SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES INC - Quarter Report: 2020 March (Form 10-Q)

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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, 2020



☐	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: 000-12247

SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Texas			75-1848732
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)			(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1201 S. Beckham Avenue,	Tyler,	Texas	75701
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)			(Zip Code)

903-531-7111

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of each class	Trading Symbol	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $1.25 par value	SBSI	NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ 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 ☒

The number of shares of the issuer’s common stock, par value $1.25, outstanding as of May 4, 2020 was 33,011,569 shares.

TABLE OF CONTENTS



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	1
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS	39
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK	59
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES	61
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS	61
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS	61
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS	62
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES	62
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES	62
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION	62
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS	63
EXHIBIT INDEX	63
SIGNATURES	64

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (in thousands, except share amounts)

	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	71,727		$	66,949
Interest earning deposits	40,486			43,748
Total cash and cash equivalents	112,213			110,697
Securities:
Securities available for sale, at estimated fair value (amortized cost of $2,704,874 and $2,306,741, respectively)	2,813,024			2,358,597
Securities held to maturity (estimated fair value of $144,246 and $138,879, respectively)	134,491			134,863
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost	54,696			50,087
Equity investments	12,395			12,331
Loans held for sale	1,830			383
Loans:
Loans	3,601,002			3,568,204
Less: Allowance for loan losses	(53,638		)	(24,797		)
Net loans	3,547,364			3,543,407
Premises and equipment, net	146,212			143,912
Operating lease right-of-use assets	9,671			9,755
Goodwill	201,116			201,116
Other intangible assets, net	12,381			13,361
Interest receivable	27,069			28,452
Unsettled trades to sell securities	67,247			—
Unsettled issuances of brokered certificates of deposit	—			20,000
Bank owned life insurance	101,066			100,498
Other assets	32,863			21,454
Total assets	$	7,273,638		$	6,748,913

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Deposits:
Noninterest bearing	$	1,065,708		$	1,040,112
Interest bearing	3,673,415			3,662,657
Total deposits	4,739,123			4,702,769
Other borrowings	217,900			28,358
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	1,274,370			972,744
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	98,619			98,576
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	60,251			60,250
Deferred tax liability, net	6,964			4,823
Unsettled trades to purchase securities	14,596			17,538
Operating lease liabilities	10,123			10,174
Other liabilities	55,892			49,101
Total liabilities	6,477,838			5,944,333

Off-balance-sheet arrangements, commitments and contingencies (Note 12)

Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock: ($1.25 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 37,898,269 shares issued at March 31, 2020 and 37,887,662 shares issued at December 31, 2019)	47,373			47,360
Paid-in capital	768,440			766,718
Retained earnings	65,863			80,274
Treasury stock: (shares at cost, 4,886,700 at March 31, 2020 and 4,064,405 at December 31, 2019)	(119,415		)	(94,008		)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	33,539			4,236
Total shareholders’ equity	795,800			804,580
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	7,273,638		$	6,748,913

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED) (in thousands, except per share data)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2020		2019
Interest income:
Loans	$	41,895	$	41,619
Taxable investment securities	512		28
Tax-exempt investment securities	6,206		4,118
Mortgage-backed securities	11,534		12,474
Federal Home Loan Bank stock and equity investments	425		355
Other interest earning assets	180		433
Total interest income	60,752		59,027
Interest expense:
Deposits	9,919		11,241
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	3,974		4,457
Subordinated notes	1,411		1,400
Trust preferred subordinated debentures	600		729
Other borrowings	147		75
Total interest expense	16,051		17,902
Net interest income	44,701		41,125
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses	25,247		(918		)
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	19,454		42,043
Noninterest income:
Deposit services	6,279		5,986
Net gain on sale of securities available for sale	5,541		256
Gain on sale of loans	170		93
Trust fees	1,305		1,541
Bank owned life insurance	569		544
Brokerage services	580		517
Other	1,054		601
Total noninterest income	15,498		9,538
Noninterest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits	19,643		18,046
Net occupancy	3,311		3,175
Advertising, travel & entertainment	832		847
ATM expense	224		180
Professional fees	1,195		1,314
Software and data processing	1,227		1,076
Communications	493		487
FDIC insurance	25		422
Amortization of intangibles	980		1,179
Other	2,590		2,901
Total noninterest expense	30,520		29,627
Income before income tax expense	4,432		21,954
Income tax expense	479		3,137
Net income	$	3,953	$	18,817

Earnings per common share – basic	$	0.12	$	0.56
Earnings per common share – diluted	$	0.12	$	0.56
Cash dividends paid per common share	$	0.31	$	0.30

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED) (in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2020			2019
Net income	$	3,953		$	18,817
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Securities available for sale and transferred securities:
Change in unrealized holding gain on available for sale securities during the period	61,486			46,626
Reclassification adjustment for amortization related to available for sale and held to maturity debt securities	121			491
Reclassification adjustment for net gain on sale of available for sale securities, included in net income	(5,541		)	(256		)
Derivatives:
Change in net unrealized loss on effective cash flow hedge interest rate swap derivatives	(19,600		)	(3,120		)
Reclassification adjustment of net gain related to derivatives designated as cash flow hedges	(101		)	(668		)
Pension plans:
Amortization of net actuarial loss and prior service credit, included in net periodic benefit cost	727			541
Other comprehensive income, before tax	37,092			43,614
Income tax expense related to items of other comprehensive income	(7,789		)	(9,159		)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	29,303			34,455
Comprehensive income	$	33,256		$	53,272

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED) (in thousands, except share and per share data)

	Common Stock		Paid In Capital		Retained Earnings			Treasury Stock			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total Shareholders’ Equity
Balance at December 31, 2018	$	47,307	$	762,470	$	64,797		$	(93,055	)	$	(50,228	)	$	731,291
Cumulative effect of accounting change	—		—		(16,452		)	—			—			(16,452		)
Adjusted beginning balance	47,307		762,470		48,345			(93,055		)	(50,228		)	714,839
Net income	—		—		18,817			—			—			18,817
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—			—			34,455			34,455
Issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment plan (10,565 shares)	13		342		—			—			—			355
Purchase of common stock (40,852 shares)	—		—		—			(1,325		)	—			(1,325		)
Stock compensation expense	—		661		—			—			—			661
Net issuance of common stock under employee stock plans (23,167 shares)	—		109		(32		)	261			—			338
Cash dividends paid on common stock ($0.30 per share)	—		—		(10,107		)	—			—			(10,107		)
Balance at March 31, 2019	$	47,320	$	763,582	$	57,023		$	(94,119	)	$	(15,773	)	$	758,033



Balance at December 31, 2019	$	47,360	$	766,718	$	80,274		$	(94,008	)	$	4,236	$	804,580
Cumulative effect of accounting change	—		—		(7,830		)	—			—		(7,830		)
Adjusted beginning balance	47,360		766,718		72,444			(94,008		)	4,236		796,750
Net income	—		—		3,953			—			—		3,953
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—			—			29,303		29,303
Issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment plan (10,607 shares)	13		334		—			—			—		347
Purchase of common stock (869,723 shares)	—		—		—			(25,842		)	—		(25,842		)
Stock compensation expense	—		695		—			—			—		695
Net issuance of common stock under employee stock plans (47,428 shares)	—		693		(40		)	435			—		1,088
Cash dividends paid on common stock ($0.31 per share)	—		—		(10,494		)	—			—		(10,494		)
Balance at March 31, 2020	$	47,373	$	768,440	$	65,863		$	(119,415	)	$	33,539	$	795,800

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2020			2019
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	3,953		$	18,817
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:
Depreciation and net amortization	3,021			3,023
Securities premium amortization (discount accretion), net	4,505			3,448
Loan (discount accretion) premium amortization, net	(244		)	(438		)
Provision for (reversal of) credit losses	25,247			(918		)
Stock compensation expense	695			661
Deferred tax (benefit) expense	(5,075		)	126
Net gain on sale of securities available for sale	(5,541		)	(256		)
Net (gain) loss on premises and equipment	(42		)	5
Gross proceeds from sales of loans held for sale	5,204			4,244
Gross originations of loans held for sale	(6,651		)	(4,027		)
Net loss (gain) on other real estate owned	1			(92		)
Net change in:
Interest receivable	1,383			7,270
Other assets	(9,318		)	3,305
Interest payable	(2,034		)	(321		)
Other liabilities	(17,003		)	(14,373		)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(1,899		)	20,474

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Securities available for sale:
Purchases	(683,062		)	(372,465		)
Sales	135,000			436,182
Maturities, calls and principal repayments	80,555			30,077
Securities held to maturity:
Maturities, calls and principal repayments	352			15,405
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock and equity investments	—			8,788
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock and equity investments	(4,661		)	(11,551		)
Net loan (originations) paydowns	(33,207		)	5,868
Purchases of premises and equipment	(4,259		)	(4,040		)
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment	72			2
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned	46			470
Proceeds from sales of repossessed assets	31			137
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(509,133		)	108,873

(continued)

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SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued) (UNAUDITED) (in thousands)

	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2020			2019
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in deposits	$	56,281		$	157,991
Net change in other borrowings	189,542			(28,173		)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	3,247,401			1,556,293
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	(2,945,775		)	(1,655,495		)
Proceeds from stock option exercises	1,130			412
Cash paid to tax authority related to tax withholding on share-based awards	(42		)	(74		)
Purchase of common stock	(25,842		)	(1,325		)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock for dividend reinvestment plan	347			355
Cash dividends paid	(10,494		)	(10,107		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	512,548			19,877

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,516			149,224
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	110,697			120,719
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	112,213		$	269,943

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES FOR CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

Interest paid	$	18,085		$	18,224
Income taxes paid	$	—		$	—

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Loans transferred to other repossessed assets and real estate through foreclosure	$	338		$	336
Unsettled trades to purchase securities	$	(14,596	)	$	(55,826	)
Unsettled trades to sell securities	$	67,247		$	95,482

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

1. Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies

Basis of Presentation

In this report, the words “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to the combined entities of Southside Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries, including Southside Bank. The words “Southside” and “Southside Bancshares” refer to Southside Bancshares, Inc. The words “Southside Bank” and “the Bank” refer to Southside Bank. “Diboll” refers to Diboll State Bancshares, Inc., a bank holding company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Bank & Trust East Texas, acquired by Southside on November 30, 2017.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, not all information required by GAAP for complete financial statements is included in these interim statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consisted only of normal recurring items. The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires the use of management’s estimates. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve matters of judgment. Actual amounts could differ from these estimates.

Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Accounting Changes and Reclassifications

Certain prior period amounts may be reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Current Expected Credit Losses

We adopted ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” on January 1, 2020, the effective date of the guidance. ASU 2016-13 replaced the incurred loss model with an expected loss methodology that is referred to as current expected credit loss (“CECL”). The CECL model is used to estimate credit losses on certain off-balance-sheet credit exposures and certain types of financial instruments measured at amortized cost including loan receivables and held to maturity (“HTM”) debt securities. ASU 2016-13 also modified the impairment model on available for sale (“AFS”) debt securities, whereby credit losses are recognized as an allowance rather than a direct write-down of the AFS debt security. In addition, ASU 2016-13 modified the accounting model for purchased financial assets with credit deterioration (“PCD”) since their origination.

We adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective approach for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance-sheet credit exposures. Adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2020, resulted in a cumulative-effect adjustment to reduce retained earnings by $7.8 million, net of tax. Due to the implementation of the guidance under the modified retrospective approach, prior periods have not been adjusted and are reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP. The impairment model for AFS securities will be applied using a prospective approach.

We adopted ASU 2016-13 using the prospective transition approach for financial assets purchased with credit deterioration since their origination that were previously classified as purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) and accounted for under ASC 310-30. On the date of adoption, the amortized cost basis of the PCD assets was adjusted by an allowance for credit losses of $231,000. The remaining noncredit discount based upon the adjusted amortized cost basis will be accreted into interest income at the effective interest rate as of the date of adoption.

Current Expected Credit Losses ("CECL"). Current expected credit losses is the estimated credit loss over the contractual life of a financial instrument measured upon origination or purchase of the instrument. The measurement of the credit loss is based upon the historical or expected credit loss patterns adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecast periods adjusted for prepayments and significant reserve factors. Reserve factors are specific to the financial instrument segments that share similar risk characteristics based on the probability of default over the contractual term. The forecasted periods gradually mean-revert to the long-run trend based upon historical data. Management may apply additional scenario conditions and/or relevant qualitative factors, not previously considered, to determine the appropriate allowance level. The use of the CECL model includes significant judgment by management and may differ from those of our peers due to different historical loss patterns and the length of time of the reasonable and supportable forecast period and reversion period.

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When assessing for credit losses from period to period, the change may be indicative of changes in the estimates of timing or the amount of future cash flows, as well as the passage of time. We have elected to report the entire change in present value as provision for credit losses.

When using the discounted cash flow method to determine the allowance for credit losses, management does not adjust the effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to incorporate expected prepayments, but rather applies separate prepayment factors.

The following table reflects the impact of ASU 2016-13 on our allowances for credit losses as of January 1, 2020:



	January 1, 2020
	Pre-Adoption		Impact of Adoption			Post-Adoption
ASSETS
Allowance for loan losses
Loans:
Real estate loans:
Construction	$	3,539	$	2,953		$	6,492
1-4 family residential	3,833		(1,453		)	2,380
Commercial	9,572		8,063			17,635
Commercial loans	6,351		(3,554		)	2,797
Municipal loans	570		(522		)	48
Loans to individuals	932		(184		)	748
Allowance for loan losses	$	24,797	$	5,303		$	30,100

LIABILITIES
Allowance for off-balance-sheet credit exposures	$	1,455	$	4,840		$	6,295

Accrued Interest. Accrued interest for our loans and debt securities, included in interest receivable on our consolidated balance sheets, is excluded from the estimate of allowance for credit losses (“ACL”).

Nonaccrual Assets and Loan Charge-offs. Nonaccrual assets include financial assets 90 days or more delinquent and collection in full of both the principal and interest is not expected. Financial instruments that are not delinquent or that are delinquent less than 90 days may be placed on nonaccrual status if it is probable that we will not receive contractual principal or interest. When an asset is categorized as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued and any accrued balance is reversed for financial statement purposes. Payments received on nonaccrual assets are applied to the outstanding principal balance. Payments of contractual interest are recognized as income only to the extent that full recovery of the principal balance is reasonably certain. Assets are returned to accrual status when all payments contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Industry and our own experience indicates that a portion of our loans will become delinquent and a portion of our loans will require partial or full charge-off. Regardless of the underwriting criteria utilized, losses may occur as a result of various factors beyond our control, including, among other things, changes in market conditions affecting the value of properties used as collateral for loans and problems affecting the credit worthiness of the borrower and the ability of the borrower to make payments on the loan. We charge-off loans when deemed uncollectible. Our policy is to charge-off or partially charge-off a retail credit after it is 120 days past due. Charge-offs on commercial credits is determined on a case-by-case basis when a credit loss has been confirmed.

Debt Securities

Available for Sale (“AFS”). Debt securities that will be held for indefinite periods of time, including securities that may be sold in response to changes in market interest or prepayment rates, needs for liquidity and changes in the availability of and the yield on alternative investments are classified as AFS. These assets are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, not related to credit losses, reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), net of tax. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices as of the close of business on the balance sheet date. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices for similar securities or estimates from independent pricing services.

Held to Maturity (“HTM”). Debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as HTM and are carried at their amortized cost which includes the remaining unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized premiums or unaccreted discounts. Our HTM securities are presented on the consolidated balance sheet net of allowance for credit losses, if any. As of March 31, 2020, there was no allowance for credit losses on our HTM securities portfolio.

Premiums and Discounts. Premiums and discounts on debt securities are generally amortized over the contractual life of the security, except for mortgage backed securities where prepayments are anticipated and for callable debt securities whose premiums

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are amortized to the earliest call date in accordance with ASC 310. The amortization of purchased premium or discount is included in interest income on our consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded in the month of the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method. On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2017-08, “Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities,” and in conjunction with the adoption recognized a cumulative effect adjustment to reduce retained earnings by $16.5 million, before tax, related to premiums on callable debt securities. With the adoption of ASU 2017-08, premiums on debt securities will be amortized to the earliest call date.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Available for Sale Securities. For AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position where management (i) has the intent to sell or (ii) where it will more-likely-than-not be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, we write the security down to fair value through income. For those AFS debt securities that do not meet either of these criteria, management assesses whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. Management assesses the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, industry and/or geographic conditions, credit ratings as well as other indicators at the individual security level. If a credit loss is determined to exist, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of discounted cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost. Any impairment that is not recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in comprehensive income. Any future changes in the allowance for credit losses is recorded as provision for (reversal of) credit losses. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the credit related portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized as a direct write-down of the AFS debt security.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Held to Maturity Securities. Expected credit losses on HTM securities are measured on a collective basis by major security type, when similar risk characteristics exist. Risk characteristics for segmenting HTM debt securities include issuer, maturity, coupon rate, yield, payment frequency, source of repayment, bond payment structure, and embedded options. Upon assignment of the risk characteristics to the major security types, management may further evaluate the qualitative factors associated with these securities to determine the expectation of credit losses, if any.

The major security types within our HTM portfolio include residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and state and political subdivisions.

Our state and political subdivisions include highly rated municipal securities with a long history of no credit losses. Our investment policy restricts bond purchases with a rating less than BAA and limits our entity concentration. We utilize term structures and due to no prior loss exposure on our state and political subdivision securities, we apply third party average data to model our securities to represent the portion of the asset that would be lost if the issuer were to default. These third party estimates of recoveries and defaults, adjusted for constant probability over the securities expected life, are used to evaluate the expected loss of the securities. Due to the limited number and the nature of the HTM state and political subdivisions we hold, we do not model these securities as a pool, but on the specific identification method in conjunction with the application of our third-party fair value measurement.

Our residential and commercial MBS are issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”) and are collateralized by pools of single- or multi- family mortgages. Our MBS are highly rated securities with a long history of no credit losses which are either explicitly or implicitly backed by the U.S. government agencies, primarily the Government National Mortgage Association (“Ginnie Mae”) and GSEs, primarily Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) and Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”) which guarantee the payment of principal and interest to investors. Management has collectively evaluated the characteristics of these securities and has assumed an expectation of zero credit loss. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, the credit related portion of an other-than-temporary impairment was recognized as a direct write-down of the HTM debt security.

We reevaluate the characteristics of our major security types at every reporting period and reassess the considerations to continue to support our expectation of credit loss.

Loans

Loans. Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost consists of the outstanding principal balance adjusted for any charge-offs and any unamortized origination fees and unamortized premiums or discounts on purchased loans. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income over the life of the loan.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans. With the adoption of ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2020, the allowance for credit losses on loans is estimated and recognized upon origination of the loan based on expected credit losses. ASU 2016-13 replaced the previous incurred loss model which incorporated only known information as of the balance sheet date. The CECL model uses historical experience and current conditions for homogeneous pools of loans, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about future events.

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These economic forecasts are adjusted by risk inputs to model the expected credit losses. Management may apply additional scenario conditions and/or relevant qualitative factors, not previously considered, to determine the appropriate allowance level.

When determining the appropriate allowance for credit losses on our loan portfolio, our commercial construction and real estate loans, commercial loans and municipal loans utilize the probability of default/loss given default discounted cash flow approach. These loans are assigned to pools based upon risk factors including the loan type and structure, collateral type, leverage ratio, refinancing risk and origination quality, among others. Our consumer construction real estate loans, 1-4 family residential loans and our loans to individuals use a loss rate approach and are assigned to pools based upon risk factors including loan types, origination year and credit scores.

Loans evaluated collectively in a pool are monitored to ensure they continue to exhibit similar risk characteristics with other loans in a pool. If a loan does not share similar risk characteristics with other loans, expected credit losses for that loan are evaluated individually.

Purchased Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) Loans. We have purchased certain loans that as of the date of purchase have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination. Management evaluates these loans against a probability threshold to determine if substantially all of the contractually required payments will be received. With the adoption of ASU 2016-13, PCD loans are recorded at the purchase price plus an allowance for credit losses which becomes the PCD loan's initial amortized cost. The non-credit related discount or premium, the difference between the initial amortized cost and the par value, will be amortized into interest income over the life of the loan. Any further changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through provision expense. Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, acquired loans considered purchase credit impaired (“PCI”) were measured at fair value at acquisition date. The difference in expected cash flows at the acquisition date in excess of the fair value was recorded as interest income over the life of the loan. In accordance with the adoption of ASU 2016-13, management did not reassess whether PCI assets met the criteria of PCD assets and elected to not maintain pools of loans as of the date of adoption. All PCD loans are evaluated based upon product type within the underlying segment.

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”). A loan is considered a TDR if the original terms of a loan are modified, or concessions are made to accommodate a borrower experiencing financial duress. The modification or concession may include reduction of interest rates, reduced payment amounts, and/or extension of terms, among others. The likelihood of initiating a TDR is evaluated at each reporting date for each loan. This evaluation is based on qualitative judgments made by management on a case-by-case basis. If a reasonable expectation of a TDR exists, the expected credit loss is adjusted for any potential delays and/or modifications.

In response to the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, in March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law. Under the CARES Act, banks may elect to deem that loan modifications do not result in TDRs if they are (1) related to COVID-19; (2) executed on a loan that was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019; and (3) executed between March 1, 2020, and the earlier of (A) 60 days after the date of termination of the national emergency declaration or (B) December 31, 2020. Additionally, in accordance with the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus (Revised), other short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to any relief are not TDRs under ASC Subtopic 310-40. This includes short-term (e.g., up to six months) modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payments that are insignificant. Borrowers considered current are those that are less than 30 days past due on their contractual payments at the time a modification program is implemented.

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies

Allowance for Credit Losses - Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposures. Our off-balance-sheet credit exposures include contractual commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. For these credit exposures we evaluate the expected credit losses using usage given defaults and credit conversion factors depending on the type of commitment and based upon historical usage rates. These assumptions are reevaluated on an annual basis and adjusted if necessary. In accordance with Topic 326, credit losses are not recognized for those credit exposures that are unconditionally cancellable by the Company.

The allowance for credit losses for these off-balance-sheet credit exposures is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets and is adjusted with a corresponding adjustment to provision for credit losses on our consolidated statements of income. Prior to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, the provision for off-balance-sheet credit exposures was included in other noninterest expense.

Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-04, “Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting.” ASU 2020-04 is intended to provide relief for companies preparing for discontinuation of interest rates based on LIBOR. The ASU provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference LIBOR or other reference rates expected to be discontinued. ASU 2020-04 also provides for a one-time sale and/or transfer to AFS or trading to be made for HTM debt securities that both reference an eligible reference rate and were classified as HTM before January 1, 2020. ASU 2020-04 is effective for

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all entities as of March 12, 2020 and through December 31, 2022. Companies can apply the ASU as of the beginning of the interim period that includes March 12, 2020 or any date thereafter. The guidance requires companies to apply the guidance prospectively to contract modifications and hedging relationships while the one-time election to sell and/or transfer debt securities classified as HTM may be made any time after March 12, 2020. ASU 2020-04 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

2. Earnings Per Share

Earnings per share on a basic and diluted basis are calculated as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Basic and Diluted Earnings:
Net income	$	3,953	$	18,817
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding	33,691		33,697
Add: Stock awards	114		149
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding	33,805		33,846
Basic earnings per share:
Net income	$	0.12	$	0.56
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income	$	0.12	$	0.56

For the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, there were approximately 775,000 and 490,000 anti-dilutive shares, respectively.

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3. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component are as follows (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
							Pension Plans
	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Net Prior Service (Cost) Credit			Net Gain (Loss)			Total
Beginning balance, net of tax	$	38,038		$	(1,672	)	$	(145	)	$	(31,985	)	$	4,236
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	61,486			(19,600		)	—			—			41,886
Reclassification adjustments included in net income	(5,420		)	(101		)	(1		)	728			(4,794		)
Income tax (expense) benefit	(11,774		)	4,137			—			(152		)	(7,789		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	44,292			(15,564		)	(1		)	576			29,303
Ending balance, net of tax	$	82,330		$	(17,236	)	$	(146	)	$	(31,409	)	$	33,539



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
							Pension Plans
	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Derivatives			Net Prior Service (Cost) Credit			Net Gain (Loss)			Total
Beginning balance, net of tax	$	(31,120	)	$	7,146		$	(139	)	$	(26,115	)	$	(50,228	)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	46,626			(3,120		)	—			—			43,506
Reclassification adjustments included in net income	235			(668		)	(1		)	542			108
Income tax (expense) benefit	(9,840		)	795			—			(114		)	(9,159		)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	37,021			(2,993		)	(1		)	428			34,455
Ending balance, net of tax	$	5,901		$	4,153		$	(140	)	$	(25,687	)	$	(15,773	)

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The reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) included in net income are presented below (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020			2019

Unrealized gains and losses on securities transferred:
Amortization of unrealized gains and losses ⁽¹⁾	$	(121	)	$	(491	)
Tax benefit	25			103
Net of tax	(96		)	(388		)

Unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities:
Realized net gain on sale of securities ⁽²⁾	5,541			256
Tax expense	(1,164		)	(54		)
Net of tax	4,377			202

Derivatives:
Realized net gain on interest rate swap derivatives ⁽³⁾	93			646
Tax expense	(19		)	(136		)
Net of tax	74			510

Amortization of unrealized gains on terminated interest rate swap derivatives ⁽³⁾	8			22
Tax expense	(1		)	(5		)
Net of tax	7			17

Amortization of pension plan:
Net actuarial loss ⁽⁴⁾	(728		)	(542		)
Prior service credit ⁽⁴⁾	1			1
Total before tax	(727		)	(541		)
Tax benefit	152			114
Net of tax	(575		)	(427		)
Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	3,787		$	(86	)

(1) Included in interest income on the consolidated statements of income.

(2) Listed as net gain on sale of securities available for sale on the consolidated statements of income.


(3)	Included in interest expense for Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (“FHLB”) borrowings on the consolidated statements of income.


(4)	These AOCI components are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (income) presented in “Note 8 – Employee Benefit Plans.”

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4. Securities

Debt securities

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and estimated fair value of investment and mortgage-backed securities available for sale (“AFS”) and held to maturity (“HTM”) as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 are reflected in the tables below (in thousands):



	March 31, 2020
	Amortized		Gross Unrealized		Gross Unrealized		Estimated
AVAILABLE FOR SALE	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
Investment securities:
State and political subdivisions	$	1,415,227	$	52,027	$	1,513	$	1,465,741
Other stocks and bonds	10,000		—		589		9,411
Mortgage-backed securities: ⁽¹⁾
Residential	1,158,314		52,348		—		1,210,662
Commercial	121,333		5,877		—		127,210
Total	$	2,704,874	$	110,252	$	2,102	$	2,813,024

HELD TO MATURITY
Investment securities:
State and political subdivisions	$	2,880	$	23	$	—	$	2,903
Mortgage-backed securities: ⁽¹⁾
Residential	59,648		4,872		—		64,520
Commercial	71,963		4,860		—		76,823
Total	$	134,491	$	9,755	$	—	$	144,246



	December 31, 2019
	Amortized		Gross Unrealized		Gross Unrealized		Estimated
AVAILABLE FOR SALE	Cost		Gains		Losses		Fair Value
Investment securities:
State and political subdivisions	$	780,376	$	23,832	$	1,406	$	802,802
Other stocks and bonds	10,000		137		—		10,137
Mortgage-backed securities: ⁽¹⁾
Residential	1,286,110		25,662		1,130		1,310,642
Commercial	230,255		4,795		34		235,016
Total	$	2,306,741	$	54,426	$	2,570	$	2,358,597

HELD TO MATURITY
Investment securities:
State and political subdivisions	$	2,888	$	30	$	—	$	2,918
Mortgage-backed securities: ⁽¹⁾
Residential	59,701		2,586		139		62,148
Commercial	72,274		1,622		83		73,813
Total	$	134,863	$	4,238	$	222	$	138,879

(1) All mortgage-backed securities issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises.

Investment securities and MBS with carrying values of $1.64 billion and $1.12 billion were pledged as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, to collateralize FHLB borrowings, borrowings from the Federal Reserve Discount Window, repurchase agreements and public funds, for potential liquidity needs or other purposes as required by law.

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The following tables represent the fair value and unrealized losses on AFS investment and mortgage-backed securities for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded as of March 31, 2020 and AFS and HTM investment and mortgage-backed securities as of December 31, 2019, segregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous loss position (in thousands):



	March 31, 2020
	Less Than 12 Months				More Than 12 Months				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Investment securities:
State and political subdivisions	$	113,733	$	1,513	$	—	$	—	$	113,733	$	1,513
Other stocks and bonds	9,411		589		—		—		9,411		589
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	39		—		—		—		39		—
Total	$	123,183	$	2,102	$	—	$	—	$	123,183	$	2,102

	December 31, 2019
	Less Than 12 Months				More Than 12 Months				Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Investment securities:
State and political subdivisions	$	158,629	$	1,270	$	7,555	$	136	$	166,184	$	1,406
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	101,779		980		21,696		150		123,475		1,130
Commercial	13,555		32		1,446		2		15,001		34
Total	$	273,963	$	2,282	$	30,697	$	288	$	304,660	$	2,570

HELD TO MATURITY
Mortgage-backed securities:
Residential	$	272	$	9	$	2,304	$	130	$	2,576	$	139
Commercial	12,781		67		1,788		16		14,569		83
Total	$	13,053	$	76	$	4,092	$	146	$	17,145	$	222

With the adoption of ASU 2016-13, for those AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position where management (i) has the intent to sell or (ii) where it will more-likely-than-not be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis, we write the security down to fair value with an adjustment to earnings. For those AFS debt securities in an unrealized loss position that do not meet either of these criteria, management assesses whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit-related factors, using both qualitative and quantitative criteria. Determining the allowance under the credit loss method requires the use of a discounted cash flow method to assess the credit losses. Any credit-related impairment will be recognized as an allowance for credit losses on the balance sheet with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. Noncredit-related impairment, the portion of the impairment relating to factors other than credit (such as changes in market interest rates), is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Based on our consideration of the qualitative factors associated with each security type in our AFS portfolio, we did not recognize any unrealized losses in income on our AFS securities during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Our state and political subdivisions are highly rated municipal securities with a long history of no credit losses. Our AFS MBS are highly rated securities which are either explicitly or implicitly backed by the U.S. Government through its agencies, are highly rated by major ratings agencies and also have a long history of no credit losses. Our other stocks and bonds as of March 31, 2020 consist of highly rated investment grade bonds. Management does not intend to sell and it is likely we will not be required to sell those securities in an unrealized loss position prior to the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis. These unrealized losses on our investment and MBS are largely due to changes in interest rates and spreads and other market conditions impacted by COVID-19. As of March 31, 2020, we did not have an allowance for credit losses on our AFS securities.

We assess the likelihood of default and the potential amount of default when assessing our HTM securities for credit losses. We utilize term structures and, due to no prior loss exposure on our state and political subdivision securities, we currently apply a third-

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party average loss given default rate to model our securities. Due to a small number of HTM municipal securities in our portfolio as of March 31, 2020, we elected to use the specific identification method to model these securities which aligns with our third party fair value measurement process. The model determined the expected credit loss over the life of these securities to be remote. Management further evaluated the remote expectation of loss along with the qualitative factors associated with these securities and concluded that, due to the securities being highly rated municipals with a long history of no credit losses, no credit loss was recognized for these securities for the three months ended March 31, 2020. We recognize the change in the allowance for credit losses due to the passage of time for our HTM debt securities, if any, in provision for credit losses. As of March 31, 2020, we did not have an allowance for credit losses on our HTM securities.

From time to time, we have transferred securities from AFS to HTM due to overall balance sheet strategies. The remaining net unamortized, unrealized loss on the transferred securities included in AOCI in the accompanying balance sheets totaled $3.9 million ($3.1 million, net of tax) at March 31, 2020 and $3.7 million ($2.9 million, net of tax) at December 31, 2019. Any net unrealized gain or loss on the transferred securities included in AOCI at the time of transfer will be amortized over the remaining life of the underlying security as an adjustment to the yield on those securities. Securities transferred with losses included in AOCI continue to be included in management’s assessment for impairment for each individual security. There were no securities transferred from AFS to HTM during the three months ended March 31, 2020 or the year ended December 31, 2019.

The accrued interest receivable on our debt securities is excluded from the credit loss estimate and is included in interest receivable on our consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2020, accrued interest receivable on AFS and HTM debt securities totaled $14.0 million and $356,000, respectively. No HTM debt securities were past-due or on nonaccrual status as of March 31, 2020.

The following table reflects interest income recognized on securities for the periods presented (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
State and political subdivisions	$	6,625	$	4,118
Other stocks and bonds	93		28
Mortgage-backed securities	11,534		12,474
Total interest income on securities	$	18,252	$	16,620

There was a $5.5 million net realized gain from the AFS securities portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2020, which consisted of $5.5 million in realized gains and $10,000 in realized losses. There was a $256,000 net realized gain from the AFS securities portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2019, which consisted of $5.0 million in realized gains and $4.8 million in realized losses. There were no sales from the HTM portfolio during the three months ended March 31, 2020 or 2019. We calculate realized gains and losses on sales of securities under the specific identification method.

Expected maturities on our securities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations. MBS are presented in total by category due to the fact that MBS typically are issued with stated principal amounts, and the securities are backed by pools of mortgages that have loans with varying maturities. The characteristics of the underlying pool of mortgages, such as fixed-rate or adjustable-rate, as well as prepayment risk, are passed on to the security holder. The term of a mortgage-backed pass-through security thus approximates the term of the underlying mortgages and can vary significantly due to prepayments.

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The amortized cost and estimated fair value of AFS and HTM securities at March 31, 2020, are presented below by contractual maturity (in thousands):



	March 31, 2020
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
AVAILABLE FOR SALE
Investment securities:
Due in one year or less	$	1,294	$	1,305
Due after one year through five years	8,521		8,441
Due after five years through ten years	40,357		41,409
Due after ten years	1,375,055		1,423,997
	1,425,227		1,475,152
Mortgage-backed securities:	1,279,647		1,337,872
Total	$	2,704,874	$	2,813,024



	March 31, 2020
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value
HELD TO MATURITY
Investment securities:
Due in one year or less	$	115	$	115
Due after one year through five years	1,658		1,669
Due after five years through ten years	1,107		1,119
Due after ten years	—		—
	2,880		2,903
Mortgage-backed securities:	131,611		141,343
Total	$	134,491	$	144,246

Equity Investments

Equity investments on our consolidated balance sheets include Community Reinvestment Act funds with a readily determinable fair value as well as equity investments without readily determinable fair values. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, we had equity investments recorded in our consolidated balance sheets of $12.4 million and $12.3 million, respectively.

Any realized and unrealized gains and losses on equity investments are reported in income. Equity investments without readily determinable fair values are recorded at cost less impairment, if any.

The following is a summary of unrealized and realized gains and losses on equity investments recognized in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income during the periods presented (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Net gains recognized during the period on equity investments	$	53	$	76
Less: Net gains recognized during the period on equity investments sold during the period	—		—
Unrealized gains recognized during the reporting period on equity investments held at the reporting date	$	53	$	76

Equity investments are assessed quarterly for other-than-temporary impairment. Based upon that evaluation, management does not consider any of our equity investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2020.

FHLB Stock

Our FHLB stock, which has limited marketability, is carried at cost and is assessed quarterly for other-than-temporary impairment. Based upon evaluation by management at March 31, 2020, our FHLB stock was not impaired and thus was not considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

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5. Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets are classified as follows (in thousands):



	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Real estate loans:
Construction	$	603,952	$	644,948
1-4 family residential	787,875		787,562
Commercial	1,350,818		1,250,208
Commercial loans	383,984		401,521
Municipal loans	375,934		383,960
Loans to individuals	98,439		100,005
Total loans	3,601,002		3,568,204
Less: Allowance for loan losses	53,638		24,797
Net loans	$	3,547,364	$	3,543,407

Construction Real Estate Loans

Our construction loans are collateralized by property located primarily in or near the market areas we serve. A number of our construction loans will be owner occupied upon completion. Construction loans for non-owner occupied projects are financed, but these typically have cash flows from leases with tenants, secondary sources of repayment, and in some cases, additional collateral. Our construction loans have both adjustable and fixed interest rates during the construction period. Construction loans to individuals are typically priced and made with the intention of granting the permanent loan on the completed property. Speculative and commercial construction loans are subject to underwriting standards similar to that of the commercial portfolio. Owner occupied 1-4 family residential construction loans are subject to the underwriting standards of the permanent loan.

1-4 Family Residential Real Estate Loans

Residential loan originations are generated by our loan officers, in-house origination staff, marketing efforts, present customers, walk-in customers and referrals from real estate agents and builders. We focus our lending efforts primarily on the origination of loans secured by first mortgages on owner occupied 1-4 family residences. Substantially all of our 1-4 family residential originations are secured by properties located in or near our market areas.

Our 1-4 family residential loans generally have maturities ranging from five to 30 years. These loans are typically fully amortizing with monthly payments sufficient to repay the total amount of the loan. Our 1-4 family residential loans are made at both fixed and adjustable interest rates.

Underwriting for 1-4 family residential loans includes debt-to-income analysis, credit history analysis, appraised value and down payment considerations. Changes in the market value of real estate can affect the potential losses in the portfolio.

Commercial Real Estate Loans

Commercial real estate loans as of March 31, 2020 consisted of $1.19 billion of owner and non-owner occupied real estate, $145.1 million of loans secured by multi-family properties and $18.3 million of loans secured by farmland. Commercial real estate loans primarily include loans collateralized by retail, commercial office buildings, multi-family residential buildings, medical facilities and offices, senior living, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, warehouse facilities, hotels and churches. In determining whether to originate commercial real estate loans, we generally consider such factors as the financial condition of the borrower and the debt service coverage of the property. Commercial real estate loans are made at both fixed and adjustable interest rates for terms generally up to 20 years.

Commercial Loans

Our commercial loans are diversified loan types including short-term working capital loans for inventory and accounts receivable and short- and medium-term loans for equipment or other business capital expansion. In our commercial loan underwriting, we assess the creditworthiness, ability to repay and the value and liquidity of the collateral being offered. Terms of commercial loans are generally commensurate with the useful life of the collateral offered.

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Municipal Loans

We make loans to municipalities and school districts primarily throughout the state of Texas, with a small percentage originating outside of the state. The majority of the loans to municipalities and school districts have tax or revenue pledges and in some cases are additionally supported by collateral. Municipal loans made without a direct pledge of taxes or revenues are usually made based on some type of collateral that represents an essential service. Lending money directly to these municipalities allows us to earn a higher yield than we could if we purchased municipal securities for similar durations.

Loans to Individuals

Substantially all originations of our loans to individuals are made to consumers in our market areas. The majority of loans to individuals are collateralized by titled equipment, which are primarily automobiles. Loan terms vary according to the type and value of collateral, length of contract and creditworthiness of the borrower. The underwriting standards we employ for consumer loans include an application, a determination of the applicant’s payment history on other debts, with the greatest weight being given to payment history with us and an assessment of the borrower’s ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. Although creditworthiness of the applicant is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral, if any, in relation to the proposed loan amount. Most of our loans to individuals are collateralized, which management believes assists in limiting our exposure.

Credit Quality Indicators

We categorize loans into risk categories on an ongoing basis based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic trends, among other factors. We use the following definitions for risk ratings:


•	Pass (Rating 1 – 4) – This rating is assigned to all satisfactory loans. This category, by definition, consists of acceptable credit. Credit and collateral exceptions should not be present, although their presence would not necessarily prohibit a loan from being rated Pass, if deficiencies are in the process of correction. These loans are not included in the Watch List.


•	Pass Watch (Rating 5) – These loans require some degree of special treatment, but not due to credit quality. This category does not include loans specially mentioned or adversely classified; however, particular attention is warranted to characteristics such as:


◦	A lack of, or abnormally extended payment program;


◦	A heavy degree of concentration of collateral without sufficient margin;


◦	A vulnerability to competition through lesser or extensive financial leverage; and


◦	A dependence on a single or few customers or sources of supply and materials without suitable substitutes or alternatives.

•

Special Mention (Rating 6) – A Special Mention loan has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or in our credit position at some future date. Special Mention loans are not adversely classified and do not expose us to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification.

•

Substandard (Rating 7) – Substandard loans are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.


•	Doubtful (Rating 8) – Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation, in full, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.

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The following table sets forth the amortized cost basis by class of financing receivable and credit quality indicator for the periods presented (in thousands):



	Term Loans Amortized Cost Basis by Origination Year												Revolving Loans Amortized Cost Basis		Total
	2020		2019		2018		2017		2016		Prior
Construction real estate:
Pass	$	29,892	$	209,457	$	124,688	$	95,489	$	4,535	$	11,739	$	127,245	$	603,045
Pass watch	—		—		—		—		23		—		—		23
Special mention	—		—		—		—		—		4		—		4
Substandard	—		610		—		—		—		262		—		872
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		8		—		8
Total construction real estate	$	29,892	$	210,067	$	124,688	$	95,489	$	4,558	$	12,013	$	127,245	$	603,952

1-4 family residential real estate:
Pass	$	41,857	$	141,799	$	98,077	$	78,376	$	79,022	$	336,336	$	3,476	$	778,943
Pass watch	—		—		—		—		—		1,351		—		1,351
Special mention	—		—		—		—		—		174		—		174
Substandard	—		104		27		157		1,329		4,796		73		6,486
Doubtful	3		—		23		42		179		674		—		921
Total 1-4 family residential real estate	$	41,860	$	141,903	$	98,127	$	78,575	$	80,530	$	343,331	$	3,549	$	787,875

Commercial real estate:
Pass	$	80,313	$	333,065	$	173,335	$	316,346	$	124,840	$	270,531	$	13,964	$	1,312,394
Pass watch	—		—		2,237		—		—		2,990		—		5,227
Special mention	—		2,605		2,230		—		—		5,808		—		10,643
Substandard	550		—		308		118		587		20,851		—		22,414
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		58		82		—		140
Total commercial real estate	$	80,863	$	335,670	$	178,110	$	316,464	$	125,485	$	300,262	$	13,964	$	1,350,818

Commercial loans:
Pass	$	27,192	$	102,359	$	59,583	$	17,660	$	8,374	$	10,435	$	143,114	$	368,717
Pass watch	111		582		109		—		—		2		17		821
Special mention	—		427		63		281		403		660		5,990		7,824
Substandard	—		2,304		1,604		528		65		281		1,677		6,459
Doubtful	—		68		80		13		—		2		—		163
Total commercial loans	$	27,303	$	105,740	$	61,439	$	18,482	$	8,842	$	11,380	$	150,798	$	383,984

Municipal loans:
Pass	$	9,755	$	73,238	$	36,874	$	64,898	$	28,030	$	163,139	$	—	$	375,934
Pass watch	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Special mention	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total municipal loans	$	9,755	$	73,238	$	36,874	$	64,898	$	28,030	$	163,139	$	—	$	375,934

Loans to individuals:
Pass	$	15,018	$	43,215	$	18,653	$	9,703	$	4,203	$	2,332	$	4,860	$	97,984
Pass watch	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Special mention	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard	—		1		52		77		62		58		6		256
Doubtful	—		5		21		64		98		11		—		199
Total loans to individuals	$	15,018	$	43,221	$	18,726	$	9,844	$	4,363	$	2,401	$	4,866	$	98,439
Total loans	$	204,691	$	909,839	$	517,964	$	583,752	$	251,808	$	832,526	$	300,422	$	3,601,002

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The following tables present the aging of the amortized cost basis in past due loans by class of loans (in thousands):



	March 31, 2020
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 90 Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total
Real estate loans:
Construction	$	985	$	205	$	610	$	1,800	$	602,152	$	603,952
1-4 family residential	12,713		411		1,934		15,058		772,817		787,875
Commercial	1,944		158		—		2,102		1,348,716		1,350,818
Commercial loans	3,935		878		236		5,049		378,935		383,984
Municipal loans	—		—		—		—		375,934		375,934
Loans to individuals	961		161		38		1,160		97,279		98,439
Total	$	20,538	$	1,813	$	2,818	$	25,169	$	3,575,833	$	3,601,002



	December 31, 2019
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Greater than 89 Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current ⁽¹⁾		Total
Real estate loans:
Construction	$	1,236	$	229	$	337	$	1,802	$	643,146	$	644,948
1-4 family residential	8,788		1,077		1,607		11,472		776,090		787,562
Commercial	795		259		536		1,590		1,248,618		1,250,208
Commercial loans	1,917		722		651		3,290		398,231		401,521
Municipal loans	—		—		—		—		383,960		383,960
Loans to individuals	660		261		128		1,049		98,956		100,005
Total	$	13,396	$	2,548	$	3,259	$	19,203	$	3,549,001	$	3,568,204


(1)	Prior to the adoption of CECL, included PCI loans measured at fair value at acquisition if the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected from those sales could be reasonably estimated.

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The following table sets forth the amortized cost basis of nonperforming assets for the periods presented (in thousands):



	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Nonaccrual loans:
Real estate loans:
Construction	$	671	$	405
1-4 family residential	3,025		2,611
Commercial	742		704
Commercial loans	549		944
Loans to individuals	234		299
Total nonaccrual loans ⁽¹⁾	5,221		4,963

Accruing loans past due more than 90 days	—		—
Troubled debt restructured loans⁽²⁾	11,448		12,014
Other real estate owned	734		472
Repossessed assets	—		—
Total nonperforming assets	$	17,403	$	17,449


(1)	Prior to the adoption of CECL, excluded PCI loans measured at fair value at acquisition if the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected from those sales could be reasonably estimated. Includes $374,000 and $469,000 of restructured loans as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.


(2)	As of December 31, 2019, prior to the adoption of CECL, included $755,000 in PCI loans restructured.

We reversed $121,000 of interest income on nonaccrual loans during the period ending March 31, 2020. We had $1.1 million of loans on nonaccrual for which there was no related allowance for credit losses as of March 31, 2020.

Collateral-dependent loans are loans that we expect the repayment to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral of the loan and we have determined that the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. As of March 31, 2020, we had $11.7 million of collateral dependent loans, secured mainly by real estate and equipment. There have been no significant changes to the collateral that secures the collateral dependent assets. Foreclosed assets include other real estate owned and repossessed assets. For 1-4 family residential real estate properties, a loan is recognized as a foreclosed property once legal title to the real estate property has been received upon completion of foreclosure or the borrower has conveyed all interest in the residential property through a deed in lieu of foreclosure. There were $1.2 million and $992,000 in loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process as of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The restructuring of a loan is considered a TDR if both (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the creditor has granted a concession. Concessions may include interest rate reductions or below market interest rates, restructuring amortization schedules and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. We may provide a combination of concessions which may include an extension of the amortization period, interest rate reduction and/or converting the loan to interest-only for a limited period of time.

In response to the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic in March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law. Under the CARES Act, banks may elect to deem that loan modifications do not result in TDRs if they are (1) related to COVID-19; (2) executed on a loan that was not more than 30 days past due as of December 31, 2019; and (3) executed between March 1, 2020, and the earlier of (A) 60 days after the date of termination of the national emergency declaration or (B) December 31, 2020. Additionally, in accordance with the Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus (Revised), other short-term modifications made on a good faith basis in response to COVID-19 to borrowers who were current prior to any relief are not TDRs under ASC Subtopic 310-40. This includes short-term (e.g., up to six months) modifications such as payment deferrals, fee waivers, extensions of repayment terms, or delays in payment that are insignificant. Borrowers considered current are those that are less than 30 days past due on their contractual payments at the time a modification program is implemented.

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The following tables set forth the recorded balance of loans considered to be TDRs that were restructured and the type of concession by class of loans during the periods presented (dollars in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
	Extend Amortization Period		Interest Rate Reductions		Combination		Total Modifications		Number of Loans
Real estate loans:
Commercial	$	—	$	—	$	59	$	59	1
Commercial loans	—		—		3		3		1
Total	$	—	$	—	$	62	$	62	2



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
	Extend Amortization Period		Interest Rate Reductions		Combination		Total Modifications		Number of Loans
Real estate loans:
1-4 family residential	$	—	$	—	$	113	$	113	1
Commercial	7,627		—		—		7,627		1
Commercial loans	57		—		—		57		1
Loans to individuals	—		—		15		15		2
Total	$	7,684	$	—	$	128	$	7,812	5

The majority of loans restructured as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were modified with maturity extensions. Interest continues to be charged on principal balances outstanding during the extended term. Therefore, the financial effects of the recorded investment of loans restructured as TDRs during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 were not significant. Generally, the loans identified as TDRs were previously reported as impaired loans prior to restructuring, and therefore, the modification did not impact our determination of the allowance for loans losses.

On an ongoing basis, the performance of the TDRs is monitored for subsequent payment default. Payment default for TDRs is recognized when the borrower is 90 days or more past due. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, and 2019 the amount of TDRs in default was not significant. Payment defaults for TDRs did not significantly impact the determination of the allowance for loan losses in the periods presented.

At March 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers whose terms had been modified in TDRs.

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Allowance for Loan Losses

The following tables detail activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the periods presented (in thousands):




	Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
	Real Estate
	Construction			1-4 Family Residential			Commercial			Commercial Loans			Municipal Loans			Loans to Individuals			Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	3,539		$	3,833		$	9,572		$	6,351		$	570		$	932		$	24,797
Impact of CECL adoption - cumulative effect adjustment	2,968			(1,447		)	7,730			(3,532		)	(522		)	(125		)	5,072
Impact of CECL adoption - purchased loans with credit deterioration	(15		)	(6		)	333			(22		)	—			(59		)	231
Loans charged-off	(33		)	(54		)	(21		)	(296		)	—			(591		)	(995		)
Recoveries of loans charged off	11			4			69			74			—			293			451
Net loans (charged-off) recovered	(22		)	(50		)	48			(222		)	—			(298		)	(544		)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses⁽¹⁾	3,184			310			18,437			1,944			(1		)	208			24,082
Balance at end of period	$	9,654		$	2,640		$	36,120		$	4,519		$	47		$	658		$	53,638



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
	Real Estate
	Construction		1-4 Family Residential			Commercial			Commercial Loans			Municipal Loans			Loans to Individuals			Total
Balance at beginning of period	$	3,597	$	3,844		$	13,968		$	3,974		$	525		$	1,111		$	27,019
Loans charged-off	—		(18		)	(1,215		)	(451		)	—			(601		)	(2,285		)
Recoveries of loans charged-off	—		3			19			30			—			287			339
Net loans (charged-off) recovered	—		(15		)	(1,196		)	(421		)	—			(314		)	(1,946		)
Provision for (reversal of) loan losses⁽¹⁾	662		(447		)	(2,112		)	734			(17		)	262			(918		)
Balance at end of period	$	4,259	$	3,382		$	10,660		$	4,287		$	508		$	1,059		$	24,155


(1)	The increase in the provision for credit losses during the first quarter of 2020 was primarily due to the application of the CECL model and the economic impact of COVID-19 on macroeconomic factors used in the CECL methodology.

The accrued interest receivable on our loan receivables is excluded from the allowance for credit loss estimate and is included in interest receivable on our consolidated balance sheets. As of March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the accrued interest on our loan portfolio was $12.7 million and $14.2 million, respectively.

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6. Borrowing Arrangements

Information related to borrowings is provided in the table below (dollars in thousands):



	March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Other borrowings:
Balance at end of period	$	217,900		$	28,358
Average amount outstanding during the period⁽¹⁾	69,846			15,645
Maximum amount outstanding during the period⁽²⁾	217,900			28,358
Weighted average interest rate during the period⁽³⁾	0.9		%	1.7		%
Interest rate at end of period ⁽⁴⁾	0.4		%	1.7		%

Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings:
Balance at end of period	$	1,274,370		$	972,744
Average amount outstanding during the period ⁽¹⁾	999,070			868,859
Maximum amount outstanding during the period ⁽²⁾	1,274,370			1,077,883
Weighted average interest rate during the period ⁽³⁾	1.6		%	2.0		%
Interest rate at end of period ⁽⁴⁾	0.9		%	1.8		%


(1)	The average amount outstanding during the period was computed by dividing the total daily outstanding principal balances by the number of days in the period.


(2)	The maximum amount outstanding at any month-end during the period.


(3)	The weighted average interest rate during the period was computed by dividing the actual interest expense (annualized for interim periods) by the average amount outstanding during the period. The weighted average interest rate on the FHLB borrowings includes the effect of interest rate swaps.


(4)	Stated rate.

Maturities of the obligations associated with our borrowing arrangements based on scheduled repayments at March 31, 2020 are as follows (in thousands):



	Payments Due by Period
	Less than 1 Year		1-2 Years		2-3 Years		3-4 Years		4-5 Years		Thereafter		Total
Other borrowings	$	217,900	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	217,900
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	1,263,840		6,659		688		717		748		1,718		1,274,370
Total obligations	$	1,481,740	$	6,659	$	688	$	717	$	748	$	1,718	$	1,492,270

Other borrowings include federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements and borrowings from the Federal Reserve Discount Window (“FRDW”). Southside Bank has three unsecured lines of credit for the purchase of overnight federal funds at prevailing rates with Frost Bank, TIB – The Independent Bankers Bank and Comerica Bank for $40.0 million, $15.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively. There were $189.5 million of borrowings from the FRDW at March 31, 2020, partially utilizing collateral of $495.0 million of municipal securities pledged to the FRDW. To provide more liquidity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve took steps to encourage broader use of the discount window. There were no federal funds purchased at March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. Southside Bank has a $5.0 million line of credit with Frost Bank to be used to issue letters of credit, and at March 31, 2020, the line had no outstanding letters of credit. Southside Bank currently has no outstanding letters of credit from FHLB held as collateral for its public fund deposits.

Southside Bank enters into sales of securities under repurchase agreements. These repurchase agreements totaled $28.4 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, and had maturities of less than one year. During the fourth quarter of 2019, Southside Bank entered into a $20.0 million variable rate repurchase agreement with an interest rate tied to one-month LIBOR. Repurchase agreements are secured by investment and MBS securities and are stated at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction.

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FHLB borrowings represent borrowings with fixed and floating interest rates ranging from 0.25% to 4.799% and with remaining maturities of one day to 8.3 years at March 31, 2020. FHLB borrowings may be collateralized by FHLB stock, nonspecified loans and/or securities. At March 31, 2020, the amount of additional funding Southside Bank could obtain from FHLB, collateralized by securities, FHLB stock and nonspecified loans and securities, was approximately $936.2 million, net of FHLB stock purchases required.

Southside Bank has entered into various variable rate agreements and fixed rate short-term pay agreements with third-party financial institutions with rates tied to LIBOR. These agreements totaled $690.0 million at March 31, 2020 and $310.0 million at December 31, 2019. Six of the agreements have an interest rate tied to three-month LIBOR and the remaining agreements have interest rates tied to one-month LIBOR. In connection with $670.0 million of these agreements, Southside Bank also entered into various interest rate swap contracts that are treated as cash flow hedges under ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” that are expected to be effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to fluctuations in the underlying LIBOR interest rate. The interest rate swap contracts had an average rate of 1.15% with an average weighted maturity of 4.5 years at March 31, 2020. Refer to “Note 9 – Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities” in our consolidated financial statements included in this report for a detailed description of our hedging policy and methodology related to derivative instruments.

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7. Long-term Debt

Information related to our long-term debt is summarized as follows for the periods presented (in thousands):



	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Subordinated notes: ⁽¹⁾
5.50% Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs ⁽²⁾	$	98,619	$	98,576
Total Subordinated notes	98,619		98,576
Trust preferred subordinated debentures: ⁽³⁾
Southside Statutory Trust III, net of unamortized debt issuance costs ⁽⁴⁾	20,560		20,558
Southside Statutory Trust IV	23,196		23,196
Southside Statutory Trust V	12,887		12,887
Magnolia Trust Company I	3,609		3,609
Total Trust preferred subordinated debentures	60,252		60,250
Total Long-term debt	$	158,871	$	158,826


(1)	This debt consists of subordinated notes with a remaining maturity greater than one year that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 2 capital, subject to certain limitations.


(2)	The unamortized discount and debt issuance costs reflected in the carrying amount of the subordinated notes totaled approximately $1.4 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.


(3)	This debt consists of trust preferred securities that qualify under the risk-based capital guidelines as Tier 1 capital, subject to certain limitations.


(4)	The unamortized debt issuance costs reflected in the carrying amount of the Southside Statutory Trust III junior subordinated debentures totaled $59,000 at March 31, 2020 and $61,000 at December 31, 2019.

As of March 31, 2020, the details of the subordinated notes and the trust preferred subordinated debentures are summarized below (dollars in thousands):



	Date Issued	Amount Issued		Fixed or Floating Rate	Interest Rate	Maturity Date
5.50% Subordinated Notes	September 19, 2016	$	100,000	Fixed-to-Floating	5.50%	September 30, 2026
Southside Statutory Trust III	September 4, 2003	$	20,619	Floating	3 month LIBOR + 2.94%	September 4, 2033
Southside Statutory Trust IV	August 8, 2007	$	23,196	Floating	3 month LIBOR + 1.30%	October 30, 2037
Southside Statutory Trust V	August 10, 2007	$	12,887	Floating	3 month LIBOR + 2.25%	September 15, 2037
Magnolia Trust Company I ⁽¹⁾	October 10, 2007	$	3,609	Floating	3 month LIBOR + 1.80%	November 23, 2035


(1)	On October 10, 2007, as part of an acquisition we assumed $3.6 million of floating rate junior subordinated debentures issued in 2005 to Magnolia Trust Company I.

On September 19, 2016, the Company issued $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes that mature on September 30, 2026. This debt initially bears interest at a fixed rate of 5.50% through September 29, 2021 and thereafter, adjusts quarterly at a floating rate equal to three-month LIBOR plus 429.7 basis points. The proceeds from the sale of the subordinated notes were used for general corporate purposes, which included advances to the Bank to finance its activities.

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8. Employee Benefit Plans

The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) related to our employee benefit plans are as follows (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	Defined Benefit Pension Plan						Defined Benefit Pension Plan Acquired						Restoration Plan
	2020			2019			2020			2019			2020		2019
Service cost	$	423		$	316		$	—		$	—		$	85	$	60
Interest cost	837			908			41			41			160		161
Expected return on assets	(1,668		)	(1,504		)	(84		)	(73		)	—		—
Net loss amortization	533			443			2			—			193		99
Prior service (credit) cost amortization	(3		)	(3		)	—			—			2		2
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$	122		$	160		$	(41	)	$	(32	)	$	440	$	322

The service cost component is recorded on our consolidated income statements as salaries and employee benefits in noninterest expense while all other components other than service cost are recorded in other noninterest expense.

The noncash adjustment to the employee benefit plan liabilities, consisting of changes in prior service cost and net loss, was $727,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

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9. Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities

Our hedging policy allows the use of interest rate derivative instruments to manage our exposure to interest rate risk or hedge specified assets and liabilities. These instruments may include interest rate swaps and interest rate caps and floors. All derivative instruments are carried on the balance sheet at their estimated fair value and are recorded in other assets or other liabilities, as appropriate.

Derivative instruments may be designated as cash flow hedges of variable rate assets or liabilities, cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions, fair value hedges of a recognized asset or liability or as non-hedging instruments. Gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in AOCI to the extent they are effective. The amount recorded in other comprehensive income is reclassified to earnings in the same periods that the hedged cash flows impact earnings. The ineffective portion of changes in fair value is reported in current earnings. Gains and losses on derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges, as well as the change in fair value on the hedged item, are recorded in interest income in the consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses due to changes in fair value of the interest rate swap agreements completely offset changes in the fair value of the hedged portion of the hedged item. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss is recognized in current earnings during the period of change.

We have entered into certain interest rate swap contracts on specific variable rate agreements and fixed rate short-term pay agreements with third-party financial institutions. These interest rate swap contracts were designated as hedging instruments in cash flow hedges under ASC Topic 815. The objective of the interest rate swap contracts is to manage the expected future cash flows on $670.0 million of debt. The cash flows from the swap contracts are expected to be effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to fluctuations in the underlying LIBOR interest rate.

During the first quarter of 2019, our partial-term fair value hedges for certain of our fixed rate callable AFS municipal securities were ineffective due to the sale of the hedged items. These partial-term hedges of selected cash flows covering the time periods to the call dates of the hedged securities were expected to be effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged securities. Interest rate swaps designated as partial-term fair value hedges are utilized to mitigate the effect of changing interest rates on the hedged securities. The hedging strategy converted a portion of the fixed interest rates on the securities to LIBOR-based variable interest rates. As a result of the sale, the cumulative adjustments to the carrying amount was a fair value loss recognized in earnings and recorded in interest income. The remaining fair value loss from the date of the sale of the hedged items through March 31, 2019, was recognized in earnings and recorded in noninterest income. Due to the sale of the hedged items, the interest rate swaps were considered non-hedging instruments and were subsequently terminated on April 12, 2019.

In accordance with ASC Topic 815, if a hedging item is terminated prior to maturity for a cash settlement, the existing gain or loss within AOCI will continue to be reclassified into earnings during the period or periods in which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings unless it is probable that the forecasted transaction will not occur by the end of the originally specified time period. These transactions are reevaluated on a monthly basis to determine if the hedged forecasted transactions are still probable of occurring. If at a subsequent evaluation, it is determined that the transactions will not occur, any related gains or losses recorded in AOCI are immediately recognized in earnings.

From time to time, we may enter into certain interest rate swaps, cap and floor contracts that are not designated as hedging instruments. These interest rate derivative contracts relate to transactions in which we enter into an interest rate swap, cap or floor with a customer while concurrently entering into an offsetting interest rate swap, cap or floor with a third party financial institution. We agree to pay interest to the customer on a notional amount at a variable rate and receive interest from the customer on a similar notional amount at a fixed interest rate. At the same time, we agree to pay a third party financial institution the same fixed interest rate on the same notional amount and receive the same variable interest rate on the same notional amount. These interest rate derivative contracts allow our customers to effectively convert a variable rate loan to a fixed rate loan. The changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts primarily offset each other and do not significantly impact our results of operations. We recognized swap fee income associated with these derivative contracts immediately based upon the difference in the bid/ask spread of the underlying transactions with the customer and the third party financial institution. The swap fee income is included in other noninterest income in our consolidated statements of income.

At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, net derivative liabilities included $43.0 million and $10.1 million, respectively, of cash collateral held by counterparties subject to master netting agreements. We had $591,000 and $883,000 of cash collateral receivable that was not offset against derivative liabilities at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

The notional amounts of the derivative instruments represent the contractual cash flows pertaining to the underlying agreements. These amounts are not exchanged and are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of the interest rate swaps

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are presented at net in other assets and other liabilities when a right of offset exists, based on transactions with a single counterparty that are subject to a legally enforceable master netting agreement.

The following tables present the notional and estimated fair value amount of derivative positions outstanding (in thousands):



	March 31, 2020							December 31, 2019
			Estimated Fair Value							Estimated Fair Value
	Notional Amount ⁽¹⁾		Asset Derivative		Liability Derivative			Notional Amount ⁽¹⁾		Asset Derivative			Liability Derivative
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
Interest rate contracts:
Swaps-Cash Flow Hedge-Financial institution counterparties	$	670,000	$	—	$	21,835		$	270,000	$	1,513		$	3,655
Derivatives designated as non-hedging instruments
Interest rate contracts:
Swaps-Financial institution counterparties	136,534		—		21,409			131,685		56			8,031
Swaps-Customer counterparties	136,534		21,409		—			131,685		8,031			56
Gross derivatives			21,409		43,244					9,600			11,742
Offsetting derivative assets/liabilities			—		—					(1,569		)	(1,569		)
Cash collateral received/posted			—		(43,039		)			—			(10,117		)
Net derivatives included in the consolidated balance sheets ⁽²⁾			$	21,409	$	205				$	8,031		$	56


(1)	Notional amounts, which represent the extent of involvement in the derivatives market, are used to determine the contractual cash flows required in accordance with the terms of the agreement. These amounts are typically not exchanged, significantly exceed amounts subject to credit or market risk and are not reflected in the consolidated balance sheets.

(2)

Net derivative assets are included in other assets and net derivative liabilities are included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Included in the fair value of net derivative assets and net derivative liabilities are credit valuation adjustments reflecting counterparty credit risk and our credit risk. We had $591,000 credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and $21.4 million related to interest rate swaps with customers at March 31, 2020. We had $883,000 credit exposure related to interest rate swaps with financial institutions and $8.0 million related to interest rate swaps with customers at December 31, 2019. The credit risk associated with customer transactions is partially mitigated as these are generally secured by the non-cash collateral securing the underlying transaction being hedged.

The summarized expected weighted average remaining maturity of the notional amount of interest rate swaps and the weighted average interest rates associated with the amounts expected to be received or paid on interest rate swap agreements are presented below (dollars in thousands). Variable rates received on fixed pay swaps are based on one-month or three-month LIBOR rates in effect at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:



	March 31, 2020							December 31, 2019
			Weighted Average							Weighted Average
	Notional Amount		Remaining Maturity (in years)	Receive Rate		Pay Rate		Notional Amount		Remaining Maturity (in years)	Receive Rate		Pay Rate
Swaps-Cash Flow hedge
Financial institution counterparties	$	670,000	4.5	1.00	%	1.15	%	$	270,000	3.8	1.77	%	1.58	%
Swaps-Non-hedging
Financial institution counterparties	136,534		10.5	1.32		2.45		131,685		10.6	1.71		2.47
Customer counterparties	136,534		10.5	2.45		1.32		131,685		10.6	2.47		1.71

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10. Fair Value Measurement

Fair value is the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the asset or liability is not adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets and liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. Market participants are buyers and sellers in the principal market that are (i) independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact.

Valuation techniques including the market approach, the income approach and/or the cost approach are utilized to determine fair value. Inputs to valuation techniques refer to the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation policies and procedures are determined by our investment department and reported to our Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) for review. An entity must consider all aspects of nonperforming risk, including the entity’s own credit standing, when measuring fair value of a liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those that reflect the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from independent sources, or unobservable, meaning those that reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. A fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Level 1 Inputs - Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs - Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 Inputs - Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

Certain financial assets are measured at fair value in accordance with GAAP. Adjustments to the fair value of these assets usually result from the application of fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets. A description of the valuation methodologies used for assets and liabilities measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

Securities Available for Sale and Equity Investments with readily determinable fair values – U.S. Treasury securities and equity investments with readily determinable fair values are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. Other securities classified as available for sale are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these securities, we obtain fair value measurements from independent pricing services and obtain an understanding of the pricing methodologies used by these independent pricing services. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information and the bond’s terms and conditions, among other things, as stated in the pricing methodologies of the independent pricing services.

We review and validate the prices supplied by the independent pricing services for reasonableness by comparison to prices obtained from, in most cases, two additional third party sources. For securities where prices are outside a reasonable range, we further review those securities, based on internal ALCO approved procedures, to determine what a reasonable fair value measurement is for those securities, given available data.

Derivatives – Derivatives are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. We obtain fair value measurements from two sources including an independent pricing service and the counterparty to the derivatives designated as hedges. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, the U.S. Treasury yield curve, live trading levels, trade execution data, credit information and the derivatives’ terms and conditions, among other things. We review the prices supplied by the sources for reasonableness. In addition, we obtain a basic understanding of their underlying pricing methodology. We validate prices supplied by the sources by comparison to one another.

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Certain nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include reporting units measured at fair value and tested for goodwill impairment.

Certain financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, which means that the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances (for example, when there is evidence of impairment). Financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis included foreclosed assets and collateral-dependent loans at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

Foreclosed Assets – Foreclosed assets are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell. The fair value measurements of foreclosed assets can include Level 2 measurement inputs such as real estate appraisals and comparable real estate sales information, in conjunction with Level 3 measurement inputs such as cash flow projections, qualitative adjustments and sales cost estimates. As a result, the categorization of foreclosed assets is Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. In connection with the measurement and initial recognition of certain foreclosed assets, we may recognize charge-offs through the allowance for credit losses.

Collateral-Dependent Loans (Impaired loans prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-13) – Certain loans may be reported at the fair value of the underlying collateral if repayment is expected substantially from the operation or sale of the collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs based on customized discounting criteria or appraisals. At March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the impact of the fair value of collateral dependent loans was reflected in our allowance for loan losses.

The fair value estimate of financial instruments for which quoted market prices are unavailable is dependent upon the assumptions used. Consequently, those estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented in the fair value tables do not necessarily represent their underlying value.

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The following tables summarize assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value (in thousands):




			Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
March 31, 2020	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Recurring fair value measurements
Investment securities:
State and political subdivisions	$	1,465,741	$	—	$	1,465,741	$	—
Other stocks and bonds	9,411		—		9,411		—
Mortgage-backed securities: ⁽¹⁾
Residential	1,210,662		—		1,210,662		—
Commercial	127,210		—		127,210		—
Equity investments:
Equity investments	6,061		6,061		—		—
Derivative assets:
Interest rate swaps	21,409		—		21,409		—
Total asset recurring fair value measurements	$	2,840,494	$	6,061	$	2,834,433	$	—

Derivative liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	$	43,244	$	—	$	43,244	$	—
Total liability recurring fair value measurements	$	43,244	$	—	$	43,244	$	—

Nonrecurring fair value measurements
Foreclosed assets	$	734	$	—	$	—	$	734
Collateral-dependent loans ⁽²⁾	10,346		—		—		10,346
Total asset nonrecurring fair value measurements	$	11,080	$	—	$	—	$	11,080

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			Fair Value Measurements at the End of the Reporting Period Using
December 31, 2019	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Recurring fair value measurements
Investment securities:
State and political subdivisions	$	802,802	$	—	$	802,802	$	—
Other stocks and bonds	10,137		—		10,137		—
Mortgage-backed securities: ⁽¹⁾
Residential	1,310,642		—		1,310,642		—
Commercial	235,016		—		235,016		—
Equity investments:
Equity investments	5,965		5,965		—		—
Derivative assets:
Interest rate swaps	9,600		—		9,600		—
Total asset recurring fair value measurements	$	2,374,162	$	5,965	$	2,368,197	$	—

Derivative liabilities:
Interest rate swaps	$	11,742	$	—	$	11,742	$	—
Total liability recurring fair value measurements	$	11,742	$	—	$	11,742	$	—

Nonrecurring fair value measurements
Foreclosed assets	$	472	$	—	$	—	$	472
Impaired loans ⁽²⁾	18,586		—		—		18,586
Total asset nonrecurring fair value measurements	$	19,058	$	—	$	—	$	19,058


(1)	All mortgage-backed securities are issued and/or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises.


(2)	Consists of individually evaluated loans. Loans for which the fair value of the collateral and commercial real estate fair value of the properties is less than cost basis are presented net of allowance. Losses on these loans represent charge-offs which are netted against the allowance for loan losses.

Disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, is required when it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other estimation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. Such techniques and assumptions, as they apply to individual categories of our financial instruments, are as follows:

Cash and cash equivalents – The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of those assets’ fair value.

Investment and mortgage-backed securities held to maturity – Fair values for these securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices for similar securities or estimates from independent pricing services.

FHLB stock – The carrying amount of FHLB stock is a reasonable estimate of the fair value of those assets.

Equity investments – The carrying value of equity investments without readily determinable fair values are measured at cost less impairment, if any, adjusted for observable price changes for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. This carrying value is a reasonable estimate of the fair value of those assets.

Loans receivable – We estimate the fair value of our loan portfolio to an exit price notion with adjustments for liquidity, credit and prepayment factors. Nonperforming loans continue to be estimated using discounted cash flow analyses or the underlying value of the collateral where applicable.

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Loans held for sale – The fair value of loans held for sale is determined based on expected proceeds, which are based on sales contracts and commitments.

Deposit liabilities – The fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and certain money market deposits is the amount on demand at the reporting date, which is the carrying value. Fair values for fixed rate CDs are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Other borrowings – Federal funds purchased generally have original terms to maturity of one day and repurchase agreements generally have terms of less than one year, and therefore both are considered short-term borrowings. Consequently, their carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

FHLB borrowings – The fair value of these borrowings is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using rates at which borrowings would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.

Subordinated notes – The fair value of the subordinated notes is estimated by discounting future cash flows using estimated rates at which long-term debt would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the remaining maturities.

Trust preferred subordinated debentures – The fair value of the long-term debt is estimated by discounting future cash flows using estimated rates at which long-term debt would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the remaining maturities.

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The following tables present our financial assets and financial liabilities measured on a nonrecurring basis at both their respective carrying amounts and estimated fair value (in thousands):



			Estimated Fair Value
March 31, 2020	Carrying Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	112,213	$	112,213	$	112,213	$	—	$	—
Investment securities:
Held to maturity, at carrying value	2,880		2,903		—		2,903		—
Mortgage-backed securities:
Held to maturity, at carrying value	131,611		141,343		—		141,343		—
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost	54,696		54,696		—		54,696		—
Equity investments	6,334		6,334		—		6,334		—
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	3,547,364		3,708,899		—		—		3,708,899
Loans held for sale	1,830		1,830		—		1,830		—
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	4,739,123	$	4,748,530	$	—	$	4,748,530	$	—
Other borrowings	217,900		217,900		—		217,900		—
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	1,274,370		1,297,867		—		1,297,867		—
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	98,619		98,859		—		98,859		—
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	60,251		50,293		—		50,293		—



			Estimated Fair Value
December 31, 2019	Carrying Amount		Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	110,697	$	110,697	$	110,697	$	—	$	—
Investment securities:
Held to maturity, at carrying value	2,888		2,918		—		2,918		—
Mortgage-backed securities:
Held to maturity, at carrying value	131,975		135,961		—		135,961		—
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost	50,087		50,087		—		50,087		—
Equity investments	6,366		6,366		—		6,366		—
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses	3,543,407		3,610,591		—		—		3,610,591
Loans held for sale	383		383		—		383		—
Financial liabilities:
Deposits	$	4,702,769	$	4,703,914	$	—	$	4,703,914	$	—
Other borrowings	28,358		28,358		—		28,358		—
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	972,744		975,606		—		975,606		—
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	98,576		98,346		—		98,346		—
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	60,250		55,937		—		55,937		—

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11. Income Taxes

The income tax expense included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income consists of the following (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020			2019
Current income tax expense	$	5,554		$	3,011
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense	(5,075		)	126
Income tax expense	$	479		$	3,137

The net deferred tax liability totaled $7.0 million at March 31, 2020 and $4.8 million at December 31, 2019. No valuation allowance was recorded at March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019, as management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax asset items will be realized in future years. Unrecognized tax benefits were not material at March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019.

We recognized income tax expense of $479,000, for an effective tax rate (“ETR”) of 10.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to income tax expense of $3.1 million, for an ETR of 14.3%, for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The lower ETR for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to an increase in tax-exempt income as a percentage of pre-tax income as compared to the same period in 2019. The ETR differs from the stated rate of 21% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 primarily due to the effect of tax-exempt income from municipal loans and securities, as well as bank owned life insurance. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdictions and in certain states. We are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2016 or Texas state tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2015.

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12. Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies

Financial Instruments with Off-Balance-Sheet Risk. In the normal course of business, we are a party to certain financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk to meet the financing needs of our customers. These off-balance-sheet instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount reflected in the financial statements. The contract or notional amounts of these instruments reflect the extent of involvement and exposure to credit loss that we have in these particular classes of financial instruments. The allowance for credit losses on these off-balance-sheet credit exposures is included in other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets and was $7.6 million as of March 31, 2020. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, the provision for credit losses on off-balance-sheet credit exposures was $1.2 million, compared to a reversal of provision of $56,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019.

Contractual commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided the terms established in the contract are met. Commitments to extend credit generally have fixed expiration dates and may require the payment of fees. Since some commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in commitments to extend credit and similarly do not necessarily represent future cash obligations.

Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk were as follows (in thousands):



	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019

Commitments to extend credit	$	874,065	$	925,671
Standby letters of credit	17,697		17,211
Total	$	891,762	$	942,882

We apply the same credit policies in making commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit as we do for on-balance-sheet instruments. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary, upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the borrower. Collateral held varies but may include cash or cash equivalents, negotiable instruments, real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, oil, gas and mineral interests, property, plant and equipment.

Securities. In the normal course of business we buy and sell securities. At March 31, 2020, there were $14.6 million of unsettled trades to purchase securities and $67.2 million unsettled trades to sell securities. At December 31, 2019, there were $17.5 million unsettled trades to purchase securities and no unsettled trades to sell securities.

Deposits. There were no unsettled issuances of brokered certificates of deposits (“CD”) at March 31, 2020. There were $20.0 million of unsettled issuances of brokered CDs at December 31, 2019.

Litigation. We are involved with various litigation in the normal course of business. Management, after consulting with our legal counsel, believes that any liability resulting from litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

13. Subsequent Events

The COVID-19 pandemic is having, and will likely continue to have, significant effects on global markets, supply chains, businesses and communities. COVID-19 is likely to impact the Company’s future financial condition and results of operations including but not limited to additional credit loss reserves, additional collateral and/or modifications to debt obligations, liquidity, limited dividend payouts or potential shortages of personnel.

Management continues to take appropriate actions to mitigate the negative impact the virus has on the Company, including restricting employee travel, directing employees to work remotely, cancelling in-person meetings and implementing our business continuity plans and protocols to the extent necessary. However, the full impact of COVID-19 is unknown and cannot be reasonably estimated as these events are still developing.

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

The following is a discussion of our consolidated financial condition, changes in our financial condition and results of our operations, and should be read and reviewed in conjunction with the financial statements, and the notes thereto, in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, (the “2019 Form 10-K”). Certain risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those set forth under "Risk Factors" in Part I, Item 1A. of the 2019 Form 10-K, and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, may cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements appearing in this discussion and analysis.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements of other than historical fact that are contained in this report may be considered to be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of and subject to the safe harbor protections of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. These statements may include words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” “appear,” “believe,” “could,” “should,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “would,” “seek,” “intend,” “probability,” “risk,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,” “plans,” “potential,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, expectations, objectives, goals, anticipations, assumptions, estimates, intentions and future performance and are subject to significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. For example, discussions of the effect of our expansion, benefits of the Share Repurchase Plan, trends in asset quality and earnings from growth, and certain market risk disclosures are based upon information presently available to management and are dependent on choices about key model characteristics and assumptions and are subject to various limitations. By their nature, certain of the market risk disclosures are only estimates and could be materially different from what actually occurs in the future. Accordingly, our results could materially differ from those that have been estimated. The most recent factor that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated by our forward-looking statements include the negative impact of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic on our business, financial position, operations and prospects, including our ability to continue our business activities in certain communities we serve, the duration of the pandemic and its continued effects on financial markets, a reduction in financial transaction and business activities resulting in decreased deposits and reduced loan originations, increases in unemployment rates impacting our borrowers’ ability to repay their loans, our ability to manage liquidity in a rapidly changing and unpredictable market, additional interest rate changes by the Federal Reserve and other government actions in response to the pandemic including additional quarantines, regulations or laws enacted to counter the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following:


•	the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on our future consolidated financial condition and results of operations;

•

general (i) political conditions, including, without limitation, governmental action and uncertainty resulting from U.S. and global political trends and (ii) economic conditions, either globally, nationally, in the State of Texas, or in the specific markets in which we operate, including, without limitation, the deterioration of the commercial real estate, residential real estate, construction and development, energy, oil and gas, credit or liquidity markets, which could cause an adverse change in our net interest margin, or a decline in the value of our assets, which could result in realized losses;

•

current or future legislation, regulatory changes or changes in monetary or fiscal policy that adversely affect the businesses in which we or our customers or our borrowers are engaged, including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (“Dodd-Frank Act”), the Federal Reserve’s actions with respect to interest rates, the capital requirements promulgated by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (“Basel Committee”), the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”), uncertainty relating to calculation of LIBOR and other regulatory responses to economic conditions;


•	adverse changes in the status or financial condition of the Government-Sponsored Enterprises (the “GSEs”) which impact the GSEs’ guarantees or ability to pay or issue debt;


•	adverse changes in the credit portfolios of other U.S. financial institutions relative to the performance of certain of our investment securities;


•	economic or other disruptions caused by acts of terrorism in the United States, Europe or other areas;


•	technological changes, including potential cyber-security incidents and other disruptions, or innovations to the financial services industry;


•	our ability to identify and address cyber-security risks such as data security breaches, malware, “denial of service” attacks, “hacking” and identity theft, which could disrupt our business and result in the disclosure of and/or misuse or

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misappropriation of confidential or proprietary information, disruption or damage of our systems, increased costs, significant losses, or adverse effects to our reputation;


•	the risk that our enterprise risk management framework may not identify or address risks adequately, which may result in unexpected losses;


•	changes in the interest rate yield curve such as flat, inverted or steep yield curves, or changes in the interest rate environment that impact net interest margins and may impact prepayments on our mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) portfolio;


•	increases in our nonperforming assets;


•	our ability to maintain adequate liquidity to fund operations and growth;


•	any applicable regulatory limits or other restrictions on Southside Bank (“the Bank”) and its ability to pay dividends to us;


•	the failure of our assumptions underlying our allowance for credit losses and other estimates;


•	the failure to maintain an effective system of controls and procedures, including internal control over financial reporting;


•	the effectiveness of our derivative financial instruments and hedging activities to manage risk;


•	unexpected outcomes of, and the costs associated with, existing or new litigation involving us;


•	changes impacting our balance sheet and leverage strategy;


•	risks related to actual mortgage prepayments diverging from projections;


•	risks related to actual U.S. agency MBS prepayments exceeding projected prepayment levels;


•	risks related to U.S. agency MBS prepayments increasing due to U.S. government programs designed to assist homeowners to refinance their mortgage that might not otherwise have qualified;


•	our ability to monitor interest rate risk;


•	risks related to fluctuations in the price per barrel of crude oil;


•	significant increases in competition in the banking and financial services industry;


•	changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits;


•	execution of future acquisitions, reorganization or disposition transactions, including the risk that the anticipated benefits of such transactions are not realized;


•	our ability to increase market share and control expenses;


•	our ability to develop competitive new products and services in a timely manner and the acceptance of such products and services by our customers;


•	the effect of changes in federal or state tax laws;


•	the effect of compliance with legislation or regulatory changes;


•	the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, including the implementation of CECL;


•	credit risks of borrowers, including any increase in those risks due to changing economic conditions;


•	risks related to loans secured by real estate, including the risk that the value and marketability of collateral could decline;


•	risks related to environmental liability as a result of certain lending activity;


•	risks associated with our common stock and our other securities; and


•	other risks and uncertainties discussed in “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2019 Form 10-K and in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

All written or oral forward-looking statements made by us or attributable to us are expressly qualified by this cautionary notice. We disclaim any obligation to update any factors or to announce publicly the result of revisions to any of the forward-looking statements included herein to reflect future events or developments, unless otherwise required by law.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our accounting and reporting estimates conform with United States (“U.S.”) generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the financial services industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. We consider accounting estimates that can (1) be replaced by other reasonable estimates and/or (2) changes to an estimate from period to period that have a material impact on the presentation of our financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations as well as (3) those estimates that require significant and complex assumptions about matters

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that are highly uncertain to be critical accounting estimates. We consider our critical accounting policies to include allowance for credit losses on loans, estimation of fair value, business combination and pension plan accounting.

Critical accounting estimates include a high degree of uncertainty in the underlying assumptions. Management bases its estimates on historical experience, current information and other factors deemed relevant. The development, selection and disclosure of our critical accounting estimates are reviewed with the Audit Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. Actual results could differ from these estimates. For additional information regarding critical accounting policies, refer to “Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies” and “Note 6 – Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses” in the notes to consolidated financial statements and refer to “Part II - Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Critical Accounting Estimates,” and “Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies” in the 2019 Form 10-K. As of March 31, 2020, the most significant change to our critical accounting estimates is the determination of the allowance for loan losses under the expected loss model, a direct result of the adoption of new accounting guidance for estimating credit losses, known as the CECL model. For additional information regarding critical accounting policies related specifically to our allowance for credit loss estimates, refer to “Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Certain non-GAAP measures are used by management to supplement the evaluation of our performance. These include the following fully taxable-equivalent measures (“FTE”): Net interest income (FTE), Net interest margin (FTE) and Net interest spread (FTE), which include the effects of taxable-equivalent adjustments using a federal income tax rate of 21% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, to increase tax-exempt interest income to a tax-equivalent basis. Interest income earned on certain assets is completely or partially exempt from federal income tax. As such, these tax-exempt instruments typically yield lower returns than taxable investments.

Net interest income (FTE), Net interest margin (FTE) and Net interest spread (FTE). Net interest income (FTE) is a non-GAAP measure that adjusts for the tax-favored status of net interest income from certain loans and investments and is not permitted under GAAP in the consolidated statements of income. We believe this measure to be the preferred industry measurement of net interest income and that it enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest income. Net interest margin (FTE) is the ratio of net interest income (FTE) to average earning assets. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest margin. Net interest spread (FTE) is the difference in the average yield on average earning assets on a tax-equivalent basis and the average rate paid on average interest bearing liabilities. The most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP is our net interest spread.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered alternatives to GAAP-basis financial statements and other bank holding companies may define or calculate these non-GAAP measures or similar measures differently. Whenever we present a non-GAAP financial measure in an SEC filing, we are also required to present the most directly comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP and reconcile the differences between the non-GAAP financial measure and such comparable GAAP measure.

In the following table we present the reconciliation of net interest income to net interest income adjusted to a fully taxable-equivalent basis assuming a 21% marginal tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, for interest earned on tax-exempt assets such as municipal loans and investment securities (dollars in thousands), along with the calculation of net interest margin (FTE) and net interest spread (FTE).



Non-GAAP Reconciliations
	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020			2019
Net interest income (GAAP)	$	44,701		$	41,125
Tax equivalent adjustments:
Loans	668			598
Tax-exempt investment securities	1,631			1,614
Net interest income (FTE) ⁽¹⁾	$	47,000		$	43,337

Average earning assets	$	6,248,759		$	5,733,116

Net interest margin	2.88		%	2.91		%
Net interest margin (FTE) ⁽¹⁾	3.03		%	3.07		%

Net interest spread	2.61		%	2.56		%
Net interest spread (FTE) ⁽¹⁾	2.76		%	2.71		%


(1)	These amounts are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis and are non-GAAP measures.

Management believes adjusting net interest income, net interest margin and net interest spread to a fully taxable-equivalent basis is a standard practice in the banking industry as these measures provide useful information to make peer comparisons. Tax-equivalent adjustments are reported in the respective earning asset categories as listed in the “Average Balances with Average Yields and Rates” tables under Results of Operations.

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OVERVIEW

COVID-19

During March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic in response to the rapidly growing outbreak of the virus. COVID-19 has significantly impacted local, national and global economies due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines. In compliance with social distancing guidelines issued by federal, state and local governments, we closed all of our grocery store branches. As stay-at-home orders were issued by local governments in our market areas to combat the spread of the virus, we closed all traditional lobbies and wealth management and trust offices to walk-in customers, however, most of these traditional locations are offering certain services by appointment only. All other banking services, including our motor banks, ATMs/ITMs and automated telephone, internet and mobile banking products are available to serve our customers. Approximately 45% of our workforce has remote working capabilities.

COVID-19 has significantly disrupted supply chains, business activity and the overall economic and financial markets. These disruptions are likely to result in a decline in demand for banking products or services, including loans and deposits which could impact our future financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The CARES Act provides an estimated $2.2 trillion to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and stimulate the economy by supporting individuals and businesses through loans, grants, tax changes, and other types of relief. The CARES Act also includes provisions to encourage financial institutions to work prudently with borrowers. As a Small Business Administration lender, we were well positioned to assist business customers in accessing funds available through the Paycheck Protection Program implemented in April. Through April 30, 2020, we have processed over $300 million of approved Paycheck Protection Program loans. Additionally, we are assisting both our consumer and commercial borrowers that may be experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 related challenges. Through April 30, 2020, we have granted payment deferrals, generally for up to three months, for a total of $176.7 million of our outstanding loan balances with the largest categories including commercial real estate loans of $112.7 million and 1-4 family residential loans of $47.2 million.

Operating Results

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, our net income decreased $14.9 million, or 79.0%, to $4.0 million from $18.8 million for the same period in 2019. The decrease in net income was largely driven by the $26.2 million increase in provision for credit losses and an increase in noninterest expense of $0.9 million, partially offset by a $6.0 million increase in noninterest income, a $2.7 million decrease in income tax expense, a $1.9 million decrease in interest expense and a $1.7 million increase in interest income. Earnings per diluted common share decreased $0.44, or 78.6% to $0.12 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from $0.56 for the same period in 2019. The increase in the provision for credit losses was primarily due to the application of the CECL model and the economic impact of COVID-19 on macroeconomic factors used in the CECL methodology.

Financial Condition

Our total assets increased $524.7 million, or 7.8%, to $7.27 billion at March 31, 2020 from $6.75 billion at December 31, 2019. Our securities portfolio increased by $454.1 million, or 18.2%, to $2.95 billion, compared to $2.49 billion at December 31, 2019. The increase in our securities portfolio was comprised of an increase of $662.2 million in investment securities, partially offset by a decrease of $208.2 million in MBS as we realigned our portfolio in response to the impact of COVID-19 on the financial markets. Our FHLB stock increased $4.6 million, or 9.2%, to $54.7 million from $50.1 million at December 31, 2019, primarily due to increases in the amount of FHLB stock we were required to hold in relation to our FHLB borrowings.

Loans increased $32.8 million, or 0.9%, to $3.60 billion at March 31, 2020 from $3.57 billion at December 31, 2019. The net increase in our loan portfolio was comprised of increases of $100.6 million of commercial real estate loans and $313,000 of 1-4 family residential loans, partially offset by decreases of $41.0 million of construction loans, $17.5 million of commercial loans, $8.0 million of municipal loans, and $1.6 million of loans to individuals.

Our nonperforming assets at March 31, 2020 decreased 0.3%, to $17.4 million and represented 0.24% of total assets, compared to $17.4 million, or 0.26% of total assets at December 31, 2019. Nonaccruing loans increased $258,000, or 5.2%, to $5.2 million, and the ratio of nonaccruing loans to total loans remained unchanged at 0.14% at March 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019. Restructured loans were $11.4 million at March 31, 2020, a decrease of 4.7%, from $12.0 million at December 31, 2019. Other Real Estate Owned (“OREO”) increased to $734,000 at March 31, 2020 from $472,000 at December 31, 2019.

Our deposits increased $36.4 million, or 0.8%, to $4.74 billion at March 31, 2020 from $4.70 billion at December 31, 2019, which was comprised of increases of $25.6 million in noninterest bearing deposits and $10.8 million in interest bearing deposits. The

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increase in our deposits during the first quarter of 2020 was the result of an increase in public fund deposits of $39.5 million, partially offset by a decrease in private deposits of $3.1 million. Brokered deposits, included in our private deposits, decreased $23.7 million, or 6.4%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020.

Total FHLB borrowings increased $301.6 million, or 31.0%, to $1.27 billion at March 31, 2020 from $972.7 million at December 31, 2019 to partially fund the increase in our securities portfolio.

Our total shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2020 decreased 1.1%, or $8.8 million, to $795.8 million, or 10.9% of total assets, compared to $804.6 million, or 11.9% of total assets at December 31, 2019. The decrease in shareholders’ equity was the result of the repurchase of $25.8 million of our common stock, a cash dividends paid of $10.5 million and a reduction to beginning retained earnings of $7.8 million for a cumulative-effect adjustment related to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, partially offset by other comprehensive income of $29.3 million, net income of $4.0 million, net issuance of common stock under employee stock plans of $1.1 million, stock compensation expense of $695,000 and common stock issued under our dividend reinvestment plan of $347,000.

Key financial indicators management follows include, but are not limited to, numerous interest rate sensitivity and interest rate risk indicators, credit risk, operations risk, liquidity risk, capital risk, regulatory risk, competition risk, yield curve risk, U.S. agency MBS prepayment risk and economic risk indicators.

Balance Sheet Strategy

We utilize wholesale funding and securities to enhance our profitability and balance sheet composition by determining acceptable levels of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk consistent with prudent capital management. This balance sheet strategy consists of borrowing a combination of long- and short-term funds from the FHLB or the brokered CD market. These funds are invested primarily in U.S. agency MBS, long-term municipal securities and U.S. Treasury securities. Although U.S. agency MBS often carry lower yields than traditional mortgage loans and other types of loans we make, these securities generally (i) increase the overall quality of our assets because of either the implicit or explicit guarantees of the U.S. Government, (ii) are more liquid than individual loans and (iii) may be used to collateralize our borrowings or other obligations. While the strategy of investing a portion of our assets in U.S. Agency MBS and municipal securities has historically resulted in lower interest rate spreads and margins, we believe the lower operating expenses and reduced credit risk, combined with the managed interest rate risk of this strategy, have enhanced our overall profitability for many years. At this time, we utilize this balance sheet strategy with the goal of enhancing overall profitability by maximizing the use of our capital.

Risks associated with the asset structure we maintain include a lower net interest rate spread and margin when compared to our peers, changes in the slope of the yield curve, which can reduce our net interest rate spread and margin, increased interest rate risk, the length of interest rate cycles, changes in volatility spreads associated with the MBS and municipal securities, the unpredictable nature of MBS prepayments and credit risks associated with the municipal securities. See “Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business” in the 2019 Form 10-K and in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for a discussion of risks related to interest rates. Our asset structure, net interest spread and net interest margin require us to closely monitor our interest rate risk. An additional risk is the change in fair value of the AFS securities portfolio as a result of changes in interest rates. Significant increases in interest rates, especially long-term interest rates, could adversely impact the fair value of the AFS securities portfolio, which could also significantly impact our equity capital. Due to the unpredictable nature of MBS prepayments, the length of interest rate cycles and the slope of the interest rate yield curve, net interest income could fluctuate more than simulated under the scenarios modeled by our Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) and described under “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Determining the appropriate size of the balance sheet is one of the critical decisions any bank makes. Our balance sheet is not merely the result of a series of micro-decisions, but rather the size is controlled based on the economics of assets compared to the economics of funding. The relatively low interest rate environment and economic landscape requires that we monitor the interest rate sensitivity of the assets driving our growth and closely align ALCO objectives accordingly.

The management of our securities portfolio as a percentage of earning assets is guided by the current economics associated with the securities portfolio, changes in our overall loan and deposit levels and changes in our wholesale funding levels. Our balance sheet strategy is designed such that our securities portfolio should help mitigate financial performance associated with potential business and economic cycles that include slower loan growth and higher credit costs.

Our investment securities and U.S. Agency MBS increased from $2.49 billion at December 31, 2019 to $2.95 billion at March 31, 2020. The increase in the securities portfolio was in conjunction with our balance sheet strategy and ALCO objectives.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic adding additional stress in the bond market, our ALCO objectives for the quarter ended March 31, 2020 are divided into two periods: pre-COVID 19 and COVID-19. During the pre-COVID-19 period, which includes January

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and February, we purchased approximately $168 million Texas municipal securities, of which approximately $58 million were taxable municipals. In the COVID-19 period, or March, the municipal bond market experienced a significant sell-off associated with illiquidity. When this occurred we purchased approximately $483 million tax free municipal securities, largely AAA rated, and approximately $8 million of taxable municipals. During the quarter we sold lower yielding fixed rate AFS U.S. agency MBS and low yielding AFS tax free municipal securities with book values of approximately $178 million and $19 million, respectively. The sales of these lower yielding securities resulted in a net realized gain of $5.5 million and were more than offset by the purchases of higher yielding municipal securities.

At March 31, 2020, securities as a percentage of assets totaled 40.5%, compared to 36.9% at December 31, 2019, due to the $454.1 million, or 18.2%, increase in the securities portfolio which exceeded our loan growth of 0.9%, or $32.8 million. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the financial markets and has created economic uncertainty which will likely limit our opportunity for loan growth for the remainder of 2020. In response to the uncertainty surrounding 2020 loan growth, we purchased additional securities to meet our ALCO objectives. If loan originations increase over the coming months, we may modify the strategy of our securities portfolio. Our balance sheet management strategy is dynamic and is continually evaluated as market conditions warrant. As interest rates, yield curves, MBS prepayments, funding costs, security spreads and loan and deposit portfolios change, our determination of the proper types, amount and maturities of securities to invest in, as well as funding needs and funding sources, will continue to be evaluated. Should the economics of purchasing securities decrease, we may allow the securities portfolio to shrink through run-off or security sales. However, should the economics become more attractive, we may strategically increase the securities portfolio and the balance sheet.

With respect to liabilities, we continue to primarily utilize a combination of FHLB borrowings and deposits to achieve our strategy of minimizing cost while achieving overall interest rate risk objectives as well as the liability management objectives of the ALCO. Our primary wholesale funding source is FHLB borrowings and to a lesser extent we utilize federal funds and brokered CDs. Our FHLB borrowings increased 31.0%, or $301.6 million, to $1.27 billion at March 31, 2020 from $972.7 million at December 31, 2019. To provide more liquidity in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Reserve has recently taken steps to encourage broader use of the discount window. Our borrowings from the discount window were $189.5 million as of March 31, 2020.

In connection with our borrowings, the Bank has entered into various variable rate agreements and fixed rate short-term pay agreements. These agreements totaled $690.0 million and $310.0 million at March 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Six of the agreements have interest rates tied to three-month LIBOR and the remaining agreements have interest rates tied to one-month LIBOR. In connection with $670.0 million of these agreements, Southside Bank also entered into various interest rate swap contracts that are treated as cash flow hedges under ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” that are expected to be effective in hedging the variability in future cash flows attributable to fluctuations in the underlying LIBOR interest rate. The interest rate swap contracts had an average interest rate of 1.15% with an average weighted maturity of 4.5 years at March 31, 2020. We have one terminated interest rate swap contract designated as a cash flow hedge having a total notional value of $20.0 million. At the time of termination, we determined that the underlying hedged forecasted transactions were still probable of occurring. These transactions are reevaluated on a monthly basis to determine if the hedged forecasted transactions are still probable of occurring. If at a subsequent evaluation, it is determined that the transactions will not occur, any related gains or losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) are immediately recognized in earnings. Refer to “Note 9 – Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities” in our consolidated financial statements included in this report for a detailed description of our hedging policy and methodology related to derivative instruments.

Our brokered CDs decreased $23.7 million, or 6.5%, from $365.7 million at December 31, 2019 to $342.0 million at March 31, 2020. At March 31, 2020, our brokered CDs had a weighted average cost of 165 basis points and remaining maturities of less than one year. To provide management the flexibility to manage interest rate risk with upcoming maturities, the ALCO approved an additional $50.0 million limit for brokered deposits obtained to replace those maturing within 30 days if favorable interest rates are offered on new issues. This increased our wholesale funding policy to allow maximum brokered deposits of $450.0 million. The brokered deposit maximum limit could increase or decrease depending on changes in ALCO objectives. The potential higher interest expense and lack of customer loyalty are risks associated with the use of brokered CDs.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the net increase in our FHLB borrowings, discount window borrowings, and brokered deposits, resulted in an increase in our total wholesale funding as a percentage of deposits, not including brokered deposits, to 41.2% at March 31, 2020 from 31.0% at December 31, 2019.

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Results of Operations

Our results of operations are dependent primarily on net interest income, which is the difference between the interest income earned on assets (loans and investments) and interest expense due on our funding sources (deposits and borrowings) during a particular period. Results of operations are also affected by our noninterest income, provision for credit losses, noninterest expenses and income tax expense. General economic and competitive conditions, particularly changes in interest rates, changes in interest rate yield curves, prepayment rates of MBS and loans, repricing of loan relationships, government policies and actions of regulatory authorities also significantly affect our results of operations. Future changes in applicable law, regulations or government policies may also have a material impact on us. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted our results of operations and is likely to continue to impact our results of operations for the remainder of 2020.

The following table presents net interest income for the periods presented (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2020		2019
Interest income:
Loans	$	41,895	$	41,619
Taxable investment securities	512		28
Tax-exempt investment securities	6,206		4,118
Mortgage-backed securities	11,534		12,474
Federal Home Loan Bank stock and equity investments	425		355
Other interest earning assets	180		433
Total interest income	60,752		59,027
Interest expense:
Deposits	9,919		11,241
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	3,974		4,457
Subordinated notes	1,411		1,400
Trust preferred subordinated debentures	600		729
Other borrowings	147		75
Total interest expense	16,051		17,902
Net interest income	$	44,701	$	41,125

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is one of the principal sources of a financial institution’s earnings stream and represents the difference or spread between interest and fee income generated from interest earning assets and the interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities. Fluctuations in interest rates or interest rate yield curves, as well as repricing characteristics and volume and changes in the mix of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, materially impact net interest income. During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the Federal Reserve reduced target federal funds rate by 150 basis points. During the second half of 2019, the Federal Reserve decreased the federal funds rate by 75 basis points.

Net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 increased $3.6 million, or 8.7%, to $44.7 million, compared to $41.1 million for the same period in 2019. The increase in net interest income was due primarily to the decrease in interest expense on our interest bearing liabilities, a result of lower funding costs on our interest bearing liabilities, and an increase in interest income primarily due to a higher average balance of our interest earning assets. Total interest income increased $1.7 million, or 2.9%, to $60.8 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $59.0 million during the same period in 2019. Total interest expense decreased $1.9 million, or 10.3%, to $16.1 million during the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to $17.9 million during the same period in 2019. Our net interest margin (FTE), a non-GAAP measure, decreased to 3.03% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to 3.07% for the same period in 2019, and our net interest spread (FTE), also a non-GAAP measure, increased to 2.76%, compared to 2.71% for the same period in 2019. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information.

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Year-to-Date Analysis of Changes in Interest Income and Interest Expense

The following table presents on a fully taxable-equivalent basis, a non-GAAP measure, the net change in net interest income and sets forth the dollar amount of increase (decrease) in the average volume of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities and from changes in yields/rates. Volume/Yield/Rate variances (change in volume times change in yield/rate) have been allocated to amounts attributable to changes in volumes and to changes in yields/rates in proportion to the amounts directly attributable to those changes (in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31, 2020 Compared to 2019
	Change Attributable to						Total
Fully Taxable-Equivalent Basis:	Average Volume			Average Yield/Rate			Change
Interest income on:
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	3,570		$	(3,226	)	$	344
Loans held for sale	2			—			2
Taxable investment securities	491			(7		)	484
Tax-exempt investment securities ⁽¹⁾	2,024			81			2,105
Mortgage-backed and related securities	(366		)	(574		)	(940		)
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments	62			8			70
Interest earning deposits	(124		)	(82		)	(206		)
Federal funds sold	(47		)	—			(47		)
Total earning assets	5,612			(3,800		)	1,812
Interest expense on:
Savings accounts	17			(38		)	(21		)
Certificates of deposits	984			(335		)	649
Interest bearing demand accounts	(19		)	(1,931		)	(1,950		)
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	875			(1,358		)	(483		)
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	2			9			11
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	—			(129		)	(129		)
Other borrowings	130			(58		)	72
Total interest bearing liabilities	1,989			(3,840		)	(1,851		)
Net change	$	3,623		$	40		$	3,663


(1)	Interest yields on loans and securities that are nontaxable for federal income tax purposes are presented on a fully taxable-equivalent basis. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

The increase in total interest income was attributable to the increase in average earning assets of $515.6 million, or 9.0%, to $6.25 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2020, from $5.73 billion for the same period in 2019, partially offset by the decrease in the average yield on earning assets to 4.06% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 from 4.33% for the three months ended March 31, 2019. The increase in average earning assets was primarily the result of the increases in the loan portfolio and investment securities, partially offset by decreases in mortgage-backed securities and interest earning deposits. The decrease in the average yield on total earning assets during the three months ended March 31, 2020 was a result of decreases in the federal funds rate during 2020 and the latter half of 2019.

The decrease in total interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was attributable to the decrease in the average rates paid on total interest bearing liabilities to 1.30% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 from 1.62% for the three months ended March 31, 2019, partially offset by the increase in average interest bearing liabilities of $461.3 million, or 10.3%, to $4.95 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2020 from $4.49 billion during the three months ended March 31, 2019. The decrease in average rates paid on interest bearing liabilities was due to the decreases in the federal funds rate during 2020 and 2019. The increase in average interest bearing liabilities was primarily the result of the increases in average CDs, FHLB borrowings and other borrowings to fund the increases in loans and securities.

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The “Average Balances with Average Yields and Rates” table that follows shows average earning assets and interest bearing liabilities together with the average yield on the earning assets and the average rate of the interest bearing liabilities (dollars in thousands) for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. The interest and related yields presented are on a fully taxable-equivalent (“FTE”) basis and are therefore non-GAAP measures. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more information, and for a reconciliation to GAAP.



	Average Balances with Average Yields and Rates (Annualized)
	(unaudited)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2020							March 31, 2019
	Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate		Average Balance			Interest		Average Yield/Rate
ASSETS
Loans ⁽¹⁾	$	3,587,143		$	42,554	4.77	%	$	3,296,665		$	42,210	5.19	%
Loans held for sale	831			9		4.36	%	611			7		4.65	%
Securities:
Taxable investment securities ⁽²⁾	70,293			512		2.93	%	3,000			28		3.79	%
Tax-exempt investment securities ⁽²⁾	888,906			7,837		3.55	%	659,187			5,732		3.53	%
Mortgage-backed and related securities ⁽²⁾	1,598,374			11,534		2.90	%	1,647,564			12,474		3.07	%
Total securities	2,557,573			19,883		3.13	%	2,309,751			18,234		3.20	%
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost, and equity investments	62,976			425		2.71	%	53,764			355		2.68	%
Interest earning deposits	40,236			180		1.80	%	64,690			386		2.42	%
Federal funds sold	—			—		—		7,635			47		2.50	%
Total earning assets	6,248,759			63,051		4.06	%	5,733,116			61,239		4.33	%
Cash and due from banks	76,739							83,147
Accrued interest and other assets	611,017							513,738
Less: Allowance for loan losses	(30,373		)					(27,060		)
Total assets	$	6,906,142						$	6,302,941
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Savings accounts	$	384,863		237		0.25	%	$	360,664		258		0.29	%
Certificates of deposits	1,362,427			6,346		1.87	%	1,154,203			5,697		2.00	%
Interest bearing demand accounts	1,975,837			3,336		0.68	%	1,982,891			5,286		1.08	%
Total interest bearing deposits	3,723,127			9,919		1.07	%	3,497,758			11,241		1.30	%
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings	999,070			3,974		1.60	%	816,389			4,457		2.21	%
Subordinated notes, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	98,597			1,411		5.76	%	98,428			1,400		5.77	%
Trust preferred subordinated debentures, net of unamortized debt issuance costs	60,234			600		4.01	%	60,246			729		4.91	%
Other borrowings	69,846			147		0.85	%	16,788			75		1.81	%
Total interest bearing liabilities	4,950,874			16,051		1.30	%	4,489,609			17,902		1.62	%
Noninterest bearing deposits	1,042,341							986,343
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	88,168							89,768
Total liabilities	6,081,383							5,565,720
Shareholders’ equity	824,759							737,221
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	6,906,142						$	6,302,941
Net interest income (FTE)				$	47,000						$	43,337
Net interest margin (FTE)						3.03	%						3.07	%
Net interest spread (FTE)						2.76	%						2.71	%


(1)	Interest on loans includes net fees on loans that are not material in amount.


(2)	For the purpose of calculating the average yield, the average balance of securities is presented at historical cost.

Note: As of March 31, 2020 and 2019, loans totaling $5.2 million and $17.7 million, respectively, were on nonaccrual status. Our policy is to reverse previously accrued but unpaid interest on nonaccrual loans; thereafter, interest income is recorded to the extent received when appropriate.

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Noninterest Income

Noninterest income consists of revenue generated from a broad range of financial services and activities and other fee generating services that we either provide or in which we participate.

The following table details the categories included in noninterest income (dollars in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,				2020
	Three Months Ended March 31,				Change From
	2020		2019		2019
Deposit services	$	6,279	$	5,986	$	293		4.9	%
Net gain on sale of securities available for sale	5,541		256		5,285			2,064.5	%
Gain on sale of loans	170		93		77			82.8	%
Trust fees	1,305		1,541		(236		)	(15.3	)%
Bank owned life insurance	569		544		25			4.6	%
Brokerage services	580		517		63			12.2	%
Other noninterest income	1,054		601		453			75.4	%
Total noninterest income	$	15,498	$	9,538	$	5,960		62.5	%

The 62.5% increase in noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, was largely due to increases in net gain on sale of securities available for sale, other noninterest income and deposit services income, partially offset by decreases in trust fees.

The increase in deposit services income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily a result of the increase made to our overdraft and returned check pricing during the second quarter of 2019.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, we sold Texas municipal securities and primarily mortgage related securities that resulted in a net gain on sale of AFS securities of $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020, respectively.

Gain on sale of loans increased during the three months ended March 31, 2020 due to an increase in volume of loans sold.

The decrease in trust fees for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to a decrease in assets under management. The market value of our wealth management and trust assets under management, which are not reflected in our consolidated balance sheets, decreased 24.6%, and were approximately $1.37 billion at March 31, 2020, compared to $1.82 billion at March 31, 2019.

The increase in brokerage services income during the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, was primarily due to increased trading activity and the addition of a new broker in December 2019.

Other noninterest income increased during the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to a partial loss on fair value hedge interest rate swaps during the first quarter of 2019, as well as increases in mortgage derivative income and swap fee income during the first quarter of 2020, partially offset by a decrease in mortgage servicing fee income.

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Noninterest Expense

We incur certain types of noninterest expenses associated with the operation of our various business activities. The following table details the categories included in noninterest expense (dollars in thousands):



	Three Months Ended March 31,				2020
	Three Months Ended March 31,				Change From
	2020		2019		2019
Salaries and employee benefits	$	19,643	$	18,046	$	1,597		8.8	%
Net occupancy	3,311		3,175		136			4.3	%
Advertising, travel & entertainment	832		847		(15		)	(1.8	)%
ATM expense	224		180		44			24.4	%
Professional fees	1,195		1,314		(119		)	(9.1	)%
Software and data processing	1,227		1,076		151			14.0	%
Communications	493		487		6			1.2	%
FDIC insurance	25		422		(397		)	(94.1	)%
Amortization of intangibles	980		1,179		(199		)	(16.9	)%
Other noninterest expense	2,590		2,901		(311		)	(10.7	)%
Total noninterest expense	$	30,520	$	29,627	$	893		3.0	%

The increase in noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits, partially offset by decreases in FDIC insurance, other noninterest expense and amortization of intangibles.

Salary and employee benefits increased for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, due to increases in direct salary expense, insurance expense and retirement expense.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, direct salary expense increased $909,000, or 5.9%, compared to the same period in 2019, due to normal salary increases effective in the first quarter of 2020 and to a lesser extent, the addition of several new commercial lenders.

Health and life insurance expense, included in salaries and employee benefits, increased $470,000, or 27.6%, during the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. We have a self-insured health plan which is supplemented with a stop loss insurance policy. Health insurance costs continue to rise nationwide and these costs may continue to increase during the remainder of 2020.

Retirement expense increased $218,000, or 24.7%, for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019. The increase for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to increases in our defined benefit pension plan expense, deferred compensation expense and split dollar agreement expense, which was a result of a decrease in the discount rate assumption used to estimate benefit expense to better reflect the current market conditions.

ATM expense increased for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, due to higher ATM maintenance expense as new ATMs and ITMs were put into service.

Professional fees decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to a decrease in legal fees.

Software and data processing expense increased for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, due to entry into several new software contracts.

FDIC insurance decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to a small bank assessment credit issued by the FDIC utilized in the first quarter of 2020.

Amortization expense on intangibles decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, primarily due to a decrease in core deposit intangible amortization which is recognized on an accelerated method resulting in a decline in expense over time.

Other noninterest expense decreased for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, due to decreases in the net periodic benefit cost of our defined benefit pension plan, computer supplies and losses on retired assets.

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Income Taxes

Pre-tax income for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was $4.4 million, compared to $22.0 million for the same period in 2019, a decrease of 79.8%. We recorded income tax expense of $479,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to income tax expense of $3.1 million for the same period in 2019. The effective tax rate (“ETR”) as a percentage of pre-tax income was 10.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2020, compared to an ETR as a percentage of pre-tax income of 14.3% for the same period in 2019. The lower ETR for the three months ended March 31, 2020 was primarily due to an increase in tax-exempt income as a percentage of pre-tax income as compared to the same period in 2019.

The ETR differs from the stated rate of 21% for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 primarily due to the effect of tax-exempt income from municipal loans and securities, as well as bank owned life insurance. The net deferred tax liability totaled $7.0 million at March 31, 2020, compared to $4.8 million at December 31, 2019. The increase in the net deferred tax liability is primarily the result of the increase in unrealized gains in the AFS securities portfolio.

See “Note 11 – Income Taxes” to our consolidated financial statements included in this report. No valuation allowance was recorded at March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019, as management believes it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax asset items will be realized in future years.

Composition of Loans

One of our main objectives is to seek attractive lending opportunities in Texas, primarily in the counties in which we operate. Refer to “Part I - Item 1. Business - Market Area” in the 2019 Form 10-K for a discussion of our primary market area and the geographic concentration of our loan portfolio as of December 31, 2019. There were no substantial changes in these concentrations during the three months ended March 31, 2020. Substantially all of our loan originations are made to borrowers who live in and conduct business in the Texas counties in which we operate or adjoin, with the exception of municipal loans, which are made primarily throughout the state of Texas. Municipal loans are made to municipalities, counties, school districts and colleges.

The following table sets forth loan totals by class as of the dates presented (dollars in thousands):



							Compared to
							December 31, 2019		March 31, 2019
	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		March 31, 2019		Change (%)		Change (%)
Real estate loans:
Construction	$	603,952	$	644,948	$	603,411	(6.4	)%	0.1	%
1-4 family residential	787,875		787,562		786,198		—		0.2	%
Commercial	1,350,818		1,250,208		1,104,378		8.0	%	22.3	%
Commercial loans	383,984		401,521		367,995		(4.4	)%	4.3	%
Municipal loans	375,934		383,960		343,026		(2.1	)%	9.6	%
Loans to individuals	98,439		100,005		100,102		(1.6	)%	(1.7	)%
Total loans	$	3,601,002	$	3,568,204	$	3,305,110	0.9	%	9.0	%

Our loan portfolio increased $32.8 million, or 0.9%, at March 31, 2020 compared to December 31, 2019 with increases in commercial real estate partially offset by decreases in other loan categories.

Our loan portfolio increased $295.9 million, or 9.0%, at March 31, 2020 compared to March 31, 2019 with increases in all of the loan categories other than loans to individuals.

At March 31, 2020, our real estate loans represented 76.2% of our loan portfolio and were comprised of construction loans of 22.0%, 1-4 family residential loans of 28.7% and commercial real estate loans of 49.3%. Our construction loans are collateralized by property located primarily in or near the market areas we serve. A number of our construction loans will be owner occupied upon completion. Construction loans for non-owner occupied projects are financed, but these typically have cash flows from leases with tenants, secondary sources of repayment, and in some cases, additional collateral. Our 1-4 family residential loans consist primarily of loans secured by first mortgages on owner occupied 1-4 family residences. Commercial real estate loans primarily include loans collateralized by retail, commercial office buildings, multi-family residential buildings, medical facilities and offices, senior living, assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, warehouse facilities, hotels and churches.

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Loan Portfolios Most at Risk due to Economic Stress Resulting from Impact of COVID-19

The banking industry is affected by general economic conditions such as interest rates, inflation, recession, unemployment and other factors beyond our control including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the last 30 years the Texas economy has continued to diversify, decreasing the overall impact of fluctuations in oil and gas prices; however, the oil and gas industry is still a significant component of the Texas economy. The first quarter of 2020 experienced a significant reduction in oil prices primarily reflective of the economic impact of COVID-19. We cannot predict whether current economic conditions will improve, remain the same or decline.

As of March 31, 2020, the Company’s exposure to the oil and gas industry totaled $102.9 million, or 2.86% of gross loans, down $21.5 million from December 31, 2019 year-end levels, and consisted primarily of (i) support/service loans of 1.91%, (ii) upstream of 0.86%, (iii) downstream of 0.07%, and (iv) midstream of 0.02%. Expanded monitoring and analysis of these loans has been implemented to address the decline in oil and gas prices as needed.

The following table sets forth our oil and gas information for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):



	March 31,						December 31, 2019
	2020			2019			December 31, 2019
Oil and gas related loans	$	102,938		$	101,052		$	124,417
Oil and gas related loans as a % of loans	2.86		%	3.06		%	3.49		%
Classified oil and gas related loans	$	765		$	10		$	1,085
Nonaccrual oil and gas related loans	—			—			7
Net charge-offs for oil and gas related loans	27			—			—
Allowance for oil and gas related loans as a % of oil and gas loans	2.17		%	0.75		%	1.14		%

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the global economy, disrupted global supply chains and increased unemployment levels. The resulting temporary closure of many businesses and the implementation of social distancing and sheltering in place policies may impact many of our customers. In addition to the oil and gas industry, we consider the following sectors to be most vulnerable to financial risks from business disruptions caused by the pandemic mitigation efforts. For further discussion, see Item 1.A "Risk Factors" in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The following table sets forth our sectors based on North American Industry Classification System (“NAICS”) categories as of March 31, 2020 (dollars in thousands):



	March 31, 2020
	Loans		Percent of Total Loans		Percent Classified⁽¹⁾
Retail commercial real estate⁽²⁾	$	322,341	8.95	%	0.35	%
Retail goods and services	88,019		2.45		8.79
Hotels	69,971		1.94		6.28
Food services	31,848		0.89		0.02
Arts, entertainment and recreation	8,373		0.23		1.02
Total	$	520,552	14.46	%	2.56	%


(1)	Sector classified loans as a percentage of sector total loans.


(2)	Loans in the retail commercial real estate sector are included in our commercial real estate portfolio.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans

On January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments- Credit Losses, also known as Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”). CECL is the estimated credit loss over the contractual life of a financial instrument measured upon origination or purchase of the instrument. The CECL model uses historical experience and current conditions for homogeneous pools of loans, and reasonable and supportable forecasts about future events. Reserve factors are specific to the loan segments that share similar risk characteristics based on the probability of default over the contractual term. The forecasted periods gradually mean-revert to the long-run trend based upon historical data. Management may apply additional scenario conditions and/or relevant qualitative factors, not previously considered, to determine the appropriate allowance level. The use of the CECL model includes

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significant judgment by management and may differ from those of our peers due to different historical loss patterns and the length of time of the reasonable and supportable forecast period and reversion period.

When determining the appropriate allowance for credit losses on our loan portfolio, our commercial construction and real estate loans, commercial loans and municipal loans utilize the probability of default/loss given default discounted cash flow approach. These loans are assigned to pools based upon risk factors including the loan type and structure, collateral type, leverage ratio, refinancing risk and origination quality, among others. Our consumer construction real estate loans, 1-4 family residential loans and our loans to individuals use a loss rate dependence and are assigned to pools based upon risk factors including loan types, origination year and credit scores.

As of March 31, 2020, our review of the loan portfolio indicated that an allowance for loan losses of $53.6 million was appropriate to cover losses in the portfolio. Changes in economic and other conditions, including the application of the CECL model and the economic uncertainty COVID-19 had on the expected loss, may require future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses.

During the three months ended March 31, 2020, the allowance for loan losses increased $28.8 million, or 116.3%, to $53.6 million, or 1.49% of total loans, when compared to $24.8 million, or 0.69% of total loans at December 31, 2019. The increase in the provision for credit losses for the quarter was primarily due to the recent developments related to COVID-19 and the resulting impact on the economic assumptions used in the CECL model.

For the three months ended March 31, 2020, loan charge-offs were $1.0 million and recoveries were $451,000. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, loan charge-offs were $2.3 million and recoveries were $339,000. For the three months ended March 31, 2020, we recorded provision for credit losses on loans of $24.1 million an increase of $25.0 million, or 2,723.3%, from a partial reversal of provision of $918,000 for the same period in 2019. The increase was primarily due to the application of the CECLmodel and the economic impact of COVID-19 on macroeconomic factors used in the CECL methodology, including the potential for credit deterioration. If the COVID-19 pandemic is prolonged, there is a material risk that credit losses and nonperforming assets may increase.

Purchased Credit Deteriorated (“PCD”) Loans

We have purchased certain loans that as of the date of purchase have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination. Management evaluates these loans against a probability threshold to determine if substantially all of the contractually required payments will be received. PCD loans are recorded at the purchase price plus an allowance for credit losses which becomes the PCD loan's initial amortized cost. The non-credit related discount or premium, the difference between the initial amortized cost and the par value, will be amortized into interest income over the life of the loan. Any further changes to the allowance for credit losses are recorded through provision expense. In accordance with the adoption of ASU 2016-13, management did not reassess whether purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) assets met the criteria of PCD assets and elected to not maintain pools of loans as of the date of adoption. All PCD loans are evaluated based upon product type within the underlying segment.

Nonperforming Assets

Nonperforming assets consist of delinquent loans 90 days or more past due, nonaccrual loans, OREO, repossessed assets and troubled debt restructured loans. Nonaccrual loans are loans 90 days or more delinquent and collection in full of both the principal and interest is not expected. Additionally, some loans that are not delinquent or that are delinquent less than 90 days may be placed on nonaccrual status if it is probable that we will not receive contractual principal and interest payments in accordance with the terms of the respective loan agreements. When a loan is categorized as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued and any accrued balance is reversed for financial statement purposes. OREO represents real estate taken in full or partial satisfaction of debts previously contracted. The dollar amount of OREO is based on a current evaluation of the OREO at the time it is recorded on our books, net of estimated selling costs. Updated valuations are obtained as needed and any additional impairments are recognized. Restructured loans represent loans that have been renegotiated to provide a below market or deferral of interest or principal because of deterioration in the financial position of the borrowers. The restructuring of a loan is considered a “troubled debt restructuring” if both (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the creditor has granted a concession. Concessions may include interest rate reductions or below market interest rates, restructuring amortization schedules and other actions intended to minimize potential losses. Categorization of a loan as nonperforming is not in itself a reliable indicator of potential loan loss. Other factors, such as the value of collateral securing the loan and the financial condition of the borrower are considered in judgments as to potential loan loss.

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The following table sets forth nonperforming assets for the periods presented (dollars in thousands):



							Compared to
							December 31, 2019		March 31, 2019
	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019		March 31, 2019		Change (%)		Change (%)
Loans on nonaccrual:
Real estate loans:
Construction	$	671	$	405	$	8	65.7	%	8287.5	%
1-4 family residential	3,025		2,611		1,395		15.9	%	116.8	%
Commercial	742		704		15,266		5.4	%	(95.1	)%
Commercial loans	549		944		758		(41.8	)%	(27.6	)%
Loans to individuals	234		299		264		(21.7	)%	(11.4	)%
Total nonaccrual loans⁽¹⁾	5,221		4,963		17,691		5.2	%	(70.5	)%

Accruing loans past due more than 90 days ⁽¹⁾	—		—		7,927		—		(100.0	)%
Troubled debt restructured loans⁽²⁾	11,448		12,014		11,490		(4.7	)%	(0.4	)%
Other real estate owned	734		472		978		55.5	%	(24.9	)%
Repossessed assets	—		—		25		—		(100.0	)%
Total nonperforming assets	$	17,403	$	17,449	$	38,111	(0.3	)%	(54.3	)%



Asset quality ratios:
Nonaccruing loans to total loans	0.14	%	0.14	%	0.54	%
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccruing loans	1,027.35		499.64		136.54
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming assets	308.21		142.11		63.38
Allowance for loan losses to total loans	1.49		0.69		0.73
Nonperforming assets to total assets	0.24		0.26		0.61
Net charge-offs to average loans	0.06		0.32		0.24

(1) Prior to the adoption of CECL, excluded PCI loans measured at fair value at acquisition if the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected from those sales could be reasonably estimated.

(2) Prior to the adoption of CECL, included $755,000 and $719,000 in PCI loans restructured as of December 31, 2019 and March 31, 2019, respectively.

The OREO at March 31, 2020 consisted primarily of commercial real estate, 1-4 family residential and construction properties. We are actively marketing all OREO properties and none are being held for investment purposes.

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Liquidity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

Liquidity management involves our ability to convert assets to cash with minimum risk of loss while enabling us to meet our obligations to our customers at any time. This means addressing (1) the immediate cash withdrawal requirements of depositors and other fund providers; (2) the funding requirements of lines and letters of credit; and (3) the short-term credit needs of customers. Liquidity is provided by cash, interest earning deposits and short-term investments that can be readily liquidated with a minimum risk of loss. At March 31, 2020, these investments were 6.5% of total assets, as compared with 7.8% for December 31, 2019 and 6.6% for March 31, 2019. The decrease to 6.5% at March 31, 2020, is primarily reflective of the increase in total assets and changes in the short-term investment portfolio. Liquidity is further provided through the matching, by time period, of rate sensitive interest earning assets with rate sensitive interest bearing liabilities. The Bank has three unsecured lines of credit for the purchase of overnight federal funds at prevailing rates with Frost Bank, TIB-The Independent Bankers Bank and Comerica Bank for $40.0 million, $15.0 million and $7.5 million, respectively. We may also purchase funds directly from the Federal Reserve Discount Window (“FRDW”). There were $189.5 million of borrowings from the FRDW at March 31, 2020, partially utilizing collateral of $495.0 million of municipal securities pledged to the FRDW. There were no federal funds purchased at March 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019. The Bank has a $5.0 million line of credit with Frost Bank to be used to issue letters of credit, and at March 31, 2020, the line had no outstanding letters of credit. At March 31, 2020, the amount of additional funding the Bank could obtain from FHLB, collateralized by securities, FHLB stock and nonspecified loans and securities was approximately $936.2 million, net of FHLB stock purchases required. The Bank currently has no outstanding letters of credit from FHLB held as collateral for its public fund deposits. At March 31, 2020, the amount of additional funding the Bank could obtain from the Federal Reserve’s discount window, collateralized by securities, was approximately $306 million.

Management continually evaluates our liquidity position and currently believes the Company has adequate funding to meet our financial needs. During March 2020, in response to COVID-19, the Federal Reserve lowered the primary credit rate by 150 basis points to 0.25 percent and extended terms to 90 days to enhance market liquidity and encourage use of the discount window. In addition, the Federal Reserve announced it would begin quantitative easing, or large-scale asset purchases, consisting primarily of Treasury securities and MBS to stem the effects of the pandemic on the financial markets. A prolonged outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic could cause a widespread liquidity crisis, and the availability of these funds or the options to sell securities currently held could be hindered. The full impact and duration of COVID-19 on our business is unknown but if it continues to curtail economic activity, it could impact our ability to obtain funding and result in the reduction of or the cessation of dividends.

Interest rate sensitivity management seeks to avoid fluctuating net interest margins and to enhance consistent growth of net interest income through periods of changing interest rates. The ALCO closely monitors various liquidity ratios and interest rate spreads and margins. The ALCO utilizes a simulation model to perform interest rate simulation tests that apply various interest rate scenarios including immediate shocks and market value of portfolio equity (“MVPE”) with interest rates immediately shocked plus and minus 200 basis points, among others to assist in determining our overall interest rate risk and the adequacy of our liquidity position. In addition, the ALCO utilizes this simulation model to determine the impact on net interest income of various interest rate scenarios. By utilizing this technology, we can determine changes that need to be made to the asset and liability mix to minimize the change in net interest income under these various interest rate scenarios. See Part I - “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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Capital Resources

The decrease in shareholders’ equity was the result of the repurchase of $25.8 million of our common stock, cash dividends paid of $10.5 million and a reduction to beginning retained earnings of $7.8 million for a cumulative-effect adjustment related to the adoption of ASU 2016-13, partially offset by other comprehensive income of $29.3 million, net income of $4.0 million, net issuance of common stock under employee stock plans of $1.1 million, stock compensation expense of $695,000 and common stock issued under our dividend reinvestment plan of $347,000.

At March 31, 2020, our Common Equity Tier 1 “CET1” capital ratio was 12.81 percent, a decrease of 126 basis points compared to December 31, 2019. The increase in our securities portfolio at the end of the period ended March 31, 2020 increased risk-weighted assets and contributed to the lower CET1 capital ratio.

In April 2020, the FDIC, Federal Reserve, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency issued supplement instructions allowing banking organizations that implement ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments”, before the end of 2020 the option to delay for two years an estimate of the CECL methodologies effect on regulatory capital, relative to the incurred loss methodologies effect on capital, followed by a three-year transition period. We elected to use this regulatory relief to defer the impact of adopting the CECL model for measuring credit losses on regulatory capital, which resulted in a 32 basis point benefit to the CET1 capital ratio at March 31, 2020.

Management believes that, as of March 31, 2020, we met all capital adequacy requirements to which we were subject. It is management’s intention to maintain our capital at a level acceptable to all regulatory authorities and future dividend payments will be determined accordingly. Regulatory authorities require that any dividend payments made by either us or the Bank not exceed earnings for that year. Accordingly, shareholders should not anticipate a continuation of the cash dividend payments simply because of the existence of a dividend reinvestment program. The payment of dividends will depend upon future earnings, our financial condition and other related factors including the discretion of the board of directors.

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To be categorized as well capitalized we must maintain minimum Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based, Total capital risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table (dollars in thousands):



	Actual				For Capital Adequacy Purposes				To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Actions Provisions
March 31, 2020	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Amount
Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	567,723	12.81	%	$	199,485	4.50	%	N/A		N/A
Bank Only	$	697,153	15.73	%	$	199,477	4.50	%	$	288,133	6.50	%

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	626,163	14.13	%	$	265,980	6.00	%	N/A		N/A
Bank Only	$	697,153	15.73	%	$	265,969	6.00	%	$	354,625	8.00	%

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	769,159	17.35	%	$	354,640	8.00	%	N/A		N/A
Bank Only	$	741,530	16.73	%	$	354,625	8.00	%	$	443,282	10.00	%

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) ⁽¹⁾
Consolidated	$	626,163	9.45	%	$	264,986	4.00	%	N/A		N/A
Bank Only	$	697,153	10.53	%	$	264,880	4.00	%	$	331,101	5.00	%



	Actual				For Capital Adequacy Purposes				To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Actions Provisions
December 31, 2019	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Common Equity Tier 1 (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	591,026	14.07	%	$	189,055	4.50	%	N/A		N/A
Bank Only	$	738,311	17.58	%	$	188,992	4.50	%	$	272,989	6.50	%

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	649,465	15.46	%	$	252,073	6.00	%	N/A		N/A
Bank Only	$	738,311	17.58	%	$	251,989	6.00	%	$	335,986	8.00	%

Total Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets)
Consolidated	$	774,293	18.43	%	$	336,098	8.00	%	N/A		N/A
Bank Only	$	764,563	18.20	%	$	335,986	8.00	%	$	419,982	10.00	%

Tier 1 Capital (to Average Assets) ⁽¹⁾
Consolidated	$	649,465	10.18	%	$	255,304	4.00	%	N/A		N/A
Bank Only	$	738,311	11.57	%	$	255,204	4.00	%	$	319,004	5.00	%


(1)	Refers to quarterly average assets as calculated in accordance with policies established by bank regulatory agencies.

As of March 31, 2020, Southside Bancshares and Southside Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules that became fully phased-in as of January 1, 2019. Refer to the Supervision and Regulation section in the 2019 Form 10-K for further discussion of our capital requirements.

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The table below summarizes our key equity ratios for the periods presented:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2020		2019
Return on average assets	0.23	%	1.21	%
Return on average shareholders’ equity	1.93		10.35
Dividend payout ratio – Basic	258.33		53.57
Dividend payout ratio – Diluted	258.33		53.57
Average shareholders’ equity to average total assets	11.94		11.70

Off-Balance-Sheet Arrangements, Commitments and Contingencies

Contractual commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided that the terms established in the contract are met. Commitments to extend credit generally have fixed expiration dates and may require the payment of fees. Since some commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in commitments to extend credit and similarly do not necessarily represent future cash obligations.

Financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk were as follows (in thousands):



	March 31, 2020		December 31, 2019
Unused commitments:
Commitments to extend credit	$	874,065	$	925,671
Standby letters of credit	17,697		17,211
Total	$	891,762	$	942,882

Deposits. There were no unsettled issuances of brokered certificates of deposits (“CD”) at March 31, 2020. There were $20.0 million unsettled issuances of brokered CDs at December 31, 2019.

Litigation. We are a party to various litigation in the normal course of business. Management, after consulting with our legal counsel, believes that any liability resulting from litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See “Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies” in our consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Branch Closure

Due to the close proximity of an acquired Diboll location to one of our branch locations in Palestine, Texas, we have made the decision to close the retail grocery store branch located at 2107 S. Loop 256, Palestine, TX 75801, effective July 17, 2020.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent events have been evaluated through May 8, 2020, which is the date these financial statements were issued.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The disclosures set forth in this item are qualified by the section captioned “Forward-Looking Statements” included in “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of this report and other cautionary statements set forth elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Refer to the discussion of market risks included in “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risks” in the 2019 Form 10-K.

In the banking industry, a major risk exposure is changing interest rates. The primary objective of monitoring our interest rate sensitivity, or risk, is to provide management the tools necessary to manage the balance sheet to minimize adverse changes in net interest income as a result of changes in the direction and level of interest rates. Federal Reserve Board monetary control efforts, the effects of deregulation, economic uncertainty and legislative changes have been significant factors affecting the task of managing interest rate sensitivity positions in recent years.

In an attempt to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates, management closely monitors our exposure to interest rate risk through our ALCO. Our ALCO meets regularly and reviews our interest rate risk position and makes recommendations to our board for adjusting this position. In addition, our board reviews our asset/liability position on a monthly basis. We primarily use two methods for measuring and analyzing interest rate risk: net income simulation analysis and MVPE modeling. We utilize the net income simulation model as the primary quantitative tool in measuring the amount of interest rate risk associated with changing market rates. This model quantifies the effects of various interest rate scenarios on projected net interest income and net income over the next 12 months. The model is used to measure the impact on net interest income relative to a base case scenario of rates immediately increasing 100 and 200 basis points or decreasing 100 and 200 basis points over the next 12 months. These simulations incorporate assumptions regarding balance sheet growth and mix, pricing and the repricing and maturity characteristics of the existing and projected balance sheet. The impact of interest rate-related risks such as prepayment, basis and option risk are also considered. Due to the low level of interest rates, many of the current interest rates cannot decline 100 or 200 basis points. The model has floors for each of those interest rates, and none are assumed to go negative.

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The following table reflects the noted increases and decreases in interest rates under the model simulations and the anticipated impact on net interest income relative to the base case over the next twelve months for the periods presented.



	Anticipated impact over the next twelve months
	March 31,
Rate projections:	2020		2019
Increase:
100 basis points	1.24	%	2.74	%
200 basis points	(1.27	)%	1.28	%

Decrease:
100 basis points	(5.91	)%	(1.60	)%
200 basis points	(8.45	)%	(5.76	)%

As part of the overall assumptions, certain assets and liabilities are given reasonable floors. This type of simulation analysis requires numerous assumptions including but not limited to changes in balance sheet mix, prepayment rates on mortgage-related assets and fixed rate loans, cash flows and repricing of all financial instruments, changes in volumes and pricing, future shapes of the yield curve, relationship of market interest rates to each other (basis risk), credit spread and deposit sensitivity. Assumptions are based on management’s best estimates but may not accurately reflect actual results under certain changes in interest rates.

In addition to interest rate risk, the recent COVID-19 pandemic and the related stay-at-home and self-distancing mandates will likely expose us to additional market value risk. Protracted closures, furloughs and lay-offs have curtailed economic activity, and will likely continue to curtail economic activity and could result in lower fair values for collateral in our commercial and 1-4 family portfolio segments.

The ALCO monitors various liquidity ratios to ensure a satisfactory liquidity position for us. Management continually evaluates the condition of the economy, the pattern of market interest rates and other economic data to determine the types of investments that should be made and at what maturities. Using this analysis, management from time to time assumes calculated interest sensitivity gap positions to maximize net interest income based upon anticipated movements in the general level of interest rates. Regulatory authorities also monitor our gap position along with other liquidity ratios. In addition, as described above, we utilize a simulation model to determine the impact of net interest income under several different interest rate scenarios. By utilizing this technology, we can determine changes that need to be made to the asset and liability mixes to mitigate the change in net interest income under these various interest rate scenarios.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), undertook an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report, and, based on that evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting in a timely manner the information that the Company is required to disclose in its reports under the Exchange Act and in accumulating and communicating to the Company’s management, including the Company’s CEO and CFO, such information as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

No changes were made to our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended March 31, 2020 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are a party to various litigation in the normal course of business. Management, after consulting with our legal counsel, believes that any liability resulting from litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The following represents a material change in our risk factors from those disclosed in Part I - “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2019 Form 10-K.

The novel coronavirus, COVID-19, has adversely affected our business, financial condition, results of operations and our liquidity and may continue to for the foreseeable future.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted financial markets both globally and within the United States and could cause a global recession. The preventive measures taken to halt the spread of COVID-19 have significantly reduced commercial and consumer activity, financial transactions, increased unemployment and market instability and resulted in material decreases in oil and gas prices. The disruption of COVID-19 and the associated preventive measures could further disrupt the activities and business operations of our customers, as well as our own business operations.

The Federal Reserve lowered the primary credit rate by 50 and 100 basis points on March 3 and March 15, 2020, respectively, for a total of 150 basis points to 0.25 percent to mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to support the liquidity and stability of banking institutions as they serve the increased demand for credit. We expect a long duration of reduced interest rates to negatively impact our net interest income, margin, cost of borrowing and future profitability and to have a material adverse effect on our financial results for the remainder of 2020. The continued spread of COVID-19, prolonged orders to social distance, prolonged closures of workplaces and other businesses and an increase in the unemployment rate within the communities we serve, may also impair the ability of our borrowers to make their monthly loan payments, which would result in increases in delinquencies, declining collateral values, defaults, foreclosures and other losses on our loans as well as impact our operations and business. A protracted COVID-19 pandemic could further negatively affect the carrying amount of our goodwill, indefinite-lived intangibles and long-lived assets and result in realized losses on our financial assets. In addition, a decline in consumer confidence also could result in lower loan originations and decreases in deposits. It is not possible to predict the extent, severity or duration of these conditions or when normal economic and operating conditions will resume.

In order to protect the health of our customers and employees, and to comply with applicable government restrictions, we have modified our business practices, including restricting employee travel, directing employees to work remotely, cancelling in-person meetings and implementing our business continuity plans and protocols to the extent necessary. In compliance with social distancing guidelines issued by federal, state and local governments, we closed all of grocery store branches. As stay-at-home orders were issued by local governments in our market areas to combat the spread of the virus, we closed all traditional lobbies and wealth management and trust offices to walk-in customers, however, most of these traditional locations are offering certain services by appointment only. All other banking services, including our motor banks, ATMs/ITMs and automated telephone, internet and mobile banking products are available to serve our customers. We may take further such actions that we determine are in the best

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interest of our employees, customers and communities or as may be required by government order. There is no assurance that these actions will be sufficient to successfully mitigate the risks presented by the pandemic or that our ability to operate will not be materially affected.

Additionally, COVID-19 could negatively affect our internal controls over financial reporting as many of our employees are required to work from home and therefore new processes, procedures, and controls could be required to respond to changes in our business environment. Further, should any key employees become ill from the coronavirus and unable to work, the attention of the management team could be diverted.

The potential effects of COVID-19 also could impact and heighten many of our risk factors included in Part I - “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the 2019 Form 10-K, including, but not limited to: risks associated with information technology and systems, including service interruptions or security breaches; disruptions in services provided by third parties; projections related to U.S. agency MBS prepayments; changes in our management team or other key personnel and our ability to hire or retain key personnel; the analytical and forecasting models we use to estimate our credit losses and to measure the fair value of our financial instruments; our balance sheet strategy; our processes for managing risk; general political or economic conditions in the U.S.; economic conditions in the State of Texas; funding to provide liquidity; the failure to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures, including internal control over financial reporting; the value of our goodwill and other intangible assets; declining crude oil prices; the impact of governmental regulation and supervision; the soundness of other financial institutions; volatility in our stock price. However, as the COVID-19 situation is unprecedented and continuously evolving, the potential impacts to our risk factors that are further described in the 2019 Form 10-K, remain uncertain.

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

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act), of our common stock during the three months ended March 31, 2020:



Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan	Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan at the End of the Period
January 1, 2020 - January 31, 2020	—	$	—	—	974,385
February 1, 2020 - February 29, 2020	93,812	33.92		93,812	880,573
March 1, 2020 - March 31, 2020	775,911	29.20		775,911	1,104,662
Total	869,723	$	29.71	869,723

On September 5, 2019, our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million shares of common stock under the Stock Repurchase Plan (the “Plan”). On March 12, 2020, our board of directors increased the authorization under the Plan by an additional 1.0 million shares, for a total authorization to repurchase up to 2.0 million shares. Subsequent to March 31, 2020, there have been no additional purchases.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit Index

Incorporated by Reference

Exhibit Number

Exhibit Description

Filed Herewith

Exhibit

Form

Filing Date

File No.

(3)

Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

3.1

Restated Certificate of Formation of Southside Bancshares, Inc.

3.1

8-K

05/14/2018

0-12247

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws of Southside Bancshares, Inc.

3.1

8-K

02/22/2018

0-12247

(31)

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

(32)

Section 1350 Certification

†32

Certification of Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

(101)

Interactive Date File

101.INS

XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the interactive data file because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

104

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

† The certification attached as Exhibit 32 accompanies this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is “furnished” to the Commission pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and shall not be deemed “filed” by us for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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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.



		SOUTHSIDE BANCSHARES, INC.

DATE:	May 8, 2020	BY:	/s/ Lee R. Gibson
			Lee R. Gibson, CPA
			President and Chief Executive Officer
			(Principal Executive Officer)




DATE:	May 8, 2020	BY:	/s/ Julie N. Shamburger
			Julie N. Shamburger, CPA
			Chief Financial Officer
			(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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