☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to .
Commission File Number: 0-22140
PATHWARD FINANCIAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
42-1406262
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
5501 South Broadband Lane, Sioux Falls, South Dakota57108
(Address of principal executive offices and Zip Code)
(877) 497-7497
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $.01 par value
CASH
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit such files). Yes☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company See the definitions of "large accelerated filer." "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:
Large accelerated filer
☒
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
March 31, 2023
September 30, 2022
ASSETS
(Unaudited)
(Audited)
Cash and cash equivalents
$
432,598
$
388,038
Securities available for sale, at fair value
1,825,563
1,882,869
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $35,028 and $38,171, respectively)
38,713
41,682
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, at cost
29,387
28,812
Loans held for sale
24,780
21,071
Loans and leases
3,725,616
3,536,305
Allowance for credit losses
(84,304)
(45,947)
Accrued interest receivable
22,434
17,979
Premises, furniture, and equipment, net
39,735
41,710
Rental equipment, net
210,844
204,371
Goodwill and intangible assets
332,503
335,196
Other assets
270,387
295,324
Total assets
$
6,868,256
$
6,747,410
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES
Deposits
$
5,902,696
$
5,866,037
Short-term borrowings
43,000
—
Long-term borrowings
34,543
36,028
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
214,773
200,205
Total liabilities
6,195,012
6,102,270
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, 3,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued, none outstanding at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively
—
—
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 90,000,000 shares authorized, 27,205,406 and 28,878,177 shares issued, 27,055,727 and 28,788,124 shares outstanding at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively
271
288
Common stock, Nonvoting, $0.01 par value; 3,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued, none outstanding at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively
—
—
Additional paid-in capital
623,250
617,403
Retained earnings
245,046
245,394
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(187,829)
(213,080)
Treasury stock, at cost, 149,679 and 90,053 common shares at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022, respectively
(6,943)
(4,835)
Total equity attributable to parent
673,795
645,170
Noncontrolling interest
(551)
(30)
Total stockholders’ equity
673,244
645,140
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
6,868,256
$
6,747,410
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
The interim unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained herein should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 included in Pathward Financial, Inc.’s (“Pathward” or the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on November 22, 2022. Accordingly, footnote disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosures contained in the audited consolidated financial statements have been omitted.
The financial information of the Company included herein has been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial reporting and has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations for reporting on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Such information reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023.
Certain prior fiscal year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year financial statement presentation. These changes and reclassifications did not impact previously reported net income or comprehensive income.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS UPDATES ("ASU")
Significant accounting policies in effect and disclosed within the Company’s most recent audited consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2022 remain substantially unchanged. The following ASU became effective for the Company on October 1, 2022, and did not have a material impact on the Company’s significant accounting policies or Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
–ASU 2021-05, Leases (Topic 842): Lessors - Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments.
NOTE 3. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Rebranding
On December 7, 2021, the Company executed a Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Beige Key, LLC (the “Assignee”) for the sale of all of the Company’s worldwide right, title and interest in and to company names and tradenames including Meta and other "Meta" formative names including MetaBank and Meta Financial Group, and the domain names, social media accounts and goodwill associated with the foregoing (collectively, the “Meta” tradenames) in exchange for $60.0 million in cash. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Agreement, the Company had one year from the Agreement execution date to phase out and cease all use of the Meta tradenames. The Company received $50.0 million upon execution and delivery of the Agreement and was reflected in noninterest income for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. The remaining $10.0 million was received by the Company upon completion of phase out activities during the quarter ended December 31, 2022. There have been no additional rebrand activities since completion of these activities.
The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair values of available for sale ("AFS") and held to maturity ("HTM") debt securities are presented below.
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized (Losses)
Fair Value
Debt Securities AFS
At March 31, 2023
Corporate securities
$
25,000
$
—
$
(6,250)
$
18,750
SBA securities
99,670
—
(5,422)
94,248
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
2,436
—
(79)
2,357
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions
277,767
37
(28,311)
249,493
Asset-backed securities
136,028
—
(9,324)
126,704
Mortgage-backed securities
1,534,356
—
(200,345)
1,334,011
Total debt securities AFS
$
2,075,257
$
37
$
(249,731)
$
1,825,563
At September 30, 2022
Corporate securities
$
25,000
$
—
$
(2,813)
$
22,187
SBA securities
105,238
—
(7,470)
97,768
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
2,469
—
(125)
2,344
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions
290,754
—
(26,971)
263,783
Asset-backed securities
160,806
—
(13,016)
147,790
Mortgage-backed securities
1,581,452
—
(232,455)
1,348,997
Total debt securities AFS
$
2,165,719
$
—
$
(282,850)
$
1,882,869
Debt Securities HTM
At March 31, 2023
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions
$
36,407
$
—
$
(3,474)
$
32,933
Mortgage-backed securities
2,306
—
(211)
2,095
Total debt securities HTM
$
38,713
$
—
$
(3,685)
$
35,028
At September 30, 2022
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions
Gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, were as follows:
LESS THAN 12 MONTHS
OVER 12 MONTHS
TOTAL
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized (Losses)
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized (Losses)
Fair Value
Gross Unrealized (Losses)
Debt Securities AFS
At March 31, 2023
Corporate securities
$
—
$
—
$
18,750
$
(6,250)
$
18,750
$
(6,250)
SBA securities
41,231
(1,166)
53,016
(4,256)
94,247
(5,422)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
—
—
2,357
(79)
2,357
(79)
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions
65,300
(4,118)
183,201
(24,193)
248,501
(28,311)
Asset-backed securities
—
—
126,704
(9,324)
126,704
(9,324)
Mortgage-backed securities
296,523
(14,199)
1,037,488
(186,146)
1,334,011
(200,345)
Total debt securities AFS
$
403,054
$
(19,483)
$
1,421,516
$
(230,248)
$
1,824,570
$
(249,731)
At September 30, 2022
Corporate securities
$
—
$
—
$
22,187
$
(2,813)
$
22,187
$
(2,813)
SBA securities
97,767
(7,470)
—
—
97,767
(7,470)
Obligations of state and political subdivisions
2,345
(125)
—
—
2,345
(125)
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions
195,816
(19,743)
67,967
(7,228)
263,783
(26,971)
Asset-backed securities
64,886
(1,838)
82,904
(11,178)
147,790
(13,016)
Mortgage-backed securities
816,657
(106,583)
532,340
(125,872)
1,348,997
(232,455)
Total debt securities AFS
$
1,177,471
$
(135,759)
$
705,398
$
(147,091)
$
1,882,869
$
(282,850)
Debt Securities HTM
At March 31, 2023
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions
$
—
$
—
$
32,934
$
(3,474)
$
32,934
$
(3,474)
Mortgage-backed securities
—
—
2,096
(211)
2,096
(211)
Total debt securities HTM
$
—
$
—
$
35,030
$
(3,685)
$
35,030
$
(3,685)
At September 30, 2022
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions
$
3,984
$
(300)
$
31,919
$
(2,890)
$
35,903
$
(3,190)
Mortgage-backed securities
2,268
(321)
—
—
2,268
(321)
Total debt securities HTM
$
6,252
$
(621)
$
31,919
$
(2890)
$
38,171
$
(3,511)
At March 31, 2023, there were 192 securities AFS in an unrealized loss position. All of the mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2023 were government guaranteed. Management assessed each investment security with unrealized losses for credit loss and determined substantially all unrealized losses on these securities were due to credit spreads and interest rates versus credit loss. As part of that assessment, management evaluated and concluded that it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will not be required and does not intend to sell any of the securities prior to recovery of the amortized cost. At March 31, 2023, there was no allowance for credit losses ("ACL") for debt securities AFS.
The amortized cost and fair value of debt securities by contractual maturity are shown below. Certain securities have call features that allow the issuer to call the security prior to maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities in MBS because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Therefore, MBS are not included in the maturity categories in the following maturity summary. The expected maturities of certain Small Business Administration ("SBA") securities may differ from contractual maturities because the borrowers may have the right to prepay the obligation. However, certain prepayment penalties may apply.
(Dollars in thousands)
At March 31, 2023
At September 30, 2022
Securities AFS at Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
Due in one year or less
$
3,785
$
3,728
$
718
$
715
Due after one year through five years
5,830
5,468
9,921
9,395
Due after five years through ten years
86,540
76,745
89,921
81,819
Due after ten years
444,746
405,611
483,707
441,943
540,901
491,552
584,267
533,872
Mortgage-backed securities
1,534,356
1,334,011
1,581,452
1,348,997
Total securities AFS, at fair value
$
2,075,257
$
1,825,563
$
2,165,719
$
1,882,869
Securities HTM at Fair Value
Due after ten years
$
36,407
$
32,933
$
39,093
$
35,903
36,407
32,933
39,093
35,903
Mortgage-backed securities
2,306
2,095
2,589
2,268
Total securities HTM, at cost
$
38,713
$
35,028
$
41,682
$
38,171
Equity Securities
The Company held $3.5 million at March 31, 2023 and $2.9 million at September 30, 2022 in marketable equity securities. The Company recognized none and $3.8 million in unrealized losses on marketable equity securities during the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which is attributable to an investee becoming publicly traded during fiscal year 2021. All other marketable equity securities and related activity were insignificant for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. No such securities were sold during the six months ended March 31, 2023.
Non-marketable equity securities with a readily determinable fair value totaled $7.7 million at March 31, 2023 and $7.2 million at September 30, 2022. The Company recognized $0.1 million in unrealized losses and $0.3 million in unrealized gainsduring the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. No such securities were sold during the six months ended March 31, 2023.
Non-marketable equity securities without readily determinable fair value totaled $17.7 million at March 31, 2023 and $18.2 million at September 30, 2022. No such securities were sold during the six months ended March 31, 2023.
Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") Stock
The Bank is required by federal law to subscribe to capital stock (divided into shares of $100 each) as a member of the FRB of Minneapolis with an amount equal to six per centum of the paid-up capital stock and surplus. One-half of the subscription is paid at time of application, and one-half is subject to call of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. FRB of Minneapolis stock held by the Bank totaled $19.7 million at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022. These equity securities are 'restricted' in that they can only be owned by member banks.
The Company's borrowings from the FHLB are secured by specific investment securities. Such advances can be made pursuant to several different credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range of maturities.
The investments in the FHLB stock are required investments related to the Company's membership in and current borrowings from the FHLB of Des Moines. The investments in the FHLB of Des Moines could be adversely impacted by the financial operations of the FHLB and actions of their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
The FHLB stock is carried at cost since it is generally redeemable at par value. The carrying value of the stock held at the FHLB was $9.7 million and $9.1 million at March 31, 2023 and at September 30, 2022, respectively.
These equity securities are ‘restricted’ in that they can only be sold back to the respective institution from which they were acquired or another member institution at par. Therefore, FRB and FHLB stocks are less liquid than other marketable equity securities, and the fair value approximates cost.
Equity Security Impairment
The Company evaluates impairment for investments held at cost on at least an annual basis based on the ultimate recoverability of the par value. All other equity investments, including those under the equity method, are reviewed for other-than-temporary impairment on at least a quarterly basis. The Company recognized $0.5 million and no impairment for such investments for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
NOTE 5. LOANS AND LEASES, NET
Loans and leases consist of the following:
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2023
September 30, 2022
Term lending
$
1,235,453
$
1,090,289
Asset based lending
377,965
351,696
Factoring
338,884
372,595
Lease financing
170,645
210,692
Insurance premium finance
437,700
479,754
SBA/USDA
405,612
359,238
Other commercial finance
166,402
159,409
Commercial finance
3,132,661
3,023,673
Consumer credit products
120,739
144,353
Other consumer finance
27,909
25,306
Consumer finance
148,648
169,659
Tax services
61,553
9,098
Warehouse finance
377,036
326,850
Total loans and leases
3,719,898
3,529,280
Net deferred loan origination costs
5,718
7,025
Total gross loans and leases
3,725,616
3,536,305
Allowance for credit losses
(84,304)
(45,947)
Total loans and leases, net
$
3,641,312
$
3,490,358
During the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company originated $608.6 million and $555.4 million of consumer finance and SBA/USDA as held for sale, respectively.
The Company sold held for sale loans resulting in proceeds of $604.4 millionand gain on sale of $0.1 million during the six months ended March 31, 2023. The Company sold held for sale loans resulting in proceeds of $723.9 millionand loss on sale of $4.1 million during the six months ended March 31, 2022.
Loans purchased and sold by portfolio segment, including participation interests, were as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31,
Six Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Loans Purchased
Loans held for investment:
Commercial finance
$
—
$
1,378
$
—
$
3,098
Warehouse finance
120,185
29,822
187,834
85,815
Total purchases
$
120,185
$
31,200
$
187,834
$
88,913
Loans Sold
Loans held for sale:
Commercial finance
$
294
$
14,090
$
1,149
$
47,113
Consumer finance
201,199
147,163
603,214
523,607
Community banking
—
—
—
153,222
Loans held for investment:
Commercial finance
—
15,549
—
15,549
Community banking
—
—
—
30,235
Total sales
$
201,493
$
176,802
$
604,363
$
769,726
Leasing Portfolio. The net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases was comprised of the following:
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2023
September 30, 2022
Carrying amount
$
173,621
$
216,880
Unguaranteed residual assets
11,849
13,037
Unamortized initial direct costs
202
295
Unearned income
(14,825)
(19,225)
Total net investment in direct financing and sales-type leases
$
170,847
$
210,987
Undiscounted future minimum lease payments receivable for direct financing and sales-type leases, and a reconciliation to the carrying amount recorded at March 31, 2023 were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Remaining in 2023
$
43,358
2024
67,521
2025
37,603
2026
15,265
2027
7,418
Thereafter
2,456
Total undiscounted future minimum lease payments receivable for direct financing and sales-type leases
173,621
Third-party residual value guarantees
—
Total carrying amount of direct financing and sales-type leases
$
173,621
The Company did not record any contingent rental income from direct financing and sales-type leases in the six months ended March 31, 2023.
The COVID-19 pandemic began impacting the U.S. and global economies in the first calendar quarter of 2020, with significant deterioration of macroeconomic conditions and markets into 2021. Although macroeconomic conditions and markets have improved since the beginning of 2021, other factors have been affecting the economic environment in 2022 and 2023 including geopolitical conflict, supply chain disruptions, inflation, rising interest rates, and recent bank failures brought on by, among other things, rising interest rates, deposit outflows and liquidity crises. While the ultimate impact of the pandemic and these other factors on the Company's loan and lease portfolio remains difficult to predict, management continues to evaluate the loan and lease portfolio in order to assess the impact on repayment sources and underlying collateral that could result in additional losses and the impact to our customers and businesses as a result of COVID-19 and other factors impacting the economy and will refine its estimate as developments occur and more information becomes available.
Activity in the allowance for credit losses and balances of loans and leases by portfolio segment was as follows:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning Balance
Provision (Reversal)
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Ending Balance
Allowance for credit losses:
Term lending
$
26,752
$
3,974
$
(2,705)
$
394
$
28,415
Asset based lending
3,903
51
(2,873)
—
1,081
Factoring
5,674
(40)
(62)
16
5,588
Lease financing
5,238
(183)
(607)
101
4,549
Insurance premium finance
1,261
155
(224)
71
1,263
SBA/USDA
2,632
2
—
6
2,640
Other commercial finance
3,356
976
—
—
4,332
Commercial finance
48,816
4,935
(6,471)
588
47,868
Consumer credit products
1,263
(44)
—
—
1,219
Other consumer finance
1,624
276
(154)
—
1,746
Consumer finance
2,887
232
(154)
—
2,965
Tax services
609
31,422
—
1,063
33,094
Warehouse finance
280
97
—
—
377
Total loans and leases
52,592
36,686
(6,625)
1,651
84,304
Unfunded commitments(1)
279
77
—
—
356
Total
$
52,871
$
36,763
$
(6,625)
$
1,651
$
84,660
(1) Reserve for unfunded commitments is recognized within other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
(Dollars in thousands)
Beginning Balance
Provision (Reversal)(2)
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Ending Balance
Allowance for credit losses:
Term lending
$
26,722
$
1,954
$
(1,822)
$
714
$
27,568
Asset based lending
2,758
(175)
—
—
2,583
Factoring
15,242
823
(9,590)
51
6,526
Lease financing
6,857
(395)
(95)
104
6,471
Insurance premium finance
1,044
59
(106)
60
1,057
SBA/USDA
2,996
(53)
—
—
2,943
Other commercial finance
1,349
(152)
—
—
1,197
Commercial finance
56,968
2,061
(11,613)
929
48,345
Consumer credit products
1,627
(6)
—
—
1,621
Other consumer finance
6,960
1,157
(802)
73
7,388
Consumer finance
8,587
1,151
(802)
73
9,009
Tax services
1,601
28,972
—
184
30,757
Warehouse finance
467
(26)
—
—
441
Community banking
—
(2)
—
2
—
Total loans and leases
67,623
32,156
(12,415)
1,188
88,552
Unfunded commitments(1)
405
146
—
—
551
Total
$
68,028
$
32,302
$
(12,415)
$
1,188
$
89,103
(1) Reserve for unfunded commitments is recognized within other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
(2) As a result of the adoption of CECL, effective October 1, 2020, the provision for credit losses includes the provision for unfunded commitments that was previously included within other noninterest expense.
Information on loans and leases that are deemed to be collateral dependent and are evaluated individually for the ACL was as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
At March 31, 2023
At September 30, 2022
Term lending
$
2,809
$
2,885
Factoring
—
550
Lease financing
2,284
2,787
SBA/USDA
1,113
1,199
Commercial finance(1)
6,206
7,421
Total
$
6,206
$
7,421
(1) For Commercial Finance, collateral dependent financial assets have collateral in the form of cash, equipment, or other business assets.
Management has identified certain structured finance credits for alternative energy projects in which a substantial cash collateral account has been established to mitigate credit risk. Due to the nature of the transactions and significant cash collateral positions, these credits are evaluated individually. The balance of these pass rated cash collateral loans totaled $70.8 million and $120.7 million at March 31, 2023 and at September 30, 2022, respectively.
Federal regulations provide for the classification of loans and other assets such as debt and equity securities considered by the Bank's primary regulator, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), to be of lesser quality as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss.” The loan classification and risk rating definitions are as follows:
Pass - A pass asset is of sufficient quality in terms of repayment, collateral and management to preclude a special mention or an adverse rating.
Watch - A watch asset is generally a credit performing well under current terms and conditions but with identifiable weakness meriting additional scrutiny and corrective measures. Watch is not a regulatory classification but can be used to designate assets that are exhibiting one or more weaknesses that deserve management’s attention. These assets are of better quality than special mention assets.
Special Mention - A special mention asset is a credit with potential weaknesses deserving management’s close attention and, if left uncorrected, may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose an institution to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. Special mention is a temporary status with aggressive credit management required to garner adequate progress and move to watch or higher.
The adverse classifications are as follows:
Substandard - A substandard asset is inadequately protected by the net worth and/or repayment ability or by a weak collateral position. Assets so classified will have well-defined weaknesses creating a distinct possibility the Bank will sustain some loss if the weaknesses are not corrected. Loss potential does not have to exist for an asset to be classified as substandard.
Doubtful - A doubtful asset has weaknesses similar to those classified substandard, with the degree of weakness causing the likely loss of some principal in any reasonable collection effort. Due to pending factors, the asset’s classification as loss is not yet appropriate.
Loss - A loss asset is considered uncollectible and of such little value that the asset’s continuance on the Bank’s balance sheet is no longer warranted. This classification does not necessarily mean an asset has no recovery or salvage value leaving room for future collection efforts.
Loans and leases, or portions thereof, are generally charged off when collection of principal becomes doubtful. Typically, this is associated with a delay or shortfall in payments of 210 days or more for commercial insurance premium finance, 120 days or more for consumer credit products and leases, and 90 days or more for commercial finance loans. Action is taken to charge off electronic return originator ("ERO") loans if such loans have not been collected by the end of June and refund advance loans if such loans have not been collected by the end of the calendar year. Nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings are generally individually evaluated for expected credit losses.
The Company recognizes that concentrations of credit may naturally occur and may take the form of a large volume of related loans and leases to an individual, a specific industry, or a geographic location. Credit concentration is a direct, indirect, or contingent obligation that has a common bond where the aggregate exposure equals or exceeds a certain percentage of the Company’s Tier 1 Capital plus the allowable Allowance for Credit Losses.
The Company has various portfolios of consumer finance and tax services loans that present unique risks that are statistically managed. Due to the unique risks associated with these portfolios, the Company monitors other credit quality indicators in their evaluation of the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses on these portfolios, and as such, these loans are not included in the asset classification table below. The outstanding balances of consumer finance loans and tax services loans were $148.6 million and $61.6 million at March 31, 2023, respectively, and $169.7 million and $9.1 million at September 30, 2022, respectively. The amortized cost basis of loans and leases by asset classification and year of origination was as follows:
Loans and leases that are 90 days or more delinquent and accruing by year of origination were as follows:
Amortized Cost Basis
(Dollars in thousands)
Term Loans and Leases by Origination Year
Revolving Loans and Leases
Total
At March 31, 2023
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Term lending
$
1,346
$
35
$
132
$
211
$
40
$
188
$
—
$
1,952
Lease financing
90
468
953
198
30
68
—
1,807
Insurance premium finance
—
1,849
10
8
4
—
—
1,871
Other commercial finance
—
—
—
—
—
94
—
94
Commercial finance
1,436
2,352
1,095
417
74
350
—
5,724
Consumer credit products
174
1,437
404
92
30
3
—
2,140
Other consumer finance
1,032
—
—
—
—
—
45
1,077
Consumer finance
1,206
1,437
404
92
30
3
45
3,217
Total 90 days or more delinquent and accruing
$
2,642
$
3,789
$
1,499
$
509
$
104
$
353
$
45
$
8,941
Amortized Cost Basis
(Dollars in thousands)
Term Loans and Leases by Origination Year
Revolving Loans and Leases
Total
At September 30, 2022
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Prior
Term lending
$
207
$
720
$
716
$
130
$
70
$
192
$
—
$
2,035
Asset based lending
—
—
—
—
—
—
39
39
Lease financing
8
158
98
131
45
—
—
440
Insurance premium finance
1,513
110
5
—
—
—
—
1,628
Commercial finance
1,728
988
819
261
115
192
39
4,142
Consumer credit products
2,123
481
42
23
—
—
—
2,669
Other consumer finance
—
124
—
—
—
—
—
124
Consumer finance
2,123
605
42
23
—
—
—
2,793
Tax services
8,873
—
—
—
—
—
—
8,873
Total 90 days or more delinquent and accruing
$
12,724
$
1,593
$
861
$
284
$
115
$
192
$
39
$
15,808
Certain loans and leases 90 days or more past due as to interest or principal continue to accrue because they are (1) well-secured and in the process of collection or (2) consumer loans exempt under regulatory rules from being classified as nonaccrual until later delinquency, usually 120 days past due.
The following table provides the average recorded investment in nonaccrual loans and leases:
Three Months Ended March 31,
Six Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
2022
2021
Term lending
$
9,758
$
10,688
$
9,277
$
12,305
Asset based lending
5,292
5,993
4,782
5,002
Factoring
523
9,791
615
11,019
Lease financing
3,627
3,020
3,625
3,027
SBA/USDA
1,379
1,464
1,400
840
Commercial finance
20,579
30,956
19,699
32,193
Total loans and leases
$
20,579
$
30,956
$
19,699
$
32,193
The recognized interest income on the Company's nonaccrual loans and leases for the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was not significant.
The Company’s troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs") typically involve forgiving a portion of interest or principal on existing loans, making loans at a rate materially less than current market rates, or extending the term of the loan. No loans were modified in a TDR during the three months ended March 31, 2023. There were $0.2 million of commercial finance loans and $0.2 million of consumer finance loans that were modified in a TDR during the three months ended March 31, 2022, all of which were modified to extend the term of the loan.
During the six months ended March 31, 2023, there were no loans that were modified in a TDR. There were $10.3 million of commercial finance loans and $0.2 million of consumer finance loans that were modified in a TDR during the six months ended March 31, 2022, all of which were modified to extend the term of the loan.
During the three months ended March 31, 2023, there was an immaterial amount of commercial finance loans that were modified in a TDR within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default. During the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company had $0.3 million of commercial finance loans and $0.3 million of consumer finance loans that were modified in a TDR with the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default.
During the six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company had $0.1 million of commercial finance loans that were modified in a TDR within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default. During the six months ended March 31, 2022, the Company had $2.6 million of commercial finance loans and $0.8 million of consumer finance loans that were modified in a TDR within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default. TDR net charge-offs and the impact of TDRs on the Company's allowance for credit losses were insignificant during the six months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022.
NOTE 6. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE ("EPS")
The Company has granted restricted share awards with dividend rights that are considered to be participating securities. Accordingly, a portion of the Company’s earnings is allocated to those participating securities in the earnings per share calculation under the two-class method. Basic EPS is computed using the two-class method by dividing income available to common stockholders after the allocation of dividends and undistributed earnings to the participating securities by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is calculated using the more dilutive of the treasury stock method or the two-class method. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised, and is computed after giving consideration to the weighted average dilutive effect of the Company’s stock options, performance share units, and nonvested restricted stock, where applicable. Diluted EPS under the two-class method also considers the allocation of earnings to the participating securities. Antidilutive securities are disregarded in earnings per share calculations. Diluted EPS shown below reflects the two-class method, as diluted EPS under the two-class method was more dilutive than under the treasury stock method.
A reconciliation of net income and common stock share amounts used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is presented below.
Three Months Ended March 31,
Six Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Basic income per common share:
Net income attributable to Pathward Financial, Inc.
$
54,771
$
49,251
$
82,613
$
110,575
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities
(841)
(815)
(1,231)
(1,773)
Basic net earnings available to common stockholders
53,930
48,436
81,382
108,802
Undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stockholders
820
791
1,190
1,724
Reallocation of undistributed earnings to nonvested restricted stockholders
(818)
(791)
(1,187)
(1,723)
Diluted net earnings available to common stockholders
$
53,932
$
48,436
$
81,385
$
108,803
Total weighted-average basic common shares outstanding
27,078,048
29,212,301
27,555,197
29,731,797
Effect of dilutive securities(1)
Performance share units
91,521
12,061
77,540
17,035
Total effect of dilutive securities
91,521
12,061
77,540
17,035
Total weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding
27,169,569
29,224,362
27,632,737
29,748,832
Net earnings per common share:
Basic earnings per common share
$
1.99
$
1.66
$
2.95
$
3.66
Diluted earnings per common share(2)
$
1.99
$
1.66
$
2.95
$
3.66
(1) Represents the effect of the assumed exercise of stock options and vesting of performance share units and restricted stock, as applicable, utilizing the treasury stock method.
(2) Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were 422,461 and 491,621 weighted average shares of nonvested restricted stock because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. Excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were 417,012 and 484,457 weighted average shares of nonvested restricted stock because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
NOTE 7. RENTAL EQUIPMENT, NET
Rental equipment consists of the following:
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2023
September 30, 2022
Computers and IT networking equipment
$
20,589
$
21,669
Motor vehicles and other
121,014
107,648
Other furniture and equipment
35,604
34,254
Solar panels and equipment
137,548
133,765
Total
314,755
297,336
Accumulated depreciation
(105,073)
(94,355)
Unamortized initial direct costs
1,162
1,390
Net book value
$
210,844
$
204,371
During the quarter, certain solar panels and equipment assets had a change in depreciable life that resulted in additional depreciation expense of $4.8 million occurring during the three-month period ended March 31, 2023. The assets impacted are now carried at their residual value and will not be subject to depreciation going forward.
Future minimum lease payments expected to be received for operating leases at March 31, 2023 were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Remaining in 2023
$
20,951
2024
35,326
2025
27,772
2026
19,091
2027
12,569
Thereafter
12,758
Total
$
128,467
NOTE 8. GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company held a total of $309.5 million of goodwill at March 31, 2023. The recorded goodwill is a result of multiple business combinations that occurred from 2015 to 2018. There have been no changes to the carrying amount of goodwill during the six months ended March 31, 2023.
The changes in the carrying amount of the Company’s intangible assets were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Trademark(1)
Non-Compete
Customer Relationships(2)
All Others(3)
Total
Intangible Assets
At September 30, 2022
$
8,605
$
—
$
12,395
$
4,691
$
25,691
Amortization during the period
(609)
—
(1,819)
(265)
(2,693)
At March 31, 2023
$
7,996
$
—
$
10,576
$
4,426
$
22,998
Gross carrying amount
$
14,624
$
2,481
$
82,088
$
9,940
$
109,133
Accumulated amortization
(6,628)
(2,481)
(60,594)
(5,296)
(74,999)
Accumulated impairment
—
(10,918)
(218)
(11,136)
At March 31, 2023
$
7,996
$
—
$
10,576
$
4,426
$
22,998
At September 30, 2021
$
9,823
$
40
$
17,868
$
5,417
$
33,148
Acquisitions during the period
—
—
—
1
1
Amortization during the period
(526)
(40)
(2,829)
(262)
(3,657)
Write-offs during the period
—
—
—
(202)
(202)
At March 31, 2022
$
9,297
$
—
$
15,039
$
4,954
$
29,290
Gross carrying amount
$
14,624
$
2,481
$
82,088
$
9,940
$
109,133
Accumulated amortization
(5,327)
(2,481)
(56,801)
(4,768)
(69,377)
Accumulated impairment
—
—
(10,248)
(218)
(10,466)
At March 31, 2022
$
9,297
$
—
$
15,039
$
4,954
$
29,290
(1) Book amortization period of 5-15 years. Amortized using the straight line and accelerated methods.
(2) Book amortization period of 10-30 years. Amortized using the accelerated method.
(3) Book amortization period of 3-20 years. Amortized using the straight line method.
The estimated amortization expense of intangible assets assumes no activities, such as acquisitions, which would result in additional amortizable intangible assets. Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets in the remaining six months of fiscal 2023 and subsequent fiscal years at March 31, 2023 was as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Remaining in 2023
$
2,250
2024
4,128
2025
3,566
2026
3,220
2027
2,574
Thereafter
7,260
Total anticipated intangible amortization
$
22,998
There were no impairments to intangible assets during the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. Intangible impairment expense is recorded within the impairment expense line of the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
NOTE 9. OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
Operating lease ROU assets, included in other assets, were $28.5 million and $31.8 million at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Operating lease liabilities, included in accrued expenses and other liabilities, were $30.4 million and $33.6 million at March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Undiscounted future minimum operating lease payments and a reconciliation to the amount recorded as operating lease liabilities at March 31, 2023 were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
Remaining in 2023
$
2,045
2024
3,913
2025
3,718
2026
3,195
2027
3,092
Thereafter
18,639
Total undiscounted future minimum lease payments
34,602
Discount
(4,169)
Total operating lease liabilities
$
30,433
The weighted-average discount rate and remaining lease term for operating leases at March 31, 2023 were as follows:
Weighted-average discount rate
2.36
%
Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)
9.98
The components of total lease costs for operating leases were as follows:
The Company's Board of Directors authorized the September 3, 2021 share repurchase program to repurchase up to 6,000,000 shares of the Company's outstanding common stock. This authorization is effective from September 3, 2021 through September 30, 2024. During the six months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company repurchased 1,826,694 and 2,447,699 shares, respectively, as part of the share repurchase programs.
Under the repurchase programs, repurchased shares were retired and designated as authorized but unissued shares. The Company accounts for repurchased shares using the par value method under which the repurchase price is charged to paid-in capital up to the amount of the original proceeds of those shares. When the repurchase price is greater than the original issue proceeds, the excess is charged to retained earnings. As of March 31, 2023, 2,468,283 shares of common stock remained available for repurchase.
For the six months ended March 31, 2023, and 2022, the Company also repurchased 59,626 and 64,536 shares, or $2.1 million and $3.7 million of common stock, respectively, in settlement of employee tax withholding obligations due upon the vesting of restricted stock.
Retirement of Treasury Stock
The Company accounts for the retirement of repurchased shares, including treasury stock, using the par value method under which the repurchase price is charged to paid-in capital up to the amount of the original proceeds of those shares. When the repurchase price is greater than the original issue proceeds, the excess is charged to retained earnings. The Company retired zero shares of common stock held in treasury during the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
NOTE 11. STOCK COMPENSATION
The Company maintains the Pathward Financial, Inc. 2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended and restated (the "2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan"), which, among other things, provides for the awarding of stock options, nonvested (restricted) shares, and performance share units ("PSUs") to certain officers and directors of the Company. Awards are granted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors based on the performance of the award recipients or other relevant factors.
Compensation expense for share-based awards is recorded over the vesting period at the fair value of the award at the time of the grant. The exercise price of options or fair value of nonvested (restricted) shares and performance share units granted under the Company’s 2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan is equal to the fair market value of the underlying stock at the grant date, adjusted for dividends where applicable. The Company has elected, with the adoption of ASU 2016-09, to record forfeitures as they occur.
The following tables show the activity of nonvested (restricted) shares and PSUs granted, vested, or forfeited under the 2002 Omnibus Incentive Plan for the six months ended March 31, 2023. There were no options granted, exercised, or forfeited under this plan during the six months ended March 31, 2023.
Performance share units outstanding, September 30, 2022
96,689
$
42.59
Granted(1)
59,115
38.94
Vested
—
—
Forfeited or expired
—
—
Performance share units outstanding, March 31, 2023
155,804
$
41.20
(1) The number of PSUs granted reflects the target number of PSUs able to be earned under a given award.
At March 31, 2023, stock-based compensation expense not yet recognized in income totaled $10.2 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average remaining period of 1.53 years.
NOTE 12. INCOME TAXES
The Company recorded an income tax expense of $15.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2023, resulting in an effective tax rate of 15.83%, compared to an income tax expense of $22.3 million, or an effective tax rate of 16.66%, for the six months ended March 31, 2022. The Company’s effective tax rate was lower than the U.S. statutory rate of 21% primarily because of the anticipated effect of investment tax credits during fiscal year 2023. The Company's effective tax rate in the future will depend in part on actual investment tax credits generated from qualified renewable energy property.
The table below compares the income tax expense components for the periods presented.
Topic 606 applies to all contracts with customers unless such revenue is specifically addressed under existing guidance. The table below presents the Company’s revenue by operating segment. For additional descriptions of the Company’s operating segments, including additional financial information and the underlying management accounting process, see Note 14. Segment Reporting to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
(Dollars in thousands)
Consumer
Commercial
Corporate Services/Other
Consolidated Company
Three Months Ended March 31,
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net interest income(1)
$
41,418
$
30,156
$
46,758
$
44,879
$
13,229
$
8,765
$
101,405
$
83,800
Noninterest income:
Refund transfer product fees
30,205
27,805
—
—
—
—
30,205
27,805
Refund advance fee income(1)
37,995
39,299
—
—
—
—
37,995
39,299
Card and deposit fees
41,828
26,270
252
244
7
6
42,087
26,520
Rental income(1)
—
—
12,737
11,225
203
150
12,940
11,375
Gain (loss) on sale of securities(1)
—
—
—
—
82
260
82
260
Gain (loss) on sale of other(1)
—
—
(748)
1,229
—
(603)
(748)
626
Other income(1)
1,748
1,387
1,935
2,839
794
(345)
4,477
3,881
Total noninterest income
111,776
94,761
14,176
15,537
1,086
(532)
127,038
109,766
Revenue
$
153,194
$
124,917
$
60,934
$
60,416
$
14,315
$
8,233
$
228,443
$
193,566
Six Months Ended March 31,
Net interest income(1)
$
75,690
$
56,427
$
89,082
$
89,805
$
20,690
$
9,181
$
185,462
$
155,413
Noninterest income:
Refund transfer product fees
30,882
28,384
—
—
—
—
30,882
28,384
Refund advance fee income(1)
38,612
40,532
—
—
—
—
38,612
40,532
Card and deposit fees
79,280
51,402
513
475
12
12
79,805
51,889
Rental income(1)
—
—
25,252
22,302
396
150
25,648
22,452
Gain (loss) on sale of securities(1)
—
—
—
—
82
397
82
397
Gain on sale of trademarks
—
—
—
—
10,000
50,000
10,000
50,000
Gain (loss) on sale of other(1)
—
—
(246)
6,093
—
(8,932)
(246)
(2,839)
Other income(1)
2,541
2,152
3,019
5,624
2,472
(2,234)
8,032
5,542
Total noninterest income
151,315
122,470
28,538
34,494
12,962
39,393
192,815
196,357
Revenue
$
227,005
$
178,897
$
117,620
$
124,299
$
33,652
$
48,574
$
378,277
$
351,770
(1) These revenues are not within the scope of Topic 606. Additional details are included in other footnotes to the accompanying financial statements. The scope of Topic 606 explicitly excludes net interest income as well as many other revenues for financial assets and liabilities, including loans, leases, and securities.
Following is a discussion of key revenues within the scope of Topic 606. The Company provides services to customers that have related performance obligations that must be completed to recognize revenue. Revenues are generally recognized immediately upon the completion of the service or over time as services are performed. Any services performed over time generally require that the Company renders services each period; therefore, the Company measures progress in completing these services based upon the passage of time. Revenue from contracts with customers did not generate significant contract assets and liabilities.
Refund Transfer Product Fees. Refund transfer fees are specific to the Banking as a Service ("BaaS") business line and reflect product fees offered by the Company through third-party tax preparers and tax preparation software providers where the Company acts as the partnering financial institution. A refund transfer allows a taxpayer to pay tax preparation and filing fees directly from their federal or state government tax refund, with the remainder of the refund being disbursed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the taxpayer agreement, which may include satisfaction of other disbursement obligations before going directly to the taxpayer via check, direct deposit, or prepaid card. Refund transfer fees are recognized by the Company immediately after the taxpayer's refund has been disbursed in accordance with the contract and is based on standalone pricing included within the terms and conditions. Certain expenses to tax preparation software providers are netted with refund transfer fee income as the Company is considered the agent in these contractual relationships. All refund transfer fees are recorded within the Consumer reporting segment.
Card and Deposit Fees. Card fees relate to the BaaS business line and consists of income from prepaid cards and merchant services, including interchange fees from prepaid cards processed through card association networks, merchant services and other card related services. Interchange rates are generally set by card association networks based on transaction volume and other factors. Since interchange fees are generated by cardholder activity, the Company recognizes the income as transactions occur. Fee income for merchant services and other card related services reflect account management and transaction fees charged to merchants for processing card association network transactions. The associated income is recognized as transactions occur or as services are performed. For the Company's internally managed prepaid card programs, fees are based on standalone pricing within the terms and conditions of the cardholder agreement. The Company is considered the principal of these relationships resulting in all fee income being presented on a gross basis within the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations. For the Company's sponsorship prepaid card programs where a third-party is considered the Program Manager, the fees are based on standalone pricing within the terms and conditions of the Program Agreement. For these relationships, the Company is considered the agent and certain expenses with the Program Manager, networks and associations are netted with card fee revenue. All card fee income is included in the Consumer reporting segment.
Deposit fees relate to the BaaS and Commercial Finance business lines and consist of income from banking and deposit-related services, including account services, overdraft protection, and wire transfers. Fee income for account services is recognized over the course of the month as the performance obligation is satisfied. Fee income for overdraft protection and wire transfers is recognized point in time when such event occurs. For BaaS, the fees for account services and overdraft protection are based on standalone pricing within the terms and conditions of the Program Agreement with the sponsorship partner. For these relationships, the Company is considered the agent and certain expenses with the partner are netted with deposit fee revenue. For Commercial Finance, fees for wire transfers are based on standalone pricing within the terms and conditions of the customer deposit agreement. Bank and deposit fees for the BaaS and Commercial Finance business lines are included in the Consumer and Commercial reporting segments, respectively. Also included within Card and Deposit Fees for the Consumer reporting segment are servicing fees the Company recognizes for custodial off-balance sheet deposits. This fee income is for services the Bank performs to maintain records of cardholder funds placed at one or more third-party banks insured by the FDIC. The servicing fee is typically reflective of the effective federal funds rate ("EFFR").
NOTE 14. SEGMENT REPORTING
An operating segment is generally defined as a component of a business for which discrete financial information is available and whose results are reviewed by the chief operating decision-maker. Operating segments are aggregated into reportable segments if certain criteria are met.
The Company reports its results of operations through the following three business segments: Consumer, Commercial, and Corporate Services/Other. The BaaS business line is reported in the Consumer segment. The Commercial Finance business line is reported in the Commercial segment. The Corporate Services/Other segment includes certain shared services as well as treasury related functions such as the investment portfolio, warehouse finance, wholesale deposits and borrowings.
The following tables present segment data for the Company:
(Dollars in thousands)
Consumer
Commercial
Corporate Services/Other
Total
Three Months Ended March 31,
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
2023
2022
Net interest income
$
41,418
$
30,156
$
46,758
$
44,879
$
13,229
$
8,765
$
101,405
$
83,800
Provision for credit losses
31,654
29,685
5,012
2,205
97
412
36,763
32,302
Noninterest income (loss)
111,776
94,761
14,176
15,537
1,086
(532)
127,038
109,766
Noninterest expense
49,910
29,892
38,846
31,457
38,380
41,811
127,136
103,160
Income (loss) before income tax expense
71,630
65,340
17,076
26,754
(24,162)
(33,990)
64,544
58,104
Total assets
361,528
456,335
3,581,677
3,355,196
2,925,051
3,075,708
6,868,256
6,887,239
Total goodwill
87,145
87,145
222,360
222,360
—
—
309,505
309,505
Total deposits
5,744,278
5,693,063
9,313
6,882
149,105
129,941
5,902,696
5,829,886
Six Months Ended March 31,
Net interest income
$
75,690
$
56,427
$
89,082
$
89,805
$
20,690
$
9,181
$
185,462
$
155,413
Provision (reversal of) for credit losses
34,894
30,946
11,595
13,797
50
(12,255)
46,539
32,488
Noninterest income
151,315
122,470
28,538
34,494
12,962
39,393
192,815
196,357
Noninterest expense
84,404
49,553
71,595
64,504
76,196
71,539
232,195
185,596
Income (loss) before income tax expense
107,707
98,398
34,430
45,998
(42,594)
(10,710)
99,543
133,686
Total assets
361,528
456,335
3,581,677
3,355,196
2,925,051
3,075,708
6,868,256
6,887,239
Total goodwill
87,145
87,145
222,360
222,360
—
—
309,505
309,505
Total deposits
5,744,278
5,693,063
9,313
6,882
149,105
129,941
5,902,696
5,829,886
NOTE 15. FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities using a hierarchy system and requires disclosures about fair value measurement. It clarifies that fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the market in which the reporting entity transacts.
The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1 Inputs - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets that the Company has the ability to access at measurement date.
Level 2 Inputs - Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-based valuation techniques for which significant assumptions are observable in the market.
Level 3 Inputs - Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use significant assumptions not observable in the market and are used only to the extent that observable inputs are not available. These unobservable assumptions reflect the Company’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Debt Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity. Debt securities available for sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and debt securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost.
The fair value of debt securities available for sale, categorized primarily as Level 2, is recorded using prices obtained from independent asset pricing services that are based on observable transactions, but not quoted markets. Management reviews the prices obtained from independent asset pricing services for unusual fluctuations and compares to current market trading activity.
Equity Securities. Marketable equity securities and certain non-marketable equity securities are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The fair values of marketable equity securities are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs).
The following tables summarize the fair values of debt securities available for sale and equity securities as they are measured at fair value on a recurring basis.
At March 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Debt securities AFS
Corporate securities
$
18,750
$
—
$
18,750
$
—
SBA securities
94,248
—
94,248
—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
2,357
—
2,357
—
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions
249,493
—
249,493
—
Asset-backed securities
126,704
—
126,704
—
Mortgage-backed securities
1,334,011
—
1,334,011
—
Total debt securities AFS
$
1,825,563
$
—
$
1,825,563
$
—
Common equities and mutual funds(1)
$
3,545
$
3,545
$
—
$
—
Non-marketable equity securities(2)
$
7,749
$
—
$
—
$
—
(1) Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2023.
(2) Consists of certain non-marketable equity securities that are measured at fair value using net asset value ("NAV") per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.
At September 30, 2022
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Debt securities AFS
Corporate securities
$
22,187
$
—
$
22,187
$
—
SBA securities
97,768
—
97,768
—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
2,344
—
2,344
—
Non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions
263,783
—
263,783
—
Asset-backed securities
147,790
—
147,790
—
Mortgage-backed securities
1,348,997
—
1,348,997
—
Total debt securities AFS
$
1,882,869
$
—
$
1,882,869
$
—
Common equities and mutual funds(1)
$
2,874
$
2,874
$
—
$
—
Non-marketable equity securities(2)
$
7,212
$
—
$
—
$
—
(1) Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2022.
(2) Consists of certain non-marketable equity securities that are measured at fair value using NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.
Loans and Leases. The Company does not record loans and leases at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if a loan or lease is individually evaluated for risk of credit loss and repayment is expected to be solely provided by the values of the underlying collateral, the Company measures fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Fair value is determined by the fair value of the underlying collateral less estimated costs to sell. The fair value of the collateral is determined based on the internal estimates and/or assessment provided by third-party appraisers and the valuation relies on discount rates ranging from 4%% to 62%.
The following table summarizes the assets of the Company that are measured at fair value in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition on a non-recurring basis:
At March 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Loans and leases, net individually evaluated for credit loss
Commercial finance
$
625
$
—
$
—
$
625
Total loans and leases, net individually evaluated for credit loss
625
—
—
625
Total
$
625
$
—
$
—
$
625
At September 30, 2022
(Dollars in thousands)
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Loans and leases, net individually evaluated for credit loss
Commercial finance
$
1,575
$
—
$
—
$
1,575
Total loans and leases, net individually evaluated for credit loss
1,575
—
—
1,575
Foreclosed assets, net
1
—
—
1
Total
$
1,576
$
—
$
—
$
1,576
Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair Value at
March 31, 2023
Fair Value at
September 30, 2022
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range of Inputs
Loans and leases, net individually evaluated for credit loss
$
625
$
1,575
Market approach
Appraised values(1)
4% - 62%
(1) The Company generally relies on external appraisers to develop this information. Management reduced the appraised value by estimating selling costs and other inputs in a range of 4% to 62%.
Management discloses the estimated fair value of financial instruments, including assets and liabilities on and off the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, for which it is practicable to estimate fair value. These fair value estimates were made at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022 based on relevant market information and information about financial instruments. Fair value estimates are intended to represent the price at which an asset could be sold or a liability could be settled. However, since there is no active market for certain financial instruments of the Company, the estimates of fair value are subjective in nature, involve uncertainties, and include matters of significant judgment. Changes in assumptions as well as tax considerations could significantly affect the estimated values. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value estimates are not intended to represent the underlying value of the Company, on either a going concern or a liquidation basis.
The following tables present the carrying amount and estimated fair value of the financial instruments held by the Company:
At March 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying Amount
Estimated Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
432,598
$
432,598
$
432,598
$
—
$
—
Debt securities available for sale
1,825,563
1,825,563
—
1,825,563
—
Debt securities held to maturity
38,713
35,028
—
35,028
—
Common equities and mutual funds(1)
3,545
3,545
3,545
—
—
Non-marketable equity securities(1)(2)
22,563
22,563
—
14,814
—
Loans held for sale
24,780
24,780
—
24,780
—
Loans and leases
3,719,898
3,710,718
—
—
3,710,718
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stocks
29,387
29,387
—
29,387
—
Accrued interest receivable
22,434
22,434
22,434
—
—
Financial liabilities
Deposits
5,902,696
5,902,526
5,896,367
6,159
—
Overnight federal funds purchased
43,000
43,000
43,000
—
—
Other short- and long-term borrowings
34,543
32,961
—
32,961
—
Accrued interest payable
204
204
204
—
—
(1) Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at March 31, 2023.
(2) Includes certain non-marketable equity securities that are measured at fair value using NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.
At September 30, 2022
(Dollars in thousands)
Carrying Amount
Estimated Fair Value
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Financial assets
Cash and cash equivalents
$
388,038
$
388,038
$
388,038
$
—
$
—
Debt securities available for sale
1,882,869
1,882,869
—
1,882,869
—
Debt securities held to maturity
41,682
38,171
—
38,171
—
Common equities and mutual funds(1)
2,874
2,874
2,874
—
—
Non-marketable equity securities(1)(2)
22,526
22,526
—
15,314
—
Loans held for sale
21,071
21,071
—
21,071
—
Loans and leases
3,529,280
3,525,803
—
—
3,525,803
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stocks
28,812
28,812
—
28,812
—
Accrued interest receivable
17,979
17,979
17,979
—
—
Financial liabilities
Deposits
5,866,037
5,865,854
5,858,283
7,571
—
Other short- and long-term borrowings
36,028
35,986
—
35,986
—
Accrued interest payable
192
192
192
—
—
(1) Equity securities at fair value are included within other assets on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition at September 30, 2022.
(2) Includes certain non-marketable equity securities that are measured at fair value using NAV per share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient and are excluded from the fair value hierarchy.
NOTE 16. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
Management has evaluated subsequent events that occurred after March 31, 2023. During this period, up to the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, management did not identify any material subsequent events that would require recognition or disclosure in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of or for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
PATHWARD FINANCIAL, INC.®
AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
PATHWARD FINANCIAL, INC. ("Pathward Financial" or the "Company" or "us") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pathward®, National Association ("Pathward®, N.A" or "Pathward" or "the Bank") may from time to time make written or oral “forward-looking statements,” including statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the Company’s reports to stockholders, and other communications by the Company and Pathward, N.A, which are made in good faith by the Company pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
You can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “may,” “hope,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “could,” “future,” or the negative of those terms, or other words of similar meaning or similar expressions. You should carefully read statements that contain these words because they discuss our future expectations or state other “forward-looking” information. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and assumptions about future events, and include statements with respect to the Company’s beliefs, expectations, estimates, and intentions, which are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various factors, some of which are beyond the Company’s control. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual growth, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, performance and business prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Such statements address, among others, the following subjects: future operating results including our performance expectations; the impact of measures expected to increase efficiencies or reduce expenses; customer retention; loan and other product demand; expectations concerning acquisitions and divestitures; new products and services; credit quality; the level of net charge-offs and the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses; technology; and the Company's employees. The following factors, among others, could cause the Company's financial performance and results of operations to differ materially from the expectations, estimates, and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements: maintaining our executive management team; expected growth opportunities may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; the potential adverse effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and any governmental or societal responses thereto, or other unusual and infrequently occurring events, including the impact on financial markets from geopolitical conflicts such as the military conflict between Russia and Ukraine; our ability to achieve brand recognition for Pathward equal to or greater than we enjoyed for MetaBank; our ability to successfully implement measures designed to reduce expenses and increase efficiencies; changes in trade, monetary, and fiscal policies and laws, including actual changes in interest rates and the Fed Funds rate; changes in tax laws; the strength of the United States' economy, and the local economies in which the Company operates; adverse developments in the financial services industry generally such as the recent bank failures, inflation, market, and monetary fluctuations; the timely and efficient development of new products and services offered by the Company or its strategic partners, as well as risks (including reputational and litigation) attendant thereto, and the perceived overall value of these products and services by users; Pathward's ability to maintain its Durbin Amendment exemption; the risks of dealing with or utilizing third parties, including, in connection with the Company’s prepaid card and tax refund advance businesses, the risk of reduced volume of refund advance loans as a result of reduced customer demand for or usage of Pathward’s strategic partners’ refund advance products; our relationship with, and any actions which may be initiated by, our regulators; changes in financial services laws and regulations, including laws and regulations relating to the tax refund industry and the insurance premium finance industry; technological changes, including, but not limited to, the protection of our electronic systems and information; the impact of acquisitions and divestitures; litigation risk; the growth of the Company’s business, as well as expenses related thereto; continued maintenance by Pathward of its status as a well-capitalized institution; changes in consumer borrowing, spending, and saving habits; losses from fraudulent or illegal activity; technological risks and developments and cyber threats, attacks, or events; and the success of the Company at maintaining its high quality asset level and managing and collecting assets of borrowers in default should problem assets increase.
The foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update, revise, or clarify these forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in its entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Additional discussions of factors affecting the Company’s business and prospects are reflected under the caption “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the Company’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, and in the Company's other filings made with the SEC. The Company expressly disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the Company or its subsidiaries, whether as a result of new information, changed circumstances, or future events or for any other reason.
The Company, a registered bank holding company, is a Delaware corporation, the principal assets of which are all the issued and outstanding shares of the Bank, a national bank. Unless the context otherwise requires, references herein to the Company include Pathward Financial and the Bank, and all direct or indirect subsidiaries of Pathward Financial on a consolidated basis.
The Company’s common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CASH.”
The following discussion focuses on the consolidated financial condition of the Company at March 31, 2023, compared to September 30, 2022, and the consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, and notes thereto, for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 and the related management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Company Highlights
•On April 5, 2023, Pathward®, N.A. announced it became Certified™ by Great Place to Work® for the first time. Great Place to Work holds itself out as the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.
•On February 28, 2023, the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Pathward Financial appointed Christopher Perretta as a member of the Board.
Financial Highlights for the 2023 Fiscal Second Quarter
•Total revenue for the second quarter was $228.4 million, an increase of $34.9 million, or 18%, compared to the same quarter in fiscal 2022, primarily driven by an increase in both noninterest income and net interest income.
•Net interest margin ("NIM") increased 132 basis points to 6.12% for the second quarter from 4.80% during the same period of last year primarily driven by an increase in loan and lease and investment securities yields.
•Total gross loans and leases at March 31, 2023 decreased $4.6 million to $3.73 billion compared to March 31, 2022 and increased $215.9 million, or 6%, when compared to December 31, 2022. The decrease compared to the prior year quarter was primarily due to a reduction in consumer finance loans driven by the sale of the $81.5 million student loan portfolio during the fiscal 2022 fourth quarter and a reduction in warehouse finance loans, partially offset by growth in the commercial finance portfolio. The primary drivers for the increase on a linked quarter basis was growth in commercial finance and warehouse finance loans.
•During the 2023 fiscal second quarter, the Company recognized a total of $6.8 million in pre-tax adverse financial impacts attributable to the disposal or change in depreciable life of several mobile solar generators related to a single relationship. In fiscal year 2019, the business incurred a large impairment expense associated with one company with which it had legacy transactions that turned out to be fraudulent. At that time, the assets were written down to their market value and redeployed under an equipment lease agreement to new participants. Upon the return of the leased assets, the Company performed a due diligence assessment, which led to the determination to dispose certain generators based on their condition and adjust the depreciable life for the remaining generators to better reflect the service period based on market conditions and advancements in technology. This was an isolated event limited to this equipment type and is not indicative of the remaining Rental Equipment portfolio. The remaining value of the generators on the balance sheet is $1.3 million.
•During the 2023 fiscal second quarter, the Company repurchased 1,172,700 shares of common stock at an average share price of $46.60.
For the six months ended March 31, 2023, total tax services product revenue was $72.4 million, an increase of 2% compared to the same period of the prior year. Total tax services product fee income, total tax services product expense, and net interest income on tax services loans all increased slightly compared to the prior year period. Provision for tax services products was $33.1 million, an increase of 17% when compared to the same period of the prior year, primarily due to an expected shift in mix in refund advances from national franchise channels to independent tax providers.
Total tax services product income, net of losses and direct product expenses, decreased 14% to $29.7 million from $34.4 million, when comparing the first six months of fiscal 2023 to the same period of the prior fiscal year.
For the 2023 tax season, Pathward originated $1.46 billion in refund advance loans compared to $1.83 billion during the 2022 tax season. When excluding the two partners the Company did not renew after the 2022 tax season, loan originations increased $116.2 million this tax season compared to the previous year.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
At March 31, 2023, the Company’s total assets increased by $120.8 million to $6.87 billion compared to September 30, 2022, primarily due to growth of $189.3 million in total loans and leases, partially offset by a reduction of $57.3 million in securities available for sale.
Total cash and cash equivalents was $432.6 million at March 31, 2023, increasing from $388.0 million at September 30, 2022. The Company maintains its cash investments primarily in interest-bearing overnight deposits with the FHLB of Des Moines and the FRB. At March 31, 2023, the Company did not have any federal funds sold.
The Company's investment security balances decreased $60.3 million, or 3%, to $1.86 billion at March 31, 2023, compared to $1.92 billion at September 30, 2022, due to maturities and principal pay downs. The Company’s portfolio of securities customarily consists primarily of MBS, which have expected lives much shorter than the stated final maturity, non-bank qualified obligations of states and political subdivisions, which mature in approximately 15 years or less, and other tax exempt municipal mortgage related pass through securities which have average lives much shorter than their stated final maturities. During the six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company made no purchases of investment securities.
Loans held for sale at March 31, 2023 totaled $24.8 million, increasing from $21.1 million at September 30, 2022. This increase was driven by growth in consumer credit products held for sale at March 31, 2023 compared to September 30, 2022.
Total gross loans and leases totaled $3.73 billion at March 31, 2023, as compared to $3.54 billion at September 30, 2022. The primary driver for the increase was due to growth in commercial finance, warehouse finance, and the seasonal tax services portfolio, partially offset by a decrease in the consumer finance portfolio. See Note 5 to the “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Commercial finance loans, which comprised 84% of the Company's gross loan and lease portfolio, totaled $3.13 billion at March 31, 2023, reflecting an increase of $109.0 million, or 4%, from September 30, 2022.
Through the Bank, the Company owns stock in the FHLB due to the Bank’s membership and participation in this banking system as well as stock in the Federal Reserve Bank. The FHLB requires a level of stock investment based on a pre-determined formula. The Company’s investment in these stocks was $29.4 million at March 31, 2023 and $28.8 million at September 30, 2022, as purchases were partially offset by redemptions of FHLB membership stock during the six months ended March 31, 2023.
Total end-of-period deposits increased 1% to $5.90 billion at March 31, 2023, compared to $5.87 billion at September 30, 2022, primarily driven by an increase in noninterest-bearing deposits of $35.5 million.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company had $1.0 billion in deposits related to government stimulus programs. Of the total amount of government stimulus program deposits, $359.2 million are on activated cards while $645.1 million are on inactivated cards. These card balances are expected to run down by approximately $500 million over the next 18 months as recipients continue to spend them and the Company begins to return unclaimed balances to the U.S. Treasury.
The Company's total borrowings increased $41.5 million from $36.0 million at September 30, 2022 to $77.5 million at March 31, 2023, primarily driven by an increase in short-term borrowings of $43.0 million partially offset by payments on long-term borrowings.
At March 31, 2023, the Company’s stockholders’ equity totaled $673.2 million, an increase of $28.1 million, from $645.1 million at September 30, 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to a change in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). The Company and Bank remained above the federal regulatory minimum capital requirements at March 31, 2023, and continued to be classified as well-capitalized, and in good standing with the regulatory agencies. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further information.
Noninterest-bearing Checking Deposits. The Company may hold negative balances associated with cardholder programs in the BaaS business line that are included within noninterest-bearing deposits on the Company's Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Negative balances can relate to any of the following payments functions:
–Prefundings: The Company deploys funds to cards prior to receiving cash (typically 2-3 days) where the prefunding balance is netted at a pooled partner level utilizing ASC 210-20.
–Discount fundings: The Company funds cards in alignment to expected breakage values on the card. Consumers may spend more than is estimated. These discounts are netted at a pooled partner level using ASC 210-20. The majority of these discount fundings relate to a small number of partners, and analyzed on an ongoing basis.
–Demand Deposit Account ("DDA") overdrafts: Certain programs offered allow cardholders traditional DDA overdraft protection services whereby cardholders can spend a limited amount in excess of their available card balance. When overdrawn, these accounts are re-classed as loans on the balance sheet within the Consumer Finance category.
The Company meets the Right of Set off criteria in ASC 210-20, Balance Sheet - Offsetting, for all payments negative deposit balances with the exception of DDA overdrafts. The following table summarizes the Company's negative deposit balances within the BaaS business line:
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2023
September 30, 2022
Noninterest-bearing deposits
$
6,014,327
$
5,916,142
Prefunding
(294,631)
(244,462)
Discount funding
(28,687)
(15,991)
DDA overdrafts
(8,378)
(8,587)
Noninterest-bearing checking, net
$
5,682,631
$
5,647,102
Custodial Off-Balance Sheet Deposits. The Bank utilizes a custodial deposit transference structure for certain prepaid and deposit programs whereby the Bank, acting as custodian of cardholder funds, places a portion of such cardholder funds that are not needed to support near term settlement at one or more third-party banks insured by the FDIC (each, a “Program Bank”). Accounts opened at Program Banks are established in the Bank’s name as custodian, for the benefit of the Bank’s cardholders. The Bank remains the issuer of all cards and holder of all accounts under the applicable cardholder agreements and has sole custodial control and transaction authority over the accounts opened at Program Banks.
The Bank maintains the records of each cardholder’s deposits maintained at Program Banks. Program Banks undergo robust due diligence prior to becoming a Program Bank and are also subject to continuous monitoring.
In return for record keeping services at Program Banks, the Bank receives a servicing fee (“Servicing Fee”). For the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company recognized $18.2 million and $31.1 million, respectively, in servicing fee income as compared to an insignificant amount for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022. The Servicing Fee has been typically reflective of the EFFR upon a renegotiation of the contracts with Program Banks.
As of March 31, 2023, the Company managed $1.96 billion of customer deposits at other banks in its capacity as custodian. These deposits provide the Company with excess deposits that can earn record keeping service fee income, typically reflective of the EFFR.
Approximately 47% of the deposit portfolio as of March 31, 2023 are subject to variable card processing expenses that are derived from the terms of contractual agreements with certain BaaS partners. These agreements are tied to a rate index, typically the EFFR.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
General
The Company recorded net income of $54.8 million, or $1.99 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to net income of $49.3 million, or $1.66 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Total revenue for the fiscal 2023 second quarter was $228.4 million, an increase of $34.9 million, or 18%, compared to the same quarter in fiscal 2022, primarily driven by an increase in both noninterest income and net interest income, partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense.
The Company recorded net income of $82.6 million, or $2.95 per diluted share, for the six months ended March 31, 2023, compared to net income of $110.6 million, or $3.66 per diluted share, for the six months ended March 31, 2022. Total revenue for the six months endedMarch 31, 2023 was $378.3 million, an increase of $26.5 million, or 18%, compared to the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase is primarily driven by increases in interest income and card and deposit fees along with the $10.0 million gain on sale of trademarks recognized during the six months ended March 31, 2023, partially offset by the $50.0 million gain on sale of trademarks recognized during the prior fiscal year period.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income for the second quarter of fiscal 2023 was $101.4 million, an increase of 21% from the same quarter in fiscal 2022. The increase was mainly attributable to increased yields and an improved earning asset mix. For the six months ended March 31, 2023, the net interest income was $185.5 million, an increase of 19%, from $155.4 million compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year.
The Company’s average interest-earning assets for the second fiscal quarter decreased by $364.5 million to $6.72 billion compared with the same quarter in fiscal 2022, primarily due to a reduction in cash balances as a result of elevated cash levels during the prior fiscal year period related to the Company's participation in government stimulus programs along with a decrease in loans and leases, partially offset by an increase in total investment balances. Thesecond quarter average outstanding balance of loans and leases decreased $230.5 million compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year, primarily due to a reduction in tax services loans, warehouse finance loans, and consumer finance loans, partially offset by an increase in the commercial finance loans.
Fiscal 2023 second quarter NIM increased to 6.12% from 4.80% in the second fiscal quarter of last year. The overall reported tax equivalent yield (“TEY”) on average earning assets increased 145 basis points to 6.34% compared to the prior fiscal year quarter, primarily driven by an increase in loan and lease and investment securities yields, along with a decrease in cash balances. The yield on the loan and lease portfolio was 8.47% compared to 7.22% for the comparable period last year and the TEY on the securities portfolio was 2.89% compared to 1.83% over that same period.
For the six months ended March 31, 2023, NIM was 5.88%, an increase of 118 basis points from 4.70% compared to the same period in the prior fiscal year. NIM, tax-equivalent for the six months ended March 31, 2023 increased to 5.90% from 4.72% in the same period of the prior fiscal year.
The Company's cost of funds for all deposits and borrowings averaged 0.21% during the fiscal 2023 second quarter, as compared to 0.08% during the prior fiscal year quarter. The Company's overall cost of deposits was 0.13% in the fiscal second quarter of 2023, as compared to 0.01% during the prior year quarter.
The following tables present, for the periods indicated, the Company’s total dollar amount of interest income from average interest-earning assets and the resulting yields, as well as the interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, expressed both in dollars and rates. The balances presented in the table below are calculated on a daily average balance. Tax-equivalent adjustments have been made in yield on interest-bearing assets and net interest margin. Nonaccruing loans and leases have been included in the table as loans carrying a zero yield.
Net interest income and net interest rate spread including noninterest-bearing deposits
$
101,405
6.13
%
$
83,800
4.81
%
Net interest margin
6.12
%
4.80
%
Tax-equivalent effect
0.02
%
0.01
%
Net interest margin, tax-equivalent(2)
6.14
%
4.81
%
(1) Tax rate used to arrive at the TEY for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was 21%.
(2) Net interest margin expressed on a fully-taxable-equivalent basis ("net interest margin, tax-equivalent") is a non-GAAP financial measure. The tax-equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the estimated income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and adjusting for federal and state exemption of interest income. The Company believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest margin expressed on a fully taxable equivalent basis and, accordingly, believes the presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure may be useful for peer comparison purposes.
Net interest income and net interest rate spread including noninterest-bearing deposits
$
185,462
5.89
%
$
155,413
4.72
%
Net interest margin
5.88
%
4.70
%
Tax-equivalent effect
0.02
%
0.02
%
Net interest margin, tax-equivalent(2)
5.90
%
4.72
%
(1) Tax rate used to arrive at the TEY for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 was 21%.
(2) Net interest margin expressed on a fully-taxable-equivalent basis ("net interest margin, tax-equivalent") is a non-GAAP financial measure. The tax-equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the estimated income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and adjusting for federal and state exemption of interest income. The Company believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest margin expressed on a fully taxable equivalent basis and, accordingly, believes the presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure may be useful for peer comparison purposes.
The Company recognized a provision for credit losses of $36.8 million and $46.5 million for the three and six months ended March 31, 2023, compared to $32.3 million and $32.5 million for the comparable period in the prior fiscal year. The increase in provision for credit losses during the current quarter compared to the prior fiscal year period was primarily driven by increases in the commercial finance portfolio and the seasonal tax services portfolio. Net charge-offs were $5.0 millionfor the quarter ended March 31, 2023, compared to $11.2 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Net charge-offs attributable to the commercial finance and consumer finance portfolios for the current quarter were $5.9 million and $0.2 million, respectively, while a recovery of $1.1 million was recognized in the tax services portfolio.
Noninterest Income
Fiscal 2023 second quarter noninterest income increased to $127.0 million, compared to $109.8 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in card and deposit fees, rental income, tax product fee income, and other income. The period-over-period increase was partially offset by reductions in gain (loss) on sale of other and gain on sale of investments.
Included in gain (loss) on sale of other during the quarter, was a $2.0 million loss on the disposal of mobile solar generators in connection with legacy solar transactions.
The increase in card and deposit fee income was primarily from servicing fee income on off-balance sheet deposits, which totaled $18.2 million during the 2023 fiscal second quarter, as compared to $12.9 million for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2022 and an insignificant amount for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Noninterest income for the six months ended March 31, 2023 decreased to $192.8 million from $196.4 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year.
Noninterest Expense
Noninterest expense increased 23% to $127.1 million for the fiscal 2023 second quarter, from $103.2 million for the same quarter last year. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in card processing expense, operating lease equipment depreciation, compensation expense, total tax services expense, and impairment expense. The period-over-period increase was partially offset by decreases in legal and consulting expense, amortization expense, and other expense. The increase in operating lease equipment depreciation was due to $4.8 million of accelerated depreciation on mobile solar generators in connection with the aforementioned legacy solar transactions. During the second quarter of fiscal year 2023, the Company recognized $0.5 million of impairment expense related to its Pathward Venture Capital business.
The card processing expense increase was due to structured agreements with BaaS partners. The amount of expense paid under those agreements is based on an agreed upon rate index that varies depending on the deposit levels, floor rates, market conditions, and other performance conditions. Generally, this rate index averages between 50% to 85% of the EFFR and reprices immediately upon a change in the EFFR. Approximately 47% of the deposit portfolio was subject to these higher card processing expenses. For the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2023, card processing expenses related to these structured agreements were $20.4 million, as compared to $14.0 million for the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2022 and $0.2 million for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2022.
Noninterest expense for the six months ended March 31, 2023 increased to $232.2 million from $185.6 million for the same period of the prior fiscal year.
The Company recorded an income tax expense of $9.2 million, representing an effective tax rate of 14.2%, for the fiscal 2023 second quarter, compared to income tax expense of $8.0 million, representing an effective tax rate of 13.8%, for the second quarter last year. The current quarter increase in income tax expense was primarily due to increased earnings.
The Company originated $18.1 million in renewable energy leases during the fiscal 2023 second quarter, resulting in $4.9 million in total net investment tax credits. During the second quarter of fiscal 2022, the Company originated $1.3 million in renewable energy leases resulting in $0.3 million in total net investment tax credits. Investment tax credits related to renewable energy leases are recognized ratably based on income throughout each fiscal year. For the six months ended March 31, 2023, the Company originated $29.5 million in renewable energy leases, compared to $22.5 million for the comparable prior year period. The timing and impact of future renewable energy tax credits are expected to vary from period to period, and the Company intends to undertake only those tax credit opportunities that meet the Company's underwriting and return criteria.
Asset Quality
Generally, when a loan or lease becomes delinquent 90 days or more or when the collection of principal or interest becomes doubtful, the Company will place the loan or lease on a nonaccrual status and, as a result, previously accrued interest income on the loan or lease is reversed against current income. The loan or lease will generally remain on a non-accrual status until six months of good payment history has been established or management believes the financial status of the borrower has been significantly restored. Certain relationships in the table below are over 90 days past due and still accruing. The Company considers these relationships as being in the process of collection. Insurance premium finance loans, consumer finance and tax services loans are generally not placed on nonaccrual status but are instead written off when the collection of principal and interest become doubtful.
Loans and leases, or portions thereof, are charged-off when collection of principal becomes doubtful. Generally, this is associated with a delay or shortfall in payments of greater than 210 days for insurance premium finance, 180 days for tax and other specialty lending loans, 120 days for consumer credit products and 90 days for other loans. Action is taken to charge off ERO loans if such loans have not been collected by the end of June and refund advance loans if such loans have not been collected by the end of the calendar year. Nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings are generally considered impaired.
The Company believes that the level of allowance for credit losses at March 31, 2023 was appropriate and reflected probable losses related to these loans and leases; however, there can be no assurance that all loans and leases will be fully collectible or that the present level of the allowance will be adequate in the future. See the section below titled “Allowance for Credit Losses” for further information.
The table below sets forth the amounts and categories of the Company's nonperforming assets.
(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2023
September 30, 2022
Nonperforming Loans and Leases
Nonaccruing loans and leases:
Commercial finance
$
19,585
$
13,375
Total nonaccruing loans and leases
19,585
13,375
Accruing loans and leases delinquent 90 days or more:
Commercial finance
5,724
4,142
Consumer finance
3,217
2,793
Tax services(1)
—
8,873
Total accruing loans and leases delinquent 90 days or more
8,941
15,808
Total nonperforming loans and leases
28,526
29,183
Other Assets
Nonperforming operating leases
1,549
1,736
Foreclosed and repossessed assets:
Commercial finance
—
1
Total foreclosed and repossessed assets
—
1
Total other assets
1,549
1,737
Total nonperforming assets
$
30,075
$
30,920
Total as a percentage of total assets
0.44
%
0.46
%
(1) Certain tax services loans do not bear interest.
The Company's nonperforming loans and leases at March 31, 2023 were $28.5 million, representing 0.76% of total gross loans and leases, compared to $29.2 million, or 0.82% of total gross loans and leases at September 30, 2022. The decrease in the nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets at March 31, 2023 compared to September 30, 2022, was driven by a decrease in the tax services portfolio partially offset by an increase in the commercial finance portfolio.
Classified Assets. Federal regulations provide for the classification of certain loans, leases, and other assets such as debt and equity securities considered by the Bank's primary regulator, the OCC, to be of lesser quality as “substandard,” “doubtful” or “loss,” with each such classification dependent on the facts and circumstances surrounding the assets in question. An asset is considered “substandard” if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. “Substandard” assets include those characterized by the “distinct possibility” that the Bank will sustain “some loss” if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as “doubtful” have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified “substandard,” with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make “collection or liquidation in full,” on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, “highly questionable and improbable.” Assets classified as “loss” are those considered “uncollectible” and of such minimal value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted.
General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been allocated to particular problem assets. When assets are classified as “loss,” the Bank is required either to establish a specific allowance for losses equal to 100% of that portion of the asset so classified or to charge off such amount. The Bank’s determinations as to the classification of its assets and the amount of its valuation allowances are subject to review by its regulatory authorities, which may order the establishment of additional general or specific loss allowances.
On the basis of management’s review of its loans, leases, and other assets, at March 31, 2023, the Company had classified loans and leases of $230.0 million as substandard, $5.7 million as doubtful and none as loss. At September 30, 2022, the Company classified loans and leases of $203.7 million as substandard, $4.0 million as doubtful and none as loss.
Allowance for Credit Losses. The ACL represents management’s estimate of current credit losses expected to be incurred by the loan and lease portfolio over the life of each financial asset as of the balance sheet date. The Company individually evaluates loans and leases that do not share similar risk characteristics with other financial assets, which generally means loans and leases identified as troubled debt restructurings or loans and leases on nonaccrual status. All other loans and leases are evaluated collectively for credit loss. A reserve for unfunded credit commitments such as letters of credit and binding unfunded loan commitments is recorded in other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Individually evaluated loans and leases are a key component of the ACL. Generally, the Company measures credit loss on individually evaluated loans based on the fair value of the collateral less estimated selling costs, as the Company considers these financial assets to be collateral dependent. If an individually evaluated loan or lease is not collateral dependent, credit loss is measured at the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan or lease initial effective interest rate.
The Company's ACL totaled $84.3 million at March 31, 2023, an increase compared to $45.9 million at September 30, 2022. The increase in the ACL at March 31, 2023, when compared to September 30, 2022, was primarily due to a $33.1 million increase in the seasonal tax services loan portfolio, a $3.7 million increase in the commercial finance portfolio, and a $1.5 million increase in the consumer finance portfolio.
The following table presents the Company's ACL as a percentage of its total loans and leases.
As of the Period Ended
March 31, 2023
December 31, 2022
September 30, 2022
June 30, 2022
March 31, 2022
Commercial finance
1.53
%
1.62
%
1.46
%
1.56
%
1.66
%
Consumer finance
1.99
%
1.54
%
0.86
%
2.44
%
3.18
%
Tax services
53.77
%
2.01
%
0.05
%
54.29
%
35.76
%
Warehouse finance
0.10
%
0.10
%
0.10
%
0.10
%
0.10
%
Total loans and leases
2.27
%
1.50
%
1.30
%
2.04
%
2.38
%
Total loans and leases excluding tax services
1.40
%
1.50
%
1.30
%
1.44
%
1.59
%
The Company's ACL as a percentage of total loans and leases increased to 2.27% at March 31, 2023 from 1.50% at December 31, 2022 and from 1.30% at September 30, 2022. The increase in the total loans and leases coverage ratio was primarily driven by the seasonal tax services portfolio, and to a lesser extent the consumer finance portfolio. The increase in the consumer finance coverage ratio was related to seasonal activity. The Company expects to continue to diligently monitor the ACL and adjust as necessary in future periods to maintain an appropriate and supportable level.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The Company’s financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. The financial information contained within these financial statements is, to a significant extent, based on approximate measures of the financial effects of transactions and events that have already occurred. Management has identified its critical accounting policies, which are those policies that, in management's view, are most important in the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations. These policies involve complex and subjective decisions and assessments. Some of these estimates may be uncertain at the time they are made, could change from period to period, and could have a material impact on the financial statements. A discussion of the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates can be found in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022. There were no significant changes to these critical accounting policies and estimates during the first six months of fiscal 2023.
The Company’s primary sources of funds are deposits, derived principally through its BaaS business line, borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans and leases and mortgage-backed securities, and maturing investment securities. In addition, the Company utilizes wholesale deposit sources to provide temporary funding when necessary or when favorable terms are available. While scheduled loan repayments and maturing investments are relatively predictable, deposit flows and early loan repayments are influenced by the level of interest rates, general economic conditions and competition. The Company uses its capital resources principally to meet ongoing commitments to fund maturing certificates of deposit and loan commitments, to maintain liquidity, and to meet operating expenses.
At March 31, 2023, the Company had unfunded loan and lease commitments of $1.61 billion. Management believes that loan repayment and other sources of funds will be adequate to meet its foreseeable short- and long-term liquidity needs. The liquidity sources as of March 31, 2023 include nearly $2 billion in off-balance sheet deposits and $433 million in cash and cash equivalents. When factoring in additional resources, such as the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Fed Discount Window and other unsecured funding and wholesale options, the Company has over $4 billion in total available liquidity options as of March 31, 2023.
As U.S. banking organizations, the Company and the Bank are required to comply with the regulatory capital rules adopted by the Federal Reserve and the OCC (the "Capital Rules") that became effective on January 1, 2015, subject to phase-in periods for certain requirements and other provisions of the Capital Rules. Under the Capital Rules and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and Bank’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and Bank’s capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
The Capital Rules require the Company and the Bank to maintain minimum ratios (set forth in the table below) of total risk-based capital and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and a leverage ratio consisting of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). At March 31, 2023, both the Company and the Bank exceeded federal regulatory minimum capital requirements to be classified as well-capitalized under the prompt corrective action requirements. The Company and the Bank took the AOCI opt-out election; under the rule, non-advanced approach banking organizations were given a one-time option to exclude certain AOCI components.
The tables below include certain non-GAAP financial measures that are used by investors, analysts and bank regulatory agencies to assess the capital position of financial services companies. Management reviews these measures along with other measures of capital as part of its financial analyses and has included this non-GAAP financial information, and corresponding reconciliation to total equity. The decrease in Tier 1 leverage capital ratio for the period is the result of higher quarterly average assets related to its seasonal tax business. Regulatory Capital is not affected by the unrealized loss on AOCI. The securities portfolio is primarily comprised of amortizing securities that should provide consistent cash flow. The Company does not intend to sell these securities, or recognize the unrealized losses on its income statement, to fund future loan growth.
At March 31, 2023
Company
Bank
Minimum to be Adequately Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
Minimum to be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
The following table provides a reconciliation of the amounts included in the table above for the Company.
(Dollars in thousands)
Standardized Approach(1)
March 31, 2023
Total stockholders' equity
$
673,244
Adjustments:
LESS: Goodwill, net of associated deferred tax liabilities
298,390
LESS: Certain other intangible assets
23,553
LESS: Net deferred tax assets from operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards
13,219
LESS: Net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities
(186,796)
LESS: Noncontrolling interest
(551)
ADD: Adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-13
2,017
Common Equity Tier 1(1)
527,446
Long-term borrowings and other instruments qualifying as Tier 1
13,661
Tier 1 minority interest not included in common equity Tier 1 capital
(404)
Total Tier 1 capital
540,703
Allowance for credit losses
55,058
Subordinated debentures, net of issuance costs
19,540
Total capital
$
615,301
(1) Capital ratios were determined using the Basel III capital rules that became effective on January 1, 2015. Basel III revised the definition of capital, increased minimum capital ratios, and introduced a minimum common equity tier 1 capital ratio; those changes were fully phased in through the end of 2021.
The following table provides a reconciliation of tangible common equity and tangible common equity excluding AOCI, each of which is used in calculating tangible book value data, to total stockholders' equity. Each of tangible common equity and tangible common equity excluding AOCI is a non-GAAP financial measure that is commonly used within the banking industry.
(Dollars in thousands)
At March 31, 2023
Total stockholders' equity
$
673,244
LESS: Goodwill
309,505
LESS: Intangible assets
22,998
Tangible common equity
340,741
LESS: AOCI
(187,829)
Tangible common equity excluding AOCI
$
528,570
Since January 1, 2016, the Company and the Bank have been required to maintain a capital conservation buffer above the minimum risk-based capital requirements in order to avoid certain limitations on capital distributions, stock repurchases and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers. The capital conservation buffer is exclusively composed of Common Equity Tier 1 capital, and it applies to each of the three risk-based capital ratios but not the leverage ratio. The required Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and total risk-based capital ratios with the buffer are currently 7.0%, 8.5% and 10.5%, respectively.
Based on current and expected continued profitability and subject to continued access to capital markets, we believe that the Company and the Bank will continue to meet the capital conservation buffer of 2.5% in addition to required minimum capital ratios.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
See "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Contractual Obligations" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 for a summary of our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2022. There were no material changes outside the ordinary course of our business in contractual obligations from September 30, 2022 through March 31, 2023.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
MARKET RISK
The Company derives a portion of its income from the excess of interest collected over interest paid. The rates of interest the Company earns on assets and pays on liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Market interest rates change over time. Accordingly, the Company’s results of operations, like those of most financial institutions, are impacted by changes in interest rates and the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities. The risk associated with changes in interest rates and the Company’s ability to adapt to these changes is known as interest rate risk and is the Company’s only significant “market” risk.
The Company monitors and measures its exposure to changes in interest rates in order to comply with applicable government regulations and risk policies established by the Board of Directors, and in order to preserve stockholder value. In monitoring interest rate risk, the Company analyzes assets and liabilities based on characteristics including size, coupon rate, repricing frequency, maturity date, likelihood of prepayment, and deposit behaviors.
The Company’s primary objective for its investment portfolio is to provide a source of liquidity for the Company. In addition, the investment portfolio may be used in the management of the Company’s interest rate risk profile. The investment policy generally calls for funds to be invested among various categories of security types and maturities based upon the Company’s need for liquidity, desire to achieve a proper balance between minimizing risk while maximizing yield, the need to provide collateral for borrowings, and the need to fulfill the Company’s asset/liability management goals.
The Company believes that its growing portfolio of longer duration, low-cost deposits generated from its BaaS business line provides a stable and profitable funding vehicle, but also subjects the Company to greater risk in a falling interest rate environment than it would otherwise have without this portfolio. This risk is due to the fact that, while asset yields may decrease in a falling interest rate environment, the Company cannot significantly reduce interest costs associated with these deposits, which thereby compress the Company’s net interest margin.
A portion of the Company’s deposit balances are subject to variable card processing expenses, derived from contractual agreements with certain BaaS partners tied to a rate index, typically the EFFR. These costs reprice immediately upon a change in the application rate index.
The Bank, acting as custodian of cardholder funds, places a portion of such cardholder funds at one or more third-party banks insured by the FDIC (each, a “Program Bank”). These custodial deposits earn recordkeeping service fee income, typically reflective of the EFFR.
The Board of Directors and relevant government regulations establish limits on the level of acceptable interest rate risk at the Company, to which management adheres. There can be no assurance, however, that, in the event of an adverse change in interest rates, the Company’s efforts to limit interest rate risk will be successful.
Interest Rate Risk (“IRR”)
Overview. The Company actively manages interest rate risk, as changes in market interest rates can have a significant impact on reported earnings. The Company's interest rate risk analysis is designed to compare income and economic valuation simulations in market scenarios designed to alter the direction, magnitude and speed of interest rate changes, as well as the slope of the yield curve. This analysis may not represent all impacts driven by changes in the interest rate environment, such as certain other card fee income and expense line items. The Company does not currently engage in trading activities to control interest rate risk although it may do so in the future, if deemed necessary, to help manage interest rate risk.
Earnings at risk and economic value analysis. As a continuing part of its financial strategy, the Bank considers methods of managing an asset/liability mismatch consistent with maintaining acceptable levels of net interest income. In order to monitor interest rate risk, the Company has created an Asset/Liability Committee whose principal responsibilities are to assess the Bank’s asset/liability mix and implement strategies that will enhance income while managing the Bank’s vulnerability to changes in interest rates.
The Company uses two approaches to model interest rate risk: Earnings at Risk (“EAR analysis”) and Economic Value of Equity (“EVE analysis”). Under EAR analysis, net interest income is calculated for each interest rate scenario and compared to the net interest income forecast in the base case. EAR analysis measures the sensitivity of interest-sensitive earnings over a one-year minimum time horizon. The results are affected by projected rates, prepayments, caps and floors. Management exercises its best judgment in making assumptions regarding events that management can influence, such as non-contractual deposit re-pricing, as well as events outside of management's control, such as customer behavior on loan and deposit activity and the effect that competition has on both lending and deposit pricing. These assumptions are subjective and, as a result, net interest income simulation results will differ from actual results due to the timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes, changes in market conditions, customer behavior and management strategies, among other factors. The Company performs various sensitivity analyses on assumptions of deposit attrition, loan prepayments, and asset re-pricing, as well as market-implied forward rates and various likely and extreme interest rate scenarios, including rapid and gradual interest rate ramps, rate shocks and yield curve twists.
The EAR analysis used in the following table reflects the required analysis used no less than quarterly by management. It models basis point parallel shifts in market interest rates over the next one-year period. The following table shows the results of the scenarios as of March 31, 2023:
Net Sensitive Earnings at Risk
Change in Interest Income/Expense for a given change in interest rates
Over/(Under) Base Case Parallel Shift
(Dollars in Thousands)
Book Value
-200
-100
Base
+100
+200
+300
+400
Total interest-sensitive income
6,044,564
350,786
374,488
397,965
420,882
443,793
466,689
489,685
Total interest-sensitive expense
264,407
4,397
6,010
7,993
10,523
13,050
15,677
18,233
Net interest-sensitive income
346,389
368,478
389,972
410,359
430,743
451,012
471,452
Percentage change from base
-11.2
%
-5.5
%
—
%
5.2
%
10.5
%
15.7
%
20.9
%
The EAR analysis reported at March 31, 2023, shows that total interest-sensitive income will change more rapidly than total interest-sensitive expense over the next year. IRR is a snapshot in time. The Company’s business and deposits are predictably cyclical on a weekly, monthly and yearly basis. The Company’s static IRR results could vary depending on which day of the week the month ends, primarily related to payroll processing and timing of when certain programs are prefunded and when the funds are received.
Under EVE analysis, the economic value of financial assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments is derived under each rate scenario. The economic value of equity is calculated as the difference between the estimated market value of assets and liabilities, net of the impact of off-balance sheet instruments.
The EVE analysis used in the following table reflects the required analysis used no less than quarterly by management. It models immediate basis point parallel shifts in market interest rates. The following table shows the results of the scenarios as March 31, 2023:
Economic Value Sensitivity
Standard (Parallel Shift)
Economic Value of Equity at Risk %
-200
-100
+100
+200
+300
+400
Percentage change from base
-9.0
%
-3.5
%
2.5
%
4.4
%
6.1
%
8.0
%
The EVE at risk reported at March 31, 2023 shows that the economic value of equity position is expected to benefit from rising interest rates due to the large amount of noninterest-bearing funding.
Management, under the direction of its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, is responsible for maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act")) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the 1934 Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.
In connection with the preparation of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, management evaluated the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. The evaluation was performed under the direction of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to determine the effectiveness, as of March 31, 2023, of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, at March 31, 2023, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not designed effectively to ensure timely alerting of material information relating to the Company required to be included in the Company's periodic SEC filings.
In the fiscal fourth quarter of 2021 and the fiscal third quarter of 2022, the Company identified control deficiencies related to access permissions in two loan systems which resulted in a lack of segregation of duties over disbursements in which select individuals had the ability to both initiate and approve disbursements indicating that the user access provisioning and user entitlement review monitoring controls did not function to a precise level to ensure segregation of duties was maintained. Management determined that the combination of user access provisioning and user entitlement review deficiencies represent a material weakness in internal controls over financial reporting on the basis that the deficiencies could result in a misstatement potentially impacting the Company's financial statement accounts and disclosures that would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
REMEDIATION PLAN FOR REPORTED MATERIAL WEAKNESS
Annual entitlement review for the loan system identified in the fourth quarter of 2021 was performed in March 2022 and no inappropriate access was identified.
For the loan system identified with inappropriate system access in fiscal third quarter of 2022, management removed access for the individuals that had inappropriate access and performed testing of disbursements during the impacted period and did not identify any instances where the segregation of the disbursement over initiation and approval was not maintained. In May 2022, management also implemented an IT application control to identify instances where the initiator and approver are the same to prevent disbursement from occurring.
The Company is in the midst of undergoing a broader risk assessment and other remediation actions and ongoing monitoring activities, across all material applications, and is on track with the stated project plan. These remediation steps will strengthen the control environment surrounding user access controls.
INHERENT LIMITATIONS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CONTROLS
Any control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable (not absolute) assurance that its objectives will be met. Furthermore, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected.
CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Management conducted an evaluation of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2023 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. Based on this evaluation, management concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, there were changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the 1934 Act) that were reported in the prior fiscal year that are still under remediation and continue during the fiscal third quarter to which this report relates that could have materially affected the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, as described above.
There are no material pending legal proceedings to which we are a party or to which any of our properties are subject. There are no material proceedings known to us to be contemplated by any governmental authority. We are involved in a variety of litigation matters in the ordinary course of our business and anticipate that we will become involved in new litigation matters in the future.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
A description of our risk factors can be found in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022. There were no material changes to those risk factors during the six months ended March 31, 2023, except that the following risk factors are hereby updated or added:
Our business could suffer if consumer behaviors, or other factors, in connection with the use of prepaid cards change, or there are adverse developments with respect to the prepaid financial services industry in general.
As the prepaid financial services industry evolves, consumers may either find prepaid financial services to be less attractive than other financial services or may change the way in which they utilize the service prepaid cards provide. Consumers might not use prepaid financial services for any number of reasons. For example, negative publicity surrounding us or other prepaid financial service providers could impact the Payments business and prospects for growth to the extent it adversely impacts the perception of prepaid financial services. Consumer spend behaviors could increase or decrease, or become more difficult to accurately predict, thereby impacting operating revenues and/or expenses of the Company. Growth of prepaid financial services as an electronic payment mechanism may not occur or may occur more slowly than estimated. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
The loss or transition of key members of our senior management team or key employees in the Bank's divisions, or our inability to attract and retain qualified personnel, could adversely affect our business.
We believe that our success depends largely on the efforts and abilities of our senior executive management team and other key employees. Their experience and industry contacts significantly benefit us. Our future success also depends in part on our ability to attract, retain and motivate key management and operating personnel. We completed a Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer transition in October 2021 and announced a Chief Financial Officer transition in October 2022 that would have been effective April 30, 2023. This transition has been extended as the Company commenced a search for a successor on March 27, 2023, after announcing the Deputy Chief Financial Officer will no longer be succeeding the Chief Financial Officer. Management transitions may create uncertainty and involve a diversion of resources and management attention, be disruptive to our daily operations or impact public or market perception, any of which could negatively impact our ability to operate effectively or execute our strategies and result in a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Additionally, as we continue to develop and expand our operations, we may require personnel with different skills and experiences, with a sound understanding of our business and the industries in which we operate. The competition for qualified personnel in the financial services industry is intense, and the loss of any of our key personnel or an inability to continue to attract, retain, and motivate key personnel could adversely affect our business.
Adverse developments or concerns affecting the financial services industry in general or specific financial institutions, such as the recent bank closures and other developments in the United States banking industry could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Actual events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions, transactional counterparties or other companies in the financial services industry or the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds or other similar events, have in the past and may in the future lead to erosion of customer confidence in the banking system, deposit volatility, liquidity issues, stock price volatility, and other adverse developments. For example, the recent closures of Silicon Valley Bank ("SVB") and Signature Bank has led to disruption and volatility, including deposit outflows and increased need for liquidity, at certain banks. Although a statement by the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC indicated that all depositors of SVB would have access to all of their money after only one business day of closure, including funds held in uninsured deposit accounts, it is not certain that the Federal Reserve or FDIC will treat future bank failures similarly. On May 1, 2023, First Republic Bank was also closed by its primary state regulator, which appointed the FDIC as receiver, and the FDIC announced that JP Morgan Chase Bank, National Association agreed to assume all of First Republic Bank's deposits and substantially all of its assets with an estimated cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund of approximately $13 billion.
Similarly, inflation and rapid increases in interest rates have led to a decline in the trading value of previously issued government securities with interest rates below current market interest rates. Any sale of investment securities that are held in an unrealized loss position by financial institutions for liquidity or other purposes will cause actual losses to be realized. There can be no assurance that there will not be additional bank failures or issues such as liquidity concerns in the broader financial services industry or in the U.S. financial system as a whole. Adverse financial market and economic conditions can exert downward pressure on stock prices, security prices, and credit availability for financial institutions without regard to their underlying financial strength. The volatility and economic disruption resulting from the failures of SVB and Signature Bank have particularly impacted the price of securities issued by financial institutions, including us.
While we did not experience any abnormal changes in our total outstanding deposit balances following the recent bank closures and related events, we experienced changes in deposit balances resulting from typical seasonal fluctuations due to the nature of our business. While our deposit base primarily consists of millions of retail cards and other small dollar accounts with an average balance less than $1,000 and we maintain a liquidity position with numerous funding options available totaling over $4.0 billion as of March 31, 2023, we cannot be assured that unusual deposit withdrawal activity will not affect banks generally in the future or us in particular. Continued uncertainty regarding or worsening of the severity or duration of the volatility in the banking industry could also adversely impact our estimate of our allowance for credit losses and related provision for credit losses. In connection with the recent bank closures, the United States federal bank regulators announced that losses to support uninsured deposits of the closed banks would be recovered via a special assessment on banks, which along with related costs to the Deposit Insurance Fund could led to an increase in our deposit insurance assessments.
Any of these impacts, or any other impacts resulting from the events described above, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and our current and/or projected business operations and financial condition and results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
(a) None.
(b) None.
(c) Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
The Company's Board of Directors authorized a 6,000,000 share repurchase program on September 3, 2021 that was publicly announced on September 7, 2021 and is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2024. The table below sets forth information regarding repurchases of our common stock during the fiscal 2023 second quarter.
Period
Total Number of Shares Repurchased(1)
Average Price Paid per Share(1)(2)
Total Number Of Shares Purchased As Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number Of Shares that may yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 to 31
637,800
$
46.23
637,800
3,003,183
February 1 to 28
205,435
50.91
203,100
2,800,083
March 1 to 31
331,800
47.34
331,800
2,468,283
Total
1,175,035
1,172,700
(1) All shares not purchased as part of the Company's publicly announced repurchase program were acquired in satisfaction of the tax withholding obligations of holders of restricted stock unit awards, which vested during the quarter.
(2) The average price paid per share is calculated on a trade date basis for all open market transactions and excludes commissions and other transaction expenses.
Section 906 certification of Chief Financial Officer.
101
The following financial information from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (iXBRL) includes: (i) Cover Page, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity, (vi) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (vii) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged in summary and in detail.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
PATHWARD FINANCIAL, INC.
Date: May 9, 2023
By:
/s/ Brett L. Pharr
Brett L. Pharr,
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Date: May 9, 2023
By:
/s/ Glen W. Herrick
Glen W. Herrick,
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
