Exhibit 99.2


BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE 

FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM

 

WASHINGTON, DC 20551

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

(Mark One)

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2025

 

OR

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from ________________ to ________________ 

 

FDIC Certificate No. 11813

 

 

CADENCE BANK 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Mississippi  
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or 64-0117230
organization) (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   
One Mississippi Plaza, 201 South Spring Street  
  38804
Tupelo, Mississippi  
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (662) 680-2000

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $2.50 par value per share   CADE   New York Stock Exchange
         
5.50% Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual   CADE PR A   New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share        

 

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 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.

 

Large Accelerated Filer Accelerated Filer
Non-Accelerated Filer Smaller Reporting Company
    Emerging Growth Company

 

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. ☐

 

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

 

As of May 5, 2025, the registrant had outstanding 186,378,000 shares of common stock, par value $2.50 per share, and 6,900,000 shares of its 5.50% Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share.

  


1

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS  

 

  Page
Glossary of Defined Terms 3
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements 5
Part I. Financial Information  
Item 1. Financial Statements 7
Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited) 7
Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) 8
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited) 9
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited) 10
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) 11
Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 13
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 54
Overview 54
Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations 55
Financial Highlights 57
Results of Operations 59
Financial Condition 68
Critical Accounting Estimates 86
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 87
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 89
Part II. Other Information  
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 90
Item 1A. Risk Factors 90
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 90
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities 90
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 90
Item 5. Other Information 90
Item 6. Exhibits 91
Signatures 92

 

2

 

Glossary of Defined Terms

 

ACH - Automated Clearing House

ACL - Allowance for credit losses

AFS - Available for sale 

AI - Artificial intelligence 

ALM - Asset/liability management 

ALCO - Asset/Liability Management Committee

AOCI - Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

ASC - Accounting Standards Codification 

ASU - Accounting Standards Update

ATM - Automated teller machine 

Basel III - Basel Committee’s 2010 Regulatory Capital Framework (Third Accord)

Basel Committee - Basel Committee on Banking Supervision 

BHC Act - Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended

Board - the Company’s Board of Directors 

BOLI - Bank-owned life insurance

BTFP - Bank Term Funding Program

C&I - Commercial and industrial 

CAD - Construction, acquisition and development

CAMT - Corporate alternative minimum tax rate

CDE - Community development entity 

CECL - ASU 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“Current Expected Credit Losses”)

CEO - Chief Executive Officer 

CET1 - Common Equity Tier 1 

CFO - Chief Financial Officer 

CFPB - Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

CIO - Chief Information Officer 

CIS - Center for Internet Security 

CISM - Certified Information Security Manager

CISO - Chief Information Security Officer 

CISSP - Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Code - Code of Business Conduct and Ethics 

CODM - Chief operating decision maker

Company - Cadence Bank and its subsidiaries

COO - Chief Operating Officer 

COSO - Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission

COVID-19 - Coronavirus Disease 2019 

CPR - Conditional Prepayment Rate 

CRA - Community Reinvestment Act of 1977

CRE - Commercial real estate 

CSC - Contractual servicing cost

DIF - Deposit Insurance Fund

DOJ - U.S. Department of Justice 

EAP - Employee Assistance Program

EIR - Effective interest rate 

EPS - Earnings per share 

ESG - Environmental, Social and Governance 

Exchange Act - Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

EVE - Economic value of equity 

FASB - Financial Accounting Standards Board

FCB - First Chatham Bank 

FDI Act - Federal Deposit Insurance Act

FDIC - Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation 

FDICIA - Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991

FDM - Financial difficulty modification 

Federal Reserve - Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

FHA - Federal Housing Administration 

FHLB - Federal Home Loan Bank 

FHLMC - Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

 

3

 

FinCEN - Financial Crimes Enforcement Network 

FNMA - Federal National Mortgage Association

FRB - Federal Reserve Bank 

FTE - Fully taxable equivalent 

GAAP - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States

GNMA - Government National Mortgage Association 

HTC - Historic tax credits 

IRA of 2022 - Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

IRR - Interest rate risk 

ITM - Interactive teller machine

MBS - Mortgage-backed securities 

MDBCF - Mississippi Department of Banking and Consumer Finance

MSR - Mortgage servicing rights 

NAV - Net asset value

NII - Net interest income

NM - Not meaningful 

NMTC - New market tax credit

NPA - Nonperforming asset(s)

NPL - Nonperforming loan(s)

NSF - Nonsufficient funds 

NYSE - New York Stock Exchange 

OCC - Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

OREO - Other real estate owned 

PCAOB - Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

PCD - Purchased credit deteriorated 

Preferred Stock - 5.50% Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company

PSU - Performance stock unit 

ROU - Right of use 

RSA - Restricted stock award

RSU - Restricted stock unit 

SBA - Small Business Administration

SBIC - Small Business Investment Company 

SEC - U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

SNC - Shared National Credit 

SOFR - Secured Overnight Financing Rate

TBA - To be announced 

TDR - Troubled debt restructuring

USDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture

VA - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

VIE - Variable interest entity

 

4

 

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements made in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”) are not statements of historical fact and constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and are subject to the safe harbor created thereby under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as well as the “bespeaks caution” doctrine. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “anticipate,” “aspire,” “assume,” “believe,” “budget,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “foresee,” “goal,” “hope,” “indicate,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “outlook,” “plan,” “project,” “projection,” “predict,” “prospect,” “potential,” “roadmap,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” and “would,” or the negative versions of those words, or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, discussions regarding general economic, interest rate, trade, real estate market, competitive, employment, and credit market conditions; our assets; business; cash flows; financial condition; liquidity; prospects; results of operations and the Company’s ability to deploy capital into strategic and growth initiatives; deposit growth interest and fee-based revenue; capital resources; capital metrics; efficiency ratio; valuation of mortgage servicing rights; mortgage production volume; net income; net interest revenue; non-interest revenue; net interest margin; interest expense; non-interest expense; earnings per share; interest rate sensitivity; interest rate risk; balance sheet and liquidity management; off-balance sheet arrangements; fair value determinations; asset quality; credit quality; credit losses; provision and allowance for credit losses, impairments, charge-offs, recoveries and changes in volume; investment securities portfolio yields and values; ability to manage the impact of pandemics and natural disasters; adoption and use of critical accounting policies; adoption and implementation of new accounting standards and their effect on our financial results and our financial reporting; utilization of non-GAAP financial metrics; declaration and payment of dividends; ability to pay dividends or coupons on our Preferred Stock or our subordinated notes; mortgage and commission revenue growth; implementation and execution of cost savings initiatives; ability to successfully litigate, resolve or otherwise dispense with threatened, ongoing and future litigation and administrative and investigatory matters; ability to successfully complete pending or future acquisitions or divestitures; dispositions and other strategic growth opportunities and initiatives; ability to successfully integrate and manage acquisitions or divestitures; opportunities and efforts to grow market share; reputation; ability to compete with other financial institutions; ability to recruit and retain key employees and personnel; access to capital markets; investment in other financial institutions; and ability to operate our regulatory compliance programs in accordance with applicable law.

 

Forward-looking statements are based upon management’s expectations as well as certain assumptions and estimates made by, and information available to, management at the time such statements were made. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, are not guarantees of future results or performance and are subject to certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are beyond our control and that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, such forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, without limitation, general economic, unemployment, credit market and real estate market conditions (including potential downturn, contraction and/or recession), and the effect of such conditions on the creditworthiness of borrowers, collateral values, the value of investment securities and asset recovery values; the risks of changes in trade policy, in interest rates, and their effects on the level and composition of deposits, loan demand, loan repayment velocity, and the values of loan collateral, securities and interest sensitive assets and liabilities; risks arising from market reactions to the banking environment in general, or to conditions or situations at specific banks; risks arising from perceived instability in the banking sector; the impact of inflation, the failure of assumptions underlying the establishment of reserves for possible credit losses, fair value for loans and other real estate owned; changes in the prices, values and sales volumes of residential and commercial real estate, especially as they relate to the value of collateral supporting the Company’s loans; uncertainties surrounding the impact of proposed tariffs (by or on the U.S.), including the potential negative impact to our loan portfolio and profitability, potential for increases in problem loans, potential re-evaluation of credit markets and interest rates, lower equity valuation and potential slowdown in capital markets, reduced demand for U.S. exports, disruptions to supply chains, impacts from decreased international tourism, decreased demand for other banking products and services and negative credit quality developments arising from the foregoing or other factors; the uncertain duration of trade conflicts; the magnitude of the impact that the proposed tariffs may have on our customers’ businesses; a deterioration of the credit rating for U.S. long-term sovereign debt, actions that the U.S. government may take to avoid exceeding the debt ceiling, or uncertainties surrounding the debt ceiling and the federal budget; the availability of and access to capital; possible downgrades in our credit ratings or outlook which could increase the costs or availability of funding from capital markets; the ability to attract new or retain existing deposits or to retain or grow loans; potential delays or other problems in implementing and executing our growth, expansion and acquisition or divestment strategies, including delays in obtaining regulatory or other necessary approvals (including obtaining the approval of any pending transactions), or the failure to realize any anticipated benefits or synergies from any acquisitions or growth strategies; the risks relating to the FCB Financial Corp. and Industry Bancshares, Inc. mergers including, without limitation: (i) the diversion of management’s time on issues related to the mergers; (ii) unexpected transaction costs, including the costs of integrating operations; (iii) the risks that the businesses will not be integrated successfully or that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; (iv) the potential failure to fully or timely realize expected revenues and revenue synergies, including as the result of revenues following the merger being lower than expected; (v) the risk of deposit and customer attrition; any changes in deposit mix; (vi) unexpected operating and other costs, which may differ or change from expectations; (vii) the risks of customer and employee loss and business disruptions, including, without limitation, as the result of difficulties in maintaining relationships with employees; (viii) increased competitive pressures and solicitations of customers by competitors; and (ix) the difficulties and risks inherent with entering new markets; significant turbulence or a disruption in the capital or financial markets; the effect of a fall in stock market prices on our investment banking business and our fee income from our brokerage and wealth management businesses; the ability to grow additional interest and fee income or to control noninterest expense; competitive factors and pricing pressures, including their effect on our net interest margin; changes in legal, financial and/or regulatory requirements (including those related to share repurchases); recently enacted and potential legislation and regulatory actions and the costs and expenses to comply with new and/or existing legislation and regulatory actions, and any related rules and regulations; changes in U.S. Government monetary, fiscal and trade policy, including any changes that may result from U.S. elections; special assessments or changes to regular assessments by banking regulators; possible adverse rulings, judgments, settlements and other outcomes of pending or future litigation or government actions; the ability to keep pace with technological changes, including changes regarding generative artificial intelligence, maintaining cybersecurity and compliance with applicable cybersecurity regulatory requirements; increased competition in the financial services industry, particularly from regional and national institutions, as well as from fintech companies, risks related to our reliance on third parties to provide key components of our business infrastructure, including the risks related to disruptions in services provided by disputes with, or financial difficulties of a third-party vendor, the impact of failure in, or breach of, our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties with whom we do business, including as a result of cyber-attacks or an increase in the incidence or severity of fraud, illegal payments, security breaches or other illegal acts impacting us or our customers; natural disasters or acts of war or terrorism; international or political instability (including the impacts related to or resulting from the proposed tariffs and international trade conflicts, Russia’s military action in Ukraine, or the Israel-Hamas war, including the imposition of additional sanctions and export controls, as well as the broader impacts to financial markets and the global macroeconomic and geopolitical environments); risks and costs related to the scope and pace of related rulemaking activity; impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets; adoption of new accounting standards or changes in existing standards; and other factors described in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Report or as detailed from time to time in the Company’s press and news releases, reports and other filings we file with the federal banking regulators.

  

5

 

The Company faces risks from: possible adverse rulings, judgments, settlements or other outcomes of pending, ongoing and future litigation, as well as governmental, administrative and investigatory matters; the impairment of the Company’s goodwill or other intangible assets; losses of key employees and personnel; the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; and the Company’s success in executing its business plans and strategies, and managing the risks involved in all of the foregoing.

 

Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date of this Report, if one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the Company’s underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Report, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. New risks and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict their occurrence or how they will affect the Company. All written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this section.

 

6

 

PART IFINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets 

Cadence Bank and Subsidiaries

(Unaudited)

 

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
ASSETS                
Cash and due from banks   $ 578,513     $ 624,884  
Interest bearing deposits with other banks and Federal funds sold     988,787       1,106,692  
Total cash and cash equivalents     1,567,300       1,731,576  
Available for sale securities, at fair value     7,912,159       7,293,988  
Loans and leases, net of unearned income     34,051,610       33,741,755  
Allowance for credit losses     457,791       460,793  
Net loans and leases     33,593,819       33,280,962  
Loans held for sale, at fair value     220,441       244,192  
Premises and equipment, net     780,963       783,456  
Goodwill     1,366,923       1,366,923  
Other intangible assets, net     79,522       83,190  
Bank-owned life insurance     654,964       651,838  
Other assets     1,567,203       1,583,065  
TOTAL ASSETS   $ 47,743,294     $ 47,019,190  
LIABILITIES                
Noninterest bearing demand deposits   $ 8,558,412     $ 8,591,805  
Interest bearing demand and money market deposits     19,221,356       19,345,114  
Savings     2,626,901       2,588,406  
Time deposits     9,929,059       9,970,876  
Total deposits     40,335,728       40,496,201  
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase     19,671       23,616  
Short-term FHLB borrowings     235,000        
Subordinated and long-term borrowings     560,690       10,706  
Other liabilities     873,664       918,984  
TOTAL LIABILITIES   $ 42,024,753     $ 41,449,507  
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                
Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; authorized - 500,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 6,900,000 shares for both periods presented   $ 166,993     $ 166,993  
Common stock, $2.50 par value per share; authorized - 500,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding - 184,046,420 and 183,527,575 shares, respectively     460,116       458,819  
Capital surplus     2,736,799       2,742,913  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (621,203 )     (694,495 )
Retained earnings     2,975,836       2,895,453  
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     5,718,541       5,569,683  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 47,743,294     $ 47,019,190  

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

7

 

Consolidated Statements of Income

Cadence Bank and Subsidiaries

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)   2025     2024  
INTEREST REVENUE:                
Loans and leases   $ 530,050     $ 528,940  
Available for sale securities:                
Taxable     53,232       63,405  
Tax-exempt     629       687  
Loans held for sale     1,449       1,184  
Short-term investments     13,897       42,897  
Total interest revenue     599,257       637,113  
INTEREST EXPENSE:                
Interest bearing demand deposits and money market accounts     128,831       149,403  
Savings     3,644       3,801  
Time deposits     100,900       80,670  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase     1,124       2,523  
Short-term borrowings     317       42,109  
Subordinated and long-term borrowings     1,289       4,699  
Total interest expense     236,105       283,205  
Net interest revenue     363,152       353,908  
Provision for credit losses     20,000       22,000  
Net interest revenue, after provision for credit losses     343,152       331,908  
NONINTEREST REVENUE:                
Wealth management     23,279       22,833  
Deposit service charges     17,736       18,338  
Credit card, debit card and merchant fees     11,989       12,162  
Mortgage banking     6,638       6,443  
Security losses, net     (9 )     (9 )
Other     25,754       24,019  
Total noninterest revenue     85,387       83,786  
NONINTEREST EXPENSE:                
Salaries and employee benefits     152,972       156,650  
Occupancy and equipment     28,477       28,640  
Data processing and software     27,132       30,028  
Deposit insurance assessments     8,643       8,414  
Amortization of intangibles     3,668       4,066  
Merger expense     315        
Other     38,142       35,409  
Total noninterest expense     259,349       263,207  
Income before income taxes     169,190       152,487  
Income tax expense     35,968       35,509  
Net income   $ 133,222     $ 116,978  
Less: preferred dividends     2,372       2,372  
Net income available to common shareholders   $ 130,850     $ 114,606  
                 
Basic earnings per common share   $ 0.71     $ 0.63  
Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.70     $ 0.62  

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

8

 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Cadence Bank and Subsidiaries 

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Net income   $ 133,222     $ 116,978  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:                
Unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities:                
Net unrealized gains (losses), net of income taxes of $(22,495) and $9,324     72,743       (30,149 )
Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in net income, net of income taxes of $2 and $2     (7 )     (7 )
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on AFS securities, net of tax     72,736       (30,156 )
Recognized employee benefit plan net periodic benefit cost, net of income taxes of $(171)and $(202)     556       652  
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax     73,292       (29,504 )
Comprehensive income   $ 206,514     $ 87,474  

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

 

9

 

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

Cadence Bank and Subsidiaries 

(Unaudited)

 

                                  Accumulated              
                                  Other           Total  
    Preferred Stock     Common Stock     Capital     Comprehensive     Retained     Shareholders’  
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Surplus     (Loss) Income     Earnings     Equity  
Balance at December 31, 2024     6,900,000     $ 166,993       183,527,575     $ 458,819     $ 2,742,913     $ (694,495 )   $ 2,895,453     $ 5,569,683  
Net income                                         133,222       133,222  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax                                   73,292             73,292  
Equity based compensation, net of forfeitures and shares withheld to cover taxes                 519,724       1,299       (6,087 )                 (4,788 )
Repurchase of stock, net of excise tax                 (879 )     (2 )     (27 )                 (29 )
Preferred dividends declared, $0.34 per share                                         (2,372 )     (2,372 )
Cash dividends declared, $0.275 per share                                         (50,467 )     (50,467 )
Balance at March 31, 2025     6,900,000     $ 166,993       184,046,420     $ 460,116     $ 2,736,799     $ (621,203 )   $ 2,975,836     $ 5,718,541  

 

                                  Accumulated              
                                  Other           Total  
    Preferred Stock     Common Stock     Capital     Comprehensive     Retained     Shareholders’  
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)   Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Surplus     (Loss) Income     Earnings     Equity  
Balance at December 31, 2023     6,900,000     $ 166,993       182,871,775     $ 457,179     $ 2,743,066     $ (761,829 )   $ 2,562,434     $ 5,167,843  
Net income                                         116,978       116,978  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax                                   (29,504 )           (29,504 )
Equity based compensation, net of forfeitures and shares withheld to cover taxes                 467,143       1,168       (3,231 )                 (2,063 )
Repurchase of stock, net of excise tax                 (657,593 )     (1,644 )     (15,248 )                 (16,892 )
Preferred dividends declared, $0.34 per share                                         (2,372 )     (2,372 )
Cash dividends declared, $0.25 per share                                         (45,598 )     (45,598 )
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of tax, for ASU 2023-02                                         1,540       1,540  
Balance at March 31, 2024     6,900,000     $ 166,993       182,681,325     $ 456,703     $ 2,724,587     $ (791,333 )   $ 2,632,982     $ 5,189,932  

  

See accompanying notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements. 

10

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Cadence Bank and Subsidiaries

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Operating Activities:                
Net income   $ 133,222     $ 116,978  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations:                
Depreciation, amortization, and accretion     21,162       56,554  
Deferred income tax expense     14,188       12,798  
Provision for credit losses     20,000       22,000  
Gain on sale of loans, net     (5,611 )     (4,486 )
Loss on sales of available for sale securities, net     9       9  
Unrealized gain on limited partnerships, net     (2,304 )     (1,000 )
Gain on trading securities     (27 )     (10 )
Share-based compensation expense     4,781       6,074  
Proceeds from payments and sales of loans held for sale     291,869       280,316  
Origination of loans held for sale     (265,631 )     (265,545 )
Increase in accrued interest receivable     (7,787 )     (14,374 )
Increase in accrued interest payable     29,785       47,527  
Purchases of trading securities     (11,000 )     (4,000 )
Proceeds from sales of trading securities     11,027       4,010  
Net increase in prepaid pension asset     (1,218 )     (1,563 )
Decrease in other assets     18,667       58,305  
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities     (52,440 )     47,537  
Other, net     (10,159 )     (2,411 )
Net cash provided by operating activities     188,533       358,719  
Investing Activities:                
Purchases of available for sale securities     (788,568 )     (689,341 )
Proceeds from maturities, calls, and payments of available for sale securities     262,148       411,195  
Purchases of FRB and FHLB stock, net     (29,469 )      
Increase in loans, net     (324,357 )     (421,170 )
Purchases of premises and equipment     (11,181 )     (35,092 )
Proceeds from sales of premises and equipment     611       3,324  
Proceeds from disposition of foreclosed and repossessed property     3,220       3,024  
Net death benefits received on bank owned life insurance     6,185       143  
Purchases of tax credit investments     (26,821 )     (4,359 )
Purchases of limited partnership interests     (7,021 )     (8,980 )
Other, net     2,242       2,513  
Net cash used in investing activities     (913,011 )     (738,743 )

 

11

 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued)

Cadence Bank and Subsidiaries 

(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Financing Activities:                
Decrease in deposits, net     (160,460 )     (376,834 )
Net change in securities sold under agreement to repurchase and federal funds purchased     (3,945 )     (357,126 )
Net change in short-term FHLB advances     235,000        
Long-term borrowings called, repurchased, or repaid           (7,876 )
Repayment of long-term FHLB advances     (13 )      
Proceeds from long-term FHLB advances     550,000        
Repurchase of common stock     (29 )     (16,892 )
Cash dividends paid on common stock     (50,462 )     (45,530 )
Cash dividends paid on Preferred Stock     (2,372 )     (2,372 )
Cash paid for tax withholding on vested share-based compensation and other     (7,517 )     (8,137 )
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     560,202       (814,767 )
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (164,276 )     (1,194,791 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     1,731,576       4,232,265  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 1,567,300     $ 3,037,474  

 

Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
Cadence Bank and Subsidiaries
(Unaudited)

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Supplemental Disclosures                
Cash paid during the period for:                
Interest   $ 206,320     $ 235,678  
Income tax (refund) payments, net     (286 )     4,839  
Cash paid for amounts included in lease liabilities     4,540       4,656  
Non-cash investing activities, at fair value:                
Acquisition of real estate and other assets in settlement of loans     6,303       1,715  
Transfers of loans held for sale to loans     1,274       461  
Right of use assets obtained (reduced) in exchange for new operating lease liabilities     3,971       9,519  
Increase in funding obligations for certain tax credit investments     1,701       7,800  

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements. 

 

12

 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements 

Cadence Bank and Subsidiaries

 

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation and Consolidation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for the Company have been prepared in accordance with instructions to the SEC Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X; therefore, they do not include all information and notes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows in conformity with GAAP. All adjustments consisting of normally recurring accruals that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position and results of operations for the periods covered by this report have been included. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Operating results for the period ended March 31, 2025, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2025. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2024 has been derived from the audited financial statements included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries follow GAAP, including, where applicable, general practices within the banking industry. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The assessment of whether or not the Company has a controlling interest (i.e., the primary beneficiary) in a VIE is performed on an on-going basis. All equity investments in non-consolidated VIEs are included in “other assets” in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets (see Note 16 for more information).

 

Certain amounts reported in prior years have been reclassified to conform to the 2025 presentation. These reclassifications did not materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In accordance with GAAP, the Company’s management evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements through the date of the issuance of the consolidated financial statements.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

ASU No. 2023-05

 

In August 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-05, Business Combinations—Joint Venture Formations (Subtopic 805-60): Recognition and Initial Measurement. The ASU applies to the formation of entities that meet the definition of a joint venture (or a corporate joint venture) as defined in the FASB ASC Master Glossary. The amendments in the ASU require that a newly formed joint venture, upon formation, would initially measure its assets and liabilities at fair value (with exceptions to fair value measurement that are consistent with the business combinations guidance). The ASU allows a joint venture to apply measurement period guidance in accordance with ASC 805-10, allowing the amounts recognized upon formation to be adjusted for provisional items during the measurement period not to exceed one year from the formation date.

 

The ASU does not amend the definition of a joint venture, the existing guidance for the accounting by an equity method investor for its investment in a joint venture, or the accounting by a joint venture for contributions received subsequent to formation.

 

The amendments are effective prospectively for all joint ventures with a formation date on or after January 1, 2025, and early adoption is permitted. A joint venture that was formed before the effective date of the ASU may elect to apply the amendments retrospectively if it has sufficient information. There was no impact from this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2023-08

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-08, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Crypto Assets (Subtopic 350-60): Accounting for and Disclosure of Crypto Assets. The amendments are intended to improve the accounting for certain crypto assets by requiring an entity to measure those crypto assets at fair value each reporting period with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The amendments also improve the information provided to investors about an entity’s crypto asset holdings by requiring disclosure about significant holdings, contractual sale restrictions, and changes during the reporting period.

  

13

 

The amendments in the ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued (or made available for issuance). If amendments are adopted in an interim period, they must be adopted as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. There was no impact from this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2023-09

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. The ASU is intended to improve the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. It also includes certain other amendments intended to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures.

 

The amendments in the ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted for annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. As this guidance is solely disclosure related, there will be no quantitative impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2024-01

 

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-01, Compensation--Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards, which provides four cases illustrating the scope application of Topic 718 for profits interest awards. Determining whether a profits interest award should be accounted for as a share-based payment arrangement or other compensation requires judgement based on the facts and circumstances of the specific transaction. The illustrative example includes four fact patterns to demonstrate how an entity would apply the scope guidance in Topic 718 to determine whether profits interest awards should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 718.

 

The amendments in the ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for both interim and annual financial statements that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The amendments should be applied either (1) retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements or (2) prospectively to profits, interest, and similar awards grated or modified on or after the date at which the entity first applies the amendments. There was no impact from this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2024-02

 

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-02, Codification Improvements--Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements, which contains amendments that remove references to various Concepts Statements. In most instances, the references are extraneous and not required to understand or apply the guidance. In other instances, the references were used in prior Statements to provide guidance in certain topical areas. Generally, the amendments are not intended to result in significant accounting change for most entities. However, the FASB recognized that changes to that guidance may result in accounting change for some entities. Therefore, the FASB provided transition guidance for all the amendments in this Update.

 

These amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early application of the amendments is permitted for all entities, for any fiscal year or interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued (or made available for issuance). If an entity adopts the amendments in an interim period, it must adopt them as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. There was no significant impact from this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2025-02

 

In March 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-02, Liabilities (Topic 405): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 122 to remove SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of the SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 122. The amendments are effective immediately. There was no impact from this guidance on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

14

 

Pending Accounting Pronouncements

 

ASU No. 2023-06

 

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative, that incorporates certain SEC disclosure requirements into the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments in the ASU are expected to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of Codification Topics, allow users to more easily compare entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosures with those entities that were not previously subject to the requirements, and align the requirements in the Codification with the SEC’s regulations.

 

The ASU modifies the disclosure or presentation requirements of a variety of Topics in the Codification. The requirements are relatively narrow in nature. Some of the amendments represent clarifications to, or technical corrections of, the current requirements.

 

The effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC removes that related disclosure from its rules. If by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the related disclosure from its regulations, the amendments will be removed from the Codification and not become effective for any entity. As this guidance is solely disclosure related, the Company does not anticipate any quantitative impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2024-03

 

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income— Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, which requires disclosures in the note to the financial statements regarding specific expenses. The amendments do not change or remove existing disclosure requirements. The amendments improve disclosure requirements through enhanced expense disaggregation.

 

The amendments require disclosures in each interim and annual reporting periods. The amendments are effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Prospective adoption is required, however an entity may choose to adopt retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. As this guidance is solely disclosure related, the Company does not anticipate any quantitative impact to the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2024-04

 

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-04, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments, which clarifies requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments, including convertible debt instruments with cash conversion features or convertible debt instruments that are not currently convertible, should be accounted for as an induced conversion.

 

The amendments are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of the annual reporting period for all entities that have adopted ASU 2020-06. If an entity adopts ASU No. 2024-04 in an interim reporting period, it should adopt it as of the beginning of the annual reporting period that includes that interim reporting period. The Company does not anticipate any impact from this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

 

ASU No. 2025-01

 

In January 2025, the FASB issued ASU No. 2025-01, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Clarifying the Effective Date to clarify the interim effective date for ASU 2024-03 for entities that do not have an annual reporting period that ends on December 31. The amendments are effective for fiscal year beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Since Company’s fiscal year-end and the calendar year-end are the same, the Company does not anticipate that these amendments will have any effect on Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

15

 

NOTE 2. AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES AND EQUITY SECURITIES

 

The amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and estimated fair value of available for sale securities are presented in the following tables:

 

          Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
(In thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
March 31, 2025                                
U.S. government agency securities   $ 309,829     $ 14     $ 35,558     $ 274,285  
MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. agencies                                
Residential pass-through:                                
Guaranteed by GNMA     76,435       5       10,291       66,149  
Issued by FNMA and FHLMC     4,593,159       24       568,505       4,024,678  
Other residential MBS     1,583,432       9,437       27,941       1,564,928  
Commercial MBS     1,569,695       1,621       84,791       1,486,525  
Total MBS     7,822,721       11,087       691,528       7,142,280  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions     166,754       9       36,941       129,822  
Corporate debt securities     52,750             4,328       48,422  
Foreign debt securities     318,584       430       1,664       317,350  
Total available for sale securities   $ 8,670,638     $ 11,540     $ 770,019     $ 7,912,159  

 

            Gross     Gross     Estimated  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Unrealized     Fair  
(In thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
December 31, 2024                                
U.S. government agency securities   $ 321,454     $ 20     $ 40,243     $ 281,231  
MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. agencies                                
Residential pass-through:                                
Guaranteed by GNMA     78,279             11,698       66,581  
Issued by FNMA and FHLMC     4,604,954       16       639,414       3,965,556  
Other residential MBS     958,911       6,110       30,300       934,721  
Commercial MBS     1,645,065       1,605       97,029       1,549,641  
Total MBS     7,287,209       7,731       778,441       6,516,499  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions     167,743       10       35,684       132,069  
Corporate debt securities     52,751             5,349       47,402  
Foreign debt securities     318,539       443       2,195       316,787  
Total available for sale securities   $ 8,147,696     $ 8,204     $ 861,912     $ 7,293,988  

 

For available for sale securities, gross gains of $2 thousand and gross losses of $11 thousand were recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. There were no impairment charges related to credit losses included in gross realized losses for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

 

Available for sale securities with a carrying value of $4.1 billion and $4.0 billion at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, were pledged to secure public and trust funds on deposit and for other purposes.

 

There were no securities held for trading or held-to-maturity at March 31, 2025 or December 31, 2024.

 

16

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale securities at March 31, 2025 by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

    Amortized     Estimated  
(In thousands)   Cost     Fair Value  
Maturing in one year or less   $     $  
Maturing after one year through five years     107,067       104,937  
Maturing after five years through ten years     510,404       488,415  
Maturing after ten years     230,446       176,527  
Mortgage-backed securities     7,822,721       7,142,280  
Total available for sale securities   $ 8,670,638     $ 7,912,159  

 

At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, approximately 74.9% and 80.4% of securities were in an unrealized loss position, respectively. At March 31, 2025, there were 870 securities in a loss position for more than twelve months, and 30 securities in a loss position for less than twelve months. At December 31, 2024, there were 871 securities in a loss position for more than twelve months, and 33 securities in a loss position for less than twelve months. A summary of available for sale investments with continuous unrealized loss positions for which an allowance for credit losses has not been recorded is as follows:

 

    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
(In thousands)   Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
March 31, 2025                        
U.S. government agency securities   $ 58,865     $ 114     $ 210,411     $ 35,444  
MBS     354,350       1,315       5,082,322       690,213  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions                 119,292       36,941  
Corporate debt securities     7,632       2,368       38,791       1,960  
Foreign debt securities                 53,336       1,664  
Total   $ 420,847     $ 3,797     $ 5,504,152     $ 766,222  

 

    Less Than 12 Months     12 Months or Longer  
    Fair     Unrealized     Fair     Unrealized  
(In thousands)   Value     Losses     Value     Losses  
December 31, 2024                        
U.S. government agency securities   $ 74,795     $ 221     $ 200,798     $ 40,022  
MBS     249,197       2,314       5,123,218       776,127  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions     303       7       121,117       35,677  
Corporate debt securities     7,474       2,527       37,928       2,822  
Foreign debt securities                 52,806       2,195  
Total   $ 331,769     $ 5,069     $ 5,535,867     $ 856,843  

 

Management evaluates available for sale securities in unrealized loss positions to determine whether the impairment is due to credit-related factors or noncredit-related factors. Credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. Management believes that the unrealized losses detailed in the previous tables are due to noncredit-related factors, such as changes in interest rates and other market conditions. Therefore, no allowance for credit losses was recorded related to these securities at March 31, 2025 or December 31, 2024. Additionally, as of March 31, 2025 management had no intent to sell these securities until the full recovery of unrealized losses, which may not be until maturity, and it is more likely than not that the Company would not be required to sell the securities prior to recovery of costs. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date or repricing date or if market yields for such investments decline.

 

17

 

Reported in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, equity investments with readily determinable fair values not held for trading are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net income. Additionally, the Company reports equity investments without readily determinable fair values in other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. These investments include investments in the common stock of the FHLB of Dallas and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The Company is required to own stock in the FHLB of Dallas for membership in the FHLB system and in relation to the level of FHLB advances. The Company is also required to purchase and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis for membership in the Federal Reserve System. The Company accounts for these investments as long-term assets and carries them at cost. During the periods ended March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were no downward or upward adjustments to these investments for impairments or price changes from observable transactions.

 

          Gross     Gross        
          Unrealized     Unrealized     Carrying  
(In thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
March 31, 2025                                
Equity securities held at cost:                                
Federal Reserve Bank stock   $ 101,062     $     $     $ 101,062  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock     39,384                   39,384  
Other equity securities     20,582                   20,582  
Total equity securities, held at cost   $ 161,028     $     $     $ 161,028  
Equity securities held at fair value:                                
Farmer Mac stock   $ 49     $ 515     $     $ 564  
Affordable Housing MBS Exchange Traded Fund     24,994             3,585       21,409  
Total equity securities, held at fair value   $ 25,043     $ 515     $ 3,585     $ 21,973  

 

          Gross     Gross        
          Unrealized     Unrealized     Carrying  
(In thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
December 31, 2024                                
Equity securities held at cost:                                
Federal Reserve Bank stock   $ 100,567     $     $     $ 100,567  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock     10,410                   10,410  
Other equity securities     20,582                   20,582  
Total equity securities, held at cost   $ 131,559     $     $     $ 131,559  
Equity securities held at fair value:                                
Farmer Mac stock   $ 49     $ 543     $     $ 592  
Affordable Housing MBS Exchange Traded Fund     24,994             3,908       21,086  
Total equity securities, held at fair value   $ 25,043     $ 543     $ 3,908     $ 21,678  

 

18

 

NOTE 3. LOANS AND LEASES

 

The following table is a summary of our loan and lease portfolio aggregated by segment and class at the periods indicated:

 

(In thousands)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
Commercial and industrial                
Non-real estate   $ 8,688,653     $ 8,670,529  
Owner occupied     4,667,477       4,665,015  
Total commercial and industrial     13,356,130       13,335,544  
Commercial real estate                
Construction, acquisition and development     3,723,408       3,909,184  
Income producing     6,268,456       6,015,773  
Total commercial real estate     9,991,864       9,924,957  
Consumer                
Residential mortgages     10,498,320       10,267,883  
Other consumer     205,296       213,371  
Total consumer     10,703,616       10,481,254  
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income (1)   $ 34,051,610     $ 33,741,755  

 

(1) Total loans and leases are net of $16.4 million and $21.4 million of unearned income at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

 

The Company engages in lending to consumers, small and medium-sized business enterprises, and government entities through its community banking locations and to regional and national business enterprises through its corporate banking division. The bank acts as agent or participant in SNC and other financing arrangements with other financial institutions. Loans are issued generally to finance home purchases and improvements, personal expenditures, business investment and operations, construction and development, and income producing properties. Loans are underwritten to be repaid primarily by available cash flow from personal income, investment income, business operations, rental income, or the sale of developed or constructed properties. Collateral and personal guaranties of business owners are generally required as a condition of the financing arrangements and provide additional cash flow and proceeds from asset sales of guarantors in the event primary sources of repayment are no longer sufficient.

 

While loans are structured to provide protection to the Company if borrowers are unable to repay as agreed, the Company recognizes there are numerous risks that may result in deterioration of the repayment ability of borrowers and guarantors. These risks include failure of business operations due to economic, legal, market, logistical, weather, health, governmental and force majeure events. Concentrations in the Company’s loan and lease portfolio also present credit risks. The impact of a slowing economy, inflation, higher interest rates, and labor and supply chain shortages, poses additional risk to borrowers and financial institutions. As a result of these factors, there is risk for businesses to experience difficulty in meeting repayment obligations, and the Company may experience losses or deterioration in performance in its loan portfolio. For information regarding nonaccrual policies, past-dues or delinquency status, and recognizing write-offs within ACL, refer to “Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in Part II., Item 8 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

The Company has identified the following segments and classes of loans and leases with similar risk characteristics for measuring expected credit losses:

 

Commercial and Industrial

 

Non-Real Estate – Commercial and industrial loans are loans and leases to finance business operations, equipment and owner-occupied facilities for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger corporate borrowers. These include both lines of credit and term loans which are amortized over the useful life of the assets financed. Personal and/or corporate guarantees are generally obtained where available and prudent. This category also includes loans to finance agricultural production. The Company recognizes risk from economic cycles, commodity prices, pandemics, government regulation, supply-chain disruptions, product innovations or obsolescence, operational errors, lawsuits, natural disasters, losses due to fraud, theft or embezzlement, loss of sponsor support, health or loss of key personnel or competitive situations may adversely affect the scheduled repayment of business loans. In addition, risks in the agricultural sector including crop failures due to weather, insects and other blights, commodity prices, governmental intervention, lawsuits, labor or logistical disruptions.

 

19

 

Owner Occupied – Owner occupied loans include loans secured by business facilities to finance business operations, equipment and owner-occupied facilities primarily for small and medium-sized enterprises. These include both lines of credit and term loans which are amortized over the useful life of the assets financed. Personal guarantees, if applicable, are generally required for these loans. The Company recognizes that risk from economic cycles, pandemics, government regulation, supply-chain disruptions, product innovations or obsolescence, operational errors, lawsuits, natural disasters, losses due to theft or embezzlement, health or loss of key personnel, or competitive situations may adversely affect the scheduled repayment of business loans.

 

Commercial Real Estate

 

Construction, Acquisition and Development – CAD loans include both loans and credit lines for the purpose of purchasing, carrying, and developing land into residential subdivisions or various types of commercial developments, such as industrial, warehouse, retail, office, and multi-family. This category also includes loans and credit lines for construction of residential, multi-family and commercial buildings. The Company generally engages in CAD lending primarily in local markets served by its branches. The Company recognizes that risks are inherent in the financing of real estate development and construction. These risks include location, market conditions and price volatility, change in interest rates, demand for developed land, lots and buildings, desirability of features and styling of completed developments and buildings, competition from other developments and builders, traffic patterns, remote work patterns, governmental jurisdiction, tax structure, availability of utilities, roads, public transportation and schools, availability of permanent financing for homebuyers, zoning, environmental restrictions, lawsuits, economic and business cycle, labor, and reputation of the builder or developer.

 

Each CAD loan is underwritten to address: (i) the desirability of the project, its market viability and projected absorption period; (ii) the creditworthiness of the borrower and the guarantor as to liquidity, cash flow and assets available to ensure performance of the loan; (iii) equity contribution to the project; (iv) the developer’s experience and success with similar projects; and (v) the value of the collateral.

 

A substantial portion of CAD loans are secured by real estate in markets in which the Company is located. The Company’s loan policy generally prohibits loans for the sole purpose of carrying interest reserves. Certain of the construction, acquisition and development loans were structured with interest-only terms. A portion of the residential mortgage and CRE portfolios were originated through the permanent financing of construction, acquisition and development loans. Higher interest rates and the potential for slowing economic conditions could negatively impact borrowers’ and guarantors’ ability to repay their debt which would make more of the Company’s loans collateral-dependent.

 

Income Producing – CRE loans include loans to finance income-producing commercial and multi-family properties. Lending in this category is generally limited to properties located in the Company’s market area with only limited exposure to properties located elsewhere but owned by in-market borrowers. Loans in this category include loans for neighborhood retail centers, medical and professional offices, single retail stores, industrials and apartments leased generally to local businesses and residents. The underwriting of these loans takes into consideration the occupancy and rental rates as well as the financial health of the borrower. The Company’s exposure to national retail tenants is limited. The Company recognizes that risk from economic cycles, pandemics, government restrictions, delayed or missed rent payments, supply-chain disruptions, operational errors, lawsuits, natural disasters, losses due to theft or embezzlement, health or loss of key personnel or competitive situations may adversely affect the scheduled repayment of business loans.

 

Consumer

 

Residential Mortgages – Residential mortgages are first or second-lien loans to consumers secured by a primary residence or second home. This category includes traditional mortgages, home equity loans and revolving lines of credit. The loans are generally secured by properties located within the local market area of the community bank which originates and services the loan. These loans are underwritten in accordance with the Company’s general loan policies and procedures which require, among other things, proper documentation of each borrower’s financial condition, satisfactory credit history, and property value. In addition to loans originated through the Company’s branches, the Company originates and services residential mortgages sold in the secondary market which are underwritten and closed pursuant to investor and agency guidelines. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, residential mortgage loans in process of foreclosure totaled $21.1 million and $19.7 million, respectively. Additionally, the Company held $5.3 million and $4.4 million in foreclosed residential properties at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

 

20

 

Other Consumer – Other consumer lending includes consumer credit cards as well as personal revolving lines of credit and installment loans. The Company offers credit cards, primarily to its deposit and loan customers. Consumer installment loans generally includes term loans secured by automobiles, boats and recreational vehicles.

 

The Company recognizes there are risks in consumer lending which include interruptions in the borrower’s personal and investment income due to loss of employment, market conditions, and general economic conditions, deterioration in the health and well-being of the borrower and family members, natural disasters, pandemics, lawsuits, losses, or inability to generate income due to injury, accidents, theft, vandalism, or incarceration.

 

Credit Quality

 

The following tables provide details regarding the aging of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio, net of unearned income, at the periods indicated:

 

    March 31, 2025  
                                        90+ Days  
    30-59     60-89                       Total     Past Due  
    Days     Days     90+ Days     Total           Amortized     still  
(In thousands)   Past Due     Past Due     Past Due     Past Due     Current     Cost     Accruing  
Commercial and industrial                                                        
Non-real estate   $ 18,896     $ 12,272     $ 84,947     $ 116,115     $ 8,572,538     $ 8,688,653     $ 3,851  
Owner occupied     8,592       8,029       18,021       34,642       4,632,835       4,667,477       1,094  
Total commercial and industrial     27,488       20,301       102,968       150,757       13,205,373       13,356,130       4,945  
Commercial real estate                                                        
Construction, acquisition and development     5,828       232       9,092       15,152       3,708,256       3,723,408       495  
Income producing     7,026       893       7,088       15,007       6,253,449       6,268,456        
Total commercial real estate     12,854       1,125       16,180       30,159       9,961,705       9,991,864       495  
Consumer                                                        
Residential mortgages     56,649       30,150       55,459       142,258       10,356,062       10,498,320       3,091  
Other consumer     1,267       525       482       2,274       203,022       205,296       301  
Total consumer     57,916       30,675       55,941       144,532       10,559,084       10,703,616       3,392  
Total   $ 98,258     $ 52,101     $ 175,089     $ 325,448     $ 33,726,162     $ 34,051,610     $ 8,832  

 

    December 31, 2024  
                                        90+ Days  
    30-59     60-89                       Total     Past Due  
    Days     Days     90+ Days     Total           Amortized     Still  
(In thousands)   Past Due     Past Due     Past Due     Past Due     Current     Cost     Accruing  
Commercial and industrial                                                        
Non-real estate   $ 13,443     $ 28,379     $ 101,873     $ 143,695     $ 8,526,834     $ 8,670,529     $ 8,115  
Owner occupied     10,375       3,836       16,280       30,491       4,634,524       4,665,015        
Total commercial and industrial     23,818       32,215       118,153       174,186       13,161,358       13,335,544       8,115  
Commercial real estate                                                        
Construction, acquisition and development     4,254       663       8,579       13,496       3,895,688       3,909,184        
Income producing     3,971       1,226       12,193       17,390       5,998,383       6,015,773        
Total commercial real estate     8,225       1,889       20,772       30,886       9,894,071       9,924,957        
Consumer                                                        
Residential mortgages     60,009       28,937       61,578       150,524       10,117,359       10,267,883       4,750  
Other consumer     1,587       455       413       2,455       210,916       213,371       261  
Total consumer     61,596       29,392       61,991       152,979       10,328,275       10,481,254       5,011  
Total   $ 93,639     $ 63,496     $ 200,916     $ 358,051     $ 33,383,704     $ 33,741,755     $ 13,126  

 

21

 

The Company utilizes an internal loan classification system that is continually updated to grade loans according to certain credit quality indicators. These credit quality indicators include, but are not limited to, recent credit performance, delinquency, liquidity, cash flows, debt coverage ratios, collateral type and loan-to-value ratio. The Company’s internal loan classification system is compatible with classifications used by regulatory agencies. Loans may be classified as follows:

 

Pass: Loans which are performing as agreed with few or no signs of weakness. These loans show sufficient cash flow, capital and collateral to repay the loan as agreed.

 

Special Mention: Loans where potential weaknesses have developed which could cause a more serious problem if not corrected.

 

Substandard: Loans where well-defined weaknesses exist that require corrective action to prevent further deterioration. Loans are further characterized by the possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

 

Doubtful: Loans having all the characteristics of Substandard and which have deteriorated to a point where collection and liquidation in full is highly questionable.

 

Loss: Loans that are considered uncollectible or with limited possible recovery.

 

Impaired: An internal grade for individually analyzed collateral-dependent loans for which a specific provision has been considered to address the unsupported exposure.

 

PCD (Loss): An internal grade for loans with evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination that are acquired, and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the bank will be unable to collect all contractually required payments.

 

The following tables provide details of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio, net of unearned income, by segment, class and internally assigned grade at the periods indicated:

 

    March 31, 2025  
(In thousands)   Pass     Special
Mention
    Substandard (1)     Doubtful     Impaired (1)     PCD (Loss)     Total  
Commercial and industrial                                                        
Non-real estate   $ 8,234,513     $ 108,903     $ 317,012     $ 8,556     $ 16,227     $ 3,442     $ 8,688,653  
Owner occupied     4,617,617             38,174             10,592       1,094       4,667,477  
Total commercial and industrial     12,852,130       108,903       355,186       8,556       26,819       4,536       13,356,130  
Commercial real estate                                                        
Construction, acquisition and development     3,710,504             7,031             5,873             3,723,408  
Income producing     6,078,353       39,412       144,159             6,532             6,268,456  
Total commercial real estate     9,788,857       39,412       151,190             12,405             9,991,864  
Consumer                                                        
Residential mortgages     10,392,396             99,305             5,208       1,411       10,498,320  
Other consumer     204,701             595                         205,296  
Total consumer     10,597,097             99,900             5,208       1,411       10,703,616  
Total   $ 33,238,084     $ 148,315     $ 606,276     $ 8,556     $ 44,432     $ 5,947     $ 34,051,610  
                                                         

 

(1) In the loan classifications above, $107.6 million of the substandard balance and $9.2 million of the impaired balance is covered by government guarantees from the SBA, FHA, VA and USDA.

 

22

 

    December 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   Pass     Special
Mention
    Substandard (1)     Doubtful     Impaired (1)     PCD (Loss)     Total  
Commercial and industrial                                                        
Non-real estate   $ 8,208,176     $ 106,996     $ 311,096     $ 8,743     $ 31,996     $ 3,522     $ 8,670,529  
Owner occupied     4,610,775       815       41,363             10,968       1,094       4,665,015  
Total commercial and industrial     12,818,951       107,811       352,459       8,743       42,964       4,616       13,335,544  
Commercial real estate                                                        
Construction, acquisition and development     3,896,856             12,262             66             3,909,184  
Income producing     5,850,702       5,094       144,084             15,893             6,015,773  
Total commercial real estate     9,747,558       5,094       156,346             15,959             9,924,957  
Consumer                                                        
Residential mortgages     10,167,830       891       89,597             8,154       1,411       10,267,883  
Other consumer     212,865             506                         213,371  
Total consumer     10,380,695       891       90,103             8,154       1,411       10,481,254  
Total   $ 32,947,204     $ 113,796     $ 598,908     $ 8,743     $ 67,077     $ 6,027     $ 33,741,755  

  

(1) In the loan classifications above, $99.0 million of the substandard balance and $11.1 million of the impaired balance is covered by government guarantees from the SBA, FHA, VA and USDA.

 

The following tables provide credit quality indicators, including gross charge-offs, by class and period of origination (vintage) at March 31, 2025:

 

    Commercial and Industrial - Non-Real Estate  
    Period Originated:                    
                                              Revolving        
                                              Loans        
                                        Revolving     Converted to        
(Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     2023     2022     2021     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 399,959     $ 1,425,735     $ 853,579     $ 987,675     $ 555,780     $ 663,422     $ 3,333,933     $ 14,430     $ 8,234,513  
Special Mention           5,972       10,803       210       32,067       18,345       41,506             108,903  
Substandard     1,263       16,779       71,669       54,468       40,413       34,874       88,526       9,020       317,012  
Doubtful                             8,556                         8,556  
Impaired                 1,446       2,695       8,664             3,422             16,227  
PCD (Loss)                                   3,442                   3,442  
Total   $ 401,222     $ 1,448,486     $ 937,497     $ 1,045,048     $ 645,480     $ 720,083     $ 3,467,387     $ 23,450     $ 8,688,653  
% Criticized     0.3 %     1.6 %     9.0 %     5.5 %     13.9 %     7.9 %     3.8 %     38.5 %     5.2 %
Gross charge-offs   $ 314     $ 158     $ 2,288     $ 1,894     $ 228     $ 531     $ 15,452     $     $ 20,865  

 

      Commercial and Industrial - Owner Occupied  
    Period Originated:                          
                                                            Revolving          
                                                            Loans          
                                                    Revolving     Converted to          
(Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     2023     2022     2021     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 177,685     $ 678,030     $ 585,424     $ 871,026     $ 735,901     $ 1,455,318     $ 114,230     $ 3     $ 4,617,617  
Substandard           2,350       5,230       4,926       5,091       19,872       705             38,174  
Impaired           394       2,331       5,799       793       1,275                   10,592  
PCD (Loss)                                   1,094                   1,094  
Total   $ 177,685     $ 680,774     $ 592,985     $ 881,751     $ 741,785     $ 1,477,559     $ 114,935     $ 3     $ 4,667,477  
% Criticized     %     0.4 %     1.3 %     1.2 %     0.8 %     1.5 %     0.6 %     %     1.1 %
Gross charge-offs   $     $     $     $ 99     $ 261     $ 59     $     $     $ 419  

  

23

 

      Construction, Acquisition, & Development  
    Period Originated:                          
                                                            Revolving          
                                                            Loans          
                                                    Revolving     Converted to          
(Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     2023     2022     2021     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 212,986     $ 1,196,140     $ 659,672     $ 1,021,604     $ 459,698     $ 121,713     $ 38,691     $     $ 3,710,504  
Substandard           555       2,442       2,956       435       551       92             7,031  
Impaired                             5,807       66                   5,873  
Total   $ 212,986     $ 1,196,695     $ 662,114     $ 1,024,560     $ 465,940     $ 122,330     $ 38,783     $     $ 3,723,408  
% Criticized     %     %     0.4 %     0.3 %     1.3 %     0.5 %     0.2 %     %     0.3 %
Gross charge-offs   $     $     $ 41     $ 1     $     $     $     $     $ 42  

 

      Commercial Real Estate - Income Producing  
    Period Originated:                          
                                                            Revolving          
                                                            Loans          
                                                    Revolving     Converted to          
(Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     2023     2022     2021     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 124,515     $ 506,646     $ 559,259     $ 1,794,376     $ 1,174,937     $ 1,793,141     $ 125,479     $     $ 6,078,353  
Special Mention                             15,951       23,461                   39,412  
Substandard                 211       688       6,823       133,699       2,738             144,159  
Impaired                       111             6,421                   6,532  
Total   $ 124,515     $ 506,646     $ 559,470     $ 1,795,175     $ 1,197,711     $ 1,956,722     $ 128,217     $     $ 6,268,456  
% Criticized     %     %     %     %     1.9 %     8.4 %     2.1 %     %     3.0 %
Gross charge-offs   $     $     $ 252     $ 772     $ 240     $ 76     $     $     $ 1,340  

 

      Consumer - Residential Mortgages  
    Period Originated:                          
                                                            Revolving          
                                                            Loans          
                                                    Revolving     Converted to          
(Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     2023     2022     2021     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 372,018     $ 1,343,514     $ 1,472,860     $ 1,965,782     $ 1,502,659     $ 2,635,652     $ 1,099,248     $ 663     $ 10,392,396  
Substandard     367       2,270       12,697       18,426       17,943       42,331       5,271             99,305  
Impaired                 1,222             1,303       2,683                   5,208  
PCD (Loss)                                   1,411                   1,411  
Total   $ 372,385     $ 1,345,784     $ 1,486,779     $ 1,984,208     $ 1,521,905     $ 2,682,077     $ 1,104,519     $ 663     $ 10,498,320  
% Criticized     0.1 %     0.2 %     0.9 %     0.9 %     1.3 %     1.7 %     0.5 %     %     1.0 %
Gross charge-offs   $     $     $ 55     $ 1,076     $ 2     $ 71     $ 92     $     $ 1,296  

 

      Consumer - Other Consumer  
    Period Originated:                          
                                                            Revolving          
                                                            Loans          
                                                    Revolving     Converted to          
(Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     2023     2022     2021     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 15,793     $ 36,480     $ 24,895     $ 9,045     $ 4,960     $ 4,293     $ 109,235     $     $ 204,701  
Substandard           109       47       48             30       361             595  
Total   $ 15,793     $ 36,589     $ 24,942     $ 9,093     $ 4,960     $ 4,323     $ 109,596     $     $ 205,296  
% Criticized     %     0.3 %     0.2 %     0.5 %     %     0.7 %     0.3 %     %     0.3 %
Gross charge-offs   $ 767     $ 139     $ 71     $ 29     $ 6     $ 10     $ 744     $     $ 1,766  

  

24

 

The following tables provide credit quality indicators, including gross charge-offs, by class and period of origination (vintage) at December 31, 2024.

 

    Commercial and Industrial - Non-Real Estate  
    Period Originated:                    
                                              Revolving        
                                              Loans        
                                        Revolving     Converted to        
(Dollars in thousands)   2024     2023     2022     2021     2020     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 1,361,684     $ 926,422     $ 1,036,579     $ 695,625     $ 209,100     $ 563,337     $ 3,397,031     $ 18,398     $ 8,208,176  
Special Mention     13,242       10,942             23,158       18,337             41,317             106,996  
Substandard     8,855       49,842       70,136       43,832       12,370       27,648       75,638       22,775       311,096  
Doubtful                       8,743                               8,743  
Impaired           1,485       2,773       9,013                   18,725             31,996  
PCD (Loss)                                   3,522                   3,522  
Total   $ 1,383,781     $ 988,691     $ 1,109,488     $ 780,371     $ 239,807     $ 594,507     $ 3,532,711     $ 41,173     $ 8,670,529  
% Criticized     1.6 %     6.3 %     6.6 %     10.9 %     12.8 %     5.2 %     3.8 %     55.3 %     5.3 %
Gross charge-offs   $ 1,892     $ 7,811     $ 22,112     $ 15,703     $ 956     $ 16,786     $ 7,416     $ 4,018     $ 76,694  

 

    Commercial and Industrial - Owner Occupied  
    Period Originated:                    
                                              Revolving        
                                              Loans        
                                        Revolving     Converted to        
(Dollars in thousands)   2024     2023     2022     2021     2020     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 704,999     $ 607,548     $ 893,114     $ 756,156     $ 402,671     $ 1,122,908     $ 123,149     $ 230     $ 4,610,775  
Special Mention                             815                         815  
Substandard     2,249       5,616       6,638       5,204       2,057       18,889       710             41,363  
Impaired     394       2,335       5,911       1,053             1,275                   10,968  
PCD (Loss)                                   1,094                   1,094  
Total   $ 707,642     $ 615,499     $ 905,663     $ 762,413     $ 405,543     $ 1,144,166     $ 123,859     $ 230     $ 4,665,015  
% Criticized     0.4 %     1.3 %     1.4 %     0.8 %     0.7 %     1.9 %     0.6 %     %     1.2 %
Gross charge-offs   $     $ 1     $ 263     $ 6     $ 41     $ 67     $ 1     $     $ 379  

 

    Construction, Acquisition & Development  
    Period Originated:                    
                                              Revolving        
                                              Loans        
                                        Revolving     Converted to        
(Dollars in thousands)   2024     2023     2022     2021     2020     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 1,058,203     $ 790,695     $ 1,261,256     $ 592,454     $ 50,123     $ 76,347     $ 64,061     $ 3,717     $ 3,896,856  
Substandard     264       2,032       3,514       5,889       304       259                   12,262  
Impaired                             66                         66  
Total   $ 1,058,467     $ 792,727     $ 1,264,770     $ 598,343     $ 50,493     $ 76,606     $ 64,061     $ 3,717     $ 3,909,184  
% Criticized     %     0.3 %     0.3 %     1.0 %     0.7 %     0.3 %     %     %     0.3 %
Gross charge-offs   $     $ 19     $ 101     $ 537     $ 35     $ 2     $ 85     $     $ 779  

 

    Commercial Real Estate - Income Producing  
    Period Originated:                    
                                              Revolving        
                                              Loans        
                                        Revolving     Converted to        
(Dollars in thousands)   2024     2023     2022     2021     2020     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 497,633     $ 540,956     $ 1,595,416     $ 1,192,329     $ 511,254     $ 1,404,264     $ 108,850     $     $ 5,850,702  
Special Mention                 2,881                         2,213             5,094  
Substandard           459       468       7,690       70,889       64,084       494             144,084  
Impaired                 4,885       1,114             9,894                   15,893  
Total   $ 497,633     $ 541,415     $ 1,603,650     $ 1,201,133     $ 582,143     $ 1,478,242     $ 111,557     $     $ 6,015,773  
% Criticized     %     0.1 %     0.5 %     0.7 %     12.2 %     5.0 %     2.4 %     %     2.7 %
Gross charge-offs   $     $     $ 3     $ 21     $     $ 2,479     $     $     $ 2,503  

 

25

 

    Consumer - Residential Mortgages  
    Period Originated:                    
                                              Revolving        
                                              Loans        
                                        Revolving     Converted to        
(Dollars in thousands)   2024     2023     2022     2021     2020     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 1,356,015     $ 1,477,090     $ 1,991,600     $ 1,545,259     $ 992,426     $ 1,734,512     $ 1,069,608     $ 1,320     $ 10,167,830  
Special Mention     101       790                                           891  
Substandard     1,549       12,696       18,477       14,661       9,145       28,774       4,295             89,597  
Impaired                       3,979       1,675             2,500             8,154  
PCD (Loss)                                   1,411                   1,411  
Total   $ 1,357,665     $ 1,490,576     $ 2,010,077     $ 1,563,899     $ 1,003,246     $ 1,764,697     $ 1,076,403     $ 1,320     $ 10,267,883  
% Criticized     0.1 %     0.9 %     0.9 %     1.2 %     1.1 %     1.7 %     0.6 %     %     1.0 %
Gross charge-offs   $ 10     $ 325     $ 559     $ 430     $ 81     $ 749     $ 1,007     $     $ 3,161  

 

    Consumer - Other Consumer  
    Period Originated:                    
                                              Revolving        
                                              Loans        
                                        Revolving     Converted to        
(Dollars in thousands)   2024     2023     2022     2021     2020     Prior     Loans     Term     Total  
Pass   $ 45,997     $ 29,538     $ 11,471     $ 6,150     $ 3,263     $ 2,105     $ 114,341     $     $ 212,865  
Substandard           97       48       6             17       338             506  
Total   $ 45,997     $ 29,635     $ 11,519     $ 6,156     $ 3,263     $ 2,122     $ 114,679     $     $ 213,371  
% Criticized     %     0.3 %     0.4 %     0.1 %     %     0.8 %     0.3 %     %     0.2 %
Gross charge-offs   $ 3,067     $ 395     $ 303     $ 145     $ 14     $ 47     $ 2,917     $     $ 6,888  

 

The Company’s collateral-dependent loans totaled $58.9 million and $81.8 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Typically these loans are internally classified as Impaired and PCD Loss. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, $8.6 million and $8.7 million, respectively, of these loans were classified as doubtful. At March 31, 2025, most of these loans are within the non-real estate and owner occupied classes. Additionally, there were a smaller amount of these loans in the income producing, CAD, and residential mortgages classes. C&I loans are typically supported by collateral such as real estate, receivables, equipment, inventory, or by an enterprise valuation. Loans within the CRE and Consumer segments are generally secured by commercial and residential real estate.

 

Loans of $1.0 million or greater are considered for specific provision when management has determined based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the note and that the loan is collateral-dependent. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, $37.8 million and $59.1 million, respectively, of collateral-dependent loans had a valuation allowance of $10.3 million and $17.3 million, respectively. The remaining balance of collateral-dependent loans of $21.1 million and $22.7 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, have sufficient collateral supporting the collection of all contractual principal and interest or were charged down to the underlying collateral’s fair value, less estimated selling costs. Therefore, such loans did not have an associated valuation allowance.

 

NPLs consist of nonaccrual loans and leases. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, NPLs totaled $236.0 million and $264.7 million, respectively. Within the NPL balance, $84.3 million of the March 31, 2025 balance and $89.9 million of the December 31, 2024 balance is covered by government guarantees from the SBA, FHA, VA or USDA.

 

The Company’s policy for all loan classifications provides that loans and leases are generally placed in nonaccrual status if, in management’s opinion, payment in full of principal or interest is not expected, unless such loan or lease is both well-secured and in the process of collection.

 

26

 

The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans on nonaccrual status by segment and class at the periods indicated:

 

    March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   Nonaccrual Loans     Nonaccrual Loans
with No Related
Allowance
    Nonaccrual Loans     Nonaccrual Loans
with No Related
Allowance
 
Commercial and industrial                                
Non-real estate   $ 118,078     $ 3,428     $ 145,115     $ 2,944  
Owner occupied     18,988       5,292       16,904       5,128  
Total commercial and industrial     137,066       8,720       162,019       8,072  
Commercial real estate                                
Construction, acquisition and development     8,768       5,873       8,600       66  
Income producing     8,021       2,338       18,542       6,569  
Total commercial real estate     16,789       8,211       27,142       6,635  
Consumer                                
Residential mortgages     81,803       174       75,287       3,979  
Other consumer     294             244        
Total consumer     82,097       174       75,531       3,979  
Total   $ 235,952     $ 17,105     $ 264,692     $ 18,686  

 

The following table presents the interest income recognized on loans on nonaccrual status by segment and class for the periods indicated:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Commercial and industrial                
Non-real estate   $ 447     $ 597  
Owner occupied     35       72  
Total commercial and industrial     482       669  
Commercial real estate                
Construction, acquisition and development     19       21  
Income producing     239       39  
Total commercial real estate     258       60  
Consumer                
Residential mortgages     660       397  
Other consumer     1       1  
Total consumer     661       398  
Total   $ 1,401     $ 1,127  

 

In the normal course of business, management may grant concessions, which would not otherwise be considered, to borrowers that are experiencing financial difficulty. Loans identified as meeting the criteria under ASC 310 are identified as financial difficulty modifications (FDM). Any modification, renewal or forbearance on loans assigned a rating of “Special Mention” or worse, and loans of any rating which show evidence of financial difficulty is reviewed to determine whether the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and if so, which terms of the loan were modified. If the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the loan is modified via forgiveness of principal, reduction in interest rate to a rate below current market rates for issuance, payment extension or deferral for greater than six months (including extensions granted in the past 12 months), term or maturity date extension, or combination of these specific modification terms, the modification requires disclosure.

27

Under the general loan modification guidance, a modification is treated as a new loan only if both of the following conditions are met: 1) the terms of the new loan are at least as favorable to the lender as the terms for comparable loans to other customers with similar collection risks, and 2) modifications to the terms of the original loan are more than minor. If either condition is not met, the modification is accounted for as the continuation of the old loan with any effect of the modification treated as a prospective adjustment to the loan’s effective interest rate. Modifications in scope for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty may include principal forgiveness, other-than-insignificant payment delay, interest rate reduction, or a combination of modifications. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the most common concessions were related to term extensions and interest rate reductions. Other concessions included payment deferrals. At March 31, 2025, the Company has an outstanding unfunded commitment balance of $1.1 million to lend to one borrower experiencing financial difficulty.

 

Upon determination by the Company that a modified loan (or portion of a loan) has subsequently been deemed uncollectible, the loan (or portion of the loan) is charged off. The amortized cost basis of the loan is reduced by the uncollectible amount and the ACL is adjusted by this amount.

 

The following tables presents loans that were modified within the past three months for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty by segment and class, as well as the percentage of these modified loans compared to overall loans in each segment and class, for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2025  
(Dollars in thousands)   Payment Deferral     Term Extension     Combination
Interest Rate
Reduction and
Payment Deferral
    Combination
Term Extension
and Interest Rate
Reduction
    Percent of Total
Loan Class
 
Commercial and industrial                                        
Non-real estate   $ 393     $ 6,948     $     $ 36,529       0.50 %
Total commercial and industrial     393       6,948             36,529       0.33 %
Consumer                                        
Residential mortgages     284             487             0.01 %
Total consumer     284             487             0.01 %
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income   $ 677     $ 6,948     $ 487     $ 36,529       0.13 %

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2024  
(Dollars in thousands)   Principal
Forgiveness
    Term
Extension
    Interest Rate
Reduction
    Combination
Term
Extension and
Interest Rate
Reduction
    Combination Term
Extension,
Payment Deferral
and Interest Rate
Reduction
    Percent of Total
Loan Class
 
Commercial and industrial                                                
Non-real estate   $ 13,614     $ 21,432     $     $ 2,784     $       0.41 %
Owner occupied                       1,376             0.03  
Total commercial and industrial     13,614       21,432             4,160             0.29  
Commercial real estate                                                
Income producing           1,981                   12,786       0.26  
Total commercial real estate           1,981                   12,786       0.15  
Consumer                                                
Residential mortgages           128       116       612             0.01  
Total consumer           128       116       612             0.01  
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income   $ 13,614     $ 23,541     $ 116     $ 4,772     $ 12,786       0.17 %
28

The following table presents the financial effect of the loan modifications presented above for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty for the following periods:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2025     Three Months Ended March 31, 2024  
(Dollars in thousands)   Weighted-Average
Interest Rate
Reduction
    Weighted-Average
Term Extension (in
years)
    Principal
Forgiveness
    Weighted-
Average
Interest Rate
Reduction
    Weighted-
Average Term
Extension (in
years)
 
Commercial and industrial                                        
Non-real estate     2.01 %     1.93     $ 5,835       0.61 %     1.56  
Commercial real estate                                        
Income producing                       0.54       1.37  
Consumer                                        
Residential mortgages     2.50                   3.72       9.44  

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, a C&I non-real estate loan of $524 thousand defaulted that was previously modified in the prior 12 months by receiving a combination term extension and interest rate reduction.

 

The Company closely monitors the performance of the loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. Loans are considered to be in payment default at 90 or more days past due. The following table depicts the performance of loans that have been modified in the last 12 months:

 

    Payment Status (Amortized Cost Basis) at March 31, 2025  
(In thousands)   Current     30-89 Days Past Due     90+ Days Past Due  
Commercial and industrial                        
Non-real estate   $ 78,434     $ 749     $ 524  
Owner occupied     1,563              
Commercial real estate                        
Income producing     75,584              
Consumer                        
Residential mortgages     870              
Total   $ 156,451     $ 749     $ 524  

 

NOTE 4. ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

 

The following table summarizes the changes in the ACL for the periods indicated:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Balance at beginning of period   $ 460,793     $ 468,034  
Charge-offs     (25,728 )     (21,636 )
Recoveries     2,726       2,177  
Provision for loan losses     20,000       24,000  
Balance at end of period   $ 457,791     $ 472,575  
29

The following tables summarize the changes in the ACL by segment and class for the periods indicated:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2025  
(In thousands)   Beginning
Balance
    Charge-offs     Recoveries     Provision
(Release)
    Ending Balance  
Commercial and industrial                                        
Non-real estate   $ 183,743     $ (20,865 )   $ 1,733     $ 4,329     $ 168,940  
Owner occupied     35,177       (419 )     89       (1,529 )     33,318  
Total commercial and industrial     218,920       (21,284 )     1,822       2,800       202,258  
Commercial real estate                                        
Construction, acquisition and development     44,703       (42 )     45       2,324       47,030  
Income producing     64,957       (1,340 )     38       2,990       66,645  
Total commercial real estate     109,660       (1,382 )     83       5,314       113,675  
Consumer                                        
Residential mortgages     125,464       (1,296 )     398       10,237       134,803  
Other consumer     6,749       (1,766 )     423       1,649       7,055  
Total consumer     132,213       (3,062 )     821       11,886       141,858  
Total   $ 460,793     $ (25,728 )   $ 2,726     $ 20,000     $ 457,791  

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   Beginning
Balance
    Charge-offs     Recoveries     Provision
(Release)
    Ending
Balance
 
Commercial and industrial                                        
Non-real estate   $ 194,577     $ (16,896 )   $ 1,234     $ 29,684     $ 208,599  
Owner occupied     31,445       (101 )     78     $ 2,253       33,675  
Total commercial and industrial     226,022       (16,997 )     1,312       31,937       242,274  
Commercial real estate                                        
Construction, acquisition and development     42,118       (132 )     112     $ (1,712 )     40,386  
Income producing     69,209       (2,112 )     38     $ (4,413 )     62,722  
Total commercial real estate     111,327       (2,244 )     150       (6,125 )     103,108  
Consumer                                        
Residential mortgages     124,851       (595 )     271     $ (3,063 )     121,464  
Other consumer     5,834       (1,800 )     444     $ 1,251       5,729  
Total consumer     130,685       (2,395 )     715       (1,812 )     127,193  
Total   $ 468,034     $ (21,636 )   $ 2,177     $ 24,000     $ 472,575  

 

The following table represents a roll forward of the reserve for unfunded commitments for the periods shown. The reserve for unfunded commitments is classified in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Balance at beginning of period   $ 8,551     $ 8,551  
Provision (reversal) for credit losses for unfunded commitments           (2,000 )
Balance at end of period   $ 8,551     $ 6,551  

 

The economic impact of inflation, higher interest rates, volatility in the financial markets, and the potential for a slowing economy poses additional risk to borrowers and financial institutions. These factors add to the risk borrowers may experience difficulty in meeting repayment obligations, and the Company may experience losses or deterioration in performance in its loan portfolio.

30

The ACL estimate is impacted by both portfolio changes and changes in economic conditions experienced during the period. The unemployment rate has the highest weighting within the Company’s credit risk modeling framework. Economic forecasts, which are obtained from multiple sources, provide upside, downside, and base case scenarios over an eight-quarter forecast horizon to establish a forecast range. Management considers the scenarios and selects a blended scenario which, in management’s opinion, reflects likely economic conditions within that range. The Company recognizes that inflation, higher interest rates and a slowing economy may have short-term, long-term, and regional impacts to the economy. In addition, qualitative factors such as changes in economic conditions, concentrations of risk, and changes in portfolio risk resulting from regulatory changes are considered in determining the adequacy of the level of the ACL.

 

NOTE 5. BORROWINGS

 

Borrowings with original maturities of one year or less are classified as short-term. The following tables present information relating to short-term debt for the periods presented:

 

    March 31, 2025  
    End of Period     Year to Date Daily Average     Maximum
Outstanding
 
(Dollars in thousands)   Balance     Interest
Rate (1)
    Balance     Interest
Rate (1)
    at any
Month End
 
Federal funds purchased   $       —%     $ 80,111       4.52 %   $ 300,000  
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other     19,671       4.10       22,956       4.24       25,610  
Short-term FHLB advances     235,000       4.36       28,278       4.43       235,000  
Total   $ 254,671             $ 131,345             $ 560,610  

 

    December 31, 2024  
    End of Period     Year to Date Daily Average     Maximum
Outstanding
 
(Dollars in thousands)   Balance     Interest
Rate
    Balance     Interest
Rate
    at any
Month End
 
Federal funds purchased   $       —%     $ 5,077       5.28 %   $  
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other     23,616       4.10       81,092       4.76       267,792  
Bank Term Funding Program                 2,845,902       4.79       3,500,000  
Short-term FHLB advances                 2       5.74        
Total   $ 23,616             $ 2,932,073             $ 3,767,792  

 

(1) Annualized

 

Federal funds purchased generally mature the day following the date of purchase. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had established non-binding federal funds borrowing lines of credit with other banks aggregating $2.1 billion, for both periods. Additionally, the Company maintains access to the FRB discount window borrowings which generally mature within 90 days and are collateralized by $2.1 billion in commercial, agriculture, and consumer loans pledged under a borrower-in-custody agreement at March 31, 2025. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were no borrowings from the FRB discount window.

 

Securities sold under repurchase agreements generally mature within one day from the date of sale. 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. Collateral pledged pursuant to these repurchase agreements can include MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. agencies, U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. government agency securities.

 

The BTFP was created by the Federal Reserve to support businesses and households by making additional funding available to eligible financial institutions to help assure they have the ability to meet the needs of their depositors. The BTFP offered loans of up to one year in length to banks and other qualifying institutions pledging any collateral eligible for purchase by the FRB. The collateral was valued at its par amount and consisted primarily of MBS and U.S. government agency securities. Cadence’s BTFP borrowing was paid off during the fourth quarter of 2024. The BTFP ceased making new loans in March 2024.

31

As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had a balance of $550.7 million and $706 thousand, respectively, of long-term advances from FHLB of Dallas. During the first quarter of 2025, the Company entered into $550.0 million long-term advances from FHLB of Dallas with various interest rates ranging from 4.082% to 4.219% and maturing beginning in September 2026 through March 2027. In addition, the Company had a balance of $10.0 million at both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 of 5.000% fixed to floating rate subordinated notes callable on June 30, 2025.

 

All borrowings from the FHLB are collateralized by commercial, construction, and real estate loans pledged under a blanket floating lien security agreement with the FHLB of Dallas. Under the terms of this agreement, the Company is required to maintain sufficient collateral to secure borrowings in an aggregate amount of the lesser of the book value (i.e., unpaid principal balance), after applicable FHLB discounts, of the Company’s eligible commercial and residential loans pledged as collateral, or 35% of the Company’s assets. Loans totaling $24.7 billion and $24.4 billion at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, were pledged to the FHLB of Dallas. At March 31, 2025, the remaining borrowing availability totaled $12.5 billion. At March 31, 2025, there were no call features on long-term FHLB borrowings. Short-term FHLB borrowings mature within one year following the date of the advance.

 

The FHLB of Dallas has also issued irrevocable letters of credit totaling $47.5 million at March 31, 2025 on behalf of our customers. Of the total amount, $26.7 million expires on December 17, 2025 and $20.8 million expires on January 30, 2026.

 

NOTE 6. PENSION

 

The components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for the periods indicated were as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Service cost   $ 2,330     $ 1,907  
Interest cost     2,963       2,941  
Expected return on plan assets     (5,999 )     (5,741 )
Recognized prior service cost     3       3  
Recognized net loss     724       733  
Net periodic benefit cost (credit) (1)   $ 21     $ (157 )

 

(1) While service cost is included in salaries and employee benefits, the other components of net periodic pension costs (credit) are included in other noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

 

NOTE 7. MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS

 

The MSR, which are recognized as a separate asset on the date the corresponding mortgage loan is sold on a servicing retained basis, is recorded at fair value as determined at each accounting period end and reported in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. An estimate of the fair value of the Company’s MSR is determined utilizing assumptions such as mortgage interest rates, discount rates, mortgage loan prepayment speeds, market trends and industry demand. Data and assumptions used in the fair value calculation related to the MSR were as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
Unpaid principal balance   $ 8,111,379     $ 8,043,306  
Weighted-average prepayment speed (CPR)     9.1       8.3  
Average discount rate (annual percentage)     10.0       10.1  
Weighted-average coupon interest rate (percentage)     4.3       4.2  
Weighted-average remaining maturity (months)     285.3       285.7  
Weighted-average servicing fee (basis points)     28.7       28.7  

 

Because the valuation is determined by using discounted cash flow models, the primary risk inherent in valuing the MSR is the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the estimated life of the servicing revenue stream. The use of different estimates or assumptions could produce different fair values. At March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had an economic hedge in place designed to cover 76.9% and 74.8% of the MSR interest rate risk, respectively. At December 31, 2024, the hedge covered 75.1% of the MSR interest rate risk (see Note 14 for additional information). The Company is susceptible to fluctuations in the fair value of its MSR in changing interest rate environments.

32

The following table summarizes activity relating to residential mortgage loans sold with servicing retained for the periods indicated:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Residential mortgage loans sold with servicing retained   $ 239,018     $ 221,081  
Pretax gains resulting from above loan sales     3,627       2,603  

 

The Company services a class of residential mortgages that are first lien loans secured by a primary residence or second home. The following table presents changes in the fair value of the MSR related to the activity in this class for the periods indicated:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Fair value, beginning of period   $ 114,594     $ 106,824  
Originations of servicing assets     2,796       2,736  
Changes in fair value:                
Due to change in valuation inputs or assumptions(1)     (4,447 )     4,781  
Other changes in fair value(2)     (1,974 )     (2,656 )
Fair value, end of period   $ 110,969     $ 111,685  

 

(1) Primarily reflects changes in prepayment speeds and discount rate assumptions which are updated based on market interest rates.

(2) Primarily reflects changes due to realized cash flows.

 

All of the changes to the fair value of the MSR and the related economic hedge are recorded as part of mortgage banking revenue in the consolidated statements of income. As part of mortgage banking revenue, the Company recorded contractual servicing fees of $5.7 million and $5.4 million, and late and other ancillary fees of $829 thousand and $744 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

33

NOTE 8. FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

 

See Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 for a description of valuation methodologies for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis.

 

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

 

The following tables present the balances of the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

    March 31, 2025  
(In thousands)   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Assets:                        
Available for sale securities   $     $ 7,912,159     $     $ 7,912,159  
Equity investments     21,973                   21,973  
Mortgage servicing rights                 110,969       110,969  
Derivative instruments     438       29,082       2,875       32,395  
Loans held for sale           220,441             220,441  
Investments in limited partnerships                 125,665       125,665  
SBA servicing rights                 5,783       5,783  
Total   $ 22,411     $ 8,161,682     $ 245,292     $ 8,429,385  
Liabilities:                                
Derivative instruments   $ 73     $ 41,557     $ 1     $ 41,631  

 

    December 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Assets:                        
Available for sale securities   $     $ 7,293,988     $     $ 7,293,988  
Equity investments     21,678                   21,678  
Mortgage servicing rights                 114,594       114,594  
Derivative instruments           32,021       1,310       33,331  
Loans held for sale           244,192             244,192  
Investments in limited partnerships                 118,710       118,710  
SBA servicing rights                 5,785       5,785  
Total   $ 21,678     $ 7,570,201     $ 240,399     $ 7,832,278  
Liabilities:                                
Derivative instruments   $ 3,085     $ 45,573     $ 15     $ 48,673  

 

Level 3 financial instruments typically include unobservable components but may also include some observable components that may be validated to external sources. The table below includes a roll forward of the consolidated balance sheet amounts for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 for changes in the fair value of financial instruments within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy that are recorded on a recurring basis. The gains or (losses) in the following table (which are reported in Other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income) may include changes to fair value due in part to observable factors that may be part of the valuation methodology.

34

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2025  
(In thousands)   Mortgage
Servicing
Rights
    Investments
in Limited
Partnerships
    SBA
Servicing
Rights
    Mortgage Loan
Held-For-Sale
Interest Rate Lock
Commitments
(Assets and
Liabilities)
 
Balance at December 31, 2024   $ 114,594     $ 118,710     $ 5,785     $ 1,295  
Net (losses) gains     (6,421 )     2,344       (412 )     1,579  
Additions     2,796             410        
Contributions paid           6,842              
Distributions received           (2,231 )            
Balance at March 31, 2025   $ 110,969     $ 125,665     $ 5,783     $ 2,874  
Net unrealized (losses) gains included in net income for the quarter relating to assets and liabilities held at March 31, 2025   $ (4,447 )   $ 2,344     $ (412 )   $ 1,579  

 

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   Mortgage
Servicing
Rights
    Investments
in Limited
Partnerships
    SBA
Servicing
Rights
    Mortgage Loan
Held-For-Sale
Interest Rate Lock
Commitments
(Assets and
Liabilities)
 
Balance at December 31, 2023   $ 106,824     $ 94,998     $ 6,124     $ 1,848  
Net gains (losses)     2,125       1,000       (472 )     732  
Additions     2,736             362        
Contributions paid           8,210              
Distributions received           (2,695 )            
Balance at March 31, 2024   $ 111,685     $ 101,513     $ 6,014     $ 2,580  
Net unrealized gains (losses) included in net income for the quarter relating to assets and liabilities held at March 31, 2024   $ 4,781     $ 1,000     $ (472 )   $ 732  

 

Fair Value Option

 

The Company elected to measure commercial real estate loans held for sale and commercial and industrial loans held for sale under the fair value option. Included in these loans are loans guaranteed by the SBA and loans related to syndications. The Company assumed the cost of these loans approximates their fair value due to the short term these instruments remain on the Company’s balance sheet.

 

The Company also elected to measure residential mortgage loans held for sale at fair value. The election allows for effective offset of the changes in fair values of the loans and the derivative instruments used to hedge them. Included in the residential mortgage loans held for sale portfolio are certain previously sold GNMA loans. Under ASC 860-10-40, certain GNMA loans will not meet sale criteria due to the conditional buyback option becoming unconditional once the delinquency criteria is met when they reach 90 or more days past due. The Company records these loans at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets with an offsetting liability. The Company assumed the cost approximates the fair value. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the fair value of the GNMA loans totaled $66.1 million and $69.0 million, respectively.

35

The following table summarizes the difference between the aggregate fair value and the aggregate unpaid principal balance of loans held for sale:

 

    March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   Aggregate
Fair Value
    Aggregate
Unpaid
Principal
    Aggregate
Fair Value
Less
Aggregate
Unpaid
Principal
    Aggregate
Fair Value
    Aggregate
Unpaid
Principal
    Aggregate
Fair Value
Less
Aggregate
Unpaid
Principal
 
Residential mortgage loans   $ 179,921     $ 179,921     $     $ 181,622     $ 181,622     $  
Commercial and industrial loans     36,242       36,242             59,343       59,343        
Commercial real estate loans     4,278       4,278             3,227       3,227        
Total   $ 220,441     $ 220,441     $     $ 244,192     $ 244,192     $  

 

Net gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value for residential mortgage loans held for sale are recorded in mortgage banking revenue in the consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had net gains totaling $1.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

 

Net gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value for commercial and industrial loans and commercial real estate loans held for sale are recorded in other noninterest revenue in the consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company had net gains from the sale of these loans totaling $2.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively.

 

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

 

From time to time, the Company may be required to measure certain financial assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis in accordance with GAAP. These adjustments to fair value usually result from the application of lower of cost or fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets. The following tables present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

 

    March 31, 2025  
(In thousands)   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Assets:                        
Impaired loans, collateral-dependent(1)   $     $     $ 52,988     $ 52,988  
Purchased credit deteriorated (loss) loans                 5,947       5,947  
Other real estate and repossessed assets                 8,452       8,452  

 

(1) At March 31, 2025, impaired loans, collateral-dependent includes $8.6 million which were classified as doubtful.

 

    December 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Assets:                        
Impaired loans, collateral-dependent(1)   $     $     $ 75,820     $ 75,820  
Purchased credit deteriorated (loss) loans                 6,027       6,027  
Other real estate and repossessed assets                 5,754       5,754  

 

(1) At December 31, 2024, impaired loans, collateral-dependent includes $8.7 million which were classified as doubtful.
36

Unobservable Inputs

 

The following table presents the significant unobservable inputs used in Level 3 fair value measurements for financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis:

 

    Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements  
(Dollars in thousands)   Carrying
Value
    Valuation
Methods
  Unobservable
Inputs
  Range     Weighted
Average
 
March 31, 2025                          
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis:                            
Mortgage servicing rights(1)   $ 110,969     Discounted cash flow   Discount rate   9.5% - 11.1%     10.0%
                             
                Repayment speed
(CPR)
  6.9 - 14.1     9.0  
                Coupon interest
rate
  3.2% - 7.9%     4.3%
                Remaining
maturity (months)
  68 - 401     285  
                Servicing fee (bps)   19.0 bps-50.0
bps
    28.7 bps  
Investments in limited partnerships     125,665     Practical
expedient
  Net asset value   NM     NM  
SBA servicing rights(1)     5,783     Coupon less
contractual
servicing cost
  Contractual
servicing
cost (bps)
  12.5 bps-40.0
bps
    26.3 bps  
Mortgage loan held-for-sale interest rate lock commitments (assets and liabilities)     2,874     Discounted cash
flow
  Closing ratio   10.0% - 100%     57.6%
Measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:                            
Impaired loans, collateral-dependent(1)   $ 52,988     Appraised value,
as adjusted
  Discount to fair
value
  10% - 61%     35.5%
Purchased credit deteriorated (loss) loans(1)     5,947     Appraised value,
as adjusted
  Discount to fair
value
  10% - 30%     24.7%
Other real estate and repossessed assets     8,452     Appraised value,
as adjusted
  Estimated closing
costs
  7.0%     7.0%
37

    Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements  
(Dollars in thousands)   Carrying
Value
    Valuation
Methods
  Unobservable
Inputs
  Range     Weighted
Average
 
December 31, 2024                          
Measured at fair value on a recurring basis:                            
Mortgage servicing rights(1)   $ 114,594     Discounted cash flow   Discount rate   9.7% - 11.3%     10.1%
                Repayment
speed (CPR)
  6.8 - 12.6     8.3  
                Coupon interest
rate
  3.2% - 7.9%     4.2%
                Remaining
maturity
(months)
  70 - 404     286  
                Servicing fee
(bps)
  19.0 bps-50.0
bps
    28.7 bps  
Investments in limited partnerships     118,710     Practical expedient   Net asset value   NM     NM  
SBA servicing rights(1)     5,785     Coupon less contractual
servicing cost
  Contractual
servicing cost
(bps)
  12.5 bps-40.0
bps
    26.3 bps  
Mortgage loan held-for-sale interest rate lock commitments (assets and liabilities)     1,295     Discounted cash flow   Closing ratio   10.0% - 100%     46.8%
Measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:                            
Impaired loans, collateral-dependent(1)   $ 75,820     Appraised value, as
adjusted
  Discount to fair
value
  10% - 41%     30.5%
Purchased credit deteriorated (loss) loans(1)     6,027     Appraised value, as
adjusted
  Discount to fair
value
  10% - 30%     24.7%
Other real estate and repossessed assets     5,754     Appraised value, as
adjusted
  Estimated
closing costs
  7.0%   7.0%

 

(1) Weighted averages were calculated using the input attributed and the outstanding balance of the loan.

 

Certain assets and liabilities subject to fair value disclosure requirements are not actively traded, requiring management to estimate the fair value. These estimations necessarily require judgement to be applied to the reasonableness and relevancy of comparable market prices, expected future cash flows, and appropriate discount rates.

 

The short-term nature of certain assets and liabilities result in their carrying value approximating fair value. They include cash and due from banks, interest bearing deposits with other banks and Federal funds sold, accrued interest receivable, non-time deposits, federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase, short-term FHLB borrowings and accrued interest payable.

38

The following tables present carrying and fair value information of financial instruments for the periods presented:

 

    March 31, 2025  
(In thousands)   Carrying
Value
    Fair Value     Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Assets:                              
Cash and due from banks   $ 578,513     $ 578,513     $ 578,513     $     $  
Interest bearing deposits with other banks and Federal funds sold     988,787       988,787       988,787              
Available for sale securities and equity securities
with readily determinable fair values
    7,934,132       7,934,132       21,973       7,912,159        
Net loans and leases     33,593,819       32,832,935                   32,832,935  
Loans held for sale     220,441       220,441             220,441        
Accrued interest receivable     204,457       204,457             28,130       176,327  
Mortgage servicing rights     110,969       110,969                   110,969  
Investments in limited partnerships     125,665       125,665                   125,665  
Other assets     14,235       14,235                   14,235  
                                         
Liabilities:                                        
Deposits   $ 40,335,728     $ 40,332,683     $     $ 40,332,683     $  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other short-term borrowings     19,671       19,671       19,671              
Short-term FHLB borrowings     235,000       235,000       235,000              
Accrued interest payable     140,637       140,637       1,471       139,166        
Subordinated and long-term borrowings     560,690       560,618             560,618        
                                         
Derivative instruments:                                        
Assets:                                        
Commercial loan interest rate contracts   $ 28,675     $ 28,675     $     $ 28,675     $  
Mortgage loan held-for-sale interest rate lock commitments     2,875       2,875                   2,875  
Futures, forwards and options     438       438       438              
Mortgage loan forward sale commitments     6       6             6        
Foreign exchange contracts     401       401             401        
Liabilities:                                        
Commercial loan interest rate contracts   $ 40,181     $ 40,181     $     $ 40,181     $  
Mortgage loan held-for-sale interest rate lock commitments     1       1                   1  
Futures, forwards and options     73       73       73              
Mortgage loan forward sale commitments     1,147       1,147             1,147        
Foreign exchange contracts     229       229             229        
39

    December 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   Carrying
Value
    Fair
Value
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3  
Assets:                              
Cash and due from banks   $ 624,884     $ 624,884     $ 624,884     $     $  
Interest bearing deposits with other banks and Federal funds sold     1,106,692       1,106,692       1,106,692              
Available for sale securities and equity securities with readily determinable fair values     7,315,666       7,315,666       21,678       7,293,988        
Net loans and leases     33,280,962       32,440,220                   32,440,220  
Loans held for sale     244,192       244,192             244,192        
Accrued interest receivable     196,670       196,670             26,239       170,431  
Mortgage servicing rights     114,594       114,594                   114,594  
Investments in limited partnerships     118,710       118,710                   118,710  
Other assets     11,539       11,539                   11,539  
                                         
Liabilities:                                        
Deposits   $ 40,496,201     $ 40,495,193     $     $ 40,495,193     $  
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other short-term borrowings     23,616       23,616       23,616              
Accrued interest payable     110,853       110,853       3       110,850        
Subordinated and long-term borrowings     10,706       10,570             10,570        
                                         
Derivative instruments:                                        
Assets:                                        
Commercial loan interest rate contracts   $ 30,555     $ 30,555     $     $ 30,555     $  
Mortgage loan held-for-sale interest rate lock commitments     1,310       1,310                   1,310  
Mortgage loan forward sale commitments     816       816             816        
Foreign exchange contracts     650       650             650        
Liabilities:                                        
Commercial loan interest rate contracts   $ 45,070     $ 45,070     $     $ 45,070     $  
Mortgage loan held-for-sale interest rate lock commitments     15       15                   15  
Futures, forwards and options     3,085       3,085       3,085              
Mortgage loan forward sale commitments     34       34             34        
Foreign exchange contracts     469       469             469        

 

NOTE 9. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company’s Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (“Incentive Plan”), Cadence Bank Equity Incentive Plan for Non- Employee Directors, 2021 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan and the Amended and Restated 2015 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2015 Plan” assumed from Legacy Cadence) were effective during the year ended December 31, 2024, and allowed the Company to grant to employees and directors various forms of share-based incentive compensation. On December 30, 2024, the Cadence Bank 2025 Long-Term Incentive Plan (“the 2025 Plan”) was approved by the Company’s shareholders. The 2025 Plan took effect as of December 30, 2024 and supersedes all four of the incentive plans previously mentioned.

 

The Company has primarily granted PSUs, RSUs and RSAs under its equity incentive plans. PSUs entitle the recipient to receive shares of the Company’s common stock upon the achievement of performance goals that are specified in the award over a performance period. The recipient of PSUs is not treated as a shareholder of the Company and is not entitled to vote or receive dividends until the performance conditions stated in the award are satisfied and the shares of stock are issued to the recipient. Dividend equivalents on the shares vested according to the performance conditions are paid upon issuance of the stock. All PSUs vest over a three-year period and are valued at the fair value of the Company’s stock at the grant date based upon the estimated number of shares expected to vest determined according to a lattice model. RSUs entitle the recipient to receive the shares once they are vested but with no voting rights until the shares are received. RSUs generally vest over four- to five-year periods and are eligible to receive dividend equivalents, which accrue and are paid upon vesting. RSAs entitle the recipient to vote the shares of stock but the recipient does not receive the shares until they are fully vested. RSA grants vest over five- to seven-year periods and are entitled to receive dividends.

40

For more information, see Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

Performance Stock Units

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s PSU activity for the periods indicated:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2025     2024  
    Shares     Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
    Shares     Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Nonvested at beginning of period     1,211,606     $ 25.34       1,967,631     $ 26.17  
Granted during the period                 65,941       28.76  
Vested during the period     (425,767 )     27.98       (412,120 )     28.76  
Forfeited during the period     (23,600 )     27.52       (14,772 )     23.10  
Nonvested at end of period     762,239     $ 23.80       1,606,680     $ 25.64  

 

The Company recorded $197 thousand of compensation expense related to the PSUs for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. At March 31, 2025, there was $9.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to PSUs that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.64 years.

 

Restricted Stock Units

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s RSU activity for the periods indicated:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2025     2024  
    Shares     Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
    Shares     Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Nonvested at beginning of period   3,063,891     $ 25.61     3,055,824     $ 25.19  
Vested during the period     (341,237 )     20.54       (312,585 )     28.69  
Forfeited during the period     (26,773 )     25.35       (61,220 )     26.09  
Nonvested at end of period     2,695,881     $ 26.25       2,682,019     $ 24.77  

 

The Company recorded $4.3 million of compensation expense related to the RSUs for both the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. These amounts included $245 thousand and $287 thousand related to RSUs issued to the Company’s directors during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. At March 31, 2025, there was $37.3 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSUs that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.49 years.

41

Restricted Stock Awards

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s RSA activity for the periods indicated:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2025     2024  
    Shares     Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
    Shares     Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 
Nonvested at beginning of period   247,537     $ 28.67     526,868     $ 28.14  
Vested during the period     (2,922 )     30.85              
Forfeited during the period     (1,717 )     31.47       (24,523 )     28.54  
Nonvested at end of period     242,898     $ 28.62       502,345     $ 28.12  

 

The Company recorded $267 thousand of compensation expense related to the RSAs for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $38 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2024. At March 31, 2025, there was $363 thousand of unrecognized compensation cost related to RSAs that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.38 years.

 

The following table presents information regarding the vesting of the Company’s nonvested share-based compensation grants outstanding at March 31, 2025:

 

      Number of Shares  
Period Ending     PSU     RSU     RSA  
December 31, 2025         34,524     206,398  
December 31, 2026     508,868     1,599,012      
December 31, 2027     253,371     688,660     36,500  
December 31, 2028         357,496      
December 31, 2029 and later         16,189      
Total nonvested shares     762,239     2,695,881     242,898  

 

NOTE 10. EARNINGS PER SHARE AND DIVIDEND DATA

 

Basic and diluted EPS are calculated in accordance with ASC 260, Earnings Per Share. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS is computed using the weighted-average number of shares determined for the basic EPS computation plus the shares resulting from the assumed exercise of all outstanding share-based awards using the treasury stock method. There were no antidilutive equity awards excluded from dilutive shares for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 0.1 million antidilutive equity awards excluded from dilutive shares for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

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The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted EPS computations for the periods indicated:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)   2025     2024  
Net income   $ 133,222     $ 116,978  
Less: preferred dividends     2,372       2,372  
Net income available to common shareholders   $ 130,850     $ 114,606  
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding     183,532       182,572  
Dilutive effect of stock compensation     2,590       3,002  
Weighted average diluted common shares     186,122       185,574  
                 
Basic earnings per common share   $ 0.71     $ 0.63  
                 
Diluted earnings per common share   $ 0.70     $ 0.62  

 

Dividends to shareholders are subject to approval by the applicable regulatory authorities.

 

NOTE 11. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (“AOCI”)

 

Activity within the balances in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) is shown in the following tables for the periods indicated:

 

(In thousands)   Unrealized loss on AFS
securities
    Pension and other
postretirement benefits
    Accumulated other
comprehensive loss
 
Balance at December 31, 2024   $ (650,725 )   $ (43,770 )   $ (694,495 )
Net change     72,736       556       73,292  
Balance at March 31, 2025   $ (577,989 )   $ (43,214 )   $ (621,203 )
                         
Balance at December 31, 2023   $ (716,749 )   $ (45,080 )   $ (761,829 )
Net change     (30,156 )     652       (29,504 )
Balance at March 31, 2024   $ (746,905 )   $ (44,428 )   $ (791,333 )

 

NOTE 12. CAPITAL AND REGULATORY MATTERS

 

The Company is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal and state banking agencies. Regulatory capital ratios at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 were calculated in accordance with the Basel III capital framework as well as the interagency final rule published on September 30, 2020 entitled “Revised Transition of the Current Expected Credit Losses Methodology for Allowances.” Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Quantitative measures are established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy and require the Company to maintain minimum capital amounts and ratios.

 

Additionally, regulatory capital rules include a capital conservation buffer which the Company must maintain in addition to its minimum risk-based capital requirements. This buffer applies to all three risk-based capital measurements (CET1, Tier 1 and total capital to risk-weighted assets). A financial institution with a conservation buffer of less than the required amount is subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments, stock repurchases, and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.

43

The actual capital amounts and ratios for the Company are presented in the following tables and as shown, exceed the thresholds necessary to be considered “well capitalized.” Management believes that no events or changes have occurred subsequent to the indicated dates that would change this designation.

 

    March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio  
Actual:                        
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   $ 4,750,291       12.44 %   $ 4,693,487       12.35 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)     4,917,284       12.88       4,860,480       12.79  
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)     5,390,674       14.12       5,306,647       13.97  
Tier 1 leverage capital (to average assets)     4,917,284       10.56       4,860,480       10.41  
Minimum requirement(1):                                
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)     1,718,499       4.50       1,709,652       4.50  
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)     2,291,331       6.00       2,279,536       6.00  
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)     3,055,108       8.00       3,039,382       8.00  
Tier 1 leverage capital (to average assets)     1,862,919       4.00       1,867,273       4.00  
Well capitalized requirement under prompt corrective action provisions:                                
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)     2,482,276       6.50       2,469,498       6.50  
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)     3,055,108       8.00       3,039,382       8.00  
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)     3,818,886       10.00       3,799,227       10.00  
Tier 1 leverage capital (to average assets)     2,328,649       5.00       2,334,092       5.00  

 

(1) The additional capital conservation buffer in effect was 2.5%.

 

On April 25, 2025, the Company announced a share repurchase program whereby the Company may acquire up to an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock in the open market at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions. The repurchase program is subject to and will be effective upon approval from the Federal Reserve and will expire on December 31, 2025.

 

The extent and timing of any repurchases depends on market conditions and other corporate, legal and regulatory considerations. Repurchased shares are held as authorized and unissued shares. These authorized but unissued shares are available for use in the Company’s stock compensation programs, other transactions, or for other corporate purposes as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

Federal and state banking laws and regulations and state corporate laws restrict the amount of dividends that the Company may declare and pay. Under Mississippi law, the Company cannot pay any dividend on its common stock unless it has received written approval of the Commissioner of the MDBCF. The federal banking agencies have indicated that paying dividends that deplete a depository institution’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice. The Federal Reserve must approve any dividend that exceeds the Company’s current year’s net income plus its retained net income from the prior two calendar years.

44

NOTE 13. SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The Company determines operating segments based upon the services offered, the significance of those services to the Company’s financial condition and operating results, and management’s regular review of the operating results of those services. The Company’s CODM is the Company’s CEO. The application and development of management reporting methodologies is a robust process and is subject to periodic enhancements. As these enhancements are made, financial results presented by each reportable segment may be periodically revised. Cadence makes operating decisions based on the following operating segments, as described below.

 

Corporate Banking segment focuses on C&I, business banking, and commercial real estate lending to clients in the geographic footprint.

 

Community Banking segment provides a broad range of banking services through the branch network to serve the needs of community businesses and individual consumers in the geographic footprint.

 

Mortgage segment includes mortgage banking activities of originating mortgage loans, selling mortgage loans in the secondary market and servicing the mortgage loans that are sold on a servicing retained basis.

 

Banking Services segment offers individuals, businesses, governmental institutions, and non-profit entities a wide range of solutions to help protect, grow, and transfer wealth. Offerings include credit-related products via Private Banking services, trust and investment management, asset management, retirement and savings solutions, estate planning and annuity products.

 

General Corporate and Other segment includes other activities not allocated to other aforementioned operating segments. Additionally, intercompany eliminations are included as they do not reflect normal operations of the other segments. The disaggregation of General Corporate and Other better defines the results from the individual segments due to the direct relationship of the internal support provided by the strategic business units within the Bank.

 

Results of operations and selected financial information by operating segment for periods indicated are presented in the following tables. The tables show total noninterest income segregated between contracts with customers within the scope of ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and those within the scope of other GAAP Topics. Additionally, with the adoption of ASU 2023-07, the tables show significant segment expenses within total noninterest expense used by the CODM to assess the performance of each segment.

45

(In thousands)   Corporate Banking     Community Banking     Mortgage     Banking Services     General Corporate and Other     Total  
Results of Operations                                                
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025                                                
Net interest revenue   $ 109,540     $ 260,900     $ 26,966     $ 10,409     $ (44,663 )   $ 363,152  
Provision (release) for credit losses     8,481       6,716       8,027       898       (4,122 )     20,000  
Net interest revenue after provision (release) for credit losses     101,059       254,184       18,939       9,511       (40,541 )     343,152  
Noninterest revenue                                                
In Scope of Topic 606                                                
Trust and asset management income     316       4             12,269       (766 )     11,823  
Investment advisory fees                       8,498       (44 )     8,454  
Other brokerage fees                       1,670             1,670  
Deposit service charges     3,959       13,963             254       (440 )     17,736  
Credit card, debit card and merchant fees     1       8,864                   3,124       11,989  
Total noninterest revenue (in-scope of Topic 606)     4,276       22,831             22,691       1,874       51,672  
Total noninterest revenue (out-of-scope of Topic 606)     10,328       9,832       7,853       1,587       4,115       33,715  
Total noninterest revenue     14,604       32,663       7,853       24,278       5,989       85,387  
Noninterest expense                                                
Salaries and employee benefits     21,765       61,352       5,801       13,474       50,580       152,972  
Occupancy and equipment     323       19,680       407       317       7,750       28,477  
Data processing and software     1,138       692       1,138       1,026       23,138       27,132  
Allocated overhead expenses     19,575       65,808       5,930       3,980       (95,293 )      
Other segment items(1)     9,900       8,764       5,064       4,373       22,667       50,768  
Total noninterest expense     52,701       156,296       18,340       23,170       8,842       259,349  
Income (loss) before income taxes     62,962       130,551       8,452       10,619       (43,394 )     169,190  
Income tax expense (benefit)     14,796       30,679       1,986       2,492       (13,985 )     35,968  
Net income (loss)   $ 48,166     $ 99,872     $ 6,466     $ 8,127     $ (29,409 )   $ 133,222  
Selected Financial Information                                                
Total assets at end of period   $ 11,612,434     $ 17,482,499     $ 6,024,063     $ 1,141,312     $ 11,482,986     $ 47,743,294  

 

(1)  Other segment items for each reportable segment includes:

Corporate Banking: legal expenses, travel expenses and certain overhead expenses.

Community Banking: advertising, office supplies, ATM expenses, delivery expenses, professional and consulting fees, legal expenses, telecommunication and postage expenses, travel expenses, and certain overhead expenses.

Mortgage: loan quality control and loan repurchase expenses, legal expenses, and certain overhead expenses.

Banking Services: amortization of intangibles, professional and consulting fees, legal expenses, and certain overhead expenses.

General, Corporate and Other: advertising, supplies, regulatory expenses, and certain other overhead expenses.
46

(In thousands)   Corporate Banking     Community Banking     Mortgage     Banking Services     General Corporate and Other     Total  
Results of Operations                                                
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024                                                
Net interest revenue   $ 113,266     $ 283,330     $ 21,997     $ 10,129     $ (74,814 )   $ 353,908  
Provision (release) for credit losses     20,545       (2,564 )     1,147       (694 )     3,566       22,000  
Net interest revenue after provision (release) for credit losses     92,721       285,894       20,850       10,823       (78,380 )     331,908  
Noninterest revenue                                                
In Scope of Topic 606                                                
Trust and asset management income     266       4             11,759       (707 )     11,322  
Investment advisory fees                       8,381       (45 )     8,336  
Other brokerage fees                       1,470             1,470  
Deposit service charges     3,296       13,591             931       520       18,338  
Credit card, debit card and merchant fees     160       9,001             5       2,996       12,162  
Total noninterest revenue (in-scope of Topic 606)     3,722       22,596             22,546       2,764       51,628  
Total noninterest revenue (out-of-scope of Topic 606)     9,825       9,265       7,574       3,714       1,780       32,158  
Total noninterest revenue     13,547       31,861       7,574       26,260       4,544       83,786  
Noninterest expense                                                
Salaries and employee benefits     21,722       58,354       6,810       14,878       54,886       156,650  
Occupancy and equipment     1,026       17,524       1,101       855       8,134       28,640  
Data processing and software     911       441       996       1,346       26,334       30,028  
Allocated overhead expenses     25,572       63,292       7,640       3,905       (100,409 )      
Other segment items(1)     7,365       11,906       3,210       5,096       20,312       47,889  
Total noninterest expense     56,596       151,517       19,757       26,080       9,257       263,207  
Income (loss) before income taxes     49,672       166,238       8,667       11,003       (83,093 )     152,487  
Income tax expense (benefit)     11,673       39,066       2,037       2,583       (19,850 )     35,509  
Net income (loss)   $ 37,999     $ 127,172     $ 6,630     $ 8,420     $ (63,243 )   $ 116,978  
Selected Financial Information                                                
Total assets at end of period   $ 11,738,934     $ 16,999,654     $ 5,101,542     $ 1,156,941     $ 13,316,792     $ 48,313,863  

 

(1)  Other segment items for each reportable segment includes:

Corporate Banking: legal expenses, travel expenses and certain overhead expenses.

Community Banking: advertising, office supplies, ATM expenses, delivery expenses, professional and consulting fees, legal expenses, telecommunication and postage expenses, travel expenses, and certain overhead expenses.

Mortgage: loan quality control and loan repurchase expenses, legal expenses, and certain overhead expenses.

Banking Services: amortization of intangibles, professional and consulting fees, legal expenses, and certain overhead expenses.

General, Corporate, and Other: advertising, supplies, regulatory expenses, and certain other overhead expenses.

 

NOTE 14. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company primarily uses derivatives to manage exposure to market risk, including interest rate risk, credit risk and foreign currency risk, and to assist customers with their risk management objectives. Management may designate certain derivatives as hedging instruments in a qualifying hedge accounting relationship. The Company’s derivative instruments consist of economic hedges for which the Company has elected not to apply hedge accounting and derivatives held for customer accommodation, or other purposes.

47

The fair value of derivative positions outstanding is included in other assets and other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and in the net change in each of these financial statement line items in the operating section of the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows. For derivatives not designated as hedging instruments or determined to be an ineffective hedge under applicable accounting guidance, gains and losses due to changes in fair value are included in noninterest income and the operating section of the consolidated statements of cash flows. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments, the entire change in the fair value related to the derivative instrument is recognized as a component of other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into interest income when the forecasted transaction affects income. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were no derivatives designated under hedge accounting. The notional amounts and estimated fair values for the periods indicated were as follows:

 

    March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
          Fair Value                 Fair Value        
(Dollars in thousands)   Notional
Amount
    Other
Assets
    Other
Liabilities
    Weighted
Average
Maturity
(years)
    Notional
Amount
    Other
Assets
    Other
Liabilities
    Weighted
Average
Maturity
(years)
 
Commercial loan interest rate contracts   $ 3,862,600     $ 28,675     $ 40,181       4.2     $ 3,781,868     $ 30,555     $ 45,070       4.2  
Mortgage loan held-for-sale interest rate lock commitments     209,488       2,875       1       0.1       151,231       1,310       15       0.1  
Futures, forwards and options (used to hedge MSR, see Note 7)     246,000       438       73       0.2       230,000             3,085       0.2  
Mortgage loan forward sale commitments     216,485       6       1,147       0.1       179,000       816       34       0.1  
Foreign exchange contracts     55,037       401       229       0.4       55,542       650       469       0.5  
Total derivatives   $ 4,589,610     $ 32,395     $ 41,631             $ 4,397,641     $ 33,331     $ 48,673          

 

The Company is party to collateral support agreements with certain derivative counterparties. Such agreements require that the Company maintain collateral based on the fair values of derivative transactions. In the event of default by the Company, the counterparty would be entitled to the collateral. At March 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024, the Company was required to post $64.3 million and $60.9 million, respectively, in cash or qualifying securities as collateral for its derivative transactions, and these amounts were included in interest bearing deposits with other banks for the periods indicated. In addition, the Company had recorded the obligation to return cash collateral provided by counterparties of $9.6 million and $23.1 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, within deposits on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Certain financial instruments, such as derivatives, may be eligible for offset in the consolidated balance sheet and/or subject to master netting arrangements or similar agreements. The Company’s derivative transactions with upstream financial institution counterparties are generally executed under International Swaps and Derivative Association master agreements which include “right of set-off” provisions. In such cases, there is generally a legally enforceable right to offset recognized amounts and there may be an intention to settle such amounts on a net basis. Nonetheless, the Company does not generally offset such financial instruments for financial reporting purposes.

 

The Company enters into certain interest rate contracts on commercial loans, which include swaps, floors, caps and collars that are not designated as hedging instruments. These derivative contracts relate to transactions in which the Company enters into an interest rate contract with a loan customer while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate contract with another financial institution. In connection with each swap transaction, the Company agrees to pay interest to the customer on a notional amount at a variable interest rate and receive interest from the customer on a similar notional amount at a fixed interest rate. At the same time, the Company agrees to pay another financial institution the same fixed interest rate on the same notional amount and receive the same variable interest rate on the same notional amount. The interest rate swap, floor, cap and collar transactions allow the Company to manage its interest rate risk. Because the Company acts as an intermediary for its customers, changes in the fair value of the underlying derivative contracts generally offset and do not significantly impact the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the parties to the interest rate contracts. However, the Company does not anticipate nonperformance by the counterparties. The estimated fair value has been recorded as an asset and a corresponding liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

 

The Company has both bought and sold credit protection in the form of participations on interest rate swaps (swap participations). These swap participations, which meet the definition of credit derivatives, were entered into in the ordinary course of business to serve the credit needs of customers. Swap participations, whereby the Company has purchased credit protection, entitle the Company to receive a payment from the counterparty if the customer fails to make payment on any amounts due to the Company upon early termination of the swap transaction. For contracts where the Company sold credit protection, the Company would be required to make payment to the counterparty if the customer fails to make payment on any amounts due to the counterparty upon early termination of the swap transaction. Swap participation agreements where the Company is the beneficiary had notional values totaling $203.7 million and $205.1 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Swap participation agreements where the Company is the guarantor had notional values totaling $454.7 million and $443.0 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

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The Company enters into interest rate lock commitments with customers in connection with residential mortgage loan applications for loans the Company intends to sell. Additionally, the Company enters into mortgage loan forward sales commitments of MBS with investors to mitigate the effect of interest rate risk inherent in providing interest rate lock commitments to customers. Both the interest rate lock commitments and mortgage loan forward sales commitments are considered derivatives under current accounting guidance and are required to be recorded at fair value. The fair value of these derivatives is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and other liabilities. The change in fair value of these instruments is recorded within mortgage banking revenue in the consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, and 2024, mortgage loans held for sale interest rate lock commitments and mortgage loan forward sales commitment gains totaled $1.2 million and $1.8 million, respectively.

 

The Company has an economic hedge in place on its MSR and uses various instruments (including but not limited to Treasury options, SOFR and TBA futures and forwards) to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with the MSR. These hedging instruments are reported at fair value, with adjustments included as part of mortgage banking revenue in the consolidated statements of income. The market value adjustment on MSR hedge totaled net gains of $3.3 million and net losses of $4.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. See Note 7 for additional information.

 

The Company enters into certain foreign currency exchange contracts on behalf of its clients to facilitate their risk management strategies, while at the same time entering into offsetting foreign currency exchange contracts with another counterparty in order to minimize the Company’s foreign currency exchange risk. The contracts are short term in nature, and any gain or loss incurred at settlement is recorded as other noninterest income. The fair value of these contracts is reported in other assets and other liabilities. Foreign exchange contract net gains totaled $1.1 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

 

NOTE 15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

 

Mortgage Loans Serviced for Others

 

The Company services mortgage loans for other financial institutions that are not included as assets in the Company’s accompanying consolidated financial statements. Included in the $8.1 billion and $8.0 billion of mortgage loans serviced for investors at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, was $0.6 million of primary recourse servicing pursuant to which the Company is responsible for any losses incurred in the event of nonperformance by the mortgagor. The Company’s exposure to credit loss in the event of such nonperformance is the unpaid principal balance at the time of default. This exposure is limited by the underlying collateral, which consists of single family residences and either federal or private mortgage insurance.

 

Lending Commitments

 

The consolidated financial statements do not reflect various commitments and contingent liabilities which arise in the normal course of banking business and involve elements of credit risk, interest rate risk, and liquidity risk. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, these included $467.6 million and $448.9 million, respectively, in letters of credit and $8.6 billion in unfunded extensions of credit such as interim mortgage financing, construction credit, credit card, and revolving line of credit arrangements.

 

Commitments to extend credit and letters of credit include some exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance of the customer. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. In addition, the Company has entered into certain contingent commitments to grant loans. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. The credit policies and procedures for such commitments are the same as those used for lending activities. Because these instruments have fixed maturity dates and because a number expire without being drawn upon, they generally do not present any significant liquidity risk. The Company did not realize significant credit losses from these commitments and arrangements during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

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Other Commitments

 

The Company makes investments in limited partnerships, including certain affordable housing partnerships for which it receives tax credits. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, unfunded capital commitments totaled $255.8 million and $277.4 million, respectively. See Note 16 for more information.

 

Litigation

 

The nature of the Company’s business ordinarily results in certain types of claims, litigation, investigations, and other legal or administrative cases and proceedings. Although the Company and its subsidiaries have policies and procedures to minimize legal noncompliance and the impact of claims and other proceedings, and endeavored to procure reasonable amounts of insurance coverage, litigation and regulatory actions present an ongoing risk.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries engage in lines of business that are heavily regulated and involve a large volume of actual or potential financial transactions with customers or applicants, and the Company is a public company with a large number of shareholders. From time to time, applicants, borrowers, customers, shareholders, former employees, service providers, and other third parties have brought actions against the Company or its subsidiaries, in certain cases claiming substantial damages. Financial services companies are subject to risks arising from changing regulatory frameworks or expectations, regulatory investigations, class action litigation, and, from time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries have such actions brought against them. The Company and its subsidiaries are also subject to enforcement actions by federal or state regulators, including the Federal Reserve, the CFPB, the DOJ, state attorneys general, and the MDBCF, which may be adversely impacted by ongoing litigation in which the Company is involved. Additionally, the Company is, and management expects it to be, engaged in a number of foreclosure proceedings and other collection actions as part of its lending and leasing collections activities, which, from time to time, have resulted in counterclaims against the Company and its subsidiaries. Various legal proceedings have and may arise in the future out of claims against entities to which the Company is a successor as a result of business combinations.

 

When and as the Company determines it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted, it vigorously defends against such claims. The Company will consider settlement of claims when, in management’s judgment and in consultation with counsel, it is in the best interests of the Company to do so.

 

The Company cannot predict with certainty the cost of defense, the cost of prosecution, or the ultimate outcome of litigation or other proceedings filed by or against it, its subsidiaries and its directors, management or employees, including remedies or damage awards. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company assesses its liabilities and contingencies in connection with outstanding legal proceedings as well as certain threatened claims (which are not considered incidental to the ordinary conduct of the Company’s business) utilizing the latest and most reliable information available. For matters where a loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be estimated, the Company will not make an accrual. For matters where it is probable the Company will incur a loss and the amount can be reasonably estimated, the Company will accrue for the loss. Once established, the accrual is adjusted periodically to reflect any relevant developments. The actual cost of any such matters, however, may turn out to be substantially higher than the amount accrued. Further, the Company’s insurance policies have deductibles and coverage limits, and such policies are unlikely to cover all costs and expenses related to the defense or prosecution of such legal proceedings or any losses arising therefrom.

 

Although the final outcome of any legal proceedings is inherently uncertain, based on the information available, advice of counsel and available insurance coverage, if applicable, management believes that the litigation-related liability of $7.5 million accrued at March 31, 2025 is adequate and that any incremental change in potential liability arising from the Company’s legal proceedings and threatened claims, including the matters described herein and those otherwise arising in the ordinary course of business, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or consolidated results of operations or financial condition. It is possible, however, that future developments could result in an unfavorable outcome for or resolution of any one or more of the legal proceedings in which the Company or its subsidiaries are defendants, which may be material to the Company’s business or consolidated results of operations or financial condition for a particular fiscal period or periods.

 

On August 30, 2021, Legacy Cadence Bank and the DOJ agreed to a settlement set forth in the consent order related to the investigation by the DOJ of Legacy Cadence Bank’s fair lending program in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery Counties located in Houston, Texas during the period between 2014 and 2016 (the “Consent Order”). The Consent Order was signed by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, on August 31, 2021. Pursuant to Section 5.2(g) of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Paragraph 50 of the Consent Order, Legacy BancorpSouth Bank approved the negotiated settlement, and subsequently, the Company agreed to accept the obligations of the Consent Order. The Consent Order is in effect for five years. For additional information regarding the terms of this settlement and the Consent Order, see Legacy Cadence’s Current Report on Form 8-K that was filed with the SEC on August 30, 2021.

 

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NOTE 16. VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES AND OTHER INVESTMENTS

 

Under ASC 810-10-65, a Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary and required to consolidate a VIE if it has a variable interest in the VIE that provides a controlling financial interest. The determination of whether a controlling financial interest exists is based on whether a single party has both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb the losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. ASC 810-10-65 requires continual reconsideration of conclusions reached regarding which interest holder is a VIE’s primary beneficiary.

 

Certain NMTC meet the qualifications for consolidation under ASC 810. Consolidation is applicable to this type of investment structure when the entities owned by the tax credit investment fund, managing member, and limited partner of the sub-CDE are under common control, and the limited partner’s related party group has both the power and the obligation to absorb the significant benefits and losses of the sub-CDE. Based on this, the limited partner, which is the Company, is the primary beneficiary of the sub-CDE (VIE) and therefore subject to consolidation. NMTC investment structures which include a managing member not affiliated with the Company are not subject to consolidation.

 

At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company’s assets of the consolidated VIE that can be used only to settle obligations of the consolidated VIE totaled $5.1 million and $5.4 million, respectively.

 

The Company is invested in several tax credit projects solely as a limited partner. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company’s maximum exposure to loss associated with these limited partnerships was limited to its investment. Most of the investments are in affordable housing projects. The partnerships have qualified to receive annual affordable housing federal tax credits that are recognized as a reduction of current tax expense. The Company accounts for these investments and the related tax credits using either the effective yield method or the proportional amortization method, depending upon the date of the investment. Under the effective yield method, the Company recognizes the tax credits as they are allocated and amortizes the initial costs of the investments to provide a constant effective yield over the period the tax credits are allocated. Under the proportional amortization method, the Company amortizes the cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense. The Company also has, to a lesser degree, investments in NMTC and historic tax credit projects. The Company has elected to account for the NMTC not subject to consolidation and historic tax credits using the flow-through method, which reduces federal income taxes in the year in which the credit arises. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company recorded total tax credit investments in other assets on its consolidated balance sheets of $378.4 million and $387.3 million, respectively.

 

The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2023-02 as of January 1, 2024 and determined each investments’ eligibility for proportional amortization. For certain NMTC and HTC investments that do not qualify for the proportional amortization method under ASU 2023-02, amortization related to these investments are recorded in other noninterest income in the Company’s consolidated statements of income. The Company recorded amortization of $0.3 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024. The cash flow activity related to these investments are presented in the net income (loss) line in the operating activities section of the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

For the investments that qualify for proportional amortization under ASU 2023-02, the Company recognized income tax credits and other income tax benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2025 of $11.6 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The total income tax benefits of $13.1 million are partially offset by $10.4 million of investment amortization recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2025, for a net income tax benefit of $2.7 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company recognized income tax credits and other income tax benefits of $10.2 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The total income tax benefits of $11.5 million are partially offset by $9.2 million of investment amortization recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2024, for a net income tax benefit of $2.3 million.

 

The cash flows related to the total income tax benefits are presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows. The net income tax benefit of $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was included in the net income (loss) line within operating activities. Investment amortization of $10.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was included in the depreciation and amortization line item, which was an adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used for) operating activities. The income tax credits and other income tax benefits of $13.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was included in the net change to other assets or liabilities line item, which was also an adjustment to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided by (used for) operating activities.

 

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Additionally, the Company has investments in other certain limited partnerships accounted for under the fair value practical expedient of NAV totaling $125.7 million and $118.7 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Related to these assets recorded at fair value through net income, the Company recognized net gains of $2.3 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. These investments are made primarily through various SBIC funds as a strategy to provide expansion and growth opportunities to small businesses and community development funds to help serve the credit needs of the low- and moderate-income and underserved communities within our footprint. Of the total fair value of these limited partnerships, $16.7 million and $15.8 million are related to real-estate funds at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The remaining $109.0 million and $102.9 million are related to SBIC funds that concentrate in a variety of industries at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. At March 31, 2025, unfunded commitments related to these investments were $4.1 million and $103.5 million related to the real-estate funds and other SBIC funds, respectively. SBIC funds are generally structured to operate for approximately 10 years. During the life of each SBIC fund, partners can request to withdraw from the fund, and subsequently receive the balance of their investment as the underlying assets are liquidated over the remaining life of the fund. The Company has no current plans to withdraw from any of its SBIC funds.

 

For other limited partnerships without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the practical expedient, Cadence elected the measurement alternative to account for these investments at their cost minus impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for the identical or a similar investment of the same issuer. These investments totaled $2.7 million and $2.6 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Other limited partnerships accounted for under the equity method totaled $8.7 million at both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

 

A summary of the Company’s investments in limited partnerships is presented as of the following periods:

 

(In thousands)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
Tax credit investments (amortized cost)   $ 378,410     $ 387,339  
Limited partnerships accounted for under the fair value practical expedient of NAV     125,665       118,710  
Limited partnerships without readily determinable fair values that do not qualify for the practical expedient of NAV accounted for under the cost method     2,714       2,586  
Limited partnerships required to be accounted for under the equity method     8,664       8,664  
Total investments in limited partnerships   $ 515,453     $ 517,299  

 

For equity investments carried at cost using the measurement alternative, during the three months ended March 31, 2025 there was one write-down for impairment of $40 thousand. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, there were no downward or upward adjustments to these investments for impairments or price changes from observable transactions. The carrying amount of these equity investments in limited partnerships measured under this measurement alternative for the specified periods are as follows:

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Carrying value at the beginning of the period   $ 2,586     $ 2,417  
Impairments     (40 )      
Distributions     (12 )     (55 )
Contributions     180       770  
Carrying value at the end of the period   $ 2,714     $ 3,132  

 

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NOTE 17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Industry Bancshares, Inc.

 

On April 25, 2025, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Industry Merger Agreement”) with Cadence Opportunity, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company formed to effect the merger, and Industry Bancshares, Inc., the bank holding company for Bank of Brenham, National Association, Citizens State Bank, Fayetteville Bank, Industry State Bank, The First National Bank of Bellville and The First National Bank of Shiner (collectively, the “Industry Banks”). Under the terms of the Industry Merger Agreement, the Industry Banks ultimately will be merged with and into the Company, and the Company will, based upon Industry Bancshares’ equity capital at the closing of the transaction, pay between $20 million and $60 million in cash for all of Industry Bancshares’ outstanding common stock, subject to certain conditions and potential adjustments. At March 31, 2025, Industry had approximately $4.4 billion in total assets, $1.1 billion in total loans and $4.5 billion in total deposits. The Industry Merger Agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of the Company and Industry Bancshares. In addition to regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, the closing of the transaction is also conditioned upon Industry Bancshares’ equity capital meeting a certain minimum amount at closing.

 

FCB Financial Corp.

 

On May 1, 2025, the Company completed its acquisition of FCB Financial Corp. (“FCB Financial”), the bank holding company for FCB (collectively referred to as “First Chatham”), pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated January 22, 2025 by and between the Company and FCB Financial (the “FCB Merger Agreement”). Upon the completion of the merger of FCB Financial with and into the Company, FCB, FCB Financials’ wholly-owned banking subsidiary, was merged with and into the Company. First Chatham is a Savannah, Georgia-based community bank operating eight branches across the Greater Savannah Area. Under the terms of the FCB Merger Agreement, the Company issued 2.3 million shares of common stock and paid $23.1 million in cash for all outstanding shares of First Chatham. At March 31, 2025, First Chatham had approximately $605 million in total assets, total loans of $336 million, and $523 million in total deposits. The purchase price allocation and certain fair value measurements are not complete due to the timing of the closing of the merger. Due to the recent closing, management remains in the early stages of reviewing the estimated fair values and evaluating the assumed tax positions of the merger.

 

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

 

OVERVIEW

 

The Company is a regional bank with corporate offices in Houston, Texas and Tupelo, Mississippi with $47.7 billion in total assets at March 31, 2025. The Company has commercial banking operations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas. The Company and its subsidiaries provide commercial banking, leasing, mortgage origination and servicing, brokerage, trust, and investment advisory services to corporate customers, local governments, individuals, and other financial institutions through an extensive network of branches and offices.

 

Management’s discussion and analysis provides a narrative discussion of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. For a complete understanding of the following discussion, refer to the consolidated financial statements and related notes presented elsewhere in this Report. Management’s discussion and analysis should also be read in conjunction with the risk factors included in Item 1A of this Report and those included in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the other reports we file with the Federal Reserve. This discussion and analysis is based on reported financial information, and certain amounts for prior years have been reclassified to conform with the current financial statement presentation.

 

The financial condition and operating results of the Company are heavily influenced by economic trends nationally and in the specific markets in which the Company’s subsidiaries provide financial services. Generally, the pressures of the national and regional economic cycle create a difficult operating environment for the financial services industry. During such times, the Company is not immune to pressures and any economic downturn may have a negative impact on the Company and its customers in all of the markets it serves. Management believes future weakness in the economic environment could adversely affect the strength of the credit quality of the Company’s assets. Therefore, management will continue to focus on early identification and resolution of credit issues.

 

The largest source of the Company’s revenue is derived from its corporate and community banking operations. The financial condition and operating results of the Company are affected by the level and volatility of interest rates on loans, investment securities, deposits, and borrowed funds, and the impact of economic downturns on loan demand, collateral values, and creditworthiness of existing borrowers. The financial services industry is highly competitive and heavily regulated. The Company’s success depends on its ability to compete aggressively within its markets while maintaining sufficient asset quality and cost controls to generate net income.

 

The information that follows is provided to enhance comparability of financial information between periods and to provide a better understanding of the Company’s operations.

 

Recent Developments

 

On January 22, 2025, the Company announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement with FCB Financial Corp., the bank holding company for First Chatham Bank, (collectively referred to as “First Chatham”), pursuant to which First Chatham was merged with and into the Company, effective May 1, 2025. First Chatham is a Savannah, Georgia-based community bank operating eight branches across the Greater Savannah Area. Pursuant to the terms of the definitive merger agreement, the Company issued 2.3 million shares of common stock and paid $23.1 million in cash for all outstanding shares of FCB Financial Corp.

 

On April 25, 2025, at the Company’s special meeting of shareholders, the holders of the Company’s Preferred Stock approved a proposal amending the Articles of Incorporation to permit stock repurchases for compliance purposes under Regulation H, which the Company is subject to as a result of becoming a Fed member bank. On March 26, 2025, the Board declared a special cash dividend of $0.34375 per share of Preferred Stock payable on May 7, 2025, to the Preferred Stock shareholders of record as of April 30, 2025, that was conditioned on the passage of the proposal at the special meeting.

 

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On April 25, 2025, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Industry Merger Agreement”) with Cadence Opportunity, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company formed to effect the merger, and Industry Bancshares, Inc., the bank holding company for Bank of Brenham, National Association, Citizens State Bank, Fayetteville Bank, Industry State Bank, The First National Bank of Bellville and The First National Bank of Shiner (collectively, the “Industry Banks”). Under the terms of the Industry Merger Agreement, the Industry Banks ultimately will be merged with and into the Company, and the Company will, based upon Industry Bancshares’ equity capital at the closing of the transaction, pay between $20 million and $60 million in cash for all of Industry Bancshares’ outstanding common stock, subject to certain conditions and potential adjustments. At March 31, 2025, Industry had approximately $4.4 billion in total assets, $1.1 billion in total loans and $4.5 billion in total deposits. The Industry Merger Agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of the Company and Industry Bancshares. In addition to regulatory and shareholder approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, the closing of the transaction is also conditioned upon Industry Bancshares’ equity capital meeting a certain minimum amount at closing.

 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS

 

In addition to financial ratios based on measures defined by GAAP, the Company has identified “total tangible shareholders’ equity,” “tangible common shareholders’ equity,” “total tangible common shareholders’ equity (excluding AOCI),” “total tangible assets,” “total tangible assets (excluding AOCI),” “tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets,” “tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets,” “tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets (excluding AOCI),” “tangible common book value per share,” and “tangible book value per common share (excluding AOCI)” as non-GAAP financial measures used when evaluating the performance of the Company.

 

Total tangible shareholders’ equity is defined by the Company as total shareholders’ equity less goodwill and other intangible assets, net.

 

Total tangible common shareholders’ equity is defined by the Company as total shareholders’ equity less preferred stock, goodwill, and other intangible assets, net.

 

Total tangible common shareholders’ equity, excluding AOCI, is defined by the Company as total shareholders’ equity less preferred stock, goodwill, other intangible assets, net, and AOCI.

 

Total tangible assets are defined by the Company as total assets less goodwill and other intangible assets, net.

 

Total tangible assets, excluding AOCI, are defined by the Company as total assets less goodwill, other intangible assets, net, and AOCI.

 

Tangible common book value per share is defined by the Company as tangible common shareholders’ equity divided by total shares of common stock outstanding.

 

Tangible book value per common share, excluding AOCI, is defined by the Company as tangible common shareholders’ equity less AOCI divided by total shares of common stock outstanding.

 

Management believes the ratios of tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets, tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets and tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets (excluding AOCI) to be important to investors who are interested in evaluating the adequacy of the Company’s capital levels. Management also believes that tangible common book value per share and tangible common book value per share (excluding AOCI) are important to investors who are interested in changes from period to period in book value per share exclusive of changes in intangible assets.

 

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The following table reconciles these non-GAAP financial measures as presented above to GAAP financial measures as reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the periods indicated:

 

TABLE 1—NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024     March 31, 2024  
Total tangible assets, excluding AOCI                        
Total assets   $ 47,743,294     $ 47,019,190     $ 48,313,863  
Less: Goodwill     1,366,923       1,366,923       1,367,785  
Other intangible assets, net     79,522       83,190       96,126  
Total tangible assets   $ 46,296,849     $ 45,569,077     $ 46,849,952  
Less: AOCI     (621,203 )     (694,495 )     (791,333 )
Total tangible assets, excluding AOCI   $ 46,918,052     $ 46,263,572     $ 47,641,285  
                         
Total tangible common shareholders’ equity, excluding AOCI                        
Total shareholders’ equity   $ 5,718,541     $ 5,569,683     $ 5,189,932  
Less: Goodwill     1,366,923       1,366,923       1,367,785  
Other intangible assets, net     79,522       83,190       96,126  
Total tangible shareholders’ equity   $ 4,272,096     $ 4,119,570     $ 3,726,021  
Less: Preferred stock     166,993       166,993       166,993  
Total tangible common shareholders’ equity   $ 4,105,103     $ 3,952,577     $ 3,559,028  
Less: AOCI     (621,203 )     (694,495 )     (791,333 )
Total tangible common shareholders’ equity, excluding AOCI   $ 4,726,306     $ 4,647,072     $ 4,350,361  
                         
Total common shares outstanding     184,046,420       183,527,575       182,681,325  
                         
Tangible shareholders’ equity to tangible assets     9.23 %     9.04 %     7.95 %
Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets     8.87 %     8.67 %     7.60 %
Tangible common shareholders’ equity, excluding AOCI, to tangible assets, excluding AOCI     10.07 %     10.04 %     9.13 %
Tangible common book value per share   $ 22.30     $ 21.54     $ 19.48  
Tangible book value per common share, excluding AOCI   $ 25.68     $ 25.32     $ 23.81  

 

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FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

The following table presents financial highlights for the periods indicated:

 

TABLE 2—FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

 

    As of and For the Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2025     2024  
Common share data:                
Basic earnings per share   $ 0.71     $ 0.63  
Diluted earnings per share     0.70       0.62  
Cash dividends per share     0.275       0.250  
Book value per share     30.16       27.50  
Tangible common book value per share (1)     22.30       19.48  
Tangible book value per common share, excluding AOCI (1)     25.68       23.81  
Dividend payout ratio     39.29 %     40.48 %
Financial Ratios:                
Return on average assets (2)     1.15       0.97  
Return on average shareholders’ equity (2)     9.56       9.06  
Return on average common shareholders’ equity (2)     9.68       9.17  
Total shareholders’ equity to total assets     11.98       10.74  
Total common shareholders’ equity to total assets     11.63       10.40  
Tangible common shareholders’ equity to tangible assets (1)     8.87       7.60  
Tangible common shareholders’ equity, excluding AOCI, to tangible assets, excluding AOCI (1)     10.07       9.13  
Net interest margin-FTE     3.46       3.22  
Credit Quality Ratios:                
Net charge-offs to average loans and leases (2)     0.27 %     0.24 %
Provision for credit losses to average loans and leases (2)     0.24       0.27  
ACL to net loans and leases     1.34       1.44  
ACL to NPL     194.02       196.08  
ACL to NPA     187.31       191.88  
NPL to net loans and leases     0.69       0.73  
NPA to total assets     0.51       0.51  
Capital Adequacy Ratios:                
Common Equity Tier 1 capital     12.44 %     11.71 %
Tier 1 capital     12.88       12.15  
Total capital     14.12       14.49  
Tier 1 leverage capital     10.56       9.46  

 

(1) Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Reconciliations.”
(2) Ratios are annualized.

 

As of March 31, 2025, the federal funds rate held steady at 4.5%. The Federal Reserve decided to hold interest rates steady, after it lowered interest rates by 100 basis points since the first quarter of 2024. There is a possibility for additional interest rate reductions in 2025, however, the Federal Reserve continues to monitor relevant economic data and economic policy changes. The decreases in interest rates during the fourth quarter of 2024 have had an effect on both our balance sheet as well as our earnings. As seen in the following sections, the increase in net interest revenue resulted from a lower cost on our interest-bearing liabilities, benefiting from declining deposit costs, and the payoffs of both the BTFP borrowings and the majority of our subordinated debt since the second quarter of 2024. Total average interest-earning assets declined in the first quarter of 2025 as compared to the same period in 2024, as growth in average loans was offset by lower average investment securities and other investment balances as the Company used cash flow from these investments to support the payoff the BTFP borrowings and subordinated debt. See “Net Interest Revenue” for further information.

 

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The Company reported net income available to common shareholders of $130.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $114.6 million for the same period in 2024. Key factors contributing to the $16.3 million increase in net income available to common shareholders included: (1) the increase in net interest revenue to $363.2 million for the first quarter of 2025 from $353.9 million for the same period in 2024; (2) the increase in noninterest revenue to $85.4 million for the first quarter of 2025 from $83.8 million for the same period in 2024; and (3) the decrease in noninterest expense to $259.3 million in the first quarter of 2025 from $263.2 million in the first quarter of 2024. The Company recorded a provision for credit losses of $20.0 million and $22.0 million for three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

 

Net interest revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 increased $9.3 million, or 2.6%, to $363.2 million compared to $353.9 million for the same period in 2024. Total cost of interest-bearing liabilities declined 43 basis points to 2.97% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 3.40% for the first quarter of 2024, benefiting from declining deposit costs as well as the payoffs of both the BTFP borrowings and the majority of the subordinated debt. Interest expense decreased $47.1 million, or 16.6%, in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Average earning assets declined $1.6 billion to $42.6 billion for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter of 2024, as growth in average loans of $1.2 billion was offset by lower average other investments and investment securities balances as the Company used cash flow from these investments to support the payoffs of both the BTFP borrowings and subordinated debt. See Table 4 below for more information on yield/rate analysis.

 

The Company attempts to diversify its revenue streams with noninterest revenue received from wealth management activities, mortgage banking operations, and other activities that generate fee income. Noninterest revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $85.4 million, compared to $83.8 million for the same period in 2024. The primary contributor to the increase in noninterest revenue was the increase of $1.3 million in bank-owned life insurance income, primarily resulting from an increase in proceeds from death benefits during the three months ended March 31, 2025. Other factors contributing to the increase included $0.5 million increase in trust and asset management income, partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease in deposit service charges. See “Noninterest Revenue” below for more information.

 

Noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 decreased 1.5% to $259.3 million from $263.2 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease in noninterest expense in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 was primarily a result of decreases in salaries and employee benefits and data processing and software expenses, partially offset by increases in other noninterest expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2025, salaries and employee benefits decreased $3.7 million, or 2.3%, compared to the same period in 2024 primarily due to an increase in deferred salaries from increased loan production in the first quarter of 2025, offset by increases in mortgage commission expense related to increased loan production. Increases in other noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 included increases in operational losses and various other miscellaneous expenses. See “Noninterest Expense” below for more information.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following is a summary of our results of operations for the periods indicated:

 

TABLE 3—SUMMARY OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Earnings Summary:                
Interest revenue   $ 599,257     $ 637,113  
Interest expense     236,105       283,205  
Net interest revenue     363,152       353,908  
Provision for credit losses     20,000       22,000  
Net interest revenue, after provision for credit losses     343,152       331,908  
Noninterest revenue     85,387       83,786  
Noninterest expense     259,349       263,207  
Income before income taxes     169,190       152,487  
Income tax expense     35,968       35,509  
Net income     133,222       116,978  
Less: preferred dividends     2,372       2,372  
Net income available to common shareholders   $ 130,850     $ 114,606  

 

Net Interest Revenue

 

Net interest revenue is the difference between interest revenue earned on assets, such as loans, leases and securities, and interest expense paid on liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings, and continues to provide the Company with its principal source of revenue. Net interest revenue is affected by the general level of interest rates, changes in interest rates and changes in the amount and composition of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. One of the Company’s long-term objectives is to manage interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities to maximize net interest revenue, while balancing interest rate, credit and liquidity risk. Net interest margin is determined by dividing FTE net interest revenue by average earning assets. For purposes of the following discussion, revenue from tax-exempt loans and investment securities have been adjusted to an FTE basis, using an effective tax rate of 21% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

 

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The following table presents average interest earning assets, average interest bearing liabilities, net interest revenue-FTE, net interest margin-FTE and net interest rate spread for each of the periods presented:

 

TABLE 4—CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCES AND YIELD/RATE ANALYSIS

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2025     2024  
(Dollars in thousands)   Average
Balance
    Interest     Yield/
Rate
    Average
Balance
    Interest     Yield/
Rate
 
ASSETS                                    
Loans and leases (net of unearned income) (1)(2)   $ 33,944,416     $ 530,513       6.34 %   $ 32,737,574     $ 529,393       6.50 %
Loans held for sale, at fair value     115,261       1,449       5.10       72,356       1,184       6.58  
Available for sale securities, at fair value:                                                
Taxable     7,222,326       53,232       2.99       8,187,342       63,405       3.11  
Tax-exempt (3)     79,846       796       4.04       82,366       870       4.25  
Other investments     1,275,153       13,897       4.42       3,146,439       42,897       5.48  
Total interest earning assets and revenue     42,637,002       599,887       5.71 %     44,226,077       637,749       5.80 %
Other assets     4,963,761                       4,890,312                  
Allowance for credit losses     465,332                       473,849                  
Total   $ 47,135,431                     $ 48,642,540                  
                                                 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                                
Deposits:                                                
Interest bearing demand and money market   $ 19,428,376     $ 128,831       2.69 %   $ 19,303,845     $ 149,403       3.11 %
Savings     2,607,366       3,644       0.57       2,696,452       3,801       0.57  
Time     9,978,136       100,900       4.10       7,348,356       80,670       4.42  
Fed funds purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other     103,067       1,132       4.45       209,348       2,528       4.86  
Short-term FHLB borrowings     28,278       309       4.43                    
Short-term BTFP borrowings                       3,500,000       42,104       4.84  
Subordinated and long-term borrowings     129,030       1,289       4.05       434,579       4,699       4.35  
Total interest bearing liabilities and expense     32,274,253       236,105       2.97 %     33,492,580       283,205       3.40 %
Demand deposits - noninterest bearing     8,339,414                       9,072,619                  
Other liabilities     870,172                       883,293                  
Total liabilities     41,483,839                       43,448,492                  
Shareholders’ equity     5,651,592                       5,194,048                  
Total   $ 47,135,431                     $ 48,642,540                  
Net interest revenue-FTE           $ 363,782                     $ 354,544          
Net interest margin-FTE                     3.46 %                     3.22 %
Net interest rate spread                     2.74 %                     2.40 %
Interest bearing liabilities to interest earning assets                     75.70 %                     75.73 %

 

(1) Includes taxable equivalent adjustment to interest of $0.5 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, using an effective tax rate of 21% for all periods presented.

 

(2) Nonaccrual loans are included in loans and leases (net of unearned income). Nonaccrual loans were $236.0 million and $241.0 million as of March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

 

(3) Includes taxable equivalent adjustment to interest of $0.2 million for both the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, using an effective tax rate of 21% for all periods presented.

 

Net interest revenue-FTE increased 2.6% to $363.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $354.5 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in net interest revenue-FTE resulted from lower costs on interest-bearing liabilities benefiting from declining deposit costs and the payoffs of both the BTFP borrowings and the majority of our subordinated debt since the first quarter of 2024. Average loans increased from 74.0% of average interest earning assets in the 2024 first quarter to 79.6% in the 2025 first quarter.

 

Interest revenue-FTE decreased 5.9% to $599.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, from $637.7 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease in interest revenue-FTE for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily a result of lower average investment securities and other investment balances as the Company used cash flow from these investments to support the payoffs of both the BTFP borrowings and subordinated debt since the first quarter of 2024. Additionally, interest revenue-FTE included $2.6 million and $3.5 million in accretion related to the purchase discounts on acquired loans for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

 

60

 

Interest expense decreased 16.6% to $236.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $283.2 million for the same period in 2024. The decrease in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was primarily due to the total cost of interest-bearing liabilities declining 43 basis points to 2.97% for the first quarter of 2025 compared to 3.40% for the first quarter of 2024, benefiting from declining deposit costs as well as the payoffs of both the BTFP borrowings and the majority of the subordinated debt after the first quarter of 2024.

 

Net interest margin-FTE for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was 3.46%, an increase of 24 basis points, from 3.22% for the same period in 2024. Net interest revenue-FTE may also be analyzed by segregating the yield/rate and volume components of interest revenue and interest expense. The table below presents the components of our net interest revenue-FTE with the effect that the varying levels of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and the applicable rates have had on changes in net interest revenue from the first quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025. The changes in net interest revenue-FTE due to both rate and volume have been allocated to volume and rate changes in proportion to the relationship of the absolute dollar amounts of the changes in each.

 

TABLE 5—RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

 

    First Quarter 2025 vs First Quarter 2024  
    Net Interest Revenue     Increase              
(In thousands)   2025     2024     (Decrease)     Volume     Rate  
INTEREST REVENUE                                        
Loans and leases, net of unearned income   $ 530,513     $ 529,393     $ 1,120     $ 16,469     $ (15,349 )
Loans held for sale     1,449       1,184       265       575     $ (310 )
Available for sale securities:                                        
Taxable     53,232       63,405       (10,173 )     (7,580 )     (2,593 )
Non-taxable     796       870       (74 )     (29 )     (45 )
Other     13,897       42,897       (29,000 )     (21,868 )     (7,132 )
Total interest revenue-FTE     599,887       637,749       (37,862 )     (12,432 )     (25,430 )
                                         
INTEREST EXPENSE                                        
Demand deposits - interest bearing     128,831       149,403       (20,572 )     894       (21,466 )
Savings deposits     3,644       3,801       (157 )     (156 )     (1 )
Time deposits     100,900       80,670       20,230       26,374       (6,144 )
Fed funds purchased, securities sold under agreement to repurchase and other     1,132       2,528       (1,396 )     (1,200 )     (196 )
Short-term FHLB borrowings     309             309       309        
Short-term BTFP borrowings           42,104       (42,104 )     (42,104 )      
Subordinated and long-term debt     1,289       4,699       (3,410 )     (3,108 )     (302 )
Total interest expense     236,105       283,205       (47,100 )     (18,991 )     (28,109 )
Net interest revenue-FTE   $ 363,782     $ 354,544     $ 9,238     $ 6,559     $ 2,679  

 

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Provision for Credit Losses and Allowance for Credit Losses (“ACL”)

 

An analysis of the ACL for loans for the periods indicated is provided in the following table:

 

TABLE 6—ACL

             
    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(In thousands)   2025     2024  
Balance, beginning of period   $ 460,793     $ 468,034  
Charge-offs:                
Commercial and industrial                
Non-real estate     (20,865 )     (16,896 )
Owner occupied     (419 )     (101 )
Total commercial and industrial     (21,284 )     (16,997 )
Commercial real estate                
Construction, acquisition and development     (42 )     (132 )
Income producing     (1,340 )     (2,112 )
Total commercial real estate     (1,382 )     (2,244 )
Consumer                
Residential mortgages     (1,296 )     (595 )
Other consumer     (1,766 )     (1,800 )
Total consumer     (3,062 )     (2,395 )
Total charge-offs     (25,728 )     (21,636 )
Recoveries:                
Commercial and industrial                
Non-real estate     1,733       1,234  
Owner occupied     89       78  
Total commercial and industrial     1,822       1,312  
Commercial real estate                
Construction, acquisition and development     45       112  
Income producing     38       38  
Total commercial real estate     83       150  
Consumer                
Residential mortgages     398       271  
Other consumer     423       444  
Total consumer     821       715  
Total recoveries     2,726       2,177  
Net charge-offs     (23,002 )     (19,459 )
Provision:                
Provision for credit losses related to loans and leases (1)     20,000       24,000  
Balance, end of period   $ 457,791     $ 472,575  
                 
Loans and leases, net of unearned income - average   $ 33,944,416     $ 32,737,574  
Loans and leases, net of unearned income - period end   $ 34,051,610     $ 32,882,616  

 

(1) Provision (reversal) for unfunded commitments was zero and $(2.0) million for three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

 

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TABLE 7—ACL RELATED RATIOS

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2025     2024  
RATIOS            
Provision for credit losses to average loans and leases, net of unearned income (1)     0.24 %     0.27 %
ACL to loans and leases, net of unearned income     1.34 %     1.44 %
Nonperforming loans to loans and leases, net of unearned income     0.69 %     0.73 %
ACL to nonperforming loans     194.02 %     196.08 %
                 
Net charge-offs to average loans and leases: (1)                
Commercial and industrial                
Non-real estate     0.23 %     0.19 %
Total commercial and industrial     0.23 %     0.19 %
Commercial real estate                
Income producing     0.02 %     0.03 %
Total commercial real estate     0.02 %     0.03 %
Consumer                
Other consumer     0.02 %     0.02 %
Total consumer     0.02 %     0.02 %
Total     0.27 %     0.24 %

 

(1) Ratios are annualized.

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, net charge-offs totaled $23.0 million and $19.5 million, respectively. As a percentage of average loans and leases, net charge-offs were 0.27% and 0.24% annualized for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, respectively. Net charge-offs for the three months ended March 31, 2025, were primarily experienced in the commercial and industrial non-real estate loan class concentrated in one large credit, as well as a small number of SBA loans as they work through their resolution process; while net charge-offs for the same period in 2024 were primarily in the non-real estate and income producing categories.

 

The Company recorded $20.0 million in provision for credit losses ($20.0 million for loans and zero for unfunded commitments) during the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $22.0 million ($24.0 million for loans and $(2.0) million for unfunded commitments) for the same period in 2024.

 

The ACL decreased $3.0 million to $457.8 million at March 31, 2025, from $460.8 million at December 31, 2024. This decrease was primarily seen in the commercial and industrial loan segment due to resolutions on some larger problem credits occurring during the year. The ACL to nonperforming loans decreased to 194.02% at March 31, 2025, from 196.08% at March 31, 2024. For more information about the Company’s classified, nonperforming, purchased credit deteriorated, and impaired loans, see “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition – Loans and Leases” in Part I of this Report.

 

The breakdown of the ACL by loan and lease segment and class is based, in part, on evaluations of specific loan and lease histories and the impact of forecasted economic conditions on the portfolio segments. Accordingly, because these conditions are subject to change, the allocation is not necessarily indicative of the breakdown of any future allowance for credit losses. Several economic forecasts from external sources are used in the estimation and allocation of the ACL. The forecasts cover an eight-quarter forecast horizon to establish a forecast range and are based on upside, downside, and base case scenarios. A blended scenario is selected by management to reflect the probable economic conditions within the range. As of March 31, 2025, the forecast was a mix of downside and base forecasts, weighted more heavily to a base forecast, which is consistent with the first quarter of 2024 weighting. Due to the introduction of tariffs and other policy changes made by the U.S. government after forecasts were published, the Bank elected to increase the macroeconomic qualitative factor to account for uncertainties not yet reflected in forecasts used by the Bank.

 

63

The Company recognizes that higher interest rates, inflation, and slower economic growth may have short-term, long-term, and regional impacts to the economy. In addition, qualitative factors such as changes in economic conditions, concentrations of risk, and changes in portfolio risk resulting from regulatory changes are considered in determining the adequacy of the level of the ACL (see Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements).

 

TABLE 8—ACL BY SEGMENT AND CLASS

 

    March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
(Dollars in thousands)   ACL     % of Loans in
Each Category
to Total Loans
    ACL     % of Loans in
Each Category
to Total Loans
 
Commercial and industrial                                
Non-real estate   $ 168,940       25.5 %   $ 183,743       25.7 %
Owner occupied     33,318       13.7       35,177       13.8  
Total commercial and industrial     202,258       39.2       218,920       39.5  
Commercial real estate                                
Construction, acquisition and development     47,030       10.9       44,703       11.6  
Income producing     66,645       18.4       64,957       17.8  
Total commercial real estate     113,675       29.3       109,660       29.4  
Consumer                                
Residential mortgages     134,803       30.9       125,464       30.4  
Other consumer     7,055       0.6       6,749       0.7  
Total consumer     141,858       31.5       132,213       31.1  
Total   $ 457,791       100.0 %   $ 460,793       100.0 %

 

Noninterest Revenue

 

The components of noninterest revenue for the periods indicated and the percentage change between the periods are shown in the following table:

 

TABLE 9—NONINTEREST REVENUE

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     % Change  
Trust and asset management income (1)   $ 11,823     $ 11,322       4.4 %
Investment advisory fees (1)     8,454       8,336       1.4  
Brokerage and annuity fees (1)     3,002       3,175       (5.4 )
Deposit service charges     17,736       18,338       (3.3 )
Credit card, debit card and merchant fees     11,989       12,162       (1.4 )
Mortgage banking, excluding MSR and MSR hedge market value adjustment (2)     9,743       9,116       6.9  
MSR and MSR hedge market value adjustment (2)     (3,105 )     (2,673 )     (16.2 )
Securities losses, net     (9 )     (9 )      
Bank-owned life insurance (3)     5,202       3,946       31.8  
Credit related fees (3)     6,076       6,207       (2.1 )
SBA income (3)     3,562       3,299       8.0  
Other miscellaneous income (3)     10,914       10,567       3.3  
Total noninterest revenue   $ 85,387     $ 83,786       1.9 %

 

(1) Included in wealth management revenue on the consolidated statements of income.

 

(2) Included in mortgage banking revenue on the consolidated statements of income.

 

(3) Included in other revenue on the consolidated statements of income.

 

64

Noninterest revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $85.4 million, an increase of $1.6 million, or 1.9%, from the same period in 2024. The current year period experienced an increase of $1.3 million in bank-owned life insurance income. This increase primarily resulted from an increase in proceeds from death benefits during the current year period.

 

Mortgage banking revenue typically fluctuates as mortgage interest rates change and is primarily attributable to two activities - the origination and sale of new mortgage loans and the servicing of sold mortgage loans. Origination revenue is comprised of gains and losses from the sale of mortgage loans, origination fees, underwriting fees and other fees associated with the origination of mortgage loans. For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, mortgage loan held for sale origination volumes totaled $235.4 million and $222.9 million, respectively, which produced origination revenue of $3.4 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The increase in mortgage origination revenue also resulted from an increase of 0.7% in mortgage loans sold during the three months ended March 31, 2025 as compared to the three months ended March 31 2024.

 

Revenue from the mortgage servicing process includes fees from the actual servicing of mortgage loans. For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, revenue from the servicing of mortgage loans was $6.3 million and $6.0 million, respectively.

 

The Company services a class of residential mortgages that are first lien loans secured by a primary residence or second home. The MSR, which are recognized as a separate asset on the date the corresponding mortgage loan is sold on a servicing retained basis, is recorded at fair value as determined at each accounting period end. At March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024 the estimated fair value of the MSR was $111.0 million and $111.7 million, respectively.

 

The Company is susceptible to significant fluctuations in MSR fair value during changing interest rate environments. The Company has an economic hedge in place on its MSR and uses various instruments (including but not limited to Treasury options, SOFR and TBA futures and forwards) to mitigate the interest rate risk associated with the MSR. These hedging instruments are reported at fair value, with adjustments included as part of mortgage banking revenue in the consolidated statements of income. At March 31, 2025 and 2024, this economic hedge covered approximately 76.9% and 74.8%, respectively, of the MSR interest rate risk. Reflecting this sensitivity to interest rates, the fair value of the MSR, including the hedge, experienced a decrease of $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and a decrease of $2.7 million during the same period in 2024.

 

The following table presents the Company’s mortgage banking operations for the periods indicated:

 

TABLE 10— MORTGAGE BANKING OPERATIONS

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     % Change  
Production revenue:                        
Origination   $ 3,402     $ 3,165       7.5 %
Servicing     6,341       5,951       6.6  
Total origination and servicing revenue     9,743       9,116       6.9  
MSR and hedge market value adjustment     (3,105 )     (2,673 )     (16.2 )
Total mortgage banking revenue   $ 6,638     $ 6,443       3.0 %
                         
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale   $ 235,406     $ 222,876       5.6 %
Mortgage loans serviced at quarter-end     8,111,379       7,764,936       4.5  

 

Trust and asset management income, which consists of fee income from management of trust accounts, increased 4.4% during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The increase in the 2025 quarter arose from an increase of 4.9% in assets under management.

 

Deposit service charges, which consists primarily of corporate analysis charges, overdraft fees, and other service related fees, decreased 3.3% during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The decrease resulted primarily from increased fee refund rates in both the corporate and consumer customer bases.

 

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SBA income consists of gains and losses on the sale of SBA loans, servicing fees, and various fees related to processing SBA loans. SBA income increased by 8.0% during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024 due to an increase of 5.4% in net gains on sales and an increase of 17.9% in SBA packaging fees.

 

Other miscellaneous income consists of various fees, gains and losses, and other revenue and increased 3.3% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to same period in 2024, despite the 2024 inclusion of $1.7 million in payroll processing fees. This line of business was sold in May 2024. The lack of this income in the first quarter of 2025 was offset by an increase of $1.0 million in dividend income due to holding the Federal Reserve Bank stock for the entire first quarter of 2025; an increase of $1.0 million in earnings from limited partnerships; and an increase of $0.4 million in tax credit allocation fee income. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $1.0 million in other miscellaneous income during the first quarter of 2025.

 

Noninterest Expense

 

The components of noninterest expense for the periods indicated and the percentage change between periods are shown in the following table:

 

TABLE 11—NONINTEREST EXPENSE

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     % Change  
Salaries and employee benefits   $ 152,972     $ 156,650       (2.3 )%
Occupancy and equipment     28,477       28,640       (0.6 )
Data processing and software     27,132       30,028       (9.6 )
Deposit insurance assessments     8,643       8,414       2.7  
Amortization of intangibles     3,668       4,066       (9.8 )
Merger expense     315             100.0  
Advertising and public relations (1)     4,157       4,224       (1.6 )
Foreclosed property expense (1)     864       268       NM  
Telecommunications (1)     1,512       1,545       (2.1 )
Travel and entertainment (1)     2,436       2,236       9.0  
Professional, consulting and outsourcing (1)     4,733       3,935       20.3  
Legal (1)     3,559       3,682       (3.3 )
Postage and shipping (1)     1,773       2,205       (19.6 )
Other miscellaneous expense (1)     19,108       17,314       10.4  
Total noninterest expense   $ 259,349     $ 263,207       (1.5 )%

 

(1) Included in other expense on the consolidated statements of income.

 

Noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $259.3 million, a decrease of $3.9 million, or 1.5%, from the same period in 2024. Data processing and software expense decreased $2.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, driven by decreases in vendor costs and contract programming expenses, partially offset by increases in software costs.

 

Other miscellaneous expense includes insurance expense, operational and fraud losses, supplies expense, franchise and sales taxes, training and business development expenses, various regulatory fees, and various other expenses. This category increased $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to an increase of $2.8 million in operational losses. These increases were partially mitigated by a decrease in delivery related expenses of $0.9 million.

 

Salaries and employee benefits expense was the largest category of our noninterest expense. Salaries and employee benefits decreased $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The decrease was primarily attributable to increased deferred salaries from increased mortgage loan production in 2025 and a favorable adjustment in the first quarter of 2025 to share based payment expense, partially offset by increases in mortgage commissions due to the increased mortgage loan production in the first quarter of 2025.

 

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The components of salary and employee benefits expense for the periods indicated and the percentage change between years are shown in the following table:

 

TABLE 12—SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS EXPENSE

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
(Dollars in thousands)   2025     2024     % Change  
Regular salaries, net of deferred salaries   $ 94,890     $ 98,623       (3.8 )%
Commissions and incentive compensation     29,108       28,027       3.9  
Taxes and employee benefits     28,974       30,000       (3.4 )
Total salaries and employee benefits   $ 152,972     $ 156,650       (2.3 )%

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recorded an income tax expense of $36.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $35.5 million for the same period in 2024. The increase in tax expense in 2025 can be attributed to higher pre-tax income.

 

The effective tax rate was 21.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 23.3% for the same period in 2024. The decrease in the effective tax rate was the result of increased tax credits and excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation.

 

In August 2022, the IRA of 2022 was signed into law to address inflation, healthcare costs, climate change and renewal energy incentives, among other things. Included in the IRA of 2022 are provisions for the creation of a 15% CAMT that is effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2023 for corporations with an average annual adjusted financial statement income in excess of $1 billion. Based on information available to date, we do not anticipate that the Company will be subject to the 15% CAMT in 2025, absent any further changes in law.

 

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FINANCIAL CONDITION

 

The percentage of earning assets to total assets measures the effectiveness of management’s efforts to invest available funds representing the most efficient and profitable uses. Earning assets at March 31, 2025 were $43.2 billion, or 90.4% of total assets, compared with $42.4 billion, or 90.1% of total assets, at December 31, 2024.

 

TABLE 13—FINANCIAL CONDITION SUMMARY

 

(In thousands)   As of and For the
Three Months Ended
March 31, 2025
    As of and For the
Year Ended
December 31, 2024
 
Period-End Balances:                
Total assets   $ 47,743,294     $ 47,019,190  
Available for sale securities, at fair value     7,912,159       7,293,988  
Loans and leases, net of unearned income     34,051,610       33,741,755  
Total deposits     40,335,728       40,496,201  
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase     19,671       23,616  
Short-term FHLB borrowings     235,000        
Subordinated and long-term borrowings     560,690       10,706  
Total shareholders’ equity     5,718,541       5,569,683  
Common shareholders’ equity     5,551,548       5,402,690  
Average Balances:                
Total assets     47,135,431       47,973,279  
Available for sale securities, at fair value     7,302,172       7,962,869  
Loans and leases, net of unearned income     33,944,416       33,107,659  
Total deposits     40,353,292       38,475,929  
Securities sold under agreement to repurchase     22,956       81,092  
Federal funds purchased and short-term BTFP and FHLB borrowings     108,389       2,850,981  
Subordinated and long-term borrowings     129,030       306,396  
Total shareholders’ equity     5,651,592       5,353,705  
Common shareholders’ equity     5,484,599       5,186,712  
68

Securities

 

The Company uses its securities portfolio as a source of revenue and liquidity, and to serve as collateral to secure certain types of deposits and borrowings. These securities, which are available for possible sale, are recorded at fair value. The following table shows the carrying value of the Company’s AFS securities by investment category for the periods indicated:

 

TABLE 14—AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES SUMMARY

 

(In thousands)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
Available for sale securities:                
U.S. government agency securities   $ 274,285     $ 281,231  
MBS issued or guaranteed by U.S. agencies                
Residential pass-through:                
Guaranteed by GNMA     66,149       66,581  
Issued by FNMA and FHLMC     4,024,678       3,965,556  
Other residential MBS     1,564,928       934,721  
Commercial MBS     1,486,525       1,549,641  
Total MBS     7,142,280       6,516,499  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions     129,822       132,069  
Corporate debt securities     48,422       47,402  
Foreign debt securities     317,350       316,787  
Total   $ 7,912,159     $ 7,293,988  

 

At March 31, 2025, the Company’s AFS securities totaled $7.9 billion compared to $7.3 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase of $618.2 million, or 8.5%, was primarily driven by the purchases of $788.6 million of higher yielding securities during the period. The increase was offset by the maturities and paydowns of $262.1 million of AFS securities during the period.

 

Net unrealized losses on AFS securities at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 totaled $758.5 million and $853.7 million, respectively. At March 31, 2025, management believes that the unrealized losses are due to noncredit-related factors, such as changes in interest rates and other market conditions (see Note 2 to the unaudited consolidated financial statements).

 

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The following table shows the maturities and weighted average yields for the carrying value of the AFS securities for the periods indicated:

 

TABLE 15—MATURITY DISTRIBUTION OF AFS SECURITIES

 

    Contractual Maturity  
    March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
(Dollars in thousands)   Estimated
Fair Value
    Weighted
Average
Yield
    Estimated
Fair Value
    Weighted
Average
Yield
 
U.S. government agency securities:                                
Due in one to five years   $ 7,349       3.47 %   $ 8,364       3.76 %
Due in five to ten years     196,900       3.73       204,624       4.10  
Due after ten years     70,036       2.10       68,243       2.14  
U.S. government agency securities total     274,285       3.31       281,231       3.62  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions:                                
Due in one to five years     9,215       2.87       9,295       2.92  
Due in five to ten years     15,866       2.21       15,563       2.22  
Due after ten years     104,741       2.69       107,211       2.69  
Obligations of states and political subdivisions total     129,822       2.65       132,069       2.66  
Corporate debt securities:                                
Due in five to ten years     46,672       4.85       45,702       4.77  
Due after ten years     1,750       4.50       1,700       4.50  
Corporate debt securities total     48,422       4.83       47,402       4.76  
Foreign debt securities:                                
Due in one to five years     88,373       3.24       87,855       3.36  
Due in five to ten years     228,977       4.82       228,932       5.16  
Foreign debt securities total     317,350       4.38       316,787       4.66  
                                 
Total securities due in one to five years     104,937       3.23       105,514       3.35  
Total securities due in five to ten years     488,415       4.30       494,821       4.59  
Total securities due after ten years     176,527       2.48       177,154       2.50  
MBS     7,142,280       3.02       6,516,499       2.87  
Total estimated fair value   $ 7,912,159       3.09 %   $ 7,293,988       2.98 %

 

The weighted average yields reported in Table 15 have been calculated using the average daily balance of the related securities. The yields on tax-exempt obligations of states and political subdivisions have been adjusted to a taxable equivalent basis using a 21% tax rate.

 

70

Loans and Leases

 

The Company’s loans and leases held for investment portfolio represents the largest single component of the Company’s earning asset base. Average loans and leases comprised 79.6% and 75.9% of average earning assets during the three months ended March 31, 2025 and the year ended December 31, 2024, respectively. The Company’s lending activities include both commercial and consumer loans and leases. The Company has established systematic procedures for approving and monitoring loans and leases that vary depending on the size and nature of the loan or lease and applies these procedures in a disciplined manner. The Company also acts as agent or participant in syndications and other financing arrangements with other financial institutions. The Company’s loans and leases are widely diversified by borrower and industry. Loans and leases, net of unearned income, totaled $34.1 billion at March 31, 2025, representing a 0.9% increase from $33.7 billion at December 31, 2024.

 

The following table shows the composition of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio by segment and class at the dates indicated:

 

TABLE 16—LOANS AND LEASES PORTFOLIO

 

(In thousands)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
Commercial and industrial                
Non-real estate   $ 8,688,653     $ 8,670,529  
Owner occupied     4,667,477       4,665,015  
Total commercial and industrial     13,356,130       13,335,544  
Commercial real estate                
Construction, acquisition and development     3,723,408       3,909,184  
Income producing     6,268,456       6,015,773  
Total commercial real estate     9,991,864       9,924,957  
Consumer                
Residential mortgages     10,498,320       10,267,883  
Other consumer     205,296       213,371  
Total consumer     10,703,616       10,481,254  
Total loans and leases, net of unearned income (1)   $ 34,051,610     $ 33,741,755  

 

(1) Total loans and leases are net of $16.4 million and $21.4 million of unearned income at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

 

The following table shows the Company’s loan and lease portfolio by segment and class at the dates indicated by geographical location.

 

TABLE 17—LOANS AND LEASES BY GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

 

    March 31, 2025  
       
(In thousands)   Alabama     Arkansas     Florida     Georgia     Louisiana     Mississippi     Missouri     Tennessee     Texas     Other     Total  
Commercial and industrial                                                                                        
Non-real estate   $ 424,598     $ 157,460     $ 576,477     $ 464,611     $ 375,154     $ 534,964     $ 65,370     $ 338,916     $ 3,467,605     $ 2,283,498     $ 8,688,653  
Owner occupied     338,752       244,335       306,890       429,592       294,980       590,076       99,197       159,241       1,766,119       438,295       4,667,477  
Total commercial and industrial     763,350       401,795       883,367       894,203       670,134       1,125,040       164,567       498,157       5,233,724       2,721,793       13,356,130  
Commercial real estate                                                                                        
Construction, acquisition and development     220,664       79,437       371,396       443,876       48,561       166,644       36,117       184,595       1,714,761       457,357       3,723,408  
Income producing     434,990       258,337       544,896       783,768       226,924       423,200       215,550       315,125       2,323,475       742,191       6,268,456  
Total commercial real estate     655,654       337,774       916,292       1,227,644       275,485       589,844       251,667       499,720       4,038,236       1,199,548       9,991,864  
Consumer                                                                                        
Residential mortgages     1,309,478       430,005       719,379       455,027       484,751       1,221,895       226,051       821,297       4,571,649       258,788       10,498,320  
Other consumer     25,579       17,844       4,776       7,982       10,486       83,368       1,246       15,557       33,872       4,586       205,296  
Total consumer     1,335,057       447,849       724,155       463,009       495,237       1,305,263       227,297       836,854       4,605,521       263,374       10,703,616  
Total   $ 2,754,061     $ 1,187,418     $ 2,523,814     $ 2,584,856     $ 1,440,856     $ 3,020,147     $ 643,531     $ 1,834,731     $ 13,877,481     $ 4,184,715     $ 34,051,610  

 

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    December 31, 2024  
       
(In thousands)   Alabama     Arkansas     Florida     Georgia     Louisiana     Mississippi     Missouri     Tennessee     Texas     Other     Total  
Commercial and industrial                                                                                        
Non-real estate   $ 413,359     $ 169,534     $ 532,224     $ 446,812     $ 371,543     $ 536,651     $ 64,846     $ 399,346     $ 3,478,755     $ 2,257,459     $ 8,670,529  
Owner occupied     337,580       253,538       308,545       400,342       298,787       624,950       107,443       159,058       1,708,113       466,659       4,665,015  
Total commercial and industrial     750,939       423,072       840,769       847,154       670,330       1,161,601       172,289       558,404       5,186,868       2,724,118       13,335,544  
Commercial real estate                                                                                        
Construction, acquisition and development     230,810       65,358       438,173       543,249       36,194       169,336       45,690       180,566       1,656,715       543,093       3,909,184  
Income producing     437,146       259,767       477,493       613,337       226,849       424,078       204,119       319,560       2,298,344       755,080       6,015,773  
Total commercial real estate     667,956       325,125       915,666       1,156,586       263,043       593,414       249,809       500,126       3,955,059       1,298,173       9,924,957  
Consumer                                                                                        
Residential mortgages     1,300,485       425,602       709,335       449,117       478,947       1,214,542       210,712       796,490       4,436,803       245,850       10,267,883  
Other consumer     27,186       17,653       5,002       7,817       10,653       86,059       1,322       16,668       36,559       4,452       213,371  
Total consumer     1,327,671       443,255       714,337       456,934       489,600       1,300,601       212,034       813,158       4,473,362       250,302       10,481,254  
Total   $ 2,746,566     $ 1,191,452     $ 2,470,772     $ 2,460,674     $ 1,422,973     $ 3,055,616     $ 634,132     $ 1,871,688     $ 13,615,289     $ 4,272,593     $ 33,741,755  

 

Loans Acquired in Mergers and Acquisitions

 

In connection with past bank acquisitions, the Company acquired loans both with and without evidence of credit quality deterioration since origination. Acquired loans are recorded at their fair value at the time of acquisition with no carryover from the acquired institution’s previously recorded allowance for credit losses.

 

The fair value for acquired loans recorded at the time of acquisition is based upon several factors including the timing and payment of expected cash flows, as adjusted for estimated credit losses and prepayments, and then discounting these cash flows using comparable market rates. The resulting fair value adjustment is recorded in the form of a premium or discount to the unpaid principal balance of each acquired loan. As it relates to acquired loans that, as of the date of acquisition, have experienced a more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination (“PCD”), the net premium or net discount is adjusted to reflect the Company’s ACL recorded for PCD loans at the time of acquisition, and the remaining fair value adjustment not related to credit is accreted or amortized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan. As it relates to acquired loans not classified as PCD (“non-PCD”) loans, the credit loss and yield components of the fair value adjustment are aggregated, and the resulting net premium or net discount is accreted or amortized into interest income over the remaining life of the loan. The Company records an ACL for non-PCD loans at the time of acquisition through provision expense, and therefore, no further adjustments are made to the net premium or net discount for non-PCD loans.

 

In addition, a grade is assigned to each loan during the valuation process. For acquired loans that are not individually reviewed during the valuation process, such loans are assumed to have characteristics similar to the assigned rating of the acquired institution’s risk rating, adjusted for any estimated differences between the Company’s rating methodology and the acquired institution’s risk rating methodology. Acquired loans that are individually evaluated at the acquisition date are assigned a specific reserve in the same manner as other loans individually evaluated and are assigned an internal grade representing PCD with Loss Exposure.

 

The following is a discussion of the Company’s segments and classes of loans and leases:

 

Commercial and Industrial

 

Non-Real Estate – The Company engages in lending to small and medium-sized business enterprises and government entities through its community banking locations and to regional and national business enterprises through its corporate banking division. C&I loans are loans and leases to finance business operations, equipment and owner-occupied facilities. These include both lines of credit and term loans which are amortized over the useful life of the assets financed. Personal and/or corporate guarantees are generally obtained where available and prudent. Also included in this category are loans to finance agricultural production. The Company recognizes that risk from economic cycles, commodity prices, pandemics, government regulation, supply-chain disruptions, product innovations or obsolescence, operational errors, lawsuits, natural disasters, fraud, losses due to theft or embezzlement, loss of sponsor support, health or loss of key personnel, or competitive situations may adversely affect the scheduled repayment of business loans. In addition, risks in the agricultural sector including crop failures due to weather, insects and other blights, commodity prices, governmental intervention, lawsuits, labor or logistical disruptions. Non-real estate loans increased 0.2% from December 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

 

Owner Occupied – Owner occupied loans include loans secured by business facilities to finance business operations, equipment, agricultural land and owner-occupied facilities. These include both lines of credit and term loans which are amortized over the useful life of the assets financed. Personal guarantees are generally obtained where available and prudent. The Company recognizes that risk from economic cycles, pandemics, government regulation, supply-chain disruptions, product innovations or obsolescence, operational errors, lawsuits, natural disasters, losses due to theft or embezzlement, health or loss of key personnel, or competitive situations may adversely affect the scheduled repayment of business loans. Owner occupied loans increased 0.1% from December 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

 

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Commercial Real Estate

 

Construction, Acquisition and Development – CAD loans include both term loans and credit lines for construction of commercial, industrial, residential, and multi-family buildings and for purchasing, carrying, and developing land into residential subdivisions or various types of commercial developments, such as industrial, warehouse, retail, office, and multi-family. The Company generally engages in construction and development lending primarily in markets served by its branches. The Company recognizes that risks are inherent in the financing of real estate development and construction. These risks include location, market conditions and price volatility, changes in interest rates, demand for developed land, lots and buildings, desirability of features and styling of completed developments and buildings, competition from other developments and builders, traffic patterns, remote work patterns, governmental jurisdiction, tax structure, availability of utilities, roads, public transportation and schools, availability of permanent financing for homebuyers, zoning, environmental restrictions, lawsuits, economic and business cycle, or labor and reputation of the builder or developer. CAD loans decreased 4.8% from December 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

 

Each CAD loan is underwritten to address: (i) the desirability of the project, its market viability and projected absorption period; (ii) the creditworthiness of the borrower and the guarantor, if applicable, as to liquidity, cash flow and assets available to ensure performance of the loan; (iii) equity contribution to the project; (iv) the developer’s experience and success with similar projects; and (v) the value of the collateral.

 

Income Producing – Income producing loans include loans to finance income-producing commercial and multi-family properties. Lending in this category is generally limited to properties located in the Company’s market area with only limited exposure to properties located elsewhere. Loans in this category include loans for neighborhood retail centers, medical and professional offices, single retail stores, warehouses and apartments leased generally to local businesses and residents. The underwriting of these loans takes into consideration the occupancy and rental rates as well as the financial health of the borrower. The Company’s exposure to national retail tenants is limited. The Company recognizes that risk from economic cycles, pandemics, delayed or missed rent payments, supply-chain disruptions, operational errors, lawsuits, natural disasters, losses due to theft or embezzlement, health or loss of key personnel, or competitive situations may adversely affect the scheduled repayment of business loans. Income producing loans increased 4.2% from December 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

 

Consumer

 

Residential Mortgages – Consumer mortgages are first or second-lien loans to consumers secured by a primary residence or second home. This category includes traditional mortgages and home equity loans and revolving lines of credit. The loans are generally secured by properties located primarily in markets served by the Company’s branches. These loans are underwritten in accordance with the Company’s general loan policy and procedures which require, among other things, proper documentation of each borrower’s financial condition, satisfactory credit history, and property value. In addition to loans originated for the Company’s portfolio, the Company originates and services consumer mortgages sold in the secondary market which are underwritten and closed pursuant to investor and agency guidelines. Residential mortgages increased 2.2% from December 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

 

Other Consumer – Other consumer lending includes consumer credit card accounts as well as personal revolving lines of credit and installment loans. The Company offers credit cards primarily to its deposit and loan customers. Consumer installment loans include term loans of up to five years secured by automobiles, boats and recreational vehicles. The Company recognizes that there are risks in consumer lending which include interruptions in the borrower’s personal and investment income due to loss of employment, market conditions, and general economic conditions, deterioration in the health and well-being of the borrower and family members, natural disasters, pandemics, lawsuits, losses, or inability to generate income due to injury, accidents, theft, vandalism, or incarceration. Other consumer loans decreased 3.8% from December 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025.

 

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Selected Loan Maturity and Interest Rate Sensitivity

 

The maturity distribution of the Company’s loan portfolio is one factor in management’s evaluation of the risk characteristics of the loan and lease portfolio. The interest rate sensitivity of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio is important in the management of net interest margin. The Company attempts to manage the relationship between the interest rate sensitivity of its assets and liabilities to produce an effective interest differential that is not significantly impacted by changes in the level of interest rates (See - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk). The following table shows the maturity distribution based on remaining maturities of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio and the interest rate sensitivity of the Company’s loans and leases maturing after one year at March 31, 2025:

 

TABLE 18—INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY OF LOANS AND LEASES

 

    March 31, 2025  
                            Rate Structure for Loans
Maturing Over One Year
 
(In thousands)   One Year
or Less
    Over One
Year through
Five Years
    Over Five
Years through
Fifteen Years
    Over Fifteen
Years
    Fixed
Interest Rate
    Variable
Interest Rate
 
Commercial and industrial                                                
Non-real estate   $ 1,537,791     $ 5,879,816     $ 1,174,232     $ 96,814     $ 865,504     $ 6,285,358  
Owner occupied     271,509       1,068,752       1,833,940       1,493,276       1,514,683       2,881,285  
Total commercial and industrial     1,809,300       6,948,568       3,008,172       1,590,090       2,380,187       9,166,643  
Commercial real estate                                                
Construction, acquisition and development     1,326,888       1,095,894       566,086       734,540       315,724       2,080,796  
Income producing     1,064,431       1,685,532       1,093,141       2,425,352       817,409       4,386,616  
Total commercial real estate     2,391,319       2,781,426       1,659,227       3,159,892       1,133,133       6,467,412  
Consumer                                                
Residential mortgages     213,677       220,032       1,077,393       8,987,218       3,845,285       6,439,358  
Other consumer     36,169       158,953       9,492       682       76,694       92,433  
Total consumer     249,846       378,985       1,086,885       8,987,900       3,921,979       6,531,791  
Total   $ 4,450,465     $ 10,108,979     $ 5,754,284     $ 13,737,882     $ 7,435,299     $ 22,165,846  

 

Loans Held-for-Sale

 

At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, loans held for sale totaled $220.4 million and $244.2 million, respectively. Included in loans held for sale are loans sold to GNMA with an option to repurchase totaling $66.1 million and $69.0 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The Company records the GNMA loans at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets with a corresponding liability. GNMA optional repurchase programs allow financial institutions to buy back individual delinquent mortgage loans that meet certain criteria (90 days or more past due) from the securitized loan pool for which the institution provides servicing. At the servicer’s option and without GNMA’s prior authorization, the servicer may repurchase such a delinquent loan for an amount equal to 100% of the remaining principal balance of the loan. Under ASC 860, this buyback option is considered a conditional option until the delinquency criteria are met, at which time the option becomes unconditional. When the Company is deemed to have regained effective control over these loans under the unconditional buyback option, the loans can no longer be reported as sold and must be brought back onto the consolidated balance sheet as loans held for sale, regardless of whether the Company intends to exercise the buy-back option. These GNMA loans are not included in the nonperforming loans totals (See Table 19).

 

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Asset Quality

 

Nonperforming Assets

 

NPA consists of NPL, OREO, and other repossessed assets. The decrease from December 31, 2024 to March 31, 2025 in NPA was driven by the decrease of $28.7 million, or 10.9%, in nonaccrual loans and leases (See Tables 20 and 21). The majority of the decrease in nonaccrual loans and leases was located in the C&I non-real estate and CRE income producing segments. The decrease was partially offset by the increase of $2.7 million, or 46.9%, in foreclosed OREO and other NPA. NPA were as follows as of each period presented:

 

TABLE 19—NONPERFORMING ASSETS

 

(Dollars in thousands)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
Total NPL(1)   $ 235,952     $ 264,692  
Foreclosed OREO and other NPA     8,452       5,754  
Total NPA   $ 244,404     $ 270,446  
NPL to total loans and leases     0.69 %     0.78 %
NPA to total assets     0.51 %     0.58 %
                 
GNMA loans 90 or more days past due eligible for repurchase   $ 66,148     $ 68,993  
                 
Government guaranteed portion of nonaccrual loans and leases covered by the SBA, FHA, VA or USDA   $ 84,339     $ 89,906  
                 
Loans and leases 90+ days past due, still accruing   $ 8,832     $ 13,126  

 

(1) See Tables 20 and 21 for more information regarding NPL.

 

Nonperforming Loans

 

NPL consist of nonaccrual loans and leases. The Company’s policy provides that loans and leases are generally placed in nonaccrual status if, in management’s opinion, payment in full of principal or interest is not expected or payment of principal or interest is more than 90 days past due for commercial loans and 120 days past due for consumer loans, unless the loan or lease is both well-secured and in the process of collection. NPL decreased 10.9% at March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024. NPL as a percentage of net loans and leases decreased from 0.8% at December 31, 2024 to 0.7% at March 31, 2025. NPL trends decreased during the first quarter of 2025, primarily due to the charge-off of one asset-based lending credit as well as continued momentum in the resolution process related to SBA credits. With the current forecast, the Company expects a moderate correlation between NPL trends and provision amounts.

 

Included in NPL at March 31, 2025 were loans of $51.3 million that are individually analyzed collateral-dependent loans for which a specific provision has been considered to address the unsupported exposure. Collateral-dependent loans are typically assigned an internal rating of impaired or PCD (loss). However, additional risk ratings can be used as needed to align with regulatory definitions. PCD (loss) represent loans with evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination that are acquired, and for which it was probable, at acquisition, that the bank will be unable to collect all contractually required payments. At March 31, 2025, $42.7 million of nonperforming collateral-dependent loans for which a specific provision has been considered were rated as impaired and $8.6 million were rated as doubtful. Nonperforming collateral-dependent loans had a specific reserve of $9.8 million included in the total ACL of $457.8 million at March 31, 2025, and were net of $16.7 million in partial charge-downs previously taken on these impaired loans. At March 31, 2025, there were no net partial charge-downs previously taken on PCD (loss) loans.

 

NPL at December 31, 2024 included $75.8 million of nonperforming collateral-dependent loans that had a specific reserve of $16.9 million included in the ACL of $460.8 million at December 31, 2024, and were net of $1.9 million in partial charge-downs previously taken on these impaired loans. Included in the $75.8 million of nonperforming collateral-dependent loans at December 31, 2024 were $67.1 million rated as impaired and $8.7 million rated as doubtful. At December 31, 2024, there were no net partial charge-downs previously taken on PCD (loss) loans.

 

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The following table presents the Company’s NPL by geographical location at the dates indicated:

 

TABLE 20—NONPERFORMING LOANS AND LEASES BY GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

 

    March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amortized Cost     Total NPL     NPL as a % of Amortized Cost     Amortized Cost     Total NPL     NPL as a % of Amortized Cost  
Alabama   $ 2,754,061     $ 22,974       0.83 %   $ 2,746,566     $ 22,394       0.82 %
Arkansas     1,187,418       3,625       0.31       1,191,452       2,292       0.19  
Florida     2,523,814       20,417       0.81       2,470,772       30,380       1.23  
Georgia     2,584,856       16,402       0.63       2,460,674       17,245       0.70  
Louisiana     1,440,856       6,641       0.46       1,422,973       5,669       0.40  
Mississippi     3,020,147       17,829       0.59       3,055,616       13,702       0.45  
Missouri     643,531       3,425       0.53       634,132       3,359       0.53  
Tennessee     1,834,731       19,171       1.04       1,871,688       17,672       0.94  
Texas     13,877,481       65,110       0.47       13,615,289       69,985       0.51  
Other     4,184,715       60,358       1.44       4,272,593       81,994       1.92  
Total   $ 34,051,610     $ 235,952       0.69 %   $ 33,741,755     $ 264,692       0.78 %

 

The following table provides additional details related to the Company’s loan and lease portfolio and the distribution of NPL by segment and class at the dates indicated:

 

TABLE 21—NONPERFORMING LOANS AND LEASES BY SEGMENT AND CLASS

 

    March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amortized Cost     Total NPL     NPL as a % of Amortized Cost     Amortized Cost     Total NPL     NPL as a % of Amortized Cost  
Commercial and industrial                                                
Non-real estate   $ 8,688,653     $ 118,078       1.36 %   $ 8,670,529     $ 145,115       1.67 %
Owner occupied     4,667,477       18,988       0.41       4,665,015       16,904       0.36  
Total commercial and industrial     13,356,130       137,066       1.03       13,335,544       162,019       1.21  
Commercial real estate                                                
Construction, acquisition and development     3,723,408       8,768       0.24       3,909,184       8,600       0.22  
Income producing     6,268,456       8,021       0.13       6,015,773       18,542       0.31  
Total commercial real estate     9,991,864       16,789       0.17       9,924,957       27,142       0.27  
Consumer                                                
Residential mortgages     10,498,320       81,803       0.78       10,267,883       75,287       0.73  
Other consumer     205,296       294       0.14       213,371       244       0.11  
Total consumer     10,703,616       82,097       0.77       10,481,254       75,531       0.72  
Total   $ 34,051,610     $ 235,952       0.69 %   $ 33,741,755     $ 264,692       0.78 %

 

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The following table provides details regarding the aging of the Company’s NPL by segment and class at the dates indicated:

 

TABLE 22—AGING OF NONACCRUAL LOANS AND LEASES

 

    March 31, 2025  
(In thousands)   30-59 Days
Past Due
    60-89 Days
Past Due
    90+ Days
Past Due
    Total
Past Due
    Current     Total
Nonaccrual
 
Commercial and industrial                                                
Non-real estate   $ 2,320     $ 1,064     $ 81,095     $ 84,479     $ 33,599     $ 118,078  
Owner occupied     737       1,323       16,928       18,988             18,988  
Total commercial and industrial     3,057       2,387       98,023       103,467       33,599       137,066  
Commercial real estate                                                
Construction, acquisition and development                 8,596       8,596       172       8,768  
Income producing     111             7,088       7,199       822       8,021  
Total commercial real estate     111             15,684       15,795       994       16,789  
Consumer                                                
Residential mortgages     6,103       8,931       52,368       67,402       14,401       81,803  
Other consumer     11       31       182       224       70       294  
Total consumer     6,114       8,962       52,550       67,626       14,471       82,097  
Total   $ 9,282     $ 11,349     $ 166,257     $ 186,888     $ 49,064     $ 235,952  

 

    December 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   30-59 Days
Past Due
    60-89 Days
Past Due
    90+ Days
Past Due
    Total
Past Due
    Current     Total
Nonaccrual
 
Commercial and industrial                                                
Non-real estate   $ 1,943     $ 357     $ 93,758     $ 96,058     $ 49,057     $ 145,115  
Owner occupied     574       50       16,280       16,904             16,904  
Total commercial and industrial     2,517       407       110,038       112,962       49,057       162,019  
Commercial real estate                                                
Construction, acquisition and development           21       8,579       8,600             8,600  
Income producing           246       12,193       12,439       6,103       18,542  
Total commercial real estate           267       20,772       21,039       6,103       27,142  
Consumer                                                
Residential mortgages     5,379       7,656       56,829       69,864       5,423       75,287  
Other consumer     13       28       153       194       50       244  
Total consumer     5,392       7,684       56,982       70,058       5,473       75,531  
Total   $ 7,909     $ 8,358     $ 187,792     $ 204,059     $ 60,633     $ 264,692  

 

OREO and Repossessed Assets

 

OREO consists of properties acquired through foreclosure. Repossessed assets consist of non-real estate assets acquired in partial or full settlement of loans. OREO and repossessed assets totaled $8.5 million and $5.8 million at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. The increase of $2.7 million, or 46.9%, was primarily the result of increased OREO activity during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

 

Because a portion of the Company’s NPL have been determined to be collateral-dependent, management expects the resolution of a significant number of these loans may necessitate foreclosure proceedings resulting in further additions to OREO. At March 31, 2025, residential mortgages in process of foreclosure increased to $21.1 million compared to $19.7 million at December 31, 2024.

 

At the time of foreclosure, the fair value of the collateral for loans backed by real estate is typically determined by an appraisal performed by a third-party appraiser holding professional certifications. Such appraisals are then reviewed and evaluated by the Company’s internal appraisal group. A market value appraisal using a 180-360-day marketing period is typically ordered and the OREO is recorded at the time of foreclosure at its market value less estimated selling costs. For residential subdivisions that are not completed, the appraisals reflect the uncompleted status of the subdivision.

 

77

Since OREO is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated selling costs on an ongoing basis, new appraisals are generally obtained on at least an annual basis and the OREO carrying values are adjusted accordingly. The type of appraisals typically used for these periodic reappraisals are “Restricted Use Appraisals,” meaning the appraisal is for client use only. Other indications of fair value are also used to attempt to ensure that OREO is carried at fair value. These include listing the property with a broker and acceptance of an offer to purchase from a third-party. If an OREO property is listed with a broker at an amount less than the current carrying value, the carrying value is adjusted to reflect the list price less estimated selling costs and if an offer to purchase is accepted at a price less than the current carrying value, the carrying value is adjusted to reflect that sales price, less estimated selling costs. The majority of the properties in OREO are actively marketed using a combination of real estate brokers, bank staff who are familiar with the particular properties and/or third parties.

 

Financial Difficulty Modifications

 

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU No. 2022-02, eliminating the recognition and measurement guidance on TDRs for creditors that have adopted ASC 326 and requiring them to make enhanced disclosures about loan modifications for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The guidance became effective for Cadence beginning January 1, 2023, and was adopted via the modified retrospective transition method.

 

With the removal of the TDR accounting model, the general loan modification guidance in Subtopic 310-20 is now applied to all loan modifications, including modifications made for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Under this guidance, a modification is treated as a new loan only if both: 1) the terms of the new loan are at least as favorable to the lender as the terms for comparable loans to other customers with similar collection risks, and 2) modifications to the terms of the original loan are more than minor. If either condition is not met, the modification is accounted for as the continuation of the old loan with any effect of the modification treated as a prospective adjustment to the loan’s effective interest rate. Modifications in scope for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty may include principal forgiveness, other-than-insignificant payment delay, interest rate reduction, or a combination of modifications. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, the most common concessions were related to term extensions and interest rate reductions. Other concessions included payment deferrals.

 

At March 31, 2025, loans that were modified within the past three months for borrowers experiencing financial difficulty totaled $44.6 million, or 0.1%, of total loans and leases, net of unearned income. Loans are considered to be in payment default at 90 or more days past due for purposes of assessing modified loans for default. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information for these loans.

 

Loan Concentrations

 

At March 31, 2025, the Company did not have any concentration of loans or leases in excess of 10% of total loans and leases outstanding which were not otherwise disclosed as a category of loans or leases. Loan concentrations are considered to exist when there are amounts loaned to multiple borrowers engaged in similar activities which would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. The Company conducts business in a geographically concentrated area and has a significant amount of loans secured by real estate to borrowers in varying activities and businesses but does not consider these factors alone in identifying loan concentrations. The ability of the Company’s borrowers to repay loans is somewhat dependent upon the economic conditions prevailing in the Company’s market areas.

 

Internally Assigned Grades on Loans

 

The Company utilizes an internal loan classification system that is updated to perpetually grade loans according to certain credit quality indicators. These credit quality indicators include, but are not limited to, recent credit performance, delinquency, liquidity, cash flows, debt coverage ratios, collateral type and loan-to-value ratio. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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The following table provides details of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio by segment, class, and internally assigned grade at the dates indicated:

 

TABLE 23—GRADES ON LOANS AND LEASES

 

    March 31, 2025  
(In thousands)   Pass     Special Mention     Substandard (1)     Doubtful     Impaired (1)     PCD (Loss)     Total  
Commercial and industrial                                                        
Non-real estate   $ 8,234,513     $ 108,903     $ 317,012     $ 8,556     $ 16,227     $ 3,442     $ 8,688,653  
Owner occupied     4,617,617             38,174             10,592       1,094       4,667,477  
Total commercial and industrial     12,852,130       108,903       355,186       8,556       26,819       4,536       13,356,130  
Commercial real estate                                                        
Construction, acquisition and development     3,710,504             7,031             5,873             3,723,408  
Income producing     6,078,353       39,412       144,159             6,532             6,268,456  
Total commercial real estate     9,788,857       39,412       151,190             12,405             9,991,864  
Consumer                                                        
Residential mortgages     10,392,396             99,305             5,208       1,411       10,498,320  
Other consumer     204,701             595                         205,296  
Total consumer     10,597,097             99,900             5,208       1,411       10,703,616  
Total   $ 33,238,084     $ 148,315     $ 606,276     $ 8,556     $ 44,432     $ 5,947     $ 34,051,610  

 

(1) In the loan classifications above, $107.6 million of the substandard balance and $9.2 million of the impaired balance are covered by government guarantees from either the SBA, FHA, VA and USDA.

 

    December 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   Pass     Special Mention     Substandard (1)     Doubtful     Impaired (1)     PCD (Loss)     Total  
Commercial and industrial                                                        
Non-real estate   $ 8,208,176     $ 106,996     $ 311,096     $ 8,743     $ 31,996     $ 3,522     $ 8,670,529  
Owner occupied     4,610,775       815       41,363             10,968       1,094       4,665,015  
Total commercial and industrial     12,818,951       107,811       352,459       8,743       42,964       4,616       13,335,544  
Commercial real estate                                                        
Construction, acquisition and development     3,896,856             12,262             66             3,909,184  
Income producing     5,850,702       5,094       144,084             15,893             6,015,773  
Total commercial real estate     9,747,558       5,094       156,346             15,959             9,924,957  
Consumer                                                        
Residential mortgages     10,167,830       891       89,597             8,154       1,411       10,267,883  
Other consumer     212,865             506                         213,371  
Total consumer     10,380,695       891       90,103             8,154       1,411       10,481,254  
Total   $ 32,947,204     $ 113,796     $ 598,908     $ 8,743     $ 67,077     $ 6,027     $ 33,741,755  

 

(1) In the loan classifications above, $99.0 million of the substandard balance and $11.1 million of the impaired balance are covered by government guarantees from either the SBA, FHA, VA and USDA.

 

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The following tables provides details regarding the aging of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio by internally assigned grade at the dates indicated:

 

TABLE 24—AGING BY GRADE ON LOANS AND LEASES

 

    March 31, 2025  
(In thousands)   Current     30-59 Days Past Due     60-89 Days Past Due     90+ Days Past Due     Total  
Pass   $ 33,153,257     $ 59,486     $ 23,792     $ 1,549     $ 33,238,084  
Special Mention     148,315                         148,315  
Substandard (1)     401,284       35,223       27,553       142,216       606,276  
Doubtful     8,556                         8,556  
Impaired (1)     9,897       3,549       756       30,230       44,432  
PCD (Loss)     4,853                   1,094       5,947  
Total   $ 33,726,162     $ 98,258     $ 52,101     $ 175,089     $ 34,051,610  

 

(1) In the loan classifications above, $107.6 million of the substandard balance and $9.2 million of the impaired balance are covered by government guarantees from either the SBA, FHA, VA and USDA.

 

    December 31, 2024  
(In thousands)   Current     30-59 Days Past Due     60-89 Days Past Due     90+ Days Past Due     Total  
Pass   $ 32,857,689     $ 65,955     $ 22,789     $ 771     $ 32,947,204  
Special Mention     113,796                         113,796  
Substandard (1)     368,636       24,685       40,707       164,880       598,908  
Doubtful     8,743                         8,743  
Impaired (1)     29,908       1,904             35,265       67,077  
PCD (Loss)     4,932       1,095                   6,027  
Total   $ 33,383,704     $ 93,639     $ 63,496     $ 200,916     $ 33,741,755  

 

(1) In the loan classifications above, $99.0 million of the substandard balance and $11.1 million of the impaired balance is covered by government guarantees from the SBA, FHA, VA and USDA.

 

At March 31, 2025, loans in pass, special mention, and substandard grade categories increased while loans in doubtful, impaired, and PCD (loss) grade categories decreased compared to December 31, 2024. Pass loans increased $290.9 million, or 0.9%, compared to December 31, 2024. The increase in pass was seen across all loan categories except for decreases in CAD and other consumer loans. Special mention loans increased $34.5 million, or 30.3%, compared to December 31, 2024. The increase in special mention was driven primarily by an increase in CRE income producing loans, somewhat offset by a slight decrease in C&I owner occupied loans and residential mortgages. Substandard loans increased $7.4 million, or 1.2%, at March 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024. The increase in substandard was mainly driven by the increase in residential mortgages and C&I non-real estate loans, somewhat offset by a slight decrease in CAD and C&I owner occupied loans. Impaired loans decreased $22.6 million, or 33.8%, at March 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024. The decrease in impaired was primarily driven by a decrease in C&I non-real estate and CRE income producing loans, slightly offset by an increase in CAD loans. The decrease in impaired is due to the charge-off of one large asset-based lending credit as well as continued momentum in the resolution process related to SBA credits. The Company has maintained stable credit results while continuing to grow loans. Of total loans and leases, 99.0% were current on their contractual payments at March 31, 2025.

 

Collateral for some of the Company’s loans and leases is subject to fair value estimates that can fluctuate with market conditions and other external factors. In addition, while the Company has certain underwriting obligations related to such estimates, the estimates of some real property and other collateral are dependent upon third-party independent appraisers employed as independent contractors of the Company.

 

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Deposits

 

Deposits originating within the communities served by the Company continue to be the Company’s primary source of funding its earning assets. The Company has been able to compete effectively for deposits in its primary market areas, while continuing to manage the exposure to higher interest rates. The distribution and market share of deposits by type of deposit and by type of depositor are important considerations in the Company’s assessment of the stability of its funding sources and its access to additional funds. Furthermore, management shifts the mix and maturity of the deposits depending on economic conditions and loan and investment policies in an attempt, within set policies, to minimize cost and maximize net interest margin.

 

The following table presents the Company’s deposits and the percentage change between the periods indicated:

 

TABLE 25—SUMMARY OF DEPOSITS

 

(Dollars in thousands)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024     % Change  
Noninterest bearing demand deposits   $ 8,558,412     $ 8,591,805       (0.4 )%
Interest bearing demand and money market deposits     19,221,356       19,345,114       (0.6 )
Savings     2,626,901       2,588,406       1.5  
Time deposits     9,929,059       9,970,876       (0.4 )
Total deposits   $ 40,335,728     $ 40,496,201       (0.4 )%

 

Total deposits experienced a decrease of 0.4% at March 31, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024 due to decreases in core customer deposits (which excludes brokered deposits and public funds) and brokered deposits, partially offset by an increase in public funds. Brokered deposits were $1.9 billion at March 31, 2025, a decrease of $199.4 million, or 9.53%, compared to December 31, 2024. This decrease is primarily the result of the Company’s decision to lower the brokered deposit levels in favor of short and long term FHLB borrowings. Core customer deposit balances were $34.3 billion at March 31, 2025, a decrease of $8.1 million, or 0.02%, compared to December 31, 2024. This decrease is primarily the result of normal seasonal fluctuations. Total public funds balances were $4.2 billion at March 31, 2025, an increase of $47.2 million, or 1.15%, compared to December 31, 2024. This increase primarily resulted from normal seasonal inflows. Noninterest bearing demand deposits decreased $33.4 million, or 0.4%, at March 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024. Time deposits decreased $41.8 million, or 0.4%, at March 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024 due in part to a decrease of $66.0 million in brokered time deposits offset by an increase of $20.9 million in core customer and public funds time deposits.

 

The following table presents the classification of the Company’s deposits on an average basis for each of the periods indicated:

 

TABLE 26—AVERAGE BALANCE AND YIELD ON DEPOSITS

 

    Three Months Ended March 31,  
    2025     2024  
(Dollars in thousands)   Average
Amount
    Average
Rate
    Average
Amount
    Average
Rate
 
Noninterest bearing demand deposits   $ 8,339,414       %   $ 9,072,619       %
Interest bearing demand deposits     19,428,376       2.69       19,303,845       3.11  
Savings     2,607,366       0.57       2,696,452       0.57  
Time     9,978,136       4.10       7,348,356       4.42  
Total deposits   $ 40,353,292             $ 38,421,272          

 

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Uninsured deposits are defined as the portion of deposit accounts in U.S. offices that exceed the FDIC insurance limit and amounts in any other uninsured investment or deposit account that are classified as deposits and are not subject to any federal or state deposit insurance regimes. The uninsured portion of public funds owned by municipal and state government entities are collateralized by the Company with investment securities and custodial letters of credit from the FHLB of Dallas. The following table segregates our deposits by deposit insurance categories.

 

TABLE 27—ESTIMATED TOTAL INSURED AND UNINSURED DEPOSITS

 

(In thousands)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
FDIC insured   $ 25,690,310     $ 25,840,309  
Collateralized (uninsured)     3,949,975       3,901,677  
Uninsured (excluding collateralized)     10,695,443       10,754,215  
Total deposits   $ 40,335,728     $ 40,496,201  

 

The Company’s estimated uninsured time deposits at March 31, 2025 had maturities as follows:

 

TABLE 28—MATURITY OF UNINSURED TIME DEPOSITS

 

(In thousands)   Amount  
Three months or less   $ 652,684  
Over three months through six months     499,137  
Over six months through twelve months     549,926  
Over 12 months     69,125  
Total   $ 1,770,872  

 

Borrowings

 

Short-term Borrowings

 

The Company has several types of available short-term borrowing arrangements including Federal funds purchased, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, short-term FHLB borrowings and the Federal Reserve discount window. Federal funds purchased are unsecured lines, while the rest of these types of borrowings are collateralized by investment securities and loans. At March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had total short-term borrowings of $254.7 million with a weighted average interest rate of 4.34% and $23.6 million with a weighted average interest rate of 4.10%, respectively. Cadence’s BTFP borrowing was paid off during the fourth quarter of 2024. See Note 5 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.

 

Long-term Borrowings

 

During the first quarter of 2025, the Company entered into $550.0 million long-term advances from FHLB of Dallas with various interest rates ranging from 4.082% to 4.219% with maturities beginning in September 2026 through March 2027. In addition, the Company had a balance of $10.0 million at both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 of 5.000% fixed to floating rate subordinated notes callable on June 30, 2025. The following is a summary of our long-term borrowings at the dates indicated:

 

TABLE 29—LONG-TERM BORROWINGS

 

(In thousands)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
Advances from FHLB of Dallas   $ 550,690     $ 706  
5.000% fixed to floating rate, subordinated notes, due June 30, 2030, callable on June 30, 2025     10,000       10,000  
Total long-term borrowings   $ 560,690     $ 10,706  

 

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Under the terms of the blanket floating lien security agreement with FHLB of Dallas, the Company is required to maintain sufficient collateral to secure borrowings. At March 31, 2025, the remaining borrowing availability totaled $12.5 billion. At March 31, 2025, there were no call features on long-term FHLB borrowings. See Note 5 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for additional details.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Liquidity

 

One of the Company’s goals is to maintain adequate funds to meet increases in loan demand or any potential increase in the normal level of deposit withdrawals. This goal is accomplished primarily by generating cash from the Company’s operating activities and maintaining sufficient short-term liquid assets. These sources, coupled with a stable core deposit base and a historical experience in the capital markets, allow the Company to fund earning assets and maintain the availability of funds. Management believes that the Company’s traditional sources of maturing loans and investment securities, sales of loans held for sale, cash from operating activities and a strong base of core deposits are adequate to meet the Company’s liquidity needs for normal operations over both the short-term and the long-term.

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s cash and cash equivalents as of the following dates:

 

TABLE 30—CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

 

(Dollars in thousands)   March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,567,300     $ 1,731,576  
Cash and cash equivalents as a percentage of:                
Loans and lease, net     4.6 %     5.1 %
Total earning assets     3.6       4.1  
Total assets     3.3       3.7  
Total deposits     3.9       4.3  
Total uninsured deposits     10.7       11.8  

 

To provide additional liquidity as needed, the Company utilizes short-term financing through the purchase of federal funds, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, borrowings at the FHLB and through the Federal Reserve discount window.

 

The Company had the following sources of contingent liquidity available at March 31, 2025:

 

TABLE 31—CASH AND SOURCES OF CONTINGENT LIQUIDITY

 

(In thousands)   Amount  
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 1,567,300  
Unpledged investment securities (at par) (1)     4,303,845  
Secured lines of credit availability at the FHLB and Federal Reserve     14,298,873  
Unsecured Federal funds lines availability     2,086,000  
Total   $ 22,256,018  

 

(1) The fair value of unpledged investment securities was $4.0 billion at March 31, 2025.

 

At March 31, 2025, the Company had irrevocable letters of credit issued by the FHLB totaling $47.5 million which were used on behalf of our customers.

 

The ability of the Company to obtain funding from these or other sources could be negatively affected should the Company experience a substantial deterioration in its financial condition or its debt rating or should the availability of short-term funding become restricted as a result of the disruption in the financial markets. Management does not anticipate any short-or long-term changes to its liquidity strategies and believes that the Company has ample sources to meet any liquidity challenges that may arise. The Company has sound and robust risk management practices that include an active ALCO to analyze and manage the Company’s liquidity and interest rate risk (See - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk).

 

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Other Liquidity Considerations

 

The Company’s operating lease obligations represent short and long-term operating lease and rental payments for facilities, certain software and data processing and other equipment. Purchase obligations represent obligations to purchase goods and services that are legally binding and enforceable on the Company and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction.

 

In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into various off-balance sheet commitments and other arrangements to extend credit that are not reflected on the consolidated balance sheets of the Company. The business purpose of these off-balance sheet commitments is the routine extension of credit. The Company also faces the risk of deteriorating credit quality of borrowers to whom a commitment to extend credit has been made; however, no significant credit losses are expected from these commitments and arrangements. At March 31, 2025, letters of credit totaled $467.6 million and unfunded extensions of credit totaled $8.6 billion (see Note 15 to the consolidated financial statement for more information). At March 31, 2025, the Company maintained a reserve for unfunded commitments of $8.6 million included in other liabilities.

 

Cash Flow Sources and Uses

 

Cash equivalents include cash and amounts due from banks, including interest bearing deposits with other banks. At March 31, 2025, cash and cash equivalents totaled $1.6 billion compared to $1.7 billion at December 31, 2024. The ratio of cash and cash equivalents to total assets was 3.3% at March 31, 2025 compared to 3.7% at December 31, 2024.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, operating activities provided $188.5 million in cash, investing activities used $913.0 million in cash, and financing activities provided $560.2 million in cash. Primary uses of funds in investing activities during the first quarter of 2025 were net funding of loans of $324.4 million and purchases of AFS securities $788.6 million. These items were partially offset by proceeds from maturities, calls and payments of AFS securities of $262.1 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, financing activities provided $560.2 million, which primarily resulted from proceeds of $550.0 million in long-term FHLB advances and of $235.0 million in short-term FHLB advances. These items were partially offset by a decrease of $160.5 million in deposits and common and Preferred Stock dividends of $52.8 million.

 

Regulatory Capital

 

Regulatory capital at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 was calculated in accordance with standards established by the federal banking agencies as well as the interagency final rule published on September 30, 2020 entitled “Revised Transition of the Current Expected Credit Losses Methodology for Allowances.” Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Quantitative measures are established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy and require the Company to maintain minimum capital amounts and ratios.

 

Additionally, regulatory capital rules include a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% which the Company must maintain on top of its minimum risk-based capital requirements. This buffer applies to all three risk-based capital measurements (CET1, Tier 1 and total capital to risk-weighted assets). A financial institution with a conservation buffer of less than the required amount is subject to limitations on capital distributions, including dividend payments and stock repurchases, and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers.

 

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Capital amounts and ratios for the Company at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, are presented in the following table and as shown, exceed the thresholds necessary to be considered “well capitalized.” Management believes that no events or changes have occurred subsequent to the indicated dates that would change this designation.

 

TABLE 32—REGULATORY CAPITAL

 

    March 31, 2025     December 31, 2024  
(Dollars in thousands)   Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio  
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)   $ 4,750,291       12.44 %   $ 4,693,487       12.35 %
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets)     4,917,284       12.88       4,860,480       12.79  
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets)     5,390,674       14.12       5,306,647       13.97  
Tier 1 leverage capital (to average assets)     4,917,284       10.56       4,860,480       10.41  

 

Uses of Capital

 

Subject to pre-approval from the Federal Reserve and MDBCF, the Company may pursue acquisitions of depository institutions and businesses closely related to banking that further the Company’s business strategies. Management anticipates that consideration for any transactions would include shares of the Company’s common stock, cash or a combination thereof.

 

On April 25, 2025, the Company announced a share repurchase program whereby the Company may acquire up to an aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of its common stock. The repurchase program is subject to and will be effective upon approval from the Federal Reserve, and will expire on December 31, 2025. Under the share repurchase program, Cadence’s shares may be purchased periodically in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions, or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws. Repurchased shares are held as authorized but unissued shares available for use in connection with the Company’s stock compensation programs, other transactions, or for other corporate purposes as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors.

 

During the first quarter of 2025, the Company increased the common stock dividend to $0.275 per share.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

The consolidated financial statements and related consolidated financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and practices within the banking industry which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The effect of inflation on a financial institution differs from the effect on other types of businesses. While a financial institution’s operating expenses are affected by general inflation, the asset and liability structure of a financial institution consists largely of monetary items. Monetary items, such as cash, investments, loans, deposits, and borrowings, are those assets and liabilities which are or will be converted into a fixed number of dollars regardless of changes in prices. As a result, changes in interest rates can be more impactful to a financial institution’s performance than general inflation. Inflation may also have impacts on the Company’s customers, businesses and consumers and their ability or willingness to invest, save or spend, and perhaps on their ability to repay loans. As such, there would likely be impacts on the general appetite for banking products and the credit health to the Company’s customers. See Part 1, Item 1.A., Risk Factors, of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, for additional information regarding the risks of inflation.

 

Certain Litigation and Other Contingencies

 

The nature of the Company’s business ordinarily results in certain types of claims, litigation, investigations, and other legal or administrative cases and proceedings. Although the Company and its subsidiaries have policies and procedures to minimize legal noncompliance and the impact of claims and other proceedings and endeavored to procure reasonable amounts of insurance coverage, litigation and regulatory actions present an ongoing risk.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries engage in lines of business that are heavily regulated and involve a large volume of actual or potential financial transactions with customers or applicants, and the Company is a public company with a large number of shareholders. From time to time, applicants, borrowers, customers, shareholders, former employees, service providers, and other third parties have brought actions against the Company or its subsidiaries, in cases claiming substantial damages. Financial services companies are subject to risks arising from changing regulatory frameworks or expectations, regulatory investigations, class action litigation, and, from time to time, the Company and its subsidiaries have such actions brought against them. The Company and its subsidiaries are also subject to enforcement actions by federal or state regulators, including the Federal Reserve, the CFPB, the DOJ, state attorneys general, and the MDBCF, which may be adversely impacted by ongoing litigation in which the Company is involved. Additionally, the Company is, and management expects it to be, engaged in a number of foreclosure proceedings and other collection actions as part of its lending and leasing collections activities, which, from time to time, have resulted in counterclaims against the Company and its subsidiaries. Various legal proceedings have and may arise in the future out of claims against entities to which the Company is a successor as a result of business combinations.

 

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When and as the Company determines it has meritorious defenses to the claims asserted, it vigorously defends against such claims. The Company will consider settlement of claims when, in management’s judgment and in consultation with counsel, it is in the best interests of the Company to do so.

 

The Company cannot predict with certainty the cost of defense, the cost of prosecution, or the ultimate outcome of litigation or other proceedings filed by or against it, its subsidiaries and its directors, management or employees, including remedies or damage awards. On at least a quarterly basis, the Company assesses its liabilities and contingencies in connection with outstanding legal proceedings as well as certain threatened claims (which are not considered incidental to the ordinary conduct of the Company’s business) utilizing the latest and most reliable information available. For matters where a loss is not probable or the amount of the loss cannot be estimated, the Company will not accrue. For matters where it is probable the Company will incur a loss and the amount can be reasonably estimated, the Company establishes an accrual for the loss. Once established, the accrual is adjusted periodically to reflect any relevant developments. The actual cost of any such matters, however, may turn out to be substantially higher than the amount accrued. Further, the Company’s insurance policies have deductibles and coverage limits, and such policies are unlikely to cover all costs and expenses related to the defense or prosecution of such legal proceedings or any losses arising therefrom.

 

Although the final outcome of any legal proceedings is inherently uncertain, based on the information available, advice of counsel and available insurance coverage, if applicable, management believes that the litigation-related liability of $7.5 million accrued at March 31, 2025 is adequate and that any incremental change in potential liability arising from the Company’s legal proceedings and threatened claims, including the matters described herein and those otherwise arising in the ordinary course of business, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business or consolidated results of operations or financial condition. It is possible, however, that future developments could result in an unfavorable outcome for, or resolution of any one or more of the legal proceedings in which the Company or its subsidiaries are defendants, which may be material to the Company’s business or consolidated results of operations or financial condition for a particular fiscal period or periods.

 

On August 30, 2021, Legacy Cadence and the DOJ agreed to a settlement set forth in the consent order related to the investigation by the DOJ of Legacy Cadence Bank’s fair lending program in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery Counties located in Houston, Texas during the period between 2014 and 2016 (the “Consent Order”). The Consent Order was signed by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division, on August 31, 2021. Pursuant to Section 5.2(g) of the Agreement and Plan of Merger and Paragraph 50 of the Consent Order, Legacy BancorpSouth Bank approved the negotiated settlement, and subsequently, the Company agreed to accept the obligations of the Consent Order. The Consent Order is in effect for five years. For additional information regarding the terms of this settlement and the Consent Order, see Legacy Cadence Bancorporation’s Current Report on Form 8-K that was filed with the SEC on August 30, 2021.

 

Recent Pronouncements

 

Refer to Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the consolidated financial statements for a discussion of accounting standards currently effective for 2025 and relevant accounting standards that have been issued but are not currently effective.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2025, there were no material changes in the Company’s critical accounting policies and no significant changes in the application of critical accounting policies as presented in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP and practices within the banking industry which require management to make estimates and assumptions about future events. Estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and the resulting estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of certain assets and liabilities not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

Interest Rate Risk Management

 

Market risk reflects the risk of economic loss resulting from changes in interest rates and other relevant market prices. This risk of loss can be reflected in either reduced potential net interest revenue in future periods or diminished market values of financial assets. The Company’s market risk arises primarily from IRR that is inherent in its lending, investment and deposit taking activities.

 

The main causes of IRR are the differing structural characteristics of our assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet obligations and their cumulative net reaction to changing interest rates. These structural characteristics include timing differences in maturity or repricing and the effect of embedded options such as loan prepayments, securities prepayments and calls, interest rate caps, floors, collars, and deposit withdrawal options. In addition to these sources of IRR, basis risk results from differences in the spreads between various market interest rates and changes in the slope of the yield curve can contribute to additional IRR.

 

We evaluate IRR and develop guidelines regarding balance sheet composition and re-pricing, funding sources and pricing, and off-balance sheet commitments that aim to moderate IRR. We use financial simulation models that reflect various interest rate scenarios and the related impact on NII and EVE over specified periods of time. NII is a shorter-term indicator while EVE is a longer-term indicator of IRR. We refer to this process as ALM.

 

The primary objective of ALM is to manage interest rate risk within a desired risk tolerance for potential fluctuations in NII and EVE throughout different interest rate cycles, which we aim to achieve through management of interest rate sensitive earning assets and liabilities. In general, we seek to maintain a desired risk tolerance with asset and liability balances within maturity and repricing characteristics to limit our exposure to acceptable earnings volatility and changes in the value of assets and liabilities as interest rates fluctuate over time. Adjustments to maturity categories can be accomplished either by lengthening or shortening the duration of an individual asset or liability category, or externally with interest rate derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps, caps, collars, and floors. See “—Interest Rate Exposure” below for a more detailed discussion of our various derivative positions.

 

Our ALM strategy is formulated and monitored by our ALCO in accordance with policies approved by the Board of Directors. ALCO meets regularly to review, among other things, the sensitivity of our assets and liabilities to interest rate changes, the book and market values of assets and liabilities, unrealized gains and losses, recent purchase and sale activity, maturities of securities and borrowings, and projected future transactions. ALCO also establishes and approves pricing and funding strategies with respect to overall asset and liability composition. ALCO reports regularly to our Risk Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

Financial simulation models are the primary tools we use to measure IRR exposures. These simulation models incorporate all of our earning assets and liabilities. By examining a range of hypothetical deterministic interest rate scenarios, these models provide management with information regarding the potential impact on NII and EVE caused by changes in interest rates.

 

The models simulate the cash flows and accounting accruals generated by the financial instruments on our balance sheet, as well as the cash flows generated by the new business that we anticipate over a 60-month forecast horizon. However, past the 36-month mark, the growth of the balances is static in the forecast. Numerous assumptions are made in the modeling process, including balance sheet composition, re-pricing, a combination of market data and internal historical experiences, and maturity characteristics of existing and new business. These assumptions are reviewed regularly. Additionally, loan and investment prepayments, administered rate account elasticity, and other option risks are considered as well as the uncertainty surrounding future customer behavior. Because our modeling is limited by the predictive power of historical data and current assumptions, and because our balance sheet will be actively managed in the event of a change in interest rates, simulation results, including those discussed in “—Interest Rate Exposure” immediately below, are not intended as a forecast of the actual effect of a change in market interest rates on our NII or EVE, or indicative of management’s expectations of actual results in the event of a fluctuation in market interest rates; however, these results are used to help measure the potential risks related to IRR.

 

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Interest Rate Exposure

 

Based upon the current interest rate environment at March 31, 2025, our simulation model projects our sensitivity to an instantaneous increase or decrease in interest rates over a one-year period as follows:

 

TABLE 33—INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY

 

    Increase (Decrease)  
(Dollars in millions)   Net Interest Income     Economic Value of Equity  
Change (in Basis Points) in Interest Rates (12-Month Projection)   Amount     Percent     Amount     Percent  
+ 200 BP   $ 43       2.7 %   $ (771 )     (9.8 )%
+ 100 BP     23       1.4       (375 )     (4.8 )
- 100 BP     (26 )     (1.6 )     286       3.6  
- 200 BP     (60 )     (3.8 )     442       5.6  

 

Both the NII and EVE simulations include assumptions regarding balances, asset prepayment speeds, deposit and borrowings repricing and runoff and interest rate relationships among balances that management believes to be reasonable for the various interest rate environments. Differences in actual occurrences from these assumptions may change our market risk exposure.

 

See “Table 15 – Maturity Distribution of AFS Securities” that shows the maturities and weighted average yields for the carrying value of the available for sale securities as of March 31, 2025, and “Table 18 – Interest Rate Sensitivity of Loans and Leases” that shows the maturity distribution based on remaining maturities of the Company’s loan and lease portfolio and the interest rate sensitivity of the Company’s loans and leases maturing after one year at March 31, 2025.

 

Derivative Positions

 

Overview. Our Board of Directors has authorized the ALCO to utilize financial futures, forward sales, options, interest rate swaps, caps, collars, and floors, and other instruments to the extent appropriate, in accordance with regulations and our internal policy. From time to time, we expect to use interest rate swaps, caps, collars, and floors as macro hedges against inherent rate sensitivity in our assets and our liabilities to synthetically alter the maturities or re-pricing characteristics of assets or liabilities to reduce imbalances.

 

We currently engage in only the following types of hedges: (1) those which enable us to transfer the interest rate risk exposure involved in our daily business activities; and (2) those which serve to alter the market risk inherent in our investment portfolio, mortgage pipeline, mortgage servicing rights, or liabilities and thus help us to manage earnings and market value volatility within approved risk tolerances.

 

The following is a discussion of our current derivative positions related to IRR.

 

Interest Rate Lock Commitments. In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into certain commitments with customers in connection with residential mortgage loan applications for loans the Company intends to sell. Such commitments are considered derivatives under current accounting guidance and are required to be recorded at fair value. The change in fair value of these instruments is reflected currently in the mortgage banking revenue of the consolidated statements of income. The fair value of these derivatives is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and other liabilities.

 

Forward Sales Commitments. The Company enters into forward sales commitments of MBS with investors to mitigate the effect of the interest rate risk inherent in providing interest rate lock commitments to customers. During the period from commitment date to closing date, the Company is subject to the risk that market rates of interest may change. In an effort to mitigate such risk, forward delivery sales commitments, under which the Company agrees to deliver certain MBS, are established. These commitments are non-hedging derivatives in accordance with current accounting guidance and recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value reflected currently in the mortgage banking revenue of the consolidated statements of income. The fair value of these derivatives is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and other liabilities.

 

Mortgage Servicing Right Hedges. The value of our MSR is dependent on changes in market interest rates. In order to mitigate the effects of changes in rates on the value of our MSR, the Company has used various instruments (including but not limited to Treasury options, Treasury, SOFR and TBA futures and forwards, swap futures, etc.) as economic hedges.

 

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Agreements Not Designated as Hedging Derivatives. The Company enters into interest rate swap, floor, cap and collar agreements on commercial loans with customers to meet the financing needs and interest rate risk management needs of its customers. At the same time, the Company enters into offsetting interest rate swap agreements with a financial institution in order to minimize the Company’s interest rate risk. These interest rate agreements are non-hedging derivatives and are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in noninterest income. The fair value of these derivatives is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and other liabilities.

 

See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our derivative financial instruments.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

CONCLUSION REGARDING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company, with the participation of its management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Report.

 

Based upon that evaluation, and as of the end of the period covered by this Report, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed in its reports that the Company files or submits to the Federal Reserve under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis, and to ensure that such information 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.

 

CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

 

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2025, covered by this Report that materially affected, or are 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.

 

The information in response to this item is incorporated herein by reference to “Note 15 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities” in the notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements included in Part I., Item 1. “Financial Statements” of this Report. Also, see Part I. Item II. “Financial Condition - Certain Litigation and Other Contingencies.”

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

There have been no material changes to our risk factors previously disclosed under Part I, Item 1A. of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 

For the Month Ended     Total Number
of Shares
Purchased(1)
    Average Price
Paid per Share
    Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
    Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
 
January 31, 2025       286     $ 34.45              
February 28, 2025       557       34.33              
March 31, 2025       36       30.37              
Total       879     $ 34.21                  

 

(1) This column includes shares redeemed from employees for tax withholding purposes for stock compensation.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information.

 

Pursuant to Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K, none of the Company’s directors or executive officers adopted, terminated or modified a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the three months ended March 31, 2025.

 

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Item 6. Exhibits.

 

(3)

 

a) Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on January 3, 2025 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).

 

b) Second Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company. (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on January 3, 2025 and incorporated herein by reference thereto).

 

(31.1) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Cadence Bank pursuant to Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

(31.2) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Cadence Bank pursuant to Rule 13a-14 or 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*

 

(32.1) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Cadence Bank pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**

 

(32.2) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Cadence Bank pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**

 

* Filed herewith.

 

** Furnished herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

  CADENCE BANK
   
DATE:     May 9, 2025 By: /s/ Valerie C. Toalson
  Valerie C. Toalson
  Chief Financial Officer and President - Banking Services

 

92

 


EXHIBIT 31.1

CADENCE BANK
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 OR 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, James D. Rollins III, certify that:
 

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (“this report”) of Cadence Bank;
 

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date:            May 9, 2025

 
/s/ James D. Rollins III
 
James D. Rollins III
 
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
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 EXHIBIT 31.2

CADENCE BANK
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14 OR 15d-14 OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Valerie C. Toalson, certify that:
 

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q (“this report”) of Cadence Bank;
 

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;


3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;


4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
(b)    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)    Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d)    Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and


5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
(a)    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b)    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Date:            May 9, 2025

 
/s/ Valerie C. Toalson
 
Valerie C. Toalson
 
Chief Financial Officer and
President - Banking Services
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
94
 


EXHIBIT 32.1

CADENCE BANK
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Cadence Bank (the “Company”), for the three-months ended March 31, 2025, as filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, James D. Rollins III, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify in my capacity as an executive officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
 
(1)            The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
(2)            The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 
May 9, 2025 /s/ James D. Rollins III
 
James D. Rollins III
 
Chief Executive Officer
                                                                                
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or its staff upon request.

95
 


EXHIBIT 32.2

CADENCE BANK
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Cadence Bank (the “Company”), for the three-months ended March 31, 2025, as filed with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Valerie C. Toalson, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify in my capacity as an executive officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to my knowledge:
 
(1)            The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
 
(2)            The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
 

May 9, 2025
/s/ Valerie C. Toalson
 
Valerie C. Toalson
 
Chief Financial Officer and
President - Banking Services
(Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
                                                                      
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or its staff upon request.

96