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First Foundation Inc. - Quarter Report: 2023 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2023

OR

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

For the transition period from           to          

Commission File Number 001-36461

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

20-8639702

(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

200 Crescent Court, Suite 1400 Dallas, Texas

75201

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (469) 638-9636

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

  

Trading Symbol(s)

  

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock

FFWM

NASDAQ Global 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      No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).   Yes      No  

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

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).   Yes      No  

As of May 1, 2023, the registrant had 56,424,276 shares of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, outstanding.

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

    

Page No.

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1.

Financial Statements

1

Item 2

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

28

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

46

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

47

Part II. Other Information

Item 1A

Risk Factors

47

Item 2

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

48

Item 6

Exhibits

49

SIGNATURES

S-1

(i)

Table of Contents

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

March 31, 

December 31, 

2023

2022

(unaudited)

ASSETS

    

  

    

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,317,129

$

656,494

Securities available-for-sale ("AFS")

 

223,612

 

237,597

Securities held-to-maturity ("HTM")

847,036

862,544

Allowance for credit losses - investments

(12,288)

(11,439)

Net securities

1,058,360

1,088,702

Loans held for investment

 

10,669,803

 

10,726,193

Allowance for credit losses - loans

 

(31,095)

 

(33,731)

Net loans

 

10,638,708

 

10,692,462

Investment in FHLB stock

58,716

 

25,358

Deferred taxes

 

22,763

 

24,198

Premises and equipment, net

 

37,530

 

36,140

Real estate owned ("REO")

6,210

6,210

Goodwill and intangibles

 

221,401

 

221,835

Other assets

 

255,367

 

262,780

Total Assets

$

13,616,184

$

13,014,179

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

  

 

Liabilities:

 

  

 

Deposits

$

10,051,706

$

10,362,612

Borrowings

 

2,294,600

 

1,369,936

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

136,140

 

147,253

Total Liabilities

 

12,482,446

 

11,879,801

Shareholders’ Equity

 

 

Common Stock

 

56

 

56

Additional paid-in-capital

 

719,261

 

719,606

Retained earnings

 

428,956

 

426,659

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(14,535)

 

(11,943)

Total Shareholders’ Equity

 

1,133,738

 

1,134,378

Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

$

13,616,184

$

13,014,179

(See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements)

1

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS - UNAUDITED

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Three Months Ended

March 31, 

2023

2022

Interest income:

  

    

  

Loans

$

120,643

$

72,027

Securities

 

6,891

 

6,360

FHLB Stock, fed funds sold and interest-bearing deposits

 

9,466

 

757

Total interest income

 

137,000

 

79,144

Interest expense:

 

Deposits

 

62,140

 

3,358

Borrowings

 

16,105

 

1,292

Total interest expense

 

78,245

 

4,650

Net interest income

 

58,755

 

74,494

Provision for credit losses

 

417

 

(792)

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

 

58,338

 

75,286

Noninterest income:

Asset management, consulting and other fees

 

8,796

 

10,197

Other income

 

2,902

 

5,230

Total noninterest income

 

11,698

 

15,427

Noninterest expense:

 

 

Compensation and benefits

 

25,286

 

29,821

Occupancy and depreciation

 

8,897

 

8,567

Professional services and marketing costs

 

4,295

 

3,417

Customer service costs

 

16,715

 

1,788

Other expenses

 

4,147

 

4,025

Total noninterest expense

 

59,340

 

47,618

Income before taxes on income

 

10,696

 

43,095

Taxes on income

 

2,200

 

12,259

Net income

$

8,496

$

30,836

Net income per share:

 

 

Basic

$

0.15

$

0.55

Diluted

$

0.15

$

0.55

Shares used in computation:

 

 

  

Basic

 

56,376,669

 

56,465,855

Diluted

 

56,410,416

 

56,565,845

(See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements)

2

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES

IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY - UNAUDITED

(In thousands, except share amounts)

   

Common Stock

   

Additional

   

   

Accumulated Other

   

Number 

Paid-in

 Retained

Comprehensive

   

of Shares

   

Amount

   

Capital

   

Earnings

   

Income (Loss)

   

Total

Balance: December 31, 2021

56,432,070

 

$

56

 

$

720,744

 

$

340,976

 

$

2,275

 

$

1,064,051

Net income

 

 

 

 

30,836

 

 

30,836

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

(6,207)

 

(6,207)

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

1,204

 

 

 

1,204

Cash dividend

(6,208)

(6,208)

Issuance of common stock:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Exercise of options

 

2,000

 

 

18

 

 

 

18

Stock grants – vesting of restricted stock units

 

122,700

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

Repurchase of shares from restricted shares vesting

(42,602)

(1,120)

(1,120)

Balance: March 31, 2022

56,514,168

$

57

$

720,846

$

365,604

$

(3,932)

$

1,082,575

Balance: December 31, 2022

56,325,242

$

56

$

719,606

$

426,659

$

(11,943)

$

1,134,378

Net income

 

 

 

 

8,496

 

 

8,496

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

(2,592)

 

(2,592)

Stock based compensation

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

32

Cash dividend

 

 

 

 

(6,199)

 

 

(6,199)

Issuance of common stock:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Exercise of options

 

19,500

 

 

157

 

 

 

157

Stock grants – vesting of restricted stock units

 

114,592

 

 

 

 

 

Repurchase of shares from restricted shares vesting

 

(35,058)

 

 

(534)

 

 

 

(534)

Balance: March 31, 2023

56,424,276

$

56

$

719,261

$

428,956

$

(14,535)

$

1,133,738

(See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements)

3

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - UNAUDITED

(In thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 

2023

2022

Net income

    

$

8,496

$

30,836

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

  

 

  

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities arising during the period

 

(4,535)

 

(7,731)

Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax

 

(4,535)

 

(7,731)

Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income

 

1,943

 

1,524

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

(2,592)

 

(6,207)

Total comprehensive income

$

5,904

$

24,629

(See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements)

4

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - UNAUDITED

(In thousands)

For the Three Months Ended

March 31, 

2023

2022

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

    

  

    

  

Net income

$

8,496

$

30,836

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

Reversal of provision for credit losses - loans

 

(432)

 

(1,136)

Provision for credit losses - securities AFS

849

344

Stock–based compensation expense

 

32

 

1,204

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,104

 

974

Deferred tax expense

 

2,761

 

3,431

Amortization of premium (discount) on securities

(173)

(351)

Amortization of core deposit intangible

 

434

 

509

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights - net

 

599

 

549

Amortization of OCI - securities transfer to HTM

616

Valuation allowance on mortgage servicing rights - net

(672)

(201)

Decrease in other assets

 

7,657

 

5,318

Decrease in accounts payable and other liabilities

 

(11,792)

 

(1,138)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

9,479

 

40,339

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

 

  

 

  

Net (increase) decrease in loans

 

54,387

 

(490,869)

Purchase of premises and equipment

 

(2,494)

 

(1,222)

Disposals of premises and equipment

3,375

Recovery of allowance for credit losses

 

306

 

134

Purchases of securities AFS

 

 

(400)

Purchases of securities HTM

(83,008)

Maturities of securities AFS

 

9,184

 

7,965

Maturities of securities HTM

15,948

79,660

Sale (purchase) of FHLB and FRB stock, net

 

(33,358)

 

999

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

43,973

 

(483,366)

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

 

  

 

  

Increase (decrease) in deposits

 

(310,906)

 

145,558

Net increase in FHLB & other advances

 

995,000

 

Line of credit net change – borrowings, net

 

 

(18,500)

Net increase in subordinated debt

15

147,592

Net decrease in repurchase agreements

(70,351)

(13,250)

Gain on sale leaseback

 

 

(1,111)

Dividends paid

 

(6,199)

 

(6,208)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

 

158

 

19

Repurchase of stock

 

(534)

 

(1,120)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

607,183

 

252,980

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

660,635

 

(190,047)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

 

656,494

 

1,121,757

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$

1,317,129

$

931,710

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

  

 

  

Cash paid during the period for:

 

  

 

  

Income taxes

$

$

Interest

65,720

3,893

Noncash transactions:

 

 

  

Transfer of securities from available-for-sale to held-to-maturity

916,777

Goodwill acquisition adjustment

1,623

Right of use lease assets and liabilities recognized

172

Chargeoffs against allowance for credit losses

2,003

145

(See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements)

5

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

NOTE 1: SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations and Principles of Consolidation

First Foundation Inc. (“FFI”) is a financial services holding company whose operations are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiaries:  First Foundation Advisors (“FFA”) and First Foundation Bank (“FFB” or the “Bank”) and the wholly owned subsidiaries of FFB, First Foundation Public Finance (“FFPF”), First Foundation Insurance Services (“FFIS”) and Blue Moon Management, LLC (collectively the “Company”).  FFI also has two inactive wholly owned subsidiaries, First Foundation Consulting and First Foundation Advisors, LLC.  In addition, FFA has set up a limited liability company, which is not included in these consolidated financial statements, as a private investment fund to provide an investment vehicle for its clients.  FFI is incorporated in the state of Delaware.  The corporate headquarters for FFI is located in Dallas, Texas.  The Company provides a comprehensive platform of financial services to individuals, businesses and other organizations and has offices in California, Nevada, Florida, Texas, and Hawaii.

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and prevailing practices within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenues and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, and for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, and include all information and footnotes required for interim financial reporting presentation.  All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The results for the 2023 interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.  These financial statements assume that readers have read the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC which contains the latest available audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2022.

Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are based upon GAAP and conform to predominant practices within the banking industry.  We have not made any changes in our significant accounting policies from those disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.

New Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) and Vintage Disclosures”. ASU 2022-02 eliminates the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors and provides amendments to ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses on Financial Instruments by enhancing existing disclosure requirements and introduces new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. These disclosures are presented within Note 4: “Loans” in the accompanying unaudited financial statements.  ASU 2022-02 also requires that entities disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables within the scope of Subtopic 326-20. This information is presented as part of the disclosure for risk categories of loans based on year of origination within Note 5: ‘Allowance for Credit Losses’ in the accompanying unaudited financial statements.  

In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting”. ASU 2020-04 provides optional guidance for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate

6

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

reform if certain criteria are met. The amendments in this ASU apply only to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The amendments in this ASU are effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022.  The Company has permanently ceased originating any new loans or entering into any transaction that would increase its LIBOR-based exposure.  For all new variable-rate loans and transactions, the Company primarily offers Prime and SOFR as the variable-rate index.  For all LIBOR-based loans and transactions that mature after December 31, 2022, the Company has implemented procedures to identify and amend such loans and transactions to convert the base rate of the contract to a Prime or SOFR-based rate.  The Company will also continue to assess impacts to its operations, financial models, data and technology as part of its transition plan.  The Company does not expect the impact of this transition to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 2: FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Current accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

7

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

The following tables show the recorded amounts of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of:

Fair Value Measurement Level

(dollars in thousands)

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

March 31, 2023:

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

Investment securities available for sale:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

8,511

$

$

8,511

$

Agency mortgage-backed securities

 

7,157

 

 

7,157

 

Municipal bonds

 

47,520

 

 

47,520

 

SBA securities

16,819

16,819

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

6,830

6,830

Corporate bonds

 

123,243

 

 

123,243

 

U.S. Treasury

1,244

1,244

Investment in equity securities

 

9,758

 

 

 

9,758

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis

$

221,082

$

1,244

$

203,250

$

16,588

December 31, 2022:

Investment securities available for sale:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

8,615

$

$

8,615

$

Agency mortgage-backed securities

7,576

7,576

Municipal bonds

 

46,790

 

 

46,790

 

SBA securities

 

18,955

 

 

18,955

 

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

 

7,981

 

 

 

7,981

Corporate bonds

135,013

135,013

U.S. Treasury

 

1,228

 

1,228

 

 

Investment in equity securities

 

9,767

 

 

 

9,767

Total assets at fair value on a recurring basis

$

235,925

$

1,228

$

216,949

$

17,748

The decrease in Level 3 assets from December 31, 2022 was primarily due to $0.3 million in securitization paydowns and $0.8 million in provisions for credit losses in the first three months of 2023.

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

From time to time, we may be required to measure other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.

Loans. Loans measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include collateral dependent loans held for investment. The specific reserves for these loans are based on collateral value, net of estimated disposition costs and other identified quantitative inputs. Collateral value is determined based on independent third-party appraisals or internally-developed discounted cash flow analyses. Internal discounted cash flow analyses are also utilized to estimate the fair value of these loans, which considers internally-developed, unobservable inputs such as discount rates, default rates, and loss severity. When the fair value of the collateral is based on an observable market price or a current appraised value, we measure the impaired loan at nonrecurring Level 2. When an appraised value is not available, or management determines the fair value of the collateral is further impaired below the appraised value and there is no observable market price or a discounted cash flow has been used to determine the fair value, we measure the impaired loan at nonrecurring Level 3. The total collateral dependent impaired Level 3 loans were $37.5 million and $47.2 million at March 31, 2023 and

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

December 31, 2022, respectively. There were no specific reserves related to these loans at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Real Estate Owned. The fair value of real estate owned is based on external appraised values that include adjustments for estimated selling costs and assumptions of market conditions that are not directly observable, resulting in a Level 3 classification.

Mortgage Servicing Rights. When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income, resulting in a Level 3 classification. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into noninterest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans. Significant assumptions in the valuation of these Level 3 mortgage servicing rights as of March 31, 2023 included prepayment rates ranging from 20% to 30% and a discount rate of 10%.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC 825-10, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments” requires disclosure of the fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate such value. The methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis are discussed above. The estimated fair value amounts have been determined by management using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies and are based on the exit price notion set forth by ASU 2016-01. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other market value techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. The aggregate fair value amounts presented below do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

Fair value estimates are made at a discrete point in time based on relevant market information and other information about the financial instruments. Because no active market exists for a significant portion of our financial instruments, fair value estimates are based in large part on judgments we make primarily regarding current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, prepayment rates, and future expected loss experience. These estimates are subjective in nature and invariably involve some inherent uncertainties. Additionally, unexpected changes in events or circumstances can occur that could require us to make changes to our assumptions and which, in turn, could significantly affect and require us to make changes to our previous estimates of fair value.

In addition, the fair value estimates are based on existing on and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of existing and anticipated future customer relationships and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments, such as premises and equipment and other real estate owned.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of financial instruments:

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates its carrying value.

Interest-Bearing Deposits with Financial Institutions.  The fair values of interest-bearing deposits maturing within ninety days approximate their carrying values.

Investment Securities Available for Sale. Investment securities available for sale are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted prices, if available. If quoted prices are not available, fair

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

values are measured using independent pricing models or other model-based valuation techniques such as the present value of future cash flows, adjusted for the security’s credit rating, prepayment assumptions and other factors such as credit loss assumptions. When a market is illiquid or there is a lack of transparency around the inputs to valuation, the securities are classified as Level 3 and reliance is placed upon external third party models, and management judgment and evaluation for valuation. Level 1 investment securities include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange, U.S. Treasury securities that are traded by dealers or brokers in active over-the-counter markets and money market funds. Level 2 investment securities include mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored entities, municipal bonds and corporate debt securities. Investment securities classified as Level 3 include beneficial interests in FHLMC securitizations. Significant assumptions in the valuation of these Level 3 securities as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 included prepayment rates ranging from 35% to 34% and discount rates ranging from 8.92% to 10.0%.

Investment in Equity Securities. The fair value on investment in equity securities is the carrying amount and is  evaluated for impairment on an annual basis.

Investment in Federal Home Loan Bank Stock. The Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (the “FHLB”). As a member, we are required to own stock of the FHLB, the amount of which is based primarily on the level of our borrowings from this institution. The fair value of the stock is equal to the carrying amount, is classified as restricted securities and is periodically evaluated for impairment based on our assessment of the ultimate recoverability of our investments in that stock. Any cash or stock dividends paid to us on such stock are reported as income.

Loans Held for Investment. The fair value for loans with variable interest rates is the carrying amount. The fair value of fixed rate loans is derived by calculating the discounted value of future cash flows expected to be received by the various homogeneous categories of loans or by reference to secondary market pricing. All loans have been adjusted to reflect changes in credit risk.

Deposits. The fair value of demand deposits, savings deposits, and money market deposits is defined as the amounts payable on demand. The fair value of fixed maturity certificates of deposit is estimated based on the discounted value of the future cash flows expected to be paid on the deposits.

Borrowings. The fair value of borrowings is the carrying value of overnight FHLB advances and federal funds purchased that approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments, resulting in a Level 1 classification. The fair value of term borrowings is derived by calculating the discounted value of future cash flows expected to be paid out by the Company resulting in a Level 3 classification.

10

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments are as follows as of:

Carrying

Fair Value Measurement Level

(dollars in thousands)

Value

1

2

3

Total

March 31, 2023:

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,317,129

$

1,317,129

$

$

$

1,317,129

Securities AFS, net

 

211,324

 

1,244

 

203,250

 

6,830

 

211,324

Securities HTM

847,036

766,907

766,907

Loans, net

 

10,638,708

 

 

 

10,302,070

 

10,302,070

Investment in FHLB stock

 

58,716

 

 

58,716

 

 

58,716

Investment in equity securities

 

9,758

 

 

 

9,758

 

9,758

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Deposits

$

10,051,706

$

7,625,291

$

2,409,187

$

$

10,034,478

Borrowings

 

2,294,600

 

2,020,000

 

 

153,121

 

2,173,121

December 31, 2022:

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

656,494

$

656,494

$

$

$

656,494

Securities AFS, net

 

226,158

 

1,228

 

216,949

 

7,981

 

226,158

Securities HTM

862,544

773,061

773,061

Loans, net

 

10,692,462

 

 

 

10,354,052

 

10,354,052

Investment in FHLB stock

 

25,358

 

 

25,358

 

 

25,358

Investment in equity securities

 

9,767

 

 

 

9,767

 

9,767

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Deposits

$

10,362,612

$

8,483,770

$

1,865,502

$

$

10,349,272

Borrowings

 

1,369,936

 

1,176,601

 

 

153,121

 

1,329,722

11

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

NOTE 3: SECURITIES

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s securities AFS portfolio as of:

Amortized

Gross Unrealized

Allowance for

Estimated

(dollars in thousands)

Cost

Gains

Losses

Credit Losses

Fair Value

March 31, 2023:

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

9,585

$

$

(1,074)

$

$

8,511

Agency mortgage-backed securities

7,627

(470)

7,157

Municipal bonds

50,093

1

(2,574)

47,520

SBA securities

16,947

2

(130)

16,819

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

 

19,113

110

(105)

(11,315)

 

7,803

Corporate bonds

 

138,972

(15,729)

(973)

 

122,270

U.S. Treasury

 

1,298

3

(57)

 

1,244

Total

$

243,635

$

116

$

(20,139)

$

(12,288)

$

211,324

December 31, 2022:

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

9,865

$

$

(1,250)

$

$

8,615

Agency mortgage-backed securities

8,161

(585)

7,576

Municipal bonds

50,232

(3,442)

46,790

SBA securities

19,090

3

(138)

18,955

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

 

19,415

 

108

 

(103)

 

(11,439)

 

7,981

Corporate bonds

 

145,024

 

 

(10,011)

 

 

135,013

U.S. Treasury

 

1,298

 

1

 

(71)

 

 

1,228

Total

$

253,085

$

112

$

(15,600)

$

(11,439)

$

226,158

As of March 31, 2023, U.S. Treasury securities of $1.2 million included in the table above are pledged as collateral to the States of California and Florida to meet regulatory requirements related to the Bank’s trust operations, $231.9 million of agency mortgage-backed securities are pledged as collateral as support for the Bank’s obligations under loan sales and securitizations agreements entered into from 2018 and 2021.  A total of $184.2 million in securities consisting of SBA securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, agency mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds are pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements. A total of $841.6 million in agency mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, and loans are pledged as collateral to the Federal Reserve’s discount window from which the Bank may borrow.  

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s securities HTM portfolio as of:

Amortized

Gross Unrecognized

Allowance for

Estimated

(dollars in thousands)

Cost

Gains

Losses

Credit Losses

Fair Value

March 31, 2023:

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

847,036

$

$

(80,129)

$

$

766,907

Total

$

847,036

$

$

(80,129)

$

$

766,907

December 31, 2022:

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

862,544

$

$

(89,483)

$

$

773,061

Total

$

862,544

$

$

(89,483)

$

$

773,061

In 2022, the Company transferred $917 million in securities AFS to securities HTM. The securities were transferred at their amortized cost basis, net of any remaining unrealized gain or loss reported in accumulated other comprehensive income. The related unrealized gain (or loss) of $0.6 million included in other comprehensive income remained in other comprehensive income to be amortized, with an offsetting entry to interest income as a yield adjustment

12

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

through earnings over the remaining term of the securities. Subsequent to transfer, the ACL on these securities was evaluated under the accounting policy for securities HTM. The securities HTM portfolio consists solely of agency-backed MBS securities in which the Company has reason to believe the credit loss exposure is remote, as these securities are guaranteed by a U.S. government sponsored entity (“GSE”).  As such, the ACL related to the securities HTM portfolio was zero at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

We monitor the credit quality of the securities in the investment portfolios by evaluating various quantitative attributes. The credit quality indicators the Company monitors include, but are not limited to, credit ratings of individual securities and the credit rating of government sponsored enterprises that guarantee the securities. Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a security. Securities rated investment grade, that is, those with ratings similar to BBB-/Baa3 or above, as defined by NRSROs, are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be low credit risk. As of March 31, 2023, all of the Company’s securities were either investment grade or were issued by a U.S. government agency or a U.S. government sponsored enterprise with an investment grade rating.

The tables below indicate the gross unrealized losses and fair values of our securities AFS portfolio, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.

Securities with Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2023

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

(dollars in thousands)

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

$

$

8,511

$

(1,074)

$

8,511

$

(1,074)

Agency mortgage-backed securities

1,407

(50)

5,750

(420)

7,157

(470)

Municipal bonds

1,796

(15)

42,108

(2,559)

43,904

(2,574)

SBA securities

14,823

(122)

912

(8)

15,735

(130)

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

4,224

(105)

4,224

(105)

Corporate bonds

52,772

(1,228)

70,472

(14,501)

123,244

(15,729)

U.S. Treasury

841

(57)

841

(57)

Total temporarily impaired securities

$

75,022

$

(1,520)

$

128,594

$

(18,619)

$

203,616

$

(20,139)

Securities with Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2022

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

Fair

Unrealized

(dollars in thousands)

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

Collateralized mortgage obligations

    

$

2

    

$

    

$

8,613

    

$

(1,250)

    

$

8,615

    

$

(1,250)

Agency mortgage-backed securities

6,882

(525)

696

(60)

7,578

(585)

Municipal bonds

44,971

(3,244)

1,819

(198)

46,790

(3,442)

SBA securities

17,237

(137)

121

(1)

17,358

(138)

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

4,217

(103)

4,217

(103)

Corporate bonds

108,056

(6,476)

26,957

(3,535)

135,013

(10,011)

U.S. Treasury

 

376

 

(23)

 

451

 

(48)

 

827

 

(71)

Total temporarily impaired securities

$

181,741

$

(10,508)

$

38,657

$

(5,092)

$

220,398

$

(15,600)

Unrealized losses in agency mortgage backed securities, beneficial interests in FHLMC securitizations, and other securities have not been recognized into income because the issuer bonds are of high credit quality, management does not intend to sell, it is not more likely than not that management would be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery, and the decline in fair value is largely due to changes in discount rates and assumptions regarding future interest rates. The fair value is expected to recover as the bonds approach maturity.

13

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

The tables below indicate the gross unrecognized losses and fair values of our securities HTM portfolio, aggregated by investment category and length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrecognized loss position.

Securities with Unrecognized Loss at March 31, 2023

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

Fair

Unrecognized

Fair

Unrecognized

Fair

Unrecognized

(dollars in thousands)

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

76,301

$

(6,768)

$

690,606

$

(73,361)

$

766,907

$

(80,129)

Total temporarily impaired securities

$

76,301

$

(6,768)

$

690,606

$

(73,361)

$

766,907

$

(80,129)

Securities with Unrecognized Loss at December 31, 2022

Less than 12 months

12 months or more

Total

Fair

Unrecognized

Fair

Unrecognized

Fair

Unrecognized

(dollars in thousands)

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

 

Value

 

Loss

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

394,619

$

(37,418)

$

378,442

$

(52,065)

$

773,061

$

(89,483)

Total temporarily impaired securities

$

394,619

$

(37,418)

$

378,442

$

(52,065)

$

773,061

$

(89,483)

The following is a rollforward of the Bank’s allowance for credit losses related to investments for the following periods:

(dollars in thousands)

Total

Three Months Ended March 31, 2023:

Beginning balance

    

$

11,439

Provision for credit losses

 

849

Balance: March 31, 2023

 

$

12,288

Three Months Ended March 31, 2022:

Beginning balance

    

$

10,399

Provision for credit losses

 

344

Balance: March 31, 2022

 

$

10,743

Provision for credit losses of $0.8 million and $0.3 million were recorded on the consolidated income statements for the three month periods ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.  

The ACL on investment securities is determined for both held-to-maturity and available-for-sale classifications of the investment portfolio in accordance with ASC 326, and is evaluated on a quarterly basis. The ACL for held-to-maturity investment securities is determined on a collective basis, based on shared risk characteristics, and is determined at the individual security level when the Company deems a security to no longer possess shared risk characteristics. Under ASC 326-20, for investment securities where the Company has reason to believe the credit loss exposure is remote, such as those guaranteed by the U.S. government or government sponsored entities, a zero loss expectation is applied and a company is not required to estimate and recognize an ACL.

For securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, the Company first evaluates whether it intends to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. If neither criteria is met, the Company is required to assess whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or noncredit-related factors. In determining whether a security’s decline in fair value is credit related, the Company considers a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) downgrades

14

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

in credit ratings; (iv) payment structure of the security, and (v) the ability of the issuer of the security to make scheduled principal and interest payments. If, after considering these factors, the present value of expected cash flows to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists, and an allowance for credit loss is recorded through income as a component of provision for credit loss expense. If the assessment indicates that a credit loss does not exist, the Company records the decline in fair value through other comprehensive income, net of related income tax effects. The Company has made the election to exclude accrued interest receivable on securities from the estimate of credit losses and report accrued interest separately on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.  In March 2023, the Company engaged with an independent third party to perform an analysis of expected credit losses for its municipal and corporate bond securities in order to supplement our own internal review.  The analysis concluded and the Company concurred that seven corporate bond securities were impacted by credit loss totaling $973 thousand, which was recorded against the allowance.

The scheduled maturities of securities AFS and the related weighted average yields were as follows for the periods indicated:

    

Less than 

    

1 Through 

    

5 Through 

    

After

    

 

(dollars in thousands)

1 Year

5 years

10 Years

10 Years

Total

 

March 31, 2023

Amortized Cost:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

$

$

569

$

9,016

$

9,585

Agency mortgage-backed securities

5,969

1,658

7,627

Municipal bonds

300

9,280

35,064

5,449

50,093

SBA securities

5

1,101

1,108

14,733

16,947

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

9,537

9,576

19,113

Corporate bonds

28,985

104,456

5,531

138,972

U.S. Treasury

 

1,298

 

1,298

Total

$

305

$

56,170

$

141,197

$

45,963

$

243,635

Weighted average yield

 

0.29

%  

 

4.11

%  

 

3.43

%  

 

4.17

%  

 

3.72

%

Estimated Fair Value:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

$

$

521

$

7,990

$

8,511

Agency mortgage-backed securities

5,665

1,492

7,157

Municipal bonds

300

8,944

33,682

4,594

47,520

SBA securities

5

1,094

1,103

14,617

16,819

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

9,537

9,581

19,118

Corporate bonds

27,970

90,758

4,515

123,243

U.S. Treasury

 

1,244

 

1,244

Total

$

305

$

54,454

$

126,064

$

42,789

$

223,612

15

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

    

Less than 

    

1 Through 

    

5 Through 

    

After

    

 

(dollars in thousands)

1 Year

5 years

10 Years

10 Years

Total

 

December 31, 2022

Amortized Cost:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

$

$

686

$

9,179

$

9,865

Agency mortgage-backed securities

4,384

2,107

1,670

8,161

Municipal bonds

301

8,002

34,501

7,428

50,232

SBA securities

14

1,402

1,278

16,396

19,090

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

9,860

9,555

19,415

Corporate bonds

6,006

28,993

104,494

5,531

145,024

U.S. Treasury

 

 

1,298

 

 

 

1,298

Total

$

6,321

$

53,939

$

143,066

$

49,759

$

253,085

Weighted average yield

 

4.36

%  

 

3.96

%  

 

3.38

%  

 

1.91

%  

 

3.24

%

Estimated Fair Value:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

$

$

623

$

7,992

$

8,615

Agency mortgage-backed securities

4,133

1,960

1,483

7,576

Municipal bonds

299

7,565

32,690

6,236

46,790

SBA securities

14

1,395

1,272

16,274

18,955

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

9,860

9,560

19,420

Corporate bonds

6,001

28,022

96,734

4,256

135,013

U.S. Treasury

 

 

1,228

 

 

 

1,228

Total

$

6,314

$

52,203

$

133,279

$

45,801

$

237,597

The scheduled maturities of securities HTM and the related weighted average yields were as follows for the periods indicated:

    

Less than 

    

1 Through 

    

5 Through 

    

After

    

 

(dollars in thousands)

1 Year

5 years

10 Years

10 Years

Total

 

March 31, 2023

Amortized Cost:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

$

574

$

18,925

$

827,537

$

847,036

Total

$

$

574

$

18,925

$

827,537

$

847,036

Weighted average yield

 

%  

 

0.60

%  

 

1.22

%  

 

2.47

%  

2.44

%

Estimated Fair Value:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

$

537

$

17,451

$

748,919

$

766,907

Total

$

$

537

$

17,451

$

748,919

$

766,907

    

Less than 

    

1 Through 

    

5 Through 

    

After

    

 

(dollars in thousands)

1 Year

5 years

10 Years

10 Years

Total

 

December 31, 2022

Amortized Cost:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

$

208

$

17,689

$

844,647

$

862,544

Total

$

$

208

$

17,689

$

844,647

$

862,544

Weighted average yield

 

%  

 

0.36

%  

 

1.12

%  

 

2.31

%  

2.28

%

Estimated Fair Value:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

$

192

$

16,148

$

756,721

$

773,061

Total

$

$

192

$

16,148

$

756,721

$

773,061

16

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

NOTE 4: LOANS

The following is a summary of our loans as of:

    

March 31, 

December 31, 

(dollars in thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

Outstanding principal balance:

  

  

Loans secured by real estate:

 

  

 

  

Residential properties:

 

  

 

  

Multifamily

$

5,332,815

$

5,341,596

Single family

 

1,008,657

 

1,016,498

Total real estate loans secured by residential properties

 

6,341,472

 

6,358,094

Commercial properties

 

1,155,624

 

1,203,292

Land and construction

 

166,166

 

158,565

Total real estate loans

 

7,663,262

 

7,719,951

Commercial and industrial loans

 

2,985,984

 

2,984,748

Consumer loans

 

3,862

 

4,481

Total loans

 

10,653,108

 

10,709,180

Premiums, discounts and deferred fees and expenses

 

16,695

 

17,013

Total

$

10,669,803

$

10,726,193

The following table summarizes our delinquent and nonaccrual loans as of:

Past Due and Still Accruing

Total Past

90 Days

Due and

(dollars in thousands)

    

30–59 Days

    

60-89 Days

    

or More

    

Nonaccrual

    

Nonaccrual

    

Current

    

Total

March 31, 2023:

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

20,272

$

$

$

2,518

$

22,790

$

6,338,021

$

6,360,811

Commercial properties

 

5,561

 

 

217

 

3,969

 

9,747

 

1,144,772

 

1,154,519

Land and construction

 

521

 

6,835

 

 

 

7,356

 

157,860

 

165,216

Commercial and industrial loans

 

1,200

 

233

 

2,227

 

4,694

 

8,354

 

2,977,013

 

2,985,367

Consumer loans

 

10

 

 

 

 

10

 

3,880

 

3,890

Total

$

27,564

$

7,068

$

2,444

$

11,181

$

48,257

$

10,621,546

$

10,669,803

Percentage of total loans

 

0.26

%  

 

0.07

%  

 

0.02

%  

 

0.10

%  

 

0.45

%  

 

  

 

  

December 31, 2022:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

511

$

57

$

$

2,556

$

3,124

$

6,374,100

$

6,377,224

Commercial properties

 

15,000

 

946

 

1,213

 

4,547

 

21,706

 

1,180,357

 

1,202,063

Land and construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

157,630

 

157,630

Commercial and industrial loans

 

385

 

1,495

 

982

 

3,228

 

6,090

 

2,978,668

 

2,984,758

Consumer loans

 

 

167

 

 

 

167

 

4,351

 

4,518

Total

$

15,896

$

2,665

$

2,195

$

10,331

$

31,087

$

10,695,106

$

10,726,193

Percentage of total loans

 

0.15

%  

 

0.02

%  

 

0.02

%  

 

0.10

%  

 

0.29

%  

 

  

 

  

17

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

The following table summarizes our nonaccrual loans as of:

Nonaccrual

Nonaccrual

with Allowance

with no Allowance

(dollars in thousands)

    

for Credit Losses

   

for Credit Losses

March 31, 2023:

 

 

  

Real estate loans:

Residential properties

$

$

2,518

Commercial properties

3,969

Commercial and industrial loans

 

3,672

 

1,022

Total

$

3,672

$

7,509

December 31, 2022:

 

 

  

Real estate loans:

Residential properties

$

$

2,556

Commercial properties

4,547

Commercial and industrial loans

 

2,016

 

1,212

Total

$

2,016

$

8,315

The Company adopted ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures on January 1, 2023.  The amendments in this ASU eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty.  The amendments in this ASU were applied prospectively, and therefore, loan modification and charge off information is provided for only those items occurring after the January 1, 2023 adoption date.

Based on the guidance in ASU 2022-02, a loan modification or refinancing results in a new loan if the terms of the new loan are at least as favorable to the lender as the terms with customers with similar collection risks that are not refinancing or restructuring their loans and the modification to the terms of the loan are more than minor.  If a loan modification or refinancing does not result in a new loan, it is classified as a loan modification.

There are additional disclosures for modification of loans with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that result in a direct change in the timing or amount of contractual cash flows.  The disclosures are applicable to situations where there is interest rate reduction, term extensions, principal forgiveness, other-than-insignificant payment delays, or a combination of any of these items.  The Company had no loan modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties in the first quarter of 2023 and there were no modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties that were outstanding at March 31, 2023.

FASB has provided transition guidance to assist with the implementation of ASU 2022-02.  Per this guidance, FASB expects that for comparative periods presented before adoption, current TDR disclosures should continue to be provided.  As such, the following table presents the loans classified as TDRs by accrual and nonaccrual status as of the comparative period ended December 31, 2022:

    

December 31, 2022

(dollars in thousands)

    

Accrual

    

Nonaccrual

    

Total

Residential loans

$

$

$

Commercial real estate loans

 

929

 

1,066

 

1,995

Commercial and industrial loans

 

166

 

1,412

 

1,578

Total

$

1,095

$

2,478

$

3,573

18

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

NOTE 5: ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The following is a rollforward of the allowance for credit losses related to loans for the following periods:

Provision for

    

Beginning

    

(Reduction of)

    

    

    

Ending

(dollars in thousands)

Balance

Credit Losses

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Balance

Three Months Ended March 31, 2023:

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

8,306

$

(43)

$

$

$

8,263

Commercial properties

 

8,714

 

(2,732)

 

(249)

 

 

5,733

Land and construction

 

164

 

152

 

 

 

316

Commercial and industrial loans

 

16,521

 

1,685

 

(1,752)

 

306

 

16,760

Consumer loans

 

26

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

 

23

Total

$

33,731

$

(939)

$

(2,003)

$

306

$

31,095

Three Months Ended March 31, 2022:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

2,637

$

561

$

$

$

3,198

Commercial properties

 

17,049

 

(1,413)

 

 

 

15,636

Land and construction

 

1,995

 

(227)

 

 

 

1,768

Commercial and industrial loans

 

11,992

 

149

 

(145)

 

134

 

12,130

Consumer loans

 

103

 

(13)

 

 

 

90

Total

$

33,776

$

(943)

$

(145)

$

134

$

32,822

Year Ended December 31, 2022:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

2,637

$

5,674

$

(5)

$

$

8,306

Commercial properties

 

17,049

 

(8,335)

 

 

 

8,714

Land and construction

 

1,995

 

(1,831)

 

 

 

164

Commercial and industrial loans

 

11,992

 

4,804

 

(711)

 

436

 

16,521

Consumer loans

 

103

 

(73)

 

(4)

 

 

26

Total

$

33,776

$

239

$

(720)

$

436

$

33,731

19

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

The following table presents the balance in the allowance for credit losses and the recorded investment in loans by impairment method as of:

Allowance for Credit Losses

Loans Evaluated

(dollars in thousands)

    

Individually

    

Collectively

    

Total

    

March 31, 2023:

Allowance for credit losses:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Residential properties

$

62

$

8,201

$

8,263

Commercial properties

 

1,044

 

4,689

 

5,733

Land and construction

 

 

316

 

316

Commercial and industrial loans

 

1,144

 

15,616

 

16,760

Consumer loans

 

 

23

 

23

Total

$

2,250

$

28,845

$

31,095

Loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

3,428

$

6,357,383

$

6,360,811

Commercial properties

 

28,197

 

1,126,322

 

1,154,519

Land and construction

 

 

165,216

 

165,216

Commercial and industrial loans

 

5,875

 

2,979,492

 

2,985,367

Consumer loans

 

 

3,890

 

3,890

Total

$

37,500

$

10,632,303

$

10,669,803

December 31, 2022:

Allowance for credit losses:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

87

$

8,219

$

8,306

Commercial properties

 

1,834

 

6,880

 

8,714

Land and construction

 

 

164

 

164

Commercial and industrial loans

 

3,122

 

13,399

 

16,521

Consumer loans

 

 

26

 

26

Total

$

5,043

$

28,688

$

33,731

Loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

3,479

$

6,373,745

$

6,377,224

Commercial properties

 

34,278

 

1,167,785

 

1,202,063

Land and construction

 

 

157,630

 

157,630

Commercial and industrial loans

 

9,397

 

2,975,361

 

2,984,758

Consumer loans

 

 

4,518

 

4,518

Total

$

47,154

$

10,679,039

$

10,726,193

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, collateral adequacy, credit documentation, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis typically includes larger, non-homogeneous loans such as loans secured

20

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

by multifamily or commercial real estate and commercial and industrial loans. This analysis is performed on an ongoing basis as new information is obtained. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Pass: Loans classified as pass are strong credits with no existing or known potential weaknesses deserving of management’s close attention.

Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.

Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

A loan is considered impaired, when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Additionally, all loans classified as TDRs are considered impaired. Purchased credit deteriorated loans are not considered impaired loans for these purposes.

Loans listed as pass include larger non-homogeneous loans not meeting the risk rating definitions above and smaller, homogeneous loans not assessed on an individual basis.

21

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

The following tables present risk categories of loans based on year of origination, as of the periods shown.  In accordance with the adoption of ASU 2022-02 in January 2023, gross charge-off information is disclosed by vintage year (year of origination) on a prospective basis beginning in 2023:

Revolving

(dollars in thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

  

2019

  

Prior

  

Loans

  

Total

March 31, 2023:

Loans secured by real estate:

Residential

Multifamily

Pass

 

$

16,080

 

$

2,398,706

$

1,547,733

 

$

793,127

 

$

297,324

$

278,675

 

$

 

$

5,331,645

Special mention

5,637

11,248

16,885

Substandard

Total

 

$

16,080

 

$

2,398,706

$

1,547,733

 

$

793,127

 

$

302,961

$

289,923

 

$

 

$

5,348,530

Gross charge-offs

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Single family

Pass

 

$

9,505

 

$

269,712

$

274,013

 

$

95,026

 

$

39,831

$

253,304

 

$

67,462

 

$

1,008,853

Special mention

Substandard

3,398

30

3,428

Total

 

$

9,505

 

$

269,712

$

274,013

 

$

95,026

 

$

39,831

$

256,702

 

$

67,492

 

$

1,012,281

Gross charge-offs

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Commercial real estate

Pass

 

$

13,589

 

$

221,479

$

157,009

 

$

134,635

 

$

85,223

$

477,039

 

$

 

$

1,088,974

Special mention

2,324

7,040

19,138

28,502

Substandard

5,864

9,418

698

10,558

10,505

37,043

Total

 

$

13,589

 

$

227,343

$

166,427

 

$

137,657

 

$

102,821

$

506,682

 

$

 

$

1,154,519

Gross charge-offs

$

$

$

$

$

$

249

$

$

249

Land and construction

Pass

 

$

4,205

 

$

41,435

$

62,677

 

$

48,764

 

$

842

$

7,293

 

$

 

$

165,216

Special mention

Substandard

Total

 

$

4,205

 

$

41,435

$

62,677

 

$

48,764

 

$

842

$

7,293

 

$

 

$

165,216

Gross charge-offs

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Commercial

Pass

 

$

52,358

 

$

1,171,201

$

317,465

 

$

148,594

 

$

39,128

$

31,893

 

$

1,182,534

 

$

2,943,173

Special mention

20,671

4,739

192

4,824

30,426

Substandard

365

1,900

1,423

1,023

7,057

11,768

Total

 

$

52,358

 

$

1,171,201

$

338,501

 

$

155,233

 

$

40,743

$

32,916

 

$

1,194,415

 

$

2,985,367

Gross charge-offs

$

$

375

$

193

$

86

$

51

$

$

1,047

$

1,752

Consumer

Pass

 

$

10

 

$

7

$

1,069

 

$

 

$

332

$

173

 

$

2,299

 

$

3,890

Special mention

Substandard

Total

 

$

10

 

$

7

$

1,069

 

$

 

$

332

$

173

 

$

2,299

 

$

3,890

Gross charge-offs

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

2

$

2

Total loans

Pass

 

$

95,747

 

$

4,102,540

$

2,359,966

 

$

1,220,146

 

$

462,680

$

1,048,377

 

$

1,252,295

 

$

10,541,751

Special mention

20,671

7,063

12,869

30,386

4,824

75,813

Substandard

5,864

9,783

2,598

11,981

14,926

7,087

52,239

Total

 

$

95,747

 

$

4,108,404

$

2,390,420

 

$

1,229,807

 

$

487,530

$

1,093,689

 

$

1,264,206

 

$

10,669,803

Gross charge-offs

$

$

375

$

193

$

86

$

51

$

249

$

1,049

$

2,003

22

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

Revolving

(dollars in thousands)

    

2022

    

2021

    

2020

    

2019

  

2018

  

Prior

  

Loans

  

Total

December 31, 2022:

Loans secured by real estate:

Residential

Multifamily

Pass

 

$

2,399,360

 

$

1,552,311

$

795,263

 

$

301,025

 

$

145,675

$

146,622

 

$

 

$

5,340,256

Special mention

5,666

9,767

1,545

16,978

Substandard

Total

 

$

2,399,360

 

$

1,552,311

$

795,263

 

$

306,691

 

$

155,442

$

148,167

 

$

 

$

5,357,234

Single family

Pass

 

$

270,589

 

$

276,244

$

96,183

 

$

40,010

 

$

49,676

$

215,209

 

$

68,575

 

$

1,016,486

Special mention

25

25

Substandard

3,434

45

3,479

Total

 

$

270,589

 

$

276,244

$

96,183

 

$

40,010

 

$

49,676

$

218,643

 

$

68,645

 

$

1,019,990

Commercial real estate

Pass

 

$

223,503

 

$

158,363

$

144,105

 

$

93,960

 

$

171,460

$

325,048

 

$

 

$

1,116,439

Special mention

13,425

2,340

7,088

11,734

7,905

42,492

Substandard

5,919

14,376

742

10,661

11,434

43,132

Total

 

$

229,422

 

$

186,164

$

147,187

 

$

111,709

 

$

183,194

$

344,387

 

$

 

$

1,202,063

Land and construction

Pass

 

$

43,846

 

$

58,268

$

47,212

 

$

854

 

$

5,044

$

2,406

 

$

 

$

157,630

Special mention

Substandard

Total

 

$

43,846

 

$

58,268

$

47,212

 

$

854

 

$

5,044

$

2,406

 

$

 

$

157,630

Commercial

Pass

 

$

1,176,851

 

$

369,775

$

182,889

 

$

62,767

 

$

16,306

$

17,558

 

$

1,133,998

 

$

2,960,144

Special mention

542

1,212

383

5,573

7,710

Substandard

380

2,125

1,810

2,736

9,853

16,904

Total

 

$

1,176,851

 

$

370,697

$

186,226

 

$

64,960

 

$

16,306

$

20,294

 

$

1,149,424

 

$

2,984,758

Consumer

Pass

 

$

456

 

$

1,092

$

 

$

471

 

$

133

$

69

 

$

2,297

 

$

4,518

Special mention

Substandard

Total

 

$

456

 

$

1,092

$

 

$

471

 

$

133

$

69

 

$

2,297

 

$

4,518

Total loans

Pass

 

$

4,114,605

 

$

2,416,053

$

1,265,652

 

$

499,087

 

$

388,294

$

706,912

 

$

1,204,870

 

$

10,595,473

Special mention

13,967

3,552

13,137

21,501

9,450

5,598

67,205

Substandard

5,919

14,756

2,867

12,471

17,604

9,898

63,515

Total

 

$

4,120,524

 

$

2,444,776

$

1,272,071

 

$

524,695

 

$

409,795

$

733,966

 

$

1,220,366

 

$

10,726,193

A loan is considered collateral dependent when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and repayment of the loan is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral.  Collateral dependent loans are evaluated individually to determine expected credit losses and any allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) allocation is determined based upon the amount by which amortized costs exceed the estimated fair value of the collateral, adjusted

23

Table of Contents

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

for estimated selling costs (if applicable).  The following table presents the amortized cost basis of collateral dependent loans and the related ACL allocated to these loans as of the dates indicated:

Equipment/

ACL

(dollars in thousands)

Real Estate

Cash

Receivables

Total

Allocation

March 31, 2023:

Loans secured by real estate:

    

  

    

  

  

    

  

Residential properties

Single family

$

2,415

$

$

$

2,415

$

Commercial real estate loans

 

2,637

 

 

 

2,637

 

Commercial loans

 

 

250

 

 

250

 

Total

$

5,052

$

250

$

$

5,302

$

December 31, 2022:

Loans secured by real estate:

    

  

    

  

  

    

  

Residential properties

Single family

$

2,435

$

$

$

2,435

$

Commercial real estate loans

 

3,171

 

 

 

3,171

 

Commercial loans

 

 

250

 

638

 

888

 

630

Total

$

5,606

$

250

$

638

$

6,494

$

630

NOTE 6: GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLES

Goodwill is recorded upon completion of a business combination as the difference between the purchase price and the fair value of net identifiable assets acquired.  Goodwill is deemed to have an indefinite useful life and as such is not subject to amortization and instead is tested for impairment annually unless a triggering event occurs thereby requiring an updated assessment.  Our regular annual impairment assessment occurs in the fourth quarter.  Impairment exists when the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds its fair value.  An impairment loss would be recognized in an amount equal to that excess as a charge to noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of earnings.  The goodwill recorded by the Company was recognized from prior acquisitions and was not considered impaired as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.  Goodwill totaled $215.2 million at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Other intangible assets are deemed to have definite useful lives and as such are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values.  Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from whole bank acquisitions and are amortized on an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, ranging from 7 to 10 years.  At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, core deposit intangible assets totaled $6.2 million and $6.6 million, respectively, and we recognized $0.4 million and $0.5 million in core deposit intangible amortization expense for the three month periods ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, respectively.

NOTE 7: LOAN SALES AND MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS

The Company retained servicing rights for the majority of the loans sold and recognized mortgage servicing rights in connection with multifamily loan sale transactions that occurred in 2021 and prior.  As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, mortgage servicing rights were $5.9 million respectively, net of valuation allowances of $0.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The amount of loans serviced for others totaled $1.0 billion and $1.1 billion at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.  Servicing fees collected for the first three months of 2023 and 2022 were $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively.

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

NOTE 8: DEPOSITS

The following table summarizes the outstanding balance of deposits and average rates paid thereon as of:

March 31, 2023

December 31, 2022

Weighted

Weighted

(dollars in thousands)

Amount

Average Rate

Amount

Average Rate

Demand deposits:

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

  

    

Noninterest-bearing

$

2,263,412

 

$

2,736,691

 

Interest-bearing

 

2,364,213

 

3.380

%  

 

2,568,850

 

3.109

%  

Money market and savings

 

2,997,666

 

3.098

%  

 

3,178,230

 

2.373

%  

Certificates of deposit

 

2,426,415

 

4.170

%  

 

1,878,841

 

3.741

%  

Total

$

10,051,706

 

2.726

%  

$

10,362,612

 

2.177

%  

At March 31, 2023, of the $461 million of certificates of deposits of $250,000 or more, $442 million mature within one year and $19 million mature after one year. Of the $2.0 billion of certificates of deposit of less than $250,000, $1.5 billion mature within one year and $480 million mature after one year.  At December 31, 2022, of the $436 million of certificates of deposits of $250,000 or more, $409 million mature within one year and $27 million mature after one year. Of the $1.4 billion of certificates of deposit of less than $250,000, $1.1 billion mature within one year and $345 million mature after one year.

NOTE 9: BORROWINGS

At March 31, 2023, our borrowings consisted of $1.0 billion in overnight and $1.0 billion in short-term FHLB advances at the Bank, $174 million in subordinated notes at FFI, $101 million in repurchase agreements at the Bank, and $20 million of borrowings under a holding company line of credit.  At December 31, 2022 our borrowings consisted of $805 million in overnight FHLB advances at the Bank, $200 million in federal funds purchased at the Bank, $174 million in subordinated notes at FFI, $171 million in repurchase agreements at the Bank, and $20 million of borrowings under a holding company line of credit.

The overnight FHLB advance outstanding at March 31, 2023 was paid in full in early April and bore an interest rate of 5.11%.  The short-term FHLB advance outstanding at March 31, 2023 was paid in full in early April and bore an interest rate of 5.08%.  FHLB advances are collateralized primarily by loans secured by single family, multifamily, and commercial real estate properties with a carrying value of $5.4 billion as of March 31, 2023. The Bank’s total borrowing capacity from the FHLB as of March 31, 2023 was $930 million. The Bank had in place $315 million of letters of credit from the FHLB as of March 31, 2023, which are used to meet collateral requirements for borrowings from the State of California and local agencies.

The $174 million in subordinated notes consist of $150 million of fixed-to-floating rate notes that mature in February 2032.  The notes initially bear a rate of 3.50% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year, commencing on August 1, 2022, until February 1, 2027.  From and including February 1, 2027 to, but excluding February 1, 2032, or the date of earlier redemption, the notes will bear interest at a floating rate per annum equal to the Benchmark rate (which is expected to be Three-Month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate, or “SOFR”), each as defined in and subject to the provisions of the indenture under which the notes were issued, plus 204 basis points (2.04%), payable quarterly in arrears on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1 of each year, commencing on May 1, 2027. The remaining $24 million in subordinated notes mature in June 2030 and bear a fixed interest rate of 6.0%, until June 30, 2025, at which time they will convert to a floating rate based on three-month SOFR, plus 590 basis points (5.90%), until maturity.

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

During 2017, FFI entered into a loan agreement with an unaffiliated lender that provides for a revolving line of credit for up to $20 million maturing in February 2024. The loan bears an interest rate of Prime rate, plus 50 basis points (0.50%). FFI’s obligations under the loan agreement are secured by, among other things, a pledge of all of its equity in the Bank. We are required to meet certain financial covenants during the term of the loan, including minimum capital levels and limits on classified assets. As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, FFI was in compliance with the covenants contained in the loan agreement.  As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the balance outstanding under this line of credit agreement was $20 million.  The weighted average interest rate paid on borrowings during the three months ended March 31, 2023, and December 31, 2022 was 8.05% and 8.0%, respectively.  

The Bank has a secured line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco under which the Bank pledges collateral in the form of qualifying loans and securities.  As of March 31, 2023, the Bank had secured borrowing capacity of $841.6 million under this agreement.  As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no balances outstanding.

The Bank has a total of $245 million in borrowing capacity through unsecured federal funds lines, ranging in size from $20 million to $100 million, with five other financial institutions.  At March 31, 2023, there were no balances outstanding under these arrangements.  At December 31, 2022, the Bank had outstanding borrowings with one of the five institutions under these arrangements totaling $100 million and an additional $100 million outstanding separate from these agreements with the same financial institution.  The total $200 million outstanding at December 31, 2022 were in the form of federal funds purchased and were paid in full in early March, 2023.  

The repurchase agreements are treated as overnight borrowings with the obligations to repurchase securities sold reflected as a liability.  The investment securities underlying these agreements remain in the Company’s securities AFS portfolio.  As of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the repurchase agreements are collateralized by investment securities with a fair value of approximately $184.2 million and $186.3 million, respectively.

NOTE 10: EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income or loss available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock that would then share in earnings. The following table sets forth the Company’s unaudited earnings per share calculations for the three months ended March 31:

Three Months Ended

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2022

(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

Basic

Diluted

Basic

Diluted

Net income

    

$

8,496

    

$

8,496

    

$

30,836

    

$

30,836

Basic common shares outstanding

 

56,376,669

 

56,376,669

 

56,465,855

 

56,465,855

Effect of options, restricted stock and contingent shares issuable

33,747

99,990

Diluted common shares outstanding

 

  

 

56,410,416

 

  

 

56,565,845

Earnings per share

$

0.15

$

0.15

$

0.55

$

0.55

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FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 - UNAUDITED

NOTE 11: SEGMENT REPORTING

For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company had two reportable business segments: Banking (FFB) and Wealth Management (FFA). The results of FFI and any elimination entries are included in the column labeled Other. The reportable segments are determined by products and services offered and the corporate structure.  Business segment earnings before taxes are the primary measure of the segment’s performance as evaluated by management.  Business segment earnings before taxes include direct revenue and expenses of the segment as well as corporate and inter-company cost allocations.  Allocations of corporate expenses, such as finance and accounting, data processing and human resources are calculated based on estimated activity or usage levels.  The management accounting process measures the performance of the operating segments based on the Company’s management structure and is not necessarily comparable with similar information for other financial services companies.  If the management structures and/or the allocation process changes, allocations, transfers, and assignments may change.  The following tables show key operating results for each of our business segments used to arrive at our consolidated totals for the following periods:

    

    

Wealth

    

    

(dollars in thousands)

Banking

Management

Other

Total

Three Months Ended March 31, 2023:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest income

$

137,000

$

$

$

137,000

Interest expense

 

76,449

 

 

1,796

 

78,245

Net interest income

 

60,551

 

 

(1,796)

 

58,755

Provision for credit losses

 

417

 

 

 

417

Noninterest income

 

4,801

 

7,291

 

(394)

 

11,698

Noninterest expense

 

51,645

 

6,065

 

1,630

 

59,340

Income (loss) before taxes on income

13,290

1,226

(3,820)

10,696

Taxes on income

2,947

364

(1,111)

2,200

Net income (loss)

$

10,343

$

862

$

(2,709)

$

8,496

Three Months Ended March 31, 2022:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest income

$

79,144

$

$

$

79,144

Interest expense

 

3,413

 

 

1,237

 

4,650

Net interest income

 

75,731

 

 

(1,237)

 

74,494

Provision for credit losses

 

(792)

 

 

 

(792)

Noninterest income

 

7,531

 

8,345

 

(449)

 

15,427

Noninterest expense

 

40,101

 

6,644

 

873

 

47,618

Income (loss) before taxes on income

43,953

1,701

(2,559)

43,095

Taxes on income

12,715

493

(949)

12,259

Net income (loss)

$

31,238

$

1,208

$

(1,610)

$

30,836

NOTE 12: SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Cash Dividend

On April 27, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Company declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per common share to be paid on May 19, 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 8, 2023.

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ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis is intended to facilitate the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends in our businesses that accounted for the changes in our results of operations in the three months ended March 31, 2023 as compared to our results of operations in the three months ended March 31, 2022; and our financial condition at March 31, 2023 as compared to our financial condition at December 31, 2022. This discussion and analysis is based on and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report and our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the notes thereto, which are set forth in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K (as amended “2022 10-K”) which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 28, 2023 and amended on May 1, 2023.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this report that are not historical facts or that discuss our expectations, beliefs or views regarding our future financial performance or future financial condition, or financial or other trends in our business or in the markets in which we operate, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Often, they include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “forecast” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could,” or “may.” Such forward-looking statements are based on current information that is available to us, and on assumptions that we make, about future events or economic or financial conditions or trends over which we do not have control. In addition, our businesses and the markets in which we operate are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. As a result of those risks and uncertainties, our actual financial results in the future could differ, possibly materially, from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this report and could cause us to make changes to our future plans.

The principal risks and uncertainties to which our businesses are subject are discussed in this Item 2 and under the heading “Risk Factors” in our 2022 10-K and Item 1A of Part II of this report. Therefore, you are urged to read not only the information contained in this Item 2, but also the risk factors and other cautionary information contained under the heading “Risk Factors” in our 2022 10-K and in Item 1A of Part II of this report, which qualify the forward-looking statements contained in this report.

Also, our actual results in the future may differ from those currently expected due to additional risks and uncertainties of which we are not currently aware or which we do not currently view as, but in the future may become, material to our business or operating results.  Due to these risks and uncertainties, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this report and not to make predictions about our future financial performance based solely on our historical financial performance.  We also disclaim any obligation to update forward-looking statements contained in this report or in our 2022 10-K, except as may otherwise be required by applicable law or government regulations.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) and accounting practices in the banking industry. Certain of those accounting policies are considered critical accounting policies, because they require us to make estimates and assumptions regarding circumstances or trends that could materially affect the value of those assets, such as economic conditions or trends that could impact our ability to fully collect our loans or ultimately realize the carrying value of certain of our other assets. Those estimates and assumptions are made based on current information available to us regarding those economic conditions or trends or other circumstances. If changes were to occur in the events, trends or other circumstances on which our estimates or assumptions were based, or other unanticipated events were to occur that might affect our operations, we may be required under GAAP to adjust our earlier estimates and to reduce the carrying values of the affected assets on our

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balance sheet, generally by means of charges against income, which could also affect our results of operations in the fiscal periods when those charges are recognized. Management has identified our most critical accounting policies and accounting estimates as:  allowance for credit losses – investment securities, allowance for credit losses – loans, deferred income taxes, and business combinations.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Investment Securities – The ACL on investment securities is determined for both held-to-maturity and available-for-sale classifications of the investment portfolio in accordance with ASC 326, and is evaluated on a quarterly basis. The ACL for held-to-maturity investment securities is determined on a collective basis, based on shared risk characteristics, and is determined at the individual security level when the Company deems a security to no longer possess shared risk characteristics. Under ASC 326-20, for investment securities where the Company has reason to believe the credit loss exposure is remote, such as those guaranteed by the U.S. government or government sponsored entities, a zero loss expectation is applied and a company is not required to estimate and recognize an ACL.

For securities AFS in an unrealized loss position, the Company first evaluates whether it intends to sell, or whether it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of these criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. If neither criteria is met, the Company is required to assess whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or noncredit-related factors. In determining whether a security’s decline in fair value is credit related, the Company considers a number of factors including, but not limited to: (i) the extent to which the fair value of the investment is less than its amortized cost; (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; (iii) downgrades in credit ratings; (iv) payment structure of the security; and (v) the ability of the issuer of the security to make scheduled principal and interest payments. If, after considering these factors, the present value of expected cash flows to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists, and an allowance for credit loss is recorded through income as a component of provision for credit loss expense. If the assessment indicates that a credit loss does not exist, the Company records the decline in fair value through other comprehensive income, net of related income tax effects. The Company has made the election to exclude accrued interest receivable on securities from the estimate of credit losses and report accrued interest separately on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. See Note 3, Securities, for additional information related to the Company’s allowance for credit losses on securities AFS.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans. Our ACL for loans and investments is established through a provision for credit losses charged to expense and may be reduced by a recapture of previously established loss reserves, which are also reflected in the statement of income. Loans and investments are charged against the ACL when management believes that collectability of the principal is unlikely. The ACL for loans is an amount that management believes will be adequate to absorb estimated losses on existing loans that may become uncollectible based on an evaluation of the collectability of loans and prior loan loss experience. This evaluation also takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, current economic conditions and certain other subjective factors that may affect the borrower’s ability to pay. While we use the best information available to make this evaluation, future adjustments to our ACL may be necessary if there are significant changes in economic or other conditions that can affect the collectability in full of loans and investments in our loan or investment portfolios.

Deferred Income Taxes. We record as a “deferred tax asset” on our balance sheet an amount equal to the tax credit and tax loss carryforwards and tax deductions (collectively “tax benefits”) that we believe will be available to us to offset or reduce income taxes in future periods. Under applicable federal and state income tax laws and regulations, tax benefits related to tax loss carryforwards will expire if they cannot be used within specified periods of time. Accordingly, the ability to fully use our deferred tax asset related to tax loss carryforwards to reduce income taxes in the future depends on the amount of taxable income that we generate during those time periods. At least once each year, or more frequently, if warranted, we make estimates of future taxable income that we believe we are likely to generate during those future periods. If we conclude, on the basis of those estimates and the amount of the tax benefits available to us, that it is more likely than not that we will be able to fully utilize those tax benefits prior to their expiration, we recognize the deferred tax asset in full on our balance sheet. On the other hand, if we conclude on the basis of those estimates and the amount of the tax benefits available to us that it has become more likely than not that we will be unable to utilize those tax benefits in full

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prior to their expiration, then we would establish a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax asset on our balance sheet to the amount with respect to which we believe it is still more likely than not that we will be able to use to offset or reduce taxes in the future. The establishment of such a valuation allowance, or any increase in an existing valuation allowance, would be effectuated through a charge to the provision for income taxes or a reduction in any income tax credit for the period in which such valuation allowance is established or increased.

Business Combinations. We account for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, as required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 805, Business Combinations.  The acquired assets, assumed liabilities and identifiable intangible assets are recorded at their respective acquisition date fair values. Goodwill is recorded based on the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets and other identifiable intangible assets acquired. Goodwill generated from business combinations are not subject to amortization and instead are tested for impairment annually, unless a triggering event occurs, which would require an updated assessment. Certain costs associated with business combinations are expensed as incurred.

We have two business segments, “Banking” and “Investment Management and Wealth Planning” (“Wealth Management”). Banking includes the operations of FFB, FFIS, FFPF, and Blue Moon Management LLC and Wealth Management includes the operations of FFA. The financial position and operating results of the stand-alone holding company, FFI, are included under the caption “Other” in certain of the tables that follow, along with any consolidation elimination entries.

Overview and Recent Developments

At March 31, 2023, the Company had total assets of $13.6 billion, including $10.6 billion of total loans, net of deferred fees and allowance for credit losses, $1.3 billion of cash and cash equivalents, $0.8 billion in investment securities held-to-maturity, and $0.2 billion in investment securities available-for-sale.  This compares to total assets of $13.0 billion, including $10.7 billion of total loans, net of deferred fees and allowance for credit losses, $0.7 billion of cash and cash equivalents, $0.9 billion in investment securities held-to-maturity, and $0.2 billion in investment securities available-for-sale at December 31, 2022.  Cash and cash equivalents, representing approximately 10% of total assets at March 31, 2023, largely accounted for the overall increase in total assets as the Company further increased its on-balance sheet liquidity.

At March 31, 2023, the Company had total liabilities of $12.5 billion, including $10.1 billion in deposits and $2.3 billion in borrowings.  This compares to total liabilities of $11.9 billion, including $10.4 billion in deposits and $1.4 billion in borrowings at December 31, 2022.  The $0.6 billion increase in total liabilities is due to a $0.9 billion increase in borrowings offset by a $0.3 billion decrease in deposits.  The increase in borrowings was primarily due to the addition of $1.2 billion in FHLB advances offset by a $200 million paydown of fed funds balances outstanding.  Funds were utilized to increase on-balance sheet liquidity.  The decrease in deposits was the result of deposit outflows largely occurring after the announced closures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March, 2023.  Deposit inflows and outflows normalized at the end of March, 2023, and the Bank is back to a normalized deposit pattern.

At March 31, 2023, the Company had total shareholders’ equity of $1.1 billion, unchanged from the amount at December 31, 2022.  During the three months ended March 31, 2023, shareholder’s equity activity included $8.5 million in net income offset by $6.2 million in fourth quarter 2022 dividends paid to shareholders, and $2.6 million decrease in other comprehensive income (loss) due to net unrealized losses on investment securities arising during the period.

On April 27, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per common share to be paid on May 19, 2023 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 8, 2023.

Results of Operations

The primary sources of revenue for Banking are net interest income, fees from its deposits and trust services, gains on sales of loans, certain loan fees, and consulting fees. The primary sources of revenue for Wealth Management are asset management fees assessed on the balance of assets under management (“AUM”). The largest component of noninterest expense is compensation and benefit costs, which accounted for 43% of the total combined noninterest expense for Banking and Wealth Management in the three months ended March 31, 2023.

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The following table shows key operating results for each of our business segments for the quarter ended March 31:

    

    

Wealth

    

    

(dollars in thousands)

    

Banking

    

Management

    

Other

    

Total

2023:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest income

$

137,000

$

$

$

137,000

Interest expense

 

76,449

 

 

1,796

 

78,245

Net interest income

 

60,551

 

 

(1,796)

 

58,755

Provision for credit losses

 

417

 

 

 

417

Noninterest income

 

4,801

 

7,291

 

(394)

 

11,698

Noninterest expense

 

51,645

 

6,065

 

1,630

 

59,340

Income (loss) before taxes on income

13,290

1,226

(3,820)

10,696

Taxes on income

2,947

364

(1,111)

2,200

Net income (loss)

$

10,343

$

862

$

(2,709)

$

8,496

2022:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest income

$

79,144

$

$

$

79,144

Interest expense

 

3,413

 

 

1,237

 

4,650

Net interest income

 

75,731

 

 

(1,237)

 

74,494

Provision for credit losses

 

(792)

 

 

 

(792)

Noninterest income

 

7,531

 

8,345

 

(449)

 

15,427

Noninterest expense

 

40,101

 

6,644

 

873

 

47,618

Income (loss) before taxes on income

43,953

1,701

(2,559)

43,095

Taxes on income

12,715

493

(949)

12,259

Net income (loss)

$

31,238

$

1,208

$

(1,610)

$

30,836

First Quarter of 2023 Compared to First Quarter of 2022

Combined net income for the first quarter of 2023 was $8.5 million, compared to $30.8 million for the first quarter of 2022.  Combined net income before taxes for the first quarter of 2023 was $10.7 million, compared to $43.1 million for the first quarter of 2022.  The $32.4 million decrease in combined net income before taxes from the year-ago quarter was primarily due to a decrease in net income before taxes in the Banking segment of $30.7 million, resulting primarily from a decrease in net interest income of $15.2 million, a decrease in noninterest income of $2.7 million,  and an increase in noninterest expense of $11.5 million.  Net interest income, noninterest income, and noninterest expense are discussed in more detail in the tables that follow.  The decrease in Wealth Management net income before taxes of $0.5 million was due to a $1.1 million decrease in asset management fee income, classified as part of noninterest income, offset by a $0.6 million decrease in noninterest expense.

Provision for credit losses. The provision for credit losses represents our estimate of the amount necessary to be charged against the current period’s earnings to maintain the ACL for loans and investments at a level that we consider adequate in relation to the estimated losses inherent in the loan and investment portfolios. The provision for credit losses for loans is impacted by changes in loan balances as well as changes in estimated loss assumptions and charge-offs and recoveries. The amount of the provision for loans also takes into consideration such factors as changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, review of specific problem loans, current economic conditions and certain other subjective factors that may affect the ability of borrowers to meet their repayment obligations to us.  For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, we recorded provision for credit losses of $0.4 million, compared to a reversal of provision for credit losses in the amount of $0.8 million for the year-ago quarter.  The provision for credit losses for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, was due to a net increase in investment portfolio credit losses which were offset by decreases in loan portfolio credit losses.  The decrease in provision for credit losses in the year-ago quarter was a result of improvement in the economic outlook at that time.  For the quarter ended March 31, 2023, we recorded net charge-offs of $1.7 million, compared to $11,000 in the year-ago quarter.

 Net Interest Income. The following tables set forth, for the periods indicated, information regarding (i) the total dollar amount of interest income from interest-earning assets and the resultant average yields on those assets; (ii) the total

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dollar amount of interest expense and the average rate of interest on our interest-bearing liabilities; (iii) net interest income; (iv) net interest rate spread; and (v) net interest margin:

    

Three Months Ended March 31:

 

    

2023

    

2022

 

Average

Average

Average

Average

(dollars in thousands)

    

Balances

    

Interest

    

Yield /Rate

    

Balances

    

Interest

    

Yield /Rate

    

Interest-earning assets:

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

Loans

$

10,691,615

$

120,643

 

4.54

%  

$

7,529,037

$

72,027

 

3.84

%

Securities AFS

 

247,931

 

2,307

 

3.72

%  

 

1,197,859

 

6,360

 

2.12

%

Securities HTM

852,459

4,584

2.15

%  

%

Cash, FHLB stock, and fed funds

 

955,668

 

9,466

 

4.02

%  

 

1,212,777

 

757

 

0.25

%

Total interest-earning assets

 

12,747,673

 

137,000

 

4.32

%  

 

9,939,673

 

79,144

 

3.19

%

Noninterest-earning assets:

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Nonperforming assets

 

11,420

 

  

 

10,124

 

  

 

  

Other

 

483,452

 

  

 

449,275

 

  

 

  

Total assets

$

13,242,545

 

  

$

10,399,072

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Demand deposits

$

2,572,870

$

19,386

 

3.06

%  

$

2,359,334

$

1,051

 

0.18

%

Money market and savings

 

3,206,690

 

21,551

 

2.73

%  

 

2,611,007

 

1,872

 

0.29

%

Certificates of deposit

 

2,132,298

 

21,203

 

4.03

%  

 

654,279

 

435

 

0.27

%

Total interest-bearing deposits

 

7,911,858

 

62,140

 

3.19

%  

 

5,624,620

 

3,358

 

0.24

%

Borrowings

 

1,390,068

 

16,105

 

4.70

%  

 

301,236

 

1,292

 

1.74

%

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

9,301,926

 

78,245

 

3.41

%  

 

5,925,856

 

4,650

 

0.32

%

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Demand deposits

 

2,672,409

 

  

 

3,315,139

 

  

Other liabilities

 

133,280

 

  

 

94,484

 

  

Total liabilities

 

12,107,615

 

  

 

9,335,479

 

  

Shareholders’ equity

 

1,134,930

 

  

 

1,063,593

 

  

Total liabilities and equity

$

13,242,545

 

  

$

10,399,072

 

  

Net Interest Income

$

58,755

 

 

$

74,494

 

Net Interest Rate Spread

 

 

0.91

%  

 

 

2.87

%  

Net Interest Margin

 

 

1.83

%  

 

 

3.00

%  

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Net interest income is impacted by the volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate), interest rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume) and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. Variances attributable to both rate and volume changes, calculated by multiplying the change in rates by the change in average balances, have been allocated to the rate variance. The following table provides a breakdown of the changes in net interest income due to volume and rate changes for the three months ended March 31, 2023, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2022:

Three Months Ended

March 31, 2023 vs. 2022

Increase (Decrease) due to

(dollars in thousands)

    

Volume

    

Rate

    

Total

Interest earned on:

  

 

  

 

  

Loans

$

34,019

$

14,597

$

48,616

Securities AFS

 

(4,743)

 

2,107

 

(2,636)

Securities HTM

2,834

333

3,167

Cash, FHLB stock, and fed funds

 

(196)

 

8,904

 

8,708

Total interest-earning assets

 

31,914

 

25,941

 

57,855

Interest paid on:

 

  

 

 

  

Demand deposits

 

104

 

18,231

 

18,335

Money market and savings

 

523

 

19,155

 

19,678

Certificates of deposit

 

2,892

 

17,876

 

20,768

Borrowings

 

10,070

 

4,744

 

14,814

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

13,589

 

60,006

 

73,595

Net interest income

$

18,325

$

(34,065)

$

(15,740)

Net interest income was $58.8 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $74.5 million for the first quarter of 2022. Interest income increased to $137 million for the first quarter of 2023 compared to $79.1 million for first quarter of 2022. The increase in interest income was due to increases in both average interest-earning asset balances as well as average yields earned on such balances. Average interest-earning asset balances increased to $12.7 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, compared to $9.9 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Yields on interest-earning assets averaged 4.32% for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 3.19% for the first quarter of 2022. Interest expense was $78.2 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $4.7 million for the first quarter of 2022. The increase in interest expense was due to increases in both average interest-bearing liability balances as well as average rates paid on such balances. Average interest-bearing liability balances, consisting of interest-bearing deposits and borrowings, increased to $9.3 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, compared to $5.9 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2022. Rates on interest-bearing liability balances averaged 3.41% for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 0.32% for the first quarter of 2022.

The 1.13% increase in average yield earned on interest-earning assets was offset by a 3.09% increase in average rate paid on interest-bearing liability balances, resulting in a contraction of net interest margin (“NIM”) for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.  NIM was 1.83% for the first quarter of 2023 compared to 3.0% for the first quarter of 2022.  The contraction of NIM is reflective of the interest rate environment over the past year, which has seen the Federal Reserve increase the benchmark federal funds rate by 4.75% in the past year in efforts to cool inflation.  This has negatively impacted NIM as short-term interest rate increases more immediately affect the rates we pay on both our interest-bearing deposit accounts and our borrowings.  Average borrowings outstanding for the quarter ended March 31, 2023 were $1.4 billion compared to $0.3 billion for the quarter ended March 31, 2022.  The additional borrowings were utilized to increase on-balance sheet liquidity, notably in the wake of banking industry events that followed the announced closure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March 2023.  

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Table of Contents

Noninterest income. Noninterest income for Banking includes fees charged to clients for trust services and deposit services, consulting fees, prepayment and late fees charged on loans, gain on sale of loans, and gains and losses from capital market activities and insurance commissions. The following table provides a breakdown of noninterest income for Banking for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:

(dollars in thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

Three Months Ended March 31:

Trust fees

$

1,719

$

2,108

Loan related fees

 

1,861

 

2,562

Deposit charges

 

501

 

644

Gain on sale leaseback

1,123

Consulting fees

88

95

Other

 

632

 

999

Total noninterest income

$

4,801

$

7,531

Noninterest income in Banking was $4.8 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $7.5 million for the first quarter of 2022.  The $2.7 million decrease in noninterest income was due primarily to a $1.1 million gain on a sale leaseback transaction recorded in the year-ago quarter, a $0.4 million decrease in trust fees, a $0.8 million decrease in deposit charges and loan related fees, and a $0.4 million decrease in other noninterest income.

Noninterest income for Wealth Management includes fees charged to high net-worth clients for managing their assets and for providing financial planning consulting services. The following table provides the amounts of noninterest income for Wealth Management for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022:

(dollars in thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

Noninterest income

$

7,291

$

8,345

Noninterest income for Wealth Management was $7.3 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $8.3 million for the first quarter of 2022.  The $1.1 million decrease in noninterest income was due primarily to lower levels of billable AUM in the quarter as total AUM decreased to $5.2 billion at March 31, 2023 from $5.5 billion in the year-ago quarter.

The following table summarizes the activity in our AUM for the periods indicated:

Existing account

Beginning

Additions/

New

(dollars in thousands)

    

Balance

   

Withdrawals

   

Accounts

   

Terminations

   

Performance

   

Ending balance

Three Months Ended March 31, 2023:

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Fixed income

$

1,699,554

$

653,734

$

19,341

$

(12,558)

$

202,521

$

2,562,592

Equities

2,383,268

(575,301)

28,684

(6,483)

51,175

1,881,343

Cash and other

 

902,455

 

(173,349)

 

38,333

 

(5,895)

 

23,414

 

784,958

Total

$

4,985,277

$

(94,916)

$

86,358

$

(24,936)

$

277,110

$

5,228,893

Year Ended December 31, 2022:

 

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Fixed income

$

1,303,760

$

451,841

$

154,827

$

(30,428)

$

(180,446)

$

1,699,554

Equities

3,330,639

(87,881)

108,003

(78,785)

(888,708)

2,383,268

Cash and other

 

1,046,206

 

(422,405)

305,747

(58,248)

31,155

 

902,455

Total

$

5,680,605

$

(58,445)

$

568,577

$

(167,461)

$

(1,037,999)

$

4,985,277

The $243.6 million increase in AUM during the first quarter of 2023 was the net result of $86.4 million of new accounts, $277.1 million of portfolio gains, and terminations and net withdrawals of $119.9 million.

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Table of Contents

Noninterest Expense. The following table provides a breakdown of noninterest expense for Banking and Wealth Management for the periods indicated:

Banking

Wealth Management

(dollars in thousands)

2023

2022

2023

2022

Three Months Ended March 31:

Compensation and benefits

    

$

20,260

    

$

24,276

    

$

4,560

    

$

5,212

Occupancy and depreciation

 

8,403

 

8,113

 

494

 

454

Professional services and marketing

 

2,664

 

2,343

 

804

 

815

Customer service costs

 

16,715

 

1,788

 

 

Other expenses

 

3,603

 

3,581

 

207

 

163

Total noninterest expense

$

51,645

$

40,101

$

6,065

$

6,644

Noninterest expense in Banking was $51.6 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $40.1 million for the first quarter of 2022.  The $11.5 million increase in noninterest expense in Banking was largely due to a $14.9 million increase in customer service cost, offset by a $4.0 million decrease in compensation and benefits.  The increase in customer service costs was due to higher earnings credits paid on deposit balances earning such credits.  The decrease in compensation and benefit costs was primarily due to decreased staffing levels during the first quarter of 2023, compared to levels during the first quarter of 2022.  Average quarterly Banking full-time equivalents (“FTEs”) were 601.8 for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 623.6 for the first quarter of 2022.  The reduction in staffing occurred in two rounds within the first quarter and largely impacted those employees in the lending and credit areas, as efforts continued to optimize the workforce in the face of slowing loan growth.  

Noninterest expense in Wealth Management was $6.1 million for the first quarter of 2023, compared to $6.6 million for the first quarter of 2022.  The $0.5 million decrease in noninterest expense in Wealth Management was largely due to a $0.6 million decrease in compensation and benefits.  The decrease in compensation and benefit costs was primarily due to a decrease in commission expense resulting from a fewer number of new accounts compared to the year-ago quarter.  Average quarterly Wealth Management FTEs remained relatively constant at 66.4 for the first quarter of 2023, compared to 65.8 for the first quarter of 2022.  

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Table of Contents

Financial Condition

The following table shows the financial position for each of our business segments, and of FFI and elimination entries used to arrive at our consolidated totals which are included in the column labeled Other and Eliminations, as of:

    

    

Wealth

    

Other and

    

(dollars in thousands)

Banking

Management

Eliminations

Total

March 31, 2023:

  

  

  

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,316,877

$

15,345

$

(15,093)

$

1,317,129

Securities AFS, net

 

211,324

 

 

 

211,324

Securities HTM

847,036

847,036

Loans, net

 

10,638,708

 

 

 

10,638,708

Premises and equipment

 

37,155

 

239

 

136

 

37,530

Investment in FHLB stock

 

58,716

 

 

 

58,716

Deferred taxes

 

20,777

 

61

 

1,925

 

22,763

Real estate owned ("REO")

6,210

6,210

Goodwill and intangibles

 

221,401

 

 

 

221,401

Other assets

 

227,706

 

470

 

27,191

 

255,367

Total assets

$

13,585,910

$

16,115

$

14,159

$

13,616,184

Deposits

$

10,079,753

$

$

(28,047)

$

10,051,706

Borrowings

 

2,101,249

 

 

193,351

 

2,294,600

Intercompany balances

 

2,356

 

586

 

(2,942)

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

121,598

 

2,481

 

12,061

 

136,140

Shareholders’ equity

 

1,280,954

 

13,048

 

(160,264)

 

1,133,738

Total liabilities and equity

$

13,585,910

$

16,115

$

14,159

$

13,616,184

December 31, 2022:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

656,247

$

16,757

$

(16,510)

$

656,494

Securities AFS, net

 

226,158

 

 

 

226,158

Securities HTM

 

862,544

 

 

 

862,544

Loans, net

 

10,692,462

 

 

 

10,692,462

Premises and equipment

 

35,788

 

216

 

136

 

36,140

Investment in FHLB stock

 

25,358

 

 

 

25,358

Deferred taxes

 

19,671

 

78

 

4,449

 

24,198

Real estate owned ("REO")

 

6,210

 

6,210

Goodwill and intangibles

 

221,835

 

 

 

221,835

Other assets

 

233,621

 

428

 

28,731

 

262,780

Total assets

$

12,979,894

$

17,479

$

16,806

$

13,014,179

Deposits

$

10,403,205

$

$

(40,593)

$

10,362,612

Borrowings

 

1,176,601

 

 

193,335

 

1,369,936

Intercompany balances

 

1,001

 

971

 

(1,972)

 

Accounts payable and other liabilities

 

125,254

 

4,392

 

17,607

 

147,253

Shareholders’ equity

 

1,273,833

 

12,116

 

(151,571)

 

1,134,378

Total liabilities and equity

$

12,979,894

$

17,479

$

16,806

$

13,014,179

Our consolidated balance sheet is primarily affected by changes occurring in our Banking operations as our Wealth Management operations do not maintain significant levels of assets.

During the three months ended March 31, 2023, total assets increased by $602 million primarily due to a $660 million increase in cash and cash equivalents.  Cash and cash equivalents represented approximately 10% of total assets for the quarter ended March 31, 2023, and the increase in such balances is consistent with strategic efforts to increase on-balance sheet liquidity, notably in the wake of banking industry events that followed the announced closure of Silicon

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Table of Contents

Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March 2023.  Loans, net decreased $54 million, the result of $481 million in loan fundings for the quarter offset by loan payoffs of $535 million in the quarter.  Combined investment securities (AFS and HTM) balance of $1.1 billion was unchanged compared to December 31, 2022.  Deposits decreased $311 million, the result of outflows experienced after the mid-March 2023 closures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank.  Borrowings increased $925 million and consisted primarily of the addition of $1.2 billion in FHLB advances offset by $200 million paydown of fed funds balances outstanding at the end of the previous quarter.  The additional borrowings for the quarter-ended March 31, 2023 were utilized to increase on-balance sheet liquidity, as noted previously.

Cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents, consist primarily of funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank or at correspondent banks, including fed funds. Changes in cash and cash equivalents are primarily affected by the funding of loans, investments in securities, and changes in our sources of funding: deposits, FHLB advances and FFI borrowings.  Cash and cash equivalents increased by $660 million during the three months ended March 31, 2023, compared to December 31, 2022 due to strategic efforts to increase on-balance sheet liquidity, notably in the wake of banking industry events that followed the announced closure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March 2023.  

Securities available for sale. The following table provides a summary of the Company’s AFS securities portfolio as of:

    

Amortized

    

Gross Unrealized

    

Allowance for

    

Estimated

(dollars in thousands)

    

Cost

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Credit Losses

    

Fair Value

March 31, 2023:

  

  

  

  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

9,585

$

$

(1,074)

$

$

8,511

Agency mortgage-backed securities

7,627

(470)

7,157

Municipal bonds

50,093

1

(2,574)

47,520

SBA securities

16,947

2

(130)

16,819

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

 

19,113

 

110

 

(105)

 

(11,315)

 

7,803

Corporate bonds

 

138,972

 

 

(15,729)

 

(973)

 

122,270

U.S. Treasury

 

1,298

 

3

 

(57)

 

 

1,244

Total

$

243,635

$

116

$

(20,139)

$

(12,288)

$

211,324

December 31, 2022:

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

9,865

$

$

(1,250)

$

$

8,615

Agency mortgage-backed securities

8,161

(585)

7,576

Municipal bonds

50,232

 

 

(3,442)

 

 

46,790

SBA securities

19,090

3

(138)

18,955

Beneficial interest in FHLMC securitization

 

19,415

 

108

 

(103)

 

(11,439)

 

7,981

Corporate bonds

 

145,024

 

 

(10,011)

 

 

135,013

U.S. Treasury

 

1,298

 

1

 

(71)

 

 

1,228

Total

$

253,085

$

112

$

(15,600)

$

(11,439)

$

226,158

As of March 31, 2023, U.S. Treasury securities of $1.2 million included in the table above are pledged as collateral to the States of California and Florida to meet regulatory requirements related to the Bank’s trust operations, $231.9 million of agency mortgage-backed securities are pledged as collateral as support for the Bank’s obligations under loan sales and securitizations agreements entered into from 2018 and 2021.  A total of $184.2 million in securities consisting of SBA securities, collateralized mortgage obligations, agency mortgage-backed securities, and municipal bonds are pledged as collateral for repurchase agreements. A total of $841.6 million in agency mortgage-backed securities, corporate bonds, and loans are pledged as collateral to the Federal Reserve’s discount window from which the Bank may borrow.  

Excluding allowance for credit losses, the decrease in AFS securities in the first three months of 2023 was due primarily to principal payments and increases in the gross unrealized losses on the securities.  There were no purchases of investment securities or other additions to the portfolio during the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

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Table of Contents

Securities held to maturity. The following table provides a summary of the Company’s HTM securities portfolio as of:

    

Amortized

    

Gross Unrecognized

    

Allowance for

    

Estimated

(dollars in thousands)

    

Cost

    

Gains

    

Losses

    

Credit Losses

    

Fair Value

March 31, 2023:

  

  

  

  

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

847,036

$

$

(80,129)

$

$

766,907

Total

$

847,036

$

$

(80,129)

$

$

766,907

December 31, 2022:

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

  

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

862,544

$

$

(89,483)

$

$

773,061

Total

$

862,544

$

$

(89,483)

$

$

773,061

The decrease in HTM securities in the first three months of 2023 was due to principal payments received.  There were no purchases of investment securities or other additions to the portfolio during the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

The scheduled maturities of securities AFS, as well as the related weighted average yield, are as follows, as of March 31, 2023:

    

Less than 

    

1 Through 

    

5 Through 

    

After

    

 

(dollars in thousands)

1 Year

5 years

10 Years

10 Years

Total

 

Amortized Cost:

  

  

  

  

  

 

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

$

$

569

$

9,016

$

9,585

Agency mortgage-backed securities

5,969

1,658

7,627

Municipal bonds

300

9,280

35,064

5,449

50,093

SBA securities

5

1,101

1,108

14,733

16,947

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

9,537

9,576

19,113

Corporate bonds

28,985

104,456

5,531

138,972

U.S. Treasury

 

 

1,298

 

 

 

1,298

Total

$

305

$

56,170

$

141,197

$

45,963

$

243,635

Weighted average yield

 

0.29

%  

 

4.11

%  

 

3.43

%  

 

4.17

%  

 

3.72

%

Estimated Fair Value:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Collateralized mortgage obligations

$

$

$

521

$

7,990

$

8,511

Agency mortgage-backed securities

5,665

1,492

7,157

Municipal bonds

300

8,944

33,682

4,594

47,520

SBA securities

5

1,094

1,103

14,617

16,819

Beneficial interests in FHLMC securitization

9,537

9,581

19,118

Corporate bonds

27,970

90,758

4,515

123,243

U.S. Treasury

 

 

1,244

 

 

 

1,244

Total

$

305

$

54,454

$

126,064

$

42,789

$

223,612

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Table of Contents

The scheduled maturities of securities HTM, and the related weighted average yield is as follows, as of March 31, 2023:

    

Less than 

    

1 Through 

    

5 Through 

    

After

    

 

(dollars in thousands)

1 Year

5 years

10 Years

10 Years

Total

 

March 31, 2023

Amortized Cost:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

$

574

$

18,925

$

827,537

$

847,036

Total

$

$

574

$

18,925

$

827,537

$

847,036

Weighted average yield

 

%  

 

0.60

%  

 

1.22

%  

 

2.47

%  

2.44

%

Estimated Fair Value:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Agency mortgage-backed securities

$

$

537

$

17,451

$

748,919

$

766,907

Total

$

$

537

$

17,451

$

748,919

$

766,907

Loans. The following table sets forth our loans, by loan category, as of:

    

March 31, 

    

December 31, 

(dollars in thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

Outstanding principal balance:

 

  

 

  

Loans secured by real estate:

 

  

 

  

Residential properties:

 

  

 

  

Multifamily

$

5,332,815

$

5,341,596

Single family

 

1,008,657

 

1,016,498

Total real estate loans secured by residential properties

 

6,341,472

 

6,358,094

Commercial properties

 

1,155,624

 

1,203,292

Land and construction

 

166,166

 

158,565

Total real estate loans

 

7,663,262

 

7,719,951

Commercial and industrial loans

 

2,985,984

 

2,984,748

Consumer loans

 

3,862

 

4,481

Total loans

 

10,653,108

 

10,709,180

Premiums, discounts and deferred fees and expenses

 

16,695

 

17,013

Total

$

10,669,803

$

10,726,193

Loans decreased $56 million, the result of $481 million in loan fundings for the quarter offset by loan payoffs of $535 million in the quarter.

Deposits. The following table sets forth information with respect to our deposits and the average rates paid on deposits, as of:

    

March 31, 2023

    

December 31, 2022

    

Weighted

Weighted

(dollars in thousands)

    

Amount

    

Average Rate

    

Amount

    

Average Rate

    

Demand deposits:

  

  

  

  

Noninterest-bearing

$

2,263,412

 

$

2,736,691

 

Interest-bearing

 

2,364,213

 

3.380

%  

 

2,568,850

 

3.109

%  

Money market and savings

 

2,997,666

 

3.098

%  

 

3,178,230

 

2.373

%  

Certificates of deposit

 

2,426,415

 

4.170

%  

 

1,878,841

 

3.741

%  

Total

$

10,051,706

 

2.726

%  

$

10,362,612

 

2.177

%  

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During the first three months of 2023, our deposit rates have moved in a manner consistent with overall deposit market rates and market rates continue to rise as a result of the actions taken by the Federal Reserve.  The weighted average rate of our interest-bearing deposits increased from 2.96% at December 31, 2022, to 3.52% at March 31, 2023 due to rising short-term interest rates during the period, while the weighted average interest rates of total deposits increased from 2.18% at December 31, 2022 to 2.73% at March 31, 2023.

From time to time, the Bank will utilize brokered deposits as a source of funding.  As of March 31, 2023, the Bank held $1.9 billion of deposits, consisting of certificates of deposit, which are classified as brokered deposits.

The deposits held by the Bank are insured by the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (the “DIF”), up to applicable limits.  The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increased the maximum deposit insurance amount for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor.  As of March 31, 2023, approximately 85% of the Bank’s deposit accounts were insured.  

The maturities of our certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more were as follows as of March 31, 2023:

(dollars in thousands)

3 months or less

    

$

741,600

Over 3 months through 6 months

 

347,861

Over 6 months through 12 months

 

776,938

Over 12 months

 

491,956

Total

$

2,358,355

Borrowings.  At March 31, 2023, our borrowings consisted of $1.0 billion in overnight and $1.0 billion in short-term FHLB advances at the Bank, $174 million in subordinated notes at FFI, $101 million in repurchase agreements at the Bank, and $20 million of borrowings under a holding company line of credit.  At December 31, 2022 our borrowings consisted of $805 million in overnight FHLB advances at the Bank, $200 million in federal funds purchased at the Bank, $174 million in subordinated notes at FFI, $171 million in repurchase agreements at the Bank, and $20 million of borrowings under a holding company line of credit.

The average balance of borrowings and the weighted average interest rate on such borrowings was $1.39 billion and 4.70%, respectively for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.  The average balance of borrowings and the weighted average interest rate on such borrowings was $1.54 billion and 3.79%, respectively for the quarter ended December 31, 2022.

Delinquent Loans, Nonperforming Assets and Provision for Credit Losses

Loans are considered past due following the date when either interest or principal is contractually due and unpaid. Loans on which the accrual of interest has been discontinued are designated as nonaccrual loans. Accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when reasonable doubt exists as to the full, timely collection of interest or principal and, generally, when a loan becomes contractually past due for 90 days or more with respect to principal or interest. However, the accrual of interest may be continued on a well-secured loan contractually past due 90 days or more with respect to principal or

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interest if the loan is in the process of collection or collection of the principal and interest is deemed probable. The following tables provide a summary of past due and nonaccrual loans as of:

90 Days

Total Past Due 

(dollars in thousands)

    

30–59 Days

    

60-89 Days

    

or More

    

Nonaccrual

    

and Nonaccrual

    

Current

    

Total

March 31, 2023:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

20,272

$

$

$

2,518

$

22,790

$

6,338,021

$

6,360,811

Commercial properties

 

5,561

 

 

217

 

3,969

 

9,747

 

1,144,772

 

1,154,519

Land and construction

 

521

 

6,835

 

 

 

7,356

 

157,860

 

165,216

Commercial and industrial loans

 

1,200

 

233

 

2,227

 

4,694

 

8,354

 

2,977,013

 

2,985,367

Consumer loans

 

10

 

 

 

 

10

 

3,880

 

3,890

Total

$

27,564

$

7,068

$

2,444

$

11,181

$

48,257

$

10,621,546

$

10,669,803

Percentage of total loans

 

0.26

%  

 

0.07

%  

 

0.02

%  

 

0.10

%  

 

0.45

%  

 

  

 

  

December 31, 2022:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

511

$

57

$

$

2,556

$

3,124

$

6,374,100

$

6,377,224

Commercial properties

 

15,000

 

946

 

1,213

 

4,547

 

21,706

 

1,180,357

 

1,202,063

Land and construction

 

 

 

 

 

 

157,630

 

157,630

Commercial and industrial loans

 

385

 

1,495

 

982

 

3,228

 

6,090

 

2,978,668

 

2,984,758

Consumer loans

 

 

167

 

 

 

167

 

4,351

 

4,518

Total

$

15,896

$

2,665

$

2,195

$

10,331

$

31,087

$

10,695,106

$

10,726,193

Percentage of total loans

 

0.15

%  

 

0.02

%  

 

0.02

%  

 

0.10

%  

 

0.29

%  

 

  

 

  

The following table summarizes our nonaccrual loans as of:

Nonaccrual

Nonaccrual

with Allowance

with no Allowance

(dollars in thousands)

    

for Credit Losses

   

for Credit Losses

March 31, 2023

 

 

  

Real estate loans:

Residential properties

$

$

2,518

Commercial properties

3,969

Commercial and industrial loans

 

3,672

 

1,022

Total

$

3,672

$

7,509

December 31, 2022

 

 

  

Real estate loans:

Residential properties

$

$

2,556

Commercial properties

4,547

Commercial and industrial loans

 

2,016

 

1,212

Total

$

2,016

$

8,315

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Allowance for Credit Losses. The following table summarizes the activity in our ACL related to loans for the periods indicated:

Provision for

Beginning 

(Reduction of)

Ending

(dollars in thousands)

    

Balance

    

Credit Losses

Charge-offs

    

Recoveries

    

Balance

Three months ended March 31, 2023:

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

8,306

$

(43)

$

$

$

8,263

Commercial properties

 

8,714

 

(2,732)

 

(249)

 

 

5,733

Land and construction

 

164

 

152

 

 

 

316

Commercial and industrial loans

 

16,521

 

1,685

 

(1,752)

 

306

 

16,760

Consumer loans

 

26

 

(1)

 

(2)

 

 

23

Total

$

33,731

$

(939)

$

(2,003)

$

306

$

31,095

Three months ended March 31, 2022:

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

2,637

$

561

$

$

$

3,198

Commercial properties

 

17,049

 

(1,413)

 

 

 

15,636

Land and construction

 

1,995

 

(227)

 

 

 

1,768

Commercial and industrial loans

 

11,992

 

149

 

(145)

 

134

 

12,130

Consumer loans

 

103

 

(13)

 

 

 

90

Total

$

33,776

$

(943)

$

(145)

$

134

$

32,822

Year ended December 31, 2022:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

2,637

$

5,674

$

(5)

$

$

8,306

Commercial properties

 

17,049

 

(8,335)

 

 

 

8,714

Land and construction

 

1,995

 

(1,831)

 

 

 

164

Commercial and industrial loans

 

11,992

 

4,804

 

(711)

 

436

 

16,521

Consumer loans

 

103

 

(73)

 

(4)

 

 

26

Total

$

33,776

$

239

$

(720)

$

436

$

33,731

On January 1, 2020, we adopted a new accounting standard, commonly referred to as “CECL”, which replaces the “incurred loss” approach with an “expected loss” model over the life of the loan, as further described in Note 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies of the notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.  The allowance for credit losses for loans totaled $31.1 million as of March 31, 2023, compared to $32.8 million as of March 31, 2022, and $33.7 million as of December 31, 2022.  Our ACL for loans represented 0.29% of total loans outstanding as of March 31, 2023 compared to 0.31% of total loans outstanding as of December 31, 2022.  The ACL for loans decreased $2.6 million as of March 31, 2023 compared to December 31, 2022.  Activity for the three months ended March 31, 2023 included a reduction in provision for credit losses of $0.9 million, charge-offs of $2.0 million, and recoveries of $0.3 million.  The reduction in provision for credit losses was due to a decrease in the aggregate reserve for purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans due to updated valuations.  

Under the CECL methodology, for which our ACL for loans is based, estimates of expected credit losses over the life of a loan are determined and utilized considering the effect of various major factors.  The major factors considered in evaluating losses are historical chargeoff experience, delinquency rates, local and national economic conditions, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan and timing of repayments, and the value of any related collateral.  Management’s estimate of fair value of the collateral considers current and anticipated future real estate market conditions, thereby causing these estimates to be particularly susceptible to changes that could result in a material adjustment to results of operations in the future.  Provisions to credit losses are charged to operations based on management’s evaluation of estimated losses in its loan portfolio.  

In addition, the FDIC and the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, as an integral part of their examination processes, periodically review the adequacy of our ACL. These agencies may require us to make

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additional provisions for credit losses, over and above the provisions that we have already made, the effect of which would be to reduce our income.

The following table presents the balance in the ACL and the recorded investment in loans by impairment method as of:

Allowance for Credit Losses

Loans Evaluated

(dollars in thousands)

    

Individually

    

Collectively

    

Total

    

March 31, 2023:

Allowance for credit losses:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

Residential properties

$

62

$

8,201

$

8,263

Commercial properties

 

1,044

 

4,689

 

5,733

Land and construction

 

 

316

 

316

Commercial and industrial loans

 

1,144

 

15,616

 

16,760

Consumer loans

 

 

23

 

23

Total

$

2,250

$

28,845

$

31,095

Loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

3,428

$

6,357,383

$

6,360,811

Commercial properties

 

28,197

 

1,126,322

 

1,154,519

Land and construction

 

 

165,216

 

165,216

Commercial and industrial loans

 

5,875

 

2,979,492

 

2,985,367

Consumer loans

 

 

3,890

 

3,890

Total

$

37,500

$

10,632,303

$

10,669,803

    

Allowance for Credit Losses

    

Loans Evaluated

(dollars in thousands)

    

Individually

    

Collectively

    

Total

    

December 31, 2022:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Allowance for credit losses:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

87

$

8,219

$

8,306

Commercial properties

 

1,834

 

6,880

 

8,714

Land and construction

 

 

164

 

164

Commercial and industrial loans

 

3,122

 

13,399

 

16,521

Consumer loans

 

 

26

 

26

Total

$

5,043

$

28,688

$

33,731

Loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Real estate loans:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Residential properties

$

3,479

$

6,373,745

$

6,377,224

Commercial properties

 

34,278

 

1,167,785

 

1,202,063

Land and construction

 

 

157,630

 

157,630

Commercial and industrial loans

 

9,397

 

2,975,361

 

2,984,758

Consumer loans

 

 

4,518

 

4,518

Total

$

47,154

$

10,679,039

$

10,726,193

Liquidity

Liquidity management focuses on our ability to generate, on a timely and cost-effective basis, cash sufficient to meet the funding needs of current loan demand, deposit withdrawals, principal and interest payments with respect to

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outstanding borrowings and to pay operating expenses. Our liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of funds management. Liquid assets are generally invested in marketable securities or held as cash at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco or other financial institutions.

We monitor our liquidity in accordance with guidelines established by our Board of Directors and applicable regulatory requirements. Our need for liquidity is affected by our loan activity, net changes in deposit levels and the maturities of our borrowings. The principal sources of our liquidity consist of deposits, loan interest and principal payments and prepayments, investment management and consulting fees, FHLB advances, federal funds purchased, and proceeds from borrowings and sales of FFI common stock. The remaining balances of the Company’s lines of credit available to draw down totaled $2.0 billion at March 31, 2023.

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities. During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, operating activities provided net cash of $9.4 million, primarily due to net income of $8.5 million.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, operating activities provided net cash of $40.3 million, primarily due to net income of $31 million and a net decrease of $5 million in other assets.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities. During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, investing activities provided net cash of $44 million, primarily due to a $54 million net decrease in loans, $25 million in cash received in principal collection and maturities of securities, offset by $33 million in purchases of FHLB stock. During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, investing activities used net cash of $483 million, primarily due to a $491 million net increase in loans, and $83 million in purchases of securities AFS, offset partially by $88 million in cash received in principal collection and maturities of securities.  

Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities. During the quarter ended March 31, 2023, financing activities provided net cash of $607 million, consisting primarily of a net increase of $995 million in FHLB and other advances offset by a decrease of $311 million in deposits, a $70 million net decrease in repurchase agreements, and $6 million in dividends paid.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2022, financing activities provided net cash of $253 million, consisting primarily of a net increase of $146 million in deposits and a $148 million net increase in subordinated debt, offset partially by $19 million net paydowns in our line of credit, $6 million in dividends paid, and a $13 million net decrease in repurchase agreements.

Ratio of Loans to Deposits. The relationship between gross loans and total deposits can provide a useful measure of a bank’s liquidity. Since repayment of loans tends to be less predictable than the maturity of investments and other liquid resources, the higher the loan-to-deposit ratio the less liquid are our assets. On the other hand, since we realize greater yields on loans than we do on other interest-earning assets, a lower loan-to-deposit ratio can adversely affect interest income and earnings. As a result, our goal is to achieve a loan-to-deposit ratio that appropriately balances the requirements of liquidity and the need to generate a fair return on our assets. At March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the loan-to-deposit ratios at FFB were 106.1% and 103.5%, respectively.  The loan to deposit ratio measured 100.3% for the first quarter 2023 when calculated based on the average balances of loans and deposits for the quarter opposed to measuring such balances as of the last day of the quarter.  This is more reflective of the actual management of the portfolios during the entire quarter, particularly in the wake of the banking industry events that followed the announced closure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in mid-March, 2023.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The following table provides the off-balance sheet arrangements of the Company as of March 31, 2023:

(dollars in thousands)

    

Commitments to fund new loans

$

2,140

Commitments to fund under existing loans, lines of credit

 

1,369,440

Commitments under standby letters of credit

 

25,321

Some of the commitments to fund existing loans, lines of credit and letters of credit are expected to expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitments do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. As of

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March 31, 2023, FFB was obligated on $315 million of letters of credit to the FHLB which were being used as collateral for public fund deposits, including $300 million of deposits from the State of California.

Capital Resources and Dividend Policy

The capital rules applicable to United States based bank holding companies and federally insured depository institutions (“Capital Rules”) require the Company (on a consolidated basis) and FFB (on a stand-alone basis) to meet specific capital adequacy requirements that, for the most part, involve quantitative measures, primarily in terms of the ratios of their capital to their assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items, calculated under regulatory accounting practices. In addition, prompt corrective action regulations place a federally insured depository institution, such as FFB, into one of five capital categories on the basis of its capital ratios: (i) well capitalized; (ii) adequately capitalized; (iii) undercapitalized; (iv) significantly undercapitalized; or (v) critically undercapitalized. A depository institution’s primary federal regulatory agency may determine that, based on certain qualitative assessments, the depository institution should be assigned to a lower capital category than the one indicated by its capital ratios. At each successive lower capital category, a depository institution is subject to greater operating restrictions and increased regulatory supervision by its federal bank regulatory agency.

The following table sets forth the capital and capital ratios of FFI (on a consolidated basis) and FFB as of the respective dates indicated below, as compared to the respective regulatory requirements applicable to them:

    

    

    

To Be Well Capitalized

 

For Capital 

Under Prompt Corrective

Actual

Adequacy Purposes

Action Provisions

(dollars in thousands)

    

Amount

    

Ratio

    

Amount

    

Ratio

    

Amount

    

Ratio

 

FFI

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

March 31, 2023:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

CET1 capital ratio

$

933,163

 

9.31

%  

$

451,263

 

4.50

%  

  

 

  

Tier 1 leverage ratio

 

933,163

 

7.16

%  

 

521,678

 

4.00

%  

  

 

  

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

 

933,163

 

9.31

%  

 

601,683

 

6.00

%  

  

 

  

Total risk-based capital ratio

 

1,146,984

 

11.44

%  

 

802,245

 

8.00

%  

  

 

  

December 31, 2022:

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

CET1 capital ratio

$

931,125

 

9.18

%  

$

456,603

 

4.50

%  

  

 

  

Tier 1 leverage ratio

 

931,125

 

7.44

%  

 

500,327

 

4.00

%  

  

 

  

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

 

931,125

 

9.18

%  

 

608,804

 

6.00

%  

  

 

  

Total risk-based capital ratio

 

1,145,765

 

11.29

%  

 

811,739

 

8.00

%  

  

 

  

FFB

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

March 31, 2023:

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

CET1 capital ratio

$

1,080,468

 

10.82

%  

$

449,370

 

4.50

%  

$

649,089

 

6.50

%

Tier 1 leverage ratio

 

1,080,468

 

8.31

%  

 

520,330

 

4.00

%  

 

650,413

 

5.00

%

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

 

1,080,468

 

10.82

%  

 

599,159

 

6.00

%  

 

798,879

 

8.00

%

Total risk-based capital ratio

 

1,120,938

 

11.23

%  

 

798,879

 

8.00

%  

 

998,599

 

10.00

%

December 31, 2022:

 

 

 

 

 

 

CET1 capital ratio

$

1,070,648

 

10.60

%  

$

454,655

 

4.50

%  

$

656,724

 

6.50

%

Tier 1 leverage ratio

 

1,070,648

 

8.59

%  

 

498,725

 

4.00

%  

 

623,400

 

5.00

%

Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio

 

1,070,648

 

10.60

%  

 

606,207

 

6.00

%  

 

808,276

 

8.00

%

Total risk-based capital ratio

 

1,111,952

 

11.01

%  

 

808,276

 

8.00

%  

 

1,010,345

 

10.00

%

As of each of the dates set forth in the above table, the Company exceeded the minimum required capital ratios applicable to it and FFB’s capital ratios exceeded the minimums necessary to qualify as a well-capitalized depository institution under the prompt corrective action regulations. The required ratios for capital adequacy set forth in the above table do not include the Capital Rules’ additional capital conservation buffer, though each of the Company and FFB maintained capital ratios necessary to satisfy the capital conservation buffer requirements as of the dates indicated.

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As of March 31, 2023, FFI had $31 million of available liquidity as well as a revolving line of credit and, therefore, has the ability and financial resources to contribute additional capital to FFB, if needed.

As of March 31, 2023, the amount of capital at FFB in excess of amounts required to be well capitalized for purposes of the prompt corrective action regulations was $431 million for the CET1 capital ratio, $430 million for the Tier 1 Leverage Ratio, $282 million for the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and $122 million for the Total risk-based capital ratio.

On April 27, 2023, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per common share to be paid on May 19, 2023, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 8, 2023. The amount and declaration of future cash dividends are subject to approval by our Board of Directors and certain regulatory restrictions which are discussed in Item 1 “Business—Supervision and Regulation—Dividends and Stock Repurchases” in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Additionally, under the terms of the holding company line of credit agreement, FFI may only declare and pay a dividend if the total amount of dividends and stock repurchases during the current twelve months does not exceed 50% of FFI’s net income for the same twelve month period. We paid $24.8 million in dividends ($0.44 per share) in 2022.

We had no material commitments for capital expenditures as of March 31, 2023. However, we intend to take advantage of opportunities that may arise in the future to grow our businesses, which may include opening additional offices or acquiring complementary businesses that we believe will provide us with attractive risk-adjusted returns. As a result, we may seek to obtain additional borrowings and to sell additional shares of our common stock to raise funds which we might need for these purposes. There is no assurance, however, that, if required, we will succeed in obtaining additional borrowings or selling additional shares of our common stock on terms that are acceptable to us, if at all, as this will depend on market conditions and other factors outside of our control, as well as our future results of operations.

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to certain financial risks, which are discussed in detail in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the section titled Asset and Liability Management: Interest Rate Risk in our Annual Report on Form 10-K which we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2023 and amended on May 1, 2023. There have been no material changes to our quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk since December 31, 2022.

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ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating our disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any system of controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

In accordance with SEC rules, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness, as of March 31, 2023, of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2023, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2023 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

We disclosed certain risks and uncertainties that we face under the caption “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, which we filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023 and amended on May 1, 2023.  The information presented below provides an update to, and should be read in conjunction with, the risk factors and other information contained in our 2022 Form 10-K.

Adverse developments affecting the banking industry have eroded customer confidence in the banking system and could have a material effect on our operations and/or stock price.

The recent high-profile failures of several depository institutions have generated significant market volatility among publicly traded bank holding companies.  These developments have negatively impacted customer confidence in the safety and soundness of some regional and community banks.  As a result, we face the risk that customers may choose to maintain deposits or trust assets with larger financial institutions or invest in short-term fixed income securities instead of bank deposits, any of which could materially and adversely impact our liquidity, cost of funding, capital, and results of operations.  Media reports about other depository institutions, the financial services industry generally or us could exacerbate liquidity concerns.  In addition, concerns about the banking industry’s operating environment and the public trading prices of bank holding companies are often correlated, particularly during times of financial stress, which could adversely impact the trading price of our stock.

If we are required to sell securities to meet liquidity needs, we could realize significant losses.

As a result of increases in interest rates over the last year, the market values of previously issued government and other debt securities have declined significantly, resulting in unrealized losses in our securities portfolio.  While we do not expect or intend to sell these securities, if we were required to sell these securities to meet liquidity needs, we may incur significant losses, which could impair our capital and financial condition and adversely affect our results of

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operations.  Further, while we have taken actions to maximize our sources of liquidity, there is no guarantee that such sources will be available or sufficient in the event of sudden liquidity needs.

ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

On April 26, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program, pursuant to which the Company may repurchase up to $75 million of its common stock.  This plan has no stated expiration date. This stock repurchase program replaces and supersedes the stock repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors on October 30, 2018, which had authorized the Company to repurchase up to 2,200,000 shares of its common stock, and which no additional shares were repurchased during the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

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ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.

    

Description of Exhibit

3.1

Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 29, 2015).

3.2

Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 10, 2022.

3.3

Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on October 29, 2015).

31.1(1)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2(1)

Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1(1)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.2(1)

Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS

Inline 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

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

(1)Filed herewith.

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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.

FIRST FOUNDATION INC.

Dated: May 9, 2023

By:

/s/    AMY DJOU

AMY DJOU

Executive Vice President and
Interim Chief Financial Officer

S-1