Item 7.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Statistical Information
The information noted below is provided pursuant to Guide 3 - Statistical Disclosure by Bank Holding Companies and 17 CFR § 229.1400.
Description of Information PageReference
Item I. Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Stockholders'
Equity; Interest Rates and Interest Differential
a. Average Balance Sheets 33
b. Analysis of Net Interest Earnings 34
c. Rate Volume Analysis of Changes in Interest Income and Expense 34
II. Investment Portfolio
a. Maturity Schedule of Investments 43
III. Loan Portfolio
a. Types of Loans 44
b. Maturities and Sensitivity to Changes in Interest Rates 44
c. Other Interest Bearing Assets None
d. Risk Elements 76
V. Deposits
a. Breakdown of Deposits by Categories, Average Balance and Average Rate Paid 33
b. Maturity Schedule of Uninsured Time Certificates of Deposit 49
VI. Return on Equity and Assets 31
VII. Short-term Borrowings 39
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CITY HOLDING COMPANY
City Holding Company (the "Company"), a West Virginia corporation headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, is a registered financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act and conducts its principal activities through its wholly owned subsidiary, City National Bank of West Virginia ("City National"). City National is a retail and consumer-oriented community bank with 98 bank branches in West Virginia (58), Kentucky (23), Virginia (13) and southeastern Ohio (4). City National provides credit, deposit, and trust and investment management services to its customers in a broad geographical area that includes many rural and small community markets in addition to larger cities including Charleston (WV), Huntington (WV), Martinsburg (WV), Ashland (KY), Lexington (KY), Winchester (VA) and Staunton (VA). In the Company's key markets, the Company's primary subsidiary, City National, often ranks in the top three relative to deposit market share and the top two relative to branch share (Charleston/Huntington MSA, Beckley/Lewisburg counties, Staunton MSA and Winchester, VA/WV Eastern Panhandle counties). In addition to its branch network, City National's delivery channels include automated-teller-machines ("ATMs"), interactive-teller-machines ("ITMs"), mobile banking, debit cards, interactive voice response systems, and Internet technology. The Company’s business activities are currently limited to one reportable business segment, which is community banking.
On March 10, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Citizens Commerce Bancshares, Inc. ("Citizens") and its principal banking subsidiary, Citizens Commerce Bank of Versailles, Kentucky. See Note Three for additional information on the acquisition.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The accounting policies of the Company conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and require management to make estimates and develop assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and related footnotes. These estimates and assumptions are based on information available to management as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from management’s estimates. As this information changes, management’s estimates and assumptions used to prepare the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures may also change. The most significant accounting policies followed by the Company are presented in Note One of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included herein. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, management has identified: (i) the determination of the allowance for credit losses (ii) income taxes and (iii) acquisition and preliminary purchase price accounting to be the accounting areas that require the most subjective or complex judgments and, as such, could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available.
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Allowance for Credit Losses section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K provides management’s analysis of the Company’s allowance for credit losses and related provision. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans' amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics, such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term as well as for changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in unemployment rates, property values, or other relevant factors. These evaluations are conducted at least quarterly and more frequently if deemed necessary. Additionally, all commercial loans within the portfolio are subject to internal risk grading. Risk grades are generally assigned by the primary lending officer and are periodically evaluated by the Company’s internal loan review process.
In evaluating the appropriateness of its allowance for credit losses, the Company stratifies the loan portfolio into six major groupings. The Company has identified the following portfolio segments and measures the allowance for credit losses using the following methods:
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Portfolio Segment Measurement Method
Commercial and industrial Migration
Commercial real estate:
1-4 family Migration
Hotels Migration
Multi-family Migration
Non Residential Non-Owner Occupied Migration
Non Residential Owner Occupied Migration
Residential real estate Vintage
Home equity Vintage
Consumer Vintage
Migration is an analysis that tracks a closed pool of loans for a configurable period of time and calculates a loss ratio on only those loans in the pool at the start date based on outstanding balance. Vintage is a predictive loss model that includes a reasonable approximation of probable and estimable future losses by tracking each loan's net losses over the life of the loan as compared to its original balance. For demand deposit overdrafts, the allowance for credit losses is measured using the historical loss rate. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Loans evaluated individually are not included in the collective evaluation. When management determines that foreclosure is probable, the expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.
Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loan, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either of the following applies: management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that a troubled-debt restructuring will be executed with an individual borrower or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company.
The Company uses a number of economic variables in its scenarios to estimate the allowance for credit losses, with the most significant drivers being an unemployment rate forecast and qualitative adjustments. In the December 31, 2023 estimate, the Company assumed an unemployment forecast range of 3.8% to 4.8%, compared to a range of 3.7% to 4.9% utilized in the December 31, 2022 estimate. Historical loss rates from periods where the average unemployment rate matches the forecast range are considered when calculating the forecast period loss rate. Based on sensitivity of the portfolio, the change had no material impact on the reserve.
Based on sensitivity analysis of all portfolios, a 0.0050% change (slight improvement or decline on bank's scale) in all 11 qualitative risk factors (where assigned) would have a $2.2 million impact on the reserve allocation. Changing each factor by 0.01% (moderate improvement or decline) would have a $4.3 million impact. Management recognizes that these are extreme scenarios and it is very unlikely that all risk factors would change by 0.005% or 0.01% simultaneously. Between December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2023, management assigned a "moderate decline," or 1.0 basis point increase, to the interest rate risk factor for all pools due to the rising rate environment. Additionally, management assigned a "decline," or 1.5 basis point increase, to the criticized/classified factor for the Commercial substandard loan pool and a "decline," or 1.5 basis point increase, to the loan growth factor for the non-owner occupied loan pool due to growth in the portfolio. In total, the qualitative changes increased the ACL by approximately $0.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Income Taxes
The Income Taxes section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K provides management’s analysis of the Company’s income taxes. The Company is subject to federal and state income taxes in the jurisdictions in which it conducts business. In computing the provision for income taxes, management must make judgments regarding interpretation of laws in those jurisdictions. Because the application of tax laws and regulations for many types of transactions is susceptible to varying interpretations, amounts reported in the financial statements could be changed at a later date upon final determinations by taxing authorities. On a quarterly basis, the Company estimates its annual effective tax rate for the year and uses that rate to provide for income taxes on a year-to-date basis. The Company's unrecognized tax benefits could change over the next twelve months as a result of various factors. The Company is currently open to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service and various state taxing authorities for the years ended December 31, 2020 and forward.
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The effective tax rate is calculated by taking the statutory rate and adjusting for permanent and discrete items. The discrete items can vary between periods but historically have remained consistent.
Acquisition and Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation
The calculation of the Company's acquisition and preliminary purchase price allocation is considered a critical accounting estimate as it involves a significant level of estimation and uncertainty, particularly in relation to the fair value and goodwill calculations. Under GAAP, management has up to twelve months following the date of the acquisition to finalize the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities. The measurement period ends as soon as the Company receives information it was seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learns that more information is not obtainable. Any subsequent adjustments to the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities, intangible assets or other purchase accounting adjustments will result in adjustments to the goodwill recorded.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The Company’s financial performance over the previous three years is summarized in the following table:
Earnings per common share, basic $ 7.62 $ 6.81 $ 5.67
Earnings per common share, diluted $ 7.61 $ 6.80 $ 5.66
*ROA (Return on Average Assets) is a measure of the effectiveness of asset utilization. ROE (Return on Average Equity) is a measure of the return on shareholders’ investment. ROATCE (Return on Average Tangible Common Equity) is a measure of the return on shareholders’ equity less intangible assets.
BALANCE SHEET ANALYSIS
Select balance sheet fluctuations and ratios are summarized in the following table (in millions):
December 31,
FHLB long-term advances 100.0 — $ 100.0 N/A
Tangible equity to tangible assets 8.57 % 8.02 %
Cash and cash equivalents decreased $43.7 million (21.9%) from $200.0 million at December 31, 2022, to $156.3 million at December 31, 2023 primarily due to an increase in gross loans that were partially offset by a decrease in investment balances, an increase in FHLB long-term advances, and an increase deposit balances.
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Investment securities decreased $160.2 million (10.5%) from $1.53 billion at December 31, 2022, to $1.37 billion at December 31, 2023 due to maturities and calls.
Gross loans increased $479.6 million (13.2%) from December 31, 2022 to $4.13 billion at December 31, 2023 primarily due to the Company’s acquisition of Citizens ($254.7 million). Excluding the acquisition, total loans increased $224.9 million, (6.2%), from December 31, 2022 to $3.87 billion at December 31, 2023. Commercial real estate loans increased $101.4 million (7.3%), residential real estate loans increased $51.3 million (3.0%), commercial and industrial loans increased $38.4 million (10.3%), and consumer loans increased $13.4 million (27.4%).
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net, increased $46.9 million (40.5%) from December 31, 2022 to $162.6 million at December 31, 2023, due to the acquisition of Citizens.
Total deposits increased $64.4 million (1.3%) from December 31, 2022 to $4.9 billion at December 31, 2023 due to the Company's acquisition of Citizens ($298.7 million). Excluding the acquisition, depository balances declined $234.3 million, or 4.8% from December 31, 2022. Savings deposit balances decreased $208 million, noninterest-bearing demand deposit balances decreased $66.5 million, and interest-bearing demand deposit balances decreased $ 45.6 million. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in time deposit balances of $85.8 million.
FHLB long-term advances increased $100.0 million from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company borrowed $100.0 million from the Federal Home Loan Bank at a weighted average rate of 4.01%.
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TABLE ONE
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND NET INTEREST INCOME
(In thousands)
Assets
Loan portfolio(1):
Securities:
Liabilities
Net yield on earning assets 4.01 % 3.33 % 2.89 %
1.For purposes of this table, non-accruing loans have been included in average balances and the following net loan fees (in thousands) have been included in interest income:
2.Includes the Company's residential real estate and home equity loan categories.
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3.Included in the above table are the following amounts (in thousands) for the accretion of the fair value adjustments related to the Company's acquisitions:
Installment loans to individuals 41 45 87
4.Includes the Company’s consumer and DDA overdrafts loan categories.
5.Computed on a fully federal tax-equivalent basis assuming a tax rate of approximately 21%.
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TABLE TWO
RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN INTEREST INCOME AND INTEREST EXPENSE
(In thousands)
Volume Rate Net Volume Rate Net
Interest-earning assets:
Loan portfolio
Previously securitized loans — — — — (195) (195)
Securities:
Interest-bearing liabilities:
FHLB long-term advances 2,709 — 2,709 — — —
1.Fully federal taxable equivalent using a tax rate of approximately 21%.
NET INTEREST INCOME
2023 vs. 2022
The Company’s net interest income increased from $180.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to $219.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company’s tax equivalent net interest income increased $39.0 million, or 21.5%, from $181.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022 to $220.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The acquisition of Citizens during the first quarter of 2023 added $10.6 million of net interest income during the year ended December 31, 2023. Due to increases in market rates, net interest income increased by $47.2 million due to an increase in loan yields (net of loan fees and accretion) of 127 basis points, by $14.2 million due to an increase in the yield on investment securities of 97 basis points, and by $4.9 million due to a 342 basis point increase on deposits in depository institutions. In addition, net interest income increased $4.4 million due to an increase in balances of loans of $110.2 million and by $2.0 million due to additional accretion from the year ended December 31, 2022.
These increases were partially offset by an increase in the cost of interest bearing liabilities (110 basis points) which decreased net interest income by $41.6 million, lower balances of deposits in depository institutions ($214.9 million) that
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lowered net interest income by $2.3 million, and lower investment balances ($57.8 million) that lowered net interest income by $1.6 million. The Company’s reported net interest margin increased from 3.33% for the year ended December 31, 2022 to 4.01% for the year ended December 31, 2023.
2022 vs. 2021
The Company’s net interest income increased from $155.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 to $180.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. The Company’s tax equivalent net interest income increased $24.4 million, or 15.6%, from $156.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2021 to $181.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Net interest income increased by $12.0 million, $7.3 million and $3.4 million, respectively, due to increases in the yields on loans (net of loan fees and accretion), investments, and deposits in depository institutions, of 35 basis points, 47 basis points and 94 basis points, respectively, all due primarily to increases in the Federal Funds rate during 2022. In addition, higher average investment and loan balances ($189.2 million and $37.5 million, respectively) increased net interest income by $3.9 million and $1.8 million, respectively. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in loan fees associated with PPP loans of $3.5 million from 2021 and a decrease in accretion from fair value adjustments of $1.0 million. The Company’s reported net interest margin increased from 2.89% for the year ended December 31, 2021 to 3.33% for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Management of the Company uses measures in its analysis of the Company's performance other than those in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"). These measures are useful when evaluating the underlying performance of the Company's operations. The Company's management believes that these non-GAAP measures enhance comparability of results with prior periods and demonstrate the effects of significant gains and charges in the current period. The Company's management believes that investors may use these non-GAAP financial measures to evaluate the Company's financial performance without the impact of those items that may obscure trends in the Company's performance. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP, nor are they comparable to non-GAAP financial measures that may be presented by other companies. The following table reconciles fully taxable equivalent net interest income with net interest income as derived from the Company's financial statements, as well as other non-GAAP measures (dollars in thousands):
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TABLE THREE
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(In thousands)
Effect of goodwill and other intangibles, net (2.41) (1.81) (1.76)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets 8.57 % 8.02 % 9.58 %
Return on average tangible equity ("GAAP") 23.8 % 20.3 % 15.3 %
Impact of merger related expenses 0.8 — —
Impact of merger related provision 0.3 — —
Return on assets ("GAAP") 1.87 % 1.71 % 1.49 %
Impact of merger related expenses 0.07 — —
Impact of merger related provision 0.03 — —
Impact of merger expenses (1.8) — —
Efficiency ratio, net of merger expenses 46.0 % 48.2 % 51.3 %
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NON-INTEREST INCOME AND NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
2023 vs. 2022
Selected income statement fluctuations and ratios are summarized in the following table (dollars in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Net realized investment security (losses) gains $ (4.9) $ — (4.9) N/A
Non-interest expense, excluding merger-related expenses 138.4 124.0 14.3 12 %
Efficiency ratio, excluding merger-related expenses 46.0 48.2
Full-time equivalent employees 957 909
Non-interest income was $70.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, as compared to $72.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. In 2023, the Company reported $4.9 million of realized security losses and $0.4 million of unrealized security gains on the Company’s equity securities as compared to $1.6 million of unrealized security losses on the Company’s equity securities in 2022. The realized security losses during 2023, which lowered diluted earnings per share by $0.25, were executed to reposition a portion of our investment securities.
Exclusive of these realized and unrealized gains and losses, non-interest income increased $1.4 million, or 2.0%, from $73.7 million for 2022 to $75.1 million for 2023. This increase was largely attributable to an increase of $0.8 million, or 8.7%, in trust and investment management fee income and a $0.6 million, or 2.2%, increase in bankcard revenue. In addition, death benefits from bank owned life insurance increased $0.5 million from the year ended December 31, 2022. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.6 million in service charges.
Non-interest expenses, excluding merger expenses, increased $14.3 million, or 12%, from $124.0 million for the year ended 2022 to $138.4 million for the year ended 2023. This increase was largely due to an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $6.6 million due to salary adjustments, Citizens personnel ($1.9 million), and increased health insurance along with increase in other expenses of $4.9 million. In addition, bankcard expense increased $1.4 million, FDIC expense increased $1.2 million and occupancy related expenses increased $0.6 million.
2022 vs. 2021
Selected income statement fluctuations are summarized in the following table (dollars in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
Sale of VISA shares — — — — %
Non-interest expense, less merger related expenses 124.0 117.2 6.8 6 %
Full-time equivalent employees 909 905
Non-interest income was $72.1 million for 2022 as compared to $69.6 million for 2021. The Company reported $1.6 million of unrealized fair value losses on the Company’s equity securities during 2022 compared to $0.3 million of realized security gains on the sale of investments and $0.5 million of unrealized fair value gains on the Company’s equity securities during 2021. Exclusive of these realized and unrealized gains and losses, non-interest income increased from $68.8
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million for the year ended December 31, 2021 to $73.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. This increase was largely attributable to an increase of $2.8 million, or 10.9%, in service charges and a $1.7 million, or 42.7%, increase in bank owned life insurance due to higher death benefit proceeds received in 2022 compared to 2021. In addition, trust and investment management fee income and bankcard revenues each increased $0.4 million from the year ended December 31, 2021. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in other income.
Non-interest expenses increased from $117.2 million for 2021 to $124.3 million for 2022. This increase was primarily due to an increase in salaries and employee benefit expenses ($4.7 million, due to higher salary adjustments during 2022, increased incentive compensation, and increased health insurance) and equipment and software related expenses ($1.3 million). In addition, occupancy related expenses increased $0.6 million, advertising increased $0.3 million, and merger-related expenses increased $0.3 million.
INCOME TAXES
Selected information regarding the Company's income taxes is presented in the table below (dollars in millions):
For the year ended December 31,
A reconciliation of the effective tax rate to the statutory rate is included in Note Twelve of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The Company was in a net deferred tax asset position ($42.2 million) at December 31, 2023 and a net deferred tax asset position ($44.9 million) at December 31, 2022. The decrease in net deferred tax asset was largely due to a decrease in the Company's investment valuation, primarily in the mortgage-backed security portfolio.
The components of the Company’s net deferred tax assets are disclosed in Note Twelve of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. Realization of the most significant net deferred tax assets is primarily dependent on future events taking place that will reverse the current deferred tax assets. The deferred tax asset associated with unrealized securities losses is the tax impact of the unrealized losses on the Company’s available-for-sale security portfolio. The impact of the Company’s unrealized losses is noted in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity as an adjustment to Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income. This deferred tax asset would be realized if the unrealized securities losses on the Company's securities were realized from the sales of the related securities. The Company believes that it is more likely than not that each of the deferred tax assets will be realized and that no significant valuation allowances were necessary as of December 31, 2023 or 2022.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Liquidity
The Company evaluates the adequacy of liquidity at both the Parent Company level and at the banking subsidiary level. At the Parent Company level, the principal source of cash is dividends from its banking subsidiary, City National. Dividends paid by City National to the Parent Company are subject to certain legal and regulatory limitations. Generally, any dividends in amounts that exceed the earnings retained by City National in the current year plus retained net profits for the preceding two years must be approved by regulatory authorities. At December 31, 2023, City National could pay dividends up to $53.3 million without prior regulatory permission.
During 2023, the Parent Company used cash obtained from the dividends received primarily to: (1) pay common dividends to shareholders and (2) fund repurchases of the Company's common shares. Additional information concerning sources and uses of cash by the Parent Company is discussed in Note Nineteen of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
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The Parent Company anticipates continuing the payment of dividends, which are expected to approximate $42.4 million on an annualized basis for 2024 based on common shareholders of record at December 31, 2023 at a dividend rate of $2.86 per share for 2024. However, dividends to shareholders can, if necessary, be suspended. In addition to these anticipated cash needs, the Parent Company has operating expenses and other contractual obligations, which are estimated to require $1.6 million of additional cash over the next 12 months. As of December 31, 2023, the Parent Company reported a cash balance of $64.0 million and management believes that the Parent Company’s available cash balance, together with cash dividends from City National, will be adequate to satisfy its funding and cash needs over the next twelve months. Excluding the dividend payments discussed above, the Parent Company has no significant commitments or obligations in years after 2024.
City National manages its liquidity position in an effort to effectively and economically satisfy the funding needs of its customers and to accommodate the scheduled repayment of borrowings. Funds are available to City National from a number of sources, including depository relationships, sales and maturities within the investment securities portfolio, and borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB"), the Federal Reserve Discount Window, and other financial institutions. City National had an additional $1.9 billion and $1.6 billion available from unused portions of lines of credit with the FHLB and Federal Reserve Discount Window at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. No short-term or long-term funding has been utilized with certain other financial institutions the Company maintains business relationships as of December 31, 2023. City National maintains a contingency funding plan, incorporating these borrowing facilities, to address liquidity needs in the event of an institution-specific or systemic financial industry crisis. Also, although it has no current intention to do so, City National could liquidate its unpledged securities, if necessary, to provide an additional funding source. City National also segregates certain mortgage loans, mortgage-backed securities, and other investment securities in a separate subsidiary so that it can separately monitor the asset quality of these primarily mortgage-related assets, which could be used to raise cash through securitization transactions or obtain additional equity or debt financing if necessary.
The Company manages its asset and liability mix to balance its desire to maximize net interest income against its desire to minimize risks associated with capitalization, interest rate volatility, and liquidity. With respect to liquidity, the Company has chosen a conservative posture and believes that its liquidity position is strong. As illustrated in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, the Company generated $137.6 million of cash from operating activities during 2023, primarily from interest income received on loans and investments, net of interest expense paid on deposits and borrowings.
The Company has obligations to extend credit, but these obligations are primarily associated with existing home equity loans that have predictable borrowing patterns across the portfolio. The Company has investment security balances with carrying values that totaled $1.37 billion at December 31, 2023, and that greatly exceeded the Company’s non-deposit sources of borrowing, which totaled $435 million.
The Company’s net loan to asset ratio is 66.5% as of December 31, 2023 and deposit balances fund 80.0% of total assets as compared to 72.9% for its peers (Bank Holding Company Peer Group, as of the most recent data available as of September 30, 2023, which includes commercial banks with assets ranging from $3 billion to $10 billion). Further, the Company’s deposit mix has a very high proportion of transaction and savings accounts that fund 63.1% of the Company’s total assets and the Company uses time deposits over $250,000 to fund 5.5% of total assets compared to its peers, which fund 12.3% of total assets with such deposits.
Capital Resources
During 2023, Shareholders’ Equity increased $99 million, or 17.2%, from $578 million at December 31, 2022 to $677 million at December 31, 2023. This increase was primarily due to net income of $114 million, the issuance of 667,000 shares of common stock for the acquisition of Citizens Commerce Bancshares, Inc. of $62 million, and other comprehensive income of $21 million that were partially offset by common share repurchases of $60 million and cash dividends declared of $41 million.
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company repurchased approximately 666,575 common shares at a weighted average price of $90.21 per share as part of a one million share repurchase plan authorized by the Board of Directors in May 2022. At December 31, 2023, the Company could repurchase an additional approximately 150,319 shares under the current plan.
The Basel III Capital Rules require City Holding and City National to maintain minimum CET 1, Tier 1 and Total Capital ratios, along with a capital conservation buffer, effectively resulting in minimum capital ratios (which are shown in the table below). The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of CET 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the conservation buffer (or
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below the combined capital conservation buffer and countercyclical capital buffer, when the latter is applied) will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. The Basel III Capital Rules also provide for a "countercyclical capital buffer" that is applicable to only certain covered institutions and does not have any current applicability to City Holding Company or City National Bank.
The Company’s minimum required capital ratios for both City Holding and City National include the 2.5% capital conservation buffer and are illustrated in the following tables (in thousands):
Capital Amount Ratio Capital Amount Ratio Capital Amount Ratio
CET 1 Capital
Tier 1 Capital
Total Capital
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
Capital Amount Ratio Capital Amount Ratio Capital Amount Ratio
CET 1 Capital
Tier 1 Capital
Total Capital
Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
As of December 31, 2023, management believes that City Holding Company, and its banking subsidiary, City National, were "well capitalized." City Holding is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by the Federal Reserve, while City National is subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by the OCC and the FDIC. Regulatory agencies can initiate certain mandatory actions if either City Holding or City National fails to meet the minimum capital requirements, as shown above. As of December 31, 2023, management believes that City Holding and City National meet all capital adequacy requirements.
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In November 2019, the federal banking regulators published final rules implementing a simplified measure of capital adequacy for certain banking organizations that have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets. Under the final rules, which went into effect on January 1, 2020, depository institutions and depository institution holding companies that have less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets and meet other qualifying criteria, including a leverage ratio of greater than 9%, off–balance–sheet exposures of 25% or less of total consolidated assets and trading assets plus trading liabilities of 5% or less of total consolidated assets, are deemed "qualifying community banking organizations" and are eligible to opt into the "community bank leverage ratio framework." A qualifying community banking organization that elects to use the community bank leverage ratio framework and that maintains a leverage ratio of greater than 9% is considered to have satisfied the generally applicable risk–based and leverage capital requirements under the Basel III Rules and, if applicable, is considered to have met the "well capitalized" ratio requirements for purposes of its primary federal regulator’s prompt corrective action rules, discussed below. The final rules include a two–quarter grace period during which a qualifying community banking organization that temporarily fails to meet any of the qualifying criteria, including the greater–than–9% leverage capital ratio requirement, is generally still deemed "well capitalized" so long as the banking organization maintains a leverage capital ratio greater than 8%. A banking organization that fails to maintain a leverage capital ratio greater than 8% is not permitted to use the grace period and must comply with the generally applicable requirements under the Basel III Rules and file the appropriate regulatory reports. The Company and its subsidiary bank do not have any immediate plans to elect to use the community bank leverage ratio framework but may make such an election in the future.
Contractual Obligations
The Company has various financial obligations that may require future cash payments according to the terms of the obligations. Demand, both noninterest- and interest-bearing, and savings deposits are, generally, payable immediately upon demand at the request of the customer. Therefore, the contractual maturity of these obligations is presented in the following table as "less than one year." Time deposits, typically certificates of deposit, are customer deposits that are evidenced by an agreement between the Company and the customer that specify stated maturity dates; early withdrawals by the customer are subject to penalties assessed by the Company. Short-term borrowings and FHLB long-term advances represent borrowings of the Company and have stated maturity dates. Operating leases between the Company and the lessor have stated expiration dates and renewal terms.
TABLE FOUR
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
The composition of the Company's contractual obligations as of December 31, 2023 is presented in the following table (in thousands):
Contractual Maturity in
Less than One Year Greater than One Year Total
(1)Includes interest on both fixed- and variable-rate obligations. The interest associated with variable-rate obligations is based upon interest rates in effect at December 31, 2023. The contractual amounts to be paid on variable-rate obligations are affected by market interest rates that could materially affect the contractual amounts to be paid.
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The Company’s liability for uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2023 was $1.3 million pursuant to ASC Topic 740. This liability represents an estimate of tax positions that the Company has taken in its tax returns that may ultimately not be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. As the ultimate amount and timing of any future cash settlements cannot be predicted with reasonable reliability, this estimated liability has been excluded from the contractual obligations table.
As disclosed in Note Fifteen of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company has entered into agreements with its customers to extend credit or to provide conditional commitments to provide payment on drafts presented in accordance with the terms of the underlying credit documents (including standby and commercial letters of credit). The Company also provides overdraft protection to certain demand deposit customers that represent an unfunded commitment. As a result of the Company’s off-balance sheet arrangements for 2023 and 2022, no material revenue, expenses, or cash flows were recognized. In addition, the Company had no other indebtedness or retained interests nor entered into agreements to extend credit or provide conditional payments pursuant to standby and commercial letters of credit.
INVESTMENTS
The investment portfolio is structured to provide flexibility in managing liquidity needs and interest rate risk, while providing acceptable rates of return.
The majority of the Company’s investment securities continue to be mortgage-backed securities. These securities are collateralized by both residential and commercial properties. The mortgage-backed securities in which the Company has invested are predominantly issued by government-sponsored agencies such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae.
The Company's municipal bond portfolio of $213 million as of December 31, 2023 has an average tax equivalent yield of 2.45% with an average maturity of 12.1 years. The average dollar amount invested in each security is $0.8 million. The portfolio has 93% rated "A" or better and the remaining portfolio is unrated, as the issuances represented small issuances of revenue bonds. Additional credit support has been purchased by the issuer for 24% of the portfolio, while 76% has no additional credit support. Management re-underwrites 100% of the portfolio on an annual basis, using the same guidelines that are used to underwrite its commercial loans. Revenue bonds were 57% of the portfolio, while the remaining 43% were general obligation bonds. Geographically, the portfolio supports the Company's footprint, with 15% of the portfolio being from municipalities throughout West Virginia, and the remainder from communities in Texas, Washington, Ohio and various other states.
The weighted average yield of the Company's investment portfolio is presented in the following table (dollars in thousands):
Within After One But After Five But After
One Year Within Five Years Within Ten Years Ten Years
Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield
Securities available-for-sale:
Mortgage-backed securities:
Trust preferred securities — — — — — — 4,278 7.36
Weighted-average yields on tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions have been computed on a taxable-equivalent basis using the federal statutory tax rate of 21%. Average yields on investments available-for-sale are computed based on amortized cost. Mortgage-backed securities have been allocated to their respective maturity groupings based on their contractual maturity.
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TABLE FIVE
LOAN PORTFOLIO
Loans increased $479.7 million (13.2%) from December 31, 2022 to $4.13 billion at December 31, 2023. The Company’s acquisition of Citizens increased total loans by $254.7 million. Excluding the acquisition, total loans increased $225.0 million (6.2%) from December 31, 2022. Commercial real estate loans increased $101.4 million (7.3%); residential real estate loans increased $51.3 million (3.0%); commercial and industrial loans increased $38.4 million (10.3%); home equity loans increased $19.1 million (14.3%); and consumer loans increased $13.4 million (27.4%). The composition of the Company’s loan portfolio as of the dates indicated follows (in thousands):
The commercial and industrial ("C&I") loan portfolio consists of loans to corporate and other legal entity borrowers, primarily small to mid-size industrial and commercial companies. C&I loans typically involve a higher level of risk than other loan types, including industry specific risks such as the pertinent economy, new technology, labor rates and cyclicality, as well as customer specific factors, such as cash flow, financial structure, operating controls and asset quality. Collateral securing these loans includes equipment, machinery, inventory, receivables and vehicles. C&I loans increased $38.4 million from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023, excluding $14.7 million of C&I loans acquired from Citizens.
Commercial real estate loans consist of commercial mortgages, which generally are secured by nonresidential and multi-family residential properties, including hotel/motel and apartment lending. Commercial real estate loans are to many of the same customers and carry similar industry risks as C&I loans, but have different collateral risk. Commercial real estate loans increased $101.4 million to $1.67 billion at December 31, 2023, excluding $179.8 million of commercial real estate loans acquired from Citizens. At December 31, 2023, $2 million of the commercial real estate loans were for commercial properties under construction.
In order to group loans with similar risk characteristics, the portfolio is further segmented by product types:
◦Commercial 1-4 Family loans consist of residential single-family, duplex, triplex, and fourplex rental properties and totaled $206.2 million as of December 31, 2023. Risk characteristics are driven by rental housing demand as well as economic and employment conditions. These properties exhibit greater risk than multi-family properties due to fewer income sources.
◦The Hotel portfolio is comprised of all lodging establishments and totaled $357.1 million as of December 31, 2023. Risk characteristics relate to the demand for both business and personal travel.
◦Multi-family consists of 5 or more family residential apartment lending. The portfolio totaled $189.2 million as of December 31, 2023. Risk characteristics are driven by rental housing demand as well as economic and employment conditions.
◦Non-residential commercial real estate includes properties such as retail, office, warehouse, storage, healthcare, entertainment, religious, and other nonresidential commercial properties. The non-residential product type is further segmented into owner- and non-owner occupied properties. Nonresidential non-owner occupied commercial real
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estate totaled $680.6 million while nonresidential owner-occupied commercial real estate totaled $240.3 million as of December 31, 2023. Risk characteristics relate to levels of consumer spending and overall economic conditions.
The Company categorizes commercial loans by industry according to the North American Industry Classification System ("NAICS") to monitor the portfolio for possible concentrations in one or more industries. Management monitors industry concentrations against internally established risk-based capital thresholds. As of December 31, 2023, City National was within its internally designated concentration limits. As of December 31, 2023, City National's loans to borrowers within the Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings categories exceeded 10% of total loans (15%). No other NAICS industry classification exceeded 10% of total loans as of December 31, 2023. Management also monitors non-owner occupied commercial real estate as a percent of risk based capital (based upon regulatory guidance). At December 31, 2023, the Company had $1.5 billion of commercial loans classified as non-owner occupied and was within its designated concentration threshold.
Residential real estate loans increased $51.3 million from December 31, 2022 to $1.79 billion at December 31, 2023, excluding $43.4 million of residential real estate loans acquired from Citizens. Residential real estate loans include loans for the purchase or refinance of consumers' residence and first-priority home equity loans allow consumers to borrow against the equity in their home. These loans primarily consist of single family three- and five-year adjustable rate mortgages with terms that amortize up to 30 years. City National also offers fixed-rate residential real estate loans. Residential purchase real estate loans are generally underwritten to comply with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, while first priority home equity loans are underwritten with typically less documentation, lower loan-to-value ratios and shorter maturities. Additionally, the Company periodically purchases residential mortgage loans. The credit and collateral documents for each potential purchased loan are reviewed to ensure the credit metrics are acceptable to management. At December 31, 2023, $23 million of the residential real estate loans were for properties under construction.
Home equity loans increased $19.1 million from December 31, 2022 to $167 million at December 31, 2023, excluding $13.7 million of home equity loans acquired from Citizens. City National's home equity loans represent loans to consumers that are secured by a second (or junior) priority lien on a residential property. Home equity loans allow consumers to borrow against the equity in their home without paying off an existing first priority lien. These loans include home equity lines of credit ("HELOC") and amortized home equity loans that require monthly installment payments. Second priority lien home equity loans are underwritten with less documentation than first priority lien residential real estate loans but typically have similar loan-to-value ratios and other terms as first priority lien residential real estate loans. The amount of credit extended is directly related to the value of the real estate securing the loan at the time the loan is made.
All mortgage loans, whether fixed rate or adjustable rate, are originated in accordance with acceptable industry standards and comply with regulatory requirements. Fixed rate mortgage loans are processed and underwritten in accordance with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac guidelines, while adjustable rate mortgage loans are underwritten in accordance with City National's internal loan policy.
Consumer loans may be secured by automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, certificates of deposit and other personal property, or they may be unsecured. The Company manages the risk associated with consumer loans by monitoring such factors as portfolio size and growth, internal lending policies and pertinent economic conditions. City National's underwriting standards are continually evaluated and modified based upon these factors. Consumer loans increased $13.4 million from 2022 to $65 million at December 31, 2023, excluding $3.0 million of consumer loans acquired from Citizens.
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The following table shows the scheduled maturity of loans outstanding as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
The maturity table above is based on actual loan maturity dates and does not consider prepayments or any other
assumptions.
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ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" effective January 1, 2020, using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures. ASU No. 2016-13 replaced the incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The current expected credit losses model ("CECL") applies to the allowance for credit losses, available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities, purchased financial assets with credit deterioration and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures.
Management systematically monitors the loan portfolio and the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis to provide for expected losses inherent in the portfolio. Management assesses the risk in each loan type based on historical trends, the general economic environment of its local markets, individual loan performance and other relevant factors. The Company's estimate of future economic conditions utilized in its provision estimate is primarily dependent on expected unemployment ranges over a two-year period. Beyond two years, a straight line reversion to historical average loss rates is applied over the life of the loan pool in the migration methodology. The vintage methodology applies future average loss rates based on net losses in historical periods where the unemployment rate was within the forecasted range.
Individual credits in excess of $1 million are selected at least annually for detailed loan reviews, which are utilized by management to assess the risk in the portfolio and the appropriateness of the allowance.
Determination of the Allowance for Credit Losses "ACL" is subjective in nature and requires management to periodically reassess the validity of its assumptions. Differences between actual losses and estimated losses are assessed such that management can timely modify its evaluation model to ensure that adequate provision has been made for risk in the total loan portfolio.
As a result of the Company’s analysis of the adequacy of the Allowance for Credit Losses, the Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 and $0.5 million for year ended December 31, 2022. The increase in provision for the year ended December 31, 2023 was due to the acquisition of Citizens ($2.0 million), loan growth, and credit downgrades that were partially offset by lower historical loss rates in the portfolio.
Based on the Company’s analysis of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses and in consideration of the known factors utilized in computing the allowance, management believes that the allowance for credit losses as of December 31, 2023 is adequate to provide for expected losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio. Future provisions for credit losses will be dependent upon trends in loan balances including the composition of the loan portfolio, changes in loan quality and loss experience trends, and recoveries of previously charged-off loans, among other factors.
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TABLE SIX
ALLOCATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The allocation of the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment and the percent of loans in each category to total loans is shown in the table below (dollars in thousands). The allocation of a portion of the allowance in one portfolio segment does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other portfolio segments.
The ACL increased from $17.1 million at December 31, 2022 to $22.7 million at December 31, 2023. The allowance attributed to the commercial real estate loan portfolio increased $4.5 million from $6.6 million at December 31, 2022 to $11.1 million at December 31, 2023. This increase was due to the acquisition of Citizen's Commerce Bank, overall loan growth in the portfolio, and downgrades of certain loans.
The following table shows asset quality ratios as of December 31, 2022 and 2021:
Net charge offs to average loans 0.01 % 0.04 %
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses to average loans 0.08 0.01
Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans 290.56 317.28
Allowance for credit losses to total loans 0.55 0.47
Non-performing assets as a percentage of total loans and OREO 0.21 0.17
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GOODWILL
The Company evaluates the recoverability of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets annually as of November 30th, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances warrant, such as a material adverse change in the Company's business. Goodwill is considered to be impaired when the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are considered impaired if their carrying value exceeds their estimated fair value. As described in Note One of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company conducts its business activities through one reportable business segment – community banking. Fair values are estimated by reviewing the Company’s stock price as it compares to book value and the Company’s reported earnings. In addition, the impact of future earnings and activities is considered in the Company’s analysis. The Company had increased to approximately $150 million of goodwill at December 31, 2023 from $109 million at December 31, 2022 due to the acquisition of Citizens Commerce in March 2023 (see Note Three for further information). No impairment was required to be recognized in 2023 or 2022, as the estimated fair value of the Company has continued to exceed its book value.
CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
The Company has time certificates of deposit that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 totaling an estimated $338.4 million. Scheduled maturities of uninsured time certificates of deposit are estimated at December 31, 2023 and are summarized in the table below (in thousands).
TABLE SEVEN
MATURITY DISTRIBUTION OF UNINSURED CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT
Amounts
Three months or less $ 26,647
Over three months through six months 36,533
Over six months through twelve months 41,224
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
The Company determines the fair value of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established in ASC Topic 820, whereby the fair value of certain assets and liabilities is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. ASC Topic 820 establishes a three-level hierarchy for disclosure of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value. The hierarchy classification is based on whether the inputs in the methodology for determining fair value are observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect market-based information obtained from independent sources (Level 1 or Level 2), while unobservable inputs reflect management’s estimate of market data (Level 3). Assets and liabilities that are actively traded and have quoted prices or observable market data require a minimal amount of subjectivity concerning fair value. Management’s judgment is necessary to estimate fair value when quoted prices or observable market data are not available.
At December 31, 2023, approximately 23% of total assets, or $1.4 billion, consisted of financial instruments recorded at fair value. Most of these financial instruments used valuation methodologies involving observable market data, collectively Level 1 and Level 2 measurements, to determine fair value. At December 31, 2023, approximately $49 million of derivative liabilities were recorded at fair value using methodologies involving observable market data. The Company does not believe that any changes in the unobservable inputs used to value the financial instruments mentioned above would have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity, or capital resources. See Note Eighteen of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding ASC Topic 820 and its impact on the Company’s financial statements.
LEGAL ISSUES
The Company is engaged in various legal actions that it deems to be in the ordinary course of business. As these legal actions are resolved, the Company could realize impacts to its financial performance in the period in which these legal
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actions are ultimately decided. There can be no assurance that current actions will have immaterial results, or that no material actions may be presented in the future.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
Note Two, "Recent Accounting Pronouncements," of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, discusses recently issued new accounting pronouncements and their expected impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
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Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss due to adverse changes in current and future cash flows, fair values, earnings or capital due to adverse movements in interest rates and other factors, including foreign exchange rates, underlying credit risk and commodity prices. Because the Company has no significant foreign exchange activities and holds no commodities, interest rate risk represents the primary risk factor affecting the Company’s balance sheet and net interest margin. Significant changes in interest rates by the Federal Reserve could result in similar changes in LIBOR and SOFR interest rates, prime rates, and other benchmark interest rates that could materially affect the estimated fair value of the Company’s investment securities portfolio, interest paid on the Company’s short-term and long-term borrowings, interest earned on the Company’s loan portfolio and interest paid on its deposit accounts. The Company utilizes derivative instruments, primarily in the form of interest rate swaps, to help manage its interest rate risk on commercial loans.
The Company’s Asset and Liability Committee ("ALCO") has been delegated the responsibility of managing the Company’s interest-sensitive balance sheet accounts to maximize earnings while managing interest rate risk. ALCO, comprised of various members of executive and senior management, is also responsible for establishing policies to monitor and limit the Company’s exposure to interest rate risk and to manage the Company’s liquidity position. ALCO satisfies its responsibilities through at least quarterly meetings during which product pricing issues, liquidity measures and interest sensitivity positions are monitored.
In order to measure and manage its interest rate risk, the Company uses an asset/liability management simulation software model to periodically update the interest sensitivity position of the Company’s balance sheet. The model is also used to perform analyses that measure the impact on net interest income and capital as a result of various changes in the interest rate environment. Such analyses quantify the effects of various interest rate scenarios on projected net interest income.
The Company’s policy objective is to avoid negative fluctuations in net income or the economic value of equity of more than 15% within a 12-month period, assuming an immediate parallel increase of 100 to 300 basis points. The Company measures the long-term risk associated with sustained increases and decreases in rates through analysis of the impact to changes in rates on the economic value of equity.
The following table summarizes the sensitivity of the Company’s net income to various interest rate scenarios. The results of the sensitivity analyses presented below differ from the results used internally by ALCO in that, in the analyses below, interest rates are assumed to have an immediate and sustained parallel shock. The Company recognizes that rates are volatile, but rarely move with immediate and parallel effects. Internally, the Company considers a variety of interest rate scenarios that are deemed to be possible while considering the level of risk it is willing to assume in "worst-case" scenarios such as shown by the following:
These estimates are highly dependent upon assumptions made by management, including, but not limited to, assumptions regarding the manner in which interest-bearing demand deposit and savings deposit accounts reprice in different interest rate scenarios, changes in the composition of deposit balances, pricing behavior of competitors, prepayments of loans
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and deposits under alternative rate environments, and new business volumes and pricing. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates above will be achieved in the event that interest rates increase or decrease during 2023 and beyond. The estimates above do not necessarily imply that the Company will experience increases in net income if market interest rates rise. The table above indicates how the Company’s net income and the economic value of equity behave relative to an increase or decrease in rates compared to what would otherwise occur if rates remain stable.
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Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
REPORT ON MANAGEMENT’S ASSESSMENT OF INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of City Holding Company is responsible for the preparation, integrity, and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements included in this annual report. The consolidated financial statements of City Holding Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and necessarily include some amounts that are based on the best estimates and judgments of management.
The management of City Holding Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting that is designed to produce reliable financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The system of internal control over financial reporting is evaluated for effectiveness by management and tested for reliability through a program of internal audits with actions taken to correct potential deficiencies as they are identified. Because of inherent limitations in any internal control system, no matter how well designed, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected, including the possibility of the circumvention or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control system can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023 based upon the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013 Framework). Based on our assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2023, the Company's system of internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria. Crowe LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. This report appears on page 54.
February 28, 2024
/s/ Charles R. Hageboeck /s/ David L. Bumgarner
Charles R. Hageboeck David L. Bumgarner
President & Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial Officer
Principal Executive Officer Principal Financial Officer
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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Shareholders and the Board of Directors
of City Holding Company and Subsidiaries
Charleston, West Virginia
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of City Holding Company and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income (loss), changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2023 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2023, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Report on Management’s Assessment of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting 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 the 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the financial statements 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
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Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
Allowance for Credit Losses – Qualitative Factors
As more fully described in Notes 1 and 6 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s allowance for credit losses represents management’s best estimate of expected losses in the loan portfolio. Estimates of expected credit losses for loans are based on reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, historical loss experience and qualitative factors.
Management estimates the allowance for credit losses balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information (i.e., qualitative adjustments) are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics, such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term, as well as for changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in unemployment rates, property values, or other relevant factors.
The principal consideration resulting in our determination that auditing the allowance for credit losses qualitative adjustments is a critical audit matter is the high degree of subjectivity involved in management’s assessment of the risk of loss associated with each adjustment, and the determination of the adjustment amounts to historical loss rates.
The primary procedures performed to address this critical audit matter included:
•Testing the effectiveness of controls over the Company’s preparation and review of the allowance for credit loss calculation, specifically testing controls over the adherence to the framework aligned with the risk of loss, completeness and accuracy of data used as the basis for adjustments related to the qualitative factors and testing management’s review of the reasonableness of qualitative factors.
•Substantively testing management’s process for developing the qualitative factors, including alignment to the established framework, assessing the relevance and reliability of data used to develop the factors, and evaluating for reasonableness the judgments and assumptions used in the determination of the adjustment amounts.
/s/ Crowe LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2019.
Washington, D.C.
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(in thousands)
Assets
Interest-bearing deposits in depository institutions 33,243 129,743
Liabilities
Deposits:
Interest-bearing:
Short-term borrowings:
FHLB short-term advances 25,000 —
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 309,856 290,964
FHLB long-term advances 100,000 —
Commitments and contingencies - see Note Fifteen
Shareholders’ Equity
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized loss on securities available-for-sale (107,958) (128,066)
Underfunded pension liability (2,581) (3,422)
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income (110,539) (131,488)
To be read with the attached notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
CITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(in thousands, except earnings per share data)
Year Ended December 31
Interest Income
Interest on investment securities:
Interest on deposits in depository institutions 6,382 3,794 693
Interest Expense
Interest on FHLB long-term advances 2,709 — —
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses 3,243 474 (3,165)
Non-Interest Income
Net (losses) gains on sale of investment securities (4,908) 4 312
Non-Interest Expense
Repossessed asset losses (gains), net of expenses 28 59 (57)
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME, CONTINUED
CITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(in thousands, except earnings per share data)
Year Ended December 31
Effect of dilutive securities 23 26 26
Basic earnings per common share $ 7.62 $ 6.81 $ 5.67
Diluted earnings per common share $ 7.61 $ 6.80 $ 5.66
To be read with the attached notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
CITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31
Available-for-Sale Securities
Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) 4,908 (4) (312)
Defined Benefit Pension Plan
Net gain (loss) arising during period 777 (697) 1,726
Change in underfunded pension liability 1,121 83 2,848
To be read with the attached notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(dollars and shares in thousands)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — — — — (16,973) (16,973)
Cash dividends declared ($2.34 per share) — — (36,242) — — (36,242)
Stock-based compensation expense, net — 3,121 — — — 3,121
Restricted awards granted — (1,860) — 1,860 — —
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax — — — — (145,748) (145,748)
Cash dividends declared ($2.50 per share) — — (37,201) — — (37,201)
Stock-based compensation expense, net — 3,276 — — — 3,276
Restricted awards granted — (2,821) — 2,821 — —
Other comprehensive income, net of tax — — — — 20,949 20,949
Cash dividends declared ($2.73 per share) — — (40,937) — — (40,937)
Stock-based compensation expense, net — 3,213 — — — 3,213
Restricted awards granted — (3,848) — 3,848 — —
To be read with the attached notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses 3,243 474 (3,165)
Net periodic employee benefit cost (52) 256 569
Pension contributions — — (1,000)
Unrealized and realized securities losses (gains) 4,476 1,581 (816)
Excess tax benefit from stock-compensation expense 228 (292) (579)
Increase in value of bank-owned life insurance (6,037) (5,559) (3,895)
Loans held for sale:
Change in accrued interest receivable (1,136) (2,660) 166
Securities available-for-sale
Proceeds from sales 205,627 — —
Other investments
Proceeds from maturities and calls 780 — —
Proceeds from the disposals of premises and equipment 283 190 367
Proceeds from the disposition of assets held-for-sale — — —
Proceeds from bank-owned life insurance policies 10,856 6,045 2,156
Payments for low income housing tax credits (8,051) (3,352) (2,891)
Acquisition of Citizens Commerce Bancshares, Inc. 14,016 — —
Proceeds from long-term debt 100,000 — —
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS CONTINUED
CITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31
Proceeds from exercise of stock options — 798 691
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
Acquisition
Identifiable assets acquired (net of purchase consideration) $ 319,961 $ — $ —
Liabilities assumed 307,617 — —
Core deposit intangible 8,278 — —
To be read with the attached notes to consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CITY HOLDING COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTE ONE – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES
Summary of Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies: The accounting and reporting policies of City Holding Company and its subsidiaries (the "Company") conform with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and require management to make estimates and develop assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and related footnotes. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates. The following is a summary of the more significant policies.
Principles of Consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of City Holding Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
The Company determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in an entity by first evaluating whether the entity is a voting interest entity or a variable interest entity in conformity with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles. Voting interest entities are entities in which the total equity investment at risk is sufficient to enable the entity to finance itself independently and provides the equity holders with the obligation to absorb losses, the right to receive residual returns and the right to make decisions about the entity’s activities. The Company consolidates voting interest entities in which it has all, or at least a majority of, the voting interest. As defined in applicable accounting standards, variable interest entities (VIEs) are entities that lack one or more of the characteristics of a voting interest entity. A controlling financial interest in a VIE is present when an enterprise has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The enterprise with a controlling financial interest, known as the primary beneficiary, consolidates the VIE. The Company also invests in certain limited partnerships that operate qualified low-income housing tax credit developments. These investments are considered variable interest entities for which the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, the accounts of these entities are not included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Certain amounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on total shareholders’ equity or net income for any period.
Description of Principal Markets and Services: The Company is a registered financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act headquartered in Charleston, West Virginia, and conducts its principal activities through its wholly-owned subsidiary, City National Bank of West Virginia ("City National"). City National is a retail and consumer-oriented community bank with 98 banking offices in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia and southeastern Ohio. City National provides credit, deposit, and trust and investment management services to its customers. In addition to its branch network, City National's delivery channels include automated-teller-machines ("ATMs"), interactive-teller-machines ("ITMs"), mobile banking, debit cards, interactive voice response systems and Internet technology. The Company conducts its business activities through one reportable business segment - community banking. The Company’s chief executive officer is the chief decision maker and reviews information at varying levels of aggregation, however, all information relates to community banking.
On March 10, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Citizens Commerce Bancshares, Inc. ("Citizens") and its principal banking subsidiary, Citizens Commerce Bank of Versailles, Kentucky. See Note Three for additional information on the acquisition.
Cash and Due from Banks: The Company considers cash, due from banks, and interest-bearing deposits in depository institutions as cash and cash equivalents.
Securities: Management determines the appropriate classification of securities at the time of purchase. If management has the intent and the Company has the ability at the time of purchase to hold debt securities to maturity, they are classified as investment securities held-to-maturity and are stated at amortized cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Debt securities which the Company may not hold to maturity are classified as investment securities available-for-sale. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in comprehensive income. Securities classified as available-for-sale include securities that management intends to use as part of its asset/liability and liquidity management strategy and that may be sold in response to changes in interest rates, resultant prepayment risk, and other factors. Certain investment securities that do not have readily determinable fair values and for which the Company does not exercise significant influence are carried at cost and classified as other investment securities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These cost-method investments are reviewed for
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impairment at least annually or sooner if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Marketable equity securities that consist of investments made by the Company in equity positions of various community banks are also classified as other investment securities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of the marketable equity securities are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security's amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For available-for-sale debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the security is compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive (loss) income.
Management employs a continuous monitoring process in regards to its marketable equity securities, specifically its portfolio of regional community bank holdings. Although the regional community bank stocks that are owned by the Company are publicly traded, the trading activity for these stocks is minimal. As part of management's review process for these securities, management reviews the financial condition of each respective community bank for any indications of financial weakness.
Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an available-for-sale debt security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.
The specific identification method is used to determine the cost basis of securities sold.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments: ASC Topic 825 "Financial Instruments," as amended, requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including discount rate and estimate of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument. ASC Topic 825 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
Loans: Loans, excluding previously securitized loans, are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income. Portfolio loans include those for which management has the intent and the Company has the ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff. The foreseeable future is based upon management’s judgment of current business strategies and market conditions, the type of loan, asset/liability management, and liquidity.
Interest income on loans is accrued and credited to operations based upon the principal amount outstanding, using methods that generally result in level rates of return. Loan origination fees, and certain direct costs, are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to the yield over the term of the loan. The accrual of interest income generally is discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest for all loan types. However, any loan may be placed on non-accrual status if the Company receives information that indicates that it is probable a borrower will be unable to meet the contractual terms of their respective loan agreement. Other indicators considered for placing a loan on non-accrual status include the borrower’s involvement in bankruptcies, foreclosures, repossessions, litigation and any other situation resulting in doubt as to whether full collection of contractual principal and interest is attainable. When interest accruals are discontinued, unpaid interest recognized in income in the current year is reversed, and interest accrued in prior years is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Management may elect to continue the accrual of interest when the estimated net realizable value of collateral exceeds the principal balance and related accrued interest, and the loan is in process of collection.
Generally for all loan classes, payments during the period the loan is non-performing are recorded on a cash basis. Payments received on nonperforming loans are typically applied directly against the outstanding principal balance until the
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loan is fully repaid. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time, and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.
Generally, all loan types are considered past due when the contractual terms of a loan are not met and the borrower is 30 days or more past due on a payment. Furthermore, all loans are generally subject to charge-off when the loan becomes 120 days past due, depending on the estimated fair value of the collateral less cost to dispose, versus the outstanding loan balance.
Allowance for Credit Losses:The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the loans' amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged off against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off. Management estimates the allowance balance using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Historical credit loss experience provides the basis for the estimation of expected credit losses. Adjustments to historical loss information are made for differences in current loan-specific risk characteristics, such as differences in underwriting standards, portfolio mix, delinquency level, or term as well as for changes in environmental conditions, such as changes in unemployment rates, property values, or other relevant factors. These evaluations are conducted at least quarterly and more frequently if deemed necessary.
In evaluating the appropriateness of its allowance for credit losses, the Company stratifies the loan portfolio into six major groupings. The Company has identified the following portfolio segments and measures the allowance for credit losses using the following methods:
Portfolio Segment Measurement Method
Commercial and industrial Migration
Commercial real estate:
1-4 family Migration
Hotels Migration
Multi-family Migration
Non Residential Non-Owner Occupied Migration
Non Residential Owner Occupied Migration
Residential real estate Vintage
Home equity Vintage
Consumer Vintage
Migration is an analysis that tracks a closed pool of loans for a configurable period of time and calculates a loss ratio on only those loans in the pool at the start date based on outstanding balance. Vintage is a predictive loss model that includes a reasonable approximation of probable and estimable future losses by tracking each loan's net losses over the life of the loan as compared to its original balance. For demand deposit overdrafts, the allowance for credit losses is measured using the historical loss rate. Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Loans evaluated individually are not included in the collective evaluation. When management determines that foreclosure is probable, the expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.
Expected credit losses are estimated over the contractual term of the loan, adjusted for expected prepayments when appropriate. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either of the following applies: management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that a restructured loan will be executed with an individual borrower or the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company.
Bank Owned Life Insurance: The Company has purchased life insurance on certain executive officers and employees. The Company receives the cash surrender value of each policy upon its termination or benefits are payable upon the death of the insured. These policies are recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their net cash surrender value.
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Changes in the net cash surrender value are recognized in Bank Owned Life Insurance in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Premises and Equipment: Land is stated at cost. The remaining items included within premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed primarily by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of leasehold improvements is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the term of the respective lease or the estimated useful life of the respective asset. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while improvements that extend the useful life of premises and equipment are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the asset.
Other Real Estate Owned: Other real estate owned ("OREO") is comprised principally of commercial and residential real estate properties obtained in partial or total satisfaction of loan obligations. OREO acquired in settlement of indebtedness is included in Other Assets at fair value less estimated selling costs. Changes to the value subsequent to transfer are recorded in non-interest expense, along with direct operating expenses. Gains or losses not previously recognized from sales of OREO are recognized in non-interest expense on the date of the sale. Physical possession of property collateralizing a loan occurs when legal title is obtained upon completion of foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar legal agreement. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the amount of OREO included in Other Assets was $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively.
Goodwill and OtherIntangible Assets: Goodwill is the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired. Goodwill is not amortized. Intangible assets represent purchased assets that also lack physical substance, but can be separately distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. Intangible assets with determinable useful lives, such as core deposits, are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
The Company performs an annual review for impairment in the recorded value of goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets. Goodwill is tested for impairment between the annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that more than likely reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. An indefinite-lived intangible asset is tested for impairment between the annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change indicating that the asset might be impaired.
Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase: Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are accounted for as collateralized financing transactions and are recorded at the amounts at which the securities were sold plus accrued interest. Securities sold primarily consists of U.S. government, federal agency, and municipal securities pledged as collateral under these financing arrangements and cannot be repledged or sold, unless replaced by the secured party.
Derivative Financial Instruments: Derivative instruments are carried at fair value in the Company’s financial statements. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument is determined by whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship, and further, by the type of hedging relationship. The Company primarily utilizes non-hedging derivative financial instruments with commercial banking customers to facilitate their interest rate management strategies. For these instruments, the Company acts as an intermediary for its customers and has offsetting contracts with financial institution counterparties. Changes in the fair value of these underlying derivative contracts generally offset each other and do not significantly impact the Company's results of operations. The Company also utilizes fair value hedge agreements to reduce the interest rate risk associated with the change in fair value of certain securities and loans. The gains or losses on these hedges are recognized in current earnings as fair value change. Realized gains (losses) from derivative assets and liabilities are classified as operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows..
Trust Assets: Assets held in a fiduciary or agency capacity for customers are not included in the accompanying financial statements since such items are not assets of the Company.
Income Taxes: The consolidated provision for income taxes is based upon reported income and expense. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. The income tax effects related to settlements of share-based compensation awards are reported in earnings as an increase (or decrease) to income tax expense. The Company files a consolidated income tax return. The respective subsidiaries generally provide for income taxes on a separate return basis and remit amounts determined to be currently payable to the Parent Company.
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The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to examinations and challenges from federal and state taxing authorities regarding positions taken in returns. Uncertain tax positions are initially recognized in the consolidated financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination. These positions are initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the taxing authority and assuming full knowledge of the position and all relevant facts by the taxing authority.
The Company invests in certain limited partnerships that operate qualified low-income housing tax credit developments. The tax credits are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income as a reduction in income tax expense. The unamortized amount of the investments is recorded within Other Assets within the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s investments in affordable housing limited partnerships were $44.6 million and $42.1 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The unfunded commitments associated with these investments were $27.9 million and $30.9 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and were recorded within Other Liabilities within the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Advertising Costs: Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation: Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees is based upon the fair value of the award at the date of grant. The fair value of restricted stock awards is based upon the stock price at the date of grant. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight line basis over the vesting period for options and the respective period for stock awards. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur, rather than estimated over the life of the award.
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share: Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding, excluding participating securities. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, excluding participating securities, increased by the number of shares of common stock which would be issued assuming the exercise of stock options and other common stock equivalents.
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NOTE TWO – RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Recently Adopted
In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-16, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes." This amendment permits the use of the OIS rate based on SOFR as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815 in addition to the UST, the LIBOR swap rate, the OIS rate based on the Federal Funds Effective Rate, and the SIFMA Municipal Swap Rate. This ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 with anticipation the LIBOR index would be phased out by the end of 2021. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting." This amendment provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform and is effective as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope," which clarifies that certain optional expedients and exceptions in Topic 848 for contract modifications and hedge accounting apply to derivatives that are affected by the discounting transition. In December 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-06, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848," which defers the sunset date of Topic 848 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2024, after which entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief in Topic 848. The adoption of ASU No. 2020-04 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-01, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging - Portfolio Layer Method." The amendments in this update allow nonprepayable financial assets to be included in a closed portfolio hedged using the portfolio layer method. This expanded scope permits an entity to apply the same portfolio hedging method to both prepayable and nonprepayable financial assets, thereby allowing consistent accounting for similar hedges. This ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. The adoption of ASU No. 2022-01 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures." The amendments in this update eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors in Subtopic 310-40, Receivables—Troubled Debt Restructurings by creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The amendments in this update also require that an entity disclose current-period gross writeoffs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses—Measured at Amortized Cost. This ASU became effective for the Company on January 1, 2023. The Company adopted ASU No. 2022-02 using the modified retrospective method, which resulted in a $0.2 million adjustment to shareholders' equity and the allowance for credit losses. See Note Six for additional information.
In July 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023- 03, "Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205), Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity (Topic 480), Equity (Topic 505), and Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120, SEC Staff Announcement at the March 24, 2022 EITF Meeting, and Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 6.B, Accounting Series Release 280—General Revision of Regulation S-X: Income or Loss Applicable to Common Stock." ASU 2023- 03 amends various SEC paragraphs within the Codification to conform to past SEC staff announcements and guidance issued by the SEC, including Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 120. These updates were immediately effective and did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06,“Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative.” The amendments eliminate outdated or duplicative SEC disclosure requirements. These updates were immediately effective and did not have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
Pending Adoption
In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, "Fair Value Measurement Topic 820: Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions." The FASB issued this ASU to (1) clarify the guidance in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement, when measuring the fair value of an equity security subject to contractual restrictions that prohibit the sale of an equity security, (2) amend a related illustrative example, and (3) introduce new disclosure requirements for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions that are measured at fair value in accordance with Topic 820. The amendments in this ASU clarify that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the
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unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The amendments also clarify that an entity cannot, as a separate unit of account, recognize and measure a contractual sale restriction. The amendments in this ASU also require the following disclosures for equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions: (1) the fair value of equity securities subject to contractual sale restrictions reflected in the balance sheet; (2) the nature and remaining duration of the restriction(s); and (3) the circumstances that could cause a lapse in the restriction(s). This ASU will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2024. The adoption of ASU No. 2022-03 is not expected to have a material impact to the Company's financial statements.
In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-02, "Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures using the Proportional Amortization Method." The amendments in this update permit reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. This ASU will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2024. The adoption of ASU No. 2023-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures". The amendment requires companies to disclose significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker. This ASU will become effective for the Company on January 1, 2024. The adoption of ASU No. 2023-07 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures". The amendment requires companies to disclose, on an annual basis, specific categories in the effective tax rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. In addition, ASU 2023-09 requires companies to disclose additional information about income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 will be effective for annual periods beginning January 1, 2025 and will be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. The adoption of ASU No. 2023-09 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements, but will impact our income tax disclosures.
NOTE THREE - ACQUISITION AND PRELIMINARY PURCHASE PRICE ALLOCATION
On March 10, 2023, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding common shares of Citizens Commerce Bancshares, Inc. ("Citizens") and its principal banking subsidiary, Citizens Commerce Bank of Versailles, Kentucky, in order to strengthen the Company's market presence in the Lexington, Kentucky area. The acquisition of Citizens was structured as a stock transaction in which the Company issued approximately 0.7 million shares, valued at approximately $61.6 million.
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The following table summarizes the consideration paid for Citizens and the amounts of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the date of acquisition (in thousands):
Consideration:
Identifiable assets:
Cash and cash equivalents 14,016
Investment securities 41,008
Bank owned life insurance 2,966
Deferred tax assets, net 1,481
Total identifiable assets 319,961
Identifiable liabilities:
Short-term borrowings 6,500
Other liabilities 1,866
Total identifiable liabilities 307,617
Net identifiable assets (liabilities) 12,344
Core deposit intangible 8,278
Investment Securities
Citizen's entire investment portfolio of $41 million was sold shortly after the acquisition date and resulted in a $0.7 million realized gain.
Acquired Loans
The fair value of net assets acquired includes fair value adjustments to certain receivables that were not considered impaired as of the acquisition date. The fair value adjustments were determined using discounted contractual cash flows. However, the Company believes that there was not deterioration of credit at the date of acquisition. As such, these receivables were not considered impaired at the acquisition date and were not subject to the guidance relating to purchased credit deteriorated loans, which have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination. Receivables acquired that were not subject to these requirements include non-impaired loans with a fair value of $246.4 million on the date of acquisition.
In connection with the completion of the acquisition of Citizens during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $2.0 million of credit loss expense associated with loans acquired from Citizens in its total provision for credit losses.
The fair value of purchased financial assets with credit deterioration ("PCD") was $4.9 million on the date of acquisition. The gross contractual amounts receivable relating to the purchased financial asset with credit deterioration was
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$8.5 million. The Company estimates, on the date of acquisition, that $3.6 million of the contractual cash flows specific to the purchased financial assets with credit deterioration will not be collected.
Assumed Deposits
The fair values of non-time deposits approximated their carrying value at the acquisition date. For time deposits, the fair values were estimated based on discounted cash flows, using interest rates that were being offered at the time of acquisition compared to the contractual interest rates. Based on this analysis, management recorded a premium on time deposits acquired of $0.6 million which is being amortized over 5 years.
Core Deposit Intangible
The Company believes that the customer relationships with the deposits acquired have an intangible value. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded a core deposit intangible asset of $8.3 million. The core deposit intangible asset represents the value that the acquiree had with their deposit customers. The fair value was estimated based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considered the type of deposit, deposit retention and the cost of the deposit base. The core deposit intangible is being amortized over 10 years.
Goodwill
Under GAAP, management has up to twelve months following the date of the acquisition to finalize the fair value of acquired assets and liabilities. The measurement period ends as soon as the Company receives information it was seeking about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date or learns that more information is not obtainable. Any subsequent adjustments to the fair value of the acquired assets and liabilities, intangible assets or other purchase accounting adjustments will result in adjustments to the goodwill recorded. . The following table summarizes adjustments to goodwill subsequent to December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
Goodwill
Merger Related Costs
During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company incurred $5.2 million of merger-related costs in connection with the acquisition of Citizens, primarily for professional fees ($1.6 million), severance ($1.4 million), and data processing costs ($1.3 million).
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NOTE FOUR – INVESTMENTS
The aggregate carrying and approximate fair values of investment securities follow (in thousands). Fair values are based on quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable financial instruments.
Securities available-for-sale:
Obligations of states and
Mortgage-backed securities:
Total Securities
The Company's other investment securities include marketable equity and non-marketable equity securities held for investment. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company held $7.5 million and $7.6 million, respectively, in marketable equity securities, respectively. Changes in the fair value of the marketable equity securities are recorded in "unrealized gain (losses) recognized on equity securities still held" in the consolidated statements of income. The Company's non-marketable securities consist of securities with limited marketability, such as stock in the Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") or the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB"). At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company held $23.5 million and $15.5 million, respectively, in non-marketable equity securities. These securities are carried at cost due to the restrictions placed on their transferability. At December 31, 2023 held no certificate of deposits. At December 31, 2022, the Company held $0.7 million in certificates of deposits for investment.
The majority of the Company’s investment securities are mortgage-backed securities. These securities are collateralized by both residential and commercial properties. The mortgage-backed securities in which the Company has invested are predominantly issued by government-sponsored agencies such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, there were no securities of any non-governmental issuer whose aggregate carrying value or estimated fair value exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity.
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Certain investment securities owned by the Company were in an unrealized loss position (i.e., amortized cost basis exceeded the estimated fair value of the securities) as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company’s investments aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands):
Less Than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Greater Total
Securities available-for-sale:
Mortgage-backed securities:
Less Than Twelve Months Twelve Months or Greater Total
Securities available-for-sale:
Mortgage-backed securities:
As of December 31, 2023, management does not intend to sell any impaired security and it is not more than likely that it will be required to sell any impaired security before the recovery of the amortized cost basis. The unrealized losses on debt securities are primarily the result of interest rate changes, credit spread fluctuations on agency-issued mortgage related securities, general financial market uncertainty and market volatility. These conditions should not prohibit the Company from receiving its contractual principal and interest payments on its debt securities. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date or repricing date. As of December 31, 2023, management believes the unrealized losses detailed in the table above are temporary and no allowance for credit losses has been recognized in the Company’s securities. Should the impairment of any of these securities become other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting loss will be recognized in net income in the period the other-than-temporary impairment is identified, while any noncredit loss will be recognized in other comprehensive income. During the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company had no credit-related net investment impairment losses.
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The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities at December 31, 2023, by contractual maturity, is shown in the following table (in thousands). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because the issuers of the securities may have the right to prepay obligations without prepayment penalties. Mortgage-backed securities have been allocated to their respective maturity groupings based on their contractual maturity.
Cost Estimated Fair Value
Securities Available-for-Sale
Due after one year through five years 85,102 81,176
Proceeds from sales, gross gains and gross losses recognized by the Company from investment security transactions are summarized in the table below (in thousands):
For the year ended December 31,
Proceeds on sales of available for sale securities $ 205,627 $ — $ —
Gross realized gains $ 996 $ 4 $ 312
Gross realized losses (5,904) — —
Net realized investment security (losses) gains $ (4,908) $ 4 $ 312
During November 2023, the Company repositioned a portion of its investment portfolio and recorded sales of mortgage-backed securities that resulted in a pre-tax realized loss of $5.0 million. The carrying value of the securities sold on the Company's balance sheet was $107.4 million.
The carrying value of securities pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law approximated $709 million and $886 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
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NOTE FIVE – LOANS
The following summarizes the Company’s major classifications for loans (in thousands):
Construction loans included in:
The Company's commercial and residential real estate construction loans are primarily secured by real estate within the Company's principal markets. These loans were originated under the Company's loan policy, which is focused on the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio, including construction loans. In the judgment of the Company's management, adequate consideration has been given to these loans in establishing the Company's allowance for credit losses.
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NOTE SIX – ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES
The following table summarizes the activity in the allowance for credit losses, by portfolio loan classification, for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 (in thousands). The allocation of a portion of the allowance in one portfolio segment does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other portfolio segments.
Non Residential Owner Occupied 1,485 — — — — (170) 1,315
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During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $2.8 million of allowance for credit losses due to acquired Citizens PCD loans. Further, in connection with the completion of the acquisition of Citizens during the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $2.0 million of provision for credit losses associated with loans acquired from Citizens. In addition, the provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2023 included $1.3 million that was primarily related to loan growth and credit downgrades that were partially offset by lower historical loss rates in the portfolio.
Management systematically monitors the loan portfolio and the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis to provide for expected losses inherent in the portfolio. Management assesses the risk in each loan type based on historical trends, the general economic environment of its local markets, individual loan performance and other relevant factors. The Company's estimate of future economic conditions utilized in its provision estimate is primarily dependent on expected unemployment ranges over a two-year period. Beyond two years, a straight line reversion to historical average loss rates is applied over the life of the loan pool in the migration methodology. The vintage methodology applies future average loss rates based on net losses in historical periods where the unemployment rate was within the forecasted range.
Individual credits in excess of $1 million are selected at least annually for detailed loan reviews, which are utilized by management to assess the risk in the portfolio and the appropriateness of the allowance.
Non-Performing Loans
Interest income on loans is accrued and credited to operations based upon the principal amount outstanding, using methods that generally result in level rates of return. Loan origination fees, and certain direct costs, are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to the yield over the term of the loan. The accrual of interest generally is discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due as to principal or interest for all loan types. However, any loan may be placed on non-accrual status if the Company receives information that indicates a borrower is unable to meet the contractual terms of its respective loan agreement. Other indicators considered for placing a loan on non-accrual status include the borrower’s involvement in bankruptcies, foreclosures, repossessions, litigation and any other situation resulting in doubt as to whether full collection of contractual principal and interest is attainable. When interest accruals are discontinued, unpaid interest recognized in income in the current year is reversed, and interest accrued in prior years is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Management may elect to continue the accrual of interest when the net realizable value of collateral exceeds the principal balance and related accrued interest, and the loan is in the process of collection.
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Generally for all loan classes, interest income during the period the loan is non-performing is recorded on a cash basis after recovery of principal is reasonably assured. Cash payments received on nonperforming loans are typically applied directly against the outstanding principal balance until the loan is fully repaid. Generally, loans are restored to accrual status when the obligation is brought current, the borrower has performed in accordance with the contractual terms for a reasonable period of time, and the ultimate collectability of the total contractual principal and interest is no longer in doubt.
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans on non-accrual status and loans past due over 90 days still accruing as of December 31, 2023 (in thousands):
Non-accrual With No Non-accrual With Loans Past Due
Allowance for Allowance for Over 90 Days
Credit Losses Credit Losses Still Accruing
Commercial & Industrial $ 1,000 $ 1,211 $ —
Hotels — — —
Multi-family — — —
Non Residential Non-Owner Occupied — 446 —
Non Residential Owner Occupied — 1,420 —
Commercial Real Estate — 2,387 —
Consumer — — —
The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans on non-accrual status and loans past due over 90 days still accruing as of December 31, 2022 (in thousands):
Non-accrual With No Non-accrual With Loans Past Due
Allowance for Allowance for Over 90 Days
Credit Losses Credit Losses Still Accruing
Commercial & Industrial $ — $ 1,015 $ —
Multi-family — — —
Non Residential Non-Owner Occupied — 816 —
Non Residential Owner Occupied — 298 —
Commercial Real Estate — 2,166 —
Home Equity — 55 —
Consumer — — 23
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The Company recognized no interest income on nonaccrual loans during each of the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.
There were no significant commitments to provide additional funds on non-accrual or individually evaluated loans at December 31, 2023.
Generally, all loan types are considered past due when the contractual terms of a loan are not met and the borrower is 30 days or more past due on a payment. Furthermore, residential and home equity loans are generally subject to charge-off when the loan becomes 120 days past due, depending on the estimated fair value of the collateral less cost to dispose, versus the outstanding loan balance. Commercial loans are generally charged off when the loan becomes 120 days past due. Open-end consumer loans are generally charged off when the loan becomes 180 days past due.