Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to the Corporation, a financial holding company registered under the BHCA and incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1982, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Management’s Discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and other financial information presented in this report.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
The Corporation has made, and may continue to make, certain forward-looking statements with respect to its financial condition, results of operations and business. Do not unduly rely on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "should," "will," "could," "estimates," "predicts," "potential," "continue," "anticipates," "believes," "plans," "expects," "future," "intends," "projects," the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements may include projections of, or guidance on, the Corporation's future financial performance, expected levels of future expenses, including future credit losses, anticipated growth strategies, descriptions of new business initiatives and anticipated trends in the Corporation's business or financial results.
Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts, nor assurance of future performance. Instead, the statements are based on current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of the Corporation's business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of the Corporation's control, and actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not unduly rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement is based only on information currently available and speaks only as of the date when made. The Corporation undertakes no obligation, other than as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Many factors could affect future financial results including, without limitation:
•the impact of adverse conditions in the economy and financial markets on the performance of the Corporation’s loan portfolio and demand for the Corporation's products and services;
•the scope and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, actions taken by governmental authorities in response to the pandemic, the Corporation's participation in the PPP and other COVID-19 relief programs, and the direct and indirect impacts of the pandemic on the Corporation, its customers and third parties;
•the determination of the ACL, which depends significantly upon assumptions and judgments with respect to a variety of factors, including the performance of the loan portfolio, the weighted-average remaining lives of different classifications of loans within the loan portfolio and current and forecasted economic conditions, among other factors;
•increases in non-performing assets, which may require the Corporation to increase the allowance for credit losses, charge-off loans and incur elevated collection and carrying costs related to such non-performing assets;
•investment securities gains and losses, including other-than-temporary declines in the value of securities which may result in charges to earnings;
•the effects of market interest rates, and the relative balances of interest rate-sensitive assets to interest rate-sensitive liabilities, on net interest margin and net interest income;
•the replacement of LIBOR as a benchmark reference rate;
•the effects of changes in interest rates on demand for the Corporation's products and services;
•the effects of changes in interest rates or disruptions in liquidity markets on the Corporation's sources of funding;
•the effects of the extensive level of regulation and supervision to which the Corporation and Fulton Bank are subject;
•the effects of the significant amounts of time and expense associated with regulatory compliance and risk management;
•the potential for negative consequences resulting from regulatory violations, investigations and examinations, including potential supervisory actions, the assessment of fines and penalties, the imposition of sanctions, the need to undertake remedial actions and possible damage to the Corporation's reputation;
•the continuing impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on the Corporation's business and results of operations;
•the effects of, and uncertainty surrounding, new legislation, changes in regulation and government policy, which could result in significant changes in banking and financial services regulation;
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•the effects of actions by the federal government, including those of the Federal Reserve Board and other government agencies, that impact money supply and market interest rates;
•the effects of changes in U.S. federal, state or local tax laws;
•the effects of negative publicity on the Corporation's reputation;
•the effects of adverse outcomes in litigation and governmental or administrative proceedings;
•the potential to incur losses in connection with repurchase and indemnification payments related to sold loans;
•the Corporation’s ability to achieve its growth plans;
•completed and potential acquisitions may affect costs and the Corporation may not be able to successfully integrate the acquired business or realize the anticipated benefits from such acquisitions;
•the potential effects of climate change on the Corporation's business and results of operations;
•the effects of concerns relating to the Corporation's ESG posture, including potential adverse impacts on the Corporation's reputation and the market value of its securities;
•the effects of competition on deposit rates and growth, loan rates and growth and net interest margin;
•the Corporation's ability to manage the level of non-interest expenses, including salaries and employee benefits expenses, operating risk losses and goodwill impairment;
•the effects of changes in accounting policies, standards, and interpretations on the Corporation's reporting of its financial condition and results of operations;
•the impact of operational risks, including the risk of human error, inadequate or failed internal processes and systems, computer and telecommunications systems failures, faulty or incomplete data and an inadequate risk management framework;
•the impact of failures of third parties upon which the Corporation relies to perform in accordance with contractual arrangements;
•the failure or circumvention of the Corporation's system of internal controls;
•the loss of, or failure to safeguard, confidential or proprietary information;
•the Corporation's failure to identify and adequately and promptly address cybersecurity risks, including data breaches and cyber-attacks;
•the Corporation's ability to keep pace with technological changes;
•the Corporation's ability to attract and retain talented personnel;
•capital and liquidity strategies, including the Corporation's ability to comply with applicable capital and liquidity requirements, and the Corporation's ability to generate capital internally or raise capital on favorable terms;
•the Corporation's reliance on its subsidiaries for substantially all of its revenues and its ability to pay dividends or other distributions; and
•the effects of any downgrade in the Corporation or Fulton Bank's credit ratings on each of their borrowing costs or access to capital markets.
OVERVIEW
The Corporation is a financial holding company, which, through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, provides a full range of retail and commercial financial services in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia.
The Corporation generates the majority of its revenue through net interest income, or the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and interest paid on deposits and borrowings. Growth in net interest income is dependent upon balance sheet growth and maintaining or increasing the net interest margin, which is FTE net interest income as a percentage of average interest-earning assets. The Corporation also generates revenue through fees earned on the various services and products offered to its customers and through gains on sales of assets, such as loans, investments and properties. Offsetting these revenue sources are provisions for credit losses on loans and OBS credit risks, non-interest expenses and income taxes.
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The following table presents a summary of the Corporation’s earnings and selected performance ratios:
Net income available to common shareholders (in thousands) $ 265,220 $ 175,905
Diluted net income available to common shareholders per share $ 1.62 $ 1.08
Return on average assets, annualized 1.05 % 0.73 %
Return on average equity 10.64 % 7.45 %
Return on average common shareholders' equity (tangible) (1) 13.58 % 9.66 %
Net interest margin (2) 2.78 % 2.86 %
Non-performing assets to total assets 0.60 % 0.58 %
Annualized net charge-offs to average loans 0.07 % 0.05 %
(1)Ratio represents a financial measure derived by methods other than GAAP. See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure under the heading, "Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP Based Financial Measures,".
(2)Presented on an FTE basis, using a 21% Federal tax rate and statutory interest expense disallowances. See also the "Net Interest Income" section of Management’s Discussion.
Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP Based Financial Measures
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains supplemental financial information, as detailed below, which has been derived by methods other than GAAP. The Corporation has presented these non-GAAP financial measures because it believes that these measures provide useful and comparative information to assess trends in the Corporation's results of operations and financial condition. Presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is consistent with how the Corporation evaluates its performance internally, and these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in the Corporation's industry. Management believes that these non-GAAP financial measures, in addition to GAAP measures, are also useful to investors to evaluate the Corporation's results. Investors should recognize that the Corporation's presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures might not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures, and the Corporation strongly encourages a review of its consolidated financial statements in their entirety.
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Following are reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measure as of and for the year ended December 31:
(in thousands, except per share data and percentages)
Return on average common shareholders' equity (tangible)
Plus: Intangible amortization, net of tax 462 417 1,127
Return on average common shareholders' equity (tangible) 13.58 % 9.66 % 12.84 %
Efficiency ratio
Less: Amortization of tax credit investments (6,187) (6,126) (6,021)
Less: Prepayment penalty on FHLB advances (33,249) (2,878) (4,326)
Non-performing assets to common shareholders' equity (tangible) and ACL - loans
(1) Presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis, using a 21% federal tax rate for 2019 through 2021.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused substantial disruptions in economic and social activity, both globally and in the United States. The spread of COVID-19, and related governmental actions to respond to the pandemic have caused severe disruptions in the U.S. economy, which have, in turn, disrupted, and will likely continue to disrupt, the business, activities, and operations of the Corporation’s customers as well as the Corporation’s own business and operations. In many locations throughout the U.S., the spread of COVID-19 decreased through much of 2021. However, due in large part to the increased spread of a new, more transmissible coronavirus variant, the number of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the U.S. increased substantially
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late in 2021 causing continued governmental responses. The resulting impacts of the pandemic have continued to cause changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing needs and saving habits that have and will likely continue to affect the demand for loans and other products and services the Corporation offers, as well as the creditworthiness of its borrowers. The significant impact on commercial activity and disruptions in supply chains associated with the pandemic, both nationally and in the Corporation’s markets, may cause customers, vendors and counterparties to be unable to meet existing payment or other obligations to the Corporation.
While employment and the national economy are showing signs of recovery, there is still significant uncertainty concerning the breadth and duration of the economic and social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and their impact on the U.S. economy. The extent to which the pandemic continues to impact the Corporation’s operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted, including new information which may emerge concerning the continuing progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether there are additional outbreaks of COVID-19 and its variants, including vaccine-resistant variants, and the actions taken to contain it or treat its impact. Moreover, although multiple COVID-19 vaccines and booster vaccines have received regulatory approval and are currently being distributed throughout the U.S. and the world, a significant portion of the population remains unvaccinated. If the pandemic continues to cause significant negative impacts to economic conditions, the Corporation’s results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially adversely impacted.
The Corporation’s business is dependent upon the willingness and ability of its customers to conduct banking and other financial transactions. In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the Corporation adjusted service models at certain of its financial center locations, including limiting some locations to drive-up and ATM services only, offering lobby access by appointment only, and encouraging the Corporation’s customers to use electronic banking platforms. A significant portion of the Corporation’s employees has transitioned to remote or hybrid onsite-remote working arrangements as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which, in addition to requiring added support from the Corporation’s information technology infrastructure, increases cybersecurity risks.
COVID-19 has significantly affected the financial markets and has resulted in a number of responses by the U.S. government, including reductions in interest rates by the FOMC. These reductions in interest rates, especially if prolonged, could adversely affect the Corporation’s net interest income and margins and the Corporation’s profitability.
The CARES Act was enacted in March 2020 and, among other provisions, authorized the SBA to guarantee loans under the PPP for small businesses that meet eligibility requirements in order to keep their workers on the payroll and fund specified operating expenses. Subsequent legislation extended the authority of the SBA to guaranty loans under the PPP through August 8, 2020. In December 2020, the Economic Aid to Hard-Hit Small Businesses, Nonprofits, and Venues Act reauthorized the SBA to guarantee loans under the PPP through March 31, 2021, and the PPP Extension Act of 2021 extended that authorization through June 30, 2021 for applications received by the SBA prior to June 1, 2021. From the inception of the PPP through December 31, 2021, the Corporation funded a total of approximately $2.7 billion of loans under the PPP. Through December 31, 2021, a total of $2.2 billion of those PPP loans have qualified for loan forgiveness and have been repaid by the SBA.
A series of stimulus payments to eligible consumers, enhanced unemployment benefits provided by the federal government and traditional, state-provided unemployment compensation, as well as other forms of relief provided to consumers and businesses, have helped to limit some of the adverse impacts of COVID-19 and, together with other factors, have contributed to significant growth in the Corporation’s customer deposit balances since the onset of the pandemic. The reduction, expiration or discontinuation of these measures may adversely impact the recovery of economic activity and the ability of borrowers to meet their payment and other obligations to the Corporation, either of which could require the Corporation to increase the ACL through provisions for credit losses. Further, if economic activity continues to recover, and consumer spending and business investment increase, customers may be less likely to maintain deposit balances with the Corporation at recent levels and may require the Corporation to increase its reliance on alternative or higher-cost sources of funding.
The impact of COVID-19 on the Corporation’s financial results is evolving and uncertain. The Corporation has limited exposure to some of the industries that were initially most significantly impacted by COVID-19, such as hospitality and food services, energy and entertainment, and most of these loans are secured by real estate and other forms of collateral. While many areas of the economy continue to show signs of recovery, the lingering effects of the pandemic, particularly in certain sectors of the economy, or a resurgence in COVID-19 infections that prompts the continuation or imposition of governmental restrictions on activities, may result in decreased demand for the Corporation’s loan products. In addition, the decline in economic activity occurring due to COVID-19 and the actions by the FOMC with respect to interest rates are likely to affect the Corporation’s net interest income, non-interest income and credit-related losses for an uncertain period of time. See additional discussion in "Results of Operations" and "Financial Condition" of Management's Discussion.
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Adoption of CECL
On January 1, 2020, the Corporation adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which replaced the incurred loss methodology, and is referred to as CECL. The measurement of expected credit losses under CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans and HTM debt securities. It also applies to OBS credit exposures, such as loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments, and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor in accordance with ASC Topic 842. Refer to "Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information on the adoption of CECL.
The Corporation adopted CECL using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost, and OBS credit exposures. Results for 2020 are presented under CECL, and prior years' results are reported in accordance with the previously applicable incurred loss methodology. The Corporation recorded an increase of $58.3 million to the ACL on January 1, 2020, primarily as a result of the adoption of CECL. Retained earnings decreased $43.8 million and DTAs increased by $12.4 million on January 1, 2020, representing the cumulative effect of adoption.
Financial Highlights
Following is a summary of the financial highlights for the year ended December 31, 2021:
•Net Income Per Share - Diluted net income per share increased $0.54, or 50.0%, to $1.62 in 2021 compared to $1.08 in 2020. The increase in net income per share was due to a $89.3 million, or 50.8%, increase in net income available to common shareholders.
•Net Interest Income- The $34.5 million, or 5.5%, increase in net interest income before provision for credit losses primarily resulted from $59.0 million in PPP loan fees.
◦Net Interest Margin- For the year ended December 31, 2021, net interest margin decreased to 2.78%, or 8 bps compared to 2020, driven by a 34 bps decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets, partially offset by a 27 bps decrease on cost of funds.
◦Loan Growth- Average Net Loans grew by $0.4 billion, or 2.0%, in comparison to 2020. Included in average Net Loans were PPP loans that had an average balance of $1.1 billion, a decrease of $0.1 billion from 2020. The increase in average Net Loans was mainly driven by a $0.6 billion increase in the residential mortgage loan portfolio.
◦Deposit Growth - Average deposits increased $2.3 billion, or 12.0%, in comparison to 2020. The increase was the result of growth in total demand and savings. At December 31, 2021, the loan-to-deposit ratio was 84.9%, as compared to 90.7% at December 31, 2020.
•Asset Quality - Non-performing assets increased $2.6 million, or 1.7%, as of December 31, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020. Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding were 0.07% for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 0.05% for the year ended December 31, 2020. The provision for credit losses decreased $91.5 million, to $(14.6) million, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $76.9 million for the same period in 2020. The higher provision in 2020 was largely driven by the adoption of CECL, which, as a result of an overall downturn in economic forecasts due to COVID-19, resulted in increases in the ACL due to higher expected future credit losses under CECL. The reduction of provision in 2021 is largely driven by improved economic conditions in comparison to 2020.
•Non-Interest Income - Non-interest income, excluding investment securities gains, increased $13.9 million, or 6.1%, in comparison to 2020. The increase was primarily due to increases of $12.7 million in wealth management, $7.1 million in income from equity method investments and $3.9 million in consumer banking income, offset by declines of $8.7 million in mortgage banking income, due to a $29.2 million decline in income from loan sales, partially offset by a net favorable pre-tax income change attributable to the mortgage servicing rights valuation allowance as compared to 2020 of $20.4 million. Specifically, Fulton increased the mortgage servicing valuation allowance by $10.5 million in 2020. The Corporation reduced the valuation allowance by $9.9 million in 2021. As of December 31, 2021, the mortgage servicing rights valuation allowance remaining was $0.6 million.
•Investment Securities Gains/Balance Sheet Restructurings - During both 2021 and 2020 the Corporation completed limited balance sheet restructurings which included sales of investment securities, corresponding prepayments of
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FHLB advances and in 2021, the cash tender offer for certain of its outstanding senior and subordinated notes. As a result, investment securities gains totaled $33.5 million in 2021, as compared to $3.1 million in 2020, a $30.4 million increase. In addition, included in non-interest expense were debt extinguishment costs on FHLB advances of $33.2 million and $2.9 million incurred during 2021 and 2020, respectively.
•Non-Interest Expense- Total non-interest expense increased $38.4 million, or 6.6%, to $617.8 million in 2021 in comparison to 2020. Non-interest expense, excluding debt extinguishment costs of $33.2 million, was $584.6 million, an increase of $21.3 million, or 3.8%, compared to non-interest expenses of $563.2 million in 2020, which excludes expenses associated with cost savings initiatives of $16.2 million. Excluding the net decrease in severance costs of $5.9 million, the increase in non-interest expense over 2020 was primarily due to increases in salaries and employee benefits of $10.6 million, attributable to a $12.7 million increase in incentive compensation and bonuses. Also contributing to the increase in non-interest expense were $8.4 million in data processing and software and $2.8 million in other outside services expense, partially offset by a $3.2 million decrease in professional fees.
•Income Taxes - Income tax expense for 2021 resulted in an ETR of 17.6%, as compared to 12.0% for 2020. The ETR was higher mainly due to higher income before income taxes. The ETR is generally lower than the federal statutory rate of 21% due to tax-exempt interest income earned on loans, investments in tax-free municipal securities and TCIs.
•Long-term Borrowings- During 2021, the Corporation prepaid FHLB advances reducing the long-term balance to zero from $536.0 million. Also, in the first quarter of 2021, the Corporation completed a cash tender offer for $75.0 million of 4.50% subordinated debt due in 2024 and $60 million of 3.60% senior notes due in 2022. In March 2020, the Corporation issued a total of $375.0 million of subordinated notes, with $200.0 million of subordinated notes due in 2030 having a fixed-to-floating rate of 3.25% and an effective rate of 3.35% and $175.0 million of subordinated notes due in 2035 having a fixed-to-floating rate of 3.75% and an effective rate of 3.85%.
•Preferred Stock - In October 2020, the Corporation issued 8.0 million depositary shares ("Depositary Shares"), each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Fulton’s 5.125% Fixed Rate Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25.00 per Depositary Share), for an aggregate offering amount of $200.0 million. The Corporation received net proceeds from the offering of $192.9 million, after deducting issuance costs.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of those accounting policies that the Corporation considers to be most important to the presentation of its financial condition and results of operations, because they require management’s most difficult judgments as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain. See additional information regarding these critical accounting policies in "Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
Allowance for Credit Losses - The Corporation adopted CECL in the first quarter of 2020. In accordance with CECL, the ACL, which includes both the ACL - loans and the ACL - OBS credit exposures, is based on estimated losses over the remaining expected life of loans and OBS exposures. Management's determination of the appropriateness of the reserve is based on periodic evaluations of the loan portfolio, lending-related commitments, current and forecasted economic factors and other relevant factors.
In determining the ACL, the Corporation uses three inputs in the model estimate. These inputs are PD, which estimates the likelihood that a borrower will be unable to meet its debt obligations; LGD, which estimates the share of an asset that is lost if a borrower defaults; and EAD, which estimates the gross exposure under a facility upon default. The PD models were developed based on historical default data. Both internal and external variables are evaluated in the process. The main internal variables are risk rating or delinquency history, and the external variables are economic variables obtained from third-party provided forecasts. Management applies risk-rating transition matrices to pools of loans and lending-related commitments with similar risk characteristics to determine default probabilities, utilizes economic forecasts, applies modeled LGD results to associated EAD and incorporates modeled overlays and qualitative adjustments to estimate ACL. As such, the calculation of the ACL is inherently subjective and requires management to exercise significant judgment.
The ACL is estimated over a reasonable and supportable forecast period based on the projected performance of specific economic variables that statistically correlate with PD rates. As economic variables revert to long-term averages through the forecast process, externally developed long-term economic forecasts are used to establish the impacts of the economic scenario, reversion, and long-term averages in the development of losses over the expected life of the assets being modeled. The ACL
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reserve is highly sensitive to the economic forecasts used to develop the reserve. Due to the high level of uncertainty regarding significant assumptions, such as the ultimate impact of COVID-19 and effectiveness of the related governmental responses, since the beginning of 2020, the Corporation has evaluated a range of economic scenarios, including more and less severe economic deteriorations, with varying speeds of recovery.
The ACL includes qualitative adjustments, as appropriate, intended to capture the impact of uncertainties not reflected in the quantitative models. Qualitative adjustments include and consider changes in national, regional and local economic and business conditions, an assessment of the lending environment, including underwriting standards and other factors affecting credit quality. Qualitative adjustments have increased compared to those at the time of the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020 primarily as a result of uncertainties related to the economic impact of COVID-19, including consideration for the future performance of loans that received deferrals or forbearances as a result of COVID-19 and the impact COVID-19 had on certain industries where the quantitative models were not fully capturing the appropriate level of risk. The impact from qualitative adjustments on the ACL decreased in 2021 with the improvement in economic conditions.
The ACL was $249.0 million and $277.6 million on December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.The decrease of $28.6 million was primarily a result of improved economic conditions.
The Corporation performs loan loss sensitivity analysis on a quarterly basis to determine the impact of varying economic conditions based on Moody's model projections. Our sensitivity analysis does not represent management's view of expected credit losses at the balance sheet date. One scenario identified below the base case projection includes a slowdown in near-term economic growth. This scenario resulted in a hypothetical increase to the ACL of approximately $13.8 million.
For further discussion of the methodology used in the determination of the ACL, refer to Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
Income Taxes – The provision for income taxes is based upon income before taxes, adjusted for the effect of certain tax-exempt income, non-deductible expenses and credits. In addition, certain items of income and expense are reported in different periods for financial reporting and tax return purposes. The tax effects of these temporary differences are recognized currently in the deferred income tax provision or benefit. DTAs or deferred tax liabilities are computed based on the difference between the financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the applicable enacted marginal tax rate.
The Corporation must also evaluate the likelihood that DTAs will be recovered through future taxable income. If any such assets are determined to be more likely than not unrecoverable, then a valuation allowance must be recognized. The assessment of the carrying value of DTAs is based on certain assumptions, the changes of which could have a material impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.
On a periodic basis, the Corporation evaluates its income tax provision based on tax laws, regulations and financial reporting considerations and records adjustments as appropriate. Recognition and measurement of tax positions is based upon management's evaluations of current taxing authorities' examinations of the Corporation's tax returns, recent positions taken by the taxing authorities on similar transactions and the overall tax environment.
The provision for income taxes was $58.7 million and $24.2 million on December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
For a description of accounting standards recently issued, but not yet adopted by the Corporation, see "Recently Issued Accounting Standards," in "Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the most significant component of the Corporation’s net income. The Corporation manages the risk associated with changes in interest rates through the techniques described within Item 7A, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk." The following table provides a comparative average balance sheet and net interest income analysis for 2021 compared to 2020 and 2019. Interest income and yields are presented on an FTE basis, using a 21% federal tax rate, as well as statutory interest expense disallowances. The discussion following this table is based on these tax-equivalent amounts.
(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Interest-earning assets:
Noninterest-earning assets:
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
(1)Average balances include non-performing loans.
(2) Average balances include amortized historical cost for AFS securities; the related unrealized holding gains (losses) are included in other assets.
(3) ACL - loans relates to the ACL specifically for Net Loans and does not include the ACL for OBS credit exposures, which is included in other
liabilities.
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Comparison of 2021 to 2020
The following table summarizes the changes in FTE interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in average balances (volumes) and changes in yields and rates:
2021 vs. 2020 Increase (decrease) due to change in
Volume Yield/Rate Net
(in thousands)
Interest income on:
Interest expense on:
(1) Average balance includes non-performing loans.
FTE net interest income increased $34.5 million, or 5.4%, to $676.0 million in 2021. Net interest margin decreased 8 bps to 2.78% in 2021 from 2.86% in 2020.As summarized above, FTE interest income decreased $53.6 million as the result of a 34 bps decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets, and increased $34.1 million as the result of a $1.9 billion, or 8.4%, increase in average interest-earning assets, primarily in investments and loans. The yield on the loan portfolio decreased 17 bps, to 3.46%, largely due to decreases in the Fed Funds Rate in 2020 and corresponding decreases in loan index rates. At that time, all variable and certain adjustable rate loans repriced to lower rates as a result of these interest rate decreases, and yields on new loan originations were lower than the average yield on the loan portfolio. Adjustable rate loans reprice on dates specified in loan agreements, which may be later than the date the Fed Funds Rate and related loan index rates increase or decrease. Therefore, the benefit of increases or the reverse effect of decreases in index rates on adjustable rate loans may not be fully realized until future periods.
Interest expense decreased $54.0 million, with a 34 bps decrease in the rate on average interest-bearing liabilities contributing $30.6 million to this decrease. In addition, a shift into lower-cost demand deposits and savings and money market deposits, which increased $1.5 billion collectively, combined with a decrease in higher-cost time deposits, short-term borrowings and long-term borrowings of $1.4 billion, were the primary drivers for $23.4 million of the reduction in interest expense.
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Average loans and average FTE yields, by type, are summarized in the following table:
Increase (Decrease) in Balance
Balance Yield Balance Yield $ %
(dollars in thousands)
(1) Includes average PPP loans of $1.1 billion and $1.3 billion for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
(2) Consists of overdrafts and net origination fees and costs.
Average loans increased $357.4 million, or 2.0%, which contributed$12.9 million to FTE interest income. The increase was driven largely by growth in residential and commercial mortgage loans, partially offset by a decrease in commercial and industrial loans, primarily due to the decrease in PPP loans. The yield on average loans decreased 17 bps resulting in a decrease in FTE interest income of $31.2 million.
Average investment securities increased $665.8 million, or 22.1%, in comparison to 2020, which contributed a $19.1 million increase in FTE interest income, offset by a decrease of 47 bps in investment yield, resulting in a $17.5 million decrease in FTE interest income.Other interest-earning assets increased $894.2 million, contributing $2.9 million to FTE interest income. The yield on other interest-earning assets decreased 31 bps in comparison to 2020, as a result of the Fed Funds Rate decreases during 2020, resulting in a $4.7 million decrease in FTE interest income.
Average deposits and interest rates, by type, are summarized in the following table:
Increase (Decrease) in Balance
Balance Rate Balance Rate $ %
(dollars in thousands)
The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased 30 bps, to 0.21%, from 0.51% in 2020, resulting in a $34.4 million decrease in interest expense compared to 2020. These rates do not include the impact of non-interest bearing deposits, which lowered the cost of total deposits to 0.14% and 0.36% in 2021 and 2020, respectively. The decrease in deposit costs was primarily the result of reductions in deposit rates resulting from decreases in the Fed Funds Rate. The majority of deposit rates are discretionary, with the exception of indexed municipal deposit balances. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased $0.8 billion, or 6.0%, in comparison to 2020.
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Average borrowings and interest rates, by type, are summarized in the following table:
Increase (Decrease) inBalance
Balance Rate Balance Rate $ %
(dollars in thousands)
Short-term borrowings:
Long-term borrowings:
(1) Includes short-term promissory notes.
(2) Represents FHLB advances with an original maturity term of less than one year.
Total average borrowings decreased $766.9 million, or 37.1%, while the total borrowings rate increased 18 bps, to 2.29% compared to 2020. Total average short-term borrowings decreased $297.5 million, or 36.7%, due to the corporate restructuring. The cost of average short-term borrowings decreased 53 bps to 0.11% in 2021, largely due to the restructuring and partial year 2020 net impact of changes in the Fed Funds Rate versus a full year in 2021.
Average long-term borrowings decreased$469.4 million, or 37.4%, and the long-term borrowings rate increased 65 bps compared to 2020, primarily due to a decrease in FHLB advances.
Comparison of 2020 to 2019
The following table summarizes the changes in FTE interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in average balances (volumes) and changes in yields and rates:
2020 vs. 2019 Increase (decrease) due to change in
Volume Yield/Rate Net
(in thousands)
Interest income on:
Interest expense on:
(1) Average balance includes non-performing loans.
Note: Changes which are partially attributable to both volume and rate are allocated to the volume and rate components presented above based on the percentage of the direct changes that are attributable to each component.
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In March 2020, the FOMC decreased the Fed Funds Rate by a total of 150 bps in response to COVID-19. These changes in the Fed Funds Rate resulted in corresponding decreases to the index rates for the Corporation's variable and adjustable rate loans, primarily the prime rate and LIBOR, as well as for certain interest-bearing liabilities.
FTE net interest income decreased $19.8 million, or 3.0%, to $641.5 million in 2020. Net interest margin decreased 50 bps to 2.86% in 2020 from 3.36% in 2019. As summarized above, FTE interest income decreased $176.2 million as the result of a 90 basis point decrease in the yield on interest-earning assets, and increased $93.1 million as the result of a $2.8 billion, or 14.1%, increase in average interest-earning assets, primarily loans. The yield on the loan portfolio decreased 92 bps, to 3.63%, largely due to the aforementioned decreases in the Fed Funds Rate in 2020 and corresponding decreases to loan index rates. All variable and certain adjustable rate loans repriced to lower rates as a result of these interest rate decreases, and yields on new loan originations were lower than the yield on the loan portfolio. Adjustable rate loans reprice on dates specified in the loan agreements, which may be later than the date the Fed Funds Rate and related loan index rates increase or decrease. Therefore, the benefit of increases or the reverse effect of decreases in index rates on adjustable rate loans may not be fully realized until future periods. In addition, 2020 interest income included $6.5 million of unamortized origination fees and direct origination costs recognized as interest income at the time of PPP loan forgiveness, which was in addition to the normal amortization of those items of approximately $22.5 million recognized in 2020.
Interest expense decreased $63.2 million, with a 52 bps decrease in the rate on average interest-bearing liabilities contributing $76.7 million to this decrease, partially offset by a $13.4 million increase in expense as a result of a $1.4 billion, or 10.1% increase in interest-bearing liabilities, primarily demand deposits and long-term borrowings. The rates on average interest-bearing demand and savings accounts decreased 54 and 57 bps, respectively, which contributed $26.8 million and $31.2 million to the decrease in interest expense, respectively. In addition, the 106 bps decrease in the cost of short-term borrowings contributed $8.7 million to the decrease in interest expense.
Average loans and average FTE yields, by type, are summarized in the following table:
Increase (Decrease) in Balance
Balance Yield Balance Yield $ %
(dollars in thousands)
(1) Includes average PPP loans of $1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2020..
(2) Consists of overdrafts and net origination fees and costs.
Average loans increased $1.8 billion, or 11.2%, which contributed $77.7 million to the increase in FTE interest income. The increase was driven largely by growth in the commercial and industrial portfolio as a result of loans originated under the PPP. Excluding loans originated under the PPP, commercial and industrial loan balances declined $2.4 million. Commercial and residential mortgage loan portfolios, as well as the construction, consumer and equipment lease financing portfolios, experienced growth, partially offset by decreases in the home equity loan portfolio.
Average investment securities increased $228.6 million, or 8.2%, in comparison to 2019, which contributed a $7.3 million increase in FTE interest income. This increase was partially offset by a 7 bps decrease in yields, resulting in a $3.0 million decrease in FTE interest income. Other interest-earning assets increased $675.7 million, primarily the result of an increase in cash pledged with counterparties for interest rate swap contracts, contributing $6.9 million to FTE interest income. The yield on other interest-earning assets decreased 159 bps in comparison to 2019, as a result of the Fed Funds Rate decreases during 2020, resulting in a $10.7 million decrease in FTE interest income.
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Average deposits and interest rates, by type, are summarized in the following table:
Increase (Decrease) in Balance
Balance Rate Balance Rate $ %
(dollars in thousands)
The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased 54 bps to 0.51% from 1.05% in 2019 and contributed $66.2 million to the decrease in interest expense compared to 2019. These rates do not include the impact of non-interest bearing deposits, which lowered cost of total deposits to 0.36% and 0.79% in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The decrease in the cost was mainly as a result of reductions in deposit rates in response to the FOMC reductions to the Fed Funds Rate as well as deposit rate decreases implemented after the Fed Funds Rate cuts during the second half of 2019. The majority of deposit rates are discretionary, with the exception of indexed municipal balances. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased $1.2 billion, or 9.3%, partially offsetting the decrease in interest expense by $4.4 million in comparison to 2019.
Average borrowings and interest rates, by type, are summarized in the following table:
Balance Rate Balance Rate $ %
(dollars in thousands)
Short-term borrowings:
Long-term borrowings:
(1) Includes short-term promissory notes.
(2) Represents FHLB advances with an original maturity term of less than one year.
Total average borrowings increased $272.6 million, or 15.2%, while the total cost of borrowings decreased 40 bps, to2.11% compared to 2019. Total average short-term borrowings decreased $39.1 million, or 4.6%, due to a decrease in short-term FHLB advances and other borrowings and federal funds purchased, partially offset by increases in average customer funding. The cost of short-term borrowings decreased 106 bps to 0.64% in 2020, largely due to the net impact of the changes in the Fed Funds Rate.
Average long-term borrowings increased $311.7 million, or 33.1%, and the rate decreased 19 bps compared to 2019, as a result of the issuance of $375.0 million of subordinated notes in March of 2020.
Provision for Credit Losses
The provision for credit losses decreased $91.5 million, to $(14.6) million, for the year ended December 31, 2021. The decrease was primarily the result of an improvement in economic conditions. See additional details under "Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses" in the "Financial Condition" section below.
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Non-Interest Income and Expense
Comparison of 2021 to 2020
Non-Interest Income
The following table presents the components of non-interest income:
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial banking:
Consumer banking:
Mortgage banking:
Excluding net investment securities gains, non-interest income increased $13.9 million, or 6.1%, in 2021, as compared to 2020.
Total commercial banking income decreased $1.6 million, or 2.3% compared to 2020, driven mainly by a decrease in capital market revenues.
Total consumer banking increased $3.9 million, or 9.5%, compared to 2020, driven primarily by higher card income.
Wealth management revenues increased $12.7 million, or 21.6%, resulting primarily from an increase in client asset levels and improved overall market performance.
Mortgage banking income decreased $8.7 million, or 20.6%, mainly due to reduced gains on sales of mortgage loans, partially offset by an increase in mortgage servicing income.
Investment securities gains increased $30.5 million, primarily due to the sale of Visa Class B restricted shares, as part of the balance sheet restructuring undertaken in 2021.
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Non-Interest Expense
The following table presents the components of non-interest expense:
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
Non-interest expense increased $38.4 million, or 6.6%. Non-interest expense, excluding debt extinguishment costs of $33.2 million, was $584.6 million, an increase of $21.3 million, or 3.8%, compared to non-interest expenses of $563.2 million in 2020, which excludes expenses associated with cost savings initiatives of $16.2 million. Excluding the net decrease in severance costs of $5.9 million, the increase in non-interest expense over 2020 was primarily due to increases in salaries and benefits of $10.6 million, attributable to a $12.7 million increase in incentive compensation and bonuses. Also contributing to the increase in non-interest expense were $8.4 million in data processing and software and $2.8 million in other outside services expense, partially offset by a $3.2 million decrease in professional fees.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense for 2021 was $58.7 million, a $34.6 million increase compared to 2020. The ETR was 17.6% in 2021, as compared to 12.0% in 2020. The increase in income tax expense and the ETR resulted primarily from higher income before income taxes. The ETR is generally lower than the federal statutory rate of 21% due to tax-exempt interest income earned on loans, investments in tax-free municipal securities and TCIs that generate tax credits under various federal programs.
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Comparison of 2020 to 2019
Non-Interest Income
The following table presents the components of non-interest income:
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
Commercial banking:
Consumer banking:
Mortgage banking:
Excluding net investment securities gains, non-interest income increased $14.9 million, or 7.1%, in 2020, as compared to 2019.
Total commercial banking income decreased $0.8 million, compared to 2019, driven mainly by a decrease in other commercial banking income (SBA lending income and other service charges as a result of COVID-19). This decrease was somewhat offset by an increase in capital markets revenue.
Total consumer banking decreased $7.9 million, or 16.0%, compared to 2019, driven primarily by lower overdraft fees. Other consumer banking income decreased largely due to lower ATM fees.
Wealth management revenues increased $3.4 million, or 6.1%, resulting primarily from growth in brokerage income due to an increase in client asset levels and improved overall market performance.
Mortgage banking income increased $19.2 million, or 83.2%, mainly due to gains on sales of mortgage loans, partially offset by a decrease in mortgage servicing income. Gains increased as a result of both higher volumes of loans sold and higher spreads on sales. The decrease in mortgage servicing income was driven by $10.5 million of MSR impairment charges and higher MSR amortization due to higher prepayments as a result of the lower rate environment. There were no MSR impairment charges in 2019.
Investment securities gains decreased $1.7 million, or 35.5%, mainly attributed to the difference in scope of the limited balance sheet restructures in 2020 and 2019.
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Non-Interest Expense
The following table presents the components of non-interest expense:
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
In the third quarter of 2020, the Corporation announced cost-savings initiatives which resulted in annual expense savings, not to be fully realized until mid-2021. In 2020, $16.2 million of expenses were recognized related to the cost-savings initiatives in the following categories: $5.6 million of severance expense (included in salaries and employee benefits) and $4.8 million of write-offs of fixed assets and $5.8 million of lease termination charges (both included in other expense). The Corporation has been reinvesting a portion of the cost savings to accelerate digital transformation initiatives.
In 2019, the Corporation recognized $10.9 million of expenses related to the Charter Consolidation, primarily in the following categories: $1.9 million of severance expense (included in salaries and employee benefits), $6.6 million of other outside services, $1.0 million of an intangible write-off (included in intangible amortization) and $0.6 million in marketing expense.
The more significant fluctuations in expense levels, excluding the cost-savings initiatives in 2020 and the Charter Consolidation costs in 2019, by category are explained below:
•Salaries and employee benefits increased $9.0 million mainly due to increases in employee salaries (annual merit increases), overtime and incentive compensation (primarily COVID-19 related for front-line employees).
•Other outside services decreased $2.0 million, or 5.9%, primarily due to more in-house development and less reliance on third-party service providers.
•Data processing and software increased $3.4 million, reflecting higher transaction volumes and costs related to growth and technology initiatives.
•Marketing decreased $4.1 million, or 44.3 %, as a result of reduced marketing campaigns.
•State taxes increased $3.7 million, or 41.8%, as a result of higher Pennsylvania Bank Shares tax due to the Bank's increased equity as well as higher sales taxes.
•Other expenses decreased $4.3 million compared to 2019, primarily driven by a decrease in travel and entertainment, influenced by the restrictions due to COVID-19.
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FINANCIAL CONDITION
The table below presents condensed consolidated ending balance sheets.
December 31 Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
Assets
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Investment Securities
The following table presents the carrying amount of investment securities as of December 31:
(in thousands)
Available for Sale
U.S. Government securities $ 127,618 $ —
Held to Maturity
Commercial mortgage-backed securities 575,426 —
Total AFS securities increased $125.2 million, or 4.1%, to $3,187.4 million at December 31, 2021, primarily due to an increase in state and municipal securities and commercial mortgage backed securities, partially offset by a decrease in collateralized mortgage obligations.
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Total HTM securities increased $702.1 million, primarily due to the addition of commercial mortgage-backed securities and an increase in residential mortgage-backed securities.
Loans
The following table presents ending loans outstanding, by type, as of the dates shown, and the changes in balances for the most recent year:
December 31
(dollars in thousands)
(1) Includes PPP loans totaling $0.3 billion and $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Net Loans decreased $575.5 million, or 3.0%, as of December 31, 2021 compared to December 31, 2020, primarily due to a $1,462.5 million decrease in commercial and industrial loans due to the decrease in PPP loans, partially offset by a $704.8 million increase in residential mortgage loans.
The Corporation does not have a significant concentration of credit risk with any single borrower, industry or geographic location within its footprint. As of December 31, 2021, approximately $8,418.9 million, or 45.9%, of the loan portfolio was comprised of commercial mortgage and construction loans. The Corporation's policies limit the maximum total lending commitment to an individual borrower to $55.0 millionas of December 31, 2021. In addition, the Corporation has established lower total lending limits for certain types of lending commitments and lower total lending limits based on the Corporation's internal risk rating of an individual borrower at the time the lending commitment is approved.
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The following table summarizes the industry concentrations within the commercial mortgage and the commercial and industrial loan portfolios (excluding PPP loans) as of December 31:
Manufacturing 5.1 5.0
Other services (2) 5.0 4.9
Hospitality and food services 3.7 4.0
Wholesale trade 2.8 2.7
Educational services 2.7 3.0
Arts, entertainment and recreation 2.3 2.4
Professional, scientific and technical services 1.8 2.2
Public administration 1.5 1.7
Finance and Insurance 1.4 1.4
Transportation and warehousing 1.3 1.4
(1) Includes commercial loans to borrowers engaged in the business of: renting, leasing or managing real estate for others; selling and/or buying real estate for others; and appraising real estate.
(2) Excludes public administration.
(3) Includes commercial loans to borrowers engaged in the construction industry.
(4) Includes energy sector.
The following table presents the changes in non-accrual loans for the years ended December 31:
(in thousands)
Transfers to accrual status (1) (901) (1) (858) — — — (1,761)
Transfers to OREO — — — — (274) — — (274)
Non-accrual loans increased $6.5 million, or 4.7%, in 2021. Non-accrual loans as a percentage of Net Loans increased to 0.78% at December 31, 2021, compared to 0.72% at December 31, 2020.
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The following table presents non-performing assets as of the dates shown:
December 31,
(in thousands)
(1) The amount of interest income on non-accrual loans that was recognized in 2021 was approximately $1.3 million.
(2)Accrual of interest is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due. In certain cases a loan may be placed on non-accrual status prior to being 90 days delinquent if there is an indication that the borrower is having difficulty making payments or the Corporation believes it is probable that all amounts will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the agreement. When interest accruals are discontinued, unpaid interest previously credited to income is reversed. Non-accrual loans may be restored to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest has been paid currently for six consecutive months or the loan is considered to be adequately secured and in the process of collection. Certain loans, primarily adequately collateralized residential mortgage loans, may continue to accrue interest after reaching 90 days past due.
(3)Excluded from non-performing assets as of December 31, 2021, were $29.5 million of loans modified under TDRs. These loans continue to accrue interest and are, therefore, not included in non-accrual loans.
(4) Excludes $6.4 million of residential mortgage properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process as of December 31, 2021.
The following table presents non-performing loans, by type, as of the dates shown:
December 31,
(dollars in thousands)
Non-performing loans to total loans 0.83 % 0.78 % 0.84 %
The following table presents TDRs as of the dates shown:
December 31,
(in thousands)
Consumer 5 — 8
(1) Included within non-accrual loans in the preceding table.
The decrease in TDRs in 2021 compared to 2020 is primarily due to a decrease in commercial mortgage, residential mortgage and commercial and industrial loans, partially offset by an increase in non-accrual TDRs.
Total TDRs modified during 2021 and still outstanding as of December 31, 2021, were $33.5 million. Of these loans, $15.5 million, or 46.4%, had a payment default during 2021, which the Corporation defines as a single missed scheduled payment,
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subsequent to modification. TDRs modified during 2020 and still outstanding as of December 31, 2020, totaled $45.3 million. Of these loans, $15.5 million, or 34.3%, had a payment default during 2020, which the Corporation defines as a single missed scheduled payment, subsequent to modification.
The following table summarizes OREO, by property type, as of December 31:
(in thousands)
As noted under the heading "Critical Accounting Policies" within Management's Discussion, the Corporation's ability to identify potential problem loans in a timely manner is key to maintaining an adequate ACL. For commercial loans, commercial mortgages and construction loans to commercial borrowers, an internal risk rating process is used to monitor credit quality. For a complete description of the Corporation's risk ratings, refer to the "Allowance for Credit Losses" section within "Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." The evaluation of credit risk for residential mortgages, home equity loans, construction loans to individuals, consumer loans and equipment lease financing is based on aggregate payment history through the monitoring of delinquency levels and trends.
Total internally risk rated loans were $12.4 billion and $13.7 billion as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The following table presents criticized and classified loans, or those with internal risk ratings of special mention (1) or substandard or lower (2) for commercial mortgages, commercial and industrial loans and construction loans to commercial borrowers, by class segment, as of December 31:
(dollars in thousands)
(1) Considered "criticized" loans by banking regulators
(2) Considered "classified" loans by banking regulators
(3) Excludes construction - other
As of December 31, 2021, total loans with risk ratings of special mention decreased by $57.0 million, or 8.8%, and total loans with a risk rating of substandard or lower increased by $174.0 million, or 55.1%, resulting in an overall increase in total criticized loans of $117.1 million, 12.2% higher than 2020. The largest drivers of the migration into these risk rating categories was within the arts, recreation and entertainment industry, education industry and hospitality industry, which is included in the real estate - commercial mortgage category.
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The following table presents, by class segment, a summary of delinquency status and rates, as a percentage of total
loans that do not have internal risk ratings as of December 31:
Delinquent (1) Non-performing (2) Total
$ % $ % $ % $ % $ % $ %
(dollars in thousands)
(1) Includes all accruing loans 30 days to 89 days past due.
(2) Includes all accruing loans 90 days or more past due and all non-accrual loans and leases.
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Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses
The Corporation accounts for the credit risk associated with lending activities through the ACL and the provision for credit losses.
A summary of the Corporation’s activity in the ACL, including loans and OBS credit exposures:
(dollars in thousands)
Impact of adopting CECL on January 1, 2020 — 58,348 —
Loans charged off:
Real estate – residential mortgage (1,290) (620) (1,545)
Real estate – construction (39) (17) (143)
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
Equipment lease financing and other 953 605 666
Real estate – residential mortgage 375 491 989
Components of the ACL:
Selected Asset Quality Ratios:
Net charge-offs to average loans 0.07 % 0.05 % 0.22 %
Non-performing assets (2) to total assets 0.60 0.58 0.68
Non-performing assets (2) to total loans and OREO 0.83 0.83 0.88
Non-accrual loans to total Net Loans 0.78 0.72 0.74
(1) Reserve for OBS credit exposures is recorded within other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Prior to 2020, it was referred to as "reserve for unfunded lending commitments". See "Note 4 - Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." for further details.
(2) Includes accruing loans past due 90 days or more.
(3) Ratio represents a financial measure derived by methods other than GAAP. See reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable GAAP measure under the heading, "Supplemental Reporting of Non-GAAP Based Financial Measures," in the Overview of Item 7. "Management Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
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The provision for credit losses decreased $91.5 million in comparison to 2020. The amounts recorded in 2021 were primarily driven by economic assumptions. Periods prior to 2020 did not incorporate "life of loan" losses under CECL and applied an incurred loss model, which would not have considered economic forecasts or forward-looking considerations over the remaining expected lives of loans. See "Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." for further details.
The following table summarizes the allocation of the ACL - loans:
(dollars in thousands)
(1) Ending loan balances as a % of total loans for the years presented.
Management believes that the $249.0 million ACL - loans as of December 31, 2021, was sufficient to cover expected losses in the loan portfolio. See additional disclosures in "Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," and "Note 4 - Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data;" and "Critical Accounting Policies" above.
Other Assets
Other assets decreased $73.7 million, or 6.8%, to $1.0 billion as of December 31, 2021, primarily due to the decrease in fair values of derivatives related to the Bank's customer back-to-back interest rate swap program of $177.2 million, partially offset by an increase on bank-owned life insurance of $90.1 million driven by purchases of new policies of $75.0 million during 2021.
Deposits and Borrowings
The following table presents ending deposits, by type, as of December 31:
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
Compared to 2021, total demand and savings deposits increased by $1.3 billion, or 7.2%, partially offset by a decrease in brokered deposits of $83.7 million and time deposits of $497.2 million. This shift from higher-cost to lower-cost deposits favorably impacted the Corporation's net interest margin and profitability.
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The following table presents ending borrowings, by type, as of December 31:
Increase (Decrease)
(dollars in thousands)
Short-term borrowings:
Long-term borrowings:
(1)Includes short-term promissory notes.
Total short-term borrowings decreased $213.3 million, or 33.9%, compared to 2020, as a result of lower balances of customer short-term promissory notes. Long-term borrowings decreased $674.9 million, or 52.1%, compared to 2020, primarily due to the prepayment of FHLB advances as part of the balance sheet restructuring. Also, in the first quarter of 2021, the Corporation completed a cash tender offer for $75 million of 4.50% subordinated debt due in 2024 and $60 million of 3.60% senior notes due in 2022.
Other Liabilities
Other liabilities decreased $48.9 million, or 9.5%, to $465.1 million as of December 31, 2021, primarily as the result of a decrease in the fair values of derivatives related to the Bank's customer back-to-back interest rate swap program.
Shareholders’ Equity
Total shareholders’ equity increased $95.9 million, or 3.7%, to $2.7 billion, or 10.5% of total assets, as of December 31, 2021. The increase was due primarily to an increase in retained earnings reflecting the net income available to common shareholders of $265.2 million for 2021, partially offset by a $41.7 million increase in treasury stock primarily driven by the Corporation's share repurchase program. The Corporation repurchased 2.8 million shares of its common stock during 2021 at a cost of $43.9 million. As of December 31, 2021, up to an additional $31.1 million of common stock may be purchased through March 31, 2022 under the $75 million share repurchase program originally announced in February 2021. Shareholders' equity also decreased in 2021 due to a $37.7 million decrease in AOCI primarily from unrealized losses on and reclassification of securities. See "Note 14 - Shareholders' Equity" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for details of share repurchases.
The Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiary bank, Fulton Bank, are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by the FRB and OCC. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can trigger certain actions by these regulators that could have a material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements. The regulations require that banks and bank holding companies maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total, Tier I and Common Equity Tier I capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined in the regulations), and Tier I capital to average assets (as defined in the regulations).
The following table summarizes the Corporation’s capital ratios in comparison to regulatory requirements at December 31:
Total Risk-Based Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) 14.1% 14.4% 8.0% 10.5%
Tier I Risk-Based Capital (to Risk-Weighted Assets) 10.9% 10.5% 6.0% 8.5%
Common Equity Tier I (to Risk-Weighted Assets) 9.9% 9.5% 4.5% 7.0%
Tier I Leverage Capital (to Average Assets) 8.6% 8.2% 4.0% 4.0%
In July 2013, the FRB approved the Basel III Rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations and implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision's December 2010 framework for strengthening international capital standards. The Basel III Rules substantially revised the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions.
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The Basel III Rules require the Corporation and Fulton Bank to:
•Meet a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 4.50% of risk-weighted assets and a Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.00% of risk-weighted assets;
•Continue to require a minimum Total capital ratio of 8.00% of risk-weighted assets and a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 4.00% of average assets; and
•Comply with a revised definition of capital to improve the ability of regulatory capital instruments to absorb losses as a result of which certain non-qualifying capital instruments, including cumulative preferred stock and TruPS, will be excluded as a component of Tier 1 capital for institutions of the Corporation's size.
As of January 1, 2019, the Corporation and Fulton Bank were also required to maintain a "capital conservation buffer" of 2.50% above the minimum risk-based capital requirements, which must be maintained to avoid restrictions on capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments.
The Basel III Rules use a standardized approach for risk weightings that expand the risk-weightings for assets and off-balance sheet exposures from the previous 0%, 20%, 50% and 100% categories to a much larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories, depending on the nature of the assets and off-balance sheet exposures, resulting in higher risk weights for a variety of asset categories.
As of December 31, 2021, Fulton Bank was well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action based on its capital ratio calculations. To be categorized as well capitalized, Fulton Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, Common Equity Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table above. There are no conditions or events since December 31, 2021 that management believes have changed Fulton Bank's categories. See "Note 11 - Regulatory Matters," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."
Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Corporation has various financial obligations that require future cash payments. These obligations include payments for liabilities recorded on the Corporation’s consolidated balance sheets as well as contractual obligations for purchased services.
Contractual purchase obligations to third parties that were fixed and determinable of $96 million and $75 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, include information technology, telecommunication and data processing outsourcing contracts. The increase is primarily driven by a contract extension with the Bank's core information system provider.
The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with OBS risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit, which involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk that are not recognized on the consolidated balance sheets. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the financial or performance obligation of a customer to a third party. Commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to facilitate foreign or domestic trade transactions for customers. Commitments and standby and commercial letters of credit do not necessarily represent future cash needs, as they may expire without being drawn.
The following table presents the Corporation’s commitments to extend credit and letters of credit as of December 31, 2021 (in thousands):
Commercial and industrial $ 5,072,008
Real estate - commercial mortgage and real estate - construction 1,914,238
Total commitments to extend credit $ 8,731,168
Standby letters of credit $ 298,275
Commercial letters of credit 54,196
Total letters of credit $ 352,471
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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the exposure to economic loss that arises from changes in the values of certain financial instruments. The types of market risk exposures generally faced by financial institutions include interest rate risk, equity market price risk, debt security market price risk, foreign currency price risk and commodity price risk. Due to the nature of its operations, foreign currency price risk and commodity price risk are not significant to the Corporation.
Interest Rate Risk, Asset/Liability Management and Liquidity
Interest rate risk creates exposure in two primary areas. First, changes in rates have an impact on the Corporation’s liquidity position and could affect its ability to meet obligations and continue to grow. Second, movements in interest rates can create fluctuations in the Corporation’s net interest income and changes in the economic value of its equity.
The Corporation employs various management techniques to minimize its exposure to interest rate risk. The Corporation's ALCO is responsible for reviewing the interest rate sensitivity and liquidity positions of the Corporation, approving asset and liability management policies, and overseeing the formulation and implementation of strategies regarding balance sheet positions.
The Corporation uses two complementary methods to measure and manage interest rate risk. They are simulation of net interest income and estimates of economic value of equity. Using these measurements in tandem provides a reasonably comprehensive summary of the magnitude of the Corporation's interest rate risk, level of risk as time evolves, and exposure to changes in interest rates.
Simulation of net interest income is performed for the next 12-month period. A variety of interest rate scenarios are used to measure the effects of sudden and gradual movements upward and downward in the yield curve. These results are compared to the results obtained in a flat or unchanged interest rate scenario. Simulation of net interest income is used primarily to measure the Corporation’s short-term earnings exposure to rate movements. The Corporation’s policy limits the potential exposure of net interest income, in a non-parallel instantaneous shock, to 10% of the base case net interest income for a 100 bps shock in interest rates, 15% for a 200 bps shock, 20% for a 300 bps shock and 25% for a 400 bps shock. A "shock" is an immediate upward or downward movement of interest rates. The shocks do not take into account changes in customer behavior that could result in changes to mix and/or volumes in the balance sheet, nor does it take into account the potential effects of competition on the pricing of deposits and loans over the forward 12-month period.
Contractual maturities and repricing opportunities of loans are incorporated in the simulation model as are prepayment assumptions, maturity data and call options within the investment portfolio. Assumptions based on past experience are incorporated into the model for non-maturity deposit accounts. The assumptions used are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot precisely measure future net interest income or precisely predict the impact of fluctuations in market interest rates on net interest income. Actual results will differ from the model's simulated results due to timing, amount and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and the application and timing of various management strategies.
The following table summarizes the expected impact of abrupt interest rate changes, i.e. a non-parallel instantaneous shock, on net interest income as of December 31, 2021 (due to the current level of interest rates, the downward shock scenarios are not shown):
(1)These results include the effect of implicit and explicit interest rate floors that limit further reduction in interest rates.
Economic value of equity estimates the discounted present value of asset and liability cash flows. Discount rates are based upon market prices for like assets and liabilities. Abrupt changes or "shocks" in interest rates, both upward and downward, are used to determine the comparative effect of such interest rate movements relative to the unchanged environment. This measurement tool is used primarily to evaluate the longer-term repricing risks and options in the Corporation’s balance sheet. The Corporation's policy limits the economic value of equity that may be at risk, in a non-parallel instantaneous shock, to 10% of
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the base case economic value of equity for a 100 bps shock in interest rates, 20% for a 200 bps shock, 30% for a 300 bps shock and 40% for a 400 bps shock. As of December 31, 2021, the Corporation was within economic value of equity policy limits for every 100 bps shock.
Interest Rate Swaps
The Corporation enters into interest rate swaps with certain qualifying commercial loan customers to meet their interest rate risk management needs. The Corporation simultaneously enters into interest rate swaps with dealer counterparties, with identical notional amounts and terms. The net result of these interest rate swaps is that the customer pays a fixed rate of interest and the Corporation receives a floating rate. These interest rate swaps are derivative financial instruments, and the gross fair values are recorded in other assets and liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, with changes in fair value during the period recorded in other non-interest expense on the consolidated statements of income.
Cash Flow Hedges
The Corporation’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to reduce volatility in net interest income and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Corporation primarily uses interest rate swaps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. During 2021, the Corporation entered into interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing floating rate loans. These hedge contracts involve the receipt of fixed-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Corporation making floating-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.
For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the unrealized gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in AOCI and subsequently reclassified into interest income in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest income as interest payments are made on the Corporation’s variable-rate liabilities.
Liquidity
The Corporation must maintain a sufficient level of liquid assets to meet the cash needs of its customers, who, as depositors, may want to withdraw funds or who, as borrowers, need credit availability. Liquidity is provided on a continuous basis through scheduled and unscheduled principal and interest payments on investments and outstanding loans and through the availability of deposits and borrowings. The Corporation also maintains secondary sources that provide liquidity on a secured and unsecured basis to meet short- and long-term needs.
The Corporation maintains liquidity sources in the form of interest-bearing deposits and customer funding (short-term promissory notes). The Corporation can access additional liquidity from these sources, if necessary, by increasing the rates of interest paid on those instruments. The positive impact to liquidity resulting from paying higher interest rates could have a detrimental impact on the net interest margin and net interest income if rates on interest-earning assets do not experience a proportionate increase. Borrowing availability with the FHLB and the FRB, along with federal funds lines at various correspondent banks, provides the Corporation with additional liquidity.
Fulton Bank is a member of the FHLB and has access to FHLB overnight and term credit facilities. As of December 31, 2021, the Corporation had no short- or long-term advances outstanding with the FHLB. As of December 31, 2021, the Corporation has borrowing capacity of approximately $5.8 billion under these facilities. Advances from the FHLB, when utilized, are secured by qualifying commercial real estate and residential mortgage loans, investments and other assets.
As of December 31, 2021, the Corporation had aggregate availability under federal funds lines of $2.1 billion, with no outstanding borrowings against that amount. A combination of commercial real estate loans, commercial loans and securities are pledged to the FRB of Philadelphia to provide access to FRB discount window borrowings. As of December 31, 2021, the Corporation had $0.9 billion of collateralized borrowing availability at the discount window, and no outstanding borrowings.
The Corporation records a reserve for unfunded commitments, included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets, which represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in commitments to extend credit and letters of credit. As of December 31, 2021, the balance of these commitments was $352.5 million.
Liquidity must also be managed at the Corporation's parent company level. For safety and soundness reasons, banking regulations limit the amount of cash that can be transferred from subsidiary banks to the parent company in the form of loans and dividends. Generally, these limitations are based on the subsidiary banks’ regulatory capital levels and their net income. See
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"Note 11 - Regulatory Matters - Dividend and Loan Limitations" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for additional information concerning limitations on the dividends that may be paid to the Corporation, and loans that may be granted to the Corporation. Management continues to monitor the liquidity and capital needs of the parent company and will implement appropriate strategies, as necessary, to remain adequately capitalized and to meet its cash needs.
The Corporation’s sources and uses of funds were discussed in general terms in the "Net Interest Income" section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis. The consolidated statements of cash flows provide additional information. The Corporation’s operating activities during 2021 generated $342.3 million of cash, mainly due to net income of $275.5 million. Cash used in investing activities was $214.0 million, primarily due to net cash flows from purchases of AFS and HTM securities, offset by an increase in cash flows from loans, primarily related to the decrease in PPP loans. Net cash used in financing activities was $337.5 million, due primarily to the repayment of long-term borrowings, decreases in time deposits and short-term borrowings, and dividends paid, offset by cash flows provided by an increase in demand and savings deposits.
The following table presents the expected maturities of AFS investment securities, at estimated fair value, as of December 31, 2021 and the weighted average yields on such securities (calculated based on historical cost):
Maturing
Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield
Available for sale (dollars in thousands)
U.S. Government securities $ — — % $ 127,618 0.65 % $ — — % $ — — %
Auction rate securities (2) — — — — — — 74,667 1.60
(1)Weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities have been computed on a fully taxable-equivalent basis assuming a federal tax rate of 21% and statutory interest expense disallowances.
(2)Maturities of ARCs are based on contractual maturities.
The Corporation’s investment portfolio consists mainly of state and municipal securities, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations. Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations have stated maturities that may differ from actual maturities due to borrowers’ ability to prepay obligations. Cash flows from such investments are dependent upon the performance of the underlying mortgage loans and are generally influenced by the level of interest rates. As rates increase, cash flows generally decrease as prepayments on the underlying mortgage loans decrease. As rates decrease, cash flows generally increase as prepayments increase.
The following table presents AFS mortgage-backed investment securities, at estimated fair value, and HTM mortgage-backed investment securities, at amortized cost, as of December 31, 2021, without stated maturities, including the weighted average yields and estimated weighted average lives based on prepayment speeds on such securities:
Weighted
Amount Yield Average Life
(dollars in thousands) (in years)
Available for sale
Residential mortgage-backed securities $ 229,795 1.48 % 6.9
Held to maturity
Commercial mortgage-backed securities $ 575,426 1.42 % 6.9
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The following table presents the contractual maturities of fixed rate loans and loan types subject to changes in interest rates as of December 31, 2021:
One Yearor Less OneThroughFive Years More ThanFive Years Total
(in thousands)
Commercial and industrial:
Real estate – mortgage (1):
Real estate – construction:
Consumer, lease financing and other:
(1) Includes commercial and residential mortgages and home equity loans.
Contractual maturities of time deposits as of December 31, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):
Year
Contractual maturities of time deposits of $100,000 or more outstanding, included in the table above, as of December 31, 2021 were as follows (in thousands):
Over three through six months 127,783
Over six through twelve months 323,164
Debt Security Market Price Risk
Debt security market price risk is the risk that changes in the values of debt securities, unrelated to interest rate changes, could have a material impact on the financial position or results of operations of the Corporation. The Corporation’s debt security investments consist primarily of U.S. government sponsored agency issued mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations, state and municipal securities, auction rate securities and corporate debt securities. All of the Corporation's investments in mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations have principal payments that are guaranteed by U.S. government sponsored agencies.
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State and Municipal Securities
As of December 31, 2021, the Corporation owned securities issued by various states and municipalities with a total fair value of $1.2 billion. Uncertainty with respect to the financial strength of state and municipal bond insurers places emphasis on the underlying strength of issuers. Pressure on local tax revenues of issuers due to adverse economic conditions could have an adverse impact on the underlying credit quality of issuers. The Corporation evaluates existing and potential holdings primarily based on the underlying creditworthiness of the issuing state or municipality and then, to a lesser extent, on any credit enhancement. State and municipal securities can be supported by the general obligation of the issuing state or municipality, allowing the securities to be repaid by any means available to the issuing state or municipality. As of December 31, 2021, approximately 100% of state and municipal securities were supported by the general obligation of corresponding states or municipalities. Approximately 68% of these securities were school district issuances, which are also supported by the states of the issuing municipalities.
Auction Rate Securities
As of December 31, 2021, the Corporation’s investments in ARCs had a cost basis of $76.4 million and an estimated fair value of $74.7 million. The fair values of the ARCs currently in the portfolio were derived using significant unobservable inputs based on an expected cash flows model which produced fair values that may not represent those that could be expected from settlement of these investments in the current market. The expected cash flows model produced fair values which assumed a return to market liquidity sometime within the next five years. The Corporation believes that the trusts underlying the ARCs will self-liquidate as student loans are repaid.
The credit quality of the underlying debt associated with the ARCs is also a factor in the determination of their estimated fair value. As of December 31, 2021, all of the ARCs were rated above investment grade. All of the loans underlying the ARCs have principal payments which are guaranteed by the federal government. At December 31, 2021, all of the Corporation's ARCs were current and making scheduled interest payments.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
December 31,
ASSETS
Investment securities:
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(dollars in thousands, except per-share data)
Interest Income
Investment securities:
Interest Expense
Non-Interest Income
Non-Interest Expense
PER SHARE:
Net income available to common shareholders (basic) $ 1.63 $ 1.08 $ 1.36
Net income available to common shareholders (diluted) 1.62 1.08 1.35
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
Other Comprehensive (Loss)/Income, net of tax:
Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS investment securities:
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps used in cash flow hedges:
Net unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during the period (2,147) — —
Defined benefit pension plan and postretirement benefits:
Unrecognized pension and postretirement (cost) income 7,144 (2,532) (937)
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(in thousands, except per share data)
Shares Amount Shares Amount RetainedEarnings TreasuryStock Total
Stock-based compensation awards 7,413 7,413
Stock-based compensation awards 7,529 7,529
Stock-based compensation awards 8,402 8,402
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(1) The Corporation adopted ASU 2016-13 "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses of Financial Instruments on January 1, 2020. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Depreciation and amortization of premises and equipment 28,802 28,803 28,200
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of HTM securities (443,081) — —
Sale of Visa Shares 33,962 — —
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock — 192,878 —
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Supplemental Schedule of Certain Noncash Activities:
Transfer of AFS securities to HTM securities $ 376,165 $ — $ —
Transfer of HTM securities to AFS securities — — 158,898
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business: The Corporation is a financial holding company that provides a full range of banking and financial services to businesses and consumers through its wholly owned banking subsidiary, Fulton Bank. In addition, the Parent Company owns the following non-bank subsidiaries: Fulton Financial Realty Company, Central Pennsylvania Financial Corp., FFC Management, Inc., FFC Penn Square, Inc. and Fulton Insurance Services Group, Inc. Collectively, the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are referred to as the Corporation.
The Corporation’s primary sources of revenue are interest income on loans, investment securities and other interest-earning assets and fee income earned on its products and services. Its expenses consist of interest expense on deposits and borrowed funds, provision for credit losses, other operating expenses and income taxes. The Corporation’s primary competition is other financial services providers operating in its region. Competitors also include financial services providers located outside the Corporation’s geographic market as a result of the growth in electronic delivery channels. The Corporation is subject to the regulations of certain federal and state agencies and undergoes periodic examinations by such regulatory agencies.
The Corporation offers, through its banking subsidiary, a full range of retail and commercial banking services in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia. Industry diversity is the key to the economic well-being of these markets, and the Corporation is not dependent upon any single customer or industry.
Basis of Financial Statement Presentation: The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and include the accounts of the Parent Company and all wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosed amount of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Corporation evaluates subsequent events through the date of the filing of this report with the SEC.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash: Cash and cash equivalents consists of cash and due from banks and interest bearing deposits with other banks, which includes restricted cash. Restricted cash comprises cash balances required to be maintained with the FRB, based on customer transaction deposit account levels, and cash balances provided as collateral on derivative contracts and other contracts. See Note 2, "Restrictions on Cash and Cash Equivalents" for additional information.
FRB and FHLBStock: The Bank is a member of the FRB and FHLB and is required by federal law to hold stock in these institutions according to predetermined formulas. These restricted investments are carried at cost on the consolidated balance sheets and are periodically evaluated for impairment.
Investments: Debt securities are classified as HTM at the time of purchase when the Corporation has both the intent and ability to hold these investments until they mature. Such debt securities are carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using the effective yield method. The Corporation does not engage in trading activities; however, since the investment portfolio serves as a source of liquidity, most debt securities are classified as AFS. AFS securities are carried at estimated fair value with the related unrealized holding gains and losses reported in shareholders’ equity as a component of OCI, net of tax. Realized securities gains and losses are computed using the specific identification method and are recorded on a trade date basis.
The Corporation early adopted ASU 2019-04, "Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, Topic 815, Derivative and Hedging, and Topic 825, Financial Instruments," in the third quarter of 2019, which permitted the one-time reclassification of certain HTM securities to AFS under Topic 815, specific to the transition guidance of ASU update 2017-12, which the Corporation adopted on January 1, 2019. See “Note 3 - Investment Securities” for additional information on this reclassification. The portion of this standards update related to codification improvements specific to Topic 326 was implemented with the Corporation’s adoption of ASU 2016-13 in the first quarter of 2020.
HTM Debt Securities:Expected credit losses on HTM debt securities would be recorded in the ACL on HTM debt securities. As of December 31, 2021, no HTM debt securities required an ACL as these investments consist solely of government guaranteed residential mortgage-backed securities.
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AFS Debt Securities: The ACL approach for AFS debt securities differs from the approach used for HTM debt securities as AFS debt securities are carried at fair value rather than amortized cost. In evaluating credit losses on AFS debt securities, management considers factors such as delinquency, guarantees and whether the securities are rated higher than investment grade. As of December 31, 2021, no AFS debt securities required an ACL.
Fair Value Option: The Corporation has elected to measure mortgage loans held for sale at fair value. Derivative financial instruments related to mortgage banking activities are also recorded at fair value, as detailed under the heading "Derivative Financial Instruments," below. The Corporation determines fair value for its mortgage loans held for sale based on the price that secondary market investors would pay for loans with similar characteristics, including interest rate and term, as of the date fair value is measured. Changes in fair values during the period are recorded as components of mortgage banking income on the consolidated statements of income. Interest income earned on mortgage loans held for sale is classified in interest income on the consolidated statements of income.
Loans: Loans are stated at their principal amount outstanding, except for mortgage loans held for sale, which are carried at fair value. Interest income on loans is accrued as earned.
In general, loans are placed on non-accrual status once they become 90 days delinquent as to principal or interest. In certain cases a loan may be placed on non-accrual status prior to being 90 days delinquent if there is an indication that the borrower is having difficulty making payments, or the Corporation believes it is probable that all amounts will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When interest accruals are discontinued, unpaid interest previously credited to income is reversed. Non-accrual loans may be restored to accrual status when all delinquent principal and interest has been paid currently for six consecutive months or the loan is considered secured and in the process of collection. The Corporation generally applies payments received on non-accruing loans to principal until such time as the principal is paid off, after which time any payments received are recognized as interest income. If the Corporation believes that all amounts outstanding on a non-accrual loan will ultimately be collected, payments received subsequent to its classification as a non-accrual loan are allocated between interest income and principal.
A loan that is 90 days delinquent may continue to accrue interest if the loan is both adequately secured and is in the process of collection. Past due status is determined based on contractual due dates for loan payments. An adequately secured loan is one that has collateral with a supported fair value that is sufficient to discharge the debt, and/or has an enforceable guarantee from a financially responsible party. A loan is considered to be in the process of collection if collection is proceeding through legal action or through other activities that are reasonably expected to result in repayment of the debt or restoration to current status in the near future.
Loans deemed to be a loss are written off through a charge against the ACL. Closed-end consumer loans are generally charged- off when they become 120 days past due (180 days for open-end consumer loans) if they are not adequately secured by real
estate. All other loans are evaluated for possible charge-off when it is probable that the balance will not be collected, based on the ability of the borrower to pay and the value of the underlying collateral, if any. Principal recoveries of loans previously charged-off are recorded as increases to the ACL.
Loan Origination Fees and Costs: Loan origination fees and the related direct origination costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the loan as an adjustment to interest income using the effective yield method. For mortgage loans sold, net loan origination fees and costs are included in the gain or loss on sale of the related loan, as components of mortgage banking.
Loan origination fees and the related direct origination costs for loans originated under the PPP loan program are amortized on a straight-line basis over the repayment period of the loan. To the extent that a PPP loan is forgiven, the unamortized fees and costs will be recognized as interest income at the time of forgiveness.
Troubled Debt Restructurings: Loans are accounted for and reported as TDRs when, for economic or legal reasons, the Corporation grants a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty that it would not otherwise consider. Concessions, whether negotiated or imposed by bankruptcy, granted under a TDR typically involve a temporary deferral of scheduled loan payments, an extension of a loan’s stated maturity date or a reduction in the interest rate. Non-accrual TDRs can be restored to accrual status if principal and interest payments, under the modified terms, are current for six consecutive months after modification.
On March 27, 2020 the CARES Act was signed into law. The CARES Act includes an option for financial institutions to suspend the requirements of GAAP for certain loan modifications that would otherwise be categorized as a TDR. Certain conditions must be met with respect to the loan modification including that the modification is related to COVID-19 and the modified loan was not more than 30 days past due on December 31, 2019. On December 27, 2020, the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act was signed into law and this Act extended the relief for TDR treatment until January 1, 2022, when it expired. The Corporation is applying the option under the CARES act for all loan modifications that qualify.
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In November 2021, the FASB issued a proposed ASU as part of its Post-Implementation Review process. As part of that process, the proposed ASU would eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs, effective in 2022.
Allowance for Credit Losses:
CECL Adoption
On January 1, 2020, the Corporation adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (ASC Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which replaced the incurred loss methodology, and is referred to as CECL. The measurement of expected credit losses under CECL is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loans and HTM debt securities. It also applies to OBS credit exposures, such as loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments, and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor in accordance with ASC Topic 842.
The Corporation adopted CECL using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost, net investments in leases and OBS credit exposures. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2020 are presented under CECL, while prior period results are reported in accordance with the previously applicable incurred loss methodology, ASC 310-10 and ASC 450-20. The Corporation recorded an increase of $58.3 million to the ACL on January 1, 2020 as a result of the adoption of CECL. Retained earnings decreased $43.8 million, and DTAs increased by $12.4 million. Included in the $58.3 million increase to the ACL was $2.1 million for certain OBS credit exposures that was previously recognized in other liabilities before the adoption of CECL.
The Corporation has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the measurement of its ACL. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, any outstanding accrued interest is reversed against interest income.
Loans: The ACL for loans is an estimate of the expected losses to be realized over the life of the loans in the portfolio. The ACL is determined for two distinct categories of loans: 1) loans evaluated collectively for expected credit losses and 2) loans evaluated individually for expected credit losses.
Loans Evaluated Collectively: Loans evaluated collectively for expected credit losses include loans on accrual status, excluding accruing TDRs, and loans initially evaluated individually, but determined not to have enhanced credit risk characteristics. This category includes loans on non-accrual status and TDRs where the total commitment amount is less than $1 million. The ACL is estimated by applying a PD and LGD to the EAD at the loan level. In order to determine the PD, LGD, and EAD calculation inputs:
•Loans are aggregated into pools based on similar risk characteristics.
•The PD and LGD rates are determined by historical credit loss experience for each pool of loans.
•The loan segment PD rates are estimated using six econometric regression models that use the Corporation’s historical credit loss experience and incorporate reasonable and supportable economic forecasts for various macroeconomic variables that are statistically correlated with expected loss behavior in the loan segment.
•The reasonable and supportable forecast for each macroeconomic variable is sourced from an external third party and is applied over the contractual term of the Corporation’s loan portfolio. The Corporation’s economic forecast considers the general health of the economy, the interest rate environment, real estate pricing and market risk.
•A single baseline forecast scenario is used for each macroeconomic variable.
•The loan segment lifetime LGD rates are estimated using a loss rate approach based on the Corporation’s historical charge-off experience and the balance at the time of loan default.
•The LGD rates are adjusted for the Corporation’s recovery experience.
•To calculate the EAD, the corporation estimates contractual cash flows over the remaining life of each loan. Certain cash flow assumptions are established for each loan using maturity date, amortization schedule and interest rate. In addition, a prepayment rate is used in determining the EAD estimate.
Loans Evaluated Individually: Loans evaluated individually for expected credit losses include loans on non-accrual status and TDRs where the commitment amount equals or exceeds $1.0 million. The required ACL for such loans is determined using either the present value of expected future cash flows, observable market price or the fair value of collateral.
Loans evaluated individually may have specific allocations of the ACL assigned if the measured value of the loan using one of the noted techniques is less than its current carrying value. For loans measured using the fair value of collateral, if the analysis determines that sufficient collateral value would be available for repayment of the debt, then no allocations would be assigned to those loans. Collateral could be in the form of real estate or business assets, such as accounts receivable or inventory, in the case of commercial and industrial loans. Commercial and industrial loans may also be secured by real estate.
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For loans secured by real estate, estimated fair values are determined primarily through appraisals performed by third-party appraisers, discounted to arrive at expected net sale proceeds. For collateral dependent loans, estimated real estate fair values are also net of estimated selling costs. When a real estate secured loan is impaired, a decision is made regarding whether an updated appraisal of the real estate is necessary. This decision is based on various considerations, including: the age of the most recent appraisal; the loan-to-value ratio based on the original appraisal; the condition of the property; the Corporation’s experience and knowledge of the real estate market; the purpose of the loan; market factors; payment status; the strength of any guarantors; and the existence and age of other indications of value such as broker price opinions, among others. The Corporation generally obtains updated appraisals performed by third-party appraisers for impaired loans secured predominantly by real estate every 12 months.
When updated appraisals are not obtained for loans secured by real estate, fair values are estimated based on the original appraisal values, as long as the original appraisal indicated an acceptable loan-to-value position and there has not been a significant deterioration in the collateral value since the original appraisal was performed.
For loans with principal balances greater than or equal to $1.0 million secured by non-real estate collateral, such as accounts receivable or inventory, estimated fair values are determined based on borrower financial statements, inventory listings, accounts receivable agings or borrowing base certificates. Indications of value from these sources are generally discounted based on the age of the financial information or the quality of the assets. Liquidation or collection discounts are applied to these assets based upon existing loan evaluation policies.
Management regularly reviews loans in the portfolio to assess credit quality indicators and to determine appropriate loan classification. For commercial loans, commercial mortgages and construction loans to commercial borrowers, an internal risk rating process is used. The Corporation believes that internal risk ratings are the most relevant credit quality indicator for these types of loans. The migration of loans through the various internal risk rating categories is a significant component of the ACL methodology for these loans, which bases the PD on this migration. Assigning risk ratings involves judgment. Risk ratings may be changed based on ongoing monitoring procedures, or if specific loan review assessments identify a deterioration or an improvement in the loan.
The following is a summary of the Corporation's internal risk rating categories:
•Pass: These loans do not currently pose undue credit risk and can range from the highest to average quality, depending on the degree of potential risk.
•Special Mention: These loans have a heightened credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a classification of Substandard. Loans in this category are currently acceptable but, are nevertheless potentially weak.
•Substandard or Lower: These loans are inadequately protected by current sound worth and paying capacity of the borrower. There exists a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the normal repayment of the debt.
The allocation of the ACL is reviewed to evaluate its appropriateness in relation to the overall risk profile of the loan portfolio. The Corporation considers risk factors such as: local and national economic conditions; trends in delinquencies and non-accrual loans; the diversity of borrower industry types; and the composition of the portfolio by loan type.
Qualitative and Other Adjustments to ACL: In addition to the quantitative credit loss estimates for loans evaluated collectively, qualitative factors that may not be fully captured in the quantitative results are also evaluated. These qualitative factors include changes in lending policy, the nature and volume of the portfolio, overall business conditions in the economy, credit concentrations, specific industry risks, model imprecision and legal and regulatory requirements. Qualitative adjustments are judgmental and are based on management’s knowledge of the portfolio and the markets in which the Corporation operates. Qualitative adjustments are evaluated and approved on a quarterly basis. Additionally, the ACL includes other allowance categories that are not directly incorporated in the quantitative results. These categories include but are not limited to loans-in-process, trade acceptances and overdrafts.
OBS Credit Exposures:The ACL for OBS credit exposures is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. This portion of the ACL represents management’s estimate of expected losses in its unfunded loan commitments and other OBS credit exposures. The ACL specific to unfunded commitments is determined by estimating future draws and applying the expected loss rates on those draws. Future draws are based on historical averages of utilization rates (i.e., the likelihood of draws taken). The ACL for OBS credit exposures is increased or decreased by charges or reductions to expense, through the provision for credit losses.
ACL Methodology Before CECL Adoption
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and prior, the ACL consists of the ACL for loans and unfunded commitments. The ACL represents management’s estimate of incurred losses in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date and is recorded as a
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reduction to loans. The ACL for unfunded commitments represents management’s estimate of incurred losses in its unfunded loan commitments and other off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as letters of credit, and is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The ACL is increased by charges to expense, through the provision for credit losses, and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries.
The Corporation’s ACL for loans includes: 1) specific allowances allocated to loans evaluated for impairment under the ASC Section 310-10-35; and 2) allowances calculated for pools of loans evaluated for impairment under ASC Subtopic 450-20.