 

Item 7A.         Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Information required by this item is included in Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this Form 10-K.

 

Item 8.             Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

The following consolidated financial statements of Bancorp, and reports of independent registered public accounting firms and management are included below:

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2023 and 2022

Consolidated Statements of Income - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

Footnotes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (FORVIS, LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana, PCAOB ID 686)

Management’s Report on Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

Years Ended December 31, (in thousands, except per share data)      

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

 

Years Ended December 31, (in thousands)         

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 

 

Years Ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021                        

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

Years Ended December 31, (in thousands)

 

 

(continued)

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued) 

 

Years Ended December 31, (in thousands)

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

Nature of Operations – Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (“Bancorp” or “the Company”) is a FHC headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiary, SYB (“the Bank”). Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements of Bancorp and its subsidiaries have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and adhere to predominant practices within the banking industry.

 

Established in 1904, SYB is a state-chartered non-member financial institution that provides services in Louisville, central, eastern and northern Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan markets through 72 full service banking center locations.

 

Bancorp is divided into two reportable segments: Commercial Banking and WM&T:

 

Commercial Banking provides a full range of loan and deposit products to individual consumers and businesses in all its markets through retail lending, mortgage banking, deposit services, online banking, mobile banking, private banking, commercial lending, commercial real estate lending, leasing, treasury management services, merchant services, international banking, correspondent banking and other banking services. The Bank also offers securities brokerage services via its banking center network through an arrangement with a third party broker-dealer in the Commercial Banking segment. 

 

WM&T provides investment management, financial & retirement planning and trust & estate services, as well as retirement plan management for businesses and corporations in all markets in which Bancorp operates. The magnitude of WM&T revenue distinguishes Bancorp from other community banks of similar asset size.

 

As a result of its acquisition of Kentucky Bancshares, Inc. on May 31, 2021, Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of a Nevada-based insurance captive taxed under Section 831(b) of the Internal Revenue Code. On April 10, 2023, the IRS issued a proposed regulation that would potentially classify section 831(b) captive activity as a, “listed transaction,” and possibly disallow the related tax benefits, both prospectively and retroactively, for a period to be determined. While the regulation has not been finalized, it is expected to be finalized in 2024. Bancorp elected not to renew the Captive in August of 2023 and ultimately dissolved the Captive in December of 2023. The Captive’s activity is included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and will be included in its 2023 federal income tax return. The Captive’s activity served to reduce Bancorp’s ETR by 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.2% for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

As a result of its acquisition of CB on March 7, 2022, Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of the following unconsolidated Delaware trust subsidiaries: Commonwealth Statutory Trust III, Commonwealth Statutory Trust IV and Commonwealth Statutory Trust V. The sole assets of the trust subsidiaries represent the proceeds of offerings loaned in exchange for subordinated debentures with similar terms to the TPS.

 

Also as a result of its acquisition of Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc., Bancorp acquired a 60% interest in LFA, a Bowling Green, Kentucky-based wealth management services company. Effective December 31, 2022, Bancorp’s partial interest in LFA was sold, resulting in a pre-tax loss of $870,000 recorded in other non-interest expense on the consolidated income statements for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2022. This acquired line of business was not within the Company’s geographic footprint and ultimately did not align with the Company’s long-term strategic model. Net income related to LFA and attributable to Bancorp’s 60% interest, excluding the pre-tax loss on disposition noted above, totaled $483,000 for the year ended December 31, 2022.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – To prepare financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management must make estimates and assumptions that require difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates are susceptible to material changes as a result of changes in facts and circumstances. Facts and circumstances which could affect these judgments include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, changes in the performance of the economy and changes in the financial condition of borrowers.

 

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Bancorp’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition. At December 31, 2023, the accounting policy considered the most critical in preparing Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements is the determination of the ACL for loans. A detailed explanation of how Bancorp determines the ACL for loans is provided within this footnote.

 

Accounting for Business Acquisitions – Bancorp accounts for acquisitions in accordance with the acquisition method as outlined in ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.” The acquisition method requires: a) identification of the entity that obtains control of the acquiree; b) determination of the acquisition date; c) recognition and measurement of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree; and d) recognition and measurement of goodwill or bargain purchase gain.

 

Identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in acquirees are generally recognized at their acquisition-date (“day-one”) fair values based on the requirements of ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” The measurement period for day-one fair values begins on the acquisition date and ends at the earlier of: (a) the day management believes it has all the information necessary to determine day-one fair values; or (b) one year following the acquisition date. In many cases, the determination of day-one fair values requires management to make estimates about discount rates, future expected cash flows, market conditions and other future events that are highly complex and subjective in nature and subject to provisional period adjustments, which are retrospective adjustments to reflect new information existing at the acquisition date affecting day-one fair values. More specifically, these provisional period adjustments may be made, as market value data, such as valuations, are received by the Bank. Increases or decreases to day-one fair values are reflected with a corresponding increase or decrease to bargain purchase gain or goodwill.

 

Acquisition related costs are expensed as incurred unless those costs are related to issuing debt or equity securities used to finance the acquisition.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include cash and due from banks, FFS and interest bearing due from banks as segregated in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale and Mortgage Banking Activities – Effective March 31, 2022, Bancorp elected to begin carrying mortgages originated and intended for sale in the secondary at fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Mortgage loans held for sale prior to March 31, 2022 were carried at the lower of cost or market value. Net gains on mortgage loans held for sale are recorded as a component of Mortgage banking income and represent the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the loans sold. Substantially all of the gains or losses on the sale of loans are reported in earnings when the interest rates on loans are locked.

 

Commitments to fund mortgage loans (“interest rate lock commitments”) to be sold into the secondary market and non-exchange traded mandatory forward sales contracts (“forward contracts”) for the future delivery of these mortgage loans or the purchase of TBA securities are accounted for as free-standing derivatives. Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the Bank enters into the derivative. Generally, the Bank enters into forward contracts for the future delivery of mortgage loans or the purchase of TBA securities when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting from its commitments to fund the loans. Changes in the fair values of these mortgage derivatives are included in net gains on sales of loans, which is a component of mortgage banking income on the income statement.

 

Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with the MSRs retained. When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded as component of mortgage banking income. Fair value is based on the market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method, which requires servicing rights to be amortized into mortgage banking income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Amortization of MSRs are initially set at seven years and are periodically adjusted based on the weighted average remaining life of the underlying loans.

 

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A primary factor influencing the MSR fair value is the estimated life of the underlying serviced loans. The estimated life of the serviced loans is significantly influenced by market interest rates. During a period of declining interest rates, the fair value of the MSRs generally decline due to higher expected prepayments within the portfolio. Alternatively, during a period of rising interest rates, the fair value of MSRs generally will increase, as prepayments on the underlying loans would be expected to decline.

 

Loan servicing income is reported on the income statement as a component of Mortgage banking income. Loan servicing income is recorded as loan payments are collected and includes servicing fees from investors and certain charges collected from borrowers. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal, or a fixed amount per loan, and are recorded as income when earned. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are considered nominal.

 

Debt Securities – Bancorp determines the classification of debt securities at the time of purchase. Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and recorded at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as AFS and recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in AOCI, net of tax.

 

Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific-identification method. Amortization of premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income over the period to maturity using the interest method, except for premiums on callable debt securities, which are amortized to their earliest call date.

 

Bancorp has made a policy election to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of debt securities and reports accrued interest separately in the consolidated balance sheets. A debt security is placed on non-accrual status at the time any principal or interest payments become more than 90 days delinquent or if full collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain. Accrued interest for a security placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. There was no accrued interest related to AFS debt securities reversed against interest income for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

ACL – AFS Debt Securities – For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position, Bancorp evaluates the securities to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or non-credit related factors. Any impairment that is not credit-related is recognized in AOCI, net of tax. Credit-related impairment is recognized as an ACL for AFS debt securities on the balance sheet, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. Accrued interest receivable on AFS debt securities totaled $4 million as of both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Both the ACL for AFS debt securities and the adjustment to net income may be reversed if conditions change. However, if Bancorp intends to sell an impaired AFS debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell such a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount would be recognized in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis. Because the security’s amortized cost basis is adjusted to fair value, there is no ACL for AFS debt securities in this situation.

 

In evaluating AFS debt securities in unrealized loss positions for impairment and the criteria regarding its intent or requirement to sell such securities, Bancorp considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuers’ financial condition, among other factors. There were no credit related factors underlying unrealized losses on AFS debt securities at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, therefore, no ACL for AFS securities was recorded.

 

Changes in the ACL for AFS debt securities are recorded as expense. Losses are charged against the ACL for AFS debt securities when management believes the uncollectability of an AFS debt security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

 

ACL – HTM Debt Securities – Bancorp measures expected credit losses on HTM debt securities on a collective basis by major security type. Accrued interest receivable on HTM debt securities totaled $2 million as of both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and is excluded from the ACL on HTM securities. The estimate of the ACL for HTM securities considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. As of both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, no ACL for HTM securities was recorded.

 

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FHLB Stock – Bancorp is a member institution of the FHLB. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors and may invest in additional amounts of stock. FHLB stock is carried at cost, classified as a restricted security and annually evaluated for impairment. Because this stock is viewed as a long-term investment, impairment is based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are recorded as interest income.

 

Loans – Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost basis, which is the unpaid principal balance outstanding, net of unearned income, deferred loan fees and costs, premiums and discounts associated with acquisition date fair value adjustments on acquired loans and any direct partial charge-offs. Bancorp has made a policy election to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of loans and report accrued interest separately from the related loan balance in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income over the life of the loan without anticipating prepayments.

 

Loans are considered past due or delinquent when the contractual principal and/or interest due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement or any portion thereof remains unpaid after the due date of the scheduled payment. The accrual of interest income on loans is typically discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well-secured and in process of collection, or if full collection of interest or principal becomes doubtful. Consumer loans are typically charged off no later than 120 days past due. All interest accrued but not received for a loan placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Under the cash-basis method, interest income is recorded when the payment is received in cash. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

 

Acquired loans are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition based on a DCF methodology that considers various factors including the type of loan and related collateral, classification status, fixed or variable interest rate, term of loan and whether or not the loan was amortizing, and a discount rate reflecting Bancorp’s assessment of risk inherent in the cash flow estimates. Certain larger purchased loans are individually evaluated while certain purchased loans are grouped together according to similar risk characteristics and are treated in aggregate when applying various valuation techniques. These cash flow evaluations are inherently subjective, as they require material estimates, all of which may be susceptible to significant change.

 

Loans acquired in a business combination that have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination are considered PCD loans. At the acquisition date, an estimate of expected credit losses is made for groups of PCD loans with similar risk characteristics and individual PCD loans without similar risk characteristics. This initial ACL is allocated to individual PCD loans and added to the purchase price or acquisition date fair values to establish the initial amortized cost basis of the PCD loans. As the initial ACL is added to the purchase price, there is no credit loss expense recognized upon acquisition of a PCD loan. Any difference between the unpaid principal balance of PCD loans and the amortized cost basis is considered to relate to non-credit factors and results in a discount or premium. Discounts and premiums are recognized through interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loans.

 

Acquired loans are determined by Bancorp to have more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination if any of the following designations apply, listed in order of priority as follows: Loans individually analyzed by Bancorp and determined to have a collateral or cash flow deficiency resulting in a full or partial allocation for loss, loans placed on non-accrual status by the acquired institution, loans identified as TDRs by the acquired institution, loans that have received a partial charge off by the acquired institution, loans risk-rated below a “pass” grade by the acquired institution and any loans past due 59 days or more at the time of acquisition.

 

For acquired loans not deemed PCD at acquisition, the differences between the initial fair value and the unpaid principal balance are recognized as interest income over the lives of the related loans. For non-PCD loans, an initial ACL on loans is estimated and recorded as credit loss expense at the acquisition date.

 

The subsequent measurement of expected credit losses for all acquired loans is the same as the subsequent measurement of expected credit losses for originated loans.

 

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ACL – Loans – Under the CECL model, the ACL on loans represents a valuation allowance estimated at each balance sheet date in accordance with GAAP that is deducted from the loans’ amortized cost basis to represent the net amount expected to be collected on the loan portfolio.

 

Bancorp estimates the ACL on loans based on the underlying assets’ amortized cost basis, which is the amount at which the receivable is originated or acquired, adjusted for applicable accretion or amortization of premium, discount, and net deferred fees or costs, collection of payment, and partial charge-offs. In the event that collection of principal becomes uncertain, Bancorp has policies in place to reverse accrued interest in a timely manner. Therefore, Bancorp has made a policy election to exclude accrued interest from the measurement of the ACL on loans.

 

Expected credit losses are reflected in the ACL on loans through a charge to provision for credit losses on loans. When Bancorp deems all or a portion of a financial asset to be uncollectible, the appropriate amount is written-off and the ACL on loans is reduced by the same amount. Bancorp applies judgment to determine when a financial asset is deemed uncollectible; however, generally speaking, an asset will be considered uncollectible no later than when all efforts of collection have been exhausted and the collateral, if any, has been liquidated. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL on loans when received.

 

Bancorp’s methodologies for estimating the ACL on loans consider available relevant information about the collectability of cash flows, including information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The methodologies apply historical loss information, adjusted for asset-specific characteristics, economic conditions at the measurement date, and forecasts about future economic conditions expected to exist through the contractual lives of the financial assets that are reasonable and supportable to the identified pools of financial assets with similar risk characteristics for which the historical loss experience was observed. Bancorp’s methodologies may revert to historical loss information on a straight-line basis over a number of quarters when it can no longer develop reasonable and supportable forecasts.

 

Loans are predominantly segmented by FDIC Call Report Codes into loan pools that have similar risk characteristics, similar collateral types and are assumed to pose consistent risk of loss to Bancorp. Bancorp has identified the following pools of financial assets with similar risk characteristics for measuring expected credit losses:

 

Commercial Real Estate – Owner Occupied – Includes non-farm, non-residential real estate loans for a variety of commercial property types and purposes, and is typically secured by commercial offices, industrial buildings, warehouses or retail buildings where the owner of the building occupies the property. The primary source of repayment is the cash flow from the ongoing operations and activities conducted by the party (or affiliate) who owns the property. Repayment terms vary considerably; interest rates are fixed or variable and structured for full or partial amortization of principal.

 

Commercial Real Estate – Non-Owner Occupied – Includes investment real estate loans secured by similar collateral as above. The primary source of income for this loan type is typically rental income associated with the property. This category also includes apartment or multifamily residential buildings (secured by five or more dwelling units).

 

Commercial and Industrial – Represents loans for C&I purposes to sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and other business enterprises, whether secured (other than those that meet the definition of a “loan secured by real estate”) or unsecured, single payment or installment. This category includes loans originated for financing capital expenditures, loans secured by accounts receivable, inventory and other business assets such as equipment, non-real estate related construction loans in addition to non-real estate loans guaranteed by the SBA. Bancorp originates these loans for a variety of purposes across various industries. This portfolio has been segregated between term loans and revolving lines of credits based on the varied characteristics of these individual loan structures.

 

Residential Real Estate – Includes non-revolving (closed-end) first and junior lien loans secured by residential real estate primarily in Bancorp’s market areas. This portfolio has been segregated between owner occupied and non-owner occupied status, as the investment nature of the latter poses additional credit risks to Bancorp.

 

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Construction and Land Development – Consists of loans to finance the ground up construction or improvement of owner occupied and non-owner occupied residential and commercial properties and loans secured by raw or improved land. The repayment of C&D loans is generally dependent upon the successful completion of the improvements by the builder for the end user, the leasing of the property, or sale of the property to a third party. Repayment of land secured loans is dependent upon the successful development and sale of the property, the sale of the land as is, or the outside cash flow of the owners to support the retirement of the debt. Bancorp’s construction loans may convert to real estate-secured loans once construction is completed or principal amortization payments begin, assuming the borrower retains financing with the Bank.

 

Home Equity Lines of Credit – Similar to the above, however these are revolving (open-ended) lines of credit.

 

Consumer – Represents loans to individuals for personal expenditures that may be secured or unsecured. This includes pre-arranged overdraft plans, secured automobile loans and other consumer-purpose loans.

 

Leases – Represents a variety of equipment leasing options to businesses.

 

Credit Cards – Represents revolving loans to businesses and, to a lesser extent, consumers.

 

Bancorp measures expected credit losses for its loan portfolio segments as follows:

 

Loan Portfolio Segment		ACL Methodology
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		Discounted cash flow
Commercial real estate - owner occupied		Discounted cash flow
Commercial and industrial - term		Static pool
Commercial and industrial - line of credit		Static pool
Residential real estate - owner occupied		Discounted cash flow
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied		Discounted cash flow
Construction and land development		Static pool
Home equity lines of credit		Static pool
Consumer		Static pool
Leases		Static pool
Credit cards		Static pool

 

Discounted Cash flow Method – The DCF methodology is used to develop cash flow projections at the instrument level wherein payment expectations are adjusted for estimated prepayment speeds, curtailments, time to recovery, probability of default and loss given default. The modeling of expected prepayment speeds, curtailment rates and time to recovery are based on historical internal data.

 

Bancorp uses regression analysis on historical internal and peer data to determine suitable loss drivers to utilize when modeling lifetime probability of default and loss given default. This analysis also determines how expected probability of default and loss given default will react to forecasted levels of the loss drivers. For all loan pools utilizing the DCF method, management utilizes a forecasted unemployment rate as its primary loss driver, as this was determined to best correlate to historical losses. Management has determined that four quarters represents a reasonable and supportable forecast period with reversion back to a historical loss rate over four quarters on a straight-line basis.

 

The combination of adjustments for credit expectations (default and loss) and timing expectations (prepayment, curtailment, and time to recovery) produces an expected cash flow stream at the instrument level. Instrument effective yield is calculated, net of the impacts of prepayment assumptions, and the instrument expected cash flows are then discounted at that effective yield to produce an instrument-level NPV of expected cash flows. An ACL is established for the difference between the instrument’s NPV and amortized cost basis.

 

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Static Pool Method – The static pool methodology is utilized for the loan portfolio segments that typically have shorter durations. For each of these loan segments, Bancorp applies an expected loss ratio based on historical losses adjusted as appropriate for qualitative loss factors. Qualitative loss factors are based on management's judgment of company, market, industry or business specific data, changes in underlying loan composition of specific portfolios, trends relating to credit quality, delinquency, non-performing and adversely rated loans and reasonable and supportable forecasts of economic conditions.

 

Collateral Dependent Loans – Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. For collateral dependent loans where Bancorp has determined that the liquidation or foreclosure of the collateral is probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and Bancorp expects repayment of the financial asset to be provided substantially through the operation of the business or sale of the collateral, the ACL is measured based on the difference between the estimated fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the asset as of the measurement date. When repayment is expected to be from the operation of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the financial asset exceeds the NPV of expected cash flows from the operation of the collateral. When repayment is expected to be generated by the sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are calculated as the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the financial asset exceeds the fair value of the underlying collateral, less estimated cost to sell. The ACL may be zero if the fair value of the collateral at the measurement date exceeds the amortized cost basis of loan. Bancorp’s estimate of the ACL reflects losses expected over the remaining contractual life of the loan and the contractual term does not consider extensions, renewals or modifications.

 

Bancorp adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures,” effective January 1, 2023. The amendments in ASU 2022-02 eliminated the recognition and measure of troubled debt restructurings and enhanced disclosures for loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

 

Premises and Equipment – Premises and equipment are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation of premises and equipment is computed using straight-line methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from three to 40 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over terms of the related leases, including expected renewals, or over the useful lives of the improvements, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized.

 

Premises held for sale are carried at the lower of fair value or cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Premises held for sale represent properties owned by Bancorp that are currently listed for sale due mainly to location overlap and/or lack of necessity stemming from acquisition-related activity.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets – Goodwill resulting from business acquisitions represents the excess of the fair value of the consideration transferred, plus the fair value of any non-controlling interests in the acquiree, over the fair value of the net assets assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested annually for impairment or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate a goodwill impairment test should be performed.

 

Bancorp has selected September 30th as the date to perform its annual goodwill impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on the Bank’s balance sheet.

 

Currently, goodwill recorded on Bancorp’s consolidated balance sheets is attributed mainly to the Commercial Banking segment, while a portion is also attributed to the WM&T segment. Goodwill related to the KSB acquisition is deductible for tax purposes, as it was structured as an asset sale/338 election. Goodwill related to the CB and KB acquisitions is not deductible for tax purposes, as both were structured as stock sales. Based on its assessment, Bancorp believes its goodwill balances at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were not impaired and are properly recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

 

Other intangible assets consist of CDI and CLI assets arising from business acquisitions. The CDI and CLI assets represent customer relationships associated with acquired deposit portfolios and WM&T businesses, respectively. CDI and CLI assets are initially measured at fair value and then amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives.

 

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Other Assets – BOLI and other life insurance policies are carried at net realizable value, which considers applicable surrender charges. Also, Bancorp maintains life insurance policies in conjunction with its non-qualified defined benefit and non-qualified compensation plans.

 

OREO is initially recorded at fair value, less estimated costs to sell, establishing a new cost basis for the asset. OREO is subsequently carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value minus estimated selling costs. In certain situations, improvements to prepare assets for sale are capitalized if those costs increase the estimated fair value of the asset. Expenses incurred in maintaining assets, write downs to reflect subsequent declines in value, and realized gains or losses are reflected in the results of operations and are included in non-interest income and/or expense.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures – Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to originate loans, commitments to fund existing loans and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer-financing needs. Off-balance sheet refers to assets or liabilities that do not appear on a company's balance sheet. Bancorp’s exposure to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the other party to the financial instrument for off-balance sheet loan commitments is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

 

Bancorp records an ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures, unless the commitments to extend credit are unconditionally cancelable, through a charge to credit loss expense for off-balance sheet credit exposures included in provision for credit losses for off-balance sheet credit exposures on Bancorp’s consolidated statements of income. The ACL for off-balance sheet credit exposures is estimated by loan portfolio segment at each balance sheet date under the current CECL model using the same methodologies as portfolio loans, taking into consideration the likelihood that funding will occur and is included in other liabilities on Bancorp’s consolidated balance sheets.

 

Derivatives – Bancorp uses derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, as part of its interest rate risk management. GAAP establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and hedging activities. As required by GAAP, Bancorp’s interest rate swaps are recognized as other assets and liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. Accounting for changes in fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Derivatives used to hedge exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. To qualify for hedge accounting, Bancorp must comply with detailed rules and documentation requirements at inception of the hedge, and hedge effectiveness is assessed at inception and periodically throughout the life of each hedging relationship. Hedge ineffectiveness, if any, is measured periodically throughout the life of the hedging relationship.

 

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in fair value of the derivative is initially reported in OCI and subsequently reclassified to interest income or expense when the hedged transaction affects earnings, while the ineffective portion of changes in fair value of derivative, if any, is recognized immediately in other noninterest income. Bancorp assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing cumulative changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with cumulative changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. No component of the change in the fair value of the hedging instrument is excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.

 

Periodically, Bancorp enters into an interest rate swap transaction with a borrower, who desires to hedge exposure to rising interest rates, while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate swap, with substantially matching terms, with another approved independent counterparty. Because of matching terms of offsetting contracts and collateral provisions mitigating any non-performance risk, changes in fair value subsequent to initial recognition have an insignificant effect on earnings. Because these derivative instruments have not been designated as hedging instruments, the derivative instruments are recognized on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value, with changes in fair value, due to changes in prevailing interest rates, recorded in other noninterest income.

 

Bancorp had no fair value hedging relationships at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Bancorp does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. See the Footnote titled “Derivative Financial Instruments” for additional discussion.

 

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Transfers of Financial Assets – Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from Bancorp, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and Bancorp does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

 

Stock-Based Compensation – For all awards, stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the period in which it is earned based on the grant-date fair value of the portion of stock-based payment awards that are ultimately expected to vest, reduced for estimated forfeitures at the time of grant. GAAP requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

 

Income Taxes – Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in DTAs and DTLs. DTAs and DTLs are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted statutory tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces DTAs to the amount expected to be realized.

 

A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more-likely-than-not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more-likely-than-not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.

 

Bancorp recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense, if any.

 

Bancorp periodically invests in certain partnerships with customers that yield historic tax credits, accounted for using the flow through method, which approximates the equity method. Also, low-income housing tax credits, as well as tax-deductible losses, are accounted for using the effective yield method for older transactions or proportional amortization method for more recent transactions. The tax benefit of these investments exceeds the amortization expense associated with them, resulting in a positive impact on net income.

 

Net Income Per Share – Basic net income per common share is determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net income per share is determined by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the weighted average number of shares that would be issued upon exercise of dilutive options and SARs, assuming proceeds are used to repurchase shares under the treasury stock method.

 

Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Comprehensive income (loss) is defined as the change in equity (net assets) of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from outside of the Company’s control. For Bancorp, this includes net income, changes in unrealized gains and losses on AFS debt securities and cash flow hedging instruments, net of reclassification adjustments and taxes, and minimum pension liability adjustments, net of taxes.

 

Loss Contingencies – Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable, and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are any outstanding matters that would have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents – Bancorp has historically been required by the FRB to maintain average reserve balances. Effective March 26, 2020, the FRB reduced the reserve requirement ratio to 0% in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, eliminating reserve requirements for all depository institutions. The reserve requirement ratio remained at 0% as of December 31, 2023.

 

Dividend Restriction – Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the Bank to the Holding Company or by the Holding Company to shareholders.

 

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as disclosed in the Footnote titled “Assets and Liabilities Measured and Reported at Fair Value” in this section of the filing. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect such estimates.

 

Revenue from Contracts with Customers – The majority of Bancorp’s revenue comes from interest income and other sources, including loans, leases, securities, and derivatives, which are not subject to ASC 606. Bancorp’s services that fall within the scope of ASC 606 are presented within non-interest income and are recognized as revenue as Bancorp satisfies its obligation to its customer.

 

Segment Information – Bancorp provides a broad range of financial services to individuals, corporations and others through its full service banking locations. These services include loan and deposit services, cash management services, securities brokerage activities, mortgage origination and WM&T activities. Bancorp’s operations are considered by management to be aggregated in two reportable operating segments: Commercial Banking and WM&T.

 

Reclassifications – Certain amounts presented in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no impact on previously reported prior periods’ net income or shareholders’ equity.

 

Adoption of New Accounting Guidance – In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. ASU 2022-02 eliminates the accounting guidance for TDRs in ASC 310-40, “Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors” for entities that have adopted the CECL model introduced by ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.” ASU 2022-02 also requires that public business entities disclose current-period gross charge offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses – Measured at Amortized Cost.” This guidance was effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Accounting Standards Updates – Generally, if an issued but not yet effective ASU with an expected immaterial impact to Bancorp has been disclosed in prior SEC filings, it will not be re-disclosed.

 

In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-02, “Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method.” The amendments in this update permit reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met, regardless of the tax credit program from which the related income tax credits are received. The amendments also allow for making the election to apply the proportional amortization method on a tax-credit-program-by-tax-credit-program basis, as opposed to applying this method at the reporting entity level or to individual investments. Further, the amendments of this ASU remove certain guidance for Qualified Affordable Housing Project investments and require the application of the delayed equity contribution guidance to all tax equity investments. The amendments of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and must be applied on either a modified retrospective or a retrospective basis. Bancorp is currently evaluating the impact that adoption of this ASU would have on the consolidated financial statements.

 

In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” The amendments in this update improve financial reporting by requiring disclosure of incremental segment information on an annual and interim basis for all public entities to enable investors to develop more decision-useful financial analyses. The amendments in this update do not change how a public entity identifies its operating segments, aggregates those operating segments, or applies the quantitative thresholds to determine its reportable segments. The amendments of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” The amendments in this update address investor requests for more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures, primarily related to effective tax rate reconciliation and information related to income taxes paid, among certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of such disclosures. The amendments of this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and are to be applied on a prospective basis. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements.

 

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(2) Cash and Due from Banks

 

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, Bancorp’s interest-bearing cash accounts and non-interest bearing deposits held at other financial institutions exceeded the $250,000 federally insured limits by approximately $5 million and $8 million, respectively. Each correspondent bank’s financial performance and market rating are reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure Bancorp maintains deposits only at highly rated institutions, providing minimal risk for those exceeding federally insured limits. Bancorp had approximately $170 million and $76 million held cumulatively at the FRB and FHLB as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, which are government-sponsored entities not insured by the FDIC. The vast majority of these balances were held at the FRB.

 

Bancorp has historically been required to maintain an average reserve balance in cash or with the FRB relating to customer deposits. However, effective March 26, 2020, the FRB reduced the requirement ratio to 0% in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, eliminating the reserve requirements for all depository institutions. The reserve requirement remained at 0% as of December 31, 2023.

 

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(3) Bank Acquisition

 

Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc.

 

On March 7, 2022, Bancorp completed its acquisition of Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc. in a combined stock and cash transaction for total consideration of $168 million. Bancorp acquired 15 retail branches, including nine in Jefferson County, four in Shelby County, and two in Northern Kentucky.

 

Effective December 31, 2022, management finalized the fair values of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities in advance of the 12 month post-acquisition date, as allowed by GAAP.

 

The following table provides a summary of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed by Bancorp as of the acquisition date, the previously reported preliminary fair value adjustments necessary to adjust those acquired assets and assumed liabilities to fair value, final provisional period adjustments to those previously reported preliminary values, and the final fair values of those assets and liabilities as recorded by Bancorp.

 

		As Recorded				Fair Value					Classification				Provisional Period				As Recorded
(in thousands)		By CB				Adjustments (1)					Adjustments (2)				Adjustments (1)				by Bancorp
Assets aquired:
Cash and due from banks		$	380,450			$	—				$	—			$	—			$	380,450
Mortgage loans held for sale			3,559				—					—				—				3,559
Available for sale debt securities			247,209				(416	)	a			(161,819	)			—				84,974
Held to maturity debt securities (2)			—				—		a			161,819				—				161,819
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost			4,436				—					—				—				4,436
Loans			645,551				(13,147	)	b			—				—				632,404
Allowance for credits losses on loans			(16,102	)			6,152		c			—				—				(9,950	)
Net loans			629,449				(6,995	)				—				—				622,454
Premises and equipment, net			28,784				4,009		d			—				—				32,793
Accrued interest receivable			1,973				—					—				—				1,973
Goodwill			5,412				(5,412	)	e			—				—				—
Core deposit intangible			—				12,724		f			—				—				12,724
Customer list intangibles			—				14,360		g			—				—				14,360
Mortgage servicing rights			9,387				3,289		h			—				—				12,676
Deferred income taxes, net			—				(3,727	)	i			—				—				(3,727	)
Other assets			9,389				(1,065	)	j			—				—				8,324
Total assets acquired		$	1,320,048			$	16,767				$	-			$	-			$	1,336,815
Liabilities assumed:
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing		$	302,098			$	—				$	—			$	—			$	302,098
Interest bearing			818,334				371		k			—				—				818,705
Total deposits			1,120,432				371					—				—				1,120,803
SSUAR			66,220				—					—				—				66,220
Subordinated debentures			26,806				(794	)	l			—				—				26,012
Line of credit			3,200				—					—				—				3,200
Accrued interest payable			243				—					—				—				243
Other liabilities			17,822				1,296		m			—				—				19,118
Total liabilities assumed			1,234,723				873					—				—				1,235,596
Net assets acquired		$	85,325			$	15,894				$	-			$	-			$	101,219
Consideration for common stock																			$	133,825
Cash consideration paid																				30,994
Non-controlling interest of acquired entity																				3,094
Total consideration																			$	167,913
Goodwill																			$	66,694

 

(1)	See the following page for explanations of individual fair value/provisional period adjustments.

 

(2)	As of acquisition date, securities with a fair value of $162 million were classified by Bancorp as HTM.

 

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Explanation of fair value/provisional period adjustments:

 

a.	Adjustment to investment securities based on Bancorp’s evaluation of the acquired portfolio.

 

b.	Adjustments to loans to reflect estimated fair value adjustments, including the following:

 

(in thousands)
Fair value adjustment - acquired non PCD loans		$	(9,216	)
Fair value adjustment - acquired PCD loans			(4,094	)
Eliminate unrecognized loan fees on acquired loans and fair value hedge			163
Net loan fair value adjustments		$	(13,147	)

 

c.	The net adjustment to the ACL on loans includes the following:

 

(in thousands)
Reversal of historical CB ACL for loans		$	(16,102	)
Estimate of lifetime credit losses for PCD loans			9,950
Net change in ACL for loans		$	(6,152	)

 

d.	Adjustment to premises and equipment to reflect the estimated fair value of acquired premises and equipment and right of use assets.

 

e.	Elimination of the historical CB goodwill.

 

f.	Calculation of CDI related to the acquisition.

 

g.	Calculation of CLI related to the acquisition.

 

h.	Adjustment to reflect the estimated fair value of MSRs.

 

i.	Adjustment to net DTAs associated with the effects of the purchase accounting adjustments.

 

j.	Adjustment to other assets to reflect the estimated fair value of prepaid and other assets.

 

k.	Adjustment to deposits to reflect the estimated fair value of time deposits, which was based on an analysis of market interest rates and maturity dates at the time of acquisition.

 

l.	Adjustment to reflect the estimated fair value of subordinated debentures, which was based primarily on an analysis of market interest rates and maturity dates at the time of acquisition.

 

m.	Adjustment to other liabilities to establish the reserve for unfunded loan commitments under CECL, operating lease liabilities and various accrual adjustments.

 

Bancorp recorded initial goodwill of approximately $67 million and incurred merger related expenses totaling $19.5 million during the first quarter of 2022 as a result of the CB acquisition. As a result of Bancorp’s disposition of its partial interest in LFA, which resulted in a pre-tax loss of $870,000 recorded in other non-interest expense on the consolidated income statements for the fourth quarter of 2022, goodwill totaling $8.5 million was written off, bringing total goodwill related to the CB acquisition to $58 million as of December 31, 2022. This goodwill is attributable to the Company’s Commercial Banking and Wealth Management & Trust segments. Goodwill related to the CB acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes, as the transaction was structured as a stock sale.

 

Loans acquired that were not subject to guidance relating to PCD loans include loans with a fair value and gross contractual amounts receivable of $540 million and $549 million at the date of acquisition.

 

Total revenue, defined as net interest income and non-interest income, attributed to CB totaled approximately $38.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

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The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial information presents the results of operations of Bancorp, including the effects of the purchase accounting adjustments and acquisition expenses, had the CB acquisition taken place at the beginning of the period.

 

(in thousands, except per share data) Year ended December 31,		2022				2021
Net interest income		$	238,416			$	218,376
Provision for credit losses (1)			5,828				(7,667	)
Non-interest income			92,089				123,530
Non-interest expense (2)			182,783				200,941
Income before taxes			141,894				148,632
Income tax expense			32,212				31,443
Net income			109,682				117,189
Less net income attributed to NCI			337				362
Net income available to stockholders		$	109,345			$	116,827
Earnings per share:
Basic		$	3.75			$	4.02
Diluted			3.72				3.99
Basic weighted average shares outstanding			29,122				29,037
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding			29,386				29,295

 

(1) - Excludes $4.4 million in merger related credit loss expense for the year ended December 31, 2022. Excludes $7.4 million in merger related credit loss expense for the year ended December 31, 2021.

(2) - Excludes $24.1 million in pre-tax merger expenses for the year ended December 31, 2022. Excludes $18.5 million in pre-tax merger expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021.

 

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(4) Investment Securities

 

Debt securities purchased in which Bancorp has the intent and ability to hold to their maturity are classified as HTM securities. All other investment securities are classified as AFS securities.

 

AFS Debt Securities

 

The following table summarizes the amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of Bancorp’s AFS debt securities portfolio:

 

(in thousands)		Amortized				Unrealized
December 31, 2023		cost				Gains				Losses				Fair value
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations		$	119,931			$	-			$	(3,662	)		$	116,269
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			104,677				157				(4,987	)			99,847
Mortgage backed securities - government agencies			789,145				83				(101,189	)			688,039
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			136,579				5				(13,094	)			123,490
Other			3,821				-				(287	)			3,534
Total available for sale debt securities		$	1,154,153			$	245			$	(123,219	)		$	1,031,179
December 31, 2022
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations		$	122,966			$	-			$	(7,927	)		$	115,039
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			149,773				290				(6,437	)			143,626
Mortgage backed securities - government agencies			874,265				58				(121,585	)			752,738
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			145,016				1				(17,418	)			127,599
Other			5,957				-				(342	)			5,615
Total available for sale debt securities		$	1,297,977			$	349			$	(153,709	)		$	1,144,617

 

HTM Debt Securities

 

The following table summarizes the amortized cost, unrecognized gains and losses, and fair value of Bancorp’s HTM debt securities portfolio:

 

(in thousands)		Carrying				Unrecognized
December 31, 2023		value				Gains				Losses				Fair value
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations		$	203,259			$	-			$	(4,932	)		$	198,327
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			26,918				-				(2,457	)			24,461
Mortgage backed securities - government agencies			209,660				1				(23,930	)			185,731
Total held to maturity debt securities		$	439,837			$	1			$	(31,319	)		$	408,519
December 31, 2022
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations		$	217,794			$	-			$	(9,166	)		$	208,628
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			27,507				-				(2,559	)			24,948
Mortgage backed securities - government agencies			227,916				-				(29,659	)			198,257
Total held to maturity debt securities		$	473,217			$	-			$	(41,384	)		$	431,833

 

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All investment securities classified as HTM by Bancorp as of December 31, 2023 are obligations of the U.S. Government and/or are issued by U.S. Government-sponsored agencies and have an implicit or explicit government guarantee. Therefore, no ACL has been recorded for Bancorp’s HTM securities as of December 31, 2023. Further, as of December 31, 2023, none of Bancorp’s HTM securities were on non-accrual or in past due status.

 

Debt Securities by Contractual Maturity

 

A summary of AFS and HTM debt securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2023 follows:

 

		AFS Debt Securities								HTM Debt Securities
(in thousands)		Amortized cost				Fair value				Carrying value				Fair value
Due within one year		$	128,053			$	124,318			$	50,069			$	49,647
Due after one year but within five years			36,480				34,673				153,931				149,393
Due after five years but within 10 years			81,862				72,415				25,633				23,214
Due after 10 years			118,613				111,734				544				534
Mortgage backed securities - government agencies			789,145				688,039				209,660				185,731
Total		$	1,154,153			$	1,031,179			$	439,837			$	408,519

 

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because some issuers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties. The investment portfolio includes MBS, which are guaranteed by agencies such as FHLMC, FNMA and GNMA. These securities differ from traditional debt securities primarily in that they may have uncertain principal payment dates and are priced based on estimated prepayment rates on the underlying collateral.

 

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no holdings of debt securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of stockholders’ equity.

 

Accrued interest on the investment securities portfolio (AFS and HTM) totaled $6 million at both December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was included in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

As a result of the dissolution of the Captive during the fourth quarter of 2023, a loss totaling $44,000 on the sale of AFS treasury securities held by the Captive was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023. No such activity was recorded in 2022.

 

Securities with a carrying value of $991 million and $1.09 billion were pledged at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, to secure accounts of commercial depositors in cash management accounts, public deposits and uninsured cash balances for WM&T accounts.

 

Based on an evaluation of available information including security type, counterparty credit quality, past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that are relevant to collectability, Bancorp has concluded that it expects to receive all contractual cash flows from each security held in its AFS and HTM debt securities portfolio. As such, no allowance or impairment was recorded with respect to investment securities as of December 31, 2023.

 

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Unrealized and Unrecognized Loss Analysis on Debt Securities

 

Debt securities with unrealized and unrecognized losses at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, aggregated by investment category and length of time securities have been in a continuous unrealized/unrecognized loss position follows:

 

		AFS Debt Securities
		Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
(in thousands)		Fair				Unrealized				Fair				Unrealized				Fair				Unrealized
December 31, 2023		value				losses				value				losses				value				losses
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations		$	-			$	-			$	116,269			$	(3,662	)		$	116,269			$	(3,662	)
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			-				-				83,675				(4,987	)			83,675				(4,987	)
Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies			16,346				(95	)			661,195				(101,094	)			677,541				(101,189	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			6,326				(64	)			105,179				(13,030	)			111,505				(13,094	)
Other			-				-				3,534				(287	)			3,534				(287	)
Total AFS debt securities		$	22,672			$	(159	)		$	969,852			$	(123,060	)		$	992,524			$	(123,219	)
December 31, 2022
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations		$	3,025			$	(57	)		$	111,966			$	(7,870	)		$	114,991			$	(7,927	)
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			99,785				(3,553	)			22,484				(2,884	)			122,269				(6,437	)
Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies			180,263				(11,114	)			567,988				(110,471	)			748,251				(121,585	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			64,165				(3,763	)			56,864				(13,655	)			121,029				(17,418	)
Other			4,865				(213	)			749				(129	)			5,614				(342	)
Total AFS debt securities		$	352,103			$	(18,700	)		$	760,051			$	(135,009	)		$	1,112,154			$	(153,709	)

 

		HTM Debt Securities
		Less than 12 months								12 months or more								Total
(in thousands)		Fair				Unrecognized				Fair				Unrecognized				Fair				Unrecognized
December 31, 2023		value				losses				value				losses				value				losses
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations		$	-			$	-			$	198,327			$	(4,932	)		$	198,327			$	(4,932	)
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			455				(1	)			23,967				(2,456	)			24,422				(2,457	)
Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies			-				-				185,504				(23,930	)			185,504				(23,930	)
Total HTM debt securities		$	455			$	(1	)		$	407,798			$	(31,318	)		$	408,253			$	(31,319	)
December 31, 2022
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations		$	208,628			$	(9,166	)		$	-			$	-			$	208,628			$	(9,166	)
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			24,948				(2,559	)			-				-				24,948				(2,559	)
Mortgage-backed securities - government agencies			198,257				(29,659	)			-				-				198,257				(29,659	)
Total HTM debt securities		$	431,833			$	(41,384	)		$	-			$	-			$	431,833			$	(41,384	)

 

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Applicable dates for determining when securities are in an unrealized loss position are December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As such, it is possible that a security had a market value lower than its amortized cost on other days during the past 12 months, but is not in the “Less than 12 months” category above.

 

For debt securities with unrealized and unrecognized loss positions, Bancorp evaluates the securities to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis (impairment) is due to credit-related factors or non-credit related factors. Any impairment that is not credit-related is recognized in AOCI, net of tax. Credit-related impairment is recognized as an a ACL for debt securities on the balance sheet, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Both the ACL and the adjustment to net income may be reversed if conditions change. However, if Bancorp intends to sell an impaired debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell such a security before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire impairment amount would be recognized in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to the security’s amortized cost basis. Because the security’s amortized cost basis is adjusted to fair value, there is no ACL in this situation.

 

In evaluating debt securities in unrealized and unrecognized loss positions for impairment and the criteria regarding its intent or requirement to sell such securities, Bancorp considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuers’ financial condition, among other factors. Unrealized and unrecognized losses on Bancorp’s investment securities portfolio have not been recognized as an expense because the securities are of high credit quality, and the decline in fair values is attributable to changes in the prevailing interest rate environment since the purchase date. Fair value is expected to recover as securities reach maturity and/or the interest rate environment returns to conditions similar to when these securities were purchased. These investments consisted of 498 and 547 separate investment positions as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. By dollar value, approximately 98% of the portfolio was in a loss position as of both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. There were no credit related factors underlying unrealized and unrecognized losses on debt securities at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

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(5) Loans and ACL for Loans

 

Composition of loans by class follows:

 

December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	1,561,689			$	1,397,346
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			907,424				834,629
Total commercial real estate			2,469,113				2,231,975
Commercial and industrial - term			863,061				765,163
Commercial and industrial - term - PPP			4,319				18,593
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			439,748				465,813
Total commercial and industrial			1,307,128				1,249,569
Residential real estate - owner occupied			708,893				591,515
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			358,715				313,248
Total residential real estate			1,067,608				904,763
Construction and land development			531,324				445,690
Home equity lines of credit			211,390				200,725
Consumer			145,340				139,461
Leases			15,503				13,322
Credit cards			23,632				20,413
Total loans (1)		$	5,771,038			$	5,205,918

 

(1)	Total loans are presented inclusive of premiums, discounts and net loan origination fees and costs.

 

Fees and costs of originating loans are deferred at origination and amortized over the life of the loan. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, net deferred loan origination fees exceeded deferred loan origination costs, resulting in a net reduction of loan balances totaling $2 million and $1 million, respectively.

 

Bancorp’s credit exposure is diversified with secured and unsecured loans to individuals and businesses. No specific industry concentration exceeds 10% of loans outstanding. While Bancorp has a diversified loan portfolio, a customer’s ability to honor contracts is somewhat dependent upon the economic stability and/or industry in which that customer does business. Loans outstanding and related unfunded commitments are primarily concentrated within Bancorp’s current market areas, which encompass Louisville, central, eastern and northern Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan markets.

 

Bancorp occasionally enters into loan participation agreements with other banks in the ordinary course of business to diversify credit risk. For certain sold participation loans, Bancorp has retained effective control of the loans, typically by restricting the participating institutions from pledging or selling their share of the loan without permission from Bancorp. GAAP requires the participated portion of these loans to be recorded as secured borrowings. The participated portions of these loans are included in the C&I totals above with a corresponding liability reflected in other liabilities. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the total participated portions of loans of this nature totaled $4 million and $5 million, respectively.

 

Accrued interest on loans, which is excluded from the amortized cost of loans, totaled $21 million and $17 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was included in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Loans with carrying amounts of $3.15 billion and $2.77 billion were pledged to secure FHLB borrowing capacity at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

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Loans to directors and their related interests, including loans to companies for which directors are principal owners and executive officers are presented in the following table:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022
Balance at beginning of period		$	78,685			$	53,574
Effect of change in composition of directors and executive officers			(97	)			1,124
New term loans			-				15,000
Repayment of term loans			(1,216	)			(1,588	)
Changes in balances of revolving lines of credit			(14,960	)			10,575
Balance at end of period		$	62,412			$	78,685

 

PCD Loans

 

In connection with the acquisition of CB on March 7, 2022, Bancorp acquired loans both with and without evidence of credit quality deterioration subsequent to origination. Acquired loans are recorded at their fair value at the time of acquisition with no carryover from the acquired institution’s previously recorded ACL. Acquired loans are accounted for under ASC 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.

 

The fair value of acquired loans recorded at the time of acquisition is based upon several factors, including the timing and payment of expected cash flows, as adjusted for estimated credit losses and prepayments, and then discounting these cash flows using comparable market rates. The resulting fair value adjustment is recorded in the form of a premium or discount to the unpaid principal balance of the respective loans. As it relates to acquired loans that, as of the date of acquisition, have experienced a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination (“PCD”), the net premium or net discount is adjusted to reflect Bancorp’s allowance for credit losses recorded for PCD loans at the time of acquisition, and the remaining fair value adjustment is accreted or amortized into interest income over the remaining life of the respective loans. As it relates to loans not classified as PCD (“non-PCD”) loans, the credit loss and yield components of their fair value adjustment are aggregated, and the resulting net premium or net discount is accreted or amortized into interest income over the remaining life of the respective loans. Bancorp records an ACL for non-PCD loans at the time of acquisition through provision expense, and therefore, no further adjustments are made to the net premium or net discount for non-PCD loans.

 

Bancorp purchased loans through the acquisition of CB for which there was, at the time of acquisition, more-than-insignificant deterioration of credit quality since origination. The carrying amount of loans acquired and classified as PCD was as follows at the acquisition date:

 

(in thousands)		March 7, 2022
Purchase price of PCD loans at acquisition		$	88,549
ACL for loans at acquisition			(9,950	)
Non-credit discount at acquisition			(4,094	)
Fair value of PCD loans at acquisition		$	74,505

 

At December 31, 2023, the book balance of PCD loans acquired as a result of the CB acquisition totaled $53 million. Interest income recognized on loans classified as PCD totaled $5.0 million and $5.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

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ACL for Loans

 

The table below reflects activity in the ACL related to loans:

 

(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2023		Beginning Balance				Provision for Credit Losses on Loans				Charge-offs				Recoveries				Ending Balance
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	22,641			$	(599	)		$	-			$	91			$	22,133
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			10,827				831				-				9				11,667
Total commercial real estate			33,468				232				-				100				33,800
Commercial and industrial - term			12,991				3,607				(2,298	)			59				14,359
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			6,389				3,582				(3,633	)			157				6,495
Total commercial and industrial			19,380				7,189				(5,931	)			216				20,854
Residential real estate - owner occupied			6,717				2,597				(43	)			45				9,316
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			3,597				683				-				2				4,282
Total residential real estate			10,314				3,280				(43	)			47				13,598
Construction and land development			7,186				407				-				-				7,593
Home equity lines of credit			1,613				59				(12	)			-				1,660
Consumer			1,158				628				(865	)			486				1,407
Leases			201				19				-				-				220
Credit cards			211				657				(661	)			35				242
Total		$	73,531			$	12,471			$	(7,512	)		$	884			$	79,374

 

(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2022		Beginning Balance				Initial ACL for PCD Loans				Provision for Credit Losses on Loans				Charge-offs				Recoveries				Ending Balance
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	15,960			$	3,508			$	3,173			$	(37	)		$	37			$	22,641
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			9,595				2,121				(1,061	)			(41	)			213				10,827
Total commercial real estate			25,555				5,629				2,112				(78	)			250				33,468
Commercial and industrial - term			8,577				1,358				2,497				(724	)			1,283				12,991
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			4,802				1,874				(87	)			(200	)			-				6,389
Total commercial and industrial			13,379				3,232				2,410				(924	)			1,283				19,380
Residential real estate - owner occupied			4,316				590				1,777				(30	)			64				6,717
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			3,677				-				(75	)			(27	)			22				3,597
Total residential real estate			7,993				590				1,702				(57	)			86				10,314
Construction and land development			4,789				419				2,050				(72	)			-				7,186
Home equity lines of credit			1,044				2				567				-				-				1,613
Consumer			772				78				750				(1,080	)			638				1,158
Leases			204				-				(3	)			-				-				201
Credit cards			162				-				94				(96	)			51				211
Total		$	53,898			$	9,950			$	9,682			$	(2,307	)		$	2,308			$	73,531

 

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(in thousands) Year ended December 31, 2021		Beginning Balance				Initial ACL for PCD Loans				Provision for Credit Losses on Loans				Charge-offs				Recoveries				Ending Balance
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	19,396			$	1,491			$	(2,031	)		$	(3,065	)		$	169			$	15,960
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			6,983				2,112				1,826				(1,909	)			583				9,595
Total commercial real estate			26,379				3,603				(205	)			(4,974	)			752				25,555
Commercial and industrial - term			8,970				1,022				(112	)			(1,337	)			34				8,577
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			3,614				1,755				(567	)			-				-				4,802
Total commercial and industrial			12,584				2,777				(679	)			(1,337	)			34				13,379
Residential real estate - owner occupied			3,389				142				1,134				(383	)			34				4,316
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			1,818				88				1,766				-				5				3,677
Total residential real estate			5,207				230				2,900				(383	)			39				7,993
Construction and land development			6,119				-				(1,333	)			-				3				4,789
Home equity lines of credit			895				147				1				-				1				1,044
Consumer			340				-				743				(987	)			676				772
Leases			261				-				(57	)			-				-				204
Credit cards			135				-				27				-				-				162
Total		$	51,920			$	6,757			$	1,397			$	(7,681	)		$	1,505			$	53,898

 

The following tables present the amortized cost basis of non-performing loans and the amortized cost basis of loans on non-accrual status for which there was no related ACL losses:

 

		Non-accrual Loans								Past Due 90-Days-
(in thousands)		With No				Total				or-More and Still
December 31, 2023		Recorded ACL				Non-accrual				Accruing Interest
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	1,714			$	8,649			$	—
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			—				885				—
Total commercial real estate			1,714				9,534				—
Commercial and industrial - term			688				4,456				—
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			—				215				—
Total commercial and industrial			688				4,671				—
Residential real estate - owner occupied			230				3,667				—
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			—				372				—
Total residential real estate			230				4,039				—
Construction and land development			—				—				—
Home equity lines of credit			343				467				—
Consumer			—				337				—
Leases			—				—				—
Credit cards			—				10				110
Total		$	2,975			$	19,058			$	110

 

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		Non-accrual Loans												Past Due 90-Days-
(in thousands)		With No				Total				Troubled Debt				or-More and Still
December 31, 2022		Recorded ACL				Non-accrual				Restructurings (1)				Accruing Interest
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	—			$	7,707			$	—			$	78
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			1,370				2,525				—				—
Total commercial real estate			1,370				10,232				—				78
Commercial and industrial - term			403				1,182				—				259
Commercial and industrial - PPP			—				21				—				28
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			273				348				—				300
Total commercial and industrial			676				1,551				—				587
Residential real estate - owner occupied			249				1,801				—				—
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			—				219				—				220
Total residential real estate			249				2,020				—				220
Construction and land development			—				—				—				—
Home equity lines of credit			—				205				—				—
Consumer			—				234				—				—
Leases			—				—				—				—
Credit cards			—				—				—				7
Total		$	2,295			$	14,242			$	—			$	892

 

(1)	Does not include TDRs reflected in the non-accrual column.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, the amount of accrued interest income previously recorded as revenue and subsequently reversed due to the change in accrual status was immaterial.

 

For the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, no interest income was recognized on loans on non-accrual status.

 

The following table presents the amortized cost basis and ACL allocated for collateral dependent loans, which are individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses:

 

(in thousands) December 31, 2023		Real Estate				Accounts Receivable / Equipment				Other				Total				ACL Allocation
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	15,419			$	-			$	-			$	15,419			$	1,604
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			2,586				-				-				2,586				812
Total commercial real estate			18,005				-				-				18,005				2,416
Commercial and industrial - term			302				4,088				-				4,390				377
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			2,781				101				-				2,882				708
Total commercial and industrial			3,083				4,189				-				7,272				1,085
Residential real estate - owner occupied			4,205				-				-				4,205				198
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			558				-				-				558				116
Total residential real estate			4,763				-				-				4,763				314
Construction and land development			-				-				-				-				-
Home equity lines of credit			467				-				-				467				-
Consumer			-				-				335				335				18
Leases			-				-				-				-				-
Credit cards			-				-				-				-				-
Total collateral dependent loans		$	26,318			$	4,189			$	335			$	30,842			$	3,833

 

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(in thousands) December 31, 2022		Real Estate				Accounts Receivable / Equipment				Other				Total				ACL Allocation
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	14,764			$	-			$	-			$	14,764			$	2,652
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			4,415				-				-				4,415				846
Total commercial real estate			19,179				-				-				19,179				3,498
Commercial and industrial - term			39				2,207				-				2,246				1,205
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			422				2,821				-				3,243				761
Total commercial and industrial			461				5,028				-				5,489				1,966
Residential real estate - owner occupied			2,199				-				-				2,199				222
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			415				-				-				415				116
Total residential real estate			2,614				-				-				2,614				338
Construction and land development			-				-				-				-				-
Home equity lines of credit			205				-				-				205				-
Consumer			-				-				219				219				20
Leases			-				-				-				-				-
Credit cards			-				-				-				-				-
Total collateral dependent loans		$	22,459			$	5,028			$	219			$	27,706			$	5,822

 

There have been no significant changes to the types of collateral securing Bancorp’s collateral dependent loans.

 

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The following tables present the aging of contractually past due loans by portfolio class:

 

(in thousands)						30-59 days				60-89 days				90 or more				Total Past				Total
December 31, 2023		Current				Past Due				Past Due				days Past Due				Due Loans				Loans
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	1,558,756			$	768			$	318			$	1,847			$	2,933			$	1,561,689
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			906,385				758				260				21				1,039				907,424
Total commercial real estate			2,465,141				1,526				578				1,868				3,972				2,469,113
Commercial and industrial - term			861,770				244				2				1,045				1,291				863,061
Commercial and industrial - term - PPP			4,319				—				—				—				—				4,319
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			439,671				77				—				—				77				439,748
Total commercial and industrial			1,305,760				321				2				1,045				1,368				1,307,128
Residential real estate - owner occupied			699,475				5,290				1,612				2,516				9,418				708,893
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			357,763				621				94				237				952				358,715
Total residential real estate			1,057,238				5,911				1,706				2,753				10,370				1,067,608
Construction and land development			531,324				—				—				—				—				531,324
Home equity lines of credit			210,823				67				33				467				567				211,390
Consumer			144,640				258				145				297				700				145,340
Leases			15,503				—				—				—				—				15,503
Credit cards			23,287				191				44				110				345				23,632
Total		$	5,753,716			$	8,274			$	2,508			$	6,540			$	17,322			$	5,771,038

 

(in thousands)						30-59 days				60-89 days				90 or more				Total Past				Total
December 31, 2022		Current				Past Due				Past Due				days Past Due				Due Loans				Loans
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied		$	1,393,016			$	3,404			$	460			$	466			$	4,330			$	1,397,346
Commercial real estate - owner occupied			831,731				225				2,592				81				2,898				834,629
Total commercial real estate			2,224,747				3,629				3,052				547				7,228				2,231,975
Commercial and industrial - term			763,793				157				292				921				1,370				765,163
Commercial and industrial - term - PPP			17,719				748				77				49				874				18,593
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit			464,494				389				300				630				1,319				465,813
Total commercial and industrial			1,246,006				1,294				669				1,600				3,563				1,249,569
Residential real estate - owner occupied			587,830				1,613				974				1,098				3,685				591,515
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied			312,249				373				331				295				999				313,248
Total residential real estate			900,079				1,986				1,305				1,393				4,684				904,763
Construction and land development			445,618				—				72				—				72				445,690
Home equity lines of credit			200,036				566				40				83				689				200,725
Consumer			138,846				342				85				188				615				139,461
Leases			13,322				—				—				—				—				13,322
Credit cards			20,401				3				2				7				12				20,413
Total		$	5,189,055			$	7,820			$	5,225			$	3,818			$	16,863			$	5,205,918

 

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Loan Risk Ratings

 

Consistent with regulatory guidance, Bancorp categorizes loans into credit risk rating categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic trends. Pass-rated loans include all risk-rated loans other than those classified as OAEM, substandard, and doubtful, which are defined below:

 

OAEM – Loans classified as OAEM have potential weaknesses requiring management's heightened attention. These potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of repayment prospects for the loan or of Bancorp's credit position at some future date.

 

Substandard – Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the paying capacity of the obligor or of collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize ultimate repayment of the debt. Default is a distinct possibility if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

Substandard non-performing – Loans classified as substandard non-performing have all the characteristics of substandard loans and have been placed on non-accrual status. Loans are usually placed on non-accrual status when prospects for recovering both principal and accrued interest are considered doubtful or when a default of principal or interest has existed for 90 days or more.

 

Doubtful – Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or repayment in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. A loan is typically charged off once it is classified as doubtful.

 

Management considers the guidance in ASC 310-20 when determining whether a modification, extension, or renewal of loan constitutes a current period origination. Current period renewals of credit are re-underwritten at the point of renewal and considered current period originations for purposes of the table below. Bancorp has elected not to disclose revolving loans that have converted to term loans, as activity relating to this disclosure, which is included in the tables is currently immaterial to Bancorp’s loan portfolio and is expected to be in the future.

 

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As of December 31, 2023, the risk rating of loans based on year of origination was as follows:

 

																										Revolving
																										loans
(in thousands)		Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year																								amortized
December 31, 2023		2023				2022				2021				2020				2019				Prior				cost basis				Total
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied:
Risk rating
Pass		$	302,787			$	370,728			$	346,600			$	220,144			$	122,732			$	136,624			$	26,187			$	1,525,802
OAEM			76				-				2,902				-				1,947				3,727				-				8,652
Substandard			290				1,093				997				3,587				12,278				243				98				18,586
Substandard non-performing			5,806				286				-				-				1,472				1,085				-				8,649
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Commercial real estate non-owner occupied		$	308,959			$	372,107			$	350,499			$	223,731			$	138,429			$	141,679			$	26,285			$	1,561,689
Current period gross charge offs		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-
Commercial real estate - owner occupied:
Risk rating
Pass		$	148,498			$	164,087			$	191,350			$	179,450			$	90,575			$	100,988			$	13,941			$	888,889
OAEM			4,175				221				592				757				395				691				-				6,831
Substandard			1,675				4,258				-				4,370				458				58				-				10,819
Substandard non-performing			-				21				793				71				-				-				-				885
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Commercial real estate owner occupied		$	154,348			$	168,587			$	192,735			$	184,648			$	91,428			$	101,737			$	13,941			$	907,424
Current period gross charge offs		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-
Commercial and industrial - term:
Risk rating
Pass		$	279,002			$	298,204			$	169,941			$	54,977			$	24,939			$	26,790			$	-			$	853,853
OAEM			585				819				2,520				87				139				-				-				4,150
Substandard			218				80				31				-				-				273				-				602
Substandard non-performing			3,395				592				29				338				101				1				-				4,456
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Commercial and industrial - term		$	283,200			$	299,695			$	172,521			$	55,402			$	25,179			$	27,064			$	-			$	863,061
Current period gross charge offs		$	(1,315	)		$	(734	)		$	(37	)		$	(93	)		$	(37	)		$	(82	)		$	-			$	(2,298	)
Commercial and industrial - PPP
Risk rating
Pass		$	-			$	-			$	2,347			$	1,972			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	4,319
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Commercial and industrial - PPP		$	-			$	-			$	2,347			$	1,972			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	4,319
Current period gross charge offs		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-

 

(continued)

 

---

 

(continued)

 

																										Revolving
																										loans
(in thousands)		Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year																								amortized
December 31, 2023		2023				2022				2021				2020				2019				Prior				cost basis				Total
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit
Risk rating
Pass		$	30,553			$	22,409			$	3,232			$	348			$	8,931			$	1,783			$	356,237			$	423,493
OAEM			-				-				-				723				20				-				8,585				9,328
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				6,712				6,712
Substandard non-performing			157				-				-				-				-				-				58				215
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Commercial and industrial - lines of credit		$	30,710			$	22,409			$	3,232			$	1,071			$	8,951			$	1,783			$	371,592			$	439,748
Current period gross charge offs		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	(3,633	)		$	(3,633	)
Residential real estate - owner occupied
Risk rating
Pass		$	170,446			$	178,088			$	175,561			$	86,105			$	24,354			$	70,213			$	-			$	704,767
OAEM			-				-				89				-				-				-				-				89
Substandard			-				15				-				-				-				355				-				370
Substandard non-performing			1,138				1,122				297				192				162				756				-				3,667
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Residential real estate - owner occupied		$	171,584			$	179,225			$	175,947			$	86,297			$	24,516			$	71,324			$	-			$	708,893
Current period gross charge offs		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	(43	)		$	-			$	(43	)
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied
Risk rating
Pass		$	83,913			$	84,278			$	77,868			$	49,555			$	31,325			$	30,546			$	-			$	357,485
OAEM			-				7				-				-				262				277				-				546
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				312				-				312
Substandard non-performing			-				233				19				-				45				75				-				372
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Residential real estate - non-owner occupied		$	83,913			$	84,518			$	77,887			$	49,555			$	31,632			$	31,210			$	-			$	358,715
Current period gross charge offs		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-
Construction and land development
Risk rating
Pass		$	157,832			$	239,807			$	69,131			$	34,591			$	478			$	3,711			$	15,623			$	521,173
OAEM			-				-				3,682				-				-				-				999				4,681
Substandard			5,470				-				-				-				-				-				-				5,470
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Construction and land development		$	163,302			$	239,807			$	72,813			$	34,591			$	478			$	3,711			$	16,622			$	531,324
Current period gross charge offs		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-
Home equity lines of credit
Risk rating
Pass		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	210,886			$	210,886
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				37				37
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				-				-				-				467				467
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Home equity lines of credit		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	211,390			$	211,390
Current period gross charge offs		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	(12	)		$	(12	)

 

(continued)

 

---

 

(continued)

 

																										Revolving
																										loans
(in thousands)		Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year																								amortized
December 31, 2023		2023				2022				2021				2020				2019				Prior				cost basis				Total
Consumer
Risk rating
Pass		$	30,823			$	18,399			$	10,148			$	2,832			$	1,931			$	1,765			$	79,105			$	145,003
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard non-performing			41				145				91				27				3				14				16				337
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Consumer		$	30,864			$	18,544			$	10,239			$	2,859			$	1,934			$	1,779			$	79,121			$	145,340
Current period gross charge offs		$	(683	)		$	(22	)		$	(29	)		$	(43	)		$	(41	)		$	(27	)		$	(20	)		$	(865	)
Leases
Risk rating
Pass		$	6,801			$	3,442			$	3,117			$	1,723			$	155			$	265			$	-			$	15,503
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Leases		$	6,801			$	3,442			$	3,117			$	1,723			$	155			$	265			$	-			$	15,503
Current period gross charge offs		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-
Credit cards
Risk rating
Pass		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	23,622			$	23,622
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				-				-				-				10				10
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Credit cards		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	23,632			$	23,632
Current period gross charge offs		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	(661	)		$	(661	)
Total loans
Risk rating
Pass		$	1,207,296			$	1,379,117			$	1,047,901			$	630,129			$	305,493			$	379,258			$	725,601			$	5,674,795
OAEM			4,836				1,047				9,785				1,567				2,763				4,695				9,584				34,277
Substandard			7,653				5,446				1,028				7,957				12,736				1,241				6,847				42,908
Substandard non-performing			10,537				2,399				1,229				628				1,783				1,931				551				19,058
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Loans		$	1,230,322			$	1,388,009			$	1,059,943			$	640,281			$	322,775			$	387,125			$	742,583			$	5,771,038
Current period gross charge offs		$	(1,998	)		$	(756	)		$	(66	)		$	(136	)		$	(78	)		$	(152	)		$	(4,326	)		$	(7,512	)

 

---

 

As of December 31, 2022, the risk rating of loans based on year of origination was as follows:

 

																										Revolving
																										loans
(in thousands)		Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year																								amortized
December 31, 2022		2022				2021				2020				2019				2018				Prior				cost basis				Total
Commercial real estate - non-owner occupied:
Risk rating
Pass		$	338,460			$	380,612			$	264,833			$	128,407			$	76,359			$	139,095			$	24,875			$	1,352,641
OAEM			-				2,006				-				3,534				-				5,414				-				10,954
Substandard			1,381				1,012				3,744				19,574				-				233				100				26,044
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				-				-				7,707				-				7,707
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Commercial real estate non-owner occupied		$	339,841			$	383,630			$	268,577			$	151,515			$	76,359			$	152,449			$	24,975			$	1,397,346
Commercial real estate - owner occupied:
Risk rating
Pass		$	165,711			$	202,599			$	194,052			$	104,148			$	60,899			$	74,356			$	13,062			$	814,827
OAEM			2,895				1,777				4,540				1,891				676				216				510				12,505
Substandard			-				1,152				-				1,623				1,928				69				-				4,772
Substandard non-performing			1,533				911				-				-				-				81				-				2,525
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Commercial real estate owner occupied		$	170,139			$	206,439			$	198,592			$	107,662			$	63,503			$	74,722			$	13,572			$	834,629
Commercial and industrial - term:
Risk rating
Pass		$	357,470			$	210,906			$	90,063			$	39,068			$	29,901			$	27,354			$	-			$	754,762
OAEM			3,835				2,935				-				303				1,426				-				-				8,499
Substandard			178				-				-				201				-				341				-				720
Substandard non-performing			539				39				486				101				17				-				-				1,182
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Commercial and industrial - term		$	362,022			$	213,880			$	90,549			$	39,673			$	31,344			$	27,695			$	-			$	765,163
Commercial and industrial - PPP
Risk rating
Pass		$	-			$	14,212			$	4,047			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	18,259
OAEM			-				-				313				-				-				-				-				313
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard non-performing			-				-				21				-				-				-				-				21
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Commercial and industrial - PPP		$	-			$	14,212			$	4,381			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	18,593

 

(continued)

 

---

 

(continued)

 

																										Revolving
																										loans
(in thousands)		Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year																								amortized
December 31, 2022		2022				2021				2020				2019				2018				Prior				cost basis				Total
Commercial and industrial - lines of credit
Risk rating
Pass		$	54,948			$	13,999			$	991			$	9,179			$	1,188			$	1,033			$	367,688			$	449,026
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				366				12,491				12,857
Substandard			-				-				905				1,915				-				-				762				3,582
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				273				-				-				75				348
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Commercial and industrial - lines of credit		$	54,948			$	13,999			$	1,896			$	11,367			$	1,188			$	1,399			$	381,016			$	465,813
Residential real estate - owner occupied
Risk rating
Pass		$	188,765			$	189,007			$	96,818			$	28,316			$	15,281			$	70,556			$	-			$	588,743
OAEM			360				96				-				70				-				-				-				526
Substandard			18				-				10				-				140				277				-				445
Substandard non-performing			65				191				70				292				122				1,061				-				1,801
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Residential real estate - owner occupied		$	189,208			$	189,294			$	96,898			$	28,678			$	15,543			$	71,894			$	-			$	591,515
Residential real estate - non-owner occupied
Risk rating
Pass		$	97,313			$	83,458			$	55,787			$	34,304			$	19,300			$	21,720			$	-			$	311,882
OAEM			15				-				115				271				124				290				-				815
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				332				-				332
Substandard non-performing			86				21				-				-				-				112				-				219
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Residential real estate - non-owner occupied		$	97,414			$	83,479			$	55,902			$	34,575			$	19,424			$	22,454			$	-			$	313,248
Construction and land development
Risk rating
Pass		$	257,559			$	99,204			$	45,427			$	580			$	5,959			$	1,123			$	30,378			$	440,230
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				-				999				999
Substandard			4,461				-				-				-				-				-				-				4,461
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Construction and land development		$	262,020			$	99,204			$	45,427			$	580			$	5,959			$	1,123			$	31,377			$	445,690
Home equity lines of credit
Risk rating
Pass		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	200,481			$	200,481
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				39				39
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				-				-				-				205				205
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Home equity lines of credit		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	200,725			$	200,725

 

(continued)

 

---

 

(continued)

 

																										Revolving
																										loans
(in thousands)		Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year																								amortized
December 31, 2022		2022				2021				2020				2019				2018				Prior				cost basis				Total
Consumer
Risk rating
Pass		$	27,308			$	18,396			$	5,536			$	5,450			$	2,270			$	1,621			$	78,646			$	139,227
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard non-performing			21				56				40				62				9				31				15				234
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Consumer		$	27,329			$	18,452			$	5,576			$	5,512			$	2,279			$	1,652			$	78,661			$	139,461
Leases
Risk rating
Pass		$	4,643			$	4,344			$	2,589			$	535			$	576			$	635			$	-			$	13,322
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Leases		$	4,643			$	4,344			$	2,589			$	535			$	576			$	635			$	-			$	13,322
Credit cards
Risk rating
Pass		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	20,413			$	20,413
OAEM			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Substandard non-performing			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Credit cards		$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	-			$	20,413			$	20,413
Total loans
Risk rating
Pass		$	1,492,177			$	1,216,737			$	760,143			$	349,987			$	211,733			$	337,493			$	735,543			$	5,103,813
OAEM			7,105				6,814				4,968				6,069				2,226				6,286				14,000				47,468
Substandard			6,038				2,164				4,659				23,313				2,068				1,252				901				40,395
Substandard non-performing			2,244				1,218				617				728				148				8,992				295				14,242
Doubtful			-				-				-				-				-				-				-				-
Total Loans		$	1,507,564			$	1,226,933			$	770,387			$	380,097			$	216,175			$	354,023			$	750,739			$	5,205,918

 

For certain loan classes, such as credit cards, credit quality is evaluated based on the aging status of the loan, which was previously presented, and by payment activity. The following table presents the recorded investment in credit cards based on payment activity:

 

(in thousands)
December 31,		2023				2022
Credit cards
Performing		$	23,512			$	20,413
Non-performing			120				—
Total credit cards		$	23,632			$	20,413

 

---

 

Bancorp had $668,000 and $317,000, respectively, in residential real estate loans for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty

 

Bancorp adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures,” effective January 1, 2023. The amendments in ASU 2022-02 eliminated the recognition and measure of troubled debt restructurings and enhanced disclosures for loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2023, there were no modifications made to loans for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and there were no payment defaults of existing modified loans within 12 months following modification. Default is determined at 90 days or more past due, charge off, or foreclosure.

 

Troubled Debt Restructurings Disclosures Prior to the Adoption of ASU 2022-02

 

Detail of outstanding TDRs included in total non-performing loans follows:

 

		December 31, 2022
						Specific				Additional
						reserve				commitment
(in thousands)		Balance				allocation				to lend
Commercial real estate - owner occupied		$	850			$	202			$	—
Total TDRs		$	850			$	202			$	—

 

At December 31, 2022, Bancorp had one loan classified as a TDR totaling $850,000.

 

During the year ended December 31, 2022, there were no loans modified as TDRs and there were no payment defaults of existing TDRs within 12 months following modification. Default is determined at 90 or more days past due, charge-off, or foreclosure.

 

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(6) Premises & Equipment and Premises Held for Sale

 

A summary of premises and equipment follows:

 

December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022
Land		$	22,517			$	23,011
Buildings and improvements			71,695				72,322
Furniture and equipment			24,602				25,367
Construction in progress			2,782				1,660
Right-of-use operating lease asset			21,007				19,694
Total			142,603				142,054
Accumulated depreciation and amortization			(41,429	)			(40,442	)
Total premises and equipment		$	101,174			$	101,612

 

Depreciation expense related to premises and equipment was $7.7 million in 2023, $6.5 million in 2022 and $4.8 million in 2021, respectively.

 

Premises and equipment are presented on the consolidated balance sheets net of related depreciation on the respective assets as well as fair value adjustments associated with purchase accounting. As of December 31, 2023, Bancorp’s branch network consists of 71 locations throughout Louisville, central, eastern and northern, Kentucky, as well as the Indianapolis, Indiana and Cincinnati, Ohio markets. As a result of the prior year CB acquisition, 15 branches were acquired, four of which were closed shortly acquisition as a result of overlapping with existing locations of the Bank.

 

In addition to the premises and equipment detailed above, premises held for sale totaling $2.5 million was also recorded on Bancorp’s consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2023, which consists of three vacant parcels of land, an acquired administrative building and two former branch locations.

 

Bancorp has operating leases for various locations with terms ranging from approximately three months to 17 years, several of which include options to extend the leases in five-year increments. A total of four operating leases were added as a result of the CB acquisition in 2022. Options reasonably expected to be exercised are included in determination of the right-of-use asset. Bancorp elected to use a practical expedient to expense short-term lease obligations associated with leases with original terms of 12 months or less. Bancorp elected not to separate non-lease components from lease components for its operating leases. The right-of-use lease asset and operating lease liability are recorded in premises and equipment and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

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Balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow detail regarding operating leases follows:

 

December 31, (dollars in thousands)		2023				2022
Balance Sheet
Operating lease right-of-use asset		$	21,007			$	19,694
Operating lease liability			22,487				21,008
Weighted average remaining lease term (years)			9.8				9.0
Weighted average discount rate			2.84	%			2.57	%
Maturities of lease liabilities:
One year or less		$	3,365			$	3,453
Year two			2,864				3,293
Year three			2,543				2,739
Year four			2,536				2,339
Year five			2,547				2,245
Greater than five years			12,059				9,559
Total lease payments		$	25,914			$	23,628
Less imputed interest			3,427				2,620
Total		$	22,487			$	21,008

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Income Statement
Components of lease expense:
Operating lease cost		$	3,338			$	3,077			$	2,239
Variable lease cost			313				237				227
Less sublease income			101				96				95
Total lease cost		$	3,550			$	3,218			$	2,371

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Cash flow Statement
Supplemental cash flow information:
Operating cash flows from operating leases		$	4,063			$	3,833			$	2,568

 

As of December 31, 2023, Bancorp had entered into one lease agreement that had yet to commence.

 

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(7) Goodwill

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, goodwill totaled $194 million, of which $172 million was attributed to the commercial banking segment and $22 million was attributed to WM&T. Goodwill of $67 million was added through the CB acquisition, $8.5 million of which was subsequently written off as a result of Bancorp selling its interest in LFA effective December 31, 2022.

 

The composition of goodwill is presented by respective acquisition and acquisition year below:

 

December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022
Commonwealth Bancshares (2022)		$	58,244			$	58,244
Kentucky Bancshares (2021)			123,317				123,317
King Southern Bancorp (2019)			11,831				11,831
Austin State Bank (1996)			682				682
Total		$	194,074			$	194,074

          

Note: The acquisition of The Bank Oldham County in 2013 resulted in a bargain purchase gain.

 

GAAP requires that goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite useful lives not be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least annually. Impairment exists when a reporting unit’s carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value. Bancorp’s annual goodwill impairment test is conducted as of September 30 of each year or more often as situations dictate.

 

At September 30, 2023, Bancorp elected to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it was more-likely-than-not that the fair value of the reporting units exceeded their carrying value, including goodwill. The qualitative assessment indicated that it was not more-likely-than-not that the carrying value of the reporting units exceeded their fair value.

 

Changes in the carrying value of goodwill follows:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Balance at beginning of period		$	194,074			$	135,830			$	12,513
Added from acquisition			—				66,694				124,016
Provisional period adjustment			—				—				(699	)
Disposition of LFA			—				(8,450	)			—
Impairment			—				—				—
Balance at end of period		$	194,074			$	194,074			$	135,830

 

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(8) Core Deposit and Customer List Intangible Assets

 

Bancorp recorded CDI assets of $13 million, $4 million, $2 million and $3 million in association with the acquisition of CB in 2022, KB in 2021, KSB in 2019 and TBOC in 2013, respectively.

 

Changes in the net carrying amount of CDI assets follow:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Balance at beginning of period		$	14,958			$	5,596			$	1,962
Added from acquisition			—				12,724				3,405
Provisional period adjustment			—				—				999
Amortized to expense			(3,014	)			(3,362	)			(770	)
Balance at end of period		$	11,944			$	14,958			$	5,596

 

As a result of the CB acquisition, Bancorp also recorded intangible assets totaling $14 million associated with the customer lists of the acquired WM&T and LFA businesses. Of this total, $12 million was attributed to WM&T and $2 million was attributed to LFA. Similar to CDI assets, these intangibles also amortize over their estimated useful lives.

 

As previously noted, Bancorp’s interest in LFA was sold effective December 31, 2022. As a result, the remaining CLI associated with LFA was written off at the date of sale and ultimately reflected as a component of the $870,000 pre-tax loss on the disposition of LFA that was recorded on Bancorp’s consolidated income statements for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2022.

 

The carrying amount of the CLI assets follows:

 

Year ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022
Balance at beginning of period		$	10,032			$	-
Added from acquisition			—				14,360
Provisional period adjustment			—				—
Disposition of LFA			—				(2,146	)
Amortized to expense			(1,672	)			(2,182	)
Balance at end of period		$	8,360			$	10,032

 

Future CDI and CLI amortization expense is estimated as follows:

 

(in thousands)		CDI				CLI
2024			2,686				1,520
2025			2,375				1,368
2026			2,063				1,216
2027			1,752				1,064
2028			1,339				912
2029			888				760
2030			576				608
2031			265				456
2032			-				304
2033			-				152
Total future amortization expense		$	11,944			$	8,360

 

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(9) Other Assets

 

A summary of major components of other assets follows:

 

December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022
Cash surrender value of life insurance other than BOLI		$	17,843			$	15,496
Net deferred tax asset			47,236				54,145
Investments in tax credit partnerships			175,056				13,969
Swap assets			5,133				10,727
Prepaid assets			5,873				5,721
WM&T fees receivable			4,205				3,354
Mortgage servicing rights			13,082				15,219
Other real estate owned			10				677
Other			18,922				15,680
Total other assets		$	287,360			$	134,988

 

Bancorp maintains life insurance policies other than BOLI in conjunction with its non-qualified defined benefit retirement and non-qualified compensation plans.

 

Bancorp periodically invests in certain partnerships that generate federal income tax credits. The tax benefit of these investments exceeds to amortization expense associated with them, resulting in a positive impact on net income. The investments in such partnerships are recorded in Other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, while the corresponding contribution requirements are recorded in Other liabilities. While contributions are made periodically over the life of the respective investments, which can be up to 10 years depending on the type of investment, the majority of contributions associated with a respective investment are made within the first few years after entering the partnership. Bancorp invested in several larger tax credit partnerships during 2023, which have served as an economical means of fulfilling CRA requirements.

 

Bancorp enters into interest rate swap transactions with borrowers who desire to hedge exposure to rising interest rates, while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate swap, with substantially matching terms, with another approved independent counterparty. These are undesignated derivative instruments and are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. For additional information, see the footnote titled “Derivative Financial Instruments.”

 

For additional information related to MSRs, see the footnote titled “Mortgage Banking Activities.”

 

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(10) Income Taxes

 

Components of income tax expense (benefit) from operations follows:

 

Years Ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Current income tax expense:
Federal		$	25,360			$	22,405			$	13,292
State			5,254				2,962				2,059
Total current income tax expense			30,614				25,367				15,351
Deferred income tax expense (benefit):
Federal			(977	)			(513	)			3,318
State			542				2,336				2,176
Total deferred income tax expense (benefit)			(435	)			1,823				5,494
Change in valuation allowance			-				-				(93	)
Total income tax expense		$	30,179			$	27,190			$	20,752

 

Components of income tax (benefit) expense recorded directly to stockholders’ equity were as follows:

 

Years Ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale		$	7,416			$	(35,323	)		$	(5,371	)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives			(58	)			-				38
Minimum pension liability adjustment			(17	)			126				52
Total income tax (benefit) expense recorded directly to stockholders' equity		$	7,341			$	(35,197	)		$	(5,281	)

 

An analysis of the difference between statutory and ETRs from operations follows:

 

Years Ended December 31,		2023				2022				2021
U.S. federal statutory income tax rate			21.0	%			21.0	%			21.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal benefit			3.3				3.5				3.5
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation arrangements			(0.3	)			(1.0	)			(1.1	)
Change in cash surrender value of life insurance			(0.7	)			0.2				(0.8	)
Tax credits			(0.5	)			(0.2	)			(0.3	)
Tax exempt interest income			(0.5	)			(0.6	)			(0.4	)
Non-deductible merger expenses			-				0.1				0.4
Insurance captive			(0.2	)			(0.3	)			(0.2	)
Amortization of investment in tax credit partnerships			0.2				0.1				0.1
Other, net			(0.4	)			(0.2	)			(0.4	)
Effective tax rate			21.9	%			22.6	%			21.8	%

 

Current state income tax expense for 2023 and 2022 represents tax owed to the states of Kentucky, Indiana and Illinois. Ohio state taxes are based on capital levels and are recorded as other non-interest expense.

 

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On April 10, 2023, the IRS issued a proposed regulation that would potentially classify section 831(b) captive activity as a, “listed transaction,” and disallow the related tax benefits, both prospectively and retroactively, for a period to be determined. While the proposed regulation has not been finalized, it is expected to be finalized in 2024. Bancorp elected not to renew the insurance captive effective August 2023 and it was dissolved as of December 31, 2023. The tax benefits associated with the Captive will not be experienced going forward.

 

GAAP provides guidance on financial statement recognition and measurement of tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in tax returns. If recognized, tax benefits would reduce tax expense and accordingly, increase net income. The amount of unrecognized tax benefits may increase or decrease in the future for various reasons including adding amounts for current year tax positions, expiration of open income tax returns due to statutes of limitation, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, status of examination, litigation and legislative activity and addition or elimination of uncertain tax positions. As of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the gross amount of unrecognized tax benefits was immaterial to Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements. Federal income tax returns are subject to examination for the years after 2019 and state income tax returns are subject to examination for the years after 2018.

 

The effects of temporary differences that gave rise to significant portions of DTAs and DTLs follows:

 

December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022
Deferred tax assets:
Investment securities		$	29,805			$	35,935
Allowance for credit losses			19,575				18,099
Deferred compensation			6,807				6,349
Operating lease liability			5,449				5,066
Acquired loan fair value adjustments			3,205				3,506
Accrued expenses			2,691				4,605
Interest rate swaps			63				6
Write-downs and costs associated with OREO			27				21
Deferred PPP loan fees			17				77
Investments in tax credit partnerships			-				215
State net operating loss			-				540
Total deferred tax assets			67,639				74,419
Deferred tax liabilities:
Right-of-use operating lease asset			5,181				4,848
Mortgage servicing rights			3,192				3,712
Core deposit intangibles			2,688				3,399
Customer list intangible			2,062				2,469
Property and equipment			2,036				2,395
Other liabilities			2,025				2,009
Investments in tax credit partnerships			1,515				-
Loan costs			1,504				1,272
Leases			200				170
Total deferred tax liabilities			20,403				20,274
Net deferred tax asset		$	47,236			$	54,145

 

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A valuation allowance is recognized for a DTA if, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the entire DTA will not be realized. Ultimate realization of DTAs is dependent upon generation of future taxable income during periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers scheduled reversal of DTLs, projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projection for future taxable income over periods which the temporary differences resulting in remaining DTAs are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not that Bancorp will realize the benefits of these deductible differences at December 31, 2023.

 

Realization of DTAs/DTLs associated with investment in tax credit partnerships is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable capital gain income prior to their expiration. No valuation allowance was recorded as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022 based on management’s estimate of the temporary deductible differences that may expire prior to their utilization. In addition, realization of DTAs are evaluated for net operating losses that will not be utilized prior to their expiration. The Kentucky net operating losses began to be utilized in 2021 when Bancorp began filing a combined Kentucky income tax return with the Bank. The loss carryforward was $0 as of December 31, 2023.

 

 

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(11) Deposits

 

The composition of deposits follows:

 

December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022
Non-interest bearing demand deposits		$	1,548,624			$	1,950,198
Interest bearing deposits:
Interest bearing demand			2,480,357				2,308,960
Savings			438,834				535,903
Money market			1,219,656				1,124,100
Time deposit accounts of $250,000 or more			279,474				97,638
Other time deposits			703,803				374,453
Total time deposits(1)			983,277				472,091
Total interest bearing deposits			5,122,124				4,441,054
Total deposits		$	6,670,748			$	6,391,252

 

(1)	Includes $597,000 and $599,000 in brokered deposits as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

Interest expense related to time deposits in denominations of $250,000 or more was $5.1 million, $472,000 and $464,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2023, the scheduled maturities of all time deposits were as follows:

 

(in thousands)
2024		$	862,913
2025			98,703
2026			9,320
2027			7,838
2028			4,503
Total time deposits		$	983,277

 

Deposits of directors and their associates, including deposits of companies for which directors are principal owners, and executive officers were $61 million and $59 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, Bancorp had $661,000 and $913,000 of deposits accounts in overdraft status and thus have been reclassified to loans on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

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(12) Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

 

SSUAR represent a funding source of Bancorp and are used by commercial customers in conjunction with collateralized corporate cash management accounts. Such repurchase agreements are considered financing agreements and mature within one business day from the transaction date. At December 31, 2023, all of these financing arrangements had overnight maturities and were secured by government sponsored enterprise obligations and government agency mortgage-backed securities which were owned and controlled by Bancorp.

 

Information regarding SSUAR follows:

 

December 31, (dollars in thousands)		2023				2022
Outstanding balance at end of period		$	152,991			$	133,342
Weighted average interest rate at end of period			2.23	%			1.64	%

 

Years Ended December 31, (dollars in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Average outstanding balance during the period		$	123,111			$	122,154			$	62,534
Average interest rate during the period			1.70	%			0.46	%			0.04	%
Maximum outstanding at any month end during the period		$	152,991			$	161,512			$	81,964

 

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(13) Subordinated Debentures

 

As a result of its acquisition of Commonwealth Bancshares, Inc. on March 7, 2022, Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of the following unconsolidated trust subsidiaries: Commonwealth Statutory Trust III, Commonwealth Statutory Trust IV and Commonwealth Statutory Trust V. The sole assets of the trust subsidiaries represent the proceeds of offerings loaned in exchange for subordinated debentures with similar terms to the TPS. The TPS are treated as part of Tier I Capital. The subordinated notes and related interest expense are included in Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements. The subordinated notes are currently redeemable at Bancorp’s option on a quarterly basis. The carrying values of the subordinated notes were adjusted to fair value at acquisition date. The related discounts on the subordinated notes are amortized and recognized as a component of interest expense in Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements. Bancorp chose not to redeem the subordinated notes on January 1, 2024 and carried the notes at the costs noted below at December 31, 2023.

 

(dollars in thousands)

Face Value

Carrying Value

Origination Date

Maturity Date

Indexed Interest Rate

Commonwealth Statutory Trust III

$

3,093

$

3,085

12/19/2003

1/7/2034

SOFR + 2.85%

Commonwealth Statutory Trust IV

12,372

12,342

12/15/2005

12/30/2035

SOFR + 1.35%

Commonwealth Statutory Trust V

11,341

11,313

6/28/2007

9/15/2037

SOFR + 1.40%

Total

$

26,806

$

26,740

 

(14) FHLB Advances and Other Borrowings

 

FHLB advances outstanding at December 31, 2023 consisted of rolling $200 million three-month advances that mature in February 2023, which Bancorp utilizes in conjunction with interest rate swaps entered into during 2023 in an effort to hedge cash flows. FHLB advances outstanding at December 31, 2022 consisted entirely of a $50 million cash management advance that matured in early January 2023.

 

For the year ended December 31, 2023, gross proceeds and repayments related to FHLB advances totaled $2.40 billion and $2.25 billion, respectively. Net proceeds and repayments related to FHLB advances (excluding those with maturities of 90 days or less) totaled $950 million and $800 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, respectively.

 

Information regarding FHLB advances follows. The average interest rate information provided includes the benefit associated with the related interest rate swaps:

 

December 31, (dollars in thousands)		2023				2022
Outstanding balance at end of period		$	200,000			$	50,000
Weighted average interest rate at end of period			4.11	%			4.37	%

 

FHLB advances are collateralized by certain CRE and residential real estate mortgage loans under blanket mortgage collateral pledge agreements and FHLB stock. Bancorp views these advances as an effective lower-costing alternative to brokered deposits to fund loan growth. At December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the amount of available credit from the FHLB totaled $1.33 billion and $1.36 billion, respectively.

 

Bancorp also had $80 million FFP lines available from correspondent banks at both December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

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(15) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

The following table illustrates activity within the balances in AOCI by component:

 

		Net unrealized				Net unrealized				Minimum
		gains (losses)				gains (losses)				pension
		on AFS				on cash				liability
(in thousands)		debt securities				flow hedges				adjustment				Total
Balance, January 1, 2021		$	9,309			$	(121	)		$	(447	)		$	8,741
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			(16,966	)			121				164				(16,681	)
Balance, December 31, 2021		$	(7,657	)		$	-			$	(283	)		$	(7,940	)
Balance, January 1, 2022		$	(7,657	)		$	-			$	(283	)		$	(7,940	)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			(107,991	)			-				395				(107,596	)
Balance, December 31, 2022		$	(115,648	)		$	-			$	112			$	(115,536	)
Balance, January 1, 2023		$	(115,648	)		$	-			$	112			$	(115,536	)
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)			22,970				(179	)			(53	)			22,738
Balance, December 31, 2023		$	(92,678	)		$	(179	)		$	59			$	(92,798	)

 

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(16) Preferred Stock

 

Bancorp has one class of preferred stock (no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized); the relative rights, preferences and other terms of the class or any series within the class will be determined by the Board of Directors prior to any issuance. None of this stock has been issued to date.

 

(17) Net Income per Share

 

The following table reflects net income (numerator) and average shares outstanding (denominator) for basic and diluted net income per share computations:

 

(in thousands, except per share data)
Years Ended December 31,		2023				2022				2021
Net income available to stockholders		$	107,748			$	92,972			$	74,645
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic			29,212				28,672				24,898
Dilutive shares			131				250				258
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted			29,343				28,922				25,156
Net income per share - basic		$	3.69			$	3.24			$	3.00
Net income per share - diluted		$	3.67			$	3.21			$	2.97

 

Certain SARs that were excluded from the EPS calculation because their impact was antidilutive follows:

 

Years Ended December 31, (shares in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Antidilutive SARs			94				1				—

 

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(18) Employee Benefit Plans

 

Bancorp has a combined employee stock ownership and defined contribution plan. The plan is available to all employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. In general, for employees who work more than 1,000 hours per year, Bancorp matches employee contributions up to 6% of the employee’s salary, and contributes an amount of Bancorp stock equal to 2% of the employee’s salary. Employer matching expenses related to contributions to the plan for 2023, 2022, and 2021 were $4.5 million, $4.2 million and $3.3 million and are recorded on the consolidated statements of income within employee benefits. Employee and employer contributions are made in accordance with the terms of the plan. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the KSOP held 427,000 and 423,000 shares of Bancorp stock, respectively.

 

In addition, Bancorp has non-qualified plans into which directors and certain senior officers may defer director fees or salary/incentives. Bancorp matched certain executives’ deferrals into the senior officers’ plan amounting to approximately $296,000, $221,000 and $224,000 in 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the amounts included in other liabilities in the consolidated financial statements for this plan were $12 million and $11 million, respectively. The total was comprised primarily of participants’ contributions, and represented the fair value of mutual fund investments directed by plan participants.

 

Bancorp sponsors an unfunded, non-qualified, defined benefit retirement plan for two retired officers and has no plans to increase the number of or the benefits to participants. All participants are fully vested based on 25 years of service. Bancorp uses a December 31 measurement date for this plan. The accumulated benefit obligation for the plan included in other liabilities in the consolidated financial statements was $2.3 million as of both December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Actuarially determined pension costs are expensed and accrued over the service period and benefits are paid from Bancorp’s assets. Bancorp maintains life insurance policies, for which it is the beneficiary, for defined benefit plan participants and certain former executives. Income from these policies serves to offset costs of benefits. The liability for Bancorp’s plan met the benefit obligation as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. Net periodic benefit cost was immaterial for all periods.

 

Benefits expected to be paid in future periods follows:

 

(in thousands)
2024		$	219
2025			219
2026			219
2027			219
2028			219
2029 and thereafter			2,183
Total future payments		$	3,278

 

Expected benefits to be paid are based on the same assumptions used to measure Bancorp’s benefit obligation at December 31, 2023. There are no obligations for other post-retirement or post-employment benefits.

 

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(19) Stock-Based Compensation

 

The fair value of all stock-based awards granted, net of estimated forfeitures, is recognized as compensation expense over the respective service period.

 

At Bancorp's 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, shareholders approved the 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan and authorized the shares available from the expiring 2005 plan for future awards under the 2015 plan. In 2018 shareholders approved an additional 500,000 shares for issuance under the plan. As of December 31, 2023, there were 151,000 shares available for future awards. The 2005 Stock Incentive Plan expired in April 2015 and SARs granted under this plan expire as late as 2025. The 2015 Stock Incentive Plan has no defined expiration date.

 

SAR Grants – SARs granted have a vesting schedule of 20% per year and expire ten years after the grant date unless forfeited due to employment termination.

 

Fair values of SARs are estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, a leading formula for calculating such value. The model requires the input of assumptions, changes to which can materially affect the fair value estimate. The following assumptions were used in SAR valuations at the grant date in each year:

 

		2023				2022				2021
Dividend yield			2.24	%			2.38	%			2.52	%
Expected volatility			27.20	%			25.43	%			25.19	%
Risk free interest rate			3.84	%			1.98	%			1.22	%
Expected life of SARs (in years)		7.1				7.1				7.1

 

Dividend yield and expected volatility are based on historical information for Bancorp corresponding to the expected life of SARs granted. Expected volatility is the volatility of underlying shares for the expected term calculated on a monthly basis. The risk free interest rate is the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the awards. The expected life of SARs is based on actual experience of past like-term SARs. Bancorp evaluates historical exercise and post-vesting termination behavior when determining the expected life.

 

RSA Grants – RSAs granted to officers vest over five years. For all grants prior to 2015, grantees are entitled to dividend payments during the vesting period. Fair value of RSAs is equal to the market value of the shares on the date of grant.

 

PSU Grants – PSUs vest based upon service and a three-year performance period, which begins January 1 of the first year of the performance period. Because grantees are not entitled to dividend payments during the performance period, the fair value of these PSUs is estimated based upon the market value of the underlying shares on the date of grant, adjusted for non-payment of dividends. Grants require a one year post-vesting holding period and the fair value of such grants incorporates a liquidity discount related to the holding period of 5.2%, 5.8% and 6.1% for 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

RSU Grants – RSUs are only granted to non-employee directors, are time-based and vest 12 months after grant date. Because grantees are entitled to deferred dividend payments at the end of the vesting period, fair value of the RSUs equals market value of underlying shares on the date of grant.

 

In the first quarters of 2023 and 2022, Bancorp awarded 8,668 and 5,410 RSUs to non-employee directors of Bancorp with a grant date fair value of $550,000 and $350,000, respectively.

 

Bancorp utilized cash of $175,000 and $233,000 during 2023 and 2022, respectively, for the purchase of shares upon the vesting of RSUs.

 

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Bancorp has recognized stock-based compensation expense for SARs, RSAs, and PSUs within compensation expense, and RSUs for directors within other non-interest expense, as follows:

 

		Year Ended December 31, 2023
(in thousands)		Stock Appreciation Rights				Restricted Stock Awards				Restricted Stock Units				Performance Stock Units				Total
Expense		$	492			$	1,599			$	519			$	1,854			$	4,464
Deferred tax benefit			(104	)			(336	)			(109	)			(390	)			(939	)
Total net expense		$	388			$	1,263			$	410			$	1,464			$	3,525

 

		Year Ended December 31, 2022
(in thousands)		Stock Appreciation Rights				Restricted Stock Awards				Restricted Stock Units				Performance Stock Units				Total
Expense		$	376			$	1,373			$	332			$	2,313			$	4,394
Deferred tax benefit			(79	)			(289	)			(70	)			(486	)			(924	)
Total net expense		$	297			$	1,084			$	262			$	1,827			$	3,470

 

		Year Ended December 31, 2021
(in thousands)		Stock Appreciation Rights				Restricted Stock Awards				Restricted Stock Units				Performance Stock Units				Total
Expense		$	352			$	1,288			$	312			$	2,613			$	4,565
Deferred tax benefit			(74	)			(271	)			(66	)			(549	)			(960	)
Total net expense		$	278			$	1,017			$	246			$	2,064			$	3,605

 

Detail of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense follows:

 

(in thousands) Year Ended		Stock Appreciation Rights				Restricted Stock Awards				Restricted Stock Units				Performance Stock Units				Total
2024		$	307			$	1,376			$	3			$	788			$	2,474
2025			248				1,155				—				668				2,071
2026			190				854				—				—				1,044
2027			111				501				—				—				612
2028			12				41				—				—				53
Total estimated expense		$	868			$	3,927			$	3			$	1,456			$	6,254

 

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The following table summarizes SARs activity and related information:

 

																									Weighted
													Weighted								Weighted				average
													average				Aggregate				average				remaining
						Exercise							exercise				intrinsic				fair				contractual
(in thousands, except per share and years)		SARs				price							price				value(1)				value				life (in years)
Outstanding, January 1, 2021			593			$15.24			-	$40.00			$	27.47			$	7,706			$	4.44				5.1
Granted			30			47.17			-	50.71				50.48				-				9.69
Exercised			(108	)		15.24			-	19.37				16.40				4,239				2.85
Forfeited			—						—					—				—				—
Outstanding, December 31, 2021			515			$15.24			-	$50.71			$	31.16			$	16,854			$	5.08				5.1
Outstanding, January 1, 2022			515			$15.24			-	$50.71			$	31.16			$	16,854			$	5.08				5.1
Granted			34			47.17			-	74.92				55.45				—				12.07
Exercised			(114	)		15.24			-	40.00				21.55				5,258				3.63
Forfeited			—						—					—				—				—
Outstanding, December 31, 2022			435			$19.37			-	$74.92			$	35.60			$	12,784			$	6.02				5.1
Outstanding, January 1, 2023			435			$19.37			-	$74.92			$	35.60			$	12,784			$	6.02				5.1
Granted			29			60.76			-	60.76				60.76				—				16.81
Exercised			(24	)		19.37			-	19.37				19.37				681				3.58
Forfeited			—						—					—				—				—
Outstanding, December 31, 2023			440			$19.44			-	$74.92			$	38.11			$	6,297			$	6.86				4.7
Vested and exercisable			336			$19.44			-	$74.92			$	34.15			$	5,851			$	5.50				3.8
Unvested			104			36.65			-	74.92				50.83				446				11.22				3.4
Outstanding, December 31, 2023			440			$19.44			-	$74.92			$	38.11			$	6,297			$	6.86				4.7
Vested in the current year			52			$35.90			-	$74.92			$	41.34			$	531			$	7.25

 

(1) - Aggregate intrinsic value for SARs is defined as the amount by which the current market price of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise or grant price.

 

SARs outstanding and exercisable by expiration year and weighted average exercise price follows:

 

(in thousands, except per share data)
Expiration Year		SARs Outstanding				SARs Vested and Exercisable				Weighted Average Exercise Price
2024			3				3			$	19.44
2025			39				39				23.02
2026			76				76				25.76
2027			40				40				40.00
2028			95				95				37.84
2029			47				37				37.06
2030			46				27				37.30
2031			31				12				50.48
2032			34				7				55.45
2033			29				—				60.76
			440				336			$	38.11

 

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The following table summarizes activity for RSAs:

 

						Weighted
						average cost
(in thousands, except per share data)		RSAs				at grant date
Unvested at January 1, 2021			99			$	36.85
Shares awarded			39				46.90
Restrictions lapsed and shares vested			(34	)			35.48
Shares forfeited			(5	)			40.81
Unvested at December 31, 2021			99			$	41.07
Unvested at January 1, 2022			99			$	41.07
Shares awarded			35				58.47
Restrictions lapsed and shares vested			(32	)			40.39
Shares forfeited			(6	)			47.49
Unvested at December 31, 2022			96			$	47.26
Unvested at January 1, 2023			96			$	47.26
Shares awarded			38				63.04
Restrictions lapsed and shares vested			(33	)			43.77
Shares forfeited			(3	)			53.38
Unvested at December 31, 2023			98			$	54.23

 

Shares expected to be awarded for PSUs granted to executive officers of Bancorp, the three-year performance period, which began January 1 of the award year, are as follows:

 

Grant Year		Vesting Period in Years				Fair Value				Shares Expected to be Awarded
2021			3			$	44.44				47,280
2022			3				48.48				30,118
2023			3				54.33				33,509

 

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All Bancorp equity compensation plans have been approved by shareholders. The following table provides detail of the number of shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding stock-based awards and remaining shares available for future issuance under Bancorp’s equity compensation plan as of December 31, 2023:

 

Number of

Shares

shares to be

Weighted

available for

issued upon

average

future

Plan category (in thousands)

exercising/vesting

exercise price

issuance (a)

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:

Stock Appreciation Rights

(b)

(b)

151

Restricted Stock Awards

98

N/A

(a)

Restricted Stock Units

8

N/A

(a)

Performance Stock Units

(c)

N/A

(a)

Total shares

106

151

 

(a)	Under the 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, shares of stock are authorized for issuance as incentive and non-qualified stock options, SARs, RSAs, and RSUs.

 

(b)	At December 31, 2023, approximately 440,000 SARs were outstanding at a weighted average grant price of $38.11. The number of shares to be issued upon exercise will be determined based on the difference between the grant price and the market price at the date of exercise.

 

(c)	The number of shares to be issued is dependent upon Bancorp achieving certain predefined performance targets and ranges from zero shares to approximately 166,000 shares. As of December 31, 2023, shares expected to be awarded totaled approximately 111,000.

 

(20) Dividends

 

Bancorp’s principal source of cash revenue is dividends paid to it as the sole shareholder of the Bank. At any balance sheet date, the Bank’s regulatory dividend restriction represents the Bank’s net income of the current year plus the prior two years less any dividends paid for the same time period. At December 31, 2023, the Bank may pay an amount equal to $145 million in dividends to Bancorp without regulatory approval subject to ongoing capital requirements of the Bank.

 

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(21) Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, Bancorp had various commitments outstanding that arose in the normal course of business which are properly not reflected in the consolidated financial statements. Total off-balance sheet commitments to extend credit follows:

 

December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022
Commercial and industrial		$	897,673			$	784,429
Construction and development			606,668				449,028
Home equity lines of credit			381,110				358,610
Credit cards			83,700				64,231
Overdrafts			55,124				57,193
Standby letters of credit			33,778				34,704
Other			100,447				93,419
Future loan commitments			298,164				221,973
Total off balance sheet commitments to extend credit		$	2,456,664			$	2,063,587

 

Most commitments to extend credit are an agreement to lend to a customer either unsecured or secured, as long as collateral is available as agreed upon and there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since some of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not represent future cash requirements. Bancorp uses the same credit and collateral policies in making commitments and conditional guarantees as for on-balance sheet instruments. Bancorp evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, securities, equipment and real estate. However, should the commitments be drawn upon and should our customers default on their resulting obligation to us, our maximum exposure to credit loss, without consideration of collateral, is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments.

 

The ACL for off balance sheet credit exposures, which is separate from the ACL for loans and recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, was $5.9 million and $4.5 million as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Provision expense for off balance sheet credit exposures of $1.3 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023, driven largely by the addition of new C&D and C&I lines of credit.

 

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by Bancorp to guarantee the performance of a customer to a first party beneficiary. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support commercial transactions. Standby letters of credit generally have maturities of one to two years.

 

Certain commercial customers require confirmation of Bancorp’s letters of credit by other banks since Bancorp does not have a rating by a national rating agency. Terms of the agreements range from one month to a year with certain agreements requiring between one and six months’ notice to cancel. If an event of default on all contracts had occurred at December 31, 2023, Bancorp would have been required to make payments of approximately $3 million, or the maximum amount payable under those contracts. No payments have ever been required because of default on these contracts. These agreements are normally secured by collateral acceptable to Bancorp, which limits credit risk associated with the agreements.

 

Bancorp periodically invests in certain partnerships that generate federal income tax credits, which result in contribution commitments. Such commitments are recorded in Other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. While contributions are made periodically over the life of the respective investments, which can be up to 10 years depending on the type of investment, the majority of contributions associated with a respective investment are made within the first few years after entering the partnership. Bancorp invested in several larger tax credit partnerships during 2023, which have served as an economical means of fulfilling CRA goals. As of December 31, 2023, tax credit contribution commitments of $158 million were recorded in Other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

 

As of December 31, 2023, in the normal course of business, there were pending legal actions and proceedings in which claims for damages are asserted. Management, after discussion with legal counsel, believes the ultimate result of these legal actions and proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of Bancorp.

 

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(22) Assets and Liabilities Measured and Reported at Fair Value

 

Fair value represents 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. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

 

Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

 

Level 2 – Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

 

Level 3 – Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

 

Authoritative guidance requires maximization of use of observable inputs and minimization of use of unobservable inputs in fair value measurements. Where there exists limited or no observable market data, Bancorp derives its own estimates by generally considering characteristics of the asset/liability, the current economic and competitive environment and other factors. For this reason, results cannot be determined with precision and may not be realized on an actual sale or immediate settlement of the asset or liability.

 

Bancorp used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair value of each type of financial instrument:

 

AFS debt securities - Except for Bancorp’s U.S Treasury securities, the fair value of AFS debt securities is typically determined by matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities, but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs). Bancorp’s U.S. Treasury securities are based on quoted market prices (Level 1 inputs).

 

Mortgage loans held for sale - The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale is determined using quoted secondary market prices (Level 2 inputs).

 

Mortgage banking derivatives – Mortgage banking derivatives used in the ordinary course of business consist primarily of interest rate lock loan commitments and mandatory forward sales contracts. The fair value of Bancorp’s derivative instruments is primarily measured by obtaining pricing from broker-dealers recognized to be market participants. The pricing is derived from observable market inputs that can generally be verified and do not typically involve significant judgement by Bancorp (Level 2 inputs).

 

Interest rate swap agreements – Interest rate swaps are valued using valuations received from the relevant dealer counterparty. These valuations consider multiple observable market inputs, including interest rate yield curves, time value and volatility factors (Level 2 inputs).

 

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Carrying values of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis follows:

 

		Fair Value Measurements Using:												Total
December 31, 2023 (in thousands)		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Fair Value
Assets:
Available for sale debt securities:
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations		$	116,269			$	—			$	—			$	116,269
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			—				99,847				—				99,847
Mortgage backed securities - government agencies			—				688,039				—				688,039
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			—				123,490				—				123,490
Other			—				3,534				—				3,534
Total available for sale debt securities			116,269				914,910				—				1,031,179
Mortgage loans held for sale			—				6,056				—				6,056
Rate lock loan commitments			—				174				—				174
Interest rate swap assets			—				5,133				—				5,133
Total assets		$	116,269			$	926,273			$	—			$	1,042,542
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap liabilities		$	—			$	5,378			$	—			$	5,378
Mandatory forward contracts			—				43				—				43
Total Liabilities		$	—			$	5,421			$	—			$	5,421

 

		Fair Value Measurements Using:												Total
December 31, 2022 (in thousands)		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Fair Value
Assets:
Available for sale debt securities:
U.S. Treasury and other U.S. Government obligations		$	115,039			$	—			$	—			$	115,039
Government sponsored enterprise obligations			—				143,626				—				143,626
Mortgage backed securities - government agencies			—				752,738				—				752,738
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			—				127,599				—				127,599
Other			—				5,615				—				5,615
Total available for sale debt securities			115,039				1,029,578				—				1,144,617
Mortgage loans held for sale			—				2,606				—				2,606
Rate lock loan commitments			—				137				—				137
Mandatory forward contracts			—				47				—				47
Interest rate swaps			—				10,727				—				10,727
Total assets		$	115,039			$	1,043,095			$	—			$	1,158,134
Liabilities:
Interest rate swaps		$	—			$	10,737			$	—			$	10,737

 

Bancorp had no financial instruments classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2023 or 2022. There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy during 2023 or 2022. 

 

For the securities portfolio, Bancorp monitors the valuation technique used by pricing agencies to ascertain when transfers between levels have occurred. The nature of other assets and liabilities measured at fair value is such that transfers in and out of any level are expected to be rare. For the year ended December 31, 2023, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2, or 3.

 

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Discussion of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis follows:

 

Collateral dependent loans – For collateral-dependent loans where Bancorp has determined that the liquidation or foreclosure of the collateral is probable, or where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company expects repayment of the loan to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, the ACL is measured based on the difference between the estimated fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the loan as of the measurement date. For real estate loans, fair value of the loan’s collateral is determined by third party or internal appraisals, which are then adjusted for the estimated selling and closing costs related to liquidation of the collateral. For this asset class, the actual valuation methods (income, comparable sales, or cost) vary based on the status of the project or property. The unobservable inputs may vary depending on the individual assets with no one of the three methods being the predominant approach. Bancorp reviews the third party appraisal for appropriateness and adjusts the value to consider selling and closing costs, which typically range from 8% to 10% of the appraised value. For non-real estate loans, fair value of the loan’s collateral may be determined using an appraisal, net book value per the borrower’s financial statements, or aging reports, adjusted or discounted based on management’s historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of the valuation and management’s expertise or knowledge of the client and client’s business.

 

OREO – OREO is primarily comprised of real estate acquired in partial or full satisfaction of loans. OREO is recorded at its estimated fair value less estimated selling and closing costs at the date of transfer, with any excess of the related loan balance over the fair value less expected selling costs charged to the ACL. Subsequent changes in fair value are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount and are recorded against earnings. Bancorp obtains the valuation of OREO with material balances from third party appraisers. For this asset class, the actual valuation methods (income, sales comparable, or cost) vary based on the status of the project or property. The unobservable inputs may vary depending on the individual assets with no one of the three methods being the predominant approach. Bancorp reviews the appraisal for appropriateness and adjusts the value to consider selling and closing costs, which typically range from 8% to 10% of the appraised value.

 

Below are carrying values of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis:

 

																		Losses recorded for
(in thousands)		Fair Value Measurement Using:																the year ended
December 31, 2023		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total Fair Value				December 31, 2023
Collateral dependent loans		$	—			$	—			$	13,561			$	13,561			$	1,681
Other real estate owned			—				—				10				10				25

 

																		Losses recorded for
(in thousands)		Fair Value Measurement Using:																the year ended
December 31, 2022		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total Fair Value				December 31, 2022
Collateral dependent loans		$	—			$	—			$	20,637			$	20,637			$	303
Other real estate owned			—				—				677				677				—

 

																		Losses recorded for
(in thousands)		Fair Value Measurement Using:																the year ended
December 31, 2021		Level 1				Level 2				Level 3				Total Fair Value				December 31, 2021
Collateral dependent loans		$	—			$	—			$	4,487			$	4,487			$	891
Other real estate owned			—				—				7,212				7,212				17

 

There were no liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

 

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For Level 3 assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurements are presented below:

 

		December 31, 2023
(dollars in thousands)		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Inputs		Weighted Average Discount
Collateral dependent loans		$	13,561		Appraisal		Appraisal discounts			18.0	%
Other real estate owned			10		Appraisal		Appraisal discounts			93.0

 

		December 31, 2022
(dollars in thousands)		Fair Value			Valuation Technique		Unobservable Inputs		Weighted Average Discount
Impaired loans - collateral dependent		$	20,637		Appraisal		Appraisal discounts			23.3	%
Other real estate owned			677		Appraisal		Appraisal discounts			65.6

 

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(23) Disclosure of Financial Instruments Not Reported at Fair Value

 

GAAP requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. The estimated fair values of Bancorp’s financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis follows:

 

		Carrying								Fair Value Measurements Using:
December 31, 2023 (in thousands)		amount				Fair value				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	265,959			$	265,959			$	265,959			$	—			$	—
HTM debt securities			439,837				408,519				198,327				210,192				—
Federal Home Loan Bank stock			16,236				16,236				—				16,236				—
Loans, net			5,691,664				5,520,059				—				—				5,520,059
Accrued interest receivable			26,830				26,830				26,830				—				—
Liabilities
Non-interest bearing deposits		$	1,548,624			$	1,548,624			$	1,548,624			$	—			$	—
Transaction deposits			4,138,847				4,138,847				—				4,138,847				—
Time deposits			983,277				976,841				—				976,841				—
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase			152,991				152,991				—				152,991				—
Federal funds purchased			12,852				12,852				—				12,852				—
Subordinated debentures			26,740				26,746				—				26,746				—
FHLB advances			200,000				200,047				—				200,047				—
Accrued interest payable			2,094				2,094				2,094				—				—

 

 

		Carrying								Fair Value Measurements Using:
December 31, 2022 (in thousands)		amount				Fair value				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	167,367			$	167,367			$	167,367			$	—			$	—
HTM debt securities			473,217				431,833				208,628				223,205				—
Federal Home Loan Bank stock			10,928				10,928				—				10,928				—
Loans, net			5,132,387				4,914,770				—				—				4,914,770
Accrued interest receivable			22,157				22,157				22,157				—				—
Liabilities
Non-interest bearing deposits		$	1,950,198			$	1,950,198			$	1,950,198			$	—			$	—
Transaction deposits			3,968,963				3,968,963				—				3,968,963				—
Time deposits			472,091				459,467				—				459,467				—
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase			133,342				133,342				—				133,342				—
Federal funds purchased			8,789				8,789				—				8,789				—
Subordinated debentures			26,343				26,460				—				26,460				—
FHLB advances			50,000				50,000				—				50,000				—
Accrued interest payable			660				660				660				—				—

 

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information and information about financial instruments. Because no market exists for a significant portion of Bancorp’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Therefore, calculated fair value estimates in many instances cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realizable in a current sale of the instrument. Changes in assumptions could significantly impact estimates.

 

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(24) Mortgage Banking Activities

 

Mortgage banking activities primarily include residential mortgage originations and servicing.

 

Effective March 31, 2022, Bancorp began carrying mortgages originated and intended for sale in the secondary market at fair value, as determined by outstanding commitments from investors. Mortgage loans held for sale as of December 31, 2021 and prior were carried at the lower of cost or market value.

 

Activity for mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value, was as follows:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Balance, beginning of period:		$	2,606			$	8,614			$	22,547
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale			105,912				129,193				157,304
Loans held for sale acquired			—				3,559				3,071
Proceeds from the sale of mortgage loans held for sale			(104,152	)			(139,281	)			(177,910	)
Net gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale			1,690				521				3,602
Balance, end of period		$	6,056			$	2,606			$	8,614

 

The following table represents the components of Mortgage banking income:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Net gain realized on sale of mortgage loans held for sale		$	1,690			$	521			$	3,602
Net change in fair value recognized on loans held for sale			33				-				-
Net change in fair value recognized on rate lock loan commitments			23				1,821				-
Net change in fair value recognized on forward contracts			150				(1,102	)			-
Net gain recognized			1,896				1,240				3,602
Net loan servicing income			4,387				4,200				1,448
Amortization of mortgage servicing rights			(2,961	)			(3,072	)			(1,092	)
Change in mortgage servicing rights valuation allowance			-				-				-
Net servicing income recognized			1,426				1,128				356
Other mortgage banking income			383				842				766
Total mortgage banking income		$	3,705			$	3,210			$	4,724

 

Activity for capitalized mortgage servicing rights was as follows:

 

Years ended December 31, (in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Balance, beginning of period		$	15,219			$	4,528			$	2,710
Added from acquisition			—				12,676				1,662
Additions for mortgage loans sold			824				1,087				1,248
Amortization			(2,961	)			(3,072	)			(1,092	)
Impairment			—				—				—
Balance, end of period		$	13,082			$	15,219			$	4,528

 

MSRs, a component of other assets, are initially recognized at fair value when mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained. The MSRs are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income, considering appropriate prepayment assumptions. MSRs are evaluated quarterly for impairment by comparing carrying value to fair value. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the PV of estimated net servicing income. The model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as estimated prepayment speeds and discount rates.

 

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The estimated fair value of MSRs at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 were $24 million and $26 million, respectively. There was no valuation allowance recorded for MSRs as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as fair value exceeded carrying value.

 

Total outstanding principal balances of loans serviced for others were $1.93 billion and $2.08 billion at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

Mortgage banking derivatives used in the ordinary course of business consist primarily of mandatory forward sales contracts and interest rate lock loan commitments. Mandatory forward contracts represent future loan commitments to deliver loans at a specified price and date and are used to manage interest rate risk on loan commitments and mortgage loans held for sale. Interest rate lock loan commitments represent commitments to fund loans at a specific rate. These derivatives involve underlying items, such as interest rates, and are designed to transfer risk. Substantially all of these instruments expire within 90 days from the date of issuance. Notional amounts are amounts on which calculations and payments are based, but which do not represent credit exposure, as credit exposure is limited to the amount required to be received or paid.

 

Mandatory forward contracts also contain an element of risk in that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of such agreements. In the event the counterparties fail to deliver commitments or are unable to fulfill their obligations, the Bank could potentially incur significant additional costs by replacing the positions at then current market rates. The Bank manages its risk of exposure by limiting counterparties to those banks and institutions deemed appropriate by management. The Bank does not expect any counterparty to default on their obligations and therefore, the Bank does not expect to incur any cost related to counterparty default.

 

The Bank is exposed to interest rate risk on loans held for sale and rate lock loan commitments. As market interest rates fluctuate, the fair value of mortgage loans held for sale and rate lock commitments will decline or increase. To offset this interest rate risk the Bank enters into derivatives, such as mandatory forward contracts to sell loans. The fair value of these mandatory forward contracts will fluctuate as market interest rates fluctuate, and the change in the value of these instruments is expected to largely, though not entirely, offset the change in fair value of loans held for sale and rate lock commitments. The objective of this activity is to minimize the exposure to losses on rate lock loan commitments and loans held for sale due to market interest rate fluctuations. The net effect of derivatives on earnings will depend on risk management activities and a variety of other factors, including: market interest rate volatility; the amount of rate lock commitments that close; the ability to fill the forward contracts before expiration; and the time period required to close and sell loans.

 

The following table includes the notional amounts and fair values of mortgage loans held for sale and mortgage banking derivatives:

 

		December 31, 2023								December 31, 2022
(in thousands)		Notional Amount				Fair Value				Notional Amount				Fair Value
Included in Mortgage loans held for sale:
Mortgage loans held for sale, at fair value		$	5,965			$	6,056			$	2,548			$	2,606
Included in other assets:
Rate lock loan commitments		$	4,345			$	174			$	5,599			$	137
Mandatory forward contracts			–				–				6,581				47
Included in other liabilities:
Mandatory forward contracts		$	6,750			$	(43	)		$	–			$	–

 

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(25) Derivative Financial Instruments

 

Periodically, Bancorp enters into interest rate swap transactions with borrowers who desire to hedge exposure to rising interest rates, while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate swap, with substantially matching terms, with another approved independent counterparty. These are undesignated derivative instruments and are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Because of matching terms of offsetting contracts and collateral provisions mitigating any non-performance risk, changes in fair value subsequent to initial recognition have an insignificant effect on earnings. Exchanges of cash flows related to undesignated interest rate swap agreements were offsetting and therefore had no effect on Bancorp’s earnings or cash flows.

 

Interest rate swap agreements derive their value from underlying interest rates. These transactions involve both credit and market risk. Notional amounts are amounts on which calculations, payments and the value of the derivative are based. Notional amounts do not represent direct credit exposures. Direct credit exposure is limited to the net difference between the calculated amounts to be received and paid, if any. Bancorp is exposed to credit-related losses in the event of non-performance by counterparties to these agreements. Bancorp mitigates the credit risk of its financial contracts through credit approvals, collateral and monitoring procedures, and does not expect any counterparties to fail their obligations.

 

Bancorp had outstanding undesignated interest rate swap contracts as follows:

 

		Receiving								Paying
		December 31,				December 31,				December 31,				December 31,
(dollars in thousands)		2023				2022				2023				2022
Notional amount		$	201,555			$	132,831			$	201,555			$	132,831
Weighted average maturity (years)			6.0				7.1				6.0				7.1
Fair value		$	5,133			$	10,727			$	5,142			$	10,737

 

During the first quarter of 2023, Bancorp entered into an interest rate swap to hedge cash flows of a $100 million rolling fixed-rate three-month FHLB borrowing. The swap began February 6, 2023 and matures February 6, 2028. During the third quarter of 2023, Bancorp entered into two additional interest rate swaps to hedge cash flows of two $50 million rolling fixed-rate three-month FHLB borrowings. These swaps began August 7, 2023, with one maturing August 6, 2026 and the other maturing August 6, 2028.

 

While Bancorp expects to utilize fixed-rate three-month FHLB advances with respect to these interest rate swaps, brokered CDs or other fixed rate advances may be utilized for the same three-month terms instead should those sources be more favorable. For purposes of hedging, rolling fixed rate advances are considered to be floating rate liabilities.

 

Interest rate swaps involve exchange of Bancorp’s floating rate interest payments for fixed rate swap payments on underlying principal amounts. These swaps were designated and qualified, for cash-flow hedge accounting. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedging instruments, the effective portion of gains or losses is reported as a component of AOCI, and is subsequently reclassified into earnings as an adjustment to interest expense in periods for which the hedged forecasted transaction impacts earnings.

 

The following table details Bancorp’s derivative positions designated as a cash flow hedges, and the related fair values:

 

											Fair value
(dollars in thousands)								Pay fixed			December 31,
Notional Amount			Maturity Date		Receive (variable) index			swap rate			2023
$	100,000,000		2/6/2028		USD SOFR			3.27	%		$	1,326
	50,000,000		8/6/2026		USD SOFR			4.38	%			(659	)
	50,000,000		8/6/2028		USD SOFR			3.97	%			(904	)
$	200,000,000										$	(237	)

 

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(26) Regulatory Matters

 

Bancorp and the Bank are subject to capital regulations in accordance with Basel III, as administered by banking regulators. Regulatory agencies measure capital adequacy within a framework that makes capital requirements, in part, dependent on the individual risk profiles of financial institutions. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on Bancorp’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Holding Company and the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of Bancorp’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items, as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators regarding components, risk weightings and other factors.

 

Banking regulators have categorized the Bank as well-capitalized. To meet the definition of well-capitalized, a bank must have a minimum 6.5% Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, 8.0% Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, 10.0% Total Risk-Based Capital ratio and 5.0% Tier 1 Leverage ratio.

 

Additionally, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers, Bancorp and the Bank must hold a 2.5% capital conservation buffer composed of Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital above the minimum risk-based capital requirements for the Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio and Total Risk-Based Capital ratio necessary to be considered adequately-capitalized. At December 31, 2023, the adequately-capitalized minimums, including the capital conservation buffer, were a 7.0% Common Equity Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio, 8.5% Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio and 10.5% Total Risk-Based Capital ratio.

 

As a result of the CB acquisition, Bancorp became the 100% successor owner of the following unconsolidated trust subsidiaries: Commonwealth Statutory Trust III, Commonwealth Statutory Trust IV and Commonwealth Statutory Trust V. The sole assets of the trust subsidiaries represent the proceeds of offerings loaned in exchange for subordinated debentures with similar terms to the TPS. The TPS are treated as part of Tier 1 Capital. The subordinated note and related interest expense are included in Bancorp’s consolidated financial statements. The subordinated notes are currently redeemable at Bancorp’s option on a quarterly basis. As of December 31, 2023, subordinated notes added through the CB acquisition totaled $27 million.

 

Bancorp continues to exceed the regulatory requirements for all calculations. Bancorp and the Bank intend to maintain a capital position that meets or exceeds the “well-capitalized” requirements as defined by the FRB and the FDIC, in addition to the capital conservation buffer.

 

The following table sets forth consolidated Bancorp’s and the Bank’s risk based capital amounts and ratios:

 

(dollars in thousands)		Actual								Minimum for adequately capitalized								Minimum for well capitalized
December 31, 2023		Amount				Ratio				Amount				Ratio				Amount				Ratio
Total risk-based capital (1)
Consolidated		$	849,836				12.56	%		$	541,370				8.00	%		NA				NA
Bank			823,275				12.21				539,609				8.00			$	674,511				10.00	%
Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital (1)
Consolidated			747,376				11.04				304,521				4.50			NA				NA
Bank			746,815				11.07				303,530				4.50				438,432				6.50
Tier 1 risk-based capital (1)
Consolidated			773,376				11.43				406,027				6.00			NA				NA
Bank			746,815				11.07				404,707				6.00				539,609				8.00
Leverage
Consolidated			773,376				9.62				321,713				4.00			NA				NA
Bank			746,815				9.30				321,323				4.00				401,654				5.00

 

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(dollars in thousands)		Actual								Minimum for adequately capitalized								Minimum for well capitalized
December 31, 2022		Amount				Ratio				Amount				Ratio				Amount				Ratio
Total risk-based capital (1)
Consolidated		$	762,956				12.54	%		$	486,841				8.00	%		NA				NA
Bank			732,688				12.08				485,314				8.00			$	606,643				10.00	%
Common equity tier 1 risk-based capital (1)
Consolidated			672,045				11.04				273,848				4.50			NA				NA
Bank			667,777				11.01				272,989				4.50				394,318				6.50
Tier 1 risk-based capital (1)
Consolidated			698,045				11.47				365,131				6.00			NA				NA
Bank			667,777				11.01				363,986				6.00				485,314				8.00
Leverage
Consolidated			698,045				9.33				299,329				4.00			NA				NA
Bank			667,777				8.95				298,600				4.00				373,250				5.00

 

(1)    Ratio is computed in relation to risk-weighted assets.

 

NA – Regulatory framework does not define “well-capitalized” for holding companies.

 

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(27) Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (parent company only)

 

Condensed Balance Sheets        

 

		December 31,
(in thousands)		2023				2022
Assets
Cash on deposit with subsidiary bank		$	5,811			$	8,683
Investment in and receivable from subsidiaries			858,348				759,939
Other assets			21,209				18,664
Total assets		$	885,368			$	787,286
Liabilities and stockholders' equity
Other liabilities		$	27,265			$	26,854
Total stockholders’ equity			858,103				760,432
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	885,368			$	787,286

 

Condensed Statements of Income            

 

		Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Income - dividends and interest from subsidiaries		$	33,965			$	45,076			$	62,941
Other income			110				1				1
Less expenses			7,458				8,415				7,534
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary			26,617				36,662				55,408
Income tax benefit			(2,490	)			(3,780	)			(2,957	)
Income before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary			29,106				40,442				58,365
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiary			78,642				52,852				16,280
Net income			107,748				93,294				74,645
Less income attributed to non-controlling interest			—				322				—
Net income available to stockholders		$	107,748			$	92,972			$	74,645
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	130,486			$	(14,624	)		$	57,964

 

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Condensed Statements of Cash Flows            

 

		Years ended December 31,
(in thousands)		2023				2022				2021
Operating activities
Net income available to stockholders		$	107,748			$	92,972			$	74,645
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries			(78,642	)			(52,852	)			(16,280	)
Decrease (increase) in receivable from subsidiaries			2,971				6,812				—
Stock compensation expense			4,464				4,394				4,565
Excess tax benefits from stock- based compensation arrangements			(644	)			(1,713	)			(1,482	)
Loss on disposition of LFA			—				(870	)			—
Change in other assets			(1,695	)			(4,610	)			(2,685	)
Change in other liabilities			402				(400	)			40
Net cash provided by operating activities			34,604				43,733				58,803
Investing activities
Purchase of equity investment			(206	)			—				(120	)
Proceeds from disposition of LFA			—				4,993				—
Cash for acquisition			—				(30,994	)			(28,276	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(206	)			(26,001	)			(28,396	)
Financing activities
Repurchase of common stock			(2,695	)			(4,806	)			(3,826	)
Subordinated debentures acquired			—				26,806				—
Cash disbursements to non-controlling interest			—				(322	)			—
Disposition of LFA			—				(915	)			—
Cash dividends paid			(34,575	)			(33,301	)			(28,198	)
Net cash used in financing activities			(37,270	)			(12,538	)			(32,024	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash			(2,872	)			5,194				(1,617	)
Cash at beginning of year			8,683				3,489				5,106
Cash at end of year		$	5,811			$	8,683			$	3,489

 

(28) Segments

 

Bancorp’s principal activities include commercial banking and WM&T. Commercial banking provides a full range of loan and deposit products to individual consumers and businesses. Commercial banking also includes Bancorp’s mortgage banking and investment products sales activity. WM&T provides investment management, financial & retirement planning and trust & estate services, as well as retirement plan management for businesses and corporations in all markets in which Bancorp operates. The magnitude of WM&T revenue distinguishes Bancorp from other community banks of similar asset size.

 

Financial information for each business segment reflects that which is specifically identifiable or allocated based on an internal allocation method. Income taxes are allocated based on the effective federal income tax rate adjusted for any tax-exempt activity. All tax-exempt activity and provision have been allocated fully to the commercial banking segment. Measurement of performance of business segments is based on the management structure of Bancorp and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other financial institution. Information presented is also not necessarily indicative of the segments’ operations if they were independent entities.

 

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The majority of the net assets of Bancorp are involved in the commercial banking segment. As of December 31, 2023, goodwill totaling $194 million was recorded on Bancorp’s consolidated balance sheets, of which $172 million is attributed to the commercial banking segment and $22 million is attributed to WM&T. The portion of total goodwill attributed to WM&T relates entirely to the CB acquisition, which generated $67 million in total goodwill, $8.5 million of which was subsequently written off as a result of Bancorp selling its interest in LFA effective December 31, 2022. With the exception of goodwill attributed to WM&T through the CB acquisition, assets assigned to WM&T consist primarily of a CLI asset associated with the WM&T business added through the CB acquisition, net premises and equipment and a receivable related to fees earned that have not been collected.

 

Selected financial information by business segment follows:

 

		Commercial
As of and for the Year ended December 31, 2023 (in thousands)		Banking				WM&T				Total
Net interest income		$	246,624			$	708			$	247,332
Provision for credit losses			13,796				—				13,796
Wealth management and trust services			—				39,802				39,802
All other non-interest income			52,418				—				52,418
Non-interest expenses			163,316				24,513				187,829
Income before income tax expense			121,930				15,997				137,927
Income tax expense			26,708				3,471				30,179
Net income		$	95,222			$	12,526			$	107,748
Total assets		$	8,134,923			$	35,179			$	8,170,102

 

		Commercial
As of and for the Year ended December 31, 2022 (in thousands)		Banking				WM&T				Total
Net interest income		$	232,971			$	412			$	233,383
Provision for credit losses			10,257				—				10,257
Wealth management and trust services			—				36,111				36,111
All other non-interest income			53,038				—				53,038
Non-interest expenses			170,348				21,443				191,791
Income before income tax expense			105,404				15,080				120,484
Income tax expense			23,917				3,273				27,190
Net income			81,487				11,807				93,294
Less net income attributable to NCI			322				-				322
Net income available to stockholders		$	81,165			$	11,807			$	92,972
Total assets		$	7,459,312			$	36,949			$	7,496,261

 

		Commercial
As of and for the Year ended December 31, 2021 (in thousands)		Banking				WM&T				Total
Net interest income		$	170,775			$	299			$	171,074
Provision for credit losses			(753	)			—				(753	)
Wealth management and trust services			—				27,613				27,613
All other non-interest income			38,237				—				38,237
Non-interest expenses			128,091				14,189				142,280
Income before income tax expense			81,674				13,723				95,397
Income tax expense			17,774				2,978				20,752
Net income		$	63,900			$	10,745			$	74,645
Total assets		$	6,641,916			$	4,109			$	6,646,025

 

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(29) Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 

All of Bancorp’s revenue from contracts with customers in the scope of ASC 606 is recognized within non-interest income. The table below presents Bancorp’s sources of non-interest income by business segment with items outside the scope of ASC 606 noted as such:

 

		Year Ended December 31, 2023
(in thousands)		Commercial				WM&T				Total
Wealth management and trust services		$	—			$	39,802			$	39,802
Deposit service charges			8,866				—				8,866
Debit and credit card income			19,438				—				19,438
Treasury management fees			10,033				—				10,033
Mortgage banking income (1)			3,705				—				3,705
Gain (loss) on sale of securities (1)			(44	)			—				(44	)
Net investment product sales commissions and fees			3,205				—				3,205
Bank owned life insurance (1)			2,253				—				2,253
Gain (loss) on sale of premises and equipment (1)			(30	)			—				(30	)
Other (2)			4,992				—				4,992
Total non-interest income		$	52,418			$	39,802			$	92,220

 

		Year Ended December 31, 2022
(in thousands)		Commercial				WM&T				Total
Wealth management and trust services		$	—			$	36,111			$	36,111
Deposit service charges			8,286				—				8,286
Debit and credit card income			18,623				—				18,623
Treasury management fees			8,590				—				8,590
Mortgage banking income (1)			3,210				—				3,210
Net investment product sales commissions and fees			3,063				—				3,063
Bank owned life insurance (1)			1,597				—				1,597
Gain (loss) on sale of premises and equipment (1)			4,369				—				4,341
Other (2)			5,300				—				5,328
Total non-interest income		$	53,038			$	36,111			$	89,149

 

		Year Ended December 31, 2021
(in thousands)		Commercial				WM&T				Total
Wealth management and trust services		$	—			$	27,613			$	27,613
Deposit service charges			5,852				—				5,852
Debit and credit card income			13,456				—				13,456
Treasury management fees			6,912				—				6,912
Mortgage banking income (1)			4,724				—				4,724
Net investment product sales commissions and fees			2,553				—				2,553
Bank owned life insurance (1)			914				—				914
Gain (loss) on sale of premises and equipment (1)			(78	)			—				(78	)
Other (2)			3,904				—				3,904
Total non-interest income		$	38,237			$	27,613			$	65,850

 

(1)	Outside of the scope of ASC 606.

(2)	Outside of the scope of ASC 606, with the exception of safe deposit fees which were nominal for all periods.

 

---

 

Bancorp’s revenue on the consolidated statement of income is categorized by product type, which effectively depicts how the nature, timing and extent of cash flows are affected by economic factors. Revenue sources within the scope of ASC 606 are discussed below:

 

Bancorp earns fees from its deposit customers for transaction-based, account management and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as ATM use fees, stop payments fees and ACH fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed, as that is when the company fulfills the performance obligation. Account management fees are earned over the course of a month and charged in the month in which the services are provided.

 

Treasury management transaction fees are recognized at the time the transaction is executed, as that is when the company fulfills the performance obligation. Account analysis fees are earned over the course of a month and charged in the month in which the services are provided. Treasury management fees are withdrawn from customers’ account balances.

 

WM&T provides customers fiduciary and investment management services as agreed upon in asset management contracts. The contracts require WM&T to provide a series of distinct services for which fees are earned over time. The contracts are cancellable upon demand with fees typically based upon the asset value of investments. Revenue is accrued and recognized monthly based upon month-end asset values and collected from the customer predominately in the following month except for a small percentage of fees collected quarterly. Incentive compensation related to WM&T activities is considered a cost of obtaining the contract. Contracts between WM&T and customers do not permit performance-based fees and accordingly, none of the fee income earned by WM&T is performance-based. Trust fees receivable were $4.2 million and $3.4 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

 

Investment products sales commissions and fees represent the Bank’s share of transaction fees and wrap fees resulting from investment services and programs provided through an agent relationship with a third party broker-dealer. Transaction fees are assessed at the time of the transaction. Those fees are collected and recognized on a monthly basis. Trailing fees are based upon market values and are assessed, collected and recognized on a quarterly basis. Because the Bank acts as an agent in arranging the relationship between the customer and third party provider, and does not control the services rendered, investment product sales commissions and fees are reported net of related costs, including nominal incentive compensation, and trading activity charges of $883,000 and $842,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022.

 

Debit and credit card revenue primarily consists of debit and credit card interchange income. Interchange income represents fees assessed within the payment card system for acceptance of card-based transactions. Interchange fees are assessed as the performance obligation is satisfied, which is at the point in time the card transaction is authorized. Revenue is collected and recognized daily through the payment network settlement process.

 

Bancorp did not establish any contract assets or liabilities as a result of adopting ASC 606, nor were any recognized during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

---

 

 

Management’s Report on Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and other financial data were prepared by the management of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. (Bancorp), which has the responsibility for the integrity of the information presented. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and, as such, include amounts that are the best estimates and judgments of management with consideration given to materiality.

 

Management is further responsible for maintaining a system of internal controls designed to provide reasonable assurance that the books and records reflect the transactions of Bancorp and that its established policies and procedures are carefully followed. Management believes that Bancorp’s system, taken as a whole, provides reasonable assurance that transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets; access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization, and the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences.

 

Management also seeks to assure the objectivity and integrity of Bancorp’s financial data by the careful selection and training of qualified personnel, an internal audit function and organizational arrangements that provide an appropriate division of responsibility.

 

FORVIS, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of Bancorp included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued a report on Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. The report expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023.

 

The Board of Directors provides its oversight role for the consolidated financial statements through the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee meets periodically with management, the internal auditors, and the independent auditors, each on a private basis and as a whole, to review matters relating to financial reporting, the internal control systems, and the scope and results of audit efforts. The internal and independent auditors have unrestricted access to the Audit Committee, with and without the presence of management, to discuss accounting, auditing, and financial reporting matters. The Audit Committee also recommends the appointment of the independent auditors to the Board of Directors, and ultimately has sole authority to appoint or replace the independent auditors.

 

 

/s/ James A. Hillebrand
James A. Hillebrand
Chairman and CEO
/s/ T. Clay Stinnett
T. Clay Stinnett
EVP and CFO

 

 

Item 9.         Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.         

 

Item 9A.         Controls and Procedures.         

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Bancorp maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that it is able to collect the information it is required to disclose in the reports it files with the SEC, and to record, process, summarize and disclose this information within the time periods specified in the rules of the SEC. Based on their evaluation of Bancorp’s disclosure controls and procedures which took place as of December 31, 2023, the Chairman/CEO and CFO believe that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that Bancorp is able to collect, process and disclose the information it is required to disclose in the reports it files with the SEC within the required time periods.

 

Based on the evaluation of Bancorp’s disclosure controls and procedures by the Chairman/CEO and CFO; no changes occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2023 in Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

The management of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and subsidiary (Bancorp) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of Bancorp’s Chairman/CEO and CFO, and effected by Bancorp’s board of directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance GAAP. This process includes those policies and procedures that:

 

●

Pertain to the maintenance of records, that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of Bancorp;

 

●

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of Bancorp are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of Bancorp; and

 

●

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of Bancorp’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management has assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on the control criteria established in a report entitled Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013), issued by the COSO. Based on such assessment, management has concluded that Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2023.

 

FORVIS, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of Bancorp included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has also audited Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023. Their report expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of Bancorp’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023.

 

 

/s/ James A. Hillebrand
James A. Hillebrand
Chairman and CEO
/s/ T. Clay Stinnett
T. Clay Stinnett
EVP and CFO

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Stockholders, Board of Directors, and Audit Committee

 

Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc.

Louisville, Kentucky

 

 

Opinion on the Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

We have audited Stock Yard Bancorp, Inc.’s (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and our report dated February 27, 2024, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

Definitions and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of reliable financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

 

/s/ FORVIS, LLP

 

Indianapolis, Indiana

February 27, 2024

 

 

Item 9B. Other Information.         

 

(b) During the three months ended December 31, 2023, no director or officer (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) of the Company adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as each term is defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.

 

Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.

 

NA.

 

PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.         

 

Information regarding the directors and executive officers of Bancorp is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the headings, “PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS,” and “DELINQUENT SECTION 16(a) REPORTS,” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC for the 2024 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (“Proxy Statement”).

 

Information regarding the Audit Committee is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the headings, “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE – COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD,” and “REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE,” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement.

 

Information regarding principal occupation of Bancorp directors as of December 31, 2023 follows:

 

Name of Director		Principal Occupation
Shannon B. Arvin		President and CEO, Keeneland Association
Paul J. Bickel III		President, U.S. Specialties
Allison J. Donovan		Member, Stoll Keenon Ogden Law Firm
David P. Heintzman		Retired CEO, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company
Carl G. Herde		Vice President/Financial Policy, Kentucky Hospital Association
James A. Hillebrand		Chairman of the Boards and CEO, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company
Richard A. Lechleiter		President, Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville
Philip S. Poindexter		President, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company
Stephen M. Priebe		President, Hall Contracting of Kentucky
Edwin S. Saunier		President, Saunier North American, Inc.
John L. Schutte		CEO, GeriMed, Inc.
Laura L. Wells		Freelance Journalist

 

The Board of Directors of Bancorp has adopted a code of ethics for its CEO and financial executives included under Exhibit 14.

 

 

The following table lists the names and ages as of December 31, 2023 of all current executive officers of Bancorp and the Bank. Each executive officer is appointed by Bancorp’s Board of Directors to serve at the discretion of the Board.

 

There is no arrangement or understanding between any executive officer or Bancorp or the Bank and any other person(s) pursuant to which he/she was or is to be selected as an officer.

 

Name and Age		Position and Offices with
of Executive Officer		Bancorp and/or the Bank
James A. Hillebrand		Chairman and CEO of Bancorp and SYB
Age 55
Philip S. Poindexter		President of Bancorp and SYB; Director of Bancorp and SYB
Age 57
T. Clay Stinnett		EVP, Treasurer and CFO of Bancorp and SYB
Age 50
Michael J. Croce		EVP and Director of Retail Banking of SYB
Age 54
William M. Dishman III		EVP and Chief Credit Officer of SYB
Age 60
Michael V. Rehm		EVP and Chief Lending Officer of SYB
Age 59
Shannon B. Budnick		EVP and Director of WM&T Division of SYB
Age 52

 

Mr. Hillebrand was elected Chairman of the Board effective January 2021. Prior thereto, he was appointed CEO of Bancorp and SYB in October 2018. Prior thereto, he served as President of Bancorp and SYB since 2008. Prior thereto, he served as EVP and Director of Private Banking of SYB since 2005. From 2000 to 2004, he served as SVP of Private Banking. Mr. Hillebrand joined the Bank in 1996.

 

Mr. Poindexter was elected to the Board of Directors at the 2022 Annual Meeting. Prior thereto, he was appointed President of Bancorp and SYB in October 2018. Prior thereto, he served as Chief Lending Officer of SYB since 2008. Prior thereto, he served as EVP of SYB and Director of Commercial Banking. Mr. Poindexter joined the Bank in 2004.

 

Mr. Stinnett was appointed EVP, Treasurer and CFO of Bancorp and SYB in April 2019. Prior thereto, he served as EVP and Chief Strategic Officer of Bancorp and SYB since 2011. Prior thereto, he served as SVP and Chief Strategic Officer of SYB since 2005. Mr. Stinnett joined the Bank in 2000.

 

Mr. Croce was appointed EVP of SYB and Director of Retail Banking in 2014. Prior thereto, he served as SVP of SYB and Division Manager of Business Banking. Mr. Croce joined the Bank in 2004.

 

Mr. Dishman joined the Bank as EVP and Chief Credit Officer in 2009.

 

Mr. Rehm was appointed EVP and Chief Lending Officer of SYB in October 2018. Prior thereto, he served as SVP of SYB and Division Manager of Commercial Lending. Mr. Rehm joined the Bank in 2006.

 

Ms. Budnick was appointed EVP and Director of the WM&T group in January 2024. She previously served as Director of Investments with the WM&T group. Ms. Budnick joined the Bank in 2007.

 

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation.         

 

The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading, “EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION AND OTHER INFORMATION – REPORT ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement.

 

Information regarding the Compensation Committee is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading, “TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement. The report of the Compensation Committee shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed soliciting material or subject to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Exchange Act or the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading, “STOCK OWNERSHIP INFORMATION” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement.

 

The information required by this item concerning equity compensation plan information is included in the Footnote titled “Stock Based Compensation” of the notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.         

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the headings, “PROPOSAL 1. ELECTION OF DIRECTORS” and “TRANSACTIONS WITH MANAGEMENT AND OTHERS,” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.         

 

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading “INDEPENDENT AUDITOR FEES,” in Bancorp’s Proxy Statement.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.         

 

(a) (1)

Financial Statements:

 

	Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 31, 2023 and 2022
	Consolidated Statements of Income - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
	Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

 

(a) (2)

Financial Statement Schedules:   Financial statement schedules are omitted because the information is NA.

 

 

(a) (3)

Exhibits:

 

3.1		Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of S.Y. Bancorp, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of Kentucky on April 25, 2013. Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed April 25, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.
3.2		Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to change the name of the company to Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc., filed with the Secretary of State of Kentucky on April 23, 2014. Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed April 25, 2014, is incorporated by reference herein.
3.3		Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock and adopt majority voting in uncontested director elections, filed with the Secretary of State of Kentucky on April 23, 2015. Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed April 27, 2015, is incorporated by reference herein.
3.4		Bylaws of Bancorp as currently in effect. Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K/A filed October 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference herein.
4.1+		Description of Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. Securities
10.1*		Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (as Amended and Restated in 2009), as filed as Exhibit 10.4 to Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2008, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.2*		Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Director Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan (as Amended and Restated in 2009), as filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2008, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.3*		Form of Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan Employer Contribution Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed on October 23, 2006, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.4*		Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company 2009 Restated Senior Officers Security Plan Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed December 19, 2008, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.5*		Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement (Dishman, Stinnett and Croce), as filed as Exhibit 10.5 to Form 8-K filed January 28, 2010, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.6*		S.Y. Bancorp, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed May 2, 2005, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.7*		Amendment No. 1 to S. Y. Bancorp, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2010, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.8*		Form of Indemnification Agreement between Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, S.Y. Bancorp, Inc. and each member of the Board of Directors. Exhibit 10.3 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001, of Bancorp is incorporated by reference herein.
10.9*		Amendment No. 2 to the S. Y. Bancorp, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on April 22, 2011, is incorporated by reference herein
10.10*		Amendment No. 3 to the S. Y. Bancorp, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.11*		Amendment No. 1 to the Director Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.12*		Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement (for James A. Hillebrand), as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on December 17, 2013, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.13*		Form of Amendment No. 1 to the Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2014, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.14*		Form of Amendment No. 2 to the Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company Director Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2014, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.15*		Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K, on April 27, 2015 is incorporated by reference herein.
10.16*		Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on March 17, 2016, is incorporated by reference herein.

 

 

10.17*		Amendment No. 1 to the Stock Yards Bancorp 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.37 to Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2018, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.18*		Amendment No. 2 to the Stock Yards Bancorp 2015 Omnibus Equity Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on May 1, 2018, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.19*		Executive Transition Agreement by and among David P. Heintzman, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc., and Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on May 29, 2018, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.20*		Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement between Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company and Philip S. Poindexter, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on May 29, 2018, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.21*		Form of Stock Appreciation Rights Grant Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on October 5, 2018, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.22*		Executive Transition Agreement by and among Nancy B. Davis, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc., and Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on November 23, 2018 is incorporated by reference herein.
10.23*		Form of Director Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.29 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, of Bancorp in incorporated by reference herein.
10.24*		Amendment No. 2 to the Stock Yard Bank & Trust Company Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan, as filed as Exhibit 10.30 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, of Bancorp is incorporated by reference herein.
10.25*		Form of Performance-Vested Stock Unit Grant Agreement, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2022, incorporated by reference herein.
10.26*		Executive Transition Agreement by and among Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company, Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. and Kathleen C. Thompson, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on August 16, 2023, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.27*		Change in Control Severance Agreement between Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company and Michael V. Rehm, as filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2023, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.28*		Amendment No. 1 to Change in Control Severance Agreement dated August 22, 2011, between Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company and T. Clay Stinnett, as filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on October 17, 2023, is incorporated by reference herein.
10.29*+		Amendment No. 1 to Change in Control Severance Agreement dated September 17, 2014, between Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company and Michael J. Croce.
10.30*+		Amendment No. 1 to Change in Control Severance Agreement dated January 26, 2010, between Stock Yards Bank & Trust Company and William M. Dishman III.
14+		Code of Ethics for the CEO and Financial Executives
21+		Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.1+		Consent of FORVIS, LLP
31.1+		Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by James A Hillebrand
31.2+		Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act by T. Clay Stinnett
32.1**+		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by James A. Hillebrand
32.2**+		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by T. Clay Stinnett
97*+		Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. Compensation Recoupment Policy

101+		The following financial statements from the Stock Yards Bancorp, Inc. December 31, 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on February 27, 2024, formatted in inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (1)         Consolidated Balance Sheets (2)         Consolidated Statements of Income (3)         Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (4)         Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity (5)         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (6)         Footnotes to Consolidated Financial Statements
104		The cover page from Stock Yards Bancorp Inc.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, formatted in inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101.
		* Indicates matters related to executive compensation or other management contracts.   ** This certification shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.   +Filed herewith

 

 

(b)	Exhibits:
	The exhibits listed in response to Item 15(a) 3 are filed or furnished as part of this report.

 

 

(c)	Financial Statement Schedules:   None.

 

 

 

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.         

 

Not applicable.

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Date: February 27, 2024	STOCK YARDS BANCORP, INC. (Registrant)
	By:	/s/ James A. Hillebrand
		James A. Hillebrand
		Chairman and CEO

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

 

/s/ James A. Hillebrand		Chairman and CEO		February 27, 2024
James A. Hillebrand		(principal executive officer)
/s/ Philip S. Poindexter		President and Director		February 27, 2024
Philip S. Poindexter
/s/ T. Clay Stinnett		EVP and CFO		February 27, 2024
T. Clay Stinnett		(principal financial officer)
/s/ Michael B. Newton		SVP and Principal Accounting Officer		February 27, 2024
Michael B. Newton
/s/ Shannon B. Arvin		Director		February 27, 2024
Shannon B. Arvin
/s/ Paul J. Bickel		Director		February 27, 2024
Paul J. Bickel
/s/ Allison J. Donovan		Director		February 27, 2024
Allison J. Donovan
/s/ David P. Heintzman		Director		February 27, 2024
David P. Heinztman
/s/ Carl G. Herde		Director		February 27, 2024
Carl G. Herde
/s/ Richard A. Lechleiter		Director		February 27, 2024
Richard A. Lechleiter
/s/ Stephen M. Priebe		Director		February 27, 2024
Stephen M. Priebe
/s/ Edwin S. Saunier		Director		February 27, 2024
Edwin S. Saunier
/s/ John L. Schutte		Director		February 27, 2024
John L. Schutte
/s/ Laura L. Wells		Director		February 27, 2024
Laura L. Wells