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CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS INC - Quarter Report: 2019 June (Form 10-Q)



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

_________________
FORM 10-Q

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended         June 30, 2019         

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                                to                               

Commission File No. 000-20827

________________
CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Missouri        43-1265338
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
organization)    
12444 Powerscourt Drive, Suite 550    
St. Louis, Missouri   63131
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(314) 506-5500
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class       Trading symbols       Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $.50   CASS   The 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.

Yes           X       No                    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes           X       No                    

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

              Large Accelerated Filer     X           Accelerated Filer               

              Non-Accelerated Filer                    Smaller Reporting Company                    Emerging Growth Company                

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. _____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes                     No           X      

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's only class of common stock as of July 26, 2019: Common stock, par value $.50 per share – 14,489,374 shares outstanding.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 PART I – Financial Information        
      
      Item 1.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    
           
      Consolidated Balance Sheets    
      June 30, 2019 (unaudited) and December 31, 2018   3
           
      Consolidated Statements of Income    
      Three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited)   4
           
      Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income    
      Three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited)   5
           
      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows    
      Six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited)   6
           
      Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity    
      Three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 (unaudited)   7
           
      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)   8
           
  Item 2.   MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS   20
           
  Item 3.   QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK   31
           
  Item 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES   31
           
PART II – Other Information – Items 1. – 6.   31
        
  SIGNATURES   33

Forward-looking Statements - Factors That May Affect Future Results

This report may contain or incorporate by reference forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Although we believe that, in making any such statements, our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors beyond our control, which may cause future performance to be materially different from expected performance summarized in the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors are discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), which may be updated from time to time in our future filings with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events, or changes to future results over time.

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in Thousands except Share and Per Share Data)

    June 30,      
    2019   December 31,
        (Unaudited)       2018
Assets            
Cash and due from banks   $ 16,811   $ 15,042
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions     73,335     179,281
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments     93,367     36,610
Cash and cash equivalents     183,513     230,933
Securities available-for-sale, at fair value     435,391     441,534
             
Loans     790,552     721,587
Less: Allowance for loan losses     10,506     10,225
Loans, net     780,046     711,362
Premises and equipment, net     21,156     22,031
Investment in bank-owned life insurance     17,571     17,384
Payments in excess of funding     174,348     160,777
Goodwill     12,569     12,569
Other intangible assets, net     1,345     1,554
Other assets     102,745     97,032
Total assets   $      1,728,684   $      1,695,176
             
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity            
Liabilities:            
Deposits:            
Noninterest-bearing   $ 259,082   $ 313,258
Interest-bearing     377,547     408,668
Total deposits     636,629     721,926
Accounts and drafts payable     794,871     694,360
Other liabilities     56,763     49,042
Total liabilities     1,488,263     1,465,328
             
Shareholders’ Equity:            
Preferred stock, par value $.50 per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued        
Common stock, par value $.50 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized and 15,505,772 shares issued at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018     7,753     7,753
Additional paid-in capital     205,463     205,770
Retained earnings     83,470     75,171
Common shares in treasury, at cost (1,016,398 shares at June 30, 2019 and 894,486 shares at December 31, 2018)     (46,333)     (39,974)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (9,932)     (18,872)
Total shareholders’ equity     240,421     229,848
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 1,728,684   $ 1,695,176

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Data)

Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
      2019       2018       2019       2018
Fee Revenue and Other Income:
Information services payment and processing revenue $ 26,852 $ 25,221 $      53,309 $ 50,048
Bank service fees 301 359 677 694
Gains (losses) on sales of securities 8 (55) 19 (42)
Other 211 115 380 314
Total fee revenue and other income 27,372 25,640 54,385 51,014
 
Interest Income:
Interest and fees on loans 9,387 7,923 18,016 15,465
Interest and dividends on securities:
Taxable 639 489 1,281 810
Exempt from federal income taxes 1,994 2,332 4,031 4,897
Interest on federal funds sold and other short-term investments 1,307 769 2,896 1,629
Total interest income 13,327 11,513 26,224 22,801
  
Interest Expense:
Interest on deposits 1,305 794 2,595 1,473
Net interest income 12,022 10,719 23,629 21,328
Provision for loan losses 250
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 12,022 10,719 23,379 21,328
Total net revenue 39,394 36,359 77,764 72,342
Operating Expense:
Personnel 22,803 21,589 45,080 41,971
Occupancy 998 925 1,957 1,779
Equipment 1,552 1,408 3,021 2,716
Amortization of intangible assets 102 111 209 221
Other operating expense 4,516 3,430 8,166 6,958
Total operating expense      29,971      27,463 58,433      53,645
Income before income tax expense 9,423 8,896 19,331 18,697
Income tax expense 1,739 1,387 3,484 3,096
Net income $ 7,684 $ 7,509 $ 15,847 $ 15,601
Basic earnings per share $ .53 $ .51 $ 1.10 $ 1.06
Diluted earnings per share .52 .50 1.08 1.05

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)

    Three Months Ended   Six Months Ended
    June 30,   June 30,
        2019       2018       2019       2018
Comprehensive Income:                        
Net income   $ 7,684   $ 7,509   $ 15,847   $ 15,601
Other comprehensive income:                        
Net unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale     4,609     (420)     11,746          (10,194)
Tax effect          (1,097)     100     (2,796)     2,426
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) losses included in net income     (8)     55     (19)     42
Tax effect     2     (13)     5     (10)
Foreign currency translation adjustments     18     (109)     4     (70)
Total comprehensive income   $ 11,208   $      7,122   $      24,787   $ 7,795

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)

    Six Months Ended
    June 30,
        2019       2018
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:            
Net income   $ 15,847   $ 15,601
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Depreciation and amortization     5,366     5,822
Net (gains) losses on sales of securities     (19)     42
Stock-based compensation expense     1,417     1,477
Provision for loan losses     250    
(Decrease) increase in income tax liability     (1,054)     1,637
Increase in pension liability     2,590     2,463
(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable     (1,351)     3,473
Other operating activities, net     3,327     (5,419)
Net cash provided by operating activities     26,373     25,096
             
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:            
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale     4,648     58,520
Proceeds from maturities of securities available-for-sale     10,161     17,374
Purchase of securities available-for-sale         (60,108)
Net increase in loans     (68,934)     (28,620)
Increase in payments in excess of funding     (13,571)     (14,733)
Purchases of premises and equipment, net     (1,202)     (2,800)
Net cash used in investing activities          (68,898)     (30,367)
             
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:            
Net decrease in noninterest-bearing demand deposits     (54,176)     (16,185)
Net decrease in interest-bearing demand and savings deposits     (32,058)     (40,588)
Net increase in time deposits     937     4,422
Net increase (decrease) in accounts and drafts payable     96,033     (36,538)
Cash dividends paid     (7,548)     (6,144)
Purchase of common shares for treasury     (7,799)     (1,408)
Other financing activities, net     (284)     (195)
Net cash used in financing activities     (4,895)     (96,636)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (47,420)          (101,907)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     230,933     228,110
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 183,513   $ 126,203
             
Supplemental information:            
Cash paid for interest   $ 2,496   $ 1,459
Cash paid for income taxes     4,545     1,445

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2018 AND 2019
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands except Per Share Data)

   Accumulated
   Additional    Other
   Common    Paid-in    Retained    Treasury    Comprehensive
       Stock        Capital        Earnings        Stock        (Loss) Income        Total
Balance, March 31, 2018 $      6,524 $      204,479 $      64,458 $      (32,301) $       (20,738) $      222,422
           
Net income 7,509 7,509
Cash dividends ($.20 per share) (3,196) (3,196)
Issuance of 8,972 common shares pursuant to stock-based compensation plan, net (277) 294 17
Exercise of SARs (354) 118 (236)
Stock-based compensation expense 839 839
Purchase of 720 common shares (354) (354)
Other comprehensive loss (388) (388)
Balance, June 30, 2018 $ 6,524 $ 204,687 $ 68,771 $ (32,243) $ (21,126) $ 226,613
           
Balance, March 31, 2019 $ 7,753 $ 205,310 $ 79,558 $ (44,685) $ (13,456) $ 234,480
           
Net income 7,684 7,684
Cash dividends ($.26 per share) (3,772) (3,772)
Issuance of 8,968 common shares pursuant to stock-based compensation plan, net (407) 450 43
Exercise of SARs
Stock-based compensation expense 560 560
Purchase of 46,778 common shares (2,098) (2,098)
Other comprehensive income 3,524 3,524
Balance, June 30, 2019 $ 7,753 $ 205,463 $ 83,470 $ (46,333) $ (9,932) $ 240,421
           
   Accumulated
   Additional    Other
   Common    Paid-in    Retained    Treasury    Comprehensive
   Stock    Capital    Earnings    Stock    (Loss) Income    Total
Balance, December 31, 2017 $ 6,524 $ 204,631 $ 59,314 $ (32,061) $ (13,320) $ 225,088
           
Net income 15,601 15,601
Cash dividends ($.20 per share) (6,144) (6,144)
Issuance of 32,428 common shares pursuant to stock-based compensation plan, net (998) 551 (447)
Exercise of SARs (423) 150 (273)
Stock-based compensation expense 1,477 1,477
Purchase of 12,176 common shares (883) (883)
Other comprehensive loss (7,806) (7,806)
Balance, June 30, 2018 $ 6,524 $ 204,687 $ 68,771 $ (32,243) $ (21,126) $ 226,613
         
         
Balance, December 31, 2018 $ 7,753 $ 205,770 $ 75,171 $ (39,974) $ (18,872) $ 229,848
           
Net income 15,847 15,847
Cash dividends ($.26 per share) (7,548) (7,548)
Issuance of 34,092 common shares pursuant to stock-based compensation plan, net (1,421) 1,276 (145)
Exercise of SARs (303) 164 (139)
Stock-based compensation expense 1,417 1,417
Purchase of 154,593 common shares (7,799) (7,799)
Other comprehensive income 8,940 8,940
Balance, June 30, 2019 $ 7,753 $ 205,463 $ 83,470 $ (46,333) $ (9,932) $ 240,421

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. All share and per share data have been restated to give effect to the 20% stock dividend paid on December 14, 2018. Certain amounts in prior-period financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation. For further information, refer to the audited consolidated financial statements and related footnotes included in Cass Information System, Inc.’s (the “Company” or “Cass”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018.

Note 2 – Intangible Assets

The Company accounts for intangible assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” (“FASB ASC 350”), which requires that intangibles with indefinite useful lives be tested annually for impairment and those with finite useful lives be amortized over their useful lives.

Details of the Company’s intangible assets are as follows:

    June 30, 2019   December 31, 2018
    Gross Carrying   Accumulated   Gross Carrying   Accumulated
(In thousands)       Amount       Amortization       Amount       Amortization
Assets eligible for amortization:                        
Customer lists   $ 4,288   $ (3,256)   $ 4,288   $ (3,071)
Patents     72     (18)     72     (16)
Non-compete agreements     332     (332)     332     (326)
Software     234     (234)     234     (234)
Other     500     (241)     500     (225)
Unamortized intangible assets:                        
Goodwill1     12,796     (227)     12,796     (227)
Total intangible assets   $ 18,222   $ (4,308)   $ 18,222   $ (4,099)
1 Amortization through December 31, 2001 prior to adoption of FASB ASC 350.

The customer lists are amortized over seven and ten years; the patents over 18 years; the non-compete agreements over two and five years; software over three years; and other intangible assets over 15 years. Amortization of intangible assets amounted to $209,000 and $221,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Estimated annual amortization of intangibles is as follows: $412,000 in 2019, $406,000 in each of 2020 and 2021, and $88,000 in each of 2022 and 2023.

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Note 3 – Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and the weighted-average number of potential common shares outstanding. There were no anti-dilutive shares in the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. The calculations of basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows:

Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
June 30, June 30,
(In thousands except share and per share data)       2019       2018       2019       2018
Basic
Net income $      7,684 $      7,509 $      15,847 $      15,601
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 14,434,232 14,687,882 14,444,821 14,683,773
Basic earnings per share $ .53 $ .51 $ 1.10 $ 1.06
Diluted
Net income $ 7,684 $ 7,509 $ 15,847 $ 15,601
Weighted-average common shares outstanding 14,434,232 14,687,882 14,444,821 14,683,773
Effect of dilutive restricted stock and stock appreciation rights 258,032 246,330 255,613 236,666
Weighted-average common shares outstanding assuming dilution 14,692,264 14,934,212 14,700,434 14,920,439
Diluted earnings per share $ .52 $ .50 $ 1.08 $ 1.05

Note 4 – Stock Repurchases

The Company maintains a treasury stock buyback program pursuant to which the Board of Directors has authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. As restored by the Board of Directors on January 29, 2019, the program provides that the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of common stock and has no expiration date. The Company repurchased 46,778 and 7,200 shares during the three-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 and 154,593 and 18,656 shares for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As of June 30, 2019, 450,222 shares remained available for repurchase under the program. Repurchases may be made in the open market or through negotiated transactions from time to time depending on market conditions.

Note 5 – Industry Segment Information

The services provided by the Company are classified into two reportable segments: Information Services and Banking Services. Each of these segments provides distinct services that are marketed through different channels. They are managed separately due to their unique service and processing requirements.

The Information Services segment provides transportation, energy, telecommunication, and environmental invoice processing and payment services to large corporations. The Banking Services segment provides banking services primarily to privately held businesses and faith-based ministries as well as supporting the banking needs of the Information Services segment.

The Company’s accounting policies for segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018. Management evaluates segment performance based on tax-equivalized* pre-tax income after allocations for corporate expenses. Transactions between segments are accounted for at what management believes to be fair value.

Substantially all revenue originates from, and all long-lived assets are located within the United States, and no revenue from any customer of any segment exceeds 10% of the Company’s consolidated revenue.

Funding sources represent average balances and deposits generated by Information Services and Banking Services and there is no allocation methodology used. Segment interest income is a function of the relative share of average funding sources generated by each segment multiplied by the following rates:

Information Services – fixed or variable rates depending upon the specific characteristics of the funding source, and
Banking Services – a variable rate that is based upon the overall performance of Banking Services’ earning assets.

Any difference between total segment interest income and overall total Company interest income is included in Corporate, Eliminations, and Other.

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Summarized information about the Company’s operations in each industry segment is as follows:

Corporate,
Information Banking Eliminations
(In thousands)       Services       Services       and Other       Total
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019:
Fee income from customers $ 27,227 $      392 $ (247) $      27,372
Interest income* 6,336 7,666 (144) 13,858
Interest expense 1,305 1,305
Intersegment income (expense) 535 (535)
Tax-equivalized pre-tax income* 6,791 3,555 (392) 9,954
Goodwill 12,433 136 12,569
Other intangible assets, net 1,345 1,345
Total assets 934,620 816,661 (22,597) 1,728,684
Average funding sources 650,231 570,980 1,221,211
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018:
Fee income from customers $ 25,262 $ 318 $ 60 $ 25,640
Interest income* 6,017 6,795 (675) 12,137
Interest expense 794 794
Intersegment income (expense) 486 (486)
Tax-equivalized pre-tax income* 6,750 3,385 (615) 9,520
Goodwill 12,433 136 12,569
Other intangible assets, net 1,775 1,775
Total assets 807,571 806,560 (43,826) 1,570,305
Average funding sources 617,287 553,237 1,170,524
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019:
Fee income from customers $ 54,023 $ 783 $ (421) $ 54,385
Interest income* 12,513 15,152 (369) 27,296
Interest expense 2,595 2,595
Intersegment income (expense) 1,054 (1,054)
Tax-equivalized pre-tax income* 14,378 6,815 (790) 20,403
Goodwill 12,433 136 12,569
Other intangible assets, net 1,345 1,345
Total assets 934,620 816,661 (22,597) 1,728,684
Average funding sources 648,918 581,034 1,229,952
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018:
Fee income from customers $ 50,134 $ 694 $ 186 $ 51,014
Interest income* 12,175 13,690 (1,752) 24,113
Interest expense 1,473 1,473
Intersegment income (expense) 948 (948)
Tax-equivalized pre-tax income* 14,125 7,449 (1,566) 20,008
Goodwill 12,433 136 12,569
Other intangible assets, net 1,775 1,775
Total assets 807,571 806,560 (43,826) 1,570,305
Average funding sources 631,022 574,419 1,205,441
* Presented on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 21% for both 2019 and 2018. The tax-equivalent adjustment was approximately $531,000 and $624,000 for the Second Quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $1,072,000 and $1,311,000 for the First Half of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

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Note 6 – Loans by Type

A summary of loan categories is as follows:

        June 30,       December 31,
(In thousands)   2019   2018
Commercial and industrial   $      348,176   $      277,091
Real estate:            
Commercial:            
Mortgage     85,571     95,605
Construction     18,609     11,858
Faith-based:            
Mortgage     319,083     316,147
Construction     17,438     20,576
Other     1,675     310
Total loans   $ 790,552   $ 721,587

The following table presents the aging of loans by loan categories at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

Performing Nonperforming
                    90          
Days
30-59 60-89 and Non- Total
(In thousands) Current Days Days Over accrual Loans
June 30, 2019
Commercial and industrial $     348,176 $     $     $     $     $     348,176
Real estate:
Commercial:
Mortgage 85,571 85,571
Construction 18,609 18,609
Faith-based:
Mortgage 319,083 319,083
Construction 17,438 17,438
Other 1,675 1,675
Total $ 790,552 $ $ $ $ $ 790,552
December 31, 2018
Commercial and industrial $ 277,091 $ $ $ $ $ 277,091
Real estate:
Commercial:
Mortgage 95,605 95,605
Construction 11,858 11,858
Faith-based:
Mortgage 316,147 316,147
Construction 20,576 20,576
Other 310 310
Total $ 721,587 $ $ $ $ $ 721,587

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The following table presents the credit exposure of the loan portfolio by internal credit grade as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:

Loans Performing Nonperforming
Subject to Loans Subject to Loans Subject
Normal Special to Special
(In thousands) Monitoring1 Monitoring2 Monitoring2 Total Loans
June 30, 2019                         
Commercial and industrial $     347,416 $     760 $     $     348,176
Real estate:
Commercial:
Mortgage 85,434 137 85,571
Construction 18,609 18,609
Faith-based:
Mortgage 317,917 1,166 319,083
Construction 17,438 17,438
Other 1,675 1,675
Total $ 788,489 $ 2,063 $ $ 790,552
December 31, 2018
Commercial and industrial $ 275,308 $ 1,783 $ $ 277,091
Real estate:
Commercial:
Mortgage 95,447 158 95,605
Construction 11,858 11,858
Faith-based:
Mortgage 314,940 1,207 316,147
Construction 20,576 20,576
Other 310 310
Total $ 718,439 $ 3,148 $ $ 721,587
1 Loans subject to normal monitoring involve borrowers of acceptable-to-strong credit quality and risk, who have the apparent ability to satisfy their loan obligations.
2 Loans subject to special monitoring possess some credit deficiency or potential weakness which requires a high level of management attention.

Impaired loans consist primarily of nonaccrual loans, loans greater than 90 days past due and still accruing interest and troubled debt restructurings, both performing and nonperforming. Troubled debt restructuring involves the granting of a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty resulting in the modification of terms of the loan, such as changes in payment schedule or interest rate. Management measures impairment in accordance with FASB ASC 310, “Allowance for Credit Losses.” There were no impaired loans, loans delinquent 90 days or more and still accruing, or loans classified as troubled debt restructurings at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

There were no foreclosed loans recorded as other real estate owned as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses from December 31, 2018 to June 30, 2019 is as follows:

December 31, Charge- June 30,
(In thousands) 2018 Offs Recoveries Provision 2019
Commercial and industrial      $     4,179      $          $     31      $     1,058      $     5,268
Real estate:
Commercial:
Mortgage 1,417 (148) 1,269
Construction 89 51 140
Church, church-related:
Mortgage 3,961 36 3,997
Construction 155 (24) 131
Other 424 (723) (299)
Total $ 10,225 $ $ 31 $ 250 $ 10,506

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A summary of the activity in the allowance for loan losses from December 31, 2017 to June 30, 2018 is as follows:

     December 31,      Charge-                June 30,
(In thousands) 2017 Offs Recoveries Provision 2018
Commercial and industrial $     3,652 $     $     10 $     311 $     3,973
Real estate:
Commercial:
Mortgage 1,394 (80) 1,314
Construction 70 90 160
Church, church-related:
Mortgage 3,962 (71) 3,891
Construction 196 68 264
Industrial revenue bonds 52 (25) 27
Other 879 (293) 586
Total $ 10,205 $ $ 10 $ $ 10,215

Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, the Company is party to activities that contain credit, market and operational risks that are not reflected in whole or in part in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Such activities include traditional off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments and commitments under operating leases. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit. The Company’s maximum potential exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. At June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, no amounts have been accrued for any estimated losses for these instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commercial and standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company or its subsidiaries to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These off-balance sheet financial instruments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. At June 30, 2019, the balances of unused loan commitments, standby and commercial letters of credit were $145,871,000, $9,927,000, and $2,908,000, respectively. Since some of the financial instruments may expire without being drawn upon, the total amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit are subject to the same underwriting standards as those financial instruments included on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company evaluates each customer’s credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary upon extension of the credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held varies, but is generally accounts receivable, inventory, residential or income-producing commercial property or equipment. In the event of nonperformance, the Company or its subsidiaries may obtain and liquidate the collateral to recover amounts paid under guarantees on these financial instruments.

The following table summarizes contractual cash obligations of the Company related to time deposits at June 30, 2019:

Amount of Commitment Expiration per Period
            Less than       1-3       3-5       Over 5
(In thousands) Total 1 Year   Years Years Years
Time deposits 73,394 49,165 21,812 2,417
Total $      73,394 $      49,165 $      21,812 $      2,417 $     

The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in various pending legal actions and proceedings in which claims for damages are asserted. Management, after discussion with legal counsel, believes the ultimate resolution of these legal actions and proceedings will not have a material effect upon the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

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Note 8 – Stock-Based Compensation

The Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock and Performance Compensation Plan (the “Omnibus Plan”) permits the issuance of up to 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock, restricted stock units and performance awards. The Company may issue shares out of treasury stock for these awards. During the six months ended June 30, 2019, 35,002 restricted shares, 36,403 performance-based restricted shares, and 0 SARs were granted under the Omnibus Plan.

Restricted Stock

Beginning on April 16, 2013, restricted shares granted to Company employees are amortized to expense over a three-year vesting period whereas restricted shares granted to members of the Board of Directors are amortized to expense over a one-year service period, with the exception of those shares granted in lieu of cash payments for retainer fees which are expensed in the period earned. Beginning on February 2, 2017, restricted shares granted to Company employees are amortized to expense over the three-year cliff vesting period.

As of June 30, 2019, the total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted shares was $2,204,000, and the related weighted-average period over which it is expected to be recognized is approximately 0.99 years.

Following is a summary of the activity of the restricted stock:

  Six Months Ended
  June 30, 2019
  Shares   Fair Value
Balance at December 31, 2018 99,724       $     45.48
Granted 35,002     49.02
Vested (13,264)     39.76
Balance at June 30, 2019 121,462   $ 47.13

Performance-Based Restricted Stock

In February of 2017, the Company granted three-year performance based restricted stock (“PBRS”) awards which are contingent upon the Company’s achievement of pre-established financial goals over the period from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019. The PBRS awards cliff vest on the three year anniversary of their grant date at levels ranging from 0% to 150% of the target opportunity based on the actual achievement of financial goals for the three-year performance period. The aggregate target number of PBRS shares outstanding at June 30, 2019 was 30,057 with a grant date fair value of $49.33 per share. The 2019 expense related to these grants is currently estimated to be $595,000 and is based on the grant date fair value of the awards and the Company’s achievement of 120% of the target financial goals. The estimated expense for 2019 and each future period through the vesting date is subject to prospective adjustment based upon changes in the expected achievement of the financial goals.

In February and July of 2018, the Company granted three-year PBRS awards which are contingent upon the Company’s achievement of pre-established financial goals over the period from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. The PBRS awards cliff vest on the three year anniversary of their grant date at levels ranging from 0% to 150% of the target opportunity based on the actual achievement of financial goals for the three-year performance period. The aggregate target number of PBRS shares outstanding at June 30, 2019 was 35,258 with an average grant date fair value of $49.04 per share. The 2019 expense related to these grants is currently estimated to be $674,000 and is based on the grant date fair value of the awards and the Company’s achievement of 117% of the target financial goals. The estimated expense for 2019 and each future period through the vesting date is subject to prospective adjustment based upon changes in the expected achievement of the financial goals.

In February of 2019, the Company granted three-year PBRS awards which are contingent upon the Company’s achievement of pre-established financial goals over the period from January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021. The PBRS awards cliff vest on the three year anniversary of their grant date at levels ranging from 0% to 150% of the target opportunity based on the actual achievement of financial goals for the three-year performance period. The aggregate target number of PBRS shares outstanding at June 30, 2019 was 36,403 with an average grant date fair value of $49.10 per share. The 2019 expense related to these grants is currently estimated to be $590,000 and is based on the grant date fair value of the awards and the Company’s achievement of 108% of the target financial goals. The estimated expense for 2019 and each future period through the vesting date is subject to prospective adjustment based upon changes in the expected achievement of the financial goals.

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SARs

There were no SARs granted and no expense recognized during the six months ended June 30, 2019. Following is a summary of the activity of the Company’s SARs program for the six-month period ended June 30, 2019:

                Weighted-       Average       Aggregate
        Average   Remaining   Intrinsic
        Exercise   Contractual   Value
    Shares   Price   Term Years   (In thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2018   237,121   $     29.86   3.50   $     5,468
Exercised   (11,335)     21.95      
Exercisable at June 30, 2019   225,786   $ 30.26   3.08   $ 4,114

There were no non-vested SARs at June 30, 2019.

Note 9 – Defined Pension Plans

The Company has a noncontributory defined-benefit pension plan, which covers most of its employees. Effective December 31, 2016, the Plan was closed to all new participants. The Company accrues and makes contributions designed to fund normal service costs on a current basis using the projected unit credit with service proration method to amortize prior service costs arising from improvements in pension benefits and qualifying service prior to the establishment of the plan over a period of approximately 30 years. Disclosure information is based on a measurement date of December 31 of the corresponding year. The following table represents the components of the net periodic pension costs:

        Estimated       Actual
(In thousands)   2019   2018
Service cost – benefits earned during the year   $     3,708   $     4,017
Interest cost on projected benefit obligations     4,083     3,703
Expected return on plan assets     (4,754)     (5,202)
Net amortization and deferral     1,634     1,522
Net periodic pension cost   $ 4,671   $ 4,040

Pension costs recorded to expense were $1,186,000 and $1,049,000 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively and $2,365,000 and $2,098,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Pension costs increased in 2019 primarily due to a decrease in the discount rate. The Company made no contribution to the plan during the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 and is evaluating the amount of additional contributions, if any, in the remainder of 2019.

In addition to the above funded benefit plan, the Company has an unfunded supplemental executive retirement plan which covers key executives of the Company. This is a noncontributory plan in which the Company and its subsidiaries make accruals designed to fund normal service costs on a current basis using the same method and criteria as its defined benefit plan. The following table represents the components of the net periodic pension costs for 2018 and an estimate for 2019:

        Estimated       Actual
(In thousands)   2019   2018
Service cost – benefits earned during the year   $     97   $     92
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation     408     348
Net amortization     276     581
Net periodic pension cost   $ 781   $ 1,021

Pension costs recorded to expense were $196,000 and $256,000 for the three-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and were $391,000 and $511,000 for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Note 10 – Income Taxes

As of June 30, 2019, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $1,499,000, of which $1,380,000 would, if recognized, affect the Company’s effective tax rate. As of December 31, 2018, the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $1,403,000, of which $1,272,000 would, if recognized, affect the Company’s effective tax rate. During the next 12 months, the Company may realize a reduction of its unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $317,000 due to the lapse of federal and state statutes of limitations.

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The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. The Company had $173,000 and $136,000 of gross interest accrued as of June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. There were no penalties for unrecognized tax benefits accrued at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018.

The Company is subject to income tax in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and numerous state jurisdictions. U.S. federal income tax returns for tax years 2015 through 2017 remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. In addition, the Company is subject to state tax examinations for the tax years 2014 through 2017.

Note 11 – Investment in Securities

Investment securities available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company’s investment securities available-for-sale are measured at fair value using Level 2 valuations. The market evaluation utilizes several sources which include “observable inputs” rather than “significant unobservable inputs” and therefore falls into the Level 2 category. The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and fair value of investment securities are summarized as follows:

June 30, 2019
Gross Gross  
Amortized   Unrealized      Unrealized
(In thousands)   Cost Gains Losses      Fair Value
State and political subdivisions      $     318,924      $     12,181 $     7 $     331,098
U.S. government agencies 102,091 554 347 102,298
Certificates of deposit 1,995 1,995
Total $ 423,010 $ 12,735 $ 354 $ 435,391
   
December 31, 2018  
Gross Gross  
Amortized   Unrealized Unrealized
(In thousands)   Cost Gains Losses   Fair Value
State and political subdivisions $ 332,732 $ 3,791 $ 1,806 $ 334,717
U.S. government agencies 106,153 86 1,417 104,822
Certificates of deposit 1,995 1,995
Total $ 440,880 $ 3,877 $ 3,223 $ 441,534

The fair values of securities with unrealized losses are as follows:

June 30, 2019  
    

Less than 12 months

     12 months or more      Total
 Estimated      Unrealized Estimated      Unrealized Estimated      Unrealized
(In thousands)    Fair Value Losses  Fair Value Losses    Fair Value Losses
State and political subdivisions $     1,007 $     $     2,976 $     7 $     3,983 $     7
U.S. government agencies 33,472 347 33,472 347
Total $ 1,007 $ $ 36,448 $ 354 $ 37,455 $ 354
   
December 31, 2018  
Less than 12 months   12 months or more   Total  
 Estimated Unrealized Estimated Unrealized Estimated Unrealized
(In thousands)    Fair Value Losses Fair Value Losses   Fair Value Losses
State and political subdivisions $ 91,248 $ 556 $ 60,546 $ 1,250 $ 151,794 $ 1,806
U.S. government agencies 30,409 130 38,005 1,287 68,414 1,417
Total $ 121,657 $ 686 $ 98,551 $ 2,537 $ 220,208 $ 3,223

There were 17 securities, or 6% of the total (15 greater than 12 months), in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2019. There were 136 securities, or 43% of the total (61 greater than 12 months), in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2018. All unrealized losses were reviewed to determine whether the losses were other than temporary. Management believes that all unrealized losses are temporary since they were market driven, and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell prior to recovery of the amortized basis.

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The amortized cost and fair value of investment securities by contractual maturity are shown in the following table. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have the right to prepay obligations with or without prepayment penalties.

    June 30, 2019
(In thousands)   Amortized Cost   Fair Value
Due in 1 year or less      $     25,149      $     25,232
Due after 1 year through 5 years     114,928     116,965
Due after 5 years through 10 years     236,912     247,152
Due after 10 years     46,021     46,042
Total   $ 423,010   $ 435,391

Proceeds from sales of investment securities classified as available-for-sale were $3,547,000 and $48,977,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and were $4,648,000 and $58,520,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Gross realized gains were $8,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2019 compared to gross realized losses of $55,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2018. Gross realized gains were $19,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to gross realized losses of $42,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2018. There were no securities pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes at June 30, 2019.

Note 12 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Following is a summary of the carrying amounts and fair values of the Company’s financial instruments:

    June 30, 2019   December 31, 2018
    Carrying       Carrying      
(In thousands)   Amount   Fair Value   Amount   Fair Value
Balance sheet assets:                                    
Cash and cash equivalents   $     183,513   $     183,513   $     230,933   $     230,933
Investment securities     435,391     435,391     441,534     441,534
Loans, net     780,046     782,301     711,362     711,090
Accrued interest receivable     7,180     7,180     7,069     7,069
Total   $ 1,406,130   $ 1,408,385   $ 1,390,898   $ 1,390,626
Balance sheet liabilities:                        
Deposits   $ 636,629   $ 637,586   $ 721,926   $ 722,018
Accounts and drafts payable     794,871     794,871     694,360     694,360
Accrued interest payable     191     191     91     91
Total   $ 1,431,691   $ 1,432,648   $ 1,416,377   $ 1,416,469

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

Cash and Cash Equivalents – The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Investment in Securities – The fair value is measured on a recurring basis using Level 2 valuations. Refer to Note 11, “Investment in Securities,” for fair value and unrealized gains and losses by investment type.

Loans – The fair value is estimated using present values of future cash flows discounted at risk-adjusted interest rates for each loan category designated by management and is therefore a Level 3 valuation. Management believes that the risk factor embedded in the interest rates along with the allowance for loan losses result in a fair valuation.

Accrued Interest Receivable – The carrying amount approximates fair value.

Deposits – The fair value of demand deposits, savings deposits and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated using the rates currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities and therefore, is a Level 2 valuation. The fair value estimates above do not include the benefit that results from the low-cost funding provided by the deposit liabilities compared to the cost of borrowing funds in the market or the benefit derived from the customer relationship inherent in existing deposits.

Accounts and Drafts Payable – The carrying amount approximates fair value.

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Accrued Interest – The carrying amount approximates fair value.

There were no transfers between Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. No financial instruments are measured using Level 3 inputs for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018.

Note 13 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted FASB ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“FASB ASC 606”) and selected the modified retrospective transition method. The adoption of this new standard did not impact the Company’s results of operations or balance sheet and there was no cumulative effect of initially applying this new revenue standard to the opening balance of retained earnings. Since interest income on loans and securities are both excluded from this topic, a significant portion of the Company’s revenues are not subject to the new guidance. The services that fall within the scope of FASB ASC 606 are presented within fee revenue and other income in the Consolidated Statements of Income and are recognized as revenue as the obligation to the customer is satisfied. Services within the scope of FASB ASC 606 include invoice processing and payment fees, bank service fees, and other real estate owned (“OREO”).

Invoice processing fees – The Company earns fees on a per-item or monthly basis for the invoice processing services rendered on behalf of customers. Per-item fees are recognized at the point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied. Monthly fees are earned over the course of a month, representing the period over which the performance obligation is satisfied. The contracts have no significant impact of variable consideration and no significant financing components.

Invoice payment fees – The Company earns fees on a transaction level basis for invoice payment services when making customer payments. Fees are recognized at the point in time when the payment transactions are made, which is when the performance obligation is satisfied. The contracts have no significant impact of variable consideration and no significant financing components.

Bank service fees – Revenue from service fees consists of service charges and fees on deposit accounts under depository agreements with customers to provide access to deposited funds. Service charges on deposit accounts are transaction based fees that are recognized at the point in time when the performance obligation is satisfied. Service charges are recognized on a monthly basis representing the period over which the performance obligation is satisfied. The contracts have no significant impact of variable consideration and no significant financing components.

OREO – The Company currently does not have any OREO and has not in recent years. Net gains or losses would be recorded when other real estate is sold to a third party and substantially all of the consideration for the transfer of property is received.

    For the Three Months   For the Six Months
    Ended June 30,   Ended June 30,
(In thousands)   2019   2018   2019   2018
Fee revenue and other income                        
In-scope of FASB ASC 606                        
Invoice processing fees      $ 20,447      $ 19,467      $ 40,989      $ 38,616
Invoice payment fees     6,405     5,754     12,320     11,432
Information services payment and processing revenue     26,852     25,221     53,309     50,048
Bank service fees     301     359     677     694
Fee revenue (in-scope of FASB ASC 606)     27,153     25,580     53,986     50,742
Other income (out-of-scope of FASB ASC 606)     219     60     399     272
Total fee revenue and other income     27,372     25,640     54,385     51,014
                         
Net interest income after provision for loan losses (out-of-scope of FASB ASC 606)1     12,022     10,719     23,379     21,328
Total net revenue   $      39,394   $      36,359   $      77,764   $      72,342
1 The Company earns interest income from the balances generated during the invoice processing and payment cycle and on deposit accounts, which is an integral component of the Company’s compensation for services provided; but, is out-of-scope of FASB ASC 606.

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Note 14 – Leases

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-02 – Leases (ASC Topic 842). The Company leases certain premises under operating leases. As of June 30, 2019, the Company had lease liabilities of $7,290,000 and right-of-use assets of $6,570,000. Lease liabilities and right-of-use assets are reflected in other liabilities and other assets, respectively. Presented within occupancy expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended June 30, 2019, operating lease cost was $420,000, short-term lease cost was $38,000, and there was no variable lease cost. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, operating lease cost was $840,000, short-term lease cost was $74,000, and there was no variable lease cost. For the period ended June 30, 2019, the weighted average remaining lease term for the operating leases was 6.9 years and the weighted average discount rate used in the measurement of operating lease liabilities was 5.5%. Certain of the Company’s leases contain options to renew the lease; however, these renewal options are not included in the calculation of the lease liabilities as they are not reasonably certain to be exercised. There has been no significant change in the Company’s expected future minimum lease payments since December 31, 2018. See the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K for information regarding these commitments.

A maturity analysis of operating lease liabilities and undiscounted cash flows as of June 30, 2019 was as follows:

    June 30,
(In thousands)   2019
Lease payments due      
Less than 1 year      $     1,689
1-2 years     1,708
2-3 years     1,536
3-4 years     1,191
4-5 years     388
Over 5 years     2,169
Total undiscounted cash flows     8,681
Discount on cash flows     1,391
Total lease liability   $ 7,290

There were no sale and leaseback transactions, leveraged leases, or lease transactions with related parties during the six months ended June 30, 2019. At June 30, 2019, the Company had one lease that had not yet commenced, but is expected to create approximately $800,000 of additional lease liabilities and right-of-use assets for the Company. This lease is anticipated to commence in 2020.

Note 15 – Subsequent Events

In accordance with FASB ASC 855, “Subsequent Events,” the Company has evaluated subsequent events after the consolidated balance sheet date of June 30, 2019, and there were no events identified that would require additional disclosures to prevent the Company’s unaudited consolidated financial statements from being misleading.

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ITEM 2. 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview

Cass provides payment and information processing services to large manufacturing, distribution and retail enterprises from its offices/locations in St. Louis, Missouri, Columbus, Ohio, Boston, Massachusetts, Greenville, South Carolina, Wellington, Kansas, Jacksonville, Florida, Breda, Netherlands, Basingstoke, United Kingdom, and Singapore. The Company’s services include freight invoice rating, payment processing, auditing, and the generation of accounting and transportation information. Cass also processes and pays energy invoices, which include electricity and gas as well as waste and telecommunications expenses and is a provider of telecom expense management solutions. Additionally, Cass provides a B2B payment platform for clients that require an agile fintech partner. The Company also, through Cass Commercial Bank, its St. Louis, Missouri-based bank subsidiary provides banking services in the St. Louis metropolitan area, Orange County, California, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and other selected cities in the United States. In addition to supporting the Company’s payment operations, the Bank provides banking services to its target markets, which include privately-owned businesses and faith-based ministries.

The specific payment and information processing services provided to each customer are developed individually to meet each customer’s requirements, which can vary greatly. In addition, the degree of automation such as electronic data interchange, imaging, work flow, and web-based solutions varies greatly among customers and industries. These factors combine so that pricing varies greatly among the customer base. In general, however, Cass is compensated for its processing services through service fees and investment of account balances generated during the payment process. The amount, type, and calculation of service fees vary greatly by service offering, but generally follow the volume of transactions processed. Interest income from the balances generated during the payment processing cycle is affected by the amount of time Cass holds the funds prior to payment and the dollar volume processed. Both the number of transactions processed and the dollar volume processed are therefore key metrics followed by management. Other factors will also influence revenue and profitability, such as changes in the general level of interest rates, which have a significant effect on net interest income. The funds generated by these processing activities are invested in overnight investments, investment grade securities, and loans generated by the Bank. The Bank earns most of its revenue from net interest income, or the difference between the interest earned on its loans and investments and the interest paid on its deposits and other borrowings. The Bank also assesses fees on other services such as cash management services.

Industry-wide factors that impact the Company include the willingness of large corporations to outsource key business functions such as freight, energy, telecommunication and environmental payment and audit. The benefits that can be achieved by outsourcing transaction processing, and the management information generated by Cass’ systems can be influenced by factors such as the competitive pressures within industries to improve profitability, the general level of transportation costs, deregulation of energy costs, and consolidation of telecommunication providers. Economic factors that impact the Company include the general level of economic activity that can affect the volume and size of invoices processed, the ability to hire and retain qualified staff, and the growth and quality of the loan portfolio. The general level of interest rates also has a significant effect on the revenue of the Company. As discussed in greater detail in Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, a decline in the general level of interest rates can have a negative impact on net interest income and conversely, a rise in the general level of interest rates can have a positive impact on net interest income. The cost of fuel is another factor that has a significant impact on the transportation sector. As the price of fuel goes up or down, the Company’s earnings increase or decrease with the dollar amount of transportation invoices. Another negative impact of low fuel prices could be a drop in the number of invoices related to drilling supplies carried by domestic railroads and trucks that move pipes, sand and water for fracking operations.

Currently, management views Cass’ major opportunity as the continued expansion of its payment and information processing service offerings and customer base. Management intends to accomplish this by maintaining the Company’s leadership position in applied technology, which when combined with the security and processing controls of the Bank, makes Cass unique in the industry.

Critical Accounting Policy

The Company has prepared the consolidated financial statements in this report in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”). In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates have been generally accurate in the past, have been consistent and have not required any material changes. There can be no assurances that actual results will not differ from those estimates. The accounting policy that requires significant management estimates and is deemed critical to the Company’s results of operations or financial position has been discussed with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and is described below.

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Allowance for Loan Losses. The Company performs periodic and systematic detailed reviews of its loan portfolio to assess overall collectability. The level of the allowance for loan losses reflects management’s estimate of the collectability of the loan portfolio. Although these estimates are based on established methodologies for determining allowance requirements, actual results can differ significantly from estimated results. These policies affect both segments of the Company. The impact and associated risks related to these policies on the Company’s business operations are discussed in the “Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses” section of this report. The Company’s estimates have been materially accurate in the past, and accordingly, the Company expects to continue to utilize the present processes through 2019, after which current expected credit losses methodology will be adopted.

Results of Operations

The following paragraphs more fully discuss the results of operations and changes in financial condition for the three-month period ended June 30, 2019 (“Second Quarter of 2019”) compared to the three-month period ended June 30, 2018 (“Second Quarter of 2018”) and the six-month period ended June 30, 2019 (“First Half of 2019”) compared to the six-month period ended June 30, 2018 (“First Half of 2018”). The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes and with the statistical information and financial data appearing in this report, as well as in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Results of operations for the Second Quarter and First Half of 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be attained for any other period.

Net Income

The following table summarizes the Company’s operating results:

    Second Quarter of   First Half of
(In thousands except per share data)   2019   2018   %
Change
  2019   2018   %
Change
Net income       $      7,684         $      7,509                2.3 %       $      15,847         $      15,601                1.6 %
Diluted earnings per share   $ .52     $ .50     4.0 %   $ 1.08     $ 1.05     2.9 %
Return on average assets     1.81 %     1.90 %         1.89 %     1.96 %    
Return on average equity     13.21 %     13.66 %         13.92 %     14.29 %    

Fee Revenue and Other Income

The Company’s fee revenue is derived mainly from transportation and facility payment and processing fees. As the Company provides its processing and payment services, it is compensated by service fees which are typically calculated on a per-item basis and by the accounts and drafts payable balances generated in the payment process which can be used to generate interest income. Processing volumes, fee revenue, and other income were as follows:

    Second Quarter of   First Half of
                %               %
(In thousands)   2019   2018   Change   2019   2018   Change
Transportation invoice volume         9,222         9,628            (4.2 )%         18,170         18,819            (3.4 )%
Transportation invoice dollar volume   $      7,121,202   $      7,172,171   (0.7 )%   $      14,106,975   $      13,962,918   1.0 %
Facility Expense transaction volume*     6,892     7,169   (3.9 )%     13,886     14,290   (2.8 )%
Facility Expense dollar volume*   $ 3,733,075   $ 3,233,769   15.4 %   $ 7,350,503   $ 6,671,972   10.2 %
Payment and processing revenue   $ 26,852   $ 25,221   6.5 %   $ 53,309   $ 50,048   6.5 %
* Includes energy, telecom and waste.

Second Quarter of 2019 compared to Second Quarter of 2018:

Payment and processing revenue increased 7%. Factors continuing to influence performance were an expanding customer base and the development and deployment of new revenue-generating services. Transportation invoice volume declined 4% as a historically robust second quarter in 2018 created a challenging comparison in 2019.

-21-


 

Additionally, a softening carrier market contributed to a 1% decline in transportation dollar volume. Facility-related (electricity, gas, waste and telecom expense management) dollar volume was up a stout 15% due to significantly increased “spend” by several major clients plus contributions from new customers. Facility expense transactions volume decreased 4% as the mix of customers, particularly in telecom expense management, changed from a relatively high transaction/low dollar to relatively low transaction/high dollar average customer. Actual customer counts increased for the quarter.

Gains of $8,000 on the sales of securities were recognized in the Second Quarter of 2019, compared to losses of $55,000 in the Second Quarter of 2018.

First Half of 2019 compared to First Half of 2018:

Payment and processing revenue increased 7% for the same reasons as the Second Quarter. Transportation dollar volume increased 1% in the First Half of 2019 compared to the First Half of 2018. Transportation invoice volumes, as well as expense management transaction and dollar volumes, fluctuated for the same reasons as the Second Quarter.

Gains of $19,000 on the sales of securities were recognized in the First Half of 2019, compared to losses of $42,000 in the First Half of 2018.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on loans, investments, and other earning assets and interest expense on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is a significant source of the Company’s revenues. The following table summarizes the changes in tax-equivalent net interest income and related factors:

    Second Quarter of   First Half of
                    %                   %
(In thousands)   2019   2018   Change   2019   2018   Change
Average earnings assets   $      1,430,983     $      1,348,188     6.1 %   $      1,434,777     $      1,379,393         4.0 %
Average interest-bearing liabilities         379,397           365,569         3.8 %         384,594           373,703     2.9 %
Net interest income*     12,553       11,343          10.7 %     24,701       22,640           9.1 %
Net interest margin*     3.52 %     3.37 %           3.47 %     3.31 %      
Yield on earning assets*     3.88 %     3.61 %           3.84 %     3.53 %      
Rate on interest-bearing liabilities     1.38 %     .87 %           1.36 %     .79 %      
* Presented on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 21% for both 2019 and 2018.

Second Quarter of 2019 compared to Second Quarter of 2018:

Second Quarter of 2019 average earning assets increased $82,795,000, or 6.1%, compared to the same period in the prior year. Loans increased $61,225,000, or 8.6%, and average federal funds sold and short-term investments increased $41,893,000, or 40.7%. These were partially offset by a decrease in average investment securities of $23,181,000, or 5.1%, in the Second Quarter of 2019 compared to the Second Quarter of 2018.

Average accounts and drafts payable increased $60,346,000, or 8.4%, and non-interest bearing demand deposits increased $22,669,000, or 9.6%, in the Second Quarter of 2019 compared to the Second Quarter of 2018. Total average interest-bearing liabilities for the Second Quarter of 2019 increased $13,828,000, or 3.8%, compared to the Second Quarter of 2018 primarily as a result of higher time deposits.

The changes to the interest rate environment also led to an increase in the rate on interest-bearing liabilities in the Second Quarter of 2019 compared to the Second Quarter of 2018.

First Half of 2019 compared to First Half of 2018:

First Half of 2019 average earning assets increased $55,384,000, or 4.0%, compared to the same period in the prior year. Loans increased $46,407,000, or 6.6%, and average federal funds sold and short-term investments increased $17,166,000 or 13.9%. These were partially offset by a decrease in average investment securities of $23,836,000, or 5.2%, for the First Half of 2019 as compared to the First Half of 2018.

Average accounts and drafts payable balances for the First Half of 2019 increased $34,794,000, or 4.8%, and non-interest-bearing demand deposits increased $22,479,000, or 9.3%, as compared to the First Half of 2018. Total average interest-bearing deposits increased $10,891,000, or 2.9%, compared to the First Half of 2018 primarily as a result of higher time deposits.

Net interest income and net interest margin were impacted by the same factors as the Second Quarter.

For more information on the changes in net interest income, please refer to the tables that follow.

-22-


 

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity; Interest Rate and Interest Differential

The following tables show the condensed average balance sheets for each of the periods reported, the tax-equivalent interest income and expense on each category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the average yield on such categories of interest-earning assets and the average rates paid on such categories of interest-bearing liabilities for each of the periods reported.

    Second Quarter of 2019   Second Quarter of 2018
             Interest                 Interest      
    Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/
(In thousands)       Balance        Expense       Rate       Balance       Expense       Rate
Assets1                                        
Earning assets                                        
Loans2,3:                                        
Taxable   $       769,394     $      9,387        4.89 %   $      706,160     $      7,906        4.49 %
Tax-exempt4                   2,009       21   4.19  
Investment securities5:                                        
Taxable     104,740       630   2.41       80,289       462   2.31  
Tax-exempt4     322,208       2,524   3.14       369,840       2,952   3.20  
Certificates of deposit     1,995       10   2.01       7,188       27   1.51  
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions     87,883       477   2.18       79,832       346   1.74  
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments     144,763       830   2.30       102,870       423   1.65  
Total earning assets     1,430,983       13,858   3.88       1,348,188       12,137   3.61  
Non-earning assets:                                        
Cash and due from banks     12,726                   12,769              
Premises and equipment, net     21,580                   22,578              
Bank-owned life insurance     17,540                   17,085              
Goodwill and other intangibles     13,975                   14,410              
Other assets     216,337                   176,425              
Allowance for loan losses     (10,498 )                 (10,213 )            
Total assets   $ 1,702,643                 $ 1,581,242              
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity1                                        
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                        
Interest-bearing demand Deposits   $ 296,017     $ 923   1.25 %   $ 301,190     $ 610   .81 %
Savings deposits     9,867       26   1.06       12,250       27   .88  
Time deposits >= $100     24,954       120   1.93       23,171       86   1.49  
Other time deposits     48,559       236   1.95       28,958       71   .98  
Total interest-bearing deposits     379,397       1,305   1.38       365,569       794   .87  
Non-interest bearing liabilities:                                        
Demand deposits     259,377                   236,708              
Accounts and drafts payable     774,623                   714,277              
Other liabilities     55,879                   44,203              
Total liabilities     1,469,276                   1,360,757              
Shareholders’ equity     233,367                   220,485              
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 1,702,643                 $ 1,581,242              
Net interest income           $ 12,553                 $ 11,343      
Net interest margin                 3.52 %                 3.37 %
Interest spread                 2.50                   2.74  
1.

Balances shown are daily averages.

2.

Interest income on loans includes net loan fees of $77,000 and $81,000 for the Second Quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

3.

Interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 21%for both 2019 and 2018. The tax-equivalent adjustment was approximately $531,000 and $624,000 for the Second Quarter of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

4.

For purposes of these computations, yields on investment securities are computed as interest income divided by the average amortized cost of the investments.

-23-


 

    First Half of 2019   First Half of 2018  
            Interest                 Interest      
    Average   Income/   Yield/   Average   Income/   Yield/
(In thousands)       Balance       Expense       Rate       Balance       Expense       Rate
Assets1                                        
Earning assets                                        
Loans2,3:                                        
Taxable   $      745,592     $      18,016        4.87 %   $      696,768     $      15,430        4.47 %
Tax-exempt4                   2,417       45   3.75  
Investment securities5:                                        
Taxable     105,685       1,262   2.41       67,465       756   2.26  
Tax-exempt4     326,393       5,103   3.15       388,448       6,199   3.22  
Certificates of deposit     1,995       20   2.02       7,351       54   1.48  
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions     114,314       1,286   2.27       93,312       745   1.61  
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments     140,798       1,609   2.30       123,632       884   1.44  
Total earning assets     1,434,777       27,296   3.84       1,379,393       24,113   3.53  
Non-earning assets:                                        
Cash and due from banks     13,268                   13,510              
Premises and equipment, net     21,796                   22,190              
Bank-owned life insurance     17,485                   17,027              
Goodwill and other intangibles     14,027                   14,465              
Other assets     203,974                   169,394              
Allowance for loan losses     (10,365 )                 (10,211 )            
Total assets   $ 1,694,962                 $ 1,605,768              
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity1                                        
Interest-bearing liabilities:                                        
Interest-bearing demand deposits   $ 300,429     $ 1,845   1.24 %   $ 310,044     $ 1,130   .73 %
Savings deposits     10,932       59   1.09       11,281       46   .82  
Time deposits >= $100     24,092       231   1.93       23,278       161   1.39  
Other time deposits     49,141       460   1.89       29,100       136   .94  
Total interest-bearing deposits     384,594       2,595   1.36       373,703       1,473   .79  
Non-interest bearing liabilities:                                        
Demand deposits     264,743                   242,264              
Accounts and drafts payable     762,416                   727,622              
Other liabilities     53,666                   42,093              
Total liabilities     1,465,419                   1,385,682              
Shareholders’ equity     229,543                   220,086              
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 1,694,962                 $ 1,605,768              
Net interest income           $ 24,701                 $ 22,640      
Net interest margin                 3.47 %                 3.31 %
Interest spread                 2.48                   2.74  
1.

Balances shown are daily averages.

2.

Interest income on loans includes net loan fees of $242,000 and $191,000 for the First Half of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

3.

Interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 21%for both 2019 and 2018. The tax-equivalent adjustment was approximately $1,072,000 and $1,311,000 for the First Half of 2019 and 2018, respectively.

4.

For purposes of these computations, yields on investment securities are computed as interest income divided by the average amortized cost of the investments.

-24-


 

Analysis of Net Interest Income Changes

The following tables present the changes in interest income and expense between periods due to changes in volume and interest rates. That portion of the change in interest attributable to the combined rate/volume variance has been allocated to rate and volume changes in proportion to the absolute dollar amounts of the change in each.

    Second Quarter of 2019 Over
    Second Quarter of 2018
(In thousands)   Volume   Rate   Total
Increase (decrease) in interest income:                                    
Loans1:                        
Taxable   $         740     $       741     $        1,481  
Tax-exempt2     (21 )           (21 )
Investment securities:                        
Taxable     146       22       168  
Tax-exempt2     (374 )     (54 )     (428 )
Certificates of deposit     (24 )     7       (17 )
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions     37       94       131  
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments     207       200       407  
Total interest income     711       1,010       1,721  
Interest expense on:                        
Interest-bearing demand deposits     (11 )     324       313  
Savings deposits     (6 )     5       (1 )
Time deposits >=$100     7       27       34  
Other time deposits     67       98       165  
Total interest expense     57       454       511  
Net interest income   $ 654     $ 556     $ 1,210  
1.

Interest income includes net loan fees.

2.

Interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 21% for the Second Quarter of 2019 and 2018.


    First Half of 2019 Over
    First Half of 2018
(In thousands)   Volume   Rate   Total
Increase (decrease) in interest income:                                    
Loans1:                        
Taxable   $       1,124     $       1,462     $       2,586  
Tax-exempt2     (45 )           (45 )
Investment securities:                        
Taxable     453       53       506  
Tax-exempt2     (972 )     (124 )     (1,096 )
Certificates of deposit     (49 )     15       (34 )
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions     192       349       541  
Federal funds sold and other short-term investments     137       588       725  
Total interest income     840       2,343       3,183  
Interest expense on:                        
Interest-bearing demand deposits     (36 )     751       715  
Savings deposits     (1 )     14       13  
Time deposits >=$100     6       64       70  
Other time deposits     132       192       324  
Total interest expense     101       1,021       1,122  
Net interest income   $ 739     $ 1,322     $ 2,061  
1.

Interest income includes net loan fees.

2.

Interest income is presented on a tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of 21% for the First Half of 2019 and 2018.

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses (“ALLL”)

A significant determinant of the Company’s operating results can be the provision for loan losses. There was no provision for loan losses during the Second Quarter of 2019 or the Second Quarter of 2018. There was a loan loss provision of $250,000 recorded in the First Half of 2019 to support the growth in the loan portfolio. There was no loan loss provision in the First Half of 2018. As discussed below, the Company continually analyzes the outstanding loan portfolio based on the performance, financial condition and collateralization of the credits. Net loan recoveries were $20,000 during the Second Quarter of 2019 and $5,000 during the Second Quarter of 2018. Net loan recoveries were $31,000 in the First Half of 2019 and $10,000 during the First Half of 2018.

-25-


 

The ALLL at June 30, 2019 was $10,506,000 and at December 31, 2018 was $10,225,000. The ratio of ALLL to total loans outstanding was 1.33% and 1.43% at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. There were no nonperforming loans at June 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018.

The ALLL has been established and is maintained to absorb reasonably estimated and probable losses in the loan portfolio. An ongoing assessment is performed to determine if the balance is adequate. Charges or credits are made to expense to cover any deficiency or reduce any excess, as required. The current methodology consists of two components: 1) estimated credit losses on individually evaluated loans that are determined to be impaired in accordance with FASB ASC 310 “Allowance for Credit Losses,” and 2) estimated credit losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio in accordance with FASB ASC 450, “Contingencies.” Estimated credit losses is an estimate of the current amount of loans that is probable the Company will be unable to collect according to the original terms.

For loans that are individually evaluated, the Company uses two impairment measurement methods: 1) the present value of expected future cash flows and 2) collateral value. For the remainder of the portfolio, the Company groups loans with similar risk characteristics into eight segments and applies historical loss rates to each segment based on a five fiscal-year look-back period. In addition, qualitative factors including credit concentration risk, national and local economic conditions, nature and volume of loan portfolio, legal and regulatory factors, downturns in specific industries including losses in collateral value, trends in credit quality at the Company and in the banking industry and trends in risk-rating agencies are also considered.

The Company also utilizes ratio analysis to evaluate the overall reasonableness of the ALLL compared to its peers and required levels of regulatory capital. Federal and state agencies review the Company’s methodology for maintaining the ALLL. These agencies may require the Company to adjust the ALLL based on their judgments and interpretations about information available to them at the time of their examinations.

Summary of Asset Quality

The following table presents information on the Company’s provision for loan losses and analysis of the ALLL:

    Second Quarter of   First Half of
(In thousands)       2019       2018                        2019       2018
Allowance at beginning of period   $       10,486   $       10,210   $       10,225   $ 10,205
Provision             250    
Loans charged off                
Recoveries on loans previously charged off     20     5     31     10
Net recoveries     20     5     31     10
Allowance at end of period   $ 10,506   $ 10,215   $ 10,506   $ 10,215
Loans outstanding:                        
Average   $ 769,394   $ 708,169   $ 745,592   $ 699,185
June 30     790,552     714,861     790,552     714,861
Ratio of ALLL to loans outstanding:                        
Average     1.37%     1.44%     1.41%     1.46%
June 30     1.33%     1.43%     1.33%     1.43%
Impaired loans:                        
Nonaccrual loans   $   $   $   $
Loans past due 90 days or more                
Troubled debt restructurings                
Total impaired loans   $   $   $   $
Foreclosed assets   $   $   $   $
Impaired loans as percentage of average loans                

The Bank had no property carried as other real estate owned as of June 30, 2019 or June 30, 2018.

-26-


 

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses for the Second Quarter of 2019 were up 9.1%, or $2,508,000, compared to the Second Quarter of 2018 and were up $4,788,000, or 8.9%, for the First Half of 2019 compared to the First Half of 2018.

Personnel expense for the Second Quarter of 2019 increased $1,214,000 compared to the Second Quarter of 2018 and increased $3,109,000 to $45,080,000 for the First Half of 2019 compared to the First Half of 2018 as the Company continued to invest in the technology and staff required to win and support new business, annual salary merit increases, and increased retirement plan costs.

Outside service expense for the Second Quarter of 2019 increased $372,000, or 20.2%, compared to the Second Quarter of 2018 and $525,000, or 14.1%, for the First Half of 2019 from the First Half of 2018. Equipment expense for the Second Quarter of 2019 increased $144,000, or 10.2%, compared to the Second Quarter of 2018 and $305,000, or 11.2%, for the First Half of 2019 from the First Half of 2018. These increases were the result of the continued strategic investment in technology to win and support new business and the ongoing restructuring of the IT organization.

Financial Condition

Total assets at June 30, 2019 were $1,728,684,000, an increase of $33,508,000, or 2.0%, from December 31, 2018. The most significant changes in asset balances during this period were increases of $68,965,000 in loans and $13,571,000 in payments in excess of funding. These were partially offset by a decrease in cash and cash equivalents of $47,420,000. Changes in cash and cash equivalents reflect the Company’s daily liquidity position and are affected by the changes in the other asset balances and changes in deposit and accounts and drafts payable balances.

Total liabilities at June 30, 2019 were $1,488,263,000, an increase of $22,935,000, or 1.6%, from December 31, 2018. Total deposits at June 30, 2019 were $636,629,000, a decrease of $85,297,000, or 11.8%, from December 31, 2018. This deposit outflow was a result of the competitive interest rate environment and the fluctuations related to the B2B payment platform deposit accounts. Accounts and drafts payable at June 30, 2019 were $794,871,000, an increase of $100,511,000, or 14.5%, from December 31, 2018. Total shareholders’ equity at June 30, 2019 was $240,421,000, a $10,573,000, or 4.6%, increase from December 31, 2018. Total shareholders’ equity increased as a result of net income of $15,847,000 and the change in accumulated other comprehensive income of $8,940,000. These were partially offset by the share repurchases of $7,799,000 and dividends paid of $7,548,000.

Accounts and drafts payable will fluctuate from period-end to period-end due to the payment processing cycle, which results in lower balances on days when payments clear and higher balances on days when payments are issued. For this reason, average balances are a more meaningful measure of accounts and drafts payable (for average balances refer to the tables under the “Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity; Interest Rate and Interest Differential” section of this report).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The balance of liquid assets consists of cash and cash equivalents, which include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions, federal funds sold and other short-term investments was $183,513,000 at June 30, 2019, a decrease of $47,420,000, or 20.5%, from December 31, 2018. At June 30, 2019, these assets represented 10.6% of total assets. These funds are the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ primary source of liquidity to meet future expected and unexpected loan demand, depositor withdrawals or reductions in accounts and drafts payable. Changes in the Company’s daily liquidity position are affected by the changes in the other asset balances and changes in deposit and accounts and drafts payable balances.

Secondary sources of liquidity include the investment portfolio and borrowing lines. Total investment in securities was $435,391,000 at June 30, 2019, a decrease of $6,143,000 from December 31, 2018. These assets represented 25.2% of total assets at June 30, 2019. Of this total, 76% were state and political subdivision securities. Of the total portfolio, 5.8% mature in one year or less, 26.9% mature in one to five years, and 67.3% mature in five or more years.

The Bank has unsecured lines of credit at correspondent banks to purchase federal funds up to a maximum of $83,000,000 at the following banks: US Bank, $20,000,000; UMB Bank, $20,000,000; Wells Fargo Bank, $15,000,000; Frost National Bank, $10,000,000; PNC Bank, $12,000,000; and JPM Chase Bank, $6,000,000. The Bank also has secured lines of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of $187,396,000 collateralized by commercial mortgage loans. The Company also has secured lines of credit with UMB Bank of $50,000,000 and First Tennessee Bank of $50,000,000 with state and political subdivision and U.S. government agency securities held in safekeeping to collateralize any borrowings. There were no amounts outstanding under any line of credit as of June 30, 2019 or December 31, 2018.

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The deposits of the Company’s banking subsidiary have historically been stable, consisting of a sizable volume of core deposits related to customers that utilize other commercial products of the Bank. However, as mentioned above the competitive interest rate environment has resulted in deposit outflow. The accounts and drafts payable generated by the Company has also historically been a stable source of funds. The Company is part of the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (“CDARS”) and Insured Cash Sweep (“ICS”) deposit placement programs. Time deposits include $48,844,000 of CDARS deposits and interest-bearing demand deposits include $61,503,000 of ICS deposits. These programs offer the Bank’s customers the ability to maximize Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance coverage. The Company uses these programs to retain or attract deposits from existing customers.

Net cash flows provided by operating activities were $26,373,000 for the First Half of 2019, compared with $25,096,000 for the First Half of 2018, an increase of $1,277,000. Net cash flows from investing and financing activities fluctuate greatly as the Company actively manages its investment and loan portfolios and customer activity influences changes in deposit and accounts and drafts payable balances. Other causes for the changes in these account balances are discussed earlier in this report. Due to the daily fluctuations in these account balances, the analysis of changes in average balances, also discussed earlier in this report, can be more indicative of underlying activity than the period-end balances used in the statements of cash flows. Management anticipates that cash and cash equivalents, maturing investments and cash from operations will continue to be sufficient to fund the Company’s operations and capital expenditures in 2019, which are estimated to range from $4 million to $6 million.

The Company faces market risk to the extent that its net interest income and fair market value of equity are affected by changes in market interest rates. For information regarding the market risk of the Company’s financial instruments, see Item 3, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

There are several trends and uncertainties that may impact the Company’s ability to generate revenues and income at the levels that it has in the past. In addition, these trends and uncertainties may impact available liquidity. Those that could significantly impact the Company include the general levels of interest rates, business activity, and energy costs as well as new business opportunities available to the Company.

As a financial institution, a significant source of the Company’s earnings is generated from net interest income. Therefore, the prevailing interest rate environment is important to the Company’s performance. A major portion of the Company’s funding sources are the non-interest bearing accounts and drafts payable generated from its payment and information processing services. Accordingly, higher levels of interest rates will generally allow the Company to earn more net interest income. Conversely, a lower interest rate environment will generally tend to depress net interest income. The Company actively manages its balance sheet in an effort to maximize net interest income as the interest rate environment changes. This balance sheet management impacts the mix of earning assets maintained by the Company at any point in time. For example, in a low interest rate environment, short-term relatively lower rate liquid investments may be reduced in favor of longer-term relatively higher yielding investments and loans. If the primary source of liquidity is reduced in a low interest rate environment, a greater reliance would be placed on secondary sources of liquidity including borrowing lines, the ability of the Bank to generate deposits, and the investment portfolio to ensure overall liquidity remains at acceptable levels.

The overall level of economic activity can have a significant impact on the Company’s ability to generate revenues and income, as the volume and size of customer invoices processed may increase or decrease. Higher levels of economic activity increase both fee income (as more invoices are processed) and balances of accounts and drafts payable.

The relative level of energy costs can impact the Company’s earnings and available liquidity. Lower levels of energy costs will tend to decrease transportation and energy invoice amounts resulting in a corresponding decrease in accounts and drafts payable. Decreases in accounts and drafts payable generate lower interest income and reduce liquidity.

New business opportunities are an important component of the Company’s strategy to grow earnings and improve performance. Generating new customers allows the Company to leverage existing systems and facilities and grow revenues faster than expenses.

The Basel III Capital Rules require FDIC insured depository institutions to meet and maintain several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets of 8.0%, and a 4.0% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio.

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Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital generally includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus Additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus meeting specified requirements. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for non-advanced approaches institutions like Cass that have exercised a one-time opt-out election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. The calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in applicable regulations.

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one to four-family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans, and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.

Fully phased-in as of January 1, 2019, the Basel III Capital Rules require banking organizations, like Cass, to maintain:

a minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, plus a 2.5% capital conservation buffer;
a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus a 2.5% capital conservation buffer;
a minimum ratio of total capital (that is, Tier 1 plus Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0%, plus the 2.5% capital conservation buffer; and
a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to adjusted average consolidated assets.

The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the conservation buffer will face limitations on the payment of dividends, common stock repurchases and discretionary cash payments to executive officers based on the amount of the shortfall.

The Company and the Bank continue to exceed all regulatory capital requirements, as evidenced by the following capital amounts and ratios:

    June 30, 2019   December 31, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount   Ratio   Amount   Ratio
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)                                    
Cass Information Systems, Inc.   $       246,788        20.05%   $       244,660         21.38%
Cass Commercial Bank     146,107   18.38%     137,894   18.31%
Common Equity Tier I Capital (to risk-weighted assets)                    
Cass Information Systems, Inc.   $ 236,282   19.20%   $ 234,435   20.49%
Cass Commercial Bank     138,069   17.37%     130,037   17.26%
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets)                    
Cass Information Systems, Inc.   $ 236,282   19.20%   $ 234,435   20.49%
Cass Commercial Bank     138,069   17.37%     130,037   17.26%
Tier I capital (to average assets)                    
Cass Information Systems, Inc.   $ 236,282   13.99%   $ 234,435   13.89%
Cass Commercial Bank     138,069   16.90%     130,037   15.35%

Inflation

The Company’s assets and liabilities are primarily monetary, consisting of cash, cash equivalents, securities, loans, payables and deposits. Monetary assets and liabilities are those that can be converted into a fixed number of dollars. The Company's consolidated balance sheet reflects a net positive monetary position (monetary assets exceed monetary liabilities). During periods of inflation, the holding of a net positive monetary position will result in an overall decline in the purchasing power of a company. Management believes that replacement costs of equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements will not materially affect operations. The rate of inflation does affect certain expenses, such as those for employee compensation, which may not be readily recoverable in the price of the Company’s services.

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Impact of New and Not Yet Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 – Leases (ASC Topic 842). The ASU improves financial reporting about leasing transactions. The ASU affects all companies and other organizations that lease assets such as real estate, airplanes, and manufacturing equipment. Consistent with current generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP—which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet—the new ASU will require both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The ASU also requires disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements, providing additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. The Company elected to apply ASU 2016-02 as of the beginning of the period of adoption (January 1, 2019) and will not restate comparative periods. The Company has elected to apply the package of practical expedients allowed by the new standard under which the Company need not reassess (i) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases, (ii) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases and (iii) initial direct costs for any existing leases. Adoption of the ASU resulted in the recognition of lease liabilities totaling $7,808,000 and the right-of-use assets totaling $7,383,000. The initial balance sheet gross up upon adoption was related to operating leases of certain real estate properties. See Note 14 – Leases for additional disclosures related to leases.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13 - Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU requires measurement and recognition of expected credit losses for financial assets held. Under this standard, it will be required to hold an allowance equal to the expected life-of-loan losses on the loan portfolio. The standard is effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company has formed a cross-functional working group under the direction of the Chief Financial Officer comprised of individuals from various functional areas including credit, risk management, finance, and accounting to address the adoption and implementation of the ASU. The group is currently working through the implementation plan and in the process of developing an in-house solution to use in the adoption of the ASU. The Company expects to recognize a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to the allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective, but cannot yet determine the magnitude of any such one-time adjustment or the overall impact of the new guidance on the consolidated financial statements.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, the Company manages its interest rate risk through measurement techniques that include gap analysis and a simulation model. As part of the risk management process, asset/liability management policies are established and monitored by management. The policy objective is to limit the change in annualized net interest income to 15.0% from an immediate and sustained parallel change in interest rates of 200 basis points. Based on the Company’s most recent evaluation, management does not believe the Company’s risk position at June 30, 2019 has changed materially from that at December 31, 2018.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and the principal financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15e and 15d-15e under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report and concluded that, as of such date, these controls and procedures were effective.

There were no changes in the Second Quarter of 2019 in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified by the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer in connection with their evaluation that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is the subject of various pending or threatened legal actions and proceedings, including those that arise in the ordinary course of business. Management believes the outcome of all such proceedings will not have a material effect on the businesses or financial conditions of the Company or its subsidiaries.

   
ITEM 1A. 

RISK FACTORS

              

The Company has included in Part I, Item 1A of its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, a description of certain risks and uncertainties that could affect the Company’s business, future performance or financial condition (the “Risk Factors”). There are no material changes to the Risk Factors as disclosed in the Company’s 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

   
ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2019, the Company repurchased a total of 46,778 shares of its common stock pursuant to its treasury stock buyback program, as follows:


                             Total Number   Maximum
                of Shares   Number of
                Purchased as   Shares that
                Part of   May Yet Be
      Total         Publicly   Purchased
      Number of         Announced   Under the
      Shares   Average Price   Plans or   Plans or
  Period        Purchased        Paid per Share        Programs1        Programs
  April 1, 2019 – April 30, 2019           497,000
  May 1, 2019 – May 31, 2019   28,225   $ 44.86   28,225   468,775
  June 1, 2019 – June 30, 2019   18,553   $ 44.84   18,553   450,222
  Total   46,778   $ 44.85   46,778   450,222
               (1)

All repurchases made during the quarter ended June 30, 2019 were made pursuant to the treasury stock buyback program, which was authorized by the Board of Directors on October 17, 2011 and announced by the Company on October 20, 2011. The program, as modified by the Board of Directors on October 20, 2014, provides that the Company may repurchase up to an aggregate of 500,000 shares of common stock and has no expiration date. The program is periodically modified by the Board of Directors and was most recently modified on January 29, 2019 to restore the aggregate number of shares available for repurchase to 500,000.

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ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
  None.
 
ITEM 4.  MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
                Not applicable.
     
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
                 (a)

None.

  (b)

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to the Company’s Board of Directors implemented in the Second Quarter of 2019.

     
ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

                  
  Exhibit 31.1 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
  Exhibit 31.2 Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
  Exhibit 32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
  Exhibit 32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
  Exhibit 101.INS XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
   
  Exhibit 101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
   
  Exhibit 101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
   
  Exhibit 101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
   
  Exhibit 101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
   
  Exhibit 101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

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SIGNATURES

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.

          CASS INFORMATION SYSTEMS, INC.
 
DATE: August 6, 2019   By     /s/ Eric H. Brunngraber
           Eric H. Brunngraber
      Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
      (Principal Executive Officer)
  
 
DATE: August 6, 2019   By /s/ P. Stephen Appelbaum
           P. Stephen Appelbaum
      Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
      (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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