Sterling Bancorp, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2022 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2022
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 001-38290
Sterling Bancorp, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Michigan |
| 38-3163775 |
(State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
One Towne Square, Suite 1900
Southfield, Michigan 48076
(248) 355-2400
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class |
| Trading Symbol(s) |
| Name of each exchange on which registered |
Common stock, no par value per share | SBT | NASDAQ Capital Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ |
| Accelerated filer ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer ☒ |
| Smaller reporting company ☒ | |
Emerging growth company ☒ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of November 4, 2022, 50,800,012 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
1
Sterling Bancorp, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, | December 31, | |||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
Assets |
|
|
|
| ||
Cash and due from banks | $ | 352,404 | $ | 411,676 | ||
Interest-bearing time deposits with other banks | 1,183 | 1,183 | ||||
Investment securities |
| 353,219 |
| 313,879 | ||
Loans held for sale |
| 8,833 |
| 64,987 | ||
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $45,362 and $56,548 |
| 1,636,266 |
| 1,956,266 | ||
Accrued interest receivable |
| 7,061 |
| 7,696 | ||
Mortgage servicing rights, net | 1,842 | 2,722 | ||||
Leasehold improvements and equipment, net |
| 6,585 |
| 7,421 | ||
Operating lease right-of-use assets | 15,467 | 18,184 | ||||
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost | 20,288 | 22,950 | ||||
Cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance |
| 8,448 |
| 33,033 | ||
Deferred tax asset, net |
| 23,907 |
| 21,426 | ||
Other assets |
| 12,401 |
| 15,407 | ||
Total assets | $ | 2,447,904 | $ | 2,876,830 | ||
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity | ||||||
Liabilities |
|
|
|
| ||
Noninterest-bearing deposits | $ | 70,063 | $ | 63,760 | ||
Interest-bearing deposits |
| 1,880,951 |
| 2,197,975 | ||
Total deposits |
| 1,951,014 |
| 2,261,735 | ||
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings |
| 50,000 |
| 150,000 | ||
Subordinated notes, net |
| 65,290 |
| 65,343 | ||
Operating lease liabilities | 16,664 | 19,400 | ||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
| 35,335 |
| 36,725 | ||
Total liabilities |
| 2,118,303 |
| 2,533,203 | ||
Shareholders’ Equity |
|
|
|
| ||
Preferred stock, authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued and outstanding |
|
| ||||
Common stock, no par value, authorized 500,000,000 shares; and 50,800,012 shares at September 30, 2022 and 50,460,932 shares at December 31, 2021 |
| 83,295 |
| 82,157 | ||
Additional paid-in capital |
| 14,560 |
| 14,124 | ||
Retained earnings |
| 252,482 |
| 248,243 | ||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
| (20,736) |
| (897) | ||
Total shareholders’ equity |
| 329,601 |
| 343,627 | ||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 2,447,904 | $ | 2,876,830 |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
Sterling Bancorp, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||||
Interest income |
|
| ||||||||||
Interest and fees on loans | $ | 20,975 | $ | 27,348 | $ | 65,589 | $ | 88,716 | ||||
Interest and dividends on investment securities and restricted stock | 1,945 | 375 |
| 4,133 |
| 1,150 | ||||||
Other interest | 1,925 | 253 |
| 2,931 |
| 743 | ||||||
Total interest income | 24,845 | 27,976 |
| 72,653 |
| 90,609 | ||||||
Interest expense |
|
| ||||||||||
Interest on deposits | 3,724 | 3,541 |
| 8,070 |
| 15,479 | ||||||
Interest on Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings | 253 | 826 |
| 919 |
| 2,511 | ||||||
Interest on subordinated notes | 1,329 | 972 |
| 3,383 |
| 3,157 | ||||||
Total interest expense | 5,306 | 5,339 |
| 12,372 |
| 21,147 | ||||||
Net interest income | 19,539 | 22,637 |
| 60,281 |
| 69,462 | ||||||
Provision (recovery) for loan losses | (4,357) | 397 |
| (9,755) |
| (2,146) | ||||||
Net interest income after provision (recovery) for loan losses | 23,896 | 22,240 |
| 70,036 |
| 71,608 | ||||||
Non-interest income |
|
| ||||||||||
124 | 120 |
| 351 |
| 423 | |||||||
Gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale | — | 151 |
| 200 |
| 619 | ||||||
Unrealized losses on equity securities | (184) | (24) | (590) | (99) | ||||||||
Gain on sale of branch office | — | 1,417 | — | 1,417 | ||||||||
Net servicing loss | (384) | (31) | (118) | (1,369) | ||||||||
Income on cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance | 87 | 325 |
| 670 |
| 960 | ||||||
Other | — | 100 |
| 586 |
| 291 | ||||||
Total non-interest income | (357) | 2,058 |
| 1,099 |
| 2,242 | ||||||
Non-interest expense |
|
| ||||||||||
Salaries and employee benefits | 9,336 | 2,774 |
| 24,522 |
| 19,300 | ||||||
Occupancy and equipment | 2,112 | 2,395 |
| 6,441 |
| 6,840 | ||||||
Professional fees | 5,756 | 4,024 |
| 17,979 |
| 18,500 | ||||||
FDIC assessments | 316 | 417 |
| 1,031 |
| 1,636 | ||||||
Data processing | 725 | 403 |
| 2,292 |
| 1,189 | ||||||
Net recovery of mortgage repurchase liability | (145) | (298) | (670) | (963) | ||||||||
Other | 3,521 | 1,361 |
| 8,943 |
| 5,852 | ||||||
Total non-interest expense | 21,621 | 11,076 |
| 60,538 |
| 52,354 | ||||||
Income before income taxes | 1,918 | 13,222 |
| 10,597 |
| 21,496 | ||||||
Income tax expense | 742 | 3,665 |
| 6,358 |
| 6,162 | ||||||
Net income | $ | 1,176 | $ | 9,557 | $ | 4,239 | $ | 15,334 | ||||
Income per share, basic and diluted | 0.02 | 0.19 | 0.08 | 0.31 | ||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding: | ||||||||||||
Basic | 50,400,412 | 50,167,295 | 50,326,951 | 50,010,341 | ||||||||
Diluted | 50,572,931 | 50,262,686 | 50,523,076 | 50,079,931 |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
Sterling Bancorp, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||||
Net income | $ | 1,176 | $ | 9,557 | $ | 4,239 | $ | 15,334 | ||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax: |
|
| ||||||||||
Unrealized losses on investment securities, arising during the period, net of tax effect of $(2,632), $(89), $(7,515) and $(61), respectively | (7,154) | (230) |
| (19,839) |
| (158) | ||||||
Comprehensive income (loss) | $ | (5,978) | $ | 9,327 | $ | (15,600) | $ | 15,176 |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Sterling Bancorp, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
Accumulated | |||||||||||||||||
Additional | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||
Common Stock | Paid-in | Retained | Comprehensive | Shareholders’ | |||||||||||||
| Shares |
| Amount |
| Capital |
| Earnings |
| Income (Loss) |
| Equity | ||||||
Balance at January 1, 2021 | 49,981,861 | $ | 80,807 | $ | 13,544 | $ | 224,853 | $ | 387 | $ | 319,591 | ||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 2,325 | — | 2,325 | |||||||||||
Repurchase of restricted shares to pay employee tax liability | (8,536) | — | (46) | — | — | (46) | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 36,082 | — | 105 | — | — | 105 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (59) |
| (59) | ||||||
Balance at March 31, 2021 | 50,009,407 | $ | 80,807 | $ | 13,603 | $ | 227,178 | $ | 328 | $ | 321,916 | ||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 3,452 | — | 3,452 | |||||||||||
Issuance of shares of common stock for cash ($4.50 per share) (Note 9) | 300,000 | 1,350 | — | — | — | 1,350 | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 165,774 | — | 193 | — | — | 193 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive income | — | — | — | — | 131 | 131 | |||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2021 | 50,475,181 | $ | 82,157 | $ | 13,796 | $ | 230,630 | $ | 459 | $ | 327,042 | ||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 9,557 | — | 9,557 | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | (117) | — | 196 | — | — | 196 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | (230) | (230) | |||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2021 | 50,475,064 | $ | 82,157 | $ | 13,992 | $ | 240,187 | $ | 229 | $ | 336,565 | ||||||
Balance at January 1, 2022 | 50,460,932 | $ | 82,157 | $ | 14,124 | $ | 248,243 | $ | (897) | $ | 343,627 | ||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 5,260 | — | 5,260 | |||||||||||
Repurchase of restricted shares to pay employee tax liability | (13,383) | — | (84) | — | — | (84) | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 49,284 | — | 146 | — | — | 146 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | (7,543) | (7,543) | |||||||||||
Balance at March 31, 2022 | 50,496,833 | $ | 82,157 | $ | 14,186 | $ | 253,503 | $ | (8,440) | $ | 341,406 | ||||||
Net loss | — | — | — | (2,197) | — | (2,197) | |||||||||||
Repurchase of restricted shares to pay employee tax liability | (16,345) | — | (112) | — | — | (112) | |||||||||||
Issuance of shares of common stock to defined contribution retirement plan (Note 9) | 160,978 | 1,138 | — | — | — | 1,138 | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | 176,746 | — | 239 | — | — | 239 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | (5,142) | (5,142) | |||||||||||
Balance at June 30, 2022 | 50,818,212 | $ | 83,295 | $ | 14,313 | $ | 251,306 | $ | (13,582) | $ | 335,332 | ||||||
Net income | — | — | — | 1,176 | — | 1,176 | |||||||||||
Repurchase of restricted shares to pay employee tax liability | (1,299) | — | (8) | — | — | (8) | |||||||||||
Stock-based compensation | (16,901) | — | 255 | — | — | 255 | |||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss | — | — | — | — | (7,154) | (7,154) | |||||||||||
Balance at September 30, 2022 | 50,800,012 | $ | 83,295 | $ | 14,560 | $ | 252,482 | $ | (20,736) | $ | 329,601 |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||
September 30, | ||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
Cash Flows From Operating Activities |
|
|
|
| ||
Net income | $ | 4,239 | $ | 15,334 | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: |
|
| ||||
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |
| (9,755) |
| (2,146) | ||
Deferred income taxes |
| 5,034 |
| 1,009 | ||
Gain on sale of branch office | — | (1,417) | ||||
Unrealized losses on equity securities |
| 590 |
| 99 | ||
Net amortization (acrretion) on investment securities |
| (342) |
| 1,229 | ||
Depreciation and amortization on leasehold improvements and equipment | 1,162 | 1,395 | ||||
Net principal payments (originations) of loans held for sale |
| 2,284 |
| (9,385) | ||
Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale |
| 1,831 |
| 19,179 | ||
Gain on sale of loans held for sale |
| (200) |
| (619) | ||
Net recovery of mortgage repurchase liability | (670) | (963) | ||||
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance, net of premiums |
| (292) |
| (404) | ||
Valuation allowance adjustments and amortization of mortgage servicing rights |
| 891 |
| 2,939 | ||
Stock-based compensation | 640 | 494 | ||||
Other |
| 82 |
| 475 | ||
Change in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
| ||||
Accrued interest receivable |
| 635 |
| 2,635 | ||
Other assets | 2,214 | 1,588 | ||||
Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
| (812) |
| 4,549 | ||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
| 7,531 |
| 35,991 | ||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities |
|
|
|
| ||
Maturities of interest-bearing time deposits with other banks | — | 6,216 | ||||
Maturities and principal receipts of investment securities | 80,551 | 121,958 | ||||
Purchases of investment securities |
| (147,493) | (23,237) | |||
Proceeds received from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock | 2,662 | — | ||||
Net decrease in loans |
| 380,865 |
| 441,787 | ||
Purchases of portfolio loans | (67,127) | (179,341) | ||||
Principal payments received on commercial real estate loans held for sale | 2,529 | — | ||||
Proceeds from the sale of commercial real estate loans originated for investment | 67,584 | — | ||||
Proceeds received from settlement of bank-owned life insurance policies | 24,877 | — | ||||
Cash paid on sale of branch office | — | (63,545) | ||||
Purchases of leasehold improvements and equipment |
| (326) |
| (2,321) | ||
Net cash provided by investing activities |
| 344,122 |
| 301,517 | ||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities |
|
|
|
| ||
Net decrease in deposits |
| (310,721) |
| (716,897) | ||
Proceeds from FHLB advances | 35,000 | — | ||||
Repayment of FHLB advances | (135,000) | (11,000) | ||||
Proceeds from issuance of shares of common stock | — | 1,350 | ||||
Cash paid for surrender of vested shares to satisfy employee tax liability | (204) | (46) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
| (410,925) |
| (726,593) | ||
Net change in cash and due from banks |
| (59,272) |
| (389,085) | ||
Cash and due from banks at beginning of period |
| 411,676 |
| 998,497 | ||
Cash and due from banks at end of period | $ | 352,404 | $ | 609,412 | ||
Supplemental cash flows information |
|
|
|
| ||
Cash paid for: |
|
|
|
| ||
Interest | $ | 11,872 | $ | 38,156 | ||
Income taxes | 1,779 | 11 | ||||
Noncash investing and financing activities: | ||||||
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities | — | 3,186 | ||||
Shares of common stock issued in satisfaction of Company’s matching contribution in defined contribution retirement plan | 1,138 | — |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
6
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Note 1—Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation
Nature of Operations
Sterling Bancorp, Inc. (unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) is a unitary thrift holding company that was incorporated in 1989 and the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Sterling Bank and Trust, F.S.B. (the “Bank”). The Company’s business is conducted through the Bank, which was formed in 1984. The Bank originates residential and commercial real estate loans, construction loans, commercial lines of credit and other consumer loans and provides deposit products, consisting primarily of checking, savings and term certificate accounts. The Bank operates through a network of 28 branches of which 26 branches are located in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California with the remaining branches located in New York, New York and Southfield, Michigan.
The Company is headquartered in Southfield, Michigan, and its operations are in the financial services industry. Management evaluates the performance of the Company’s business based on one reportable segment, community banking.
The Company is subject to regulation, examination and supervision by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “FRB” or “Federal Reserve”). The Bank is a federally chartered stock savings bank that is subject to regulation, supervision and examination by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) of the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) system.
In July 2021, the Company completed the sale of the Bellevue, Washington branch office to First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Port Angeles (“First Federal”), a Washington state chartered bank. The sale included the transfer of customer deposit accounts of $65,437 located at the branch, as well as the transfer of all branch premises and equipment. The transaction resulted in a net cash payment to First Federal of $63,545. The Company recorded a gain on the sale of $1,417 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Basis of Presentation
The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2022, and the condensed consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 are unaudited. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the annual consolidated financial statements and reflect all adjustments, in the opinion of management, of a normal recurring nature that are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The financial data and other financial information disclosed in these notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements related to these periods are also unaudited. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2022 or for any future annual or interim period. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2021 included herein was derived from the audited financial statements as of that date. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 31, 2022 (the “2021 Form 10-K”).
Note 2— Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of Sterling Bancorp, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries.
All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
7
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved in making estimates, actual results reported in future periods may be based upon amounts that could differ from those estimates.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The loan portfolio consists primarily of residential real estate loans, which are collateralized by real estate. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, residential real estate loans accounted for 85% and 83%, respectively, of total gross loans. In addition, most of these residential loans and other commercial loans have been made to individuals and businesses in the state of California, which are dependent on the area economy for their livelihoods and servicing of their loan obligation. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, approximately 83% and 85%, respectively, of gross loans was originated with respect to properties or businesses located in the state of California.
In March 2020, the Bank permanently discontinued its Advantage Loan program. Loans originated under this program comprised a significant component of the Bank’s total loan originations. Advantage Loan Program loans (including residential real estate loans held for sale of $7,279 and $11,359 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, of which $3,657 and $8,671 were on nonaccrual status as of those respective dates) totaled $937,225 and $1,185,458, or 65% and 69% of gross residential loans, at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Refer to Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies.
Employee Retention Credits Under the Cares Act
The Company evaluated its eligibility for the employee retention credits (“ERC”) offered under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) in the third quarter of 2021 and determined it qualified for the ERC for the first three quarters of 2021. The Company qualified for the ERC because its gross receipts (which consisted of total interest income and other fees from banking activities and services) decreased more than 20% in 2021 from each of the respective quarters of 2019. The ERC was a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes.
The Company accounted for the ERC by analogy to International Accounting Standards 20 (“IAS 20”). Under IAS 20, the credit is recognized on a systematic basis over the periods in which the entity recognizes the payroll expenses for which the grant (tax credit) is intended to compensate when there is reasonable assurance that the entity will comply with any conditions attached to the grant and the grant will be received. The Company has made an accounting policy election to record the ERC benefit as a reduction to payroll expenses.
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company recorded a benefit of $6,529 resulting in a net reduction of salaries and employee benefits expense in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The Company initially recorded a grant receivable of $6,529 and has received refunds or credits of $886, with a remaining receivable of $5,643 which is recorded in other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2022. The Company expects to receive the balance of the refunds within the near term.
8
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted
In March 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, which eliminates the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors in ASC 310-40, Receivables – Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings involving borrowings that are experiencing financial difficulty. Specifically, rather than applying the troubled debt restructuring recognition and measurement guidance, creditors will evaluate all loan modifications to determine if they result in a new loan or a continuation of the existing loan. Also, losses associated with troubled debt restructurings should be incorporated in a creditor’s estimate of its allowance for credit losses. Public business entities are required to disclose current-period gross write-offs by year of origination for loan financing receivables and net investment in leases. For entities that have not yet adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“2016-13”), ASU 2022-02 is effective when the entity adopts the guidance in ASU 2016-13. The Company is currently evaluating this ASU, along with its adoption of ASU 2016-13, as discussed below.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, which is intended to improve financial reporting by requiring recording of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments on a more timely basis. The guidance will replace the current incurred loss accounting model with an expected loss approach and requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The guidance requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments, which clarifies the scope of the credit losses standard and addresses issues related to accrued interest receivable balances and recoveries, among other things. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief. The amendments provide entities with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option for certain financial assets previously measured at amortized cost basis, upon adoption of Topic 326. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases (Topic 842): Effective Dates. This update deferred the effective dates of Topic 326 to January 1, 2023 for certain entities including smaller reporting companies as defined by the SEC. The Company, as a smaller reporting company as of the relevant measuring period, qualified for this extension.
At this time, a cross-functional implementation team consisting of individuals from accounting, finance, servicing and information systems is working with the Company’s loan system vendor and consultants, and an application to create credit loss estimation models and processes has been developed. The historical data set for model development has been finalized, and the credit loss estimation models have been developed and tested. The Company is working to finalize the assessment and documentation of processes and internal controls as well as adjustments to qualitative factors. In addition, the Company has engaged a third party to perform a model validation. The Company will run the new credit loss estimation models under the new internal controls in parallel with the current allowance for loan losses model to understand the differences in the models and assess the impact of the change. The Company expects to recognize a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of January 1, 2023, the beginning of the first reporting period in which ASU No. 2016-13 is effective. The Company has not yet determined the magnitude of any such one-time cumulative adjustment or of the overall impact of ASU No. 2016-13 on its condensed consolidated financial statements.
9
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Note 3—Investment Securities
Debt Securities
The following tables summarize the amortized cost and fair value of debt securities available for sale at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses:
September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Amortized | Gross Unrealized | Fair | ||||||||||
| Cost |
| Gain |
| Loss |
| Value | |||||
Available for sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
U.S. Treasury and Agency securities | $ | 175,433 | $ | 27 | $ | (7,998) | $ | 167,462 | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities | 43,183 | — | (5,557) | 37,626 | ||||||||
Collateralized mortgage obligations |
| 158,414 |
| 60 |
| (15,128) |
| 143,346 | ||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
| 158 |
| — |
| (5) |
| 153 | ||||
Total | $ | 377,188 | $ | 87 | $ | (28,688) | $ | 348,587 |
December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||
Amortized | Gross Unrealized | Fair | ||||||||||
| Cost |
| Gain |
| Loss |
| Value | |||||
Available for sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
U.S. Treasury and Agency securities | $ | 122,291 | $ | 106 | $ | (229) | $ | 122,168 | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities | 49,739 | 84 | (386) | 49,437 | ||||||||
Collateralized mortgage obligations |
| 137,662 |
| 530 |
| (1,343) |
| 136,849 | ||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
| 211 |
| — |
| (8) |
| 203 | ||||
Total | $ | 309,903 | $ | 720 | $ | (1,966) | $ | 308,657 |
Securities with a fair value of $106,049 were pledged as collateral on FHLB borrowings at September 30, 2022.
All of the mortgage-backed securities, and a majority of the collateralized mortgage obligations, are issued and/or guaranteed by a U.S. government agency (Government National Mortgage Association) or a U.S. government-sponsored enterprise (Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“Freddie Mac”) or Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”)). The fair value of the private-label collateralized mortgage obligations was $438 and $529 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
No securities of any single issuer, other than debt securities issued by the U.S. government, government agency and government-sponsored enterprises, were in excess of 10% of total shareholders’ equity as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
The amortized cost and fair value of U.S. Treasury and Agency securities at September 30, 2022 are shown by contractual maturity in the table below. Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and collateralized debt obligations are disclosed separately, as the expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Amortized | Fair | |||||
| Cost |
| Value | |||
U.S. Treasury and Agency securities |
|
|
|
| ||
Due less than one year | $ | 24,277 | $ | 24,125 | ||
Due after one year through five years | 151,156 | 143,337 | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities | 43,183 | 37,626 | ||||
Collateralized mortgage obligations |
| 158,414 |
| 143,346 | ||
Collateralized debt obligations |
| 158 |
| 153 | ||
Total | $ | 377,188 | $ | 348,587 |
10
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The following table summarizes debt securities available for sale, at fair value, with unrealized losses at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 aggregated by major security type and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position:
September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less than 12 Months | 12 Months or More | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | |||||||||||||
| Value |
| Losses |
| Value |
| Losses |
| Value |
| Losses | |||||||
U.S Treasury and Agency securities | $ | 122,428 | $ | (5,191) | $ | 22,008 | $ | (2,807) | $ | 144,436 | $ | (7,998) | ||||||
Mortgage-backed securities | 34,553 | (4,722) | 3,073 | (835) | 37,626 | (5,557) | ||||||||||||
Collateralized mortgage obligations | 107,001 | (14,440) | 15,398 | (688) | 122,399 | (15,128) | ||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
| — | — | 153 | (5) | 153 | (5) | |||||||||||
Total | $ | 263,982 | $ | (24,353) | $ | 40,632 | $ | (4,335) | $ | 304,614 | $ | (28,688) |
December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||||
Less than 12 Months | 12 Months or More | Total | ||||||||||||||||
Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | Fair | Unrealized | |||||||||||||
| Value |
| Losses |
| Value |
| Losses |
| Value |
| Losses | |||||||
U.S Treasury and Agency securities | $ | 49,865 | $ | (229) | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 49,865 | $ | (229) | ||||||
Mortgage-backed securities | 7,878 | (36) | 8,729 | (350) | 16,607 | (386) | ||||||||||||
Collateralized mortgage obligations | 86,354 | (1,342) | 2,413 | (1) | 88,767 | (1,343) | ||||||||||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
| — |
| — |
| 203 |
| (8) |
| 203 |
| (8) | ||||||
Total | $ | 144,097 | $ | (1,607) | $ | 11,345 | $ | (359) | $ | 155,442 | $ | (1,966) |
As of September 30, 2022, the debt securities portfolio consisted of 35 debt securities, with 28 debt securities in an unrealized loss position. For debt securities in an unrealized loss position, management has both the intent and ability to hold these investments until the recovery of the decline. The fair value is expected to increase as these securities approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2022, the unrealized losses in these securities are due to non-credit-related factors, including changes in interest rates and other market conditions; thus, the impairment was determined to be temporary. All interest and dividends are considered taxable.
Equity Securities
Equity securities consist of an investment in a qualified community reinvestment act investment fund, which is a publicly-traded mutual fund and an investment in the common equity of Pacific Coast Banker’s Bank, a thinly traded restricted stock. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, equity securities totaled $4,632 and $5,222, respectively, and are included in investment securities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are stated at fair value with realized and unrealized gains and losses reported in non-interest income in the condensed consolidated statements of income. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, equity securities with readily determinable fair values were $4,386 and $4,976, respectively. The following is a summary of unrealized and realized gains and losses recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||||
Net losses recorded during the period on equity securities | $ | (184) | $ | (24) | $ | (590) | $ | (99) | ||||
Less: net gains (losses) recorded during the period on equity securities sold during the period |
| — | — |
| — | — | ||||||
Unrealized losses recorded during the period on equity securities held at the reporting date | $ | (184) | $ | (24) | $ | (590) | $ | (99) |
11
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The Company has elected to account for its investment in a thinly traded restricted stock using the measurement alternative for equity securities without readily determinable fair values, resulting in the investment carried at cost based on no evidence of impairment or observable trading activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. The investment was reported at $246 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Note 4—Loans
Loans Held for Sale
The major categories of loans held for sale were as follows:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
Residential real estate | $ | 7,279 | $ | 11,359 | ||
Commercial real estate |
| 1,554 |
| 53,628 | ||
Total loans held for sale | $ | 8,833 | $ | 64,987 |
At September 30, 2022, loans held for sale includes nonaccrual residential real estate loans of $3,657. Also, a commercial real estate loan with a recorded investment of $1,554 included as held for sale has been classified in the Special Mention category. At December 31, 2021, loans held for sale includes nonaccrual loans of $18,026, consisting of residential real estate loans of $8,671 and commercial real estate loans of $9,355, of which one commercial real estate loan of $2,059 was considered a troubled debt restructuring.
In February 2022, the Company sold substantially all of its commercial real estate loans held for sale, which loans had a carrying value of $49,455 on the date of sale, to a third party for cash proceeds of $49,610.
Loans Held for Investment and Allowance for Loan Losses
The major categories of loans held for investment and the allowance for loan losses were as follows:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
Residential real estate | $ | 1,430,472 | $ | 1,704,231 | ||
Commercial real estate | 199,446 | 201,240 | ||||
Construction |
| 50,320 |
| 106,759 | ||
Commercial lines of credit |
| 1,389 |
| 363 | ||
Other consumer |
| 1 |
| 221 | ||
Total loans |
| 1,681,628 |
| 2,012,814 | ||
Less: allowance for loan losses |
| (45,362) |
| (56,548) | ||
Loans, net | $ | 1,636,266 | $ | 1,956,266 |
Loans totaling $446,153 and $557,410 were pledged as collateral on FHLB borrowings at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
12
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The following tables present the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021:
Commercial | ||||||||||||||||||
| Residential |
| Commercial |
|
| Lines of |
| Other |
| |||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 | Real Estate | Real Estate | Construction | Credit | Consumer | Total | ||||||||||||
Allowance for loan losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance | $ | 29,982 | $ | 15,035 | $ | 6,708 | $ | 36 | $ | 5 | $ | 51,766 | ||||||
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |
| (1,841) |
| (209) |
| (2,304) |
| 2 |
| (5) |
| (4,357) | ||||||
Charge offs |
| — |
| (4,064) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (4,064) | ||||||
Recoveries |
| 46 |
| 5 |
| 1,966 |
| — |
| — |
| 2,017 | ||||||
Total ending balance | $ | 28,187 | $ | 10,767 | $ | 6,370 | $ | 38 | $ | — | $ | 45,362 |
Commercial | ||||||||||||||||||
Residential | Commercial | Lines of | Other | |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 |
| Real Estate |
| Real Estate |
| Construction |
| Credit |
| Consumer |
| Total | ||||||
Allowance for loan losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance | $ | 32,202 | $ | 12,608 | $ | 11,730 | $ | 8 | $ | — | $ | 56,548 | ||||||
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |
| (4,594) |
| 2,138 |
| (7,329) |
| 30 |
| — |
| (9,755) | ||||||
Charge offs |
| (197) |
| (4,064) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (4,261) | ||||||
Recoveries |
| 776 |
| 85 |
| 1,969 |
| — |
| — |
| 2,830 | ||||||
Total ending balance | $ | 28,187 | $ | 10,767 | $ | 6,370 | $ | 38 | $ | — | $ | 45,362 |
Commercial | ||||||||||||||||||
Residential | Commercial | Lines of | Other | |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 |
| Real Estate |
| Real Estate |
| Construction |
| Credit |
| Consumer |
| Total | ||||||
Allowance for loan losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance | $ | 33,064 | $ | 22,491 | $ | 15,056 | $ | 58 | $ | — | $ | 70,669 | ||||||
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |
| 109 |
| 1,486 |
| (1,194) |
| (4) |
| — |
| 397 | ||||||
Charge offs |
| — |
| — |
| (1,965) |
| — |
| — |
| (1,965) | ||||||
Recoveries |
| 530 |
| 605 |
| 2 |
| — |
| — |
| 1,137 | ||||||
Total ending balance | $ | 33,703 | $ | 24,582 | $ | 11,899 | $ | 54 | $ | — | $ | 70,238 |
Commercial | ||||||||||||||||||
Residential | Commercial | Lines of | Other | |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 |
| Real Estate |
| Real Estate |
| Construction |
| Credit |
| Consumer |
| Total | ||||||
Allowance for loan losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Beginning balance | $ | 32,366 | $ | 21,942 | $ | 17,988 | $ | 91 | $ | — | $ | 72,387 | ||||||
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |
| 16 |
| 2,004 |
| (4,129) |
| (37) |
| — |
| (2,146) | ||||||
Charge offs |
| — |
| — |
| (1,965) |
| — |
| — |
| (1,965) | ||||||
Recoveries |
| 1,321 |
| 636 |
| 5 |
| — |
| — |
| 1,962 | ||||||
Total ending balance | $ | 33,703 | $ | 24,582 | $ | 11,899 | $ | 54 | $ | — | $ | 70,238 |
13
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The following tables present the balance in the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment by impairment methodology as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Commercial | ||||||||||||||||||
Residential | Commercial | Lines of | Other | |||||||||||||||
September 30, 2022 |
| Real Estate |
| Real Estate |
| Construction |
| Credit |
| Consumer |
| Total | ||||||
Allowance for loan losses: | ||||||||||||||||||
Ending allowance balance attributable to loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Individually evaluated for impairment | $ | 12 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 12 | ||||||
Collectively evaluated for impairment | 28,175 | 10,767 | 6,370 | 38 | — | 45,350 | ||||||||||||
Total ending allowance balance | $ | 28,187 | $ | 10,767 | $ | 6,370 | $ | 38 | $ | — | $ | 45,362 | ||||||
Loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Loans individually evaluated for impairment | $ | 48 | $ | — | $ | 2,485 | $ | 110 | $ | — | $ | 2,643 | ||||||
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment |
| 1,430,424 |
| 199,446 |
| 47,835 |
| 1,279 |
| 1 |
| 1,678,985 | ||||||
Total ending loans balance | $ | 1,430,472 | $ | 199,446 | $ | 50,320 | $ | 1,389 | $ | 1 | $ | 1,681,628 |
Commercial | ||||||||||||||||||
Residential | Commercial | Lines of | Other | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 |
| Real Estate |
| Real Estate |
| Construction |
| Credit |
| Consumer |
| Total | ||||||
Allowance for loan losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Ending allowance balance attributable to loans: | ||||||||||||||||||
Individually evaluated for impairment | $ | 159 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 159 | ||||||
Collectively evaluated for impairment | 32,043 | 12,608 | 11,730 | 8 | — | 56,389 | ||||||||||||
Total ending allowance balance | $ | 32,202 | $ | 12,608 | $ | 11,730 | $ | 8 | $ | — | $ | 56,548 | ||||||
Loans: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Loans individually evaluated for impairment | $ | 350 | $ | 4,441 | $ | 14,984 | $ | 116 | $ | — | $ | 19,891 | ||||||
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment |
| 1,703,881 |
| 196,799 |
| 91,775 |
| 247 |
| 221 |
| 1,992,923 | ||||||
Total ending loans balance | $ | 1,704,231 | $ | 201,240 | $ | 106,759 | $ | 363 | $ | 221 | $ | 2,012,814 |
14
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The following tables present information related to impaired loans by class of loans as of and for the periods indicated:
At September 30, 2022 | At December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Unpaid | Allowance | Unpaid | Allowance | |||||||||||||||
Principal | Recorded | for Loan | Principal | Recorded | for Loan | |||||||||||||
| Balance |
| Investment |
| Losses |
| Balance |
| Investment |
| Losses | |||||||
With no related allowance for loan losses recorded: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Residential real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||
First mortgage | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 91 | $ | 65 | $ | — | ||||||
Commercial real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||
Retail | 229 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||
Hotels/Single-room occupancy hotels | — | — | — | 4,459 | 4,441 | — | ||||||||||||
Construction | 2,485 | 2,485 | — | 15,004 | 14,984 | — | ||||||||||||
Commercial lines of credit: | ||||||||||||||||||
Private banking | 110 | 110 | — | 116 | 116 | — | ||||||||||||
Subtotal |
| 2,824 | 2,595 |
| — |
| 19,670 |
| 19,606 |
| — | |||||||
With an allowance for loan losses recorded: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||
Residential real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||
First mortgage |
| 82 |
| 48 |
| 12 |
| 273 |
| 285 |
| 159 | ||||||
Total | $ | 2,906 | $ | 2,643 | $ | 12 | $ | 19,943 | $ | 19,891 | $ | 159 |
Three Months Ended at September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Average | Interest | Cash Basis | Average | Interest | Cash Basis | |||||||||||||
Recorded | Income | Interest | Recorded | Income | Interest | |||||||||||||
| Investment |
| Recognized |
| Recognized |
| Investment |
| Recognized |
| Recognized | |||||||
With no related allowance for loan losses recorded: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Residential real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||
First mortgage | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 82 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Commercial real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||
Retail |
| — | — | — | 7 | — | — | |||||||||||
Hotels/Single-room occupancy hotels | — | — | — | 10,862 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Office | — | — | — | 2,769 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Construction | 5,375 | 40 | 27 | 18,820 | 40 | 27 | ||||||||||||
Commercial lines of credit: | ||||||||||||||||||
Private banking | 111 | 2 | 1 | 119 | 2 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Subtotal | 5,486 | 42 | 28 |
| 32,659 |
| 42 |
| 28 | |||||||||
With an allowance for loan losses recorded: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Residential real estate: |
|
|
| |||||||||||||||
First mortgage | 48 | 2 | 2 | 279 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||||||
Construction | — | — | — | 10,387 | 56 | 38 | ||||||||||||
Subtotal | 48 | 2 | 2 |
| 10,666 |
| 57 |
| 39 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 5,534 | $ | 44 | $ | 30 | $ | 43,325 | $ | 99 | $ | 67 |
15
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Nine Months Ended at September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||||||||
Average | Interest | Cash Basis | Average | Interest | Cash Basis | |||||||||||||
Recorded | Income | Interest | Recorded | Income | Interest | |||||||||||||
| Investment |
| Recognized |
| Recognized |
| Investment |
| Recognized |
| Recognized | |||||||
With no related allowance for loan losses recorded: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Residential real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||
First mortgage | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 88 | $ | — | $ | — | ||||||
Commercial real estate: | ||||||||||||||||||
Retail |
| — | — | — | 765 | — | — | |||||||||||
Hotels/Single-room occupancy hotels | — | — | — | 17,948 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Office | — | — | — | 2,768 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Other | — | — | — | 91 | — | — | ||||||||||||
Construction | 6,885 | 118 | 105 | 27,387 | 192 | 179 | ||||||||||||
Commercial lines of credit: | ||||||||||||||||||
Private banking | 113 | 5 | 4 | 1,264 | 7 | 7 | ||||||||||||
Subtotal | 6,998 | 123 | 109 |
| 50,311 |
| 199 |
| 186 | |||||||||
With an allowance for loan losses recorded: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Residential real estate: |
|
|
| |||||||||||||||
First mortgage | 198 | 3 | 3 | 280 | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||||
Construction | — | — | — | 9,751 | 181 | 163 | ||||||||||||
Subtotal | 198 | 3 | 3 |
| 10,031 |
| 184 |
| 166 | |||||||||
Total | $ | 7,196 | $ | 126 | $ | 112 | $ | 60,342 | $ | 383 | $ | 352 |
In the tables above, the unpaid principal balance is not reduced for partial charge offs. Also, the recorded investment excludes accrued interest receivable on loans, which was not significant.
Also presented in the table above is the average recorded investment of the impaired loans and the related amount of interest recognized during the time within the period that the impaired loans were impaired. When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an impaired loan is in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual status, all payments are applied to principal under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an impaired loan is not in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual status, contractual interest is credited to interest income when received under the cash basis method. The average balances are calculated based on the month-end balances of the loans for the period reported.
The following table presents the recorded investment in nonaccrual and loans past due over 90 days still on accrual, excluding nonaccrual loans held for sale, by class of loans as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
September 30, 2022 | December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||
Loans Past | Loans Past | |||||||||||
Due Over | Due Over | |||||||||||
90 Days Still | 90 Days Still | |||||||||||
| Nonaccrual |
| Accruing |
| Nonaccrual |
| Accruing | |||||
Residential real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Residential first mortgage | $ | 35,654 | $ | 36 | $ | 45,439 | $ | 39 | ||||
Residential second mortgage | 189 | — | 236 | — | ||||||||
Commercial real estate: |
| |||||||||||
Hotels/Single-room occupancy hotels | — | — | 4,441 | — | ||||||||
Construction | — | — | 12,499 | — | ||||||||
Total | $ | 35,843 | $ | 36 | $ | 62,615 | $ | 39 |
16
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The following tables present the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 by class of loans:
Greater | ||||||||||||||||||
30 - 59 | 60 - 89 | than | ||||||||||||||||
Days | Days | 89 Days | Total | Loans Not | ||||||||||||||
September 30, 2022 |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Total | ||||||
Residential real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Residential first mortgage | $ | 20,839 | $ | 3,284 | $ | 35,690 | $ | 59,813 | $ | 1,360,315 | $ | 1,420,128 | ||||||
Residential second mortgage |
| — |
| — |
| 189 |
| 189 |
| 10,155 |
| 10,344 | ||||||
Commercial real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Retail |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 26,026 |
| 26,026 | ||||||
Multifamily |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 81,723 |
| 81,723 | ||||||
Office |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 18,216 |
| 18,216 | ||||||
Hotels/ Single-room occupancy hotels |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 5,240 |
| 5,240 | ||||||
Industrial |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 30,372 |
| 30,372 | ||||||
Other |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 37,869 |
| 37,869 | ||||||
Construction |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 50,320 |
| 50,320 | ||||||
Commercial lines of credit: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Private banking |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 110 |
| 110 | ||||||
C&I lending |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 1,279 |
| 1,279 | ||||||
Other consumer |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 1 |
| 1 | ||||||
Total | $ | 20,839 | $ | 3,284 | $ | 35,879 | $ | 60,002 | $ | 1,621,626 | $ | 1,681,628 |
Greater | ||||||||||||||||||
30 - 59 | 60 - 89 | than | ||||||||||||||||
Days | Days | 89 Days | Total | Loans Not | ||||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Total | ||||||
Residential real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||
Residential first mortgage | $ | 24,044 | $ | 3,425 | $ | 45,478 | $ | 72,947 | $ | 1,617,509 | $ | 1,690,456 | ||||||
Residential second mortgage |
| 107 |
| — |
| 236 |
| 343 |
| 13,432 |
| 13,775 | ||||||
Commercial real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Retail |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 19,574 |
| 19,574 | ||||||
Multifamily |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 96,960 |
| 96,960 | ||||||
Office |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 12,382 |
| 12,382 | ||||||
Hotels/Single-room occupancy hotels |
| — |
| — |
| 4,441 |
| 4,441 |
| 9,780 |
| 14,221 | ||||||
Industrial |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 7,320 |
| 7,320 | ||||||
Other |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 50,783 |
| 50,783 | ||||||
Construction |
| 10,500 |
| — |
| 12,499 |
| 22,999 |
| 83,760 |
| 106,759 | ||||||
Commercial lines of credit: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Private banking |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 116 |
| 116 | ||||||
C&I lending |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 247 |
| 247 | ||||||
Other consumer |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 221 |
| 221 | ||||||
Total | $ | 34,651 | $ | 3,425 | $ | 62,654 | $ | 100,730 | $ | 1,912,084 | $ | 2,012,814 |
The Company considers the performance of the loan portfolio and its impact on the allowance for loan losses. For residential real estate and other consumer loans, the Company also evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan, which is presented above, and by payment activity. The Company reviews the status of nonperforming loans, which include loans 90 days past due and still accruing, and nonaccrual loans.
17
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Troubled Debt Restructurings
As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company has a recorded investment in troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”) of $2,643 and $18,416, respectively. The Company has allocated a specific allowance for loan losses for these loans of $12 as of September 30, 2022 and has allocated $39 of specific allowance for loan loss for these loans as of December 31, 2021. There are no commitments to lend additional amounts.
There were no loans modified as TDRs during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2022 or 2021.
There were no TDRs for which there was a payment default within twelve months following the modification during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2022 or 2021. At September 30, 2022, there were no loans in default. At December 31, 2021, five loans totaling $15,752 were in default.
The terms of certain other loans have been modified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 that did not meet the definition of a TDR. These other loans that were modified were not considered significant.
Foreclosure Proceedings
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the recorded investment of residential mortgage loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings are in process totaled $7,266 and $2,780, respectively. Of the loans in formal foreclosure proceedings, $2,755 and $2,770 were included in loans held for sale in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and were carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. The balance of loans is classified as held for investment and receives an allocation of the allowance for loan losses consistent with a substandard loan loss allocation rate as these loans were classified as substandard at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Credit Quality
The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis includes homogeneous loans, such as residential real estate and other consumer loans, and non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial lines of credit, construction and commercial real estate loans. This analysis is performed at least quarterly. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:
Pass: Loans are of satisfactory quality.
Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the Company’s credit position at some future date.
Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the loan. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable.
18
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the risk rating of loans by class of loans was as follows:
Special | |||||||||||||||
September 30, 2022 |
| Pass |
| Mention |
| Substandard |
| Doubtful |
| Total | |||||
Residential real estate: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Residential first mortgage | $ | 1,384,438 | $ | — | $ | 35,690 | $ | — | $ | 1,420,128 | |||||
Residential second mortgage |
| 10,155 |
| — |
| 189 |
| — |
| 10,344 | |||||
Commercial real estate: |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Retail |
| 26,026 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 26,026 | |||||
Multifamily |
| 69,369 |
| 12,354 |
| — |
| — |
| 81,723 | |||||
Office |
| 18,216 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 18,216 | |||||
Hotels/ Single-room occupancy hotels |
| — |
| 3,692 |
| 1,548 |
| — |
| 5,240 | |||||
Industrial |
| 30,372 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 30,372 | |||||
Other |
| 22,703 |
| 15,166 |
| — |
| — |
| 37,869 | |||||
Construction |
| 37,617 |
| 4,648 |
| 8,055 |
| — |
| 50,320 | |||||
Commercial lines of credit: |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Private banking |
| 110 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 110 | |||||
C&I lending |
| 1,279 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 1,279 | |||||
Other consumer |
| 1 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 1 | |||||
Total | $ | 1,600,286 | $ | 35,860 | $ | 45,482 | $ | — | $ | 1,681,628 |
Special | |||||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 |
| Pass |
| Mention |
| Substandard |
| Doubtful |
| Total | |||||
Residential real estate: |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Residential first mortgage | $ | 1,644,974 | $ | — | $ | 45,249 | $ | 233 | $ | 1,690,456 | |||||
Residential second mortgage |
| 13,539 |
| — |
| 236 |
| — |
| 13,775 | |||||
Commercial real estate: |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Retail |
| 18,846 |
| 728 |
| — |
| — |
| 19,574 | |||||
Multifamily |
| 75,543 |
| 8,104 |
| 13,313 |
| — |
| 96,960 | |||||
Office |
| 10,413 |
| — |
| 1,969 |
| — |
| 12,382 | |||||
Hotels/ Single-room occupancy hotels |
| 8,205 |
| — |
| 6,016 |
| — |
| 14,221 | |||||
Industrial |
| 7,320 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 7,320 | |||||
Other |
| 48,996 |
| 1,692 |
| 95 |
| — |
| 50,783 | |||||
Construction |
| 67,254 |
| 17,226 |
| 16,348 |
| 5,931 |
| 106,759 | |||||
Commercial lines of credit: |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Private banking |
| 116 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 116 | |||||
C&I lending |
| 236 |
| 11 |
| — |
| — |
| 247 | |||||
Other consumer |
| 221 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 221 | |||||
Total | $ | 1,895,663 | $ | 27,761 | $ | 83,226 | $ | 6,164 | $ | 2,012,814 |
During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company repurchased a pool of Advantage Loan Program loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $35,241 and $65,621. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, the Company repurchased pools of Advantage Loan Program loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $6,067 and $173,829, respectively. The Advantage Loan Program loans that have been repurchased and included in the loan portfolio have an outstanding principal balance of $190,467 and $171,185 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. For more information on the repurchases of Advantage Loan Program loans, refer to Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies.
During the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company charged off $4,064 of its recorded investment in certain higher risk commercial real estate loans held in its portfolio. These commercial real estate loans were then sold to a third-party investor for net cash proceeds of $17,794. No gain or loss was recorded on the sale of the commercial real estate loans.
19
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Note 5—Mortgage Servicing Rights, net
The Company records servicing assets from the sale of residential real estate mortgage loans to the secondary market for which servicing has been retained. Residential real estate mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The principal balance of these loans at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 are as follows:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
Residential real estate mortgage loan portfolios serviced for: |
|
|
|
| ||
FNMA | $ | 115,446 | $ | 124,764 | ||
FHLB |
| 35,357 |
| 40,209 | ||
Private investors |
| 44,955 |
| 142,810 | ||
Total | $ | 195,758 | $ | 307,783 |
Custodial escrow balances maintained with these serviced loans were $1,528 and $5,501 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. These balances are included in noninterest-bearing deposits in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Activity for mortgage servicing rights and the related valuation allowance are as follows:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||||
Mortgage servicing rights: |
|
| ||||||||||
Beginning of period | $ | 2,542 | $ | 4,200 | $ | 3,332 | $ | 7,853 | ||||
Additions | — | 25 |
| 11 |
| 124 | ||||||
Amortization | (657) | (550) |
| (1,458) |
| (4,302) | ||||||
End of period | 1,885 | 3,675 |
| 1,885 |
| 3,675 | ||||||
Valuation allowance at beginning of period | 89 | 968 |
| 610 |
| 2,165 | ||||||
Additions (recoveries) | (46) | (166) |
| (567) |
| (1,363) | ||||||
Valuation allowance at end of period | 43 | 802 |
| 43 |
| 802 | ||||||
Mortgage servicing rights, net | $ | 1,842 | $ | 2,873 | $ | 1,842 | $ | 2,873 |
Servicing fee loss, net of amortization of servicing rights and changes in the valuation allowance, was $(384) and $(31) for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $(118) and $(1,369) for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The fair value of mortgage servicing rights was $2,265 and $2,916 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The fair value of mortgage servicing rights is highly sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions. Changes in prepayment speed assumptions have the most significant impact on the estimate of the fair value of mortgage servicing rights. The fair value at September 30, 2022 was determined using discount rates ranging from 9.5% to 12.0%, prepayment speeds with a weighted average of 10.2% (depending on the stratification of the specific right), a weighted average life of the mortgage servicing right of 77 months and a weighted average default rate of 0.2%. The fair value at December 31, 2021 was determined using discount rates ranging from 9.5% to 12.0%, prepayment speeds with a weighted average of 17.6% (depending on the stratification of the specific right), a weighted average life of the mortgage servicing right of 52 months and a weighted average default rate of 0.2%.
Impairment is determined by stratifying the mortgage servicing rights into groupings based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the carrying amount of certain individual groupings exceeded their fair values, resulting in write-downs to fair value. Refer to Note 14—Fair Values of Financial Instruments.
20
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Note 6—Deposits
Time deposits, included in interest-bearing deposits, were $757,576 and $891,820 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Time deposits included brokered deposits of $20,109 at December 31, 2021. There were no brokered deposits at September 30, 2022.
Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250 were $222,630 and $244,868 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Note 7—FHLB Borrowings
FHLB Advances
FHLB borrowings at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 consist of the following:
September 30, | December 31, | ||||||||||
| 2022 |
| Interest Rates |
| 2021 |
| Interest Rates | ||||
Long-term fixed rate-advances | $ | 50,000 |
| 1.96 | % | $ | 150,000 |
| 0.43% - 1.96 | % |
At September 30, 2022, the Company has a long-term fixed-rate advance of $50,000 with a maturity date of May 2029. The advance requires monthly interest-only payments with the principal amount due on the maturity date and may contain a prepayment penalty if paid before maturity. The advance is callable by the FHLB in May 2024.
The Company utilized its excess liquidity to repay $100,000 in long-term fixed rate advances that were called by the FHLB in May 2022. Additionally, in September 2022, the Company entered into a short-term variable-rate advance for $35,000 with a maturity date of which was then repaid during the month. At September 30, 2022, the Company had additional borrowing capacity of $354,479 from the FHLB.
FHLB Overdraft Line of Credit and Letters of Credit
The Company has established a short-term overdraft line of credit agreement with the FHLB, which provides for maximum borrowings of $20,000. The overdraft line of credit was not used during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding borrowings under this agreement. Borrowings accrue interest based on a variable rate based on the FHLB’s overnight cost of funds rate, which was 3.45% and 0.43% at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. The overdraft line of credit has a one-year term and was automatically renewed in October 2022 on substantially the same terms through October 2023.
The Company has entered into irrevocable standby letters of credit arrangements with the FHLB to provide credit support for certain of its obligations related to its commitment to repurchase certain pools of Advantage Loan Program loans. An irrevocable standby letter of credit of $7,500 had a 16-month term and expired in July 2022. An irrevocable standby letter of credit originally of $4,000 has a 36-month term and expires in July 2024. This letter was reduced to $2,000 during the second quarter of 2022; thereby, the Company has total available letters of credit of $2,000 and $11,500 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. There were no borrowings outstanding on these standby letters of credit during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.
The long-term fixed-rate advances and the overdraft line of credit are collateralized by certain investment securities and loans. Refer to Note 3—Investment Securities for further information on securities pledged as collateral and Note 4—Loans for further information on loans pledged as collateral.
Other Borrowings
The Company had available unsecured credit lines with other banks totaling $80,000 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. There were no borrowings under these unsecured credit lines during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.
21
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Note 8—Subordinated Notes, net
The subordinated notes (the “Notes”) were as follows:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
Subordinated notes | $ | 65,000 | $ | 65,000 | ||
Unamortized note premium |
| 290 |
| 343 | ||
Total | $ | 65,290 | $ | 65,343 |
The Notes bore interest at 7.0% per annum, payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 in arrears, through April 2021 after which the Notes have a variable interest rate of the three-month LIBOR rate plus a margin of 5.82%. The interest rate was 8.33% and 5.94% at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. Note premium costs are amortized over the contractual term of the Notes into interest expense using the effective interest method. Interest expense on these Notes was $1,329 and $972 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $3,383 and $3,157 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The Notes mature in April 2026.
The Company may redeem the Notes, in whole or in part, at an amount equal to 100% of the outstanding principal amount being redeemed plus accrued interest, in a principal amount with integral multiples of $1. There have been no redemptions of the Notes. The Notes are not subject to redemption by the noteholders.
The Notes are unsecured obligations and are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future indebtedness, deposits and other liabilities of the Company’s current and future subsidiaries, including the Company’s deposits as well as the Company’s subsidiaries’ liabilities to general creditors and liabilities arising during the ordinary course of business. The Notes may be included in Tier 2 capital for the Company under current regulatory guidelines and interpretations. As long as the Notes are outstanding, the Company is permitted to pay dividends if prior to such dividends, the Bank is considered well capitalized, as defined by regulatory guidelines.
The Company currently may not issue new debt without the prior approval of the FRB.
Note 9 – Shareholders’ Equity
In April 2022, the Company issued and contributed 160,978 shares of common stock to fund the matching contribution made under the Company’s defined contribution retirement plan. The contribution amount of $1,138 was valued using the closing market price of the stock on the date contributed or $7.07 per share.
In May 2021, the Company issued and sold 300,000 unregistered shares of common stock to its chief executive officer pursuant to the terms of a stock purchase agreement entered into at the time of the chief executive officer’s employment for cash consideration of $1,350 or $4.50 per share, the fair market value on date of sale.
Note 10—Stock-based Compensation
The board of directors established the 2020 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2020 Plan”), which was approved by the shareholders in December 2020. The 2020 Plan provides for the grant of up to 3,979,661 shares of common stock for stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance units and performance shares for issuance to employees, consultants and the board of directors of the Company. The stock-based awards are issued at no less than the market price on the date the awards are granted.
Previously, the board of directors had established a 2017 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “2017 Plan”) which was approved by the shareholders. The 2017 Plan initially provided for the grant of up to 4,237,100 shares of common stock for stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards for issuance to employees, consultants and the board of directors of the Company. The stock-based awards were issued at no less than the market price on the date the awards were granted. Due to the adoption of the 2020 Plan, no further grants will be issued under the 2017 Plan.
22
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Stock Options
Stock option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant. Beginning with grants in 2020, stock option awards vest ratably over three years (- per ) after the date of grant, while stock option awards granted prior to 2020 generally vest in installments of 50% in each of the and year after the date of grant. All stock option awards have a maximum term of ten years. No stock option awards were granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021.
A summary of the Company’s stock option activity as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is as follows:
Weighted |
| |||||||||
Weighted | Average |
| ||||||||
Average | Remaining | Aggregate | ||||||||
Number | Exercise | Contractual | Intrinsic | |||||||
| of Shares |
| Price |
| Term |
| Value | |||
(Years) | ||||||||||
Outstanding at January 1, 2022 | 367,767 |
| $ | 5.41 | 8.13 | $ | 525 | |||
Granted | — | |||||||||
Exercised | — | |||||||||
Forfeited/expired | (18,222) | 9.67 | ||||||||
Outstanding at September 30, 2022 | 349,545 | $ | 5.19 | 7.43 | $ | 609 | ||||
Exercisable at September 30, 2022 | 344,506 |
| $ | 5.14 | 7.43 |
| $ | 609 |
The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense associated with stock options of $3 and $34 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $(8) and $137 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. At September 30, 2022, there was $3 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of less than one year.
Restricted Stock Awards
Restricted stock awards are issued to independent directors and certain key employees. The restricted stock awards generally vest ratably over three years (
- per ) after the date of grant. The value of a restricted stock award is based on the market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant reduced by the present value of dividends per share expected to be paid during the period the shares are not vested. Upon a change in control, as defined in the 2017 Plan and the 2020 Plan, the outstanding restricted stock awards will immediately vest.During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the board of directors approved the issuance of 231,842 shares of restricted stock, of which 45,000 shares were awarded to independent directors and 186,842 shares were awarded to key employees. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, the board of directors approved the issuance of 234,996 shares of restricted stock, of which 45,000 shares were awarded to independent directors and 189,996 shares were awarded to key employees.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, the Company withheld 31,027 shares and 8,536 shares, respectively, of common stock representing a portion of the restricted stock awards that vested during the period in order to satisfy certain related employee tax withholding liabilities of $204 and $46, respectively, associated with vesting. These withheld shares are treated the same as repurchased shares for accounting purposes.
23
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
A summary of the restricted stock awards activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is as follows:
|
| Weighted Average | |||
Number | Grant Date | ||||
| of Shares |
| Fair Value | ||
Nonvested at January 1, 2022 |
| 293,637 | $ | 5.81 | |
Granted |
| 231,842 |
| 6.57 | |
Vested |
| (104,739) |
| 6.21 | |
Forfeited |
| (22,713) |
| 5.70 | |
Nonvested at September 30, 2022 |
| 398,027 | $ | 6.16 |
The fair value of the award is recorded as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. The Company recorded stock-based compensation expense associated with restricted stock awards of $252 and $162 for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $648 and $357 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. At September 30, 2022, there was $2,017 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to the nonvested stock granted which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.17 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021 was $644 and $173, respectively.
Note 11—Regulatory Capital Requirements
The Bank is subject to the capital adequacy requirements of the OCC. The Company, as a thrift holding company, is subject to the capital adequacy requirements of the Federal Reserve. Capital adequacy guidelines and prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Prompt corrective action regulations provide five classifications for depository institutions like the Bank, including well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors, and the regulators, in their discretion, can require the Company to lower classifications in certain cases. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate regulatory action that could have a direct material effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Bank, after consultation with the OCC, determined that a risk-weighting of 100% should be applied to its Advantage Loan Program loans under the risk weighting requirements for first-lien residential mortgage exposures set forth under the Basel III capital rules. Previously, the Company and the Bank generally applied a 50% risk weight to the Advantage Loan Program loans. The table below presents the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital amounts and ratios applying the 100% risk weight as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 for the Company’s and Bank’s total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets, Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets and CET1 to risk weighted assets.
Under the Basel III capital rules, both the Company and the Bank must hold a capital conservation buffer (“CCB”) consisting of at least 2.5% above the minimum risk-based capital ratios, or 7.0% for common equity Tier 1 (“CET1”) capital ratio, 8.5% for Tier 1 capital ratio and 10.5% for total capital ratio, in order to avoid limitations on capital distributions and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers and similar employees.
24
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company and the Bank had met all regulatory capital requirements to which they are subject and held capital in excess of the CCB, and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios exceeded the requirements to be considered well capitalized for all regulatory purposes. The following tables present the Company’s consolidated and the Bank’s actual and minimum required capital amounts and ratios at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, applying the 100% risk weight to Advantage Loan Program loans:
For Capital | To be Well | |||||||||||||||
Actual | Adequacy Purposes | Capitalized |
| |||||||||||||
| Amount |
| Ratio |
| Amount |
| Ratio |
| Amount |
| Ratio |
| ||||
September 30, 2022 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consolidated | $ | 409,170 | 26.21 | % | $ | 124,357 | 8.00 | % | N/A |
| N/A | |||||
Bank |
| 413,262 | 26.60 |
| 124,275 | 8.00 | $ | 155,344 | 10.00 | % | ||||||
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets |
|
|
| |||||||||||||
Consolidated |
| 350,162 | 22.43 |
| 93,268 | 6.00 |
| N/A | N/A | |||||||
Bank |
| 393,524 | 25.33 |
| 93,206 | 6.00 |
| 124,275 | 8.00 | |||||||
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
|
|
| |||||||||||||
Consolidated |
| 350,162 | 22.43 |
| 69,951 | 4.50 |
| N/A | N/A | |||||||
Bank |
| 393,524 | 25.33 |
| 69,905 | 4.50 |
| 100,974 | 6.50 | |||||||
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
|
|
| |||||||||||||
Consolidated |
| 350,162 | 14.09 |
| 99,151 | 4.00 |
| N/A | N/A | |||||||
Bank |
| 393,524 | 15.88 |
| 99,103 | 4.00 |
| 123,879 | 5.00 |
For Capital | To be Well | |||||||||||||||
Actual | Adequacy Purposes | Capitalized |
| |||||||||||||
| Amount |
| Ratio |
| Amount |
| Ratio |
| Amount |
| Ratio |
| ||||
December 31, 2021 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consolidated | $ | 421,732 | 21.24 | % | $ | 158,851 | 8.00 | % | N/A |
| N/A | |||||
Bank |
| 407,699 | 20.55 |
| 158,707 | 8.00 | $ | 198,384 |
| 10.00 | % | |||||
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Consolidated |
| 344,247 | 17.34 |
| 119,138 | 6.00 |
| N/A |
| N/A | ||||||
Bank |
| 382,509 | 19.28 |
| 119,030 | 6.00 |
| 158,707 |
| 8.00 | ||||||
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Consolidated |
| 344,247 | 17.34 |
| 89,354 | 4.50 |
| N/A |
| N/A | ||||||
Bank |
| 382,509 | 19.28 |
| 89,273 | 4.50 |
| 128,950 |
| 6.50 | ||||||
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Consolidated |
| 344,247 | 11.47 |
| 120,039 | 4.00 |
| N/A |
| N/A | ||||||
Bank |
| 382,509 | 12.77 |
| 119,859 | 4.00 |
| 149,824 |
| 5.00 |
25
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
In order to provide a comparable trend analysis for the Bank’s and the Company’s risk based capital ratios applying the 100% risk weight to Advantage Loan Program loans, the tables below present the regulatory capital ratios applying the 100% risk weight at December 31 for each of the past five years. At each of the year-end dates reported, the Company and the Bank had met all minimum regulatory capital requirements and applicable capital cushions to which they are subject and held capital in excess of the CCB, and the Bank would have been considered well capitalized for all regulatory purposes. The CCB requirement was phased in beginning on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and increased by 0.625% on each subsequent January 1, until the buffer was implemented in full at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. Accordingly, the CCB at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 1.875% and 1.25%, respectively.
| Company at December 31, |
| |||||||||
2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| ||
Total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 21.24 | % | 16.51 | % | 14.58 | % | 14.82 | % | 13.49 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 17.34 | % | 12.65 | % | 11.56 | % | 11.77 | % | 10.33 | % |
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
| 17.34 | % | 12.65 | % | 11.56 | % | 11.77 | % | 10.33 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
| 11.47 | % | 8.08 | % | 10.11 | % | 10.42 | % | 9.83 | % |
| Bank at December 31, |
| |||||||||
2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 |
| ||||||
Total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 20.55 | % | 15.74 | % | 12.08 | % | 11.43 | % | 10.06 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 19.28 | % | 14.47 | % | 11.32 | % | 10.66 | % | 9.12 | % |
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
| 19.28 | % | 14.47 | % | 11.32 | % | 10.66 | % | 9.12 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
| 12.77 | % | 9.20 | % | 9.90 | % | 9.44 | % | 8.68 | % |
In comparison to the above tables, the tables below present the Bank’s and the Company’s regulatory capital ratios applying the 50% risk weight to Advantage Loan Program loans at December 31 for each of the past five years, as previously reported.
| Company at December 31, | | |||||||||
2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 | | ||
Total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 29.02 | % | 22.58 | % | 21.49 | % | 21.98 | % | 20.28 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 24.08 | % | 17.68 | % | 17.04 | % | 17.45 | % | 15.53 | % |
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
| 24.08 | % | 17.68 | % | 17.04 | % | 17.45 | % | 15.53 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
| 11.47 | % | 8.08 | % | 10.11 | % | 10.42 | % | 9.83 | % |
| Bank at December 31, |
| |||||||||
2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| ||
Total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 28.07 | % | 21.56 | % | 17.82 | % | 16.94 | % | 14.76 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 26.79 | % | 20.27 | % | 16.70 | % | 15.80 | % | 13.71 | % |
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
| 26.79 | % | 20.27 | % | 16.70 | % | 15.80 | % | 13.71 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
| 12.77 | % | 9.20 | % | 9.90 | % | 9.44 | % | 8.68 | % |
Dividend Restrictions
As noted above, banking regulations require the Bank to maintain certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to its shareholders. The Company’s principal source of funds for dividend payments is dividends received from the Bank, and banking regulations limit the dividends that may be paid. Approval by regulatory authorities is required if (i) the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceed the sum of the Bank’s net income for that year to date plus the Bank’s retained net income for the preceding two years or (ii) the Bank would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution.
The Qualified Thrift Lender (“QTL”) test requires that a minimum of 65% of assets be maintained in qualified thrift investments, including mortgage loans, housing- and real estate-related finance and other specified areas. If the QTL test is not met, limits are placed on growth, branching, new investments, FHLB advances and dividends, or the Bank must convert to a commercial bank charter. Management believes that the QTL test has been met. Also, pursuant to the terms of the subordinated note agreements, the Company may pay dividends if it is well capitalized as defined by regulatory guidelines.
26
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Refer to Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies. In addition, the Company currently is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB in order to pay dividends to the Company’s shareholders.
Note 12—Income Per Share
Basic income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per common share further includes any common shares available to be issued upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards if such inclusions would be dilutive. The Company determines the potentially dilutive common shares using the treasury stock method. The following table presents the computation of income per share, basic and diluted:
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||||
Numerator: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Net income | $ | 1,176 | $ | 9,557 | $ | 4,239 | $ | 15,334 | ||||
Denominator: |
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding, basic |
| 50,400,412 |
| 50,167,295 |
| 50,326,951 |
| 50,010,341 | ||||
Weighted average effect of potentially dilutive common shares: |
|
|
|
| ||||||||
Stock options |
| 97,884 |
| 55,131 |
| 107,671 |
| 48,659 | ||||
Restricted stock |
| 74,635 |
| 40,260 |
| 88,454 |
| 20,931 | ||||
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted |
| 50,572,931 |
| 50,262,686 |
| 50,523,076 |
| 50,079,931 | ||||
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Income per share, basic and diluted | 0.02 | 0.19 | 0.08 | 0.31 |
The weighted average effect of certain stock options and nonvested restricted stock that were excluded from the computation of weighted average diluted shares outstanding, as inclusion would be anti-dilutive, are summarized as follows:
Three Months Ended |
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |
Stock options |
| 49,545 |
| 67,767 |
| 49,897 |
| 70,139 |
Restricted stock |
| 176,707 |
| 7,294 |
| 99,784 |
| 104,558 |
Total |
| 226,252 |
| 75,061 |
| 149,681 |
| 174,697 |
Note 13—Employee Benefit Plans
In May 2022, the Company surrendered a large split-dollar life program and a few smaller bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”) policies related to former executives and a controlling shareholder with a cash surrender value of $24,877. The $13,142 increase in value over the duration of the ownership of the policies has moved from non-taxable income to taxable income, resulting in a $3,614 million increase in income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Additional taxes of $1,314 relating to this surrender are included in other expense within non-interest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
In connection with the surrender, the Company also cancelled certain deferred compensation and the split dollar life insurance agreement with its controlling shareholder which resulted in the reversal of the related liabilities of $4,514 which are included as a reduction in salaries and employee benefits expense in the condensed consolidated statement of income for the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
27
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Note 14—Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Financial instruments include assets carried at fair value, as well as certain assets and liabilities carried at cost or amortized cost but disclosed at fair value in these condensed consolidated financial statements. Fair value is defined as the exit price, the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date under current market conditions. The inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value are prioritized into a three-level hierarchy. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
The following methods and significant assumptions are used to estimate fair value:
Investment Securities
The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices, if available (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar investment securities (Level 2). For investment securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar investment securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3). Discounted cash flows are calculated using spread to LIBOR curves that are updated to incorporate loss severities, volatility, credit spread and optionality. During times when trading is more liquid, broker quotes are used (if available) to validate the analysis. Rating agency and industry research reports as well as defaults and deferrals on individual investment securities are reviewed and incorporated into the calculations.
Loans Held for Sale
Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Fair value is determined based on outstanding commitments from investors or quoted prices for loans with similar characteristics (Level 2).
Impaired Loans
The fair value of collateral-dependent impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on recent real estate appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach, such as comparable sales or the income approach, or a combination of both. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments are usually significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.
Appraisals for collateral-dependent impaired loans are performed by certified general appraisers whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by management. Once received, an appraisal compliance review is completed in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
28
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Mortgage Servicing Rights
Fair value of mortgage servicing rights is initially determined at the individual grouping level based on an internal valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. On a quarterly basis, mortgage servicing rights are evaluated for impairment based upon third-party valuations obtained. As disclosed in Note 5—Mortgage Servicing Rights, net, the valuation model utilizes interest rate, prepayment speed and default rate assumptions that are specific to loans serviced by the Company and that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income (Level 3).
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The table below presents the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis categorized by the level of inputs used in the valuation of each asset at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Fair Value Measurements at | ||||||||||||
September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||
Quoted Prices | ||||||||||||
in Active | Significant | |||||||||||
Markets for | Other | Significant | ||||||||||
Identical | Observable | Unobservable | ||||||||||
Assets | Inputs | Inputs | ||||||||||
| Total |
| (Level 1) |
| (Level 2) |
| (Level 3) | |||||
Financial Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Available for sale debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
U.S. Treasury and Agency securities | $ | 167,462 | $ | 115,484 | $ | 51,978 | $ | — | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities | 37,626 | — | 37,626 | — | ||||||||
Collateralized mortgage obligations |
| 143,346 |
| — |
| 143,346 |
| — | ||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
| 153 |
| — |
| — |
| 153 | ||||
Equity securities |
| 4,386 |
| 4,386 |
| — |
| — |
Fair Value Measurements at | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||
Quoted Prices | ||||||||||||
in Active | Significant | |||||||||||
Markets for | Other | Significant | ||||||||||
Identical | Observable | Unobservable | ||||||||||
Assets | Inputs | Inputs | ||||||||||
| Total |
| (Level 1) |
| (Level 2) |
| (Level 3) | |||||
Financial Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Available for sale debt securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
U.S. Treasury and Agency securities | $ | 122,168 | $ | 48,827 | $ | 73,341 | $ | — | ||||
Mortgage-backed securities | 49,437 | — | 49,437 | — | ||||||||
Collateralized mortgage obligations |
| 136,849 |
| — |
| 136,849 |
| — | ||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
| 203 |
| — |
| — |
| 203 | ||||
Equity securities | 4,976 | 4,976 | — | — |
29
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
The table below presents a reconciliation for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021:
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant | ||||||
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||
Collateralized Debt Obligations | ||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets at beginning of period | $ | 203 | $ | 187 | ||
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized): |
|
|
| |||
Included in income-realized |
| — |
| — | ||
| 3 |
| 7 | |||
Principal maturities/settlements | (53) | (3) | ||||
Sales |
| — |
| — | ||
Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 |
| — |
| — | ||
Balance of recurring Level 3 assets at end of period | $ | 153 | $ | 191 |
Unrealized losses on Level 3 investments for collateralized debt obligations was $5 and $8 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. In addition to the amounts included in income as presented in the table above, interest income recorded on collateralized debt obligations was $5 and $4 for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
The fair value of the collateralized debt obligations is obtained from third-party pricing information. It is determined by calculating discounted cash flows using LIBOR curves plus spreads that adjust for credit risk and illiquidity. The Company also performs an internal analysis that considers the structure and term of the collateralized debt obligations and the financial condition of the underlying issuers to corroborate the information used from the independent third party.
Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis
From time to time, the Company may be required to measure certain other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets. For assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis that were recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the following table provides the level of valuation assumptions used to determine each adjustment and the related carrying value:
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||
|
| Quoted Prices in |
| Significant |
| |||||||
Active Markets | Other | Significant | ||||||||||
for Identical | Observable | Unobservable | ||||||||||
Assets | Inputs | Inputs | ||||||||||
Fair Value | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | |||||||||
Commercial real estate loans held for sale | $ | 1,554 | $ | — | $ | 1,554 | $ | — | ||||
Mortgage servicing rights | 311 | — | — | 311 |
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||
|
| Quoted Prices in |
| Significant |
| |||||||
Active Markets | Other | Significant | ||||||||||
for Identical | Observable | Unobservable | ||||||||||
Assets | Inputs | Inputs | ||||||||||
Fair Value | (Level 1) | (Level 2) | (Level 3) | |||||||||
Impaired loans: | ||||||||||||
Residential real estate | $ | 86 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 86 | ||||
Commercial real estate loans held for sale | 53,628 | — | 53,628 | — | ||||||||
Mortgage servicing rights | 2,052 | — | — | 2,052 |
30
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
As discussed above, the fair values of collateral-dependent impaired loans carried at fair value are determined by third-party appraisals. Management adjusts these appraised values based on the age of the appraisal and the type of the property. The following tables present quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2022 | |||||||||
Range | |||||||||
| Fair Value |
| Valuation Technique |
| Unobservable Inputs |
| (Weighted Average)(1) | ||
Mortgage servicing rights | $ | 311 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 9.5% - 12.0% | ||||
|
|
|
| Prepayment speed | 7.5% - 22.5% | ||||
Default rate | 0.1% - 0.2% |
(1) | The range and weighted average for an asset category consisting of a single investment represents the significant unobservable input used in the fair value of the investment. |
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2021 | |||||||||
Range | |||||||||
| Fair Value |
| Valuation Technique |
| Unobservable Inputs |
| (Weighted Average)(1) | ||
Impaired loans: | |||||||||
Residential real estate | $ | 86 | Sales comparison approach | Adjustments for differences between the comparable sales | N/A | ||||
Mortgage servicing rights | $ | 2,052 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 9.5% - 12.0% | ||||
Prepayment speed | 10.5% - 37.1% | ||||||||
Default rate | 0.1% - 0.2% |
(1) | The range and weighted average for an asset category consisting of a single investment represents the significant unobservable input used in the fair value of the investment. |
31
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments not carried at fair value at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, are as follows:
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying | Fair | ||||||||||||||
| Amount |
| Value |
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 | ||||||
Financial Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Cash and due from banks | $ | 352,404 | $ | 352,404 | $ | 352,404 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||
Interest-bearing time deposits with other banks |
| 1,183 |
| 1,183 |
| 1,183 |
| — |
| — | |||||
Loans held for sale (1) |
| 7,279 |
| 7,719 |
| — |
| 7,719 |
| — | |||||
Loans, net |
| 1,636,266 |
| 1,676,322 |
| — |
| — |
| 1,676,322 | |||||
Financial Liabilities |
| ||||||||||||||
Time deposits |
| 757,576 |
| 752,286 |
| — |
| 752,286 |
| — | |||||
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings |
| 50,000 |
| 48,260 |
| — |
| 48,260 |
| — | |||||
Subordinated notes, net |
| 65,290 |
| 65,056 |
| — |
| 65,056 |
| — |
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2021 | |||||||||||||||
Carrying | Fair | ||||||||||||||
| Amount |
| Value |
| Level 1 |
| Level 2 |
| Level 3 | ||||||
Financial Assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Cash and due from banks | $ | 411,676 | $ | 411,676 | $ | 411,676 | $ | — | $ | — | |||||
Interest-bearing time deposits with other banks |
| 1,183 |
| 1,183 |
| 1,183 |
| — |
| — | |||||
Loans held for sale |
| 11,359 |
| 11,809 |
| — |
| 11,809 |
| — | |||||
Loans, net(1) |
| 1,956,180 |
| 2,025,409 |
| — |
| — |
| 2,025,409 | |||||
Financial Liabilities |
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||
Time deposits |
| 891,820 |
| 894,049 |
| — |
| 894,049 |
| — | |||||
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings |
| 150,000 |
| 152,560 |
| — |
| 152,560 |
| — | |||||
Subordinated notes, net |
| 65,343 |
| 65,073 |
| — |
| 65,073 |
| — |
(1)Excludes impaired loans measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
Note 15—Related Party Transactions
In May 2021, the Company issued and sold unregistered shares of common stock to its Chief Executive Officer in exchange for cash consideration. Refer to Note 9 – Shareholders’ Equity.
The Company subleased certain office space to entities owned by the Company’s controlling shareholders. Amounts received under such subleases totaled $97 for the three months ended September 30, 2021, and $112 and $289 during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The sublease agreements ended on March 31, 2022.
Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies
Financial Instruments with Off-Balance Sheet Risk
The Company is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financial needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which are not reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.
32
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Unfunded Commitments to Extend Credit
A commitment to extend credit, such as a loan commitment, credit line and overdraft protection, is a legally binding agreement to lend funds to a customer, usually at a stated interest rate and for a specific purpose. Such commitments have fixed expiration dates and generally require a fee. The extension of a commitment gives rise to credit risk. The actual liquidity requirements or credit risk that the Company will experience is expected to be lower than the contractual amount of commitments to extend credit because a significant portion of those commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon. Certain commitments are subject to loan agreements containing covenants regarding the financial performance of the customer that must be met before the Company is required to fund the commitment. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments to extend credit as it does in making loans.
The commitments outstanding to make loans include primarily residential real estate loans that are made for a period of 90 days or less. At September 30, 2022, outstanding commitments to make loans consisted of variable-rate loans of $2,560 at varying interest rates ranging from 4.50% to 5.125% at September 30, 2022 with maturities of 30 years and fixed-rate loans of $113 at an interest rate of 4.875% with maturities of 15 years.
Unused Lines of Credit
The Company also issues unused lines of credit to meet customer financing needs. At September 30, 2022, the unused lines of credit include residential second mortgages of $10,874 and construction loans of $9,736 totaling $20,610. These unused lines of credit are associated with variable-rate commitments at interest rates ranging from 5.50% to 8.50% at September 30, 2022 with maturities ranging from one month to 23 years.
Standby Letters of Credit
Standby letters of credit are issued on behalf of customers in connection with construction contracts between the customers and third parties. Under standby letters of credit, the Company assures that the third parties will receive specified funds if customers fail to meet their contractual obligations. The credit risk to the Company arises from its obligation to make payment in the event of a customer’s contractual default. The maximum amount of potential future payments guaranteed by the Company is limited to the contractual amount of these letters. Collateral may be obtained at exercise of the commitment. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers.
The following is a summary of the total amount of unfunded commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit outstanding at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
Commitments to make loans | $ | 2,673 | $ | 23,610 | ||
Unused lines of credit |
| 20,610 |
| 45,805 | ||
Standby letters of credit |
| 24 |
| 24 |
Legal Proceedings
The Company and its subsidiaries may be subject to legal actions and claims arising from contracts or other matters from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Management is not aware of any pending or threatened legal proceedings, except as described below, that are considered other than routine legal proceedings. The Company believes that the ultimate disposition or resolution of its routine legal proceedings, in the aggregate, are immaterial to its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
33
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
On September 27, 2022, the Company entered into a Consent Order with the OCC, resolving the formal investigation by the OCC relating to the Bank’s former residential loan product, marketed as the Advantage Loan Program, and related matters (the “OCC Investigation”). Pursuant to the Consent Order, the Bank has paid a civil money penalty of $6,000. The civil money penalty has been applied against the previously accrued liability for contingent losses reflected on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Consent Order represents a full and final settlement of the OCC Investigation with respect to the Bank. Concurrent with the Consent Order, the OCC notified the Bank that the formal agreement between the Bank and the OCC entered on June 18, 2019 (the “OCC Agreement “) was terminated, which primarily related to certain aspects of the Bank’s Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering (“BSA/AML”) compliance program and the Bank’s credit administration.
The Bank has received grand jury subpoenas from the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) beginning in 2020 requesting the production of documents and information in connection with an investigation that appears to be focused on the Bank’s Advantage Loan Program and related issues, including residential lending practices and public disclosures about that program contained in the Company’s filings with the SEC. The Bank is fully cooperating with this investigation. Adverse findings in the DOJ investigation could result in material losses due to damages, restitution, penalties, costs, and/or expenses imposed on the Company, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future operations, financial condition, growth, or other aspects of the business.
The Company is currently under a formal investigation by the SEC. This investigation appears to be focused on accounting, financial reporting and disclosure matters, as well as the Company’s internal controls, related to the Advantage Loan Program. The Company has received document and information requests from the SEC and has fully cooperated with this investigation. Adverse findings in the SEC investigation could result in material losses due to penalties, disgorgement, costs and/or expenses imposed on the Company, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future operations, financial condition, growth or other aspects of its business.
The Bank has incurred and expects to continue to incur significant costs in its efforts to respond to the government investigations, which are reflected in the Company’s results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. Adverse findings in any of the aforementioned government investigations could also have collateral consequences for the Company and the Bank, such as creating breaches of representation in certain third-party agreements and loss of eligibility to participate in certain government programs and programs of government sponsored entities.
In 2019, the Company commenced an internal review of the Advantage Loan Program and related matters (the “Internal Review”). The primary focus of the Internal Review, which has been led by outside legal counsel at the direction of a special committee of independent directors (the “Special Committee”), has involved the origination of residential real estate loans under the Advantage Loan Program and related matters. Results from the Special Committee’s Internal Review have indicated that certain employees engaged in misconduct in connection with the origination of a significant number of such loans, including with respect to verification of income, the amount of income reported for borrowers, reliance on third parties, and related documentation. As a result, the Company permanently discontinued the Advantage Loan Program. While the Internal Review is substantially complete, the Company expects the Internal Review to remain open during the pendency of the government investigations discussed herein, and it is possible additional work will be required in connection with the Internal Review.
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company has a liability for contingent losses of $9,000 and $15,000, respectively, for the outcome of the pending investigations. There can be no assurance (i) that the Company will not incur material losses due to damages, penalties, costs and/or expenses as a result of such investigations, (ii) that the accrual for contingent losses will be sufficient to cover such losses, or (iii) that such losses will not materially exceed such accrual and have a material impact on the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
34
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
In addition, on July 28, 2020, the Company received a demand letter from two law firms representing a purported shareholder of the Company (the “Shareholder Demand”) which was later reflected in a shareholder derivative complaint that was filed against us and certain of our current and former directors, styled Cahnman v. Allen, et al., No. 2:22-cv-10124 (E.D. Mich.), alleging that members of the Company’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties of oversight and disclosure based on allegations concerning the Bank’s residential lending practices and disclosures concerning those practices that were made in the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for its initial public offering, in subsequent press releases, in periodic and other filings with the SEC and during earnings calls. On January 21, 2022, the Company and the purported shareholder entered into an agreement in the form of a definitive stipulation of settlement (the “Settlement”), of which the court granted final approval on September 29, 2022. Pursuant to the Settlement, the Company agreed to adopt and implement substantial corporate governance reforms (the “Corporate Governance Enhancements”), many of which were already in progress and have now been completed, and pay attorneys’ fees and expenses in the amount of $650 in exchange for the release of all defendants from all alleged claims therein. The Settlement provides customary releases of certain individuals and entities, including the current board of directors and certain former board members, and reserves for the Company’s board of directors the exclusive right to continue to evaluate and pursue claims against non-released individuals based on their conduct concerning, related to, or arising from the matters raised in the Shareholder Demand. Reimbursement of the $650 due under the Settlement was paid by the Company’s insurance carriers under applicable insurance policies during the fourth quarter of 2022.
Mortgage Repurchase Liability
During the period 2015 through 2019, the Company sold portfolio loans originated under the Advantage Loan Program to private investors in the secondary market. The Company also sells conventional residential real estate loans (which excludes Advantage Loan Program loans) in the secondary market primarily to Fannie Mae on an ongoing basis. In connection with these loans sold, the Company makes customary representations and warranties about various characteristics of each loan. The Company may be required pursuant to the terms of the applicable mortgage loan purchase and sale agreements to repurchase any previously sold loan or indemnify (make whole) the investor for which the representation or warranty of the Company proves to be inaccurate, incomplete or misleading. In the event of a repurchase, the Company is typically required to pay the unpaid principal balance, the proportionate premium received when selling the loan and certain expenses. As a result, the Company may incur a loss with respect to each repurchased loan.
In 2019, in connection with the above mentioned investigations stemming from the Advantage Loan Program, the Company recorded a mortgage repurchase liability of $7,823, primarily related to probable losses on the previously sold Advantage Loan Program portfolio. The Company determined that these losses became probable in the latter part of the fourth quarter of 2019, taking into account the results of the Internal Review.
To avoid the uncertainty of audits and inquiries by third-party investors in the Advantage Loan Program, beginning at the end of the second quarter of 2020, the Company commenced making offers to each of those investors to repurchase 100% of the previously sold Advantage Loan Program loans. Since this time, certain third-party investors have accepted this offer. In May 2022, the Company repurchased a pool of Advantage Loan Program loans with a total outstanding unpaid principal balance of $30,380, which was not subject to an existing written agreement to repurchase. In connection with this repurchase, the Company recognized a loss of $695 related to a fair value discount in other non-interest expense and a disposition of $376 of mortgage servicing rights, and charged a loss of $622 against the mortgage repurchase liability. In September 2022, the Company repurchased pools of Advantage Loan Program loans with a total outstanding unpaid principal balance of $35,241. In connection with this repurchase, the Company recognized a loss of $1,608 related to a fair value discount in other non-interest expense and a disposition of $487 of mortgage servicing rights, and charged a loss of $884 against the mortgage repurchase liability. Pursuant to the existing agreements with such investors, the Company also agreed to repurchase additional pools of Advantage Loan Program loans at the predetermined repurchase prices as stated in the agreements. The Company has entered into an agreement to repurchase an additional pool of Advantage Loan Program loans with an outstanding principal balance of $21,392 at September 30, 2022, with the final decision to effect any such repurchase and the specific date of repurchase, as determined by the applicable investor. The last date on which the investor has the right to cause the repurchase of this pool of loans is July 22, 2023. Losses expected to be incurred upon the repurchase of such loans are reflected in the mortgage repurchase liability.
35
STERLING BANCORP, INC.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
As of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the mortgage repurchase liability was $778 and $2,954, respectively, which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balance of residential real estate loans sold that were subject to potential repurchase obligations in the event of breach of representations and warranties totaled $160,401 and $237,049 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, including Advantage Loan Program loans totaling $44,955 and $142,810 at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
The mortgage repurchase liability reflects management’s estimate of losses based on a combination of factors. The Company’s estimation process requires management to make subjective and complex judgements about matters that are inherently uncertain, such as future repurchase demand expectations, economic factors and findings from the Internal Review. The actual repurchase losses could vary significantly from the recorded mortgage repurchase liability, depending on the outcome of various factors, including those previously discussed.
Activity in the mortgage repurchase liability was as follows:
Nine Months Ended | ||||||
September 30, | ||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 | |||
Balance, beginning of period | $ | 2,954 | $ | 9,699 | ||
Net recovery |
| (670) |
| (963) | ||
Loss on loan repurchases |
| (1,506) |
| (5,511) | ||
Balance, end of the period | $ | 778 | $ | 3,225 |
Note 17—Subsequent Events
During the second quarter of 2022, the Company outsourced its residential loan origination function to Promontory MortgagePath, which provides community banks with an outsourced residential lending service for mortgage loan production. In November 2022, Promontory MortgagePath advised the Company of its intent to cease conducting business. Promontory MortgagePath and the Company will continue to accept loan applications through November 30, 2022, and will use commercially reasonable efforts to evaluate and originate pending loan applications by February 28, 2023. At that time, the Company will suspend the origination of residential loans pending further evaluation of its alternatives, which may include discontinuing the origination of residential loans. However, the Company may purchase residential loans from the secondary market in the future.
36
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, related notes, and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2021 Form 10-K.
Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to “Sterling,” “we,” “our,” “us” or “the Company” refer to Sterling Bancorp, Inc., a Michigan corporation, and its subsidiaries, including Sterling Bank & Trust, F.S.B., which we sometimes refer to as “Sterling Bank,” “the Bank” or “our Bank.”
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), regarding the Company’s plans, expectations, thoughts, beliefs, estimates, goals, and outlook for the future that are intended to be covered by the protections provided under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “expect,” “attribute,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “goal,” “target,” “outlook,” “aim,” “would” and “annualized” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and they are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements.
The risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in our filings with the SEC, and others, may cause actual future results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. A summary of these factors is below, under the heading “Risk Factors Summary.” For additional information on factors that could materially affect the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2022, see the risk factors set forth under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2021 Form 10-K. You should carefully consider the factors discussed below, and in our Risk Factors and other disclosures, in evaluating these forward-looking statements.
Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise except as required by law. New risks and uncertainties arise from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict those events or how they may affect us. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of any particular risk, uncertainty or other factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
Risk Factors Summary
The following is a summary of the material risks we are exposed to in the course of our business activities. The below summary does not contain all of the information that may be important to you, and you should read the below summary together with the more detailed discussion of risks set forth under “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” and in our 2021 Form 10-K, as well as under this “Part I, Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
37
Risks Related to the Advantage Loan Program
● | The results of the Internal Review of our Advantage Loan Program and related matters |
● | The results of investigations of us by the DOJ, the SEC or other governmental agencies |
● | The costs of legal proceedings, including settlements and judgments |
● | The effects of the permanent discontinuation of our Advantage Loan Program |
● | Compliance with BSA/AML laws and regulations generally |
● | Potential future losses in connection with representations and warranties we have made with respect to residential real estate loans that we have sold into the secondary market |
Risks Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic
● | The economic impact, and governmental and regulatory actions to mitigate the impact, of the disruptions created by the COVID-19 pandemic |
● | The effects of the economic disruptions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic on our loan portfolio |
Risks Related to the Economy and Financial Markets
● | The effects of fiscal and monetary policies and regulations of the federal government and the Federal Reserve |
● | Changes in the state of the general economy and the financial markets and their effects on the demand for our loan services |
● | The effects of fiscal challenges facing the U.S. government |
● | Macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges and uncertainties affecting the stability of regions and countries around the globe |
Risks Related to Credit
● | The credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the levels of delinquencies and nonperforming assets and changes in the financial performance and/or economic condition of our borrowers |
● | Our concentration in residential real estate loans |
● | The geographic concentration of our loans and operations in California |
● | The potential insufficiency of our allowance for loan losses to cover losses in our loan portfolio |
Risks Related to Our Highly Regulated Industry
● | The extensive laws and regulations affecting the financial services industry, including the QTL test, the continued effects of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and related rulemaking, changes in banking, securities and tax laws and regulations and their application by our regulators and the Community Reinvestment Act and fair lending laws |
● | Failure to comply with banking laws and regulations |
38
● | Enforcement priorities of the federal bank regulatory agencies |
Risks Related to Competition
● | Strong competition within our market areas or with respect to our products and pricing |
● | Our reputation as a community bank and the effects of continued negative publicity |
● | Our ability to keep pace with technological change and introduce new products and services |
● | Consumers deciding not to use banks to complete their financial transactions |
Risks Related to Interest Rates
● | Negative impacts of future changes in interest rates |
● | Uncertainty relating to the determination and discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) |
Risks Related to Liquidity
● | Our ability to ensure we have adequate liquidity |
● | Our ability to obtain external financing on favorable terms, or at all, in the future |
● | The quality of our real estate loans and our ability to sell our loans to the secondary market |
Other Risks Related to Our Business
● | Our ability to attract and retain key employees and other qualified personnel |
● | Our operational, technological and organizational infrastructure, including the effectiveness of our enterprise risk management framework at mitigating risk and loss to us |
● | Operational risks from a high volume of financial transactions and increased reliance on technology, including risk of loss related to cybersecurity or privacy breaches and the increased frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks |
● | The operational risk associated with third-party vendors and other financial institutions |
● | The ability of customers and counterparties to provide accurate and complete information and the soundness of third parties on which we rely |
● | Our employees’ adherence to our internal policies and procedures |
● | The effects of natural disasters on us and our California borrowers and the adequacy of our business continuity and disaster recovery plans |
● | Environmental, social and governance matters and their effects on our reputation and the market price of our securities |
● | Climate change and related legislative and regulatory initiatives |
● | Adverse conditions internationally and their effects on our customers |
● | Fluctuations in securities markets, including changes to the valuation of our securities portfolio |
39
● | The value of our mortgage servicing rights |
● | The reliance of our critical accounting policies and estimates, including for the allowance for loan losses, on analytical and forecasting techniques and models |
● | Other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technological factors affecting our operations, pricing, products and services and the other risks described elsewhere herein or in the documents incorporated by reference herein and our other filings with the SEC |
Risks Related to Governance Matters
● | The Seligman family’s ability to influence our operations and control the outcome of matters submitted for shareholder approval |
● | Our ability to pay dividends |
The foregoing risk factors should not be construed as an exhaustive list and should be read in conjunction with the cautionary statements that are included under “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” above, under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our 2021 Form 10-K and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, as well as the items set forth under “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
Executive Summary
The following overview should be read in conjunction with our MD&A in its entirety.
Company Overview
We are a unitary thrift holding company headquartered in Southfield, Michigan and our primary business is the operation of our wholly owned subsidiary, Sterling Bank. Through Sterling Bank, we offer a range of loan products to the residential and commercial markets, as well as retail banking services.
Internal Review, Investigations and Regulatory Matters Related to the Advantage Loan Program
The primary focus of the Internal Review, which has been led by outside legal counsel under the direction of the Special Committee, has involved the origination of residential real estate loans under the Advantage Loan Program and related matters. The Internal Review has indicated that certain employees engaged in misconduct in connection with the origination of a significant number of such loans, including with respect to verification of income and employment, the amount of income reported for borrowers, reliance on third parties, and related documentation. As a result, the Company permanently discontinued the Advantage Loan Program, and a significant number of officers and employees have been terminated or resigned, including the top loan producers within the Advantage Loan Program. While the Internal Review is substantially complete, the Company expects it to remain open during the pendency of the government investigations discussed below, and it is possible additional work will be required in connection with the Internal Review.
On September 27, 2022, the Company entered into a Consent Order with the OCC, resolving the OCC Investigation, which had been ongoing for almost three years. Pursuant to the Consent Order, the Bank has paid a civil money penalty of $6 million, which has been applied against the Company’s previously accrued liability for contingent losses. The Consent Order represents a full and final settlement of the OCC Investigation with respect to the Bank. Concurrent with the Consent Order, the OCC notified the Bank that the OCC Agreement entered into on June 18, 2019 was terminated, which primarily related to certain aspects of the Bank’s BSA/AML compliance program and the Bank’s credit administration.
The Bank is currently responding to grand jury subpoenas from the DOJ and remains under a formal investigation by the SEC, both of which are related to the Advantage Loan Program and the related disclosures of that program in the Company’s federal securities law filings.
40
The Company incurred significant legal, consulting and other third-party expenses during the third quarter of 2022, as it has over the past two years, in connection with the Internal Review, the government investigations, compliance with the OCC Agreement, defending litigation related to the Advantage Loan Program and reimbursing current and former officers and directors for their out-of-pocket legal costs in connection with the government investigations.
On October 7, 2022, we commenced an action against Scott Seligman, the Bank’s founder and controlling shareholder, and other nominal defendants, styled Sterling Bank and Trust, F.S.B. and Sterling Bancorp, Inc. vs. Scott Seligman, et al., No. 2:22-cv-12398-SFC-DRG (E.D. Mich.), seeking compensatory and other damages, disgorgement of certain monies and injunctive relief. There is no assurance that we will be successful in any final adjudication of this case, that any remedy would be adequate in the event we are successful in the adjudication or that we would achieve an acceptable settlement. See “Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings” for additional detail regarding this matter.
On November 3, 2022, Mr. Seligman commenced an action against the Company in the Oakland County Business Court styled Scott J. Seligman v. Sterling Bancorp, Inc., No. 2:22-cv-12660-MAG-DRG (E.D. Mich.). The complaint alleges that Mr. Seligman is entitled to the advancement and reimbursement of all attorneys’ fees and other expenses incurred in connection with the complaint filed against him by the Company and the Bank as well as certain government investigations involving the Company and the Bank, including investigations by the DOJ and OCC related to the Advantage Loan Program. The Company intends to vigorously defend this and any related actions. See “Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings” for additional detail regarding this matter.
Overview of Quarterly Performance
Net income was $1.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2022 compared to $9.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021. Our net interest margin continued to improve, though our loan portfolio continued to decline which reduced our net interest income compared to the third quarter of 2021. Also contributing to the decrease in net income for the third quarter of 2022 as compared to the third quarter of 2021, the 2021 period includes a refundable tax credit against certain employment taxes, also known as the ERC tax credit under the CARES Act. The Company recognized $6.5 million of ERC, resulting in a net reduction of salaries and employee benefits expense for the third quarter of 2021. Also, the 2021 period includes a gain of $1.4 million on the sale of the Bellevue, Washington branch in July 2021. We experienced a recovery for loan losses for the third quarter of 2022 compared to the provision for loan losses for the third quarter of 2021 as our asset quality improved during the third quarter of 2022; as our nonperforming assets declined to $42.2 million at September 30, 2022. In addition, the recovery for loan losses also reflects the continued decline of our loan portfolio.
We also completed a sale of higher risk commercial real estate loans with unpaid principal balances of $21.9 million. Prior to the sale, we charged off $4.1 million of its recorded investment. We received net cash proceeds of $17.8 million on the sale of the commercial real estate loans. This sale further improved our credit metrics.
We continued to experience significant repayments in excess of our loan originations contributing to our excess liquidity. This resulted in the continued overall decline of our consolidated balance sheet, with total assets declining from $2.9 billion at December 31, 2021 to $2.4 billion at September 30, 2022.
During the three months ended September 30, 2022, we repurchased pools of Advantage Loan Program loans with total outstanding unpaid principal balances of $35.2 million. In connection with this repurchase, the Company recognized a loss of $1.6 million to record the fair value discount in other non-interest expense and a disposition of $0.5 million of mortgage servicing rights, and charged a loss of $0.9 million against the mortgage repurchase liability.
Our regulatory capital ratios remained well above the levels required to be considered well capitalized for regulatory purposes.
On September 29, 2022, the court granted final approval of the Settlement in connection with the shareholder derivative action that was filed against us and certain of our current and former directors, styled Cahnman v. Allen, et al., No. 2:22-cv-10124 (E.D. Mich.). The Company entered into the Settlement on January 21, 2022, pursuant to which the Company agreed to adopt and implement the Corporate Governance Enhancements, many of which were already in progress and have now been completed, and pay attorneys’ fees and expenses in the amount of $650 thousand in exchange for the release of all defendants from alleged claims therein. Reimbursement of the $650 thousand due under the Settlement was paid in October 2022 by the Company’s insurance carriers under applicable insurance policies.
41
During the second quarter of 2022, we outsourced our residential loan origination function to Promontory MortgagePath, which provides community banks with an outsourced residential lending service for mortgage loan production. In November 2022, Promontory MortgagePath advised the Company of its intent to cease conducting business. Promontory MortgagePath and the Company will continue to accept loan applications through November 30, 2022, and will use commercially reasonable efforts to evaluate and originate pending loan applications by February 28, 2023. At that time, we will suspend the origination of residential loans pending further evaluation of our alternatives, which may include discontinuing the origination of residential loans. However, we may purchase residential loans from the secondary market in the future.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and with general practices within the financial services industry. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under current circumstances. These assumptions form the basis for our judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily available from independent, objective sources. We evaluate our estimates on an ongoing basis. Use of alternative assumptions may have resulted in significantly different estimates. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, there were no significant changes to our accounting policies that we believe are critical to an understanding of our financial condition and results of operations, which critical accounting policies are disclosed in our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in the Company’s 2021 Form 10-K.
Financial Condition
The Company’s total assets were $2.4 billion at September 30, 2022 compared to $2.9 billion at December 31, 2021. The investment securities portfolio increased $39.3 million, or 13%, to $353.2 million at September 30, 2022 from $313.9 million at December 31, 2021, which is attributable to purchases of additional investments totaling $147.5 million, partially offset by maturing investments, totaling $80.6 million and unrealized losses of $19.8 million. Total loans, net of allowance for loan losses, decreased to $1.6 billion at September 30, 2022 compared to $2.0 billion at December 31, 2021. The Company originated loans held for investment consisting of residential real estate loans of $55.0 million, commercial real estate loans of $51.7 million and commercial and industrial loans of $1.1 million, and originated residential real estate loans held for sale of $1.8 million. The Company repurchased Advantage Loan Program loans with an aggregate principal balance of $65.6 million and sold higher risk commercial real estate loans with a carrying value of $67.4 million. We received loan payoffs of $442.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. The significant loan repayments experienced during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 continued the trend over the past several years in our Advantage Loan Program portfolio and, along with the decision to cease origination of construction loans, were the primary driver of the continued reduction of the consolidated balance sheet. Our loan production also continued to be adversely impacted by the termination of the Advantage Loan Program and the inability over the last several years to create and introduce new loan products. Most of the excess liquidity from the loan repayments was used to fund maturing time deposits that generally carried higher interest rates. Total deposits decreased $310.7 million, or 14%, to $2.0 billion at September 30, 2022. In June 2022, with increasing interest rates, our offerings on time deposits returned to more competitive rates, partially offsetting the decline experienced in the first half of 2022. FHLB borrowings decreased from $150.0 million at December 31, 2021 to $50.0 million at September 30, 2022, which is attributable to the repayment of $100.0 million in FHLB advances during the second quarter of 2022.
42
Loan Portfolio Composition. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated.
At September 30, 2022 |
| At December 31, 2021 | |||||||||
| Amount |
| % |
| Amount |
| % |
| |||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
Real estate: | |||||||||||
Residential real estate | $ | 1,430,472 | 85 | % | $ | 1,704,231 |
| 85 | % | ||
Commercial real estate |
| 199,446 | 12 | % |
| 201,240 |
| 10 | % | ||
Construction |
| 50,320 | 3 | % |
| 106,759 |
| 5 | % | ||
Total real estate |
| 1,680,238 |
| 100 | % |
| 2,012,230 |
| 100 | % | |
Commercial lines of credit |
| 1,389 |
| — | % |
| 363 |
| — | % | |
Other consumer |
| 1 |
| — | % |
| 221 |
| — | % | |
Total loans |
| 1,681,628 |
| 100 | % |
| 2,012,814 |
| 100 | % | |
Less: allowance for loan losses |
| (45,362) |
|
| (56,548) |
|
| ||||
Loans, net | $ | 1,636,266 | $ | 1,956,266 |
|
|
The following table sets forth our fixed and adjustable-rate loans in our loan portfolio at September 30, 2022:
| Fixed |
| Adjustable |
| Total | ||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||
Real estate: |
|
| |||||||
Residential real estate | $ | 19,314 | $ | 1,411,158 | $ | 1,430,472 | |||
Commercial real estate |
| 81,333 |
| 118,113 |
| 199,446 | |||
Construction |
| — |
| 50,320 |
| 50,320 | |||
Commercial lines of credit |
| 1,213 |
| 176 |
| 1,389 | |||
Other consumer |
| 1 |
| — |
| 1 | |||
Total | $ | 101,861 | $ | 1,579,767 | $ | 1,681,628 |
The table set forth below contains the repricing dates of adjustable-rate loans included within our loan portfolio as of September 30, 2022:
Residential | Commercial |
|
| Commercial |
| Other |
| |||||||||||
| Real Estate |
| Real Estate |
| Construction |
| Lines of Credit |
| Consumer |
| Total | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
Amounts to adjust in: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
6 months or less | $ | 430,218 | $ | 1,601 | $ | 50,320 | $ | 176 | $ | — | $ | 482,315 | ||||||
After 6 months through 12 months |
| 469,771 |
| 5,359 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 475,130 | ||||||
After 12 months through 24 months |
| 131,858 |
| 2,088 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 133,946 | ||||||
After 24 months through 36 months |
| 121,124 |
| 54,242 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 175,366 | ||||||
After 36 months through 60 months |
| 187,019 |
| 54,823 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 241,842 | ||||||
After 60 months |
| 71,168 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 71,168 | ||||||
Fixed to maturity |
| 19,314 |
| 81,333 |
| — |
| 1,213 |
| 1 |
| 101,861 | ||||||
Total | $ | 1,430,472 | $ | 199,446 | $ | 50,320 | $ | 1,389 | $ | 1 | $ | 1,681,628 |
At September 30, 2022, we have adjustable-rate loans totaling $1.1 billion, or 63%, in our loan portfolio, that are LIBOR-indexed currently and will reprice to an interest rate based on LIBOR, until LIBOR is no longer available as a reference rate. At September 30, 2022, $123.8 million, or 8%, of our adjustable interest rate loans were at their interest rate floor. See Part I, Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk relating to the discontinuance of LIBOR and the expected conversion of our LIBOR based loans to Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”)-based rates.
43
Asset Quality
Nonperforming Assets. Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans, loans that are 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest, troubled debt restructurings and nonaccrual loans held for sale. For nonaccrual loans, interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed and charged against income at the time a loan is placed on nonaccrual status (i.e., when a loan is 90 days past due or earlier if conditions warrant). Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.
Troubled debt restructurings are modified loans in which a borrower demonstrated financial difficulties and for which a concession has been granted. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had troubled debt restructurings totaling $2.6 million and $18.4 million, respectively, a decrease which primarily reflects loans that were paid in full of $15.6 million. There were no troubled debt restructurings on nonaccrual status at September 30, 2022. We had troubled debt restructurings on nonaccrual status of $15.8 million at December 31, 2021 included in the nonaccrual loan categories in the following table. See Note 4—Loans—Troubled Debt Restructurings to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information about our troubled debt restructurings.
The following table sets forth information regarding our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated.
| At September 30, | At December 31, |
| ||||
2022 |
| 2021 | |||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
| ||||||
Nonaccrual loans(1): |
|
| |||||
Residential real estate | $ | 35,843 |
| $ | 45,675 | ||
Commercial real estate |
| — |
| 4,441 | |||
Construction |
| — |
| 12,499 | |||
Total nonaccrual loans(2) |
| 35,843 |
| 62,615 | |||
Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest |
| 36 |
| 39 | |||
Nonperforming Loans | 35,879 | 62,654 | |||||
Other troubled debt restructurings(3) | 2,643 | 2,664 | |||||
Nonaccrual loans held for sale | 3,657 | 18,026 | |||||
Total nonperforming assets | $ | 42,179 | $ | 83,344 | |||
Total loans | $ | 1,681,628 | $ | 2,012,814 | |||
Total assets | $ | 2,447,904 | $ | 2,876,830 | |||
Total nonaccrual loans to total loans(2) |
| 2.13 | % |
| 3.11 | % | |
Total nonperforming assets to total assets |
| 1.72 | % |
| 2.90 | % |
(1) | Loans are classified as held for investment and are presented before the allowance for loan losses. |
(2) | Total nonaccrual loans exclude nonaccrual loans held for sale but include troubled debt restructurings on nonaccrual status. If nonaccrual loans held for sale were included, the ratio of total nonaccrual loans to total gross loans would have been 2.34% and 3.88% at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. |
(3) | Other troubled debt restructurings exclude those loans presented above as nonaccrual or past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest. |
As of September 30, 2022, nonperforming assets totaled $42.2 million, a decrease of $41.2 million at December 31, 2021. This decrease is primarily attributable to the decline in nonaccrual loans. Our ratio of nonaccrual loans to total loans decreased from 3.11% at December 31, 2021 to 2.13% at September 30, 2022. This decrease reflects both nonaccrual loans being paid in full and loans returning to accrual status and the sale of the commercial real estate loan portfolio held for sale during the first quarter of 2022. When including nonaccrual loans held for sale the ratio of nonaccrual loans to total gross loans decreased from 3.88% at December 31, 2021 to 2.34% at September 30, 2022.
Nonaccrual loans totaled $35.8 million at September 30, 2022, a decrease of $26.8 million from $62.6 million at December 31, 2021. The decrease in nonaccrual loans is primarily due to loan payoffs of $4.4 million of commercial real estate and $12.5 million of construction loans. Nonaccrual residential real estate loans totaled $35.8 million at September 30, 2022, a decrease of $9.8 million from $45.7 million at December 31, 2021. The remaining decline in nonaccrual loans is due to nonaccrual residential real estate loans totaling $8.7 million that were paid in full and loans totaling $10.4 million that returned to accrual status, which was partially offset by loans totaling $12.4 million that were added to nonaccrual status.
44
Nonaccrual loans held for sale totaled $3.7 million at September 30, 2022, a decrease of $14.4 million from December 31, 2021. The decrease in nonaccrual loans held for sale primarily is due to the sale of commercial real estate loans totaling $9.4 million and residential real estate loans totaling $3.9 million that were paid in full. The commercial real estate loans were sold as part of the larger sale of commercial real estate loans to a third-party purchaser in February 2022 for cash proceeds of $49.6 million. These loans were secured primarily by single-room occupancy (SRO) properties.
Delinquent Loans. The following tables set forth our loan delinquencies, including nonaccrual loans, by type and amount at the dates indicated.
September 30, 2022 |
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
30 - 59 | 60 - 89 | 90 Days | 30 - 59 | 60 - 89 | 90 Days | |||||||||||||
Days | Days | or More | Days | Days | or More | |||||||||||||
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Past Due |
| Past Due | |||||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||
Residential real estate | $ | 20,839 | $ | 3,284 | $ | 35,879 | $ | 24,151 | $ | 3,425 | $ | 45,714 | ||||||
Commercial real estate |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 4,441 | ||||||
Construction |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 10,500 |
| — |
| 12,499 | ||||||
Total delinquent loans | $ | 20,839 | $ | 3,284 | $ | 35,879 | $ | 34,651 | $ | 3,425 | $ | 62,654 |
Total loans 90 days or more past due, including nonaccrual loans, decreased $26.8 million, or 43%, from $62.7 million at December 31, 2021 to $35.9 million at September 30, 2022. This decrease was primarily attributable to loans that were paid in full totaling $25.6 million and loans reclassified from delinquent to current status totaling $10.4 million, which was partially offset by the addition of delinquent loans totaling $12.4 million during nine months ended September 30, 2022.
Classified Loans. We categorize loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information and current economic trends, among other factors. The four risk categories utilized are Pass, Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful. Loans in the Pass category are considered to be of satisfactory quality, while the remaining three categories indicate varying levels of credit risk. See Note 4—Loans—Credit Quality to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information about our risk categories.
45
Loans classified as Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful were as follows at the dates indicated:
| September 30, 2022 |
| December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
Loans Held for | Loans Held for | Loans Held for | Loans Held for | ||||||||||||||||
| Investment |
| Sale |
| Total |
| Investment |
| Sale |
| Total | ||||||||
(In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||
Special Mention: | |||||||||||||||||||
Commercial real estate |
| $ | 31,212 | $ | 1,554 | $ | 32,766 |
| $ | 10,524 | $ | 16,125 | $ | 26,649 | |||||
Construction |
| 4,648 | — | 4,648 |
| 17,226 | — | 17,226 | |||||||||||
Commercial lines of credit | — | — | — |
| 11 | — | 11 | ||||||||||||
Total Special Mention | | | 35,860 | | 1,554 | | 37,414 | | | 27,761 | | | 16,125 | | | 43,886 | |||
Substandard: | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
Residential real estate | | | 35,879 | | 3,657 | | 39,536 | | | 45,485 | | | 8,671 | | | 54,156 | |||
Commercial real estate | | | 1,548 | | — | | 1,548 | | | 21,393 | | | 33,230 | | | 54,623 | |||
Construction | | | 8,055 | | — | | 8,055 | | | 16,348 | | | — | | | 16,348 | |||
Total Substandard | | | 45,482 | | 3,657 | | 49,139 | | | 83,226 | | | 41,901 | | | 125,127 | |||
Doubtful: | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||
Residential real estate | | | — | | — | | — | | | 233 | | | — | | | 233 | |||
Construction | | | — | | — | | — | | | 5,931 | | | — | | | 5,931 | |||
Total Doubtful | | | — | | — | | — | | | 6,164 | | | — | | | 6,164 | |||
Total | | $ | 81,342 | $ | 5,211 | $ | 86,553 | | $ | 117,151 | | $ | 58,026 | | $ | 175,177 | |||
Total Loans | $ | 1,681,628 | $ | 8,833 | $ | 1,690,461 | $ | 2,012,814 | $ | 64,987 | $ | 2,077,801 | |||||||
Classified assets to total loans | 5 | % | 59 | % | 5 | % | 6 | % | 89 | % | 8 | % |
Total Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful loans were $86.6 million, or 5% of total gross loans, at September 30, 2022, compared to $175.2 million, or 8% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2021. All of the three loan classifications, noted above, decreased from December 31, 2021.
The increase of $8.1 million in Special Mention loans held for investment was primarily attributable to loans that were downgraded totaling $30.6 million, loans that were upgraded from Substandard totaling $10.3 million, which was partially offset by the upgrade of loans totaling $12.6 million, loans that were paid in full totaling $11.8 million, and commercial real estate loans that were sold totaling $8.2 million. The decrease of $37.6 million in Substandard loans held for investment was primarily attributable to loans that were paid in full totaling $19.8 million, loans that were upgraded totaling $18.9 million, and commercial real estate loans that were sold totaling $10.1 million, which was partially offset by loans downgraded totaling $12.4 million. The decrease of $6.2 million in Doubtful loans was related to loans that were paid in full.
The large decrease in classified loans held for sale is primarily due to the sale of substantially all of our commercial real estate portfolio held for sale during the first quarter of 2022. The sale of this pool of loans contributed to the overall improvement of our credit metrics.
Impaired Loans. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral or operations of collateral. See Note 4—Loans to our condensed consolidated financial statements for tables presenting additional data regarding the allowance for loan losses and impaired loans.
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, we had impaired loans with a total recorded investment of $2.6 million and $19.9 million, respectively. Total impaired loans decreased $17.2 million, or 87%, from December 31, 2021 to September 30, 2022, primarily attributable to construction loans that were paid in full totaling $12.4 million and a commercial real estate loan that was paid in full totaling $4.4 million.
46
Allowance for Loan Losses
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at levels considered adequate by management to provide for probable loan losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the condensed consolidated balance sheet reporting dates. The allowance for loan losses is based on management’s assessment of various quantitative and qualitative factors affecting the loan portfolio, including portfolio composition, net charge offs, delinquent and nonaccrual loans, foreclosures, Bank-specific factors (e.g., staff experience, underwriting guidelines etc.), national and local business conditions, historical loss experience, an overall evaluation of the quality of the underlying collateral and other external factors. Certain qualitative components within our allowance for loan losses methodology took on increased significance in prior periods, and to a lesser extent in the most recent period, as a result of the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. These qualitative components include unemployment, commercial property vacancy rates, uncertainty in property values and deterioration in the overall macro-economic environment.
47
The following table sets forth activity in our allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):
Commercial |
| ||||||||||||||||||
Residential | Commercial | Lines of | Other |
| |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 |
| Real Estate |
| Real Estate |
| Construction |
| Credit |
| Consumer |
| Total | |||||||
Allowance for loan losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Beginning balance |
| $ | 29,982 |
| $ | 15,035 |
| $ | 6,708 |
| $ | 36 |
| $ | 5 |
| $ | 51,766 | |
Provision (recovery) for loan losses | (1,841) | (209) | (2,304) | 2 | (5) | (4,357) | |||||||||||||
Charge offs | — | (4,064) | — | — | — | (4,064) | |||||||||||||
Recoveries | 46 | 5 | 1,966 | — | — | 2,017 | |||||||||||||
Total ending balance |
| $ | 28,187 |
| $ | 10,767 |
| $ | 6,370 |
| $ | 38 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 45,362 | |
Average gross loans during period |
| $ | 1,449,854 |
| $ | 212,803 |
| $ | 52,843 |
| $ | 1,404 |
| $ | 23 |
| $ | 1,716,927 | |
Net charge offs (recoveries) to average gross loans during period | — | % | 1.91 | % | (3.72) | % | — | % | — | % | 0.12 | % |
|
|
|
| Commercial |
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Residential | Commercial | Lines of | Other |
| |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 |
| Real Estate |
| Real Estate |
| Construction |
| Credit |
| Consumer |
| Total |
| ||||||
Allowance for loan losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Beginning balance | $ | 32,202 | $ | 12,608 | $ | 11,730 | $ | 8 | $ | — | $ | 56,548 | |||||||
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |
| (4,594) |
| 2,138 |
| (7,329) |
| 30 |
| — |
| (9,755) | |||||||
Charge offs |
| (197) |
| (4,064) |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| (4,261) | |||||||
Recoveries |
| 776 |
| 85 |
| 1,969 |
| — |
| — |
| 2,830 | |||||||
Total ending balance | $ | 28,187 | $ | 10,767 | $ | 6,370 | $ | 38 | $ | — | $ | 45,362 | |||||||
Average gross loans during period | $ | 1,547,432 | $ | 214,827 | $ | 70,027 | $ | 707 | $ | 40 | $ | 1,833,033 | |||||||
Net charge offs (recoveries) to average gross loans during period |
| (0.04) | % |
| 1.85 | % |
| (2.81) | % |
| — | % |
| — | % |
| 0.08 | % |
Commercial |
| ||||||||||||||||||
Residential | Commercial | Lines of | Other |
| |||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 |
| Real Estate |
| Real Estate |
| Construction |
| Credit |
| Consumer |
| Total | |||||||
Allowance for loan losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||
Beginning balance |
| $ | 33,064 |
| $ | 22,491 |
| $ | 15,056 |
| $ | 58 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 70,669 | |
Provision (recovery) for loan losses | 109 | 1,486 | (1,194) | (4) | — | 397 | |||||||||||||
Charge offs | — | — | (1,965) | — | — | (1,965) | |||||||||||||
Recoveries | 530 | 605 | 2 | — | — | 1,137 | |||||||||||||
Total ending balance |
| $ | 33,703 |
| $ | 24,582 |
| $ | 11,899 |
| $ | 54 |
| $ | — |
| $ | 70,238 | |
Average gross loans during period |
| $ | 1,885,269 |
| $ | 285,050 |
| $ | 135,292 |
| $ | 1,947 |
| $ | 33 |
| $ | 2,307,591 | |
Net charge offs (recoveries) to average gross loans during period | (0.03) | % | (0.21) | % | 1.45 | % | — | % | — | % | 0.04 | % |
|
|
|
| Commercial |
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Residential | Commercial | Lines of | Other |
| |||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021 | Real Estate | Real Estate | Construction | Credit | Consumer | Total |
| ||||||||||||
Allowance for loan losses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||
Beginning balance | $ | 32,366 | $ | 21,942 | $ | 17,988 | $ | 91 | $ | — | $ | 72,387 | |||||||
Provision (recovery) for loan losses |
| 16 |
| 2,004 |
| (4,129) |
| (37) |
| — |
| (2,146) | |||||||
Charge offs |
| — |
| — |
| (1,965) |
| — |
| — |
| (1,965) | |||||||
Recoveries |
| 1,321 |
| 636 |
| 5 |
| — |
| — |
| 1,962 | |||||||
Total ending balance | $ | 33,703 | $ | 24,582 | $ | 11,899 | $ | 54 | $ | — | $ | 70,238 | |||||||
Average gross loans during period | $ | 1,937,210 | $ | 266,754 | $ | 168,382 | $ | 3,295 | $ | 14 | $ | 2,375,655 | |||||||
Net charge offs (recoveries) to average gross loans during period |
| (0.07) | % |
| (0.24) | % |
| 1.16 | % |
| — | % |
| — | % |
| — | % |
48
Our total allowance for loan losses decreased by $11.2 million, or 20%, from $56.5 million at December 31, 2021, primarily due to our overall reduction in our loan portfolio that has resulted from the decline in our loan production as a result of the discontinuation of the Advantage Loan Program and the absence of new loan products, as well as improvement in the credit quality of our loan portfolio during the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Net charge offs during the three months ended September 30, 2022 were $2.0 million compared to $0.8 million during the comparable period of 2021. Net charge offs during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were $1.4 million compared to $3 thousand during the comparable period in 2021. Net charge offs in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 included $4.1 million in write-downs of our recorded investment in higher risk commercial real estate loans held in the loan portfolio with an unpaid principal balance of $21.9 million, which we subsequently sold for net cash proceeds of $17.8 million during September 2022.
The following table sets forth the allowance for loan losses allocated by loan category at the dates indicated. The allowance for loan losses allocated to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular category and does not restrict the use of the allowance for loan losses to absorb losses in other categories.
At September 30, 2022 |
| At December 31, 2021 |
| ||||||||
Percent of | Percent of |
| |||||||||
Loans in | Loans in |
| |||||||||
Each | Each |
| |||||||||
Allowance | Category to | Allowance | Category to | ||||||||
for Loan | Total | for Loan | Total |
| |||||||
| Losses |
| Loans |
| Losses |
| Loans |
| |||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
Residential real estate |
| $ | 28,187 |
| 85 | % | $ | 32,202 |
| 85 | % |
Commercial real estate |
| 10,767 |
| 12 | % |
| 12,608 |
| 10 | % | |
Construction |
| 6,370 |
| 3 | % |
| 11,730 |
| 5 | % | |
Commercial lines of credit |
| 38 |
| — | % |
| 8 |
| — | % | |
Other consumer |
| — |
| — | % |
| — |
| — | % | |
Total | $ | 45,362 |
| 100 | % | $ | 56,548 |
| 100 | % | |
Nonaccrual loans(1) | $ | 35,843 | $ | 62,615 | |||||||
Nonperforming loans and troubled debt restructurings(2) | $ | 38,522 | $ | 65,318 | |||||||
Total loans | $ | 1,681,628 | $ | 2,012,814 | |||||||
Allowance for loan losses to nonaccrual loans(1) | 127 | % | 90 | % | |||||||
Allowance for loan losses to total loans | 2.70 | % | 2.81 | % |
(1) | Nonaccrual loans exclude nonaccrual loans held for sale but include troubled debt restructurings on nonaccrual status. |
(2) | Nonperforming loans and troubled debt restructurings exclude nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructurings in loans held for sale. |
Our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of our loan portfolio was 2.70% and 2.81% as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. In addition, our allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonaccrual loans was 127% and 90% as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively. This increase is primarily attributable to our significant decline in nonaccrual loans. See “Results of Operations—Provision (Recovery) for Loan Losses” for additional information about our provision (recovery) for loan losses.
Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and our results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in determining the allowance for loan losses. Furthermore, while we believe we have established our allowance for loan losses in conformity with U.S. GAAP, there can be no assurance that regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, will not require us to increase our allowance for loan losses. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing allowance for loan losses is adequate or that increases will not be necessary should the quality of any loans deteriorate. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
49
Investment Securities Portfolio
The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our available for sale debt securities portfolio at the dates indicated:
At September 30, |
| At December 31, | ||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | |||||||||||
Amortized | Fair | Amortized | Fair | |||||||||
| Cost |
| Value |
| Cost |
| Value | |||||
(In thousands) | ||||||||||||
U.S. Treasury and Agency securities |
| $ | 175,433 |
| $ | 167,462 |
| $ | 122,291 |
| $ | 122,168 |
Mortgage-backed securities |
| 43,183 |
| 37,626 |
| 49,739 |
| 49,437 | ||||
Collateralized mortgage obligations |
| 158,414 |
| 143,346 |
| 137,662 |
| 136,849 | ||||
Collateralized debt obligations |
| 158 |
| 153 |
| 211 |
| 203 | ||||
Total | $ | 377,188 | $ | 348,587 | $ | 309,903 | $ | 308,657 |
We increased the size of our available for sale debt securities portfolio (on an amortized-cost basis) by $67.3 million, or 22%, from December 31, 2021 to $377.2 million at September 30, 2022, which is attributable to purchases of additional investment securities of $147.5 million, primarily treasury securities, partially offset by maturing investments. The purchase of investment securities is consistent with the utilization of our excess liquidity.
We review the debt securities portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine the cause, magnitude and duration of declines in the fair value of each security. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment, we consider many factors including: (1) the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions and (4) whether we have the intent to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recorded through income as an impairment. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: (1) other-than-temporary impairment related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of income and (2) other-than-temporary impairment related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive loss. The credit loss is measured as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. The assessment of whether any other-than-temporary decline exists may involve a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time. We evaluate debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.
At September 30, 2022, gross unrealized losses on debt securities totaled $28.7 million. We do not consider the debt securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2022, since (i) the decline in fair value of the debt securities is attributable to changes in market value due to the current rising interest rate environment, not credit quality, (ii) we do not have the intent to sell the debt securities and (iii) it is likely that we will not be required to sell the debt securities before their anticipated recovery.
Our equity securities consist of an investment in a qualified community reinvestment act investment fund, which is a publicly-traded mutual fund, and an investment in the common equity of Pacific Coast Banker’s Bank, a thinly traded restricted stock. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, equity securities totaled $4.6 million and $5.2 million, respectively.
Deposits
Deposits are the primary source of funding for the Company. We regularly review the need to adjust our deposit offering rates on various deposit products in order to maintain a stable liquidity profile and a competitive cost of funds.
50
Total deposits were $2.0 billion as of September 30, 2022, a decrease of $310.7 million, or 14%, compared to $2.3 billion at December 31, 2021. Our time deposits decreased by $134.2 million, or 15%, due to our strategy to reduce time deposits by offering time deposits at less competitive rates. In June 2022, with increasing interest rates, our offerings on time deposits returned to more competitive rates, partially offsetting the decline experienced in the first half of 2022. Our money market, savings and NOW accounts decreased by $182.8 million, or 14%, and our noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased $6.3 million, or 10% from December 31, 2021. Time deposits included brokered deposits of $20.1 million at December 31, 2021. We had no brokered deposits at September 30, 2022. We continue to focus on core deposits, which we define as all deposits except for time deposits greater than $0.25 million and brokered deposits. Core deposits totaled $1.7 billion, or 89% of total deposits, at September 30, 2022 compared to $2.0 billion, or 88% of total deposits, at December 31, 2021.
Borrowings
In addition to deposits, we generally use short-term borrowings, such as FHLB advances and an FHLB overdraft credit line, as sources of funds to meet the daily liquidity needs of our customers. Any short-term FHLB advances would consist primarily of advances of funds for one- or two-week periods.
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, outstanding FHLB borrowings totaled $50.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively, and there were no amounts outstanding on lines of credit with other banks. In May 2022, we repaid $100 million in borrowings with the FHLB as a result of a call provision that allowed the Federal Home Loan Bank to require payment. In addition, $65.0 million in principal amount of our Subordinated Notes, due April 15, 2026, remained outstanding as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021.
At September 30, 2022, we had the ability to borrow an additional $374.5 million from the FHLB, which included an available line of credit of $20.0 million. In addition, we have standby letters of credit, totaling $2.0 million, which provide credit support for certain of our obligations related to our commitments to repurchase certain Advantage Loan Program loans. We also had available credit lines with other banks totaling $80.0 million.
Shareholders’ Equity
Total shareholders’ equity was $329.6 million at September 30, 2022, compared to $343.6 million at December 31, 2021. The decline in shareholders’ equity is primarily due to an increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss of $19.8 million due to increased unrealized losses on our investment securities portfolio. These unrealized losses on our investment portfolio are primarily attributable to changes in market value due to the current rising interest rate environment but will not necessarily impact our eventual realized returns since we have both the intent and ability to hold these investment securities until maturity or the price recovers. This decrease is partially offset by net income of $4.2 million. Shareholders’ equity also reflects the issuance of 160,978 common shares for $1.1 million to fund our matching contribution to the defined contribution retirement plan in the first quarter of 2022.
Results of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 and 2021
General. The Company had net income of $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, a decrease of $8.4 million compared to net income of $9.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Net income was $4.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, a decrease of $11.1 million compared to net income of $15.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
Average Balance Sheet and Related Yields and Rates. The following table presents average balance sheet information, interest income, interest expense and the corresponding average yields earned and rates paid for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021. The average balances are daily averages and, for loans, include both performing and nonperforming balances. Interest income on loans includes the effects of discount accretion and net deferred loan origination costs accounted for as yield adjustments.
51
As of and for the | As of and for the |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2022 | 2021 | 2022 | 2021 |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average | Average | Average | Average |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Average | Yield/ | Average | Yield/ | Average | Yield/ | Average | Yield/ |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance |
| Interest |
| Rate |
| Balance |
| Interest |
| Rate |
| Balance |
| Interest |
| Rate |
| Balance |
| Interest |
| Rate | ||||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest-earning assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loans(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Residential real estate and other consumer | $ | 1,457,171 | $ | 17,310 | 4.75 | % | $ | 1,900,611 | $ | 22,002 | 4.63 | % | $ | 1,556,569 | $ | 52,898 | 4.53 | % | $ | 1,955,375 | $ | 70,392 | 4.80 | % | |||||||||
Commercial real estate | 214,453 | 2,458 | 4.58 | % | 285,055 | 3,422 | 4.80 | % | 227,524 | 8,441 | 4.95 | % | 266,763 | 10,049 | 5.02 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Construction | 52,843 | 1,190 | 9.01 | % | 135,292 | 1,896 | 5.61 | % | 70,027 | 4,222 | 8.04 | % | 168,382 | 8,096 | 6.41 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Commercial lines of credit | 1,404 | 17 | 4.84 | % | 1,947 | 28 | 5.75 | % | 707 | 28 | 5.28 | % | 3,295 | 179 | 7.24 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Total loans | 1,725,871 | 20,975 |
| 4.86 | % | 2,322,905 | 27,348 | 4.71 | % | 1,854,827 | 65,589 | 4.71 | % | 2,393,815 | 88,716 | 4.94 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Securities, includes restricted stock(2) |
| 394,503 |
| 1,945 |
| 1.97 | % |
| 213,945 |
| 375 | 0.70 | % | 380,485 | 4,133 | 1.45 | % | 265,545 | 1,150 | 0.58 | % | ||||||||||||
Other interest-earning assets |
| 328,177 |
| 1,925 |
| 2.35 | % |
| 664,747 |
| 253 | 0.15 | % | 395,400 | 2,931 | 0.99 | % | 838,223 | 743 | 0.12 | % | ||||||||||||
Total interest-earning assets |
| 2,448,551 |
| 24,845 | 4.06 | % |
| 3,201,597 |
| 27,976 | 3.50 | % | 2,630,712 | 72,653 | 3.68 | % | 3,497,583 | 90,609 | 3.45 | % | |||||||||||||
Noninterest-earning assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and due from banks |
| 4,083 |
|
|
| 7,376 |
| 3,848 | 7,472 |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Other assets |
| 20,238 |
|
|
| 41,360 |
| 35,269 | 42,458 |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets | $ | 2,472,872 |
|
| $ | 3,250,333 |
| $ | 2,669,829 | $ | 3,547,513 |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Interest-bearing liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Money Market, Savings and NOW | $ | 1,184,601 | $ | 2,053 |
| 0.69 | % | $ | 1,329,832 | $ | 771 |
| 0.23 | % | $ | 1,260,953 | $ | 3,516 | 0.37 | % | $ | 1,352,198 | $ | 2,513 | 0.25 | % | |||||||
Time deposits(3) |
| 711,184 |
| 1,671 |
| 0.93 | % |
| 1,075,598 |
| 2,770 |
| 1.02 | % | 777,110 | 4,554 | 0.78 | % | 1,350,172 | 12,966 | 1.28 | % | |||||||||||
Total interest-bearing deposits |
| 1,895,785 |
| 3,724 |
| 0.78 | % |
| 2,405,430 |
| 3,541 | 0.58 | % | 2,038,063 | 8,070 | 0.53 | % | 2,702,370 | 15,479 | 0.77 | % | ||||||||||||
FHLB borrowings |
| 50,380 |
| 253 |
| 1.97 | % |
| 307,733 |
| 826 | 1.06 | % | 103,242 | 919 | 1.19 | % | 314,544 | 2,511 | 1.05 | % | ||||||||||||
Subordinated notes, net |
| 65,301 |
| 1,329 |
| 7.96 | % |
| 65,372 |
| 972 | 5.95 | % | 65,319 | 3,383 | 6.83 | % | 65,372 | 3,157 | 6.44 | % | ||||||||||||
Total borrowings |
| 115,681 |
| 1,582 |
| 5.35 | % |
| 373,105 |
| 1,798 | 1.91 | % | 168,561 | 4,302 | 3.37 | % | 379,916 | 5,668 | 1.96 | % | ||||||||||||
Total interest-bearing liabilities |
| 2,011,466 |
| 5,306 |
| 1.05 | % |
| 2,778,535 |
| 5,339 | 0.76 | % | 2,206,624 | 12,372 | 0.75 | % | 3,082,286 | 21,147 | 0.92 | % | ||||||||||||
Noninterest-bearing liabilities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Demand deposits |
| 74,550 |
|
|
| 66,566 |
| 70,427 |
| 62,131 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Other liabilities(3) |
| 50,476 |
|
|
| 72,694 |
| 51,314 |
| 75,162 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Shareholders’ equity |
| 336,380 |
|
|
| 332,538 |
| 341,464 |
| 327,934 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity | $ | 2,472,872 |
|
| $ | 3,250,333 |
| $ | 2,669,829 |
| $ | 3,547,513 |
|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Net interest income and spread |
| $ | 19,539 |
| 3.01 | % |
|
| $ | 22,637 | 2.74 | % | $ | 60,281 | 2.93 | % | $ | 69,462 | 2.53 | % | |||||||||||||
Net interest margin |
|
|
|
|
| 3.19 | % |
|
|
|
|
| 2.83 | % | 3.06 | % | 2.65 | % |
(1) | Nonaccrual loans are included in the respective average loan balances. Income, if any, on such loans is recognized on a cash basis. |
(2) | Interest income does not include taxable equivalence adjustments. |
52
The following table presents the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for major components of interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the periods indicated. The table distinguishes between: (1) changes attributable to volume (changes in volume multiplied by the prior period’s rate), (2) changes attributable to rate (change in rate multiplied by the prior period’s volume) and (3) total increase (decrease) (the sum of the previous columns). Changes attributable to both volume and rate are allocated ratably between the volume and rate categories.
Three Months Ended |
| Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
September 30, 2022 vs. 2021 |
| September 30, 2022 vs. 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
Net | Net | |||||||||||||||||
Increase (Decrease) | Increase |
| Increase (Decrease) | Increase | ||||||||||||||
due to | (Decrease) |
| due to | (Decrease) | ||||||||||||||
| Volume |
| Rate |
|
| Volume |
| Rate |
| |||||||||
| (In thousands) | |||||||||||||||||
Change in interest income: | ||||||||||||||||||
Loans | ||||||||||||||||||
Residential real estate and other consumer | $ | (5,249) | $ | 557 | $ | (4,692) | $ | (13,712) | $ | (3,782) | $ | (17,494) | ||||||
Commercial real estate | (813) | (151) | (964) | (1,469) | (139) | (1,608) | ||||||||||||
Construction | (1,507) | 801 | (706) | (5,567) | 1,693 | (3,874) | ||||||||||||
Commercial lines of credit | (7) | (4) | (11) | (113) | (38) | (151) | ||||||||||||
Total loans | (7,576) | 1,203 | (6,373) | (20,861) | (2,266) | (23,127) | ||||||||||||
Securities, includes restricted stock |
| 499 |
| 1,071 |
| 1,570 | 668 | 2,315 | 2,983 | |||||||||
Other interest-earning assets |
| (188) |
| 1,860 |
| 1,672 | (595) | 2,783 | 2,188 | |||||||||
Total change in interest income |
| (7,265) |
| 4,134 |
| (3,131) | (20,788) | 2,832 | (17,956) | |||||||||
Change in interest expense: |
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||||||||
Money Markets, Savings and NOW |
| (92) |
| 1,374 |
| 1,282 | (176) | 1,179 | 1,003 | |||||||||
Time deposits |
| (872) |
| (227) |
| (1,099) | (4,380) | (4,032) | (8,412) | |||||||||
Total interest-bearing deposits |
| (964) |
| 1,147 |
| 183 | (4,556) | (2,853) | (7,409) | |||||||||
FHLB borrowings |
| (974) |
| 401 |
| (573) | (1,879) | 287 | (1,592) | |||||||||
Subordinated notes, net |
| (1) |
| 358 |
| 357 | (2) | 228 | 226 | |||||||||
Total change in interest expense |
| (1,939) |
| 1,906 |
| (33) | (6,437) | (2,338) | (8,775) | |||||||||
Change in net interest income | $ | (5,326) | $ | 2,228 | $ | (3,098) | $ | (14,351) | $ | 5,170 | $ | (9,181) |
Net Interest Income. Net interest income represents the difference between income on interest-earning assets and expense on interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income depends primarily upon the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the corresponding interest rates earned or paid. Our net interest income is significantly impacted by changes in interest rates and market yield curves and their related impact on cash flows.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
Net interest income was $19.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 14%, from $22.6 million for the same period in 2021.
Interest income was $24.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, a decrease of $3.1 million, or 11%, from the same period in 2021. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decline in the average balance of the loan portfolio of $597.0 million, or 26%, from $2.3 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2021 compared to $1.7 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2022. The decrease in our average balance of loans is primarily due to our loan repayments continuing to outpace our loan production in regard to residential real estate loans and our decision to stop actively originating construction loans. Our loan production continues to be adversely impacted by the termination of the Advantage Loan Program and the inability over the last several years to create and introduce new loan products. Interest income related to loans was positively impacted by our average yield on loans which increased 15 basis points to 4.86% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 from 4.71% compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021 due to the increase in market interest rates. The average yield on our residential real estate and other consumer loans increased 12 basis points from the three months ended September 30, 2021.
53
The decrease in interest income on loans was partially offset by an increase in interest income on investment securities of $1.6 million and other interest-earning assets of $1.7 million during the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the same period in 2021. Although the average balance of our investment securities and other interest-earning assets, which generally are lower-yielding and more liquid than our loans, was $722.7 million for three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to $878.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021, the average yield was 2.14% for the three months ended September 30, 2022, an increase of 185 basis points from the three months ended September 30, 2021.
Interest expense was $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and remained relatively unchanged from the three months ended September 30, 2021. Interest on deposits increased $0.2 million which reflects an increase in the average rate paid on interest-bearing deposits of 20 basis points to 0.78% for the three months ended September 30, 2022 compared to 0.58% for the three months ended September 30, 2021. However, although market interest rates increased, the average balance of interest-bearing deposits decreased $509.6 million, or 21%, to $1.9 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2022 from $2.4 billion in the three months ended September 30, 2021. This decrease is primarily driven by a $364.4 million decrease in the average balance of time deposits, which generally have a higher cost. In June 2022, with increasing interest rates, our offerings on time deposits returned to more competitive rates, partially offsetting the decline experienced in the first half of 2022.
The higher interest rates in 2022 than 2021 resulted in an increase in the average interest rate paid on subordinated notes from 5.95% during the three months ended September 30, 2021 to 7.96% during the three months ended September 30, 2022. Additionally, the average balance of FHLB borrowings decreased $257.4 million from September 30, 2021. This decrease in borrowings is the result of the repayments of $157.0 million in borrowings during the fourth quarter of 2021 and $100.0 million in borrowings during the second quarter of 2022 which had the effect of decreasing interest expense by approximately $0.6 million.
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
Net interest income was $60.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, a decrease of $9.2 million, or 13%, from $69.5 million for the same period in 2021.
Interest income was $72.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, a decrease of $18.0 million, or 20%, from the same period in 2021. The decrease in interest income was primarily due to a decline in the average balance of the loan portfolio of $539.0 million, or 23%, to $2.0 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from $2.7 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in our average balance of loans is primarily due to our loan repayments continuing to outpace our loan production in regard to residential real estate loans and our decision to stop actively originating construction loans and sell our higher risk commercial real estate loans. Our loan production also continues to be adversely impacted by the termination of the Advantage Loan Program and the inability over the last several years to create and introduce new loan products.
The decline in interest income also reflects a decline in the average yield on our loan portfolio in addition to the impact of the declining balance sheet. Our average yield on our loans decreased 23 basis points, to 4.71% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 from 4.94% for the same period of the prior year. The average yield on our residential real estate and other consumer loans decreased 27 basis points from the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Throughout 2021, market interest rates remained at historically low levels with it starting to rise in the first quarter of 2022 and continuing through the third quarter of 2022. The interest rates on our residential loan portfolio continued to reprice downward as a result, which included new production originating at much lower rates than the loans were paid in full. The decline of the average yield on our commercial real estate and construction loan portfolios during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 was mitigated by the collection of approximately $1.8 million of interest on nonperforming commercial real estate and construction loans during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.
The average balance of our investment securities and other interest-earning assets, which generally are lower-yielding and more liquid than our loans, was $775.9 million for nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to $1.1 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. These assets had an average yield of 1.21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, an increase of 98 basis points from the nine months ended September 30, 2021 resulting in interest income of $4.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021.
54
Interest expense was $12.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, a decrease of $8.8 million, or 42%, from the nine months ended September 30, 2021. The decrease in interest expense was due in part to a decrease in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits which decreased $664.3 million, or 25%, in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021. This decrease is primarily driven by a decrease in the average balance of time deposits of $573.1 million. The reduction of these higher costing deposits contributed to the lower average cost of interest-bearing deposits. Additionally, the average balance of FHLB borrowings decreased $211.3 million from September 30, 2021 and is the result of the repayment of $157.0 million in borrowings during the fourth quarter of 2021 and $100.0 million during the second quarter of 2022.
Net Interest Margin and Interest Rate Spread. Net interest margin was 3.19% for the three months ended September 30, 2022, up 36 basis points from 2.83% for the same period in 2021. The interest rate spread was 3.01% for the three months ended September 30, 2022, up 27 basis points from 2.74% for the same period in 2021. Our net interest margin and interest rate spread for the three months ended September 30, 2022 were positively impacted by increasing market interest rates as the yield on average interest-earning assets increased 56 basis points while the cost of average interest-earning liabilities increased 29 basis points.
Net interest margin was 3.06% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, up 41 basis points from 2.65% for the same period in 2021. The interest rate spread was 2.93% for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, up 40 basis points from 2.53% for the same period in 2021. Our net interest margin and interest rate spread for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were positively impacted by a decrease in the cost of average interest-bearing liabilities as higher interest cost of average time deposits decreased and an increase in the yield on average interest-earning assets as the yield on average interest-earning other assets increased while their average balances decreased.
Provision (Recovery) for Loan Losses. Our recovery for loan losses was $(4.4) million for the three months ended September 30, 2022, compared to a provision for loan losses of $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2021. Our recovery for loan losses for the three months ended September 30, 2022 is primarily attributable to improvements in our credit quality as well as a decrease in our total loan portfolio of $96.5 million during the quarter.
Our recovery for loan losses was $(9.8) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022, compared to a recovery for loan losses of $(2.1) million for the nine months ended September 30, 2021. Our recovery for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 is primarily attributable to an improvement in the credit quality of our loan portfolio during the nine-month period, which includes the effects of a $35.8 million decrease of Special Mention, Substandard and Doubtful loans and the sale of higher risk commercial real estate in the third quarter of 2022, as well as a decrease in our total loan portfolio of $331.2 million from December 31, 2021, including construction loans of $56.4 million which carried a higher allocated allowance for loan loss. See “—Asset Quality” and “—Allowance for Loan Losses” for further discussion regarding our classified loans and the credit quality of our loan portfolio.
Our total allowance for loan losses decreased to $45.4 million, or 2.70% of total loans, at September 30, 2022 compared to $56.5 million, or 2.81% of total loans, at December 31, 2021.
55
Non-interest Income. Non-interest income information is as follows:
Three Months Ended |
|
| Nine Months Ended |
| |||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Change | September 30, | Change |
| |||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| Amount |
| Percent |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| Amount |
| Percent |
| |||||||
(Dollars in thousands) |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Service charges and fees | $ | 124 | $ | 120 | $ | 4 | 3 | % | $ | 351 | $ | 423 | $ | (72) | (17) | % | |||||||
Gain on sale of mortgage loans held for sale |
| — |
| 151 |
| (151) |
| (100) | % | 200 | 619 | (419) | (68) | % | |||||||||
Unrealized losses on equity securities |
| (184) |
| (24) |
| (160) |
| N/M | (590) | (99) | (491) | N/M | |||||||||||
Gain on sale of branch office |
| — |
| 1,417 |
| (1,417) |
| (100) | % | — | 1,417 | (1,417) | (100) | % | |||||||||
Net servicing loss |
| (384) | (31) |
| (353) |
| N/M | (118) | (1,369) | 1,251 | 91 | % | |||||||||||
Income on cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance |
| 87 |
| 325 |
| (238) |
| (73) | % | 670 | 960 | (290) | (30) | % | |||||||||
Other |
| — |
| 100 |
| (100) |
| (100) | % | 586 | 291 | 295 | N/M | ||||||||||
Total non-interest income | $ | (357) | $ | 2,058 | $ | (2,415) |
| N/M | $ | 1,099 | $ | 2,242 | $ | (1,143) | (51) | % |
N/M - not meaningful
Non-interest income of $(0.4) million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 reflected a decrease of $2.4 million from the same period in 2021. Non-interest income of $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 reflected a decrease of $1.1 million from the same period in 2021. The decrease in non-interest income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 is primarily attributable to the $1.4 million gain on sale of the Bellevue, Washington branch office in the third quarter of 2021. Also, during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we repurchased a pool of Advantage Loan Program loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $35.2 million and $65.6 million compared to loans with a total outstanding principal balance of $6.1 million and $173.8 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. These repurchases result in higher net servicing losses in those periods which have higher repurchase volumes due to the disposition of related mortgage servicing rights. Unrealized losses on equity securities were also greater in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 due to the market interest rate environment.
Non-interest Expense. Non-interest expense information is as follows:
Three Months Ended |
|
|
| Nine Months Ended |
| ||||||||||||||||||
September 30, | Change | September 30, | Change |
| |||||||||||||||||||
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| Amount |
| Percent |
| 2022 |
| 2021 |
| Amount |
| Percent | ||||||||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Salaries and employee benefits |
| $ | 9,336 | $ | 2,774 |
| $ | 6,562 |
| N/M | $ | 24,522 |
| $ | 19,300 |
| $ | 5,222 | 27 | % | |||
Occupancy and equipment |
| 2,112 |
| 2,395 |
| (283) | (12) | % | 6,441 | 6,840 | (399) | (6) | % | ||||||||||
Professional fees |
| 5,756 |
| 4,024 |
| 1,732 | 43 | % | 17,979 | 18,500 | (521) | (3) | % | ||||||||||
FDIC assessments |
| 316 |
| 417 |
| (101) | (24) | % | 1,031 | 1,636 | (605) | (37) | % | ||||||||||
Data processing |
| 725 |
| 403 |
| 322 | 80 | % | 2,292 | 1,189 | 1,103 | 93 | % | ||||||||||
Net recovery of mortgage repurchase liability | (145) | (298) | 153 | 51 | % | (670) | (963) | 293 | 30 | % | |||||||||||||
Other |
| 3,521 |
| 1,361 |
| 2,160 |
| N/M | 8,943 | 5,852 | 3,091 | 53 | % | ||||||||||
Total non-interest expense | $ | 21,621 | $ | 11,076 | $ | 10,545 |
| 95 | % | $ | 60,538 | $ | 52,354 | $ | 8,184 | 16 | % |
Non-interest expense was $21.6 million and $11.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, and $60.5 million and $52.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Salaries and employee benefits expense increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 when compared to the same periods in the prior year. In the third quarter of 2021, the Company recorded $6.5 million in the ERC, which were available under the CARES Act and resulted in a net reduction of salaries and employee benefits expense. Absent recognizing the $6.5 million ERC, salaries and benefits expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021 would have been substantially higher, and thus salaries and benefits expense for the three months ended September 30, 2022 would have shown only modest increases from the three months ended September 30, 2021.
56
Salaries and employee benefits expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 benefited from the cancellation of certain deferred compensation and split dollar life insurance agreements with its controlling shareholder which resulted in the reversal of the related liabilities of $4.5 million upon surrender of a large split-dollar life program and certain BOLI policies partially offset by $0.4 million in separation costs related to the reduction in our mortgage origination staff, all of which occurred during the second quarter of 2022. Due to this reduction in mortgage origination staff, the Company experienced reduced salaries and benefits expense of $0.9 million during the third quarter of 2022. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, we continued hiring employees in key positions, provided salary adjustments to employees to maintain compensation at competitive levels, and made enhancements to existing employee benefit plans, all of which had the impact of increasing salaries and benefits expense.
Professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2022 increased $1.7 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2021, which included a $1.4 million insurance reimbursement received in the third quarter of 2021. Absent the reimbursement, professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2022 would have reflected a slight increase from the prior year period. Professional fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 declined by $0.5 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2021, which decline would have been greater but for the insurance reimbursements received in 2021 of $3.8 million and is attributable to the elevated professional services received in 2021 related to the Internal Review, the government investigations and regulatory initiatives.
Other non-interest expense increased during the three month and nine months ended September 30, 2022 largely due to the $1.6 million and $2.3 million fair value discounts on $35.2 million and $65.6 million of Advantage Loan Program loans repurchased in the three and nine months ended September, 30 2022, respectively. The repurchases made in 2021 had no such fair value discount as the rise in market interest rates drove the losses on loans repurchased in 2022. Additionally, the nine months ended September 30, 2022 included additional tax of $1.3 million incurred during the second quarter of 2022 related to certain BOLI policies surrendered.
Income Tax Expense. We recorded an income tax expense of $0.7 million and $6.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022, respectively, compared to an income tax expense of $3.7 million and $6.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. During the second quarter of 2022, we surrendered a large split-dollar life program and a few smaller BOLI policies related to former executives and a controlling shareholder with a cash surrender value of $24.9 million. The $13.1 million increase in value over the duration of the ownership of the policies moved from non-taxable income to taxable income, resulting in a $3.6 million increase in income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2022. Additionally, other than temporary differences originating in the nine months ended September 30, 2022 were the non-taxable cancellation of the split-dollar life insurance agreement and the non-deductible additional tax related to the surrender of the bank-owned life insurance policies, which together resulted in an income tax benefit of approximately $0.8 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future financial obligations when they come due. Our primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, loan repayments and FHLB borrowings. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition. We have substantial cash requirements going forward, as discussed below, which we plan to fund through our total available liquidity, cash flows from operations and additional liquidity measures, if determined to be necessary.
We regularly review the need to adjust our investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of: (1) expected loan demand, (2) expected deposit flows, (3) yields available on interest earning deposits and securities and (4) the objectives of our asset/liability management program. Excess liquid assets are generally invested in interest-earning deposits and short-term securities.
Our most liquid assets are cash and due from banks, interest-bearing time deposits with other banks and debt securities classified as available for sale. The levels of these assets are dependent on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, cash and due from banks totaled $352.4 million and $411.7 million, respectively; interest-bearing time deposits with other banks totaled $1.2 million; debt securities available for sale, which provide additional sources of liquidity, totaled $348.6 million and $308.7 million, respectively.
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, outstanding FHLB borrowings totaled $50.0 million and $150.0 million, respectively. In May 2022, we utilized our excess liquidity to repay $100.0 million in long-term fixed rate advances which the FHLB had called using the call provision. There were no amounts outstanding on lines of credit with other banks.
57
At September 30, 2022, we had the ability to borrow an additional $374.5 million from the FHLB, which included an available line of credit of $20 million. In addition, we have obtained standby letters of credit totaling $2.0 million, which provides credit support for certain of our obligations related to our commitment to repurchase certain pools of Advantage Loan Program loans. We also had available credit lines with other banks totaling $80 million.
Although we reduced our excess liquidity during 2021 through 2022, we believe that our existing liquidity combined with our borrowing capacity with the FHLB and our bank lines of credit, as well as the ability to obtain additional funds through brokered deposits, would allow us to manage any unexpected increase in loan demand or any unforeseen financial demand or commitment.
To avoid the uncertainty of audits and inquiries by third-party investors in the Advantage Loan Program loans, beginning at the end of the second quarter of 2020, the Company commenced making offers to each of those investors to repurchase 100% of the previously sold Advantage Loan Program loans. Through September 30, 2022, the Company has repurchased pools of Advantage Loan Program loans previously sold with a total outstanding unpaid principal balance of $309.0 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company repurchased $65.6 million of Advantage Loan Program loans. In addition, pursuant to existing agreements with such investors, the Company also agreed to repurchase an additional pool of Advantage Loan Program loans through July 2023. The aggregate unpaid principal balance of these loans was $21.4 million at September 30, 2022. At September 30, 2022, the unpaid principal balance of the previously sold Advantage Loan Program loans that would be subject to repurchase by us if 100% of our offers were accepted totaled $45.0 million, which includes loans that we have committed to repurchase. Should additional secondary market investors accept our offers to repurchase Advantage Loan Program loans with respect to a substantial portion of such outstanding loans, the cash required to fund these repurchases will reduce our liquidity.
We are a party to financial instruments in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit that are not reflected in our condensed consolidated balance sheets and involve elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Our exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of the instruments. We use the same credit policies in making commitments as we do for on-balance sheet instruments. At September 30, 2022, we had $23.3 million in loan commitments and unused lines of credit outstanding and $24 thousand in standby letters of credit. At December 31, 2021, we had $69.4 million in loan commitments and unused lines of credit outstanding and $24 thousand in standby letters of credit.
As of September 30, 2022, time deposits due within one year were $457.4 million, or 23% of total deposits. Total time deposits at September 30, 2022 were $757.6 million, or 39% of total deposits. As of December 31, 2021, time deposits due within one year were $646.6 million, or 29% of total deposits. Total time deposits at December 31, 2021 were $891.8 million, or 39% of total deposits.
Our primary investing activities are the origination of loans and the purchase of investment securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we originated $109.6 million of loans and purchased $147.5 million of investment securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we originated $143.5 million of loans and purchased investment securities of $23.2 million. Additionally, we paid $63.5 million to the purchaser of the Bellevue, Washington branch office, the sale of which included the transfer of all deposit accounts located at the branch and all branch premises and equipment. Cash flows provided by loan payoffs totaled $442.9 million and $596.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
Financing activities consist primarily of activity in deposit accounts and, to a lesser extent, borrowings. We experienced a net decrease in total deposits of $310.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, from $2.3 billion at December 31, 2021. We generate deposits from local businesses and individuals through customer referrals and other relationships and through our retail presence. We utilize borrowings and brokered deposits to supplement funding needs and manage our liquidity position. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, we repaid $135 million of borrowings with the FHLB and engaged in new borrowings with the FHLB of $35 million.
The Company is a separate and distinct legal entity from the Bank, and, on a parent company-only basis, the Company’s primary source of funding is dividends received from the Bank. Banking regulations limit the dividends that may be paid by the Bank. Approval by regulatory authorities is required if the total capital distributions for the applicable calendar year exceed the sum of the Bank’s net income for that year to date plus the Bank’s retained net income for the preceding two years, or the Bank would not be at least adequately capitalized following the distribution. Banking regulations also limit the ability of the Bank to pay dividends under other circumstances. The Company has the legal ability to access the debt and equity capital markets for funding, although the Company currently is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB in order to issue debt.
58
In recent years, the Company’s primary funding needs on a parent company-only basis have consisted of dividends to shareholders, interest expense on subordinated notes and stock repurchases. At September 30, 2022, the Company had $65.0 million in principal amount of subordinated notes outstanding that are due April 15, 2026 but may be redeemed by us, in whole or in part. There have been no redemptions on the subordinated notes. Interest expense on the subordinated notes was $3.4 million and $3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively. The subordinated notes had an interest rate of 7% per annum, payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 in arrears, through April 2021, after which the subordinated notes converted to a variable interest rate of the three-month LIBOR rate plus a margin of 5.82% (8.33% at September 30, 2022). In 2017, the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) Financial Conduct Authority announced that it would no longer compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021, and the administrator of LIBOR has proposed to extend publication of the most commonly used U.S. dollar LIBOR settings to September 30, 2023. Pursuant to recent federal and New York State legislation, upon the cessation of the publication of the three-month LIBOR rate, the subordinated notes will bear interest at a rate based on the SOFR.
The Company’s ability to pay cash dividends is restricted by the terms of the subordinated notes as well as applicable provisions of Michigan law and the rules and regulations of the OCC and the FRB. Under the terms of the subordinated notes, as long as the subordinated notes are outstanding, the Company is permitted to pay dividends, if prior to such dividends, the Bank is considered well capitalized under applicable regulatory capital requirements. In addition, under Michigan law, the Company is prohibited from paying cash dividends if, after giving effect to the dividend, (i) it would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business or (ii) its total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the preferential rights upon dissolution of shareholders with preferential rights on dissolution that are superior to those receiving the dividend, and we are currently required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB in order to pay any dividends to our shareholders.
The Company and the Bank are required to meet several regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve and the OCC, respectively. We manage our capital to comply with our internal planning targets and regulatory capital standards administered by the Federal Reserve and the OCC. We review capital levels on a quarterly basis including our needs for additional capital and ability to pay cash dividends.
These capital requirements are the result of a final rule implementing recommendations of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations have established a CCB consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The CCB is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a (i) CET1 to risk-weighted assets, (ii) Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets or (iii) total capital to risk-weighted assets above the respective minimum but below the minimum plus the CCB will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and discretionary bonus payments to executive officers based on the amount of the shortfall.
The Bank, after consultation with the OCC, determined that a risk-weighting of 100% should be applied to its Advantage Loan Program loans under the risk weighting requirements for first-lien residential mortgage exposures set forth under the Basel III capital rules. Previously, the Company and the Bank generally applied a 50% risk weight to the Advantage Loan Program loans. The table below presents the Company’s and the Bank’s regulatory capital amounts and ratios applying the 100% risk weight as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021 for the Company’s and Bank’s total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets, Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets and CET1 to risk weighted assets.
59
At September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company and the Bank had met all regulatory capital requirements to which they are subject and held capital in excess of the CCB, and the Bank’s regulatory capital ratios exceeded the requirements to be considered well capitalized for all regulatory purposes. The following tables present the Company’s consolidated and the Bank’s actual and minimum required capital amounts and ratios at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, applying the 100% risk weight to Advantage Loan Program loans:
| | | | |
| For Capital |
| To be Well |
| |||||||
Actual | Adequacy Purposes | Capitalized |
| |||||||||||||
Amount |
| Ratio | Amount |
| Ratio | Amount |
| Ratio |
| |||||||
September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||
Total adjusted capital to risk‑weighted assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consolidated | $ | 409,170 |
| 26.21 | % | $ | 124,357 |
| 8.00 | % | N/A |
| N/A | |||
Bank |
| 413,262 |
| 26.60 |
| 124,275 |
| 8.00 | $ | 155,344 |
| 10.00 | % | |||
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk‑weighted assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consolidated |
| 350,162 |
| 22.43 |
| 93,268 |
| 6.00 |
| N/A |
| N/A | ||||
Bank |
| 393,524 |
| 25.33 |
| 93,206 |
| 6.00 |
| 124,275 |
| 8.00 | ||||
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consolidated |
| 350,162 |
| 22.43 |
| 69,951 |
| 4.50 |
| N/A |
| N/A | ||||
Bank |
| 393,524 |
| 25.33 |
| 69,905 |
| 4.50 |
| 100,974 |
| 6.50 | ||||
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consolidated |
| 350,162 |
| 14.09 |
| 99,151 |
| 4.00 |
| N/A |
| N/A | ||||
Bank |
| 393,524 |
| 15.88 |
| 99,103 |
| 4.00 |
| 123,879 |
| 5.00 |
| | | | |
| For Capital | | To be Well |
| |||||||
Actual | Adequacy Purposes | Capitalized | ||||||||||||||
Amount |
| Ratio | Amount |
| Ratio |
| Amount |
| Ratio |
| ||||||
December 31, 2021 | ||||||||||||||||
Total adjusted capital to risk‑weighted assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||
Consolidated | $ | 421,732 |
| 21.24 | % | $ | 158,851 |
| 8.00 | % | N/A |
| N/A | |||
Bank |
| 407,699 |
| 20.55 |
| 158,707 |
| 8.00 | $ | 198,384 |
| 10.00 | % | |||
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk‑weighted assets |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consolidated |
| 344,247 |
| 17.34 |
| 119,138 |
| 6.00 |
| N/A |
| N/A | ||||
Bank |
| 382,509 |
| 19.28 |
| 119,030 |
| 6.00 |
| 158,707 |
| 8.00 | ||||
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consolidated |
| 344,247 |
| 17.34 |
| 89,354 |
| 4.50 |
| N/A |
| N/A | ||||
Bank |
| 382,509 |
| 19.28 |
| 89,273 |
| 4.50 |
| 128,950 |
| 6.50 | ||||
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||
Consolidated |
| 344,247 |
| 11.47 |
| 120,039 |
| 4.00 |
| N/A |
| N/A | ||||
Bank |
| 382,509 |
| 12.77 |
| 119,859 |
| 4.00 |
| 149,824 |
| 5.00 |
60
In order to provide a comparable trend analysis for the Bank’s and the Company’s risk based capital ratios applying the 100% risk weight to Advantage Loan Program loans, the tables below present the regulatory capital ratios applying the 100% risk weight at December 31 for each of the past five years. At each of the year-end dates reported, the Company and the Bank had met all minimum regulatory capital requirements and applicable capital cushions to which they are subject and held capital in excess of the CCB, and the Bank would have been considered well capitalized for all regulatory purposes. The CCB requirement was phased in beginning on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and increased by 0.625% on each subsequent January 1, until the buffer was implemented in full at 2.5% on January 1, 2019. Accordingly, the CCB at December 31, 2018 and 2017 was 1.875% and 1.25%, respectively.
Company at December 31, |
| ||||||||||
| 2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| |
Total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 21.24 | % | 16.51 | % | 14.58 | % | 14.82 | % | 13.49 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 17.34 | % | 12.65 | % | 11.56 | % | 11.77 | % | 10.33 | % |
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
| 17.34 | % | 12.65 | % | 11.56 | % | 11.77 | % | 10.33 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
| 11.47 | % | 8.08 | % | 10.11 | % | 10.42 | % | 9.83 | % |
| Bank at December 31, |
| |||||||||
2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| ||
Total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 20.55 | % | 15.74 | % | 12.08 | % | 11.43 | % | 10.06 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 19.28 | % | 14.47 | % | 11.32 | % | 10.66 | % | 9.12 | % |
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
| 19.28 | % | 14.47 | % | 11.32 | % | 10.66 | % | 9.12 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
| 12.77 | % | 9.20 | % | 9.90 | % | 9.44 | % | 8.68 | % |
61
In comparison to the above tables, the tables below present the Bank’s and the Company’s regulatory capital ratios applying the 50% risk weight to Advantage Loan Program loans at December 31 for each of the past five years, as previously reported.
| Company at December 31, |
| |||||||||
2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| ||
Total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 29.02 | % | 22.58 | % | 21.49 | % | 21.98 | % | 20.28 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 24.08 | % | 17.68 | % | 17.04 | % | 17.45 | % | 15.53 | % |
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
| 24.08 | % | 17.68 | % | 17.04 | % | 17.45 | % | 15.53 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
| 11.47 | % | 8.08 | % | 10.11 | % | 10.42 | % | 9.83 | % |
| Bank at December 31, |
| |||||||||
2021 |
| 2020 |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| ||
Total adjusted capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 28.07 | % | 21.56 | % | 17.82 | % | 16.94 | % | 14.76 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to risk-weighted assets |
| 26.79 | % | 20.27 | % | 16.70 | % | 15.80 | % | 13.71 | % |
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) |
| 26.79 | % | 20.27 | % | 16.70 | % | 15.80 | % | 13.71 | % |
Tier 1 (core) capital to adjusted tangible assets (leverage ratio) |
| 12.77 | % | 9.20 | % | 9.90 | % | 9.44 | % | 8.68 | % |
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance
See Note 2–Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in “Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements” for a discussion of recently issued accounting guidance and related impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
General. The principal objective of our asset and liability management function is to evaluate the interest rate risk within the balance sheet and pursue a controlled assumption of interest rate risk while maximizing net income and preserving adequate levels of liquidity and capital. The Asset Liability Committee of our board of directors (“ALCO”) has oversight of our asset and liability management function, which is implemented and managed by our Management Asset Liability Committee. Our Management Asset Liability Committee meets regularly to review, among other things, the sensitivity of our assets and liabilities to product offering rate changes, local and national market conditions and market interest rates. That group also reviews our liquidity, capital, deposit mix, loan mix and investment positions.
We manage our exposure to interest rates primarily by structuring our balance sheet in the ordinary course of business. Our management of interest rate risk is overseen by our board of directors ALCO, and implemented by our management ALCO based on a risk management infrastructure approved by our board of directors that outlines reporting and measurement requirements. In particular, this infrastructure sets limits, calculated quarterly, for various interest rate-related metrics, our economic value of equity (“EVE”) and net interest income simulations involving parallel shifts in interest rate curves. Steepening and flattening yield curves and various prepayment and deposit duration assumptions are prepared at least annually. Our interest rate management policies also require periodic review and documentation of all key assumptions used, such as identifying appropriate interest rate scenarios, setting loan prepayment rates and deposit durations based on historical analysis.
We do not typically enter into derivative contracts for the purpose of managing interest rate risk, but we may do so in the future. Based upon the nature of our operations, we are not subject to foreign exchange or commodity price risk. We do not own any trading assets.
Net Interest Income Simulation. We use an interest rate risk simulation model to test the interest rate sensitivity of net interest income and the balance sheet. Instantaneous parallel rate shift scenarios are modeled and utilized to evaluate risk and establish exposure limits for acceptable changes in net interest income. These scenarios, known as rate shocks, simulate an instantaneous change in interest rates and use various assumptions, including, but not limited to, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, and reinvestment and replacement of asset and liability cash flows.
62
The following table presents the estimated changes in net interest income of the Bank, calculated on a bank-only basis, which would result from changes in market interest rates over a 12-month period beginning on September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021. The table below demonstrates that we are asset sensitive at September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, with the asset sensitivity of our balance sheet slightly decreasing from December 31, 2021. Changes to the balance sheet mix are the primary driver of the changes to net interest income.
| At September 30, |
| At December 31, |
| |||||||
2022 |
| 2021 |
| ||||||||
Estimated |
| Estimated |
| ||||||||
12-Months |
| 12-Months |
|
| |||||||
Net Interest |
| Net Interest |
| ||||||||
Change in Interest Rates (Basis Points) |
| Income |
| Change |
| Income |
| Change |
| ||
| (Dollars in thousands) | ||||||||||
400 | $ | 91,099 |
| 6 | % | $ | 89,446 |
| 6 | % | |
300 |
| 90,006 |
| 5 | % |
| 89,738 |
| 7 | % | |
200 |
| 88,842 |
| 4 | % |
| 89,266 |
| 6 | % | |
100 |
| 87,315 |
| 2 | % |
| 86,909 |
| 3 | % | |
0 |
| 85,646 |
|
| 84,214 |
| |||||
–100 |
| 82,337 |
| (4) | % |
| 79,552 |
| (6) | % |
Economic Value of Equity Simulation. We also analyze our sensitivity to changes in interest rates through an EVE model. EVE represents the present value of the expected cash flows from our assets less the present value of the expected cash flows arising from our liabilities. EVE attempts to quantify our economic value using a discounted cash flow methodology. We estimate what our EVE would be as of a specific date. We then calculate what EVE would be as of the same date throughout a series of interest rate scenarios representing immediate and permanent parallel shifts in the yield curve. We currently calculate EVE under the assumptions that interest rates increase 100, 200, 300 and 400 basis points from current market rates, and under the assumption that interest rates decrease 100 basis points from current market rates.
The following table presents, as of September 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively, the impacts of immediate and permanent parallel hypothetical changes in market interest rates on EVE of the Bank, calculated on a bank-only basis. The sensitivity of our balance sheet increased from December 31, 2021 in the up-rate scenarios primarily as a result of yield curve effects on our deposit liabilities’ fair value as well as overall changes in the balance sheet mix to longer-duration assets. Since EVE is a long-term measurement of value, the change in EVE is not indicative of the short term (12-months) effects on earnings
| At September 30, |
| At December 31, |
| |||||||
2022 | 2021 |
| |||||||||
Economic | Economic |
|
| ||||||||
Value of | Value of |
| |||||||||
Change in Interest Rates (Basis Points) |
| Equity |
| Change |
| Equity |
| Change |
| ||
(Dollars in thousands) |
| ||||||||||
400 | $ | 474,636 |
| (18) | % | $ | 490,721 |
| 0 | % | |
300 |
| 507,126 |
| (12) | % |
| 500,308 |
| 2 | % | |
200 |
| 539,431 |
| (7) | % |
| 506,761 |
| 3 | % | |
100 |
| 563,908 |
| (2) | % |
| 505,676 |
| 3 | % | |
0 |
| 576,986 |
| 490,567 |
| ||||||
–100 |
| 566,289 |
| (2) | % |
| 437,362 |
| (11) | % |
As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing tables. Many assumptions are used to calculate the impact of interest rate fluctuations. Actual results may be significantly different than our projections due to several factors, including the timing and frequency of rate changes, market conditions and the shape of the yield curve. The computations of interest rate risk shown above do not include actions that our management may undertake to manage the risks in response to anticipated changes in interest rates, and actual results may also differ due to any actions taken in response to the changing rates. Accordingly, the data presented in the tables in this section should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results in the event of changes in interest rates and the resulting EVE and net interest income estimates are not intended to represent and should not be construed to represent our estimate of the underlying EVE or forecast of net interest income. Furthermore, the EVE presented in the foregoing table is not intended to present the fair market value of the Company, nor does it represent amounts that would be available for distribution to shareholders in the event of the liquidation of the Company.
63
In 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that it would no longer compel banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. The administrator of LIBOR has proposed to extend publication of the most commonly used U.S. dollar LIBOR settings to September 30, 2023 and to cease publishing other LIBOR settings on December 31, 2021. We have significant exposure to financial instruments with attributes that are either directly or indirectly dependent on LIBOR to establish their interest rate and/or value, the majority of which mature after December 31, 2021. Based on our transition progress to date, we have ceased originating LIBOR-based products since March 8, 2021 and began originating U.S. Treasury rate based loans after March 8, 2021. Our adjustable-rate loan products have an index-based reset feature which will continue. Pursuant to recent federal and New York State legislation, we have determined that our LIBOR-based loans and outstanding subordinated notes will convert to SOFR-based rates.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the specified time periods in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our management, with the participation of the CEO and the CFO, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Exchange Act) as of September 30, 2022. Based on these evaluations, the CEO and the CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2022.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Our management is required to evaluate, with the participation of our CEO and our CFO, any changes in internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during each fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 2022 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
64
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Except as described below and as described in “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors,” we are not aware of any material developments to our pending legal proceedings as disclosed in the Company’s 2021 Form 10-K and Forms 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022, nor are we involved in any pending legal proceedings other than routine legal proceedings occurring in the ordinary course of business. We believe that such routine legal proceedings, in the aggregate, are immaterial to our financial condition and results of operations.
OCC Agreement
On September 27, 2022, the Company entered into a Consent Order with the OCC, resolving the OCC Investigation. Pursuant to the Consent Order, the Bank paid a civil money penalty of $6 million, which has been applied against the Company’s previously accrued liability for contingent losses. The Consent Order represents a full and final settlement of the OCC Investigation with respect to the Bank. Concurrent with the Consent Order, the OCC notified the Bank that the OCC Agreement was terminated, which primarily related to certain aspects of the Bank’s BSA/AML compliance program and the Bank’s credit administration.
Cahnman v. Allen, et al.
On July 28, 2020, we received the Shareholder Demand brought by Raymond Cahnman, a purported shareholder, set forth in a demand letter that was later reflected in a shareholder derivative complaint that was filed against us and certain of our current and former directors, styled Cahnman v. Allen, et al., No. 2:22-cv-10124 (E.D. Mich.). On January 21, 2022, we entered into the Settlement, of which the court granted final approval on September 29, 2022. Pursuant to the Settlement, we agreed to adopt and implement the Corporate Governance Enhancements, many of which were already in progress and have now been completed, and pay attorneys’ fees and expenses in the amount of $650 thousand in exchange for the release of all defendants from all alleged claims therein. The Settlement provides customary releases of certain individuals and entities, including the current board of directors and certain former board members, and reserves for our board of directors the exclusive right to continue to evaluate and pursue claims against non-released individuals based on their conduct concerning, related to, or arising from the matters raised in the Shareholder Demand. Reimbursement of the $650 thousand due under the Settlement was paid by our insurance carriers under applicable insurance policies during the fourth quarter of 2022.
Sterling Bank and Trust, F.S.B. and Sterling Bancorp, Inc. vs. Scott Seligman, et al.
On October 7, 2022, the Company and the Bank commenced an action against the Bank’s founder and controlling shareholder, and other nominal defendants, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan styled Sterling Bank and Trust, F.S.B. and Sterling Bancorp, Inc. vs. Scott Seligman, et al., No. 2:22-cv-12398-SFC-DRG (E.D. Mich.). The complaint alleges that Mr. Seligman breached his fiduciary duties to the Company and the Bank by, among other actions and inactions, using his controlling position to develop and direct the Bank’s now-discontinued Advantage Loan Program to advance his own interests and unjustly enrich himself at the expense of the Company, the Bank and the Company’s minority shareholders. The complaint seeks to recover compensatory and other damages, disgorgement of certain monies and injunctive relief. There is no assurance that we will be successful in any final adjudication of this case, that any remedy would be adequate in the event we are successful in the adjudication or that we would achieve an acceptable settlement.
Scott J. Seligman vs. Sterling Bancorp, Inc.
On November 3, 2022, Mr. Seligman commenced an action against the Company in the Oakland County Business Court styled Scott J. Seligman v. Sterling Bancorp, Inc., No. 2:22-cv-12660-MAG-DRG (E.D. Mich.). The complaint alleges that Mr. Seligman is entitled to the advancement and reimbursement of all attorneys’ fees and other expenses incurred in connection with the complaint filed against him by the Company and the Bank as well as the certain government investigations involving the Company and the Bank, including investigations by the DOJ and OCC related to the Advantage Loan Program. The Company and the Bank have filed a motion with the Oakland County Business Court to have the case removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. The Company intends to vigorously defend this and any related actions.
65
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Except as described herein, there are no material changes from the risk factors as disclosed in the Company’s 2021 Form 10-K and Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2022 and June 30, 2022.
We expect to suspend the origination of residential loans as our third-party vendor for residential loan origination, Promontory MortgagePath, is ceasing to do business.
During the second quarter of 2022, we outsourced our residential loan origination function to Promontory MortgagePath, which provides community banks with an outsourced residential lending service for mortgage loan production. In November 2022, Promontory MortgagePath advised the Company of its intent to cease conducting business. Promontory MortgagePath and the Company will continue to accept loan applications through November 30, 2022, and will use commercially reasonable efforts to evaluate and originate pending loan applications by February 28, 2023. At that time, we will suspend the origination of residential loans pending further evaluation of our alternatives, which may include discontinuing the origination of residential loans. However, we may purchase residential loans from the secondary market in the future. As a result of the suspension of the origination of residential loans and our decision earlier this year to discontinue the origination of construction loans, we expect the size of our balance sheet to continue to decline as loan repayments are received.
ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer
Withholding of Vested Restricted Stock Awards
During the three months ended September 30, 2022, the Company withheld shares of common stock representing a portion of the restricted stock awards that vested during the period under our employee stock benefit plans in order to pay employee tax liabilities associated with such vesting. These withheld shares are treated the same as repurchased shares for accounting purposes.
The following table provides certain information with respect to our purchases of shares of the Company’s common stock, as of the settlement date, during the three months ended September 30, 2022, all of which represent tax withholding of restricted stock awards:
| Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities | |||||||||
|
|
| Total Number of |
| Approximate Dollar | |||||
|
|
| Shares Purchased as |
| Value of Shares that | |||||
| Total Number |
| Average |
| Part of Publicly |
| May Yet Be Purchased | |||
of Shares | Price Paid |
| Announced Plans or |
| Under the | |||||
Period |
| Purchased(1) |
| per Share |
| Programs |
| Plans or Programs(2) | ||
July 1 - 31, 2022 |
| 268 | $ | 5.89 |
| — | $ | 19,568,117 | ||
August 1 - 31, 2022 |
| — |
| — |
| — |
| 19,568,117 | ||
September 1 - 30, 2022 |
| 1,031 |
| 5.95 |
| — |
| 19,568,117 | ||
Total |
| 1,299 | $ | 5.94 |
| — |
|
|
(1) | These shares were acquired from employees to satisfy income tax withholding requirements in connection with vesting share awards during the three months ended September 30, 2022. |
(2) | In 2018, the Company announced a stock repurchase program for up to $50 million of its outstanding stock. At September 30, 2022, $19.6 million remains of the $50 million authorized repurchase amount. In March 2020, the Company suspended the stock repurchase program. |
66
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
A list of exhibits to this Form 10-Q is set forth in the Exhibit Index below.
Incorporated by Reference | ||||||||||||
Exhibit |
| Exhibit Description |
| Filed /Furnished |
| Form |
| Period |
| Exhibit / |
| Filing Date |
10.1 | 8-K | N/A | 10.1 | 9/27/2022 | ||||||||
31.1 | X | |||||||||||
31.2 | X | |||||||||||
32.1* | X | |||||||||||
32.2* | X | |||||||||||
101.INS** | Inline XBRL Instance Document | X | ||||||||||
101.SCH | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | X | ||||||||||
101.CAL | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | X | ||||||||||
101.DEF | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | X | ||||||||||
101.LAB | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | X | ||||||||||
101.PRE | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | X | ||||||||||
104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | X |
* This document is being furnished with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. This certification is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act.
** The instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
67
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.
Date: November 14, 2022 | STERLING BANCORP, INC. | |
(Registrant) | ||
By: | /s/ THOMAS M. O’BRIEN | |
Thomas M. O’Brien | ||
By: | /s/ KAREN KNOTT | |
Karen Knott |
68