QCR HOLDINGS INC - Annual Report: 2021 (Form 10-K)

Table of Contents

​

​

U.S. SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

​

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

​

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

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

​

Commission file number: 0-22208

QCR HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

3551 7th Street, Moline, Illinois 61265

(Address of principal executive offices)

(309) 736-3580

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

​

​

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

Preferred Share Purchase Rights

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Yes  [ ]  No  [ X ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

Yes  [ ]  No  [ X ]

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 past 90 days.  Yes  [ X ]  No  [ ]

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                Yes  [ X ]   No  [ ]

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

​

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 has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. [X]

​

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

​

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the last sales price quoted on The Nasdaq Global Market on June 30, 2021, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $730,269,379.

As of February 18, 2022 the Registrant had outstanding 15,641,927 shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share.

Documents incorporated by reference:

Part III of Form 10-K  incorporates by reference portions of the proxy statement for annual meeting of stockholders to be held in May 2022.

​

​

​

Table of Contents

QCR HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

2

Table of Contents

​

Throughout the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and remaining sections of this Form 10-K (including appendices), we use certain acronyms and abbreviations, as defined in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

​

3

Table of Contents

Part I

Item 1.    Business

General. QCR Holdings, Inc. is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Moline, Illinois, that was formed in February 1993 under the laws of the state of Delaware. In 2016, the Company elected to operate as a financial holding company under the BHCA. The Company serves the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Des Moines/Ankeny and Springfield communities through the following four wholly-owned banking subsidiaries (collectively, the “Banks”), which provide full-service commercial and consumer banking and trust and asset management services:

​

On November 9, 2021, the Company announced the signing of a definitive agreement whereby the Company will acquire Guaranty Federal Bancshares, Inc. (GFED) and merge Guaranty Bank, the banking subsidiary of GFED into SFCB.  The combined bank will operate under the Guaranty Bank name in all Springfield and southwest Missouri markets.  As of December 31, 2021, GFED had $1.2 billion in assets, $815 million in loans and $1.0 billion in deposits.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, stockholders of GFED will have the right to receive for each share of GFED common stock owned, at the election of each stockholder, and subject to proration and adjustment, (1) $30.50 in cash, (2) 0.58775 shares of the Company’s common stock, or (3) mixed consideration of $6.10 in cash and 0.4702 shares of the Company’s common stock, with total consideration to consist of approximately 80% stock and 20% cash.  Based upon the $59.99 closing price of the Company’s common stock as of November 5, 2021, the transaction is valued at approximately $151.6 million.  The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals, approval by GFED’s stockholders and certain customary closing conditions.  The transaction is expected to close late in the first quarter or early in the second quarter of 2022.

On August 12, 2020, the Company sold the Bates Companies, headquartered in Rockford, Illinois.  From October 1, 2018, through the date of the disposition, the Company provided wealth management services to the Rockford community through the Bates Companies.

On November 30, 2019, the Company sold substantially all of the assets and transferred substantially all of the deposits and certain other liabilities of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary, RB&T.  Prior to this time, the Company provided full service banking services to the Rockford community through RB&T.

See Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on mergers, acquisitions and sales.

The Company engages in direct financing lease contracts and equipment financing agreements through m2, a wholly owned subsidiary of QCBT based in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Subsidiary Banks. Segments of the Company have been established by management as defined by the structure of the Company’s internal organization, focusing on the financial information that the Company’s operating decision-makers routinely use to make decisions about operating matters. The Company’s Commercial Banking business is geographically divided by markets into the operating segments corresponding to the four subsidiary banks wholly owned by the Company: QCBT, CRBT, CSB and SFCB. See the Consolidated Financial Statements incorporated herein generally, and Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements specifically, for additional business segment information.

QCBT was capitalized on October 13, 1993, and commenced operations on January 7, 1994. QCBT is an Iowa-chartered commercial bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System. QCBT provides full service commercial, correspondent, and consumer banking and trust and asset management services in the Quad Cities and adjacent communities through its five offices located in Bettendorf and Davenport, Iowa and in Moline, Illinois. QCBT, on a consolidated basis with m2, had total segment assets of $2.14 billion and $2.15 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

CRBT is an Iowa-chartered commercial bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System. The Company commenced operations in Cedar Rapids in June 2001, operating as a branch of QCBT. The Cedar Rapids branch operation then began functioning under the CRBT charter in September of 2001. Acquired branches of CNB operate as a division of CRBT under the name “Community Bank & Trust.”  CRBT provides full-service commercial and consumer banking and trust

Table of Contents

and asset management services to Cedar Rapids, Marion and Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Iowa and adjacent communities through its eight facilities. The headquarters for CRBT is located in downtown Cedar Rapids with three other branches located in Cedar Rapids, one branch in Marion, two branches located in Waterloo and one branch located in Cedar Falls. CRBT had total segment assets of $2.03 billion and $1.96 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

CSB is an Iowa-chartered commercial bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System. CSB was acquired by the Company in 2016. CSB provides full-service commercial and consumer banking to Des Moines, Iowa and adjacent communities through its headquarters located in Ankeny, Iowa and its eight other branch facilities throughout the greater Des Moines area. CSB had total segment assets of $1.17 billion and $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

SFCB is a Missouri-chartered commercial bank that is a member of the Federal Reserve System. SFCB was acquired by the Company in 2018 through a merger with Springfield Bancshares.  SFCB provides full-service commercial and consumer banking to the Springfield, Missouri area through its headquarters located on Glenstone Avenue in Springfield and its branch facility located on East Primrose in Springfield.  SFCB had total segment assets of $882.88 million and $779.96 million as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Other Operating Subsidiaries. m2, which is based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, is engaged in the business of lending and leasing machinery and equipment to C&I businesses under direct financing lease contracts and equipment financing agreements.  

Trust Preferred Subsidiaries. Following is a listing of the Company’s non-consolidated subsidiaries formed for the issuance of trust preferred securities, including pertinent information as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

​

Securities issued by all of the trusts listed above mature 30 years from the date of issuance, but are all currently callable at par at any time. Interest rate reset dates vary by trust.  

​

Business. The Company’s principal business consists of attracting deposits and investing those deposits in loans/leases and securities. The deposits of the subsidiary banks are insured to the maximum amount allowable by the FDIC. The Company’s results of operations are dependent primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on its loans/leases and securities and the interest paid on deposits and borrowings. The Company’s operating results are affected by economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in interest rates, government policies and the actions of regulatory authorities, as described more fully in this Form 10-K, including in Appendix A “Supervision and Regulation.”  Its operating results also can be affected by trust fees, investment advisory and management fees, deposit service charge fees, swap fee income/capital markets revenue, gains on the sale of residential real estate and government guaranteed loans, earnings from BOLI and other noninterest income. Operating expenses include employee compensation and benefits, occupancy and equipment expense, professional and data processing fees, advertising and marketing expenses, bank service charges, FDIC and other insurance, loan/lease expenses and other administrative expenses.

The Company and its subsidiaries collectively employed 726 and 714 FTEs at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The increase in FTEs during 2021 was primarily due to the addition of new positions created to build scale.

The Federal Reserve is the primary federal regulator of the Company, QCBT, CRBT, CSB and SFCB.  QCBT, CRBT and CSB are also regulated by the Iowa Superintendent of Banking and SFCB is regulated by the Missouri Division of Finance. The FDIC, as administrator of the DIF, also has regulatory authority over the subsidiary banks. See Appendix A

Table of Contents

“Supervision and Regulation” for more information on the federal and state statutes and regulations that are applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries.

Lending/Leasing. The Company and its subsidiaries provide a broad range of commercial and retail lending/leasing and investment services to corporations, partnerships, individuals, and government agencies. The subsidiary banks actively market their services to qualified lending and deposit clients. Officers actively solicit the business of new clients entering their market areas as well as long-standing members of the local business community. The Company has an established lending/leasing policy which includes a number of underwriting factors to be considered in making a loan/lease, including, but not limited to, location, loan-to-value ratio, cash flow, collateral and the credit history of the borrower.

In accordance with Iowa regulation, the legal lending limit to one borrower for QCBT, CRBT and CSB, calculated as 15% of aggregate capital, was $35.9 million, $42.7 million, and $19.9 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021. In accordance with Missouri regulation, the legal lending limit to one borrower for SFCB, calculated as 15% of aggregate capital, totaled $15.3 million as of December 31, 2021.

The Company recognizes the need to prevent excessive concentrations of credit exposure to any one borrower or group of related borrowers. As such, the Company has established an in-house lending limit, which is lower than each subsidiary bank’s legal lending limit, in an effort to manage individual borrower exposure levels.

The in-house lending limit is the maximum amount of credit each subsidiary bank will extend to a single borrowing entity or group of related entities. The Company implements a tiered approach, based on the risk rating of the borrower. Under the most recent in-house limit, total credit exposure to a single borrowing entity or group of related entities will not exceed the following, subject to certain exceptions:

​

The QCRH Consolidated amount represents the maximum amount of credit that all affiliated banks, when combined, will extend to a single borrowing entity or group of related entities, subject to certain exceptions.

In addition, m2’s in-house lending limit is $2.5 million to a single lending/leasing entity or group of related entities, subject to certain exceptions.

As part of the loan monitoring activity at the four subsidiary banks, credit administration personnel interact closely with senior bank management. For example, the internal loan committee of each subsidiary bank meets weekly. The Company has a separate in-house loan review function to analyze credits of the subsidiary banks.   To complement the in-house loan review, an independent third-party performs external loan reviews. Historically, management has attempted to identify problem loans at an early stage and to aggressively seek a resolution of those situations.

The Company recognizes that a diversified loan/lease portfolio contributes to reducing risk in the overall loan/lease portfolio. The specific loan/lease portfolio mix is subject to change based on loan/lease demand, the business environment and various economic factors. The Company actively monitors concentrations within the loan/lease portfolio to ensure appropriate diversification and concentration risk is maintained.

​

Table of Contents

Specifically, each subsidiary bank’s total loans as a percentage of average assets may not exceed 85%. In addition, following are established policy limits and the actual allocations for the subsidiary banks as of December 31, 2021 for the loan portfolio organized by loan type, reflected as a percentage of the subsidiary bank’s gross loans:

*   The loan types above are as defined and reported in the subsidiary banks’ quarterly Reports of Condition and Income (also known as Call Reports).

** QCBT’s maximum percentage for bank stock loans is 150% of risk-based capital (bank stock loan commitments are limited to 200% of risk-based capital). At December 31, 2021, QCBT’s bank stock loans totaled 32% of risk-based capital.

*** Policy limits are compared to average loan balances rather than the current balance for monitoring purposes.

The following table presents total loans/leases by major loan/lease type and subsidiary as of December 31, 2021 and 2020. Residential real estate loans held for sale are included in residential real estate loans below. Loan segmentation under ASU 2016-13 follows different methodology where that segmentation is collateral driven, causing certain segments to contain commercial and non-commercial borrowers, whereas pre-ASU 2016-13 segments were borrower driven. Class of receivable and segment detail post-ASU 2016-03 do not break out CRE loans separately.

​

​

Proper pricing of loans is necessary to provide adequate return to the Company’s stockholders. Loan pricing, as established with guidance from the subsidiary banks’ senior management and asset/liability management committees, includes consideration for the cost of funds, loan maturity and risk, origination and maintenance costs, appropriate stockholder return, competitive factors, and the economic environment. The portfolio contains a mix of loans with fixed and floating interest rates. Management attempts to maximize the use of interest rate floors on its variable rate loan portfolio. Refer to “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” for more discussion on the Company’s management of interest rate risk.

In an effort to manage interest rate risk, the subsidiary banks will consider entering into back-to-back interest rate swaps with select commercial borrowers. The interest rate swaps allow the commercial borrowers to pay a fixed interest rate while the banks receive a variable interest rate as well as an upfront nonrefundable fee dependent on the pricing. The banks enter an interest rate swap with the commercial borrower and an equal and offsetting interest rate swap with a larger financial institution counterparty. The Company has increased its focus on this business which has led to significantly increased noninterest income, stronger overall loan growth, and improved management of its interest rate risk.  The Company will continue to review opportunities to execute these swaps at all of its subsidiary banks, as the circumstances are appropriate for the borrower and the Company.  An optimal interest rate swap candidate must be of a certain size and sophistication which can lead to volatility in activity from year to year.  Future levels of swap fee income can be somewhat dependent upon prevailing interest rates and other market activity.

Table of Contents

C&I Lending

As noted above, the subsidiary banks are active C&I lenders. The current areas of emphasis include loans to small and mid-sized businesses with a wide range of operations such as wholesalers, manufacturers, building contractors, business services companies, other banks, and retailers. The subsidiary banks provide a wide range of business loans, including lines of credit for working capital and operational purposes, and term loans for the acquisition of facilities, equipment and other purposes. Since 2010, the subsidiary banks have been active in participating in lending programs offered by the SBA and USDA. Under these programs, the government entities will generally provide a guarantee of repayment ranging from 50% to 85% of the principal amount of the qualifying loan.

Loan approval is generally based on the following factors:

For C&I loans, the Company assigns internal risk ratings which are largely dependent upon the aforementioned approval factors. The risk rating is reviewed annually or on an as needed basis depending on the specific circumstances of the loan. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information, including the internal risk rating scale.

As part of the underwriting process, management reviews current borrower financial statements. When appropriate, certain C&I loans may contain covenants requiring maintenance of financial performance ratios such as, but not limited to:

Establishment of these financial performance ratios depends on a number of factors, including risk rating and the specific industry in which the borrower is engaged.

Collateral for these loans generally includes accounts receivable, inventory and equipment.  The Company’s lending policy specifies approved collateral types and corresponding maximum advance percentages. The value of collateral pledged on loans must exceed the loan amount by a margin sufficient to absorb potential erosion of its value in the event of foreclosure and cover the loan amount plus costs incurred to convert it to cash. Approved non-real estate collateral types and corresponding maximum advance percentages for each collateral type are listed below.

Table of Contents

​

​

Generally, if the above collateral is part of a cross-collateralization with other approved assets, then the maximum advance percentage may be higher.

The Company’s lending policy specifies maximum term limits for C&I loans. For term loans, the maximum term is generally seven years. Generally, term loans range from three to five years. For lines of credit, the maximum term is typically 365 days.

In addition, the subsidiary banks often take personal guarantees or cosigners to help assure repayment. Loans may be made on an unsecured basis if warranted by the overall financial condition of the borrower.

Following is a summary of the five largest industry concentrations within the C&I portfolio as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

​

These loan categories are defined by industry-standard NAICS codes – refer to NAICS.com for a description of each category.

​

CRE Lending

The subsidiary banks also make CRE loans. CRE loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to C&I loans, in addition to those standards and processes specific to real estate loans. Collateral for these loans generally includes the underlying real estate and improvements, and may include additional assets of the borrower. The Company’s lending policy specifies maximum loan-to-value limits based on the category of CRE (commercial real estate loans on improved property, raw land, land development, and commercial construction). These limits are the same limits as, or in some

Table of Contents

situations, more conservative than, those established by regulatory authorities. Following is a listing of these limits as well as some of the other guidelines included in the Company’s lending policy for the major categories of CRE loans:

*       Generally, the debt service coverage ratio must be a minimum of 1.25x for non-owner occupied loans and 1.15x for owner-occupied loans that are subject to a DSCR covenant. For loans greater than $500 thousand, the subsidiary banks sensitize this ratio for deteriorated economic conditions, major changes in interest rates, and/or significant increases in vacancy rates.

**     These maximum rates are consistent with, or in some situations, more conservative than those established by regulatory authorities.

***   Some real estate transactions may offer a swap option whereby the maximum term is 20 years.

**** Generally, the maximum term is 12 months but can be 15 months with credit risk committee monthly review.

​

The Company’s lending policy also includes guidelines for real estate appraisals and evaluations, including minimum appraisal and evaluation standards based on certain transactions. In addition, the subsidiary banks often take personal guarantees to help assure repayment.

In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied CRE loans versus non-owner occupied CRE loans. Owner-occupied CRE loans are generally considered to have less risk. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, approximately 16% and 24%, respectively, of the CRE loan portfolio was owner-occupied.

In accordance with regulatory guidelines, the Company exercises heightened risk management practices when non-owner occupied CRE lending exceeds 300% of total risk-based capital and outstanding balances have increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months or construction, land development and other land loans exceed 100% of total risk-based capital.

In addition, the banks have established policy limits around non-owner occupied CRE and total construction, land development and other land loans.

​

Although CSB’s loan portfolio has historically been real estate dominated and its total construction, land development and other land loans levels exceed these policy limits, it has established a Credit Risk Committee to routinely monitor its real estate loan portfolio.

Table of Contents

Following is a listing of the significant industries within the Company’s CRE loan portfolio as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

​

*   “Other” consists of all other industries. None of these had concentrations greater than $40.9 million, or 1.5%, of total CRE loans as of December 31, 2021.

Following is a breakdown of non owner-occupied income-producing CRE by property type as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

​

Included in Multi-family is $445.6 million of LIHTC permanent loans which are permanent financing for low-income housing tax credit real estate projects.  These loans have a maximum term of 20 years.  Considering the longer duration, the subsidiary banks often enter into a back-to-back interest rate swap to provide the borrower a long-term fixed interest rate while the subsidiary banks receive a variable interest rate and an upfront nonrefundable fee dependent on market pricing.  In addition, the financing structure of the LIHTC permanent loans includes tax credit equity investment that strengthens the overall credit profile.  Including the value of the real estate and the LIHTCs, the loan-to-values of the LIHTC permanent loans are typically in the range of 25% to 65%.  Lastly, the Company has policy limits on maximum exposure amounts to single developers. 

​

Table of Contents

A portion of the Company’s construction portfolio is considered non-residential construction. Following is a summary of industry concentrations within that category as of December 31, 2021 and 2020:

​

Included in Multi-family is $587.2 million of LIHTC construction loans which provide financing for the construction of both new LIHTC real estate projects and the rehabilitation of existing LIHTC real estate projects.  Many of these will convert to LIHTC permanent loans upon completion of construction. 

Additionally, the Company had approximately $78.0 million and $48.8 million of residential construction loans outstanding as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Of this amount, approximately 52% was considered speculative, while 48% was pre-sold at December 31, 2021, and approximately 54% was considered speculative, while 46% was pre-sold at December 31, 2020.

Direct Financing Leasing

m2 leases machinery and equipment to C&I customers under direct financing leases. All lease requests are subject to the credit requirements and criteria as set forth in the lending/leasing policy. In all cases, a formal independent credit analysis of the lessee is performed.

The following private and public sector business assets are generally acceptable to consider for lease funding:

m2 will generally refrain from funding leases of the following type:

Residential Real Estate Lending

Generally, the subsidiary banks residential real estate loans conform to the underwriting requirements of Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to allow the subsidiary banks to resell loans in the secondary market. The subsidiary banks structure most loans that will not conform to those underwriting requirements as adjustable rate mortgages that adjust in one to five years,

Table of Contents

and then retain these loans in their portfolios. Servicing rights are generally not retained on the loans sold in the secondary market. The Company’s lending policy establishes minimum appraisal and other credit guidelines.

The following table presents the originations and sales of residential real estate loans for the Company. Included in originations is activity related to the refinancing of previously held in-house mortgages.

​

Installment and Other Consumer Lending

The consumer lending department of each subsidiary bank provides many types of consumer loans, including home improvement, home equity, motor vehicle, signature loans and small personal credit lines. The Company’s lending policy addresses specific credit guidelines by consumer loan type. In particular, for home equity loans and home equity lines of credit, the minimum credit bureau score is 650. For both home equity loans and lines of credit, the maximum advance rate is 90% of value for primary residences and 80% for second/vacation homes. The maximum term on home equity loans is 10 years and maximum amortization is 15 years. The maximum term on home equity lines of credit is 10 years.

In some instances for all loans/leases, it may be appropriate to originate or purchase loans/leases that are exceptions to the guidelines and limits established within the Company’s lending policy described above. In general, exceptions to the lending policy do not significantly deviate from the guidelines and limits established within the lending policy and, if there are exceptions, they are generally noted as such and specifically identified in loan/lease approval documents.

Human Capital Resources. As of December 31, 2021, the Company employed 693 full-time employees and 63 part-time employees across all locations.  The employees are not represented by a collective bargaining unit. The Company is a relationship driven company and its ability to attract and retain exceptional employees is key to its success.  

​

The Company encourages and supports the growth and development of its employees and, wherever possible, seeks to fill positions by promotion and transfer from within the organization. Continual learning and career development is advanced through ongoing performance and development conversations with employees, internally developed training programs and external training opportunities. Educational reimbursement is available to employees enrolled in degree or certification programs and for seminars, conferences, and other training events employees attend in connection with their job duties.

​

As part of its compensation philosophy, the Company believes that it must offer and maintain market competitive total rewards programs for its employees in order to attract and retain exceptional talent. In addition to competitive base wages, additional programs include annual bonus opportunities, an employee stock purchase plan, Company matched 401(k) Plan, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, paid time off, family leave, sabbaticals, flexible work schedules, an employee assistance program, and various wellness programs.

​

The Company is committed to fostering and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and believes its differences, of every kind, make the company and its communities better.  During recent years, the Company focused on  several initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across its organization.  A few specific actions included hiring a Diversity Officer, rolling out a diversity survey for the second year to gather feedback from all employees, and several diversity and inclusion sessions and workshops across our different entities.

The safety, health and wellness of the Company’s employees is a top priority. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to present a unique challenge with regard to maintaining employee safety while continuing successful operations.  The Company offers remote working alternatives and enforces safety measures for all employees working in locations across the Company.  All employees are encouraged to get vaccinated and are asked not to come in to the office to work when they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or other communicable illnesses.  The Company provided frequent communication using a variety of methods to ensure that all employees were kept informed regarding the ongoing pandemic.

Table of Contents

The Company strives to maintain a culture in which employees feel valued and, to that end, regularly solicits feedback from employees to understand their views about their work environment and the Company’s culture. The results from employee engagement surveys are used to implement programs and processes designed to enhance engagement and improve the employee experience. In 2021, 88% of employees participated in the annual employee engagement survey, exceeding the Company goal of 80%, and the Company received a strong employee engagement score of 81%, above the national benchmark of 74%.

​

The regions in which the subsidiary banks operate primarily – the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Marion, Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Iowa and Springfield, Missouri – generally have strong labor markets, with unemployment rates of 3.7% and 3.3% in Iowa and Missouri, respectively.

​

ESG Commitment. The Company is built on relationships and integrity.  We adhere to those principles in all areas of our business and in our communities and believe that meaningful environmental, social and governance programs will drive shareholder value and make us a better company.  With numerous programs and activities aligned with the ESG framework, we continue to develop and enhance our long-term plan for the future.  We are advancing standard reporting processes and gathering benchmarking data to generate meaningful ESG goals for our company.

​

Competition. The Company currently operates in the highly competitive Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Marion, Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Iowa and Springfield, Missouri markets. Competitors include not only other commercial banks, credit unions, thrift institutions, and mutual funds, but also insurance companies, FinTech companies, finance companies, brokerage firms, investment banking companies, and a variety of other financial services and advisory companies. Many of these competitors are not subject to the same regulatory restrictions as the Company. Many of these competitors compete across geographic boundaries and provide customers increasing access to meaningful alternatives to traditional banking services. The Company also competes in markets with a number of much larger financial institutions with substantially greater resources and larger lending limits.

Appendices. The commercial banking business is a highly regulated business. See Appendix A “Supervision and Regulation” for a discussion of the federal and state statutes and regulations that are applicable to the Company and its subsidiaries.

Internet Site, Securities Filings and Governance Documents. The Company maintains an Internet site at www.qcrh.com. The Company makes available free of charge through this site its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC. These filings are available at http://www.snl.com/IRW/Docs/1024092. Also available are many of the Company’s corporate governance documents, including its Business Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy (https://qcrh.q4ir.com/governance/documents/default.aspx).

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

In addition to the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, stockholders or prospective investors should carefully consider the following risk factors:

Economic and Market Risks

​

Conditions in the financial market and economic conditions, including conditions in the markets in which we operate, generally may adversely affect our business.

​

We operate primarily in the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Des Moines/Ankeny, Iowa and Springfield, Missouri markets.  Our general financial performance is highly dependent upon the business environment in the markets where we operate and in particular, the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services it offers. A favorable business environment is generally characterized by, among other factors, economic growth, efficient capital markets, low inflation, low unemployment, high business and investor confidence, and strong business earnings. Unfavorable or uncertain economic and market conditions can be caused by declines in economic growth, business activity or investor or business confidence; limitations on the availability or increases in the cost of credit and capital; increases in inflation or interest rates; high unemployment, natural disasters, pandemics or a combination of these or other factors.

​

Table of Contents

Uncertainty regarding economic conditions may result in changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing and savings habits. Downturns in the markets where our banking operations occur could result in a decrease in demand for our products and services, an increase in loan delinquencies and defaults, high or increased levels of problem assets and foreclosures and reduced wealth management fees resulting from lower asset values. Such conditions could adversely affect the credit quality of our loans, financial condition and results of operations.

​

Interest rates and other conditions impact our results of operations.

​

Our profitability is in large part a function of the spread between the interest rates earned on investments and loans/leases and the interest rates paid on deposits and other interest bearing liabilities. Like most banking institutions, our net interest spread and margin will be affected by general economic conditions and other factors, including fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government that influence market interest rates and our ability to respond to changes in such rates. At any given time, our assets and liabilities will be such that they are affected differently by a given change in interest rates. As a result, an increase or decrease in rates, the length of loan/lease terms, and the mix of adjustable and fixed rate loans/leases in our portfolio, the length of time deposits and borrowings and the rate sensitivity of our deposit customers could have a positive or negative effect on our net income, capital and liquidity. In addition, the size of nonrefundable swap fees earned in connection with our LIHTC permanent loans may fluctuate depending on the interest rate environment. We measure interest rate risk under various rate scenarios using specific criteria and assumptions. A summary of this process, along with the results of our net interest income simulations is presented at "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk" included under Item 7A of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Although we believe our current level of interest rate sensitivity is reasonable and effectively managed, significant fluctuations in interest rates may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

​

Monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

​

In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the money supply and credit conditions. Among the instruments used by the Federal Reserve to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.

​

In March 2020, the Federal Reserve reduced the target federal funds rate and announced a $700 billion quantitative easing program in response to the expected economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and reduced the interest it pays on excess reserves. The prolong reduction in interest rates is likely to continue to have an adverse effect our net interest income and margins and our profitability. There is potential that reduced rates could pose additional risks to the economy primarily through higher inflation and financial-stability concerns driven by low borrowing costs. There is also a possibility that labor markets could tighten causing inflationary pressures to build faster than the expected gradual pace. Persistently low interest rates could lead consumers and firms to take on riskier financial investments in search of better returns, increasing asset prices to unsustainable levels. The potential rise in asset prices to unsustainable levels could pose potential financial-stability risks in the commercial real estate and corporate borrowing sectors. Sustained low interest rate periods were something that preceded the 1990 and 2007 recessions, placing significant pressure on real estate asset prices through reach-for-yield investor behavior.

​

The Federal Reserve has signaled that it will begin to increase rates, taper its quantitative easing program, and reduce its balance sheet of bonds and other assets in 2022, but will do so with the goal of avoiding abrupt or unpredictable changes in economic or financial conditions so as not to disrupt the financial systems, also known as “shocks;” despite this, the impact of these changes cannot be certain.  Vulnerabilities in the financial system can amplify the impact of an initial shock following rate increases, potentially leading to unintended volatility, as well to disruptions in the provision of financial services, such as clearing payments, the provision of liquidity, and the availability of credit.  Furthermore, asset liquidation pressures can be amplified by liquidity mismatches and the leverage of certain nonbank financial intermediaries such as hedge funds.  The financial downturn in March 2020 also demonstrated that pressures on dealer intermediation can limit the availability of liquidity during times of market stress.  Given the interconnectedness of the global financial system, these vulnerabilities could impact the Company’s business operations and financial condition.

​

​

​

Table of Contents

Declines in asset values may result in impairment charges and adversely affect the value of our investments, financial performance and capital.

​

The market value of investments in our securities portfolio has become increasingly volatile in recent years, and as of December 31, 2021, we had gross unrealized losses of $1.3 million, or 0.2% of amortized cost, in our investment portfolio (offset by gross unrealized gains of $58.9 million). The market value of investments may be affected by factors other than the underlying performance of the servicer of the securities or the mortgages underlying the securities, such as ratings downgrades, adverse changes in the business climate and a lack of liquidity in the secondary market for certain investment securities. On a quarterly basis, we formally evaluate investments and other assets for impairment indicators. Reduction in the value, or impairment of our investment securities, can impact our earnings and common stockholders' equity. We maintained a balance of $810.2 million, or 13% of our assets, in investment securities at December 31, 2021. Changes in market interest rates can affect the value of these investment securities, with increasing interest rates generally resulting in a reduction of value. Although the reduction in value from temporary increases in market rates does not affect our income until the security is sold, it does result in an unrealized loss recorded in other comprehensive income that can reduce our common stockholders’ equity. Further, we may have to record provision expense to establish an allowance for credit losses on our carried at fair value debt securities, and we must periodically test our investment securities for other-than-temporary impairment in value. In assessing whether the value of investment securities is impaired, we consider the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability to retain our investment in the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term. Based on management's evaluation, it was determined that the gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2021 were primarily a function of the changes in certain market interest rates.

​

The stock market can be volatile, and fluctuations in our operating results and other factors could cause our stock price to decline.

​

The stock market has experienced, and may continue to experience, fluctuations that significantly impact the market prices of securities issued by many companies. Market fluctuations could also adversely affect our stock price. These fluctuations have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of particular companies. These broad market fluctuations, as well as general economic, systemic, political and market conditions, such as recessions, loss of investor confidence, interest rate changes, or international currency fluctuations, may negatively affect the market price of our common stock. Moreover, our operating results may fluctuate and vary from period to period due to the risk factors set forth herein. As a result, period-to-period comparisons should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance. Our stock price could fluctuate significantly in response to our quarterly or annual results and the impact of these risk factors on our operating results or financial position.

​

Secondary mortgage, government guaranteed loan and interest rate swap market conditions could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

​

Currently, we sell a portion of the residential real estate and government guaranteed loans we originate. The profitability of these operations depends in large part upon our ability to make loans and to sell them in the secondary market at a gain. Thus, we are dependent upon the existence of an active secondary market and our ability to profitably sell loans into that market.

​

In addition to being affected by interest rates, the secondary markets are also subject to investor demand for residential mortgages and government guaranteed loans and investor yield requirements for those loans. These conditions may fluctuate or even worsen in the future. As a result, a prolonged period of secondary market illiquidity may reduce our loan production volumes and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

​

The interest rate swap market is dependent upon market conditions. If interest rates move, interest rate swap transactions may no longer make sense for the Company and/or its customers. Interest rate swaps are generally appropriate for commercial customers with a certain level of expertise and comfort with derivatives, so our success is dependent upon the ability to make loans to these types of commercial customers. Additionally, our ability to execute interest rate swaps is also dependent upon counterparties that are willing to enter into the interest rate swap that is equal and offsetting to the interest rate swap we enter into with the commercial customer.  The mix of loans with interest rate swaps are heavily weighted towards LIHTC permanent loans.  Future levels of swap fee income are dependent upon the needs of our traditional commercial and LIHTC borrowers, and the size of the related nonrefundable swap fee may fluctuate on the interest rate environment.

​

Table of Contents

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to create disruptions that affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations.

​

The extent to which COVID-19 will continue to affect business operations, financial condition, credit quality, and results of operations will depend on future developments that cannot be predicted, including the duration and scope of the pandemic.  The direct or indirect impact on employees, customers, counterparties, and service providers, as well as other market participants, is likely to continue through 2022 as the world attempts to gain control over the virus and emerging variants. The impact that the virus continues to have on global markets, the economy, business restrictions, and employment is ongoing as a projected return to pre-pandemic operating conditions is unknown.

​

In the past year, the United States economy began to rebound from severe disruptions caused by the onset of the pandemic in March 2020.  Economic conditions have begun to normalize with the availability of vaccines and treatments, increasing workforce employment and participation, the lessening of business and education restrictions, and demand for services beginning to return.  The financial conditions of households and businesses was bolstered significantly by government stimulus, which contributed to the economic recovery but also brought about growing pains as evidenced by supply chain problems and rising prices.  Although current economic conditions are more favorable than the prior year, the outlook for continued growth is characterized by elevated uncertainty with potential for unevenness across markets and sectors.  Although household and business credit and liquidity is strong currently, further pandemic-related disruptions could result in increased risk of delinquencies, defaults, foreclosures, and losses on our loans; declines in assets under management, affecting wealth management revenues; negative impacts on regional economic conditions resulting in declines in local loan demand, liquidity of loan guarantors, loan collateral (particularly in real estate), loan originations, and deposit availability; and impacts on the implementation of our growth strategy.  While the recovery this past year has been strong, the pace of growth in the United States and globally could decline as a result of rising inflation, the pervasiveness of supply chain challenges across industries, and the persistence of the virus in variant forms.

​

Overall, we believe that the economic impact from COVID-19 will continue for some time and could have a material and adverse impact on our business and result in significant losses in our loan portfolio, all of which would adversely and materially impact our earnings and capital.  Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, we may continue to experience materially adverse impacts to our business as a result of the global economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the availability of credit, adverse impacts on liquidity, and any recession that has occurred or may occur in the future.  There are no comparable recent events that provide guidance as to the effect the spread of COVID-19 as a global pandemic may have, nor are there historical indicators to rely on in terms of how markets will react, and as a result, the ultimate impact of the pandemic is highly uncertain and subject to change.

​

Continued elevated levels of inflation could adversely impact our business and results of operations.

​

The United States has recently experienced elevated levels of inflation, with the consumer price index climbing approximately 7.0% in 2021.  Continued levels of inflation could have complex effects on our business and results of operations, some of which could be materially adverse.  For example, if interest rates were to rise in response to, or as a result of, elevated levels of inflation, the value of our securities portfolio would be negatively impacted.  In addition, while we generally expect any inflation-related increases in our interest expense to be offset by increases in our interest revenue, inflation-driven increases in our levels of non-interest expense could negatively impact our results of operations.  Continued elevated levels of inflation could also cause increased volatility and uncertainty in the business environment, which could adversely affect loan demand and our clients’ ability to repay indebtedness. It is also possible that governmental responses to the current inflation environment could adversely affect our business, such as changes to monetary and fiscal policy that are too strict, or the imposition or threatened imposition of price controls. The duration and severity of the current inflationary period cannot be estimated with precision.

​

Labor shortages and failure to attract and retain qualified employees could negatively impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A number of factors may adversely affect the labor force available to us or increase labor costs, including high employment levels, decreased labor force size and participation rates as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded unemployment benefits offered in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and other government actions. Although we have not experienced any material labor shortage to date, we have recently observed an overall tightening and increasingly competitive local labor market. A sustained labor shortage or increased turnover rates within our employee base could lead to increased costs, such as increased compensation expense to attract and retain employees.

Table of Contents

In addition, if we are unable to hire and retain employees capable of performing at a high-level, or if mitigation measures we may take to respond to a decrease in labor availability have unintended negative effects, our business could be adversely affected. An overall labor shortage, lack of skilled labor, increased turnover or labor inflation, caused by COVID-19 or as a result of general macroeconomic factors, could have a material adverse impact on our operations, results of operations, liquidity or cash flows.

Regulatory and Legal Risks

​

We may be materially and adversely affected by the highly regulated environment in which we operate.

​

The Company and its bank subsidiaries are subject to extensive federal and state regulation, supervision and examination. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors' funds, FDIC funds, customers and the banking system as a whole, rather than stockholders. These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend policy and growth, among other things.

​

As a bank holding company, we are subject to regulation and supervision primarily by the Federal Reserve. QCBT, CRBT and CSB, as Iowa-chartered state member banks, are subject to regulation and supervision primarily by both the Iowa Superintendent and the Federal Reserve. SFCB, as a Missouri-chartered commercial bank, is subject to regulation by both the Missouri Division of Finance and the Federal Reserve. We and our banks undergo periodic examinations by these regulators, who have extensive discretion and authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of law by banks and bank holding companies.  The primary federal and state banking laws and regulations that affect us are described in Appendix A “Supervision and Regulation” to this report. These laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies and interpretations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time.

​

U.S. financial institutions are also subject to numerous monitoring, recordkeeping, and reporting requirements designed to detect and prevent illegal activities such as money laundering and terrorist financing. These requirements are imposed primarily through the Bank Secrecy Act which was most recently amended by the USA Patriot Act. We have instituted policies and procedures to protect us and our employees, to the extent reasonably possible, from being used to facilitate money laundering, terrorist financing and other financial crimes. There can be no guarantee, however, that these policies and procedures are effective.

​

Failure to comply with applicable laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil monetary penalties, and/or damage to our reputation, which could have a material adverse effect on us. Although we have policies and procedures designed to mitigate the risk of any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur.

​

Future legislation, regulation, and government policy could affect the banking industry as a whole, including our business and results of operations, in ways that are difficult to predict. In addition, our results of operations also could be adversely affected by changes in the way in which existing statutes and regulations are interpreted or applied by courts and government agencies.

​

We are required to maintain capital to meet regulatory requirements, and if we fail to maintain sufficient capital, whether due to losses, an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, as well as our ability to maintain regulatory compliance, would be adversely affected.

​

The Company and each of its banking subsidiaries are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support their operations, which have recently increased due to the effectiveness of the Basel III regulatory capital reforms. We intend to grow our business organically and to explore opportunities to grow our business by taking advantage of attractive acquisition opportunities, and such growth plans may require us to raise additional capital to ensure that we have adequate levels of capital to support such growth on top of our current operations. Our ability to raise additional capital, when and if needed or desired, will depend on conditions in the capital markets, economic conditions and a number of other factors, including investor perceptions regarding the banking industry and market conditions, and governmental activities, many of which are outside our control, and on our financial condition and performance. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to raise additional capital if needed or on terms acceptable to us. Our failure to meet these capital and other regulatory requirements could affect customer confidence, our ability to grow, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance costs, our ability to pay dividends on common and preferred stock and to make distributions on our trust preferred securities, our ability to make acquisitions, and our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Table of Contents

Climate change and related legislative and regulatory initiatives may result in operational changes and expenditures that could significantly impact our business.

​

The current and anticipated effects of climate change are creating an increasing level of concern for the state of the global environment. As a result, political and social attention to the issue of climate change has increased. In recent years, governments across the world have entered into international agreements to attempt to reduce global temperatures, in part by limiting greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. Congress, state legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies have continued to propose and advance numerous legislative and regulatory initiatives seeking to mitigate the effects of climate change. Consumers and businesses may also change their behavior on their own as a result of these concerns. The impact on our customers will likely vary depending on their specific attributes, including reliance on or role in carbon intensive activities. Our efforts to take these risks into account in making lending and other decisions, including by increasing our business with climate-friendly companies, may not be effective in protecting us from the negative impact of new laws and regulations or changes in consumer or business behavior.

​

Given the lack of empirical data on the credit and other financial risks posed by climate change, it is difficult to predict how climate change may impact our financial condition and operations; however, as a banking organization, the physical effects of climate change may present certain unique risks. For example, weather disasters, shifts in local climates and other disruptions related to climate change may adversely affect the value of real properties securing our loans, which could diminish the value of our loan portfolio. Such events may also cause reductions in regional and local economic activity that may have an adverse effect on our customers, which could limit our ability to raise and invest capital in these areas and communities.

​

Evolving law impacting cannabis-related businesses in Illinois and other states may have an impact on the Company's operations and risk profile.

​

The Controlled Substances Act makes it illegal under federal law to manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana. Starting January 1, 2020, however, the Illinois Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act began permitting adults to legally purchase marijuana for recreational use from licensed dispensaries. It is the Banks' current policy to avoid knowingly providing banking products or services to entities or individuals that: (i) directly or indirectly manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana or hemp products, or those with a significant financial interest in such entities; or (ii) derive a significant percentage of revenue from providing products or services to, or other involvement with, such entities. The Banks are taking reasonable measures, including appropriate new account screening and customer due diligence measures, to ensure that existing and potential customers do not engage in any such activities. Nonetheless, the shift in Illinois law legalizing cannabis use has increased the number of direct and indirect cannabis-related businesses in Illinois, and therefore has increased the likelihood that the Banks could interact with such businesses, as well as their owners and employees. Such interactions could create additional legal, regulatory, strategic, and reputational risk to the Banks and the Company.

​

Credit and Lending Risks

​

We must effectively manage our credit risk.

​

There are risks inherent in making any loan, including risks inherent in dealing with specific borrowers, risks of nonpayment, risks resulting from uncertainties as to the future value of collateral and risks resulting from changes in economic and industry conditions. We attempt to minimize our credit risk through prudent loan application approval procedures, careful monitoring of the concentration of our loans within specific industries and periodic independent reviews of outstanding loans by our credit review department and an external third party. However, we cannot assure you that such approval and monitoring procedures will reduce these credit risks.

​

The majority of our subsidiary banks' loan portfolios are invested in C&I and CRE loans, and we focus on lending to small to medium-sized businesses. The size of the loans we can offer to commercial customers is less than the size of the loans that our competitors with larger lending limits can offer. This may limit our ability to establish relationships with the area's largest businesses. Smaller companies tend to be at a competitive disadvantage and generally have limited operating histories, less sophisticated internal record keeping and financial planning capabilities and fewer financial resources than larger companies. As a result, we may assume greater lending risks than financial institutions that have a lesser concentration of such loans and tend to make loans to larger, more established businesses. Collateral for these loans generally includes accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and real estate. However, depending on the overall financial condition of the borrower, some loans are made on an unsecured basis. In addition to C&I and CRE loans, our subsidiary banks are also active in residential mortgage and consumer lending. Our borrowers may experience financial difficulties,

Table of Contents

and the level of nonperforming loans, charge-offs and delinquencies could rise, which could negatively impact our business through increased provision, reduced interest income on loans/leases, and increased expenses incurred to carry and resolve problem loans/leases.

​

C&I loans make up a large portion of our loan/lease portfolio.

​

C&I loans were $1.6 billion, or approximately 34% of our total loan/lease portfolio, as of December 31, 2021. Our C&I loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most often, this collateral is accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and real estate. Credit support provided by the borrower for most of these loans and the probability of repayment is based on the liquidation value of the pledged collateral and enforcement of a personal guarantee, if any exists. Whenever possible, we require a personal guarantee or cosigner on commercial loans. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers. The collateral securing these loans may lose value over time, may be difficult to appraise, and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business. In addition, a prolonged recovery period could harm or continue to harm the businesses of our C&I customers and reduce the value of the collateral securing these loans.

​

Our loan/lease portfolio has a significant concentration of CRE loans, which involve risks specific to real estate values.

​

CRE lending comprises a significant portion of our lending business. Specifically, CRE loans were $2.7 billion, or approximately 57% of our total loan/lease portfolio, as of December 31, 2021. Of this amount, $421.7 million, or approximately 16%, was owner-occupied. The market value of real estate securing our CRE loans can fluctuate significantly in a short period of time as a result of market conditions in the geographic area in which the real estate is located. Adverse developments affecting real estate values in one or more of our markets could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio. Additionally, real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of the loans generally is dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the properties securing the loans to cover operating expenses and debt service. Economic events or governmental regulations outside of the control of the borrower or lender could negatively impact the future cash flow and market values of the affected properties.

​

Included in our CRE lending portfolio are our LIHTC construction and permanent loans, which have the same inherent risks as our other non-owner occupied CRE loans.  However, the LIHTC construction and permanent loans, and related nonrefundable swap fee income, rely on federal LIHTCs to help finance the overall real estate projects and are dependent on the continued availability of such LIHTC programs.  Changes to the LIHTC programs, including changes to the level of tax credits provided by the federal government on low income housing, may have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

​

Capital and Liquidity Risks

​