US BANCORP \DE\ - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

OR

For the transition period from (not applicable)

Commission file number 1-6880

U.S. BANCORP

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

800 Nicollet Mall

Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

651-466-3000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

(not applicable)

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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, 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 and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YES ☑    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. (Check one):

If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark 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 ☑

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

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Table of Contents and Form 10-Q Cross Reference Index

“Safe Harbor” Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements about U.S. Bancorp. Statements that are not historical or current facts, including statements about beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements and are based on the information available to, and assumptions and estimates made by, management as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements cover, among other things, anticipated future revenue and expenses and the future plans and prospects of U.S. Bancorp. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. A reversal or slowing of the current economic recovery or another severe contraction could adversely affect U.S. Bancorp’s revenues and the values of its assets and liabilities. Global financial markets could experience a recurrence of significant turbulence, which could reduce the availability of funding to certain financial institutions and lead to a tightening of credit, a reduction of business activity, and increased market volatility. Stress in the commercial real estate markets, as well as a downturn in the residential real estate markets could cause credit losses and deterioration in asset values. In addition, changes to statutes, regulations, or regulatory policies or practices could affect U.S. Bancorp in substantial and unpredictable ways. U.S. Bancorp’s results could also be adversely affected by deterioration in general business and economic conditions; changes in interest rates; deterioration in the credit quality of its loan portfolios or in the value of the collateral securing those loans; deterioration in the value of securities held in its investment securities portfolio; legal and regulatory developments; litigation; increased competition from both banks and non-banks; changes in customer behavior and preferences; breaches in data security; effects of mergers and acquisitions and related integration; effects of critical accounting policies and judgments; and management’s ability to effectively manage credit risk, market risk, operational risk, compliance risk, strategic risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk and reputational risk.

For discussion of these and other risks that may cause actual results to differ from expectations, refer to U.S. Bancorp’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Corporate Risk Profile” contained in Exhibit 13, and all subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. However, factors other than these also could adversely affect U.S. Bancorp’s results, and the reader should not consider these factors to be a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and U.S. Bancorp undertakes no obligation to update them in light of new information or future events.

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Management’s Discussion and Analysis

OVERVIEW

Earnings Summary U.S. Bancorp and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) reported net income attributable to U.S. Bancorp of $1.6 billion for the third quarter of 2017, or $0.88 per diluted common share, compared with $1.5 billion, or $0.84 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2016. Return on average assets and return on average common equity were 1.38 percent and 13.6 percent, respectively, for the third quarter of 2017, compared with 1.36 percent and 13.5 percent, respectively, for the third quarter of 2016.

Total net revenue for the third quarter of 2017 was $220 million (4.1 percent) higher than the third quarter of 2016, reflecting an 8.4 percent increase in net interest income (8.3 percent on a taxable-equivalent basis), partially offset by a 0.9 percent decrease in noninterest income. The increase in net interest income from the third quarter of 2016 was mainly a result of loan growth and the impact of rising interest rates. The noninterest income decrease was principally due to lower mortgage banking revenue, primarily the result of a higher level of refinancing activities in the third quarter of 2016, partially offset by increases in trust and investment management fees, payment services revenue, and treasury management fees as well as higher equity investment income.

Noninterest expense in the third quarter of 2017 was $108 million (3.7 percent) higher than the third quarter of 2016, primarily due to increased compensation expense related to hiring to support business growth and compliance programs, merit increases and higher variable compensation.

The provision for credit losses for the third quarter of 2017 of $360 million was $35 million (10.8 percent) higher than the third quarter of 2016. Net charge-offs in the third quarter of 2017 were $330 million, compared with $315 million in the third quarter of 2016. Refer to “Corporate Risk Profile” for further information on the provision for credit losses, net charge-offs, nonperforming assets and other factors considered by the Company in assessing the credit quality of the loan portfolio and establishing the allowance for credit losses.

Net income attributable to U.S. Bancorp for the first nine months of 2017 was $4.5 billion, or $2.55 per diluted common share, compared with $4.4 billion, or $2.43 per diluted common share, for the first nine months of 2016. Return on average assets and return on average common equity were 1.36 percent and 13.4 percent, respectively, for the first nine months of 2017, compared with 1.37 percent and 13.4 percent, respectively, for the first nine months of 2016.

Total net revenue for the first nine months of 2017 was $546 million (3.4 percent) higher than the first nine months of 2016, reflecting a 6.1 percent increase in net interest income (6.0 percent on a taxable-equivalent basis) and a 0.3 percent increase in noninterest income. The increase in net interest income from a year ago was mainly a result of loan growth and the impact of rising interest rates. The noninterest income increase was driven by higher payment services revenue, trust and investment management fees and treasury management fees, partially offset by lower mortgage banking revenue and lower equity investment income, reflecting the impact of the sale of the Company’s membership in Visa Europe Limited (“Visa Europe”) to Visa Inc. in the second quarter of 2016.

Noninterest expense in the first nine months of 2017 was $334 million (3.9 percent) higher than the first nine months of 2016, the result of increased compensation expense related to hiring to support business growth and compliance programs, merit increases and higher variable compensation, as well as the impact of a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance surcharge which began in late 2016. The increase from the first nine months of 2016 was partially offset by an increase in reserves related to legal and regulatory matters and a charitable contribution, both recognized in the second quarter of 2016.

The provision for credit losses for the first nine months of 2017 of $1.1 billion was $73 million (7.4 percent) higher than the first nine months of 2016. Net charge-offs in the first nine months of 2017 were $1.0 billion, compared with $947 million in the first nine months of 2016. Refer to “Corporate Risk Profile” for further information on the provision for credit losses, net charge-offs, nonperforming assets and other factors considered by the Company in assessing the credit quality of the loan portfolio and establishing the allowance for credit losses.

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STATEMENT OF INCOME ANALYSIS

Net Interest Income Net interest income, on a taxable-equivalent basis, was $3.2 billion in the third quarter and $9.2 billion in the first nine months of 2017, representing increases of $243 million (8.3 percent) and $522 million (6.0 percent), respectively, over the same periods of 2016. The increases were principally driven by loan growth and the impact of rising interest rates. Average earning assets were $15.0 billion (3.8 percent) higher in the third quarter and $18.2 billion (4.7 percent) higher in the first nine months of 2017, compared with the same periods of 2016, reflecting increases in loans, other earning assets and investment securities. The net interest margin, on a taxable-equivalent basis, in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 was 3.10 percent and 3.06 percent, respectively, compared with 2.98 percent and 3.02 percent in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, respectively. The increases in the net interest margin from the same periods of the prior year were due to higher interest rates and changes in the loan portfolio mix, partially offset by higher funding costs and higher cash balances. Refer to the “Consolidated Daily Average Balance Sheet and Related Yields and Rates” tables for further information on net interest income.

Average investment securities in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 were $3.7 billion (3.4 percent) and $4.2 billion (3.9 percent) higher, respectively, than the same periods of 2016, primarily due to purchases of U.S. Treasury and U.S. government mortgage-backed securities, net of prepayments and maturities, in support of liquidity management.

Average total loans in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 were $8.0 billion (3.0 percent) and $9.3 billion (3.5 percent) higher, respectively, than the same periods of 2016, due to growth in commercial loans, residential mortgages, other retail loans and credit card loans. The increases were driven by higher demand for loans from new and existing customers. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in commercial real estate loans due to disciplined underwriting of construction and development loans and customers paying down balances, as well as a decrease in loans covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC, a run-off portfolio.

Average total deposits for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 were $16.6 billion (5.2 percent) and $24.3 billion (7.9 percent) higher, respectively, than the same periods of 2016. Average noninterest-bearing deposit balances were essentially unchanged in the third quarter and increased $1.9 billion (2.4 percent) in the first nine months of 2017, compared with the same periods of 2016, reflecting increases in Wealth Management and Securities Services, and Consumer and Small Business Banking balances, offset by decreases in Wholesale Banking and Commercial Real Estate balances. Average total savings deposits for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 increased $12.7 billion (6.2 percent) and $23.2 billion (12.0 percent), respectively, over the same periods of 2016, a result of growth across all business lines. Average time deposits were $3.9 billion (12.2 percent) higher and $787 million (2.4 percent) lower for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods of the prior year. Changes in time deposits are largely related to those deposits managed as an alternative to other funding sources such as wholesale borrowing, based largely on relative pricing and liquidity characteristics.

Provision for Credit Losses The provision for credit losses for the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 increased $35 million (10.8 percent) and $73 million (7.4 percent), respectively, over the same periods of 2016. The provision for credit losses was $30 million higher than net charge-offs in the third quarter and $50 million higher than net-charge-offs in the first nine months of 2017. The provision for credit losses was $10 million higher than net charge-offs and $35 million higher than net charge-offs in the third quarter and first nine months of 2016, respectively. The increase in the allowance for credit losses during the third quarter and first nine months of 2017 reflected loan portfolio growth and exposures related to recent weather events, partially offset by improvements in the energy loan and residential mortgage portfolios. Net charge-offs increased $15 million (4.8 percent) and $58 million (6.1 percent) in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, respectively, compared with the same periods of the prior year, primarily due to higher credit card net charge-offs, partially offset by lower net charge-offs related to residential mortgages and commercial and commercial real estate loans. Refer to “Corporate Risk Profile” for further information on the provision for credit losses, net charge-offs, nonperforming assets and other factors considered by the Company in assessing the credit quality of the loan portfolio and establishing the allowance for credit losses.

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Noninterest Income Noninterest income was $2.4 billion in the third quarter and $7.2 billion in the first nine months of 2017, representing a decrease of $23 million (0.9 percent) and an increase of $24 million (0.3 percent), respectively, compared with the same periods of 2016. The decrease in the third quarter of 2017, compared with the third quarter of 2016, was principally due to lower mortgage banking revenue, partially offset by increases in trust and investment management fees, payment services revenue, treasury management fees, and other noninterest income. The increase in the first nine months of 2017, compared with the same period of the prior year, was driven by increases in payment services revenue, trust and investment management fees, and treasury management fees, as well as higher gains on sales of investment securities, partially offset by decreases in mortgage banking revenue and other noninterest income. Mortgage banking revenue decreased due to lower origination and sales volumes from home refinancing, as refinancing activities were significantly higher in the second and third quarters of 2016 due to a decline in longer term interest rates during that period. Trust and investment management fees increased due to favorable market conditions, and net asset and account growth. Payment services revenue was higher due to increases in credit and debit card revenue and corporate payment products revenue, both driven by higher sales volumes. The increases in payment services revenue were partially offset by lower merchant processing services revenue in the third quarter of 2017 due to the Company exiting certain joint ventures in the second quarter of 2017 and the impacts of recent weather events. Treasury management fees increased in the third quarter and first nine months of 2017, compared with the same periods of the prior year, due to higher transaction volume. Other revenue increased in the third quarter of 2017, compared to the third quarter of 2016, primarily due to higher equity investment income. Other revenue was lower in the first nine months of 2017, compared with the first nine months of 2016, primarily due to lower equity investment income, reflecting the impact of the second quarter 2016 Visa Europe sale.

Noninterest Expense Noninterest expense was $3.0 billion in the third quarter and $9.0 billion in the first nine months of 2017, representing increases of $108 million (3.7 percent) and $334 million (3.9 percent), respectively, over the same periods of 2016. The increases from a year ago were primarily due to higher compensation expense, partially offset by lower professional services expense. Compensation expense increased principally due to the impact of hiring to support business growth and compliance programs, merit increases and higher variable compensation. Professional services expense decreased primarily due to fewer consulting services as compliance programs near maturity. The increase in noninterest expense in the first nine months of 2017, compared with the same period of the prior year, was further offset by decreases in marketing and business development expense and other expense. Marketing and business development expense was lower, primarily due to the impact of the charitable contribution recorded in the second quarter of 2016. Other expense decreased, primarily due to the impact of the increase in reserves related to legal and regulatory matters recorded in the second quarter of 2016, partially offset by the FDIC insurance surcharge which began in late 2016.

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Income Tax Expense The provision for income taxes was $589 million (an effective rate of 27.3 percent) for the third quarter and $1.6 billion (an effective rate of 26.4 percent) for the first nine months of 2017, compared with $566 million (an effective rate of 27.2 percent) and $1.6 billion (an effective rate of 26.6 percent) for the same periods of 2016. For further information on income taxes, refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS

Loans The Company’s loan portfolio was $278.7 billion at September 30, 2017, compared with $273.2 billion at December 31, 2016, an increase of $5.5 billion (2.0 percent). The increase was driven primarily by higher commercial loans, residential mortgages and other retail loans, partially offset by lower commercial real estate loans, credit card loans and covered loans.

Commercial loans increased $3.5 billion (3.8 percent) at September 30, 2017, compared with December 31, 2016, reflecting higher demand from new and existing customers.

Residential mortgages held in the loan portfolio increased $2.0 billion (3.6 percent) at September 30, 2017, compared with December 31, 2016, as origination activity more than offset the effect of customers paying down balances in the first nine months of 2017. Residential mortgages originated and placed in the Company’s loan portfolio include well-secured jumbo mortgages and branch-originated first lien home equity loans to borrowers with high credit quality.

Other retail loans increased $3.0 billion (5.6 percent) at September 30, 2017, compared with December 31, 2016, primarily driven by higher installment and retail leasing loans, partially offset by decreases in student loans, home equity loans and revolving credit balances.

Commercial real estate loans decreased $1.7 billion (3.9 percent) at September 30, 2017, compared with December 31, 2016, primarily the result of disciplined underwriting of construction and development loans and customers paying down balances.

Credit card loans decreased $826 million (3.8 percent) at September 30, 2017, compared with December 31, 2016, primarily the result of customers paying down balances.

The Company generally retains portfolio loans through maturity; however, the Company’s intent may change over time based upon various factors such as ongoing asset/liability management activities, assessment of product profitability, credit risk, liquidity needs, and capital implications. If the Company’s intent or ability to hold an existing portfolio loan changes, it is transferred to loans held for sale.

Loans Held for Sale Loans held for sale, consisting primarily of residential mortgages to be sold in the secondary market, were $3.8 billion at September 30, 2017, compared with $4.8 billion at December 31, 2016. The decrease in loans held for sale was principally due to a lower level of mortgage loan closings in the third quarter of 2017. Almost all of the residential mortgage loans the Company originates or purchases for sale follow guidelines that allow the loans to be sold into existing, highly liquid secondary markets; in particular in government agency transactions and to government-sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”).

Investment Securities Investment securities totaled $111.8 billion at September 30, 2017, compared with $109.3 billion at December 31, 2016. The $2.5 billion (2.3 percent) increase was primarily due to $2.2 billion of net investment purchases and a $432 million favorable change in net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale investment securities.

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The Company’s available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in other comprehensive income (loss) unless a security is deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired. At September 30, 2017, the Company’s net unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities were $269 million, compared with $701 million at December 31, 2016. The favorable change in net unrealized gains (losses) was primarily due to increases in the fair value of U.S. Treasury, U.S. government mortgage-backed and state and political securities as a result of changes in interest rates. Gross unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities totaled $596 million at September 30, 2017, compared with $1.0 billion at December 31, 2016. At September 30, 2017, the Company had no plans to sell securities with unrealized losses, and believes it is more likely than not that it would not be required to sell such securities before recovery of their amortized cost.

Refer to Notes 3 and 14 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further information on investment securities.

Deposits Total deposits were $342.6 billion at September 30, 2017, compared with $334.6 billion at December 31, 2016, the result of increases in total savings deposits and time deposits, partially offset by a decrease in noninterest-bearing deposits. Interest checking balances increased $3.7 billion (5.6 percent) primarily due to higher Wholesale Banking and Commercial Real Estate, and Consumer and Small Business Banking balances. Savings account balances increased $1.9 billion (4.6 percent), primarily due to higher Consumer and Small Business Banking balances. Money market deposit balances decreased $2.1 billion (1.9 percent) at September 30, 2017, compared with December 31, 2016, primarily due to lower Wholesale Banking and Commercial Real Estate balances, partially offset by higher Wealth Management and Securities Services balances. Time deposits increased $8.4 billion (27.5 percent) at September 30, 2017, compared with December 31, 2016, driven by an increase in those deposits managed as an alternative to other funding sources such as wholesale borrowing, based largely on relative pricing and liquidity characteristics, partially offset by lower Consumer and Small Business Banking balances resulting from maturities. Noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $3.9 billion (4.6 percent) at September 30, 2017, compared with December 31, 2016, primarily due to lower Wholesale Banking and Commercial Real Estate, and Wealth Management and Securities Services balances, partially offset by higher Consumer and Small Business Banking balances.

Borrowings The Company utilizes both short-term and long-term borrowings as part of its asset/liability management and funding strategies. Short-term borrowings, which include federal funds purchased, commercial paper, repurchase agreements, borrowings secured by high-grade assets and other short-term borrowings, were $15.9 billion at September 30, 2017, compared with $14.0 billion at December 31, 2016. The $1.9 billion (13.6 percent) increase in short-term borrowings was primarily due to higher other short-term borrowings balances, partially offset by lower federal funds purchased balances. Long-term debt was $34.5 billion at September 30, 2017, compared with $33.3 billion at December 31, 2016. The $1.2 billion (3.6 percent) increase was primarily due to issuances of $3.9 billion of medium-term notes and $3.4 billion of bank notes, partially offset by $2.8 billion of bank note repayments, $1.3 billion of medium-term note maturities and a $2.1 billion decrease in Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) advances. Refer to the “Liquidity Risk Management” section for discussion of liquidity management of the Company.

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CORPORATE RISK PROFILE

Overview Managing risks is an essential part of successfully operating a financial services company. The Company’s Board of Directors has approved a risk management framework which establishes governance and risk management requirements for all risk-taking activities. This framework includes Company and business line risk appetite statements which set boundaries for the types and amount of risk that may be undertaken in pursuing business objectives and initiatives. The Board of Directors, primarily through its Risk Management Committee, oversees performance relative to the risk management framework, risk appetite statements, and other policy requirements.

The Executive Risk Committee (“ERC”), which is chaired by the Chief Risk Officer and includes the Chief Executive Officer and other members of the executive management team, oversees execution against the risk management framework and risk appetite statements. The ERC focuses on current and emerging risks, including strategic and reputational risks, by directing timely and comprehensive actions. Senior operating committees have also been established, each responsible for overseeing a specified category of risk.

The Company’s most prominent risk exposures are credit, interest rate, market, liquidity, operational, compliance, strategic, and reputational. Credit risk is the risk of not collecting the interest and/or the principal balance of a loan, investment or derivative contract when it is due. Interest rate risk is the potential reduction of net interest income or market valuations as a result of changes in interest rates. Market risk arises from fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and security prices that may result in changes in the values of financial instruments, such as trading and available-for-sale securities, mortgage loans held for sale (“MLHFS”), mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) and derivatives that are accounted for on a fair value basis. Liquidity risk is the possible inability to fund obligations or new business at a reasonable cost and in a timely manner. Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people or systems, or from external events, including the risk of loss resulting from breaches in data security. Operational risk can also include failures by third parties with which the Company does business. Compliance risk is the risk of loss arising from violations of, or nonconformance with, laws, rules, regulations, prescribed practices, internal policies and procedures, or ethical standards, potentially exposing the Company to fines, civil money penalties, payment of damages and the voiding of contracts. Compliance risk also arises in situations where the laws or rules governing certain Company products or activities of the Company’s customers may be ambiguous or untested. Strategic risk is the risk to earnings or capital arising from adverse business decisions or improper implementation of those decisions. Reputational risk is the risk to current or anticipated earnings, capital, or franchise or enterprise value arising from negative public opinion. This risk may impair the Company’s competitiveness by affecting its ability to establish new relationships, offer new services or continue serving existing relationships. In addition to the risks identified above, other risk factors exist that may impact the Company. Refer to “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, for a detailed discussion of these factors.

The Company’s Board and management-level governance committees are supported by a “three lines of defense” model for establishing effective checks and balances. The first line of defense, the business lines, manages risks in conformity with established limits and policy requirements. In turn, business line leaders and their risk officers establish programs to ensure conformity with these limits and policy requirements. The second line of defense, which includes the Chief Risk Officer’s organization as well as policy and oversight activities of corporate support functions, translates risk appetite and strategy into actionable risk limits and policies. The second line of defense monitors first line of defense conformity with limits and policies, and provides reporting and escalation of emerging risks and other concerns to senior management and the Risk Management Committee of the Board of Directors. The third line of defense, internal audit, is responsible for providing the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and senior management with independent assessment and assurance regarding the effectiveness of the Company’s governance, risk management and control processes.

Management regularly provides reports to the Risk Management Committee of the Board of Directors. The Risk Management Committee discusses with management the Company’s risk management performance, and provides a summary of key risks to the entire Board of Directors, covering the status of existing matters, areas of potential future concern and specific information on certain types of loss events. The Risk Management Committee considers quarterly reports by management assessing the Company’s performance relative to the risk appetite statements and the associated risk limits, including:

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Credit Risk Management The Company’s strategy for credit risk management includes well-defined, centralized credit policies, uniform underwriting criteria, and ongoing risk monitoring and review processes for all commercial and consumer credit exposures. In evaluating its credit risk, the Company considers changes, if any, in underwriting activities, the loan portfolio composition (including product mix and geographic, industry or customer-specific concentrations), collateral values, trends in loan performance and macroeconomic factors, such as changes in unemployment rates, gross domestic product and consumer bankruptcy filings. The Risk Management Committee oversees the Company’s credit risk management process.

In addition, credit quality ratings as defined by the Company are an important part of the Company’s overall credit risk management and evaluation of its allowance for credit losses. Loans with a pass rating represent those loans not classified on the Company’s rating scale for problem credits, as minimal risk has been identified. Loans with a special mention or classified rating, including loans that are 90 days or more past due and still accruing, nonaccrual loans, those loans considered troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), and loans in a junior lien position that are current but are behind a modified or delinquent loan in a first lien position, encompass all loans held by the Company that it considers to have a potential or well-defined weakness that may put full collection of contractual cash flows at risk. The Company’s internal credit quality ratings for consumer loans are primarily based on delinquency and nonperforming status, except for a limited population of larger loans within those portfolios that are individually evaluated. For this limited population, the determination of the internal credit quality rating may also consider collateral value and customer cash flows. Refer to Note 4 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of the Company’s loan portfolios including internal credit quality ratings. In addition, refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Credit Risk Management” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, for a more detailed discussion on credit risk management processes.

The Company manages its credit risk, in part, through diversification of its loan portfolio and limit setting by product type criteria and concentrations. As part of its normal business activities, the Company offers a broad array of lending products. The Company categorizes its loan portfolio into three segments, which is the level at which it develops and documents a systematic methodology to determine the allowance for credit losses. The Company’s three loan portfolio segments are commercial lending, consumer lending and covered loans.

The commercial lending segment includes loans and leases made to small business, middle market, large corporate, commercial real estate, financial institution, non-profit and public sector customers. Key risk characteristics relevant to commercial lending segment loans include the industry and geography of the borrower’s business, purpose of the loan, repayment source, borrower’s debt capacity and financial flexibility, loan covenants, and nature of pledged collateral, if any. These risk characteristics, among others, are considered in determining estimates about the likelihood of default by the borrowers and the severity of loss in the event of default. The Company considers these risk characteristics in assigning internal risk ratings to, or forecasting losses on, these loans, which are the significant factors in determining the allowance for credit losses for loans in the commercial lending segment.

Included within the commercial lending segment are energy loans, which represented 0.9 percent of the Company’s total loans outstanding at September 30, 2017. The effects of low energy prices beginning in late 2014, have resulted in higher than historical levels of criticized commitments and nonperforming assets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

The following table provides a summary of the Company’s energy loans:

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The consumer lending segment represents loans and leases made to consumer customers, including residential mortgages, credit card loans, and other retail loans such as revolving consumer lines, auto loans and leases, home equity loans and lines, and student loans, a run-off portfolio. Home equity or second mortgage loans are junior lien closed-end accounts fully disbursed at origination. These loans typically are fixed rate loans, secured by residential real estate, with a 10- or 15-year fixed payment amortization schedule. Home equity lines are revolving accounts giving the borrower the ability to draw and repay balances repeatedly, up to a maximum commitment, and are secured by residential real estate. These include accounts in either a first or junior lien position. Typical terms on home equity lines in the portfolio are variable rates benchmarked to the prime rate, with a 10- or 15-year draw period during which a minimum payment is equivalent to the monthly interest, followed by a 20- or 10-year amortization period, respectively. At September 30, 2017, substantially all of the Company’s home equity lines were in the draw period. Approximately $1.3 billion, or 9 percent, of the outstanding home equity line balances at September 30, 2017, will enter the amortization period within the next 36 months. Key risk characteristics relevant to consumer lending segment loans primarily relate to the borrowers’ capacity and willingness to repay and include unemployment rates and other economic factors, customer payment history and credit scores, and in some cases, updated loan-to-value (“LTV”) information reflecting current market conditions on real estate based loans. These risk characteristics, among others, are reflected in forecasts of delinquency levels, bankruptcies and losses which are the primary factors in determining the allowance for credit losses for the consumer lending segment.

The covered loan segment represents loans acquired in FDIC-assisted transactions that are covered by loss sharing agreements with the FDIC that greatly reduce the risk of future credit losses to the Company. Key risk characteristics for covered segment loans are consistent with the segment they would otherwise be included in had the loss share coverage not been in place, but consider the indemnification provided by the FDIC.

The Company further disaggregates its loan portfolio segments into various classes based on their underlying risk characteristics. The two classes within the commercial lending segment are commercial loans and commercial real estate loans. The three classes within the consumer lending segment are residential mortgages, credit card loans and other retail loans. The covered loan segment consists of only one class.

The Company’s consumer lending segment utilizes several distinct business processes and channels to originate consumer credit, including traditional branch lending, mobile and on-line banking, indirect lending, portfolio acquisitions, correspondent banks and loan brokers. Each distinct underwriting and origination activity manages unique credit risk characteristics and prices its loan production commensurate with the differing risk profiles.

Residential mortgage originations are generally limited to prime borrowers and are performed through the Company’s branches, loan production offices, mobile and on-line services and a wholesale network of originators. The Company may retain residential mortgage loans it originates on its balance sheet or sell the loans into the secondary market while retaining the servicing rights and customer relationships. Utilizing the secondary markets enables the Company to effectively reduce its credit and other asset/liability risks. For residential mortgages that are retained in the Company’s portfolio and for home equity and second mortgages, credit risk is also diversified by geography and managed by adherence to LTV and borrower credit criteria during the underwriting process.

The Company estimates updated LTV information on its outstanding residential mortgages quarterly, based on a method that combines automated valuation model updates and relevant home price indices. LTV is the ratio of the loan’s outstanding principal balance to the current estimate of property value. For home equity and second mortgages, combined loan-to-value (“CLTV”) is the combination of the first mortgage original principal balance and the second lien outstanding principal balance, relative to the current estimate of property value. Certain loans do not have a LTV or CLTV, primarily due to lack of availability of relevant automated valuation model and/or home price indices values, or lack of necessary valuation data on acquired loans.

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The following tables provide summary information of residential mortgages and home equity and second mortgages by LTV and borrower type at September 30, 2017:

The total amount of consumer lending segment residential mortgage, home equity and second mortgage loans to customers that may be defined as sub-prime borrowers represented only 0.2 percent of the Company’s total assets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company considers sub-prime loans to be loans made to borrowers with a risk of default significantly higher than those approved for prime lending programs, as reflected in credit scores obtained from independent agencies at loan origination, in addition to other credit underwriting criteria. Sub-prime portfolios include only loans originated according to the Company’s underwriting programs specifically designed to serve customers with weakened credit histories. The sub-prime designation indicators have been and will continue to be subject to re-evaluation over time as borrower characteristics, payment performance and economic conditions change. The sub-prime loans originated during periods from June 2009 and after are with borrowers who met the Company’s program guidelines and have a credit score that generally is at or below a threshold of 620 to 650 depending on the program. Sub-prime loans originated during periods prior to June 2009 were based upon program level guidelines without regard to credit score.

Home equity and second mortgages were $16.3 billion at September 30, 2017, compared with $16.4 billion at December 31, 2016, and included $4.8 billion of home equity lines in a first lien position and $11.5 billion of home equity and second mortgage loans and lines in a junior lien position. Loans and lines in a junior lien position at September 30, 2017, included approximately $4.9 billion of loans and lines for which the Company also serviced the related first lien loan, and approximately $6.6 billion where the Company did not service the related first lien loan. The Company was able to determine the status of the related first liens using information the Company has as the servicer of the first lien or information reported on customer credit bureau files. The Company also evaluates other indicators of credit risk for these junior lien loans and lines including delinquency, estimated average CLTV ratios and updated weighted-average credit scores in making its assessment of credit risk, related loss estimates and determining the allowance for credit losses.

The following table provides a summary of delinquency statistics and other credit quality indicators for the Company’s junior lien positions at September 30, 2017:

See the “Analysis and Determination of the Allowance for Credit Losses” section for additional information on how the Company determines the allowance for credit losses for loans in a junior lien position.

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Loan Delinquencies Trends in delinquency ratios are an indicator, among other considerations, of credit risk within the Company’s loan portfolios. The Company measures delinquencies, both including and excluding nonperforming loans, to enable comparability with other companies. Accruing loans 90 days or more past due totaled $649 million ($497 million excluding covered loans) at September 30, 2017, compared with $764 million ($552 million excluding covered loans) at December 31, 2016. These balances exclude loans purchased from Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”) mortgage pools whose repayments are primarily insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as student loans guaranteed by the federal government. Accruing loans 90 days or more past due are not included in nonperforming assets and continue to accrue interest because they are adequately secured by collateral, are in the process of collection and are reasonably expected to result in repayment or restoration to current status, or are managed in homogeneous portfolios with specified charge-off timeframes adhering to regulatory guidelines. The ratio of accruing loans 90 days or more past due to total loans was 0.23 percent (0.18 percent excluding covered loans) at September 30, 2017, compared with 0.28 percent (0.20 percent excluding covered loans) at December 31, 2016.

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The following table provides summary delinquency information for residential mortgages, credit card and other retail loans included in the consumer lending segment:

The following table provides summary delinquency information for covered loans:

Restructured Loans In certain circumstances, the Company may modify the terms of a loan to maximize the collection of amounts due when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties or is expected to experience difficulties in the near-term. In most cases, the modification is either a concessionary reduction in interest rate, extension of the maturity date or reduction in the principal balance that would otherwise not be considered.

Troubled Debt Restructurings Concessionary modifications are classified as TDRs unless the modification results in only an insignificant delay in the payments to be received. TDRs accrue interest if the borrower complies with the revised terms and conditions and has demonstrated repayment performance at a level commensurate with the modified terms over several payment cycles, which is generally six months or greater. At September 30, 2017, performing TDRs were $4.0 billion, compared with $4.2 billion at December 31, 2016. Loans classified as TDRs are considered impaired loans for reporting and measurement purposes.

The Company continues to work with customers to modify loans for borrowers who are experiencing financial difficulties, including those loans acquired through FDIC-assisted acquisitions. Many of the Company’s TDRs are determined on a case-by-case basis in connection with ongoing loan collection processes. The modifications vary within each of the Company’s loan classes. Commercial lending segment TDRs generally include extensions of the maturity date and may be accompanied by an increase or decrease to the interest rate. The Company may also work with the borrower to make other changes to the loan to mitigate losses, such as obtaining additional collateral and/or guarantees to support the loan.

The Company has also implemented certain residential mortgage loan restructuring programs that may result in TDRs. The Company modifies residential mortgage loans under Federal Housing Administration,

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United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and its own internal programs. Under these programs, the Company offers qualifying homeowners the opportunity to permanently modify their loan and achieve more affordable monthly payments by providing loan concessions. These concessions may include adjustments to interest rates, conversion of adjustable rates to fixed rates, extensions of maturity dates or deferrals of payments, capitalization of accrued interest and/or outstanding advances, or in limited situations, partial forgiveness of loan principal. In most instances, participation in residential mortgage loan restructuring programs requires the customer to complete a short-term trial period. A permanent loan modification is contingent on the customer successfully completing the trial period arrangement, and the loan documents are not modified until that time. The Company reports loans in a trial period arrangement as TDRs and continues to report them as TDRs after the trial period.

Credit card and other retail loan TDRs are generally part of distinct restructuring programs providing customers modification solutions over a specified time period, generally up to 60 months.

In accordance with regulatory guidance, the Company considers secured consumer loans that have had debt discharged through bankruptcy where the borrower has not reaffirmed the debt to be TDRs. If the loan amount exceeds the collateral value, the loan is charged down to collateral value and the remaining amount is reported as nonperforming.

Modifications to loans in the covered segment are similar in nature to that described above for non-covered loans, and the evaluation and determination of TDR status is similar, except that acquired loans restructured after acquisition are not considered TDRs for purposes of the Company’s accounting and disclosure if the loans evidenced credit deterioration as of the acquisition date and are accounted for in pools. Losses associated with modifications on covered loans, including the economic impact of interest rate reductions, are generally eligible for reimbursement under the loss sharing agreements.

The following table provides a summary of TDRs by loan class, including the delinquency status for TDRs that continue to accrue interest and TDRs included in nonperforming assets:

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Short-term Modifications The Company makes short-term modifications that it does not consider to be TDRs, in limited circumstances, to assist borrowers experiencing temporary financial hardships. Consumer lending programs include payment reductions, deferrals of up to three past due payments, and the ability to return to current status if the borrower makes required payments. The Company may also make short-term modifications to commercial lending loans, with the most common modification being an extension of the maturity date of three months or less. Such extensions generally are used when the maturity date is imminent and the borrower is experiencing some level of financial stress, but the Company believes the borrower will pay all contractual amounts owed. Short-term modified loans were not material at September 30, 2017.

Nonperforming Assets The level of nonperforming assets represents another indicator of the potential for future credit losses. Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans, restructured loans not performing in accordance with modified terms and not accruing interest, restructured loans that have not met the performance period required to return to accrual status, other real estate owned (“OREO”) and other nonperforming assets owned by the Company. Nonperforming assets are generally either originated by the Company or acquired under FDIC loss sharing agreements that substantially reduce the risk of credit losses to the Company. Interest payments collected from assets on nonaccrual status are generally applied against the principal balance and not recorded as income. However, interest income may be recognized for interest payments if the remaining carrying amount of the loan is believed to be collectible.

At September 30, 2017, total nonperforming assets were $1.3 billion, compared with $1.6 billion at December 31, 2016. The $352 million (22.0 percent) decrease in nonperforming assets was driven by improvements in commercial loans, residential mortgages and OREO. Nonperforming covered assets were $32 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The ratio of total nonperforming assets to total loans and other real estate was 0.45 percent at September 30, 2017, compared with 0.59 percent at December 31, 2016.

OREO, excluding covered assets, was $164 million at September 30, 2017, compared with $186 million at December 31, 2016, and was related to foreclosed properties that previously secured loan balances. These balances exclude foreclosed GNMA loans whose repayments are primarily insured by the Federal Housing Administration or guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.

The following table provides an analysis of OREO, excluding covered assets, as a percent of their related loan balances, including geographical location detail for residential (residential mortgage, home equity and second mortgage) and commercial (commercial and commercial real estate) loan balances: