ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.
Ownership of our common stock involves certain risks. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. You should carefully consider the risks described below, as well as all other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of these risks actually occurs, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Risks Related to Our Business
As a business operating in the financial services industry, our business and operations may be adversely affected in numerous and complex ways by weak economic conditions.
Our performance could be negatively impacted to the extent there is deterioration in business and economic conditions, including persistent inflation, supply chain issues or labor shortages, which have direct or indirect impacts on us, our customers and/or our counterparties. All of these factors can individually or in the aggregate be detrimental to our business, and the interplay between these factors can be complex and unpredictable. Adverse economic conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our commercial business and operations are concentrated in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas and we are more sensitive than our more geographically diversified competitors to adverse changes in the local economy.
As of December 31, 2022, approximately 88.2% of our loans held for investment (measured by dollar amount) were made to borrowers who live or conduct business in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas. Therefore, our success depends upon the general economic conditions in this area, which we cannot predict with any degree of certainty. A downturn in the local economy generally could make it more difficult for our borrowers to repay their loans and may lead to loan losses that are not offset by operations in other markets; it may also reduce the ability of our depositors to make or maintain
deposits with us. For these reasons, any regional or local economic downturn that affects the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas, or existing or prospective borrowers or depositors in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our customers and businesses in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area may be adversely impacted as a result of changes in government spending.
The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is characterized by a significant number of businesses that are federal government contractors or subcontractors, or which depend on such businesses for a significant portion of their revenues. The impact of a decline in federal government spending, a reallocation of government spending to different industries or different areas of the country or a delay in payments to such contractors could have a ripple effect. Temporary layoffs, staffing freezes, salary reductions or furloughs of government employees or government contractors could have adverse impacts on other businesses in the Company’s market and the general economy of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, and may indirectly lead to a loss of revenues by the Company’s customers, including vendors and lessors to the federal government and government contractors or to their employees, as well as a wide variety of commercial and retail businesses and the local housing market. Accordingly, such potential federal government activities could lead to increases in past due loans, nonperforming loans, loan loss reserves and charge-offs, and to a corresponding decline in liquidity.
We may not be able to measure and limit our credit risk adequately, which could lead to unexpected losses.
The primary component of our business involves making loans to customers. The business of lending is inherently risky, including risks that the principal of or interest on any loan will not be repaid in a timely manner or at all or that the value of any collateral supporting the loan will be insufficient to cover our outstanding exposure. A failure to measure and limit the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio effectively could lead to unexpected losses and have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Change in accounting standards or interpretation of new or existing standards may affect our financial condition and results of operations.
From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) and the SEC change accounting regulations and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. In addition, the FASB, SEC, bank regulators and the outside independent auditors may revise their previous interpretations regarding existing accounting regulations and the application of these accounting standards. These changes can be difficult to predict and can materially impact how to record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, there could be a requirement to apply a new or revised accounting standard retroactively, resulting in the restatement of prior period financial statements.
The implementation of the Current Expected Credit Loss accounting standard could require us to increase our allowance for credit losses and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss model with an expected loss model, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss model, or CECL. ASU 2016-13 became effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. This standard requires earlier recognition of expected credit losses on loans and certain other instruments, compared to the incurred loss model. At the adoption date, we expect a change to the Allowance for Loan Losses of less than $1.0 million based on the expected performance of the economy at the transition date. Implementing the CECL
framework requires us to increase the data the Company must collect and review to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent to the adoption date, the implementation of CECL may result in greater volatility in the level of the allowance for credit losses, depending on various factors and assumptions applied in the model, such as the forecasted economic conditions in the foreseeable future and loan payment behaviors. Any increase in the allowance for credit losses, or expenses incurred to determine the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses, may have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb potential losses in our loan portfolio.
We maintain an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s judgment of probable losses and risks inherent in our loan portfolio. The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of general economic conditions, diversification and seasoning of the loan portfolio, historic loss experience, identified credit problems, delinquency levels and adequacy of collateral. The determination of the appropriate level of our allowance for loan losses is inherently highly subjective and requires management to make significant estimates of and assumptions regarding current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. If we are required to materially increase our level of allowance for loan losses for any reason, such increase could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The small- to medium-sized businesses that we lend to may have fewer resources to weather adverse business developments, which may impair our borrowers’ ability to repay loans.
Small- to medium-sized businesses frequently have smaller market shares than their competition, may be more vulnerable to economic downturns, often need substantial additional capital to expand or compete and may experience substantial volatility in operating results, any of which may impair a borrower’s ability to repay a loan. If our borrowers are unable to repay their loans, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Our commercial real estate and real estate construction loan portfolio exposes us to credit risks that may be greater than the risks related to other types of loans.
These loans typically involve repayment that depends upon income generated, or expected to be generated, by the property securing the loan in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service. Unexpected deterioration in the credit quality of our commercial real estate loan portfolio could require us to increase our allowance for loan losses, which would reduce our profitability and could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Construction loans also involve risks because loan funds are secured by a project under construction and the project is of uncertain value prior to its completion. It can be difficult to accurately evaluate the total funds required to complete a project, and construction lending often involves the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment dependent, in part, on the success of the ultimate project rather than the ability of a borrower or guarantor to repay the loan. If we are forced to foreclose on a project prior to completion, we may be unable to recover the entire unpaid portion of the loan. In addition, we may be required to fund additional amounts to complete a project, incur taxes, maintenance and compliance costs for a foreclosed property and may have to hold the property for an indeterminate period of time, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Because a significant portion of our loan portfolio held for investment is comprised of real estate loans, negative changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity could impair the value of collateral securing our real estate loans and result in loan and other losses.
Adverse developments affecting real estate values and the liquidity of real estate in our primary markets could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio, and could result in losses that adversely affect credit quality, financial condition and results of operations. If real estate values decline, it is more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance for loan losses, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
A portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial loans secured by receivables, inventory, equipment or other commercial collateral, the deterioration in value of which could expose us to credit losses.
In general, these loans are collateralized by general business assets, including, among other things, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment, and most are backed by a personal guaranty of the borrower or principal. Significant adverse changes in the economy or local market conditions in which our commercial lending customers operate could cause rapid declines in loan collectability and the values associated with general business assets resulting in inadequate collateral coverage that may expose us to credit losses and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
System failure or cybersecurity breaches of our network security could subject us to increased operating costs as well as litigation and other potential losses.
Our computer systems and network infrastructure could be vulnerable to hardware and cybersecurity issues. Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in our operations could have a materially, adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Our operations are also dependent upon our ability to protect our computer systems and network infrastructure, including our digital, mobile and internet banking activities, against damage from physical break-ins, cybersecurity breaches and other disruptive problems. Such computer break-ins and other disruptions would jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in significant liability, damage our reputation and inhibit the use of our internet banking services by current and potential customers. A breach of our security that results in unauthorized access to our data could expose us to a disruption or challenges relating to our daily operations, as well as to data loss, litigation, damages, fines and penalties, significant increases in compliance costs and reputational damage, any of which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, we may need to take our systems off-line if they become infected with malware or a computer virus or as a result of another form of cyber-attack. In the event that backup systems are utilized, they may not process data as quickly as our primary systems and some data might not have been saved to backup systems, potentially resulting in a temporary or permanent loss of such data. In addition, our ability to implement backup systems and other safeguards with respect to third-party systems is more limited than with respect to our own systems. We frequently update our systems to support our operations and growth and to remain compliant with applicable laws, rules and regulations. This updating entails significant costs and creates risks associated with implementing new systems and integrating them with existing ones, including business interruptions. Implementation and testing of controls related to our computer systems, security monitoring, and retaining and training personnel required to operate our systems also entail significant costs.
We face security risks, including denial of service attacks, hacking, malware intrusion and data corruption attempts, and identity theft that could result in the disclosure of confidential information, materially and adversely affect our business or reputation, and create significant legal and financial exposure.
Our business relies on the secure processing, transmission, storage and retrieval of confidential, proprietary, and other information in our computer and data management systems and networks, and in the computer and data management systems and networks of third parties. In addition, to access our network, products and services, our customers and other third parties may use personal mobile devices or computing devices that are outside of our network environment and are subject to their own cybersecurity risks.
We, our customers, regulators, and other third parties, including other financial services institutions and companies engaged in data processing, have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, cyber-attacks. These cyber-attacks include computer viruses, malicious or destructive code, phishing attacks, denial of service or information, ransomware, improper access by employees or vendors, attacks on personal email of employees, ransom demands to not exploit security vulnerabilities in our systems or the systems of third parties, and other security breaches that could result in the unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of confidential, proprietary and other information of ours, our employees, our customers, or of third parties, and damage to our systems that could otherwise materially disrupt our or our customers’ or other third parties’ network access or business operations. As cyber-threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities or incidents. Despite efforts to ensure the integrity of our systems and implement controls, processes, policies and other protective measures, we may not be able to anticipate all security breaches, nor may we be able to implement sufficient preventive measures against such security breaches, which may expose us to material losses and other material, adverse consequences.
Cybersecurity risks for banking organizations have significantly increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, and the use of the internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions. Even the most advanced internal control environment may be vulnerable to compromise. The techniques used by cyber criminals change frequently, may not be recognized until launched, and may not be recognized until well after a breach has occurred. The speed at which new vulnerabilities are discovered and exploited, often before security patches are published, continues to rise. The risk of a security breach caused by a cyber-attack on a vendor or by unauthorized vendor access has also increased in recent years.
Cyber-attacks or other security breaches, whether directed at us or third parties, may result in a material loss or have other material, adverse consequences. Furthermore, the public perception that a cyber-attack on our systems has been successful, whether or not this perception is correct, may damage our reputation with customers and third parties with whom we do business. Hacking of personal information and identity theft risks, in particular, could cause serious reputational harm. A successful penetration or circumvention of system security could cause us serious negative consequences, including our loss of customers and business opportunities, costs associated with maintaining business relationships after an attack or breach, significant business disruption to our operations and business, misappropriation, exposure or destruction of our confidential information, intellectual property, funds and/or those of our customers; or damage to our or our customers’ and/or third parties’ computers or systems, and could result in a violation of applicable privacy and other laws, litigation exposure, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, loss of confidence in our security measures, reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensatory costs, and additional compliance costs, and could materially and adversely impact our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition. In addition, we may not have adequate insurance coverage to compensate for losses from a cybersecurity event.
Appraisals and other valuation techniques we use in evaluating and monitoring loans secured by real property, other real estate owned and repossessed personal property may not accurately describe the net value of the asset.
In considering whether to make a loan secured by real property, we generally require an appraisal of the property. However, an appraisal is only an estimate of the value of the property at the time the appraisal is made and, as real estate values may change significantly in value in relatively short periods of time (especially in periods of heightened economic uncertainty), this estimate may not accurately describe the net value of the real property collateral after the loan is made. As a result, we may not be able to recover the full amount of any remaining indebtedness when we foreclose on and sell the relevant property. In addition, we rely on appraisals and other valuation techniques to establish the value of our other real estate owned, or OREO, and personal property that we acquire through foreclosure proceedings and to determine certain loan impairments. If any of these valuations are inaccurate, our combined and consolidated financial statements may not reflect the correct value of our OREO, and our allowance for loan losses may not reflect accurate loan impairments. This could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
We engage in lending secured by real estate and may be forced to foreclose on the collateral and own the underlying real estate, subjecting us to the costs and potential risks associated with the ownership of the real property, or consumer protection initiatives or changes in state or federal law may substantially raise the cost of foreclosure or prevent us from foreclosing at all.
Since we originate loans secured by real estate, we may have to foreclose on the collateral property to protect our investment and may thereafter own and operate such property, in which case we would be exposed to the risks inherent in the ownership of real estate. Our inability to manage the amount of costs or the risks associated with the ownership of real estate, or write-downs in the value of OREO, could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Additionally, consumer protection initiatives or changes in state or federal law may substantially increase the time and expense associated with the foreclosure process or prevent us from foreclosing at all. If new state or federal laws or regulations are ultimately enacted that significantly raise the cost of foreclosure or raise outright barriers, such could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
A lack of liquidity could impair our ability to fund operations and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Liquidity is essential to our business. We rely on our ability to generate deposits and effectively manage the repayment and maturity schedules of our loans and investment securities, respectively, to ensure that we have adequate liquidity to fund our operations. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, sales of our investment securities, sales of loans or other sources could materially and adversely impact our ability to originate loans, invest in securities, meet our expenses or fulfill obligations such as repaying our borrowings or meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could, in turn, have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We have several large depositor relationships, the loss of which could force us to fund our business through more expensive and less stable sources.
As of December 31, 2022, our 10 largest non-brokered depositors accounted for $389.9 million in deposits, or approximately 22.2% of our total deposits. Withdrawals of deposits by any one of our largest depositors could force us to rely more heavily on borrowings and other sources of funding for our business, adversely affecting our net interest margin and results of operations. We may also be forced, as a result of any withdrawal of deposits, to rely more heavily on other, potentially more expensive and less
stable funding sources. Consequently, the occurrence of any of these events could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our mortgage banking division may not continue to provide us with significant noninterest income.
The residential mortgage business is highly competitive and highly susceptible to changes in market interest rates, consumer confidence levels, employment statistics, the capacity and willingness of secondary market purchasers to acquire and hold or securitize loans, and other factors beyond our control. Additionally, in many respects, the traditional mortgage origination business is relationship-based, and dependent on the services of individual mortgage loan officers. The loss of services of one or more loan officers could have the effect of reducing the level of our mortgage production, or the rate of growth of production. As a result of these factors, we cannot be certain that we will be able to maintain or increase the volume or percentage of revenue or net income produced by our residential mortgage business.
We earn income by originating residential mortgage loans for resale in the secondary mortgage market, and disruptions in that market could reduce our operating income.
Historically, as part of our focus on loan origination and sales activities, we enter into formal commitments and informal agreements with larger banking companies and mortgage investors earning the Bank income from these sales. Under these arrangements, we originate single-family mortgages that are priced and underwritten to conform to previously agreed criteria before loan funding and are delivered to the investor shortly after funding.
Disruptions in the secondary market may not only affect us but also the ability and desire of mortgage investors and other banks to purchase residential mortgage loans that we originate. As a result, we may not be able to maintain or grow the income we receive from originating and reselling residential mortgage loans. Additionally, we hold certain mortgage loans that we originated for sale, increasing our exposure to interest rate risk and adverse changes in the value of the residential real estate that serves as collateral for the mortgage loan prior to sale.
Our financial condition, earnings and asset quality could be adversely affected if we are required to repurchase loans originated for sale by our mortgage banking division.
The Bank originates residential mortgage loans for sale to secondary market investors, subject to contractually specified recourse provisions. Because the loans are intended to be originated within investor guidelines, using designated automated underwriting and product-specific requirements as part of the loan application, the loans sold have a limited recourse provision. Should such loan repurchases become a material issue, our earnings and asset quality could be adversely impacted, which could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Delinquencies and credit losses from our OpenSky® credit card division could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our OpenSky® Division provides secured, partially secured, and unsecured credit cards on a nationwide basis to under-banked populations and those looking to rebuild their credit scores. Although some OpenSky® credit cards are fully or partially secured, losses may occur as a result of fraud, or when the account exceeds its established limit or if a cardholder ceases to maintain the account in good standing. Fraud, such as identity fraud, payment fraud and funding fraud (where, for example, an individual funds a card using information from someone they know well, such as a relative or roommate) can result in substantial losses. In the case of an OpenSky® account that is funded through fraud on the part of an applicant, we are required by applicable laws to refund the amount of the original deposit, and we charge off balances which were subsequently charged on the card. Account balances in excess of
established credit limits happen as a result of certain VISA membership policies that allow cardholders to incur certain charges even if they exceed their card limits, which include, but are not limited to, rental car charges, gas station charges and hotel deposits. If an OpenSky® cardholder exceeds his or her credit limit as a result of purchases in one of these categories, we may incur losses for amounts in excess of the collateral deposited if the borrower fails to repay such excess amounts. Customers can also exceed their credit limit by making intra period payments to replenish their available lines. If the payments are made via the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) and were fraudulent, we could incur the cost of the payment. Finally, losses to our credit card portfolio may arise if cardholders cease to maintain the account in good standing with timely payments. For example, in the event a card becomes more than 120 days past due, the credit card balance is recovered against any corresponding deposit account and a charge-off is recorded for any related fees, accrued interest or other charges in excess of the deposit account balance. We have invested in technology and systems to prevent and detect fraudulent behavior and mitigate losses but such investments may not be adequate, and our systems may not adequately monitor or mitigate potential losses arising from these risks.
A high credit loss rate (the rate at which we charge off uncollectible loans) on either our secured, partially secured, or unsecured portfolio could materially and adversely impact our overall financial performance. We maintain an allowance for loan losses, which we believe to be adequate to cover credit losses inherent in our OpenSky® portfolio, but we cannot be certain that the allowance will be sufficient to cover actual credit losses. If credit losses from our OpenSky® portfolio exceed our allowance for loan losses, our revenues will be reduced by the excess of such credit losses.
The inability of our OpenSky® credit card division to continue its growth rate could adversely affect our earnings.
Our credit card portfolio has increased and certain corresponding fees have been a significant portion of our income. We do not know if we will be able to retain existing customers or attract new customers, or that we will be able to increase account balances for new or existing customers.
We hope the development and expansion of new credit card products and related cardholder service products will be an important contributor to our growth and earnings in the future; however, if we are unable to implement new cardholder products and features, our ability to grow will be negatively impacted. Declining sales of cardholder service products would likely result in reduced income from fees and interest.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected by merchants’ increasing focus on the fees charged by credit card networks and by regulation and legislation impacting such fees.
Credit card interchange fees are generally one of the largest components of the costs that merchants pay in connection with the acceptance of credit cards and are a meaningful source of revenue for our OpenSky® Division. Interchange fees are the subject of significant and intense legal, regulatory and legislative focus globally, and the resulting decisions, regulations and legislation may have a material and adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The heightened focus by merchants and regulatory and legislative bodies on the fees charged by credit and debit card networks, and the ability of certain merchants to negotiate discounts to interchange fees with MasterCard and Visa successfully or develop alternative payment systems could result in a reduction of interchange fees. Any resulting loss in income to us could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
By engaging in derivative transactions, we are exposed to additional credit and market risk.
As part of our mortgage banking activities, we enter into interest rate lock agreements with the consumer. These are commitments to originate loans at a specified interest rate and lock expiration which is set prior to closing.
Hedging interest rate risk is a complex process, requiring sophisticated models and routine monitoring. As a result of interest rate fluctuations, hedged assets and liabilities will appreciate or depreciate in market value. The effect of this unrealized appreciation or depreciation in assets (loans) will generally be offset by income or loss in the corresponding MBS derivative instruments that are linked to the hedged assets and liabilities. By engaging in derivative transactions, we are exposed to counterparty credit and market risk. If the counterparty fails to perform, credit risk exists to the extent of the fair value gain in the derivative. Market risk exists to the extent that interest rates change in ways that are significantly different from what was modeled when we entered into the derivative transaction. The existence of credit and market risk associated with our derivative instruments could materially and adversely affect our mortgage banking revenue and, therefore, could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to interest rate risk as fluctuations in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings.
The majority of our banking assets and liabilities are monetary in nature and subject to risk from changes in interest rates. Like most financial institutions, our earnings are significantly dependent on our net interest income, the principal component of our earnings, which is the difference between interest earned by us from our interest earning assets, such as loans and investment securities, and interest paid by us on our interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. We expect that we will periodically experience “gaps” in the interest rate sensitivities of our assets and liabilities, meaning that either our interest-bearing liabilities will be more sensitive to changes in market interest rates than our interest earning assets, or vice versa. In either case, if market interest rates move contrary to our position, this gap will negatively impact our earnings. The impact on earnings is more adverse when the slope of the yield curve flattens; that is, when short-term interest rates increase more than long-term interest rates or when long-term interest rates decrease more than short-term interest rates. Many factors impact interest rates, including governmental monetary policies, inflation, recession, changes in unemployment, the money supply, international economic weakness and disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets.
Interest rate increases often result in larger payment requirements for our borrowers, which increases the potential for default and could result in a decrease in the demand for loans. At the same time, the marketability of the property securing a loan may be adversely affected by any reduced demand resulting from higher interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, there may be an increase in prepayments on loans as borrowers refinance their loans at lower rates. In addition, in a low interest rate environment, loan customers often pursue long-term fixed rate credits, which could adversely affect our earnings and net interest margin if rates later increase. Changes in interest rates also can affect the value of loans, securities and other assets. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on loans may lead to an increase in nonperforming assets and a reduction of income recognized, which could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. Further, when we place a loan on nonaccrual status, we reverse any accrued but unpaid interest receivable, which decreases interest income. At the same time, we continue to incur costs to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without any interest income to offset the associated funding expense. Thus, an increase in the amount of nonperforming assets would have a material and adverse impact on net interest income.
We could recognize losses on investment securities held in our securities portfolio, particularly if interest rates continue to increase or economic and market conditions deteriorate.
We invest a portion of our total assets (11.9% as of December 31, 2022) in investment securities with the primary objectives of providing a source of liquidity, providing an appropriate return on funds invested and managing interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2022, the fair value of our available-for-sale investment securities portfolio was $252 million, which included unrealized losses of $22.4 million and no unrealized gains. Factors beyond our control can significantly and adversely influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio. Because of changing economic and market conditions affecting interest rates, the financial condition of issuers of the securities and the performance of the underlying collateral, we may recognize realized and/or unrealized losses in future periods, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Uncertainty about the future of LIBOR may adversely affect our business.
On July 27, 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates the LIBOR, announced that it intends to stop persuading or compelling banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR after 2021. In November 2020, the Financial Conduct Authority announced that it would continue to publish LIBOR rates through June 30, 2023. It is unclear whether, or in what form, LIBOR will continue to exist after that date. Central banks around the world, including the Federal Reserve, have commissioned committees and working groups of market participants and official sector representatives to replace LIBOR and replace or reform other interest rate benchmarks. U.S. banking agencies encouraged banks to cease entering into new contracts referencing LIBOR no later than December 31, 2021. A transition away from the widespread use of LIBOR to alternative benchmarks has begun and will continue over the course of the next few years. These reforms may cause such rates to perform differently than in the past or have other consequences that are unforeseen.
While there is no consensus on what rate or rates may become accepted alternatives to LIBOR, a group of market participants convened by the Federal Reserve, the Alternative Reference Rate Committee, has selected SOFR as its recommended alternative to LIBOR. SOFR may fail to gain market acceptance. SOFR was developed for use in certain U.S. dollar derivatives and other financial contracts as an alternative to U.S. dollar LIBOR in part because it is considered to be a good representation of general funding conditions in the overnight U.S. Treasury repo market. However, as a rate based on transactions secured by U.S. Treasury securities, it does not measure bank-specific credit risk and, as a result, is likely to correlate with the unsecured short-term funding costs of banks. This may mean that market participants would not consider SOFR to be a suitable substitute or a successor for all of the purposes for which U.S. dollar LIBOR historically has been used, which may, in turn, lessen its market acceptance.
It is impossible to predict the effect of the adoption of SOFR or any other alternative reference rate on the value of LIBOR-based securities and variable rate loans, subordinated debentures, or other securities or financial arrangements, given LIBOR’s role in determining market interest rates globally. Uncertainty as to the nature of alternative reference rates and as to potential changes or other reforms to LIBOR may adversely affect LIBOR rates and the value of LIBOR-based loans and securities in our portfolio, and may impact the availability and cost of hedging instruments and borrowings. If LIBOR rates are no longer available, and we are required to implement alternative reference rates, such as SOFR, for the calculation of interest rates under our loan agreements with our borrowers, we may incur significant expenses in effectuating the transition, and may be subject to disputes or litigation with customers over the appropriateness or comparability of LIBOR to SOFR or another alternative reference rate, which could have a material and adverse effect on our results of operations.
We face strong competition from financial services companies and other companies that offer banking services.
We operate in the highly competitive financial services industry and face significant competition for customers from financial institutions located both within and beyond our principal markets. We compete with commercial banks, savings banks, credit unions, nonbank financial services companies and other
financial institutions operating within or near the areas we serve. In addition, many of our non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive regulations that govern our activities and may have greater flexibility in competing for business. Our inability to compete successfully in the markets in which we operate could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Industry
We operate in a highly regulated environment and the laws and regulations that govern our operations, corporate governance, executive compensation and accounting principles, or changes in them, or our failure to comply with them, could adversely affect us.
Banking is highly regulated under federal and state law. As such, we are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and legal requirements that govern almost all aspects of our operations. Compliance with laws and regulations can be difficult and costly, and changes to laws and regulations often impose additional operating costs. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations, even if the failure follows good faith effort or reflects a difference in interpretation, could subject us to restrictions on our business activities, enforcement actions and fines and other penalties, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations, regulatory capital levels and the price of our securities. Further, any new laws, rules and regulations could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Legislative and regulatory actions taken now or in the future may increase our costs and impact our business, governance structure, financial condition or results of operations.
Economic conditions that contributed to the financial crisis in 2008, particularly in the financial markets, resulted in government regulatory agencies and political bodies placing increased focus and scrutiny on the financial services industry. The Dodd-Frank Act, which was enacted in 2010 as a response to the financial crisis, significantly changed the regulation of financial institutions and the financial services industry. Compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations has and may continue to result in additional operating and compliance costs that could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.
Federal and state regulatory agencies frequently adopt changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied. Regulatory or legislative changes to laws applicable to the financial industry, if enacted or adopted, may impact the profitability of our business activities, require more oversight or change certain of our business practices, including the ability to offer new products, obtain financing, attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory interest spreads and could expose us to additional costs, including increased compliance costs. These changes also may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to make any necessary changes to operations to comply and could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Federal banking agencies periodically conduct examinations of our business, including compliance with laws and regulations, and our failure to comply with any supervisory actions to which we are or become subject as a result of such examinations could adversely affect us.
As part of the bank regulatory process, the OCC and the Federal Reserve, periodically conduct examinations of our business, including compliance with laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, one of these federal banking agencies were to determine that the financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity, asset sensitivity, risk management or other aspects of any of our operations have become unsatisfactory, or that the Company, the Bank or their respective management were in violation of any law or regulation, it may take a number of different remedial actions as it deems appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin “unsafe or unsound”
practices, to require affirmative actions to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in our capital levels, to restrict our growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against us, the Bank or their respective officers or directors, to remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, to terminate the Bank’s deposit insurance. If we become subject to such regulatory actions, our business, financial condition, results of operations and reputation would be materially and adversely affected.
Monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the U.S. money supply and credit conditions. The monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. Although we cannot determine the effects of such policies on us at this time, such policies could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Regulatory requirements affecting our loans secured by commercial real estate could limit our ability to leverage our capital and adversely affect our growth and profitability.
The federal bank regulatory agencies have indicated their view that banks with high concentrations of loans secured by commercial real estate are subject to increased risk and should implement robust risk management policies and maintain higher capital than regulatory minimums to maintain an appropriate cushion against loss that is commensurate with the perceived risk. Federal bank regulatory guidelines identify institutions potentially exposed to commercial real estate concentration risk as those that have (i) experienced rapid growth in commercial real estate lending, (ii) notable exposure to a specific type of commercial real estate, (iii) total reported loans for construction, land development and other land loans representing 100% or more of the institution’s capital, or (iv) total non-owner-occupied commercial real estate (including construction) loans representing 300% or more of the institution’s capital if the outstanding balance of the institution’s non-owner-occupied commercial real estate (including construction) loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months. At December 31, 2022, the Bank’s construction to total capital ratio was 108.6% which exceeded the 100% regulatory guideline threshold set forth in clause (iii) above. As a result, we are deemed to have a concentration in commercial real estate lending under applicable regulatory guidelines. Because a significant portion of our loan portfolio depends on commercial real estate, a change in the regulatory capital requirements applicable to us or a decline in our regulatory capital could limit our ability to leverage our capital as a result of these policies, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We cannot guarantee that any risk management practices we implement will be effective to prevent losses relating to our commercial real estate portfolio. Management has implemented controls to monitor our commercial real estate lending concentrations, but we cannot predict the extent to which regulatory guidelines will impact our operations or capital requirements.
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
The market price of our common stock may be subject to substantial fluctuations, which may make it difficult for you to sell your shares at the volume, prices and times desired.
The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile, which may make it difficult for you to resell your shares at the volume, prices and times desired. There are many factors that may affect the market price and trading volume of our common stock, most of which are outside of our control.
The stock market and the market for financial institution stocks has experienced substantial fluctuations in recent years, which in many cases have been unrelated to the operating performance and prospects of particular companies. In addition, significant fluctuations in the trading volume in our common stock may cause significant price variations to occur. Increased market volatility may materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock, which could make it difficult for you to sell your shares at the volume, prices and times desired.
The market price of our common stock could decline significantly and you may experience future dilution due to actual or anticipated issuances or sales of our common stock in the future.
Our board of directors may determine from time to time that we need to raise additional capital by issuing additional shares of our common stock or other securities. We cannot predict the size of future issuances of our common stock or the effect, if any, that future issuances and sales of our common stock will have on the market price of our common stock. To the extent we raise additional capital by issuing additional shares of our common stock or other securities convertible into, or exchangeable for, our common stock, you may experience substantial dilution.
Our management and board of directors have significant control over our business.
As of December 31, 2022, our directors, directors of the Bank, our named executive officers and their respective family members and affiliated entities beneficially owned an aggregate of 5,499,792 shares, or approximately 38.9% of our issued and outstanding common stock. Consequently, our management and board of directors may be able to significantly affect the outcome of the election of directors and the potential outcome of other matters submitted to a vote of our shareholders, such as mergers, the sale of substantially all of our assets and other extraordinary corporate matters. The interests of these insiders could conflict with the interests of our other shareholders.
Our common stock is subordinate to our existing and future indebtedness and preferred stock.
Our common stock ranks junior to all of our existing and future indebtedness and other non-equity claims with respect to assets available to satisfy claims against us, including claims in the event of our liquidation. As of December 31, 2022 we had outstanding approximately $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount of subordinated notes and $2.1 million in aggregate principal amount of junior subordinated debentures. We may incur additional indebtedness in the future to increase our capital resources or if our total capital ratio or the total capital ratio of the Bank falls below the required minimums. Furthermore, our common stock is subordinate to any series of preferred stock we may issue in the future.
Provisions in our governing documents and Maryland law may have an anti-takeover effect, and there are substantial regulatory limitations on changes of control of bank holding companies.
Our corporate organizational documents and provisions of federal and state law to which we are subject contain certain provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, make more difficult or prevent an attempted acquisition that you may favor or an attempted replacement of our board of directors or management.
In addition, certain provisions of Maryland law may delay, discourage or prevent an attempted acquisition or change in control. Furthermore, banking laws impose notice, approval, and ongoing regulatory requirements on any shareholder or other party that seeks to acquire direct or indirect “control” of an FDIC-insured depository institution or its holding company. These laws include the BHC Act and the Change in Bank Control Act (“CBCA”). These laws could delay or prevent an acquisition.
Our common stock is not insured by any governmental entity.
Our common stock is not a deposit account or other obligation of any bank and is not insured by the FDIC or any other governmental entity. Investment in our common stock is subject to risk, including possible loss.
ITEM 1B UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Our headquarters are currently located at 2275 Research Boulevard, Suite 600, Rockville, Maryland 20850. The following table summarizes pertinent details of our commercial bank branch locations, mortgage banking offices, loan production offices, or LPOs, and our credit card operations office. Our mortgage offices typically contain both origination and operations professionals.
Location Owned/Leased Lease Expiration Type of office
One Church StreetSuite 100Rockville, MD 20850 Leased 6/30/24 Commercial Branch
818 Connecticut AveSuite 900Washington, D.C. 20006 Sub-Leased Month-to-month LPO
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
From time to time, we are a party to various litigation matters incidental to the ordinary conduct of our business. We are not presently a party to any material legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Shareholder Information
The common stock of the Company has been publicly traded since September 2018 and is currently traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol CBNK. As of March 14, 2023, there were approximately 152 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
Commencing with the third quarter of 2021, shareholders have received quarterly cash dividends on shares of common stock which totaled $3.1 million in 2022. As a general matter, the payment of dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s board of directors, based on such factors as operating results, financial condition, capital adequacy, regulatory requirements, and stockholder return. Although we have no obligation to pay dividends and we may change our dividend policy at any time without notice to shareholders, the Company anticipates continuing a regular quarterly cash dividend. Any future determination to pay dividends to holders of our common stock will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, banking regulations, contractual restrictions and any other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is dependent on the Bank’s ability to pay dividends to the Company. Various statutory provisions restrict the amount of dividends that the Bank can pay without regulatory approval.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2022, with respect to options and RSUs outstanding and shares available for future awards under the Company’s active equity incentive plans.
(a) (b) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders:
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders — — —
Unregistered Sales and Issuer Repurchases of Common Stock
There were no unregistered sales of the Company’s stock during the year ended December 31, 2022.
On July 25, 2022, the Company announced a new stock repurchase program. Under the new program, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $10.0 million of its outstanding common stock, par value $0.01 per share (“Common Stock”). The program will expire on December 31, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2022 there were no stock repurchases.
ITEM 6. [Reserved]
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis is intended as a review of significant factors affecting the Company’s financial condition and results of operations for the periods indicated. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and the related notes.
Executive Summary
The following summary should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section in its entirety.
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 increased $1.8 million, or 4.6% when compared to the prior year, due primarily to an increase in average balances in the loan portfolio, an increase in credit card interest, and a decrease in data processing. These positive factors were offset by an increase in rates for all interest-bearing liabilities, a decrease in mortgage banking revenue, a decrease in credit card fees, an increase in the provision for loan losses, and increases in salaries and employee benefits and advertising. During the year ended December 31, 2022, continued focus on growing the Company’s commercial real estate loan portfolio, specifically owner-occupied properties, led to growth of the Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio by $108.2 million, of which $87.6 million was owner-occupied. Our credit card portfolio declined by $12.7 million in comparison to December 31, 2021; however, increases in interest rates helped to offset the impact of the declining balance and corresponding credit card fees. The decrease in data processing expenses was primarily due to a contract renegotiation entered into in the first quarter of 2022.
The net interest margin was 6.92% for the year ended December 31, 2022 compared to 5.86% for the prior year. Primarily driving this margin expansion were increases in average portfolio loan balances of $208.7 million and a 73 basis point increase in the loan yield on the portfolio loans, while the average interest rates across all interest-bearing liabilities only increased 35 basis points. Leading the increase in average portfolio balances was commercial real estate with an average balance increase of $156.9 million when comparing the year ended December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2021. Increasing interest rates contributed to sharp increases in the cost of funds associated with our interest-bearing deposit portfolio and resulted in a 22 basis point increase between 2021 and 2022. The increase in rates for money market accounts was the most significant contributor to the over-all increase in our cost of funds.
Total assets grew by $68.4 million while total liabilities grew by $42.2 million when comparing year end 2022 to 2021. Total asset growth was primarily due to an increase in portfolio loans held for investment of $203.4 million and investment securities available for sale of $68.0 million, offset by net
SBA-PPP run off of $106.1 million. Total liability growth was due, in part, to an increase in Federal Home Loan Bank advances of $85.0 million when comparing December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2021.
The Bank’s OpenSky® Division continued to exceed management’s expectations during 2022 despite headwinds brought on by significant interest rate increases and economic uncertainty. OpenSky® had a record year of profitability in 2022, resulting in an increase of $8.4 million in net income for the segment. Average credit card loan balances increased in 2022 compared to 2021, and that increase, coupled with the increase in interest rates, accounted for $15.1 million growth in interest income compared to the year ended December 31, 2021. Normal customer attrition and aggressive marketing and product strategies by fintech and credit card companies offering unsecured subprime credit cards have contributed to the continued decline in the total number of OpenSky® accounts, particularly in late 2022. Active customer accounts decreased by 127 thousand when comparing the year end balance 2022 to 2021, leading to a decline in revenues earned from interchange and other fees. Ultimately, outstanding year end credit card balances decreased $12.7 million, net of reserves, while the noninterest-bearing deposits associated therewith decreased by $42.1 million to $187.4 million at December 31, 2022 from $229.5 million at December 31, 2021.
The Bank’s Capital Bank Home Loans division saw a decline in mortgage originations during the year ended December 31, 2022 when compared to the prior year. The steepening of the yield curve in 2022 resulted in continued decline in home loan sales and home loan refinances. Gain on sale margins, down slightly from 2.79% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, remained strong at 2.34% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. Historically-low housing inventory, shortages in new home building materials, and fluctuating interest rates are likely to continue suppressing origination volumes into 2023.
Critical Accounting Policies
The accounting and reporting policies of the Company are in accordance with U.S. GAAP and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The Company’s financial position and results of operations are affected by management’s application of accounting policies, including estimates, assumptions, and judgments made to arrive at the carrying value of assets and liabilities and amounts reported for revenues, expenses, and other items. Different assumptions in the application of these policies could result in material changes in the Company’s consolidated financial position and/or results of operations. The Company evaluates its critical accounting estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis and updates them, as deemed necessary. Management has discussed the Company’s critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.
The Company’s accounting policies are fundamental to understanding the Company’s consolidated financial position and consolidated results of operations. Accordingly, the Company’s significant accounting policies are discussed in detail in “Note 1 - Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation” in the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".
The critical accounting and reporting policies include the Company’s accounting for the allowance for loan losses. The Company provides additional information on its allowance for loan losses in “Note 1 - Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation” in the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Part II, Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data".
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of Recent Accounting Pronouncements, see “Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Notes to Financial Statements - Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”
Results of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2022 and 2021
Net Income
The following table sets forth the principal components of net income for the periods indicated.
Years Ended December 31,
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2022 was $41.8 million, compared to net income for the year ended December 31, 2021 of $40.0 million. The increase in net interest income was primarily due to the increase in average loans outstanding in the loan portfolio year over year, an increase in credit card interest income, and a reduction in data processing expenses. Year over year growth in portfolio loan volumes contributed $24.4 million to the increase in net interest income, with $15.1 million attributable to the credit card portfolio, which benefited from increased interest rates and an increase in average credit card balances. Data processing expenses decreased $9.8 million primarily due to contract renegotiations completed in the first quarter of 2022.
Offsetting factors included a decrease in mortgage banking revenue of $16.0 million and an increase in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities of $3.5 million when comparing 2022 to 2021. The increased cost of interest-bearing liabilities was the result of the increase in market interest rates. The provision for loan losses increased $3.3 million due to economic uncertainty, particularly in respect of the credit card portfolio. A decrease in overall credit card accounts led to the reduction in credit card fees of $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 in comparison to 2021. Advertising increased $1.4 million due primarily to increased competition for credit card customers. Salaries and employee benefits increased $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 in comparison to 2021 as the Company increased its overall headcount by 60, hiring commercial lending teams as well as senior management officials and staff at the Bank. Professional fees increased $4.0 million, primarily in consequence of efforts to enhance the Bank’s regulatory compliance function and its technology infrastructure.
Net Interest Income and Net Margin Analysis
Net interest income is the difference between interest income on earning assets and the cost of funds supporting those assets. Earning assets are composed primarily of loans, loans held for sale, investment securities, and interest-bearing deposits with banks. The cost of funds represents interest expense on deposits and borrowings, which consist of federal funds purchased, advances from the FHLB, and subordinated notes. Noninterest-bearing deposits and capital also provide sources of funding.
We analyze our ability to maximize income generated from interest earning assets and control the interest expenses of our liabilities, measured as net interest income, through our net interest margin and net interest spread. Net interest margin is a ratio calculated as net interest income annualized divided by average interest earning assets for the same period. Net interest spread is the difference between average interest rates earned on interest earning assets and average interest rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities.
Changes in market interest rates and the interest rates we earn on interest earning assets or pay on interest-bearing liabilities, as well as in the volume and mix of interest earning assets, interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing liabilities and stockholders’ equity, are usually the largest drivers of periodic changes in net interest income, net interest margin and net interest spread. Fluctuations in market interest rates are driven by many factors, including governmental monetary policies, inflation, deflation, macroeconomic developments, changes in unemployment, the money supply, political and international conditions and conditions in domestic and foreign financial markets. Periodic changes in the volume and types of loans in our loan portfolio are affected by, among other factors, economic and competitive conditions in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas, as well as developments affecting the real estate, technology, government services, hospitality and tourism and financial services sectors within our target markets and throughout the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metropolitan areas. Our ability to respond to changes in these factors by using effective asset-liability management techniques is critical to maintaining the stability of net interest income and net interest margin.
The table below presents the average balances and weighted average rates of the major categories of the Company’s assets, liabilities and stockholders’ equity for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021. Weighted average yields are derived by dividing annualized income by the average balance of the related assets, and weighted average rates are derived by dividing annualized expense by the average balance of the related liabilities, for the periods shown. Average outstanding balances are derived by utilizing average daily balances for the time periods shown. The weighted average yields and rates include amortization of fees, costs, premiums and discounts, which are considered adjustments to yield/rates. Weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities are not calculated on a fully taxable equivalent basis.
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET AND NET INTEREST ANALYSIS
Years Ended December 31,
Assets
Interest earning assets:
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Net interest spread 6.46 % 5.58 %
Net interest margin (3) 6.92 % 5.86 %
_______________
(1)Includes nonaccrual loans.
(2)Interest income includes amortization of deferred loan fees, net of deferred loan costs.
(3)For the twelve months ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, SBA-PPP loans and credit card loans accounted for 299 and 226 basis points of the reported net interest margin, respectively.
Rate/Volume Analysis of Net Interest Income
The rate/volume table below presents the composition of the change in net interest income for the periods indicated, as allocated between the change in net interest income due to changes in the volume of average earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, and the changes in net interest income due to changes in interest rates.
Compared to Compared to
Change Due To Interest Variance Change Due To Interest Variance
(In thousands) Volume Rate Volume Rate
Interest Income:
Federal funds sold 2 42 44 — (4) (4)
Interest Expense:
When comparing the years ended December 31, 2022 to 2021, the greatest positive impact to total interest income was the increased market interest rate affecting all interest earning assets. On a stand-alone basis, the credit card portfolio contributed an increase of $15.1 million due to market interest rate increases and increased average credit card balances when comparing the year over year 2022 to 2021 figures. While credit card balances declined as of December 31, 2022 compared to 2021, average credit card loan balances maintained a consistent balance until late 2022, when credit card balances declined, likely due to the lapse of certain government stimulus programs. SBA-PPP loans continued to be forgiven in 2022 resulting in reduced interest income of $4.1 million when compared to 2021. Volume increases in portfolio loans excluding credit cards accounted for an increase of $10.3 million in interest income for the year ended December 31, 2022, while interest rates accounted for an increase of $3.1 million for the same period. The increase in rates paid on the deposit portfolio increased interest expense by $3.1 million due to the increase in market interest rates between the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.
Provision for Loan Losses
The provision for loan losses represents the amount of expense charged to current earnings to fund the allowance for loan losses. The amount of the allowance for loan losses is based on many factors which reflect management’s assessment of the risk in the loan portfolio. Those factors include historical losses, economic conditions and trends, the value and adequacy of collateral, volume and mix of the
portfolio, performance of the portfolio, and internal loan processes of the Company and Bank. For a detailed description of the factors taken into account by our management in determining the allowance for loan losses see “Financial Condition— Allowance for Loan Losses.”
For the year ended December 31, 2022, the Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $6.6 million, compared to $3.4 million for the previous year. The increase in the provision for 2022 compared to 2021 was primarily associated with the credit card portfolio. See additional discussion regarding the Company’s allowance for loan losses and reserve for off-balance sheet credit exposures at December 31, 2022 in “Financial Condition— Allowance for Loan Losses.”
The maintenance of a high-quality loan portfolio, with an adequate allowance for possible credit losses, will continue to be a primary management objective for the Company.
Noninterest Income
Our primary sources of recurring noninterest income are credit card fees, such as interchange fees and statement fees, and mortgage banking revenue. Noninterest income does not include (i) loan origination fees to the extent they exceed the direct loan origination costs and annual renewal fees, which are generally recognized over the life of the related loan as an adjustment to yield using the interest method or (ii) late fees assessed on delinquent accounts.
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of noninterest income:
Years Ended December 31,
Noninterest income:
Service charges on deposit accounts $ 767 $ 609 25.9 %
Gain on sale of investment securities available for sale, net — 153 (100.0)
The Bank’s OpenSky® Division active customer accounts decreased by 127 thousand when comparing the 2022 year end levels to 2021 year end levels. The decrease in accounts was due to waning COVID-19 consumer patterns, a return to more normalized seasonal trends in 2022 and aggressive marketing by competitors. These headwinds led to decreased fees of $5.9 million during 2022.
The Bank’s Capital Bank Home Loans division saw a decline in mortgage originations during the year ended December 31, 2022 when compared to the prior year. A rising interest rate environment dampened home loan sales and home loan refinances. Gain on sale margins, down slightly from 2.79% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021, remained strong at 2.34% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2022. Historically-low housing inventory, shortages in new home building materials, and fluctuating interest rates are likely to continue suppressing origination volumes into 2023.
Mortgage loans sold are subject to repurchase in circumstances where documentation is deficient or the underlying loan becomes delinquent or pays off within a specified period following loan funding and sale. The Bank considers these potential recourse provisions to be a risk and has established a reserve under generally accepted accounting principles for possible repurchases. The reserve was $1.2 million at December 31, 2022 and 2021. The Bank repurchased one loan in December 2022 for $463 thousand and one loan for $205 thousand during 2021. The Bank does not originate “sub-prime” mortgage loans and has no exposure to this market segment
Noninterest Expense
Generally, noninterest expense is composed of all employee expenses and costs associated with operating our facilities, obtaining and retaining customer relationships and providing bank services. The largest component of noninterest expense is salaries and employee benefits. Noninterest expense also includes operational expenses, such as occupancy and equipment expenses, professional fees, advertising expenses, loan processing expenses and other general and administrative expenses, including FDIC assessments, communications, travel, meals, training, supplies and postage.
The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the major categories of noninterest expense:
Years Ended December 31,
Noninterest expense:
During 2022, data processing expenses decreased $9.8 million primarily due to a contract renegotiation entered into in the first quarter of 2022. When compared to the year ended December 31, 2021, salaries and employee benefits increased due to the addition of new employees in our commercial and commercial real estate lending groups as well as additional positions in executive management as the Company continues to put in place the requisite human capital for its continued growth. An increase in advertising expense was attributable to enhanced marketing for the commercial bank segment as well as OpenSky® during 2022 as the Company focused on retaining high-quality customers and faced increasing competition in the credit card market. Professional fees associated with the commercial bank segment increased as the Company continued to build out its regulatory compliance function and its technology infrastructure.
Income Tax Expense
The amount of income tax expense we incur is influenced by our pre-tax income and our nondeductible expenses. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at current income tax rates in effect for the period in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. A valuation allowance is established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
Income tax expense was $12.4 million for 2022 compared to $13.9 million for 2021. Our effective tax rates for those periods were 22.9% and 25.8%, respectively.
Financial Condition
The following table summarizes the Company’s financial condition at the dates indicated.
December 31, Change expressed in:
Equity to total assets at end of period 10.5 % 9.6 % 9.4
Average number of diluted shares outstanding 14,362 14,081 2.0
Total assets at December 31, 2022 reflected an increase from the December 31, 2021 balance due primarily to growth in the commercial real estate loan portfolio, which was accompanied by decreases in the credit card portfolio, increases in borrowings, and decreases in deposits during 2022 when compared to 2021, as well as a reduction in SBA-PPP loans as a result of payoffs during 2022.
Securities
The Company uses its securities portfolio to provide a source of liquidity, provide an appropriate return on funds invested, manage interest rate risk, meet collateral requirements and meet regulatory capital requirements.
Management classifies investment securities as either held to maturity or available for sale based on our intentions and the Company’s ability to hold such securities until maturity. In determining such classifications, securities that management has the positive intent and the Company has the ability to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at amortized cost. All other securities are designated as available for sale and carried at estimated fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in stockholders’ equity on an after-tax basis. For the years presented, all securities were classified as available for sale.
To supplement interest income earned on our loan portfolio, the Company invests in high-quality mortgage-backed securities, government agency bonds, asset-backed securities and high-quality municipal and corporate bonds. During early 2022, management invested a portion of its excess liquidity into U.S. Treasuries as the spread between treasuries and other investment portfolios continued to contract.
The following tables summarize the contractual maturities, without consideration of call features or pre-refunding dates, and weighted-average yields of investment securities at December 31, 2022 and the amortized cost and carrying value of those securities as of the indicated dates. The weighted average yields were calculated by multiplying the book value of each individual security by its yield, dividing that figure by the portfolio total, and then summing the value of these results to arrive at the weighted average yield. Yields on tax-exempt investments are not calculated on a fully tax equivalent basis.
(in thousands)
Securities Available for Sale:
Portfolio Loans
Our primary source of income is derived from interest earned on loans. Our portfolio loans consist of loans secured by real estate as well as commercial business loans, credit card loans, substantially all of which are secured by corresponding deposits at the Bank and, to a limited extent, other consumer loans. Our loan customers primarily consist of small- to medium-sized businesses, professionals, real estate investors, small residential builders and individuals. Our owner-occupied commercial real estate loans, residential construction loans and commercial business and investment loans provide us with higher risk-adjusted returns, shorter maturities and more sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations, and are complemented by our relatively lower risk residential real estate loans to individuals. Our credit card portfolio supplements our traditional lending products with enhanced yields. Our lending activities, outside of credit cards, are principally directed to our market area consisting of the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland metropolitan areas.
Residential Real Estate Loans. We offer one-to-four family mortgage loans primarily on owner-occupied primary residences and, to a lesser extent, investor-owned residences. Residential loans are originated through our commercial sales teams and our Capital Bank Home Loan division. Our residential loans also include home equity lines of credit. Our owner-occupied residential real estate loans usually have fixed rates for five to seven years and adjust on an annual basis after the initial term based on a typical maturity of 30 years. Our investor residential real estate loans are generally based on 25-year terms with a balloon payment due after five years. In general, the required minimum debt service coverage ratio is 1.15. Residential real estate loans have represented a growing portion of our loan portfolio.
Commercial Real Estate Loans. The Company originates both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans. These loans may be adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. Commercial loans that are secured by owner-occupied commercial real estate and primarily collateralized by operating cash flows are also included in this category of loans. Commercial real estate loan terms are generally extended for 10 years or less and amortize generally over 25 years or less. The interest rates on our commercial real estate loans generally have an initial fixed rate terms that adjust typically at 5 years. Origination fees are routinely charged for our services. The Company generally requires personal guarantees from the principal owners of the business, supported by a review of the principal owners’ personal financial statements and global debt service obligations. The properties securing the portfolio are diverse in type. This diversity helps reduce the exposure to adverse economic events that affect any single industry.
Construction Loans. Our construction loans are offered within our Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, Maryland metropolitan operating areas to builders primarily for the construction of single-family homes, condominium and townhouse conversions or renovations and, to a lesser extent, to individuals. Our
construction loans typically have terms of 12 to 18 months with the goal of transitioning the borrowers to permanent financing or re-underwriting and selling into the secondary market through Capital Bank Home Loan. According to our underwriting standards, the ratio of loan principal to collateral value, as established by an independent appraisal, should not exceed 75% for investor-owned and 80% for owner-occupied properties. Exceptions are sometimes made. We conduct semi-annual stress testing of our construction loan portfolio and closely monitor underlying real estate conditions as well as our borrower’s trends of sales valuations as compared to underwriting valuations as part of our ongoing risk management efforts. Borrowers’ progress is monitored during the course of construction buildout, including for adherence to construction milestones and completion timelines.
Commercial Business Loans. In addition to our other loan products, the Company provides general commercial loans, including commercial lines of credit, working capital loans, term loans, equipment financing, letters of credit and other loan products, primarily in our target markets, and underwritten based on each borrower’s ability to service debt from income. These loans are primarily made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and, secondarily, on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most commercial business loans are secured by a lien on general business assets including, among other things, available real estate, accounts receivable, promissory notes, inventory and equipment, and we generally obtain a personal guaranty from the borrower or other principal.
Credit Cards. Through our OpenSky® credit card division, the Company provides credit cards on a nationwide basis to under-banked populations and those looking to rebuild their credit scores through a fully digital and mobile platform. The majority of the lines of credit are secured by a noninterest-bearing demand account at the Bank in an amount equal to the full credit limit of the credit card. In addition, using our proprietary scoring model, which considers credit score and repayment history (typically a minimum of six months of on-time repayments, but ultimately determined on a case-by-case basis), the Bank offers certain customers an unsecured increase to their existing line or an unsecured card.
Other Consumer Loans. To a very limited extent and typically as an accommodation to existing customers, we offer personal consumer loans such as term loans, car loans or boat loans.
The repayment of loans is a source of additional liquidity for us. The following table details contractual maturities of our portfolio loans, along with an analysis of loans maturing after one year categorized by rate characteristic. Loans with adjustable interest rates are shown as maturing in the period during which the contract is due. The table does not reflect the effects of possible prepayments.
(in thousands) Amount Amount Amount Amount Total
Real estate:
Real estate:
Nonperforming Assets
Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual status when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payment obligations as they become due, as well as when required by regulatory provisions. Loans may be placed on nonaccrual status regardless of whether or not such loans are considered past due. In general, we place loans on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days past due. We also place loans on nonaccrual status if they are less than 90 days past due if the collection of principal or interest is in doubt. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed from income. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received in excess of principal due. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are, in management’s opinion, reasonably assured. Any loan which the Bank deems to be uncollectible, in whole or in part, is charged off to the extent of the anticipated loss. Consumer credit card balances are moved into the charge off queue after they become more than 90 days past due and are charged off not later than 120 days after they become past due. Loans that are past due for 180 days or more are charged off unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 introduces guidance to change the accounting for loan losses and modifies the impairment model for certain debt securities. This ASU introduced a new model known as CECL. CECL changes the impairment model for most financial assets, and requires the use of an “expected credit loss” model for financial instruments measured at amortized
cost and certain other instruments, such as off-balance sheet credit exposures, loan commitments, standby letters of credit, net investments in leases recognized by a lessor and HTM debt securities.
The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective approach, which has impacted our loan loss policies and will have an impact on the Company’s provision for credit losses in the periods after adoption, which could differ materially from historical trends. For additional information on ASU 2016-13, refer to “Note 1 – Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation” in the “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” contained in Part II, Item 8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”.
The Company believes its disciplined lending approach and focused management of nonperforming assets has resulted in sound asset quality and timely resolution of problem assets. There are several procedures in place to assist the Company in maintaining the overall quality of our loan portfolio. The Company has established underwriting guidelines to be followed by our bankers, and monitor our delinquency levels for any negative or adverse trends. There can be no assurance, however, that our loan portfolio will not become subject to increasing pressures from deteriorating borrower credit.
From a credit risk standpoint, we grade watchlist and problem loans into one of five categories: pass/watch, special mention, substandard, doubtful or loss. The classifications of loans reflect a judgment about the risks of default and loss associated with each loan. Credits ratings are reviewed regularly. Ratings are adjusted regularly to reflect the degree of risk and loss that our management believes to be appropriate for each credit. Our methodology is structured so that specific reserve allocations are increased in accordance with deterioration in credit quality (and a corresponding increase in risk and loss) or decreased in accordance with improvement in credit quality (and a corresponding decrease in risk and loss).
Loans that are deemed special mention, substandard, doubtful or loss are listed in the Bank’s Problem Loan Status Report. The Problem Loan Status Report provides a detailed summary of the borrower and guarantor status, loan accrual status, collateral evaluation and includes a description of the planned collection and administration program designed to mitigate the Bank’s risk of loss and remove the loan from problem status. The Special Asset Committee reviews the Problem Loan Status Report on a quarterly basis for borrowers with an overall loan exposure in excess of $250,000.
A special mention loan has potential weaknesses deserving of management’s attention. If uncorrected, such weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in our credit position at some future date. Special mention loans at December 31, 2022 increased by $13.5 million compared to December 31, 2021. The increase is attributable, in part, to the reclassification of the Bank’s $18.4 million participation interest in two commercial loans that are secured by the same collateral. The borrowers, an individual and a related entity, breached a negative covenant and thereafter agreed, in consideration of a forbearance agreement and an extension of the maturity date of each loan, to increase the applicable interest rate and to provide enhanced reporting to the lead bank. Interest payments are current on both loans. The lead bank is in discussions with the borrowers regarding a plan for full repayment of the loans.
At December 31, 2022, the recorded investment in impaired loans was $9.4 million, $458 thousand of which required a specific reserve of $372 thousand compared to a recorded investment in impaired loans of $11.3 million including $336 thousand requiring a specific reserve of $218 thousand at December 31, 2021.
Impaired loans also include certain loans that have been modified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). At December 31, 2022, the Company had one loan amounting to $288 thousand that was considered to be a TDR, compared to five loans amounting to $534 thousand at December 31, 2021.
Allowance for Loan Losses
We maintain an allowance for loan losses that represents management’s estimate of the loan losses and risks inherent in our loan portfolio. The amount of the allowance for loan losses should not be interpreted as an indication that charge-offs in future periods will necessarily occur in those amounts, or at all. In determining the allowance for loan losses, we estimate losses on specific loans, or groups of loans, where the probable loss can be identified and reasonably determined. The balance of the allowance for loan losses is based on internally assigned risk classifications of loans, historical loan loss rates, changes in the nature of our loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, industry concentrations, delinquency trends, current economic factors and the estimated impact of current economic conditions on certain historical loan loss rates.
The following table presents key ratios for the allowance for loan losses and nonaccrual loans for the periods indicated:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Real estate:
Other consumer 0.88 1.13 — — — —
_____________
(1)Allowance calculation excludes SBA-PPP loans.
The following table presents a summary of the net charge-off (recovery) of loans as a percentage of average loans for the periods indicated:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Real estate:
The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2022 included specific reserves of $372 thousand set aside for impaired loans. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2021 included specific reserves of $218 thousand set aside for impaired loans. Total charge-offs for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021 were primarily due to credit card charge-offs resulting primarily from the aging of the portfolio
and partially from the shift from an almost exclusively secured card portfolio to a partially secured card portfolio as we launched an unsecured card available only to existing qualifying customers. Additionally, there are economic challenges facing the overall industry that have also impacted the provisioning for our credit card portfolio.
As the loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses review processes continue to evolve, there may be changes to elements of the allowance and this may have an effect on the overall level of the allowance. Historically, the Bank has enjoyed a high-quality loan portfolio with relatively low levels of net charge-offs and low delinquency rates.
Management is intent on maintaining a strong credit review function and risk rating process. The Company has an experienced Credit Administration function, which provides independent analysis of credit requests and the management of problem credits. The Credit Department has developed and implemented analytical procedures for evaluating credit requests, has refined the Company’s risk rating system, and continues to adapt and enhance the monitoring of the loan portfolio. The loan portfolio analysis process is intended to contribute to the identification of weaknesses before they become more severe.
Although we believe we have established our allowance for loan losses in accordance with GAAP and that the allowance for loan losses was adequate to provide for known and inherent losses in the portfolio at all times shown above, future provisions for loan losses will be subject to ongoing evaluations of the risks in our loan portfolio.
The following table shows the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among loan categories as of the dates indicated. The total allowance is available to absorb losses from any loan category.
December 31,
(in thousands) Amount Percent(1) Amount Percent(1)
Real estate:
Other consumer 11 — 12 —
_______________
(1) Loan category as a percentage of total portfolio loans which excludes SBA-PPP loans.
Total Liabilities
Total liabilities at December 31, 2022 saw an increase from its December 31, 2021 balance due to growth in borrowed funds. Offsetting this increase were decreases in the deposits portfolio as well as other liabilities.
Deposits
Deposits are the major source of funding for the Company. We offer a variety of deposit products including interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing demand, savings, money market and time accounts, all of which we actively market at competitive pricing. We generate deposits from our customers on a relationship basis and through the efforts of our commercial lending officers and our business banking officers. During the year ended December 31, 2022, competition and a challenging deposit environment
have driven a reduction in low cost interest-bearing deposits and an increase in money market accounts as customers reallocate balances to take advantage of higher rates on those accounts. Our credit card customers are a significant source of noninterest-bearing deposits.As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our credit card customers accounted for $187.4 million and $229.5 million, or 27.8% and 29.1%, respectively, of our total noninterest-bearing deposit balances. In addition to retail deposits, the Company had $131.8 million of wholesale time deposits at December 31, 2022 compared to no balance at December 31, 2021.
The following table presents the average balances and average rates paid on deposits for the periods indicated:
December 31,
(in thousands) Average Balance Average Rate Average Balance Average Rate
Deposit costs increased materially during 2022. Average rates were 0.32% during 2021 and 0.43% in 2022. The increase in noninterest-bearing deposits partially offset the increase in rates.
The following table presents the maturities of our certificates of deposit as of December 31, 2022.
As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, approximately $834.5 million and $972.4 million, respectively, of our deposit portfolio was uninsured. The uninsured amounts are estimates based on the methodologies and assumptions used for the Bank’s regulatory reporting requirements.
Borrowings
We utilize short-term and long-term borrowings to supplement deposits to fund our lending and investment activities, each of which is discussed below.
FHLB Advances. The FHLB allows us to borrow up to 25% of our assets on a blanket floating lien status collateralized by certain securities and loans. As of December 31, 2022, approximately $522.0 million in real estate loans were pledged as collateral for our FHLB borrowings. Of the $522.0 million in loans pledged to the FHLB, our total borrowing capacity at December 31, 2022 was $330.8 million. None of our investment securities were pledged with the FHLB as of December 31, 2022. We utilize these borrowings to meet liquidity needs and to fund certain fixed rate loans in our portfolio. As of December 31, 2022, we had $107.0 million in outstanding advances and $223.8 million in available borrowing capacity from the FHLB.
Other borrowed funds. The Company has also issued junior subordinated debentures and other subordinated notes. At December 31, 2022, these other borrowings amounted to $12.1 million.
At December 31, 2022, our junior subordinated debentures amounted to $2.1 million. The junior subordinated debentures were issued in June of 2006, mature on June 15, 2036, and may be redeemed prior to that date under certain circumstances. The principal amount of the debentures has not changed since issuance, and they accrue interest at a floating rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 1.87%.
On November 30, 2020, the Company issued $10.0 million in subordinated notes due in 2030 to replace the outstanding higher yielding $13.5 million issuance. The notes have a ten-year term and have a fixed rate of 5.00% for the first five years; thereafter, the rate resets quarterly to a benchmark rate, being the three-month term SOFR, plus 490 basis points. The notes may be redeemed, in part or whole, upon the occurrence of certain events.
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond has an available borrower in custody arrangement which allows us to borrow on a collateralized basis. The Company’s borrowing capacity under the Federal Reserve’s discount window program was $21.4 million as of December 31, 2022. Certain commercial loans are pledged under this arrangement. We maintain this borrowing arrangement to meet liquidity needs pursuant to our contingency funding plan. No advances were outstanding under this facility as of December 31, 2022.
The Company also has lines of credit of $76.0 million available with other correspondent banks at December 31, 2022, as well as access to certificate of deposit funding through a financial network which the Bank strives to limit to 15% of the Bank’s assets. There were no outstanding balances on the lines of credit from correspondent banks at December 31, 2022.
Liquidity
Liquidity is defined as the Bank’s capacity to meet its cash and collateral obligations at a reasonable cost. Maintaining an adequate level of liquidity depends on the Bank’s ability to meet both expected and unexpected cash flows and collateral needs efficiently and without adversely affecting either daily operations or the financial condition of the Bank. Liquidity risk is the risk that we will be unable to meet our obligations as they become due because of an inability to liquidate assets or obtain adequate funding. The Bank’s obligations, and the funding sources used to meet them, depend significantly on our business mix, balance sheet structure and the cash flow profiles of our on- and off-balance sheet obligations. In managing our cash flows, management regularly addresses situations that can give rise to increased liquidity risk. These include funding mismatches, market constraints on the ability to convert assets into cash or in accessing sources of funds (i.e., market liquidity) and contingent liquidity events. Changes in economic conditions or exposure to credit, market, operational, legal and reputational risks also could affect the Bank’s liquidity risk profile and are considered in the assessment of liquidity and asset/liability management.
Management has established a risk management process for identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling liquidity risk. Because of its critical importance to the viability of the Bank, liquidity risk management is integrated into our risk management processes. Critical elements of our liquidity risk management include: corporate governance consisting of oversight by the board of directors and active involvement by management; strategies, policies, procedures, and limits used to manage and mitigate liquidity risk; liquidity risk measurement and monitoring systems (including assessments of the current and prospective cash flows or sources and uses of funds) that are believed to be commensurate with the complexity and business activities of the Bank; active management of intraday liquidity and collateral; a diverse mix of existing and potential future funding sources; holding liquid marketable securities, free of legal, regulatory or operational impediments, that can be used to meet liquidity needs in situations of stress; contingency funding plans that address potential adverse liquidity events and emergency cash
flow requirements; and internal controls and internal audit processes believed to be sufficient to determine the adequacy of the institution’s liquidity risk management process.
We expect funds to be available from a number of basic banking activity sources, including the core deposit base, the repayment and maturity of loans and investment security cash flows. Other potential funding sources include brokered certificates of deposit, deposit listing services, CDARS, borrowings from the FHLB and other lines of credit. Deposits securing our OpenSky® card lines of credit and deposits from title companies represent the largest concentrations in the deposit portfolio. As of December 31, 2022, these concentrations represent 11% and 13% of deposits, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, these deposits represented 13% and 18% of deposits, respectively.
We have an available borrower custody arrangement with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond which allows us to borrow on an eligible collateralized basis. As of December 31, 2022, we had $223.8 million of available borrowing capacity from the FHLB, $21.4 million of available borrowing capacity from the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond and available lines of credit of $76.0 million with other correspondent banks. Cash and cash equivalents were $80.4 million at December 31, 2022 and $183.4 million at December 31, 2021. Accordingly, at December 31, 2022, our liquidity resources were at sufficient levels to fund loans and meet other cash needs as necessary.
Capital Resources
Stockholders’ equity increased $26.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 largely due to net income of $41.8 million for the year. Stock options exercised, shares issued as compensation, shares sold and stock-based compensation increased common stock and additional paid-in capital by $3.1 million. These increases were more than offset by net unrealized losses on available for sale securities of $15.7 million.
The Company uses several indicators of capital strength. The most commonly used measure is average common equity to average assets (computed as average equity divided by average total assets), which was 10.22% at December 31, 2022 and 8.82% at December 31, 2021.
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can precipitate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators.
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum ratios of common equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and total capital as a percentage of assets and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 1250%. The Bank is also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on quarterly average assets, which is known as the leverage ratio.
In July 2013, federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with certain standards that were developed by Basel III and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule applies to all depository institutions and bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies with total consolidated assets of more than $1 billion. The Bank was required to implement the new Basel III capital standards (subject to the phase-in for certain parts of the new rules) as of January 1, 2015. In August of 2018 the Regulatory Relief Act directed the Federal Reserve Board to revise the Small BHC
Policy Statement to raise the total consolidated asset limit in the Small BHC Policy Statement from $1 billion to $3 billion. The Company is currently exempt from the consolidated capital requirements.
The ability of the Company to continue to grow is dependent on its earnings and those of the Bank, the ability to obtain additional funds for contribution to the Bank’s capital, through additional borrowings, through the sale of additional common stock or preferred stock, or through the issuance of additional qualifying capital instruments, such as subordinated debt. The capital levels required to be maintained by the Company and Bank may be impacted as a result of the Bank’s concentrations in commercial real estate loans. See “Risks Related to the Regulation of Our Industry” in Part I, Item 1A - Risk Factors.
As of December 31, 2022, the Bank was in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements to which it was subject, and the Bank was classified as “well capitalized” for purposes of the prompt corrective action regulations. As we deploy our capital and continue to grow our operations, our regulatory capital levels may decrease depending on our level of earnings. However, we intend to monitor and control our growth relative to our earnings in order to remain in compliance with all regulatory capital standards applicable to us.
The following table presents the regulatory capital ratios for the Company (as if such requirements applied to the Company) and the Bank as of the dates indicated.
December 31, 2022 Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio Amount Ratio
The Company
The Bank
The Company
The Bank
Contractual Obligations
We have contractual obligations to make future payments on debt and lease agreements. Our liquidity monitoring and management consider both present and future demands for and sources of liquidity. The following table of contractual commitments focuses only on future obligations and summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2022.
Off-Balance Sheet Items
In the normal course of business, we enter into various transactions that, in accordance with GAAP, are not included in our consolidated balance sheets. We enter into these transactions to meet the financing needs of our customers. These transactions include commitments to extend credit and issue letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit risk and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheets. Our exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amounts of these commitments. The same credit policies and procedures are generally used in making these commitments as for on-balance sheet instruments. We are not aware of any accounting loss to be incurred by funding these commitments; however, we maintain an allowance for off-balance sheet credit risk which is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.
Our commitments associated with outstanding letters of credit and commitments to extend credit expiring by period as of the date indicated are summarized below. Since commitments associated with letters of credit and commitments to extend credit may expire unused, the amounts shown do not necessarily reflect actual future cash funding requirements.
December 31,
Commitments to originate residential loans held for sale — 1,385
Commitment to fund other investments 4,365 6,352
Unfunded lines of credit represent unused credit facilities to our current borrowers. Lines of credit generally have variable interest rates. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by us to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. In the event of nonperformance by the customer in accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, we would be required to fund the commitment. The maximum potential amount of future payments we could be required to make is represented by the contractual amount of the commitment. If the commitment is funded, we would be entitled to seek recovery from the customer from the underlying collateral, which can include commercial real estate, physical plant and property, inventory, receivables, cash and/or marketable securities. Our policies generally require that letter of credit arrangements contain security and debt covenants similar to those contained in loan agreements. We believe the credit risk associated with issuing letters of credit is substantially the same as the risk involved in extending loan facilities to our customers.
We seek to minimize our exposure to loss under letters of credit and credit commitments by subjecting them to the same credit approval and monitoring procedures as we do for on-balance sheet instruments. The effect on our revenue, expenses, cash flows and liquidity of the unused portions of these letters of credit commitments cannot be precisely predicted because we do not control the extent to which the lines of credit may be used.
Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend funds to a customer, as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have variable interest rates, fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being fully drawn, the total commitment amounts disclosed above do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if considered necessary by us, upon extension of credit is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.
We enter into forward commitments for the delivery of mortgage loans in our current pipeline. Interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of changes in interest rates resulting from our commitments to fund the loans. These commitments to fund mortgage loans to be sold into the secondary market, along with the interest rate lock commitments and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors, are considered derivatives.
The commitment to fund other investments reflects an obligation to make an investment in a Small Business Investment Company.
Impact of Inflation
Our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. GAAP requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative value of money over time due to inflation or recession.
Unlike many industrial companies, substantially all of our assets and liabilities are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates have a more significant impact on our performance than the effects of general levels of inflation. Interest rates may not necessarily move in the same direction or in the same magnitude as the prices of goods and services. However, most other operating expenses are sensitive to changes in levels of inflation.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Many assumptions are used to calculate the impact of interest rate fluctuations on our net interest income, such as asset prepayments, non-maturity deposit price sensitivity and decay rates, and key rate drivers. Because of the inherent use of these estimates and assumptions in the model, our actual results may, and very likely will, differ from our static EAR results. In addition, static EAR results do not include actions that our management may undertake to manage the risks in response to anticipated changes in interest rates or client behavior. For example, as part of our asset/liability management strategy, management has the ability to increase asset duration and decrease liability duration in order to reduce asset sensitivity, or to decrease asset duration and increase liability duration in order to increase asset sensitivity.
The following table summarizes the results of our EAR analysis in simulating the change in net interest income and fair value of equity over a 12-month horizon as of December 31, 2022:
IMPACT ON NET INTEREST INCOME UNDER A STATIC BALANCE SHEET, PARALLEL INTEREST RATE SHOCK
Utilizing an economic value of equity (“EVE”) approach, we analyze the risk to capital from the effects of various interest rate scenarios through a long-term discounted cash flow model. This measures the difference between the economic value of our assets and the economic value of our liabilities, which is a proxy for our liquidation value. While this provides some value as a risk measurement tool, management believes EAR is more appropriate in accordance with the going concern principle.
The following table illustrates the results of our EVE analysis as of December 31, 2022.
ECONOMIC VALUE OF EQUITY ANALYSIS UNDER A STATIC BALANCE SHEET, PARALLEL INTEREST RATE SHOCK
Interest Rate Sensitivity and Market Risk
As a financial institution, our primary component of market risk is interest rate volatility. Our asset liability and funds management policy provides management with the guidelines for funds management, and we have established a measurement system for monitoring our net interest rate sensitivity position. We endeavor to manage our sensitivity position within our established guidelines.
Fluctuations in interest rates will ultimately impact both the level of income and the market value of all interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, other than those that have a short term to maturity. Interest rate risk is the potential of economic losses due to future interest rate changes. These economic losses can be reflected as a loss of future net interest income and/or a loss of current fair market values. The objective is to measure the effect on net interest income and to adjust the balance sheet to mitigate the inherent risk while at the same time maximizing income.
We endeavor to manage our exposure to interest rates by structuring our balance sheet in the ordinary course of business. We do not enter into instruments such as leveraged derivatives, financial options or financial futures contracts for the purpose of reducing interest rate risk. We endeavor to hedge the interest rate risks of our available for sale mortgage pipeline by using mortgage-backed securities, and short positions. Based on the nature of our operations, we are not subject to foreign exchange or commodity price risk. We do not own any trading assets.
Our exposure to interest rate risk is managed by the Bank’s Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”) in accordance with policies approved by our board of directors. The committee formulates strategies based on perceived levels of interest rate risk. In determining the appropriate level of interest rate risk, the committee considers the impact on earnings and capital of the current outlook for interest rates, potential changes in interest rates, regional economies, liquidity, business strategies and other factors. The committee meets regularly to review, among other things, the sensitivity of assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, the book and market values of assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses, purchase and sale activities, commitments to originate loans and the maturities of investments and borrowings. Additionally, the committee reviews liquidity, cash flow flexibility, maturities of deposits and consumer and commercial deposit activity. Management employs methodologies to manage interest rate risk, which include an analysis of relationships between interest earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and an interest rate shock simulation model.
The following table indicates that, for periods less than one year, rate-sensitive assets exceeded rate-sensitive liabilities, resulting in an asset-sensitive position. For a bank with an asset-sensitive position, or positive gap, rising interest rates would generally be expected to have a positive effect on net interest income, and falling interest rates would generally be expected to have the opposite effect.
INTEREST SENSITIVITY GAP
(in thousands)
Assets
Interest earning assets
Liabilities
Interest-bearing liabilities
_______________
(1)Includes loans held for sale.
We use quarterly Earnings at Risk (“EAR”) simulations to assess the impact of changing interest rates on our earnings under a variety of scenarios and time horizons. These simulations utilize both instantaneous and parallel changes in the level of interest rates, as well as non-parallel changes such as changing slopes and twists of the yield curve. Static simulation models are based on current exposures and assume a constant balance sheet with no new growth. Dynamic simulation models are also utilized that rely on assumptions regarding changes in existing lines of business, new business, and changes in management and client behavior.
We also use economic value-based methodologies to measure the degree to which the economic values of the Bank’s positions change under different interest rate scenarios. The economic-value approach focuses on a longer-term time horizon and endeavors to capture all future cash flows expected from existing assets and liabilities. The economic value model utilizes a static approach in that the analysis does not incorporate new business; rather, the analysis shows a snapshot in time of the risk inherent in the balance sheet.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Capital Bancorp, Inc.
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Capital Bancorp, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ Elliott Davis, PLLC
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.
Raleigh, North Carolina
March 15, 2023
Assets
Interest-bearing deposits at other financial institutions 39,764 136,824
Marketable equity securities — 245
Portfolio loans receivable, net of deferred fees and costs 1,728,592 1,523,982
Foreclosed real estate — 86
Liabilities
Deposits
Stockholders' equity
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (16,751) (1,076)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands except per share data) 2022 2021
Interest income
Investment securities available for sale 3,912 2,010
Federal funds sold and other 2,326 449
Interest expense
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 133,976 113,334
Noninterest income
Service charges on deposits 767 609
Gain on sale of investment securities available for sale, net — 153
Noninterest expenses
Other real estate expenses (income), net (183) 368
Basic earnings per share $ 2.98 $ 2.90
Diluted earnings per share $ 2.91 $ 2.84
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Other comprehensive (loss):
Unrealized loss on investment securities available for sale (20,912) (3,688)
Income tax benefit relating to the items above 5,237 1,048
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(dollars in thousands, except per share data) Shares Amount
Stock-based compensation — — 1,347 — — 1,347
Cash dividends to stockholders ($0.10 per share) — — — (1,382) — (1,382)
Stock-based compensation — — 1,662 — — 1,662
Cash dividends to stockholders ($0.22 per share) — — — (3,085) — (3,085)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Cash flows from operating activities
Provision for mortgage put-back reserve, net 9 4
Release of off balance sheet credit risk (54) (40)
Net amortization on investments 540 642
Premises and equipment depreciation 364 561
Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI (1,018) (506)
Executive long term incentive plan expense 582 1,344
Stock-based compensation expense 1,662 1,347
Director and employee compensation paid in Company stock 171 519
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) 1,240 (1,927)
Valuation allowance on derivatives 9 (49)
Gain on sale of securities available for sale — (153)
(Gain) loss on sales of foreclosed real estate, net (20) 47
Loss on disposal of premises and equipment 14 —
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest receivable (1,588) 233
Accrued interest payable 558 (661)
Net cash provided by operating activities 51,390 132,076
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of securities available for sale (113,078) (169,672)
Proceeds from sale of securities available for sale — 66,534
Net (purchases) sales of restricted investments (3,864) 215
Net purchases of premises and equipment (1,550) (24)
Proceeds from sales of foreclosed real estate 106 3,193
Purchase of Bank owned life insurance — (35,000)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net increase (decrease) in:
Federal Home Loan Bank advances, net 85,000 —
Other borrowed funds — (1,954)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 1,235 967
Net cash provided by financing activities 44,085 142,640
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (102,980) 36,485
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 80,415 $ 183,395
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Change in unrealized losses on investments $ (20,912) $ (3,841)
Value of restricted shares withheld for payment of taxes $ (52) (44)
Cash paid during the period for:
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Note 1 - Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation
Nature of operations:
Capital Bancorp, Inc. is a Maryland corporation and bank holding company (the “Company”) for Capital Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”). The Company's primary operations are conducted by the Bank, which operates branches in Rockville and Columbia, Maryland; Reston, Virginia; and the District of Columbia. The Bank is principally engaged in the business of investing in commercial, real estate, and credit card loans and attracting deposits. The Company originates residential mortgages for sale in the secondary market through Capital Bank Home Loans, the Bank’s residential mortgage banking arm, and issues credit cards through OpenSky®, a secured, digitally-driven, nationwide credit card platform.
The Company formed Church Street Capital, LLC (“Church Street Capital”) in 2014 to provide short-term secured real estate financing to Washington, D.C. area investors and developers that may not meet all Bank credit criteria.
In addition, the Company owns all of the stock of Capital Bancorp (MD) Statutory Trust I (the “Trust”). The Trust is a special purpose non-consolidated entity organized for the sole purpose of issuing trust preferred securities.
Basis of presentation:
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the activity of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Bank and Church Street Capital. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company reports its activities as four business segments: commercial banking; mortgage lending; credit cards; and corporate activities. In determining the appropriateness of segment definition, the Company considers components of the business about which financial information is available and regularly evaluated relative to resource allocation and performance assessment. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and conform to general practices within the banking industry.
Significant accounting policies:
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. The primary reference point for the estimates is on historical experience and assumptions believed to be reasonable regarding the value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Estimates are evaluated on an ongoing basis. Actual results may materially differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
Cash and cash equivalents
For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from financial institutions, interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions and federal funds sold. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods.
Note 1 - Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (continued)
Investment securities
Investment securities are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in stockholders’ equity on an after-tax basis. Premiums and discounts on investment securities are amortized or accreted using the interest method. Changes in the fair value of debt securities available for sale are included in stockholder’s equity as unrealized gains and losses, net of the related tax effect. Unrealized losses are periodically reviewed to determine whether the loss represents an other than temporary impairment. Any unrealized losses judged to be other than a temporary impairment will be charged to income.
Marketable equity securities
Marketable equity securities are carried at fair value with realized gains and losses included in earnings. Premiums and discounts on investment securities are amortized or accreted using the interest method. Changes in the fair value of equity securities are also included in earnings as gain or loss on marketable equity securities.
Loans held for sale
Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale are recorded at fair value, determined individually, as of the balance sheet date. Fair value is determined based on outstanding investor commitments, or in the absence of such commitments, based on current investor yield requirements. Gains and losses on loan sales are determined by the specific-identification method. The Company’s current practice is to sell residential mortgage loans on a servicing released basis, and, therefore, it has no intangible asset recorded for the value of such servicing. Interest on loans held for sale is credited to income based on the principal amounts outstanding.
Upon sale and delivery, loans are legally isolated from the Company and the Company has no ability to restrict or constrain the ability of third‐party investors to pledge or exchange the mortgage loans. The Company does not have the entitlement or ability to repurchase the mortgage loans or unilaterally cause third‐party investors to put the mortgage loans back to the Company. Unrealized and realized gains on loan sales are determined using the specific-identification method and are recognized through mortgage banking activity in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company elects to measure loans held for sale at fair value to better align reported results with the underlying economic changes in value of the loans on the Company’s balance sheet.
Portfolio loans and the allowance for loan losses
Loans are stated at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted for deferred origination fees and costs, discounts on loans acquired, and the allowance for loan losses. Interest is accrued based on the loan principal balances and stated interest rates. Origination fees and costs are recognized as an adjustment to the related loan yield using approximate interest methods. For credit card loans, loan origination fees and direct loan origination costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 12-month period.
Note 1 - Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (continued)
The Company discontinues the accrual of interest at the earlier of when any portion of the principal and/or interest is 90 days past due, or when it is probable that not all principal and interest payments will be collected, and collateral is insufficient to discharge the debt in full. Generally, interest payments on nonaccrual loans are recorded as a reduction of the principal balance.
Loans are considered impaired when, based on current information, management believes the Company will not collect all principal and interest payments according to contractual terms. Generally, loans are reviewed for impairment when the risk grade for a loan is downgraded to a classified asset category. The loans are evaluated for appropriate classification, accrual, impairment, and troubled debt restructure status. If collection of principal is evaluated as doubtful, all payments are applied to principal. A modification of a loan is considered a TDR when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the modification constitutes a concession. The Company may consider interest rate reductions, changes to payment terms, extensions of maturities and/or principal reductions.
Loans are generally charged-off in part or in full when management determines the loan to be uncollectible. Factors for charge-off that may be considered include: repayments deemed to be extended out beyond reasonable time frames, client bankruptcy and lack of assets, and/or collateral deficiencies. For credit card loans, accrued interest and assessed late fees are charged off simultaneously with the charge off of other components of amortized costs as other operating expense.
The allowance for loan losses is estimated to adequately provide for probable future losses on existing loans. The allowance consists of specific and general components. For loans that are classified as impaired, an allowance is established when the collateral value, if the loan is collateral dependent, or the discounted cash flows of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers pools of nonclassified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted with qualitative factors such as: trends in volume and terms of loans; levels of, and trends in, delinquencies and non-accruals; effects of any changes in lending policies, experience, ability and depth of management; national and local economic trends and conditions; commitments and concentrations of credit; changes in the quality of the Company’s loan review system; and the volume of loans with identified incomplete financial documentation. Actual loan performance may differ materially from those estimates. A loss is recognized as a charge to the allowance when management believes that collection of the loan is unlikely. Collections of loans previously charged off are added to the allowance at the time of recovery.
The components of the allowance for loan losses represent an estimation done pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 450, “Contingencies,” or ASC Topic 310,“Receivables.” Specific allowances are established in cases where management has identified significant conditions or circumstances related to a specific credit that management believes indicate the probability that a loss may be incurred. The process for determining an appropriate allowance for loan losses is based on a comprehensive, well-documented, and consistently applied analysis of the loan portfolio. The analysis considers significant factors that affect the collectability of the portfolio and supports the loan losses estimated by this process. It is important to recognize that the related process, methodology, and underlying assumptions require a substantial degree of judgment.
Note 1 - Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (continued)
Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate; however, determination of the allowance is inherently subjective and requires significant estimates. While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions. Evaluation of the potential effects of these factors on estimated losses involves a high degree of uncertainty, including the strength and timing of economic cycles and concerns over the effects of a prolonged economic downturn in the current cycle. In addition, various banking agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, and independent consultants engaged by the Bank, periodically review the Bank’s loan portfolio and allowance for loan losses. Such review may result in recognition of additions to the allowance based on their evaluation of information available to them at the time of their examination. The review of the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses includes an assessment of the fair value adjustment for acquired loans in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
Premises and equipment
Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related property, generally over two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the estimated term of the respective leases, which may include renewal options where management has the positive intent to exercise such options, or the estimated useful lives of the improvements, whichever is less. The costs of major renewals and improvements are capitalized with the corresponding costs associated with amortization or depreciation included as a component of occupancy and equipment expenses. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, and minor replacements are charged to noninterest expenses as incurred.
Leases
The Company accounts for leases according to ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), and applies a right-of-use (“ROU”) model that requires a lessee to record, for all leases with a lease term of more than 12 months, an asset representing its right to use the underlying asset and a liability to make lease payments. The Company elected to apply the package of practical expedients permitting entities to not reassess: 1) whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases; 2) the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and 3) initial direct costs for any existing leases. Additionally, as provided by ASU 2016-02, the Company elected not to apply the recognition requirements of ASC 842 to short-term leases, defined as leases with a term of 12 months or less, and to recognize the lease payments in net income on short-term leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Derivative financial instruments
The Company enters into commitments to fund residential mortgage loans (interest rate locks) with the intention of selling them in the secondary market. The Company also enters into forward sales agreements for certain funded loans and loan commitments. The Company records unfunded commitments intended for loans held for sale and forward sales agreements at fair value with changes in fair value recorded as a component of mortgage banking revenue. Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at fair value. For pipeline loans which are not pre-sold to an investor, the Company endeavors to manage the interest rate risk on rate lock commitments by entering into forward sale contracts, whereby the Company obtains the right to deliver securities to investors in the future at a specified price. Such contracts are accounted for as derivatives and are recorded at fair value as derivative assets or liabilities, with changes in fair value recorded in mortgage banking revenue.
Note 1 - Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (continued)
The Company accounts for derivative instruments and hedging activities according to guidelines established in ASC 815-10, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended. The Company recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measures those instruments at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivatives designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes. Any hedge ineffectiveness would be recognized in the income statement line item pertaining to the hedged item.
Fair value measurements
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for an asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The degree of management judgment involved in determining the fair value of a financial instrument is dependent upon the availability of quoted market prices or observable market inputs. For financial instruments that are traded actively and have quoted market prices or observable market inputs, there is minimal subjectivity involved in measuring fair value. However, when quoted market prices or observable market inputs are not fully available, significant management judgment may be necessary to estimate fair value. In developing our fair value estimates, we strive to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
The fair value hierarchy defines Level 1 valuations as those based on quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Level 2 valuations include inputs based on quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 valuations are based on at least one significant assumption not observable in the market, or significant management judgment or estimation, some of which may be internally developed.
Financial assets that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis include investment securities available for sale, loans held for sale, and derivative financial instruments. Financial liabilities that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis are comprised of derivative financial instruments. See Note 17 - Fair Value.
Bank-owned life insurance
The Company had $36.5 million of bank-owned life insurance at December 31, 2022 and $35.5 million at December 31, 2021. The Company recognized income, which is included in other noninterest income, of $1.0 million and $506 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Income taxes
The Company employs the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes as required by ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes.” Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities (i.e., temporary timing differences) and are measured at the enacted rates that will be in effect when these differences reverse. The Company utilizes statutory requirements for its income tax accounting, and limits risks associated with potentially problematic tax positions that may incur challenge upon audit, where an adverse outcome is more likely than not. Therefore, no provisions are necessary for either uncertain tax positions nor accompanying potential tax penalties and interest for underpayments of income taxes in the Company’s tax reserves. In accordance with ASC Topic 740, the Company may establish a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets in those cases where realization is less than certain.
Note 1 - Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (continued)
Earnings per share
Earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock using the treasury stock method. At December 31, 2022 and 2021, there were 139,921 and 1,129 stock options, respectively, that were not included in the calculation as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators used in computing basic and diluted earnings per common share:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Basic EPS
Comprehensive income
The Company reports as comprehensive income all changes in stockholders' equity during the year from sources other than stockholders. Other comprehensive income refers to all components (income, expenses, gains, and losses) of comprehensive income that are excluded from net income.
The Company's only component of other comprehensive income is unrealized losses on investment securities available for sale, net of income taxes. Information concerning the Company's accumulated other comprehensive loss as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 are as follows:
For the Years Ended December 31,
Unrealized losses on securities available for sale $ (22,416) $ (1,504)
Total accumulated comprehensive loss $ (16,751) $ (1,076)
Note 1 - Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (continued)
Recently issued accounting pronouncements:
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-13 introduces guidance to change the accounting for loan losses and modifies the impairment model for certain debt securities. This ASU introduced a new model known as CECL. CECL changes the impairment model for most financial assets, and will require the use of an “expected credit loss” model for financial instruments measured at amortized cost and certain other instruments, such as off-balance sheet credit exposures, loan commitments, standby letters of credit, net investments in leases recognized by a lessor and HTM debt securities. This model requires entities to estimate the lifetime expected credit loss on such instruments and record an allowance that represents the portion of the amortized cost basis that the entity does not expect to be collected, considering relevant information about historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecast. ASU 2016-13 offers a simplified accounting model for purchased financial assets with more than insignificant credit deterioration since their origination. Additionally, ASU 2016-13 also modifies certain provisions of the current other-than-temporary impairment model for AFS debt securities. Credit losses on AFS debt securities will be restricted to the difference between the security’s amortized cost basis and its fair value. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-04 which elaborates on the treatment of accrued interest when measuring credit losses. To meet disclosure requirements, we elected a practical expedient to disclose separately the total amount of accrued interest included in the amortized cost basis as a single balance. ASU 2019-04 explains that expected recoveries of amounts previously written off and expected to be written off should be included in the valuation account and should not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously written off and expected to be written off by the entity. In addition, for collateral dependent financial assets, the amendments clarify that an allowance for credit losses that is added to the amortized cost basis of the financial asset(s) should not exceed amounts previously written off. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-10, which delayed the effective date of ASU 2016-13 to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 for smaller reporting companies. While early adoption was permitted, the Company did not elect that option.
The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective approach. Upon adoption of this standard, the Company expects the adoption to result in a change to the Allowance for Loan Losses of less than $1.0 million which will be reflected in the Company’s first quarter 2023 Form 10-Q when the Company will also be subject to the amended disclosure requirements of the standard.