UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(MARK ONE)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

OR

For the transition period from          to         

Commission file number000-04887

 

UMB FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code): (816) 860-7000

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Yes  ☐    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  ☐    No  ☒

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

As of October 26, 2017, UMB Financial Corporation had 49,867,273 shares of common stock outstanding.

 

 

 

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UMB FINANCIAL CORPORATION

FORM 10-Q

INDEX

 

 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

UMB FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited, dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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UMB FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited, dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

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See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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UMB FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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UMB FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(unaudited, dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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UMB FINANCIAL CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

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See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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UMB FINANCIAL CORPORATION

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 (UNAUDITED)

1.  Financial Statement Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of UMB Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) after elimination of all intercompany transactions.  In the opinion of management of the Company, all adjustments relating to items that are of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations have been made.  The results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented may not be indicative of the results of the full year ending December 31, 2017.  The financial statements should be read in conjunction with “Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” within this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the Form 10-Q) and in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on February 23, 2017 (the Form 10-K).

On April 20, 2017, the Company announced the execution of an agreement to sell all of the outstanding stock of Scout Investments, Inc. (Scout), its institutional investment management subsidiary, for $172.5 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments at closing, which is expected to occur in the fourth quarter of 2017.  See Items 1.01 and 5.02 in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K that was filed April 20, 2017.  In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 205-20, Discontinued Operations, the results of Scout have been presented separately as (Loss) income from discontinued operations in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income and Scout’s assets have been presented separately as Discontinued assets – goodwill and other intangibles, net in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The Company is a financial holding company, which offers a wide range of banking and other financial services to its customers through its branches and offices in Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, Illinois, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Indiana, Utah, Minnesota, California, and Wisconsin.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements.  These estimates and assumptions also impact reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  A summary of the significant accounting policies to assist the reader in understanding the financial presentation is provided in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Form 10-K.

Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include Cash and due from banks and amounts due from the Federal Reserve Bank.  Cash on hand, cash items in the process of collection, and amounts due from correspondent banks are included in Cash and due from banks.  Amounts due from the Federal Reserve Bank are interest-bearing for all periods presented and are included in the Interest-bearing due from banks line on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

This table provides a summary of cash and cash equivalents as presented on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 (in thousands):

 

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Also included in the Interest-bearing due from banks, but not considered cash and cash equivalents, are interest-bearing accounts held at other financial institutions, which totaled $39.8 million and $96.8 million at September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively.

Per Share Data  

Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period.  Diluted quarter-to-date net income per share includes the dilutive effect of 549,819 and 435,029 shares issuable upon the exercise of options granted by the Company and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Diluted year-to-date net income per share includes the dilutive effect of 616,990 and 369,781 shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options granted by the Company and outstanding at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Options issued under employee benefits plans to purchase 150,739 shares of common stock were outstanding at September 30, 2017, but were not included in the computation of quarter-to-date and year-to-date diluted EPS because the options were anti-dilutive.  Options issued under employee benefits plans to purchase 394,863 shares of common stock were outstanding at September 30, 2016, but were not included in the computation of quarter-to-date diluted EPS because the options were anti-dilutive. Options issued under employee benefits plans to purchase 628,698 shares of common stock were outstanding at September 30, 2016, but were not included in the computation of year-to-date diluted EPS because the options were anti-dilutive.  

3.  New Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.”  The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, which deferred the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 to annual reporting periods that begin after December 15, 2017.  In March, April, and May 2016, the FASB issued implementation amendments to the May 2014 ASU (collectively, the amended guidance). The amended guidance affects any entity that enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods and services, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards. The amended guidance specifically excludes interest income, as well as other revenues associated with financial assets and liabilities, including loans, leases, securities, and derivatives. The amended guidance permits the use of either the full retrospective approach or a modified retrospective approach. The Company plans to adopt the amended guidance using the modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2018. The Company is progressing in implementing the amended guidance. The Company has assessed its revenue streams and identified those contracts that are specifically excluded from the scope of the amended guidance and those that may be subject to the amended guidance. Subsequent to this initial scoping, the Company selected a representative sample of contracts from the in-scope revenue streams for review under the amended guidance (key contracts). Upon completion of the review of the key contracts, the Company grouped the remaining contracts based on the conclusions reached through the key contract review and evaluated specific contracts that could not be grouped. Based on the evaluation of key contracts performed, the adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company continues to evaluate the impact the amended guidance will have on its related disclosures.

Financial Instruments In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.”  The amendment is intended to address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. The amendments in this update are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The standard requires the use of the cumulative effect transition method as of the beginning of the year of adoption.  Except for certain provisions, early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Leases In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases.” The amendment changes the accounting treatment of leases, in that lessees will recognize most leases on-balance sheet. This will increase reported assets and liabilities, as lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset along with a lease liability, measured on a discounted basis. Lessees are allowed to account for short-term leases (those with a term of twelve months or less) off-balance sheet. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018,

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including interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard requires the use of the modified retrospective transition method.  Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Extinguishments of Liabilities In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-04, “Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products.” The amendment is intended to reduce the diversity in practice related to the recognition of breakage.  Breakage refers to the portion of a prepaid stored-value product, such as a gift card, that goes unused wholly or partially for an indefinite period of time.  This amendment requires that breakage be accounted for consistent with the breakage guidance within ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The standard permits the use of either the modified retrospective or full retrospective transition method.  Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt ASU No. 2016-04 in conjunction with its adoption of ASU No. 2014-09.  The adoption of this accounting pronouncement is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Equity-Based Compensation In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” The amendment is part of the FASB’s simplification initiative and is intended to simplify the accounting around share-based payment award transactions.  The amendments include changing the recording of excess tax benefits from being recognized as a part of surplus capital to being charged directly to the income statement, changing the classification of excess tax benefits within the statement of cash flows, and allowing companies to account for forfeitures on an actual basis, as well as tax withholding changes.  The amendment requires different transition methods for various components of the standard.  The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption is permitted.

In September 2016, the Company early adopted ASU No. 2016-09 with an effective date of January 1, 2016.  As part of the adoption of this standard, the Company made an accounting policy election to account for forfeitures on an actual basis and discontinued the use of an estimated forfeiture approach.  Additionally, the Company selected the retrospective transition method for the reclassification of the “Net tax benefit related to equity compensation plans” from the financing section to the operating section of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.  The impact to the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for adopting all provisions of the standard was an increase to net income of $158 thousand for the three-month period ended March 31, 2016 and an increase to net income of $220 thousand for the three-month period ended June 30, 2016.  Upon adoption, the Company recorded a cumulative effect adjustment to the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets of $482 thousand as an increase to total equity.  

Credit Losses In September 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments.”  This update replaces the current incurred loss methodology for recognizing credit losses with a current expected credit loss model, which requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. This amendment broadens the information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimates.  Additionally, the update amends the accounting for credit losses for available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with a more-than-insignificant amount of credit deterioration since origination.  This update requires enhanced disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of a company’s loan portfolio. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 is permitted.  The amendment requires the use of the modified retrospective approach for adoption.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Statement of Cash Flows In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Receipts and Cash Payments.”  This amendment adds to and clarifies existing guidance regarding the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows with the intent of reducing diversity in practice with respect to eight types of cash flows.  The amendments in this update require full retrospective adoption and are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years.  Early adoption

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is permitted.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

 

Derivatives and Hedging In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, “Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities.” The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption, including adoption in an interim period, permitted.  The standard requires the modified retrospective transition approach as of the date of adoption.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. 

 

4.  Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loan Origination/Risk Management

The Company has certain lending policies and procedures in place that are designed to minimize the level of risk within the loan portfolio.  Diversification of the loan portfolio manages the risk associated with fluctuations in economic conditions.  Authority levels are established for the extension of credit to ensure consistency throughout the Company.  It is necessary that policies, processes and practices implemented to control the risks of individual credit transactions and portfolio segments are sound and adhered to.  The Company maintains an independent loan review department that reviews and validates the risk assessment on a continual basis.  Management regularly evaluates the results of the loan reviews.  The loan review process complements and reinforces the risk identification and assessment decisions made by lenders and credit personnel, as well as the Company’s policies and procedures.

Commercial loans are underwritten after evaluating and understanding the borrower’s ability to operate profitably and prudently expand its business.  Commercial loans are made based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower.  The cash flows of the borrower, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value.  Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee.  In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts from its customers.  Commercial credit cards are generally unsecured and are underwritten with criteria similar to commercial loans including an analysis of the borrower’s cash flow, available business capital, and overall credit-worthiness of the borrower.  

Asset-based loans are offered primarily in the form of revolving lines of credit to commercial borrowers that do not generally qualify for traditional bank financing.  Asset-based loans are underwritten based primarily upon the value of the collateral pledged to secure the loan, rather than on the borrower’s general financial condition.  The Company utilizes pre-loan due diligence techniques, monitoring disciplines, and loan management practices common within the asset-based lending industry to underwrite loans to these borrowers.  

Factoring loans provide working capital through the purchase and/or financing of accounts receivable to borrowers in the transportation industry and to commercial borrowers that do not generally qualify for traditional bank financing.  

Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial loans, in addition to those of real estate loans.  These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate.  Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts, and the repayment of these loans is largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan.  The Company requires that an appraisal of the collateral be made at origination and on an as-needed basis, in conformity with current market conditions and regulatory requirements.  The underwriting standards address both owner and non-owner occupied real estate.

Construction loans are underwritten using feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analysis or absorption and lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners.  Construction loans are based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the complete project.  Construction loans often involve the disbursement of substantial funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project.  Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be pre-committed permanent loans, sales of developed

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property or an interim loan commitment from the Company until permanent financing is obtained.  These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, economic conditions, and the availability of long-term financing.

Underwriting standards for residential real estate and home equity loans are based on the borrower’s loan-to-value percentage, collection remedies, and overall credit history.  

Consumer loans are underwritten based on the borrower’s repayment ability.  The Company monitors delinquencies on all of its consumer loans and leases and periodically reviews the distribution of FICO scores relative to historical periods to monitor credit risk on its credit card loans.  The underwriting and review practices combined with the relatively small loan amounts that are spread across many individual borrowers, minimizes risk.  Consumer loans and leases that are 90 days past due or more are considered non-performing.

Credit risk is a potential loss resulting from nonpayment of either the primary or secondary exposure.  Credit risk is mitigated with formal risk management practices and a thorough initial credit-granting process including consistent underwriting standards and approval process.  Control factors or techniques to minimize credit risk include knowing the client, understanding total exposure, analyzing the client and debtor’s financial capacity, and monitoring the client’s activities.  Credit risk and portions of the portfolio risk are managed through concentration considerations, average risk ratings, and other aggregate characteristics.  

Loan Aging Analysis

This table provides a summary of loan classes and an aging of past due loans at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

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The Company had total purchased credit impaired (PCI) loans from its acquisition of Marquette Financial Companies (Marquette) of $800 thousand as of December 31, 2016.  The PCI loans are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Purchased with Deteriorated Credit Quality. All of the PCI loans were considered to be performing based on payment activity as of December 31, 2016.  Of this amount, $713 thousand were current with their payment terms and $87 thousand were between 30-89 days past due.    

The Company sold residential real estate loans with proceeds of $55.1 million and $61.7 million in the secondary market without recourse during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively.  

The Company has ceased the recognition of interest on loans with a carrying value of $54.2 million and $70.3 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  Restructured loans totaled $49.2 million and $52.5 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.  Loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest amounted to $2.1 million and $3.4 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. There was an insignificant amount of interest recognized on impaired loans during 2017 and 2016.

Credit Quality Indicators

As part of the on-going monitoring of the credit quality of the Company’s loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related to the risk grading of specified classes of loans, net charge-offs, non-performing loans, and general economic conditions.

The Company utilizes a risk grading matrix to assign a rating to each of its commercial, commercial real estate, and construction real estate loans. The loan ratings are summarized into the following categories:  Non-watch list, Watch, Special Mention, and Substandard.  Any loan not classified in one of the categories described below is considered to be a Non-watch list loan.  A description of the general characteristics of the loan rating categories is as follows:

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All other classes of loans are generally evaluated and monitored based on payment activity.  Non-performing loans include restructured loans on non-accrual and all other non-accrual loans.

This table provides an analysis of the credit risk profile of each loan class excluded from ASC 310-30 at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

Credit Exposure

Credit Risk Profile by Risk Rating

 

 

 

Credit Exposure

Credit Risk Profile Based on Payment Activity

 

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Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which represents management’s judgment of inherent probable losses within the Company’s loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is necessary to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the loan portfolio. Accordingly, the methodology is based on historical loss trends. The Company’s process for determining the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses is designed to account for credit deterioration as it occurs. The provision for probable loan losses reflects loan quality trends, including the levels of, and trends related to, non-accrual loans, past due loans, potential problem loans, criticized loans and net charge-offs or recoveries, among other factors.

The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic, political and regulatory conditions and estimated losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. Portions of the allowance may be allocated for specific loans; however, the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available at the time, the adequacy of the allowance is dependent upon a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including, among other things, the performance of the Company’s loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and changes in the regulatory environment.

The Company’s allowance for loan losses consists of specific valuation allowances and general valuation allowances based on historical loan loss experience for similar loans with similar characteristics and trends, general economic conditions and other qualitative risk factors both internal and external to the Company.

The allowances established for probable losses on specific loans are based on a regular analysis and evaluation of impaired loans.  Loans are classified based on an internal risk grading process that evaluates the obligor’s ability to repay, the underlying collateral, if any, and the economic environment and industry in which the borrower operates. When a loan is considered impaired, the loan is analyzed to determine the need, if any, to specifically allocate a portion of the allowance for loan losses to the loan. Specific valuation allowances are determined by analyzing the borrower’s ability to repay amounts owed, collateral deficiencies, the relative risk rating of the loan and economic conditions affecting the borrower’s industry.

General valuation allowances are calculated based on the historical loss experience of specific types of loans including an evaluation of the time span and volume of the actual charge-off. The Company calculates historical loss ratios for pools of similar loans with similar characteristics based on the proportion of actual charge-offs experienced to the total population of loans in the pool. The historical loss ratios are updated based on actual charge-off experience. A valuation allowance is established for each pool of similar loans based upon the product of the historical loss ratio, time span to charge-off, and the total dollar amount of the loans in the pool. The Company’s pools of similar loans include similarly risk-graded groups of commercial loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial credit card, home equity loans, consumer real estate loans and consumer and other loans. The Company also considers a loan migration analysis for criticized loans.  This analysis includes an assessment of the probability that a loan will move to a loss position based on its risk rating.  The consumer credit card pool is evaluated based on delinquencies and credit scores.  In addition, a portion of the allowance is determined by a review of qualitative factors by management.  

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Generally, the unsecured portion of a commercial or commercial real estate loan is charged off when, after analyzing the borrower’s financial condition, it is determined that the borrower is incapable of servicing the debt,  little or no prospect for near term improvement exists, and no realistic and significant strengthening action is pending.  For collateral dependent commercial or commercial real estate loans, an analysis is completed regarding the Company’s collateral position to determine if the amounts due from the borrower are in excess of the calculated current fair value of the collateral.  Specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses are made for any collateral deficiency.  If a collateral deficiency is ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, the amount is charged off.  Revolving commercial loans (such as commercial credit cards) which are past due 90 cumulative days are classified as a loss and charged off.

Generally, a consumer loan, or a portion thereof, is charged off in accordance with regulatory guidelines which provide that such loans be charged off when the Company becomes aware of the loss, such as from a triggering event that may include, but is not limited to, new information about a borrower’s intent and ability to repay the loan, bankruptcy, fraud, or death.  However, the charge-off timeframe should not exceed the specified delinquency time frames, which state that closed-end retail loans (such as real estate mortgages, home equity loans and consumer installment loans) that become past due 120 cumulative days and open-end retail loans (such as home equity lines of credit and consumer credit cards) that become past due 180 cumulative days are classified as a loss and charged off.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES AND RECORDED INVESTMENT IN LOANS

This table provides a rollforward of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

 

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This table provides a rollforward of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

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Impaired Loans

This table provides an analysis of impaired loans by class at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

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Troubled Debt Restructurings

A loan modification is considered a troubled debt restructuring (TDR) when a concession has been granted to a debtor experiencing financial difficulties.  The Company’s modifications generally include interest rate adjustments, principal reductions, and amortization and maturity date extensions.  These modifications allow the debtor short-term cash relief to allow them to improve their financial condition.  The Company’s restructured loans are individually evaluated for impairment and evaluated as part of the allowance for loan loss as described above in the Allowance for Loan Losses section of this note.  

The Company had $2.4 million and $148 thousand in commitments to lend to borrowers with loan modifications classified as TDRs as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively.  The Company monitors loan payments on an on-going basis to determine if a loan is considered to have a payment default.  Determination of payment default involves analyzing the economic conditions that exist for each customer and their ability to generate positive cash flows during the loan term.  

For the three month period ended September 30, 2017, the Company had one residential real estate TDR with a pre-modification loan balance of $97 thousand and a post-modification loan balance of $98 thousand. For the three month period ended September 30, 2016, the Company had one one commercial TDR with a pre- and post-modification loan balance of $12.7 million.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company had one commercial and one residential real estate TDR with a pre- and post-modification loan balance of $7.3 million.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company had three commercial TDRs with a pre- and post-modification balance of $24.8 million.

5. Securities

Securities Available for Sale

This table provides detailed information about securities available for sale at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

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The following table presents contractual maturity information for securities available for sale at September 30, 2017 (in thousands):

 

 

Securities may be disposed of before contractual maturities due to sales by the Company or because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale were $573.1 million compared to $951.3 million for the same period in 2016.  Securities transactions resulted in gross realized gains of $4.1 million and $8.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  There were no gross realized losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and gross realized losses of $1 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.  

Securities available for sale with a market value of $4.9 billion at September 30, 2017 and $5.7 billion at December 31, 2016 were pledged to secure U.S. Government deposits, other public deposits, certain trust deposits, derivative transactions, and repurchase agreements. Of this amount, securities with a market value of $1.8 billion at both September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were pledged at the Federal Reserve Discount Window but were unencumbered as of those dates.

The following table shows the Company’s available for sale investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

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The unrealized losses in the Company’s investments in U.S. treasury obligations, U.S. government agencies, Government Sponsored Entity (GSE) mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities, and corporates were caused by changes in interest rates.  The Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and does not believe it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before a recovery of amortized cost.  The Company expects to recover its cost basis in the securities and does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2017.

Securities Held to Maturity

The following table shows the Company’s held to maturity investments’ amortized cost, fair value, and gross unrealized gains and losses at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively (in thousands):

 

 

 

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

There were no sales of securities held to maturity during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 or 2016.

Trading Securities

The net unrealized losses on trading securities at September 30, 2017 were $214 thousand and the net unrealized gains on trading securities at September 30, 2016 were $14 thousand.  These unrealized gains and losses were included in trading and investment banking income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.  In order to offset interest rate risk exposure within the trading portfolio, the Company has begun short selling U.S. Treasury and Corporate securities in which the Company enters into agreements to sell securities at a fixed price on a fixed date prior to purchasing the related securities.  Securities sold not yet purchased totaled $3.3 million at September 30, 2017 and is classified within the Other liabilities line of the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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Other Securities

The table below provides detailed information for Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) stock and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock and other securities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

Investment in FRB stock is based on the capital structure of the investing bank, and investment in FHLB stock is mainly tied to the level of borrowings from the FHLB. These holdings are carried at cost.  Other marketable and non-marketable securities include Prairie Capital Management (PCM) alternative investments in hedge funds and private equity funds, which are accounted for as equity-method investments. The fair value of other marketable securities includes alternative investment securities of $5.2 million at September 30, 2017 and $10.0 million at December 31, 2016.  The fair value of other non-marketable securities includes alternative investment securities of $3.0 million at September 30, 2017 and $2.0 million at December 31, 2016. Unrealized gains or losses on alternative investments are recognized in the Equity (losses) earnings line on alternative investments of the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.  

6. Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the periods ended September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 by reportable segment are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

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The following table lists the finite-lived intangible assets that continue to be subject to amortization as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

The following table has the aggregate amortization expense recognized in each period (in thousands):

 

 

 

The following table lists estimated amortization expense of intangible assets in future periods (in thousands):

 

 

7. Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase

The Company utilizes repurchase agreements to facilitate the needs of customers and to facilitate secured short-term funding needs. Repurchase agreements are stated at the amount of cash received in connection with the transaction. The Company monitors collateral levels on a continuous basis and may be required to provide additional collateral based on the fair value of the underlying securities. Securities pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements are maintained with the Company’s safekeeping agents.

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The table below presents the remaining contractual maturities of repurchase agreements outstanding at September 30, 2017, in addition to the various types of marketable securities that have been pledged as collateral for these borrowings (in thousands):

 

 

8.  Business Segment Reporting

The Company has strategically aligned its operations into the following two reportable segments (collectively, the Business Segments):  Bank and Asset Servicing.  Senior executive officers regularly evaluate business segment financial results produced by the Company’s internal reporting system in deciding how to allocate resources and assess performance for individual Business Segments.  Previously, the Company had the following three Business Segments:  Bank, Institutional Investment Management, and Asset Servicing. On April 20, 2017, the Company announced the execution of an agreement to sell all of the outstanding stock of Scout, its institutional investment management subsidiary.  As the operations of Scout are now included in discontinued operations, the Company no longer presents this segment’s operations as one of its business segments. The Company’s reportable segments include certain corporate overhead, technology and service costs that are allocated based on methodologies that are applied consistently between periods.  For comparability purposes, amounts in all periods are based on methodologies in effect at September 30, 2017.  Previously reported results have been reclassified in this filing to conform to the current organizational structure. 

The following summaries provide information about the activities of each segment:

The Bank provides a full range of banking services to commercial, retail, government and correspondent bank customers through the Company’s branches, call center, internet banking, and ATM network.  Services include traditional commercial and consumer banking, treasury management, leasing, foreign exchange, consumer and commercial credit and debit card, prepaid debit card solutions, healthcare services, institutional cash management, merchant bankcard, wealth management, brokerage, insurance, capital markets, investment banking, corporate trust, and correspondent banking.

Asset Servicing provides services to the asset management industry, supporting a range of investment products, including mutual funds, alternative investments and managed accounts.  Services include fund administration, fund accounting, investor services, transfer agency, distribution, marketing, custody, alternative investment services, and collective and multiple-series trust services.

Business Segment Information

Segment financial results were as follows (in thousands):

 

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9.  Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees

In the normal course of business, the Company is party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in order to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.  These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit, forward foreign exchange contracts and spot foreign exchange contracts.  These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The contractual or notional amount of those instruments reflects the extent of involvement the Company has in particular classes of financial instruments. Many of the commitments expire without being drawn upon; therefore, the total amount of these commitments does not necessarily represent the future cash requirements of the Company.

The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit is represented by the contract or notional amount of those instruments.  The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments.

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The following table summarizes the Company’s off-balance sheet financial instruments.

Contract or Notional Amount (in thousands):

 

10.  Derivatives and Hedging Activities

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Company is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions.  The Company principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities.  Specifically, the Company enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates.  The Company’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Company’s known or expected cash receipts and its known or expected cash payments principally related to certain fixed rate assets and liabilities.  The Company also has interest rate derivatives that result from a service provided to certain qualifying customers and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk of the Company’s assets or liabilities. The Company has entered into an offsetting position for each of these derivative instruments with a matching instrument from another financial institution in order to minimize its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets

The table below presents the fair value of the Company’s derivative financial instruments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.  The Company’s derivative assets and derivative liabilities are located within Other assets and Other liabilities, respectively, on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

This table provides a summary of the fair value of the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

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Fair Value Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its fixed rate assets and liabilities due to changes in the benchmark interest rate, LIBOR.  Interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges involve either making fixed rate payments to a counterparty in exchange for the Company receiving variable rate payments, or making variable rate payments to a counterparty in exchange for the Company receiving fixed rate payments, over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount.  As of September 30, 2017, the Company had two interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $15.6 million that were designated as fair value hedges of interest rate risk associated with the Company’s fixed rate loan assets and brokered time deposits.  

For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. The Company includes the gain or loss on the hedged items in the same line item as the offsetting loss or gain on the related derivatives.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to changes in the fair value of certain of its variable-rate liabilities due to changes in the benchmark interest rate, LIBOR.  Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.  As of September 30, 2017, the Company had two interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $51.5 million that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk associated with the Company’s variable rate subordinated debentures issued by Marquette Capital Trusts III and IV.  For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in fair value is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings.  The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly into earnings for the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized net losses of $169 thousand and $1.1 million, respectively, in AOCI for the effective portion of the change in fair value of these cash flow hedges.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized net losses of $643 thousand and $7.7 million, respectively, in AOCI for the effective portion of the change in fair value of these cash flow hedges.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, the Company did not record any hedge ineffectiveness in earnings.  Amounts reported in AOCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to Interest expense as interest payments are received or paid on the Company’s derivatives. The Company does not expect to reclassify any amounts from AOCI to Interest expense during the next 12 months as the Company’s derivatives are effective after December 2018.  As of September 30, 2017, the Company is hedging its exposure to the variability in future cash flows for forecasted transactions over a maximum period of 19.0 years.

Non-designated Hedges

The remainder of the Company’s derivatives are not designated in qualifying hedging relationships.  Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Company provides to certain customers.  The Company executes interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies.  Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously offset by interest rate swaps that the Company executes with a third party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.  As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings.  As of September 30, 2017, the Company had 76 interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $947.3 million related to this program.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized $140 thousand and $656 thousand of net losses, respectively, related to changes in fair value of these swaps.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized $76 thousand and $868 thousand of net losses, respectively, related to changes in the fair value of these swaps.

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Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Income

This table provides a summary of the amount of gain or loss recognized in other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income related to the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

This table provides a summary of  the amount of gain or loss recognized in AOCI in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income related to the Company’s derivative assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

Credit-risk-related Contingent Features

The Company has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision that if the Company defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Company could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations.

As of September 30, 2017, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position, which includes accrued interest, related to these agreements was $10.7 million. The Company has minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties. At September 30, 2017 the Company had posted $557 thousand of collateral. If the Company had breached any of these provisions at September 30, 2017, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at the termination value.

11.  Fair Value Measurements

The following table presents information about the Company’s assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value.

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Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities that the Company has the ability to access.  Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.  Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.  Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability.  In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the hierarchy.  In such cases, the fair value is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  

Assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

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Valuation methods for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments measured on a recurring basis:

Trading Securities Fair values for trading securities (including financial futures), are based on quoted market prices where available.  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices for similar securities.

Securities Available for Sale Fair values are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes, if available.  If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.  Prices are provided by third-party pricing services and are based on observable market inputs. On an annual basis, the Company compares a sample of these prices to other independent sources for the same securities. Additionally, throughout the year if securities are sold, comparisons are made between the pricing services prices and the market prices at which the securities were sold.  Variances are analyzed, and, if appropriate, additional research is conducted with the third-party pricing services. Based on this research, the pricing services may affirm or revise their quoted price. No significant adjustments have been made to the prices provided by the pricing services. The pricing services also provide documentation on an ongoing basis that includes reference data, inputs and methodology by asset class, which is reviewed to ensure that security placement within the fair value hierarchy is appropriate.

Company-owned Life Insurance Fair value is equal to the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies.

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Bank-owned Life Insurance Fair value is equal to the cash surrender value of the life insurance policies.

Derivatives Fair values are determined using valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows from each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves, foreign exchange rates, and implied volatilities. The Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements.  In adjusting the fair value of its derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, the Company has considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral postings, thresholds, mutual puts, and guarantees.

Deferred Compensation Fair values are based on quoted market prices.

Securities sold not yet purchased Fair values are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes, if available.  If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.  Prices are provided by third-party pricing services and are based on observable market inputs.

Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

 

 

Valuation methods for instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments measured on a non-recurring basis:

 

Impaired loans While the overall loan portfolio is not carried at fair value, adjustments are recorded on certain loans to reflect write-downs that are based on the external appraised value of the underlying collateral.  The external appraisals are generally based on recent sales of comparable properties which are then adjusted for the unique characteristics of the property being valued.  In the case of non-real estate collateral, reliance is placed on a variety of sources, including external estimates of value and judgments based on the experience and expertise of

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internal specialists within the Company’s property management group and the Company’s credit department. The valuation of the impaired loans is reviewed on a quarterly basis.  Because many of these inputs are not observable, the measurements are classified as Level 3.

Other real estate owned Other real estate owned consists of loan collateral which has been repossessed through foreclosure. This collateral is comprised of commercial and residential real estate and other non-real estate property, including auto, recreational and marine vehicles. Other real estate owned is recorded as held for sale initially at the lower of the loan balance or fair value of the collateral.  The initial valuation of the foreclosed property is obtained through an appraisal process similar to the process described in the impaired loans paragraph above. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are reviewed quarterly and updated periodically, and the assets may be marked down further, reflecting a new cost basis. Fair value measurements may be based upon appraisals, third-party price opinions, or internally developed pricing methods and those measurements are classified as Level 3.

Goodwill Valuation of goodwill to determine impairment is performed annually, or more frequently if there is an event or circumstance that would indicate impairment may have occurred. The process involves calculations to determine the fair value of each reporting unit on a stand-alone basis. A combination of formulas using current market multiples, based on recent sales of financial institutions within the Company’s geographic marketplace, is used to estimate the fair value of each reporting unit. That fair value is compared to the carrying amount of the reporting unit, including its recorded goodwill. Impairment is considered to have occurred if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than the carrying amount of the reporting unit. The fair value of the Company’s common stock relative to its computed book value per share is also considered as part of the overall evaluation. These measurements are classified as Level 3.

Fair value disclosures require disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or non-recurring basis.  The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands):

 

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Cash and short-term investments The carrying amounts of cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and resell agreements are reasonable estimates of their fair values.

Securities held to maturity Fair value of held-to-maturity securities are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current market rates.

Other securities Amount consists of FRB and FHLB stock held by the Company, PCM equity-method investments, and other miscellaneous investments.  The carrying amount of the FRB and FHLB stock equals its fair value because the shares can only be redeemed by the FRB and FHLB at their carrying amount. The fair value of PCM marketable equity-method investments are based on quoted market prices used to estimate the value of the underlying investment.  For non-marketable equity-method investments, the Company’s proportionate share of the income or loss is recognized on a one-quarter lag based on the valuation of the underlying investment(s).

Loans Fair values are estimated for portfolios with similar financial characteristics.  Loans are segregated by type, such as commercial, real estate, consumer, and credit card.  Each loan category is further segmented into fixed and variable interest rate categories.  The fair value of loans is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.

Demand and savings deposits The fair value of demand deposits and savings accounts is the amount payable on demand at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

Time deposits The fair value of fixed-maturity certificates of deposit is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates that are currently offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities.

Other borrowings The carrying amounts of federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements and other short-term debt are reasonable estimates of their fair value because of the short-term nature of their maturities.

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Long-term debt Rates currently available to the Company for debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate fair value of existing debt.

Other off-balance sheet instruments The fair value of loan commitments and letters of credit are determined based on the fees currently charged to enter into similar agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreement and the present creditworthiness of the counterparties.  Neither the fees earned during the year on these instruments nor their fair value at period-end are significant to the Company’s consolidated financial position.

12.  Discontinued Operations

On April 20, 2017, the Company announced the execution of an agreement to sell all of the outstanding stock of Scout, its institutional investment management subsidiary, for $172.5 million in cash, subject to customary purchase price adjustments at closing. The Company plans to use the proceeds from the transaction for general corporate purposes and to support its continued organic growth in the commercial, consumer, private wealth, institutional banking, healthcare, and asset servicing businesses. 

This table summarizes the components of (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The discontinued assets of Scout included on the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The components of net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations included in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

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ITEM 2. 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 highlights the material changes in the results of operations and changes in financial condition of the Company for the three-month and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017.  It should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements, notes to consolidated financial statements and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and the Form 10-K. Results of operations for the periods included in this review are not necessarily indicative of results to be attained during any future period.

CAUTIONARY NOTICE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

From time to time the Company has made, and in the future will make, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “target,” “trend,” “plan,” “goal,” or other words of comparable meaning or future-tense or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” or “could.” Forward-looking statements convey the Company’s expectations, intentions, or forecasts about future events, circumstances, results, or aspirations.

This report, including any information incorporated by reference in this report, contains forward-looking statements. The Company also may make forward-looking statements in other documents that are filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In addition, the Company may make forward-looking statements orally or in writing to investors, analysts, members of the media, or others.

All forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, which may change over time and many of which are beyond the Company’s control. You should not rely on any forward-looking statement as a prediction or guarantee about the future.  Actual future objectives, strategies, plans, prospects, performance, conditions, or results may differ materially from those set forth in any forward-looking statement. While no list of assumptions, risks, or uncertainties could be complete, some of the factors that may cause actual results or other future events, circumstances, or aspirations to differ from those in forward-looking statements include:

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Any forward-looking statement made by the Company or on its behalf speaks only as of the date that it was made. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of events, circumstances, or results that arise after the date that the statement was made, except to the extent required by applicable securities laws. You, however, should consult further disclosures (including disclosures of a forward-looking nature) that the Company makes in any subsequent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or Current Report on Form 8-K.

Overview

The Company focuses on the following four core strategic objectives.  Management believes these strategies will guide our efforts to achieve our vision to deliver the unparalleled customer experience, all while maintaining a focus to improve net income and strengthen the balance sheet.

The first strategic objective is a focus on improving operating efficiencies. The Company has focused on identifying efficiencies that simplify our organizational and reporting structures, streamline back office functions and take advantage of synergies and newer technologies among various platforms and distribution networks.  The Company has identified and expects to continue identifying ongoing efficiencies through the normal course of business that, when combined with increased revenue, will contribute to improved operating leverage.  During the third quarter of 2017, total revenue increased 7.4 percent compared to the third quarter of 2016, while noninterest

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expense increased 4.0 percent.  As part of this initiative, the Company continues to invest in technological advances that it believes will help management drive operating leverage in the future through improved data analysis and automation. The Company also continues to evaluate core systems and will invest in enhancements that it believes will yield operating efficiencies.

The second strategic objective is a focus on net interest income through profitable loan and deposit growth and the optimization of the balance sheet. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company continued to make progress on this strategy as illustrated by an increase in net interest income of $16.1 million, or 12.9 percent, from the same period in 2016. The Company has shown increased net interest income through the effects of increased rates, volume and mix of average earning assets and a low cost of funds in its Consolidated Balance Sheets.  Average loan balances increased $729.3 million, or 7.2 percent compared to the same period in 2016. The funding for these assets was driven primarily by a 4.1 percent increase in average interest-bearing liabilities.  Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, increased 29 basis points compared to the same period in 2016.

The third strategic objective is to grow the Company’s revenue from noninterest sources.  The Company has continued to emphasize its diverse operations throughout all economic cycles.  This strategy has provided revenue diversity, helped to reduce the impact of sustained low interest rates and positioned the Company to benefit in periods of growth.  Noninterest income increased $0.8 million, or 0.7 percent, to $104.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.  This change is discussed in greater detail below under Noninterest Income. The Company continues to emphasize its asset management, brokerage, bankcard services, healthcare services, and treasury management businesses. At September 30, 2017, noninterest income represented 42.5 percent of total revenues, compared to 45.4 percent at September 30, 2016.

The fourth strategic objective is a focus on capital management.  The Company places a significant emphasis on maintaining a strong capital position, which management believes promotes investor confidence, provides access to funding sources under favorable terms, and enhances the Company’s ability to capitalize on business growth and acquisition opportunities. The Company continues to maximize shareholder value through a mix of reinvesting in organic growth, evaluating acquisition opportunities that complement the strategies, increasing dividends over time, and properly utilizing a share repurchase program.  At September 30, 2017, the Company had $2.1 billion in total shareholders’ equity.  This is an increase of $76.9 million, or 3.8 percent, compared to total shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2016.  At September 30, 2017, the Company had a total risk-based capital ratio of 13.26 percent.  The Company repurchased 148,398 shares of common stock at an average price of $67.99 per share during the third quarter of 2017.

Earnings Summary

The following is a summary regarding the Company’s earnings for the third quarter of 2017.  The changes identified in the summary are explained in greater detail below.  The Company recorded net income from continuing operations of $48.9 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to $39.4 million for the same period a year earlier.  This represents a 24.0 percent increase over the three-month period ended September 30, 2016.  Basic earnings per share from continuing operations for the third quarter of 2017 was $0.99 per share ($0.98 per share fully-diluted) compared to $0.81 per share ($0.80 per share fully-diluted) for the third quarter of 2016.  Return on average assets and return on average common shareholders’ equity for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 were 0.95 and 9.17 percent, respectively, compared to 0.80 and 7.76 percent, respectively, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2016.  

The Company recorded net income from continuing operations of $135.6 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to $110.2 million for the same period a year earlier. This represents a 23.0 percent increase over the nine-month period ended September 30, 2016.  Basic earnings per share for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 were $2.76 per share ($2.72 per share fully-diluted) compared to $2.26 per share ($2.24 per share fully-diluted) for the same period in 2016. Return on average assets and return on average common shareholders’ equity for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 were 0.89 and 8.82 percent, respectively, compared to 0.76 and 7.43 percent for the same period in 2016.

Net interest income for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 increased $16.1 million, or 12.9 percent, and $48.7 million, or 13.4 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016.  For the

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three-month period ended September 30, 2017, average earning assets increased by $572.4 million, or 3.1 percent, and for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, they increased by $754.2 million, or 4.2 percent, compared to the same periods in 2016.  Net interest margin, on a tax-equivalent basis, increased to 3.16 percent and 3.12 percent for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to 2.87 percent and 2.84 percent for the same periods in 2016.

The provision for loan losses decreased by $1.5 million to $11.5 million for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, and increased by $10.0 million to $35.0 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, as compared to the same periods in 2016.  These changes are the result of applying the Company’s methodology for computing the allowance for loan losses.  The Company’s nonperforming loans decreased $25.4 million to $54.2 million at September 30, 2017, compared to September 30, 2016, and decreased $16.0 million, compared to December 31, 2016.  The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans increased to 0.89 percent as of September 30, 2017, compared to 0.88 percent at September 30, 2016.  For a description of the Company’s methodology for computing the allowance for loan losses, please see the summary discussion of the Allowance for Loan Losses within the Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates subsection of the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Form 10-K.

Noninterest income increased by $0.8 million, or 0.7 percent, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, and increased by $13.2 million, or 4.4 percent, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same periods in 2016.  These changes are discussed in greater detail below under Noninterest Income.

Noninterest expense increased by $6.6 million, or 4.0 percent, for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017, and increased by $23.7 million, or 4.7 percent, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same periods in 2016.  These changes are discussed in greater detail below under Noninterest Expense.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is a significant source of the Company’s earnings and represents the amount by which interest income on earning assets exceeds the interest expense paid on liabilities.  The volume of interest-earning assets and the related funding sources, the overall mix of these assets and liabilities, and the rates paid on each affect net interest income.  Net interest income for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 increased $16.1 million, or 12.9 percent, and $48.7 million, or 13.4 percent, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016.  

Table 1 shows the impact of earning asset rate changes compared to changes in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. As illustrated in this table, net interest spread and margin for the three months ended September 30, 2017 increased by 19 and 29 basis points, respectively, compared to the same period in 2016.  Net interest spread and margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by 21 and 28 basis points, respectively, compared to the same period in 2016. These increases are primarily due to favorable interest rate and volume variances on loans.  These interest rate variances have led to an increase in interest income partially offset by an increase in interest expense, resulting in an increase in the Company’s net interest income during 2017 as compared to results for the same periods in 2016.  For the impact of the contribution from free funds, see the Analysis of Net Interest Margin within Table 2 below. Table 2 also illustrates how the changes in volume and rates have resulted in an increase in net interest income.

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Table 1

AVERAGE BALANCES/YIELDS AND RATES (tax-equivalent basis) (unaudited, dollars in thousands)

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the average earning assets and resulting yields, as well as the average interest-bearing liabilities and resulting yields, expressed in both dollars and rates.  All average balances are daily average balances.  The average yield on earning assets without the tax equivalent basis adjustment would have been 3.31 percent for the three-month period ended September 30, 2017 and 2.86 percent for the same period in 2016.  The average yield on earning assets without the tax equivalent basis adjustment would have been 3.21 percent for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 and 2.83 percent for the same period in 2016.

 

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Table 2 presents the dollar amount of change in net interest income and margin due to volume and rate.  Table 2 also reflects the effect that interest-free funds have on net interest margin.  The average balance of interest-free funds (total earning assets less interest-bearing liabilities) increased $85.5 million for the three-month period and $101.6 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same periods in 2016.  The benefit from interest free funds increased by ten basis points in the three-month and seven basis points in the nine-month periods due to increased yields on earning assets, offset by an increase in interest rates of interest-bearing liabilities.

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Table 2

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME AND MARGIN (unaudited, dollars in thousands)

ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME

 

 

ANALYSIS OF NET INTEREST MARGIN

 

 

Provision and Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses (ALL) represents management’s judgment of the losses inherent in the Company’s loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.  An analysis is performed quarterly to determine the appropriate balance of the ALL.  This analysis considers items such as historical loss trends, a review of individual loans, migration analysis, current economic conditions, loan growth and characteristics, industry or segment concentration and other factors.  After the balance sheet analysis is performed for the ALL, the provision for loan losses is computed as the amount required to adjust the ALL to the appropriate level.

Based on the factors above, management of the Company recorded $11.5 million and $35.0 million as provision for loan losses for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, compared to $13.0 million and $25.0 million for the same periods in 2016, respectively.  As illustrated in Table 3 below, the ALL increased to

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0.89 percent of total loans as of September 30, 2017, compared to 0.88 percent of total loans as of the same period in 2016.  

Table 3 presents a summary of the Company’s ALL for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, and for the year ended December 31, 2016.  Net charge-offs were $28.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $15.7 million for the same period in 2016.  See “Credit Risk Management” under “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in this report for information relating to nonaccrual loans, past due loans, restructured loans and other credit risk matters.

Table 3

ANALYSIS OF ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES (unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

Noninterest Income

A key objective of the Company is the growth of noninterest income to enhance profitability and provide steady income.  This income is non-credit related and not generally affected by fluctuations in interest rates.

The Company’s noninterest income provides the opportunity to offer products and services, which management believes will more closely align the customer with the Company.  The Company generates noninterest income from trust and securities processing, bankcard, brokerage, health care services, and treasury management.  

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Table 4

SUMMARY OF NONINTEREST INCOME (unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

Noninterest income (summarized in Table 4), increased by $0.8 million, or 0.7 percent, during the three months ended September 30, 2017, and increased by $13.2 million, or 4.4 percent, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same periods in 2016.  Table 4 above summarizes the components of noninterest income and the respective year-over-year comparison for each category.

Trust and securities processing consists of fees earned on personal and corporate trust accounts, custody of securities services, trust investments and investment management services, and servicing of mutual fund assets.  The increase in these fees for the three and nine-month periods compared to the same periods last year was primarily due to improvements in wealth management and fund services revenues.  Wealth management revenues increased by $1.0 million, or 6.2 percent, and $4.3 million, or 9.4 percent, and fund services revenues increased $1.7 million, or 7.9 percent, and $2.8 million, or 4.2 percent, compared to the same periods in 2016.  Since trust and securities processing fees are primarily asset-based, which are highly correlated to the change in market value of the assets, the related income for the remainder of the year will be affected by changes in the securities markets.  Management continues to emphasize sales of services to both new and existing clients as well as increasing and improving the distribution channels.

Trading and investment banking fees for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017 decreased $1.7 million, or 27.2 percent, and increased $1.8 million, or 10.9 percent, respectively.  A $1.2 million decrease and $0.8 million increase in the Company’s seed investments in certain Scout Funds contributed to these variances for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively.  The income in this category is market driven and impacted by general increases or decreases in trading volume.

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Brokerage fees for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, increased $1.1 million, or 23.4 percent, and increased $3.9 million, or 29.8 percent, respectively.  These increases were driven by higher money market balances and the related 12b-1 fees.

Bankcard fees for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, increased $0.3 million, or 2.0 percent, and increased $2.8 million, or 5.3 percent, respectively.  These increases were driven by decreases in retail and commercial card program rewards and rebates expense and increases in interchange income.

During the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, $2.4 million and $4.1 million in pre-tax gains were recognized on the sales of securities available for sale, respectively, compared to $3.0 million and $8.5 million for the same periods in 2016.  The investment portfolio is continually evaluated for opportunities to improve its performance and risk profile relative to market conditions and the Company’s interest rate expectations.  This can result in differences from quarter to quarter in the amount of realized gains.

Other noninterest income for the three and nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, increased $1.1 million, or 16.3 percent, and $5.5 million, or 29.7 percent, respectively, primarily driven by increases in company-owned life insurance and derivative income.

Table 5

SUMMARY OF NONINTEREST EXPENSE (unaudited in thousands)

 

 

 

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Noninterest expense increased by $6.6 million, or 4.0 percent, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased $23.7 million, or 4.7 percent, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same periods in 2016.  Table 5 above summarizes the components of noninterest expense and the respective year-over-year comparison for each category.  

Salaries and employee benefits increased by $0.3 million, or 0.3 percent, and increased $12.9 million, or 4.4 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016.  Salaries and wages increased $1.1 million, or 1.8 percent, for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and increased $7.1 million, or 3.8 percent, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016.  Commissions and bonuses decreased $1.5 million, or 7.8 percent, and increased $0.5 million, or 0.9 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016.  Employee benefits expense increased $0.7 million, or 4.7 percent, and $5.2 million, or 10.2 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016, due to an increase in the fair value of the Company’s deferred compensation plan and increased health insurance expense.

Equipment expense increased $1.9 million, or 11.5 percent, and $4.5 million, or 9.2 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016 primarily due to software and hardware costs related to investments for regulatory requirements, cyber security, and the ongoing modernization of the Company’s core systems.

Processing fees expense increased $2.1 million, or 22.8 percent, and $4.0 million, or 14.7 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016 primarily due to higher processing expenses in healthcare, fund servicing, and institutional businesses.

Legal and consulting expense increased $1.4 million, or 31.7 percent, and $3.3 million, or 23.1 percent, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2016.  The increases are primarily due to the use of consulting services related to investments for regulatory requirements, cyber security, and the ongoing modernization of the Company’s core systems.

Income Tax Expense

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the company’s effective tax rate decreased to 21.4 percent compared to 23.6 percent for the same period a year earlier.  The decrease is primarily attributable to a larger portion of income being earned from tax-exempt municipal securities and an increase in excess tax benefits associated with stock compensation recorded through the third quarter of 2017.

Strategic Lines of Business

Table 6

Bank Operating Results (unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

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Bank income from continuing operations increased by $24.3 million, or 24.5 percent, to $123.6 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.  Net interest income increased $47.6 million, or 13.4 percent, for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016 primarily driven by strong loan growth, increased interest rates, and mix changes.  Provision for loan losses increased by $10.0 million, consistent with our methodology, which considers the inherent risk in our loan portfolio, as well as other qualitative factors, such as macroeconomic conditions, loan growth, increased impaired loans, and increased net charge-offs.  Noninterest income increased $10.9 million, or 4.7 percent, over the same period in 2016 primarily driven by the following increases: wealth management revenue of $4.3 million, corporate trust income of $1.3 million, brokerage and mutual fund income of $3.9 million due to an increase in 12b-1 fees, card services income of $2.8 million driven by higher interchange revenue and lower rewards costs, company-owned life insurance income of $3.2 million, and derivative income of $1.5 million.  These increases were offset by decreases of $4.4 million in gains on securities available for sale and $3.6 million on equity earnings on alternative investments.  

Noninterest expense increased $21.0 million, or 4.8 percent, to $456.7 million for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.  The increase in noninterest expense is due to the following increases: $14.8 million in technology, service, and overhead expenses due to the ongoing modernization of our core systems, $5.2 million in salary and benefit expense primarily from deferred compensation expense of $2.8 million, $2.1 million in regulatory expense, $1.8 million in processing fees, $1.1 million in legal and consulting expense, and 0.9 million in losses on the sale of other real estate owned.  These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $1.1 million in bankcard expense and a decrease of $1.1 million in marketing and business development expense.

Table 7

Asset Servicing Operating Results (unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Asset Servicing income from continuing operations increased $1.1 million, or 9.8 percent compared to the same period last year.  Net interest income increased $1.1 million, or 13.7 percent, compared to the same period last year.  Noninterest income increased $2.3 million, or 3.3 percent, primarily due to higher alternative investment fee income.  Assets under administration stood at $207.9 billion at September 30, 2017, as compared to $186.2 billion at September 30, 2016.  These increases were offset by an increase in noninterest expense of $2.7 million, or 4.3 percent, primarily due to an increase of $2.2 million in salary and benefit expense.

Balance Sheet Analysis

Total assets of the Company decreased by $403.0 million, or 1.9 percent, as of September 30, 2017, compared to December 31, 2016, primarily due to a decrease in available-for-sale (AFS) securities of $617.4 million, or 9.5 percent, and a decrease in Federal Reserve account balances of $459.8 million, or 71.6 percent, offset by an increase in loan balances of $456.6 million, or 4.3 percent.

Total assets of the Company increased $553.4 million as of September 30, 2017, or 2.8 percent, compared to September 30, 2016, primarily due to an increase in loan balances of $703.5 million, or 6.8 percent, and an increase in held-to-maturity (HTM) securities of $267.1 million, or 26.5 percent, which were partially offset by a decrease in AFS securities of $446.7 million, or 7.1 percent.

Table 8

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

Loans represent the Company’s largest source of interest income.  In addition to growing the commercial loan portfolio, management believes its middle market commercial business and its consumer business, including home equity and credit card loan products, are the market niches that represent its best opportunity to cross-sell fee-related services and generate additional noninterest income for the Company.

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Actual loan balances totaled $11.0 billion as of September 30, 2017, and increased $456.6 million, or 4.3 percent, compared to December 31, 2016 and increased $703.5 million, or 6.8 percent, compared to September 30, 2016.  Compared to December 31, 2016, commercial real estate loans increased $195.3 million, or 6.2 percent, asset based loans increased $84.2 million, or 37.3 percent, construction real estate loans increased $68.3 million, or 9.2 percent, and residential real estate loans of $66.2 million, or 12.1 percent.  Compared to September 30, 2016, commercial real estate loans increased $350.7 million, or 11.6 percent, construction real estate loans increased $127.4 million, or 18.7 percent, residential real estate loans increased $103.5 million, or 20.2 percent, and factoring loans increased $88.1 million, or 81.8 percent.  The increase in total loans is driven by the Company’s focus on generating higher-yielding earning assets by shifting assets from the securities portfolio to the loan portfolio.

Nonaccrual, past due and restructured loans are discussed under “Credit Risk Management” within “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in this report.

Investment Securities

The Company’s investment portfolio contains trading, AFS, and HTM securities as well as FRB stock, FHLB stock, and other miscellaneous investments.  Investment securities totaled $7.2 billion as of September 30, 2017 and $7.7 billion as of December 31, 2016 and comprised 38.9 percent and 40.1 percent of the Company’s earning assets, respectively, as of those dates.

The Company’s AFS securities portfolio comprised 80.7 percent of the Company’s investment securities portfolio at September 30, 2017, compared to 84.1 percent at December 31, 2016.  The Company’s AFS securities portfolio provides liquidity as a result of the composition and average life of the underlying securities.  This liquidity can be used to fund loan growth or to offset the outflow of traditional funding sources.  The average life of the AFS securities portfolio increased from 52.7 months at September 30, 2017, compared to 54.3 months at December 31, 2016, and 45.0 months at September 30, 2016.  In addition to providing a potential source of liquidity, the AFS securities portfolio can be used as a tool to manage interest rate sensitivity.  The Company’s goal in the management of its AFS securities portfolio is to maximize return within the Company’s parameters of liquidity goals, interest rate risk, and credit risk.

Management expects collateral pledging requirements for public funds, loan demand, and deposit funding to be the primary factors impacting changes in the level of AFS securities.  There were $4.9 billion of AFS securities pledged to secure U.S. Government deposits, other public deposits, certain trust deposits, derivative transactions, and repurchase agreements at September 30, 2017.  Of this amount, securities with a market value of $1.8 billion at September 30, 2017 were pledged at the Federal Reserve Discount Window but were unencumbered as of that date.

The Company’s HTM securities portfolio consists of private placement bonds, which are issued primarily to refinance existing revenue bonds in the healthcare and education sectors.  The HTM portfolio totaled $1.3 billion as of September 30, 2017, an increase of $160.3 million, or 14.4 percent, from December 31, 2016.  The average life of the HTM portfolio was 7.3 years at September 30, 2017, compared to 7.4 years at December 31, 2016.

The securities portfolio generates the Company’s second largest component of interest income. The securities portfolio achieved an average yield on a tax-equivalent basis of 2.43 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to 2.08 percent for the same period in 2016.

Deposits and Borrowed Funds

Deposits decreased $571.0 million, or 3.4 percent, from December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017 and increased $621.4 million, or 4.0 percent, from September 30, 2016 to September 30, 2017.  Total non-interest bearing deposits decreased $842.5 million, which was partially offset by an increase in interest-bearing deposits of $271.5 million as compared to December 31, 2016. Total interest-bearing deposits increased $817.6 million and noninterest-bearing deposits decreased $196.2 million from September 30, 2016.

Deposits represent the Company’s primary funding source for its asset base.  In addition to the core deposits garnered by the Company’s retail branch structure, the Company continues to focus on its cash management services, as well as its trust and mutual fund servicing segments, in order to attract and retain additional core

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deposits.  Management believes a strong core deposit composition is one of the Company’s key strengths given its competitive product mix.

Long-term debt totaled $76.1 million at September 30, 2017, compared to $76.8 million as of December 31, 2016, and $75.4 million as of September 30, 2016.  The majority of the Company’s long-term debt was assumed from the acquisition of Marquette and consists of debt obligations payable to four unconsolidated trusts (Marquette Capital Trust I, Marquette Capital Trust II, Marquette Capital Trust III, and Marquette Capital Trust IV) that previously issued trust preferred securities.  These long-term debt obligations had an aggregate contractual balance of $103.1 million and had an aggregate carrying value of $68.0 million as of September 30, 2017.  Interest rates on trust preferred securities are tied to the three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) rate with spreads ranging from 133 basis points to 160 basis points, and reset quarterly. The trust preferred securities have maturity dates ranging from January 2036 to September 2036.

Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase totaled $1.9 billion at September 30, 2017 and at December 31, 2016, and $2.0 billion at September 30, 2016. Repurchase agreements are transactions involving the exchange of investment funds by the customer for securities by the Company under an agreement to repurchase the same or similar issues at an agreed-upon price and date.

Capital and Liquidity

The Company places a significant emphasis on the maintenance of a strong capital position, which promotes investor confidence, provides access to funding sources under favorable terms, and enhances the Company’s ability to capitalize on business growth and acquisition opportunities.  Higher levels of liquidity, however, bear corresponding costs, measured in terms of lower yields on short-term, more liquid earning assets and higher expenses for extended liability maturities.  The Company manages capital for each subsidiary based upon the subsidiary’s respective risks and growth opportunities as well as regulatory requirements.

Total shareholders’ equity was $2.1 billion at September 30, 2017, a $139.2 million increase compared to December 31, 2016, and a $76.9 million increase compared to September 30, 2016.  

The Company’s Board of Directors authorized, at its April 25, 2017 and April 26, 2016 meetings, the repurchase of up to two million shares of the Company’s common stock during the twelve months following the meeting.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company acquired 204,607 shares and 292,624 shares of its common stock under the 2017 and 2016 repurchase plans, respectively.  The Company has not made any repurchase of its securities other than through these plans.

At the Company’s quarterly board meeting, the Board of Directors declared a $0.275 per share quarterly cash dividend payable on January 2, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 8, 2017.

Through the Company’s relationship with the FHLB of Des Moines, the Company owns $10.0 million of FHLB stock and has access to additional liquidity and funding sources through FHLB advances.  The Company’s borrowing capacity is dependent upon the amount of collateral the Company places at the FHLB.  The Company’s borrowing capacity with the FHLB was $1.2 billion as of September 30, 2017.  The Company had no outstanding FHLB advances at FHLB of Des Moines as of September 30, 2017.

Risk-based capital guidelines established by regulatory agencies set minimum capital standards based on the level of risk associated with a financial institution’s assets.  The Company has implemented the Basel III regulatory capital rules adopted by the FRB.  Basel III capital rules include a minimum ratio of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5 percent and a minimum tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6 percent.  A financial institution’s total capital is also required to equal at least 8 percent of risk-weighted assets.  At least half of that 8 percent must consist of tier 1 core capital, and the remainder may be tier 2 supplementary capital.  The Basel III regulatory capital rules include transitional periods for various components of the rules that require full compliance for the Company by January 1, 2019, including a capital conservation buffer requirement of 2.5 percent of risk-weighted assets for which the transitional period began on January 1, 2016.

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The risk-based capital guidelines indicate the specific risk weightings by type of asset.  Certain off-balance sheet items (such as standby letters of credit and binding loan commitments) are multiplied by credit conversion factors to translate them into balance sheet equivalents before assigning them specific risk weightings.  The Company is also required to maintain a leverage ratio equal to or greater than 4 percent.  The leverage ratio is calculated as ratio of tier 1 core capital to total average assets, less goodwill and intangibles.  The Company's capital position as of September 30, 2017 is summarized in the table below and exceeded regulatory requirements.

Table 9

 

 

The Company's per share data is summarized in the table below.

 

 

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company’s main off-balance sheet arrangements are loan commitments, commercial and standby letters of credit, futures contracts and forward exchange contracts, which have maturity dates rather than payment due dates.  Please see Note 9, “Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed information on these arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of these Consolidated Financial Statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to customers and suppliers, allowance for loan losses, bad debts, investments, financing operations, long-lived assets, taxes, other contingencies and litigation.  Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which have formed the basis for making such judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources.  Under different assumptions or conditions, actual results may differ from the recorded estimates.

A summary of critical accounting policies is listed in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of the Form 10-K.  

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Risk Management

Market risk is a broad term for the risk of economic loss due to adverse changes in the fair value of a financial instrument.  These changes may be the result of various factors, including interest rates, foreign exchange prices, commodity prices, or equity prices.  Financial instruments that are subject to market risk can be classified either as held for trading or held for purposes other than trading.

The Company is subject to market risk primarily through the effect of changes in interest rates of its assets held for purposes other than trading.  The following discussion of interest rate risk, however, combines instruments held for trading and instruments held for purposes other than trading because the instruments held for trading represent such a small portion of the Company’s portfolio that the interest rate risk associated with them is immaterial.

Interest Rate Risk

In the banking industry, a major risk exposure is changing interest rates.  To minimize the effect of interest rate changes to net interest income and exposure levels to economic losses, the Company manages its exposure to changes in interest rates through asset and liability management within guidelines established by its Asset Liability Committee (ALCO) and approved by the Board.  The ALCO is responsible for approving and ensuring compliance with asset/liability management policies, including interest rate exposure.  The Company’s primary method for measuring and analyzing consolidated interest rate risk is the Net Interest Income Simulation Analysis.  The Company also uses a Net Portfolio Value model to measure market value risk under various rate change scenarios and a gap analysis to measure maturity and repricing relationships between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities at specific points in time.  On a limited basis, the Company uses hedges such as swaps and futures contracts to manage interest rate risk on certain loans, trading securities, trust preferred securities, and deposits.  See further information in Note 10 “Derivatives and Hedging Activities” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Overall, the Company manages interest rate risk by positioning the balance sheet to maximize net interest income while maintaining an acceptable level of interest rate and credit risk, remaining mindful of the relationship among profitability, liquidity, interest rate risk, and credit risk.

Net Interest Income Modeling

The Company’s primary interest rate risk tool, the Net Interest Income Simulation Analysis, measures interest rate risk and the effect of interest rate changes on net interest income and net interest margin.  This analysis incorporates all of the Company’s assets and liabilities together with assumptions that reflect the current interest rate environment.  Through these simulations, management estimates the impact on net interest income of a 300 basis point upward or a 100 basis point downward gradual change (e.g. ramp) and immediate change (e.g. shock) of market interest rates over a two year period.  In ramp scenarios, rates change gradually for a one year period and remain constant in year two.  In shock scenarios, rates change immediately and the change is sustained for the remainder of the two year scenario horizon.  Assumptions are made to project rates for new loans and deposits based on historical analysis, management outlook and repricing strategies.  Asset prepayments and other market risks are developed from industry estimates of prepayment speeds and other market changes.  The results of these simulations can be significantly influenced by assumptions utilized and management evaluates the sensitivity of the simulation results on a regular basis.

Table 10 shows the net interest income increase or decrease over the next twelve months as of September 30, 2017 and 2016 based on hypothetical changes in interest rates and a constant sized balance sheet with runoff being replaced.

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Table 10

MARKET RISK (unaudited)

 

 

 

The Company is positioned relatively neutral over the next year in a rising rate environment. Net interest income is expected to be slightly lower in the up 100 basis point ramp scenario and higher in the up 300 basis points ramp scenario.  In year two net interest income is projected to increase in rising interest rate scenarios due to expected increases in earning asset yields at a pace that is greater and earlier than the impacts on cost of interest bearing liabilities.  The Company’s level of sensitivity has declined over the past year due primarily to: 1) balance sheet changes and recent rate increases which have significantly increased actual and projected static net interest income, resulting in a larger base net interest income and 2) the Company’s modeling assumptions that deposit pricing will revert to higher levels under these scenarios.  These assumptions are based upon analysis of the Company’s deposit pricing during the last rate cycle. Since actual sensitivity on deposit pricing has been lower than projected to date, the Company’s modeling continues to assume a reversion of expected deposit re-pricing to historical norms.

Trading Account

The Company carries securities in a trading account that is maintained according to Board-approved policy and procedures.  The policy limits the amount and type of securities that can be carried in the trading account and requires compliance with any limits under applicable law and regulations, and mandates the use of a value-at-risk methodology to manage price volatility risks within financial parameters.  The risk associated with the carrying of trading securities is offset by utilizing financial instruments including exchange-traded financial futures as well as short sales of U.S. Treasury and Corporate securities.  The trading securities and related hedging instruments are marked-to-market daily.  The trading account had a balance of $60.7 million as of September 30, 2017, $39.5 million as of December 31, 2016, and $58.1 million as of September 30, 2016.  Securities sold not yet purchased (i.e. short positions) totaled $3.3 million at September 30, 2017 and is classified within the Other liabilities line of the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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The Company is subject to market risk primarily through the effect of changes in interest rates of its assets held for purposes other than trading.  The discussion in Table 10 above of interest rate risk, however, combines instruments held for trading and instruments held for purposes other than trading, because the instruments held for trading represent such a small portion of the Company’s portfolio that the interest rate risk associated with them is immaterial.

Other Market Risk

The Company does have foreign currency risk that it does not consider material as a result of foreign exchange contracts.  See Note 9 “Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees” in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Credit Risk Management

Credit risk represents the risk that a customer or counterparty may not perform in accordance with contractual terms.  The Company utilizes a centralized credit administration function, which provides information on the Bank’s risk levels, delinquencies, an internal rating system and overall credit exposure.  Loan requests are centrally reviewed to ensure the consistent application of the loan policy and standards.  In addition, the Company has an internal loan review staff that operates independently of the Bank.  This review team performs periodic examinations of the bank’s loans for credit quality, documentation and loan administration.  The respective regulatory authorities governing the Bank also review loan portfolios.

A primary indicator of credit quality and risk management is the level of nonperforming loans.  Nonperforming loans include both nonaccrual loans and restructured loans on nonaccrual.  The Company’s nonperforming loans decreased $25.4 million to $54.2 million at September 30, 2017, compared to September 30, 2016, and decreased $16.0 million, compared to December 31, 2016.  

The Company had $0.7 million, $0.3 million, and $0.2 million of other real estate owned as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, and December 31, 2016, respectively. Loans past due more than 90 days totaled $2.1 million as of September 30, 2017, compared to $2.7 million at September 30, 2016 and $3.4 million as of December 31, 2016.

A loan is generally placed on nonaccrual status when payments are past due 90 days or more and/or when management has considerable doubt about the borrower’s ability to repay on the terms originally contracted.  The accrual of interest is discontinued and recorded thereafter only when actually received in cash.

Certain loans are restructured to provide a reduction or deferral of interest or principal due to deterioration in the financial condition of the respective borrowers.  The Company had $49.2 million of restructured loans at September 30, 2017, $54.4 million at September 30, 2016, and $52.5 million at December 31, 2016.

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Table 11

LOAN QUALITY (unaudited, dollars in thousands)

 

 

Liquidity Risk

Liquidity represents the Company’s ability to meet financial commitments through the maturity and sale of existing assets or availability of additional funds.  The Company believes that the most important factor in the preservation of liquidity is maintaining public confidence that facilitates the retention and growth of a large, stable supply of core deposits and wholesale funds.  Ultimately, the Company believes public confidence is generated through profitable operations, sound credit quality and a strong capital position.  The primary source of liquidity for the Company is regularly scheduled payments on and maturity of assets, which include $5.8 billion of high-quality securities available for sale.  The liquidity of the Company and the Bank is also enhanced by its activity in the federal funds market and by its core deposits.  Additionally, management believes it can raise debt or equity capital on favorable terms in the future, should the need arise.

Another factor affecting liquidity is the amount of deposits and customer repurchase agreements that have pledging requirements.  All customer repurchase agreements require collateral in the form of a security.  The U.S. Government, other public entities, and certain trust depositors require the Company to pledge securities if their deposit balances are greater than the FDIC-insured deposit limitations.  These pledging requirements affect liquidity risk in that the related security cannot otherwise be disposed due to the pledging restriction.  At September 30, 2017, $4.9 billion, or 83.2 percent, of the securities available-for-sale were pledged or used as collateral, compared to $5.7 billion, or 88.6 percent, at December 31, 2016.  However of these amounts, securities with a market value of $1.8 billion at September 30, 2017 and $1.8 billion at December 31, 2016 were pledged at the Federal Reserve Discount Window but were unencumbered as of those dates.

The Company also has other commercial commitments that may impact liquidity.  These commitments include unused commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and financial guarantees, and commercial letters of credit.  The total amount of these commercial commitments at September 30, 2017 was $9.7 billion.  Since many of these commitments expire without being drawn upon, the total amount of these commercial commitments does not necessarily represent the future cash requirements of the Company.

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The Company’s cash requirements consist primarily of dividends to shareholders, debt service, operating expenses, and treasury stock purchases.  Management fees and dividends received from bank and non-bank subsidiaries traditionally have been sufficient to satisfy these requirements and are expected to be sufficient in the future.  The Bank is subject to various rules regarding payment of dividends to the Company.  For the most part, the Bank can pay dividends at least equal to its current year’s earnings without seeking prior regulatory approval.  The Company also uses cash to inject capital into its bank and non-bank subsidiaries to maintain adequate capital as well as fund strategic initiatives.

To enhance general working capital needs, the Company has a revolving line of credit with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. which allows the Company to borrow up to $75.0 million for general working capital purposes.  The interest rate applied to borrowed balances will be at the Company’s option, either 1.00 percent above LIBOR or 1.75 percent below the prime rate on the date of an advance.  The Company pays a 0.3 percent unused commitment fee for unused portions of the line of credit.  The Company had no advances outstanding at September 30, 2017.

The Company is a member bank of the FHLB.  The Company owns $10.0 million of FHLB stock and has access to additional liquidity and funding sources through FHLB advances.  Additionally, the Company has access to borrow up to $1.2 billion through advances at the FHLB of Des Moines, but had no outstanding FHLB Des Moines advances as of September 30, 2017.

Operational Risk

Operational risk generally refers to the risk of loss resulting from the Company’s operations, including those operations performed for the Company by third parties.  This would include but is not limited to the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside the Company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees or others, errors relating to transaction processing, breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements, and unplanned interruptions in service.  This risk of loss also includes the potential legal or regulatory actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency, or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards.  The Company must comply with a number of legal and regulatory requirements, including those under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended.

The Company operates in many markets and relies on the ability of its employees and systems to properly process a high number of transactions.  In the event of a breakdown in internal control systems, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, the Company could suffer financial loss, face regulatory action and suffer damage to its reputation.  In order to address this risk, management maintains a system of internal controls with the objective of providing proper transaction authorization and execution, safeguarding of assets from misuse or theft, and ensuring the reliability of financial and other data.

The Company maintains systems of internal controls that provide management with timely and accurate information about the Company’s operations.  These systems have been designed to manage operational risk at appropriate levels given the Company’s financial strength, the environment in which it operates, and considering factors such as competition and regulation.  The Company has also established procedures that are designed to ensure that policies relating to conduct, ethics and business practices are followed on a uniform basis.  In certain cases, the Company has experienced losses from operational risk.  Such losses have included the effects of operational errors that the Company has discovered and included as expense in the statement of income.  While there can be no assurance that the Company will not suffer such losses in the future, management continually monitors and works to improve its internal controls, systems and corporate-wide processes and procedures.

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ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, requires the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer to make certain certifications with respect to this report and to the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.  The Company has a Code of Ethics that expresses the values that drive employee behavior and maintains the Company’s commitment to the highest standards of ethics.

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company's "disclosure controls and procedures" (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by the report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for ensuring that SEC filings are recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time period required and that information required to be disclosed by the Company is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three months ended September 30, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the normal course of business, the Company and its subsidiaries are named defendants in various legal proceedings.  In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, none of these lawsuits are expected to have a materially adverse effect on the financial position, results of operations, or cash flows of the Company.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

There were no material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed in response to Item 1A to Part 1 of the Company’s Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The table below sets forth the information with respect to purchases made by or on behalf of the Company or any “affiliated purchaser” (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) of our common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

ISSUER PURCHASE OF EQUITY SECURITIES

 

 

On April 26, 2016, the Company announced a plan to repurchase up to two million shares of common stock, which terminated on April 25, 2017.  On April 25, 2017, the Company announced a plan to repurchase up to two million shares of common stock which will terminate on April 24, 2018.  The Company has not made any repurchases other than through these plans.  All open market share purchases under the share repurchase plan are intended to be within the scope of Rule 10b-18 promulgated under the Exchange Act.  Rule 10b-18 provides a safe harbor for purchases in a given day if the Company satisfies the manner, timing and volume conditions of the rule when purchasing its own common shares.  

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.

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ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS

 

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

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