(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Missouri
43-0889454
(State of Incorporation)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
1000 Walnut
Kansas City,
MO
64106
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(816) 234-2000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of class
Trading symbol(s)
Name of exchange on which registered
$5 Par Value Common Stock
CBSH
NASDAQ Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yesþ No o
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). Yesþ No o
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. (Check one):
Large accelerated filerþ Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer o Smaller reporting company ☐ Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑
As of November 2, 2023, the registrant had outstanding 124,288,417 shares of its $5 par value common stock, registrant’s only class of common stock.
Loans held for sale (including $366,000 and $— of residential mortgage loans carried at fair value at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively)
5,120
4,964
Investment securities:
Available for sale debt, at fair value (amortized cost of $11,457,305,000 and $13,738,206,000 at
September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and allowance for credit losses of $—
at both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022)
9,860,828
12,238,316
Trading debt
35,564
43,523
Equity
12,212
12,304
Other
230,792
225,034
Total investment securities
10,139,396
12,519,177
Federal funds sold
2,735
49,505
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
450,000
825,000
Interest earning deposits with banks
1,847,641
389,140
Cash and due from banks
358,010
452,496
Premises and equipment – net
460,830
418,909
Goodwill
146,539
138,921
Other intangible assets – net
14,432
15,234
Other assets
984,907
909,590
Total assets
$
31,376,692
$
31,875,931
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits:
Non-interest bearing
$
7,961,402
$
10,066,356
Savings, interest checking and money market
14,154,275
15,126,981
Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000
1,210,169
387,336
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over
1,764,611
606,767
Total deposits
25,090,457
26,187,440
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
2,745,181
2,841,734
Other borrowings
503,589
9,672
Other liabilities
438,199
355,508
Total liabilities
28,777,426
29,394,354
Commerce Bancshares, Inc. stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $5 par value
Authorized 190,000,000 at September 30, 2023 and 140,000,000 at December 31, 2022; issued 125,863,879 shares at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022
629,319
629,319
Capital surplus
2,924,211
2,932,959
Retained earnings
298,297
31,620
Treasury stock of 1,233,706 shares at September 30, 2023
and 605,142 shares at December 31, 2022, at cost
(76,888)
(41,743)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(1,193,534)
(1,086,864)
Total Commerce Bancshares, Inc. stockholders' equity
2,581,405
2,465,291
Non-controlling interest
17,861
16,286
Total equity
2,599,266
2,481,577
Total liabilities and equity
$
31,376,692
$
31,875,931
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit losses
29,572
12,594
Provision for depreciation and amortization
36,661
35,350
Amortization of investment security premiums, net
13,345
8,565
Investment securities (gains) losses, net (A)
(7,384)
(11,602)
Net (gains) losses on sales of loans held for sale
(705)
(2,607)
Originations of loans held for sale
(40,470)
(114,765)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
40,775
116,421
Net (increase) decrease in trading debt securities, excluding unsettled transactions
14,354
14,080
Purchase of interest rate floor derivative contracts
(54,449)
(16,849)
Stock-based compensation
12,594
12,641
(Increase) decrease in interest receivable
(7,861)
(21,959)
Increase (decrease) in interest payable
41,622
1,097
Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable
(52)
168
Other changes, net
(83,973)
70,285
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
367,745
469,785
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Cash paid in acquisition, net of cash received
(6,365)
—
Distributions received from equity-method investment
1,434
400
Proceeds from sales of investment securities (A)
1,141,949
55,690
Proceeds from maturities/pay downs of investment securities (A)
1,315,175
2,079,939
Purchases of investment securities (A)
(190,637)
(1,951,694)
Net (increase) decrease in loans
(849,375)
(736,474)
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
—
(200,000)
Repayments of securities purchased under agreements to resell
375,000
550,000
Purchases of premises and equipment
(72,563)
(46,636)
Sales of premises and equipment
3,751
1,613
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
1,718,369
(247,162)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net increase (decrease) in non-interest bearing, savings, interest checking and money market deposits
(2,995,739)
(2,078,327)
Net increase (decrease) in certificates of deposit
1,980,677
(454,376)
Net increase (decrease) in federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase
(96,553)
(708,377)
FHLB short-term borrowings
2,250,000
—
Repayments of FHLB borrowings
(1,750,000)
—
Net increase (decrease) in other borrowings
(6,083)
(10,729)
Purchases of treasury stock
(56,541)
(163,321)
Cash dividends paid on common stock
(101,160)
(95,818)
Other, net
—
447
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(775,399)
(3,510,501)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
1,310,715
(3,287,878)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of year
897,801
4,296,954
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at September 30
$
2,208,516
$
1,009,076
Income tax payments, net
$
97,018
$
92,646
Interest paid on deposits and borrowings
$
227,352
$
23,961
Loans transferred to foreclosed real estate
$
133
$
457
(A) Available for sale debt securities, equity securities, and other securities.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
Restricted cash is comprised of cash collateral posted by the Company to secure interest rate swap agreements. This balance is included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets and totaled $130 thousand at September 30, 2023 and $7.9 million at September 30, 2022.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Commerce Bancshares, Inc. and all majority-owned subsidiaries (the Company). Most of the Company's operations are conducted by its subsidiary bank, Commerce Bank (the Bank). The consolidated financial statements in this report have not been audited by an independent registered public accounting firm, but in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position and the results of operations for the interim periods have been made. All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications were made to 2022 data to conform to current year presentation. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheets and revenues and expenses for the periods. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates. Management has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition or disclosure. The results of operations for the nine month period ended September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of results to be attained for the full year or any other interim period.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, containing the latest audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures on January 1, 2023, using the prospective transition method. This ASU eliminates the troubled debt restructuring recognition and measurement guidance and requires an entity to present gross write-offs by year of origination. The amendments also enhance disclosure requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. With the exception of enhanced disclosures, there was no material impact to the consolidated financial statements from adoption of this ASU. As of the Company's adoption date, all restructurings are evaluated to determine whether they are modifications to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty. Loans that were accounted for under the troubled debt restructuring method as of December 31, 2022 will continue to be accounted for under that method until they are paid off or modified.
The following significant accounting policies have been updated since the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect the adoption of ASU 2022-02.
Troubled Debt Restructurings
Prior to the Company's adoption of ASU 2022-02, a loan was accounted for as a troubled debt restructuring if the Company, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties, granted a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. A troubled debt restructuring typically involves (1) modification of terms such as a reduction of the stated interest rate, loan principal, or accrued interest, (2) a loan renewal at a stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for a new loan with similar risk, or (3) debt that was not reaffirmed in bankruptcy. Business, business real estate, construction and land real estate and personal real estate troubled debt restructurings with impairment charges are placed on non-accrual status. The Company measures the impairment loss of a troubled debt restructuring at the time of modification based on the present value of expected future cash flows. Subsequent to modification, troubled debt restructurings are subject to the Company’s allowance for credit loss model, which is discussed below and in Note 2, Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses. Troubled debt restructurings that are performing under their contractual terms continue to accrue interest, which is recognized in current earnings. Loans that were accounted as troubled debt restructurings at of December 31, 2022 will continue to be accounted for under that method until they are either paid off or modified.
Modifications for Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty
The Company may renegotiate the terms of existing loans for a variety of reasons. When refinancing or restructuring a loan, the Company evaluates whether the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. In making this determination, the Company considers whether the borrower is currently in default on any of its debt. In addition, the Company evaluates whether it is probable that the borrower would be in payment default on any of its debt in the foreseeable future without the modification and if the borrower (without the current modification) could obtain equivalent financing from another creditor at a market rate for similar debt. Modifications of loans to borrowers in these situations may indicate that the borrower is facing financial difficulty.
Modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that are in the form of principal forgiveness, interest rate reductions, other-than-insignificant payment delays, or a term extension (or a combination thereof) require disclosure. The Company's disclosures are included in Note 2, Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses.
2. Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses
Major classifications within the Company’s held for investment loan portfolio at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are as follows:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Commercial:
Business
$
5,908,330
$
5,661,725
Real estate – construction and land
1,539,566
1,361,095
Real estate – business
3,647,168
3,406,981
Personal Banking:
Real estate – personal
3,024,639
2,918,078
Consumer
2,125,804
2,059,088
Revolving home equity
305,237
297,207
Consumer credit card
574,829
584,000
Overdrafts
3,753
14,957
Total loans
$
17,129,326
$
16,303,131
Accrued interest receivable totaled $72.5 million and $55.5 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and was included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. For the three months ended September 30, 2023, the Company wrote-off accrued interest by reversing interest income of $237 thousand and $1.2 million in the Commercial and Personal Banking portfolios, respectively. Similarly, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company wrote-off accrued interest of $313 thousand and $3.4 million in the Commercial and Personal Banking portfolios, respectively. For the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company reversed interest income of $48 thousand and $699 thousand in the Commercial and Personal Banking portfolios, respectively, and in the nine months ended September 30, 2022, reversed $103 thousand and $2.4 million in the Commercial and Personal Banking portfolios.
At September 30, 2023, loans of $3.5 billion were pledged at the Federal Home Loan Bank as collateral for borrowings and letters of credit obtained to secure public deposits. Additional loans of $3.1 billion were pledged at the Federal Reserve Bank as collateral for discount window borrowings.
Allowance for credit losses
The allowance for credit losses is measured using an average historical loss model which incorporates relevant information about past events (including historical credit loss experience on loans with similar risk characteristics), current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that affect the collectability of the remaining cash flows over the contractual term of the loans. The allowance for credit losses is measured on a collective (pool) basis. Loans are aggregated into pools based on similar risk characteristics including borrower type, collateral type and expected credit loss patterns. Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics, primarily large loans on non-accrual status, are evaluated on an individual basis.
For loans evaluated for credit losses on a collective basis, average historical loss rates are calculated for each pool using the Company’s historical net charge-offs (combined charge-offs and recoveries by observable historical reporting period) and outstanding loan balances during a lookback period. Lookback periods can be different based on the individual pool and represent management’s credit expectations for the pool of loans over the remaining contractual life. In certain loan pools, if the Company’s own historical loss rate is not reflective of the loss expectations, the historical loss rate is augmented by industry and peer data. The calculated average net charge-off rate is then adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. These adjustments increase or decrease the average historical loss rate to reflect expectations of future losses given a single path economic forecast of key macroeconomic variables including GDP, disposable income, various interest rates, unemployment rate, consumer price index (CPI) inflation rate, housing price index (HPI), commercial real estate price index (CREPI) and market volatility. The adjustments are based on results from various regression models projecting the impact of the macroeconomic variables to loss rates. The forecast is used for a reasonable and supportable period before reverting back to historical averages using a straight-line method. The forecast adjusted loss rate is applied to the amortized cost of loans over the remaining contractual lives, adjusted for expected prepayments. The contractual term excludes expected extensions (except for contractual extensions at the option of the customer), renewals and modifications. Credit cards and certain similar consumer
lines of credit do not have stated maturities and therefore, for these loan classes, remaining contractual lives are determined by estimating future cash flows expected to be received from customers until payments have been fully allocated to outstanding balances. Additionally, the allowance for credit losses considers other qualitative factors not included in historical loss rates or macroeconomic forecast such as changes in portfolio composition, underwriting practices, or significant unique events or conditions.
Key assumptions in the Company’s allowance for credit loss model include the economic forecast, the reasonable and supportable period, forecasted macro-economic variables, prepayment assumptions and qualitative factors applied for portfolio composition changes, underwriting practices, or significant unique events or conditions. The assumptions utilized in estimating the Company’s allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2023 and June 30, 2023 are discussed below.
Key Assumption
September 30, 2023
June 30, 2023
Overall economic forecast
•Mild recession starting in the fourth quarter of 2023
•Risks remain tilted toward another rate hike if progress on inflation and labor markets reverse course
•Consumer spending is expected to be short lived, and growth is expected to fall
•Mild recession in the second half of 2023
•Assume the Federal Reserve will pause increasing interest rates through year end
•Mild recession is expected to weaken employment
Reasonable and supportable period and related reversion period
•Reasonable and supportable period of one year
•Reversion to historical average loss within two quarters using straight-line method
•Reasonable and supportable period of one year
•Reversion to historical average loss within two quarters using straight-line method
Forecasted macro-economic variables
•Unemployment rate ranges from 3.9% to 5.0% during the supportable forecast period
•Real GDP growth ranges from (.29)% to 1.5%
•BBB corporate yield from 4.8% to 5.8%
•Housing Price Index from 291.0 to 296.1
•Unemployment rate ranges from 3.9% to 5.3% during the supportable forecast period
•Real GDP growth ranges from (.27)% to 1.2%
•BBB corporate yield from 4.9% to 5.5%
•Housing Price Index from 282.1 to 284.5
Prepayment assumptions
Commercial loans
•5% for most loan pools
Personal banking loans
•Ranging from 8.0% to 22.8% for most loan pools
•Consumer credit cards 67.3%
Commercial loans
•5% for most loan pools
Personal banking loans
•Ranging from 7.93% to 22.9% for most loan pools
•Consumer credit cards 67.6%
Qualitative factors
Added qualitative factors related to:
•Changes in the composition of the loan portfolios
•Certain stressed industries within the portfolio
•Certain portfolios sensitive to unusually high rate of inflation and supply chain issues
•Loans downgraded to special mention, substandard, or non-accrual status
Added qualitative factors related to:
•Changes in the composition of the loan portfolios
•Certain stressed industries within the portfolio
•Certain portfolios sensitive to unusually high rate of inflation and supply chain issues
•Loans downgraded to special mention, substandard, or non-accrual status
The liability for unfunded lending commitments utilizes the same model as the allowance for credit losses on loans, however, the liability for unfunded lending commitments incorporates an assumption for the portion of unfunded commitments that are expected to be funded.
Sensitivity in the Allowance for Credit Loss model
The allowance for credit losses is an estimate that requires significant judgment including projections of the macro-economic environment. The forecasted macro-economic environment continuously changes which can cause fluctuations in estimated expected credit losses.
The current forecast projects a mild recession starting in the fourth quarter of 2023 as the economy continues to face high inflation, higher interest rates and a weaker job market. The impacts of the market's response to unusual events or trends including high inflation, supply chain stresses, trends in health conditions and changes in the geopolitical environment could significantly modify economic projections used in the estimation of the allowance for credit losses.
A summary of the activity in the allowance for credit losses on loans and the liability for unfunded lending commitments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, follows:
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Commercial
Personal Banking
Total
Commercial
Personal Banking
Total
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS
Balance at beginning of period
$
108,024
$
50,661
$
158,685
$
103,293
$
46,843
$
150,136
Provision for credit losses on loans
5,201
8,142
13,343
10,203
24,952
35,155
Deductions:
Loans charged off
2,664
9,262
11,926
3,263
26,549
29,812
Less recoveries on loans
66
2,076
2,142
394
6,371
6,765
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)
2,598
7,186
9,784
2,869
20,178
23,047
Balance September 30, 2023
$
110,627
$
51,617
$
162,244
$
110,627
$
51,617
$
162,244
LIABILITY FOR UNFUNDED LENDING COMMITMENTS
Balance at beginning of period
$
27,842
$
1,393
$
29,235
$
31,743
$
1,377
$
33,120
Provision for credit losses on unfunded lending commitments
(1,724)
26
(1,698)
(5,625)
42
(5,583)
Balance September 30, 2023
$
26,118
$
1,419
$
27,537
$
26,118
$
1,419
$
27,537
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS AND LIABILITY FOR UNFUNDED LENDING COMMITMENTS
$
136,745
$
53,036
$
189,781
$
136,745
$
53,036
$
189,781
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
(In thousands)
Commercial
Personal Banking
Total
Commercial
Personal Banking
Total
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS
Balance at beginning of period
$
99,525
$
38,514
$
138,039
$
97,776
$
52,268
$
150,044
Provision for credit losses on loans
4,014
6,136
10,150
5,851
900
6,751
Deductions:
Loans charged off
509
6,721
7,230
893
20,539
21,432
Less recoveries on loans
56
2,362
2,418
352
7,662
8,014
Net loan charge-offs (recoveries)
453
4,359
4,812
541
12,877
13,418
Balance September 30, 2022
$
103,086
$
40,291
$
143,377
$
103,086
$
40,291
$
143,377
LIABILITY FOR UNFUNDED LENDING COMMITMENTS
Balance at beginning of period
$
23,617
$
1,290
$
24,907
$
23,271
$
933
$
24,204
Provision for credit losses on unfunded lending commitments
5,182
(42)
5,140
5,528
315
5,843
Balance September 30, 2022
$
28,799
$
1,248
$
30,047
$
28,799
$
1,248
$
30,047
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES ON LOANS AND LIABILITY FOR UNFUNDED LENDING COMMITMENTS
The Company considers loans past due on the day following the contractual repayment date, if the contractual repayment was not received by the Company as of the end of the business day. The following table provides aging information on the Company’s past due and accruing loans, in addition to the balances of loans on non-accrual status, at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
(In thousands)
Current or Less Than 30 Days Past Due
30 – 89
Days Past Due
90 Days Past Due and Still Accruing
Non-accrual
Total
September 30, 2023
Commercial:
Business
$
5,899,303
$
1,726
$
699
$
6,602
$
5,908,330
Real estate – construction and land
1,539,345
221
—
—
1,539,566
Real estate – business
3,646,573
519
—
76
3,647,168
Personal Banking:
Real estate – personal
3,003,094
13,578
6,436
1,531
3,024,639
Consumer
2,095,230
28,509
2,065
—
2,125,804
Revolving home equity
300,018
2,539
2,680
—
305,237
Consumer credit card
561,534
6,595
6,700
—
574,829
Overdrafts
3,395
358
—
—
3,753
Total
$
17,048,492
$
54,045
$
18,580
$
8,209
$
17,129,326
December 31, 2022
Commercial:
Business
$
5,652,710
$
1,759
$
505
$
6,751
$
5,661,725
Real estate – construction and land
1,361,095
—
—
—
1,361,095
Real estate – business
3,406,207
585
—
189
3,406,981
Personal Banking:
Real estate – personal
2,895,742
14,289
6,681
1,366
2,918,078
Consumer
2,031,827
25,089
2,172
—
2,059,088
Revolving home equity
295,303
1,201
703
—
297,207
Consumer credit card
572,213
6,238
5,549
—
584,000
Overdrafts
14,090
647
220
—
14,957
Total
$
16,229,187
$
49,808
$
15,830
$
8,306
$
16,303,131
At September 30, 2023, the Company had $2.6 million in non-accrual business loans that had no allowance for credit loss, compared to $3.8 million in non-accrual business loans that had no allowance for credit loss at December 31, 2022. The Company did not record any interest income on non-accrual loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Credit quality indicators
The following table provides information about the credit quality of the Commercial loan portfolio. The Company utilizes an internal risk rating system comprised of a series of grades to categorize loans according to perceived risk associated with the expectation of debt repayment based on borrower specific information including, but not limited to, current financial information, historical payment experience, industry information, collateral levels and collateral types. The “pass” category consists of a range of loan grades that reflect increasing, though still acceptable, risk. A loan is assigned the risk rating at origination and then monitored throughout the contractual term for possible risk rating changes. Movement of risk through the various grade levels in the “pass” category is monitored for early identification of credit deterioration. The “special mention” rating is applied to loans where the borrower exhibits negative financial trends due to borrower specific or systemic conditions that, if left uncorrected, threaten its capacity to meet its debt obligations. The borrower is believed to have sufficient financial flexibility to react to and resolve its negative financial situation. It is a transitional grade that is closely monitored for improvement or deterioration. The “substandard” rating is applied to loans where the borrower exhibits well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize its continued performance and are of a severity that the distinct possibility of default exists. Loans are placed on “non-accrual” when management does not expect to collect payments consistent with acceptable and agreed upon terms of repayment.
All loans are analyzed for risk rating updates annually. For larger loans, rating assessments may be more frequent if relevant information is obtained earlier through debt covenant monitoring or overall relationship management. Smaller loans
are monitored as identified by the loan officer based on the risk profile of the individual borrower or if the loan becomes past due related to credit issues. Loans rated Special Mention, Substandard or Non-accrual are subject to quarterly review and monitoring processes. In addition to the regular monitoring performed by the lending personnel and credit committees, loans are subject to review by a credit review department which verifies the appropriateness of the risk ratings for the loans chosen as part of its risk-based review plan.
The risk category of loans in the Commercial portfolio as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 are as follows:
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
September 30, 2023
Business
Risk Rating:
Pass
$
1,277,612
$
944,231
$
585,620
$
302,672
$
281,949
$
281,170
$
2,101,284
$
5,774,538
Special mention
22,310
4,513
20,926
7,223
282
2,530
16,783
74,567
Substandard
68
5,675
9,511
14,799
465
10,726
11,379
52,623
Non-accrual
—
2,524
1,462
—
—
2,616
—
6,602
Total Business:
$
1,299,990
$
956,943
$
617,519
$
324,694
$
282,696
$
297,042
$
2,129,446
$
5,908,330
Gross write-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
$
—
$
2,241
$
56
$
41
$
—
$
—
$
924
$
3,262
Real estate-construction
Risk Rating:
Pass
$
344,977
$
638,963
$
467,912
$
46,827
$
469
$
2,984
$
29,907
$
1,532,039
Special mention
3,532
—
—
—
—
—
—
3,532
Substandard
—
3,995
—
—
—
—
—
3,995
Total Real estate-construction:
$
348,509
$
642,958
$
467,912
$
46,827
$
469
$
2,984
$
29,907
$
1,539,566
Gross write-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Real estate-business
Risk Rating:
Pass
$
610,274
$
1,120,900
$
515,022
$
457,778
$
331,537
$
344,130
$
71,627
$
3,451,268
Special mention
4,107
15,582
3,032
895
9,373
886
—
33,875
Substandard
—
20,299
25,477
17,318
11,807
86,784
264
161,949
Non-accrual
—
—
—
—
—
76
—
76
Total Real estate-business:
$
614,381
$
1,156,781
$
543,531
$
475,991
$
352,717
$
431,876
$
71,891
$
3,647,168
Gross write-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
1
$
—
$
1
Commercial loans
Risk Rating:
Pass
$
2,232,863
$
2,704,094
$
1,568,554
$
807,277
$
613,955
$
628,284
$
2,202,818
$
10,757,845
Special mention
29,949
20,095
23,958
8,118
9,655
3,416
16,783
111,974
Substandard
68
29,969
34,988
32,117
12,272
97,510
11,643
218,567
Non-accrual
—
2,524
1,462
—
—
2,692
—
6,678
Total Commercial loans:
$
2,262,880
$
2,756,682
$
1,628,962
$
847,512
$
635,882
$
731,902
$
2,231,244
$
11,095,064
Gross write-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
The credit quality of Personal Banking loans is monitored primarily on the basis of aging/delinquency, and this information is provided as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 below.
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
September 30, 2023
Real estate-personal
Current to 90 days past due
$
384,542
$
462,127
$
546,460
$
728,286
$
266,678
$
619,916
$
8,663
$
3,016,672
Over 90 days past due
49
1,299
1,499
1,071
—
2,518
—
6,436
Non-accrual
—
161
—
—
160
1,210
—
1,531
Total Real estate-personal:
$
384,591
$
463,587
$
547,959
$
729,357
$
266,838
$
623,644
$
8,663
$
3,024,639
Gross write-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
$
—
$
18
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
23
$
—
$
41
Consumer
Current to 90 days past due
$
452,731
$
368,897
$
279,652
$
143,995
$
66,217
$
59,466
$
752,781
$
2,123,739
Over 90 days past due
293
392
200
28
66
378
708
2,065
Total Consumer:
$
453,024
$
369,289
$
279,852
$
144,023
$
66,283
$
59,844
$
753,489
$
2,125,804
Gross write-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
$
392
$
1,968
$
1,541
$
658
$
310
$
297
$
788
$
5,954
Revolving home equity
Current to 90 days past due
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
302,557
$
302,557
Over 90 days past due
—
—
—
—
—
—
2,680
2,680
Total Revolving home equity:
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
305,237
$
305,237
Gross write-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
11
$
11
Consumer credit card
Current to 90 days past due
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
568,129
$
568,129
Over 90 days past due
—
—
—
—
—
—
6,700
6,700
Total Consumer credit card:
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
574,829
$
574,829
Gross write-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
17,602
$
17,602
Overdrafts
Current to 90 days past due
$
3,753
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
3,753
Total Overdrafts:
$
3,753
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
3,753
Gross write-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
$
2,941
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
2,941
Personal banking loans
Current to 90 days past due
$
841,026
$
831,024
$
826,112
$
872,281
$
332,895
$
679,382
$
1,632,130
$
6,014,850
Over 90 days past due
342
1,691
1,699
1,099
66
2,896
10,088
17,881
Non-accrual
—
161
—
—
160
1,210
—
1,531
Total Personal banking loans:
$
841,368
$
832,876
$
827,811
$
873,380
$
333,121
$
683,488
$
1,642,218
$
6,034,262
Gross write-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2023
Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year
(In thousands)
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Prior
Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis
Total
December 31, 2022
Real estate-personal
Current to 90 days past due
$
535,283
$
589,658
$
783,651
$
290,580
$
132,305
$
568,380
$
10,174
$
2,910,031
Over 90 days past due
514
967
1,338
81
1,388
2,393
—
6,681
Non-accrual
—
—
52
169
102
1,043
—
1,366
Total Real estate-personal:
$
535,797
$
590,625
$
785,041
$
290,830
$
133,795
$
571,816
$
10,174
$
2,918,078
Consumer
Current to 90 days past due
$
536,429
$
378,118
$
205,849
$
106,733
$
36,096
$
62,255
$
731,436
$
2,056,916
Over 90 days past due
326
251
203
58
267
228
839
2,172
Total Consumer:
$
536,755
$
378,369
$
206,052
$
106,791
$
36,363
$
62,483
$
732,275
$
2,059,088
Revolving home equity
Current to 90 days past due
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
296,504
$
296,504
Over 90 days past due
—
—
—
—
—
—
703
703
Total Revolving home equity:
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
297,207
$
297,207
Consumer credit card
Current to 90 days past due
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
578,451
$
578,451
Over 90 days past due
—
—
—
—
—
—
5,549
5,549
Total Consumer credit card:
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
584,000
$
584,000
Overdrafts
Current to 90 days past due
$
14,737
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
14,737
Over 90 days past due
220
—
—
—
—
—
—
220
Total Overdrafts:
$
14,957
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
14,957
Personal banking loans
Current to 90 days past due
$
1,086,449
$
967,776
$
989,500
$
397,313
$
168,401
$
630,635
$
1,616,565
$
5,856,639
Over 90 days past due
1,060
1,218
1,541
139
1,655
2,621
7,091
15,325
Non-accrual
—
—
52
169
102
1,043
—
1,366
Total Personal banking loans:
$
1,087,509
$
968,994
$
991,093
$
397,621
$
170,158
$
634,299
$
1,623,656
$
5,873,330
Collateral-dependent loans
The Company's collateral-dependent loans are comprised of large loans on non-accrual status. The Company requires that collateral-dependent loans are either over-collateralized or carry collateral equal to the amortized cost of the loan. The following table presents the amortized cost basis of collateral-dependent loans as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
(In thousands)
Business Assets
Oil & Gas Assets
Total
September 30, 2023
Commercial:
Business
$
3,792
$
1,345
$
5,137
Total
$
3,792
$
1,345
$
5,137
December 31, 2022
Commercial:
Business
$
2,778
$
1,824
$
4,602
Total
$
2,778
$
1,824
$
4,602
Other Personal Banking loan information
As noted above, the credit quality of Personal Banking loans is monitored primarily on the basis of aging/delinquency, and this information is provided in the table in the above section on "Credit quality indicators." In addition, FICO scores are obtained and updated on a quarterly basis for most of the loans in the Personal Banking portfolio. This is a published credit score designed to measure the risk of default by taking into account various factors from a borrower's financial history and is considered supplementary information utilized by the Company, as management does not consider this information in evaluating the allowance for credit losses on loans. The Bank normally obtains a FICO score at the loan's origination and
renewal dates, and updates are obtained on a quarterly basis. Excluded from the table below are certain personal real estate loans for which FICO scores are not obtained because the loans generally pertain to commercial customer activities and are often underwritten with other collateral considerations. These loans totaled $170.2 million at September 30, 2023 and $179.2 million at December 31, 2022. The table also excludes consumer loans related to the Company's patient healthcare loan program, which totaled $210.0 million at September 30, 2023 and $197.5 million at December 31, 2022. As the healthcare loans are guaranteed by the hospital, customer FICO scores are not obtained for these loans. The personal real estate loans and consumer loans excluded below totaled less than 7% of the Personal Banking portfolio. For the remainder of loans in the Personal Banking portfolio, the table below shows the percentage of balances outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 by FICO score.
Personal Banking Loans
% of Loan Category
Real Estate - Personal
Consumer
Revolving Home Equity
Consumer Credit Card
September 30, 2023
FICO score:
Under 600
1.8
%
2.8
%
1.8
%
4.4
%
600 - 659
2.3
4.6
3.3
12.1
660 - 719
8.3
13.1
9.7
29.5
720 - 779
22.2
26.2
23.2
27.6
780 and over
65.4
53.3
62.0
26.4
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
December 31, 2022
FICO score:
Under 600
1.4
%
2.2
%
1.5
%
3.4
%
600 - 659
2.2
4.2
2.8
11.4
660 - 719
8.1
14.5
9.7
30.8
720 - 779
23.7
26.7
21.4
27.1
780 and over
64.6
52.4
64.6
27.3
Total
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
100.0
%
Modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty
When borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty, the Company may agree to modify the contractual terms of a loan to a borrower in order to assist the borrower in repaying principal and interest owed to the Company.
The Company's modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are generally in the form of term extensions, repayment plans, payment deferrals, forbearance agreements, interest rate reductions, forgiveness of interest and/or fees, or any combination thereof. Commercial loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are primarily loans that are substandard or non-accrual, where the maturity date was extended. Modifications on personal real estate loans are primarily those placed on forbearance plans, repayment plans, or deferral plans where monthly payments are suspended for a period of time or past due amounts are paid off over a certain period of time in the future or set up as a balloon payment at maturity. Modifications to certain credit card and other small consumer loans are often modified under debt counseling programs that can reduce the contractual rate or, in certain instances, forgive certain fees and interest charges. Other consumer loans modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty consist of various other workout arrangements with consumer customers.
The following tables present the amortized cost at September 30, 2023 of loans that were modified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Term Extension
Payment Delay
Interest Rate Reduction
Interest/Fees Forgiven
Other
Total
% of Total Loan Category
September 30, 2023
Commercial:
Business
$
3,792
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
3,792
0.1
%
Real estate – business
56,552
—
—
—
—
56,552
1.6
Personal Banking:
Real estate – personal
45
773
—
—
—
818
—
Consumer
—
—
49
—
31
80
—
Consumer credit card
—
—
935
72
—
1,007
0.2
Total
$
60,389
$
773
$
984
$
72
$
31
$
62,249
0.4
%
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)
Term Extension
Payment Delay
Interest Rate Reduction
Interest/Fees Forgiven
Other
Total
% of Total Loan Category
September 30, 2023
Commercial:
Business
$
16,705
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
16,705
0.3
%
Real estate – business
106,034
—
—
—
—
106,034
2.9
Personal Banking:
Real estate – personal
289
3,313
—
—
—
3,602
0.1
Consumer
30
70
69
—
86
255
—
Consumer credit card
—
—
1,967
485
—
2,452
0.4
Total
$
123,058
$
3,383
$
2,036
$
485
$
86
$
129,048
0.8
%
The estimate of lifetime expected losses utilized in the allowance for credit losses model is developed using average historical experience on loans with similar risk characteristics, which includes losses from modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. As a result, a change to the allowance for credit losses is generally not recorded upon modification. For modifications to loans made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that are placed on non-accrual status, the Company determines the allowance for credit losses on an individual evaluation, using the same process that it utilizes for other loans on non-accrual status. Modifications made to commercial loans which are not on non-accrual status for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty are collectively evaluated based on internal risk rating, loan type, delinquency, historical experience, and current economic factors. Modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty for personal banking loans which are not on non-accrual status are collectively evaluated based on loan type, delinquency, historical experience, and current economic factors.
If a loan to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty is modified and subsequently deemed uncollectible, the allowance for credit losses continues to be based on individual evaluation, if that loan is already on non-accrual status. For those loans, the allowance for credit losses is estimated using discounted expected cash flows or the fair value of collateral. If an accruing loan made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty is modified and subsequently deemed uncollectible, the loan's risk rating is downgraded to non-accrual status and the loan's related allowance for credit losses is determined based on individual evaluation, or if necessary, the loan is charged off and collection efforts begin.
The following tables summarize the financial impact of loan modifications and payment deferrals during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Term Extension
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Commercial:
Business
Extended maturity by a weighted average of 3 months.
Extended maturity by a weighted average of 8 months.
Real estate – business
Extended maturity by a weighted average of 12 months.
Extended maturity by a weighted average of 13 months.
Personal Banking:
Real estate – personal
Extended maturity by a weighted average of 6 months.
Extended maturity by a weighted average of 7 months.
Consumer
Extended maturity by 10 years.
Payment Delay
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Personal Banking:
Real estate – personal
Deferred certain payments by a weighted average of 22 years.
Deferred certain payments by a weighted average of 20 years.
Consumer
Deferred certain payments by a weighted average of 71 months.
Interest Rate Reduction
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Personal Banking:
Consumer
Reduced contractual interest from weighted average 21% to 6%.
Reduced contractual interest from weighted average 21% to 6%.
Consumer credit card
Reduced contractual interest from weighted average 21% to 6%.
Reduced contractual interest from weighted average 21% to 6%.
Forgiveness of Interest/Fees
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Personal Banking:
Consumer credit card
Approximately $5 thousand of interest and fees forgiven.
Approximately $33 thousand of interest and fees forgiven.
The Company had commitments of $9.1 million at September 30, 2023 to lend additional funds to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and for whom the Company has modified the terms of loans in the form of principal forgiveness, an interest rate reduction, an other-than-insignificant payment delay, or a term extension during the current reporting period.
The following table provides the amortized cost basis of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that had a payment default during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and were modifiedon or after January 1, 2023 (the date we adopted ASU 2022-02) through September 30, 2023. For purposes of this disclosure, the Company considers "default" to mean 90 days or more past due as to interest or principal. In addition to the loans below, the Company charged off $2.2 million and $327 thousand of business and consumer credit card loans, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 that were modified during the period.
The following table presents the amortized cost basis at September 30, 2023 of loans that have been modified on or after January 1, 2023 (the date we adopted ASU 2022-02) through September 30, 2023.
(In thousands)
Current
30-89 Days Past Due
90 Days Past Due
Total
September 30, 2023
Commercial:
Business
$
16,705
$
—
$
—
$
16,705
Real estate – business
106,034
—
—
106,034
Personal Banking:
Real estate – personal
2,203
597
802
3,602
Consumer
209
27
19
255
Consumer credit card
1,534
526
392
2,452
Total
$
126,685
$
1,150
$
1,213
$
129,048
Troubled debt restructuring disclosures prior to the Company's adoption of ASU 2022-02
Restructured loans are those extended to borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulty and who have been granted a concession. Restructured loans are placed on non-accrual status if the Company does not believe it probable that amounts due under the contractual terms will be collected. Commercial performing restructured loans are primarily comprised of certain business, construction and business real estate loans classified as substandard but renewed at rates judged to be non-market. These loans are performing in accordance with their modified terms, and because the Company believes it probable that all amounts due under the modified terms of the agreements will be collected, interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis. Troubled debt restructurings also include certain credit card and other small consumer loans under various debt management and assistance programs. Modifications to these loans generally involve removing the available line of credit, placing loans on amortizing status, and lowering the contractual interest rate. Certain personal real estate, revolving home equity, and consumer loans were classified as consumer bankruptcy troubled debt restructurings because they were not reaffirmed by the borrower in bankruptcy proceedings. Interest on these loans is being recognized on an accrual basis, as the borrowers are continuing to make payments. Other consumer loans classified as troubled debt restructurings consist of various other workout arrangements with consumer customers.
(In thousands)
December 31, 2022
Accruing restructured loans:
Commercial
$
184,388
Assistance programs
5,156
Other consumer
4,049
Non-accrual loans
5,078
Total troubled debt restructurings
$
198,671
Section 4013 of the CARES Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020, and included a provision that short-term modifications are not troubled debt restructurings, if made on a good-faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to December 31, 2019. The Company elected such option under the CARES Act when determining if a customer’s modification is subject to troubled debt restructuring classification. The initial guidance issued under the CARES Act was due to expire on December 31, 2020. During January 2021, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 was enacted and extended through the end of 2021 the relief offered under the CARES Act related to the accounting and disclosure requirements for troubled debt restructurings as a result of COVID-19. The Company elected to extend its application of this guidance through December 31, 2021. During the period covered by the CARES Act, if it was deemed that the loan
modification was not short-term, not COVID-19 related or the customer does not meet the criteria under the guidance to be scoped out of troubled debt restructuring classification, the Company evaluated the loan modifications under its existing framework and accounted for the modification as a troubled debt restructuring.
The table below shows the balance of troubled debt restructurings by loan classification at December 31, 2022, in addition to the outstanding balances of these restructured loans which the Company considers to have been in default at any time during the past twelve months. For purposes of this disclosure, the Company considers "default" to mean 90 days or more past due as to interest or principal.
(In thousands)
December 31, 2022
Balance at December 31, 2022 that was 90 days past due at any time during previous 12 months
Commercial:
Business
$
12,311
$
—
Real estate - construction and land
57,547
—
Real estate - business
118,654
—
Personal Banking:
Real estate - personal
2,809
419
Consumer
2,250
268
Revolving home equity
17
—
Consumer credit card
5,083
452
Total troubled debt restructurings
$
198,671
$
1,139
For those loans on non-accrual status also classified as restructured, the modification did not create any further financial effect on the Company as those loans were already recorded at net realizable value. For those performing commercial loans classified as restructured, there were no concessions involving forgiveness of principal or interest and, therefore, there was no financial impact to the Company as a result of modification to these loans. However, the effects of modifications to loans under various debt management and assistance programs at December 31, 2022 were estimated to decrease interest income by approximately $661 thousand on an annual, pre-tax basis, compared to amounts contractually owed. Other modifications to consumer loans mainly involve extensions and other small modifications that did not include the forgiveness of principal or interest.
The allowance for credit losses related to troubled debt restructurings on non-accrual status is determined by individual evaluation, including collateral adequacy, using the same process as loans on non-accrual status which are not classified as troubled debt restructurings. Those performing loans classified as troubled debt restructurings are accruing loans which management expects to collect under contractual terms. Performing commercial loans having no other concessions granted other than being renewed at non-market interest rates are judged to have similar risk characteristics as non-troubled debt commercial loans and are collectively evaluated based on internal risk rating, loan type, delinquency, historical experience and current economic factors. Performing personal banking loans classified as troubled debt restructurings resulted from the borrower not reaffirming the debt during bankruptcy and have had no other concession granted, other than the Bank's future limitations on collecting payment deficiencies or in pursuing foreclosure actions. As such, they have similar risk characteristics as non-troubled debt personal banking loans and are evaluated collectively based on loan type, delinquency, historical experience and current economic factors.
If a troubled debt restructuring defaults and is already on non-accrual status, the allowance for credit losses continues to be based on individual evaluation, using discounted expected cash flows or the fair value of collateral. If an accruing troubled debt restructuring defaults, the loan's risk rating is downgraded to non-accrual status and the loan's related allowance for credit losses is determined based on individual evaluation, or if necessary, the loan is charged off and collection efforts begin.
The Company had commitments of $12.6 million at December 31, 2022 to lend additional funds to borrowers with restructured loans.
Loans held for sale
The Company designates certain long-term fixed rate personal real estate loans as held for sale, and the Company has elected the fair value option for these loans. The election of the fair value option aligns the accounting for these loans with the related economic hedges discussed in Note 11. The loans are primarily sold to Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) and Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA). At September 30, 2023, the fair value of these loans was $366 thousand, and the unpaid principal balance was $360 thousand.
The Company also designates certain student loan originations as held for sale. The borrowers are credit-worthy students who are attending colleges and universities. The loans are intended to be sold in the secondary market, and the Company maintains contracts with Sallie Mae to sell the loans within 210 days after the last disbursement to the student. These loans are carried at lower of cost or fair value, which at September 30, 2023 totaled $4.5 million.
At September 30, 2023, none of the loans held for sale were on non-accrual status or 90 days past due and still accruing interest.
Foreclosed real estate/repossessed assets
The Company’s holdings of foreclosed real estate totaled $114 thousand and $96 thousand at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and included in those amounts were $114 thousand and $96 thousand at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, of foreclosed residential real estate properties held as a result of obtaining physical possession. Personal property acquired in repossession, generally autos, totaled $1.6 million at both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Upon acquisition, these assets are recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. They are subsequently carried at the lower of this cost basis or fair value less estimated selling costs.
3. Investment Securities
Investment securities consisted of the following at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022.
(In thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Available for sale debt securities
$
9,860,828
$
12,238,316
Trading debt securities
35,564
43,523
Equity securities:
Readily determinable fair value
5,453
6,210
No readily determinable fair value
6,759
6,094
Other:
Federal Reserve Bank stock
35,070
34,795
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
30,400
10,678
Equity method investments
—
1,434
Private equity investments
165,322
178,127
Total investment securities (1)
$
10,139,396
$
12,519,177
(1)Accrued interest receivable totaled $29.4 million and $38.8 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively,and was included within other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.
The Company has elected to measure equity securities with no readily determinable fair value at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. This portfolio includes the Company's holdings of Visa Class B shares, which have a carrying value of zero, as there have not been observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company did not record any impairment or other adjustments to the carrying amount of its portfolio of equity securities with no readily determinable fair value.
Other investment securities include Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) stock, Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, equity method investments, and investments in portfolio concerns held by the Company's private equity subsidiary. FRB stock and FHLB stock are held for debt and regulatory purposes. Investment in FRB stock is based on the capital structure of the investing bank, and investment in FHLB stock is tied to the asset size of the borrowing bank and the level of borrowings from the FHLB. These holdings are carried at cost. Additionally, the Company's equity method investments are carried at cost, adjusted to reflect the Company's portion of income, loss, or dividends of the investee. These adjustments are included in non-interest income on the Company's consolidated statements of income. The Company's private equity investments are carried at estimated fair value.
The majority of the Company’s investment portfolio is comprised of available for sale debt securities, which are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI). A summary of the available for sale debt securities by maturity groupings as of September 30, 2023 is shown below. The investment portfolio includes agency mortgage-backed securities, which are guaranteed by agencies such as FHLMC, FNMA, and Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), in addition to non-agency mortgage-backed securities, which have no guarantee but are
collateralized by commercial and residential mortgages. Also included are certain other asset-backed securities, which are primarily collateralized by credit cards, automobiles, student loans, and commercial loans. These securities differ from traditional debt securities primarily in that they may have uncertain maturity dates and are priced based on estimated prepayment rates on the underlying collateral.
(In thousands)
Amortized Cost
Fair Value
U.S. government and federal agency obligations:
Within 1 year
$
599,278
$
588,709
After 1 but within 5 years
211,650
199,843
After 5 but within 10 years
177,247
159,424
Total U.S. government and federal agency obligations
988,175
947,976
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations:
After 5 but within 10 years
4,948
4,293
After 10 years
50,718
36,300
Total government-sponsored enterprise obligations
55,666
40,593
State and municipal obligations:
Within 1 year
76,664
75,389
After 1 but within 5 years
373,467
338,785
After 5 but within 10 years
792,381
648,198
After 10 years
139,062
116,042
Total state and municipal obligations
1,381,574
1,178,414
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities
4,722,758
3,792,567
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
1,353,003
1,137,448
Asset-backed securities
2,441,736
2,313,545
Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
8,517,497
7,243,560
Other debt securities:
Within 1 year
50,120
48,876
After 1 but within 5 years
206,375
190,217
After 5 but within 10 years
244,638
200,148
After 10 years
13,260
11,044
Total other debt securities
514,393
450,285
Total available for sale debt securities
$
11,457,305
$
9,860,828
Investments in U.S. government and federal agency obligations include U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities, which totaled $391.7 million, at fair value, at September 30, 2023. Interest earned on these securities increases with inflation and decreases with deflation, as measured by the non-seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index (CPI-U). At maturity, the principal paid is the greater of an inflation-adjusted principal or the original principal.
Allowance for credit losses on available for sale debt securities
Securities for which fair value is less than amortized cost are reviewed for impairment. Special emphasis is placed on securities whose credit rating has fallen below Baa3 (Moody's) or BBB- (Standard & Poor's), whose fair values have fallen more than 20% below purchase price, or which have been identified based on management’s judgment. These securities are placed on a watch list and cash flow analyses are prepared on an individual security basis. Certain securities are analyzed using a projected cash flow model, discounted to present value, and compared to the current amortized cost bases of the securities. The model uses input factors such as cash flow projections, contractual payments required, expected delinquency rates, credit support from other tranches, prepayment speeds, collateral loss severity rates (including loan to values), and various other information related to the underlying collateral. Securities not analyzed using the cash flow model are analyzed by reviewing risk ratings, credit support agreements, and industry knowledge to project future cash flows and any possible credit impairment.
At September 30, 2023, the fair value of securities on this watch list was $2.8 billion compared to $1.3 billion at December 31, 2022. The majority of the securities included on the Company's watch list in the current quarter were experiencing unrealized loss positions due to the significant increase in interest rates and were analyzed outside of the cash flow model. At September 30, 2023, the securities on the Company's watch list that were not deemed to be solely related to increasing interest rates were securities backed by government-guaranteed student loans and are expected to perform as contractually required. As of September 30, 2023, the Company did not identify any securities for which a credit loss exists, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, the Company did not recognize a credit loss expense on any available for sale debt securities.
The table below summarizes debt securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by length of loss period, for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. Unrealized losses on these available for sale securities have not been recognized into income because after review, the securities were deemed not to be impaired. The unrealized losses on these securities are primarily attributable to changes in interest rates and current market conditions. At September 30, 2023, the Company does not intend to sell the securities, nor is it anticipated that it would be required to sell any of these securities at a loss.
Less than 12 months
12 months or longer
Total
(In thousands)
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
Fair Value
Unrealized Losses
September 30, 2023
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
48,996
$
2,838
$
898,980
$
37,361
$
947,976
$
40,199
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
—
—
40,593
15,073
40,593
15,073
State and municipal obligations
43,228
2,050
1,130,491
201,110
1,173,719
203,160
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities
9,762
218
3,766,485
930,086
3,776,247
930,304
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
809
5
1,131,284
215,658
1,132,093
215,663
Asset-backed securities
20,020
149
2,287,893
128,061
2,307,913
128,210
Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
30,591
372
7,185,662
1,273,805
7,216,253
1,274,177
Other debt securities
864
136
449,421
63,972
450,285
64,108
Total
$
123,679
$
5,396
$
9,705,147
$
1,591,321
$
9,828,826
$
1,596,717
December 31, 2022
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
605,840
$
17,490
$
380,573
$
25,940
$
986,413
$
43,430
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
25,068
4,650
18,040
7,971
43,108
12,621
State and municipal obligations
814,799
26,708
875,329
171,385
1,690,128
198,093
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities
1,323,938
125,330
2,966,851
654,327
4,290,789
779,657
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
135,984
16,736
1,069,222
195,218
1,205,206
211,954
Asset-backed securities
1,331,055
50,056
2,006,188
140,424
3,337,243
190,480
Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
2,790,977
192,122
6,042,261
989,969
8,833,238
1,182,091
Other debt securities
166,040
9,690
308,818
54,707
474,858
64,397
Total
$
4,402,724
$
250,660
$
7,625,021
$
1,249,972
$
12,027,745
$
1,500,632
Theentireavailable for sale debt portfolio included $9.8 billion of securities that were in a loss position at September 30, 2023, compared to $12.0 billion at December 31, 2022. The total amount of unrealized loss on these securities was $1.6 billion at September 30, 2023, an increase of $96.1 million compared to the unrealized loss at December 31, 2022. Securities with significant unrealized losses are discussed in the "Allowance for credit losses on available for sale debt securities" section above.
For debt securities classified as available for sale, the following table shows the amortized cost, fair value, and allowance for credit losses of securities available for sale at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses (pre-tax) in AOCI, by security type.
(In thousands)
Amortized Cost
Gross Unrealized Gains
Gross Unrealized Losses
Allowance for Credit Losses
Fair Value
September 30, 2023
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
988,175
$
—
$
(40,199)
$
—
$
947,976
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
55,666
—
(15,073)
—
40,593
State and municipal obligations
1,381,574
—
(203,160)
—
1,178,414
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities
4,722,758
113
(930,304)
—
3,792,567
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
1,353,003
108
(215,663)
—
1,137,448
Asset-backed securities
2,441,736
19
(128,210)
—
2,313,545
Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
8,517,497
240
(1,274,177)
—
7,243,560
Other debt securities
514,393
—
(64,108)
—
450,285
Total
$
11,457,305
$
240
$
(1,596,717)
$
—
$
9,860,828
December 31, 2022
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
1,078,807
$
29
$
(43,430)
$
—
$
1,035,406
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
55,729
—
(12,621)
—
43,108
State and municipal obligations
1,965,028
174
(198,093)
—
1,767,109
Mortgage and asset-backed securities:
Agency mortgage-backed securities
5,087,893
191
(779,657)
—
4,308,427
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
1,423,469
92
(211,954)
—
1,211,607
Asset-backed securities
3,588,025
256
(190,480)
—
3,397,801
Total mortgage and asset-backed securities
10,099,387
539
(1,182,091)
—
8,917,835
Other debt securities
539,255
—
(64,397)
—
474,858
Total
$
13,738,206
$
742
$
(1,500,632)
$
—
$
12,238,316
The following table presents proceeds from sales of securities and the components of investment securities gains and losses which have been recognized in earnings.
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2023
2022
Proceeds from sales of securities:
Available for sale debt securities
$
1,101,782
$
85,023
Other investments
40,167
3,907
Total proceeds
$
1,141,949
$
88,930
Investment securities gains (losses), net:
Available for sale debt securities:
Gains realized on sales
$
143
$
—
Losses realized on sales
(8,587)
(20,274)
Equity securities:
Fair value adjustments, net
(757)
(1,048)
Other:
Gains realized on sales
884
104
Losses realized on sales
(1,245)
(4,313)
Fair value adjustments, net
16,946
37,133
Total investment securities gains (losses), net
$
7,384
$
11,602
Net losses on investment securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 were mainly comprised of net losses of $8.4 million on sales of available for sale securities, net losses in fair value of $757 thousand on equity investments, and net
losses of $361 thousand on sales of private equity securities, offset by net gains in private equity securities due to fair value adjustments of $16.9 million.
At September 30, 2023, securities totaling $7.6 billion in fair value were pledged to secure public fund deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, trust funds, and borrowings at the FRB and FHLB, compared to $4.7 billion at December 31, 2022. Securities pledged under agreements pursuant to which the collateral may be sold or re-pledged by the secured parties approximated $207.1 million, while the remaining securities were pledged under agreements pursuant to which the secured parties may not sell or re-pledge the collateral. Except for obligations of the U.S. Treasury and various government-sponsored enterprises such as FNMA, FHLB and FHLMC, no investment in a single issuer exceeded 10% of stockholders’ equity.
The following table presents information about the Company's intangible assets which have estimable useful lives.
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Valuation Allowance
Net Amount
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Valuation Allowance
Net Amount
Amortizable intangible assets:
Core deposit premium
$
5,550
$
(5,039)
$
—
$
511
$
31,270
$
(30,565)
$
—
$
705
Mortgage servicing rights
22,438
(12,117)
—
10,321
22,187
(11,258)
—
10,929
Total
$
27,988
$
(17,156)
$
—
$
10,832
$
53,457
$
(41,823)
$
—
$
11,634
Aggregate amortization expense on intangible assets was $344 thousand and $456 thousand for the three month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $1.1 million and $1.6 million for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The following table shows the estimated annual amortization expense for the next five fiscal years. This expense is based on existing asset balances and the interest rate environment as of September 30, 2023. The Company’s actual amortization expense in any given period may be different from the estimated amounts depending upon the acquisition of intangible assets, changes in mortgage interest rates, prepayment rates and other market conditions.
(In thousands)
2023
$
1,380
2024
1,272
2025
1,129
2026
989
2027
853
During the first quarter of 2023, the Company wrote off $25.7 million of core deposit intangible assets that were fully amortized. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company acquired L.J. Hart & Company, a municipal bond underwriter and advisor, and the acquisition resulted in goodwill of $7.6 million. Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets for the nine month period ended September 30, 2023 are as follows:
(In thousands)
Goodwill
Easement
Core Deposit Premium
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Balance January 1, 2023
$
138,921
$
3,600
$
705
$
10,929
Acquisition
7,618
—
—
—
Originations, net of disposals
—
—
—
251
Amortization
—
—
(194)
(859)
Balance September 30, 2023
$
146,539
$
3,600
$
511
$
10,321
Goodwill allocated to the Company’s operating segments at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is shown below.
The Company, as a provider of financial services, routinely issues financial guarantees in the form of financial and performance standby letters of credit. Standby letters of credit are contingent commitments issued by the Company generally to guarantee the payment or performance obligation of a customer to a third party. While these represent a potential outlay by the Company, a significant amount of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon. The Company has recourse against the customer for any amount it is required to pay to a third party under a standby letter of credit. The letters of credit are subject to the same credit policies, underwriting standards and approval process as loans made by the Company. Most of the standby letters of credit are secured, and in the event of nonperformance by customers, the Company has rights to the underlying collateral, which could include commercial real estate, physical plant and property, inventory, receivables, cash and marketable securities.
Upon issuance of standby letters of credit, the Company recognizes a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken, which is estimated to be equivalent to the amount of fees received from the customer over the life of the agreement. At September 30, 2023, that net liability was $3.4 million, which will be accreted into income over the remaining life of the respective commitments. The contractual amount of these letters of credit, which represents the maximum potential future payments guaranteed by the Company, was $594.2 million at September 30, 2023.
The Company periodically enters into credit risk participation agreements (RPAs) as a guarantor to other financial institutions, in order to mitigate those institutions’ credit risk associated with interest rate swaps with third parties. The RPA stipulates that, in the event of default by the third party on the interest rate swap, the Company will reimburse a portion of the loss borne by the financial institution. These interest rate swaps are normally collateralized (generally with real property, inventories and equipment) by the third party, which limits the credit risk associated with the Company’s RPAs. The third parties usually have other borrowing relationships with the Company. The Company monitors overall borrower collateral and at September 30, 2023, believes sufficient collateral is available to cover potential swap losses. The RPAs are carried at fair value throughout their term with all changes in fair value, including those due to a change in the third party’s creditworthiness, recorded in current earnings. The terms of the RPAs, which correspond to the terms of the underlying swaps, range from 2 years to 15 years. At September 30, 2023, the fair value of the Company's guarantee liabilities for RPAs was $44 thousand, and the notional amount of the underlying swaps was $446.2 million. The maximum potential future payment guaranteed by the Company cannot be readily estimated but is dependent upon the fair value of the interest rate swaps at the time of default.
The Company has net investments in direct financing and sales-type leases to commercial, industrial, and tax-exempt entities. These leases are included within business loans on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. The Company primarily leases various types of equipment, trucks and trailers, and office furniture and fixtures. Lease agreements may include options for the lessee to renew or purchase the leased equipment at the end of the lease term. The Company has elected to adopt the lease component expedient in which the lease and nonlease components are combined into the total lease receivable. The Company also leases office space to third parties, and these leases are classified as operating leases. The leases may include options to renew or expand the leased space, and currently the leases have remaining terms of 1 month to 15 years.
The following table provides the components of lease income.
For the Three Months Ended September 30
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(in thousands)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Direct financing and sales-type leases
$
8,160
$
5,477
$
22,456
$
15,838
Operating leases(a)
3,399
2,175
9,215
6,517
Total lease income
$
11,559
$
7,652
$
31,671
$
22,355
(a) Includes rent from Tower Properties Company, a related party, of $19 thousand for both of the three month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 and $58 thousand for both of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
7. Pension
The amount of net pension cost is shown in the table below:
For the Three Months Ended September 30
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Service cost
$
120
$
128
$
352
$
391
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
1,146
713
3,461
2,043
Expected return on plan assets
(1,035)
(1,135)
(3,037)
(3,386)
Amortization of prior service cost
(68)
(68)
(203)
(203)
Amortization of unrecognized net loss
332
470
1,186
1,465
Net periodic pension cost
$
495
$
108
$
1,759
$
310
All benefits accrued under the Company’s defined benefit pension plan have been frozen since January 1, 2011. During the first nine months of 2023, the Company made no funding contributions to its defined benefit pension plan and made minimal funding contributions to a supplemental executive retirement plan (the CERP), which carries no segregated assets.
Presented below is a summary of the components used to calculate basic and diluted income per share. The Company applies the two-class method of computing income per share, as nonvested share-based awards that pay nonforfeitable common stock dividends are considered securities which participate in undistributed earnings with common stock. The two-class method requires the calculation of separate income per share amounts for the nonvested share-based awards and for common stock. Income per share attributable to common stock is shown in the table below. Nonvested share-based awards are further discussed in Note 13.
For the Three Months Ended September 30
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands, except per share data)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Basic income per common share:
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
$
120,596
$
122,823
$
367,837
$
356,771
Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock
1,073
1,119
3,257
3,241
Net income allocated to common stock
$
119,523
$
121,704
$
364,580
$
353,530
Weighted average common shares outstanding
123,718
124,840
123,868
125,600
Basic income per common share
$
.96
$
.97
$
2.94
$
2.81
Diluted income per common share:
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
$
120,596
$
122,823
$
367,837
$
356,771
Less income allocated to nonvested restricted stock
1,072
1,118
3,254
3,236
Net income allocated to common stock
$
119,524
$
121,705
$
364,583
$
353,535
Weighted average common shares outstanding
123,718
124,840
123,868
125,600
Net effect of the assumed exercise of stock-based awards - based on the treasury stock method using the average market price for the respective periods
100
277
158
288
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
123,818
125,117
124,026
125,888
Diluted income per common share
$
.96
$
.97
$
2.93
$
2.81
Unexercised stock appreciation rights of 539 thousand and 175 thousand for the three month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 342 thousand and 159 thousand for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted income per common share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
In the Annual Meeting of the Shareholders, held on April 19, 2023, a proposal to increase the shares of the Company's common stock authorized for issuance under its articles of incorporation was approved. This approval increased the authorized shares from 140,000,000 to 190,000,000.
* All prior year share and per share amounts in this note have been restated for the 5% common stock dividend distributed in December 2022.
The table below shows the activity and accumulated balances for components of other comprehensive income. Information about unrealized gains and losses on securities can be found in Note 3, and information about unrealized gains and losses on cash flow hedge derivatives is located in Note 11.
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities (1)
Pension Loss
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedge Derivatives (2)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(In thousands)
Balance January 1, 2023
$
(1,124,915)
$
(17,186)
$
55,237
$
(1,086,864)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications to current earnings
(105,030)
—
(34,530)
(139,560)
Amounts reclassified to current earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income
8,444
983
(12,093)
(2,666)
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
(96,586)
983
(46,623)
(142,226)
Income tax (expense) benefit
24,146
(245)
11,655
35,556
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(72,440)
738
(34,968)
(106,670)
Balance September 30, 2023
$
(1,197,355)
$
(16,448)
$
20,269
$
(1,193,534)
Balance January 1, 2022
$
23,174
$
(20,668)
$
74,574
$
77,080
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications to current earnings
(1,594,981)
—
(3,464)
(1,598,445)
Amounts reclassified to current earnings from accumulated other comprehensive income
20,274
1,262
(18,322)
3,214
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
(1,574,707)
1,262
(21,786)
(1,595,231)
Income tax (expense) benefit
393,676
(315)
5,446
398,807
Current period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(1,181,031)
947
(16,340)
(1,196,424)
Balance September 30, 2022
$
(1,157,857)
$
(19,721)
$
58,234
$
(1,119,344)
(1) The pre-tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to current earnings are included in "investment securities gains (losses), net" in the consolidated statements of income.
(2) The pre-tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to current earnings are included in "interest and fees on loans" in the consolidated statements of income.
10. Segments
The Company segregates financial information for use in assessing its performance and allocating resources among three operating segments: Consumer, Commercial and Wealth. The Consumer segment consists of various consumer loan and deposit products offered through its retail branch network of approximately 140 locations. This segment also includes indirect and other consumer loan financing businesses, along with debit and credit card loan and fee businesses. In order to reflect a change in the Company's management of its portfolio of residential mortgage loans that it retains, the Company began including those loans in the Consumer segment on January 1, 2023. These loans had previously been included in the Other/Elimination column. As a result of this change, approximately $1.9 billion of loans were reclassified from the Other/Elimination column into the Consumer segment, and prior periods presented below were restated to also reflect this change.
The Commercial segment provides corporate lending (including the Small Business Banking product line within the branch network), leasing, and international services, along with business and governmental deposit products and commercial cash management services. This segment also includes both merchant and commercial bank card products as well as the Capital Markets Group, which sells fixed income securities and provides securities safekeeping and accounting services to its business and correspondent bank customers. The Wealth segment provides traditional trust and estate planning, advisory and discretionary investment management, and brokerage services. This segment also provides various loan and deposit related services to its private banking customers.
The following table presents selected financial information by segment and reconciliations of combined segment totals to consolidated totals. There were no material intersegment revenues between the three segments. Management periodically makes changes to methods of assigning costs and income to its business segments to better reflect operating results. If appropriate, these changes are reflected in prior year information presented below.
(In thousands)
Consumer
Commercial
Wealth
Segment Totals
Other/Elimination
Consolidated Totals
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Net interest income
$
106,453
$
123,062
$
19,629
$
249,144
$
(597)
$
248,547
Provision for credit losses
(7,048)
(2,721)
(1)
(9,770)
(1,875)
(11,645)
Non-interest income
24,939
61,195
55,378
141,512
1,437
142,949
Investment securities gains (losses), net
—
—
—
—
4,298
4,298
Non-interest expense
(82,234)
(98,910)
(38,907)
(220,051)
(7,959)
(228,010)
Income before income taxes
$
42,110
$
82,626
$
36,099
$
160,835
$
(4,696)
$
156,139
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Net interest income
$
304,859
$
355,690
$
54,193
$
714,742
$
34,966
$
749,708
Provision for credit losses
(19,784)
(3,204)
(14)
(23,002)
(6,570)
(29,572)
Non-interest income
74,773
184,288
162,835
421,896
6,270
428,166
Investment securities gains (losses), net
—
—
—
—
7,384
7,384
Non-interest expense
(242,991)
(290,960)
(119,015)
(652,966)
(26,762)
(679,728)
Income before income taxes
$
116,857
$
245,814
$
97,999
$
460,670
$
15,288
$
475,958
Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Net interest income
$
93,182
$
114,135
$
18,640
$
225,957
$
20,416
$
246,373
Provision for loan losses
(4,314)
(506)
5
(4,815)
(10,475)
(15,290)
Non-interest income
27,709
57,115
53,862
138,686
(172)
138,514
Investment securities gains (losses), net
—
—
—
—
3,410
3,410
Non-interest expense
(79,230)
(91,397)
(36,188)
(206,815)
(6,069)
(212,884)
Income before income taxes
$
37,347
$
79,347
$
36,319
$
153,013
$
7,110
$
160,123
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Net interest income
$
270,561
$
333,270
$
56,731
$
660,562
$
26,982
$
687,544
Provision for credit losses
(12,727)
(651)
2
(13,376)
782
(12,594)
Non-interest income
82,464
167,581
161,051
411,096
(1,386)
409,710
Investment securities gains (losses), net
—
—
—
—
11,602
11,602
Non-interest expense
(231,683)
(272,219)
(108,967)
(612,869)
(19,168)
(632,037)
Income before income taxes
$
108,615
$
227,981
$
108,817
$
445,413
$
18,812
$
464,225
The information presented above was derived from the internal profitability reporting system used by management to monitor and manage the financial performance of the Company. This information is based on internal management accounting procedures and methods, which have been developed to reflect the underlying economics of the businesses. The methodologies are applied in connection with funds transfer pricing and assignment of overhead costs among segments. Funds transfer pricing was used in the determination of net interest income by assigning a standard cost (credit) for funds used (provided by) assets and liabilities based on their maturity, prepayment and/or repricing characteristics.
The segment activity, as shown above, includes both direct and allocated items. Amounts in the “Other/Elimination” column include activity not related to the segments, such as that relating to administrative functions, the investment securities portfolio, and the effect of certain expense allocations to the segments. The provision for credit losses in this category contains the difference between net loan charge-offs assigned directly to the segments and the recorded provision for credit loss expense. Included in this category’s net interest income are earnings of the investment portfolio, which are not allocated to a segment. Additionally, interest expense on the Company's brokered deposits is included in this column, as the Company's brokered deposits are not allocated to a segment.
The performance measurement of the operating segments is based on the management structure of the Company and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for any other financial institution. The information is also not necessarily indicative of the segments' financial condition and results of operations if they were independent entities.
The notional amounts of the Company’s derivative instruments are shown in the table below. These contractual amounts, along with other terms of the derivative, are used to determine amounts to be exchanged between counterparties and are not a measure of loss exposure. With the exception of the interest rate floors (discussed below), the Company's derivative instruments are accounted for as free-standing derivatives, and changes in their fair value are recorded in current earnings.
(In thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Interest rate swaps
$
2,199,242
$
1,981,821
Interest rate floors
2,000,000
1,000,000
Interest rate caps
172,784
152,784
Credit risk participation agreements
613,822
579,925
Foreign exchange contracts
38,234
27,991
Mortgage loan commitments
1,834
—
Forward TBA contracts
2,000
—
Total notional amount
$
5,027,916
$
3,742,521
The largest group of notional amounts relate to interest rate swap contracts sold to commercial customers who wish to modify their interest rate sensitivity. The customers are engaged in a variety of businesses, including real estate, manufacturing, retail product distribution, education, and retirement communities. These interest rate swap contracts with customers are offset by matching interest rate swap contracts purchased by the Company from other financial institutions (dealers). Contracts with dealers that require central clearing are novated to a clearing agency who becomes the Company's counterparty. Because of the matching terms of the offsetting contracts, in addition to collateral provisions which mitigate the impact of non-performance risk, changes in fair value subsequent to initial recognition have a minimal effect on earnings.
Many of the Company’s interest rate swap contracts with large financial institutions contain contingent features relating to debt ratings or capitalization levels. Under these provisions, if the Company’s debt rating falls below investment grade or if the Company ceases to be “well-capitalized” under risk-based capital guidelines, certain counterparties can require immediate and ongoing collateralization on interest rate swaps in net liability positions or instant settlement of the contracts. The Company maintains debt ratings and capital well above these minimum requirements.
As of September 30, 2023, the Company held four interest rate floors indexed to 1-month SOFR to hedge the risk of declining interest rates on certain floating rate commercial loans. The floors have a combined notional value of $2.0 billion and are forward-starting. Each of the four interest rate floors has a six-year term and a notional amount of $500.0 million. In the event that the index rate falls below zero, the maximum rate that the Company can earn on the notional amount of each floor is limited to the strike rate.Information about the floors is provided in the table below.
Strike Rate
Effective Date
Maturity Date
3.50
%
July 1, 2024
July 1, 2030
3.25
%
November 1, 2024
November 1, 2030
3.00
%
March 1, 2025
March 1, 2031
2.75
%
July 1, 2025
July 1, 2031
The premium paid for the floors totaled $90.2 million, which includes a $28.5 million premium paid during the third quarter of 2023 and $25.9 million paid during the first six months ended June 30, 2023. The maximum length of time over which the Company is hedging its exposure to lower rates is approximately 7 years. These interest rate floors qualified and were designated as cash flow hedges and were assessed for effectiveness using regression analysis. The change in the fair value of these interest rate floors is recorded in AOCI, net of the amortization of the premiums paid, which are recorded against interest and fees on loans in the consolidated statements of income. As of September 30, 2023, net deferred losses on the interest rate floors totaled $30.1 million (pre-tax) and were recorded in AOCI in the consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2023, it is expected that $10.8 million (pre-tax) interest rate floor premium amortization will be reclassified from AOCI into earnings over the next 12 months for the outstanding interest rate floors.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company monetized three interest rate floors that were previously classified as cash flow hedges with a combined notional balance of $1.5 billion and an asset fair value of $163.2 million. As of
September 30, 2023, the total realized gains on the monetized cash flow hedges remaining in AOCI was $57.1 million (pre-tax), which will be reclassified into interest income over the next 3.2 years. The estimated amount of net gains related to the cash flow hedges remaining in AOCI at September 30, 2023 that is expected to be reclassified into income within the next 12 months is $22.6 million.
The Company also contracts with other financial institutions, as a guarantor or beneficiary, to share credit risk associated with certain interest rate swaps through risk participation agreements. The Company’s risks and responsibilities as guarantor are further discussed in Note 5 on Guarantees. In addition, the Company enters into foreign exchange contracts, which are mainly comprised of contracts with customers to purchase or deliver specific foreign currencies at specific future dates.
Under its program to sell residential mortgage loans in the secondary market, the Company designates certain newly-originated residential mortgage loans as held for sale. Derivative instruments arising from this activity include mortgage loan commitments and forward loan sale contracts. Changes in the fair values of the loan commitments and funded loans prior to sale that are due to changes in interest rates are economically hedged with forward contracts to sell residential mortgage-backed securities in the to-be-announced (TBA) market. These forward TBA contracts are also considered to be derivatives and are settled in cash at the security settlement date. In late 2022, the Company temporarily paused sales of these loans and halted entering into the forward contracts, as lower demand for mortgage loans coupled with volatility in the TBA market made it difficult to effectively hedge the Company's mortgage loan production. The Company resumed sales during the first quarter of 2023.
The fair values of the Company's derivative instruments, whose notional amounts are listed above, are shown in the table below. Information about the valuation methods used to determine fair value is provided in Note 15 on Fair Value Measurements.
The Company's policy is to present its derivative assets and derivative liabilities on a gross basis on its consolidated balance sheets, and these are reported in other assets and other liabilities. Certain collateral posted to and from the Company's clearing counterparty has been applied to the fair values of the cleared swaps, such that in the table below, the positive fair values of cleared swaps were reduced by $27.8 million at December 31, 2022. There was no reduction to positive fair values of cleared swaps at September 30, 2023.
Asset Derivatives
Liability Derivatives
Sept. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
Sept. 30, 2023
Dec. 31, 2022
(In thousands)
Fair Value
Fair Value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate floors
$
53,289
$
33,371
$
—
$
—
Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments
$
53,289
$
33,371
$
—
$
—
Derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments:
Interest rate swaps
$
56,635
$
23,894
$
(56,635)
$
(51,742)
Interest rate caps
1,752
2,705
(1,752)
(2,705)
Credit risk participation agreements
11
34
(44)
(119)
Foreign exchange contracts
449
488
(287)
(418)
Mortgage loan commitments
35
—
—
—
Forward TBA contracts
11
—
—
—
Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
The Company made an election to exclude the initial premiums paid on the interest rate floors from the hedge effectiveness measurement. Those initial premiums are amortized over the periods between the premium payment month and the contract maturity month. The pre-tax effects of the gains and losses (both the included and excluded amounts for hedge effectiveness assessment) recognized in the other comprehensive income from the cash flow hedging instruments and the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income (both included and excluded amounts for hedge effectiveness measurement) are shown in the table below.
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in OCI
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
(In thousands)
Total
Included Component
Excluded Component
Total
Included Component
Excluded Component
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2023
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate floors
$
(29,007)
$
—
$
(29,007)
Interest and fees on loans
$
3,543
$
7,459
$
(3,916)
Total
$
(29,007)
$
—
$
(29,007)
Total
$
3,543
$
7,459
$
(3,916)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate floors
$
(34,530)
$
—
$
(34,530)
Interest and fees on loans
$
12,093
$
22,358
$
(10,265)
Total
$
(34,530)
$
—
$
(34,530)
Total
$
12,093
$
22,358
$
(10,265)
For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2022
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate floors
$
(3,464)
$
—
$
(3,464)
Interest and fees on loans
$
6,118
$
7,745
$
(1,627)
Total
$
(3,464)
$
—
$
(3,464)
Total
$
6,118
$
7,745
$
(1,627)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
Interest rate floors
$
(3,464)
$
—
$
(3,464)
Interest and fees on loans
$
18,322
$
22,998
$
(4,676)
Total
$
(3,464)
$
—
$
(3,464)
Total
$
18,322
$
22,998
$
(4,676)
The gain and loss recognized through various derivative instruments on the consolidated statements of income are shown in the table below.
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Consolidated Statements of Income
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
For the Three Months Ended September 30
For the Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Derivative instruments:
Interest rate swaps
Other non-interest income
$
365
$
88
$
2,861
$
1,770
Interest rate caps
Other non-interest income
23
—
23
16
Credit risk participation agreements
Other non-interest income
123
122
107
30
Foreign exchange contracts
Other non-interest income
122
3
93
3
Mortgage loan commitments
Loan fees and sales
(23)
(230)
35
(764)
Mortgage loan forward sale contracts
Loan fees and sales
—
5
—
1
Forward TBA contracts
Loan fees and sales
63
117
113
1,783
Total
$
673
$
105
$
3,232
$
2,839
The following table shows the extent to which assets and liabilities relating to derivative instruments have been offset in the consolidated balance sheets. It also provides information about these instruments which are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement, irrespective of whether they are offset, and the extent to which the instruments could potentially be offset. Also shown is collateral received or pledged in the form of other financial instruments, which is generally cash or marketable securities. The collateral amounts in this table are limited to the outstanding balances of the related asset or liability (after
netting is applied); thus, amounts of excess collateral are not shown. Most of the derivatives in the following table were transacted under master netting arrangements that contain a conditional right of offset, such as close-out netting, upon default.
While the Company is party to master netting arrangements with most of its swap derivative counterparties, the Company does not offset derivative assets and liabilities under these agreements on its consolidated balance sheets. Collateral exchanged between the Company and dealer bank counterparties is generally subject to thresholds and transfer minimums, and usually consists of marketable securities. By contract, these may be sold or re-pledged by the secured party until recalled at a subsequent valuation date by the pledging party. For those swap transactions requiring central clearing, the Company posts cash or securities to its clearing agent. Collateral positions are valued daily, and adjustments to amounts received and pledged by the Company are made as appropriate to maintain proper collateralization for these transactions. Swap derivative transactions with customers are generally secured by rights to non-financial collateral, such as real and personal property, which is not shown in the table below.
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
(In thousands)
Gross Amount Recognized
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments Available for Offset
Collateral Received/ Pledged
Net Amount
September 30, 2023
Assets:
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
$
112,028
$
—
$
112,028
$
(93)
$
(111,060)
$
875
Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements
154
—
154
Total derivatives
$
112,182
$
—
$
112,182
Liabilities:
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
$
58,491
$
—
$
58,491
$
(93)
$
—
$
58,398
Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements
227
—
227
Total derivatives
$
58,718
$
—
$
58,718
December 31, 2022
Assets:
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
$
60,270
$
—
$
60,270
$
(1,007)
$
(56,816)
$
2,447
Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements
222
—
222
Total derivatives
$
60,492
$
—
$
60,492
Liabilities:
Derivatives subject to master netting agreements
$
54,609
$
—
$
54,609
$
(1,007)
$
—
$
53,602
Derivatives not subject to master netting agreements
375
—
375
Total derivatives
$
54,984
$
—
$
54,984
12. Resale and Repurchase Agreements
The Company regularly enters into resale and repurchase agreement transactions with other financial institutions and with its own customers. Resale and repurchase agreements are agreements to purchase/sell securities subject to an obligation to resell/repurchase the same or similar securities. They are accounted for as secured lending and collateralized borrowing (e.g. financing transactions), not as true sales and purchases of the underlying collateral securities. Some of the resale and repurchase agreements were transacted under master netting arrangements that contain a conditional right of offset, such as close-out netting, upon default. The security collateral accepted or pledged in resale and repurchase agreements with other financial institutions may be sold or re-pledged by the secured party, but is usually delivered to and held by third party trustees. The Company generally retains custody of securities pledged for repurchase agreements with its customers.
The Company is party to agreements commonly known as collateral swaps. These agreements involve the exchange of collateral under simultaneous repurchase and resale agreements with the same financial institution counterparty. These repurchase and resale agreements have the same principal amounts, inception dates, and maturity dates and have been offset against each other in the consolidated balance sheets, as permitted under the netting provisions of ASC 210-20-45. The collateral swaps totaled $200.0 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022. At September 30, 2023, the Company had posted collateral of $206.9 million in marketable securities, consisting of agency mortgage-backed bonds, and had accepted $209.8 million in agency mortgage-backed bonds.
The following table shows the extent to which resale agreement assets and repurchase agreement liabilities with the same counterparty have been offset on the consolidated balance sheets, in addition to the extent to which they could potentially be offset. Also shown is collateral received or pledged, which consists of marketable securities. The collateral amounts in the table are limited to the outstanding balances of the related asset or liability (after offsetting is applied); thus amounts of excess collateral are not shown.
Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Balance Sheet
(In thousands)
Gross Amount Recognized
Gross Amounts Offset in the Balance Sheet
Net Amounts Presented in the Balance Sheet
Financial Instruments Available for Offset
Securities Collateral Received/Pledged
Unsecured Amount
September 30, 2023
Total resale agreements, subject to master netting arrangements
$
650,000
$
(200,000)
$
450,000
$
—
$
(450,000)
$
—
Total repurchase agreements, subject to master netting arrangements
2,438,826
(200,000)
2,238,826
—
(2,238,826)
—
December 31, 2022
Total resale agreements, subject to master netting arrangements
$
1,025,000
$
(200,000)
$
825,000
$
—
$
(825,000)
$
—
Total repurchase agreements, subject to master netting arrangements
2,881,874
(200,000)
2,681,874
—
(2,681,874)
—
The table below shows the remaining contractual maturities of repurchase agreements outstanding at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, in addition to the various types of marketable securities that have been pledged by the Company as collateral for these borrowings.
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
(In thousands)
Overnight and continuous
Up to 90 days
Greater than 90 days
Total
September 30, 2023
Repurchase agreements, secured by:
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
137,949
$
13,015
$
4,500
$
155,464
Agency mortgage-backed securities
1,426,015
221,604
18,700
1,666,319
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
9,100
—
—
9,100
Asset-backed securities
572,135
—
—
572,135
Other debt securities
35,808
—
—
35,808
Total repurchase agreements, gross amount recognized
$
2,181,007
$
234,619
$
23,200
$
2,438,826
December 31, 2022
Repurchase agreements, secured by:
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
$
488,053
$
26,928
$
12,460
$
527,441
Agency mortgage-backed securities
1,792,314
21,744
204,500
2,018,558
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
40,950
—
—
40,950
Asset-backed securities
293,001
—
—
293,001
Other debt securities
1,924
—
—
1,924
Total repurchase agreements, gross amount recognized
The Company issues stock-based compensation in the form of nonvested restricted stock and stock appreciation rights (SARs). Historically, most of the awards have been issued during the first quarter of each year. The stock-based compensation expense charged against income was $4.3 million and $4.2 million in the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 respectively, and $12.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Nonvested stock awards granted generally vest in 4 to 7 years and contain restrictions as to transferability, sale, pledging, or assigning, among others, prior to the end of the vesting period. Dividend and voting rights are conferred upon grant. A summary of the status of the Company’s nonvested share awards as of September 30, 2023, and changes during the nine month period then ended, is presented below.
Shares
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2023
1,148,873
$58.20
Granted
311,275
62.29
Vested
(315,761)
50.67
Forfeited
(25,539)
60.44
Nonvested at September 30, 2023
1,118,848
$61.41
SARs are granted with exercise prices equal to the market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant. SARs vest ratably over 4 years of continuous service and have contractual terms of 10 years. All SARs must be settled in stock under provisions of the plan. In determining compensation cost, the Black-Scholes option-pricing model is used to estimate the fair value of SARs on date of grant. The current year per share average fair value and the model assumptions are shown in the table below.
Weighted per share average fair value at grant date
$18.65
Assumptions:
Dividend yield
1.6
%
Volatility
27.9
%
Risk-free interest rate
3.9
%
Expected term
5.8 years
A summary of SAR activity during the first nine months of 2023 is presented below.
Revenue from contracts with customers, Accounting Standard Codification 606 ("ASC 606"), requires revenue recognition for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, approximately 64% of the Company’s total revenue was comprised of net interest income, which is not within the scope of this guidance. Of the remaining revenue, those items that were subject to this guidance mainly included fees for bank card, trust, deposit account services and consumer brokerage services.
The following table disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by major product line.
Three Months Ended September 30
Nine Months Ended September 30
(In thousands)
2023
2022
2023
2022
Bank card transaction fees
$
46,899
$
45,638
$
143,278
$
131,556
Trust fees
49,207
45,406
141,800
140,009
Deposit account charges and other fees
23,090
24,521
67,475
72,392
Consumer brokerage services
3,820
5,085
13,582
14,599
Other non-interest income
11,912
9,360
29,737
24,605
Total non-interest income from contracts with customers
134,928
130,010
395,872
383,161
Other non-interest income (1)
8,021
8,504
32,294
26,549
Total non-interest income
$
142,949
$
138,514
$
428,166
$
409,710
(1) This revenue is not within the scope of ASC 606, and includes fees relating to capital market activities, loan fees and sales, derivative instruments, standby letters of credit and various other transactions.
For bank card transaction fees, nearly all of debit and credit card fees are earned in the Consumer segment, while corporate card and merchant fees are earned in the Commercial segment. The Consumer and Commercial segments contributed approximately 33% and 67%, respectively, of the Company's deposit account charge revenue. All trust fees and nearly all consumer brokerage services income were earned in the Wealth segment.
The following table presents the opening and closing receivable balances for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 for the Company’s significant revenue from contracts with customers.
(In thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2021
Bank card transaction fees
$
15,160
$
17,254
$
14,167
$
16,424
Trust fees
1,886
2,038
2,073
2,222
Deposit account charges and other fees
5,762
6,631
5,658
6,702
Consumer brokerage services
74
949
632
391
For these revenue categories, none of the transaction price has been allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied as of the end of a reporting period.
The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain financial and nonfinancial assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Various financial instruments such as available for sale debt securities, equity securities, trading debt securities, certain investments relating to private equity activities, and derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets and liabilities on a nonrecurring basis, such as mortgage servicing rights and certain other investment securities. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the Company uses various valuation techniques and assumptions when estimating fair value. For accounting disclosure purposes, a three-level valuation hierarchy of fair value measurements has been established. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
•Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
•Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, and inputs that are observable for the assets or liabilities, either directly or indirectly (such as interest rates, yield curves, and prepayment speeds).
•Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value. These may be internally developed, using the Company’s best information and assumptions that a market participant would consider.
The valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis are described in the Fair Value Measurements note in the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes in these methodologies since then.
Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The table below presents the September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 carrying values of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. There were no transfers among levels during the first nine months of 2023 or the year ended December 31, 2022.
Fair Value Measurements Using
(In thousands)
Total Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
September 30, 2023
Assets:
Residential mortgage loans held for sale
$
366
$
—
$
366
$
—
Available for sale debt securities:
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
947,976
947,976
—
—
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
40,593
—
40,593
—
State and municipal obligations
1,178,414
—
1,177,476
938
Agency mortgage-backed securities
3,792,567
—
3,792,567
—
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
1,137,448
—
1,137,448
—
Asset-backed securities
2,313,545
—
2,313,545
—
Other debt securities
450,285
—
450,285
—
Trading debt securities
35,564
—
35,564
—
Equity securities
5,453
5,453
—
—
Private equity investments
165,322
—
—
165,322
Derivatives *
112,182
—
112,136
46
Assets held in trust for deferred compensation plan
18,859
18,859
—
—
Total assets
10,198,574
972,288
9,059,980
166,306
Liabilities:
Derivatives *
58,718
—
58,674
44
Liabilities held in trust for deferred compensation plan
18,859
18,859
—
—
Total liabilities
$
77,577
$
18,859
$
58,674
$
44
December 31, 2022
Assets:
Residential mortgage loans held for sale
$
—
$
—
$
—
$
—
Available for sale debt securities:
U.S. government and federal agency obligations
1,035,406
1,035,406
—
—
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
43,108
—
43,108
—
State and municipal obligations
1,767,109
—
1,765,268
1,841
Agency mortgage-backed securities
4,308,427
—
4,308,427
—
Non-agency mortgage-backed securities
1,211,607
—
1,211,607
—
Asset-backed securities
3,397,801
—
3,397,801
—
Other debt securities
474,858
—
474,858
—
Trading debt securities
43,523
—
43,523
—
Equity securities
6,210
6,210
—
—
Private equity investments
178,127
—
—
178,127
Derivatives *
60,492
—
60,458
34
Assets held in trust for deferred compensation plan
17,856
17,856
—
—
Total assets
12,544,524
1,059,472
11,305,050
180,002
Liabilities:
Derivatives *
54,984
—
54,865
119
Liabilities held in trust for deferred compensation plan
17,856
17,856
—
—
Total liabilities
$
72,840
$
17,856
$
54,865
$
119
* The fair value of each class of derivative is shown in Note 11.
The changes in the Company's significant Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows:
Fair Value Measurements Using
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
(In thousands)
State and Municipal Obligations
Private Equity
Investments
Total
For the three months ended September 30, 2023
Balance June 30, 2023
$
920
$
172,732
$
173,652
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings
—
5,605
5,605
Included in other comprehensive income *
18
—
18
Sale/pay down of private equity investments
—
(13,342)
(13,342)
Capitalized interest/dividends
—
327
327
Balance September 30, 2023
$
938
$
165,322
$
166,260
Total gains or losses for the three months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2023
$
—
$
5,605
$
5,605
*Total gains or losses for the three months included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2023
$
17
$
—
$
17
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023
Balance January 1, 2023
$
1,841
$
178,127
$
179,968
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings
—
16,946
16,946
Included in other comprehensive income *
49
—
49
Investment securities called
(1,000)
—
(1,000)
Discount accretion
48
—
48
Purchases of private equity investments
—
10,756
10,756
Sale/pay down of private equity investments
—
(40,834)
(40,834)
Capitalized interest/dividends
—
327
327
Balance September 30, 2023
$
938
$
165,322
$
166,260
Total gains or losses for the nine months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2023
$
—
$
17,446
$
17,446
*Total gains or losses for the nine months included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2023
Total gains or losses for the three months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2022
$
—
$
14,050
$
14,050
*Total gains or losses for the three months included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2022
$
40
$
—
$
40
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022
Balance January 1, 2022
$
1,984
$
147,406
$
149,390
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
Included in earnings
—
37,133
37,133
Included in other comprehensive income *
(130)
—
(130)
Discount accretion
4
—
4
Purchases of private equity investments
—
2,021
2,021
Sale/pay down of private equity investments
—
(10,263)
(10,263)
Capitalized interest/dividends
—
44
44
Balance September 30, 2022
$
1,858
$
176,341
$
178,199
Total gains or losses for the nine months included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2022
$
—
$
37,083
$
37,083
*Total gains or losses for the nine months included in other comprehensive income attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2022
$
(130)
$
—
$
(130)
* Included in "net unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale debt securities" in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Gains and losses included in earnings for the Company's significant Level 3 assets and liabilities in the previous table are reported in the following line items in the consolidated statements of income:
(In thousands)
Investment Securities Gains (Losses), Net
For the three months ended September 30, 2023
Total gains or losses included in earnings
$
5,605
Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2023
$
5,605
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023
Total gains or losses included in earnings
$
16,946
Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2023
$
17,446
For the three months ended September 30, 2022
Total gains or losses included in earnings
$
14,050
Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2022
$
14,050
For the nine months ended September 30, 2022
Total gains or losses included in earnings
$
37,133
Change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at September 30, 2022
$
37,083
Level 3 Inputs
The Company's significant Level 3 measurements at September 30, 2023, which employ unobservable inputs that are readily quantifiable, pertain to investments in portfolio concerns held by the Company's private equity subsidiaries. Information about these inputs is presented in the table below.
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Weighted
Valuation Technique
Unobservable Input
Range
Average*
Private equity investments
Market comparable companies
EBITDA multiple
4.0
-
6.0
5.1
* Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments.
Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the first nine months of 2023 and 2022, and still held as of September 30, 2023 and 2022, the following table provides the adjustments to fair value recognized during the respective periods, the level of valuation inputs used to determine each adjustment, and the carrying value of the related individual assets or portfolios at September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Fair Value Measurements Using
(In thousands)
Fair Value
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
Significant Unobservable Inputs
(Level 3)
Total Gains (Losses) Recognized During the Nine Months Ended September 30
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments held by the Company are set forth below. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time based on relevant market information. They do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from offering for sale at one time the Company’s entire holdings of a particular financial instrument. Because no market exists for many of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, risk characteristics and economic conditions. These estimates are subjective, involve uncertainties, and cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments and the classification of their fair value measurement within the valuation hierarchy are as follows at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022:
Carrying Amount
Estimated Fair Value at September 30, 2023
(In thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Total
Financial Assets
Loans:
Business
$
5,908,330
$
—
$
—
$
5,733,548
$
5,733,548
Real estate - construction and land
1,539,566
—
—
1,520,702
1,520,702
Real estate - business
3,647,168
—
—
3,486,455
3,486,455
Real estate - personal
3,024,639
—
—
2,652,514
2,652,514
Consumer
2,125,804
—
—
2,059,484
2,059,484
Revolving home equity
305,237
—
—
302,428
302,428
Consumer credit card
574,829
—
—
540,766
540,766
Overdrafts
3,753
—
—
3,667
3,667
Total loans
17,129,326
—
—
16,299,564
16,299,564
Loans held for sale
5,120
—
5,120
—
5,120
Investment securities
10,132,637
953,429
8,947,478
231,730
10,132,637
Federal funds sold
2,735
2,735
—
—
2,735
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
450,000
—
—
439,056
439,056
Interest earning deposits with banks
1,847,641
1,847,641
—
—
1,847,641
Cash and due from banks
358,010
358,010
—
—
358,010
Derivative instruments
112,182
—
112,136
46
112,182
Assets held in trust for deferred compensation plan
18,859
18,859
—
—
18,859
Total
$
30,056,510
$
3,180,674
$
9,064,734
$
16,970,396
$
29,215,804
Financial Liabilities
Non-interest bearing deposits
$
7,961,402
$
7,961,402
$
—
$
—
$
7,961,402
Savings, interest checking and money market deposits
14,154,275
14,154,275
—
—
14,154,275
Certificates of deposit
2,974,780
—
—
3,003,240
3,003,240
Federal funds purchased
506,355
506,355
—
—
506,355
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
2,238,826
—
—
2,241,706
2,241,706
Other borrowings
503,547
—
3,547
500,000
503,547
Derivative instruments
58,718
—
58,674
44
58,718
Liabilities held in trust for deferred compensation plan
Assets held in trust for deferred compensation plan
17,856
17,856
—
—
17,856
Total
$
30,614,233
$
1,950,613
$
11,310,014
$
16,666,310
$
29,926,937
Financial Liabilities
Non-interest bearing deposits
$
10,066,356
$
10,066,356
$
—
$
—
$
10,066,356
Savings, interest checking and money market deposits
15,126,981
15,126,981
—
—
15,126,981
Certificates of deposit
994,103
—
—
982,613
982,613
Federal funds purchased
159,860
159,860
—
—
159,860
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
2,681,874
—
—
2,684,471
2,684,471
Other borrowings
8,831
—
8,831
—
8,831
Derivative instruments
54,984
—
54,865
119
54,984
Liabilities held in trust for deferred compensation plan
17,856
17,856
—
—
17,856
Total
$
29,110,845
$
25,371,053
$
63,696
$
3,667,203
$
29,101,952
17. Legal and Regulatory Proceedings
The Company has various legal proceedings pending at September 30, 2023, arising in the normal course of business. While some matters pending against the Company specify damages claimed by plaintiffs, others do not seek a specified amount of damages or are at early stages of the legal process. The Company records a loss accrual for all legal and regulatory matters for which it deems a loss is probable and can be reasonably estimated. Some matters, which are in the early stages, have not yet progressed to the point where a loss amount can be determined to be probable and estimable.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes and with the statistical information and financial data appearing in this report as well as the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of results to be attained for any other period.
Forward-Looking Information
This report may contain "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties and include information about possible or assumed future results of operations. Many possible events or factors could affect the future financial results and performance of the Company. This could cause results or performance to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "estimates", variations of such words and other similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. Readers should not rely solely on the forward-looking statements and should consider all uncertainties and risks discussed throughout this report. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Such possible events or factors include: changes in economic conditions in the Company's market area, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, changes in policies by regulatory agencies, governmental legislation and regulation, fluctuations in interest rates, changes in liquidity requirements, demand for loans in the Company's market area, changes in accounting and tax principles, estimates made on income taxes, competition with other entities that offer financial services, cybersecurity threats, and such other factors as discussed in Part I Item 1A - "Risk Factors" and Part II Item 7 - "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. During the quarter ended September 30, 2023, there were no material changes to the Risk Factors disclosed in the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Estimates and Related Policies
The Company has identified certain policies as being critical because they require management to make particularly difficult, subjective and/or complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because of the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. These estimates and related policies are the Company's allowance for credit losses and fair value measurement policies. A discussion of these estimates and related policies can be found in the sections captioned "Critical Accounting Policies" and "Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Liability for Unfunded Lending Commitments" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no changes in the Company's application of critical accounting policies since December 31, 2022.
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (4)
7.78
6.80
Tier I leverage ratio
10.87
9.87
* Restated for the 5% stock dividend distributed in December 2022.
(1) Includes loans held for sale.
(2) Revenue includes net interest income and non-interest income.
(3) The efficiency ratio is calculated as non-interest expense (excluding intangibles amortization) as a percent of revenue.
(4) The tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio is a measurement which management believes is a useful indicator of capital adequacy and utilization.
It provides a meaningful basis for period to period and company to company comparisons, and also assists regulators, investors and analysts in analyzing the financial position of the Company. Tangible common equity and tangible assets are non-GAAP measures and should not be viewed as substitutes for, or superior to, data prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The following table is a reconciliation of the GAAP financial measures of total equity and total assets to the non-GAAP measures of total tangible common equity and total tangible assets.
September 30
(Dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
Total equity
$
2,599,266
$
2,371,107
Less non-controlling interest
17,861
19,513
Less goodwill
146,539
138,921
Less intangible assets*
4,111
4,371
Total tangible common equity (a)
$
2,430,755
$
2,208,302
Total assets
$
31,376,692
$
32,602,596
Less goodwill
146,539
138,921
Less intangible assets*
4,111
4,371
Total tangible assets (b)
$
31,226,042
$
32,459,304
Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (a)/(b)
7.78
%
6.80
%
* Intangible assets other than mortgage servicing rights.
Net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
$
120,596
$
122,823
(1.8
%)
$
367,837
$
356,771
3.1
%
For the quarter ended September 30, 2023, net income attributable to Commerce Bancshares, Inc. (net income) amounted to $120.6 million, a decrease of $2.2 million, or 1.8%, compared to the third quarter of the previous year. For the current quarter, the annualized return on average assets was 1.49%, the annualized return on average equity was 17.73%, and the efficiency ratio was 58.15%. Diluted earnings per common share was $.96 per share in the current quarter, a decrease of 1.0% compared to $0.97 per share in the third quarter of 2022, and decreased 5.9% compared to $1.02 per share in the previous quarter.
Compared to the third quarter of last year, net interest income increased $2.2 million, or .9%, mainly due to increases in interest income on loans and interest income on deposits with banks of $85.0 million and $26.2 million, respectively. These increases were partly offset by an increase in deposits and borrowings interest expense of $96.3 million. The provision for credit losses decreased $3.6 million, or 23.8%, compared to the same quarter in the prior year. Non-interest income increased $4.4 million, or 3.2%, compared to the third quarter of 2022, mainly due to an increase in trust fees and bank card fees, partly offset by lower deposit account charges and consumer brokerage services fees. Net gains on investment securities totaled $4.3 million in the current quarter compared to net gains of $3.4 million in the same quarter of last year. Net securities gains in the current quarter primarily resulted from gains of $5.6 million related to fair value adjustments on private equity investments, partly offset by $1.2 million of net losses realized on the sales of private equity investments. Non-interest expense increased $15.1 million, or 7.1%, over the third quarter of 2022, mainly due to higher salaries and employee benefits expense, higher data processing and software expense and higher FDIC insurance expense.
Net income for the first nine months of 2023 was $367.8 million, an increase of $11.1 million, or 3.1%, from the same period last year. Diluted earnings per common share was $2.93, an increase of 4.3% compared to $2.81 per share in the same period last year. For the first nine months of 2023, the annualized return on average assets was 1.53%, the annualized return on average equity was 18.42%, and the efficiency ratio was 57.62%. Net interest income increased $62.2 million, or 9.0%, over the same period last year. This growth was largely due to an increase of $275.5 million in interest income on loans and an increase in interest on deposits at the Federal Reserve of $61.2 million. These increases were partly offset by increases in interest expense on deposits and borrowings of $243.9 million. The provision for credit losses was $29.6 million for the first nine months of 2023, compared to $12.6 million in the same period last year. Non-interest income increased $18.5 million, or 4.5%, from the first nine months of last year mainly due to higher bank card fees, letters of credit fees, and cash sweep commission fees, partly offset by lower deposit account fees. Non-interest expense increased $47.7 million, or 7.5%, over the first nine months of last year mainly due to increases in salaries and benefits expense, higher FDIC insurance expense, and higher data processing and software expense.
The following table summarizes the changes in net interest income on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, by major category of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, identifying changes related to volumes and rates. Changes not solely due to volume or rate changes are allocated to rate.
Analysis of Changes in Net Interest Income
Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 vs. 2022
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 vs. 2022
Change due to
Change due to
(In thousands)
Average Volume
Average Rate
Total
Average Volume
Average Rate
Total
Interest income, fully taxable equivalent basis:
Loans:
Business
$
5,165
$
27,126
$
32,291
$
10,565
$
94,985
$
105,550
Real estate - construction and land
2,924
11,013
13,937
7,920
37,133
45,053
Real estate - business
4,257
15,858
20,115
10,958
55,253
66,211
Real estate - personal
1,254
2,807
4,061
3,361
8,186
11,547
Consumer
7
9,513
9,520
526
28,727
29,253
Revolving home equity
281
2,253
2,534
743
7,744
8,487
Consumer credit card
425
2,434
2,859
1,372
9,032
10,404
Overdrafts
—
—
—
—
—
—
Total interest on loans
14,313
71,004
85,317
35,445
241,060
276,505
Loans held for sale
(33)
26
(7)
(94)
72
(22)
Investment securities:
U.S. government and federal agency securities
(1,445)
(5,469)
(6,914)
(2,325)
(13,696)
(16,021)
Government-sponsored enterprise obligations
—
(1)
(1)
205
185
390
State and municipal obligations
(3,788)
(1,147)
(4,935)
(8,795)
(2,234)
(11,029)
Mortgage-backed securities
(3,340)
1,959
(1,381)
(11,733)
4,740
(6,993)
Asset-backed securities
(5,379)
3,726
(1,653)
(11,045)
15,503
4,458
Other securities
391
3,467
3,858
3,422
(3,370)
52
Total interest on investment securities
(13,561)
2,535
(11,026)
(30,271)
1,128
(29,143)
Federal funds sold
(75)
26
(49)
180
345
525
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
(2,891)
647
(2,244)
(8,007)
4,129
(3,878)
Interest earning deposits with banks
7,699
18,468
26,167
1,192
59,986
61,178
Total interest income
5,452
92,706
98,158
(1,555)
306,720
305,165
Interest expense:
Deposits:
Savings
(16)
33
17
(27)
88
61
Interest checking and money market
(2,054)
38,287
36,233
(2,844)
85,192
82,348
Certificates of deposit of less than $100,000
196
14,892
15,088
224
26,070
26,294
Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over
2,153
15,918
18,071
1,251
36,966
38,217
Total interest on deposits
279
69,130
69,409
(1,396)
148,316
146,920
Federal funds purchased
2,776
3,742
6,518
3,821
14,449
18,270
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
287
10,568
10,855
(392)
42,372
41,980
Other borrowings
4,490
4,661
9,151
18,524
18,481
37,005
Total interest expense
7,832
88,101
95,933
20,557
$
223,618
$
244,175
Net interest income, tax equivalent basis
$
(2,380)
$
4,605
$
2,225
$
(22,112)
$
83,102
$
60,990
Net interest income in the third quarter of 2023 was $248.5 million, an increase of $2.2 million over the third quarter of 2022. On a fully taxable-equivalent (FTE) basis, net interest income totaled $251.0 million in the third quarter of 2023, up $2.2 million over the same period last year and down $795 thousand from the previous quarter. The increase in net interest income
compared to the third quarter of 2022 was mainly due to higher interest income earned on loans (FTE) of $85.3 million and balances at the Federal Reserve of $26.2 million, partly offset by higher interest expense on deposits and borrowings of $95.9 million. The increase in total interest earned on loans (FTE) was the result of higher loan yields on all loan products, especially commercial loans, many of which have variable rates, coupled with higher average balances. The increase in interest earned on balances at the Federal Reserve was due to higher rates and average balances, while the increase in interest expense was mainly due to higher rates paid on deposits and borrowings. The Company's net yield on earning assets (FTE) was 3.11% in the current quarter compared to 3.01% in the third quarter of 2022.
Total interest income (FTE) increased $98.2 million over the third quarter of 2022. Interest income on loans (FTE) was $257.7 million during the third quarter of 2023, an increase of $85.3 million, or 49.5%, over the same quarter last year. The increase in interest income over the same quarter of last year was primarily due to an increase of 165 basis points in the average rate earned and growth of $1.3 billion, or 8.5%, in average loan balances. Most of the increase in interest income occurred in the business, business real estate and construction loan categories. The largest increase to interest income occurred in business loan interest, which grew $32.3 million due to a 183 basis point increase in the average rate earned, coupled with growth in average balances of $531.5 million, or 10.0%. Business real estate loan interest income increased $20.1 million due to an increase of 173 basis points in the average rate earned and higher average balances of $383.9 million, or 11.8%. Construction and land loan interest grew $13.9 million due to a 290 basis point increase in the average rate earned and growth of $220.1 million, or 17.1%, in average loan balances. In addition, consumer loan interest increased $9.5 million due to an increase of 180 basis points in the average rate earned, while consumer credit card loan increased $2.9 million mainly due to a 172 basis point increase in the average rate earned. Personal real estate loan interest income grew $4.1 million due to a 37 basis point increase in the average rate earned and growth of $148.1 million, or 5.2%, in average loan balances.
Interest income on investment securities (FTE) was $70.3 million during the third quarter of 2023, which was a decrease of $11.0 million from the same quarter last year. The decrease in interest income occurred mainly in interest earned on U.S. government and federal agency obligations, which declined $6.9 million due to a decrease in inflation income on the Company's U.S. Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS). Interest income related to TIPS, which is tied to the non-seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), decreased $6.0 million from the same quarter last year. Interest income earned on state and municipal securities declined $4.9 million due to a $661.4 million, or 32.2%, decrease in average balances and a 32 basis point decline in the average rate earned. Interest income earned on mortgage-backed securities decreased $1.4 million mainly due to a decline of $686.6 million, or 10.0%, in the average balance. In addition, a $1.3 million increase in premium amortization, reflecting slower forward prepayment speed estimates was recorded in the current quarter, compared to a premium amortization adjustment increase of $1.5 million in the prior year. Interest earned on asset-backed securities decreased $1.7 million due to lower average balances of $1.3 billion, or 34.0%, partly offset by an increase of 58 basis points in the average rate earned. These decreases to interest income were partly offset by growth in interest income on other securities of $3.9 million, mainly driven by a $2.3 million dividend from a private equity investment in the third quarter of 2023. Additionally, the average rate earned on investment securities during the three months ended September 30, 2023 increased 15 basis points over the same period in the prior year. The average balance of the total investment portfolio (excluding unrealized fair value adjustments on available for sale debt securities) was $11.9 billion in the third quarter of 2023, compared to $14.8 billion in the third quarter of 2022.
Interest income on securities purchased under agreements to resell decreased $2.2 million from the same quarter last year, due to a decline of $666.9 million in the average balance, partly offset by an increase of 36 basis points in the average rate earned. Interest income on balances at the Federal Reserve grew $26.2 million due to an increase of 314 basis points in the average rate earned and an increase of $1.4 billion in the average balance invested.
The average fully taxable-equivalent yield on total interest earning assets was 4.51% in the third quarter of 2023, up from 3.21% in the third quarter of 2022.
Total interest expense increased $95.9 million compared to the third quarter of 2022 due to increases of $69.4 million in interest expense on interest bearing deposits and $26.5 million on borrowings. The increase in deposit interest expense resulted mainly from an increase of $36.2 million in interest expense on interest checking and money market deposit accounts due to a 113 basis point increase in the average rate paid, slightly offset by lower average balances of $1.4 billion, or 9.5%. In addition, interest expense on certificates of deposit increased $33.2 million mainly due to an increase of 383 basis points in the average rate paid and an increase in average balances of $2.2 billion. A portion of this increase was due to brokered deposits added by the Company during the second quarter of 2023. The brokered deposits consist of short-term certificates of deposit less than $100 thousand, and $401.3 million were outstanding at September 30, 2023. Interest expense on borrowings was higher due to an increase of $10.9 million in interest expense on customer repurchase agreements resulting from an increase of 183 basis points in the average rate paid. Interest expense on federal funds purchased increased $6.5 million mainly due to a 292 basis point increase in the average rate paid and a $456.9 million increase in the average balance of federal funds purchased, while
FHLB borrowings increased $684.2 million and resulted in an increase of $9.2 million in interest expense. The overall average rate incurred on all interest bearing liabilities was 2.12% and .34% in the third quarters of 2023 and 2022, respectively.
Net interest income (FTE) for the first nine months of 2023 was $756.1 million compared to $695.1 million for the same period in 2022. For the first nine months of 2023, the net interest margin was 3.16% compared to 2.75% for the same period in 2022.
Total interest income (FTE) for the first nine months of 2023 increased $61.0 million over the same period last year mainly due to higher interest income on loans (FTE) and balances at the Federal Reserve, partly offset by higher interest expense on deposit and borrowings and lower interest income on investment securities (FTE). Loan interest income (FTE) increased $276.5 million, or 61.6%, due to a 193 basis point increase in the average rate earned and a $1.2 billion, or 8.0%, increase in average loan balances. Most of the increase occurred in the business, business real estate and construction loan categories, but interest income in all loan categories increased due to higher average rates earned and average loan balances. Interest income on investment securities (FTE) decreased $29.1 million due to a $2.5 billion decrease in average balances, slightly offset by a 12 basis point increase in the average rate earned. Interest earned on U.S. government and federal agency obligations decreased $16.0 million, mainly due to lower TIPS interest income. Interest income earned on state and municipal securities declined $11.0 million due to lower average balances and lower interest rates earned. Interest earned on mortgage-backed securities decreased $7.0 million due to lower average balances, partly offset by higher average rates earned, while interest on asset-backed securities increased $4.5 million due to higher average rates earned, partly offset by lower average balances. Interest income on securities purchased under agreements to resell decreased $3.9 million due to lower average balances, partly offset higher average rates earned. Interest income on balances at the Federal Reserve increased $61.2 million mainly due to higher average rates earned.
Total interest expense for the first nine months of 2023 increased $244.2 million compared to the same period last year. Interest expense on deposits increased $146.9 million, due to a 116 basis point increase in the average rate paid. Interest expense on borrowings increased $97.3 million, mainly due to higher rates paid on federal funds purchased and customer repurchase agreements, as well as and higher average balances and higher rates paid on FHLB borrowings. The overall cost of total interest bearing liabilities increased to 1.74% compared to .17% in the same period last year.
Summaries of average assets and liabilities and the corresponding average rates earned/paid appear on the last page of this discussion.
* Total revenueincludes net interest income and non-interest income.
The table below is a summary of net bank card transaction fees for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Three Months Ended September 30
Nine Months Ended September 30
(Dollars in thousands)
2023
2022
$ change
% change
2023
2022
$ change
% change
Net debit card fees
$
11,089
$
10,508
$
581
5.5
%
$
32,716
$
30,593
$
2,123
6.9
%
Net credit card fees
3,430
3,597
(167)
(4.6)
10,916
11,031
(115)
(1.0)
Net merchant fees
5,859
5,232
627
12.0
16,569
15,146
1,423
9.4
Net corporate card fees
26,521
26,301
220
.8
83,077
74,786
8,291
11.1
Total bank card transaction fees
$
46,899
$
45,638
$
1,261
2.8
%
$
143,278
$
131,556
$
11,722
8.9
%
For the third quarter of 2023, total non-interest income amounted to $142.9 million compared to $138.5 million in the same quarter last year, which was an increase of $4.4 million, or 3.2%. The increase was mainly due to higher trust fees and net bank card fees, partly offset by lower deposit account fees, consumer brokerage services and capital market fees. Bank card transaction fees for the current quarter grew $1.3 million, or 2.8%, over the same period last year, mainly due to growth of $627 thousand in net merchant fees and $581 thousand in net debit card fees. The growth in net merchant fees was mainly due to higher interchange fees, and net debit card fees increased mainly due to lower network expense. Net corporate card fees increased mainly due to lower network and rewards expense, partly offset by lower interchange fees, while net credit card fees decreased due to lower interchange fees. Trust fees increased $3.8 million, or 8.4%, mainly due to higher private client trust fees. Compared to the third quarter of last year, deposit account fees decreased $1.4 million, or 5.8%, due to lower overdraft and return item fees, partly offset by higher corporate cash management fees. Consumer brokerage fees declined $1.3 million due to lower annuity and advisory fees, while capital market fees decreased $983 thousand, or 29.0%. Other non-interest income increased $3.2 million, or 28.0%, mainly due to growth of $942 thousand in bond underwriting fees and gains on the sale of real estate of $1.3 million recorded in the current quarter.
Non-interest income for the first nine months of 2023 was $428.2 million compared to $409.7 million in the first nine months of 2022, which was an increase of $18.5 million, or 4.5%. The increase was mainly due to higher net bank card fees and other income, partly offset by lower deposit account fees, capital market fees and loan fees and sales. Bank card transaction fees for the current quarter grew $11.7 million, or 8.9%, over the same period last year, mainly due to growth of $8.3 million in net corporate card fees and $2.1 million in net debit card fees. Trust fees increased $1.8 million, or 1.3%, mainly due to higher private client trust fees. Deposit account fees decreased $4.9 million, or 6.8%, mainly due to lower overdraft and return item fees, partly offset by higher corporate cash management fees and personal deposit account fees. Capital market fees decreased $2.5 million, or 23.4%, and consumer brokerage fees declined $1.0 million, or 7.0%, due to lower advisory and 12b-1 fees. Loan fees and sales decreased $2.3 million, or 21.6%, mainly due to lower mortgage banking revenue. Other non-interest income increased $15.7 million, or 52.8%, mainly due to higher letter of credit fees of $3.1 million, cash sweep commissions of $2.9 million, gains of $2.1 million on the sale of real estate and a write down of $965 thousand on a branch location recorded in 2022. In addition, increases of $6.0 million in fair value adjustments were recorded on the Company's deferred compensation plan, which is held in a trust and recorded as both an asset and liability, affecting both other income and other expense.
Net gains (losses) on sales of available for sale debt securities
$
—
$
(10,692)
$
(8,444)
$
(20,274)
Fair value adjustments on equity securities, net
(67)
(25)
(757)
(1,048)
Net gains (losses) on sales of private equity investments
(1,240)
77
(361)
(4,209)
Fair value adjustments on private equity investments
5,605
14,050
16,946
37,133
Total investment securities gains (losses), net
$
4,298
$
3,410
$
7,384
$
11,602
Net gains on investment securities, which were recognized in earnings during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, are shown in the table above. Net securities gains of $4.3 million were reported in the third quarter of 2023, compared to net gains of $3.4 million in the same period last year. The net gains in the third quarter of 2023 were primarily driven by the Company's private equity investments, where $5.6 million in net gains in fair value were partially offset by net losses of $1.2 million on sales. The net gains on investment securities for the same quarter last year were primarily comprised of $14.1 million of net gains in fair value on the Company’s private equity investments, partially offset by a loss of $10.7 million on the sale of an available for sale debt security.
Net gains on investment securities of $7.4 million were recognized in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to net gains of $11.6 million for the same period in 2022. Net gains in the first nine months of 2023 were mainly comprised of net gains in fair value of $16.9 million on private equity investments, due to fair value adjustments, partially offset by net losses of $8.4 million on sales of available for sale securities. Net gains in the first nine months of 2022 were mainly comprised of net gains in fair value of $37.1 million on private equity investments, partly offset by losses of $20.3 million on sales of available for sale securities, net losses of $4.2 million on sales of private equity investments, and net losses in fair value of $1.0 million on equity investments. The portion of private equity activity attributable to minority interests is reported as non-controlling interest in the consolidated statements of income and resulted in expense of $3.3 million during the first nine months of 2023 and expense of $6.6 million during the first nine months of 2022.
Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2023 amounted to $228.0 million, an increase of $15.1 million, or 7.1%, compared to expense of $212.9 million in the third quarter of last year. The increase in expense over the same period last year was mainly due to higher salaries and employee benefits expense, data processing and software expense, FDIC insurance expense and occupancy expense. Salaries expense increased $6.8 million, or 5.8%, due to higher full-time salaries expense of $6.4 million, or 6.9%. Employee benefits expense totaled $21.5 million, reflecting growth of $2.6 million, or 13.6%, mainly due to higher healthcare expense. Full-time equivalent employees totaled 4,714 at September 30, 2023, compared to 4,595 at September 30, 2022. Data processing and software expense increased $2.7 million, or 9.6%, due to higher bank card processing fees and increased costs for service providers. Occupancy expense increased $1.4 million, or 11.2%, mainly due to higher depreciation expense and real estate taxes, partly offset by higher external rent income. Equipment expense decreased $339 thousand, or 6.7%, mainly due to lower equipment depreciation and repairs expense, while supplies and communication expense increased $382 thousand, or 8.3%, mainly due to higher postage, statement, and plastic expense. Other non-interest expense increased $1.6 million, or 8.6%, mainly due to higher FDIC insurance expense and lower deferred origination costs of $1.3 million and $982 thousand, respectively.
Non-interest expense amounted to $679.7 million for the first nine months of 2023, an increase of $47.7 million, or 7.5%, over the first nine months of 2022. Salaries and benefits expense increased $21.0 million, or 5.1%, mainly due to higher full-time salaries expense, healthcare expense and payroll taxes, partly offset by lower incentive compensation expense, largely the result of a $5.4 million accrual for special bonuses in 2022 that did not reoccur in 2023. Data processing and software expense increased $4.9 million, or 5.9%, due to increased costs for service providers and higher bank card processing fees. Occupancy expense increased $2.4 million, or 6.3%, mainly due to higher depreciation expense and real estate taxes, partly offset by higher external rent income. Marketing expense decreased $402 thousand, or 2.2%, while supplies and communication expense increased $523 thousand, or 3.8%, mainly due to higher office supplies, data network, and postage expense. Other non-interest expense increased $19.2 million, or 38.4%, mainly due to higher FDIC insurance expense of $5.4 million and higher travel and entertainment expense, miscellaneous losses and pension plan expense. In addition, an increase of $6.0 million in fair value equity adjustments were recorded on the Company's deferred compensation plan, and deconversion costs of $2.1 million relating to the transition of Commerce Financial Advisors support to LPL Financial's Institution Services platform were recorded in the second quarter of 2023.
To determine the amount of the allowance for credit losses on loans and the liability for unfunded lending commitments, the Company has an established process which assesses the risks and losses expected in its portfolios. This process provides an allowance based on estimates of allowances for pools of loans and unfunded lending commitments, as well as a second, smaller component based on certain individually evaluated loans and unfunded lending commitments. The Company's policies and processes for determining the allowance for credit losses on loans and the liability for unfunded lending commitments are discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements and in the "Allowance for Credit Losses" discussion within Critical Accounting Estimates and Related Policies in Item 7 of the 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Net loan charge-offs in the third quarter of 2023 amounted to $9.8 million, compared to $6.5 million in the prior quarter and $4.8 million in the third quarter of last year. Compared to the same period last year, total net loan charge-offs in the third quarter of 2023 increased $5.0 million and increased $3.3 million from the previous quarter. The increase over the prior year was mainly driven by increases in net charge-offs on business, consumer credit cards, and consumer loans of $2.2 million, $1.8 million, and $970 thousand, respectively. The increase from the previous quarter was driven by the increase in net charge-offs on business and consumer loans.
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, annualized net charge-offs on average consumer credit card loans were 3.32%, compared to 3.38% in the previous quarter and 2.08% in the same period last year. Consumer loan annualized net charge-offs in the current quarter amounted to .34%, compared to .24% in the prior quarter and .16% in the same period last year. In the third quarter of 2023, total annualized net loan charge-offs were .23%, compared to .16% in the previous quarter and .12% in the same period last year.
The provision for credit losses on loans was $13.3 million in the current quarter, which was a $7.5 million increase from the $5.9 million provision recorded in the prior quarter and a $3.2 million increase from the $10.2 million provision recorded for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The increase in the provision from the prior quarter was due to growth in the related allowance for credit losses on loans.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, net loan charge-offs amounted to $23.0 million, compared to $13.4 million for the same period in the prior year. The increase in net loan charge-offs over the prior year was driven mainly by increases in consumer credit card, business, and consumer loans and overdrafts. Annualized net charge-offs on consumer credit card loans totaled 3.28% and 2.26% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, while consumer loan annualized net charge-offs were .28% and .15% in the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Total annualized net loan charge-offs were .18% and .12% for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the provision for credit losses on loans was $35.2 million, which was a $28.4 million increase over the $6.8 million provision recorded in the same period last year. The increase in the provision over the prior year was due to the buildup of the related allowance for credit losses in the first nine months of 2023 related to an increase in loan net charge-offs as well as a future mild recession forecasted for the fourth quarter of 2023, while the first nine months of 2022 experienced reductions in the related allowance for credit losses primarily related to the improving economic forecast at that time.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the allowance for credit losses on loans increased $12.1 million, compared to the allowance for credit losses on loans at December 31, 2022. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the allowance for credit losses on commercial loans increased by $7.3 million, while the allowance for credit losses related to personal banking loans, including consumer credit card loans, increased $4.8 million. Compared to September 30, 2022, the allowance for credit losses on loans at September 30, 2023 increased $18.9 million. The increase in the allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2023 compared to both September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2022 was primarily the result of applying a slightly more pessimistic forecast at September 30, 2023 than was utilized in the prior year, coupled with loan growth and rising interest rates that extended the estimated lives of certain loan portfolios during 2023. The allowance for credit losses on loans was $162.2 million at September 30, 2023 and was .95%, .92% and .90% of total loans at September 30, 2023, December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022, respectively.
In the current quarter, the provision for credit losses on unfunded lending commitments was a benefit of $1.7 million, compared to a provision of $5.1 million at September 30, 2022. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments was a benefit of $5.6 million, compared to a provision of $5.8 million in the first nine months of 2022. At September 30, 2023, the liability for unfunded lending commitments was $27.5 million, compared to $33.1 million at December 31, 2022 and $30.0 million at September 30, 2022. The Company's unfunded lending commitments primarily relate to construction loans, and the Company's estimate for credit losses in its unfunded lending commitments utilizes the same model and forecast as its estimate for credit losses on loans. See Note 2 for further discussion of the model inputs utilized in the Company's estimate of credit losses.
The Company considers the allowance for credit losses on loans and the liability for unfunded commitments adequate to cover losses expected in the loan portfolio, including unfunded commitments, at September 30, 2023.
The allowance for credit losses on loans and the liability for unfunded lending commitments are estimates that require significant judgment including projections of the macro-economic environment. The Company utilizes a third-party macro-economic forecast that continuously changes due to economic conditions and events. These changes in the forecast cause fluctuations in the allowance for credit losses on loans and the liability for unfunded lending commitments. The Company uses judgment to assess the macro-economic forecast and internal loss data in estimating the allowance for credit losses on loans and the liability for unfunded lending commitments. These estimates are subject to periodic refinement based on changes in the underlying external and internal data.
Risk Elements of Loan Portfolio
The following table presents non-performing assets and loans which are past due 90 days and still accruing interest. Non-performing assets include non-accruing loans and foreclosed real estate. Loans are placed on non-accrual status when management does not expect to collect payments consistent with acceptable and agreed upon terms of repayment. Loans that are 90 days past due as to principal and/or interest payments are generally placed on non-accrual, unless they are both well-secured and in the process of collection, or they are personal banking loans that are exempt under regulatory rules from being classified as non-accrual.
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Non-accrual loans
$
8,209
$
8,306
Foreclosed real estate
114
96
Total non-performing assets
$
8,323
$
8,402
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans
.05
%
.05
%
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total assets
.03
%
.03
%
Total loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest
$
18,580
$
15,830
Non-accrual loans totaled $8.2 million at September 30, 2023, a decrease of $97 thousand from the balance at December 31, 2022. The decrease occurred mainly in business and business real estate loans, which decreased $149 thousand and $113 thousand, respectively. These decreases were partly offset by a $165 thousand increase in personal real estate non-accrual loans. At September 30, 2023, non-accrual loans were comprised of business (80.4%), personal real estate (18.7%), and business real estate (0.9%) loans. Foreclosed real estate totaled $114 thousand at September 30, 2023, a slight increase compared to December 31, 2022. Total loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest were $18.6 million as of September 30, 2023, an increase of $2.8 million from December 31, 2022. Balances by class for non-accrual loans and loans past due 90 days and still accruing interest are shown in the "Delinquent and non-accrual loans" section in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
In addition to the non-performing and past due loans mentioned above, the Company also has identified loans for which management has concerns about the ability of the borrowers to meet existing repayment terms. They are classified as substandard under the Company's internal rating system. The loans are generally secured by either real estate or other borrower assets, reducing the potential for loss should they become non-performing. Although these loans are generally identified as potential problem loans, they may never become non-performing. Such loans totaled $219.4 million at September 30, 2023 compared with $259.7 million at December 31, 2022, resulting in a decrease of $40.4 million, or 15.5%.
(In thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Potential problem loans:
Business
$
52,642
$
29,455
Real estate – construction and land
4,027
47,493
Real estate – business
162,134
182,526
Real estate – personal
569
250
Total potential problem loans
$
219,372
$
259,724
When borrowers are experiencing financial difficulty, the Company may agree to modify the contractual terms of a loan to a borrower in order to assist the borrower in repaying principal and interest owed to the Company. At September 30, 2023, the Company held $129.0 million of loans that had been modified during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. These loans
are further discussed in the "Modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty" section in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
Loans with Special Risk Characteristics
Management relies primarily on an internal risk rating system, in addition to delinquency status, to assess risk in the loan portfolio, and these statistics are presented in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements. However, certain types of loans are considered at high risk of loss due to their terms, location, or special conditions. Additional information about the major types of loans in these categories and their risk features are provided below. Information based on loan-to-value (LTV) ratios was generally calculated with valuations at loan origination date. The Company normally obtains an updated appraisal or valuation at the time a loan is renewed or modified, or if the loan becomes significantly delinquent or is in the process of being foreclosed upon.
Real Estate – Construction and Land Loans
The Company's portfolio of construction and land loans, as shown in the table below, amounted to 9.0% of total loans outstanding at September 30, 2023. The largest component of construction and land loans was commercial construction, which increased $183.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. At September 30, 2023, multi-family residential construction loans totaled approximately $376.0 million, or 28.8%, of the commercial construction loan portfolio, compared to $303.5 million, or 27.0%, at December 31, 2022.
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2023
% of Total
% of
Total
Loans
December 31, 2022
% of Total
% of
Total
Loans
Commercial construction
$
1,305,397
84.8
%
7.6
%
$
1,122,105
82.4
%
6.9
%
Residential construction
126,941
8.2
.8
138,311
10.2
.8
Residential land and land development
67,279
4.4
.4
50,012
3.7
.3
Commercial land and land development
39,949
2.6
.2
50,667
3.7
.3
Total real estate - construction and land loans
$
1,539,566
100.0
%
9.0
%
$
1,361,095
100.0
%
8.3
%
Real Estate – Business Loans
Total business real estate loans were $3.6 billion at September 30, 2023 and comprised 21.3% of the Company's total loan portfolio. These loans include properties such as manufacturing and warehouse buildings, small office and medical buildings, churches, hotels and motels, shopping centers, and other commercial properties. At September 30, 2023, 31.0% of business real estate loans were for owner-occupied real estate properties, which have historically resulted in lower net charge-off rates than non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans.
Information about the credit quality of the Company's business real estate loan portfolio as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is provided in the table below.
(Dollars in thousands)
Pass
Special Mention
Substandard
Non-Accrual
Total
September 30, 2023
Owner-occupied
$
1,110,769
$
7,510
$
12,567
$
76
$
1,130,922
Industrial
585,634
82
—
—
585,716
Office
506,196
—
3,297
—
509,493
Retail
335,143
15,501
1,833
—
352,477
Hotels
282,404
9,373
1,643
—
293,420
Multi-family
280,384
1,158
—
—
281,542
Farm
202,050
—
—
—
202,050
Senior living
22,464
—
142,609
—
165,073
Other
126,224
251
—
—
126,475
Total
$
3,451,268
$
33,875
$
161,949
$
76
$
3,647,168
December 31, 2022
Owner-occupied
$
1,129,343
$
632
$
6,084
$
130
$
1,136,189
Industrial
478,534
—
—
—
478,534
Office
494,169
3,432
—
—
497,601
Retail
321,041
—
1,930
—
322,971
Hotels
174,558
9,725
46,689
—
230,972
Multi-family
286,202
1,975
19,979
—
308,156
Farm
195,685
177
—
58
195,920
Senior living
23,514
—
107,702
1
131,217
Other
105,144
277
—
—
105,421
Total
$
3,208,190
$
16,218
$
182,384
$
189
$
3,406,981
Revolving Home Equity Loans
The Company had $305.2 million in revolving home equity loans at September 30, 2023 that were collateralized by residential real estate. Most of these loans (91.3%) are written with terms requiring interest-only monthly payments. These loans are offered in three main product lines: LTV up to 80%, 80% to 90%, and 90% to 100%. As of September 30, 2023, the outstanding principal of loans with an original LTV higher than 80% was $32.2 million, or 10.5% of the portfolio, compared to $32.4 million as of December 31, 2022. Total revolving home equity loan balances over 30 days past due were $5.2 million at September 30, 2023 and $1.9 million at December 31, 2022, and there were no revolving home equity loans on non-accrual status at September 30, 2023 or December 31, 2022. The weighted average FICO score for the total portfolio balance at September 30, 2023 is 785. At maturity, the accounts are re-underwritten, and if they qualify under the Company's credit, collateral and capacity policies, the borrower is given the option to renew the line of credit or convert the outstanding balance to an amortizing loan. If criteria are not met, amortization is required, or the borrower may pay off the loan. During the remainder of 2023 through 2025, approximately 13% of the Company's current outstanding balances are expected to mature. Of these balances, approximately 86% have a FICO score of 700 or higher. The Company does not expect a significant increase in losses as these loans mature, due to their high FICO scores, low LTVs, and low historical loss levels.
Consumer Loans
Within the consumer loan portfolio are several direct and indirect product lines, which include loans for the purchase of automobiles, motorcycles, marine and RVs. Auto loans comprised 38.8% of the consumer loan portfolio at September 30, 2023, and outstanding balances for auto loans were $824.7 million and $798.6 million at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. The balances over 30 days past due amounted to $8.6 million at September 30, 2023 and $9.9 million at December 31, 2022, respectively, and comprised 1.0% of the outstanding balances of these loans at September 30, 2023 and 1.2% at December 31, 2022, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, $290.3 million of new auto loans were originated, compared to $257.5 million during the first nine months of 2022. At September 30, 2023, the automobile loan portfolio had a weighted average FICO score of 755, and net charge-offs on auto loans were .5% of average auto loans.
The Company's consumer loan portfolio also includes fixed rate home equity loans, typically for home repair or remodeling, and these loans comprised 11.0% of the consumer loan portfolio at September 30, 2023. Losses on these loans have historically been low, and the Company saw net recoveries of $55 thousand for the first nine months of 2023. Private banking loans comprised 32.1% of the consumer loan portfolio at September 30, 2023. The Company's private banking loans are generally well-collateralized, and at September 30, 2023 were secured primarily by assets held by the Company's trust department. The remaining portion of the Company's consumer loan portfolio is comprised of health services financing, motorcycles, marine and RV loans. Net charge-offs on private banking, health services financing, motorcycle and marine and RV loans totaled $1.6 million in the first nine months of 2023 and were .2% of the average balances of these loans at September 30, 2023.
Consumer Credit Card Loans
The Company offers low promotional rates on selected consumer credit card products. Out of a portfolio at September 30, 2023 of $574.8 million in consumer credit card loans outstanding, approximately $111.7 million, or 19.4%, carried a low promotional rate. Within the next six months, $41.9 million of these loans are scheduled to convert to the ongoing higher contractual rate. To mitigate some of the risk involved with this credit card product, the Company performs credit checks and detailed analysis of the customer borrowing profile before approving the loan application. Management believes that the risks in the consumer loan portfolio are reasonable and the anticipated loss ratios are within acceptable parameters.
Oil and Gas Energy Lending
The Company's energy lending portfolio is comprised of lending to the petroleum and natural gas sectors and totaled $257.2 million, or 1.5% of total loans at September 30, 2023, a decrease of $39.3 million from December 31, 2022, as shown in the table below.
(In thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Unfunded commitments at September 30, 2023
Extraction
$
204,372
$
235,933
$
118,941
Mid-stream shipping and storage
35,357
43,432
99,375
Downstream distribution and refining
9,718
7,675
12,590
Support activities
7,726
9,387
5,032
Total energy lending portfolio
$
257,173
$
296,427
$
235,938
Shared National Credits
The Company participates in credits of large, publicly traded companies which are defined by regulation as shared national credits, or SNCs. Regulations define SNCs as loans exceeding $100 million that are shared by three or more financial institutions. The Company typically participates in these loans when business operations are maintained in the local communities or regional markets and opportunities to provide other banking services are present. The balance of SNC loans totaled $1.5 billion at September 30, 2023, compared to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2022. Additional unfunded commitments at September 30, 2023 totaled $2.1 billion.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense was $33.4 million in the third quarter of 2023, compared to $36.0 million in the second quarter of 2023 and $33.9 million in the third quarter of 2022. The Company's effective tax rate, including the effect of non-controlling interest, was 21.7% in the third quarter of 2023, compared to 22.0% in the second quarter of 2023 and 21.7% in the third quarter of 2022.
Total assets of the Company were $31.4 billion at September 30, 2023 and $31.9 billion at December 31, 2022. Earning assets (excluding the allowance for credit losses on loans and fair value adjustments on debt securities) amounted to $31.2 billion at September 30, 2023 and $31.6 billion at December 31, 2022, and consisted of 55% in loans and 38% in investment securities at September 30, 2023.
At September 30, 2023, total loans increased $826.2 million or 5.1%, compared to balances at December 31, 2022. The increase was mainly due to growth in business, business real estate and construction loans of $246.6 million, $240.2 million, and $178.5 million, respectively. The growth in business loans was mainly the result of increased commercial and industrial lending and higher lease and tax free loan balances. Personal real estate loans increased $106.6 million, and consumer loans, which include automobile, marine and RV, fixed rate home equity and other consumer loans, increased $66.7 million, due to growth in auto loans and other consumer loans. These increases were partially offset by declines in overdrafts and consumer credit card loans of $11.2 million and $9.2 million, respectively.
Total available for sale debt securities, excluding fair value adjustments, decreased $2.3 billion at September 30, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022. Purchases of securities during this period totaled $87.4 million, offset by sales, maturities and pay downs of $2.4 billion. The decline in investment securities was mainly the result of lower balances of asset-backed securities, state and municipal securities, and agency mortgage-backed securities, which decreased $1.1 billion, $583.5 million, and $365.1 million, respectively, at September 30, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022.At September 30, 2023, the duration of the available for sale investment portfolio was 3.9 years, and maturities and pay downs of approximately $2.1 billion are expected to occur during the next 12 months. The Company does not have any investment securities classified as held-to-maturity.
Total deposits at September 30, 2023 amounted to $25.1 billion, a decrease of $1.1 billion compared to December 31, 2022. The decline in deposits largely resulted from a decrease in demand deposits, mainly in business demand deposits (decrease of $1.9 billion). Additionally, money market and savings deposit balances decreased $931.6 million and $157.3 million, respectively, while certificate of deposit balances grew $2.0 billion and interest checking balances increased $116.0 million over balances at December 31, 2022. The Company’s borrowings totaled $3.2 billion at September 30, 2023, an increase of $397.4 million over balances at December 31, 2022, mainly due to FHLB advances, which increased $500.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. Additionally, federal funds purchased were $346.5 million higher at September 30, 2023 than at December 31, 2022, whereas repurchase agreements declined by $443.0 million during the same period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity Management
The Company’s most liquid assets are comprised of available for sale debt securities, federal funds sold, securities purchased under agreements to resell (resale agreements), and deposit balances at the Federal Reserve Bank, as follows:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2022
Liquid assets:
Available for sale debt securities
$
9,860,828
$
12,632,510
$
12,238,316
Federal funds sold
2,735
14,020
49,505
Securities purchased under agreements to resell
450,000
1,275,000
825,000
Balances at the Federal Reserve Bank
1,847,641
642,943
389,140
Total
$
12,161,204
$
14,564,473
$
13,501,961
The fair value of the available for sale debt portfolio was $9.9 billion at September 30, 2023 and included an unrealized net loss of $1.6 billion. Federal funds sold, which are funds lent to the Company's correspondent bank customers with overnight maturities, totaled $2.7 million as of September 30, 2023. Resale agreements, maturing through 2025, totaled $450.0 million at September 30, 2023. Under these agreements, the Company lends funds to upstream financial institutions and holds marketable securities, safe-kept by a third-party custodian, as collateral, and this collateral totaled $479.7 million in fair value at September 30, 2023. $325.0 million of the Company's resale agreements will mature in the next 12 months. Interest earning balances at the Federal Reserve Bank, which have overnight maturities and are used for general liquidity purposes, totaled $1.8 billion at September 30, 2023 and increased $1.5 billion over December 31, 2022 balances.
Approximately $2.1 billion of the Company's available for sale debt portfolio is expected to mature or pay down during the next 12 months, and at September 30, 2023, the duration of the Company's available for sale debt securities portfolio was 3.9 years. The Company pledges portions of its investment securities portfolio to secure public fund deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, trust funds, letters of credit issued by the FHLB, and borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve Bank. Total investment securities pledged for these purposes were as follows:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2022
Investment securities pledged for the purpose of securing:
Federal Reserve Bank borrowings
$
2,700,426
$
13,446
$
11,469
FHLB borrowings and letters of credit
301,406
2,033
1,817
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase *
2,500,400
2,275,924
2,950,240
Other deposits and swaps
2,082,807
2,483,636
1,772,974
Total pledged securities
7,585,039
4,775,039
4,736,500
Unpledged and available for pledging
2,264,732
6,905,006
6,545,695
Ineligible for pledging
11,057
952,465
956,121
Total available for sale debt securities, at fair value
$
9,860,828
$
12,632,510
$
12,238,316
* Includes securities pledged for collateral swaps, as discussed in Note 12 to the consolidated financial statements.
Liquidity is also available from the Company's large base of core customer deposits, defined as non-interest bearing, interest checking, savings, and money market deposit accounts. At September 30, 2023, such deposits totaled $22.1 billion and represented 88.1% of total deposits. These core deposits are normally less volatile, as they are often with customer relationships tied to other products offered by the Company, promoting long lasting relationships and stable funding sources. Certificates of deposit of $100,000 and over totaled $1.8 billion at September 30, 2023. These accounts are normally considered more volatile with higher cost and comprised 7.0% of total deposits at September 30, 2023.
(In thousands)
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2022
Core deposit base:
Non-interest bearing
$
7,961,402
$
10,468,591
$
10,066,356
Interest checking
6,656,356
3,236,160
1,854,336
Savings and money market
7,497,919
12,778,327
13,272,645
Total
$
22,115,677
$
26,483,078
$
25,193,337
During the second quarter of 2023, the Company added brokered deposits in the form of short-term certificates of deposit less than $100 thousand, and $401.3 million were outstanding at September 30, 2023. At September 30, 2023, the Company's total deposit portfolio was $25.1 billion, compared to $26.2 billion at December 31, 2022. The Company's uninsured deposits were $10.2 billion, or 40.6% of total deposits at September 30, 2023. The Company's uninsured deposits include $2.1 billion of affiliate deposits and collateralized deposits. Excluding those affiliate and collateralized deposits, the Company's uninsured deposits at September 30, 2023 were $8.1 billion, or 32.3% of total deposits.
Other important components of liquidity are the level of borrowings from third party sources and the availability of future credit. The Company's outside borrowings are mainly comprised of federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements, and FHLB advances, as follows:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2023
September 30, 2022
December 31, 2022
Borrowings:
Federal funds purchased
$
506,355
$
311,200
$
159,860
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
2,238,826
2,003,390
2,681,874
FHLB advances
500,000
—
—
Other debt
3,589
1,831
9,672
Total
$
3,248,770
$
2,316,421
$
2,851,406
Federal funds purchased are unsecured overnight borrowings obtained mainly from upstream correspondent banks with which the Company maintains approved lines of credit. In addition to the amount accessed as of September 30, 2023, the Company had access to an additional $3.8 billion of overnight, approved federal funds as of that date. Repurchase agreements are borrowings by the Company from its customers in the form of securities sold under agreements to repurchase. These
repurchase agreements, which generally mature overnight, are comprised of non-insured customer funds totaling $2.2 billion at September 30, 2023 and are collateralized by securities in the Company's investment portfolio. At September 30, 2023, the value of the collateral pledged for the benefit of customers was $2.4 billion. The Company also borrows on a secured basis through advances from the FHLB. The advances are generally short-term, fixed interest rate borrowings. There were $500.0 million in advances outstanding from the FHLB at September 30, 2023.
The Company pledges certain assets, including loans and investment securities, to both the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) and the FHLB as security to establish lines of credit and borrow from these entities. Based on the amount and type of collateral pledged, the FHLB establishes a collateral value from which the Company may draw advances against the collateral and enables the FHLB to issue letters of credit in favor of public fund depositors of the Company. The FRB also establishes a collateral value of assets pledged and permits borrowings from the discount window. The following table reflects the collateral value of assets pledged, borrowings, and letters of credit outstanding, in addition to the estimated future funding capacity available to the Company at September 30, 2023.
September 30, 2023
(In thousands)
FHLB
Federal Reserve
Total
Total collateral value established by FHLB and FRB
$
2,501,198
$
4,950,839
$
7,452,037
Advances outstanding
(500,000)
—
(500,000)
Letters of credit issued
(399,541)
—
(399,541)
Available for future advances
$
1,601,657
$
4,950,839
$
6,552,496
In addition to those mentioned above, several other sources of liquidity are available. No commercial paper has been issued or outstanding during the past ten years. The Company has no subordinated debt or hybrid instruments which could affect future borrowing capacity. Because of its lack of significant long-term debt, the Company believes that through its Capital Markets Group or in other public debt markets, it could generate additional liquidity from sources such as jumbo certificates of deposit or privately placed corporate notes or other forms of debt. The Company receives strong outside ratings from both Standard & Poor's and Moody's on both the consolidated company level and its subsidiary bank, Commerce Bank, which would support future financing efforts, should the need arise. These ratings are as follows:
Standard & Poor’s
Moody’s
Commerce Bancshares, Inc.
Issuer rating
A-
Rating outlook
Stable
Commerce Bank
Issuer rating
A
A3
Baseline credit assessment
a2
Short-term rating
A-1
P-1
Rating outlook
Stable
Stable
The cash flows from the operating, investing and financing activities of the Company resulted in a net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $1.3 billion during the first nine months of 2023, as reported in the consolidated statements of cash flows in this report. Operating activities, consisting mainly of net income adjusted for certain non-cash items, provided cash flow of $367.7 million and has historically been a stable source of funds. Investing activities, which occur mainly in the loan and investment securities portfolios, provided cash of $1.7 billion. Activity in the investment securities portfolio provided cash of $2.3 billion from sales, maturities, and pay downs (net of purchases), but this increase in investing cash flows was partially offset by growth in the loan portfolio, which used cash of $849.4 million. Additionally, repayments of securities purchased under agreements to resell provided cash of $375.0 million. Financing activities used cash of $775.4 million, largely resulting from net decreases in deposits of $1.0 billion and $1.8 billion in repayments of FHLB advances, partially offset by FHLB advance borrowings of $2.3 billion during the first nine months of 2023.
The Company met all capital adequacy requirements and had regulatory capital ratios in excess of the levels established for well-capitalized institutions at September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as shown in the following table.
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2023
December 31, 2022
Minimum Capital Requirement
Capital Conservation Buffer
Minimum Ratios Requirement including Capital Conservation Buffer
Minimum Ratios for Well-Capitalized Banks *
Risk-adjusted assets
$
24,042,838
$
24,178,423
Tier I common risk-based capital
3,632,429
3,417,223
Tier I risk-based capital
3,632,429
3,417,223
Total risk-based capital
3,822,504
3,600,920
Tier I common risk-based capital ratio
15.11
%
14.13
%
4.50
%
2.50
%
7.00
%
6.50
%
Tier I risk-based capital ratio
15.11
14.13
6.00
2.50
8.50
8.00
Total risk-based capital ratio
15.90
14.89
8.00
2.50
10.50
10.00
Tier I leverage ratio
10.87
10.34
4.00
N/A
4.00
5.00
*Under Prompt Corrective Action requirements
The Company is subject to a 2.5% capital conservation buffer, which is an amount above the minimum ratios under capital adequacy guidelines, and is intended to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Failure to maintain the buffer will result in constraints on dividends, share repurchases, and executive compensation.
In the first quarter of 2020, the interim final rule of the Federal Reserve Bank and other U.S. banking agencies became effective, providing banks that adopt CECL (ASU 2016-13) during the 2020 calendar year the option to delay recognizing the estimated impact on regulatory capital until after a two year deferral period, followed by a three year transition period. In connection with the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the Company elected to utilize this option. As a result, the two year deferral period for the Company extended through December 31, 2021. Beginning on January 1, 2022, the Company began to phase in 25% of the previously deferred estimated capital impact of CECL, with an additional 25% to be phased in at the beginning of each subsequent year until fully phased in by the first quarter of 2025.
The Company maintains a treasury stock buyback program under authorizations by its Board of Directors (the Board) and normally purchases stock in the open market. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company purchased 941,890 shares at an average price of $59.67 in open market purchases and through stock-based compensation transactions. At September 30, 2023, 2,170,168 shares remained available for purchase under the current Board authorization.
The Company's common stock dividend policy reflects its earnings outlook, desired payout ratios, the need to maintain adequate capital and liquidity levels, and alternative investment options. The Company paid a $.270 per share cash dividend on its common stock in the third quarter of 2023, which was a 7.1% increase compared to its 2022 quarterly dividend.
Material Cash Requirements, Commitments, Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contingencies
The Company's material cash requirements include commitments for contractual obligations (both short-term and long-term), commitments to extend credit, and off-balance sheet arrangements. The Company's material cash requirements for the next 12 months are primarily to fund loan commitments, deposit maturities and deposit withdrawals that may occur; repay borrowings; and fund loan growth. Other contractual obligations, purchase commitments, lease obligations, and unfunded commitments may require cash payments by the Company, and these are further discussed in the Company's 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Further discussion of the Company's longer-term material cash obligations and sources for fulfilling those obligations is below.
Events impacting the banking industry during the first few months of 2023, including the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, have resulted in decreased confidence in banks among consumer and commercial customers, investors, and other counterparties. Additionally, rapidly rising interest rates have resulted in unrealized losses in the Company's available for sale debt securities portfolio. In response to these industry events, the Company sought additional borrowings of $1.3 billion during the first quarter of 2023, and as a result, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $1.5 billion from the FHLB as of March 31, 2023. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company initially borrowed an additional $500.0 million but subsequently repaid $1.0 billion of its FHLB borrowings, resulting in $1.0 billion of FHLB borrowings outstanding as of June 30, 2023. During the third quarter of 2023, the Company repaid $500.0 million of its FHLB borrowings, resulting in $500.00
million of FHLB borrowings outstanding as of September 30, 2023. Additionally, the Company added short-term brokered certificates of deposit during the second quarter of 2023 to provide additional liquidity. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $401.3 million of brokered deposits that are scheduled to mature prior to December 31, 2023. Other than the repayment of these additional borrowings and deposits, the Company’s material cash requirements have not changed significantly since December 31, 2022. Further discussion of the Company's longer-term material cash obligations and sources for fulfilling those obligations is below.
In the normal course of business, various commitments and contingent liabilities arise which are not required to be recorded on the balance sheet. The most significant of these are loan commitments, which at September 30, 2023 totaled $14.3 billion (including $5.2 billion in unused, approved credit card lines). In addition, the Company enters into standby and commercial letters of credit. The contractual amount of standby and commercial letters of credit totaled $583.1 million and $5.1 million, respectively, at September 30, 2023. As many commitments expire unused or only partially used, these totals do not necessarily reflect future cash requirements. The carrying value of the guarantee obligations associated with the standby letters of credit, which has been recorded as a liability on the consolidated balance sheet, amounted to $3.4 million at September 30, 2023. The allowance for these commitments is recorded in the Company’s liability for unfunded lending commitments within other liabilities on its consolidated balance sheets. At September 30, 2023, the liability for unfunded commitments totaled $27.5 million. See further discussion of the liability for unfunded lending commitments in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements.
The Company regularly purchases various state tax credits arising from third party property redevelopment. These credits are either resold to third parties at a profit or retained for use by the Company. During the first nine months of 2023, purchases and sales of tax credits amounted to $89.3 million and $52.4 million, respectively. Fees from sales of tax credits were $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, compared to $4.4 million in the same period last year. At September 30, 2023, the Company expected to fund outstanding purchase commitments of $55.9 million during the remainder of 2023 and had purchase commitments of $524.7 million that it expects to fund from 2024 through 2029.
The Company continued to maintain a strong liquidity position throughout the first nine months of 2023. Through the various sources of liquidity described above, the Company maintains a liquidity position that it believes will adequately satisfy its financial obligations.
Segment Results
The table below is a summary of segment pre-tax income results for the first nine months of 2023 and 2022.
(Dollars in thousands)
Consumer
Commercial
Wealth
Segment
Totals
Other/ Elimination
Consolidated Totals
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023
Net interest income
$
304,859
$
355,690
$
54,193
$
714,742
$
34,966
$
749,708
Provision for credit losses
(19,784)
(3,204)
(14)
(23,002)
(6,570)
(29,572)
Non-interest income
74,773
184,288
162,835
421,896
6,270
428,166
Investment securities gains (losses), net
—
—
—
—
7,384
7,384
Non-interest expense
(242,991)
(290,960)
(119,015)
(652,966)
(26,762)
(679,728)
Income before income taxes
$
116,857
$
245,814
$
97,999
$
460,670
$
15,288
$
475,958
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022
Net interest income
$
270,561
$
333,270
$
56,731
$
660,562
$
26,982
$
687,544
Provision for credit losses
(12,727)
(651)
2
(13,376)
782
(12,594)
Non-interest income
82,464
167,581
161,051
411,096
(1,386)
409,710
Investment securities gains (losses), net
—
—
—
—
11,602
11,602
Non-interest expense
(231,683)
(272,219)
(108,967)
(612,869)
(19,168)
(632,037)
Income before income taxes
$
108,615
$
227,981
$
108,817
$
445,413
$
18,812
$
464,225
Increase (decrease) in income before income taxes:
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, income before income taxes for the Consumer segment increased $8.2 million, or 7.6%, compared to the first nine months of 2022. The increase in income before income taxes was mainly due to an increase in net interest income of $34.3 million, or 12.7%, partly offset by a decrease in non-interest income of $7.7 million, or 9.3%, and increases in non-interest expense of $11.3 million, or 4.9%, and the provision for credit losses of $7.1 million, or 55.4%. Net interest income increased due to a $32.8 million increase in net allocated funding credits assigned to the Consumer segment's loan and deposit portfolios and a $31.8 million increase in loan interest income. These increases were partly offset by higher deposit interest expense of $30.3 million. Non-interest income decreased mainly due to lower deposit account fees (mainly overdraft and return item fees) and mortgage banking revenue, partly offset by growth in net debit card fees. Non-interest expense increased over the same period in the previous year mainly due to higher salaries and benefits expense, FDIC insurance expense and allocated support costs for consumer administration and operations, partly offset by lower marketing expense. The provision for credit losses totaled $19.8 million, and increased over the first nine months of 2022, mainly due to higher consumer credit card and personal loan net charge-offs.
Commercial
For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, income before income taxes for the Commercial segment increased $17.8 million, or 7.8%, compared to the same period in the previous year. This increase was mainly due to growth in net interest income and non-interest income, partly offset by higher non-interest expense. Net interest income increased $22.4 million, or 6.7%, mainly due to higher loan interest income of $223.5 million. This increase was partly offset by lower net allocated funding credits of $76.2 million and increases of $83.3 million in deposit interest expense and $41.9 million in interest expense on customer repurchase agreements. Non-interest income increased $16.7 million, or 10.0%, over the previous year mainly due to growth in net bank card fees (mainly corporate card and merchant fees), deposit account fees (mainly corporate cash management fees), letters of credit fees and cash sweep commissions, partly offset by a decline in capital market fees. Non-interest expense increased $18.7 million, or 6.9%, mainly due to higher salaries and benefits expense, FDIC insurance expense and allocated service and support costs (mainly bank operations, commercial sales and products and credit administration). These increases were partly offset by lower allocated support costs for information technology. The provision for credit losses increased $2.6 million over the same period last year, mainly due to higher business loan net charge-offs.
Wealth
Wealth segment pre-tax profitability for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 decreased $10.8 million, or 9.9%, from the same period in the previous year. Net interest income decreased $2.5 million, or 4.5%, mainly due to a $12.3 million decline in net allocated funding credits and a $17.2 million increase in deposit interest expense, partly offset by a $27.0 million increase in loan interest income. Non-interest income increased $1.8 million, or 1.1%, over the prior year largely due to higher private client trust fees and cash sweep commissions, partly offset by lower brokerage fees. Non-interest expense increased $10.0 million, or 9.2%, mainly due to higher salaries and benefits expense and the deconversion costs previously mentioned. The provision for credit losses increased $16 thousand over the same period last year.
The Other/Elimination category in the preceding table includes the activity of various support and overhead operating units of the Company, in addition to the investment securities portfolio, brokered deposits, and other items not allocated to the segments. In accordance with the Company’s transfer pricing procedures, the difference between the total provision for credit losses and total net charge-offs/recoveries is not allocated to a business segment and is included in this category. The pre-tax profitability of this category was $3.5 million lower than in the same period last year. Unallocated securities gains were $7.4 million in the first nine months of 2023 compared to gains of $11.6 million in 2022. Also, the unallocated provision for credit losses increased $7.4 million, primarily driven by an increase in the provision for credit losses on loans, partly offset by a decrease in the liability for unfunded lending commitments, which are both not allocated to the segments for management reporting purposes. Net charge-offs are allocated to the segments when incurred for management reporting purposes. The provision for credit losses on loans in the first nine months of 2023 was $35.2 million, or $12.1 million higher than net charge-offs due to an increase in the allowance for credit losses on loans. In the comparable period last year, the provision for credit losses on loans was $6.8 million, or $6.7 million lower than net charge-offs, due to a decrease in the allowance for credit losses on loans. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company's provision on unfunded lending commitments was a benefit of $5.6 million. Additionally, non-interest expense increased $7.6 million. These decreases to pre-tax profitability were partly offset by higher net interest income of $8.0 million, and non-interest income of $7.7 million.
During the second quarter of 2023, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) issued a proposed rule to impose a special assessment to recover losses to the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund following the failure of two financial institutions. The proposed rule applies to all insured depository institutions. Under the proposed rule, the assessment base for would be equal to an insured depository institution’s estimated insured deposits reported as of December 31, 2022, adjusted to exclude the first $5 billion of uninsured deposits. The proposed special assessment would apply an annual rate of 12.5 basis points. If the final rule is adopted as proposed, the estimated impact of the special assessment on the Company is approximately $14.9 million to be recognized at the time the rule is finalized and paid in eight quarterly installments beginning in the first quarter of 2024. The actual assessment may vary as a result of the final rule.
In July 2023, the SEC adopted a final rule requiring registrants provide enhanced disclosures regarding cybersecurity incidents as well as reporting on cybersecurity risk management, strategy, and governance. The final rule requires registrants to disclose on Form 8-K material cybersecurity incidents within four business days after the company determines that the cybersecurity incident is material. Additionally, registrants are also required to disclose annually on Form 10-K information the Company’s processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats, management’s role in assessing and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats, and the board of directors’ oversight of cybersecurity risks. Companies are required to comply with the Form 8-K incident disclosure requirements beginning December 18, 2023. The annual disclosures in Form 10-K are required for fiscal years ending on or after December 15, 2023.
Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Reference Rate Reform The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) - Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting", in March 2020, and has been followed by additional clarifying guidance related to derivatives that are modified as a result of reference rate reform. The guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if they reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. Further, the guidance applies to derivative instruments that use an interest rate for margining, discounting, or contract price alignment that is modified as a result of reference rate reform. The expedients and exceptions provided by the new guidance do not apply to contract modifications made and hedging relationships entered into or evaluated for effectiveness after December 31, 2022, except for certain hedging relationships existing as of December 31, 2022. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-06 which extended the sunset date under Topic 848 to December 31, 2024. The change is to align the temporary accounting relief guidance with the expected cessation date of LIBOR, which was postponed by administrators in 2021 to June 2023, a year after the current sunset date of ASU 2020-04. The Company's LIBOR Transition Steering Committee completed the Company's transition from LIBOR during the first half of 2023.
Disclosure Improvements The FASB issued ASU 2023-06, "Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC's Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative," in October 2023. The amendments in this Update modify the disclosure or presentation requirements of a variety of topics in the Codification. Certain of the amendments represent clarifications to or technical corrections of the current requirements. The effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC's removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, with early adoption prohibited. The adoption is not expected to have a significant effect on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Item 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Interest rate risk management focuses on maintaining consistent growth in net interest income within Board-approved policy limits. The Company primarily uses earnings simulation models to analyze net interest income sensitivity to movement in interest rates. The Company performs monthly simulations that model interest rate movements and risk in accordance with changes to its balance sheet composition. For further discussion of the Company’s market risk, see the Interest Rate Sensitivity section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company’s 2022 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The table below shows the effects of gradual shifts in interest rates over a twelve month period on the Company’s net interest income versus the Company's net interest income in a flat rate scenario. The simulation presents three rising rate scenarios and three falling rate scenarios, and in these scenarios, rates are assumed to change evenly over 12 months, while the balance sheet remains flat.
The Company utilizes this simulation both for monitoring interest rate risk and for liquidity planning purposes. While the future effects of rising and falling rates on deposit balances cannot be known, the Company maintains a practice of running multiple rate scenarios, when relevant, to better understand interest rate risk and its effect on the Company’s performance.
September 30, 2023
June 30, 2023
(Dollars in millions)
$ Change in
Net Interest
Income
% Change in
Net Interest
Income
$ Change in
Net Interest
Income
% Change in
Net Interest
Income
300 basis points rising
$
(20.6)
(2.08)
%
$
(30.9)
(3.09)
%
200 basis points rising
(17.7)
(1.79)
(24.4)
(2.44)
100 basis points rising
(9.1)
(.92)
(11.1)
(1.11)
100 basis points falling
$
(.6)
(.06)
(3.3)
(.33)
200 basis points falling
(11.0)
(1.11)
(16.6)
(1.66)
300 basis points falling
(27.0)
(2.71)
(34.3)
(3.43)
Under the simulation, in the three rising rate scenarios and three falling rate scenarios, interest rate risk is slightly improved compared to the scenarios in the previous quarter. This was primarily due to a decrease in wholesale funding, which is more rate sensitive, partly offset by non-interest bearing demand deposit accounts transitioning to more rate sensitive deposit sweep accounts. In addition, premium money market deposit account rates increased in the flat rate scenario to a point where the forecasted rates are less sensitive in rising rate scenarios and more sensitive in falling rate scenarios when compared to the previous quarter.
The comparison above provides insight into potential effects of changes in rates and deposit levels on net interest income. The Company believes that its approach to interest rate risk has appropriately considered its susceptibility to both rising and falling rates and has adopted strategies which minimize the impact of interest rate risk.
Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of September 30, 2023. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective. There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
The information required by this item is set forth in Part I, Item 1 under Note 17, Legal and Regulatory Proceedings.
Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations may be materially impacted by the risks that are discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended, for the year ended December 31, 2022. The risk factors set forth below update, and should be read together with, such risk factors.
Liquidity and Capital Risks
Adverse developments affecting the banking industry, such as recent bank failures or concerns involving liquidity, may have material adverse effects on the Company’s operations.
Events impacting the banking industry during the first few months of 2023, including the failure of Silicon Valley Bank in March, have resulted in decreased confidence in regional banks among deposit customers, investors, and other counterparties. Additionally, these events have caused significant disruption, volatility and reduced valuations of equity and other securities of banks in the capital markets. These events occurred during a period of rapidly rising interest rates, which, among other things, has resulted in unrealized losses in the Company's available for sale debt securities portfolio and increased competition for bank deposits. These events have, and could continue to have, adverse impacts on the market price and volatility of the Company’s stock. These events could also lead to increases in the Company’s interest expense, as it has raised and may continue to raise interest rates paid to depositors in order to compete with other banks, and in an effort to replace deposits, seek borrowings which carry higher interest rates.
Recent bank failures have caused concern and uncertainty regarding the liquidity adequacy of the banking sector as a whole and resulted in some regional bank customers choosing to maintain deposits with larger financial institutions. A significant reduction in the Company’s deposits could materially, adversely impact the Company’s liquidity, ability to fund loans, and results of operations. In addition to customer deposits, the Company borrows on an overnight and short-term basis from third parties in the form of federal funds purchased and repurchase agreements and through lines of credit and borrowings from the FHLB and FRB. If the Company is not able to access borrowings through those facilities due to an increase in demand from other banks or due to insufficient levels of pledgeable assets, its ability to borrow funds may be materially adversely impacted.
The Company could recognize losses on securities held in its securities portfolio, particularly if it were to sell a significant portion of its investments prior to maturity.
The Company maintains a portfolio of investments, which includes available for sale debt securities, trading securities, equity securities, and other investments. At September 30, 2023, the Company did not hold any investments classified as held-to-maturity. The Company's available for sale debt securities portfolio is carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses carried in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within shareholder's equity. The fair value of investments, including available for sale debt investments, may change with changes in interest rates, credit concerns, or other economic factors. Due to the rapid rise of interest rates during 2022 and 2023, the fair value of the Company's available of sale debt securities included a net unrealized loss of $1.6 billion at September 30, 2023. Although as of September 30, 2023, the Company has the intent and ability to maintain its available for sale debt investments until maturity, if in the future the Company were to elect to sell or needed to sell the investments before their maturity, the Company could realize significant losses in its income statement.
Any changes to regulations, regulatory policies, laws, or supervisory or enforcement activities arising from the recent events in the banking industry could increase the Company’s expenses and adversely impact the Company’s operations.
In addition to operational impacts to the Company, the recent events in the banking industry may also result in changes to the laws and regulations governing banks and bank holding companies. As part of the financial services industry, the Company is subject to extensive federal and state regulation and supervision. Changes to regulations, regulatory policies, laws, or supervisory or enforcement activities could affect the Company in substantial and adverse ways, including limiting the services and products the Company may offer, restrict the Company’s ability to pay dividends, result in the Company incurring higher costs, or subject the Company to higher capital requirements. Inability to access short-term funding, loss of client deposits or
changes in our credit ratings could increase the cost of funding, limit access to capital markets or negatively impact the Company’s overall liquidity or capitalization. The Company may be impacted by concerns regarding the soundness or creditworthiness of other financial institutions, which can cause disruption within the financial markets and increased expenses. The cost of resolving the recent bank failures may also prompt the FDIC to increase its premiums above the recently increased levels or to issue additional special assessments, which would likely increase expenses and negatively impact net income.
Item 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
The following table sets forth information about the Company's purchases of its $5 par value common stock, its only class of common stock registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Period
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as part of Publicly Announced Program
Maximum Number that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Program
July 1 - 31, 2023
26,643
$
52.93
26,643
2,531,829
August 1 - 31, 2023
305,314
$
51.24
305,314
2,226,515
September 1 - 30, 2023
56,347
$
48.49
56,347
2,170,168
Total
388,304
$
50.96
388,304
2,170,168
The Company's stock purchases shown above were made under authorizations by the Board of Directors. Under the most recent authorization in April 2022 of 5,000,000 shares, 2,170,168 shares remained available for purchase at September 30, 2023.
Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION
During the three months ended September 30, 2023, none of the officers or directors of the Company adopted or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of our securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement.”
Item 6. EXHIBITS
The exhibits filed as part of this report and exhibits incorporated herein by reference to other documents are listed below.
101 — Interactive data files in Inline XBRL pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text and in detail. The instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
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.
